Consort of a Thousand Faces

Noticing a calculative look flashing past Pei Qianhao’s eyes as Du Ling left, Su Xi-er could only sigh helplessly.

“A-Jing, you want to scheme against Elder Brother again.” Su Xi-er pretended to chide him.

Pei Qianhao took her into his arms and kissed her lips, not wanting to hear her mentioning other men. With Su Xi-er’s warm reciprocation, the room was soon filled with the sight of spring.

~~~

In Xiangxiu House.

Inside a private room, Yun Ruofeng sat on a chair, clad in a white changshan as he engaged in a game of chess with Yun Ling. Placing a black piece down, he took a group of white pieces away. Yun Ling quickly followed suit and mirrored his action, prompting his opponent to respond with a black piece in the corner to form a Linglong pattern.

Admiration glimmered in Yun Ling’s eyes. “Your Highness, this subordinate has lost.”

“Though it may appear to be destined for doom, a path to rebirth is being made.” Yun Ruofeng said in a cryptic manner.

“Your Highness, it is getting late. You should rest.”

“A good show is about to begin. How can this Prince fall asleep?” Yun Ruofeng said meaningfully.

Bewilderment flashed past Yun Ling’s eyes. “What does Your Highness mean by that?”

“An important guest is coming soon. Make sure you’re prepared.”

Right after the words left his mouth, the door was pushed open, and a man donning a cyan changshan walked in.

“We finally meet.” The man in cyan smiled faintly.

Yun Ruofeng smirked. “That’s inaccurate; we have already met long ago. After all, you had come here many times while disguised as the cloaked man.”

The man in cyan continued smoothly, as if his cover hadn’t just been blown. “Prince Yun, you must have made a mistake. I’m not that person.”

“Oh? Don’t tell me that there’s someone else who resembles you so much.” Yun Ruofeng remarked sarcastically.

The man in cyan simply smiled. “That person is me, but also isn’t. You will eventually understand, Prince Yun.”

“This Prince doesn’t want to pry into your privacy. Tell me your purpose in coming here.” Yun Ruofeng cut straight to the point.

“My goal is simple: collaborate so that we may both win.”

“Both win? What does this Prince stand to gain? Or was I not specific enough: what can you gain from collaborating with me and Hua Ziqing simultaneously?” Yun Ruofeng questioned in an arrogant manner.

The man in the cyan changshan kept the same expression. “Don’t worry, Prince Yun, our interests don’t collide, so the deals can proceed separately.”

“What do you mean by ‘the deals can proceed separately’? Didn’t he tell you that this Prince requires certain criteria to be met before I am willing to discuss the deal?”

“Prince Yun, this would have to depend on whether the kingdom or the beauty is more important to you.” 

Although Yun Ruofeng’s eyes were akin to stagnant pools, they hid a storm of emotions. “Both the beauty and the kingdom will be mine. Though it is said that one cannot have both the fish and the bear paw, this Prince insists on achieving it.”