CHAPTER THIRTY‑SEVEN — CAN YOU ESCAPE?
In that instant, Tang Ke Xin wished—quite sincerely—that she could lose her memory.
No, that was foolish. What use was her amnesia?
It was the Third Prince who ought to forget everything.
But even in her panic, she knew such a miracle was impossible. The likelihood of Ye Lan Jue developing amnesia was lower than winning a lottery she had never entered.
And the way he had said "Are you sure?"…
To her ears, it had sounded like a sentence with two sharp edges.
One edge pointed to the fact that she had just called him petty and vengeful.
The other edge suggested he had heard her denying Ye Lan Chen's words.
In short, her heart felt as though it had been wrung dry.
This poor baby's heart was truly bitter.
The Third Prince was standing right behind her.
Had she known, she would never have dared utter a single syllable—not even under threat of death.
Her vigilance was usually razor‑sharp. She could sense someone approaching from a mile away. Yet every time Ye Lan Jue drew near, she sensed nothing.
It was unnatural.
It was terrifying.
She should never have spoken behind his back.
Even if she still believed she had not been wrong.
But the Third Prince clearly did not share that sentiment.
"This humble girl greets Your Highness," she said, forcing her voice into something resembling composure. She turned stiffly, bowed, and prayed her trembling was not too obvious.
Ye Lan Jue's brows shifted ever so slightly as he looked at her—this foolish girl who dared insult him behind his back, yet still managed to stand before him without collapsing.
Her etiquette was impeccable.
Her courage… questionable.
"Third Imperial Brother?" Ye Lan Chen gasped, spinning around. His eyes widened in horror.
Why was the Third Prince suddenly behind them?
Had he heard everything?
Had he heard him calling him petty and vengeful?
Would he be angry?
Ye Lan Chen tried to reassure himself.
The Third Prince he knew was the most valiant, most admired man in the empire—revered by all.
How could such a man be petty?
Yes. Yes, that must be it.
But Ye Lan Jue's next words shattered that fragile illusion.
"So this king is petty… and holds grudges?"
His voice was low, heavy, and devoid of emotion.
Not angry.
Not amused.
Simply… stating a fact.
A fact that promised retribution.
Tang Ke Xin lowered her head.
She desperately wanted to lift her chin and boldly say "Yes, you are."
But she also valued her life.
"Third Imperial Brother, I was only joking—she didn't mean—" Ye Lan Chen stammered, abandoning all mischief to defend her.
"Tang Ke Xin," Ye Lan Jue said, ignoring him entirely, "you are slandering this king."
Slander.
A crime that could destroy a family.
Ye Lan Chen paled. Sweat beaded on his forehead.
The Third Prince never behaved like this.
What had happened today?
"Third Imperial Brother, she absolutely did not intend—" he tried again.
But Tang Ke Xin knew it was useless.
Once Ye Lan Jue spoke, nothing she said could change it.
Slander?
It wasn't slander.
It was the truth.
And his current behaviour was the perfect proof.
But she was not suicidal enough to say so.
"What is your purpose?" Ye Lan Jue asked suddenly.
His voice was soft.
His eyes were not.
Those fathomless eyes seemed to pierce straight through her, stripping away every layer of pretence. It felt as though he could pull her soul from her body with a single glance.
Tang Ke Xin's breath caught.
Her heart stopped.
He had seen through her.
He knew she had spoken deliberately.
He had been standing behind her—silent, unseen—and yet he had understood everything.
In that moment, she realised fully how terrifying Ye Lan Jue was.
If he wished to kill her, it would take only a moment.
Not even the Empress could save her.
Ye Lan Chen stood frozen, utterly confused.
Hide?
Hide what?
What was the Third Prince talking about?
Had Tang Ke Xin truly offended him in some grave way?
"Tang Ke Xin," Ye Lan Jue said softly, "do you still think I should let you go?"
His pupils narrowed.
The air turned frigid.
A suffocating pressure descended, thick with danger.
Even Ye Lan Chen, who had always been fearless, felt his legs tremble.
"Xin'er, Imperial Mother has prepared a carriage. You should return first," he said quickly, stepping in front of her. For once, there was no mischief in his voice—only genuine concern.
He stood between her and Ye Lan Jue, though his knees shook violently.
He could not allow her to be harmed.
Tang Ke Xin felt her heart collapse in on itself.
If Ye Lan Jue truly was the man from that night…
He could tear her apart without hesitation.
She could not be certain.
But she feared it.
She bowed quickly, turned, and fled.
Even a fool would not stand there waiting for death.
She hurried away, too shaken to notice the faint curve forming at the corner of Ye Lan Jue's lips.
Escape?
Did she truly believe she could escape?