The palace steps echoed with whispers, carrying like snakes down the marble avenues.
The Crown Prince had been anointed, yet the ceremony that should have illuminated Tiandou's stability left behind shreds of chaos—gossip that even Emperor Snow Night could not silence.
The puppet's confessions, stirred secretly by Subei, had splintered the emperor's careful plan. His intent—to make Xue Qinghe the heir in title yet weaken him in prestige—collapsed outright. Instead, the prince not only secured the seal, but his legitimacy spread, stronger than before.
All Snow Night could do was suppress doubts within his chest. To press further now risked suspicion of himself.
Thus, Prince Yin had been crowned, unopposed.
And so Xue Qinghe walked from the hall, her face calm as spring morning light, though joy thudded wild beneath the mask. She had stood high, weathered the storm, and maximized her advantage. Even she herself hadn't expected the sudden betrayal of the Household officials—or how much it played into her hands.
But she also knew this hadn't been her doing. Nor Wuhun Hall's. No… only one possibility remained. Her golden gaze had lingered on that masked, mischievous boy.
Imperial Brother… was that your string-pulling? My mysterious, impossible little brother…
—
Out on the broad avenue, officials muttered as the court dispersed.
"What madness possessed that Household deputy? Does he not know what can and cannot be spoken of—especially here?"
"Mad indeed. His Majesty may have silenced him today, but all of us will feel the lash of restraint tomorrow."
"From now on, keep your little schemes tighter. If you're found playing tricks, His Majesty will use you as another warning slaying."
"Alas…"
Another sighed, despairing. And without corruption, who will pay to keep Xiaocui in the dance house next door?
Their whispers curdled like old wine.
Liu Erlong, by contrast, only frowned. Politics was not her realm—she had little patience for ministerial schemes. But she could see one thing clearly: these men were all old foxes, each claws bloodied long ago.
She turned, eyes softer, to the boy walking beside her. "Xiaobei, the royal halls may glitter, but underneath is hypocrisy and venom. You don't belong in such places. If Xue Qinghe wishes to visit you at Lanba Academy as a friend, then fine. But if he dares try to lure you into politics, your mother will never allow it. I will not let you drown in that cesspit."
Subei only smiled faintly behind his mask. "I'm not even slightly interested in being an official. But… His Highness really is remarkable. I would like to be close to him."
Liu Erlong blinked. Close? What does he mean?
Her lips twitched. "…Naturally, friendship is fine. But, my son, what I wish most of all is for you and Xiao Wu to live simple, peaceful lives in our fairy-tale house. No storms, no schemes. Quiet happiness."
Subei shook his head gently, his voice steady, far older than his seven years.
"This world doesn't allow peace forever. Wuhun Hall rises like a comet. Sooner or later, they will clash with Tiandou. The war will engulf everything. At that time, even if we wish to hide, we cannot. Only strength is true security. Without power, peace will crumble the moment someone pushes."
Erlong stared at him, silenced. Was this child really seven? His words stung sharper than many teachers she had heard. As a Soul Saint, she was a titan to ordinary people. Yet to the Spirit Hall, she herself was only another stone to be stepped on.
"…Bei'er," she whispered, "your insight shames me."
Before Subei could reply, a warm voice came from behind. "A young prodigy indeed."
They turned. Xue Qinghe approached, golden robes catching sunlight, his graceful figure now crowned with imperial weight.
"Brother Prince." Subei inclined his head with the faintest smile.
"I greet Your Highness," Liu Erlong said with formal respect.
Qinghe's gaze burned gentle as he took Subei's hand in his own. His lips quirked. "This mask… hateful thing. Hiding the supreme beauty of my Imperial Brother. One cannot see the radiance it conceals."
"If Brother Prince wishes to see it so dearly," Subei said lightly, "why not visit Lanba Academy for a few quiet days? Then you may see to your heart's content."
Their eyes locked, and Qian Renxue's lips curved warmer. "That… is exactly my wish. Alas, for now duty binds me. But when time loosens, I shall come. We will share wine by candlelight, and speak freely, just us two."
"It's a deal," Subei said softly.
Their clasp lingered. Erlong watched them, utterly dumbstruck. What… what's going on?
Affectionate eyes, hands pressed tight, rubbing softly—this was no mere friendly greeting. But in her eyes, Xue Qinghe was a man, and her son a boy.
Two boys…? Holding hands?
Her throat tightened.
—
Later, in the carriage, she could no longer hold her silence.
"Xiaobei," she began deliberately, "there are many forks on the road of life: career, philosophy… and love."
The boy tilted his head, puzzled. "Yes?"
She pressed on, cheeks faintly red but voice firm. "Tell me honestly… how do you feel about Prince Qinghe?"
Subei blinked. How do I feel about Xuemei? Well… everything.
Aloud, he answered plainly, "He is strong, decisive, firm in character. He trusts me. He even gave me a pass-token into the palace. I like him very much."
Erlong's heart sank. Her hands trembled. Does… does he not realize? Does he truly not understand the difference?
She leaned forward suddenly, plucked away his mask, and kissed his cheek firmly. "Bei'er… if Qinghe kissed you as I do, as your mother… would you feel rejection?"
Subei was stunned. What? Does that count as a free bonus reward?
Shaking his head quickly, he grinned ear to ear. "Of course not!"
Erlong clenched her chest with a stifled gasp. It's worse than I thought. He doesn't even know what taboo means. If I don't guide him now… he'll stray! I must save my son's heart before it's too late!
Her eyes narrowed, her voice ringing with desperate conviction. "Xiaobei, listen carefully! You must not… must not like boys! You are meant to seek out a beautiful, powerful, virtuous girl. Do you understand? A fine woman—like your godmother!"
Subei froze, staring at her with wide eyes. "…Wait. What?"
"Don't look bewildered!" she pressed, almost frantic. "This is important. Don't mistake mere friendship for… other things. Whatever you and Qinghe share, it cannot be that. If you must love, it must be a girl. A girl!"
"Godmother…" Subei rubbed at his chin. "You're really overthinking. My relationship with the prince is pure friendship. That's all."
Erlong narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "At Notting College, you winked at that Tang San boy."
Subei's expression collapsed. "What—? That? That was just… a man-to-man promise!"
"Mm-hmm," Erlong hummed darkly, pulling him tighter against her chest. "Baby son, I only hope you don't go astray. Your mother will save you from that path, even if she must…"
Subei stared blankly. Save me from what?
He leaned back, sighing. Sometimes, godmother's imagination really outpaces mine.