...

The late autumn rain brought a chilly night, and a thick fog blanketed the area, creating a hazy, icy atmosphere.

Another night passed, and when Qingyin woke up the next day, she saw red marks all over her body, like plum blossoms imprinted on her fair skin, adding a touch of beauty and allure.

Because of a certain emperor's excessively possessive nature, Qingyin had to change into a high-necked robe to cover the red marks on her neck.

Wu Yanmeng, whom Qingyin met in the morning, was still unaware of Qingyin's worries and chattered on about what was happening in the court.

In the eerie silence, Wu Yanmeng received the emperor's decree to marry Xu Yanli.

As the princess was being married, Wu Yanmeng, who had to stay at Ascott Palace for several days to await her wedding, suffered from insomnia.

She sat blankly in the chair, with Qingyin standing beside her.

"Ayu, you know I should like Xu Yanli, but why do I feel like this marriage is happening too fast?"

Wu Yanmeng looked at Qingyin with a confused expression.

Qingyin remained silent and did not give her a reply.

"Haha, I forgot, you can't speak properly anymore. It would be nice if Ayu could get married with me." The girl laughed to herself, seemingly having relieved her worries.

As they arrived at Ascott Palace, the man who had overheard those words said unhappily:

He won't leave with you.

A figure in bright yellow walked in.

As the emperor entered, the palace servants bowed and greeted him, saying, "Your servants/your sons greet Your Majesty/Father Emperor, may Your Majesty/Father Emperor enjoy boundless blessings and peace."

Emperor Chongzhao said calmly, "Get up."

His gaze, however, fell on the red dot that Qingyin had revealed when she lowered her head.

The anger that had been caused by Xu Yanli had subsided, and she felt slightly pleased.

"Father Emperor?" Wu Yanmeng looked timidly at her suddenly arriving father Emperor, her eyes filled with inexplicable fear.

Qingyin watched that scene and sighed silently.

He couldn't help Wu Yanmeng with this matter, and if the emperor saw his actions, it would likely cause her even more harm.

Emperor Chongzhao looked at Wu Yanmeng, who was as timid as a quail, without paying any attention. But when he thought of Xu Yanli, who dared to defy the imperial decree, he remained outwardly calm but inwardly he was quite angry: "Since you are about to get married, you should stay in the palace properly and not be as wild as before."

"Yes, Father Emperor."

"You are going to get married after all, and it's not convenient for Ruyu to stay with you. Let's arrange for him to stay with me for now. You can take him with you when you leave the palace."

"Ah, okay."

Amidst Wu Yanmeng's reluctant gaze, Emperor Chongzhao took Qingyin away.

Xu Yanli, who was confined to his residence and strictly guarded by soldiers, remained calm, showing no signs of being someone closely watched by the emperor.

The fist, hidden by his sleeve, was already soaked in blood, filled with its owner's resentment.

Why is it that he couldn't protect the people he protected in his past life, and he still can't protect the people he wants to protect in this life? He doesn't believe it...

The next day, the crown prince looked at the letter that had suddenly been handed to him, his eyes dark and unfathomable.