"Have you heard? The Empress has issued a decree to select a consort for the Imperial Princess, inviting heroes from all over the realm. As long as one is a scion of a noble family, they can participate in the selection. If I become the Imperial Princess's consort, I will be the future Emperor-Consort, enjoying endless glory and wealth."
"Dream on, the Imperial Princess would never favor you," another person spat, then added, "Fortunately, the Feng family is extinct, otherwise, the position of Emperor-Consort would not fall to anyone else."
"Indeed, the Emperor-Consort of Blue Moon has always been surnamed Feng," someone whispered. "Do you think the Imperial Princess might be the daughter of Empress Yuexian and Emperor-Consort Feng?"
"You're so ill-informed, the Imperial Princess's biological father is General Xiao Zhen of Yusheng."
"The Empress is holding a selection for the Imperial Princess's consort. Do you have adult sons at home? You should sign them up! Even if they can't become Emperor-Consort, they can be male attendants. When the Imperial Princess ascends the throne, it will be like soaring to the heavens, enjoying endless glory and wealth."
"I've already registered my two sons. I heard the Imperial Princess prefers younger men, so I registered my youngest son, who is twelve."
"However, there's always been a male attendant by the Imperial Princess's side, who is very favored, even to the point of exclusivity. I heard this person is also from Yusheng..."
"Have you ever seen an Emperor-Consort who is from another country?" a woman scoffed. "He's just a plaything. Once the Imperial Princess tires of him, he'll fall out of favor."
"I actually heard that the Imperial Princess dotes on him greatly, and even the household servants treat him with the respect due to a consort."
"If His Majesty does not agree, even if the Imperial Princess likes him, it will be useless. Otherwise, why do you think the Empress arranged this selection?"
"I heard the Imperial Princess is very skilled in martial arts. Even Fu Dan, a master from Tianbao Tower, lost to her. She now serves as a guard in the Imperial Princess's manor."
"As an Imperial Princess, how can she not have some skills?" Several women chuckled. "I heard your father has taken in a new male attendant for you, and he's exceptionally handsome."
"He's alright," another replied with a shy smile. "But he knows how to serve."
The women exchanged knowing glances and burst into laughter, then began discussing the male attendants in their own households.
Yan Yao looked at Wen Mohan, who was calmly drinking tea, and leaned forward. "His Majesty will not allow you to be the Imperial Princess's consort. Did you hear that?"
Wen Mohan glanced coldly at Yan Yao. This brat dragged him out for tea early in the morning just to listen to these gossips?
"Only she herself can decide matters concerning Man'er; even the Empress is no exception."
"The Empress is the Emperor, and everyone must obey her, including the Imperial Princess."
"Is that so?"
"Of course!" Yan Yao scanned the surroundings, his gaze landing on a person. This person was incredibly beautiful, dressed in a simple white robe, with long hair tied back with a ribbon. It was impossible to tell if they were male or female.
"Such a beautiful person."
"How beautiful?" Wen Mohan asked indifferently. In his eyes, no amount of external beauty could compare to Xiao Man's gentle smile.
"Unspeakably beautiful, and I can't tell if they're male or female."
Wen Mohan frowned in confusion. How could someone be indistinguishable as male or female? He immediately turned to look. The moment he saw, his face darkened instantly, for the person was none other than Cen Yu, who had been missing for a long time!
Cen Yu walked directly towards Wen Mohan and sat down opposite him. "Mohan, it's been a long time."
"A man!" Yan Yao immediately looked at Cen Yu defensively. Men who were too beautiful were the most deceptive. This person must not be allowed near the Imperial Princess!
"What are you planning now?"
"We haven't seen each other for a long time, and I thought you'd be happy to see me. I didn't expect you to be so cold. You really wound me."
"Stop being so hypocritical. Tell me, what mischief are you trying to stir up now?"
Cen Yu sighed, a look of sadness gracing their androgynous face. Their appearance was so captivating that even men would be smitten. Yan Yao couldn't help but swallow, thinking, "What a demon!"
"I thought you'd abandon everything and follow Xiao Man to Blue Moon. I assumed Xiao Man would at least give you a title, yet you're still by her side without one. Mohan, don't you feel wronged?"
Wen Mohan stared at Cen Yu, his brows furrowed. "What exactly do you want?"
"I just came to see you." Cen Yu picked up the teapot, poured himself a cup of tea, and said, "Why must we be so tense with each other?"
"I haven't forgotten that you almost took my life last time."
"Mohan, that's not entirely true. I was trying to help you," Cen Yu leaned forward slightly. "Aren't you happy? I helped you test Xiao Man's feelings."
"I understand her feelings. I don't need you to test them."
"Do you really understand her feelings?" Cen Yu asked with a half-smile, then leaned closer to Wen Mohan and whispered in his ear, "If Xiao Man knew that Nangong Yu never harmed Xiao Zhen from the beginning, can you guarantee that she and Nangong Yu wouldn't rekindle their old flame?"
Wen Mohan's expression vanished. The scene from that night suddenly flashed through his mind, reminding him that Xiao Man and Nangong Yu were not over each other. The reason they had reached this point was because of Xiao Zhen's death. If the misunderstanding were cleared up, he couldn't guarantee that Xiao Man and Nangong Yu wouldn't reignite their feelings.
"So what?"
"Mohan, I feel it's not worth it for you. You sacrificed everything for her, yet she can't even spare half her feelings for you, dedicating all her affection to Nangong Yu. Don't you feel any resentment?"
"What, trying to sow discord again?"
Cen Yu sat up straight and scanned Yan Yao. "Who is this child?"
"I am the Imperial Princess's male attendant, and I will become the Imperial Princess's consort!"
Although Cen Yu knew that Blue Moon revered women, he hadn't expected Wen Mohan to tolerate other men by Xiao Man's side!
"Mohan, don't you think you're too humble, too pathetic? Nangong Yu is one thing, but now you can't even compete with a mere child?" Cen Yu's tone was filled with disappointment.
"Who are you calling a child? I'm fourteen years old, an adult, and can share a room with the Imperial Princess!"
"A mere child who hasn't even grown a mustache, get lost!" Cen Yu flicked his sleeve and pushed Yan Yao to the ground. Yan Yao's face turned red with anger.
"How rude of you! How could you hit someone?"
"When did I hit you?"
"You did!" Yan Yao's peripheral vision caught a familiar figure, and he immediately charged at Cen Yu. Cen Yu disliked being touched, and simply intended to push Yan Yao away. Who knew Yan Yao would fall hard to the ground, right at someone's feet.
"Imperial Princess, they're bullying me."
The Imperial Princess! Cen Yu was startled and immediately looked over. He saw Xiao Man standing at the doorway, her beautiful eyes filled with a chilling aura, as if she could freeze everything within her gaze.