PMM - 58 (Fin.)

Yi Hanxiao grew more beautiful but also increasingly mischievous.

At the age of four, she even ventured into her father’s imperial throne hall, peeking around curiously. When Yi Qiancheng discovered her, instead of scolding her, he simply picked up the little ball of energy and placed her beside him to sit and listen.

The ministers kept their gazes lowered, none daring to utter a word. Everyone knew the Emperor was excellent in every way—except when it came to spoiling his wife and daughter. His indulgence knew no bounds.

When Ling Sheng heard about this, she sighed in concern: “You spoil Hanxiao so much; her temperament will only get worse.”

Yi Qiancheng raised an eyebrow: “The sole princess of Xuan should live freely and fearlessly.”

Ling Sheng was exasperated, pinching his waist hard. Yi Qiancheng burst into laughter, softly coaxing her until her anger melted away. She could only sigh and say, “I wonder whose personality Hanxiao inherited.”

Mischievous, domineering—neither like her nor Yi Qiancheng? Beside her, Yi Qiancheng remained silent. He, of course, knew exactly whom she took after. Hanxiao’s temperament was almost identical to his own when he was young.

Hui Xue had grown into a mighty dog, and Hanxiao adored it, playing with it every day while using it to bully others. Whenever someone displeased her, she would squeak in her baby voice: “Xue Xue, bite!”

Hui Xue would lunge forward, sending palace maids and eunuchs scattering in terror. When Ling Sheng learned of this, she called Hanxiao over and sternly said: “Yi Hanxiao, I’ve told you not to bully people. How many times have you broken this rule now?”

Hanxiao’s eyes instantly filled with tears: “Mother, they bullied me!”

“Hmph! With your domineering nature, who would dare to bully you? Hold out your hand. I warned you last time—if you misbehave again, there will be no leniency.”

Whenever the princess cried from punishment, it tugged at everyone’s hearts. On her good days, she was generous and sweet-tongued, and everyone genuinely liked and doted on her, which contributed to her spoiled nature. Ling Sheng had a soft heart, but if she didn’t discipline her daughter soon, Hanxiao might become utterly uncontrollable.

After punishing Hanxiao, Ling Sheng pondered whether the lack of other children in the palace made Hanxiao act out due to loneliness. She had considered having another child for Yi Qiancheng. Two years earlier, a minister had suggested that the Emperor, who lavished all his affection on the Empress, needed more heirs since he only had one princess. The minister urged the Emperor to expand his harem and ensure the continuation of the royal lineage.

Yi Qiancheng glared coldly at the minister before breaking into a chilling smile: “Minister Xin truly overestimates himself. Since when does my personal life concern you? Another word out of line, and you can consider yourself permanently silenced.”

Though lenient in other matters, Yi Qiancheng refused to budge on this issue. He even confided to Ling Sheng that even a princess could ascend the throne.

What the ministers didn’t know was that Ling Sheng wasn’t unwilling to bear him another child—it was Yi Qiancheng who refused. The danger Ling Sheng faced during Hanxiao’s birth had left him too afraid to risk her life again. Compared to securing an heir for the throne, he cherished their peaceful life together far more.

Thus, despite his enthusiasm in other areas, he adamantly avoided having another child. For four whole years, he remained resolute on this matter.

Ling Sheng had no choice. To find playmates for Hanxiao, she could only select from the children of ministers. That evening, she discussed it with Yi Qiancheng: “Hanxiao is too unruly. I think we should invite a few children to play with her and help temper her personality.” After some thought, she added: “Choose bold, lively children who aren’t afraid of trouble. Otherwise, Hanxiao will bully them.”

While Yi Qiancheng busied himself with her, he nodded in agreement.

The next day, however, as he arranged this, he reflected: No one should dare to bully his daughter. Companions were fine, but anyone stronger than Hanxiao was unacceptable. Thus, the Emperor issued an edict, summoning several polite and gentle children to the palace to keep Hanxiao company.

Yi Hanxiao… was thrilled! She inspected each child, who bowed their heads, their eyes brimming with fear they couldn’t hide, like a group of startled rabbits. Hanxiao was delighted, clasping her hands behind her back and nodding her head imperiously to appear imposing.

That was until she reached the last boy.

He was about seven years old, slender, dressed in fine robes. He gave her a bland glance and bowed respectfully. Instantly, Hanxiao’s temper flared. Dissatisfied, she glared at him several times, then pointed her chubby little finger at him.

“I, the Princess, wish to ride a horse. Come here and pretend to be my horse.”

The palace maids and eunuchs sighed inwardly but dared not speak. The Empress had instructed them to watch over the princess and prevent her from bullying others, but how could they possibly restrain the princess’s fiery temperament? They could only silently pity the delicate-looking boy.

Unexpectedly, the boy calmly replied: “Princess, Du Chao is a person, not a horse. If you wish to ride, the palace has horses. I can arrange for one to be brought.”

This infuriated Hanxiao. No one had ever dared defy her before. Her face turned bright red with anger, making her look irresistibly cute, which inadvertently drew Du Chao’s attention.

Hanxiao was at a loss. Hui Xue had been wisely locked away by her mother, and she didn’t yet know how to truly bully someone—she was simply spoiled and arrogant. With Du Chao refusing to comply, she didn’t know what to do. If she caused too much trouble, her mother would punish her again.

Seeing her sullen expression, the palace maids approached to console her: “Would the Princess like something to eat?”

Hanxiao’s eyes lit up, and she whispered a few words. Soon, the maids brought tea and snacks for each child. Hanxiao nibbled delicately, stealing glances at Du Chao.

She had secretly ordered extra seasoning added to his portion. While the other children enjoyed sweet pastries, his were heavily salted.

His movements were elegant as he picked up a piece of the pastry and placed it into his mouth, his expression remaining completely unchanged. He finished the entire piece and reached for another. Hanxiao grew anxious—had they not followed her instructions? Had no salt been added to the pastry?

She stomped over with her little legs, grabbed a piece from his plate, and shoved it into her mouth. Instantly, she burst into tears, overwhelmed by the taste.

...It was so salty!

A faint smile flickered in Du Chao’s eyes as he watched the palace maids scramble to give her water. Only then did he pick up the tea beside him and take a sip.

This was the first time Hanxiao had suffered such a defeat. She felt utterly wronged and demanded that Du Chao be punished, but everyone quickly intervened. After all, he was the son of a high-ranking official—no ordinary princess could simply order his punishment.

Hanxiao decided not to play with him anymore and spent the afternoon playing hide-and-seek with the other children, leaving Du Chao to sit alone on the sidelines.

Du Chao didn’t care much for these games either, so he simply stood to the side and watched.

Later, when the children were taken home, the palace maids reported the day’s events to the Emperor and Empress. Ling Sheng found it amusing—her daughter was indeed domineering, but also somewhat simple-minded and naive.

She thought Du Chao wasn’t bad. Perhaps letting Hanxiao experience a setback would make her behave better in the future. However, the boy had endured some grievance that day, and she wondered if he’d still be willing to accompany Hanxiao.

Yi Qiancheng didn’t dwell on such matters. Since Ling Sheng approved, he issued an edict the next day, ordering Du Chao and two other children to visit the palace every three days to play with the princess.

When Minister Du heard this, he grew worried. He only had one son, and the little princess in the palace was notoriously difficult to deal with. He couldn’t bear to see his son constantly bullied.

He asked Du Chao: “Chao’er, if you don’t wish to go, I’ll find a way to decline on your behalf. The Emperor may dote on his daughter, but he is still reasonable.”

Du Chao sat upright and shook his head at his father’s words: “Thank you, Father, but there’s no need.” He paused for a moment. “She can’t bully me.”

A four-year-old ball of energy, though spoiled and temperamental, was still just a silly girl.

Ling Sheng also thought her daughter was naive. With such a personality, she likely didn’t have the makings of an empress. On the night the Western Qiang sent their letter of surrender, Yi Qiancheng, elated, got drunk and spent the night with Ling Sheng. Ling Sheng thought for a moment, then sighed as she touched her belly.

Let fate decide this time.

Who would have thought that two months later, she would indeed be diagnosed with a pregnancy? Both Ling Sheng and Yi Hanxiao were delighted, while Yi Qiancheng was more concerned, but since it had already happened, there was nothing he could do about it.

Yi Hanxiao didn’t feel like her share of the kingdom was being taken away. Instead, she patted her mother’s belly and said: “I want a little prince brother.”

Ling Sheng asked: “Why?”

Hanxiao muttered gloomily: “When he grows up, he can beat up Du Chao for me.” She was always being outsmarted by him and had become something of a crybaby, now wanting nothing to do with him.

The Emperor and Empress: “….”

Their daughter could hold a grudge.

Yi Hanxiao’s wish soon came true. Ling Sheng’s pregnancy went smoothly, and she gave birth to a little prince. Yi Qiancheng, feeling somewhat reluctant, didn’t bother coming up with a new name and simply used the one he had prepared earlier: “Yi Jue.”

Unlike Hanxiao, Ling Sheng found this son… extraordinarily clever, almost cunning.

Yi Jue was even easier to raise than Hanxiao—he didn’t cry or fuss. His bright, dark eyes darted around curiously. While most children began speaking at age one, her son could already recite simple poems by then. And… he also teased Hanxiao.

He rarely spoke, and when he did, his words were concise. Each time the Emperor and Empress observed their children interacting, they felt a strange sense of unease.

Yi Hanxiao: “Little brother, call me ‘sister.’ Why won’t you call me sister?”

Yi Jue: “Hanxiao, you’re stupid.”

Yi Hanxiao: “Waaah!” Her little brother thought she was stupid! Could Mother please have another child instead?

Yi Jue truly believed his sister was foolish. By the time he was five, Hanxiao was ten and still being easily manipulated by the fourteen-year-old Du Chao, without even realizing it. Every time Du Chao set a trap, his sister would blindly walk right into it.

It was almost unbearable to watch…

He decided to help his older sister.

There was an apricot tree in the palace. When Ling Sheng was pregnant with Yi Jue, she had craved apricots, so Yi Qiancheng had it specially planted. Now, the tree was lush and full of large, plump fruit.

Yi Jue instructed: “Do you remember what I told you?”

Hanxiao was a little scared and whispered: “Ajue, will he be alright?”

Yi Jue’s gaze was cold: “He’ll be fine.”

He had tampered with the tree. Later, when Hanxiao said she wanted apricots and asked Du Chao to pick them for her, strangely enough, though he often teased her, he rarely refused her requests.

Du Chao climbed up as instructed. Just as he realized something was amiss, the branch broke beneath him. He could have jumped to the side, but there stood a terrified Yi Hanxiao and an impassive Yi Jue.

For just a second, he hesitated—and fell. But that wasn’t all. Yi Jue had dug a pit below, and Du Chao landed right in it.

Du Chao immediately understood what had happened. Yi Hanxiao, frightened, leaned over the edge of the pit, tears brimming in her eyes: “Du Chao, are you alright? I’ll call for help!”

Yi Jue yanked her hair: “Yi Hanxiao, don’t be foolish. If you call for help now, Mother will break your legs.”

Hanxiao froze in fear, allowing herself to be led away by him. She didn’t stop to think that the bad idea had been Yi Jue’s. If she exposed him, their father would be the one breaking his legs.

Du Chao sat at the bottom of the pit, straightening his clothes, his expression unreadable.

Yi Jue was only five years old, but he was already ruthless. If he weren’t the crown prince and Hanxiao’s younger brother, Du Chao would have surely found a way to eliminate him.

Early the next morning, Yi Jue figured it was about time. If Du Chao wasn’t pulled out soon, his lie from yesterday would be questioned. He strolled leisurely to the apricot tree, only to lower his head and meet a pair of dark, emotionless eyes.

Yi Jue was utterly speechless when he saw what was in Du Chao’s arms.

Du Chao wore only his inner robe, which was smeared with mud, but his good looks ensured he didn’t appear disheveled. His outer robe was wrapped entirely around the person in his arms—the little princess, who slept soundly in his embrace.

Yi Jue: “...” What the heck! How did his sister get tricked into this? Could she be any more stupid!

The three of them silently agreed to keep up the charade. Yi Jue was utterly exasperated with Yi Hanxiao—she was utterly hopeless, someone who couldn’t even take care of herself and deserved to be bullied endlessly.

Yi Jue felt mentally exhausted. He thought he had far too many things to worry about at such a young age. He didn’t have anything resembling a normal childhood. His ruthless father, seeing that he still had some use, arranged for a group of old scholars to teach him.

They were just waiting for him to come of age so they could travel the world together.

However… on his twelfth birthday, as soon as he woke up, he received a unique gift.

“To my son, Yi Jue: Your father has observed that you are ruthless, cunning, and wise beyond your years, appearing almost like an adult. I’ve decided to test you early. All the memorials are on your desk now. If there’s anything you don’t understand, wait until I return. Then I’ll break your legs.”

“…”

Yi Jue was absolutely furious! Without so much as a word, his father had left with his mother. In his rage, Yi Jue decided to retaliate against Yi Qiancheng’s daughter.

Anyway, his foolish sister was already seventeen—it was time for her to marry. He would just find anyone and marry her off!

In March, willow catkins floated through the air in the imperial city, and the entire world knew that the eldest princess was choosing a husband. Any family with a handsome young man could enter the selection for the position of prince consort. For a time, the whole of Xuan was abuzz with excitement.

As night fell and the bright moon hung high, a horse slowly made its way out of the city. The eldest princess, Yi Hanxiao, rubbed her sleepy eyes and asked the person behind her: “Can we really find Father and Mother?”

Du Chao nodded confidently: “If you’re tired, go ahead and sleep.”

The pampered princess leaned against him and drifted off into a deep slumber.

Du Chao took one last glance at the imperial city. Heartless little emperor, may you remain alone for the rest of your life.

The wind was clear, and the moon was bright. Their story was just beginning.

Author’s Note: The story is officially complete!

I’m a bit reluctant to let it go. Thank you to all the little angels who have accompanied me to the very end. Thank you for supporting me and loving this story all along.

This was my first attempt at writing a long novel, and my writing was often clumsy and immature, with countless flaws. Yet, I received so much encouragement and warmth. There were nights when I stayed up late writing, exhausted to the point of doubting life itself, but because of you all, I felt truly happy!

I hope the next story will be even better, with all the shortcomings and imperfections fixed. Until we meet again~

May all the little angels reading this story stay safe and well every year.