Chapter 7
"That's not necessary. This is a private matter between Miss Gong and me, and has nothing to do with His Highness Gong Yu."
"As Miss Mingxue's cousin, it's reasonable for my prince to compensate her, right?"
I'd long heard that Gong Che, Gong Yuchen's "uncle," wanted to strengthen his relationship with the Western Yi royal family and betroth his daughter, Gong Mingxue, to Gong Yuchen as Crown Princess. Could the rumors be true? Did Gong Yuchen also have feelings for Gong Mingxue? But it didn't seem likely.
His joy was gone, and his anger immediately rose. If his opponent was Gong Yuchen, would he still have a chance of winning? He sighed and took a sip of the cold tea.
He took another look at the jade pendant. Damn it, God! Gong Yuchen has everything going for him. I wonder if it's too late to make any effort now.
Indeed, he had developed feelings for Gong Mingxue. He boasted of having seen many beauties, but she was at best delicate and pretty, so it wasn't her looks that attracted him, but her temperament. But even he couldn't tell when it all started. Perhaps it was because she didn't fawn over him like other noble ladies, never even giving him a glance? Or perhaps it was her unusual way of thinking that piqued his interest. It was unbearable. How could he have fallen for that thick-skinned, heartless woman?
He couldn't help but sigh. Could it be that... this means that his relationship will end in failure?
"Second Master Li?"
"Does Miss Gong agree to this?" He struggled once more in his dying moments.
"This is what my prince wants."
Li Fei paused while fiddling with the teacup.
"Take this back first. As for the account between me and Miss Gong, I will ask her first. After all, she is the person involved. Without her knowledge, His Highness Gong Yu is overstepping his authority by doing this."
It seems necessary to have a good talk with the debtor.
"Okay, then I'll take my leave. Please forgive me for disturbing you."
"Oh, yes, there's one more thing."
"Mr. Li, please speak."
"I wonder if His Highness Gongyu is engaged to Miss Gong?"
"ah?"
"Forget it, just pretend I didn't ask. Go away."
"Uncle Liefeng, did Daddy ask you to get these?" Xiaoyue pointed at the gold and silver beads and various jewels on the table.
"Yes, these are all prepared by His Highness for Miss Yue'er."
"But these are so tacky! So ugly! I'm never going out with these."
"So what does Miss like? When Miss Mingxue comes, would you mind going with her to buy it?"
"Where's Daddy?"
"His Highness is not at home today."
"Ah..." She lowered the corners of her mouth and pretended to look lovable.
"But His Highness said that Miss Yue'er can buy anything she wants today."
"Really? I can buy anything?" His cunning eyes rolled around in his eye sockets.
"Then let's go quickly." After saying that, he pulled Liefeng and rushed out.
"Stop! My dear, Miss Mingxue hasn't arrived yet, why are you in such a hurry?"
"Then let's go to the door and wait for Aunt Xue."
"Let's go, let's go."
"Go, go, go. I'm really scared of you."
In the ancient East, there existed a nation called "Yi." Yi boasted a vast territory, abundant resources, and a unique beauty in each season. These numerous advantages attracted numerous nations to covet its resources. However, due to the nation's exceptional natural beauty, talented people, and powerful military, these nations, despite their ambitions, were unable to realize their ambitions.
Although a single nation, the Yi Kingdom was formed by the fusion of the Four Divine Royal Clan and numerous smaller tribes. The Four Divine Royal Clan was originally just one of many tribes, and originally possessed no special characteristics. However, it was not until the fifth-generation patriarch, Yi Shang, the founding ruler of the Yi Kingdom, that he, through his extraordinary courage, talent, and a combination of persuasive and hard-line tactics, brought all the surrounding tribes under his control in just over a decade, becoming the de facto ruler of the Yi Land.
Although Yi Shang was ambitious and capable, he was not one for bloodshed. He employed a combination of hard and soft tactics to win the submission of tribes other than the Four Divine Kings. Those who voluntarily submitted were exempt from annual tribute and received minimal taxes. In the event of disaster, they even received substantial relief funds.
As for tribes that refused to submit, they were subdued by force. While defeated tribesmen were only executed for their resistance, and the rest of the tribesmen were spared, their members would remain inferior in the future. While they would not be enslaved, they would be subject to the heaviest annual tribute and taxes. Castrating a tribe member, killing one as a warning to the rest, served as a warning to others, instilling fear in them while also demonstrating a modicum of mercy. Yi Shang, with his style of conduct and the strength of the Four Divine Royals, ensured that far more tribes voluntarily submitted than those who resisted. Thus, the "Yi State" arose.
Under the rule of Yi Shang, the Yi Kingdom grew increasingly prosperous and powerful, becoming a formidable nation that could not be underestimated. However, before his death, Yi Shang had his own plans for the Yi Kingdom. He had many children, but finding one capable of commanding the people was difficult. Passing the throne to any one of them would have resented the others, and so, Yi Shang ultimately divided the Yi Kingdom into five parts. The largest of these was Yi Du, centered around the royal capital. Surrounding Yi Du, the territories to the east, south, west, and north of the royal capital were granted to his four sons, excluding his eldest son: the East Yi, the South Yi, the West Yi, and the North Yi.
Between these four territories lay thirty-two smaller tribes, and several of his daughters were married into larger tribes to strengthen the bonds between them. The four Yi territories were adjacent yet disconnected, able to exist independently yet inseparable. The remaining thirty-two smaller tribes were directly controlled by the "Yi King."
For centuries, the Yi Kingdom had adhered to the teachings of Yi Shang. Upon the death of the royal family that inherited the four territories, they passed them on to their children. Years later, their children divided their territories among their own children and important retainers. Although descended from the same clan, minor frictions between the various royal families and tribes were frequent, but fortunately, no major conflicts arose, allowing for a relatively peaceful existence.
The eighth month of the 278th year of the Yi calendar, the year of Bingyin.
"Gong Mingxue!" Li Fei had just come out of Biyuxuan with Yi Luoyue when he saw Gong Mingxue walking over. He didn't have time to talk to Yi Luoyue in detail and chased after her.
Li Fei?
"Why are you here?" I didn't know if it was too late to pretend not to see him.
"Let's talk." He and this girl are really destined to be together. He meets her wherever he goes.
"I'm busy." She said unhappily.
"Are you sure?" He took out the IOU from his purse and raised his hand.
"Or should I go look for your father?"
"You!" Her pretty face was cold enough to freeze someone to death.
"Are you free now?"
As the second son of Wu Cheng's family, even though he usually behaves like a playboy, how could he be so knowledgeable about the means of threatening others? Gong Mingxue was so angry that her teeth were itching but she couldn't say no.
"Xiao Yue'er, go back and find Lie Feng. Aunt Xue is busy now. Can I accompany you shopping next time?" Damn Li Fei, what sin did she commit to offend him.
Xiaoyue glanced at Li Fei, oh, it’s an acquaintance.
"Aunt Xue, go ahead. I'll go find Uncle Liefeng right away."
"Then you better be careful." Gong Mingxue reminded again worriedly.
"Don't worry, don't worry, Aunt Xue, go on your date." After saying that, he walked back.
Dating... is about collecting debts, right?
Watching the two people walk away, Xiaoyue, who was hiding in the dark, looked at the sugar man in her hand. Well, since Aunt Xue was kidnapped, she would go back to find Uncle Liefeng.
Licking the candy man, Xiaoyue skipped back to the pastry shop. After looking around... No way, no way! Why is Uncle Liefeng gone too?
Sigh...what's wrong with adults these days? How could such a smart, clever, and beautiful little cutie just be lost like that?!
But it was still early! Since they were all away, it shouldn't be a problem for her to wander around. Even though she wasn't familiar with the Yi people, finding their home wouldn't be a problem. After all, she was so smart, she couldn't let them underestimate her.
The little guy walked on the street, looking around until he saw a familiar figure.
"This beautiful sister..." A childish, clear and polite voice sounded behind her.
Yi Luoyue, standing in front of the stall, turned and examined the little figure behind her. What a lovely little girl, dressed in a sky-blue brocade skirt, embroidered with silver flowers and dotted with tiny pearls. Her jet-black hair was tied with a few jade-like pearl flowers, white and green, also dotted with round pearls. A few silver-blue ribbons flowed down her neck. Her snow-white skin seemed to be so tender it could be squeezed out of water. The most striking feature of her face were her large, lively eyes. The corners of her mouth were raised, a smile on her cherry lips.
Although she was hailed as Yidu's most beautiful woman, even in her childhood, she wasn't as pretty and lively as the little girl before her. Not only was her appearance exceptional, but she also possessed an indescribable elegance. Furthermore, the white jade necklace she wore was worth more than enough to buy a mansion in Yidu. This child must have come from a wealthy or noble family.
"Are you calling me?"
"Sister, you are so beautiful. You look so familiar! Should we know each other?"
"I don't think I've seen you, little sister."
Is this a new way of picking up girls in Yidu? But it's still a novelty that a little beauty is doing it. This girl looks only about seven or eight years old. I've been away from Yidu for six years, so how could I possibly recognize her?
"Is that so? That's such a pity, but it doesn't matter, we know each other now." An exaggerated naughty smile hung on the corner of Xiaoyue'er's mouth.
"You are such a funny kid." Yi Luoyue was amused by her funny little expression.
Yi Luoyue couldn't help but feel a liking for her and wanted to get closer to her. For some reason, this girl made her feel like she had seen her before, and she couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke her head.
"What's your name?" She squatted down and looked at the little girl at eye level.
"Xiaoyue."
"Is your name Yue'er too?" I didn't expect that the child had the same name as me.
"It's Xiaoyue!" A sweet voice uttered from her lips.
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