pertwk Chapter 191 Invitation to Live Together
Chapter 191 Invitation to Live Together
Chapter 191 Invitation to Live Together
Dai Youheng paused slightly, his expression a perfectly measured mix of surprise and embarrassment. "Your Highness, this—I'm afraid it's inappropriate. If I were to stay at the Princess's residence, it would damage your reputation. We're currently in the eye of the storm, with countless eyes watching us. I cannot—"
"Idiot!" Before he could finish speaking, Xu Jiujiu interrupted him angrily, her cheeks flushing even more from her emotional outburst.
"At this point, would I still care about those empty titles of innocence?" She took a step closer, staring intently at him, as if trying to see into his heart. "Do you know your situation right now? Shrek Academy is eyeing you covetously, the remnants of the Zhu family may not have given up, and countless people in the city want to take this opportunity to harm you—either to win you over or to destroy you! Your being alone out there gives them that chance!"
Her tone was urgent and sincere, filled with obvious worry, "Only in my princess's residence, with layers of royal guards protecting me, and with Her Majesty Ice Sky and Her Majesty Nebula overseeing things, is it truly safe!"
Looking at the genuine anxiety in her eyes, Dai Youheng remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his options. However, Xu Jiujiu's next words were even more direct, almost tearing away all pretense of restraint.
"Moreover," her voice lowered, but became even clearer, "if you can completely prove your innocence in the imperial trial three days from now, washing away the stain of being an evil soul master, with your current talent, the cultivation of a sixteen-year-old Soul Emperor, a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, and the awakening of a super martial soul—you will become the most dazzling genius on the entire continent, without exception!"
Her eyes gleamed with wisdom and ambition, as if she could already see the scene unfolding before her: "At that time, both the imperial family and various other forces will regard you as someone they must win over. Defeating that half-crippled Dai Yueheng, taking control of the White Tiger Duke's Mansion, and controlling the Western Army Group will be a sure thing for you, without any suspense!"
She paused, her cheeks flushed crimson, but her gaze met Dai Youheng's boldly and firmly. Her voice carried a hint of shyness as she said, "At that time, when you have reached such a height—if you still wish to marry me, no one in the Star Luo Empire will object, nor will they have the right to object."
Her words were like thunder, echoing throughout the hall. This was not a test, nor a hint, but almost a blatant declaration and promise.
"Since all of this is almost inevitable," Xu Jiujiu's voice gradually returned to calm, yet carried a sense of composure, "and I have long since made my own decision to marry you. So, what does it matter if I let you move into my residence a few days earlier than this, given the insignificant criticism? I have entrusted everything to you, so you must cherish this opportunity and not disappoint me."
After she finished speaking, she slightly raised her chin, revealing the pride and charisma that belonged to the Princess of Xingluo.
She is no longer just a woman caught up in love, but a politician who dares to take big risks for her future and the people she values.
Dai Youheng looked at her; the woman before him was indeed beautiful, intelligent, and possessed great charisma.
If he hadn't been so aware that the essence of this relationship was mutual exploitation—that even now, amidst their long-standing affection, there still lingered a significant element of doting arrogance and manipulation—he might have truly been moved by her courage at this moment.
His face showed a timely expression of shock and emotion, as well as a complex look of being flattered, as if he was speechless for a moment due to the overwhelming surprise and trust.
He remained silent for a few seconds, then finally took a deep breath, his gaze becoming incredibly gentle and firm as he stared for a long time.
"Jiujiu!" For the first time, he omitted the honorific "Your Highness," his voice low and full of emotion. "I don't know what to say. I, Dai Youheng, will remember your kindness and protection."
He nodded slightly, making his decision, "Alright, I'll do as you say. I'll be troubling you for the next few days."
Seeing Dai Youheng agree, a bright and radiant smile finally bloomed on her face after a long while. It was a genuine joy and relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. Her eyes glistened with tears as she softly said, "What trouble is this? My place is your place."
At this moment, under the magnificent light and shadow of the hall, Xu Jiujiu's absolutely rational calculations of self-interest finally seemed to be mixed with a trace of genuine emotion, even though the other side of this emotion still only involved exploitation of her.
But at least on the surface, everything is moving in the direction that everyone has long hoped for.
Soon after, the announcement issued by the Star Luo Royal Family spread to various factions. Among them, the most shocked and the quickest to react were Shrek Academy, which was directly related to this matter, as well as the White Tiger Duke's Mansion and the Netherworld Cat Zhu Family within the Star Luo Empire.
Shrek Academy, Sea God Pavilion.
When Yan Shaozhe received the news, he was discussing academy affairs with his wife, Cai Meier. Upon hearing that "Dai Youheng has returned to Xingluo and will be subjected to imperial trial at the palace in three days," his brows furrowed instantly.
"He actually dares to come back? And with such fanfare?" Yan Shaozhe's voice carried a hint of coldness and disbelief. He had originally thought that Dai Youheng would remain hidden forever, or perhaps he had even completely fallen into the ranks of evil soul masters.
Cai Meier was much calmer. She pondered for a moment and said, "Since he dared to come back, and the Xingluo royal family was willing to endorse him, even using the word 'imperial review,' he is probably confident in dealing with our questions. Otherwise, that old fox Xu Jiawei would never have stood up for him so openly."
Yan Shaozhe snorted coldly, "No matter how confident he is, the essence of a martial soul cannot be faked! The overwhelming evil energy I sensed that day was no illusion. Since he dares to show up, I will go there myself and tear off his disguise in front of the Star Luo Monarch and his ministers!"
Cai Meier nodded. "I'll go with you. This matter concerns the academy's reputation and whether there really is such a dangerous evil spirit master lurking. We can't afford to fail. We need to be cautious. We must find out the truth, but we can't be too aggressive, lest we completely ruin our relationship with the Star Luo royal family."
She was more meticulous, taking into account the diplomatic implications.
Soon, news spread that Shrek Academy's Dean Yan Shaozhe and his wife, Vice Dean Cai Meier, were setting off for Xingluo City, attracting widespread attention.
Mingdou Mountain Range, Western Army Group Command Post.
Dai Hao was studying the border defense map when an urgent letter delivered by his personal guard made him stand up abruptly, his expression shifting rapidly.
"Youheng is back? Three days later, the imperial trial will be held at the Star Luo Imperial Palace!" He murmured to himself, a complex emotion flickering across his resolute face. His feelings towards this son were extremely conflicted. He resented his ruthless methods, having personally killed his brother Dai Huabin, making him irreconcilably opposed to the direct line, yet he could not ignore the astonishing talent and strength the son had displayed; after all, he was his bloodline.
Shrek Academy's accusations are no small matter. If Dai Youheng is indeed proven to be an evil soul master, he will surely die without a burial place, and the only heir to the Duke's mansion will be Yue Heng.
"Send word! I must return to Star Luo City immediately!" Dai Hao ordered without hesitation. Regardless of the outcome, he had to be present. This was the responsibility of a father and the head of a clan.