Strategy to Capture That Scum Gong

Chapter 166 - “My Heart Feels Like It Has Turned to Ashes” Expression Pack is Online

Translated by Eve

Edited by Serefina

I know this warning has appeared before but I thought I’d put it here again cause it’s been a while since we last saw this.

Warning: Torture. Slightly graphic.

9. ‘My Heart Feels Like It Has Turned to Ashes’ Expression Pack is Online

Qi Qing’s face paled in fright. His voice was full of anxiety, “Your Highness!”

Xiao Yan looked him straight in the eyes, and slowly said, “We cannot let our emotions control us, and make us neglect the broader picture over one courtesan. Since Bai Qiuchi wishes for us to wrongly shift the blame to Yuan Jin, we will beat her at her own game. We don’t have much time....”

Qi Qing’s face had gained a deathly pallor. It wasn’t that he couldn’t see the larger picture—he understood what Xiao Yan was saying. It was just...it meant that they would have to sacrifice Yuan Jin....

He had heard that Xiao Yan really liked Yuan Jin and had been doting on him very much. If that was the case, how could he be so coldhearted to abandon him now without any hesitation?!

Qi Qing was still reluctant. He asked, “Your Highness, do you really...not like him even a little bit?”

Xiao Yan’s expression stiffened but he didn’t reply.

....................................

Xie He was currently eating and watching the live broadcast of their conversation. He chatted with 444 while watching, as if he was just a part of the peanut gallery.

【Xie He：Look at our XiaoXiao. This is the decisiveness a leader should have. You should resolutely throw things away when the time comes for it. You should have no hesitation whatsoever. Tut tut.】

【444：Host dada, they’re going to shut you in the dungeons. Aren’t you worried at all, ah?! QAQ】

【Xie He：Everything’s going according to plan. Why should I be worried? Smile.JPG】

【444：You already knew that Bai Qiuchi was going to frame you...._(:зゝ∠)_】

【Xie He：Of course. I’m a target now. Since she was given the option to vent her hatred on me by turning me into a scapegoat, she would very certainly try to frame me. However, Xiao Yan won’t believe her. Young Miss Bai’s acting ability sucks. Xiao Yan isn’t stupid either.... However, although he doesn’t believe her, he will definitely pretend to. That way, they can trick the Crown Prince and think of a way to turn the tides. Otherwise, the only other option is to take this loss. With Xiao Yan’s personality, he would never leave this be.】

【Xie He：Moreover, with a Favourability Value of just 70, I’m nothing but a pet he just happens to favour a bit. A kingdom and a beauty—right now, I’m nowhere near a beauty he’d be willing to give up his kingdom for. He can strike against the Crown Prince by abandoning one measly courtesan. There’s no need for any hesitation. This is the most beneficial choice for him. If it were me, I’d do the same. Smile.JPG 】

【444：So what are you going to do? QAQ. Will you die...?】

【Xie He：No. At most, I’ll just suffer a bit more. Xiao Qing won’t let me die and XiaoXiao will be soft-hearted in the end. I can take this opportunity to make XiaoXiao feel guilty towards me in the future. I can also use this chance to increase Xiao Qing and Number One Scholar gege’s Favourability Values. Otherwise, if I were to stay here all the time, what would happen to my experience points outside the wangfu? I’m hitting three birds with one stone here. This is actually good. I can maximize my profits. Our interests don’t clash and we’re cooperating tacitly. Everything’s perfect!】

【444：......】_(:зゝ∠)_

【Xie He：Things are going to get a bit boring. Baby, you can go shopping. 🙂 】

【444：\\\\(^o^)/~ OK.】

Although Xiao Yan had left, Xie He’s meal was still sumptuous. He sat before the table by himself, eating at a leisurely pace. The wangfu’s kitchen was comparable to that of the imperial kitchen. The culinary skill was wonderful. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be able to eat this again for a while.

After Xie He finished dining, he watched as Xiao Yan entered the room, expression dark. Behind him were two sword-carrying imperial guards at his back. Xie He could see that Xiao Yan’s expression wasn’t good and promptly got up. His eyes focused on the other, gazing at him expectantly. He called out in his soft voice, “Your Highness.”

Xiao Yan peered down at Xie He. Because of his recent pampering, Xie He’s beautiful face had filled out. His porcelain white skin was glowing, his red lips were alluring and tender, and his eyes were full of affection. Xiao Yan liked him very much, especially when the other was holding him tightly while pressed beneath his own body....

Xiao Yan shut his eyes, concealing the sliver of reluctance within them. In the end, there was only callousness in his eyes. “Lock him up.”

The two guards immediately grabbed hold of Xie He from either side. Xie He looked panicked and helpless. He didn’t know what was happening. He widened his eyes in confusion and fear as he stared at Xiao Yan, “Your Highness....”

Hadn’t he been speaking to him gently just before he had left?

Hadn’t he told Xie He last night that he would never let anyone bully him again?

Why had he turned into a stranger in a blink of an eye?

Xiao Yan didn’t answer Xie He. He only stared at him with an indifferent gaze, as if Xie He was nothing but a bug on the ground.

..............................

Bai Qiuchi sat in her room, wringing the handkerchief in her hands, uneasy. She had stolen information from Xiao Yan’s study and had then framed Xie He. Despite framing Xie He, she was still very much afraid. She was afraid that Xiao Yan would realize that the traitor had really been her.

Shui Rong sat with Bai Qiuchi. She was also nervous. Xiao Yan was not a weakling. They had taken a big risk.

Shui Rong was the daughter of a servant of the wangfu. She had been dutiful to her station for over ten years. His Highness has trusted her all this time. That had been why she had been given the heavy responsibility of being at Xiao Yan’s saviour, Bai Qiuchi’s side. Logically speaking, he would never doubt them...but because Bai Qiuchi had done something, there was still a certain risk of being exposed.

Shui Rong waited a whole day and night. She jumped at any slight movement or sound, thinking that it was the sound of His Highness coming for them. She was scared out of her wits.

The next morning, at dawn, Shui Rong received some news and finally relaxed. She smiled and pushed the door open. She said to Bai Qiuchi, “Young Miss, there’s no need to worry. His Highness has already thrown Yuan Jin into the dungeons.”

Bai Qiuchi relaxed when she heard this. However, she was still hesitant to let down her guard. She asked, “Really?”

At this moment, a knock sounded from outside. The servant said His Highness had asked for the young miss to see him.

Bai Qiuchi’s heart was once again stuck in her throat. Her eyes were full of fright as her face paled. In a hushed voice, she said, “Didn’t you say that His Highness thinks that Yuan Jin did it?”

Shui Rong smiled. “He certainly does. If he suspected Young Miss, how could he only call for you now? However, Young Miss was also in His Highness’ courtyard yesterday. He likely wants to ask you some questions. Young Miss, you can relax. Do not arouse His Highness’ suspicion.”

Bai Qiuchi bit her lip. After some time, she slowly nodded.

Bai Qiuchi arrived at Xiao Yan’s courtyard and could immediately tell that the atmosphere had changed. Everyone wore heavy expressions and the entire courtyard was covered in a sombre air. It was stifling. She was led to Xiao Yan’s room by a eunuch, where she found Xiao Yan and Qi Qing deep in a conversation. The former’s expression was harsh and there was anger hidden in his dark eyes. But when he saw Bai Qiuchi, he forced a smile and nodded. “You’re here.”

Bai Qiuchi was really afraid of this version of Xiao Yan. Furthermore, she felt guilty. Her legs felt weak. She actually regretted betraying him a bit. She lowered her head and walked in. In a quiet voice, she said, “Gege, you were looking for me?”

Xiao Yan looked at Bai Qiuchi pensively. He thought, indeed, so impossibly stupid. She actually trusted the Crown Prince! Xiao Yan’s chest was full of icy rage but he gave her a gentle, comforting smile. He said, “Yes. I heard that you went to see Yuan Jin yesterday, so I wanted to ask you if you could tell me what you two had been talking about?”

Bai Qiuchi kept Shui Rong’s reminder in her mind. She did her best not to show any abnormalities. She asked, “Gege, why are you asking about Yuan Jin?”

When Xiao Yan heard this, anger flashed in his eyes. It looked like he didn’t want to respond to this question. He only said, “Did he act strangely yesterday?”

Bai Qiuchi pretended to think about it. She shook her head. “No, we went to take a stroll in the garden. But in the middle, I left for a bit because I didn’t feel well. I said goodbye to him and then left. Gege...are you worried that I bullied him? I really wouldn’t dare to do that anymore....” When she said this, her eyes reddened. She looked very wronged.

Xiao Yan’s face was full of murderous rage, as if he could not suppress the anger inside him. In a frosty tone, he said, “I should have killed him a long time ago!”

Bai Qiuchi was startled into shuddering. Her voice trembled, “W-what’s wrong...? Gege, don’t you like him?”

Xiao Yan’s eyes were icy. He spat out, “I misjudged him.”

When Bai Qiuchi saw Xiao Yan like this, her heart finally settled a bit. She gathered the courage to ask, “What did he do to anger you, Gege?”

Xiao Yan replied in a chilled tone, “He’s a spy sent by the Crown Prince.”

Bai Qiuchi looked shocked. She widened her eyes, tone raising, “What? He’s actually....”

Xiao Yan sucked in a deep breath and flashed a bitter smile. “He stole secrets from my study yesterday.... That’s why I asked you if you saw anything fishy yesterday when you went to see him.”

Bai Qiuchi shook her head repeatedly. But then seemed to think of something. She asked, “Gege...how are you sure it’s him?”

Xiao Yan gazed at her. “Because only two people went over there yesterday.”

Bai Qiuchi peered into Xiao Yan’s eyes, seemingly moved. She choked, “Then...didn’t you suspect me...?”

Xiao Yan looked at Bai Qiuchi, gazing at her tenderly. He gently stroked her hair and chuckled, “I would never doubt you, silly girl.... Furthermore, I have proof that it was him.”

Bai Qiuchi finally set her heart to rest. She began to feel pleased and couldn’t help but say, “Thank goodness Gege saw his true face! Otherwise, who knows how long he’d deceive you for! I knew that he wasn’t a good person!”

Xiao Yan stared at Bai Qiuchi. This woman...was utterly contemptible and vile.

His expression grew slightly cold. It was difficult to control himself. He sighed, “It’s fortunate that I found out now.”

Bai Qiuchi thought she had successfully framed Yuan Jin. She began to feel curious about what Xiao Yan would do to Xie He. She asked, “Where’s Yuan Jin now?”

Xiao Yan said, “I locked him up and am about to interrogate him. You should head back.”

Bai Qiuchi’s gaze changed. How could she not watch such a good show? Therefore, she looped her arm around Xiao Yan’s and spoke angrily. “C-Can I watch? He actually betrayed Gege. That’s so infuriating!”

Xiao Yan seemed to be hesitant. But when he saw Bai Qiuchi’s determination, he nodded in the end. He said in a helpless tone, “It’s not that you can’t. But if you ever feel unwell, don’t force yourself to keep watching.”

Bai Qiuchi nodded her head cutely.

....................................

Xie He had been brought to the dungeons and had been hung up by his wrists. Only his toes touched the ground. After being hung for a day, his arms had gone numb from the pain. The friction of the cuffs against his wrists had rubbed his skin bloody.

He had been begging the guards to let him see His Highness once more the entire time. He wanted to know what he had done wrong. However, the guards had never replied. They completely ignored him. In the end, Xie He had ended up drained of all his energy and could only hang there with his head drooping down.

Who knew how long it had been before footsteps finally echoed in the prison. Xie He forced himself to look up and saw that Xiao Yan and Bai Qiuchi had walked in. He looked up at Xiao Yan joyously. His Highness was finally willing to see him....

A sliver of hope popped up in Xie He’s eyes. He let out a soft, weak voice, “Your Highness....”

Xiao Yan also saw Xie He. The red lips on Xie He’s wane, stunning face opened and closed. The other was gazing at him with hope in his eyes, as if he was waiting for him to come save him, to let him go.... Xiao Yan felt his heart clench but he then quickly encased it in ice.

Xie He didn’t know what Xiao Yan was thinking. He didn’t understand why he had ended up in such miserable straits. But he still gazed at Xiao Yan hopefully and timidly said, “Your Highness, what did Nu do to make you angry...?”

Xiao Yan appraised him coldly. He asked, “What did the Crown Prince offer you when he sent you here?”

Xie He was puzzled. He asked, “What...? The Crown Prince?”

Xiao Yan sneered. “You’re still feigning ignorance? Tell me in detail how you managed to send the wangfu’s secrets out and tell me the names of all the spies here. If you do that, Benwang might just spare your life.”

Although Xie He didn’t understand what Xiao Yan was saying, he knew that the other had likely misunderstood him. He said, “N-Nu has never seen the Crown Prince before...Nu does not understand what you’re saying....”

Xiao Yan seemed to not want to continue the conversation. He commanded, “Torture him.”

The guards who had been silently standing guard the whole time walked over at once. One had a horrifying barbed whip in his hand and the other had a heated branding iron. Xie He widened his eyes in terror. He finally couldn’t stop himself from screaming, “No! Don’t come over! Nu has really never seen the Crown Prince before!”

He watched as the guards got closer and closer. He began to struggle with all his might, shouting at Xiao Yan with scarlet eyes. “Your Highness! Nu has never met the Crown Prince and does not know of any spies! Nu doesn’t know anything, ah! Ah—ah, ah—!”

Xiao Yan’s gaze was cold, both hands folded behind his back.

Bai Qiuchi stood next to Xiao Yan, tightly gripping onto her sleeves. This was the first time she ever saw such a horrifying scene. If it were anyone else, she probably wouldn’t be able to bear watching. But since it was Xie He...she only felt a warped, bloodthirsty happiness inside of her.

Look...everything of yours is mine. All you get in the end is death! Even if you came back, so what...? This is what you get for wanting to steal what’s mine!

..............................

The torture lasted a very long time. At first, Xie He had tried to beg Xiao Yan. However, Xiao Yan had not budged at all. He just stood there with Bai Qiuchi, watching as Xie He was tormented...

In the end, Xie He didn’t even have the strength to beg.

He was covered in blood from head to toe. His tattered clothes had fused with his broken, bloodied flesh. There was also the scent of burnt hair in the air....

Whenever the guards guards saw that Xie He had fainted and mercilessly poured a bucket of cold water on him, waking him up, before continuing with the torture.... As time passed, the frequency of Xie He’s fainting increased. The imperial guards finally ceased the torture and grabbed Xie He’s hair, using it to lift his head up.

The fingers of the hand hanging by Xiao Yan’s side curled up slightly. His expression was tense, causing him to look extremely terrifying. He slowly asked again, “Why did you betray Benwang?”

Only Xie He’s face was still untouched. His face twisted in pain, tears incessantly falling from his resplendent eyes. There was deep sorrow in them. A long time later...he spoke, sounding like he was on his dying breath, “Nu...did not....”

Xiao Yan barked a cold laugh and said, “Continue.”

The guards took Xie He down and made him kneel. They tied his hands to a wooden stool and placed his fingers into a torture device. They pulled the device tight, immediately evoking an ear-piercing scream from Xie He. His whole body spasmed in pain.

Bai Qiuchi watched with keen interest. Her body shook.

When Xiao Yan saw this, he wrapped a gentle arm around her shoulders, letting her lean into his embrace. He softly said, “If it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to watch.”

Bai Qiuchi grabbed hold of the lapel of Xiao Yan’s clothes. There was a deeply repressed excitement in her voice. “No...I want to watch. Gege, you treated him so well, why did he have to betray you? He deserves this.”

A bone-chilling light flashed through Xiao Yan’s eyes. That’s right, ah. I treated you so well, so why did you betray me?

He hugged Bai Qiuchi, voice soft and low. “OK, but you must not force yourself. It will not be good for this low-bred servant to pollute your eyes.”

Xie He’s gaze was blurry because of the pain. He was kneeling here, while his master who he worshipped wholeheartedly, who he depended on like the other was his everything...hugged Bai Qiuchi and comforted her with a soft voice. Meanwhile, he ignored Xie He’s misery....

In Xiao Yan’s eyes...he was nothing but a low-bred servant that would pollute his eyes....

Then, why did Xiao Yan have to treat him so gently before? Why did he give him false hope? And why...didn’t he believe Xie He...?

Everything went black. Xie He fainted again.

This time, he wouldn’t wake up no matter how much water they splashed on him.

When Xiao Yan saw this, his eyebrows furrowed slightly and he clenched his fists. In a deep voice, he said, “Don’t let him die. Continue interrogating him tomorrow.”

After saying this, he turned to Bai Qiuchi. “Let’s go. There’s no need to continue watching this.”

Bai Qiuchi nodded and followed after Xiao Yan with light steps. Xie He’s miserable state continuously replayed in her mind. Although she was frightened, she was also excited. Now that Xie He had been injured to such a degree, he would no longer be able to seduce men! Xiao Yan won’t want him anymore! His death was certain!

All the way back, she felt like everything had been a bit surreal. Finally, she ended up back at her courtyard.

Seeing that Bai Qiuchi had come back, Shui Rong welcomed her impatiently and asked, “What did Young Miss and His Highness talk about?”

Bai Qiuchi immediately told Shui Rong everything that happened today. In the end, she happily added, “Gege seems really certain that Yuan Jin was the traitor. You should have seen him. He looked murderous.”

Shui Rong nodded, looking pensive. She had also heard of what had happened today from her other sources. Originally, she had still been worried.... But seeing how merciless Xiao Yan had been towards Yuan Jin, and hearing Bai Qiuchi’s account, she was fairly certain he did not suspect them. Otherwise, how could he bear to torture his bed partner, whom he liked?

....................................

Xie He’s whole body was wracked with pain. It felt like he had traversed through a mountain of blades and a sea of fire and back. Currently, someone was feeding him medicine. Because swallowing was difficult, a lot of it spilled out.

His eyes slowly regained focus. Finally, he saw that the person before him was Qi Qing.

Qi Qing stared at Xie He, his heart spasming in pain. This delicate, pitiful beauty had been tortured into such a state...how could His Highness bear to do it? He could feel his own hands shaking. When he had held Xie He, it felt like the other would die at any second.

Xie He looked back at Qi Qing, eyes glossy. A weak voice came out, “Daren....”

Qi Qing’s eyes stung. He quietly replied, “Don’t speak.”

Xie He looked at Qi Qing like he was the straw and Xie He was the dying man. He gazed at him expectantly. With a lot of difficulty, he slowly formed his words. “Nu...wants to ask Daren for a favour....”

Qi Qing immediately said, “Tell me.”

Pain appeared in Xie He’s eyes as he slowly said, “Nu...did not betray His Highness.... Would Daren help Nu...tell His Highness...Nu really didn’t do it....”

When Qi Qing heard this, his throat closed up. He couldn’t look into Xie He’s eyes.

How could he tell the other that His Highness had never doubted him and simply...didn’t want him?

Xie He could not move. When he saw that Qi Qing didn’t respond, he couldn’t help but shoot him an imploring look. His eyes were brimming with tears. “Please....”

Qi Qing shut his eyes, hiding the pain away. He said, “OK. But I cannot promise you that His Highness will believe you.”

Xie He was satisfied with just this. He gave Qi Qing a small smile and said in a raspy voice, “Many thanks to Daren....”

Qi Qing’s heart ached terribly. He whispered, “I will pass on your message. Drink this medicine first. Otherwise, you may not be able to hold on....”

He fed Xie He the medicine and watched as Xie He passed out again. Tenderness and distress appeared in his eyes.... You must live on. You must get through this. I’ll take you away, OK?”

【Ding, Qi Qing’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 85.】

After Qi Qing left, he returned to Xiao Yan’s. He did not pass on Xie He’s message because he knew that it was pointless.

Xiao Yan sat in his study, eyes filled with an unreadable, complicated expression. He was silent for a long time. He asked, “Anything on Bai Qiuchi’s side?”

Qi Qing said, “Her servant girl, Shui Rong, is on the Crown Prince’s side. She is also passing information to them. I have already assigned several reliable people to keep watch. We will not let even a single one escape!”

Xiao Yan nodded. “Very good. Continue to keep a tight watch over them. We must keep acting as if we trust Bai Qiuchi. If they think they haven’t been exposed, they will definitely attempt something else.”

Qi Qing said, “Shuxia understands.”

After saying this, Xiao Yan continued to look at the book in his hands. He didn’t mention Xie He at all.

A few days passed. Bai Qiuchi’s had completely put down her fear and worry. Her courage grew and grew, particularly because Xiao Yan had started to treat her extra well, probably because he felt guilty for protecting Xie He before. He would even occasionally treat her intimately, causing Bai Qiuchi’s heart to ripple with love. She wondered if maybe Xiao Yan had finally fallen for her....

Today, Bai Qiuchi came looking for Xiao Yan. Everyone in Xiao Yan’s courtyard knew that she was Xiao Yan’s most trusted little sister, so no one stopped her. They let her in directly.

Bai Qiuchi looked around and finally found Xiao Yan in his study. As soon as she got near, she could hear very quiet voices coming from inside. Xiao Yan was currently speaking with Qi Qing.

Xiao Yan’s voice was really hushed. Bai Qiuchi had to really concentrate to hear. She heard Xiao Yan say, “Gong Min...carefully get in contact with him....”

Qi Qing said, “Yes, Shuxia understands...will go see Gong daren tonight...definitely won’t let the Crown Prince know....”

Bai Qiuchi wanted to hear more but the door opened suddenly! Qi Qing’s eyes were on her, full of ice-cold killing intent!

Bai Qiuchi didn’t think the door would open so abruptly. When she saw Qi Qing’s expression, she knew that she had heard something she shouldn’t have. Her heart raced in fear. She stammered, “I-I came to see Gege....”

Xiao Yan walked out, eyebrows knitted. His expression was grave. He asked, “When did you arrive?”

Bai Qiuchi nervously said, “Just now....”

Xiao Yan stared at her and slowly said, “What did you hear?”

Bai Qiuchi knew that she could not admit anything and said at once, “I didn’t hear anything. Qi daren opened the door as soon as I came.”

Xiao Yan said, “Really?”

Bai Qiuchi huffed, “Gege, do you not trust me?”

Xiao Yan paused and smiled. “Of course I trust you.”

Bai Qiuchi was flustered. She couldn’t help but keep replaying the words she just heard. She was in no mood to wait. She smiled and said, “I didn’t know you were busy. If it’s not a convenient time, I can come back later.”

Xiao Yan nodded and smiled back. “OK.”

He watched as Bai Qiuchi left and then returned to the room with Qi Qing. This time, he shut the door carefully. Once he received news that Bai Qiuchi had gone far away, he continued with a cold gaze. “Gong Min recently took in an eighteenth wife, didn’t he? Have that wife attempt to kill him. Give him a scare.”

Qi Qing accepted the order. “Shuxia shall do as His Highness commands.”

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, eyes turning cold and dark.

Three years ago, Gong Min was Jiangzhou’s magistrate. He had been Cui Shao’s superior back then. He had always been the Crown Prince’s trusted aid. He had later returned to the Capital to support his Crown Prince. Right now, he was already the Minister of Revenue. He was one of the most important people on the Crown Prince’s side and had an unswerving loyalty to the Crown Prince.

If he used Bai Qiuchi to send false information that Gong Min had betrayed the Crown Prince, then with how ruthless the Crown Prince was with his methods, it would be expected that he would rather strike at an innocent than risk being betrayed. Although the Crown Prince would not do something to Gong Min without proof, he would estrange himself from him and become suspicious. Gong Min was also a crafty fellow. He knew the Crown Prince’s merciless personality well. A crack would inevitably form between the two of them. The Crown Prince was previously able to kill Vice Minister Zhang without any hesitation. Gong Min would definitely believe that the Crown Prince is responsible for the assassination attempt this time. Then, he would certainly look for another way out, in the name of self-preservation.

Xiao Yan looked at Qi Qing, eyes like a bottomless pool. The corner of his lips quirked up into a cold arc. “So what if the Crown Prince killed Vice Minister Zhang? I will make Gong Min come knock on my door. He knows much more than Vice Minister Zhang.”

....................................

In order to make it seem more realistic, Xiao Yan did not go see Xie He again.

Xie He had begged Qi Qing to pass the message onto Xiao Yan. In the beginning, he had still harboured some hope and had waited with anticipation. But as time ticked by, as day after day passed, only despair remained in his heart....

Xiao Yan didn’t believe him at all.

Today, Xie He was hung up, consciousness muddled. Finally, after so long, he heard the sound of footsteps.

The imperial guard who usually kept an eye on him had already left. Who was it now? Was it Xiao Yan? He used his remaining strength to look up, slowly turning towards the source of the sound.

The author has something to say:

Song Heng: I heard that everyone’s forgotten about me. But I think it’s about time for me to come out and increase my Favourability Value.

Qi Qing: I think that I have a chance now. His Highness doesn’t want the beauty anymore!

Xiao Yan: ...What can I do? I’m in so much despair. Whatever, I’ll just continue to beat up the author. Sigh.JPG

The author: QAQ

Eve: I really. Cannot. Wait. For. Bai Qiuchi. To Suffer. I wanna b*tch slap her, I’m sorry. It’s one thing to be greedy but taking joy in seeing someone, who you know is innocent, be tortured? Ugh.

sere: asdf edited half and had to go to gong abuse part before coming back....