Chapter 64: Unfaithful Is As Unfaithful Does, But Don’t Mistake the Target
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
Yu Zhi Yi’s senses had grown sharper since being strengthened by the power of virtue points. Her vision, in particular, was astonishingly keen.
She immediately noticed the unnatural flush on Prince Xiao Yao’s face and saw his eyes turn hazy within moments. She clicked her tongue in disapproval.
“He’s really going all out,” she muttered.
In the Dasheng Empire, there were plenty of questionable potions, but most required some time to take effect—at least a quarter of an hour.
But from the moment Prince Xiao Yao drank the concoction to when it started working, only a few breaths had passed.
A potion that acted this quickly had to be top-tier, costing no less than a hundred or so taels of silver.
“Such malicious intent, yet such deep affection,” she thought.
The malice was directed at her, Yu Zhi Yi; the affection was aimed at You Bing Yue.
As Yu Zhi Yi quietly watched the situation, Prince Xiao Yao could no longer control himself.
He tore open the buttons on his collar, letting his robe hang open and revealing a well-toned chest.
Yu Zhi Yi quickly looked away, though she couldn’t help but notice the defined muscles from the corner of her eye.
The sudden turn of events left everyone else stunned, except for Yu Zhi Yi, who seemed unsurprised.
Du Zi Heng instinctively pulled Yu Zhi Yi aside, turning her away from the indecent scene to shield her from seeing it.
She didn’t mind; after all, she was only interested in watching Prince Xiao Yao embarrass himself. As for the details, she wasn’t keen on looking.
Especially when it involved scenes unsuitable for minors; even if Du Zi Heng hadn’t intervened, she would’ve avoided looking to prevent any awkwardness.
The festive banquet quickly descended into chaos.
The Emperor, both shocked and furious, ordered his guards to restrain Prince Xiao Yao at once. But the prince was a trained martial artist. Despite his usually gentle demeanor, he had incredible strength and ruthless tactics.
The Emperor’s eyes darkened with frustration.
The palace attendants, cautious not to harm the prince, dared not use too much force. They could only try to stop him while helplessly watching him run amok.
Prince Xiao Yao, still stripping off his clothes, moved toward You Bing Yue. His flushed face was a mix of desire and deep affection. “Bing Yue, you know how I feel about you. Why won’t you accept me?”
“Though I’m willing to stay just friends, I’m still a man with a heart that loves. Do you know how painful it is for me to watch you chase after someone else every day?”
“Bing Yue?!”
Only then did everyone notice a particularly unfamiliar face among the palace attendants.
Of course, not everyone knew every person in the palace. But this woman’s appearance was exceptionally striking.
Her exquisite features exuded a noble coldness uncommon among ordinary women, combined with a strong aura.
This made her stand out sharply among the attendants.
With her deliberate concealment, it had taken a while for people to notice her.
But Prince Xiao Yao’s words drew everyone’s attention to her, and the more they looked, the more uneasy they felt.
Many young people present were regulars at the South Wind Bookstore and naturally recognized this extraordinarily beautiful face.
“Isn’t that You Bing Yue?” someone exclaimed.
Those who didn’t know who she was but were curious asked, “Who’s You Bing Yue?”
The person who had gasped didn’t hesitate to explain, “You Bing Yue is Young Master Zi Heng’s beloved. She’s also that recently famous ‘Lady Sage.'”
“Young Master Zi Heng is quite fond of her. He even entrusted her with his most important South Wind Bookstore. She didn’t disappoint and expanded the business impressively. Now, it’s the most popular bookstore in the capital, with long queues every day from dawn till dusk. It’s incredibly bustling.”
“Really? But wasn’t it said that Young Master Zi Heng and the Minister’s daughter were childhood sweethearts? After she married into the Duke’s household, he was heartbroken and married his current wife as a stand-in?”
Yu Zhi Yi blinked in surprise.
What kind of outrageous development was this? She hadn’t heard such rumors before.
She couldn’t help but glance at Du Zi Heng.
Du Zi Heng had been shocked by the dramatic scene unfolding between You Bing Yue and Prince Xiao Yao during the birthday banquet. But the murmurs around them were so loud that he couldn’t pretend not to hear.
Sensing Yu Zhi Yi’s gaze, he suddenly felt a bit guilty and hastened to explain, “Don’t misunderstand. It’s nothing like that between me and Yu Jiao Jiao. We had nothing going on. It’s just that, due to our similar statuses when we were young, we played together at gatherings, and people misunderstood our relationship.”
“After the age of seven, I haven’t met with her privately.”
He admitted he had been unfaithful in his marriage, but unfaithful as he was, they shouldn’t mistake the person involved.
He continued, “I don’t know how these rumors started. But when I heard them, I immediately clarified the situation. I didn’t expect that today they’d resurface.”
Yu Zhi Yi nodded to show she understood.
It seemed Du Zi Heng had quashed the rumors to reassure You Bing Yue.
But now that the three main characters of this scandalous story were all present, the suppressed gossip naturally resurfaced.
She wasn’t too bothered by it.
Du Zi Heng anxiously looked in You Bing Yue’s direction.
He hesitated but couldn’t hold back. Swishing his wide sleeves, he strode over quickly, positioning himself protectively in front of You Bing Yue and glaring angrily at Prince Xiao Yao. “Your Highness, please control yourself.”
All this took a long time to describe, but in reality, only a few breaths had passed.
Seeing Du Zi Heng’s actions, the onlookers’ gossiping spirits ignited. Their gazes darted between Yu Zhi Yi and You Bing Yue, then with great interest, they watched Du Zi Heng and Prince Xiao Yao, as if silently chanting: “Fight! Fight!”
Yu Zhi Yi didn’t mind being the center of attention and showed no reaction.
From her perspective, she was merely a minor character in this drama; at least she didn’t feel offended.
But there were plenty of shocking revelations among the crowd that could shatter worldviews and redefine perspectives.
Chancellor Du and his wife both wore grim expressions. “You insolent boy!” “Zi Heng, get back here!”
The Emperor’s face was as dark as a storm cloud. He decided to end this farce quickly.
“Guards! Take Prince Xiao Yao away! If he resists, use force. I’ll bear the consequences of any mishap!”
The palace attendants and guards had allowed Prince Xiao Yao to cause a scene for so long only because they were mindful of his status.
If they accidentally injured him while stopping him, even if they preserved the royal family’s dignity, the Emperor might hold them accountable afterward.
Now that the Emperor had spoken, they no longer had any reservations and immediately displayed their true capabilities.
In no time, Prince Xiao Yao was subdued.
Several people worked together to restrain him, and a royal guard knocked him out with the hilt of his sword before carrying him away.
The chaotic hall finally quieted down, but the Emperor’s face remained thunderous.
Suddenly, a sweet voice rang out, “Prince Xiao Yao’s condition is obviously abnormal. Could it be that someone has done something?”
At these words, the hall, which had been buzzing with whispers moments before, fell into an icy silence.
A flicker of murderous intent flashed in the Emperor’s eyes.