Chapter 3: The One Who Saved Her Was the Emperor

How long had passed, she did not know, before Ming Xi gradually regained some consciousness, faintly hearing voices of surprise nearby…

What… is this sound? Who is speaking?

Wasn’t I… poisoned to death?

Though still dazed, Ming Xi felt a flicker of astonishment. The bone-chilling cold still bound her awareness, but driven perhaps by a primal will to survive, she forced herself to open her eyes.

Only then did she realize with some surprise that she was lying on the damp grass by the riverbank, her clothes thoroughly soaked.

Before her was a small, snowy-white figure.

“Awake, awake! Miss is awake, meow!” Through half-open eyes, she saw a white puffball by her side, calling out joyfully.

She hadn’t yet made out what this white furball was, her mind still hazy. Her drenched and nearly hypothermic body caused great discomfort.

“Miss, you’re awake?”

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out. Ming Xi’s eyes widened as she gazed at the handsome, familiar man before her and cried out in shock, “Feng!…”

The man’s face flickered with confusion and astonishment. Just as he was about to speak, Ming Xi closed her eyes again and fainted.

***

“By the way, little demon beast, you just said… your missy is from the Ming household?” The man looked up anxiously, questioning.

“Mm… she is Miss Ming Xi, the Seventh Miss of the Ming family…” The white little demon beast called out its mistress’s origin with a hint of embarrassment, but the man barely noticed.

The Ming family.

When the man cradling the unconscious Ming Xi arrived at the Ming estate gates, his face darkened with anger. Narrowing his eyes, he pounded on the door fiercely, each blow louder than the last.

A disdainful servant opened the door, sneering, “Who dares cause trouble here! If you want to beg, go elsewhere! Get lost!”

The man’s expression grew even gloomier. Had he not been holding Ming Xi, he would have surely struck the servant down for such insolence.

But dealing with this lackey could wait—there were far more important matters at hand.

“You wretched servant, summon Ming Yao out here to see His Majesty immediately!”

The roar sent shockwaves through the entire estate. Knees weakened, everyone fell prostrate without daring to lift their heads, chanting, “Long live His Majesty! Long live forever!”

Upon hearing this, the Misses of the Ming family appeared, bowing to the man. Yet when their eyes fell upon Ming Xi in his arms, a flicker of hatred gleamed within them.

***

It became clear why the emperor had suddenly arrived at the Ming estate.

Within seconds, Lord Ming Yao hurriedly dressed and knelt before the man, submissively saying, “Long live His Majesty! How could the emperor have graced this humble abode without informing your servant to prepare a proper reception…”

“No need for that! I never intended to come to your place! Do you know these days mark the blooming of wisteria by Purple Vine Lake?” the man interrupted.

“I do, Your Majesty. The scenery by Purple Vine Lake is exquisite—a perfect place for poetry and painting. Your Majesty’s refined taste is commendable to go there these days to enjoy the view!” Ming Yao responded.

“You know a lot, minister. But it’s a pity, I never got to see any scenery before witnessing someone jump into the river to commit suicide!” The man’s tone darkened. He tightened his hold on the unconscious girl and scolded, “What? Minister, do you not even recognize your own daughter? Could this girl not be from your household?”

“She is! She is my daughter Ming Xi! I don’t know what has happened! Xi’er would never do such a foolish thing!” Ming Yao argued desperately. “Someone, take the young lady back to her room to rest!”

“Yes, my lord.” At that moment, a servant took Ming Xi from the emperor’s arms and carried her away.

The emperor snorted coldly, slowly picking up the white cat-like summon beast at his feet. Gently stroking it, his thin lips parted to question once more, “Do you recognize this summon beast?”

“I do, I do. Your servant certainly recognizes it—it is Xi’er’s only summon beast. Xi’er’s talent is not high; she only has such limited power, so…” Ming Yao began to explain.

“No, that is not what I asked. According to this summon beast, Miss Ming Xi was sold to the Drunken Spring Brothel, and after escaping, she jumped into the river to end her life. Minister, explain this matter clearly to me!”