The Emperor's Act, Ye Yunxi

"Xue Qinghe, for what reason did the princes before you die? You and I both know the truth, so stop putting on this act of a good person for my benefit."

Prince Xue Xing's complexion shifted from its original pallor to one of intense fury.

He had been only a moment away from capturing Ye Yunxi, which would have given him leverage over Xue Qinghe. But why did Xue Qinghe have to arrive at this exact, critical juncture?

"Prince Xue Xing, I know nothing of what you speak, but since you laid hands on my person, you are as good as dead."

Qian Renxue's expression was one of rage; how could she allow anyone to touch her own people?

Standing behind Qian Renxue, Ye Yunxi blinked her peach-blossom eyes and chimed in:

"Exactly, exactly! I already told you before that I am the Crown Prince's person. Now do you know what fear is?"

The moment the words left her lips, Ye Yunxi sensed Qian Renxue's gaze, which was light yet carried a hint of displeasure.

"Your tongue is far too sharp. Shut your mouth, I will deal with you when we return," Qian Renxue said sternly.

"Understood, understood. I'll give you face while we're out, but once we're back, you won't have a shred of it left."

Ye Yunxi pursed her lips and let out a soft huff, her face full of defiance.

"If I hadn't arrived in time, you might have already fallen into his hands. Are you trying to make others cuckold me?"

Qian Renxue gritted her teeth, wanting to discipline Ye Yunxi, but she held back. She still had to dispose of Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng.

Although this little enchantress loved to run wild, she had indeed provided her with leverage against Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng.

Everyone wanted to seize some handle on Ye Yunxi to threaten her, but they had all guessed wrong. Ye Yunxi was not a docile creature, and that was not even accounting for Porcupinefish Douluo protecting her from the shadows.

It could only be said that Xue Beng had acted sooner than she anticipated, so she could hardly blame her for this.

"Xue Qinghe, even if you are the Crown Prince, you have yet to ascend the throne as Emperor. I am still the brother of Emperor Xue Ye; what do you think you are doing?"

Prince Xue Xing coughed a few times and struggled to stand up; the force of the kick Xue Qinghe had delivered earlier was not light.

"Since ancient times, the imperial family has been heartless; there are some truths you must understand. I will plead your case to the Father Emperor, but you kidnapped the person who will be my future Empress. Since you have done this, let the people of the Empire be the judge."

Qian Renxue immediately shouted:

"Guards!"

The next moment, the Imperial Guard patrolling the empire arrived in a grand, imposing formation, hauling Prince Xue Xing up.

"What do you intend to do? I tell you, Xue Qinghe, if you dare to act recklessly, don't even think about sitting comfortably on that throne."

Prince Xue Xing roared, for he still held one final trump card: Dugu Bo.

"What do I intend to do? Naturally, we are going to see the Father Emperor. You lot, take him to the Father Emperor's palace."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

On the way to the palace, the Imperial Guard marched in perfect unison, escorting the dejected Prince Xue Xing at the front.

Ye Yunxi followed behind Qian Renxue, rubbing her wrists, which had been chafed red by the hemp rope. Her peach-blossom eyes were watery as she leaned in close to Qian Renxue, her voice weak and filled with grievance:

"You really can't blame me! It was that old thing Xue Xing who moved to kidnap me first; I am the victim here."

Qian Renxue glanced at her sideways. Seeing her on the verge of tears, the anger that had reached her lips was instantly stifled.

It was clearly this little enchantress who had provoked Hu Liena first, giving Prince Xue Xing his opportunity, yet she insisted on acting so innocent.

She gritted her teeth and lowered her voice to issue a warning:

"When we reach the palace, you know what should and should not be said. Do not speak nonsense and cause This Seat to lose face."

She paused, then added in a slightly softer tone:

"However, you did help a great deal this time. I was previously worried about lacking a legitimate reason to deal with Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng, but now it is settled. They delivered themselves to my doorstep, and the Father Emperor will find no fault in this."

Upon hearing this, Ye Yunxi's eyes lit up instantly. Gone was any trace of grievance; she straightened her back, lifted her chin triumphantly, and looked as if her tail were about to wag in the air:

"That's right! Don't look at anyone else, look at who helped you! How about..."

The words "how about" had barely left her lips when Qian Renxue suddenly quickened her pace, charging forward without looking back.

She knew this little enchantress's nature all too well; nothing good ever followed that phrase. It would either be a request to extend her vacation, a demand for a spirit bone, or perhaps some other outrageous request.

Ye Yunxi's words caught in her throat as she watched Qian Renxue's long-striding back, and she stomped her feet in frustration:

"Hey! Xue Qinghe! Why are you running! I haven't finished speaking yet!"

She hurried to catch up, her small steps moving rapidly as she shouted:

"Are you feeling guilty? Are you trying to welch on a debt? I'm telling you, this isn't over!"

The Imperial Guard in front heard every word clearly, but each one buried their head lower, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Who didn't know that the Crown Prince feared nothing under heaven, yet was completely helpless against this Imperial Concubine? She was pampered and protected, and yet she always had him wrapped around her finger.

Qian Renxue turned a deaf ear, her pace only quickening, leaving behind nothing but a tall, upright silhouette and the huffing, puffing Ye Yunxi chasing after her.

The palace of Qianren City suddenly became lively, with many ministers and palace maids gathering to take a look.

When they saw that the Imperial Guard was escorting Prince Xue Xing, the brother of Emperor Xue Ye, they were struck with terror.

What kind of spectacle was unfolding this time?

Not long ago, Xue Beng had just tried to kidnap Ye Yunxi, and before that had even settled down, he had gone and stirred up so much trouble again.

In the imperial palace hall, Qian Renxue pushed open the doors and walked inside. Many ministers were currently discussing matters with Emperor Xue Ye.

When everyone saw Qian Renxue, Ye Yunxi, and Prince Xue Xin being escorted in, they were all taken aback.

"Qian Renxue, what is the meaning of this? Why have you brought Prince Xue Xin here under guard?"

Emperor Xue Ye looked at his younger brother being escorted in such a manner, momentarily stunned.

His nephew was still in the dungeon, so what had his uncle gone and done now?

"Imperial Father, Prince Xue Xin kidnapped my concubine outside the Soul Fighting Arena and even attempted to use her to threaten me."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall was shocked.

"That's right, that's right, I was almost..."

Ye Yunxi blinked her rosy peach-blossom eyes, and tears began to stream uncontrollably from the corners of her eyes.

Her aggrieved appearance, with her body even trembling, left the ministers and Emperor Xue Ye in disbelief.

Watching Ye Yunxi, who was deeply immersed in her role, Qian Renxue couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Is this little enchantress's acting a bit too over the top?

"That is clearly slander! Who can prove it?"

Prince Xue Xing looked at Ye Yunxi and gritted his teeth.

"Wuwu, it was clearly you who did it, yet you refuse to admit it. If the Crown Prince hadn't arrived in time, you would likely be showing a different face right now."

Ye Yunxi pointed at Prince Xue Xing, speaking in an aggrieved tone.

"You!"

"Enough!"

Just as Prince Xue Xing wanted to continue, Emperor Xue Ye shouted to stop him.

"Xue Xing, you have disappointed me too much. Go to the dungeon and reflect on your actions for a while."

Thanks to Time Fades Memories- for the tip.