Chapter 2: She's No Longer My Woman—So Why Should I Care?:
Shi Wushuang made a dramatic show of dismounting, thinking his pose was graceful and impressive. When he saw Li Ye’s calm reaction, he assumed Li Ye was too heartbroken to speak or was unwilling to accept the breakup.
He strode forward confidently and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Qin Qingxue before finally addressing Li Ye.
"Shi Wushuang of Yunlu Pavilion greets Your Highness, the Sixth Prince."
Though his words sounded respectful, he didn’t bother to bow. His arrogance was clear.
Yunlu Pavilion held a lofty status, and its disciples didn’t need to kneel even before the Emperor. But when meeting a royal family member, at the very least, basic respect and courtesy were expected.
It was obvious Shi Wushuang was deliberately provoking Li Ye, openly looking down on him.
Li Ye didn’t even glance at him and gave no response.
Shi Wushuang assumed Li Ye was jealous, which made him even more smug. He said, “I’ve heard from Qingxue about the history between the two of you. It’s true you’ve helped her quite a bit. But feelings can’t be forced. Qingxue and I are mutually in love, and I’ve already asked the Pavilion Master to accept her into Yunlu Pavilion."
"If Your Highness ever needs anything, just speak up. We of Yunlu Pavilion never leave debts of gratitude unpaid.”
“Your Highness,” Qin Qingxue added, “since I met Young Master Wushuang, I’ve come to understand my true feelings. I’ve always seen you more as an older brother—not as someone I love romantically. Let’s just be brother and sister from now on, all right?”
“Your Highness should understand that Yunlu Pavilion stands above the world, strong and unshakable. My union with Qingxue means Yunlu Pavilion will fully support the Great Yuan Empire. At the very least, it will guarantee stability for the next several decades, if not centuries,” Shi Wushuang said proudly.
Qin Qingxue looked at his confident face, her eyes filled with admiration. Her attitude toward Li Ye grew even colder, tinged with impatience.
“Your Highness, there was never an official status between us,” she said flatly. “I’m only telling you now out of respect for your position. I hope you’ll consider the bigger picture and not hold a grudge.”
Li Ye raised his hand to stop them from continuing.
His stomach turned, as if he had swallowed a fly.
Be brother and sister? A woman like you? In what world would that be acceptable?
Had he known earlier what kind of fickle person she was, he wouldn’t have even looked at her.
“Since there’s no longer any relationship between us, I won’t be offering any more support to the Qin family. From now on, you’re on your own.”
With those words, Li Ye turned and left with his guards, not sparing them another glance.
“It seems this Sixth Prince isn’t as pitiful as the rumors suggest,” Shi Wushuang said with a sneer. “At least he knows when to let go. Or maybe he just couldn’t bring himself to beg in front of the crowd and had to pretend to be calm.”
“But it doesn’t matter. With me—and with Yunlu Pavilion—on your side, even the Emperor of Great Yuan has to give us respect. No one cares about an unloved prince. The Emperor would never oppose you for someone like him.”
“Hmph. I, Qin Qingxue, am not someone who bows to power,” she said firmly. “Everything I’ve achieved has been through my own efforts. Even His Majesty has no right to interfere in my marriage.”
“That’s the spirit! You’re a disciple of Yunlu Pavilion now—you should have pride!” Shi Wushuang praised.
The crowd that had gathered to welcome the army stood in stunned silence.
They had come to see Qin Qingxue and Shi Wushuang… but instead, they had witnessed a massive drama unfold.
Everyone knew Li Ye and Qin Qingxue had been a couple. To the common folk, Li Ye’s affection for her was so deep it looked like groveling—which, in a patriarchal society, was often seen as shameful.
Now that Qin Qingxue had turned her back on Li Ye for another man, most people seemed to understand her decision.
After all, Yunlu Pavilion’s reputation was sky-high—there was a saying that with Yunlu Pavilion’s support, one could rule the world. And Shi Wushuang was its most outstanding young disciple.
Qin Qingxue was a female general of the Great Yuan Empire.
Everyone thought the two were a perfect match.
“Qin Qingxue made the right choice! Only Young Master Shi Wushuang is worthy of her.”
“Not only has Yunlu Pavilion formed a political alliance with our Great Yuan Empire, but they’ve even taken Qin Qingxue as a disciple. The empire is sure to become even more powerful.”
“Anyone would choose Shi Wushuang over the Sixth Prince. He’s the most disregarded member of the royal family—always obsessed with business. He has no future.”
The crowd buzzed with opinions.
Qin Qingxue and Shi Wushuang, both highly skilled in martial arts, had sharp hearing. They heard every word clearly.
They exchanged a knowing smile, full of confidence.
Mounting their horses again, they rode on.
Shi Wushuang had been assigned to stay in the Great Yuan Empire on behalf of Yunlu Pavilion and was about to be granted an official position. He and Qin Qingxue had just achieved great military success and were preparing to be rewarded together.
Now that even public opinion supported them, all worries vanished.
They acted even more brazenly, without restraint.
…
On the way back, Xiao Cui was fuming with anger.
She had served Li Ye closely for years and knew exactly how much he had given to Qin Qingxue.
And now, just one sentence—“Let’s break up”—and she thought everything was settled?
“This is just too much! How could Qin Qingxue do this to Your Highness?”
“Your Highness gave her so much—at the very least, she should return the money before walking away!”
“Hmph. I warned Your Highness not to be too good to that woman,” Lin Yue snorted. Although she was a maid, she didn’t bother hiding her contempt.
Xiao Cui panicked. “How can you say that to His Highness? You should know your place!”
“Hmph. It’s better this way. At least now we know her true nature. Otherwise, who knows how much more she would’ve drained His Highness.”
Lin Yue made no attempt to hide her disdain. Though her words were harsh, there was clear satisfaction in her eyes. She was clearly in favor of the breakup.
“All right, enough. You both know what kind of person I am,” Li Ye said. “A woman who belongs to me will naturally be treated well. Supporting Qin Qingxue’s campaign at great expense was for the sake of the Great Yuan Empire and its people."
“As for me, I know when to hold on and when to let go. There’s no need to be entangled in something like this.”
“Of course we know how kind Your Highness is. There’s no one in the world better than you,” Xiao Cui said quickly. “Even we servants are treated so well. The other households are all jealous of us!”
Lin Yue snorted coldly. “Since she’s no longer Your Highness’s woman, the Qin family should be cut off completely. They’ve benefited enough.”
“Of course. I won’t be a fool anymore. Send out the order,” Li Ye said with a stretch, then added casually, “I had a fine feast prepared to welcome her back. But now? Let’s enjoy it ourselves.”
“Yes!” Xiao Cui cheered, bouncing with joy.
Her master was very picky about food. The dishes prepared for that night were so exquisite even the Emperor might not have tasted such delicacies.
Seeing that Li Ye hadn’t been affected too deeply by the incident, Xiao Cui finally relaxed.
…
(In the imperial study of the palace)
Emperor Li Xuantian of Great Yuan Empire was reading reports when he suddenly slammed the table in rage.
“What did you say? She publicly broke up with Li Ye in front of the entire crowd? Outrageous! That woman dares ignore the royal family’s dignity? She must have the courage of a wild beast!”