Chapter 200: Taming the Empress Beauty, You're Asking Me to Help Train the Princess Consort? (4)
For some reason, Su Qing felt a bit sorry for this pathetic man.
Yeah, and also took it as a warning—he needed to stay in control.
"Even after all this time, you're still the same disgraceful mess."
Han Jin Xiu let out a cold snort, eyes full of contempt.
"I've endured countless threats and temptations these days, but I stood firm!"
Prince Qi's face flushed red, as if trying to prove himself.
"No need for that anymore. You're going to help him put on a show. Understood?"
Han Jin Xiu spoke in a calm tone.
"Huh? My lady, if I do that, I'll be completely worthless."
"I can't compromise. She has to yield to me or—ah!"
Prince Qi didn't even finish his sentence before being kicked hard to the ground.
A slender high heel dug into his chest, the pointed tip hurting like hell.
"Did you understand what I told you to do?!"
Han Jin Xiu's eyes were ice cold, her tone brooking no argument.
"I-I got it! I'll cooperate, I swear!"
Feeling the pain from above, Prince Qi forced a fawning smile.
Pride? Dignity? Not even a shred left.
"Spineless dog. Only this kind of treatment makes you happy."
Han Jin Xiu spat out another insult.
Prince Qi didn't reply. The grin on his face only grew wider.
Su Qing watched it all, his expression filled with speechless disbelief.
Today, he truly saw what diversity in the species looked like.
What was a prince like this even alive for?
"Enough. Now go see Her Majesty. She'll arrange your next steps."
Su Qing felt a bit nauseated and waved him off.
Honestly, it was a true example of visual pollution. One more glance and he felt like he was disrespecting himself.
Prince Qi glanced at this smug little brat and immediately tried to regain his princely air.
"Get lost already! Do what you're told!"
Han Jin Xiu snapped impatiently.
She was clearly losing patience with this loyal mutt.
After all, his value was gone. This was his last remaining use.
"My lady, I want to stay here and share your pain!"
Prince Qi spoke urgently.
He was being kicked out, while his wife was being left behind.
What would happen to her?
A man and woman alone in a room—it didn't take a genius to guess.
As a man, he had to stand up!
"Get out already!"
Su Qing rolled his eyes and interrupted.
Seriously? You think you're some delicate young maiden, trying to share pain?
You think I'd go for some dried-up old bark like you?
"Just do what you're supposed to. Don't think I don't know—you're just getting off on this!"
Han Jin Xiu said with disgust.
Even so, there was a hint of amusement in her tone.
All thanks to the look on Su Qing's face.
Why hadn't she noticed before that this dog could be so funny?
Prince Qi's face flushed red, then turned pale, but he ultimately didn't dare resist.
He silently stood up and walked out, eyes filled with reluctance.
But no one cared about his feelings or his thoughts.
No one even spared him a second glance, even if he walked out wiping tears.
Once outside the room, Prince Qi felt a wave of sorrow.
Instinctively, he looked through the window and heard the two inside speaking.
"You laughed just now, didn't you?"
Su Qing's tone was sharp.
That saying—"a toad doesn't bite, but it makes your skin crawl"—he had just experienced it.
And this little dog dared to gloat? That deserved a good lesson!
"Master, I didn't—mmph!"
Han Jin Xiu hadn't even finished before Su Qing pushed her down, making her kneel in front of him.
Due to her position, her black silk-clad foot arched up, heel still half-lifted.
The gap between her foot and the black stiletto made Prince Qi's step falter.
The once arrogant and domineering wife was now kneeling without hesitation before this young man.
Su Qing seemed to sense something, casting a playful glance in that direction.
The queen your eyes once worshiped? You'll never touch her in this life.
Let me conquer her for you—consider it fulfilling your dream.
Prince Qi, turning back one last time, understood the message in that look.
Inside, he felt anguish, anger, and an undeniable twinge of twisted delight.
That day—
Prince Qi was paraded through the streets, drawing a massive crowd.
He now looked much more grounded compared to before.
Wearing white robes with a large "prisoner" character painted on them, his face pale, he still kept a trace of royal dignity.
Teeth clenched, he looked like a hardened man unwilling to bend, attracting many curious stares.
In front of the prison cart, someone loudly explained the situation:
Basically, Prince Qi had contacted the rebels but refused to give up any information.
The Empress was furious, but due to his royal status, couldn't torture him. So he was being publicly shamed instead.
The news spread like wildfire, stirring up a huge commotion.
The people now had fresh gossip to enjoy, spreading from one town to the next.
Exactly as the Empress intended.
Her goal this time? Use Prince Qi as bait to lure out the rebels!
Outside the capital, a major rebel base had already been wiped out, its leader surrendered—but that wasn't the end.
The Southern Dynasty had many such places. The rebel bases weren't limited to one.
The farther from the capital, the weaker the court's control, and the more rampant the rebel activity.
The capital was an open city with people constantly coming and going.
Meaning the rebels had already infiltrated in various disguises.
They hid even deeper now, harder to spot, trying to uncover the Empress's next move.
And when the opportunity came, they would regroup like rats and unleash chaos.
Prince Qi's fate was now known to all the rebels.
Their recruitment methods often leaned on righteous causes.
They prided themselves on brotherhood and loyalty, like an upgraded version of the outlaws of Mount Liang.
In such an environment, a prince who sacrificed everything and refused to betray them...
Would they really let him suffer?
To rescue or not to rescue—that was the question.
Inside a quiet room—
In stark contrast to the chaos outside, the atmosphere here was peaceful and intimate.
A faint sandalwood fragrance filled the air. Two figures embraced, the mood thick with ambiguity.
"The rebels won't come. This place is too dangerous. It's obviously a trap."
The queenly older sister sat obediently in his lap, her red lips parting to speak in a soft, seductive voice.
Her flawless face glowed with a blush, sweat dampening her hair, adding a sultry post-exercise charm.
Her robe half open, she helped warm Su Qing's hands while giving him a full-body inspection.
This—this was how she showed her worth!