How Dare You!? (This is Ridiculous)

This thousand-year-old fox spirit suddenly playing the saint—who does she think she's fooling?

Xiahou Dan was momentarily stunned, then his expression softened. "My beloved consort actually has such intentions."

She fooled him!!

The surrounding palace attendants gasped sharply.

That day, Yu Wanyin's name spread to every corner of the imperial harem.

When Xie Yong'er heard her maid recount the dialogue from the scene, her brows twitched, revealing a puzzled expression.

Had the Tyrant actually come to trust Yu Wanyin to such an extent?

Even stranger, why hadn't Yu Wanyin pointed the finger at her?

Because she was too stupid to suspect her? That seemed unlikely.

Because she lacked evidence and couldn't harm her with just words? But given the Tyrant's temperament, he wouldn't need any evidence...

Such a perfect opportunity to eliminate a rival, and Yu Wanyin had simply let it pass.

Xie Yong'er recalled her words about "looking out for each other," and her heart trembled slightly—only to immediately find it ridiculous. In the entire novel East Wind Blossoms Under the Night Sky , Yu Wanyin had maneuvered between the Emperor and the Prince with effortless grace, leaving no room for error, while every other consort became stepping stones on her path to success.

With acting skills like that, not a single word she spoke could be trusted.

That night, the Spider Cave's first work exchange meeting was successfully held around a small hotpot.

Yu Wanyin: "The recruitment isn't going well. Xie Yong'er seems to have built up strong psychological defenses against me, convinced I'm just a Paper Doll." She sighed. "And I don't dare risk Prince Duan finding out by telling her we're all real people..."

Xiahou Dan: "No, we're not."

Yu Wanyin: "Huh?"

Xiahou Dan: "Think about it carefully. You're real. She's not. She's a character from Transmigration: The Devil's Beloved Consort . Even her transmigrator identity was given by the original novel—her personality and thought processes were all predetermined. Convincing her to switch sides will probably be very difficult."

Yu Wanyin hadn't considered this angle before. Now, reminded by him, she realized with a start that she'd subconsciously been treating Xie Yong'er as one of her own.

But they weren't the same, were they?

Feeling somewhat disheartened, she weakly argued, "Let's not jump to conclusions yet. We'll see. How did your talk with Xu Yao go?"

Xiahou Dan: "I told him recalling his father was just a matter of me saying the word. He's smart—he knows what he needs to offer in exchange. But he left looking utterly devastated. Probably still reeling and figuring out who to trust."

"Good, good. Keep that up. Right now, you have no faction of your own. To survive in the cracks, you need to stir the waters." Yu Wanyin analyzed for him, "I've been racking my brains these days trying to recall the original novel. Among the court officials, seventy percent belong to the Empress Dowager faction, thirty percent to Prince Duan's."

Xiahou Dan: "Is there any chance the Empress Dowager might help me?"

"Wishful thinking. She's your stepmother—young, arrogant, and frustrated with your disobedience. She's been raising the Little Crown Prince by her side, hoping to bypass you and become the next Empress Lü. But don't worry, in the novel she kept making reckless moves and never managed to accomplish anything. In the end, you were still killed by the Prince..."

Xiahou Dan, startled: "Little Crown Prince?"

"Your son."

"I have a son?"

"......"

Yu Wanyin: "Yes, just one. You had him at fifteen. He's seven now."

Xiahou Dan took half a minute to process this information.

Xiahou Dan: "Then... my son's mother..."

"Dead. She fell ill and died after childbirth, I think."

Xiahou Dan smiled bitterly. "I'm not even married in real life."Yu Wanyin: "Don't dwell on such details."

The Empress Dowager's faction held immense power, with her relatives controlling state affairs and eliminating dissidents, plunging the court into a state of fear. However, most of this faction consisted of corrupt and sycophantic officials who indulged in bribery and lawlessness, skilled only in empty rhetoric, managing to bewitch the Tyrant with their words.

Meanwhile, the military generals, being less eloquent, had long been oppressed by the Empress Dowager's civil officials. Unbeknownst to them, Prince Duan had quietly brought them under his wing.

Yu Wanyin: "After much thought, there's only one path: make them fight among themselves. After all, those with nothing to lose fear nothing. You can sow discord freely, preferably inciting them to slaughter each other in chaos, then take advantage of the confusion. As for how to play it out..."

Xiahou Dan made an "OK" gesture: "I'll improvise."

The first grand meeting of the Spider Cave concluded triumphantly.

After finishing hotpot, Yu Wanyin remembered something else: "Actually, the biggest trigger for your usurpation was a drought."

"When? Next year? The year after?"

"I don't know—it's around two-thirds into the book."

Xiahou Dan: "..."

Yu Wanyin, who had skimmed through the book without deep comprehension, felt slightly guilty and tried to make up for it by recalling details: "When the drought hit, the treasury was drained, and the people suffered. Instead of finding ways to provide relief, you listened to treacherous ministers and embarked on massive construction projects, building some Divine Palace for heavenly sacrifices. As starvation spread, rebellions erupted everywhere, plunging everything into chaos... and then you were assassinated."

Xiahou Dan: "But you don't remember who the assassin was, or on which day."

Yu Wanyin: "...It was in the last dozen or so pages."

Xiahou Dan rubbed his forehead: "Can you remember anything useful?"

Yu Wanyin snapped, "It's too late for that now—something is better than nothing! Anyway, after you were assassinated, Prince Duan entered the palace under the banner of the Loyalists. But your injuries were fatal. The officials pleaded that the nation was in crisis, the Crown Prince was too young to bear the responsibility, and begged him to ascend the throne to stabilize the realm. So he took charge in the crisis, worked diligently, and eventually became a wise and revered ruler."

Xiahou Dan: "I see—you liked Prince Duan when reading the book."

Yu Wanyin: "...Perspective. Perspective shapes stance."

Yu Wanyin continued making amends: "I think we can prevent this disaster at its root! Let's start searching for drought-resistant crops now and find ways to encourage widespread cultivation."

Xiahou Dan gave a thumbs-up: "Yuan Longping."

Yu Wanyin: "This is too important—we must act discreetly. I don't trust anyone else with this. I want to go to the library to look up some references."

Xiahou Dan: "Then I'll find an excuse, say you're compiling a book, and send you in."

Yu Wanyin: "Deal."

Yu Wanyin secretly rejoiced.

The library was built at the edge of the palace, with two gates—one facing inward and one outward—allowing ministers to enter and browse.

She had to leave herself a way out. If Xiahou Dan couldn't outmaneuver Xiahou Bo, and the Loyalist troops marched straight in, she might still have a chance to play the cunning hare with multiple burrows.

Just as Yu Wanyin thought this, Xiahou Dan added, "This works out. If I die someday, you can disguise yourself in the library and maybe even escape alive."

Yu Wanyin froze, unsure what to make of the strange feeling in her heart.

That morning at court, General Luo of the Central Army returned triumphant from his campaign.

General Luo was a fierce and skilled warrior. When the Yan Kingdom had invaded earlier, he had driven them back three hundred li in one stroke—though the book's geography was fictional, with some minor nations set up around the borders.Xiahou Dan lounged carelessly on the dragon throne, one hand pressing against his temple as he offered a few perfunctory words of praise before adding, "We must also thank General Luo for taking care of Our imperial brother."

General Luo: "Your servant is unworthy."

Xiahou Bo stood slightly behind him, head bowed respectfully without looking up.

Xiahou Bo had previously served in the military at the border, sharing life and death with the soldiers until they became as close as brothers. But before returning, General Luo had received instructions from Prince Duan to maintain an appearance of unfamiliarity before the Emperor.

Xiahou Dan said dismissively, "Hmm, what shall We reward you with..."

"Your Majesty, this official has a petition!" The Minister of Revenue stepped forward. "General Luo recently requested military provisions, yet for some reason, the amount was twenty percent higher than previous years."

This Minister of Revenue was one of the Empress Dowager faction's parasites, clinging to the wealthiest ministry and growing fat on its spoils.

"This year's harvests have been poor across the regions. Most of the national grain reserves have gone to disaster relief. For General Luo to make such an exorbitant demand all of a sudden..."

In no time, the Empress Dowager faction emerged to fan the flames, nitpicking and criticizing General Luo from all sides. Meanwhile, the Prince Duan faction, accustomed to lying low, did not reveal their stance.

General Luo, a man of martial prowess, was no match for so many civil officials in debate. His face flushed crimson with suppressed rage, his murderous intent barely contained as he glared directly at the Emperor.

Xiahou Dan: "What does Our imperial brother think?"

Xiahou Bo: "?"

Xiahou Bo hadn't expected the usually autocratic Emperor to suddenly pass the question to him. After a moment's thought, he replied, "Since grain reserves are insufficient, and His Majesty cares deeply for the people, the Central Army should naturally share His Majesty's burden."

The corners of Xiahou Dan's lips curled almost imperceptibly, his eyes filled with mockery.

It seemed this noble and righteous prince didn't truly have his soldiers' welfare at heart.

Xiahou Bo contemplated letting the general first direct his resentment toward the Emperor while he himself had privately stockpiled some grain, which he could secretly distribute later. Though it would be a drop in the bucket for so many soldiers, at least the gesture would be made.

He was about to say something more to placate General Luo when the Tyrant on the throne suddenly asked, "What We don't understand is, military provisions have always been the same amount each year. Why is there suddenly not enough this time? Have the border troops been living too comfortably, growing fat on their rations?"

The Minister of Revenue led the laughter, and the court was filled with merry atmosphere.

General Luo finally couldn't contain his outburst: "Your Majesty, allow this general to present something for you to see what your soldiers are fed daily!"

Two sacks were brought forward. An Xian stepped up, reached into one, and scooped out a handful to present before Xiahou Dan. The withered yellow grains were mixed with thirty percent fine sand and gravel.

General Luo: "This is the military provisions issued by the Ministry of Revenue!"

The Minister of Revenue shrilly laughed, "Where did you get this coarse grain to deceive His Majesty with such lies? The Emperor sees all—how could he believe you!"

The civil officials who had been hoodwinking the Emperor for years joined in the chorus of jeers, filling the court with merry atmosphere once more.

Xiahou Dan stood up.

He walked to an Imperial Guard, casually drew the guard's longsword, and strode down the Jade Steps straight toward his ministers.

The Emperor was having another fit. The Minister of Revenue initially watched with amusement, but gradually realizing the direction of his steps, began to lose his smile: "Your Majesty!"

Xiahou Dan charged at him with the sword.

The Minister of Revenue stumbled back, falling flat on his back before scrambling up and fleeing while shouting, "Your Majesty!"

Xiahou Dan pursued relentlessly.The Minister of Revenue ran around the pillar.

The stunned guards finally snapped out of it and rushed forward to restrain him—one binding his hands, another pinning his feet—holding him firmly in place before turning to look at Xiahou Dan.

Panting heavily, Xiahou Dan stopped in his tracks and grinned at the guards. "What, waiting for me to do it myself?"

The guards: "..."

A guard swiftly executed the Minister of Revenue.

The court fell so silent one could hear a pin drop.

Xiahou Dan staggered slightly, pressing a hand to his head as he slumped back onto the throne. "He laughed too loudly."

The officials: "..."

Xiahou Dan pointed at General Luo. "You. Go to the Ministry of Revenue yourself to collect the military pay."

General Luo, still dazed, took a long moment before kowtowing. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Members of the Empress Dowager faction glanced subtly toward Xiahou Bo.

Xiahou Bo remained standing with lowered brows, his expression one of solemn concern for the nation, not a hint of triumph on his face.

Back at his residence, Xiahou Bo summoned his advisors to discuss the situation.

Xiahou Bo: "Was the Emperor's sudden madness truly coincidental? With the Minister of Revenue dead, the Empress Dowager faction will surely blame me and retaliate."

Xu Yao: "...At least the Central Army soldiers will get proper meals now. That's a good thing."

Xiahou Bo gave him a strange look, as if surprised by this sudden naivety. "Once the Central Army soldiers are well-fed, they'll stop resenting the Emperor."

Xu Yao had always believed that those who achieved great things shouldn't sweat the small stuff. Grateful for Prince Duan's recognition, he'd never questioned the morality of their schemes.

Yet now, a chill crept up his spine, and the mad Emperor's words echoed in his ears: "Who was it that took you in as a watchdog with a face full of pity...?"

Xu Yao could feel Xiahou Bo watching him. He quickly changed the subject. "The Emperor's actions today were indeed abrupt. What do we know about that Imperial Concubine Yu he's been favoring lately?"

Meanwhile, after court adjourned, Xiahou Dan was discussing Xiahou Bo with Yu Wanyin. "A villain. An absolute villain, whether transmigrated or not."

Yu Wanyin: "That makes him dangerous. We'll have to find a way to be even more villainous than him."

Xiahou Dan: "His subordinate Xu Yao will likely investigate that old matter soon. Pity there's no evidence against Prince Duan..."

Yu Wanyin: "Evidence can be fabricated, you know."

Xiahou Dan: "Brilliant."

Yu Wanyin grinned wickedly as they high-fived.

Xiahou Dan: "Wait, on second thought—'slandering and framing a loyal minister' isn't the kind of thing that leaves traces. If he finds evidence, it'd actually be suspicious."

Yu Wanyin: "Then here's what we'll do. First, tell him that to avoid Prince Duan's suspicion, we can only secretly bring his father back—make sure Prince Duan doesn't know. Then deliberately mess up during the retrieval to make him think the secret's out."

Xiahou Dan caught on: "Finally, send someone to assassinate his father and pin it on Prince Duan?"

Yu Wanyin added: "But make sure your people dramatically rescue his father at the last moment."

Xiahou Dan: "Brilliant."

Yu Wanyin grinned wickedly as they high-fived.

The library stood by the water, its windows reflecting shimmering ripples—a rather scenic spot.

After completing her onboarding formalities, Yu Wanyin settled in comfortably.

She spent two hours poring over crop-related materials with intense focus but found nothing. Gradually, her attention waned. The instincts of a corporate drone taking over, she began doodling aimlessly on parchment.At that moment, a young eunuch announced from outside the library doors, "Prince Duan has arrived—"

To avoid impropriety, Yu Wanyin's desk was placed by a window deep on the second floor, where no one could ascend without an imperial edict.

But palace servants were adept at reading the winds, knowing whose convenience must be accommodated. Yu Wanyin faintly heard voices downstairs—whatever Xiahou Bo had said was followed by footsteps ascending the stairs.

The steps were neither hurried nor slow, each one steady and measured. Peering through the gaps in the bookshelves toward the stairwell, Yu Wanyin saw Xiahou Bo enter.

Today, he was dressed in the lingering style of the Wei-Jin period, with wide sleeves and half-bound, half-loose hair. Strolling leisurely, he was the very picture of radiant moonlight, the epitome of grace. The chosen one's looks were indeed supreme. Even though Yu Wanyin knew the future events and how terrifying his methods could be, she couldn't help but inwardly praise, "What a beauty."

A few seconds later, another person followed upstairs, dressed as a common scholar, his face etched with deep grievances. Upon closer inspection, he seemed to be slightly disguised—likely Xu Yao.

What were they doing here?

Yu Wanyin remained seated without a flicker of expression, carefully considering how the original character would behave in this situation.

—Ah, right. The original Yu Wanyin had a secret crush on Prince Duan.

The two men pretended to search for books earnestly, glancing left and right as they slowly approached the corner where Yu Wanyin sat.

Yu Wanyin: "..."

Acting. Pure acting.

Xiahou Bo finally turned his head as if by chance, appearing to notice Yu Wanyin for the first time. He feigned surprise. "Imperial Concubine Yu."

Yu Wanyin hurriedly stood up, greeting him with a bashful and timid demeanor. "Your Highness, Prince Duan."

According to the original plot, Xiahou Bo and Yu Wanyin had met once before she entered the palace—during the Lantern Festival night market. She had sneaked out to play on the main street and coincidentally encountered Xiahou Bo in plain clothes.

Thus, the young girl fell in love at first sight with the mysterious, handsome man, returning home lovesick and unwilling to enter the palace as a concubine. Xiahou Bo, though he had enjoyed their interaction, promptly forgot about it afterward.

Later, when Yu Wanyin was forced by her family to enter the palace resentfully, the plotline of reuniting with Prince Duan in the Secluded Palace was erased by Xie Yong'er. As a result, in Transmigration: The Devil's Beloved Consort , Yu Wanyin remained unrequited throughout, while Xiahou Bo remained cold-hearted, devoted only to Xie Yong'er.

Yu Wanyin wasn't sure if this Xiahou Bo was the original character, nor could she guess why he had sought her out.

Best to stick to the script, just in case.

She glanced up at him subtly, her eyes carrying a wisp of sorrow like mist. "Why has Your Highness come here?"

"I was searching for a book but couldn't find it just now. Perhaps I misremembered," Xiahou Bo replied smoothly.

Yu Wanyin: "Then, Your Highness, tell me the title. I can help you look."

Xiahou Bo didn't take the bait, smiling at her instead. "I heard Her Ladyship is compiling books here?"

Yu Wanyin lowered her head. "Just organizing some poetry. His Majesty saw me idling in the side palace all day and found me something to do."

"Her Ladyship's literary talent is admirable, like willow catkins in the wind."

Up close, it was clear that Xiahou Bo and Xiahou Dan were indeed brothers.

Both were fair-skinned, their features seventy to eighty percent alike. Yet Xiahou Dan's pallor carried a sickly tinge, his gloomy eyes practically branding "villain" on his forehead. Xiahou Bo, however, was like jade carved into human form—open, warm, and radiant.

It was hard to believe he was the one bearing grudges and plotting treachery.Yu Wanyin tried to discern from his expression whether he was the original character. Unconsciously staring a bit too long, she saw Xiahou Bo smile and say, "At the palace banquet a few days ago, Your Highness also gazed at me like this, as if puzzled."

Her heart skipped a beat as her mind raced. With a delicate sigh, she replied, "I was merely surprised. I hadn’t expected the gentleman I once met by chance at the Lantern Festival market to be the renowned Prince Duan."

Logical and convincing—no one could find fault with that.

Xiahou Bo mirrored her sigh. "I was incognito at the time and couldn’t reveal my identity. I hope Your Highness can forgive the concealment."

Current score: 0–0.

Yu Wanyin pressed further, probing, "News travels poorly within the palace. I wonder if my family is well?"

—According to the original setting, her father was a minor official who had languished in obscurity for years, someone Xiahou Bo would know. If he were the original character, he should be able to answer.

Xiahou Bo paused in recollection. "The last time I saw him, Yu Shaoqing was in good health. It seems he’s recently taken an interest in tea ceremony."

The score remained 0–0.

Yu Wanyin continued to gaze at him hesitantly, rapidly strategizing her next move.

But Xiahou Bo spoke first, sighing nostalgically. "After parting at the Lantern Festival, seeing Your Highness again, I almost failed to recognize you."

Yu Wanyin: "..."

Her character’s original setting was that of a pure, innocent maiden, destined to be overshadowed by Xie Yong’er’s glamorous makeover. Moreover, because her heart belonged to Prince Duan, she had always feared and resented the Tyrant, only later turning to Imperial Harem Intrigue to retaliate against Xie Yong’er.

Yet now, she had preemptively taken the seductive concubine route, laughing and whispering intimately with the Tyrant right in front of Xiahou Bo...

Yu Wanyin’s heart pounded violently.

In the original story, Prince Duan had never paid Yu Wanyin much attention—how could he notice such changes?

You’ve only met me twice, yet you observe so keenly. That’s suspicious, isn’t it?

Though the evidence wasn’t conclusive, she tentatively scored it 0.5–0.

Yu Wanyin scrambled to salvage her pure maiden persona, forcing a bitter smile. "Who could remain unchanged after stepping through these deep palace gates? Those sisters who stayed the same have long turned to mud beneath these vermilion walls. I..." She feigned confusion. "I still wish to live."

Xiahou Bo hesitated. "Your Highness, I shall pretend I heard nothing. Please refrain from speaking such words to others."

Yu Wanyin hastily covered her mouth, casting a fearful glance at Xu Yao behind him. "I misspoke."

Xiahou Bo smiled. "This is a close friend of mine. He won’t speak carelessly."

Yu Wanyin nodded.

Perfect! Leading 0.5–0.

Xiahou Bo bowed again, preparing to take his leave, when his gaze drifted to the desk by the window. "Your Highness has been painting?"

Yu Wanyin: "..."

Yu Wanyin: "......"

The scoreboard in her mind collapsed with a crash.

Earlier, drowsy and idle, she had doodled a turtle on the paper with kindergarten-level strokes.

It was too late to hide it now. Playing the part of a bashful maiden embarrassed before her crush, she flushed crimson and stammered, "Earlier, I saw something swimming in the pond outside the window and... sketched it on a whim."

Xiahou Bo stared at the turtle, the corner of his eye twitching by a single pixel.

Xiahou Bo: "This painting, well..."

Yu Wanyin’s ears burned scarlet. Clutching the paper, she gritted her teeth and moved to tear it. "Your Highness, please don’t look."Xiahou Bo stopped her: "It has a certain naive charm of its own. It would be a shame to tear it up just like that."

Yu Wanyin, struggling with her facial expressions: "?"

Listen to yourself—does that even sound human?

Yu Wanyin ventured, "Does Your Highness like it?"

Xiahou Bo: "I find it quite delightful. Since Your Highness is unwilling to keep it, might you gift me this calligraphy?"

Yu Wanyin sensed a trap but had no choice but to play along: "If Your Highness doesn’t mind its poor quality, please take it."

Xiahou Bo smiled. "Many thanks, Your Highness. I shall return the favor someday."

Yu Wanyin: "?"

She glanced at the newly embroidered scented sachet hanging from his waist. In the original story, this was a token exchanged between him and Xie Yong'er.

Keeping both sides balanced—truly befitting of Prince Duan.

Stringing one along while flirting with the other—what exactly was he scheming?

Xiahou Bo left with the painting.

Once outside the library, he asked Xu Yao casually, "Notice anything?"

Xu Yao pondered for a long while. "From this meeting alone, it’s hard to discern any hidden depths. But her eyes are cunning and lively—no wonder she’s managed to win His Majesty’s favor."

Xiahou Bo: "Did you find anything unusual about her words or actions?"

Xu Yao was taken aback. "Unusual? What does Your Highness mean?"

Xiahou Bo chuckled but said no more.

Holding the turtle painting up to the light, he seemed to find it amusing and then ordered, "Investigate whether she left behind any calligraphy or paintings before entering the palace."

Yu Wanyin immediately rushed to the side chamber and summoned her maid Xiao Mei. "Do you remember any paintings I made in the past?"

Xiao Mei was stunned. "Did you ever paint, miss?"

Yu Wanyin danced with joy. "Good, good, that’s perfect."

It was the first day of the month, when the imperial consorts were to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.

Traditionally, this would be done morning and evening, but the Empress Dowager preferred quiet and had changed the rule to only require visits on the first and fifteenth of each month. Predictably, these two days had become an unavoidable battleground for Imperial Harem Intrigue.

When Yu Wanyin arrived, she realized everyone except the Empress Dowager had come early.

Consort Wei sat primly in the hall, sipping tea while casting her a sidelong glance. "Consort Yu is all the rage these days—no wonder you’re so late, keeping your sisters waiting."

Yu Wanyin: "..."

Here we go.

The maid behind Consort Wei interjected, "Your Highness must have forgotten—Consort Yu has been promoted to Imperial Concubine Yu."

Consort Wei gave a light laugh. "Ah, no wonder."

Yu Wanyin: "..."

She racked her brain trying to remember who this was before it finally came back to her.

After the Empress’s death, the position of the central palace had remained vacant. This Consort Wei was currently at the top of the hierarchy. She was Grand Tutor Wei’s younger sister, favored by the Empress Dowager, and wielded her family’s influence to dominate the harem.

She’d probably be defeated by Xie Yong'er in about five chapters, vanishing without a trace thereafter.

Yu Wanyin looked at her as if she were already dead, mechanically going through the motions without a hint of emotion. "This sister was delayed by matters on the way. I beg your forgiveness, elder sisters."

Consort Wei slammed her teacup down with a smack . "What kind of look was that?"

Yu Wanyin lowered her gaze, summoning a tearful tone. "This sister admits her fault."

Consort Zhuang, standing behind Consort Wei, sneered. "She says she was delayed—what could be so important? Surely she wasn’t meeting some attendant in the peony garden again?"

Consort He chimed in, playing along: "Sister, you mustn’t say such things. If she cries to His Majesty again, who knows what—"

Xiahou Dan: "Who knows what?"

The consorts: "..."

The hall erupted into a flurry of kneeling figures.

Xiahou Dan plopped down onto the seat Consort Wei had just vacated and beckoned Yu Wanyin forward. "What were you all discussing just now?"

Yu Wanyin hesitated. "Your Majesty..."She was silently asking him with her eyes: What are you doing here?

Xiahou Dan lifted his chin slightly: Don’t mind me, keep acting.

Yu Wanyin thought for a moment and instantly put on an innocent facade: "Your Majesty, we were merely exchanging idle chatter among sisters. It’s hardly worth mentioning."

Xiahou Dan: "Is that so?" He extended a slender finger and pointed at Consort He. "You, speak."

Consort He, still kneeling on the ground, turned deathly pale, too terrified to utter another word: "This humble concubine begs for forgiveness."

Xiahou Dan: "Fine, saves time."

With a wave of his hand, the guards stepped forward with practiced ease, and Consort He’s cries faded into the distance.

Xiahou Dan then pointed at Consort Zhuang: "What about you?"

Consort Zhuang’s vision darkened, nearly collapsing on the spot: "This humble concubine… was only reminding our sister to devote herself wholeheartedly to serving Your Majesty…"

Xiahou Dan raised his hand again.

Yu Wanyin quickly coughed.

She didn’t understand why Xiahou Dan had suddenly added this scene. Had he gotten too immersed in his role and decided to stand up for her?

Back when she read palace intrigue novels to pass the time, Yu Wanyin had never taken them seriously. But now, thrust into this precarious existence, she felt a pang of sympathy for the other characters. In the end, they were all victims of the system. Consorts Zhuang and He clung to Consort Wei’s coattails simply to survive.

If these two had actually plotted something lethal, she might have understood. But they’d only made a few snide remarks—was death truly necessary? The thought unsettled her.

Yet she feared Xiahou Dan had some deeper motive for this performance and that interfering might ruin his plans. She hesitated, torn between speaking up or staying silent.

Before she could decide, Xiahou Dan glanced at her and lowered his raised hand.

Xiahou Dan: "Confine her to the Secluded Palace."

Then he asked the guard, "Has the other one been buried yet?"

The guard: "..."

The guard: "This subordinate will stop them."

Amid the kneeling concubines, Xie Yong’er subtly lifted her gaze to Yu Wanyin, a flicker of astonishment crossing her face.

With two minor players removed, the others thought the ordeal was over and secretly sighed in relief—until Xiahou Dan’s finger pointed at a third person.

Xiahou Dan asked politely, "Consort Wei, care to explain?"

Consort Wei froze as if struck by lightning.

No, he couldn’t—she was the Empress Dowager’s protege!

Her voice trembled: "Your Majesty—"

Xiahou Dan: "Hmm?"

A woman’s voice rang out from behind the beaded curtain: "Hmph. The Emperor is in quite the imposing mood today."

The Empress Dowager had finally arrived to protect her own.

She appeared to be in her mid-thirties, dressed in opulent splendor, holding the hand of a seven-year-old boy.

The Little Crown Prince bore a striking resemblance to Xiahou Dan, his small face rigidly composed, eyes fixed straight ahead—a delicate, obedient puppet raised by the Empress Dowager.

Yu Wanyin shot a glance at Xiahou Dan.

Xiahou Dan was staring at the boy with a "What is this thing?" expression, his face a picture of conflicted distaste.

Fortunately, according to the original plot, the Little Crown Prince had always been kept close by the Empress Dowager and had barely interacted with Xiahou Dan, so this reaction wasn’t out of character.

The Empress Dowager took her seat at the head of the room, accepting obeisances from Xiahou Dan and the concubines, then said coldly, "Why has the Emperor brought his grand display of authority to my doorstep today?"

Xiahou Dan seemed to stiffen slightly before replying with forced humility, "This son acted rashly in a moment of anger and offended Mother Empress."

Yu Wanyin: "?"

The Empress Dowager’s resentment toward Xiahou Dan had reached its peak.

Two days prior, he had publicly executed the Minister of Revenue—one of her loyalists—in a fit of madness.This Emperor had been unruly since childhood, wild and untamed. After years of tug-of-war, she still couldn't fully control him, which was why she had settled for the next best option—preparing to support the Little Crown Prince.

She knew she wasn't the only one who wanted Xiahou Dan dead—Prince Duan was also plotting against him step by step.

Prince Duan's power was unfathomable. If she assassinated Xiahou Dan now, she couldn't guarantee she would be the one to ascend the throne.

Just as she and Prince Duan were locked in a fierce struggle, this mad Emperor suddenly killed one of her key subordinates. How could she swallow this insult?

The Empress Dowager had originally planned to use this incident as an excuse to give him a warning, but she never expected him to deliver himself to her doorstep.

The Empress Dowager swept a furious gaze across the room before settling on Yu Wanyin. "This grieving mother has heard that my son has been utterly bewitched by this woman lately, often acting in shocking ways."

Yu Wanyin considered whether she should kneel.

Halfway through kneeling, she was pulled back up by Xiahou Dan.

Xiahou Dan: "Indeed."

Empress Dowager: "?"

The Empress Dowager slammed the table in rage. "Well, it seems you no longer regard this grieving mother as your parent. Today, I shall teach you on behalf of the late Emperor what it means to respect hierarchy and seniority! Guards!"

A swarm of guards emerged, surrounding Yu Wanyin.

Xiahou Dan: "I dare anyone to touch her!"

The guards hesitated, looking to the Empress Dowager for confirmation.

The Empress Dowager sneered, her arrogance at its peak. This Emperor had long been a figurehead, and today she was determined to make him realize it. With an imperious wave of her hand, she signaled the guards.

The guards bypassed the Emperor and moved to drag Yu Wanyin away.

Xiahou Dan's breath hitched as if struck by a sudden blow, finally sobering up a little. "Mother!"

His breathing was ragged. After a few seconds, he forced out an ingratiating smile and approached her with tea. "When your son said 'indeed,' he meant that his temper is indeed despicable. Mother, why trouble yourself over a mere concubine? Come, have some tea. Let's talk this over."

For this Tyrant to choke out such words—it was as if the sun had risen from the west. Had he truly been bewitched by that enchantress, willing to go to any lengths to protect her?

The Empress Dowager studied Yu Wanyin with newfound scrutiny.

Yu Wanyin: "..."

Xiahou Dan continued his flattery: "Thanks to Mother's virtue that extends in all directions, your son can entrust the Crown Prince to your care." Stiffly, he reached out to pat the Little Crown Prince's head, forcing a childish tone. "How are your studies lately, Crown Prince?"

The Little Crown Prince was even stiffer than him, casting a panicked glance at the Empress Dowager. Receiving no cue from her, he tentatively replied, "Reporting to Father Emperor, your son's studies are... acceptable."

The Empress Dowager's mind stirred, and she suddenly smiled with hidden meaning. "The Crown Prince is exceptionally gifted, though his horsemanship and archery have fallen behind. But then again, practicing alone must be lonely. This grieving mother has heard that General Luo has a young son around the Crown Prince's age."

Xiahou Dan: "Mother's meaning is...?"

Empress Dowager: "Why not summon him to the palace to keep the Crown Prince company?"

The Crown Prince already had a study companion. Bringing that boy into the palace without any official title would essentially make him a hostage.

General Luo was a key subordinate of Prince Duan. With this statement, the Empress Dowager had laid the conflict bare, determined to make Prince Duan pay for the death of the Minister of Revenue.

Xiahou Dan hesitated. "General Luo? He was just on the frontlines defending the nation. Wouldn't this be a bit..."

The Empress Dowager looked at Yu Wanyin for the third time.Xiahou Dan instantly changed his tone: "This son will draft the decree upon returning."

Yu Wanyin: "..."

Yu Wanyin was escorted out of the Empress Dowager's palace completely unharmed by Xiahou Dan when it finally dawned on her what his grand performance today had been about.

It was to make the Empress Dowager believe that weakening Prince Duan was her own initiative, while the Emperor remained oblivious, solely preoccupied with his bewitching consort.

Not only could Xiahou Dan lull the Empress Dowager into complacency, but also Prince Duan. Because Xie Yong'er had been present today and would surely report back to Prince Duan later.

Yu Wanyin: "Who would've thought you'd be so sharp-witted."

When Xiahou Dan arrived today, he had clearly calculated that the Empress Dowager was already in a fit of anger, so he deliberately provoked her further, offering her an opportunity to push this matter forward.

Xiahou Dan asked quietly, "What do you think?"

Yu Wanyin: "Excellent, excellent. Wait until they've torn each other apart, then you can quietly build your own power. But this requires balance—trim one side here, cut another there. You must also be the King of Equilibrium—Prince Duan."

Xiahou Dan glanced at Yu Wanyin, his expression somewhat somber, and said vaguely, "You were wronged today."

Yu Wanyin: "No big deal."

She wasn't a fool either and had discerned another of Xiahou Dan's intentions. By openly showing such favoritism toward her, he was merely pushing her into the spotlight as a decoy, while also fabricating a false vulnerability.

Yu Wanyin laughed: "If one day an assassin holds a knife to my throat to force your hand, you can tell him, 'Fooled you, I don't care,' then skewer us both like candied haws..."

Xiahou Dan was stunned.

"You... if that's what you think, why aren't you angry?"

Yu Wanyin truly had no objections.