Chapter 6: Making an Enemy

“Thank you.” An ethereal female voice suddenly rang out in the depths of her heart. Xiao Qianyin was startled, her expression filled with uncertainty and suspicion.

“You don't need to be on guard. I am a remnant consciousness of the original Xiao Qianyin. I specifically wanted to thank you for being able to live on in my stead and for being able to properly show filial piety to Grandfather; I have caused him much sadness.”

“Is it worth it, for the sake of a man?”

“Worth it?” The female voice contained a hint of bitterness. “I am not sure myself. Regardless, I will be disappearing soon, so whether it is worth it no longer holds meaning for me. As you said, everything of yesterday is as if one died yesterday, and everything of today is as if one was born today. Now, you are Xiao Qianyin. How you live your life from now on is your freedom. My only request is that you please take good care of Grandfather.”

“Even if you didn't say that, I would do it. He is a competent grandfather, and I will be filial to him.”

“Then I have nothing left to linger upon.” She cast aside her usual domineering and unruly nature, her tone carrying a faint desolation. “From this moment on, you are Xiao Qianyin. Please, strive to live on in my place.”

“I will.” The female voice in her heart sighed softly and spoke no more. Only then did Xiao Qianyin confirm that she had departed. She released her mental restrictions and gazed at the bright moon on the horizon. The moonlight was like water, scattered across the ground as if a layer of frost had fallen. She closed her eyes, then opened them again, silently telling herself that she would surely stand at the pinnacle of all people!

The Southern Tang Villa—

“Did she truly say that?” The man pressed his lips tightly together. His face was incomparably handsome, with sword-like eyebrows reaching his temples and peerless beauty, but at this moment, his expression was gloomy, ruining his original elegance.

“Yes. She said that Your Highness the Crown Prince is no good, and even said you are like two pigs—that calling you a pig doesn't even fully describe your stupidity.”

The man was still dressed in a scholar's robe, but his face was bruised and swollen, looking as if a palette had been overturned on him. He had washed himself three whole times upon returning just to get rid of that sensation. His eyes flashed with venomous resentment. Xiao Qianyin, just you wait!

Bei Wuxuan glanced at him and asked, “Was it also her who instructed the servants to beat you like this?”

“Yes. She said she didn't care for your apology, called it 'the cat crying for the mouse'—a display of false compassion—and finally had your subordinates beaten out with clubs.”

“You damn Xiao Qianyin! It is one thing for her to pester this Crown Prince at every turn, but I offered her an apology to give her face, and she dares to play hard to get? Is she trying to play hard to get to catch me? This Crown Prince will see exactly what kind of scheme she is playing!”

His gaze grew deep, and a chill radiated from his entire body. That useless young lady—does she not look at what kind of person she is? She cannot even compare to a single toe of Nangong Wei, yet she dares to dream of being his Crown Princess? Is she even qualified?

“Your Highness the Crown Prince...” The man cautiously observed his master's expression and asked, “Is there anything your subordinate should do?”

“No need. This Crown Prince will resolve it himself.”

Bei Wuxuan waved his hand, signaling him to withdraw, a cold sneer appearing at the corner of his mouth. She would go to Lushan Academy sooner or later; let's see how she handles his retaliation! Those who offend him should not expect a good end!