Chapter 605: Tuoba Xiao Returns

Chapter 605: Tuoba Xiao Returns

No one expected that upon hearing this, Prince Bei would suddenly make a shocking statement: "If that's the case, I can also marry Miss Shen as my primary consort!"

"..."

Everyone was stunned.

They had thought Prince Bei was about to give up, but instead, he was willing to make Shen Nan his primary consort!

This was... completely absurd. Shen Nan's status was nowhere near worthy of being Prince Bei's primary consort!

In their confusion, everyone couldn't help but wonder what charm Miss Shen had to make two princes compete so fiercely in front of the emperor.

Su Youyue also remained silent.

She hadn't expected Prince Bei to suddenly utter such a thing.

The face she had shown him earlier was truly unattractive. How could he have developed an interest in her?

In truth, Prince Bei wasn't attracted to her face.

It was just that whenever he saw her, he couldn't help but think of his unforgettable white moon.

Who could understand the power of a white moon?

Just by standing there, bearing even a slight resemblance, she didn't need to say a word—she had already won.

It was all about the emotion.

That's why Prince Bei was so deeply struck by Miss Shen, whom he had only met a few times, and was determined to take her into his household.

However, he hadn't originally planned to make her his primary consort. The promise of the primary consort position was entirely due to his competition with Helian Lin.

In Yanjing, he had lost the chance to marry Young Miss Su to Xie Yuan and had been forced to give up. Now, back in his own territory, he was facing competition from Helian Lin for Miss Shen. Prince Bei, refusing to back down, was determined to fight to the end.

He spoke with confidence, but he failed to notice Emperor Xuanming's darkening countenance.

The young lady brought back by the Shen family had a reputation for being wild and reckless, completely ignoring rules and decorum. Having her as Prince Bei's secondary consort wouldn't be a big deal, but making such a woman his primary consort would surely lead Prince Bei down the wrong path.

Thus, the emperor had intended to betroth Miss Shen to Helian Lin, but doing so would leave his younger brother without an out. Just as he was searching for an excuse to delay the matter, an excuse arose.

"Your Majesty, General Tuoba has returned to the capital."

Emperor Xuanming's originally somewhat cloudy eyes visibly brightened: "General Tuoba has returned? Where is he? Bring him to see me at once!"

If the emperor's tone had softened and become more affectionate upon seeing Prince Bei, it now became even more fervent upon hearing about Tuoba Xiao, surpassing even his earlier warmth.

Upon hearing the name, Su Youyue's brows furrowed almost reflexively.

"Your Majesty, General Tuoba has just entered the city and is on his way to the palace. He should arrive within the time it takes to burn an incense stick." Every faction in the Holy City knew how much the emperor valued Tuoba Xiao, so whenever he returned, real-time updates were always relayed.

"Good, good, he's finally back... This Tuoba Xiao, truly disobedient. I've summoned him repeatedly, and he always finds excuses to delay." Though the emperor was complaining, everyone could tell it was an affectionate grumble, with no real anger behind it.

"Brother..." Prince Bei interjected to remind him.

Emperor Xuanming, however, smiled and said, "Brother, let's discuss your marriage matters later. Today, we shall first welcome General Tuoba and hold a welcome feast for him."

Everyone secretly thought that Tuoba Xiao hadn't returned from a victorious campaign. On the contrary, he had previously been trapped in Dasheng and nearly didn't make it back, causing the emperor to prepare troops to attack Dasheng. Not only was he not being punished, but they were also holding a welcome feast for him.

But everyone knew that the emperor treated Tuoba Xiao even better than his own sons. While he was extremely strict with his sons, he indulged Tuoba Xiao without limits, so no one dared to object.

The princes seated on the throne were already older, and by all accounts, they should have been mature and steady. Yet, upon hearing Tuoba Xiao's name, obvious resentment appeared on their faces.

Seeing this, Prince Bei had no choice but to drop the matter for now. However, before sitting down, he shot a resentful glance at Helian Lin.

Helian Lin, however, ignored his glare. After finding a seat and sitting down, he turned his attention to Su Youyue.

Su Youyue met his gaze, and her turbulent emotions calmed down. She couldn't be sure whether Tuoba Xiao, with his keen senses, would recognize her upon seeing her.

But with Xie Yuan present, she was less nervous.

Tuoba Xiao was still a while away, so the banquet continued. The sound of music filled the air, and dancers danced gracefully on stage. Nobles began to rise, some toasting each other, others temporarily leaving the scene.

Attendants came to pour wine or tea. Su Youyue had made arrangements in advance, so when a young eunuch approached, he poured her a cup of hot tea.

She glanced up at the pale eunuch.

The eunuch paused for a moment, then gave her a quick smile before retreating.

"My lady, what's wrong?" Qingluo noticed her unusual behavior and leaned in to ask softly.

"Qingluo, in a moment, go and deliver a message to Eunuch Little Shun for me," Su Youyue said with a smile.

Qingluo immediately agreed and, a moment later, left to find Eunuch Little Shun.

Su Youyue sat in her seat, sipping her tea, calmly waiting for her return.

After a short while, Qingluo returned.

With so many people at the banquet, her departure and return were hardly noticed.

Soon after, a voice finally came from outside: "General Tuoba has arrived—"

Su Youyue's teacup halted mid-air.

The moment the young man appeared, she realized she still couldn't stay completely calm. On one hand, there was hatred; on the other, there was a deep wariness of a madman who was difficult to control.

There was no doubt that the man who arrived was insane. The moment he appeared, his overwhelming presence made people instinctively avoid his sharp edges. Even his ordinary walk felt like the edge of a blade. His blue-green, almost eerie eyes swept across the room, and wherever they landed, people couldn't help but shrink back.

However, today's Tuoba Xiao was somewhat different from before. He had cut his long hair, no longer sporting his signature braids and silver ornaments. His hair now gradually lengthened from his forehead to his neck, the longest strands reaching just past his shoulders, thick and voluminous, curling from his forehead backward. Just looking at his hairstyle, it resembled the fur of a disheveled dog, with a hint of femininity.

Yet, there was a wolf-like quality about him that suppressed the feminine feel of his voluminous short hair, exuding a sense of wildness and unrestraint.

Whether in Dasheng or Dongrong, filial piety was undoubtedly upheld. One's body, hair, and skin were gifts from one's parents and were not to be cut.

Tuoba Xiao's decision to cut his hair in such a manner was undoubtedly an act of great filial impiety. At first glance, ordinary people couldn't help but furrow their brows deeply.

Sure enough, the moment the crowd around him saw his curly short hair, they immediately began to murmur.

But the young man seemed completely unaware of the murmurs. Like a wild beast, he held his head high in front of the Dongrong emperor and said, "Your Majesty, your subject has returned."