Hong Xiao Empire, within the emperor's private residence—
"Hah…"
"Hah…"
Heavy breathing comes from the man and woman, who are joined together at the hips.
Covered in sweat, the woman meekly says—
"Husband, I…-"
"I'm about to as well…"
Saying this, the man leans in on the woman, and just as their lips are about to touch—
"…"
Seeing the Hong Xiao Emperor about to relieve himself, a black serpent that is resting on top of the bed's canopy inwardly chants—
(Nine steps to cross…)
Following this—
"…Ugh! Aaaahhh!"
Instead of a feeling of ecstasy, it was the feeling of immense pain that overwhelms the Hong Xiao Emperor, causing him to howl, as he shuts his eyes tightly, while the woman beneath him raises a moan.
"Ugh…"
As the pain emanating from his eyes subsides, the Hong Xiao Emperor rolls onto the other side of the bed.
Finally realizing that something was amiss, the woman, the Hong Xiao Empress asks—
"Husband, it happened again?"
Raising a weak groan, the Hong Xiao Emperor curses—
"Dammit…"
Investigations into who had placed a curse on him, progress on this matter might as well be nonexistent.
That being the case, it doesn't take much effort to trigger the Hong Xiao Emperor's annoyance in this day and age.
If it was just pain at random intervals, things wouldn't be too bad. However—
"Ever since five years ago, this bastard's been much more precise with his curse's activation timing… And I've already setup every precautionary measures possible to prevent being spied on, but…"
Muttering this, a feeling of helplessness overwhelms the Hong Xiao Emperor, to which, the empress places a hand onto the former's chest, and says—
"If this despicable rat isn't within our star region, then… Perhaps, it's someone on the Lingchen Emperor's side?"
"…"
This thought had crossed the Hong Xiao Emperor's mind occasionally in the past 11 years, and with it, a secret investigation into the Lingchen Star Realm's imperial palace was also conducted.
However, no results were yielded.
In the first place, practitioners of the curse arts, they tend to never show their tails; hence, attempting to find them is akin to making an attempt at searching for a single needle within a sea of hay.
"If they really are someone from the Lingchen Star Realm, then the moment I seize that star region's destiny, I should be able to find them."
Saying this, the Hong Xiao Emperor grinds his teeth together, while the empress remarks—
"It won't be long then."
"Un."
Recalling something, the empress asks—
"Will you be visiting that blind man tomorrow?"
Throughout the course of the past 11 years, the Hong Xiao Emperor would take time out of his royal duties to pay Bujian Yue a visit every month.
"I'll have to. The wedding isn't too far off at this point."
"Our son said that he wished to have Princess Xiao Kui after the blind man is dead."
"Didn't all the princes say that they'd settle this matter with fists?"
"Why bother settling it with fists when there's an easier alternative to take?"
Thinking for a brief instance, the Hong Xiao Emperor replies—
"If he wishes to obtain the throne, then he'd best show his worth. This is a good opportunity for him to prove that he's capable. Out of all the princes, I've given the first prince the largest share of resources, a trivial matter such as this… He'll need to deal with it himself."
"I'll let him know then."
Raising a sigh, the Hong Xiao Emperor remarks—
"Ai, over 11 years, nearly 12 now… Putting on the act of a caring father in front of a blind man…"
"Exhausting is it not? But it will all be worth it at the end."
"Indeed, I could hardly wait to put him out of his misery already."
Sensing the empress coiling her leg around his beneath the blanket, the Hong Xiao Emperor looks to the former with a passionate gaze.
Raising a charming smile, the empress says—
"How about we redo it?"
"Su- Ugh!"
As an agonizing sense of pain emanates from his eyes once more, the Hong Xiao Emperor raises a groan.
Either the culprit behind the curse was in an extremely bad mood, or was just simply getting a kick out of seeing the Hong Xiao Emperor in great pain, the curse's activation period this time was much longer—causing the emperor's cussing to eventually turn into a desperate plead.
...…
The next morning—
"…Heh."
Chuckling lightly, Bujian Yue smiles, as he processes the memories that came from the black serpent.
(Less than two weeks to go.)
Just as Bujian Yue had thought of this, someone steps into his residence.
"Hm?"
Seeing the person through his divine senses, Bujian Yue parts his lips.
The person wasn't the Hong Xiao Emperor, but was instead the second princess, Chen Yuqiu.
"Little brother, father will be coming by later. He had instructed me to let you know that I'll be one to guide you through the wedding in less than two weeks' time."
"I see."
Walking over to the table, Chen Yuqiu takes a seat, and asks—
"Do you have any questions that you'd like me to answer—regarding the entire matter?"
"Hmm, what sort of person is Princess Xiao Kui?"
Contemplating for a bit, Chen Yuqiu replies—
"I only know surface level details. But she's someone who is well-loved by the people of her star region. Other than that, she's said to have black hair, and orange-colored eyes."
"Oh? …Do you think she and I are a good match?"
"This…-"
"No need to lie."
Organizing her thoughts, Chen Yuqiu replies—
"…It's hard to answer this question. But… The fact that she sends you those jade slips—probably means that she's sincere? If you feel the same way towards her, then I believe you two would be a good match."
Smiling subtly, Bujian Yue remarks—
"I should be in anticipation of meeting her, but… Since I'll be losing her in the end, I suppose I shouldn't have any expectations?"
"…"
Recalling the incident with the other princes, Chen Yuqiu frowns, while Bujian Yue continues to say—
"My matters aside, I'm more curious as to whether or not elder sister Yuqiu have someone that they fancy?"
"I don't. I… I'll probably end up marrying someone of high status—to strengthen this household in the future. Wishing for genuine love… It's a naïve thought to have."
"I see. …Nevertheless, I'll still pray for elder sister Yuqiu to find someone that they could genuinely love."
"…Thank you."