Phoenix Cries Across the World: The Cold-Hearted Princess is Too Alluring

Chu Yingge had been to the palace several times before. Counting the previous two times, this was the third time. The only difference was that this time she was accompanied by Mu Ziyuan.

Standing in the pavilion in the Imperial Garden, Chu Yingge couldn't help but complain in her heart. Capitalism is really different. The last time she came here, she stood in the sun for a long time.

Now, thanks to Mu Ziyuan, she can stand directly in the pavilion. Although she still has to be mindful of Mu Jingyu's feelings, at least she doesn't have to be exposed to the scorching sun.

Mu Jingyu remained silent, his gaze falling on the spot where the two were holding hands. His eyes darkened slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

"I thought you weren't coming?" The tone was light, but it sounded like he was blaming Chu Yingge and Mu Ziyuan for being late.

Chu Yingge remained silent, standing obediently beside Mu Ziyuan, displaying the demeanor of a demure young woman.

Because Mu Ziyuan had already instructed her on the way here that she didn't need to take action today.

Mu Ziyuan looked at the people around him with affection in his eyes, but when he looked at Mu Jingyu, his expression changed.

"Your Majesty, what are you saying? Paying homage to Your Majesty is a rule established by our ancestors. How could your humble servant dare to disobey?"

"Since you knew, why did you come so late? Was it on purpose?" Mu Jingyu was displeased.

"Not at all, it's true that a moment of spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold. I stayed up late last night, so I got up late. I hope my brother will forgive me."

Mu Ziyuan's words were a double entendre, both resolving the question Mu Jingyu had just raised and implying that Chu Yingge was now his woman and had nothing to do with anyone else.

As expected, upon hearing Mu Ziyuan's words, Mu Jingyu's hand holding the teacup trembled, spilling some tea.

He put down his teacup and his gaze toward Chu Yinge became meaningful.

Chu Yingge completely pretended to be deaf and dumb. She had known all along that Mu Ziyuan was there to make things difficult for Mu Jingyu, but she never expected that the reason for making things difficult would be her.

Now, Mu Jingyu not only suspects Mu Ziyuan, but also her.

Chu Yingge lowered her head and remained silent. In Mu Jingyu's eyes, this appearance resembled that of a shy woman whose private matters had been brought up. For a moment, he felt a surge of resentment.

"Seventh Brother, you must take care of your health. Otherwise, what will you do if you become weak too early?"

"Your Majesty is overthinking this. I will handle it myself," Mu Ziyuan said with a forced smile.

How could he not see that Mu Jingyu's desire for his woman went far beyond mere coveting? The sooner he could make Mu Jingyu give up on that idea, the less he would worry.

"By the way, I wonder when Your Majesty will establish an Empress?" Mu Ziyuan suddenly changed the subject and asked this question.

Mu Jingyu was slightly stunned, unsure of what to say, and was momentarily speechless.

He had promised Chu Yingge that this position would remain, but now that Chu Yingge is the Seventh Princess, his promise may have to change.

Besides, he couldn't possibly say these things in front of Mu Ziyuan.

"I will take care of my own affairs. Seventh Brother, you should mind your own business."

"Your Majesty must have someone in mind, but you just haven't taken action yet."

"Good to know," Mu Jingyu said impatiently.

Although the two had disagreements in the past, at least their interactions were never this tense. But this time, Chu Yingge could clearly sense that a war between them had begun.

It completely transformed from covert struggle into open conflict.

Thinking of this, a meaningful look flashed across Chu Yingge's face. She then raised her head and bowed to Mu Jingyu.

"If Your Majesty has nothing else to say, we will take our leave now. After all, it is getting late, and we still need to go to Lianxi Palace to pay our respects to the Empress Dowager."

"So the Seventh Princess Consort is also so impatient?" Mu Jingyu said this through gritted teeth.

These words might not have meant anything to others, but to Chu Yinge, they carried a different meaning.

She was clearly saying that she couldn't wait to do things for Mu Ziyuan.

That's ridiculous. She's belonged to Mu Ziyuan from the very beginning.

"What does Your Majesty mean by this? Yingge doesn't understand."

"Whether she doesn't understand or is pretending not to understand, the Seventh Princess Consort should know better than I do."

Mu Jingyu got up from his seat and walked up to Chu Yingge. Just as he was about to say something, he saw Mu Ziyuan pull Chu Yingge behind him.

"If Your Majesty does not wish us to leave, we will stay."

He swallowed back every word he was about to say, put on a calm expression, and smiled as he asked, "Seventh Brother, are you so protective of the Seventh Princess?"

"If I don't protect my brother's woman, should I entrust her to someone else?" Mu Ziyuan answered the question directly.

This was the first time Mu Jingyu had heard such words from Mu Ziyuan.

This was also the first time that Mu Ziyuan dared to respond to Mu Jingyu's difficult behavior so openly and honestly.

Chu Yingge frowned. She had only come to the palace today to make a show of it and hadn't really intended to do anything. If the two people in front of her continued like this, they might start fighting.

Mu Jingyu didn't know what Chu Yingge was thinking, but the current situation wasn't suitable for him to immediately break off relations.

Mu Ziyuan is, after all, a prince. Even if he wanted to do something to the person in front of him, he should at least find a decent excuse.

And this excuse that can be put in the open is definitely not Chu Yinge.

His expression gradually softened, and the corners of Mu Jingyu's mouth turned up slightly.

"Alright, alright. I was originally thinking of keeping you here a little longer, but since you're in a hurry, then go ahead. I won't force you to stay."

"In that case, thank you very much, Your Majesty."

Mu Ziyuan was also someone who knew when to advance and when to retreat. He was determined to break ties with Mu Jingyu, but he also knew that at this moment, continuing to entangle himself would be pointless.

This is the imperial palace, Mu Jingyu's territory; he won't get any benefits here.

Moreover, what he wanted was not just to embarrass Mu Jingyu, but also everything Mu Jingyu currently possessed.

Nodding to Mu Jingyu, Mu Ziyuan took Chu Yingge's hand and left the Imperial Garden. Before leaving, Chu Yingge looked up at Mu Jingyu.

With just one glance, he saw the venom that flashed in Mu Jingyu's eyes.

The real war has only just begun; everything before was child's play. From now on, they must be much more careful.

Taking things one step at a time doesn't guarantee victory.

But once you slip up...

That would be a regret for all time.

Only after Chu Yingge and Mu Ziyuan had walked away did the emotions in Mu Jingyu's eyes gradually calm down.

"Guards, keep a close eye on them for me."

"Yes."

Someone spoke, but no one was visible. Upon hearing Mu Jingyu's command, the figure hidden in the shadows flickered and then vanished without a trace.

It was as if they had never existed.