The Regent's Mansion
Xue Wenjie looked at Yan Zhao before him. Yan Zhao possessed the kind of looks that could drive women wild. Beneath his refined, handsome countenance, there was a mystery that even Xue Wenjie himself longed to explore, let alone a virgin empress?
However, it was precisely these looks that had captivated his precious daughter, who, he recalled with a chilling sensation, frequently pleaded with him for a marriage arrangement.
Sensing the shift in Xue Wenjie's demeanor, Yan Zhao spoke, "Does Your Highness seek me out for a discussion?"
Xue Wenjie nodded. "Indeed, there is a matter to discuss."
"Please elaborate, Your Highness," Yan Zhao said calmly.
Xue Wenjie rose from his chair and walked step by step towards Yan Zhao.
The oppressive aura reached its peak. Yan Zhao raised an eyebrow and said, "Your Highness..."
"This king intends to send you into the palace."
The moment Xue Wenjie finished speaking, Yan Zhao looked up, his dark eyes deep and long. "Your Highness, I do not wish to enter the palace."
Upon hearing this, Xue Wenjie let out a few booming laughs. "Young Master Yan, I understand this decision may be difficult for you to accept, but it is indeed a way to approach the Empress."
"Your Highness, there are many ways to approach the Empress. You previously asked me to use seduction, and I complied. Now you ask me to enter the palace, but I must respectfully decline, Yan Zhao cannot agree."
Xue Wenjie's lips curved slightly into a knowing smile as he said slowly, "Young Master Yan, this is likely not something you can control."
"Your Highness, what do you mean by that?" Yan Zhao asked, looking up at Xue Wenjie with a cold expression.
Xue Wenjie turned, his hands clasped behind his back, and stood facing away from him. He said coldly, "This king has already recommended you to the Empress."
"Your Highness, you did not inform me beforehand," Yan Zhao said, frowning with displeasure.
"Young Master Yan, the Empress has agreed," Xue Wenjie suddenly turned around, his gaze carrying not only deep meaning but also a hint of mist that Yan Zhao couldn't comprehend.
Yan Zhao was stunned. The Empress agreed? How was that possible?
Seeing Yan Zhao's silence, Xue Wenjie seized the opportunity. "Young Master Yan, the Empress's past indifference to you was merely a tactic of 'playing hard to get.' Your appearance, Young Master Yan, could captivate anyone, let alone that young girl!"
Yan Zhao looked up, his dark eyes clear and cold. "Your Highness, let this not happen again!"
Xue Wenjie laughed heartily and reached out to clap Yan Zhao on the shoulder. "Young Master Yan, you certainly won't disappoint me."
"Your Highness, I shall take my leave!" Yan Zhao moved his hand away from Xue Wenjie's touch with composure, his expression cold.
"Good," Xue Wenjie nodded.
Exiting the Regent's Mansion, Yan Zhao's expression was grim. Send him into the palace to accompany the monarch? Xue Wenjie truly had the audacity to think such a thing.
However, in this situation, one dared to think, and another dared to agree.
Why did the Empress agree? He could clearly feel her hatred towards him.
A palpable hatred. Unless...
His gaze turned cold.
"Why aren't you saying a word after leaving the Regent's Mansion, Young Master?"
Yan Yi, as the most loyal guard, was concerned about any situation involving his young master.
Yan Er scoffed upon hearing this, "You probably don't know? His Highness wants the Young Master to enter the palace to accompany the monarch."
"What? Enter the palace to accompany the monarch?" Yan Yi's voice was loud, causing passing citizens to turn and stare.
Yan Er smacked Yan Yi on the head and said coldly, "Do you want everyone to know the Young Master is entering the palace to accompany the monarch?"
Yan Yi held his head, close to tears. "I had no such intention. I was merely too surprised."
He then shuffled closer to Yan Zhao and said aggrievedly, "Young Master, the waters in this barren wasteland are too deep. Perhaps we should withdraw?"