CHAPTER TWENTY‑SEVEN — VERY POWERFUL
Tang Ke Xin remained entirely unaware that behind her, someone's lips had curved into a faint, enigmatic smile—one so subtle and fleeting that it vanished almost at once, like a ripple disappearing upon still water. Even Ye Lan Chen, who sat directly opposite, failed to notice it.
For the rest of the journey, Ye Lan Chen did not utter another word. His lips twitched several times, as though he wished to speak, but each time his gaze drifted to Tang Ke Xin, he swallowed his words and fell silent again.
Tang Ke Xin laughed inwardly.
Indeed, for someone like him—whose sole purpose in life seems to be stirring chaos—this is the most effective method.
Ye Lan Jue's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
This woman had managed to silence the Fourth Prince for an entire journey. He clearly wished to speak, yet did not dare.
Interesting.
---
Upon entering the palace grounds, Tang Ke Xin followed Ye Lan Chen down from the carriage. She had assumed that the Third Prince would depart elsewhere, but to her astonishment, Ye Lan Jue also stepped down and walked in the same direction.
Tang Ke Xin's heart skipped.
He is going to Kunning Palace as well?
Was he not supposed to be endlessly busy? How could he appear so unhurried?
But no one dared question the Third Prince's movements—not even the Emperor himself.
Ye Lan Chen, too, appeared mildly surprised, though for once he held his tongue.
---
"Xin'er, come here—come to me."
The Empress's voice rang out warmly the moment they entered the Kunning Palace. Her face blossomed into a radiant smile, overflowing with joy. "I heard Master Hui Yuan cured your illness. Come, let me look at you properly."
The Crown Prince, seated in the main hall, lifted his gaze. His expression remained calm, unreadable, yet his eyes lingered on her with a hint of curiosity.
Tang Ke Xin stepped forward. The Empress immediately took her hand, her face filled with genuine concern.
"Is it truly cured?"
In Tang Ke Xin's memories, even when she had been foolish, the Empress had always treated her with kindness.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's concern," Tang Ke Xin replied softly. "I have indeed recovered."
Though the Empress cared deeply for her, Tang Ke Xin was no longer the naïve girl she once was. And within the imperial palace—especially with both the Crown Prince and the Third Prince present—every word had to be chosen with care.
The Empress's eyes brightened with relief.
"That is wonderful. Truly wonderful."
---
"Muhou, she's not only recovered—she's become incredibly powerful!"
Ye Lan Chen could no longer restrain himself. "You don't know—she used a wolfdog to chase Mu Shaoyi out of the Prime Minister's estate!"
As he spoke, he glanced at Tang Ke Xin. She had lowered her head, appearing quiet and demure. The corners of his lips lifted slightly.
After what had happened in the carriage, he no longer believed that gentle façade for a moment.
The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow.
"You used a wolfhound to chase Mu Shaoyi away?"
"Why?" the Empress asked, frowning. "Did you not like Mu Shaoyi very much?"
It had been Xin'er who once insisted she would marry no one but Mu Shaoyi. That was why the Empress had granted the engagement—though she had never been fond of the match. Anyone with eyes could see that Mu Shaoyi did not care for Xin'er.
"She has recovered from her illness," Ye Lan Chen answered before Tang Ke Xin could speak, "and she no longer likes Mu Shaoyi."
"You no longer like Mu Shaoyi?"
The Empress looked genuinely startled.
"Yes, she doesn't like him anymore," Ye Lan Chen continued confidently. "In fact, she now likes—"
The Empress's eyes lit up with curiosity.
Who did Xin'er like now?
The Crown Prince and the Third Prince remained expressionless.
But neither of them missed a single word.