CHAPTER 325: CHAPTER 128: THE DOUBLE AGENT STRATEGY (2) THE EMPEROR’S THREAT

The temple was consumed by a raging fire.

Xiao Jinsen had never anticipated that he would find himself in such a scenario.

From a young age, he had calculated every move to perfection, never giving anyone a handle on him, and it was precisely because of his meticulousness that the Emperor had shown him such favor.

Yet now, they had caught him in such an embarrassing and pitiable state.

Xiao Jinsen’s eyes were bloodshot, clearly furious to the core.

But outwardly, he remained completely calm.

Calmly, he let go of Xie Ruiyao’s hand and began to straighten his clothes with composure.

It seemed that Xie Ruiyao had also just come to her senses.

Realizing her situation, she let out a cry of shock.

After all, appearing in front of others in such a disheveled state was a great humiliation.

She was consumed with shame and hurriedly clutched at her body, frantically dressing herself.

In her heart, she probably understood how Ye Qichi had managed to achieve her wishes.

Even though it embarrassed her.

But it had to be said, Ye Qichi had played a clever move.

Being discovered in a private meeting with a woman, the man would certainly have to take responsibility. Especially since her family background was not humble, the Emperor would have to give some face to her family, which would definitely result in Xiao Jinsen marrying her.

That was just one aspect.

Secondly.

Ye Qichi had Bai Mowan witness the scene in person.

With Bai Mowan’s haughty nature, she would certainly never marry Xiao Jinsen again.

Two birds with one stone.

Ye Qichi was indeed clever.

"Why would the Duke be here?" Bai Mowan asked, her face showing disbelief as she looked at him, at Xie Ruiyao, yet she tried to remain calm.

Xiao Jinsen methodically finished adjusting his clothes.

"For tomorrow’s hunting festival, the Empress Dowager asked me to come to Nanshan Temple to pray for the Emperor’s safe journey," Xiao Jinsen said coolly.

His moment of embarrassment was brief; once calm, it seemed as if nothing had happened, and there were no consequences for him.

"And her?" Bai Mowan asked.

Her gaze settled on Xie Ruiyao.

By now, Xie Ruiyao had also tidied up her attire, feeling the stare from Bai Mowan, she looked frightfully cautious and pitiable, as if Bai Mowan’s glance alone was bullying her.

It was the same in the previous life.

In the previous life, Xie Ruiyao was just as delicate and fragile in front of Xiao Jinsen.

That year, when Xiao Jinsen brought Xie Ruiyao into the house, Xiao Jinyao claimed he didn’t love Xie Ruiyao, but needed the support of the Duke Mansion; Bai Mowan believed him. In the end, Xie Ruiyao bore Xiao Jinsen’s child, and Bai Mowan was harmed by Xie Ruiyao such that she could no longer conceive.

f(r)eew(e)bnovel.(c)o(m)

Seeing this woman again, she wished she could pierce her heart with a sword.

She restrained her rage.

The hatred in her eyes towards Xie Ruiyao was unmistakeable.

Such an expression made Xiao Jinsen think that Bai Mowan still had feelings for him.

Because of his relationship with Xie Ruiyao, Bai Mowan harbored such hatred towards her.

At this moment, he couldn’t help but clench his fists.

Considering how to deceive Bai Mowan, to make her marry him without looking back.

"I was just fulfilling a vow for my mother, and didn’t mean to run into the Duke..." Xie Ruiyao answered in a small voice, choking as she spoke.

No one had yet voiced any disapproval of her.

But she began to cry.

Bai Mowan’s fingers trembled with suppressed emotion.

Thinking of all the cruel things this woman had done to her in the previous life, she really wanted to dismember her.

Standing beside Bai Mowan, Xiao Jinxing also noticed her emotional state.

Seeing her hatred for Xie Ruiyao, it probably was... because she still loved Xiao Jinsen.

If not in love, why would she be this enraged?

Ye Qichi watched all the people in front of him.

Upon seeing Bai Mowan’s hatred, he glanced at Xiao Jinxing and noticed a trace of loss in his eyes.

Ye Qichi was well aware why Bai Mowan would hate Xie Ruiyao so much—it wasn’t because of Xiao Jinsen, but because of the grudges of the past life. Clearly, Xiao Jinxing had misunderstood, and so had Xiao Jinsen.

It’s hard being the only clear-minded person in this crowd.

"Accidentally running into..." Bai Mowan’s voice was icy cold, chilling to the bone, "does it necessitate holding hands in such disarray?"

Such direct sarcasm.

Xiao Jinsen was somewhat embarrassed, his face serious as he spoke, "There was a fire, and I merely took the opportunity to rescue Miss Xie. Wan’er, don’t you even trust me?!"

Bai Mowan let out a light laugh.