Yibo had been standing in front of the mirror for a while, observing himself as if he were a young woman scrutinizing her appearance after dressing up. But that wasn't the case here. He stood, eyeing the clothes his mother had sent him today...an unmistakable message that he should abandon his usual casual outfits and start wearing this royal attire until it was time for him to return to where he came from.
The clothes were regal...truly fit for royalty. A luxurious black robe, embroidered with golden threads, shimmered with authority and tradition. Paired with it were soft, high-quality shoes with an elegant curve at the front, adorned with sparkling stones. Made from pure leopard skin and the fine fur of a rare beast, the footwear alone radiated class and power. He knew she had sent them as a reminder of her earlier order: to dress appropriately for today's Imperial court session.
The outfit drastically changed his appearance. It didn't just elevate his looks... it made him appear more dignified, hiding his youthful features under a veil of elegance and gravity.
He found it ironic how his mother could shower him with so much love and attention, yet fail to fulfill the one wish he had. Just one thing. Something that, from his perspective, wasn't even asking for too much.
Tired of standing, he calmly looked at the clock...it was time to go. He grabbed his phone to set it on silent and slip it into his pocket. But right in that moment, a call came through. As always, the name "Qiantang" flashed across the screen.
He stared at it like it belonged to a stranger. He'd lost count of how many times she had called since his return, and not once had he picked up. Sometimes, he even declined the call himself...like now...seeing no point in continuing a relationship that felt more like poison than a cure.
Almost as if planned, another call came in...this time from Dao He. Yibo paused before slipping the phone into his pocket and answered the call, bringing it to his ear.
"Hey man… you at home?" Dao He"s voice came with a cheerful energy.
Yibo replied in his usual reserved tone, "What"s up? Yeah, I'm home. But I'm headed into court now...His Majesty requested the session with me."
Dao He let out a small excited whoop. "So you,re finally stepping into royal business, huh? Look at you!"
Yibo let out a soft scoff. That was the least of his concerns right now.
"It's not that. Since I got back, I haven't even seen His Majesty. He was away and just returned late last night."
"Alright. I'll swing by later. I hope I hear good news about her Highness' approval?"
"Let's not talk about that now, Dao He. Just come over," he said, then ended the call and slipped the phone into his pocket before walking out of the room.
Everywhere he passed, servants and aides froze in place, bowing respectfully as he walked by. His presence alone was commanding...his aura, enough to silence a room. No one minding why he didn't return their greetings with so much as a nod; they were used to Prince Yibo's quiet, distant nature. This wasn't new.
From afar, he spotted them... Chu, walking with Airah, the first daughter of Her Highness of Wuhan, a girl barely twelve years old.
The moment they saw him, both immediately straightened up. Yibo pretended not to notice them, though he was fully aware of their approach. After his last unpleasant encounter with Chu, he had tried many times to confront her, but Queen Zaiye had warned him:
"You'll see a lot from your kin… but what I want from you is simple...don't get involved. Turn your eyes away from everything she does."
Still, there was one thing about Yibo...since he was a child, he couldn't tolerate disrespect. Just as royal blood ran through his veins, so did pride and control. That's why, for many things, he chose to stay out of them altogether.
As they were about to cross paths, he signaled discreetly to his guards. Instantly, they withdrew from the courtyard, ensuring no one overheard his upcoming conversation.
"Good afternoon, Prince Gege," Airah said with respect, while Chu tried to walk past him like he didn't exist...as though she hadn't seen him, hadn't known him, even though her heart was racing from the sheer pressure of his presence.
His loud, thunderous voice crack split the air, halting her in her tracks. Her stomach twisted, and her face broke into a nervous sweat. But she steadied herself as her mother's words echoed in her mind:
"Don't you dare give him an inch that will make him look down on you. You gave him nearly a hundred days before he arrived... don't let his intimidating presence shake you, no matter how unsettled you feel inside. That's just how he is...but we must learn how to challenge that presence of his. I'm sure his powerful mother arranged all this for him..."
He took three deliberate steps toward her, eyes scanning her outfit from top to bottom. It was something completely inappropriate to be worn in a Royal Palace filled with male and female attendants. He had already warned her multiple times, but she remained defiant, encouraged by her mother's support.
He looked away, brushing past her slightly as though intending to walk on. His gaze landed on Airah, dressed in a modest, flowing gown. Their mother had never allowed her to wear anything indecent, not even
as a child.
"Haven't I warned you enough about how you dress in this house?" he asked sharply.
With remarkable courage, without even turning to meet his eyes, she replied,"Yi... Prince Yibo, you've crossed a line. If you've forgotten, let me remind you... I'm your older sister. I come before you."
As she finished, she exhaled a silent sigh. A small, smug smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He extended his hand, held Airah's gently, then stepped right in front of her, eyes locked with hers.
"Not once have you ever acted like you're older than me. And even if you are, right now, I'm still ahead of you. Doesn't your sister's attire set an example for you?" He raised a finger, pointing toward Airah.
"This is the last time I'm warning you about this...be careful."
He released Airah's hand and began walking ahead. His attendants, who had been waiting silently, instantly appeared and followed him as he made his way to the imperial court hall.
The imperial hall was magnificent and vast, one of the most luxurious within King Mo Yi's Palace. Everything inside, from the plush seating to the grand chairs, the dragon-themed decor, and even the golden walls accented with silver and deep maroon, radiated opulence.
Many ministers had already arrived, including His Majesty himself. Prince Yibo walked in with calm grace, approaching his father to offer the traditional greeting before taking a seat beside him.
They spent nearly two full hours in royal court, listening to petitions from citizens. Yibo watched his father closely, impressed by how wisely and fairly he handled every case. The way he delivered justice captivated Yibo... this session was far more engaging than he expected. When the proceedings ended, His Majesty retired to his private quarters but ordered that Prince Yibo meet him there.
Only the two of them were in the sitting room, which, despite its size, was filled with an array of rich foods and fruits.
"Come here, Yibo," His Majesty said, his voice full of warmth and affection as he looked at his son.
Yibo often found himself surprised at how open and relaxed his father could be with him. Their conversations always carried a tone that made one forget this was the King of Tianjin.
Behind closed doors, he treated all his children like a loving father, not just Yibo.
With deep respect, Yibo approached and sat down. Though he wasn't used to eating with his hands, he followed suit this time, matching his father's style without protest.
"How's school? I hope everything's going as it should," His Majesty asked as they ate. Yibo nodded, chewing carefully.
"I hope there are no issues. I'm eager for the day you'll return to your people after graduation," the King continued.
Yibo nodded again, trying to mask the emotions flickering across his face. He knew very well that his father, like his mother, could read anyone like a book.
"By the heavens' grace," Yibo replied softly.
"May grace be upon you," the King responded with a smile.
A silence fell before His Majesty spoke again.
"Your sister Chu… she's been insisting that she wants to study abroad... perhaps the UK... to complete her degree."
Yibo raised his eyes in surprise, staring at the King. But when he noticed His Majesty watching him closely, he quickly looked down and resumed eating.
He never really supported his sisters leaving their homeland for studies. Only they knew what their eyes had witnessed. He himself remembered the numerous women who had chased after him relentlessly. Though his intimidating presence often stopped them, he knew how relentless they could be. Unlike most young men, he never encouraged casual behavior or let down his guard around women.
"Yibo."
The sound of His Majesty's voice snapped Yibo out of his deep thoughts. He looked up at the King and, seeing him pause from his meal, also set down his fork.
"Tell me, what is your opinion on the matter? I haven't spoken further about it because I was waiting for your return. One day, whether you like it or not, you will be a father figure to them, even if some are older than you."
With calm composure, Yibo began to speak.
"If I may speak freely, Your Majesty... in my opinion, I'm not comfortable with any of them studying abroad. Regardless of who it is among them, I believe it's better and more peaceful for each of them to study within the country. Even if not in Tianjin itself, they should stay within our homeland."
He fell silent, waiting for the King's response.
King Mo Yi nodded slowly. Truthfully, this opinion deeply resonated with him. Once again, Yibo had proven to hold a unique and special place in his eyes. His attitude and values were different from the others, and despite his youth...within twenty... his thinking showed great maturity.
"This thought of yours pleased me, Yibo. May your life be blessed, and may you and your siblings thrive."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. May you always be protected."
After that, their conversation shifted to other matters—some concerning the Palace directly, while others involved issues related specifically to King Mo Yi himself.
It wasn't until the evening hour approached that they finally stood to leave. Yibo excused himself while His Majesty prepared to head to the middle temple within the Palace grounds, as he did whenever he was in the country. His regular presence there always left a strong impression on the palace staff and the citizens alike. His Majesty was both a modern and devout ruler.
It was law within the palace that all servants, staff, and attendants were to pause their tasks and attend to their spiritual duties as soon as the call to prayer was made. This rule was one of the quiet secrets behind the Palace's dignity, grace, and unique aura.
Just as Yibo was about to arrive at the temple, a message reached him: Queen Zaiye requested his presence. Though he had hoped to take a short walk and breathe in the city he hadn't yet had a chance to explore since arriving, he changed direction and headed toward her quarters. He was feeling restless, having grown used to the open parks and fresh air of his homeland.
He paused at the third sitting room. The Queen's attendant maid had already delivered his message. At that moment, Queen Zaiye was on a call with her one and only best friend...the only person she trusted with her secrets and personal struggles, just as she in turn was trusted. Their bond was old and deeply rooted, dating back to Queen Zaiye's early days in the city. She quickly ended the call and promised to call her friend back later.
As usual, Queen Zaiye entered the room dressed in her regal attire, radiating authority and grace.
"Good evening, Mom," Yibo greeted, observing her expression. She didn't reply immediately, waiting until she was seated before responding, then asked,
"What happened between you and Qiantang?"
"So she complained again, as usual?" he thought silently to himself, without voicing it.
"Nothing happened… Did she say something?"
She stared at him for a few seconds before responding.
"That confirms you're hiding something. Tell me what happened between the two of you. She informed the royal attendant that you've been ignoring her calls ever since you returned. Does that mean you've already begun rebelling against my decision?"
Yibo shook his head. He hadn't even thought of it that way. He simply didn't like being forced or pressured... especially when it came to love, which he never took seriously. In fact, he had promised himself never to fall in love. That was why he had cooperated fully when his mother chose Qiantang to be his future wife. He had agreed, trusting her decision, and prepared himself to marry Qiantang whenever the time came.
Yibo evaluated Qiantang according to his standards and found that she fulfilled seventy percent of them. That was enough for him...he didn't see any issue with accepting her.
Qiantang was the only daughter of a wealthy and influential businessman known not just in Chaina but also in the neighboring cities. Her father owned numerous properties, including oil wells. As their only child, Qiantang was pampered beyond imagination. She grew up in luxury, never once having to understand the concept of hardship or poverty. She was thoroughly spoiled by her parents, who adored her and went to great lengths to ensure nothing upset her.
Qiantang had a beauty that suited her well...fair-skinned, slender, and graceful. She wasn't the type to stand out for bold features or striking height, but she carried an elegance that added charm to her presence. At twenty-one, she was only a year older than Yibo, though his poised demeanor, authority, and polished nature made him seem several years older.
She was deeply in love with Yibo... perhaps even more thrilled about their arranged match than he was. Although she tried to uphold her dignity and conceal her feelings, her affection for him was evident. Yibo was everything she had ever dreamed of in a husband, and she devoted herself to winning him over with every bit of wit and charm she had as a woman.
Over time, she had managed to leave an impression on Yibo. Despite his distant and reserved nature, which often stopped him from reciprocating her efforts, she still found ways to get closer to him. She longed for a love that was genuine and affectionate, not just one of obligation or polite distance. She wanted a relationship where their feelings couldn't be hidden, no matter the place or circumstance.
Qiantang's mother was one of Queen Zaiye's closest companions. Their friendship went way back, and it was one of the reasons she had pushed for Qiantang to marry Yibo. The Queen saw Qiantang as the perfect match for him, someone who could support and balance him from every angle. When the Queen proposed the idea, Qiantang's mother didn't hesitate to agree.
There were certainly differences in their personalities and ways of life, but neither Yibo nor Qiantang considered those differences deal-breakers or anything that could jeopardize their relationship.
"Yibo, I'm talking to you, aren't I?"
Queen Zaiye repeated after a few minutes of silence, waiting for a response. Yibo hesitated, as he always did when it came to speaking about the one thing he couldn't explain... how emotionally exhausted he felt every time he tried to engage in long conversations with Qiantang. It was the main reason he kept his distance from her.
"There's a reason, Mom. But it wasn't done out of any intention to go against your wishes."
"Well, I don't like it. And I don't want to hear of any problems between you and her again."
"Please forgive me. I promise things will be better."
She let out a soft breath of relief. This was one of the many reasons she adored Yibo...he never disobeyed her. When she wanted something, he put aside his own feelings. He would never knowingly let anything hurt or disappoint her.
"May your life be blessed, and may you be granted a strong and righteous lineage...children who will care for you even more than you've cared for us."
"Thank you, Mom."
Realizing how much time had passed, Yibo gave up on his earlier plans to go out. Instead, he decided to wait for Dao He to arrive so they could leave together. For now, he retreated to his quarters to rest.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛