Chapter 93

At this moment, Pavilion Master Wang stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

“Congratulations, Princess Ziwei, on your joyous union!”

“You are too kind, Pavilion Master Wang.”

Xiao Minghuang smiled radiantly. She had publicly confessed her feelings to Lin Wanqiu, voicing the words that had been pent up in her heart for so long, and now she felt an immense sense of relief.

“The bond between Your Highness and Miss Lin is truly the envy of all!”

Pavilion Master Wang laughed.

“Not at all, it was simply a matter of the right timing…”

Xiao Minghuang spoke with a face full of smiles, her heart brimming with satisfaction.

“Since Your Highness has such joyous news, the Treasure Pavilion cannot remain idle. These fifty thousand spirit stones shall serve as an early wedding gift. Please, do accept them!”

As he spoke, he took out a storage bag and pushed it toward Xiao Minghuang.

Seeing the storage bag returned to her, Xiao Minghuang was momentarily stunned, but then she accepted it.

These spirit stones were clearly the cost of purchasing the spiritual source.

This was Pavilion Master Wang’s way of showing goodwill, believing that she had a high chance of inheriting the throne.

“In that case, I thank Pavilion Master Wang for your generosity.”

Xiao Minghuang smiled.

“Your Highness is too polite.”

Around this time.

Wang Jin arrived with a large contingent of guards from the Imperial Guards Office. As soon as he looked up, he saw Princess Ziwei and the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion standing together, chatting and laughing.

A flash of surprise crossed his eyes. This Pavilion Master Wang of the Treasure Pavilion was known to be as elusive as a dragon, and in all of Great Xia, aside from the Emperor, there was likely no one else who could converse with him so casually.

He had been in the midst of cultivation when a guard suddenly reported that there was trouble at the Treasure Pavilion. He hurriedly led his troops to the scene.

The Treasure Pavilion held a special place in Great Xia, and it was not something to be taken lightly.

Wang Jin glanced around, ordered his guards to inspect the area, and then walked toward Xiao Minghuang and Pavilion Master Wang.

“Your servant pays his respects to Her Highness, Princess Ziwei!”

The moment Wang Jin appeared, Pavilion Master Wang felt a surge of astonishment.

Because Wang Jin had now broken through to the ninth level of the Divine Sea Realm from the eighth!

As everyone knew, the higher the realm, the more difficult it was to break through.

He and Wang Jin had both been at the seventh level of the Divine Sea Realm, so he naturally understood how arduous the breakthrough was.

But now, Wang Jin had surpassed him. How could he not be shocked?

Seeing Wang Jin approach, Xiao Minghuang asked:

“Eunuch Wang, what brings you here?”

Wang Jin replied respectfully:

“Your servant heard there was trouble at the Treasure Pavilion, so I brought some men to investigate… Did the troublemakers harm Your Highness?”

Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang smiled faintly and said:

“Eunuch Wang, you worry too much. With Pavilion Master Wang here, no troublemaker would dare act recklessly.”

At this moment, Pavilion Master Wang, still looking surprised, asked:

“Fellow Daoist Wang, when did you break through?”

Hearing this, Wang Jin, with a mix of solemnity and gratitude, looked at Xiao Minghuang and said:

“If it weren’t for Your Highness granting me three Spirit Condensing Pills, it would have taken me three to five more years to break through!”

Spirit Condensing Pills!

Pavilion Master Wang’s pupils constricted sharply, and he exclaimed in shock:

“Spirit Condensing Pills, a low-grade Profound Tier elixir!”

Seeing Pavilion Master Wang’s sudden astonishment, Xiao Minghuang found it somewhat amusing and couldn’t help but ask:

“Pavilion Master Wang, it’s just a Spirit Condensing Pill. Why are you so surprised?”

Pavilion Master Wang also realized his own impropriety. After taking a deep breath and calming down, he said:

“My apologies for the discourtesy. Although Spirit Condensing Pills are precious, the Great Xia royal family is certainly not lacking in them. The royal treasury likely holds a considerable number.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang smiled without speaking. She wouldn’t tell Pavilion Master Wang that these Spirit Condensing Pills were all refined by Ye Ruoshui.

Next, Pavilion Master Wang recounted the events that had just transpired to Wang Jin.

After listening, Wang Jin let out a cold laugh.

“Although the Spirit Sword Sect is strong, they have no right to flaunt their power in the capital of our Great Xia!”

“Our Great Xia has a protective grand array. Even if the sect leader of the Spirit Sword Sect were to come personally, he wouldn’t be able to break through the protective grand array. Why should we fear a mere True Disciple of theirs?”

As he spoke, he looked at Xiao Minghuang and respectfully asked:

“Feng Yi has offended Your Highness. Should we capture him and throw him into the dungeon to be punished?”

Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang pondered deeply. She knew that the Old Ancestor of the royal family was nearing the end of his lifespan. Although the Emperor of Xia had stepped into the Spirit Seed Realm, in terms of strength, he was certainly far inferior to the Old Ancestor. So why had Wang Jin suddenly become so bold?

Regardless, since she had not yet fully grown in power, it was best not to be too ostentatious for now.

“No need, just expel him from the country.”

“Yes!”

Wang Jin cupped his hands in acknowledgment and ordered a nearby attendant:

“Go to the Offering Hall and say that Princess Ziwei has commanded an elder to take action and expel the Spirit Sword Sect’s True Disciple, Feng Yi, from the country!”

Thus, Princess Ziwei could directly command the royal offerings at the Divine Sea Realm without needing to go through anyone else.

Having dealt with the outsiders, it was now time to handle their own.

Wang Jin looked at the Eighth Prince, who was pretending to be dead on the ground, and a trace of disdain appeared on his face.

“His Majesty is of extraordinary talent, yet the sons he has produced are increasingly useless, not even a fraction as capable as Your Highness!”

Originally, he was not entirely loyal to Xiao Minghuang, only carrying out her orders because of the Emperor of Xia’s decree.

But after Xiao Minghuang bestowed three Spirit Condensing Pills upon him a few days ago, he had completely joined her camp.

This did not mean he had betrayed the Emperor of Xia, but rather that he was serving Xiao Minghuang while still adhering to the Emperor’s authority.

In other words, if both the Emperor of Xia and Princess Ziwei issued orders, he would follow whoever’s command reached him first.

Any subsequent orders, whether from the Emperor or Princess Ziwei, would be disregarded.

He flipped his palm, and a surge of dark spiritual energy gushed out, resembling a chain that lifted the Eighth Prince into the air. Raising his voice, he asked:

“Eighth Prince, why did you ally with the Spirit Sword Sect, betraying your country for personal gain? Has the royal family wronged you in any way? Do you still remember that you are the Eighth Prince of the Great Xia royal family?!”

These words struck deep.

The Eighth Prince, held aloft by Wang Jin, turned pale and trembled in fear.

He wanted to refute, but he dared not.

If he dared to refute, his fate would not be pleasant.

Seeing the Eighth Prince kicking his legs in the air like a chicken, Xiao Minghuang smiled and spoke:

“I don’t think the Eighth Prince has committed such a serious crime. Eunuch Wang’s words are a bit too harsh.”

Hearing this, the Eighth Prince, as if grasping at the last straw, hurriedly pleaded:

“Yes, yes! Ninth Sister… no! Your Highness Princess Ziwei, please have mercy on me, I won’t dare to do it again!”

Xiao Minghuang sighed softly.

“To err is human. In my opinion, it would be better to confine the Eighth Prince to the Cold Palace and let him reflect for a while. Perhaps over time…”

“He will repent?”

Wang Jin followed up.

“He will die.”

With these words.

Wang Jin and Pavilion Master Wang were both startled!

“Princess Ziwei, with her unparalleled intelligence, can only be befriended, not made an enemy!”

Pavilion Master Wang felt a wave of relief. Fortunately, when Feng Yi had made his appearance earlier, he hadn’t hastily taken sides. Otherwise, if he had offended Princess Ziwei, his Treasure Pavilion would have been doomed.

“Your Highness’s foresight is truly remarkable. The Eighth Prince, confined in the cold palace, will surely reflect most effectively!”

A sinister smile crept onto Wang Jin’s face.

To the Eighth Prince, it looked as if a devil had appeared before him.

“No…”

The Eighth Prince’s face was filled with terror. He had just opened his mouth, but before he could utter a complete word, a dark talisman was slapped onto his face, sealing his senses.

Wang Jin bowed and said:

“If Your Highness has no further instructions, I shall take this person back to the palace.”

Xiao Minghuang nodded.

“Take care, Eunuch Wang.”

With that, Wang Jin waved his sleeve, lifted the Eighth Prince, and transformed into a rainbow, disappearing into the distance.

Xiao Minghuang turned her gaze back to Pavilion Master Wang.

“Pavilion Master Wang, these guards will remain at the Treasure Pavilion to assist you in repairing the premises.”

Pavilion Master Wang quickly waved his hands in refusal.

“I dare not, I dare not! These are officers from the Ministry of Justice. How could I trouble them!”

Xiao Minghuang smiled slightly.

“Whether you use them or not is up to you. Since there’s nothing else here, I shall take my leave.”

“I will see Your Highness off!”

Pavilion Master Wang hurriedly followed.

“No need for such courtesy.”

Xiao Minghuang waved her hand, then took Lin Wanqiu’s hand, and the two swiftly left the premises.

On their way home, they did not delay.

In less than a quarter of an hour, they returned to the princess’s residence.

After entering the residence, Lin Wanqiu’s clear, watery eyes gazed at her, filled with tenderness, and she said softly:

“Your Highness, about today’s events, Ruoshui…”

Having spent so much time together, Lin Wanqiu naturally understood the princess’s character.

She knew that the princess loved both of them equally and would not favor one over the other.

Today, in front of everyone, the princess had confessed her feelings to her, something Lin Wanqiu had never expected.

In truth, if the princess had confessed to her in private, she would have been overjoyed.

Hearing Lin Wanqiu mention Ye Ruoshui, Xiao Minghuang also felt a headache coming on.

Today, provoked by the Eighth Prince’s words and the emotions she had been suppressing, she had let it all out.

“Wanqiu, there’s no need to worry. Go and rest first.”

As she spoke, Xiao Minghuang gently kissed the corner of her lips.

“Mm, then Your Highness should rest early too.”

Lin Wanqiu, her face slightly flushed, took a few steps back and then ran off.

Watching Lin Wanqiu’s retreating figure as if she were fleeing, Xiao Minghuang shook her head and let out a soft sigh.

“To wear the crown, one must bear its weight. Perhaps it’s the same principle…”

A few moments later.

Xiao Minghuang arrived outside Ye Ruoshui’s small courtyard.

In her hand, she held a golden phoenix hairpin, which shone even more brilliantly under the moonlight.

Knock, knock, knock!

Ye Ruoshui, sitting inside, heard the knocking and a look of joy appeared on her delicate face.

“It’s Your Highness!”

She quickly stood up, went to the door, and opened it.

“Your Highness, please come in!”

Xiao Minghuang stepped inside and, seeing the look of joy on Ye Ruoshui’s face, felt an inexplicable sense of guilt well up inside her.

Without thinking too much, she reached out and pulled the young girl into her embrace.

“Ruoshui…”

Xiao Minghuang held Ye Ruoshui tightly, calling her name in a low voice.

Hearing Her Highness call her name, Ye Ruoshui felt a sweet sensation in her heart, her heartbeat quickening, like a deer running wild.

“Your Highness…”

After holding each other for a moment, Xiao Minghuang finally let go of Ye Ruoshui and took out the phoenix hairpin from her embrace.

“This phoenix hairpin is for you.”

With that, Xiao Minghuang handed the hairpin to Ye Ruoshui.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Ye Ruoshui’s face was filled with a happy smile as she took the hairpin, carefully holding it and placing it in her hair.

She quickly walked over to the mirror and, seeing the radiant golden phoenix in her reflection, was overjoyed.

In all her life, she had never worn such a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Ye Ruoshui ran back to Xiao Minghuang, lifting her small face, beaming with delight.

“Your Highness, this hairpin is so beautiful.”

Xiao Minghuang raised her hand, gently patting Ye Ruoshui’s head, and said softly:

“As long as you like it.”

The two of them walked inside and sat down, chatting for a while.

During this time, even though Ye Ruoshui was naive and innocent, she could tell that Xiao Minghuang had something on her mind, hesitating to speak, stopping and starting.

“Your Highness, is there something troubling you?”

Ye Ruoshui asked with concern.

Xiao Minghuang looked up at Ye Ruoshui, a bitter smile on her face, and said:

“I…”

The words caught in her throat, and she swallowed them back.

Seeing Her Highness hesitate to speak, Ye Ruoshui felt anxious but didn’t know how to persuade her.

“Your Highness, I’m not very smart. If there’s something really important, you can discuss it with Big Sister Lin. She’s much cleverer than me!”

Ye Ruoshui cautiously reminded her.

Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang’s face was filled with complexity, thinking to herself: “It’s that Big Sister Lin, who is much cleverer than you, who has already secretly made her move, yet you remain blissfully unaware.”

Xiao Minghuang thought for a moment longer and finally made up her mind.

She sat up straight, looking at Ye Ruoshui, her eyes filled with seriousness.

“Actually, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“I like you…”

“Since before my last seclusion…”

“Or perhaps on the way back to Beiyang City…”

“Or maybe when we were in Beiyang City…”

“I can’t quite remember…”

“But I really do like you.”

“And it’s not just you. I also like Lin Wanqiu…”

As she spoke, Xiao Minghuang felt her cheeks burning. She was too embarrassed to look up, but she reached out and grabbed Ye Ruoshui’s small hand, preventing the shy little girl from running away before she could finish her words.

However, after waiting for a while, Xiao Minghuang still didn’t receive any reaction from Ye Ruoshui.

She composed herself and looked up at Ye Ruoshui, only to see a pair of confused eyes.

“Didn’t Your Highness say these words a long time ago?”

“It was in Beiyang City, or even earlier, before we went to Beiyang City, right?”

Ye Ruoshui frowned slightly, her little face filled with confusion.

“Huh?!”

Xiao Minghuang was shocked.

She realized.

She hadn’t expected.

The words she had previously used to deceive the little girl had actually been taken seriously by her.

Now, her genuine confession wasn’t taken to heart by Ye Ruoshui.

For a moment.

She felt a sudden sense of loss.

Like a young girl who mustered all her courage to confess her feelings to her beloved.

Only to receive a response like.

“We’re already an old married couple, why bother with these useless things!”

Something along those lines.

Xiao Minghuang’s surging emotions were instantly extinguished, and she let out a bitter laugh.

“Yes… I said it a long time ago.”

“Mhm mhm!”

Ye Ruoshui nodded repeatedly. She had thought that Your Highness had something very important to discuss with her, but it turned out to be these words.

“But, Your Highness, I’m very happy that you said these things to me. Thank you, Your Highness.”

As soon as the words fell.

Ye Ruoshui slightly stood on her tiptoes and gently kissed the corner of Xiao Minghuang’s mouth.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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