The new emperor's first decree upon ascending the throne was to forcibly take his cousin as his

Ruan Xianrong didn't know what to say. She had never thought of participating in a rebellion, and the Ruan family would never get involved in something that would cost them their heads.

She only said it casually last night, but Xie Chengli actually took it to heart.

He couldn't win if she didn't say those things?

She didn't believe it. Xie Chengli was very cunning. He took her away last night and said these things today, just to make her choose sides.

Staring at the person in front of him, he thought, "Well, that's it, he really got his way."

The throne is his, and naturally the female lead will be his in the future.

"Tell me, what reward do you want? I'll give you anything."

"real?"

"Of course it's true. When have I ever lied to you?"

"Then I want silver, or gold if you will."

Xie Chengli raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Alright, I'll send it to you another day."

As they exited the Hall of State Affairs, Jiang Wantang blocked their way at the palace gate.

"You're quite philosophical about it. Xie Chengyan is in jail, and you're not worried at all?"

Why worry?

"You're so heartless. He likes you so much, and you're kicking him when he's down."

Ruan Xianrong found it amusing. "Who says that just because he likes me, I have to like him back?"

"Miss Jiang likes Xie Chengyan so much, but I haven't seen him like you that much."

"you!"

Jiang Wantang waved her hand, "I won't stoop to your level, but let me tell you, I'm determined to have Xie Chengyan. If you dare to try and take him from me again, I'll do something bad."

"Pfft," Ruan Xianrong couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Miss Jiang, no one tells others before doing something bad."

Jiang Wantang is too straightforward. He was taken advantage of without even realizing it, and he created a system, but it turned out to be a useless one.

"Anyway, I've already told you. Xie Chengyan is destined to like me. If you like him, it will only add to your sadness."

"Putting aside whether you like him or not, shouldn't you first get him out of prison?" Ruan Xianrong asked.

"What's the point of arguing with me if I can't get out of prison?"

She couldn't be more pleased that Xie Chengyan would be blinded by Jiang Wantang, so that he would stop tormenting her.

Two days after returning to her residence, Xie Chengli indeed sent someone to deliver a reward to her.

They used a huge box, and it took six or seven people to carry it into the yard. What a grand display!

Upon opening it, Ruan Xianrong's face turned ashen.

Inside was one ingot of silver and one ingot of gold.

Apart from that, it was completely empty.

No wonder he and the male lead are brothers; they're exactly the same in their ruthlessness and heartlessness.

"Please thank Your Majesty for me."

The messenger then handed over another letter, saying, "His Majesty instructed me to give this letter to the young lady."

She opened it only after the person left, and sighed after reading it.

Xie Chengyan wanted to see her.

Xie Chengli has already arranged for someone to send her directly to the imperial prison.

She didn't want to go, but her aunt sent a letter hoping she could visit him.

Two days later, she took a carriage to the imperial prison.

Historically, those who entered the imperial prison either died or were maimed; none came out alive.

The cell was gloomy, dimly lit, and smelled terrible.

The royal family members were kept in the innermost cells, and they had to go through another door, making the environment completely different from the outside.

After she went inside, the guards who were standing guard withdrew, leaving the two of them to talk.

She stepped forward and saw that the person behind the iron bars was calm and composed, without shackles or injuries, only a little dust on the corner of his clothes.

Ruan Xianrong stood by the door, suddenly unsure of how to begin.

"Since you're here, why don't you come over?" Xie Chengyan looked up, his voice as soft as a feather falling on his hand.

"Are you still afraid of me?" he asked again after a moment.

He was already a prisoner, but he didn't look down on anyone.

She put down the food box her aunt had brought, saying, "You're already a prisoner, what do I have to be afraid of?"

He then stood up, slowly walked forward, and stared at her for a long time. "I thought you wouldn't come."

"I wasn't planning on coming." She hesitated for two days, but finally came after her aunt begged her.

She had had enough of her time in the palace; she actually thought it would be better for him to die here.

Ruan Xianrong handed him the food that the Empress had sent, then looked at him and said, "Didn't you want to see me? Just say what you have to say."

Xie Chengyan picked up a piece of pastry and smiled faintly, "Niannian is indeed ruthless."

"What benefits did Xie Chengli promise you that made you help him like this?"

What benefit could he possibly gain? He gave her a gold ingot and a silver ingot, and she didn't even help him.

Xie Chengyan chuckled softly, then suddenly reached out to stroke her cheek.

Ruan Xianrong instinctively stepped back, but he wasn't annoyed.

"Niannian, do you know that you've never been able to lie since you were little?"

He leaned closer through the railing. "You came to see me not out of guilt, nor because of past feelings."

"You're afraid I'll die here, and your hard-won peace of mind will start acting up again, isn't it?"

As if he had guessed something, his gaze softened, "As expected, you do have feelings for me."

"What nonsense!" She met his gaze. "Xie Chengyan, you should know that I don't like you. I hate being in the palace without freedom. Xie Chengli's success this time was also due to me tipping him off."

"You've trapped me in the palace, and you still expect me to like you? What a dream!"

"If it weren't for my aunt, I would never have come today."

The tenderness in Xie Chengyan's eyes slowly faded, turning into indifference, as if all her reactions were within his expectations.

"I'm now imprisoned and in such a sorry state, won't you even try to comfort me? Just one word would be enough."

She was stunned. The person in front of her was once the Crown Prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and later became the Emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but now he was imprisoned.

Looking up at her now, it's like a docile, obedient puppy waiting for its owner to pat its head and give it a good cuddling.

The emotions in her eyes grew increasingly gentle, tinged with a hint of innocent grievance.

She quickly turned her head away, disgusted that she had almost been bewitched by him. He was Xie Chengyan, a ruthless man who would devour people without spitting out the bones. Puppies were so cute; how could he compare?

Seeing her remain silent, Xie Chengyan gave a self-deprecating smile, "If I really die this time, will Niannian be heartbroken?"

"No," Ruan Xianrong said firmly.

After saying that, he put away the food box and said, "I'm leaving. I probably won't see you again. Take care."

She turned and left, unaware that the man's gaze remained fixed on her, his eyes clinging to her.

The smile on her lips deepened. Niannian, why won't you turn around and look at me?

Even in his current state, he refuses to utter a single kind word.

She can like anyone, so why can't she like him?

I picked up the plate of pastries, took a bite, and the note inside was revealed.

He wasn't greedy; he just wanted her to look at him more often and treat him like she would treat anyone else.

Why won't you agree?

It's better to lock him up, so she'll only have eyes for him.

After reading the contents of the note, a cold smile crept onto his lips.

Niannian, you'll never leave me in this lifetime!