Two Sparks

Helian Weiwei sensed that everyone was eagerly anticipating her humiliation, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. The thought of slapping herself seemed ridiculous and unacceptable. No matter how many masters the Taibai Academy had, she wouldn't back down. She was prepared to fight her way out, leaving a trail of blood if necessary.

As if sensing her fierce determination, Yuan Hao awakened from his seclusion, even rousing the white cat in the fantasy space. Two figures were about to emerge behind Helian Weiwei.

However, before they could appear, Baili Jia Jue's large palm landed on her waist, gently pushing her aside, his voice heavy with warning. "You, I'll deal with you later."

Helian Weiwei was taken aback, retracting her murderous aura and looking at him with a hint of doubt in her eyes. Was she not the one he mentioned would slap herself? Then... what did he mean by dealing with her later?

She couldn't help but roll her eyes, realizing that he had no intention of letting her off easily. She had forgotten that she had agreed with the queen earlier, and he, being as smart as he was, must have seen through her act.

She wasn't someone who could be easily manipulated, and he wasn't someone who could tolerate others crossing the line. He was being overly cautious, and she had merely echoed a few words. Did he have to be so ruthless?

Moreover, if she wasn't the one he planned to slap, then who was it?

Helian Weiwei glanced in the direction of the queen and saw her pale and on the verge of fainting. Empress Murong clenched her hands tightly, leaning back in her chair. The chilling expression on Baili Jia Jue's face seemed to send a shiver down her spine. But in this situation... to make her...

"Empress, you may leave," Emperor Taishang, who had remained silent, spoke with a smile. "Don't you know the true nature of this child? You shouldn't interfere. You can handle the affairs of the harem, but you shouldn't meddle in the princes' decisions. Do you want Murong Mansion to follow suit?"

Empress Murong stiffened, unable to say anything more. Palace maids came from the left and right, assisting her as she left.

Emperor Taishang wasn't exactly defending Empress Murong, but he didn't want anything to affect Baili Jia Jue's choice of a concubine. He began to wonder if this cunning boy had deliberately orchestrated this situation just to provoke him. Perhaps he wanted to choose a concubine properly.

The more Emperor Taishang thought about it, the more he believed in this possibility. His heart ached, and when he looked up, he appeared as an old man seeking peace. "Third Prince, your tone was too harsh. Look at how frightened the Helian family girls are."

Helian Weiwei nodded in agreement. She had indeed been terrified.

The emperor's words suggested that the events of today wouldn't count. Everyone understood his implication, and they wisely kept quiet. Even Helian Weiwei felt a sense of relief. It seemed that Emperor Taishang intended to discuss the "concubine selection" with the Third Prince in private.

She thought to herself, what a cunning move by the Third Prince. Instead of giving flowers to anyone else, he chose her as a shield and provoked the emperor. Now, the emperor was truly furious!

Either way, it had nothing to do with her. She found it strange to be the center of attention for no reason.

Baili Jia Jue caught the smile on her face and sneered. How dare she nod? She had spoken ill of him behind his back, accusing him of being involved with men. How could he not see her fear?

When she sold his fabric without permission, how could he not see her fear?

There was not a single word of truth in her mouth!

Helian Weiwei noticed the smile on his face, as if he could see through all her disguises. Even his actions were a warning for her not to play tricks in front of him.

It seemed that he was still incredibly cautious when it came to choosing a concubine. So, was that the reason he gave her the flowers?

Helian Weiwei's eyes gleamed as she realized that she had no power or influence. Even if she knew he had relationships with men after their marriage, she wouldn't go around gossiping like other women in the world of officials and eunuchs.

It was undoubtedly the best strategy for him, enabling him to avoid the emperor's constant reminders and maintain his image as the icy and noble prince.

How cunning! He was incredibly cunning!

Baili Jia Jue glanced at Helian Weiwei, seeing through her thoughts, but he couldn't fathom what this woman was thinking. Yet, even when her eyes, which were usually indifferent, were filled with anger, they were more captivating than anything else.

Emperor Taishang observed the scene below, his brows furrowing suddenly. He raised his arm and brought it down heavily on the wooden table, his serious expression, built over years of wielding authority, akin to an unsheathed sword, emanating a cold and sharp aura. The impact caused tea and snacks on the table to tremble.

Everyone knew that Emperor Taishang rarely got angry, and his every smile and display of anger served a purpose. But today, he was genuinely furious.

His beloved grandson had chosen a woman who was discredited as his consort!

Why hadn't the boy considered the consequences? If he married Helian Weiwei, how could he maintain his position in the main hall in the future?

It would undoubtedly become a topic of discussion in the imperial court, an opportunity for the four major families to tarnish his name.

He couldn't believe that this boy couldn't see through this!

From a young age, this child had displayed wisdom and composure appropriate for his age. Now, as he grew older, the emperor knew his own end was near. He couldn't bear to see the throne tarnished by his son, who was obsessed with women. It would be better to pass it on to this cunning boy!

But at this critical moment, he showed no competitiveness!