Late-Night Conversation

After seeing the look in Xue Ye's eyes, Xue Qinghe smiled on his refined face. He gave Xue Ye a slight nod, then began chatting with Ye Xi.

Watching the two converse, Xue Ye nodded in satisfaction. He did not interrupt them, instead listening quietly.

In Xue Ye's view, their conversation was entirely beneficial and carried no downsides.

Xue Ye even hoped that Xue Qinghe could recruit Ye Xi into the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. Although he did not yet know how powerful the force behind Ye Xi was, there was already a Titled Douluo in plain sight.

Such a force was absolutely worth the Heaven Dou Imperial Family paying a price to win over.

As he thought, Xue Ye's gaze discreetly shifted toward Ye Xi, who was seated below.

"Mm, a little girl around eight or nine years old—exactly the right age to win over."

Xue Ye mused inwardly, a trace of contemplation appearing in his eyes.

Within the vast palace hall, Ye Xi and Xue Qinghe continued talking. Ling Yuan and Tian Yao leisurely ate the delicacies before them, while Xue Ye sat in the seat of honor, seriously considering something.

The sun set in the west.

The sky gradually darkened.

After looking at the sky, Ye Xi rose to her feet and bowed to Xue Ye above.

"Your Majesty, it is getting late. We should be heading back as well."

As Ye Xi spoke, she looked at Xue Qinghe, her eyes carrying a lingering reluctance, as though they had not talked enough.

"Very well. I'll have Qinghe see you off."

Xue Ye nodded slightly, his attitude very amiable.

"Then I'll have to trouble Xue Dage."

Ye Xi's lips curved into a lovely smile, and she looked quite delighted.

"How is that any trouble?"

Xue Qinghe extended a hand in invitation. His gentle voice gave one the feeling of a spring breeze.

Ye Xi and Xue Qinghe walked toward the outside of the hall, while Ling Yuan and Tian Yao silently followed behind them.

Watching their departing figures, Xue Ye waved for the palace maids to tidy up the hall, then remained seated, quietly waiting for Xue Qinghe's return.

About twenty minutes later, Xue Qinghe reentered the hall and bowed to Xue Ye, who sat in the seat of honor.

"Father Emperor."

Xue Qinghe's respectful voice echoed softly through the hall.

"Mm."

"Qinghe, what do you think of that little girl Ye Xi?"

Xue Ye lightly raised a hand, signaling Xue Qinghe to rise, before asking for his opinion.

"Father Emperor, I believe Ye Xi is someone worth recruiting."

"Both her own talent and the force behind her are worth us winning over."

After pondering briefly, Xue Qinghe gave his answer.

Upon hearing this answer, Xue Ye nodded approvingly.

"Qinghe, you are right."

"I can see that she thinks well of you. You should spend more time with her recently."

"But you must not rush it. Take it slowly."

Xue Ye gave the instruction seriously, his expression somewhat stern.

"Father Emperor, rest assured."

"I know what to do."

Xue Qinghe answered decisively, his voice brimming with confidence.

"Good."

Xue Ye nodded in satisfaction, his gaze toward Xue Qinghe full of praise.

The more he looked at Xue Qinghe now, the more outstanding he found his heir to be. Then, when he thought of the Fourth Prince, Xue Beng, the two were simply incomparable.

"Qinghe, it is getting late. You should return and rest as well."

Xue Ye stood and walked toward the rear hall.

"Yes, Father Emperor."

Watching Xue Ye leave, Xue Qinghe also headed toward his residence.

After returning to his residence, Xue Qinghe sat in the seat of honor, his gaze passing through the window as he quietly watched the view ahead.

"She Long, make preparations. We are leaving the imperial palace tonight."

Xue Qinghe's voice rang out in the room.

The moment his voice fell, She Long's figure appeared in the room.

But She Long said nothing. After bowing to Xue Qinghe, he silently withdrew.

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

After returning to the hotel, Ye Xi looked at Ling Yuan Elder and Tian Yao and said softly, "Ling Yuan Elder, Sister Tian Yao, tomorrow we'll head to Dugu Bo's residence."

As Ye Xi spoke, she picked up a teacup and poured herself a cup of water.

"Yes, Second Young Lady."

Ling Yuan Elder nodded slightly, agreeing without hesitation.

"Second Young Lady, will the Young Master come tonight?"

Tian Yao sat down beside Ye Xi, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Big Sister will come, though it may be rather late."

Ye Xi's voice was very calm.

"Then I'll wait for the Young Master here with you."

As Tian Yao spoke, a smile rose to her lips.

"Alright."

Ye Xi nodded lightly and agreed at once.

"Then I'll return to my room first."

"If anything comes up, just call for me."

After bowing to Ye Xi, Ling Yuan Elder left the room.

After Ling Yuan Elder departed, Ye Xi sat there and thought for a moment. Then, she took out some paper and a brush and began writing in silence.

Seeing Ye Xi's focused expression, Tian Yao did not speak again to disturb her. Instead, she sat cross-legged on the bed and began Meditative Cultivation.

Before long, Ye Xi finished writing a letter. After scanning its contents and confirming there were no issues, she placed it inside an envelope.

Once everything was done, Ye Xi leaned back in her chair. Her sapphire-blue eyes gradually closed as she rested with her eyes shut.

As time continued to pass, there was suddenly a knock on the room's door.

Ye Xi and Tian Yao opened their eyes almost simultaneously. After exchanging a glance, Tian Yao took the initiative to answer the door.

When the door opened, Qian Renxue, dressed in a light-golden Palace Dress, appeared before them.

"Young Master."

Tian Yao's voice was filled with excitement as she looked at Qian Renxue.

"Mm."

"It's been a long time, Tian Yao."

Qian Renxue smiled at Tian Yao and walked straight into the room.

She Long, who had come with Qian Renxue, silently remained standing at the doorway.

Qian Renxue came over and sat beside Ye Xi, reaching out to gently stroke Ye Xi's hair.

"Xiao Xi, you did an excellent job with Xue Beng."

"You may not know this, but most of Prince Xue Xing's authority has now been handed over to me."

Qian Renxue revealed a breathtaking smile, looking exceptionally pleased.

"Big Sister, I expected that to happen. I just didn't know how much of Xue Xing's authority would end up in your hands."

A smile likewise appeared on Ye Xi's face. She then took out the envelope she had prepared long ago and handed it to Qian Renxue.

"Big Sister, take a look at this letter. If there are no problems, I'd like Yang Wushuang to personally deliver it to the Breaking Clan."