Su Su's memory of why the young devil king had to kneel was lie this ----- Ye Xi Wu and her illegitimate sister, Ye Bing Shang, both fell into the lake half a month ago.
As a result, the sixth prince and the champion scholar both jumped in to save her illegitimate
sister. Not only that, even the husband of the original owner, TanJai Jin, who had just married her, also jumped into the lake, swimming towards her illegitimate sister.
In the end, one of the original owner's secret guards sensed something was wrong and rescued her.
When the original owner returned, she was furious because she had nearly drowned. She was unable to vent her rage on the Sixth Price of the champion scholar, so TanJai Jin was the only person she could take her anger out on.
She had asked TanJai Jin to kneel on the frozen lake. He could only get up when she forgave him.
The original owner had become ill after catching a cold before the punishment was imposed. So her grandmother took her and Tanjai Jin to the temple to prey and burn incense.
Who knew that there would be an accident on the road and the original owner would be kidnapped by the mountain bandits?
Now that she's returned, the punishment, must, of course, continue.
Su Su rubbed her hands together and hoped she could go out to see the young devil king kneeling.
This had to be one of the advantages of travelling through 500 years of space and time! If there's a recording pearl, she'd make a recording and bring it back to show her Martial uncles! The immortal cultivation world would be pleased and proud!
*********
TanJai Jin was kneeling on the ice.
When he came back two days ago, the butler of the general's residence gathered his sleeves. "I hope the hostage prince didn't forget what Third Miss said," he said with a smile, giving him a slanted look.
He lowered his eyes and went to kneel on the frozen surface of the lake without saying anything. The cold air turned his face ashen after a while.
This year's winter has been significantly colder than previous years. "Third Miss is punishing the hostage prince again?"
Whispered a few maidservants as they walked by a lake.
"What's the third Miss's reason for punishing the hostage prince to kneel as soon as they returned from Tian Hua Temple? The hostage prince is too pitiful."
"Shh, lower you voice. Are you not afraid of the Third Miss?"
Ever since the Third Miss and the hostage prince got married, the Third Miss had always been punishing him.
Everyone knows that the Third Miss liked the sixth prince, and she hated hostage prince the most.
The Third Miss was General Ye's favourite daughter, and hostage prince TanJai Jin was the most hated son of Emperor Zhou. For many years in the Great Xia Empire, even the servants could insult the hostage prince, TanJai Jin, let alone the most pampered Third Miss, Ye Xi Wu.
Don't you torture someone based on your mood when you dislike them?
Most of the maidservants looked at TanJai Jin with sympathetic look.
The attractive young man was extremely tolerant and courteous, and he displaced no arrogance. However, despite the fact that his origins were already pitiful, he was still tortured in this manner in a regular basis. Even if General Ye was aware of all of this, he would only give his beloved daughter a few words of guidance before leaving the situation unresolved.
The green pines in the distance had been blanketed in snow. TanJai Jin coughed, allowing cold air into his lungs and making it difficult to breathe.
His bones ached from the cold ice beneath his knees. On the young man's dark hair, a layer of frist had been formed. TanJai Jin had been kneeling for so long that he couldn't feel his knees. He moaned and clung to the ice's surface, enduring it all to keep his body stable. On the ice was the reflection of his face. It was the face of a frail and innocuous adolescent.
When he carried the Third Miss back from the mountain bandits' den two days ago, he noticed that Old Madam of Ye's family's face had turned blue. "No one is permitted to disseminate this information. If I find out someone leaked this news, the Ye Family will not spare them!" Old Madam's face was serious, and she had a solemn threat in her eyes.
Then the Old Madam looked at him assuringly. " The momo in the residence have already checked. Xi Wu's clothing was still intact, so surely nothing that wronged you had happened."
"Grandmother, you are over- worried. I naturally believe in Ye Xi Wu."
Old Madam looked at him and nodded in satisfaction.
Like this, Third Miss Ye's abduction by mountain bandits were secretly concealed, but the Old Madam was still investigating the incident. After all, with the protection of the Ye family's guards, there had never been such an accident for many years.
Why did the mountain bandits target their Third Miss? Something was not right, no matter how they thought about it.
With a gang of just that size, it should be completely impossible to take Ye Xi Wu away that easily.
However, no matter how the Old Madam investigated it, there was no result. So this incident could only be designated as an accident.
Su Su came to the lake. With just a glance, she saw the mastermind of the world 500 years later.
The young man was kneeling on the surface of the frozen lake, almost unable to withstand it anymore. His face was pale, and instead of being bright red, his lips were starting to turn black.
Realizing that someone was watching him, the young man raised his eyes and and coincidentally met Su Su's gaze.
The girl was wearing a snowy white soft cloak, and she tilted her head and looked at him.
They exchanged glances across the lake. TanJai Jin noticed that the girl's eyes curving into a smile. He'd never seen Ye Xi Wu smile with such sincerity before. He couldn't tell if it was because she liked the winter snow view from the house or because of his sorry state on the frozen lake.
Chun Tao, who was standing next to Su Su, couldn't stand it anymore longer, "Miss, the hostage prince had already knelt for two days," she begged, summoning all her courage. "If he continues to kneel, I'm afraid his body and bones will be harmed. Should I ask the hostage prince to rise?"
Su Su shook her head. She was watching such a great show. It was a pity that she didn't have a recording bead. She said with a strong tone, "Obviously, he's still strong. He looks like he's still able to kneel for several more days and nights."
Chun Tao: "....."
Is the Third Miss serious?
Of course, Su Su was serious. She rubbed Chun Tao's head. You don't understand. If you were born in the future, a little girl like you would faint from shock instead of sympathizing with him when you hear his name.
It would be preferable if he knelt until he became paralysed. Then, in the future, see how this evil thing can become the devil king!
She gave TanJai Jin a sidelong glance.
She then brushed her sleeves, turned around, and walked away without saying anything. TanJai Jin pursed his lips and averted his gaze as he noticed the girl's back disappearing beneath the residence's long corridor.
Su Su went to the Old Madam's courtyard.
The Old Madam had just woken up from her afternoon nap. Because of her belief in Buddhism, her room was filled with curled sandalwood.
When Su Su went in, a teenage girl in green clothing was standing inside the room. The green - clothed girl was originally messaging the Old Madam's shoulders, but she stopped when she saw Su Su came in.
Su Su couldn't recognise anyone, so she remained silent. Instead, the lady took the initiative to nod at her and softly called, "Third Sister."
She turned out to be the Ye family's second illegitimate young miss, Ye Lan Yin.
Su Su nodded and greeted, "Second Sister."
Ye Lan Yin didn't expect that Su Su would respond to her. She was surprised and hurriedly glanced at Su Su. Then she bowed respectfully towards the Old Madam. "Grandmother, Lan Yin will come and accompany you to worship the Buddha again tomorrow." The Old Madam patted her head and nodded.
Su Su finally understood that the original owner had a small overlord-like existence in the Ye family. When she came, Ye Lan Yin had to make way for her. Just calling Ye Lan Yin second sister once was enough to make her feel fearful and apprehensive.
So, how terrifying was the original owner.
As soon as Ye Lan Yin left, the Old Madam's stern face seemed to relax. "Third girl, come hare and grandma have a look, Are you feeling better?"
Su Su walked over and said, "Thank you for your concern grandmother. Ye Xi Wu's body is alright. But, unfortunately, these past few days, I have made grandmother worried."
The Old Madam touched her forehead affectionately. "Grandmother is old and doesn't have many years left to leave. You mustn't let grandma always worry about you."
Su Su massaged the Old Madam's shoulders and said, "Grandmother's body is still very healthy. People who don't know still think that you are my mother. You must protect Xi Wu for a lifetime."
"Your mouth is really without a filter.
What nonsense are you talking about?"
The Old Madam pretended to reprimand her, but the smile in her eyes couldn't be covered.
General Ye's first wife passed away after giving birth to the original owner. General Ye didn't remarry, so the Old Madam personally brought up the original owner. She was very biased in her care for her because Ye Xi Wu was a child she had raised by herself.
Her grandmother's pampering was one of the most important factors for the original owner's
domineering attitude. The original owner, however, was a sharp thinker. She had a way of pleasing her elders, despite the fact that she was usually vicious.
Filial piety was promoted by the Great Xia Empire. General Ye was well-known for being
an obedient son. The Old Madam Ye looked after Ye Xi Wu as if she were her own daughte, causing General Ye to adore his only illegitimate daughter.
"Grandma has already sealed the servants' mouths about the temple incident, so it would be best if you didn't speak about it as well. The reputation of a lady is extremely important."
Su Su smiled and nodded, "Grandmother, I got it."
In the Ye family, Old Madam loved the original owner dearly. So, thinking of the original owner's wish, Su Su would also try her best to treat the Old Madam well in the future.
You must also be more understanding. Go and comfort the hostage prince's heart," the Old Madam added. "Something like this happened to his wife, and his heart may be filled with resentment."
Su Su thought of the young man who knelt on the frozen lake. She won't be a real husband and wife with the young devil king. She would only comfort him if she was too free. But she couldn't say that in front of the Old Madam, so she could only nod. "Xi Wu is aware." The Old Madam smiled and nodded.
"Have you found Yin Qiao, Grandmother?"
The Old Madam's eyes flashed. She smiled and said, "That girl was found, and she was not injured. Grandma has sent her out of the mansion. Yin Qiao has already reached the age of marriage. This time, she had bravely protected her owner, so it would be bad to let her waste her youth in this residence." The Old Madam sighed inwardly. Xi Wu shouldn't know about these filthy things for her whole lifetime.
Su Su was behind the Old Madam, so she couldn't see the Old lady's expression. She let out a sigh of relief. "That's great."
"Not long ago, regarding the palace banquet, grandma still hasn't reprimanded you. Your elder sister has already married off, so why did you still make things difficult for her? Both of you even fell into the water together and you made yourself ill."
"Grandmother knows that you like the Sixth Prince last time. But now, your sister is the sixth prince's side imperial concubine. You are also married to TanTai Jin. So listen to grandma, stay far away from the Sixth Prince!"
Su Su almost choked in her saliva.
Yes, besides having a personality problem, the original owner had the most critical problem, she liked her own sister's man, the Sixth Prince. Even though both of them had already married, she still didn't give up. On the contrary, she always complicated things and schemed against her concubine-born sister, never missing out on a chance to do either.
On the other hand, TanTai Jin liked her illegitimate sister. What an impressive relationship they both had. Both of them wanted the husband and wife respectively, but it was impossible.
Seeing her silent, the Old Madam thought she still couldn't think it through. She patted the back of her hands in a demanding way. "Answer grandma."
"Yes, Xi Wu understands. I will stay as far away as I can from the Sixth Prince." Even if the Old Madam didn't say this, Su Su wouldn't fight with her illegitimate sister for the Sixth Prince either.
Su Su's straightforward response made the Old Madam suspicious. Xi Wu liked the Prince so much that she was always heartbroken as if her liver and bowels were cut into pieces, so how can she give up so easily?
"You are not coaxing your grandmother, right?" Su Su pursed out her cheeks to reveal her two shallow dimples, "Of course not."
The Old Madam said, "Prove it to your grandma then. Don't punish the hostage prince anymore. Grandma heard that you made him kneel on the frozen lake. Such cold weather outside, is this something that a little lady would do? Your reputation would be damaged if this was leaked out. His identity is indeed not good, but he is already your husband. How can you torture him to death? After this, curb your heart and live well. It's the right thing to do."
Su Su looked at the Old Madam's persistent look, which seemed to want her agreement no matter what.
She breathed out a sigh, "Yes."
********
Ye Lan Yin walked out of the Old Madam's room.
Her maid, Qiao'er, hurriedly greeted her. "Second Miss, why did you come out so early today?"
"The Third Sister came."
"The Old Madam is to biased, Qiao's bitterly expressed her understanding.
Qiao'er continued speaking after seeing Ye Lan Yin didn't Stop her. "In front of the Sixth Prince, the Third Miss pushed Eldest Miss into the water, and the Old Madam even surpressed the matter. Initially, I thought the Third Miss would be the Sixth Prince's main imperial concubine. I never expected the Sixth Prince to choose the Eldest Miss as his side Imperial concubine."
Ye Bing Shang was just a concubine's daughter, after all. So she couldn't be the prince's main imperial concubine. She could only be a side Imperial concubine.
But from afar, Ye Lan Yin saw the Sixth Prince's eyes were filled with love for her eldest sister.
Thinking of this, Ye Lan Yin clutched her handkerchief tightly.
They were both concubine's daughters. Ye Bing Shang could be loved by a prince, but she can only please the Old Madam, hoping that her grandmother can find a good match for her in the future.
Ye Lan Yin was feeling extremely stuffy until she saw TanTai Jin, who was kneeling on the surface of the ice. After that, her expression seemed to improve. Qiao'er also smiled sarcastically.
So what if the Third Miss was the only legitimate daughter of the general's residence? What kind of honor will she have for the rest of her life after marrying such a cheap and lowly hostage prince? Everyone knows that TanTai Jin was taken at the age of six to the Great Xia Empire as hostage. He was confined to the palace at all times, and it's said that ho once washed the eunuchs' feet and even ate dog food. He might even be illiterate because he was such a cheap and lowly person. How can he even come close to the matching Sixth Prince's knowledge of literature, military strategy, and planning.
In the first month of marrying him, the Third Miss cried for a long time. She also lost her temper and scorned him. These last two months, she became slightly better, but she still didn't treat TanTai Jin liked a human being.
Ye Lan Yin covered her lips with her handkerchief to hide her smile.
The Great Xia Empire promotes martial arts. It was said that TanTai Jin's root bone was destroyed when he was a child, so he was very frail now. If it was the past, her domineering third sister wouldn't even spare a glance at the weak young man.
Grandmother will eventually die one day. At that time, what can a hostage prince, who doesn't even have a palace, give Ye Xi Wu? So, in the end, Ye Xi Wu still needs to face the fate of being ill-treated by others in this lifetime.
"I heard the hostage prince had knelt for two days already. Looking at his complexion, this maid is afraid he almost can't persist anymore. Second Miss, should we give him a cloak?" Qiao'er said.
Ye Lan Yin would normally give alms to the servants, so she had an excellent reputation in the residence.
Her reputation of being gentle and kind was much better than the Third Miss, Ye Xi Wu.
Ye Lan Yin was a little inclined. She looked at TanTai Jin.
His hostage-prince identity was too inferior to be shown to the public, but his face was quite good-looking. It was even more beautiful and delicate than hers, a women's.
Ye Lan Yin nodded, allowing Qiao'er to proceed.
She stood on the pavilion and nodded gently at the hostage prince.
TanTai Jin saw the Second Miss of the residence.
Qiao'er held a snowy white cloak and carefully stepped on the ice, walking towards him.
This was the scene that Su Su saw after returning from accompanying her grandmother.
Her second sister was being particularly attentive towards the young devil king. She strode over.
"Second Sister, what are you doing?"
Ye Lan Yin was taken aback. She hadn't expected Su Su to appear so quickly, so she was caught off guard.
"Don't get me wrong, Third Miss," she hurriedly said, "I simply thought that the weather is extremely cold, and it's even snowing. The Hostage Prince is kneeling in this snowy weather. It'll be bad if his life in danger, so I asked Qiao'er to give him a cloak."
"Can you still hold on?" Su Su asked TanTai Jin, who was on the surface of the ice. "Do you want the cloak that the Second Sister is giving you?" Su Su, as the vanguard of the right path, despised the villain who would wreak havoc in the three realms in the future.
Tantai Jin glanced at Su Su and replied to Ye Lan Yin, "Thank you, Second Miss, for your kindness. I'm not cold."
This was a clear rejection. Inwardly, Ye Lan Yin felt a little awkward.
"In that case, I don't want to disturb the third sister and hostage prince anymore." By then, she couldn't stay any longer and brought Qiao'er away.
Su Su tightly tucked her soft cloak around herself.
She lowered her gaze to the Devil King, who was kneeling next to her legs. Killing him might be a common wish of everyone in the cultivation realm, from thousands-years-olds to small children. This had been Su Su's biggest wish since she was a child. He appeared to be very vulnerable right now. In his youth, the devil king was as weak as a baby. 'I'm very easy to kill,' was written all over his body.
The Righteous young lady was all set to take action.
Su Su suppressed this thought with great difficulty. A person who cultivates the right path has a spiritual root, similar to natural devil beings who have an evil bone. The elders said that if the devil king's evil bone is not removed, even if you kill him, he can still be reborn by absorbing the world's resentment.
In other words, killing him would make him even more robust. She must find a way to remove his evil bone first.
Tantai Jin vaguely felt a murderous aura. The young lady had already averted her eyes when he looked up.
From his perspective, he could only see half of her face and her exposed snowy white ear. Her lips were pursed slightly, as if she was unhappy with something. They were pinkish in colour, small, and adorable. Her outward appearance was irrelevant compared to her ruthlessness.
Tantai Jin was so cold he couldn't feel anything. Finally, his body crumbled on the ice. The noble young lady took a breath and paused. She walked past him without looking at him. He sank to the ground and curled up. Tender pink peach blossoms vibrantly bloomed in his sight on the young girl's pinkish-white embroidered shoes.
*
General Ye did not return to the residence that night. The Old Madam was getting old and lacking energy, so she asked everyone to have dinner in their own courtyard.
After Su Su bathed, Chun Tao got her ready for bed. Chun Tao loosened her hair and saw her neat-looking eyebrows under the light. She couldn't help but praise, "Third Miss' hair is extremely smooth and soft." After admiring, she was shocked for fear that the Third Miss would get angry and say that she doesn't know manners. But unexpectedly, the Third Miss smiled until her eyes were curved. "Chun Tao's hair also looks very nice."
Another little girl named Xi Xi ran in and bowed towards Su Su. Then, with a mosquito-like voice, she said, "The Old Madam asked people to send the hostage prince back."
Su Su raised her gaze. As expected, she saw Tantai Jin walking into the room.
The frost on the young man's hair turned into water droplets as soon as they were exposed to the room's warmth.
With the icy breath he brought from the wind and snow outside, he pursed his lips and looked at Su Su awkwardly.
It wasn't even evening yet, but the sky had very quickly turned dark, and because of the cold weather it was already pitch black outside. The air seemed to grow silent as soon as he came in.
Chun Tao and Xi Xi hurriedly said, "Third Miss, these maidservants shall leave."
Then, Chun Tao and Xi Xi closed the door.
Tantai Jin, with a low and hoarse voice, asked, "Third Miss, has your anger dissipated?"
Su Su shook her head without any hesitation. "No."
He took a step back and lowered his gaze. His eyes were hidden by his eyelashes, which were as black as crow feathers. He didn't feel any better because of the hot room. Instead, his frostbitten hands and legs turned red and became painful and itchy.
Su Su took a glance at him.
In her heart, she snorted. The devil king was far from pitiful.
She had helped broken-winged young eagles, sick children, and white-haired seniors.
But the first rule of the immortal realm, as a righteous path cultivator, was she mustn't pity the evil thing even if he looks weak.