Male superiority and female superiority: forced love

At noon, the fireball in the sky emits a blazing light, and the endless brilliance scorches the earth. Even during the spring equinox, one can still feel the rich breath of midsummer.

Wanchunlou—the largest restaurant in Yangcheng, and even in Nanxing—is rumored to be extremely secretive. In the more than ten years since its establishment, no one has ever seen it, not even the head manager.

In a street-facing elegant room on the third floor, Ruan Chuyin was fanning herself while eating lychee paste, but she still didn't feel much relief from the heat.

"Why is it so hot today?" She took off her outer shirt, revealing a green tank top underneath. Her arms were white and slender, like two pieces of fine white jade, a delight to the eye.

The elegant collarbone is slightly sunken, like a hanging crescent moon, making the skin look exceptionally cool, white and shiny.

A few drops of sweat flowed down from her temples, sliding along the charming curve and falling into the deep groove. She was so beautiful that it made the man sitting opposite her feel distracted.

"It's like this every day in Yangcheng. That's why I said most people here like to go out at night." Xiang Yunchi moved to the little white rabbit's side, took out a handkerchief from his arms and wiped her sweat. However, as he wiped, the amplitude of his movements became larger and larger, and he lost his original intention and became confused.

"Okay, okay, where are you going to wipe it? Sit back, can't you let me eat?" Ruan Chuyin couldn't push his arm away, so she simply stood up and sat in his seat.

This change allowed her to see a completely different scene in the teahouse opposite.

She saw the Crown Prince of Beiyue, the Imperial Preceptor Zhou Ziyi, and a man with his back to her, exchanging greetings and preparing to take their seats. From her vantage point, she could see the two Beiyue "distinguished guests" clearly. So she asked her husband to hand her the coat he was holding.

"It's so hot, don't wear anything. The girls on the street are dressed much cooler than you." Beauty is a feast for the eyes, so enjoy it for a while longer and you will enjoy the food more.

There were only a few people on the street. Where did he see the girl?

Suspicious, she poked her furry little head out slightly to look downstairs. She actually saw a few girls gathered around a sweet soup stall, buying ice cream. Their outfits were indeed hot, reminding her of Princess Qinghe's outfit at the palace banquet that day. Even better, even! Their skin wasn't as fair as hers; each one had a healthy complexion and looked very sunny and full of energy.

The girls of Yangcheng aren't as gentle as the girls of Liangcheng, nor as imposing as those of Beiyue. They tend to have darker features, but their noses are generally not very high. A closer look reveals that there aren't many with outstanding looks. I heard that Princess Hao Rong of Nanxing, who I'd been pestering to see before, is the most beautiful girl here, so she probably has a higher nose than the average person.

"Stop looking and eat quickly. Take any leftovers away. These dishes taste better even when cold than those at the mansion." Xiang Yunchi gave a fair assessment of the food at the Zhenbei Palace. Therefore, whenever he came to Yangcheng, he would rarely eat at his grandparents' house unless absolutely necessary.

"Okay." Ruan Chuyin pulled her eyes back and immediately started eating. She'd skipped dinner last night because she was teaching her grandfather how to paint. Back in the yard, her husband was so impatient that she hadn't eaten much for breakfast either. She'd been waiting until now, and her stomach was already empty. If she didn't replenish her energy, she might not even have the strength to hold a pen soon.

But what she didn't know was that her unintentional leaning forward attracted the attention of Zhou Ziyi opposite her.

The sun shone obliquely, and the moment he looked up out of habit, he was so amazed that he could not take his eyes off it.

The delicate and smooth arms are tinged with a light yellow, and every time they are lifted, they reveal graceful curves, just like an exquisite jade carving, so lovable.

Her little face is as pink and tender as a newly blossoming jasmine, more gorgeous and charming than the flowers on the trees in spring.

"Master Zhou, what are you looking at?" Prince Nanxing Hao Zhuchen turned and looked in the direction he was looking. The high-raised curtain behind him happened to block the most beautiful scenery opposite.

"Nothing, a group of magpies happened to fly by, so I took a few more glances." Zhou Ziyi elegantly picked up the teacup and took a sip.

Lu Yinnian's eyes flashed slightly, and when the curtain fell, he saw his "Man in the Moon" from afar. Then the corners of his lips rose slightly, and stars appeared in his eyes.

"How are you thinking about the marriage?" Hao Zhuchen asked softly. His father intended for Hao Rong to marry Lu Yinnian.

I mentioned it veiledly in the palace yesterday, but did not get a positive response from him.

Speaking of Hao Rong, this little imperial sister has caused her father and mother a lot of worry, and has also caused herself a lot of worry.

After taking Qi Jianshen's bone-repairing pill, she recovered and settled down. The scar healed and the pain was forgotten soon after. Whenever she sees a man she likes, she will pester him relentlessly, regardless of whether he is married or not. Those of lower status have no choice but to succumb to her tyranny. Those of higher status are impeached by their family elders in the palace every day, and after the court is over, they flock to the East Palace to continue complaining to him. Even though his father, mother, and he have taken various measures, such as house arrest, punishment, and even threats of revoking titles, there is no substantial deterrent effect. The extremely noble Princess Nanxing is not afraid at all.

This time, the Crown Prince of Beiyue and the Imperial Preceptor were sent by the Emperor of Beiyue to Nanxing to discuss the alliance, so my father suppressed Hao Rong's marriage as a condition. Now it depends on the attitude of the Crown Prince of Beiyue.

Lu Yinian's appearance was as beautiful as jade, his demeanor exceptional. Perhaps only the peerless Zhou Imperial Preceptor beside him could surpass him in the world. I'm sure Hao Rong wouldn't refuse him once she'd seen him.

But what surprised Hao Zhuchen was that Lu Yinnian actually pushed the marriage onto Lu Zhuoxi, the King of Beiyue Yixiang. This...

"Zhigui was born to the Beiyue Emperor and Empress, and his status will certainly not bring shame to the princess. Besides, my brother is two years older than Guxu, so even if I don't propose it, father will give him priority." Lu Yinnian would rather marry Sun Wanning than a playboy like Hao Rong.

At the palace banquet at the end of last year, my father had originally intended to arrange a marriage for Lu Zhuoxi, but he had escaped by using the excuse of a martial arts conference. Fortunately, he wasn't there that day, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to kill two birds with one stone.

Zhou Ziyi smiled and nodded at Hao Zhuchen, adding, "Very true. Prince Yixiang is the eldest son of the Emperor and Empress, so their marriage must be resolved first before considering the Crown Prince."

Hao Zhuchen understood. It made sense. The Empress's legitimate son hadn't become the Crown Prince, but instead the Imperial Concubine's child had been crowned the Prince of the Eastern Palace. Regarding their marriage, she was bound to compete with the Beiyue Emperor.

Speaking of the King of Yixiang, he was a truly influential figure. Although he held no military power, he controlled the Ministry of Revenue and was also a man of extraordinary appearance. It was a good decision for Hao Rong to marry him.

The emperor's intention was to marry the princess off, and Hao Zhuchen felt that this could be accomplished. He then replied, "I'll ask the emperor about this matter when I get back."

After hearing what the Crown Prince of Nanxing Kingdom said, Lu Yinnian and Zhou Ziyi felt relieved, and the smiles on their faces became more sincere.

This meeting was fruitful for both sides. The only thing that no one, including the Northern Moon Emperor, had anticipated was that Lu Yinian's initiative to form an alliance with the Southern Star and to send an envoy to the Southern Star had never been his plan from the beginning. His goal had always been to target the Moon Man, who resided high in the clouds.