Dugu Bo's Choice

As he listened to Ye Xi, an almost imperceptible killing intent flashed through Dugu Bo's eyes. His hand slowly clenched into a fist, but when he saw Ling Yuan beside Ye Xi, he gave up on the idea of making a move.

Dugu Bo could be said to be impervious to both threats and persuasion. The only person he cared about was his granddaughter, Dugu Yan.

If Ye Xi truly could cure the poison, then giving her the Medicine Garden in Sunset Forest would be no great loss. After all, to Dugu Bo, the Medicine Garden's greatest use was merely suppressing the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison.

What Dugu Bo found truly difficult to accept was the condition that he serve Ye Xi for ten years. Dugu Bo was not afraid of loneliness; what he feared most was having his freedom restricted.

Dugu Bo turned the teacup in his hand, his thoughts churning as his gaze gradually settled on Ye Xi.

"Can you really cure the poison?"

Dugu Bo's voice had returned to calmness.

Ye Xi, who had just reached the entrance of the great hall, gradually smiled upon hearing Dugu Bo's words.

Because she knew that once Dugu Bo asked that question, the matter was essentially settled.

"Of course."

"After all, there is no need for me to make a joke out of Senior."

"And I can add one more condition: I will not restrict your freedom. Unless necessary, I will not ask you to do anything."

Ye Xi silently raised one finger, adding an extra condition to show her sincerity.

"Mm..."

"I'll consider it and give you my answer tomorrow."

Dugu Bo set down his teacup, clasped his hands behind his back, and headed toward his residence.

Watching Dugu Bo leave, Ye Xi smiled and walked straight into the mansion's great hall.

Dugu Bo's matter had been dealt with for the time being.

Next, naturally, was Xue Beng's matter.

"Sister Tian Yao, bring Xue Beng with you. It is time for us to return to the hotel."

As soon as Ye Xi entered the great hall, she saw the Fourth Prince Xue Beng, his face covered in bruises.

Tian Yao sat in a chair, leisurely eating fruit. From time to time, she glanced at Xue Beng as though she might strike him at any moment.

"Are we leaving?"

Tian Yao set down the fruit in her hand and prepared to grab the Fourth Prince Xue Beng from the ground, but Ling Yuan beat her to it.

"Miss Tian Yao, leave this sort of thing to me."

Ling Yuan picked Xue Beng up. Upon discovering that his injuries were all superficial, she paid him no further attention.

"All right."

After answering, Tian Yao walked over to Ye Xi's side.

Just as the group was preparing to leave the mansion, Yun Jin, the mansion's former owner, approached them.

"Young Miss, I will have the mansion cleaned up in two days."

"You can move in directly when the time comes."

As Yun Jin looked at Ye Xi and the others, his voice unconsciously took on a respectful tone.

"Mm, I understand."

Ye Xi nodded lightly, then walked out of the mansion and headed toward the hotel.

Tian Yao and Ling Yuan silently followed at Ye Xi's side.

Elsewhere.

Tiandou Imperial Palace.

Within the magnificent great hall, Xue Ye threw the memorial in his hand at Prince Xue Xing below.

"That unfilial brat Xue Beng!"

Xue Ye heavily slapped the armrest of the Dragon Throne and looked at Prince Xue Xing below. "Didn't you say you would properly discipline Xue Beng?"

"Is this how you discipline him, Xue Xing?"

"Before, he merely fought cocks, played with birds, and occasionally harassed respectable women. Now he even dares provoke a Titled Douluo!"

Xue Ye's chest heaved, his tone filled with rage.

"Your Majesty, I have been busy with affairs recently and neglected to discipline him, which is why this happened."

"We should now think of a way to bring Xue Beng back."

Prince Xue Xing stood quietly below with his head lowered.

"Busy with affairs?"

"Then hand some of those matters over to Qinghe."

"You need not concern yourself with Xue Beng's matter. Leave it to Qinghe."

With a wave of his hand, Xue Ye looked toward Xue Qinghe standing nearby. "Qinghe, coordinate the transfer of duties with Xue Xing shortly."

"Then go handle Xue Beng's matter. As for the conditions they proposed, it would be fine to agree to them."

As Xue Ye spoke, he let out a deep breath.

"Yes, Father."

"I will handle this matter properly. Please rest assured, Father."

Xue Qinghe respectfully bowed. He appeared calm on the surface, but inwardly, he was overjoyed.

As expected of my good little sister. What a wonderful assist.

Xue Qinghe secretly thought to himself.

He had not even done anything in Tiandou Imperial Palace, yet he had already taken some authority from Prince Xue Xing. How could he not be pleased?

Prince Xue Xing, standing below, had just wanted to say something when Xue Ye's furious glare forced the words back down his throat.

"All right, you may all leave."

Xue Ye waved his hand and headed toward the rear hall.

After Xue Ye left, Xue Qinghe walked straight to Prince Xue Xing's side.

"Uncle, let us go transfer the duties."

"Once that is done, I can go deal with Xue Beng's matter as soon as possible."

"No matter what, Xue Beng is a prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. It would be best to bring him back quickly."

Xue Qinghe's voice was gentle and refined.

"Ah, let's go."

Prince Xue Xing glanced at Xue Qinghe and let out a helpless sigh.

The two left the palace hall together to transfer their duties.

The sun set in the west.

The sky gradually darkened.

In a quiet little courtyard, Dugu Bo lay on a rattan chair, silently gazing at the starry sky as thoughts churned in his eyes.

"Grandpa, why are you still lying here?"

A sweet voice rang out in the courtyard.

Dugu Bo looked over and saw his granddaughter Dugu Yan walking toward him.

"Yan Yan, weren't you at Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"

"Why did you suddenly come back?"

Dugu Bo sat up from the rattan chair. A rare smile appeared on his somewhat aged face.

"Grandpa, I missed you."

"So I came back to see you."

Dugu Yan sat beside Dugu Bo, picked up the teapot placed nearby, and poured two cups of Clear Tea.

One was for Dugu Bo, while she drank the other herself.

Dugu Bo accepted the teacup but did not drink. Instead, he looked at Dugu Yan before him, deep contemplation appearing in his eyes.

"Grandpa, what are you thinking about?"

Dugu Yan waved a hand before Dugu Bo's eyes.

"Nothing."

"What could Grandpa possibly be thinking about?"

After taking a sip of Clear Tea, Dugu Bo placed the cup aside, leaned back, and lay down on the rattan chair.

If that little girl really can cure the poison, then agreeing to her conditions would be no great loss.

Dugu Bo silently thought as his eyes gradually closed.

Although Dugu Bo feared having his freedom restricted, compared to his granddaughter, he decisively chose his granddaughter.

Was it not merely a Medicine Garden and ten years of serving that little girl?

Compared to his granddaughter Dugu Yan, none of that mattered at all.