Chapter 98: The Consort Endures Humiliation, A Wife's Heart Like a Blade, Don't Kill Me with a Small Yellow Knife (4)
Ye Xueyi opened her mouth slightly, then weakly sat back onto the bed.
Although anger filled her heart, she couldn't deny the truth in Su Qing's words.
It was clear now—she had been completely sidelined.
For someone as proud as she was, the realization brought an inescapable sense of defeat.
As the Divine Maiden, she could inspire others, but had no real authority.
When a crisis struck, all she could do was stand by, powerless.
Understanding this crushed her ambitious heart, leaving her spirit utterly deflated.
The once bright crimson eyes now dulled, like a candle burnt to its last flicker.
"Don't be disheartened. This is exactly why we have an opportunity to cooperate. Things aren't as dire as they seem."
"Look, now that I know what's coming, I can prepare accordingly."
Su Qing gently ran his fingers through the Divine Maiden's blue hair, his voice soothing.
"What… should we do?"
Ye Xueyi's agitated emotions gradually calmed under his touch.
She looked at Su Qing with hope in her eyes.
If anyone had a plan—it would be him.
"Now do you see? You've been kept in the dark all along. Everything I've told you is true, isn't it?"
Su Qing continued.
The Divine Maiden was silent for a moment, then nodded.
She had to admit it—her master had deceived her.
Perhaps he had even deceived the entire sect.
To fulfill his own ambitions, he was leading the Heavenly Dao Sect into disaster.
Even though she had always revered her master, this revelation shook her deeply.
"You understand that those who crave war will ultimately perish, right? Your sect isn't an army."
"Under your master's leadership, the Heavenly Dao Sect will be labeled traitors, and countless lives will be lost."
"But if we change the leader, everything will be different."
"I will help you overthrow your master's tyranny. From then on, you will lead the sect."
"The royal family will coexist peacefully with you, and bloodshed will be avoided."
Su Qing's voice was low and persuasive.
A cunning man never wasted an opportunity to manipulate a naive Divine Maiden.
Ye Xueyi's eyes flickered with hesitation and struggle.
But before long, she shook her head vigorously, as if trying to dispel the dangerous thoughts creeping into her mind.
"Even with such favorable terms, you still refuse?"
Su Qing's face showed obvious regret.
"I won't betray my master. But I will work with you—to secure a better future for the sect."
Ye Xueyi replied firmly.
She had been kept in ignorance, unaware of the truth or her master's real intentions.
Yet, she was not ready to commit treason.
She had not yet reached the point of utter disillusionment.
"Fine. I respect your decision as my partner."
Su Qing nodded.
His words had planted a seed in her heart. It was only a matter of time before it sprouted.
"What is your plan, then?"
Ye Xueyi asked, intrigued.
Su Qing didn't answer right away, instead offering a mysterious smile.
Upon seeing that smirk, the Divine Maiden instantly understood.
The seriousness on her face vanished, replaced by an amused yet slightly exasperated expression.
Her blue hair and crimson eyes shimmered as she smiled wryly.
So that's your game, huh?
And yet—
"My request is simple. I want to hear you act spoiled."
Su Qing was pleased by how quickly she caught on.
He intended to see just how far he could push the Divine Maiden.
"Huh?"
Ye Xueyi froze.
She had assumed she would be asked to serve him in some way.
She had mentally prepared herself.
But this?
This was absurd!
This was far too much!
She had never, ever acted spoiled for anyone.
Despite her apparent obedience, that was only because of how she had been trained.
In her natural state, she was an ice-cold beauty who would never behave in such a manner.
Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she bit her lip, hesitating.
"You won't even grant me this simple request? Keep in mind—you're doing this to save your sect."
Su Qing reminded her with feigned kindness.
Ye Xueyi had been about to refuse, but his words silenced her.
That's right—for the sect, she had no choice.
Compared to her fellow disciples' survival, this was nothing… right?
Su Qing watched her intently, determined to burn this moment into his memory.
After a brief struggle, Ye Xueyi finally made up her mind and tugged on Su Qing's sleeve.
"Master… please tell me~ Pretty please~?"
She spoke in a soft, coquettish tone.
The moment the words left her lips, a deep blush spread across her face.
Clearly, behaving like this was deeply embarrassing for her.
Her entire face was burning—she looked as if she wanted to hide under the covers.
That contrast—between her usual icy demeanor and this—was utterly unforgettable.
"What a lovely expression. The plan is simple—just remember one thing: I must survive."
"Everything revolves around that. I will ensure you gain credibility and truly take the stage."
"The Heavenly Dao Sect's attack will be blamed on someone else. It won't harm the sect's standing."
Su Qing laughed heartily, then casually revealed his plan.
Sometimes, a crisis could turn into an opportunity. He intended to take full advantage of it.
"It won't harm the sect… then who will take the blame?"
Ye Xueyi suddenly realized something.
"Dear lady, that's not your concern. Does it really matter who takes the fall?"
"In events like these, someone always has to bear the blame. It's never the good guys, anyway."
Su Qing replied indifferently.
Ye Xueyi hesitated, then nodded.
She trusted Su Qing's judgment—he wouldn't falsely accuse the innocent.
Besides, she had already done everything she could to protect her sect. There was no need to overthink it.
Over tea, the two discussed the finer details, both satisfied with their agreement.
It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.
But after business was settled, a long silence followed.
"Since we've wrapped up negotiations, why are you still here? Go back and prepare."
Su Qing urged.
Something about the way she was looking at him felt… off.
It had been off since she arrived, but now, it was even more pronounced.
Without a word, Ye Xueyi stood up and walked toward the door.
Instead of leaving, however, she turned and locked it behind her.
If he wasn't going to act—then she would.
The scent of another woman was too strong.
That woman was a formidable rival.
"What are you doing?"
Su Qing, who had been rising to see her out, frowned in confusion.
This didn't look like someone who was leaving.
The next moment, Ye Xueyi closed in on him, pushing him back into the corner.