Did the Seventh Prince attend court today?

After the initial panic, Consort Yi calmed down.

She glanced sideways at the callow youth before her and couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "I can understand the Emperor a little now. You're bold and outspoken, and you do have some of the Emperor's style from his youth. But you grew up among the common people, so your perspective is still a bit narrow."

Lu nodded in agreement, "That's right, that's exactly it. The Imperial Concubine's analysis is very accurate."

"You—" Consort Yi frowned slightly, hesitating to speak, she suddenly felt that she could not see through him.

You Lu chimed in, "Hey kid, do you think the Yi clan is so easy to bully?"

"The Yi family are founding heroes. My father is a first-rank duke, and my elder brother is the Minister of War who holds military power. Our family has been enshrining the imperial edict left by our ancestors for generations. Even the late emperor had to show respect to my father."

"Who do you think you are? Don't think that a few harmless jokes are enough. Even if Xun Yuan really did something to you today, do you think the Emperor would go against the Yi family for the sake of a powerless prince? At worst, Xun Yuan will just get a beating as a lesson."

"You dare to threaten me? What a joke! I advise you to think twice!"

He mimicked Consort Yi's speech mannerisms and tone with his delicate fingers, but it was not exactly the same; they were completely unrelated.

Consort Yi was so angry at his affected performance that her face turned ashen, and she stared blankly, speechless.

What's there to say? This kid has said everything she wanted to say!

Pixiu gave a thumbs up, "[Say something that leaves others speechless. Boss, you know how to make people angry.]"

Youlu gave it a complimenting look, cleared its throat, and spoke again: "The Master taught us to respect the elderly and care for the young. Considering Your Highness's advanced age, I will speak for you. Below are some of my humble opinions, and I hope Your Highness will not hesitate to offer your guidance."

"Who are you calling an old man?!" Consort Yi broke down again.

You Lu raised her hand to gesture for her to calm down, then made a gesture of adjusting her glasses and spoke eloquently: "First of all, my father is currently in power. As the saying goes, a new emperor brings a new court. If the Yi family only has the late emperor in their hearts, then I have to doubt the Yi family's intentions."

"Furthermore, Your Highness should know Father's temper very well. On the surface, he certainly won't go against the Yi family for my sake, but he's certainly capable of pulling some strings behind the scenes. To put it another way, others might survive thirty strokes of the cane, but Yi Xunyuan's body is almost completely ruined by wine and women. Do you think he can withstand that?"

"Or the Yi family could simply present the imperial edict and pardon, sparing Yi Xunyuan from this beating. I just don't know which is more valuable, 50,000 taels or the imperial edict and pardon."

"Or perhaps we'll fight to the death, with Yi Xunyuan and I trading our lives, but I'm certain Yi Xunyuan will die before me!"

He stepped forward, staring intently into Consort Yi's eyes, his terrifying aura forcing her to retreat three steps.

Consort Yi had not experienced such a strong sense of oppression for more than ten years.

Fourteen years ago, she plotted to poison Cang Shuyan. At the time, Cang Shuyue, who was only fourteen years old, relentlessly pursued her and almost strangled her to death. Although the matter was eventually dropped due to lack of evidence, Cang Shuyue's fierce and cold eyes left an indelible shadow on her, and she would feel cold every time she thought about it.

"You...you really are threatening me!" Consort Yi could barely speak, her chest heaving violently, her hands trembling as she clutched her handkerchief.

Seeing this, Youlu muttered in surprise, "Huh? Why does she look like she's seen a ghost? Was I that scary just now?"

The Pixiu, resting its chubby chin on its hand, spoke: "[The beast thinks she's hiding something, or perhaps a vengeful ghost.]"

Although the reason was unknown, the intimidation had achieved its effect. Youlu nodded with satisfaction, put his hands on his hips, and said, "Has Your Highness made up your mind? If you delay any longer, you won't be able to catch up with the eldest prince."

He kindly advised, "Money can be earned back, but a person is truly gone. The Yi family is wealthy and powerful; they wouldn't care about such a small amount of silver, would they? Or is the Imperial Concubine just bluffing?"

You Lu has already met four people related to the Yi family: the Third Prince, the Fifth Princess, Consort Yi, and Yi Xunyuan. All four are proud and arrogant, which is undeniable.

These kinds of people have one thing in common: they can't stand being provoked. You can scold them, but you can't question them.

Having been startled earlier, Consort Yi was already somewhat flustered. Now, provoked again, her mind clouded, she instantly lost her temper and arrogantly said, "A mere fifty thousand taels is nothing to the Yi family. I will send someone to collect it right now."

She winked at Granny Gui.

Having overheard the whole thing, Granny Gui was so anxious that she beat her chest and stamped her feet, hurriedly saying, "Your Highness, you're confused! You've fallen for it..."

Consort Yi interrupted sharply: "If I tell you to go, then go!"

She knew perfectly well she'd been tricked, but she was helpless. She really didn't want to deal with this brat anymore. Who was as cunning as him? He assaulted someone and then tried to extort money from the victim's family—even bandits and robbers wouldn't do something like that!

Consider it money spent to avoid trouble.

Consort Yi comforted herself.

Having achieved her goal, Youlu blinked her eyes and sincerely praised, "Your Highness is truly beautiful and kind-hearted, and so generous! To express my sincerity, I'll go stop my eldest brother now. Later, you can send someone to Yixin Palace with the silver. I'll tell Father that you're giving it to me out of concern for me, and he'll definitely praise you for your kindness and benevolence!"

"Then I really thank you." Consort Yi was both amused and exasperated. She waved her hand wearily, telling him to leave quickly. She was too tired to even look at this boy now.

"It's my duty to do what I'm paid to do. Love you~~" Youlu made a heart shape with her hands and skipped away.

Consort Yi could no longer stand. She covered her face, squatted on the ground, and sobbed. She had never suffered such humiliation in her entire life!

"Oh dear! What a tragedy!" Granny Gui stomped her feet.

In their first direct confrontation, Consort Yi suffered a complete defeat.

On the wall, Su Yan'an was awestruck. He exchanged a glance with the First Prince, and the two nimbly flipped down the wall and ran off. They needed to get to Tianhe Gate before Youlu did; after all, they had to make the act convincing.

As Su Yan'an ran, he exchanged ideas with his friend: "Your seventh brother is really something. He can even make Consort Yi cry. We must never provoke him in the future."

The eldest prince remained silent, only nodding repeatedly.

Having easily made a fortune, Youlu was in an incredibly good mood, and even the increasingly hot weather seemed bearable.

The Pixiu floated in front of him, cheering and scattering flowers, [The beast finally doesn't have to go out to steal food anymore!]

As dusk approached, the sun was still high in the sky. The flowers and plants on both sides of the palace, which had been drying in the sun all day, looked wilted, forming a stark contrast with the boy humming a tune and strolling along. The palace servants passing by stared at him with great curiosity, wondering which family's young master was so lively and energetic.

There's no way around it, people are in high spirits when they have good news. No matter who makes a fortune, they will be happy like this.