His Royal Highness

Duke Sun, who had served alongside Baili Jia Jue for many years, was so afraid that he didn't dare to breathe. He quickly picked up a cloth and wiped away the cold sweat from his forehead while silently praying that his master wouldn't provoke the Emperor Taishang and anger him. Duke Sun knew all too well that if the Emperor became furious, he would order the execution of anyone who knew the inside story, and they, as slaves, would suffer the consequences.

"What did you say?" Baili Jia Jue yawned nonchalantly, turning around to adjust his cuffs with a calm and elegant demeanor.

Observing Baili Jia Jue's composed appearance, the Emperor Taishang gritted his teeth in frustration. "Yes, yes, I made a promise to you before. I said you could choose any concubine you desired..."

"Just hold onto that promise, Grandpa Huang," Baili Jia Jue interrupted lazily, raising an indifferent gaze. His voice was faint, and his words carried a hint of laziness. "I thought Grandpa Huang would backtrack on his words."

Duke Sun was dumbfounded. He couldn't believe his master had the audacity to speak to the Emperor Taishang in such a manner. How could he dare to do so?

The Emperor Taishang clenched the teacup in his hand, his eyebrows twitching in anger. "You... How could you have known she would win?" he asked through gritted teeth.

Baili Jia Jue, always wanting to maintain a semblance of respect, avoided giving a direct answer. After pondering for a moment, he finally spoke casually, "I had considered it. That's all."

Hearing this matter-of-fact response, the Emperor Taishang felt an intense urge to scold him. How could Baili Jia Jue act so helpless? Didn't he make up numerous excuses and reasons when he ran away from my concubine selection banquet? And now he claims he couldn't help it? Is he really someone who's at the mercy of others?

Taking a deep breath, the Taishang Emperor tried to control his anger, but his attempts were futile. "That Helian Weiwei is truly exceptional, full of talent and charm. There's even a possibility she carries the bloodline of the phoenix girl. Yet, you chose a man who lacks martial arts skills. Explain to me why you made that choice!"

"She's more intriguing," Baili Jia Jue replied, unaffected by the furious emperor. He continued to idly flick his fingers, as if trying to brush off imaginary pollen. However, when he recalled the defiance and mockery displayed by the fearless Helian Weiwei earlier, a coldness flickered in his eyes.

Duke Sun was speechless. So, his master's decision was based on such a simple reason? Just because she was more interesting? The Third Highness was intentionally defying the Emperor Taishang!

The Emperor Taishang, furious beyond words, immediately issued an order. "Very well! Excellent! You find it interesting, don't you? Take him away! Lock him up for three days and three nights. Let's see if he still finds that girl interesting!"

Everyone was stunned by the sudden turn of events. It was well-known that the Emperor Taishang had never punished the third prince before. Now, he was determined to imprison him.

The attendants on the left and right exchanged glances but didn't dare to intervene. They feared the Emperor might regret his decision once he calmed down.

The atmosphere became extremely tense, and no one had expected the situation to escalate to this point. Even the shadows retreated, overwhelmed by the heavy atmosphere, and avoided attracting any attention.

If they didn't know about Miss Helian's recent actions, they might have mistaken Baili Jia Jue's attitude as something more than mere interest.

In truth, perhaps his decision was influenced by the girl's audacity in kissing him casually and throwing twenty taels at him, treating him as a broken-sleeved woman...

"Why are you all still standing there?" the Emperor Taishang shouted, causing even a teacup to shatter under the intensity of his anger.

Duke Sun was frightened, trembling at the sound, and hurried to attend to his master.

Baili Jia Jue's expression remained indifferent.

Seeing that Baili Jia Jue was beyond his control, the Emperor Taishang glanced at Tu Sufeng, who stood by his side.

Tu Sufeng had held back his smile for a long time and coughed twice to compose himself before speaking. "Your Highness, perhaps it's best to calm your anger. There's still a martial arts competition in a few days, and the selection of the imperial princess will depend on the outcome. As for the Third Highness, let him continue staying at Taibai Academy. It can serve as a form of punishment."

Unknown to others, the Emperor Taishang felt a slight sense of relief upon hearing Tu Sufeng's words. "Do as you say. Let him remain at Taibai Academy and not return. I can't bear to see his icy demeanor!"

With that, the Emperor Taishang swept his robes and intended to leave. However, he paused and turned back. Clearing his throat, he added, "That boy has particular dietary preferences. Take good care of him. If he doesn't want to attend classes, don't force him. Just let him be. You understand."

In essence, the Emperor still couldn't bear to sever their connection completely.

Tu Sufeng smiled gently. "Rest assured, I understand."

"Is he still on a mission?" the Emperor Taishang asked, contemplating further.

Tu Sufeng's lips twitched, thinking that the Emperor had his grandson right next to him, yet he chose to ask indirectly. "Yes, he is still on a mission."

The Emperor Taishang let out a long sigh. "It's all my fault for what happened in the past. If it weren't for me... That's enough. Let him choose whomever he wants."

Tu Sufeng responded with a smile.

The entire world knew that the Emperor Taishang doted on the Third Prince to an extreme degree. However, hidden within that favor was a guilt that he had never voiced to anyone.

If it weren't for the Emperor's impulsive decision to reveal Baili Jia Jue's true identity to the world, so many people wouldn't have plotted against him, taking advantage of his newly acquired martial arts strength.

That year, his precious grandson not only lost his martial energy but also lost his trust in humanity.

Since the death of his mother, his grandson had been accompanied by that girl.

But who would have thought that the girl would collude with outsiders, climb up the ladder of power, and betray him when he was most vulnerable, ultimately setting fire to the palace.

That fire nearly claimed the life of his precious grandson.

Since then, his grandson had distanced himself from any woman.

He was truly frightened.

During that time, his grandson didn't even step out of the door. And after he recovered from his burns, he returned to his previous indifferent and unresponsive demeanor.

However, as a grandfather, the Emperor Taishang knew better than anyone that the matter had left deep scars in his grandson's heart, and they wouldn't be easily healed...