Chapter 38: Please Take Good Care Of My Little Sister

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3614052
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

Seeing Li Qiubai's expression, without needing her to say much, combined with the palace banquet incident, Li Ruiyuan could also tell that his daughter was truly moved this time.

"Enough, enough. I do not want to meddle in your feelings, but you are still a royal daughter. If you show favoritism to others again, do not blame me for not keeping your beloved husband close!"

At this point, Li Ruiyuan lost interest in continuing the chess game and directly said, "If you do not want to get involved in conflicts, then you should not stay in the capital for now. It has not been peaceful here lately. You had better leave the capital to handle some tasks for me."

After waiting for a while, Li Qiubai finally got to the main point of Li Ruiyuan's conversation.

"Please tell me, Your Majesty."

With that, Li Ruiyuan took out a decree that had already been prepared, placed it in an empty space on the table, and pushed it towards Li Qiubai.

"The case of the Governor of Yuzhou is currently causing a lot of commotion, with the people's grievances mounting. It is hard to appease their anger. I want you to go and handle this matter for me."

Li Qiubai took the decree, glanced at it, and then asked calmly, "Why does Your Majesty not assign such a good task to my brothers?"

Gaining the people's hearts by addressing their grievances has always been a common practice since ancient times.

"A good task? It is only good if you can come back alive. Yuzhou is filled with numerous talented individuals and various factions, big and small. When I heard rumors about the case of the Governor of Yuzhou, I had already sent a secret envoy to investigate. But before he even set foot in Yuzhou's territory, he was already dead."

At this point, a flash of pain crossed Li Ruiyuan's face. "You children, no matter how you play around, I do not want to interfere. But when it comes to matters that can incite public anger and affect the foundation of the country, I cannot allow you to act recklessly!"

After reading the decree and seeing the three characters "He Changping" appointed as the special envoy, Li Qiubai folded the decree and looked at Li Ruiyuan with a furrowed brow.

"But Father, this decree has pushed the Prince Consort to the forefront of danger!"

"Jianghu* is full of fierce bandits who have never regarded the court highly. The officials in Yuzhou who have been able to sit securely for many years are inevitably connected to various factions. If we do not change the situation, they will continue to cover the sky with one hand, Yuzhou will truly become the territory of those scoundrels. Besides, your husband is already a man of Jianghu, and he is also the Young Master of a clan. Is it not convenient for you to use his identity?"

*martial arts world

Evidence is important in everything.

No matter if it is a wrongful case or not, he cannot judge recklessly. Regardless of the truth, as the ruler of a country, he cannot simply convict someone based on one person's testimony or mere rumors.

He wants the people's support, and even more the loyalty of his courtiers.

If someone is to die, they must die clearly under the law. Only in this way can both the people's hearts and the loyalty of the courtiers remain unshaken.

"Of course, you do not need to rush to give me an answer. The decree has not been stamped, so it does not count. Go back and think it over carefully, then come back to give me your answer."

Li Qiubai did not directly respond, but instead asked, "Do you know where the Prince Consort is now?"

On the chessboard, the game was not over yet, but the players had lost interest in continuing.

Li Ruiyuan leaned casually to the side and said lightly, "He is in the Guantian Prison, already ordered to be punished with twenty strikes by Lao Qi*. Do not worry, it is just a lesson, no lives will be lost. It is also to prevent him from being unable to detach himself from the casual style of Jianghu, becoming more and more reckless in the future, and not putting you in his eyes or treating you unfairly."

*7th Prince 

Li Ruiyuan said it casually, but the moment Li Qiubai heard those words, her heart twitch heavily.

Without waiting for her to speak, Li Ruiyuan continued, "Of course, I will not mistreat you. Today in court, those troublesome courtiers who advocated for the Prince Consort’s removal, I have punished them severely for you."

After saying this, he took out a token and placed it on top of the decree that was returned to the edge of the table, pushing both items towards Li Qiubai.

"If you want to visit someone, just go directly, I will not stop you. Of course, it is only limited to visiting. Take these two things back to your residence and think about them carefully."

Before Li Qiubai could take the token, Li Ruiyuan had already stood up, saying, "You can go now. Let us end the chess game here for today. We will finish it next time you come. What I promised you today will still count in the future."

With these words said, how could Li Qiubai not understand Li Ruiyuan's intentions?

Visiting is allowed, but releasing her at this moment is still not possible.

Young Master Meng was just thrown into prison, and has already been punished with twenty strikes. How could the days ahead be comfortable for her?

It's difficult to express one's intentions. Li Ruiyuan's willingness to make such concessions even after learning of Young Master Meng's crime of deceiving the Emperor is already a rare occurrence.

Li Qiubai pursed her lips, refraining from pushing further, and simply accepted what Li Ruiyuan handed to her, then stood up, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now."

After Li Qiubai left the study, Li Ruiyuan smiled meaningfully and turned to Qiu Sheng behind him, saying, "The security of the Princess' mansion is too lax. Anyone just dares to intrude. It just so happens that the Young General from the Lin family is eager to prove himself. Let us give him an opportunity. Draft a decree, directly ordering him to guard the Princess' mansion for me, and also select one hundred elite soldiers to serve under him."

The Huben* Army is not subject to the control of the various provinces; they are only for the Emperor's use. Now, they are being assigned to the Young General from the Lin family to guard the Princess' Mansion?

*valiant warriors/brave tiger

With just this one decree, it's likely to cause a great uproar by tomorrow.

"Yes."

Qiu Sheng dared not speculate on the Emperor's mind, so he simply acknowledged and went to draft the decree for Li Ruiyuan.

After Qiu Sheng drafted the decree and asked Li Ruiyuan to review and stamp it, Li Ruiyuan returned to the desk and carefully examined the decree Qiu Sheng drafted.

"Qiu Sheng, what do you think? If she were not a woman, how much better would it be?"

That murmured question made Qiu Sheng extremely uneasy. But as someone who served Li Ruiyuan closely, how could he not understand what Li Ruiyuan wanted to hear at this moment?

"Even if Her Highness were not a woman, it might not necessarily satisfy Your Majesty now. Everything has its reasons and consequences. Your Majesty should not dwell too much on it."

“Mm, that is true," Li Ruiyuan sighed slightly, once again absentmindedly asking, "Then, what do you think? If she were not the daughter of Lu Xiyao, how much better would it be?"

The name Lu Xiyao had been called out by Li Ruiyuan countless times in his nightmares.

Li Ruiyuan's nightmares, Li Ruiyuan's burden, the palace secrets of the past, Qiu Sheng dared not mention casually.

He could only pretend not to have heard the question and change the subject.

"Your Majesty, this humble servant has something to say, but I am not sure if I should."

With that, Li Ruiyuan relaxed his body and leaned back on the dragon throne.

"If it has come to this, can you still say you do not want to speak? You are pardoned, just speak."

Qiu Sheng smiled and said directly, "Today, this humble servant saw two rows of teeth marks on the Prince Consort’s chin, and the bloodstains had not dried yet."

Teeth marks on the chin?

The bloodstains had not dried yet?

What exactly did that bastard do to make the Princess angry?

Li Ruiyuan was contemplating whether to have someone give him another twenty strikes when Qiu Sheng continued, "From this perspective, it seems that the Prince Consort’s face is not something that can be easily transformed by a disguise technique used in Jianghu..."

Upon hearing this, Li Ruiyuan's expression immediately darkened.

If it wasn't a disguise technique, what other method could make two people look exactly alike? After considering several possibilities, Li Ruiyuan's brows furrowed deeper.

"Investigate! Investigate thoroughly what identity that child in prison has!"

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3614052
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

At this moment, the Princess’ was unaware of Li Ruiyuan's growing curiosity.

As the Princess was leaving the palace, Yuechu had been waiting outside the palace gates.

After calmly boarding the carriage, Li Qiubai asked Yuechu, "Has that person been brought back?"

“That person has been brought back to the Princess' mansion, awaiting Your Highness's instructions."

Li Qiubai tightened the decree in her hand and said in a low voice, "Alright, let us return to the mansion first, prepare something for him, and then take him to the prison.”

In the dungeon, after watching the punishment being carried out, the Seventh Prince, following orders, looked at Meng Chang'an and sneered a few times. He did not dare say much in front of the palace people, but he still managed to gloat a bit before smugly leaving with his entourage.

During this process, Young Master Meng did not even glance at the person once, nor did she utter a word of pain. She just gritted her teeth and endured silently.

Fortunately, most of the prisoners in the dungeon were not ordinary people. The prison guards here also knew that the people inside were not ones they could afford to offend.

Therefore, no one would deliberately embarrass the Prince Consort in the dungeon.

Of course, they also did not dare to obstruct the Seventh Prince who had come bearing the imperial order.

After Meng Chang'an received the punishment and the Seventh Prince left with the palace people, the prison guards dared to help her from the punishment chair back to the stone bed.

Sweat had already appeared on Meng Chang'an's forehead. Even with her internal energy protecting her, after receiving twenty strokes, she was not doing well.

In the dungeon, cold and damp, with not even a cotton blanket to cover herself, Young Master Meng could only clutch her thin clothing tightly, forcing herself to endure the pervasive chill.

The pain in her buttocks mixed with the coldness of her body made the Young Master, lying on the stone bed, increasingly drowsy, and she gradually fell asleep.

In her sleep, she seemed to hear the princess calling her softly by her ear.

One call after another for “Chang'an”, almost made Meng Chang'an sink into such a beautiful dream, unable to extricate herself.

"Chang'an? Chang'an! Wake up!"

She did not know how long she had been asleep. It was only when a trace of warmth spread over her body that Meng Chang'an managed to gather the strength to open her eyes.

When you think of someone, and upon opening your eyes, you see her by your side, what kind of feeling would that be?

"Your Highness?"

Meng Chang'an never expected that the calls in her dream would come true so soon.

"Yes, it is me."

Li Qiubai then breathed a slight sigh of relief, gently wiping the cold sweat from Young Master Meng's forehead, and said softly, "I am sorry, I am late."

Hearing this, Young Master Meng could not help but curve her lips.

"It is good that you came."

At this moment, Young Master Meng was lying on her side, resting her head on the Princess' lap, half embraced by the Princess.

She then buried herself into the Princess' arms, gently rubbing against the Princess' abdomen, and murmured, "It is so cold here."

Li Qiubai quickly tightened her embrace, holding the beauty in her arms more closely, and said softly, "I will take you out. Once we are out, it will not be cold."

Young Master Meng did not think much of it, assuming that the Princess had persuaded the Emperor and could take her away.

Since she could leave, she was in no hurry.

Young Master Meng continued to nestle in the Princess' arms, whispering, "I just dreamt of you."

That slightly proud tone amid her grievance made the Princess unable to suppress a smile.

"What did you dream about me?"

The Princess' embrace was so warm that in this cold place, Young Master Meng was really reluctant to leave it.

She only slightly turned her head, meeting the Princess' gaze directly.

"I dreamt of you..."

Noticing the faint expectation in the princess's eyes, Young Master Meng gently smiled and said, "But now I suddenly do not want to tell you."

Seeing Young Master Meng's pale complexion made the Princess feel heartbroken.

Even though she knew that Young Master Meng was just teasing her, she could not bear to blame her for anything. She gave her a helpless look and indulgently said, "Then tell me when you feel like it."

After saying this, Li Qiubai slightly leaned down and whispered to Meng Chang'an, "Now, you need to take off your clothes."

Perhaps it was the tenderness in the Princess' gaze that made Young Master Meng think of something more intimate.

"Take off my clothes? Here?"

Hearing such daring words from the princess again, Young Master Meng was not angry. She directly raised her hand to wrap around the Princess' neck, lifting herself slightly.

When she got close to the princess, she gave a teasing smile and said, "What does Your Highness intend to do?"

Li Qiubai lowered her eyes, looking at the Young Master Meng who was so close, and realized for the first time how seductive the Young Master could be when she tried to charm someone.

Before the Princess could move forward and capture the Young Master’s lips, an untimely cough sounded.

Thus, the Young Master realized that besides her and the Princess, there was someone else in the cell.

Hurriedly releasing the Princess, she turned towards the sound and saw another person leaning against the cell door.

That face was identical to hers.

“Elder Brother?"

Upon seeing He Changping, Meng Chang'an's expression changed repeatedly.

Had he not said he would leave the capital today? How did he find the Princess and come to this prison?

The Young Master could not describe what she felt at that moment, nor could she guess why he was there.

Not to mention other matters, just the fact that she had been flirting with her "sister-in-law" under her brother's nose for so long made her feel utterly ashamed to face him.

If it had been just a bit further, she would have kissed the Princess right in front of her brother.

This scare instantly sobered Young Master Meng.

Meng Chang'an was extremely regretful, her heart becoming complex and difficult to describe. Even when she looked at He Changping, her eyes were full of guilt.

Fortunately, He Changping did not expose her thoughts. He merely smiled lightly and walked toward the stone bed, speaking warmly, "My dear sister, you have finally noticed my presence."

Seeing her brother still smiling at her with the same gentle expression at this moment, Young Master Meng felt even more guilty.

She wanted to escape from the Princess' embrace, but the Princess held her tightly, not giving her any chance to flee.

Helplessly, Young Master Meng continued to rest on the Princess’ lap, looking at He Changping with a resolute expression.

"You... how did you come to be here?"

Were you not supposed to leave?

Young Master Meng did not voice the secret buried in her heart, only asking this complicated question.

Once, she had longed to find him. Now, she longed for him to truly leave with his beloved.

"Silly girl, if I did not come back, was I supposed to watch you take the punishment for me?"

He Changping squatted halfway on the edge of the stone bed, lifted his hand to rub Young Master Meng's head, tenderly asking, "Does it hurt?"

Just this one question already made Young Master Meng's eyes reddened.

"Brother... I..."

That apology got stuck in Young Master Meng's throat, unable to be uttered no matter how hard she tried.

Twin siblings, connected by blood, always had a more tacit understanding than ordinary people.

Without giving Young Master Meng a chance to continue speaking, he already guessed what Young Master Meng wanted to say.

He changed the subject to stop what the Young Master wanted to say: "Shh, brother knows you are in pain, so do not waste your energy talking."

Throughout, He Changping's gaze never fell on the Princess' figure, only focusing on Young Master Meng, gently smiling as he stroked the Young Master's hair, soothingly saying, "It is elder brother's fault to you, these days, you have really worked hard."

At this moment, no matter how warm the palms of her brother were, how warm the Princess' figure was, Young Master Meng's heart felt just as cold.

Fortunately, before she could continue to struggle, He Changping turned his back, loosening his belt while walking to a corner.

"Quickly take off your outer garment, we need to swap clothes."

At this point, how could Young Master Meng not understand what the Princess meant by taking her out?

It simply meant that she would resume her role as the Young Master of the Demonic Sect, while He Changping would resume his role as her designated husband.

"I..."

Without giving Young Master Meng a chance to refuse, the Princess half lifted her up, personally unfastening her belt.

"Follow me first, do not be stubborn. If we delay any longer, it will not be good if someone finds out."

"But..."

Seeing the increasingly painful struggle on Young Master Meng's face, the Princess unexpectedly felt a bit relieved.

"But what?"

Without waiting for Young Master Meng to speak, she took advantage of He Changping turning away, quietly waiting for Young Master Meng to remove her clothes, and continued to do what she had originally intended.

Only lightly touching Young Master Meng's lips, the Princess withdrew slightly, pressing a gentle inquiry against Young Master Meng's forehead, "What do you wish to say? Do you not wish to go with me?"

Young Master Meng's mind was in turmoil.

Had she not seen her elder brother, she might have climbed up the Princess’ body to respond to the kiss.

But with all three of them in the same room, she wasn't sure what to make of her actions.

Turning her head slightly and avoiding the Princess’ touch, Young Master Meng pressed her lips together and descended from the stone bed on her own.

"I will manage on my own."

Young Master Meng simply could not allow the Princess to undress her in front of her elder brother or to touch her in any way.

After hastily removing her outer garment and exchanging it with He Changping, Young Master Meng still could not decide how to interact with these two.

"Can you still walk?"

Unlike Young Master Meng's hesitant look, He Changping seemed quite calm. After changing clothes, he even personally helped Young Master Meng put on his hooded cloak.

Seeing Young Master Meng nodding with a sullen face, he smiled slightly, patted her shoulder, and said gently, "Go back with Her Highness quickly. It is too cold here, and you are injured. You should not catch a cold again."

"But you..."

Young Master Meng hesitated for a long time and finally asked, "If I stay here, it will be you who gets beaten. I..."

"Silly girl, do not feel guilty." After pushing Young Master Meng to the side of the Princess, He Changping continued, "It is only natural for an elder brother to protect his sister, is it not? How can there be a reason for letting the little sister suffer for the elder brother? Be good, quickly go back with Her Highness, do not let brother worry about you."

Li Qiubai also did not stand on ceremony. She directly took Young Master Meng's hand and did not give her a chance to struggle with guilt. She had already tightly held Young Master Meng's hand and turned her head to look at He Changping, gratefully saying, "Thank you very much. Be at ease, you will not stay here for long. I will take you out as soon as possible."

“Mm, thank you, Your Highness." After a light laugh, He Changping's face became serious, and she earnestly instructed, "Please take care of my little sister, Your Highness."

Standing between the two of them was the person they both loved dearly.

Understanding the deeper meaning behind He Changping's words, Li Qiubai also solemnly responded, "I will."

With that said, she looked again at the tightly furrowed face beneath the hood, emphasizing once more in a gentle tone, "You do not need to say it, I understand."

Only then did He Changping feel relieved to entrust the person to the Princess, casually lying down beside the stone bed, waving his hand with a smile towards Young Master Meng, "Go back quickly."

Watching the two of them with their tacit understanding, Young Master Meng felt inexplicably complicated.

With the token given by Li Ruiyuan, Li Qiubai was just sending some warm clothing to the Prince Consort in the prison. Naturally, the journey was smooth and unimpeded.

No matter how anxious the Princess was, on the way out of the prison, due to Young Master Meng's injury, she had to slow down her steps.

Young Master Meng struggled to keep up behind the Princess and slowly stepped out of the prison gate.

Outside the gate, Yuechu had already personally driven a carriage and was waiting for them there.

After the two of them got on the carriage, Yuechu immediately turned the horse's head and drove away from the prison. At the same time, she didn't forget to remind them through the carriage door, "Your Highness, the medicine for the wound is already prepared on the carriage."

Young Master Meng's injury was on her buttocks, making it inconvenient to sit, so she could only find a place to lie down on the carriage.

But the carriage was only so big, and before Young Master Meng could find a good place to lie down, the Princess had already taken out the prepared medicine, sitting at one end of the soft cushion and patting her own thigh.

"Come here, it is more comfortable to rest your head here. Let me apply the medicine for you first."

The Princess was indeed thoughtful...

But at this moment, Young Master Meng, whose mind was in a mess, couldn't naturally get as close to the Princess as before.

"No... no need..."

As Young Master Meng had just finished saying this, the carriage was suddenly turned sharply by Yuechu. Perhaps because Yuechu wasn't used to driving, she only made a sharp turn, but it almost caused the carriage to tip over to the side.

Young Master Meng, who hadn't yet taken a seat, was swayed by this movement and almost fell to the side.

Fortunately, the Princess had quick reflexes and immediately took the opportunity to reach out and pull Young Master Meng into her arms.

Author's Note:

Originally, the author had set the only unbreakable flag: If I update one more chapter, I'll lose.

Today, you finally pushed me over...