Killer Queen + 18

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Early the next morning, Xiao Li headed straight to Prime Minister Yuwen's residence. Since everyone had gotten separated during the Mid-Autumn Festival night and never really reunited, today she was making a special trip to visit the Yuwen sisters.

From the looks of it, the sisters had been pretty worn out from the lantern fair—but compared to Xiao Li, they seemed a lot more excited.

"A'Li, you saw it that night, didn't you?" Yuwen Ruocai said, practically glowing with excitement. "Who would've thought that Prince Wu could dance like that? He was incredible—like he owned the stage! And paired with Miss Sai Jun, the crowd went totally wild. Everyone was cheering!"

Yuwen Ruoxue, sitting beside her, simply smiled gently.

Xiao Li just smiled along, not having seen any of it herself.

Around lunchtime, a report came from the front hall—someone from the palace had arrived with an imperial edict. Madam Yuwen and the two young ladies were requested to receive the decree.

Everyone hurried to the courtyard and knelt to receive the decree—only to find that it was the Seventh Prince himself delivering it.

Once the decree was read, Xiao Li finally understood. Every year, on the 18th day of the eighth lunar month, the current empress celebrated her birthday. This year marked her forty-eighth.

As the Empress's niece and a noblewoman of the Ling Kingdom, Madam Yuwen was of course expected to attend. Even the Yuwen sisters had to go with her to the palace.

Just hearing about going to the palace had Ruocai buzzing again. "A'Li, you haven't been to the palace since you came back, right? You should come with us tomorrow! We'll show you around the imperial gardens. Uncle the Emperor's garden is amazing."

The Seventh Prince chuckled, "No need to worry, A'Cai. The Empress has already invited the General's wife as well, so Miss Li'er will be attending the banquet too. That means all of you will get to enjoy the imperial garden. I'll even be your guide—how about I show you the new five-colored chrysanthemums they just cultivated this year?"

"Yay! It's a deal!" Ruocai clapped her hands, clearly delighted.

Since they'd be going to the palace early the next morning, Madam Yuwen and the girls had a lot of prep work to do. Xiao Li, seeing this, said her goodbyes and returned to the general's mansion.

As she was leaving, the Seventh Prince walked over with a smile and told Madam Yuwen he had other decrees to deliver. Then he left the prime minister's residence together with Xiao Li.

Just outside the gates, Xiao Li turned to say goodbye—but the Seventh Prince suddenly stepped in front of her. "Wait a moment, Miss Li'er. There's something I'd like to say."

She raised an eyebrow, surprised. "What is it, Your Highness?"

He hesitated, then, seeing her start to frown, finally gathered his courage and gave a nervous smile. "This is a personal question… but may I ask—does Miss Li'er already have someone she likes?"

Xiao Li froze. "What do you mean by that, Your Highness?"

The prince's cheeks turned red, but the words were already halfway out—no turning back now.

He took a deep breath and looked her in the eye. "Ever since I first met you, I've had feelings for you. If you're willing… I'd like to ask my father to grant you to me as my consort. Would you consider it?"

Xiao Li blushed—not because of his confession, but because his words reminded her of someone else she'd been thinking about the night before.

The prince noticed and got even more excited. "So… you heard what I said, right? If you're not against it, I'll speak to my mother about it today. What do you think?"

Realizing her expression might be giving the wrong impression, Xiao Li quickly pulled herself together. "Wait, Your Highness, there's something I need to say first."

"Of course," he said eagerly, clearly thinking this was going his way.

Xiao Li sighed inwardly. This was going to be awkward.

"Hmm… how do I put this…" She looked up at the nervous prince and made up her mind. Sure, she'd never imagined being the female lead in a romance novel with so many handsome men suddenly falling for her—but she wasn't the kind of person to drag things out or lead people on.

No matter how many men came forward professing love, she only had one heart. And that meant she had to be honest.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness." She tried to keep her tone calm and respectful. "I'm truly honored that you think so highly of me. But as you said yourself, happiness only comes when both people feel the same. It can't be one-sided."

His face fell. "So… you're rejecting me?"

She gave him an apologetic smile. "I really am sorry. But you must know—feelings can't be forced. I never wanted to disappoint you, but…"

"Then… you already like someone else?" he cut in. "Can you tell me what kind of person he is?"

The question stunned her. Did she? Had she already…?

"Miss Li'er…" He was still waiting.

She sighed again and gave a helpless smile. "Your Highness, I'm not the perfect woman you imagine me to be. I'm sorry… I really am."

And with that, she turned and walked away. She couldn't stand to look into those eyes full of expectation and confusion any longer.

As soon as she got back to the general's estate, she ran into Prince Wu—Huangfu Haobo—coming out of the mansion.

He looked thrilled to see her and quickly left the general behind to greet her. "Miss Li'er, you're back?"

She bowed politely. "Xiao Li greets Your Highness Prince Wu."

He reached out to help her up. "No need for that. Please, stand." Then, gazing at her with a soft smile, he added, "Did you hear the news at the Prime Minister's place today?"

She smiled back. "Are you referring to the Empress's birthday?"

He nodded. "Exactly. I'm here on her behalf, to personally invite your mother to attend the banquet and bring you along."

She bowed again. "Then please thank Her Majesty and Your Highness on our behalf."

But to her surprise, he reached out and gently took her hands. "There's no need to be so formal. Haven't I told you? One day, we'll be family. You don't need to be so polite with me."

Xiao Li's smile faded slightly. "You're overestimating me, Your Highness. I'm afraid I'm not worthy."

He didn't give her a chance to explain. "No matter what, just wait for me, okay? I have business to attend to now, but I'll see you tomorrow at the palace."

After he left, the general turned around, took Xiao Li by the arm, and led her straight to the study.

Once inside, he ordered everyone else out.

"What's going on, Father?" she asked, sensing something was off.

"Sit down, A'Li," he said.

She looked at his serious expression and didn't dare. "Just tell me what's on your mind, please."

He looked at her for a moment, then finally said, "You already know what I want to talk about, don't you?"

"Father…" she pouted. "How could I know what you're thinking unless you tell me?"

But this time, he didn't let her off easy. "A'Li! This isn't a game."

She immediately stood at attention. "Yes, Father…"

He sighed. "Prince Wu came here today—you saw how personally involved he was. That invitation could've been delivered by a eunuch, but he came himself. Doesn't that tell you something? He's not just here for the wine."

Xiao Li frowned. "You mean…?"

"You know what I mean. Last night, I asked you—how do you really feel about the Emperor's sons?"

Her mind went blank for a moment. Marrying Huangfu Haobo was out of the question. But what about Huangfu Haotian? Did she really still have no feelings for him?

The general's voice turned stern. "Listen, A'Li. You're all I have left. And I will not let you get dragged into their endless power struggles."

His words struck a chord.

"Father… are you saying…"

He sighed. "Do you know why I took our whole family out to the border all those years ago? Because I wanted no part in the dirty politics of the capital."

He looked wistful. "Compared to scheming with court officials every day, I'd much rather drink and fight alongside my fellow soldiers. At least that life had some freedom."

Then he looked at her again. "Do you understand now?"

Xiao Li nodded solemnly. "Yes, Father. I understand. I promise—I'll seriously think about everything you said."

"....."