Chapter 26: The Plot Remains Unsettled

Yue Liuxi had never expected such a meticulously crafted wait. Even without a sudden breakthrough, she had been waiting bit by bit, drawing closer to her expectations. Yet, what awaited her was a scene of exclusive affection and mutual devotion.

Yue Liuxi watched them the entire time, clearly perceiving the unique, playful banter that had just passed between the two. Qin Jinghao feigned a stony-faced interrogation of Luo Yunyao, while Luo Yunyao pretended to be aggrieved and pitiful, concealing her secret.

The content of this secret was now impossible to ascertain. Luo Yunyao had no intention of telling Qin Jinghao, and Qin Jinghao had no intention of asking. Yue Liuxi, for her part, did not plan to probe it either. She did not intend to use this secret to drive a wedge between the couple. It was not out of kindness; Yue Liuxi was simply a clever woman.

What had just transpired between Qin Jinghao and Luo Yunyao was, in truth, a mutual confirmation of their hearts—or, more accurately, a confirmation of their unspoken rapport. They had both pretended to argue, only to deftly resolve the tension in the end. The implied message was clear: they understood each other so well that they would never truly quarrel, or rather, even if a major conflict arose, they could always earn each other’s forgiveness. They were kindred spirits, a match made in heaven.

Yue Liuxi’s long, crimson-lacquered fingernails viciously shredded her delicate silk handkerchief. *Do you think this gives you the right to spend your lives together? Hah. Luo Yunyao, Qin Jinghao is someone I have watched over, waited for, and yearned for since childhood—he is like a star in the heavens. He is so precious; how could I ever yield him to you?*

Yue Liuxi stared gloomily at the two figures lost in their own world among the bamboo grove, silently swearing this to herself.

In the end, Luo Yunyao did meet with Xiao Limo.

What choice did she have when the Crown Prince came to wait for her every single day? With the day of the court assembly drawing near, if she continued to play this game, she would offend the Crown Prince himself—and did she really want to ruin her prospects? Besides, while Luo Yunyao was currently riding a wave of success, she could not afford to gain a reputation for being arrogant due to the favor she received.

When Luo Yunyao went to the reception room to see Xiao Limo, he was not sitting in the high-backed wooden chair of honor.

The wooden windows were intricately carved, casting patterned shadows of leafless branches onto a carpet of fallen leaves outside. It was a rare, warm winter day, and the sunlight draped softly over him as he sat, half-leaning against the window frame. The young nobleman looked like a painting, with the latticed windows and corridors serving as his backdrop. The winter sun cast a warm glow upon the Crown Prince, who usually carried a distant, noble air and an imperceptible, regal intensity.

Luo Yunyao thought to herself that the Crown Prince was not sitting where he ought to be, but had chosen this spot instead—could it be… that he had discovered this was the best place to display his personal charm? It highlighted his already handsome features and physique, rendering him peerless in grace.

Once Luo Yunyao’s thoughts wandered, they rarely returned. Before her brain could process the words, they had already tumbled out: "Your Highness, your painting skills are truly excellent." Only after speaking did she realize what she had said, biting her lip in frustration. Yet, having already spoken, she felt no regret.

Xiao Limo had been lost in thought, looking at the scenery outside the window. The desolate, broken view was something he usually never looked at. The Crown Prince’s mansion possessed the elegant spirit of a scholar, and Prime Minister Lu’s estate held the refined demeanor of a Confucian. But that beauty was artificial—every flower, every blade of grass was placed with precise calculation and arrangement. It was exquisitely beautiful, yet unnatural.

Xiao Limo was captivated by the scene. He felt that this was precisely what Luo Yunyao was like, while his own residence felt like those refined young ladies of noble birth who were renowned for their beauty. Xiao Limo’s thoughts seemed vast and far-reaching; in reality, he was subconsciously ignoring the problem at hand.

What was he to say to Luo Yunyao? Although she did not know that her recent injury was largely due to him. *The innocent man is not guilty, but his treasure makes him a target.*

Xiao Limo was finally pulled back to reality by Luo Yunyao’s remark. He turned his head slightly, looking at her with confusion. Luo Yunyao’s words had indeed been nonsensical, but… they were not in the least bit distant. Xiao Limo thought this, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. To Luo Yunyao, it looked like a ritualistic, formulaic smile of a Crown Prince; she failed to see the rare, genuine emotion in his eyes.

She only heard Xiao Limo reply, "Painting? I have learned it well enough—well, enough to satisfy you, Yao'er. Why? Do you want a piece?"

Luo Yunyao was stunned. She had not expected her sarcastic remark to elicit such a narcissistic response from the Crown Prince. She thought with great emotion that the royal family truly deserved their status; their ability to be thick-skinned was top-tier.

She quickly reined in her temper and resumed a respectful tone: "This official thanks Your Highness for your concern over these past days. Previously, I was truly in such a disheveled state that I had no face to see you. I am overwhelmed by your repeated visits, and truly feel deep guilt." She bowed with cupped hands. "I have no way to repay you." She paused, then straightened up and added, also respectfully: "This official is crude and would not dare to accept a masterpiece from Your Highness. I lack the ability to appreciate it, and if I were to bury or slight such a work, I would be... committing a crime."

Seeing her revert to official court etiquette, Xiao Limo felt quite helpless. A flicker of wise light passed through his eyes as he slowly coaxed her, saying, "Well, I have been deeply concerned for you, Yao'er. I worry day and night, and my heart finds no peace until I see you with my own eyes. Yet, every single time, I was met with a closed door. As Crown Prince, though perhaps not the most exalted in the world, there are few who would dare to refuse my visits for days on end." He glanced at her, his eyes hiding a teasing smile. "You are truly quite bold."

The Crown Prince’s attempt at coaxing clearly did not work. Luo Yunyao did not act coquettish as he might have hoped; instead, she looked panicked, showing not a hint of her usual cleverness. *Acting.* Xiao Limo still had no way to handle her.

Luo Yunyao was not stupid; in the face of such a question, there was no other way to act than to look like a humble official who was "terrified and guilty."

Thus, Xiao Limo retreated, "I recall that you once said you would always welcome my arrival. Does this not count as going back on your word?" His tone was soft; although this sounded like a concession, upon closer inspection, it was actually a step forward.

Luo Yunyao had not expected Xiao Limo to ignore convention and checkmate her again. With him putting it that way, she was suddenly painted as a villain of the highest order. Luo Yunyao truly had no way to rebut him now. She secretly cursed herself for being too naive and lacking understanding of the treacherous nature of officialdom. She had been thoroughly outmaneuvered.

She looked up at him, wearing a look of "do with me as you will." Luo Yunyao felt that since he held a higher rank and had more money than her—and besides, they were both men—she would not suffer too much of a loss. *Come then, let us hurt each other.*

Luo Yunyao looked at Xiao Limo with a resigned expression. Xiao Limo looked at her, seeing a pitiful sense of resolution in her gaze. He decided not to keep her in suspense any longer: "Since I cannot enter your gates, Yao'er, then I shall trouble you to come to my estate." Of course, it could not be that simple, so he added, "It won't be long. I have troubled myself to stand at your door for several days; you may come and soothe my injured heart for a few days in return."

Luo Yunyao: "..."

*How is this man so good at inching forward? I shouldn't have spoken to him at all. Every time we chat, don't I end up suffering dearly? It’s just like being forced to sign a humiliating treaty.*

*No wonder Qin Jinghao doesn't participate in political infighting, claiming he wants to stay away from the dust of the world. In truth, how could someone as unaccustomed to wordplay as him ever best these human-shaped demons? Why, even Qin Jinghao lets me bully him.*

Luo Yunyao was completely unaware that Qin Jinghao was letting her win, naturally enjoying his affection.

Thinking this, Luo Yunyao felt slightly better and gathered her spirits to deflect Xiao Limo. "I am afraid that... this official has taken so much leave and delayed so many political matters that I already feel immensely guilty. I must assist my colleagues who have been handling my duties during this time. I fear that by the time I finish, it will be the dead of night. Of course, whether I am tired is not the point. The point is that I truly cannot trouble Your Highness." Having said this much, unless Xiao Limo were to take over all of her work himself, there was truly no reason for him to force her to work so hard.

She had successfully parried Xiao Limo's previous point. Luo Yunyao did not dare give him a chance to reflect or refute her. She continued, "I keep your concern for me close to my heart. But... I wonder, does Your Highness have matters to discuss, or is there something else?" She bowed her head and added, "Now that the Marquis of the Prime Minister has been removed, I congratulate Your Highness on your great cause advancing another step."

The implication was that with the Marquis's faction gone, it was pointless for Xiao Limo to try to win her over, as the world was already in his grasp. And she had already stated that she would only serve the one destined for the throne, to speak for the people. The day Luo Yunyao would serve Xiao Limo was not far off.

Xiao Limo narrowed his eyes at her words, looking like a satisfied cat, lazy and content. "Yao'er, you speak as if you have forgotten about the Second Prince."

If Xiao Limo was referring to the Second Prince, then his words carried a warning—a warning against Luo Yunyao discussing politics too freely. Luo Yunyao understood that Xiao Limo was discussing this with her as a friend would.

She lost her fear and said directly, "Please forgive my bluntness, but if Your Highness cannot even best a Second Prince who has lost his backing, then... this official would not assist such a sovereign."

Xiao Limo remained lazy, but his tone was light and appreciative. "In that case, I must not let you down, Yao'er?"

Luo Yunyao bowed and smiled, "This official shall wait and see."

By now, the conversation should have ended, and Xiao Limo should have brushed his sleeves and left. Instead, he looked at Luo Yunyao and said with genuine feeling, "Regarding the matter of the Marquis, both my uncle and I thank you, Yao'er." And, *my apologies.*

*This... I wasn't really trying to help him.* Luo Yunyao quickly declined, "This official does not deserve such praise. I only spoke for the people. The Marquis's actions were intolerable to both gods and men, and I was merely acting for justice. Besides, this matter could not have been accomplished without Your Highness and Prime Minister Lu—or at least, not so quickly." She tilted her head, looking at Xiao Limo playfully. "Or perhaps I should thank Your Highness on behalf of the people?"