Shadow was aware of the Retired Emperor's worries, so some of the things he prefered not to let His Highness take action on his own.
However, he knew that His Highness was truly pissed off today. From his reaction during the day, Shadow was very clear that there would be follow-ups of this matter.
"Summon Bai Mei." Baili Jia Jue stood under the sparse tree shadow and casually played with the tail ring on his finger.
Baili Jia Jue sat on the rattan wooden chair, holding his chin in one hand, whereas the other hand was flipping through a book. In a chilly manner, he asked, "Would you like to know where Hei Zhu is?"
Bai Mei did not understand why His Highness would suddenly mention Hei Zhu, she just felt that the atmosphere was a little bit awkward, and her body felt a little bit cold.
Baili Jia Jue flipped another page and said, "Let her have a look at the thing."
When Bai Mei heard this, she turned around and saw Hei Zhu's face which had already turned blue. Suddenly she panicked, and she knelt on the ground with a loud thud.
Bang!
Chapter 332 - His Highness' Cherishment Of Wei Wei
"Y-Your Highness, I..." Bai Mei tried to explain herself.
Baili Jia Jue stared at her coldly. "Why are you so nervous? Isn't that your precious sister?"
Bai Mei was trembling uncontrollably. As an assassin, she did not fear death, but she was terrified of Baili Jiajue. She regretted all of her decisions and her recklessness that led to her taking matters into her own hands.
"I had overestimated your intellect," Baili Jia Jue's lips curled up as he looked at her. However, his smile never reached his eyes. "She is my prey, yet I couldn't bear to harm even a single hair on her head. Now look at you guys - aren't you helpful indeed, filling her mind with ideas on how to leave me."
Bai Mei almost stopped breathing when she heard this sentence. She tried to explain, "I-I thought Sister Yun was the one whom you-"
Thump!
Before she could finish her sentence, Baili Jia Jua waved his sleeve and sent Bai Mei flying to land heavily on the ground more than a meter away. She coughed painfully, blood trickling from the corners of her mouth.
Baili Jia Jue stood up gracefully. Seemingly unconcerned about her plight, he turned to Shadow and asked, "How are things at the General's residence?"
"Your Highness, the people at the Huai residence had accepted bribes from the four influential families and rescinded their proposal for Helian Jiao Er's hand in marriage," Shadow reported while glancing meaningfully at the shadow guards nearby.
The shadow guards kept their heads down as they carted the unconscious Bai Mei away. All of them understood clearly that from now on, the princess consort should be treated with the same degree of respect as His Highness.
Shadow bowed his head. It was indeed daring of them; his master was notorious for being someone you should never cross. Despite that reputation, they were still bold enough to make reckless decisions at times like this.
"Turn over all the evidence of corruption done by the Huai family to the Retired Emperor. Since they don't like weddings, then we shall let them hold funerals instead," Baili Jia Jue instructed calmly.
Shadow could only imagine how disastrous the fate of Huai residence would be. "What about the General's residence?" he asked tentatively.
"Let Lan Lian continue; Helian Guang Yao won't be so carefree any longer," Baili Jia Jue sneered. "Helian Wei Wei's methods are still too gentle. People like Su Yan Mo have to face retribution - an eye for an eye."
Initially, Fire Qilin had intended to stay out of this, but it could not resist speaking up any longer.
"Master, there is certainly no one in the world who is more despicable than you are." Seducing Helian Guang Yao with an assassin? Only its master would think of such a devious plan.
Baili Jia Jue raised an eyebrow at it.
Fire Qilin shrunk its head timidly. "What I meant was, why are you intervening?" His master had always been of the opinion that the petty fights between humans were beneath him.
Baili Jia Jue placed his scroll on the wooden table. "As a qualified master, I have to know how to raise my pet properly."
"When I was the prey, you've never fed me properly!" Fire Qilin extended its neck, protesting for its own rights.
Baili Jia Jue looked at it stoically. "Haven't I fed you all the vegetables you could eat?"
"But I'm a carnivore!" Fire Qilin bellowed. It could not suppress its discontent any longer.
However, Baili Jia Jue was getting fed up with its ranting, so he started to sever the mental link between them.
Fire Qilin called out hastily, "Master, wait! Wait! I think that you should tell Miss Wei Wei about this."
Otherwise, everything you have done will be in vain if she doesn't know about it!
Sigh, it sure is tough having a master who has never been in a relationship before. I have to worry about things like this…
No one can possibly find a more omnipotent mythical beast in the world apart from me!
Mentally, it howled with pride at itself.
At this point, Fire Qilin felt that its position in its master's heart had increased in priority. It felt so proud that it stuck out its c.h.e.s.t and fluffed its fiery red feathers.
The little creatures who were frightened by the Green Dragon earlier felt helpless once again. They were so terrified that they huddled together in a corner of the room, as far away from the Fire Qilin as they could.
******
In a secluded corner of the gardens, the man looked at Yun Biluo as he said, "This is the so-called influence that you were talking about?"
"There were some misunderstandings between His Highness and I," Yun Biluo explained. She pondered for a while before she lifted her delicate face again, "Nevertheless, I believe that our misunderstandings will be resolved soon; just give me some time."
The man c.o.c.ked his head to the side and gave it some thought. Then, he stood up and drawled, "Helian Wei Wei can summon even the mighty Green Dragon. How much chance of winning do you think you have?
At the mention of this, Yun Biluo's fingers tightened. "There is still one final test for the War Dragon Army. There are people other than I who want Helian Wei Wei to fail."
"Heh," the man gave a low laugh. "All of these underhanded tactics again. Okay, go. You're dismissed."
Yun Biluo retreated, but it took a while for her to suppress her d.e.s.i.r.e to look for Baili Jia Jue. She told herself that if this was the price to pay for her betrayal in the past, then so be it. She was willing to do anything to appease his anger.
Yun Biluo squinted and walked further away.
The Demon-Transforming Beast that was hiding in the corner watched her leave with its reddening eye. After making sure that Yun Biluo had gone far, it finally revealed itself to face the man. "Master, thanks to her, we had to sacrifice the Blood Serpent Beast. It's not worth it at all..."
The man's fingers froze. His expression was clearly one of disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e.
The Demon-Transforming Beast knew that it should not be saying this, but it continued anyway, "I've never seen a human like Baili Jia Jue. Nonetheless, he would not have sensed the Blood Serpent Beast's presence if it wasn't for the Fire Qilin at his side. Who knows what had came over the Fire Qilin for it to willingly be bound to that man as his mythical beast. Its presence had also made things harder for our Bone Eroding Beasts to act, for they are afraid of being discovered by the Fire Qilin and expose master's plan."
"Then possess human vessels." The man retracted his gaze. "The will of the elders in the four influential families should be drained by now. After they've drank the last mouthful of the mythological beasts' blood, you can take over their minds whenever you want. Choose whichever vessel you please. As for the Fire Qilin, just leave it to the Green Dragon."
The Demon-Transforming Beast frowned upon hearing the last statement. "This is impossible. The Fire Qilin and the Green Dragon might be each other's nemesis b
efore this, but both had once subjected to that man before. I don't think they would fight each other."
"Helian Wei Wei might have roused the Green Dragon from its slumber, but she would not be able to bind it with a contract," the man explained calmly, "Once the Mysterious Ice Iron Chains are off, the might of the Green Dragon would no longer be restrained. Its temperament is tied to the Qi surrounding it. When the Green Dragon was trapped beneath the lake, the air of serenity here at the White Academy was concentrated enough to allow the Green Dragon to maintain its natural disposition."
Chapter 333 - His Highness Likes Her?
"The Green Dragon's temperament is affected by the Qi in its surroundings. When it was trapped at the bottom of the lake, the air of serenity here at the White Academy allowed it to maintain its nature. If the air of serenity is destroyed, then the Green Dragon will be demonized and fall under my control."
The Demon-Transforming Beast's eyes gleamed. "I see! Master always has the best ideas. I will inform the Bone Eroding Beasts now."
The man hummed. The corners of his lips curled upward, a hint of deviousness glittering in his eyes. "It is time for this mankind-dominated world to come to an end…"
Pitter-patter.
The raindrops from the night rain fell upon the wide leaves in the foliage.
When Helian Wei Wei woke up, she tugged subconsciously at her restrained left hand. Then, her eyes fell on the man lying beside her, and at the same time, she realized that someone had changed her clothes. Her stomach was no longer aching, which gave her an indescribable feeling of comfort.
She had taken a very long nap.
She licked her chapped lips, wishing that she had some water to drink.
Baili Jia Jue woke up when she was still in her thoughts. He glanced at her, then reached out and picked up a porcelain cup which he moved to her mouth.
"Drink it."
His tone was no different than talking to a pet.
After draining the cup, she returned her wrists back to their original positions and secured the restraints around them, as obedient as a well-trained dog.
As expected, the Third Prince was very satisfied with her behavior. His hand carded soothingly through her long hair as a reward. Then, he wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes.
It was hard to describe how Helian Wei Wei felt right now.
However, Yuan Ming chose this moment to b.u.t.t his head in, his mischievous voice echoing in her head, "He kinda likes you anyway, so let's jump his bones right now. What could possibly be more important than strengthening yourself? Such a stupid woman."
"Shut up," Helian Wei Wei only gave him two words.
Yuan Ming curled his lips lazily as he drawled, "If you don't jump him now, you'd still end up doing it eight days later. Why hesitate when you can get things over with as soon as possible?"
"Do you want me to toss you into a fire, hmm?" Helian Wei Wei threatened.
Yuan Ming snorted, "Alright, alright, I'll stop talking. Eight days, remember, eight days."
Helian Wei Wei felt a headache roar to life at that reminder. When she severed her mental connection with Yuan Ming, she lifted her eyes to see that Baili Jia Jue was gazing at her. His soft-looking lips curved into a smirk. "If you're always this obedient, then I wouldn't need to get mad at all."
"Sigh..."
Of course his mind would work peculiarly like this.
Right at that moment, Helian Weiwei felt an urge to use the toilet. She unlocked her cuffs, slipped away to do her business, and cuffed herself back onto the bed after she was done. Her movements were well-practiced, quick and efficient.
When the Little Seventh Prince came over, he was baffled by what he saw. He had never seen anyone who would lock herself up willingly before.
He turned to Baili Jiajue and asked on reflex, "Third Brother, what's the matter with Third Aunt?"
"Your Third Aunt likes roleplaying," replied Baili Jiajue calmly. His tone was even, as if he was just stating a simple fact. He crossed his legs lazily and curved his arms behind his head.
Thanks to the special education that he had received from his Third Brother, the Little Seventh Prince knew very well what 'roleplaying' meant. Therefore, he gave Helian Wei Wei an indecipherable look and mused, "So Third Aunt is into that kind of thing."
Helian Wei Wei's thoughts were as follows: Excuse me! Who is the one here who's actually into roleplaying?
"Yeah," Baili Jia Jue replied on her behalf.
"Is your Third Aunt your personal chef?" Baili Jia Jue admonished as he gave his wayward younger sibling a stern look. "Also, snake meat isn't for everyone, I heard that only pigs would like it."
The Little Seventh Prince, being the simpleton that he was, hesitated before he confessed, "I did try to feed the snake head to the pigs just now, but they wouldn't eat it. They kept trembling for some reason."
"Why did you try to feed it to the pigs?" Baili Jia Jue arched an elegant brow.
The Little Seventh Prince nodded assertively as he said, "To fatten them up for supper!"
"The pigs would never eat anything that you feed them, because they had already seen through your motives," Baili Jia Jue said as he picked some lint off his sleeves.
The Little Seventh Prince wrinkled his thick tiger-like brows. "Is that so? Then I shall hide in a corner and feed them stealthily from there. They wouldn't know where the food is coming from."
Helian Wei Wei was speechless. Who knew that His Highness spends his free time swindling gullible little kids? The pigs were clearly afraid of the snake head, what he said about them seeing through the Seven Prince's intentions was complete horseshit. How shameless.
"Then, can I ask Third Aunt cook the snake for me to eat first? I'll feed the pigs with the leftovers."
Baili Jia Jue had clearly underestimated his own brother's passion for food.
After getting Baili Jia Jue's approval, the little tyke was overjoyed. He scuttled over to the snake head on his stubby legs, about to drag it into the compound.
However, Baili Jia Jue was not finished. "Before that though, you have to perform a little dance."
Upon hearing that, the child froze, his hands moving instinctively to cup his b.u.t.t.o.c.k.s. The action was so cute that even Helian Wei Wei emitted an amused chuckle.
"It's okay, you don't need to dance. There's just one thing though, the snake is a magical beast, right? Would it affect our bodies if we eat it?" Helian Wei Wei knew that if it was a mythological beast, then ingesting it could be harmful for everyone except those who practice the dark arts, who would be nourished by it instead. On the other hand, if it was a magical beast, would it be even more harmful to the regular person?
The tiny one pulled a face, exclaiming, "I can eat everything!"
Helian Wei Wei slapped her forehead in exasperation. "I know that you are a food connoisseur, but are you sure that it's okay?" She had never doubted Little Seven's eating ability, she was just worried about the consequences of it.
"It's okay," Baili Jia Jue finally voiced up to reassure her. His tone was calm as he continued, "He can digest everything he eats."
Helian Wei Wei's mouth twitched. "What is his stomach made of?"
Baili Jia Jue remained suspiciously silent.
"You should have said this first." For the first time in her life, Helian Wei Wei felt defeated.
However, where did the cuffs on her wrists go?
Helian Wei Wei glanced at Baili Jia Jue. "I'll be back in a moment."
Baili Jia Jue's eyes were frosty. He did not voice his agreement.
Helian Wei Wei smiled. He gave off the vibe of a noble yet languid Persian Cat. If she stroked his fur the right way, everything would be fine.
So, she turned her face, her lips curling gently before she bestowed a soft kiss on his forehead.
Baili Jia Jue's fingers stiffened. Before he could react, the person next to him had already disappeared.
Of course Helian Wei Wei would not stick around any longer. S
he hurried toward the Underground Palace with the Little Seventh Prince safely in her arms.
Baili Jia Jue furrowed his brows. Then, he lifted himself off the bed, his long fingers ghosting across the spot where Helian Wei Wei's lips had touched just now.
Chapter 334 - Plotting Against Wei Wei
"Your Highness."
When Shadow walked in, the first thing he saw was Baili Jia Jue's frozen position. A flash of incredulity shone through his eyes.
Was His Highness... laughing?
Since young, His Highness had always been someone who kept his feelings under wraps.
He would only sneer or laugh sarcastically, or at best, lift up a corner of his lips.
He rarely smiled like he did right now.
Did anything joyous happen today?
However, the princess consort was not around.
Shadow had no idea what was going on in his master's mind. Disregarding it for the time being, he bowed his head respectfully and knelt to the ground on one knee. "There has been a development with the crawling beast incident. We have found out that Helian Guang Yao was the one who planted his mercenaries in the academy. He wanted them to verify his suspicion that the princess consort is possessed."
"Helian Guang Yao?" Baili Jia Jue fiddled with the ring on his little finger. His eyes darkened as he said, "It's not him. I don't think he is competent enough to have a mob of crawling beasts under his control. Continue your investigation."
Shadow accepted his order and was just about to retreat when Baili Kia Kue spoke again. "Start by inspecting the people within the Academy before you move on to outsiders."
"Yes, Sir," Shadow kept his eyes averted out of respect, but his heart was in turmoil. Was His Highness suspecting that those who wanted to harm him and the princess consort was someone in the Academy? That meant that the culprit was either a student… or a teacher?
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