Volume One, Chapter Six: That Old Scoundrel Is Digging a Pit for Me

Xiao Qingyu stepped out of the palace chamber, about to head to the court, when she happened to encounter Li Chaoyang at the palace gate.

Unlike the appearance she had seen yesterday, today Li Chaoyang wore a brand-new official robe. Yet even so, the garment could not conceal his strong and upright figure.

Li Chaoyang quickly approached, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, I pay my respects to the Princess Royal!"

Hmph, today he was dressed properly and neatly, nothing like the sneaky intruder who had slipped into my chamber last night.

Unfortunately, he commands a formidable army. If a confrontation were to occur, it would likely end in mutual destruction.

“No need for formalities,” she replied calmly.

“What a coincidence,” he said. “I just stepped out and met Your Highness. Perhaps you are on your way to court? In that case, may I accompany you?”

His question was clearly rhetorical and rather irritating. I was utterly unwilling to walk with him.

“Please proceed ahead, Your Highness,” Xiao Qingyu responded coolly.

“Did Your Highness not rest well last night? Your complexion is pale and weary.”

It’s all because of you! If it weren’t for your sudden disturbance last night, I wouldn’t have tossed and turned the entire night.

“Last night I had a nightmare,” she explained. “In it, I was bitten fiercely by a vicious dog, and the fright has yet to subside.”

“Your Highness might consider visiting the Imperial Medical Hall. The court physicians could treat you properly and help prevent another such nightmare tonight.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”

The two had reached the main hall when they happened upon Xiao Qingshan.

Upon seeing Xiao Qingyu, his face immediately brightened with joy, but when his gaze passed over Li Chaoyang beside her, the smile faded.

“I humbly greet the Emperor!” Xiao Qingshan quickly raised his hand, “No need for formalities. Minister, you have endured countless hardships in the campaign; your efforts are truly commendable!”

“Why did you not notify me in advance of your return? I could have arranged a grand banquet to welcome you back!”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness. I did not wish to trouble you. After the campaign ended, I was eager to return and report to you, so I came ahead without delay.”

“It has been five years since I last set foot in the palace. Much has changed in Northern Qi.”

Seeing this, Xiao Qingshan smiled awkwardly. “In that case, please enter quickly, Minister!”

He then turned and slowly ascended the steps, sitting gracefully on the Dragon Throne. Beside him sat Xiao Qingyu.

The ministers below whispered among themselves at the sight of Xiao Qingyu.

“Why has she come again?” one muttered softly.

“Indeed, she’s like a lingering ghost,” another agreed.

“A woman appearing so frequently in court — what propriety is there? Let’s not give other kingdoms cause for mockery,” a third said indignantly.

“Now that the Regent Prince has returned victorious, let’s see how arrogant she can remain.”

Though low in volume, these comments still reached Xiao Qingyu’s ears.

She cleared her throat lightly, instantly silencing the noisy court.

“Greetings to the Emperor and Princess Royal! Long live His Majesty!” the ministers reluctantly bowed.

Xiao Qingshan cleared his throat. “Please rise, Minister. Today the Regent Prince has conquered the Yan lands and earned great merit. This is truly joyous news.”

“Tomorrow, a banquet will be held in honor of the Regent Prince for all to celebrate.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generosity.”

“The Princess Royal has long passed the age of marriage,” the Chancellor said with a bow. “Yet now, well into her twenties, she remains unmarried. We, the senior ministers, are deeply concerned for her future. As your subjects, we cannot help but worry.”

At his words, murmurs broke out once more. Many ministers nodded in agreement, all turning their gaze to the Princess Royal.

Xiao Qingyu smiled faintly, parting her crimson lips. “The Chancellor’s words are not without merit. Yet I have not found a suitor who pleases me. Recently, I have heard of Young Master Liu’s extraordinary talent, profound knowledge, and handsome appearance.”

“Such an outstanding man has indeed piqued my curiosity. I wish to meet him.”

Chancellor Liu’s expression darkened. “I am honored by the Princess’s regard, but my son has already been betrothed to the eldest daughter of the Minister of Rites. Should the Princess wish to wed, I will do my utmost to find a suitable match for you.”

A subtle smile curved Xiao Qingyu’s lips as she softly replied, “Chancellor, there is no need to hastily decline. Since my heart belongs to Young Master Liu, I will not give up easily.”

“Even if he is betrothed, so what? I can call off the engagement. And if they are married, divorce is not impossible. I am willing to wait, believing that one day my wish will be fulfilled. There is no need for the Chancellor to worry.”

The old fox was digging a pit for me!

Xiao Qingshan shot her a warning glance, signaling her to stop.

Xiao Qingyu remained composed, sitting there without a trace of fear.

In the corner, Zhao Huainian watched the Princess Royal’s stubbornness with a worried expression.

The Chancellor, trembling with anger, pointed at the woman before him and shouted, “How dare you speak such rebellious words! As a princess, have you no shame?”

His outburst sparked more whispered accusations and discontent among the ministers.

Despite their reproaches and the Chancellor’s fury, Xiao Qingyu felt a surge of joy. It pleased her to see him embarrassed.

She had indeed considered her marriage carefully.

Since Qingshan ascended the throne, she had planned to marry the Chancellor’s eldest son, Liu Yansong, hoping to seize the Chancellor’s power through the union.

But she reconsidered. Even if she toppled this Chancellor, countless others would rise in the court.

So she abandoned the idea.

The Chancellor had long arranged Liu Yansong’s betrothal to Liu Shunian, the Minister of Rites’ daughter.

Now, when she brought it up again, the Chancellor was naturally livid.

Li Chaoyang, standing below, observed everything with a knowing smile, watching with interest to see how this farce would end.

The Chancellor gave Xiao Qingshan no respect, snorting coldly as he angrily swept his sleeve and left the court.

“If there are no further matters, the court is adjourned,” Xiao Qingshan announced.

After everyone departed, he worriedly said, “Sister, why must you speak so to the Chancellor? Your reputation is already poor. How will the common people view you now?”

“What matters how others see me? As long as you are safe. Besides, I have no intention of marrying. If I wed, who will support you?”

“Sister?”

“Enough. There is no need to discuss this further. I have my own plans.”