Chapter 21: The Grand Tutor's Fury Erupts

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The fading sunlight outside spilled in, as if igniting a fresh hope in his eyes. Over the long years that followed, Luo Ningsang became the softest yet most steadfast strength in his heart, supporting him through countless palace intrigues until he finally ascended to that lofty position.

A sigh pulled Mo Youli back to reality.

"Alas... I only vaguely remember when I went to Daqi with Father Emperor during my childhood. I caught a cold and had a high fever that wouldn’t subside. By the time I recovered, many things had faded from my memory."

Luo Ningsang felt a strange familiarity with what Mo Youli said, but his mind was blank, not recalling any of it.

Mo Youli tenderly stroked Luo Ningsang’s head, realizing that perhaps it was because she had jumped into the river to save him that she had fallen ill with such a fever.

Over the years, Mo Youli had found countless excuses to come to Yanchi Kingdom, but Luo Ningsang never seemed to care, even deliberately avoiding him because of Xiao Ze’an.

She had thought she didn’t want to engage with him, but it turned out she had forgotten everything due to the high fever.

"But I remember this earring. It was the first gift Father Emperor ever gave me. I lost one and was heartbroken for a long time."

Complex emotions flickered in Luo Ningsang’s eyes.

"What’s wrong?" Mo Youli asked, noticing Luo Ningsang’s unusual expression and fearing her memories caused discomfort.

"We were both unfortunate children growing up, yet you became the emperor, guiding the realm, while I remain a miserable child, faring so poorly," Luo Ningsang murmured, resting her head on Mo Youli’s shoulder, her voice soft and coaxing.

Mo Youli recalled the relentless steps he took to reach his position—schemes, power struggles, hands stained with blood.

He never wished for Luo Ningsang to endure such hardships. She should simply do what she loved, while he would forever be the unwavering support behind her.

"So, Luo Luo, what do you want to do?"

The tenderness in Mo Youli’s almond-shaped eyes was almost suffocating.

"Xiao Mo Mo, have you ever heard the saying, 'A life-saving favor should be repaid with marriage'? I saved your life when we were children, so pack your things and prepare to marry me."

Luo Ningsang teased carelessly. Even though her life was still difficult, she wanted to claim some advantage with her words.

"Alright."

Without hesitation, Mo Youli agreed.

"Hmm? I was joking... that doesn’t count."

Mo Youli’s firm answer caused the other to back down. She had only sought a verbal privilege, but he had taken it seriously.

"We’re almost there. Sit tight."

Mo Youli changed the subject, knowing that Luo Ningsang wasn’t ready to accept him just yet; her heart likely still held space for Xiao Ze’an.

He wasn’t in a hurry. After all these years of waiting, he had plenty of patience. He didn’t want to force her acceptance through status or power; he yearned for her genuine love.

Officials, seeing the flash of red on the steed, were moved to tears. Finally, the Emperor had returned and was ready to depart. Standing in the bitter cold for hours was no easy task.

Mo Youli gently dismounted, cradling Luo Ningsang in his arms. Both sides of officials knelt.

"Father Emperor..."

Luo Ningsang ran forward upon seeing the old emperor.

"You child, why have you come here with the Emperor?"

The old emperor had been craning his neck for a long time. Seeing his precious daughter nestled closely in Mo Youli’s arms, so intimate before all the officials, brought both joy and sorrow.

Like any father, he wished for his daughter to find a good home, yet feared that when she grew up she might truly leave, leaving him lonely in Yanchi.

"I came to see Mo Youli off."

Just as Luo Ningsang spoke, Luo Shaochen approached.

"Sister, you ran off early to celebrate that scoundrel Xiao Ze’an’s birthday. Why do you still like him? I’m telling you, I’ve decided Mo Youli will be my brother-in-law. I won’t approve of Xiao Ze’an."

After speaking, Luo Shaochen gave Mo Youli a meaningful look, implying: See? You helped me with the farewell banquet; now I’m speaking well of you in front of my sister.

Mo Youli returned a knowing glance. Although Luo Shaochen wasn’t fit to be emperor, with his support, he could barely hold a place in Yanchi.

"Take care of yourself, and don’t be so bewitched by Shen Shuwan that you lose your way," Luo Ningsang retorted disdainfully.

Mo Youli boarded the imperial carriage. Luo Ningsang approached softly and asked, "When will you come next? The royal hunt is soon. If you’re free, you should come."

Reluctant to part, Luo Ningsang sought a reason to see him again soon.

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"I have some matters to handle, but I’ll be back. I will definitely attend the royal hunt."

Mo Youli lifted the carriage curtain, half his body leaning out the window to look down at Luo Ningsang once more.

"Remember, I’ll be waiting for you."

Embarrassed, Luo Ningsang hurried away. Mo Youli’s heart sweetened; she still didn’t want to let him go.

She had even taken the initiative to invite him again—he too wished to be by her side at all times.

Parting reluctantly, Mo Youli’s procession finally set off. The civil and military officials, legs numb, hurried back to rest.

"Grand Tutor, Xiao Ze’an is still at the Juxian Pavilion waiting for you. Perhaps he was detained for failing to pay the bill. You should go to the pavilion to avoid embarrassment for the Grand Tutor’s residence..."

Luo Ningsang spotted the elderly Grand Tutor in the crowd and hurried over, appearing concerned.

"That disobedient son has gotten into trouble again!"

The Grand Tutor, aged and having stood in the freezing cold for hours, was finally about to rest when this matter arose, fueling his fury and making him wish to strike down Xiao Ze’an.

Luo Ningsang smiled secretly. She had helped Xiao Ze’an at least by sending someone to settle the bill. As for what happened afterward, just thinking about it made her happy.

"Your Highness, how could you! You invited Mo Youli to the hunt, putting me under even more pressure."

Luo Shaochen frowned. Organizing this event was already difficult for him. With an emperor from a great kingdom attending, any mistake was unacceptable.

"Then you should visit the Chancellor’s residence more often and learn from him. Don’t blame Sang’er for your own shortcomings!"

The old emperor immediately defended Luo Ningsang. He didn’t want to look at his useless son. Seeing Mo Youli’s affection for his daughter brought light to his face.

"Yes, Father Emperor," Luo Shaochen muttered weakly and slipped away.

The Grand Tutor hurried to Juxian Pavilion. People gathered inside, but he pushed through and found his unfilial son.

"Father, why are you here?"

The Grand Tutor would never have come to the pavilion if not for the fear of disgrace.

"Everyone, disperse! What is there to see?"

Being a veteran of court affairs, he radiated some authority, and the crowd quickly scattered.

Yu Xiaoxiao also left with the crowd. Shen Shuwan wanted to leave but had to maintain her facade of concern for Xiao Ze’an.

Shen Shuwan was furious. Previously, she lent Xiao Ze’an silver, which he promised to repay in two days. But when she asked, he kept evading.

So for this birthday, she hadn’t prepared many gifts, only a hand-painted picture with auspicious meaning.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Ze’an still couldn’t pay the bill. This time it wasn’t a few thousand taels—it was a full hundred thousand taels, the equivalent of three years’ income for the Chancellor’s residence. How could she afford that?

After politely refusing, Xiao Ze’an was detained by the pavilion’s proprietor.

Xiao Ze’an was frustrated. Luo Ningsang had prepared the lavish feast, with the finest wine and dishes. His birthday was always grand with many guests invited.

Just as things were falling apart, his father arrived.

"Mother, you’re here too."

Seeing the matron, the Grand Tutor hastened to have the housemaid assist her back to the residence.

"You unfilial son! Why make such a mess on your birthday?"

The Grand Tutor had heard the rumors along the way: the young master of the Xiao family held a banquet at Juxian Pavilion but couldn’t pay, and was detained by the proprietor.

"Father, it’s all Luo Ningsang... she—"

Xiao Ze’an whispered.

"Enough! What kind of display is this? You and your mother are a disgrace! A concubine’s son throwing such a lavish birthday when you can’t afford it—stop these reckless acts!"

The Grand Tutor wished to throttle Xiao Ze’an. A hundred thousand taels had drained the residence’s funds. At his age, he’d never had such extravagance. This unfilial son!

Shen Shuwan’s body trembled violently; the silk handkerchief slipped silently to the ground. She looked up at Xiao Ze’an, eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

A concubine’s son!

She had worked so hard to seduce him, playing the understanding, virtuous, and aloof woman, tender only to him. For years, she believed Xiao Ze’an was the legitimate son of the Grand Tutor’s residence—he had told her so himself.

It was all a lie, deceiving her for so long. Her youth had been wasted. She would use her beauty and talent to ensnare a man who could elevate her.

Because as the concubine’s daughter, she had been oppressed everywhere. Even though the Chancellor doted on her mother, her status was a shame wherever she went.

She aspired to become a woman of noble standing, only achievable by marrying a man of high rank and respected status. That was what she truly desired.

Shen Shuwan’s once loving eyes now seemed encased in frost, coldness seeping out.

Xiao Ze’an saw her expression and realized his identity was exposed.

He opened his mouth but was speechless, unable to utter a word in defense.

His face turned pale as paper, cold sweat beading his forehead, his Adam’s apple moving with difficulty.

Seeing Shen Shuwan turn away, panic consumed him as he stammered, "Wan’er, I... I can explain."

But Shen Shuwan seemed not to hear, hastily retreating, the rustling of her skirt the only sound, her mind set on escape.

She rushed back to the Chancellor’s residence. As the carriage stopped, she strode inside and ordered the maids, "From now on, if Master Xiao comes, do not admit him."

Her tone was cold and unyielding. Hearing the order, the maids locked the gates tightly.

After Mo Youli’s return, Luo Ningsang was ready to pursue her own path and begin the next phase of her plan.

At dawn, Luo Ningsang was drenched in sweat, clutching the fabric at her chest, gasping heavily.

Whenever she closed her eyes, the horrific scene of the Father Emperor’s demise replayed—blood and cries intertwined.

The rebels had pushed the Father Emperor off a cliff. The ringleader was none other than Zhao Xun, the personal guard commander, along with familiar faces who once served at court, all wearing servile smiles.

Each had been bribed by Xiao Ze’an, becoming his pawns and causing the Father Emperor’s death.

Though painful, she had to recall. This time, she would not let the Father Emperor perish again.

Trembling, Luo Ningsang took up a brush, ink splattering on the pristine parchment as she wrote down shocking names: Zhao Xun, Qian Hong, Sun Fu... those once loyal servants who had killed the Father Emperor.

Her eyes were bloodshot. After finishing, she clenched the paper tightly.

If she rashly told the Father Emperor now, he would not believe her and might doubt her claims of rebirth.

Pacing in her chamber, a maid knocked with breakfast and was surprised to see Luo Ningsang already up.

"Princess, you’re up so early! You’re usually still dreaming at this hour."

Luo Ningsang waved her off—she had no appetite. Wait... dreaming.

Yes!

In the imperial study, the old emperor was immersed in reviewing memorials when Luo Ningsang burst in and knelt with a thud.

"What are you doing, Sang’er?"

The old emperor set down his brush, rushing to help her up.

Tears streaming, Luo Ningsang pleaded, "Father Emperor, please look at this. Remember every name here. Don’t spare a single one—kill them all!"

The old emperor scanned the familiar names, his expression darkening.

"Nonsense! These are my personal guards, loyal and devoted. Why would you want me to execute them without cause?"

Luo Ningsang collapsed weeping, voice choking with emotion.

"Father Emperor, I had a vivid dream. In it, while you were on your southern tour to comfort the disaster victims, these villains pushed you off a cliff... Please believe your daughter this once!"

She lifted her tear-filled eyes, earnest and unwavering.

The old emperor’s heart trembled. Sang’er was always obedient and gentle. Now, so distraught, and with such an incredible story, he was momentarily stunned.

Seeing this, Luo Ningsang clung to his sleeve, insistent.

"Father Emperor, I dreamed you went south to calm the people, but these traitors pushed you off the cliff... Please trust me!"

Her voice choked as she recalled the past life, her shoulders trembling.

Li Che’s expression grew grave as he paced thoughtfully. Executing loyal men based solely on a dream was legally untenable.

"Sang’er, this is serious. I cannot order executions based on your word alone."

Luo Ningsang, anxious, wiped her tears and urged, "Father Emperor, I know you can’t believe me now. Then at least send these men elsewhere, keep them away from you. Assign trusted people to watch them."

Sitting back on the dragon throne, the old emperor tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest.

"If you’re worried, Sang’er, I’ll do as you say. Transfer these men to guard the palace gates, and I will have them monitored closely."

Only then did Luo Ningsang breathe a sigh of relief, though still uneasy.

"Please don’t go on the southern tour in person, Father Emperor. I don’t care what else happens."

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