Yan Xuan thought for a moment, revealing a strange smile. The next morning, he dispatched people to the Grand Tutor’s residence with fanfare, delivering a stack of detailed living arrangements. This included meticulous arrangements for the Grand Tutor’s wives and concubines, as well as listings of all the external residences and alleyways he had previously frequented.
When these white and black documents were posted in the residence, the Grand Tutor immediately spat out a mouthful of blood.
Upon hearing the news, Sun Guifei was filled with hatred and resentment, privately cursing her grandfather and the emperor for their cruelty. Meanwhile, Ning Guifei kept this grievance in her heart.
Shui Huan, although not yet in the capital, had heard the news and couldn’t sit still. He had previously told Ruan Ning that Yan Xuan was incompetent due to his lack of favor towards concubines. However, with rumors proclaiming Yan Xuan had shown interest in Ning Ruan, Shui Huan felt increasingly anxious.
He wouldn’t allow Ning Ruan to be at Yan Xuan’s mercy, even if it meant sacrificing her for his ambitions. “I have urgent matters in the capital. You stay here for a few days; I will send you home later,” Shui Huan said to Ning Ye.
Ning Ye’s condition had been fluctuating. Although not severe, she was struggling with her first extended time away from home, and Shui Huan, the man she liked, was her only caretaker. People are especially emotional when ill.
In just a few days, Ning Ye’s feelings had transformed from admiration to an intense, dependent love.
Ning Ye propped herself up from the sickbed and grabbed Shui Huan’s sleeve, anxiously saying, “You’re not allowed to leave!”
Shui Huan’s face darkened. He disliked willful women and pulled his sleeve from Ning Ye’s hand, coldly stating, “I am not a subordinate of the princess. I don’t know why you think you can decide my movements.”
Ning Ye’s face turned pale at his words. She tried to maintain her composure: “The emperor ordered you to take care of me. Dare you not listen?”
“His Majesty also said he would execute you. Should I listen to that?” Shui Huan sneered.
