3.14

"These servants will now dress the young master for the banquet."

Qiao Chen only nodded and let the servants dress him.

Unlike in regular days, this time, he was dressed in a white robe with a moon design in the corner of the sleeves, right down in the middle, with red blossoms embroidered in each side. His hair was tie in a ponytail, with bangs covered half of his pale forehead. A golden flowery clip was pinned on the side of his hair.

Together with his usual calm and collected countenance, his personal magnetism to attract anyone with just by a mere looking, like a divine bird, longing in each in everyone with their igniting desire.

Flipping his red fan, Qiao Chen stood up from the seat. His servants retreated in satisfaction as their gazes travel in the figure of the elegant smile.

For a moment, they had to remind their selves that this one is the most favored sparrow of his majesty. Even assigned themselves to guard and monitor this beautiful sparrow.

With his servants on his back, Qiao Chen walked towards the manor. The night was cold and wintery, the illuminating colorful lanterns was scattered inside the palace, very lively and attractive. As he was half-way to the manor, he met Wen Yang.

The darling of fate was always dazzling in his usual red beautiful robe with silver patterns embroidered on the silk, and his rebellious nature that cannot be suppressed, by his now calm face.

Wen Yang flashed a smile, "Wen Yang meets Qiao Chen." he bowed faintly, and his servants on his back followed.

Qiao Chen only smiled and responded with a soft bow. His pale green eyes gently penetrated and observed the expression of the other. Then again, he suggested in a soft voice, "Wen Yang was also heading to the manor?"

Wen Yang smiled, stifling the anger in his chest, with his fist clenched underneath his robe, and replied, "Yes."

"Why don't we go together?"

"En."

Then again, the silence invaded in the whole night. Two men was at the front, maintaining the casual behavior, whilst their servants followed behind.

Although, Wen Yang was eager to tell Qiao Chen about their plans, he long knew that the latter's servants was all the Emperor's eyes. They can only look at each other meaningfully, thus conceal the schemes in their heart.

Wen Yang was a very determined prince. His father, the Emperor of Shu kingdom, already knew that they can't stand against Yong Country. That's why as the eldest prince, and also the crown prince, he was assigned by his father to disguised himself as a sparrow, and finally enter the palace.

His whole personalities were both devious and wicked, but he was devoted to his kingdom. He vowed to himself that he will be the one to conquer and destroy this Yong country. To achieved that, he accepted the order of his father and take part in the role of being a sparrow. Before that day happen, he did not forget to investigate the Emperor and his preference. He wants to gain the Emperor's trust and favor. He perceived that his majesty was fond of obedient and elegant sparrow.

To catch the Emperor's attention, he become completely different to what he likes. He acted like a rebellious and conceited young man, eagerly refusing the Emperor.

Indeed, he caught the attention of the Emperor. But not what he expected to be. His predictions entirely failed him, because his majesty has only set his eyes on a specific sparrow. That eyes that hold countless emotions, so deep like an endless void. No matter how much attempt Wen Yang put on, he can never gain the attention of his majesty.

That's the reason why he hated Qiao Chen. How can execute his plans, if all the things he predicted was not happening the way it has to be?

Luckily, he met the second prince. He was quite aware of the nature of Yong An. They shared the same traits and also had the same goal. Power. Position. Authority. All three things that keep instigating in their mind.

Both were cunning and sly, but Wen Yang had the upper hand. He still acted like an arrogant and conceited young man that has no knowledge about the true face of Yong An. He knows that they were playing a dangerous game. In the end, Wen Yang knows that he will win the match.

Unexpectedly, Qiao Chen also hated the Emperor. This was the most unforeseen circumstances that he concluded. But with the help of Qiao Chen, he can now grasp all the things according to his control. It made his plans went smoother.

Thinking about the lingering thoughts occupying his mind, his lips curved into a sly smiled as he observed Qiao Chen.

Of course, he was no dumb nor unguarded. He also knows that this sparrow was also not that idiot. He can even manipulate the Emperor for several years. Wen Yang feels a sudden chills, but these sensations were outshine by his excitement.

Qiao Chen... what side will you take?

Qiao Chen and Wen Yang stopped at the entrance, where all the sparrows were patiently waiting for the Emperor. All displayed their gorgeous robe, with expression almost identical, and the ambience were harmonious. Qiao Chen gave a meaningful smile to both Wen Yang and Bai Menxiang before going into his place. It didn't take a couple of minutes before the Emperor arrived.

Unlike his regular superior countenance, the Emperor's face were dark, like a storm, ready to explode in anytime. With his eyes emitting murderous air, and when it drifted to Qiao Chen, his gaze turned obsessively.

Seeing the caused of his chaos mind, the Emperor ignored all the etiquette and ran directly at his sparrow. His eyes softened then pulled his body into a tight embraced.

"Your majesty…?" Qiao Chen uttered confusingly.

But the Emperor's arms did not let go, it even tightened. After a couple of minutes, the Emperor finally let go of Qiao Chen and regained his usual composure. He gave a signal to the Eunuch to announced their arrival before finally stood at the front.

All of their interactions were seen by all sparrows. Bai Menxiang gritted his teeth and glared at Qiao Chen angrily. His innocent face distorted as his eyes travel between Wen Yang and Qiao Chen.

A rare conclusion appeared in his mind. His eyes widened and the anger in his chest burst out entirely.

Did he get trick? Did Qiao Chen that wench trick him into believing that the Emperor was infatuated with Wen Yang? But in truth, the Emperor was already in his control? His majesty did not even give him a single peek!

Bai Menxiang clenched his fist. But in the end, his innocent face gradually reconstruct. He smiled wickedly.

"His majesty, the Emperor and his sparrows has arrived!"

The people insides gave their respectful greetings, and stood up from their seat. The Emperor and his sparrows walk toward their seats. Once the Emperor has sat down, he gave a faint look to his subject and finally dismissed them at their bow.

Thus, the lively place eventually returned. There were performers presenting at the center. Some were drinking happily and chatting loudly. But in their peripheral view, they saw how the Emperor was not on his normal state today. Therefore, they control all their actions and demeanor.

Qiao Chen, who noticed the peculiarity of the Emperor, flashed his cunning smile. He took a sip at the teacup serve in front of him, and did not forget to look at the paranoid and angry look of the Emperor. When Qiao Chen followed his line of sight, he saw the friendly face of Yong An. The smile on his lips went even deeper.

'Did the memory of how I looked at the second prince secretly assaulting you every time you land your eyes on him? Would you tolerate of seeing your beloved sparrow staring at the other prince?'

Qiao Chen grinned and look away, but accidentally, he meet the blazing gaze of Bai Menxiang. His expression turned calm and cold. But slowly, he displayed a mocking smile, making the face of Bai Menxiang widened in consternation.

Bai Menxiang did not hide the fury in his eyes as it drifted to Qiao Chen. He really wanted to kill that slut for playing and tricking him. He did not bother to act like an innocent youth anymore, and revealed his vexation. Thinking about a hundred methods to torture him.

Little by little, his raging eyes turned bewilder. He shifted his gaze to Wen Yang and the latter was also smiling at him.

"T-This wench...bitches..." He whispered faintly.

So that's explain why Qiao Chen stopped him from telling the affair of Wen Yang to his majesty. Because... they were both working behind his back!

He laughed silently. He can only swallow the anger in his heart and glared blazingly at the two.

Qiao Chen... Wen Yang... I will make you two pay!

Afterwards, the performance stopped by the announcement of the Eunuch. The Emperor stood up from his seat and coldly followed the program of the banquet.

"Now, the prizes of the winner of the hunt competition will be bestowed by his majesty."

Both Wen Yang and Bai Menxiang stood up and received their rewards. Yong An also walk in the front to gets his rewards. The fire in the Emperor's eyes was simply indescribable as it bore on the young prince. But gladly, the Emperor restrain himself.

Yong An cockily displayed his friendly smile, "Thank you, his majesty."he then turned his gaze to Wen Yang and then... to Qiao Chen with amusement before, he return to his table.

Finally, the winner, the fourth prince, Yong Guan walks to the front and bow.

"Fourth prince, what do you want?" The Emperor's voice was rather plain.

He was still angry by the fact that this young prince, attempted to kill him. But he can never dispose him because he was still a prince. The same with the second prince. His anger rose once again.

Lifted his head, and meeting the eyes of the Emperor. Yong Guan coldly responded, "I want the key of the treasure house."

There were defeaning silence in the whole place. Before, the terror voice of the Emperor break the ambience.

"Are you sure? This is a rare opportunity for a lifetime."

A privilege to ask something to the Emperor was considered once in a lifetime. The winners can always ask anything that they want. Be it; Title, Position and even person. But the fourth prince request... was very light. Why does he want the key to the treasure house when he can always ask for something more?

"This is what I want, your majesty." replied by Yong Guan in a firm tone.

The Emperor only nodded casually, and signal the Eunuch to get something. "The key of the treasure house will be on your care only a day. You can get two things from the house."

"I thank his majesty."

Thus, the banquet again continued.

Qiao Chen finally return to his resident after a couple of hours. He changed into his night clothes and lay on the soft mattress while staring at the ceiling. He can't help but to feel slightly frustrated at the slow progress of his plans.

Truly, this wasn't called high realm for nothing.

The protagonist, darling of fate, the Emperor and even Bai Menxiang were not pathetic and stupid.

He already held the Emperor in his palms, but he knew that it was not enough. He needed something...

Just as his thought floated on his mind, a shadow figure appeared in his eyes. He was about to scream, but a rough hands covered his lips.

Qiao Chen who saw the appearance of the man calm down. The man had a crazy smile on his lips as his eyes traces the figure of the sparrow.

Because of his messy sleeping posture, the thin robe on his skin faintly loosen, revealing his white flawless shoulder blades that seems glowing under the flickering lights. Qiao Chen's hair was all over the place, but it gives more an aftereffect of a fragile beauty.

But the wariness on the surface of his eyes floated, "What is his highness, the second prince doing here?"