Xiao Yan didn’t hide the Emperor’s suspicion of him from Song Tangning. With her staying in Jiyun Alley and being so close to him, it was only a matter of time before she caught the Emperor’s attention. Some things needed to be revealed to prepare her for what might come.
Moreover, the young girl before him was growing up. She didn’t want to remain a sheltered flower, dreaming of a different future. To grant her that, he couldn’t shield her from the realities of the world or the schemes of court politics.
The imperial court, the capital—these were matters she would inevitably encounter.
Xiao Yan spoke calmly. “In the Emperor’s eyes, I am a blade—useful and dangerous but without roots or backing. My life, my honor, all depend on his favor. He gives me authority to clear the court of obstacles, yet he must always guard against this sharp blade turning against him.”
“Yue Fengcheng is the Emperor’s eyes. Only by letting him see my loyalty firsthand can I continue to be trusted.”
Song Tangning was startled. “The Emperor doesn’t trust you?”
“He doesn’t trust anyone,” Xiao Yan replied, as though stating an obvious truth. “A ruler is solitary by nature. To trust too easily is to hand over the throne and one’s life to others.”
“But…” she began, recalling how the Emperor allowed Xiao Yan to wield immense power in court.
Xiao Yan, as if anticipating her thoughts, chuckled softly. “That’s because the Emperor knows he can control me. No matter how much authority he grants me, he can just as easily take it away.”
Tangning was silent for a moment, then asked thoughtfully, “So you keep Yue Fengcheng close deliberately, letting him see what you want the Emperor to see, to display your loyalty?”
She froze mid-sentence, her gaze shifting to the tall man beside her, a flicker of doubt crossing her face.
If Big Brother were truly loyal to the royal family, why would he need to guard against Yue Fengcheng?
The Emperor’s "eyes," the Emperor’s suspicion—Big Brother knew all this, yet still kept Yue Fengcheng by his side. If he were entirely loyal, he would openly include Yue in his actions to avoid misunderstandings. But Jinyun’s wary tone when mentioning Yue’s sudden return to the manor suggested otherwise.
Jinyun had specifically said, “Yue Fengcheng didn’t leave the manor,” which implied he wasn’t supposed to be there. Xiao Yan’s lack of surprise only confirmed that Yue had been deliberately sent away.
Today, Xiao Yan had allied with Minister Qian to weaken the Lu family and undermine the aristocracy—actions the Emperor would undoubtedly approve of, as they demonstrated loyalty.
Yet, he had taken care to keep the palace’s “eyes” out of sight.
What was Xiao Yan hiding from the palace? Or worse… did Big Brother harbor treasonous thoughts against the royal family?
Tangning’s lashes trembled as she lifted her gaze to meet Xiao Yan’s steady and composed eyes.
“Big Brother…”
“Hmm?”
She opened her mouth but hesitated, unsure how to phrase her question.
Everyone in the capital knew Xiao Yan was loyal to the Emperor. The entire Privy Council operated under imperial command, and Xiao Yan’s unparalleled favor and authority were proof of his devotion. His loyalty was the key to his rise, allowing him to stand toe-to-toe with the aristocracy.
No one had ever questioned his loyalty to the Emperor or suspected ulterior motives behind his actions against the noble families.
So why had he revealed such a secret to her?
Seeing her uncertainty, Xiao Yan smirked slightly and dismissed her unspoken doubts.
“You said you wanted to stay in Jiyun Alley with me. Knowing more will help keep you safe.”
Tangning was shocked, his implied admission shaking her deeply.
Before she could respond, Canglang entered. “My lord, the carriage is ready.”
Xiao Yan rose. “Let’s go.”
On the way to meet Gu Helian, Song Tangning remained lost in thought, grappling with the earth-shattering realization she had stumbled upon. She stole glances at Xiao Yan, her fingers fidgeting anxiously.
Xiao Yan, seemingly unaffected by her scrutiny, leaned back against the carriage wall with his eyes closed, taking a brief rest.
Outside, the sound of rain pattered steadily, and a faint dampness wafted into the carriage. The shadows cast on his sharp profile by the dim light only made him seem more enigmatic and inscrutable.
By the time the carriage arrived at Gu Helian’s manor, Tangning finally pulled herself out of her reverie.
Gu Helian’s residence reflected his signature style: grand, opulent, and ostentatious. The massive golden plaque above the entrance was inlaid with a ring of gemstones that dazzled painfully in the light. The crimson gates bore gilded knockers, and the courtyard boasted jade-carved stone drums and a towering Lingbi rock shaped like a galloping steed chasing the moon—a masterpiece that drew the eye.
Even in her distracted state, Tangning couldn’t help but whisper, “Doesn’t Uncle Gu worry about attracting thieves with all this?”
The sheer display of wealth was enough to make anyone envious.
Xiao Yan glanced at the golden tea set on the table and snorted. “Tacky.”
Tangning, running her fingers over the gold and silver detailing on the dishes, muttered silently to herself, I’d like to be this tacky…
Gu Helian had initially refused to see Xiao Yan, clearly not wanting to entertain the shameless scoundrel. However, when he learned that Tangning had accompanied him, he reluctantly made an appearance. His flamboyant attire—golden hairpiece and jeweled belt—was as eye-catching as ever.
As he approached the room, he overheard Xiao Yan’s disdainful comment, “Tacky,” and immediately let out a cold laugh.
“My vulgar abode hardly deserves to be graced by the esteemed Lord Xiao. I wouldn’t want to sully your lofty standards.”
He might as well have said, “If you’re so refined, get out.”
Tangning quickly stood. “Uncle Gu…”
Gu Helian’s irritation softened slightly at her greeting but quickly flared up again as he grumbled, “Only when you need something am I ‘Uncle.’ Otherwise, it’s just ‘Master Gu.’ You’ve gone this long without visiting me. Do I mean so little to you?”
He cast a glare at Xiao Yan and added sharply, “Young girls shouldn’t keep company with treacherous men. It tarnishes their reputation.”
Tangning: “…”
Xiao Yan’s gaze turned icy as he retorted, “Master Gu has a point. Relationships should indeed be clear. After all, Master Gu has been away from the capital for years. The Rong family barely remembers you. Even calling you the Princess Consort’s brother is a stretch. Tangning calling you ‘Uncle’ is truly inappropriate.”
Then, with deliberate sarcasm, he added, “Tangning, be more mindful in the future and address him correctly.”
Gu Helian bristled as though Xiao Yan had struck a nerve, his face twisting in anger. “If Little Tangning calls me ‘Uncle,’ what’s it to you?!”
Xiao Yan’s voice was calm but firm. “I am her brother.”
Gu Helian sneered. “Brother, my ass! She’s a Song; you’re a Xiao. Are you planning to take her family name?”
Xiao Yan met his glare, unperturbed. “If that’s what it takes to stay close to her, so be it.”
Gu Helian: “…”
“You…” Gu Helian sputtered, seething with frustration.
Turning to Tangning, he demanded, “Little Tangning, who do you hold closer?!”
Tangning, caught between the two men, felt the weight of their stares bearing down on her. She glanced nervously at Gu Helian’s fierce glare, then at Xiao Yan’s cool gaze, sensing that a wrong answer might bring the house down. Forcing a strained smile, she said, “Both are dear to me—Big Brother and Uncle Gu alike.”
Gu Helian immediately protested. “Why is he listed before me?!”
Xiao Yan smirked. “It’s good to know one’s place.”
Fuming, Gu Helian rolled up his sleeves. Tangning quickly clamped a hand over Xiao Yan’s mouth to stop him from provoking further. “Uncle Gu, you’re first! I hold you dearest!”
Xiao Yan’s gaze turned frosty. Tangning turned to him, her eyes pleading, as if begging for forgiveness. The soft scent of her touch lingered, and Xiao Yan reluctantly relented, letting her keep her hand over his mouth without further protest.
Gu Helian, though victorious, still bristled at Tangning’s stance next to Xiao Yan. His voice was full of jealousy as he muttered, “Half-hearted!”
Tangning awkwardly changed the subject. “Uncle Gu, we have important matters to discuss.”
With a huff, Gu Helian stormed to his seat, flopping onto the golden-threaded chair with a cold laugh. “Go on. What scheme is this scoundrel dragging me into now?”
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You can read ahead to chapterr 300 (100+ extra chapters) here
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