After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

The Crown Prince looked at Rui Chen. Although he saw that Rui Chen was pale and thin, there was always a faint smile on his lips.

In Ruiyao's eyes, that smile seemed to be tinged with endless bitterness, like a thin veil concealing something deeper.

He steadied himself and asked casually:

"Brother, you just mentioned Miss Xiao's sweetheart. Are you interested in her?"

Upon hearing this, Rui Chen's eyes darted away slightly, revealing a rare hint of embarrassment.

He coughed softly, his tone tinged with self-deprecation:

"His Highness has been betrothed today, while I, as the elder brother, am still unmarried. This is truly unbecoming and I have failed to set a good example for my younger brothers. I am utterly ashamed..."

Ruiyao quickly shook his head, his expression serious and anxious:

“Brother, why be so modest? You are the Emperor’s son, of noble status. How could you lack the favor of a young lady? It’s just that the time is not right yet.”

Rui Chen gave a bitter laugh, his voice so soft it was almost carried away by the night breeze:

"Liking someone ultimately requires mutual attraction. With my condition, if I were to become a burden to that girl, wouldn't that be a sin? I might even force her to become a widow for me..."

"Brother!"

Ruiyao interrupted him, her tone tinged with indignation, "How could you say such a thing? You'll definitely get better!"

After speaking, Ruiyao looked up at Ruichen, only to see that he kept his eyes down, as if he had no expectation at all.

He thought about it for a moment, then felt something was amiss, and tentatively asked:

"Brother, do you really think you and Miss Xiao are a perfect match?"

Rui Chen did not respond, but Rui Yao took this as tacit agreement.

He did not hesitate, his eyes filled with determination:

"Brother, rest assured, I will definitely take care of this matter for you. If necessary, I will ask Father to issue an imperial decree to grant you a marriage!"

A glint suddenly flashed in Rui Chen's eyes.

The light was fleeting, yet it sent a jolt through Ruiyao's heart.

He had never seen his brother with such an expression, as if someone who had been bedridden had suddenly been revitalized, yet it was also unsettling, like a final burst of energy before death.

"Let's forget about this arranged marriage."

Rui Chen shook his head slightly, his tone tinged with helplessness, "If Miss Xiao is unwilling, wouldn't that damage her reputation? This matter... let's take it slowly."

"My brother deserves the best."

Ruiyao pondered for a moment, then spoke with a firm tone.

"Although Miss Xiao had a bad reputation in the past, her wisdom in offering a plan at the palace banquet today is evident. From now on, her reputation will surely soar, and she will not be a bad match for my brother."

As he said this, a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes, as if he could already see the perfect outcome.

"It's settled then! Brother, rest assured, just wait for my good news!"

Before he could finish speaking, Ruiyao hurriedly instructed the maids accompanying him to prepare to return to the mansion.

Before leaving, he turned back to Ruichen and smiled, "Brother, just wait for my good news!"

The night was as still as water, and the glow of the palace lanterns spilled onto the bluestone slabs, reflecting Ruichen's lonely figure.

He took off the pendant from his waist and played with it in his hand for a moment.

It was a pair of dragon and phoenix pendants. If Xiao Ran had taken a closer look at it on the spot, she would have thought that the pendant was almost identical to hers, except for the dragon half.

Xiao Mu's dragon pendant is of an abstract design, much like the dragon and phoenix pendants on the market. Because the dragon symbolizes the emperor, no one dares to make it too detailed or exquisite…

The pendant in Ruichen's hand was so exquisitely crafted that even the longan was depicted so lifelike that it was astonishing. In fact, the other side of the pendant was plated with gold.

His ambition... is obvious.

Ruichen gripped the pendant tightly, but her gaze was fixed on the distance, as if piercing through layers of palace walls and landing on someone.

He murmured softly, his voice so low it was almost inaudible:

“Aran…”

"I will clear all obstacles for you and put you in the place you deserve."

"In this lifetime, you will only belong to me."