Free Web NovelChapter 1213: Chapter 658: World of Ignorance (Double-Length)
As the Princess walked past, a mocking smile touched the corners of her mouth. Although it quickly vanished, Yin Weiyin still noticed it.
It could be overlooked before, but what is laughable now? Yin Weiyin may have temporarily lost her power, but she is, after all, Chen Yi’s lawfully wedded wife. This Princess has neither status nor title, and yet she meets him in secret, skulking around like a thief. Now that she holds power for a day, she seems to have forgotten herself?
The thought passed, and Yin Weiyin found it amusing. The Princess believed she could always keep her down. Very well, Yin Weiyin would endure for now, as there was ample time to return the favor in the future.
The great vermilion doors closed heavily behind her, shutting out the sound of the wind and rain outside. Inside the Prince’s Mansion, lights were bright, corridors ran deep, and the eaves soared sharply, everywhere exuding the majesty and heritage of the Southern Border Prince.
Raindrops trickled off the tiles, forming rivulets in the courtyard. Despite the lingering pain in her waist and hips, Yin Weiyin maintained an air of grace, following behind Chen Yi and Qin Qingluo.
Her gaze calmly swept over the scenes within the Mansion. The exquisite carved beams and painted rafters far surpassed those of ordinary wealthy families. The expansive, atmospheric courtyard was dotted with rockeries and ponds. She couldn’t help but secretly compare this Annan Royal Mansion to the Prince Jing Mansion. Although Prince Jing Mansion in the Capital Region had higher regulations, its architectural style leaned toward modesty. It embraced the elegance of changing scenes at every step, whereas the Southern Border Prince’s residence exuded the grandeur and unrestrained spirit of a frontier fortress. The columns were sturdier, the stone carvings rougher, and even the trees planted in the courtyard were ancient and grand, full of wild vitality.
In terms of elegance and grace, Prince Jing Mansion might have the upper hand; but regarding this overwhelming majesty and the grandeur befitting a dominion ruler, the Annan Royal Mansion indeed could not be underestimated, it carried a sense of weighty splendor from worldly riches.
Chen Yi walked in the front, his steps steady, seemingly indifferent to the scenery of the mansion and showing no intention of introducing it to Yin Weiyin or pausing—almost as if she was not his first wife but an insignificant stranger.
He did not even glance back to see if Yin Weiyin was following.
Yin Weiyin opened her mouth several times, wanting to call out "husband" or inquire about their destination, but she held back, preferring not to provoke his anger. Instead, she turned her gaze to Qin Qingluo walking beside her.
It seemed as if Qin Qingluo had returned to her domain, walking with composure. She had removed her black python robe, soaked with rain and blood, and casually draped it over her arm, revealing the soft armor and attire underneath, which accentuated her tall figure.
She slightly tilted her head and whispered a few instructions to the prince’s housekeeper who hurried over. Her voice was not loud but carried undeniable authority, and the housekeeper bowed to receive the command, quickly retreating to make arrangements. Her handling of affairs emanated a natural sense of control.
Yin Weiyin watched the scene unfold, her spirit slightly stirred, yet she maintained an appearance of composure, as if feeling at home wherever she was at peace.
After passing through several courtyards, Qin Qingluo stopped in front of a brightly lit hall.
She turned her head, her snake-like eyes appearing particularly deep under the mansion’s lights. Gently, her gaze swept over Yin Weiyin and finally settled on Chen Yi, her tone indifferent:
"We’re here. Rest here for now, and I will go change clothes. We will discuss matters later." Without waiting for a response, she stepped toward a corridor leading to the inner residence, her shadow stretching long under the lights.
Yin Weiyin’s gaze involuntarily fell on Qin Qingluo’s long legs.
Their curves full and firm, joining the curve of her hips with a fuller prominence, sustenance developed only through years of riding, filled with a weighty vitality capable of snapping a saddle.
Perhaps because Qin Qingluo had once overshadowed her, Yin Weiyin harbored resentment, sarcastically thinking: Quite fertile material, and if Chen Yi sired a child with her, what a disgrace it would be for this defiant lady Prince?
She might find no peace in living nor escape in death.
When the time comes, perhaps she would have to send for her, the first wife, to intercede with a few words of reproach, to whisper a few pillow-side words.
The thought of such a scenario where the Princess who bore new and old grudges with her would have to lower her dignity filled Yin Weiyin with secret glee, but thinking about it seriously, considering Chen Yi’s nature, it was better not to have children.
If he had a child, his heart would be partially occupied, which would be undesirable. Yin Weiyin had thought before of having Lin Wanxiao become pregnant precisely because she wasn’t too emotionally invested in Miss Lin. Having a child wouldn’t be much of an issue, especially since she could bring the child closer to her. His heart, in the end, would still hang on her. But if he had a child with the Princess, seeing his charmed demeanor, that would be truly dangerous.
Thinking this, Yin Weiyin turned to see Chen Yi waiting with an impassive face. After hesitating, she tried to start a conversation, but he seemed intent on avoiding her, as he left the hall saying he also needed to change clothes.
Leaving her alone to wait in the hall.
Casually changing out of his clothes, the time Chen Yi spent in that world wasn’t very long, yet it was enough to leave one utterly exhausted, with Yin Weiyin being the most significant catalyst for drama.
Chen Yi was not unaware of her secret intentions and tricks; he had always been wary, even in intimate moments.
Yet, even so, he had trusted Yin Weiyin too much before. To be honest, among the various women he had entangled with, there wasn’t anyone he completely distrusted. It seemed as if sharing a bed and experiencing the pleasure of romance permitted some sharing of secrets. He had confided many, many secrets to Yin Weiyin, but... Yin Weiyin, Yin Weiyin... Softly uttering those three names sometimes made it hard for him to eat or sleep in peace.
Who knew if she would use his weaknesses against him?
This female crown, once in power, forgot herself, even crossing boundaries she knew well enough not to cross. Always wanting to manipulate him, the truth is, Yin Weiyin was merely an unsuccessful Empress An.
This episode concluded as it did, but what about next time? Would she succeed next time? It served as a wake-up call for Chen Yi. With such an oblivious woman, he should never fully commit.
"Have you finished changing?"
Near his ears, Chen Yi suddenly heard the Princess’s voice. He turned back to see Qin Qingluo stepping forward, scrutinizing his outfit from top to bottom.
Chen Yi had put on a casual outfit provided by the prince’s mansion, the fabric was high-quality Cloud Brocade, colored a steady indigo, stripped of the complicated decorations and cinching, but the style... it was clearly too loose.
Worn on him, the shoulders appeared a bit loose, the waist and abdomen somewhat baggy, the cuffs and pant legs slightly long. Overall, it looked clean and tidy, but there was a constant sense of discomfort in the lack of fit, reminding Chen Yi of wearing hand-me-down clothes from adults as a child.
Qin Qingluo approached, extending her fingers to pinch the loose fabric over Chen Yi’s shoulders. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
"It doesn’t fit." She withdrew her hand, stating the fact in a flat tone.
Chen Yi tugged at the collar that was slightly tight around his neck, and smiled indifferently: "No matter, as long as it covers the body it’s fine, it’s still passable."
"Not acceptable." Qin Qingluo shook her head decisively, her gaze swept over his attire, her brows subtly furrowing, "Tomorrow, I’ll have the Clothing Bureau measure you for tailored clothes. The Southern Border’s climate is humid and hot, you’ll need lightweight and breathable fabric, and the style needs to be fitting and neat."
To ensure he wouldn’t refuse, Qin Qingluo added, "This matter, you need not concern yourself further."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yi tasted the inherent assertiveness of this Princess.
She then followed up with a question: "Aside from clothing, have the meals at the Prince Mansion been satisfactory in recent days?"
"Mostly fine, though more lamb would be good, fatty ones..."
After speaking, Chen Yi was slightly taken aback, inexplicably feeling that it wasn’t just assertiveness, but also a sense of... being doted upon?
Yet Qin Qingluo stopped at this point and did not continue.
Upon returning to the brightly lit hall, Yin Weiyin was already seated on a rosewood chair at the side, her spine straight, hands overlapped on her knees, trying to maintain the composure befitting the Taichua Goddess, though her eyes seemed vacant as she gazed at the candlelight on the table, her thoughts unknown. Seeing them enter, she immediately collected herself, lowering her gaze without making direct eye contact.
Chen Yi and Qin Qingluo took seats on either side of the main position, and the Prince Mansion maids silently served hot tea.
Chen Yi picked up the tea cup but did not drink, his fingertips rubbing the warm porcelain, speaking in a deep voice: "Your Highness, just now that frozen realm... I suspect it might be the so-called World of Ignorance."
Qin Qingluo’s serpent-like pupils narrowed slightly: "Oh? What is your basis for this?"
"First, of course, is the deathly stillness there, everything seems to have fallen into eternal night, aligning with the Divine Sect’s concept of ignorance. Second, and more crucially," Chen Yi’s eyes sharpen, "that realm can twist and enlarge one’s thoughts, turning illusion into reality, able to manifest thoughts into existence..."
He once heard the Old Saintess speak of matters regarding the World of Ignorance, the latter explicitly stated that ancient people like Zhu Xiu and Gun were resurrected in the World of Ignorance, although it’s unknown if it’s true, the Old Saintess’s words do match up with these.
"How exceedingly similar this is to the heresy’s preaching of ’light and dark originating from the same source’, Light Candle Land represents ’light’, frozen realms represent ’dark’, the two contend and coexist, both can manifest thoughts into reality, exactly the heretical embodiment of light and dark from the same source?"
He paused, lowering his voice slightly, carrying a hint of coldness,
"What’s most concerning is that at the time Sect Hierarch Gongsun Guan... seemed entirely unprepared for this, even... exhibiting a hint of laissez-faire."
Once this was said, Qin Qingluo’s brows instantly furrowed tightly, a flash of cold light appeared in her serpent pupils.
She gently placed down the tea cup, her fingers lightly tapping twice on the smooth tabletop, resonating with a dull sound.
"This matter..." Qin Qingluo’s voice carried an icy weight, "We should investigate it privately, the Demon Sect... anyhow, let’s remain vigilant, no need to inform Aunt Zhu."
She spoke no further, her thoughts clearly written on her face, having gone through this, they must reassess Gongsun Guan.
After discussing a few plans for future arrangements, Qin Qingluo rubbed her brow tiredly: "Today has been exhausting, let’s all retire and rest. Gather strength, and then we’ll discuss subsequent matters."
Chen Yi rose, upon seeing this, Yin Weiyin immediately followed suit, instinctively wanting to leave behind Chen Yi as if it was the most natural thing, the two were married, naturally should reside together.
"Immortal Lady Yin." The Princess’s voice rang out behind her.
Yin Weiyin’s steps halted, her heart skipped a beat, slowly turning around.
Qin Qingluo sat upright in the main seat, her gaze calm as she looked at her, her tone indisputable, "A serene and elegant guest courtyard has been arranged for the Immortal Lady in the mansion, the environment is tranquil and far from bustle, suitable for the Immortal Lady’s spiritual cultivation and recuperation, shortly a maid will guide you there."
Yin Weiyin furrowed her brow, glanced sideways at Chen Yi, her long autumn-water-like eyes carrying a subtle hope.
However, Chen Yi merely paused his steps and glanced sideways at her, his gaze contained no ripple, no warmth, only a nearly indifferent calm.
He said nothing, not even an indicative look, only nodded slightly towards Qin Qingluo, then turned and walked straight towards the corridor leading to his own quarters, his silhouette quickly disappearing in the dim light.
Yin Weiyin only felt a cold chill once again coursing through her body, she watched the direction Chen Yi disappeared toward, then looked at the Princess on the main seat, commanding everything with a few words. A tremendous sense of humiliation and loss overwhelmed her like a tide.
She could only silently recite the Supreme Forget Emotion Technique.
She struggled to conceal the surging emotions in her eyes, her voice dry as she replied, "Thank you, Your Highness... for the arrangement."
She strived to maintain the last shred of dignity, telling herself: This is only temporary, he is still angry, when his mood subsides, when she recovers a bit... everything will improve.
By then, what would the guest courtyard in this Annan Royal Mansion amount to?
She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and gave Qin Qingluo an impeccable Taoist bow.
