TFWYH – Chapter 689 Leaked

What Mu Qingfeng didn’t know was that while Ling Yu had once been the powerful Nine-Thousand-Year Lord, he did know these things.

“Seven days from now, when we remove the parasite from my elder sister, not only must Gu Yanshuang know about it, everyone must know about it.”

Ling Yu gazed at the tightly shut gates, an enigmatic smile on his face.

A dangerous cold light flickered in his eyes, as though he could see straight through those doors to the Second Prince’s residence beyond.

“I’d like to see just how many fish this net will catch.”

Following Ling Yu’s instructions, Mu Qingfeng stopped concealing the matter when he next visited the Second Prince’s residence.

Not only did he openly speak about removing Huangfu Ronglan’s parasite, he even tempted several young beggars with candy and had them spread the news throughout the capital.

Within five days, nearly everyone in the city knew that the eldest daughter of the Second Prince’s household had been afflicted by a parasite and would soon undergo treatment.

The reactions varied greatly.

The Emperor

The Emperor already felt guilty toward his foolish-minded granddaughter.

When he heard that she was about to have the parasite removed, he immediately dispatched two additional Dragon Hidden Guards.

He even sent the Shadow Master himself.

The Emperor issued a direct order:

“No matter what happens, no one is allowed to interfere with Ronglan’s treatment.”

The Shadow Master: “…”

Does Your Majesty still remember that I’m the Shadow Master?

Do you remember that my primary duty is to protect your personal safety?

What’s going on lately?

Either you’re sending me to investigate your grandson, or you’re sending me to protect your granddaughter.

Isn’t this a bit of a waste of talent?

Still, the Emperor had given an order.

The foremost rule of the Dragon Hidden Guards was absolute obedience to the Emperor.

Even if he was wrong.

Even if he ordered the destruction of his own empire.

They obeyed.

So while silently complaining in his heart, the Shadow Master accepted his assignment and departed.

The First Prince’s Residence

Huangfu Xiao sat in his study with several trusted subordinates.

His fingers tapped rhythmically against the tabletop.

After a long pause, he chuckled softly.

“My niece truly has had a miserable life. Foolish since childhood, unloved by both father and mother.”

“I’ve even heard that Rong’an often bullies her.”

“Since ancient times, titles should pass according to legitimacy and seniority. If Ronglan recovers, shouldn’t Rong’an step aside and relinquish her title as Princess?”

His subordinate lowered his head even further.

“Then I shall arrange for Princess Rong’an to be informed of the stakes involved.”

Huangfu Xiao merely smiled and said no more.

A hint was enough.

As the saying went:

“Before dealing with external threats, one must first settle internal troubles.”

If the household itself wasn’t stable, what was the point of discussing anything else?

Recently, too many problems had arisen within Huangfu Yi’s household.

Its reputation had suffered considerably.

Yet the Emperor’s intentions remained increasingly difficult to discern.

So Huangfu Xiao wanted the Second Prince’s household to descend into even greater chaos.

The more chaotic, the better.

That way he could:

First, test the Emperor’s attitude.

Second…

Watching Huangfu Yi suffer made him happy.

As for nieces and nephews?

Heh.

There was no family affection in the imperial clan.

A man who could kill his own brothers and sisters certainly wouldn’t care about a niece.

The Third Prince’s Residence

When Huangfu Que learned of the news, he reached a similar conclusion.

Unlike Huangfu Xiao, however, he harbored no malicious intentions.

Instead, he looked deeply worried.

“By rights, according to legitimacy and seniority, the title of Princess should have belonged to Ronglan from the beginning.”

“Unfortunately, she was born mentally impaired, which is why Father bestowed the title upon Rong’an instead.”

“My concern is that Rong’an has always been spoiled and has long hated Ronglan.”

“If Ronglan recovers, won’t Father return the title to its rightful owner?”

“And if that happens, Rong’an will surely resent her.”

The Third Prince’s Consort, who was still recovering after childbirth, could not help feeling concerned as well.

Yet when she thought of Gu Yanshuang, she tried to reassure him.

“Surely… that won’t happen.”

“No matter how unpleasant Gu Yanshuang may be, she is still Ronglan’s mother.”

“She has managed the Second Prince’s household for many years.”

“How could she not understand her own daughters?”

“If even we can foresee this possibility, surely she can as well.”

“Would she really stand by and watch her daughters turn against each other? Watch sisters become enemies?”

“Both children are her flesh and blood.”

“Gu Yanshuang would never allow something like that to happen.”