What I Give You Is Yours

After a long while.

The contemplation in Emperor Xue Ye's eyes gradually faded.

"Someone, summon Luochuan. I have matters to discuss with him."

His slightly aged voice slowly rang out.

As soon as he finished speaking, a guard's voice sounded from outside the door.

Meanwhile, Emperor Xue Ye picked up the brush before him and lowered his head to write.

The study fell silent.

Only the sound of the brush tip gliding across paper echoed continuously within the room.

Half an hour later.

The study door opened, and Xue Luochuan entered.

"Greetings, Father Emperor."

Xue Luochuan bowed toward Emperor Xue Ye, who sat at the head of the room.

"Mm."

Emperor Xue Ye merely gave a quiet hum and said nothing further.

Xue Luochuan maintained his bow, standing motionlessly where he was.

Time slowly passed.

Emperor Xue Ye set down his brush and looked at Xue Luochuan, who still remained bowed. His eyes were full of majesty.

"Rise."

Emperor Xue Ye lightly raised a hand. Only after Xue Luochuan straightened did he slowly say, "Luochuan, there are some rules I hope you understand."

"Only what I give you is yours. If I do not give it to you, you may not seize it."

"Your son understands!"

Xue Luochuan lowered his gaze slightly and agreed without hesitation. His voice was filled with respect, yet an inscrutable glint appeared in his eyes.

In truth, he did not agree with Emperor Xue Ye's words.

If Father Emperor gave something to him, he could naturally accept it, because Father Emperor had given it to him.

But if Father Emperor refused to give it to him, then he would simply take it by force.

After all, the struggle for the position of Heir Apparent had always been like this.

They fought beyond the palace walls. The winner became the Heir Apparent; the loser became a rebel.

If one tried, there was always a chance of success. If one did not try, then there was certainly no chance of success.

As for how the history books would record it, that was for the victor to decide.

Of course, Xue Luochuan only dared to think such things for now. Actually saying them aloud was absolutely impossible.

"It is good that you understand."

"Recently, you have been spending a great deal of time with those two young ladies protected by a Titled Douluo. You gave them a residence, and you even paid for their bids at the Auction House."

Emperor Xue Ye's fingertips tapped lightly against the desk, producing a steady tapping sound.

Xue Luochuan's heart skipped a beat, but after his expression shifted slightly, he once more bowed to Emperor Xue Ye.

"Yes, Father Emperor."

"Recently, my relationship with them has indeed been quite good. However, I have no selfish motives. I simply believe they are worth recruiting, so that they may become support for our royal family."

"Although our royal family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect have always supported one another, I believe having another option would not necessarily be a bad thing. At the very least, judging from the top-tier expert they have displayed, they are no weaker than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Xue Luochuan explained with a thoroughly serious expression.

He did not deny that he had recently grown close to Qian Renxue and Bai Wanwan. Since Emperor Xue Ye had brought it up, it meant that he already knew. There was no need to deny it.

"Mm, you are right."

"Those protected by a Titled Douluo should naturally be recruited if possible. Even if they cannot be recruited, do not offend them unless absolutely necessary."

Emperor Xue Ye smiled and gave Xue Luochuan a deep look. His gaze was calm—a calmness that seemed to see through every thought in Xue Luochuan's heart.

No one knew a son better than his father.

How could he not know what Xue Luochuan was thinking, or what his purpose was in recruiting them?

He simply did not care.

Besides, a little proper competition was not entirely a bad thing. It could even allow him to see clearly who was truly most suited to become the empire's Heir.

"Heaven Dou Royal Academy is currently jointly managed by Qinghe and Xue Xing. Later, I will have Xue Xing hand his authority over to you. Go complete the handover tomorrow."

As Emperor Xue Ye spoke, he rolled up the sheet of paper before him and tossed it to Xue Luochuan. "Deliver this tomorrow as well. As for whom to give it to, you should know."

Xue Luochuan caught what Emperor Xue Ye had thrown him. He unfolded the paper and hurriedly scanned its contents, his pupils suddenly contracting.

A princely title!

The decree conferring the two princely titles, though it carried no real authority, did grant them their own fiefs.

He rolled up the paper in his hand again.

"Father Emperor, your son understands."

Xue Luochuan bowed to Emperor Xue Ye.

"Mm, you may leave."

Emperor Xue Ye gave a slight wave of his hand.

"Your son takes his leave!"

Xue Luochuan rose and headed outside, though the corners of his lips could not help but curl upward slightly.

After Xue Luochuan left, Emperor Xue Ye turned his gaze toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, his eyes gradually narrowing.

"Using this opportunity to give the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect a proper warning isn't impossible."

"Lest the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect start entertaining certain thoughts."

Emperor Xue Ye muttered to himself, his fingers lightly tapping the tabletop in a steady rhythm.

Residence.

Back Hall, inside an antique room.

Qian Renxue held Bai Wanwan in her arms like a body pillow. Her nose twitched slightly as she breathed in that faint, elusive fragrance, and the corners of her lips unconsciously lifted.

The soft body in her embrace was more comfortable than any expensive body pillow. It even gave her a sense of physical and mental contentment, as though she were holding the entire world in her arms.

Her arms tightened, drawing Bai Wanwan even closer until Bai Wanwan's back rested completely against her.

Qian Renxue rubbed her cheek against Bai Wanwan's shoulder, then gradually closed her eyes, seemingly falling asleep.

Feeling Qian Renxue's movements, Bai Wanwan did not move at all, merely serving as a qualified body pillow.

The Young Master of Spirit Hall was personally holding her while sleeping.

Did anyone else receive such treatment?

Absolutely not.

Although she was only playing the role of a body pillow, that was enough. She was not losing out at all, okay?

Bai Wanwan closed her eyes and thought silently to herself.

And strictly speaking, this was perfectly normal. After all, close sisters sleeping together was entirely normal.

Her relationship with Qian Renxue had been forged through ten years of constant companionship. Their bond had already surpassed friendship, so this was even more normal.

She softly exhaled, glanced at the time, cast aside her somewhat scattered thoughts, and closed her eyes. Before long, she too fell asleep.

The room was exceptionally quiet, with only the sound of their breathing echoing softly within it.

Second Day, early morning.

Strands of sunlight spilled across the bed.

A series of knocks woke Qian Renxue and Bai Wanwan from their sleep.

A maid's somewhat timid voice sounded from outside the door.

"Young Ladies, the Second Prince has come to visit. He is waiting in the Front Hall."