127 Tied Down to One Man (1/2)

Emperor Fadong quietly hummed to himself. How should he deal with this fiery spitball? Li Xueyue had the soft features of an submissive daughter, but looks could be deceiving. She had the intelligence of a wild spirit bent on running free. She could not be chained down, so long as she used her words as a shield.

”Yes, I suppose you're correct. We said we wouldn't help you anymore,” Emperor Fadong agreed with her, nodding his head.

Li Xueyue let out a silent sigh of relief. Her tense shoulders slightly relaxed. She didn't know this was only the beginning of her troubles.

”Do you know the beauty of words, Little Lady?” the Emperor suddenly asked, causing her to blink once, twice, thrice.

”Words are cruel. They can heal, but also harm. They speak for us when our actions can't. They can build up but also destroy. There is no beauty in them,” Li Xueyue answered, her words leaving an impact on everyone in the room.

Emperor Fadong was astonished by her profundity, and the way she was able to twist things to her favor. Not a minute had passed since his question and she was able to spin such an elaborate reply.

e decided she was right.

Li Xueyue was indeed, too young to be married off. She would be more useful as an unwed woman than a wedded one. She wasn't meant to be the idle wife of a Commander, she was meant for far more than that. But what could her use be?

”You are correct, as always.” He laughed, the sound foreign to his own ears.

Whether the Emperor's laugh was genuine or forced, no one knew for sure. The Emperor was often unpredictable, doing as he pleased.

”The problem with words is that you can always retract it. Just like how I will retract what I said last time.” The Emperor's lips pulled into a smile, his eyes narrowed. He hid his scheming nature behind it, but she saw right through him.

”You have a splendid future ahead of you. Your tongue will be your tool, unless… it's sliced off.” The Emperor's smile widened. He was relaxed as if he hadn't just threatened to take away one of her most useful assets.

A heavy silence fell over them. No one said anything. No one moved. Not even Li Chenyang had expected this.

Li Xueyue was the first to break the tension. She laughed.

Everyone was surprised by her reaction. The ministers exchanged perplexed expressions with each other. Had she lost her mind? Maybe Li Xueyue was right, the medicine she took must've affected her mental state.

Who would have the guts to laugh at the words of the Emperor as if they were bluffs? Who would laugh in a serious conversation like this? Her life was already hanging on by a thread, but this slice of tension also cut her lifeline.

Li Xueyue was doomed.

”Ever the jokester, Your Majesty.” Li Xueyue settled down, her lips twisted into a smile mirroring his. She was the epitome of calm. Unfazed by his threats, she patiently waited for him to continue.

Suddenly, a booming laughter filled the throne room. It was loud like the crackle of thunder, spontaneous like the burst of hanging fireworks, a sound too harsh to the ears. Then he abruptly stopped laughing.

Who was the crazy person now?

”Jokes keep my heart young,” he finally said, his smile finally reaching his eyes. ”Your reactions are refreshing as usual, Little Lady. You never fail to amuse me. What shall I do with you then?”

”Absolutely nothing, Your Majesty. You don't have to stress yourself out just to worry about my wellbeing.” She bowed her head and continued, ”I truly appreciate everything you've done for me, but there is no need to lend a helping hand my way, Your Majesty.”