USWHC -Chapter 479 In Disarray (Part 9)

“Your Majesty!” Zhao Xuguang knelt respectfully on the ground, holding something unknown in his hands, raised high above his head.

In the darkness of night, the Emperor’s face was gloomy. With a cold glance, he signaled, and a young eunuch immediately stepped forward, took the item from Zhao Xuguang, and presented it on the Emperor’s desk.

The Emperor had only intended to give it a casual look, but upon seeing it, he frowned, picked it up, and asked in a chilling voice, “Where was this found?”

“In the abandoned temple where the princess was discovered,” Zhao Xuguang replied in a low voice.

The Emperor pinched a filthy torn piece of cloth between his fingers and let out a cold laugh, waving it back and forth disdainfully before him. “Hmph, not a single one of my children gives me any peace!” With a loud bang, he slammed the strip of cloth heavily onto the table.

The great hall fell instantly silent. Only the Emperor’s raging fury filled the air as he said coldly, “All of you, leave. I do not wish to hear another word about this matter!”

This was clearly a gag order. The two people in the hall immediately withdrew, leaving the Emperor sitting there alone, his expression still dark and grim.

“Ji Yi, you brat, you’re finally back!” A loud shout rang out.

Ji Yi turned back with a smile, only to see Steward Qian standing behind him with a sly grin.

“I’ve caused you worry, Steward Qian,” Ji Yi said politely.

Steward Qian let out a cold chuckle. “What would I have to worry about? It’s Sister Xiang Lian who’s nearly run her legs off looking for you!” Then, with a mocking smile, he added, “Look—here she comes again!”

Sure enough, though the sky was only just beginning to brighten, Xiang Lian came rushing over in a panic. Her once pretty face had visibly grown gaunt, her dark circles heavy, and her eyes swollen—it was obvious she hadn’t rested at all.

Before she even reached them, her voice arrived first. “Young Master Ji, where did you go last night? I was worried sick!”

Ji Yi immediately put on a sorrowful expression, letting out a long sigh. “Yesterday, when I went to the temple, I suddenly thought of my late wife again. So I knelt before the gods and begged them earnestly to grant her a beautiful next life… at the very least, one where she would never meet me again.”

His voice choked as he continued, “I’m not a good man…”

Xiang Lian’s complaints melted instantly at his words, her heart softening. “How can you pray like that? You’re such a good man! If it were me—even if I died, I’d still want to meet you again in the next life!”

“Really? Wouldn’t she think it wasn’t worth it?” Ji Yi looked up sorrowfully, tears glistening in his eyes.

Seeing his pitiful state, Xiang Lian nearly threw herself forward, wanting to embrace this man who was usually so strong, yet now seemed so fragile.

But just as she reached out her arms, Steward Qian suddenly muttered softly, “Actually, I also miss my dead wife…” Saying this, he directly threw himself into Xiang Lian’s arms.

Caught off guard, Xiang Lian found herself hugging someone full-on. When she looked up and saw who it was, she nearly collapsed. “Are you trying to die?! Get lost!” She kicked the shameless Steward Qian flying with a single blow.

In the morning sunlight, all traces of sorrow vanished, replaced by laughter that echoed throughout the backyard.

At that moment, however, two figures could be seen standing at a distance, quietly watching them.

“Fourth Sister, Xiang Lian is getting older—it’s about time she’s sent out,” Zhu Jie said softly, a faint snort accompanying her words. Hmph, trying to throw herself at my man—she must have a death wish!

Princess Lanxin’s face was filled with displeasure as she said coldly, “I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you, Sister.”

Seeing her so upset, Zhu Jie instead smiled lightly. “Forget it. Don’t bother with them. Let’s enter the palace first. Thirteenth Sister was badly frightened—we should go comfort her.”

“You’re right—that’s the important matter,” Princess Lanxin sighed.

At that moment, a young maid stepped forward and whispered, “Your Highness, should we call Sister Xiang Lian to come along?”

“No need. She’s so happy—how rare that is,” Princess Lanxin said sourly. With that, she lifted her chin and walked forward proudly, as if she hadn’t seen them at all.