Chapter 7, finally someone pleasing to the eye appears
Compared to those who regard human life as worthless, Sister Yue's act of setting fire to the Wangchun Tower is truly an act of great kindness. I refuse to believe that Uncle Emperor and Empress Mother are unaware of such matters. Since Uncle Emperor, the Empress, and Crown Prince Brother have not put an end to this cruel game over the years, how can they now place the blame on Sister Yue? This is simply unreasonable. " Zhang Yang's voice continued, and Ye Qingran's expression bore a hint of mockery, very subtle and not easily noticed. Since Uncle Emperor, the Empress, and Crown Prince Brother have not put an end to this cruel game over the years, how can they now place the blame on Sister Yue? This is simply unreasonable. " Zhang Yang's voice continued, and Ye Qingran's expression bore a hint of mockery, very subtle and not easily noticed.
She shifted her gaze to another man seated beside the white jade table. The man did not rise but lowered his head, staring at the scattered chessboard on the table as if deep in thought. From her vantage point, she could only see his profile, yet even that glimpse revealed a strikingly handsome visage, a mere hint of his icy demeanor. Retracting her gaze, she focused once more on the man approaching her, secretly contemplating that indeed, ancient times were abundant with handsome men, and the saying "a cart full of fruits" truly existed. If these two were to walk down the street, they would surely cause a blockage.
Li Yun did not expect that someone would actually save her. As she freed herself from the restraints around her, she immediately turned to look at the person who spoke to her
"Qing Ran! I originally thought that after spending seven years in external training, you would have become more composed, but it seems you are still the same as before." The Crown Prince looked at the man who had just come out, his expression seemingly containing a hint of helplessness and reproach, and said: "How can the incident of the fire at the Red Sleeve Tower in your childhood, when you were ignorant, be compared to the incident of the fire at the Wangchun Tower yesterday involving Sister Yue? At that time, you were unharmed, and being young, with Father Emperor doting on you, he naturally could not bear to blame you. But this time, it involves the lives of hundreds of people."
Li Yun's lips twitched slightly as she thought to herself that this Fourth Prince is truly shameless. Is he really concerned for her well-being? Not necessarily!
As the night deepens, words fall like whispers, without waiting for the night to lightly stain the conversation. The deep gaze coldly smiles, the tone sharp and unquestionable, commanding: "Bring someone, imprison Yun Qianyue in the Ministry of Justice's dungeon, with strict supervision. No one is allowed to visit, awaiting the Emperor's decree for disposition."
Li Yun's gaze darkened with the information she received, and it was only at this moment that she truly felt that this place was undeniably ancient. The supremacy of imperial power rendered human life as insignificant as grass. Initially, she believed that the owner of this body had committed an unforgivable crime by burning hundreds of people, but now, compared to the games played with that noble young man, it seemed utterly trivial. Just imagining such a scene sent a chill down her spine. Initially, she believed that the owner of this body had committed an unforgivable crime by burning hundreds of people, but now, compared to the games played with that noble young man, it seemed utterly trivial. Just imagining such a scene sent a chill down her spine
How can they not be compared? I see no difference; they are merely places where sordid and filthy deeds are done. If those people back then were not under your protection, I would have long since burned them to the ground without leaving a single tile. Not just hundreds, but thousands would have been burned without hesitation. " As he spoke, the man walked into the center of the arena, glanced at the Crown Prince, raised his eyebrows, and spoke with even greater bravado.
The man turned a blind eye, and with a sudden change in his tone, he sighed and remarked: "I have heard that you do not like Sister Yue and do not wish to marry her. But must you push her to such extremes? Although the Cloud King's residence has only one legitimate daughter, there are many daughters born of concubines. The founding emperor did not require that only a legitimate daughter could be the empress, which means that a concubine's daughter can also be considered! Why must Sister Yue toil to learn those humble manners and adhere strictly to her character? Why must she necessarily enter the palace? In my opinion, Sister Yue is quite good. No one in the heavenly realm can match her true nature!"
Both individuals were exceedingly young, appearing to be around eighteen or nineteen years of age. They both possessed handsome features and graceful figures. One of them stood up and walked towards her, dressed in a light blue brocade long robe, with a jade belt cinched at the waist, and a green jade pendant hanging from his waist, swaying gently with his lively steps. His brows and eyes were spirited, and his voice was light and melodious. As he slowly made his way forward, those in front of him all parted to make way for him.
Indeed, if Miss Yue is guilty for burning Wangchun Tower, then all the ministers and noble sons in the court who indulge in such games every day are also guilty. It would be unreasonable to punish Miss Yue while letting those individuals go unpunished. At this moment, the Fourth Prince, who had remained silent, cast a meaningful glance at Ye Qingran and then swept his gaze over Li Yun, his eyes subtly shifting.
Ye Qingran did not expect that his arguments would be completely overturned. The Crown Prince still intended to punish Yun Qianyue, and with a simple remark about how it was inappropriate for a minister to interfere in family matters, he effectively shaped the narrative of those cruel slaughter games, shifting all responsibility away from himself. Ye Qingran's expression darkened slightly; it seemed he had truly underestimated the Crown Prince Ye Tianqing, who was indeed different from seven years ago.
Isn't it absurd? The Crown Prince and the Emperor's brother are well aware of this. Among those present, who hasn't had a few, or even dozens, or hundreds of people die under their command over the years? As far as I know, many noble youths in the court have taken to a certain game in recent years, which involves putting the most lowly commoners on the racetrack and then shooting arrows at them while they run. The one who hits the most targets is the winner. One can imagine that the scene would be one of rivers of blood, which is not an exaggeration. Although I have not been in the capital for seven years, I have still heard of this. I cannot believe that the Crown Prince, who attends court daily, would be unaware of such matters. If you truly do not know, then you are indeed woefully ignorant.
Li Yun was taken aback, realizing that this person was indeed Qing Ran, also known as the Young Prince Ran as mentioned by her personal maid
Many young women changed their earlier gaze towards the crown prince, all shifting their attention to him. Each person's face flushed slightly, their eyes darting away, revealing a hint of springtime allure, as if they dared not look yet could not bear to look away. For a moment, it seemed that even the air in the viewing garden became a bit lighter.
After a long silence, the prince's dark gaze faded as he looked at Li Yun and Ye Qingran. His phoenix eyes were deep like a bottomless pool. He spoke again, "Indeed, both Qingran and the Fourth Prince are correct. However, over the years, those noble youths have been playing with their family servants. Although my father and I have heard some rumors, it is not appropriate to interfere in the affairs of the ministers' families. But today, the hundreds of people who perished in the fire at Wangyue Tower, including my sister Yue, are not the servants of the Yun Wangfu. This matter has caused a great uproar in the capital, and the common people are all dissatisfied with this action. The civil and military officials have also expressed their discontent. If we do not punish my sister Yue, it is likely that the people of the Tian Sheng will revolt in dissatisfaction. At that time, it will be difficult to handle. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an explanation to the officials and the people of the world regarding this matter."
Only then did she notice that not far behind a crowd of colorful flowers and willows, there was a white jade table. Two people were seated opposite each other at the table, and the chessboard was overturned with pieces scattered about. It seemed that the two had just been engaged in a game, but due to the large crowd blocking their figures, she had not realized that such a unique presence existed in the scene.
The Crown Prince remained silent, his dark gaze turning towards Li Yun, deep and inscrutable
Indeed, how heartbroken must those who genuinely care for you feel! Hehe... Night Qingran looked at Li Yun and chuckled lightly, her previously exuberant voice transformed into an indescribable softness. With the change in her tone, the scenery in the garden suddenly felt as warm as a spring breeze and as gentle as a fine rain. Even the prince's gloomy expression seemed to become hazy.
The Fourth Prince moved back and forth between Li Yun and Ye Qingran, his brows slightly furrowed, seemingly unable to comprehend Ye Qingran's actions
The Crown Prince was momentarily taken aback, his expression darkening instantly, "That is a matter of life and death, how can it be treated as a child's play?"
Li Yun looked at the glimmer of interest in his eyes, and upon hearing his voice and tone, she immediately felt a chill. She had long since figured out how unlikable this body was, yet now, according to their words, she had somehow become a coveted prize. She lowered her head and, rare for her, rolled her eyes.
Li Yun's face turned cold upon hearing this; she never expected that this crown prince was determined to put her to death, truly despicable
Li Yun speculated that the person had just mentioned the Emperor's uncle, suggesting that he was a member of the royal family. She looked at the man, thinking that since her arrival in this world, she had finally encountered someone pleasing to the eye. It had not been easy! Soon, she would know his identity.
Moreover, that statement made by Qingyan was indeed correct; the Holy Ancestor Emperor did not specify that only a legitimate daughter of the Yun Wangfu should be the empress. The Yun Wangfu has many illegitimate children, so what does it matter if Sister Yue does not adhere to the rites? It is merely a matter of a hundred casualties at Wangchun Tower. Every year on this day, countless people die in the Holy Dynasty due to such games; how should that be accounted for? Hasn't the Crown Prince, your elder brother, also refrained from reporting this to Father Emperor? Why is it that today he is particularly fixated on Sister Yue? Is it truly because she has feelings for you?" The Fourth Prince's words were unyielding, and he did not miss any opportunity to strike at the Crown Prince. After speaking, he turned to Li Yun and smiled, saying: "If that is the case, Sister Yue will have to take a look; this is the person you have liked for so many years! You have devoted your sincere heart in vain, and if you were to be imprisoned because of this, how heartbroken would those of us who genuinely care for you be?"
Night lightly stains! The crown prince's stiff expression also contained anger as he looked at the man, his voice growing heavier as he directly stated his name, saying angrily: "Although the founding emperor did not explicitly state whether it was a legitimate or illegitimate birth, since ancient times, where has there been a case of a woman of lowly status entering the palace to become empress? You are simply talking nonsense."
The prince's expression stiffened, and a trace of anger suddenly gathered in his eyes
Ye Qingran was watching Li Yun and was momentarily taken aback by her eye-rolling gesture. After a brief pause, his laughter became even more unrestrained.
Not only does the Fourth Prince fail to understand, but even the Empress and the Crown Prince are perplexed as to how this person, who has just returned from a seven-year journey, has become so infatuated with Yun Qian Yue. Not only has he offended them to help her, but he has also exposed scandals among the noble youths of the Tian Sheng Dynasty, which is a highly unpopular matter with far-reaching implications. Moreover, he has just returned and has yet to establish his position in the court, yet he dares to recklessly make enemies, surpassing even the audacity he displayed seven years ago, which is truly baffling.
Li Yun watched every move of Ye Qingran, yet she truly captured the mocking expression on his face. It seems that although this Young Prince Ran was saving her, he was also using her situation to play this intolerable cruel game. If she were to be punished today, then all the noble youths in the court would be guilty. If this were to escalate, the matter would become significant
With this thought in mind, her fondness for this person deepened further. It is no wonder that someone who has spent seven years studying abroad possesses such qualities. Although their behavior is flamboyant and unconventional, they seem to be far superior to the people present.
Li Yun's lips curled slightly into a fleeting arc. This person is much more likable than the Fourth Prince
The Crown Prince was suddenly taken aback, as if he had lost the words to refute.
The last sentence is profound in meaning, with a lingering warmth.
The prince's expression grew increasingly somber, and his gaze towards Ye Qingran became even darker, as if he had not anticipated that he would bring up this matter
My good Crown Prince brother, after seven years of absence, how have you become even more naive? Although human life is precious, the lives of shameless, despicable, and filthy individuals are better off discarded! Moreover, how many lives have perished at your hands over these years, surely more than a hundred? How is it that you have suddenly become so compassionate? Truly remarkable! Is it only the lives lost at the hands of Sister Yue that evoke such pity from you?" The man stopped three steps away from Li Yun, gazing intently at the Crown Prince, his mouth clicking in astonishment. "Is it only the lives lost at the hands of Sister Yue that evoke such pity from you?" The man stopped three steps away from Li Yun, gazing intently at the Crown Prince, his mouth clicking in astonishment.