Ye Tangtang returned to the palace with the token. Luckily, they made it just in time; the palace gates closed as soon as they stepped inside.
"Thank goodness we weren't late! If the gates had closed, we would've had to climb the wall again. Last time, I nearly broke my leg falling off."
"Me too! My mother gave me a harsh scolding afterward. Thank goodness we had a token this time."
"Little sister, where did you get your Palace Exit Token? Why does Emperor Father never give us one, only you?"
Ye Linxuan and the others all protested that it was unfair. Emperor Father had never given them a Palace Exit Token, yet he had given their little sister one. This was far too unfair. Emperor Father was playing favorites!
"Well... Emperor Father gave it to me. Maybe it's because I'm cuter o'ᆺ'o"
Ye Tangtang touched her soft little cheeks. It had to be because everyone loved her and even flowers bloomed at the sight of her! That was why Emperor Father had given her the token.
"Emperor Father really doesn't care about us at all."
"Exactly. Emperor Father doesn't love us one bit..."
"Are you talking about me?"
Suddenly, a deep voice rang out. Ye Linze and the others jolted in fright, nearly landing on their bottoms.
Ye Linxuan looked up and saw that familiar face before him. For an instant, he forgot how to move. After staring blankly for two seconds, he immediately dropped to his knees.
"Emperor Father..."
Ye Linze and Ye Linxun were so frightened that they immediately knelt as well. "F-Father..."
Ye Yubei stood beneath the moonlight in black robes, cold glints flashing across his dark gold belt.
Looking at Ye Yubei's grim face, Ye Linze was frightened almost to tears. He had always been