TVWFTBS 07

[007] Left and Right Embrace

Standing aside, witnessing all of this, Beiming Ye and Hua Qingcheng were completely stunned by the new image of Li Luoluo before them.

They widened their eyes, unable to believe that the once-familiar yet now entirely unfamiliar noble female standing before them could appear so striking. Their perception of her was completely overturned in that instant.

Equally shocked were Tuoba Jinghao, Huo Sinen, and Zhong Hua. Facing Li Luoluo’s fierce warning and threat, a chill ran up their spines, and beads of sweat dotted their foreheads.

But before they could respond, a commanding voice rang out:

“Luor, I heard that you brutally beat Beiming Heng and several other prospective mates, leaving them barely alive—almost at death’s door. Is this true?”

As the words fell, Li Yinghua arrived at the gates of Xiaoyao Palace at incredible speed, accompanied by the only available male companions—General Xiao Yichen and Grand Marshal Huo Tingyue.

At this moment, Li Luoluo was lying comfortably on a soft couch, enjoying the sunlight.

Behind her was Beiming Ye; in front, Hua Qingcheng. Half-kneeling to massage her legs and shoulders were Tuoba Jinghao, Huo Sinen, and Zhong Hua.

As for any injuries? They saw none.

All they saw was an absolutely stunning crown princess, breathtakingly beautiful, enjoying the attention of her prospective mates—a scene of utter comfort and indulgence.

Not only the bystanders, even Empress Li Yinghua herself couldn’t help but feel envy and admiration.

Indeed, this was the heir she had valued so highly, enjoying life’s pleasures to the fullest—something at which she herself fell short.

The empress was busy as ever, while her eldest daughter was surrounded and pampered: back supported, front embraced, legs massaged, shoulders kneaded—it was pure indulgence.

Particularly shocking was the intimacy between Beiming Ye and her eldest daughter. Empress Li’s eyes nearly popped out in astonishment; she pointed at them, unable to form a single coherent sentence.

Li Luoluo, pretending not to notice the empress’s arrival, acted as if seeing them for the first time, quickly rising and walking toward Li Yinghua.

Her movement was as graceful as a butterfly in flight, a red dress flowing with the wind—a picture of absolute beauty.

Not only Li Yinghua, but everyone present—even Li Yaoyao, hiding in the shadows—was captivated.

At that moment, on Li Luoluo, they saw a wild, untamed beauty intertwined with the innate nobility of a crown princess.

It was almost unbelievable that a single female could embody such a complex, yet perfectly harmonious, beauty.

“Mother! Which wretch, deserving of a thousand knives, dared to slander me at your ear?”

Li Luoluo feigned grievance, her expression pitifully hurt, her tone irresistibly adorable. She pointed at Tuoba Jinghao, Huo Sinen, and Zhong Hua, all unharmed, and continued:

“See? They’re all perfectly fine!”

“As for that Beiming Heng—humph! He’s a treacherous scoundrel. His fate is nothing but what he deserved!”

Then, like a nimble little fox, Li Luoluo leapt into Empress Li Yinghua’s warm embrace, pouting playfully.

“Mother, surely you wouldn’t want your child to have a prospective mate whose heart belongs to another female?”

“How could such a male ever deserve your noble daughter?”

Li Luoluo blinked her large, watery cat-like eyes, gazing proudly at the empress. Her innate grace made anyone who looked at her feel they were witnessing sacrilege.

At that moment, Empress Li felt a warm surge of emotion.

For the first time, she truly felt the depth of affection her eldest daughter held for her.

The scene brought a tear to the usually strong empress’s eyes. Her thoughts drifted back to Li Luoluo’s childhood—a delicate, adorable little girl, always calling “Mother” in a sweet, syrupy voice.

Thinking of those warm memories, a tender smile appeared on the empress’s face.

Seeing this mother-daughter affection, Chen Lie beside them could no longer remain silent.

He glanced at Li Luoluo nestled in the empress’s arms and lowered his voice slowly:

“Your Highness, no matter what, Beiming Heng was a generous gift from the Serpent Clan meant for you. To exile him from the Blue Star Empire without hesitation—aren’t you worried about offending the Serpent Clan?”

“That’s equivalent to giving the Serpent Clan a harsh slap in the face!”

As he spoke, a subtle, sly pride flashed in Chen Lie’s eyes. He knew the empress despised those who disregarded the bigger picture, and he sought to sow discord, hoping Li Luoluo would lose her mother’s favor and create a rift between them.

Sure enough, the empress’s smile froze, and her hand holding Li Luoluo stiffened.

The atmosphere turned tense; the palace air seemed to solidify as if anticipating confrontation.

The empress’s eyes glinted with barely restrained anger as she stared intently at Li Luoluo, seeking a hint of deception on her face.

Yet Li Luoluo met her gaze without fear, standing proud and tall.

In the tense silence, time seemed to slow.

Everyone held their breath, afraid to break the suffocating quiet.

Li Luoluo stood there, her posture upright, like an immovable mountain.

Finally, the empress broke the silence, her voice low and authoritative:

“Crown Princess, do you know what you are saying?”

Her words carried clear disapproval and reprimand.

Li Luoluo raised her chin slightly, answering without retreat:

“Mother, every word I speak is true. Beiming Heng, as my prospective mate, has not upheld his duty, harboring feelings for another female. As Crown Princess, I have the right to act against him. But your consort Chen Lie dares to question me—on what grounds?”

Her voice was crisp and resolute, drawing attention.

Beiming Ye stepped forward swiftly, protective, holding Li Luoluo in his arms:

“Your Majesty, I am surprised that your consort could act as master of the Serpent Clan. Beiming Heng was brought to the punishment hall on my orders. How can he dare to slander the Crown Princess? Or does he act shamelessly, backed by others?”

His dominance and protective instinct were on full display.