Emperor Xiaowu felt a little troubled.

This unruly girl had the nerve to come right to him!

Beside him, Lin Zhao let out a helpless smile. “Your Majesty, you should let the Long Princess report the details directly to you.”

The Emperor’s face darkened, and with a wave of his hand, he commanded, “Let her in!”

“Father Emperor!”

The Long Princess stormed into the study, carrying a scent of orchids with her.

After changing out of men’s clothes, Princess Xia Yunxi was an extraordinary beauty. With skin as smooth as jade, eyes as clear as crystal, a cherry-red mouth, and a well-formed figure, she was truly a captivating sight, fit to be called a peerless beauty.

Without greeting, she marched right up to the desk, pouting, and started to complain.

“Father Emperor, I have something to report regarding the marriage arrangements that my mother made for me before…”

Before she could finish, Emperor Xiaowu angrily threw a scroll of documents onto the table and coldly snorted, “You’re becoming more and more unrestrained! You have no manners! I haven’t even dealt with you sneaking out of the palace today!”

Princess Yunxi immediately shrank, lowering her gaze, and muttered, “I know I was wrong… I’ll accept my punishment…”

“But regarding the marriage, Father Emperor must hear me out!”

The Emperor sighed helplessly, “Go ahead.”

He truly doted on this daughter, especially since the Empress’s passing. His love for her had only deepened.

“I knew Father Emperor loved me the most!”

Princess Yunxi’s face lit up, and she happily ran behind the Emperor, starting to knead his shoulders. “Father Emperor, let me explain…”

She recounted in detail how she had met Ye Chuan, growing more upset as she spoke. “Father, do you think I should break off the engagement? You always teach us to put the people first and to be kind to them! Even servants are people, so how could I marry a man like him, who is so ungrateful and heartless?”

Mentioning Ye Chuan made Yunxi furious, her face full of disdain.

Emperor Xiaowu listened, narrowing his eyes as he glanced at Lin Zhao.

Lin Zhao subtly nodded, confirming that the princess’s account was mostly true but also signaling that there were things left unsaid.

The Emperor understood and pondered for a moment before speaking in a low voice, “Alright, I understand. If it’s truly as you say, I will handle it. You should return and rest. From now on, don’t run around recklessly, understand?”

Princess Yunxi’s face brightened, and she sweetly replied, “Thank you, Father Emperor! I understand!”

After saying that, she kissed his cheek and happily left the study.

But after a few steps, she suddenly slapped her forehead in frustration.

Ah, I forgot to ask Father Emperor to punish that man!

Not allowing him to become the prince consort was already letting him off too easily. Hmph!

Back inside the study.

“Lin Zhao, is what Yunxi said true?” Emperor Xiaowu asked, his voice grave.

He was genuinely fond of Ye Chuan today and didn’t want to see such a talented young man fall short of virtue.

“Your Majesty, it’s both true and not true.”

The Emperor furrowed his brow. “Don’t speak in riddles, just tell me plainly!”

“Princess Yunxi’s words are completely consistent with what I’ve seen,” Lin Zhao replied respectfully. “But in reality, Ye Chuan didn’t sell that servant girl. Instead, he treated her to a lavish meal and even bought her several new outfits.”

The Emperor was stunned for a moment. “Could he be trying to dress the servant up nicely so he could sell her for a higher price?”

“That would only require one set of clothes, no need to visit several shops and pick out multiple sets,” Lin Zhao answered, sharp as ever.

“True, that makes sense,” the Emperor nodded. “So what do you think was his intention?”

“I’m not sure, Your Majesty, I dare not guess.”

“Where is Ye Chuan now?”

“He has returned to the Ye family.”

The Emperor thought for a while, a playful smile slowly appearing at the corner of his mouth. “This young man is becoming more interesting to me.”

At the Ye Family

Ye Chuan kicked the door three times, and it was quickly opened from the inside.

Two servants peeked their heads out, and when they saw it was Ye Chuan, they were slightly surprised, and their tone turned condescending. “It’s you?”

In the past, Ye Chuan had no standing in the Ye family, and even the servants would call him by name, even treating him rudely.

But now, Ye Chuan was no longer someone to be trifled with.

Seeing their disdain, he didn’t hesitate. He grabbed one of the servants by the collar and dragged him out the door, then raised his hand and slapped him twice.

The sharp sound of the slaps echoed as the servant was left dazed.

“How dare you, you little fool!”

“You’re just a dog guarding the gates. How dare you snarl at your master? You’re asking for a beating!”

Ye Chuan coldly sneered as he continued to slap the servant.

The servant’s face quickly swelled, and he let out a few pitiful cries.

Ying’er, who had been watching nearby, was stunned, her eyes wide in disbelief.

When did the Third Young Master become so ruthless?!

This was a complete change from the kind-hearted person she had known when they were younger!

After dealing with one servant, Ye Chuan threw him to the ground and turned his cold gaze on the other servant. “You, can you speak properly?”

“Y-yes, yes!” the servant stammered, suddenly snapped back to reality, his forehead dripping with cold sweat. He gave a forced, miserable smile. “Third Young Master, you… you’re back, haha…”

“Mm,” Ye Chuan nodded with satisfaction, then grabbed Ying’er and walked inside without a care.

“Tell Ye Cheng to meet me in the front hall.”

The servant quickly scurried off to deliver the message.

Ye Chuan took a seat in the front hall, with Ying’er visibly trembling beside him, clearly nervous.

After all, the Zhao family had been in power for a long time in the Ye family, and Ying’er was afraid to face them.

“Don’t be afraid, I’m here,” Ye Chuan reassured her with a gentle smile, his voice warm and comforting.

Ying’er felt much better, taking a deep breath and nodding firmly.

“Oh, isn’t this Third Brother? Couldn’t survive outside and came back so soon?”

A voice filled with sarcasm interrupted the moment.

It was Ye Cheng.

When Ye Cheng saw his father wasn’t present, he had no need to pretend to be friendly.

He entered the hall, glaring at Ye Chuan with an expression full of resentment. He shot a few glances at Ying’er and started plotting in his mind.

Did this little wench expose herself? Has Ye Chuan brought her back to accuse me?

Before Ye Cheng could speak again, his eyes suddenly caught sight of the jade pendant Ye Chuan was holding.

His eyes immediately lit up.

Then, Ye Chuan’s next words made him feel a rush of excitement.

“Do you want this?” Ye Chuan casually asked.

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