Chapter 8: The Harmless Princess of Beiyang vs. the Ruthless Prince of Beiyang Who Betrayed His Kin

Late at night, Xiao Qiheng knelt in the grand hall. Consort Ling sat on the high seat above him. “You are the crown prince of Great Kang. Once you ascend that position, no woman will be out of your reach. You must build a relationship with the Crown Princess; your future depends on her father,” she said.

“Has she come to complain to you again, Mother?” Xiao Qiheng asked.

“The Crown Princess claims you spend every night in your study,” Consort Ling’s face carried a trace of coldness. “Do you realize how much effort I’ve poured into securing your position as crown prince?”

“...”

“Qier, you must understand—her father holds great power. If you hurt the Crown Princess’s heart and she turns to Xuan Xiao Zexuan for support, all our efforts will be in vain!”

Xiao Qiheng knelt, lowering his gaze slightly. “I understand. Tonight, I will return and properly cultivate our relationship.”

“Mother tells you this because everything she does is for you.”

“I understand. It’s late; I shall take my leave now.”

He rose, forcing himself to shake off the drowsiness, then turned to leave.

Watching his departing figure, Consort Ling waved her hand. Lian Xing stepped forward. “Everything is arranged, Your Highness?”

“Rest assured, Your Majesty.”

At the Eastern Palace.

Xiao Qiheng pushed open the door, greeted by a fragrant scent. He looked at the woman lying in the bathing tub, his eyes flickering with disdain.

“Your Highness...” Yang Liuyan’s voice was soft and shy.

“Come here.”

Xiao Qiheng turned and sat in a chair.

Yang Liuyan emerged from the tub, wrapped only in a sheer veil, her delicate figure faintly visible.

She took slow, graceful steps toward Xiao Qiheng. “Your Highness...”

The moment her hand brushed against him, Xiao Qiheng slapped it away, sending her to the floor.

Covering her face, eyes wide with shock, tears welled uncontrollably. “Your Highness...”

“Don’t touch me. I have no interest. Get lost!”

Xiao Qiheng roared in anger.

Yang Liuyan trembled all over, tears streaming down. “Your Highness, what are you doing?”

“I warned you not to disturb Mother.”

Yang Liuyan’s face turned pale.

“I came here tonight only out of respect for Mother. You’d better behave.”

With that, Xiao Qiheng stood to leave.

Yang Liuyan scrambled up and quickly wrapped her arms around him from behind, tears flowing freely.

“Your Highness... Liuyan knows she was wrong. After tonight, she won’t dare to do it again...”

Xiao Qiheng stiffened; an unusual sensation swept through him.

Yang Liuyan looked up at him with tearful eyes, voice soft and alluring. “Your Highness...”

His brow furrowed as a burning heat surged through him. “What have you done?”

Seizing the moment, Yang Liuyan nestled into his embrace, her small hands tracing circles on his chest as she giggled. “Your Highness, Mother knows how much I like you... so she added something special to the fragrance...”

Xiao Qiheng felt weak all over, a warm current flowing through him.

Yang Liuyan lifted her head from his chest, a sly gleam in her eyes. On tiptoe, she kissed his lips.

Xiao Qiheng’s knees weakened; he slumped into the chair.

Rising from his lap, Yang Liuyan looked satisfied at his disheveled state.

Xiao Qiheng closed his eyes, trembling and flushed.

“Your Highness...” Yang Liuyan’s voice dripped with seduction.

“Get lost!”

He opened his eyes and glared at her.

He had never imagined his own mother would stoop so low—willing to sacrifice him just to win over the Minister of War.

Yang Liuyan shed her veil, revealing pale skin. Sitting on his thigh, her fingers traced his face. “Your Highness...”

“Get off me! Don’t touch me!”

He tried to rise but found his body utterly powerless.

Yang Liuyan reached for his belt, but he pushed her away with a slap. “Get lost!”

“Your Highness, just take me. Once you and I are joined, Father will fully support your claim for the throne. Wen Yurou... she’s just a pawn, a disobedient one at that. What use is she?” Her voice was sultry.

Her hands rested on his shoulders, her lips lightly biting his throat.

The soft voice stirred unrest within Xiao Qiheng.

He struggled to push her away but was too weak; the drug’s effects had taken hold, blood surging to one place.

Her fingers lightly brushed his earlobe; her lips parted to nibble gently, exhaling a sweet fragrance. “Your Highness, take me...”

Xiao Qiheng shuddered, his face aflame, teeth clenched in anger. “Get lost!”

“Your Highness...” Yang Liuyan’s eyes were as alluring as silk as she slowly undid his belt.

“Want me, do you?” His voice trembled with fever. “Fine, I’ll give you what you want!”

Before he finished, his lips descended in a fierce kiss.

Yang Liuyan went limp in his arms.

“Your Highness... Liuyan has waited for you so long...”

...

At dawn, sunlight filtered through sheer curtains. Xiao Qiheng opened his eyes, his body aching all over. Sitting up, he glared darkly at the woman sleeping beside him. With a grim expression, he threw off the covers, dressed, and left the room.

Yang Liuyan opened her eyes, watching his retreating figure with a trace of triumph.

Consort Ling, soon you will hear my good news!

Wen Yurou, you are nothing but a stepping stone!

In the courtyard.

“Your Highness, why are you up so early today?” Nurse Liu stood nearby, concern etched on her face.

Xiao Qiheng’s complexion was pale; he forced down the discomfort, replying, “There are official matters to attend to.”

Nurse Liu was momentarily stunned, then quickly composed herself. “About last night, Your Highness...” She hesitated, eyes full of pity.

“Nurse, let such things never happen again.”

“Yes... Your Highness.”

Watching Xiao Qiheng’s departing back, Nurse Liu sighed softly.

Outside, birds chirped cheerfully.

Wen Yurou opened her eyes. Chunmei entered carrying her toiletries and smiled happily upon seeing her awake. “Princess, you’re awake.”

Wen Yurou sat up, noting the bruises on her arms had faded, her face showing no sign of injury.

“Where is the Prince?” she asked.

“He’s in the study,” Chunmei stepped forward, handing her a damp towel. “Princess... is something the matter?”

“Nothing.”

Isn’t the Crown Prince supposed to be reckless and lecherous?

Days have passed, and he’s either in the study or at court. How is that reckless and lecherous?

Chunmei looked at Wen Yurou, hesitating to speak.

“Go prepare breakfast for the Princess!”

A figure entered from outside. Wen Yurou sat up and looked at Xiao Zexuan as he came in. “Prince...”