Consort of a Thousand Faces

Seeing that her aim was accomplished, Su Xi-er tugged at the hem of Pei Qianhao's sleeves and softly suggested, "Prince Hao, we should be heading back since the Dragon Boat Night Banquet has been cancelled."

 

Ning Lianchen was stunned upon seeing her actions; she was acting like a shy woman. Imperial Elder Sister didn't act this way Yun Ruofeng, even when she loved him. But in front of Prince Hao, she actually… Ning Lianchen couldn't help but take a few more glances at Pei Qianhao.

 

It was during one of those glances that Ning Lianchen just so happened to meet with Pei Qianhao's gaze, catching a hint of smugness hidden within the latter’s dark orbs.

 

"Alright, let's head back," Pei Qianhao nodded, and turned to walk out of the boat.

 

"Prince Hao, it's already late. You can rest on the boat instead of returning to the posthouse." Yun Ruofeng's placid voice sounded.

 

Pei Qianhao didn’t turn around when he replied. "Might as well."

 

Before he had even finished the sentence, Pei Qianhao’s figure had already disappeared from the main hall.

 

Without Pei Qianhao and Su Xi-er around, the atmosphere became even more awkward. Ning Anlian herself was unwilling to break the silence, her lips remaining tightly pressed together.

 

Yun Ruofeng looked towards Wei Guang, causing the latter to tremble in silence. He can't shirk responsibility for the Dragon Boat Night Banquet ending prematurely.

 

"Wei Mohai, it is inconvenient for this Prince to deal with this relative of yours, so I will hand him to you. As for the Wei Miss' case, you shall be in charge of the investigation." Yun Ruofeng’s gentle expression remained as he issued his orders, but the serious tone in which they came sent Wei Guang’s heart into a frenzy.

 

Wei Mohai bowed and acknowledged the order. "This subordinate understands." He then gestured for Wei Guang to follow him. Not daring to disobey, Wei Guang quickly got up and followed Wei Mohai out of the main hall.

 

In the main hall, Ning Lianchen looked at Ning Anlian. "Imperial Elder Sister, are you afraid of guarding the Imperial Mausoleum for three years? This Emperor must say that if you hadn’t come tonight, none of this would have happened. If you really end up in the Imperial Mausoleum, you have only yourself to blame."

 

Yun Ruofeng waved his hand. "Enough, you may leave. Your Majesty can stop worrying; this Prince will handle this matter."

 

"Even this Emperor is unable to handle this matter, but it will be interesting to see how you handle Imperial Elder Sister’s tantrum, Prince Yun." Ning Lianchen’s words were filled with an underlying meaning, but nobody responded as he walked out of the main hall, his face full of smiles.

 

Just as he was about to alight the Dragon Boat, Ning Lianchen caught sight of a couple standing and kissing on the bow of a boat in the distance.

 

The moonlight shone on the pair, revealing the picturesque visage of the pair. Ning Lianchen looked clearly. It is Imperial Elder Sister and Pei Qianhao!

 

He saw Pei Qianhao's arm hooked around his Imperial Elder Sister's waist, and instead of rejecting him, the latter had her arms around Pei Qianhao’s neck.

 

Ning Lianchen's eyes narrowed briefly before they returned to normal. Imperial Elder Sister, have you truly fallen in love in this lifetime? Can Prince Hao shelter you from the wind and rain? When forced to make a choice, will Prince Hao choose you, or to keep his power?

 

Ning Lianchen clenched his fists tightly. Imperial Sister, I will support you in whatever makes you happy; but when it comes to choosing a husband, he must get past me first. At this thought, Ning Lianchen couldn't help but sigh. Even if I want to screen Pei Qianhao, my current influence is so low that it would only result in Prince Hao ignoring me.

 

That’s why, if I want to do anything, I have to be powerful. Filled with determination, Ning Lianchen’s eyes were bright as he slowly walked down from the boat.

 

Just as Ning Lianchen alighted the boat, he saw Grand Tutor Liu rapidly approaching before bowing and paying his respects.

 

From the looks of it, this is no coincidence; Grand Tutor Liu has been waiting here for some time now.