Chapter 96:- Favoring the Second Prince as Heir?

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the end of the sixth month.

The Longevity Festival was at the beginning of the seventh month.

Though it had been only half a month since the downfall of the Li family, all the capital now brimmed with nothing but joy at the coming celebrations.

Even Xiao Hong and Xiao Ning, who had just lost their maternal uncle, were happily making preparations for the festival.

“Crown Princess.”

Xie Yao was about to leave the palace that day when a voice suddenly called out.

She turned her head…..

A youth in crimson stood not far away, his wild long hair tied high with a red silk ribbon, for he had not yet come of age to wear the crown cap.

Xiao Ming!

He stood with arms crossed, chin lifted, the very image of youthful arrogance and fiery pride.

But on closer look, one could see in his eyes an unhidden restlessness and gloom.

“Fourth Prince,” Xie Yao said softly.

Xiao Ming’s expression was uneasy. Though he had been out of his senses that last time, the memory of pain remained vivid.

At the sight of her… he felt a faint ache between his legs!

Such a delicate young lady, yet her hand had been ruthless.

“About last time… sorry.” His words were awkward. “But next time, Crown Princess, don’t be so foolish, don’t let yourself be tricked again.”

With that, Xiao Ming turned to leave.

That he had come to apologize at all was already for the Crown Prince’s sake. Otherwise… he would never have.

“Your Highness, please wait.”

Xie Yao’s voice stopped him.

He turned back, arms crossed, frowning. “I didn’t mean it, I already apologized. What more do you want?”

“…”

This temper was truly volatile.

“I did not feel any sincerity in Your Highness’s apology.” Her gaze shifted, her tone equally blunt.

With someone like Xiao Ming, she could have chosen to play weak, as she once did with Xiao Ji.

But against her instincts, she chose another way.

Xiao Ming’s breathing grew harsh at once, his temper flaring. “Don’t think too much of yourself. If it weren’t for my brother’s sake, I wouldn’t—”

Brother?

The Crown Prince?

“Very well,” Xie Yao said. “I will tell His Highness that this was how the Fourth Prince apologized.”

Xiao Ming nearly exploded on the spot, glaring at her. “What exactly do you want?!”

“If Your Highness wishes to apologize, then see a physician. I would not want the Fourth Prince to harm me again next time—”

Before she could finish, he let out a cold laugh and vanished from sight.

Xie Yao did not hurry.

She had only been testing him with her words.

That day when the Crown Prince spoke of the Fourth Prince, though he said little, his concern was plain. Their brotherhood seemed strong.

The Fourth Prince was indeed pitiful, trapped by shadows.

But if it were her, she would choose to break through those shackles and uncover the true culprit.

That was the real sinner, so why should they roam free in joy?

And besides, Consort Li had reigned supreme in the harem for many years, the undisputed champion of palace intrigue.

Even though she was now confined and under suspicion from His Majesty, Xie Yao did not underestimate her.

To deal with her, every possible ally must be united.

As she pondered this and turned, she caught sight of someone nearby.

Wei Chan.

“Third Young Lady?” Xie Yao was a little surprised and walked forward.

Wei Chan curtsied. “Greetings, Crown Princess. I did not mean to eavesdrop. Today His Majesty summoned me, and I merely passed by.”

Naturally, Xie Yao did not suspect her. Smiling, she said, “Third Young Lady, there is no need for formality.”

Since both were leaving the palace, they went out together.

Wei Chan walked half a step behind her.

“Having returned from the northern frontier, has the Third Young Lady grown accustomed to the capital again?” Xie Yao asked gently, her tone full of concern.

Wei Chan’s voice was clear. “I am well accustomed. Besides, His Majesty shows me much care, for which I am deeply grateful.”

Hm?

What did she mean by that?

Xie Yao glanced at her, puzzled.

Wei Chan continued, “But I have lived at the border for years, with no heart for marriage. I hope the Crown Princess will understand.”

The emperor was meddling in Wei Chan’s marriage.

Xie Yao’s eyes flickered, and she smiled. “It is only His Majesty’s concern. I wonder, which young gentleman has earned the emperor’s personal attention?”

Wei Chan’s expression grew meaningful. In a low voice, she said, “The Second Prince has yet to marry a principal wife.”

Xie Yao’s heart sank.

What did the emperor mean by this?!

The Wei family was the Crown Prince’s maternal clan, yet His Majesty meant to marry Wei Chan to Xiao Hong? With Xiao Hong’s character… could it be that the emperor favored him as heir?

By then, they had already reached the palace gates.

Xiao Ji came forward to greet them, exchanged a few words with Wei Chan, and then they parted ways.

Only then did Xie Yao tell him what Wei Chan had said.

But Xiao Ji was calm, as if unsurprised. Patiently, he asked, “Does the Crown Princess know the reason?”

She considered it. “Your Highness, it is said the Third Prince is weak and not favored. The Fourth Prince’s temper… and the Fifth Prince is too young.”

She understood all that.

But Xiao Hong was still a wretch, hardly better than the rest!

“Your Highness, we cannot just watch as the Third Young Lady falls into a pit of fire!” She truly liked Wei Chan.

“Yao-yao is clever,” Xiao Ji said. “But do not worry too much. This matter is not so simple.”

“Hm?”

She looked at him, ears pricked for more.

“Our emperor in recent years is very suspicious. Some things he may grant, but he dislikes being seen through.”

There was mockery in his tone. “The more Xiao Hong schemes, the less likely it will succeed.”

Xiao Hong… his ambition was as plain as Sima Zhao’s heart, known to all.

He truly thought everyone else was a fool to be played.

“That is good.” Xie Yao sighed in relief.

Xiao Ji pinched her earlobe. “Yao-yao worries much for her?”

“Your Highness’s cousin is my cousin. Of course I care.” She spoke as if it were only natural.

Tenderly, Xiao Ji kissed her forehead.

Skin against skin, breath mingled.

Xie Yao looped her arms around his neck, tilting her head to capture his lips. “Your Highness…”

Her health was good, the child in her belly steady. Yet Xiao Ji, mindful of both her and the baby, restrained himself.

And lately, with her busy over the festival preparations, she had been too weary to tease him further.

But her kiss seemed to flip a hidden switch in him. His body stiffened, pulling her tight into his arms, his voice thick with sigh. “Yao-yao.”

Just one kiss, one soft “Your Highness,” and his reason collapsed, his self-control in ruins.

Her lashes brushed his face, tickling softly.

She bit lightly at his cool lips, as if punishing his distraction, her cheeks flushed red, her voice tender but resolute.

“Your Highness… I want you.”

Cultural Notes:

• Sima Zhao’s heart: A Chinese idiom meaning ambition so obvious that everyone can see it.