Chapter 63: He Wanted to Bully Her Fiercely

At the mention of “last night,” Xie Yao’s face instantly flushed red.

Xiao Ji’s gaze carried such overwhelming pressure, as though he wanted to see straight through her, that she instinctively took a step back…

It did not work.

With a sweep of his long arm, Xiao Ji encircled her waist.

Xie Yao was pulled against his chest. Her hands pressed against him, her misty eyes filled with innocence as she murmured softly, “Your Highness.”

Trapped in his embrace, her body was frighteningly honest.

Just by breathing in Xiao Ji’s presence, she went soft, like water melting against him.

He lowered his eyes to look at her, his throat moving.

All his life he had been proud and restrained. In twenty-two years, he had kept himself clean, unsullied by any woman.

Yet Xie Yao’s sudden appearance had easily broken through every one of his defenses. Just looking at her now…

He wanted nothing more than to bully her fiercely.

He had never thought he would ever lose control so completely.

His hand slid downward, settling on the place most familiar to him, her delicate waist, narrow and fragile in his palm.

Last night, it was her waist he had gripped.

“Serve me.”

Xiao Ji’s voice was hoarse, already heavy with desire.

Xie Yao quickly lifted the bowl, offering it to him.

He took it, raised his head, and drained it in one swallow. But before she could react, he covered her lips with his.

He forced the soup into her mouth, feeding her every drop.

Xie Yao couldn’t breathe, forced to accept passively.

“The one who needs the tonic… is the Crown Princess.” With that, Xiao Ji scooped her up in his arms and strode into the inner room.

…

The next morning, when Xie Yao awoke, the skies were still heavy and gray, fine rain pattering endlessly. The air was thick with dampness.

That was when she saw Xie Zhan again, the boy she had brought home yesterday.

Though the Crown Prince’s residence offered the best conditions, it was clear he hadn’t slept well. His little face was sallow, his frame thin and frail.

“E-Elder Sister.”

On seeing her, Xie Zhan instinctively started to kneel, but then remembered her words from yesterday and froze awkwardly.

“Do not fear.” Xie Yao’s voice was slightly hoarse but gentle. She first asked him about his past life.

Xie Zhan’s father had been a scholar. His birth mother had died early. His father, weak and sickly, had passed away two years ago. He had grown up to this age only by relying on support from the clan.

Xie Yao had already known all this, but she asked again anyway.

Her voice was warm. “Now that you are my younger brother, stay here in peace. I will invite tutors to teach you reading and martial skills. If anyone bullies you, tell me.”

Her tone was gentle as a spring breeze. Xie Zhan’s long-tightened heartstrings suddenly loosened. His eyes, looking at her, brimmed with gratitude.

“Yes, Elder Sister.”

As soon as Xie Zhan was led away, Zhuxin hurried in, her face tight with anger.

“Crown Princess.” The matter was grave, and she dared not conceal it. “This morning, rumors suddenly spread outside.”

“They… they say that you are an ill-omened person.”

Zhuxin’s face was full of indignation, wishing she could drag out the culprit and punish them on the spot.

From her expression, Xie Yao already knew there was more. “And?”

Zhuxin’s voice dropped as she continued, “They say you killed Madam at birth, that you cursed Second Young Lady and that the first time you entered the palace, you cursed Princess He Yi…”

After finishing, Zhuxin quickly added, “I had it checked. This rumor came from the Xie household. As soon as it spread, it caught fire everywhere. By now, the whole capital must know.”

If Zhuxin could discover it, then surely every other noble house in the capital already knew as well. Who knew how much they were laughing behind closed doors.

“Madam Zhang?” Xie Yao frowned.

Zhuxin shook her head. “It was Third Young Lady and Eldest Young Master.”

Xie Yuru and Xie Jing.

That pair of siblings, just after returning to the Xie household yesterday, they already dared strike against her… how bold.

“Two fools,” Xie Yao said with disdain. “They don’t even realize they’re being used as pawns.”

This matter was surely tied to Madam Zhang.

She had controlled the Xie family for many years. Xie Jing and Xie Yuru had only just returned, and still depended on her hand to survive.

How else could they know her secrets so quickly?

Madam Zhang…

Just then, Zhuqing rushed in from outside, speaking in a low voice. “Crown Princess, according to your instructions, yesterday I had people watch the Xie residence. Early this morning, Madam Zhang slipped out the back gate and went to the Zhang family.”

The Zhang family.

Xie Yao’s eyes narrowed, stray clues swiftly weaving into a line in her mind. Her reclined body straightened at once.

“Keep watch on the Imperial Diviner Manor—”

Before she finished speaking, a figure appeared at the doorway. Xiao Ji strode in. “The Imperial Diviner just left for the Zhang family.”

“Your Highness.” Xie Yao bit her lip.

This time… it was aimed at her.

Xiao Ji came forward and took her hand, only then noticing her fingers were cool.

Ill-omened.

That was the label Madam Zhang had placed on her. But if the Imperial Diviner involved himself, it likely connected to the favored imperial concubine in the palace.

Her mind went back to the day when the Imperial Diviner had entered the palace for a secret discussion with the emperor.

Was it also related to this?

Although the Imperial Diviner lived in seclusion, his standing in Xia was extraordinary.

If he truly targeted her, then she could only…

“It is fine.”

Xiao Ji gave her a reassuring look, holding her hand as he led her outside. “Come with me.”

Her cool fingers warmed in his grasp, her heart finally steadying, her unease easing.

When the two reached the gates of the Crown Prince’s residence, they found a crowd already gathered outside.

At its center stood a monk in robes, his bearing calm and serene, and his eyes filled with compassion.

From the reverent looks of the people around him, it was clear he was a revered monk.

“Master Wufa.”

Xiao Ji placed his hands together before his chest and bowed slightly, showing the utmost respect.

Master Wufa was a renowned monk of their time, revered for his deep understanding of the Dharma. Xie Yao never expected him to appear here, and quickly imitated Xiao Ji’s gesture. “Master Wufa.”

The monk’s compassionate gaze fell on her. With a warm smile that inspired goodwill at first glance, he looked straight at her.

Especially that gaze…

Xie Yao felt as though all her secrets had already been laid bare.

“This female benefactor is truly one blessed with fortune.” Before the crowd, Master Wufa actually bowed to Xie Yao.

Caught off guard, she could not avoid it, flustered. “Master…”

“I must enter the palace to meet His Majesty.” Master Wufa’s voice was mild and gentle. “Benefactor, follow your heart.”

As swiftly as he came, he departed, surrounded by the crowd, heading in the direction of the palace.

But among the people, many scattered in all directions, clearly intending to spread the master’s words about the Crown Princess.

Xie Yao turned to Xiao Ji, lips pressed together. “Was Master Wufa invited by Your Highness?”

Xiao Ji did not answer immediately, his expression rather odd.

He had indeed invited the man but he had not asked him to say so much…