Chapter 97:- Xie Yao, Make a Fool of Yourself!

Xiao Ji was shaken.

Just one simple sentence from Xie Yao was like a surge of electricity running from the base of his spine up to his crown, making his entire scalp tingle.

“Yao-yao.”

His burning eyes were filled with desire as he lightly bit at Xie Yao’s neck, his voice hoarse with restraint. “Don’t tease me.”

This was inside a carriage.

No matter how much he wanted her, his first instinct was still restraint. To him, such a thing was nothing, but to Xie Yao, it would seem frivolous and wanton.

Xie Yao was precisely relying on this precious restraint of his to boldly provoke him.

Xiao Ji drew in a deep breath and called out to the driver outside, “Faster.”

The carriage suddenly sped up.

The jolting gallop could cover up many sounds. Xiao Ji’s calloused hand slid under her robes, skimming across her tender skin, making Xie Yao shiver uncontrollably.

Very soon, the carriage stopped.

Xie Yao was carried into the house in Xiao Ji’s arms.

His cloak concealed all signs of her current disarray. She buried her face against his chest, pretending to be asleep.

In broad daylight, outside, the sun was bright and the breeze was warm. Inside, spring was surging, filling the room with heat.

Xie Yao could flirt all she liked, but when it came to the real thing, she hesitated, her soft hands stopping Xiao Ji’s. “Your Highness, it’s still daytime…”

Xiao Ji gave a low hum, replying seriously, “Daytime is good.”

“You can see more clearly…”

As her body was carried away in the tide of passion, Xie Yao’s mind held only one thought: teasing His Highness, was something she actually quite enjoyed.

…

Just as Xiao Ji had said, Xie Yao had worried over Wei Chan’s fate that day.

But after that, there had been no further developments.

Until the Longevity Festival.

The entire nation celebrated.

All officials of fifth rank and above had the privilege of entering the palace to congratulate His Majesty.

Xie Yujiao was resplendent in brocade, decked out like a peacock. Following Song Wenbo into the palace, she carried herself with pride and arrogance.

In her past life, Xie Yao had not even qualified to attend this Longevity Festival.

She knew it, she was better than Xie Yao!

Xie Yujiao’s gaze swept over the wives of the high-ranking officials present, her heart swelling with secret pride.

These people didn’t know it yet, but she would be the wife of the Grand Chancellor one day!

Once the ministers and their families were seated, the princes and princesses entered the hall to the eunuchs’ ceremonial chants.

“The Crown Prince and Crown Princess are here!”

Xie Yujiao looked toward the doorway and saw a pair of jade-like figures walking in together.

Xiao Ji was tall and imposing, his black python robe embroidered with golden threads, exuding overwhelming nobility.

Xie Yao wore red robes embroidered with gold, the cut nearly identical to his. When they walked side by side, the golden threads shimmered as if flowing with light. From afar, they looked perfectly matched.

Xiao Ji supported Xie Yao by the hand, his manner suggesting subtle protectiveness as they walked.

Xie Yujiao clearly heard the quiet words of admiration from those around her. Inside her sleeve, her hand clenched into a fist so tightly her nails cut into her palm, yet she felt no pain.

Xie Yao!

Damn Xie Yao!

Why was it that the moment she appeared, she could steal everyone’s attention?

And Xiao Ji too…

Such a blind man, only caring about appearances and shallow to the core.

He deserved to die young!

The hatred in Xie Yujiao’s eyes was naked and unrestrained, impossible for her scheming heart to conceal.

Xie Yao naturally noticed.

Her gaze swept across Xie Yujiao’s sour face, and the corner of her lips lifted slightly.

Damn, damn, damn!

Xie Yujiao felt Xie Yao was mocking her, and inside she cursed endlessly.

What was Xie Yao being so arrogant for?

The Crown Prince would soon be dead, and then she would see how long Xie Yao could strut around.

She wanted to watch. Once the Crown Prince was gone, what kind of miserable end would Xie Yao meet?

With that thought, Xie Yujiao finally felt a measure of satisfaction.

As her rationality returned, she suddenly felt a hot, dangerous gaze fall upon her. Following the look, she saw….Wei Chan?

She gave a cold snort and turned away.

Just as Xiao Ji was helping Xie Yao sit down, Princess He Yi came over, holding a wine cup.

“Elder Brother.” Xiao Ning lifted her cup toward him. “About that matter last time, I wonder what Elder Brother has decided?”

Even now, Xiao Ning was full of confidence.

Besides her, Xiao Ji had no better choice; this was why she had felt no urgency these past few days.

She cast a pointed glance in Xiao Hong’s direction. “Some people can’t afford to wait much longer.”

At that moment, the eunuchs outside called out again, “His Majesty arrives, along with the Princess Yongle, Consort Shu, and Consort Li—”

Everyone rose to give their respects.

Xiao Ning returned to her seat, smiling at Xiao Ji. “I’ll await Elder Brother’s good news.”

Xiao Ji had not even been given a chance to reply. Hiding within his wide sleeves, he gave Xie Yao’s hand a gentle squeeze, as if to comfort her.

Xie Yao lightly squeezed back, turning her eyes up at him with a faint smile.

Consort Li’s appearance was entirely within her expectations. Having dominated the harem for so many years, she naturally had such ability.

Zhuqing, who had accompanied Xie Yao into the palace long enough to grow much more capable, whispered in her ear, “This morning, Consort Li released a kite she made with her own hands from Weiyang Palace.”

Xie Yao smiled faintly, unconcerned.

Old affections were like that, the more they were used, the less remained.

Once everyone had gathered, it was time for gift-giving.

The Emperor declared, “Today, whoever offers the gift that pleases us the most, We shall grant them one request.”

Xiao Hong’s heart surged with heat. He felt certain these words were meant for him.

He had spent a long time preparing his birthday gift, and he had full confidence in it. He had even decided what he would ask for.

He would request a marriage decree in front of everyone, after all his effort, he would have done right by Wei Chan!

Deliberately ignoring Xiao Ji, he stepped forward and said loudly, “May Father live for ten thousand years. This son has procured a rare and extraordinary Taihu stone as a birthday gift!”

With a wave of his hand, his attendants presented the stone.

The Taihu stone itself was not remarkable, but this one was naturally shaped like a true dragon!

Consort Li laughed. “Your Majesty, Hong’er has been preparing this gift since last year.”

The Emperor was in fine spirits. “Hong’er has shown great thought.”

After that came the expected offerings: the Third Prince presented a painting of his own hand, the Fourth Prince offered something ordinary, and the young Fifth Prince’s somewhat crooked written ode to longevity won a smile from His Majesty.

“Father.”

Then it was the princesses’ turn, led by Xiao Ning. Everyone tacitly ignored Crown Prince Xiao Ji.

Watching this, Xie Yujiao finally felt at ease.

In her past life, she had attended the Longevity Festival alone and suffered great humiliation. Now it was Xie Yao’s turn to taste the bitterness she once endured!

In a voice pitched just loud enough for all to hear, Xie Yujiao said, “The Crown Prince has yet to present his gift.”