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No wonder Mu Ying blushed a little when she saw me this morning, and looked at Yi Ge with shy admiration.

Just like how Brother Xuan and Brother Yuan insisted on marrying me off, this Uncle Gui is also insisting on having an heir for Yi Ge. If he weren't a man, and not past his prime, he probably would have to personally arrange for him to have an heir.

But considering the destruction of the Ghost Palace, it is indeed very important that this only descendant be passed down to future generations.

In my opinion, Yi Ge's "hmm" was also very meaningful. As for me, it felt like I had been doused with ice water in winter. If it weren't for my pride, I would have been shivering in the early May sun and could only try my best to stay upright.

I didn't quite catch the rest of what he said. It was something like the young master and the princess had a deep relationship, and this suggestion might displease the princess, but since the princess was of royal lineage, she would surely be magnanimous about it; he also said that no matter what, I would be the legal mother after the child was born... and so on.

I really can't learn to be magnanimous. I know that my father gave up all his concubines to marry my mother because he loved her, and my mother loved my father the most. If it were my father who wanted to take a concubine, I wonder what my mother would do, whether she would leave or forgive him out of love.

So, is my feeling for Yi Ge love? And does Yi Ge love me? Perhaps it's just habit, or perhaps it's merely liking.

I sat curled up by the stream for a long time, but running away wasn't the solution; I had to go back and face it eventually. My head was spinning, but I remembered answering Gui Ye: "Let me discuss it with Yi Ge before we decide."

I slowly returned to the cabin, only to find Chunman looking out from the front. Seeing me, she exclaimed happily, "Finally, one of you is back! Wait, isn't the Prince Consort coming back for lunch again?"

I was too lazy to speak and shook my head listlessly.

Everyone was there for lunch except for Yi Ge, Mu Ying, and Uncle Xu. Qi Long noticed I looked tired and asked, "Did you go to the underground palace this morning? Did something happen? You seem so listless."

I said, "I went to look for the knife, but I didn't see Zhu Hong."

Qi Long said, "If there's nothing to it, then there's nothing to it. There's no need to be so discouraged. You must have something else on your mind."

Since they were all close relatives, I had nothing to hide. I smiled bitterly and said, "Master Gui has come to see me again. Yi Ge is not taking Fang Lan'er as his concubine. They want him to marry Mu Ying. They probably think that since Mu Ying made a mistake that prevented me from having children, she should pay for it with her body."

Qi Long put down his bowl: "Didn't you run into Yi Ge? What did he say?"

I said, "Master Gui told me about this after I met Yi Ge. Of course, he also asked Yi Ge for his opinion, and Yi Ge replied with an 'hmm.' Mu Ying has a different meaning for Yi Ge; she's like a dream from his youth."

Qianqian slammed her chopsticks down heavily: "Are all men like this? I always thought Yi Ge was a hundred times better than Bai Yifei, and he seemed to care about you a lot, but it turns out he's just like that."

I said wistfully, "In his heart, I'm the one who arrived late. He's been quite good to me, isn't he? It's just that I never thought he would find her. Before, when I wasn't so concerned, I thought that if he found her, I would set him free. Now that he has actually found her, I can't let go. I can only blame myself."

Because of my mood, everyone was a bit silent during the meal.

Not far from the wooden house by the stream, there was a particularly tall clump of banana trees. Their leaves, spread out, resembled a giant natural umbrella. The sun had already moved westward, and a gentle breeze blew by the stream, making the area under the banana trees exceptionally cool. I suddenly felt like having tea, so I moved the small table from the porch there, fetched a small chair, and sat down under the banana tree. I then brewed some tea. Taking a sip of the hot tea, the hot water entered my throat, and sweat began to bead on my face. A gentle breeze carried away some of the heat, leaving me feeling completely refreshed.

As we were drinking, someone else pulled up a small chair and sat down on the other side. I turned my head and saw that it was Zibu.

Zibu glanced at my expression and slowly asked, "So what do you plan to do?"

I touched my forehead and said, "Well, I still have to ask him to confirm his feelings. I really can't give him a child. If he has Muying in his heart, I will naturally give in to him. If I keep him by my side, I will despise myself, and I'm afraid Mother won't agree either."

He gave a soft "hmm" and said, "That's true, Aunt. She's a person who is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. You are actually very similar to her. We don't care about other royal relatives and nobles, but at least in our Xin family, it's extremely rare for them to take concubines. In my opinion, being kind to people should be wholehearted and without any conditions. Illness is an unpredictable thing, not a mistake, so it shouldn't be used as a measure. You really shouldn't take it to heart."

I gave a bitter smile: "I didn't want to take it to heart at first, but I couldn't stop people from reminding me, right? Like Yi Ge, he also told me that he didn't want to have children so soon. But he still wanted children, right? So, maybe we really aren't meant to be, and I really shouldn't have made that mistake back then." As I said this, my nose tingled, and tears welled up in my eyes without me even realizing it.

Zibu raised his hand to wipe away my tears: "You've really changed these past two years. Where did that competitive Wu'er go, the one who could kick me into the pond? Seeing you cry makes my heart ache. Wu'er, if he takes a concubine, do you really want to leave him?"

My nose was a little stuffy: "If that's the case, what is there left for me to cherish?"

Zibu, as if he had made up his mind, said, "Wu'er, if you've made up your mind to start over, remember to look back. I... will always be waiting for you in the same place."

I stared in astonishment, not knowing how to respond. I thought that once my mother said my marriage was settled, his matter was over. But it turns out he was really quite serious about it.

In the silence, I suddenly caught a faint scent of pine. Startled, I turned to see Yi Ge standing by the stream, watching me, with Mu Ying a few steps behind. I didn't know how much of my conversation with Zi Bu they had overheard.

They came home really early today. I suppose they have something to talk about.

Suddenly, Yi Ge stepped forward, grabbed my hand, and walked away, ignoring Zi Bu and Mu Ying behind him. On the short walk from the stream back to our room upstairs in the wooden house, his grip on my hand was so tight it hurt.

Back in the room, I shook off his hand, but he didn't say anything. He just stared at me blankly, his eyes turning a little red.

I really couldn't take it anymore. I had a deep doubt that even without Mu Ying involved, our relationship—where we barely exchanged a few words each day and resolved every conflict with physical fights—could really go far. I really wanted to turn away, but I held back and asked, "Don't you have anything to say to me? Or, don't you have anything to ask me?"

He said, "You knew everything?"

What do I know? If I know, don't you have any explanation? A small flame of anger flared up in my heart. I said, "Yes, Master Gui told me that you've taken a concubine. I won't say who you're taking, or whether you like her or not. I just want to ask you, isn't taking a concubine to ensure you have an heir a matter between us? Why does Master Gui have to tell me all this? You wouldn't tell me first, making me the last one to know, catching me completely off guard?"

There was a hint of urgency in his eyes: "I've told you before, I have no intention of taking a concubine."

I turned my head and chuckled, "I didn't intend to arrange a marriage at first, but Brother Xuan was worried that I wouldn't be able to get married, so he was anxious. I understood, so I arranged it. You didn't want to take a concubine, but Master Gui was eager for you to have an heir. Master Gui told me that this time he wanted you to take Mu Ying as a concubine, and you agreed to it. I know that Mu Ying has a special place in your heart, and you like her a little, right?"

He paused for a moment, then replied, "No, no. She just reminded me of those days." His tone wasn't as crisp as usual; there was a hint of gentleness at the end. He was indeed nostalgic.

I continued, "Okay, I remember what I told you before. If you find someone you like, tell me, and I'll set you free. Don't worry about me losing face; it's me who's leaving you anyway. But why are you being so secretive? Aren't you afraid to admit your feelings?"

He was stunned for a moment, and opened his mouth to say, "I..."

I said again, "I understand. Don't worry, I will definitely help you."

A hint of sadness flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice, "So, you really don't have me in your heart anymore?"

I was somewhat indignant: I originally thought he was clumsy with words, but it turns out he's like Pigsy from Journey to the West, capable of turning the tables on his opponent.

Just as I was about to say that I am clearly no match for the angelic girl in your heart, and cannot win your heart, I heard some arguing below.

Looking out the window, I saw Chunman and Qianqian arguing with Muying. It wasn't an argument; they were blaming Muying.

I heard Chunman's voice say, "Miss Mu, I never knew you were this kind of person, actually trying to steal the prince consort from the princess. Hasn't the princess treated you well? You've caused her this much trouble, and she hasn't even blamed you, yet you treat her like this now? You've caused the princess and her consort to separate. What are you really up to?"

Qianqian also said, "Don't think that just because you had a chance encounter with the prince consort when you were young, he likes you. You've seen how he treats the princess these days. Can't you see who's the most important person in his heart? I advise you not to squeeze between them. You should go back to your own home. Staying here any longer is just being pathetic."

Yi Ge hurried downstairs with a grim face, and I followed him. I saw him step in front of Mu Ying and say to Chun Man and Qian Qian, "Chun Man, Miss He Lan, Mu Ying is both a guest and a friend. Could you please be more considerate?"

Mu Ying's eyes filled with tears as she hid behind his tall figure.

Chunman and Qianqian stared at him in shock. I felt as if I had been pricked hard on the fingertip while embroidering; the pain came quickly and spread rapidly, but it was not easy for it to subside.

Now we truly know who is most important to him.

When Qianqian realized what was happening, she was a little annoyed: "Brother-in-law, are you angry because she's a guest or a friend, or because she's about to become your concubine? I really feel sorry for Awu!"

Chunman ran towards me and said, "Princess, are you sick? Why is your face so pale?"

Yi Ge turned to look at me, his eyes filled with surprise, pain, and confusion. I closed my eyes and shook my head, saying, "I'm fine, maybe it's just heatstroke." Then I said to Yi Ge, "Then take good care of your guests and friends." With that, I turned and went upstairs.

Downstairs was quiet. I saw from the window that after I went back to my room, Qianqian pulled Chunman inside as well. Only Yige and Muying remained standing silently in the open space in front of the house. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they left the wooden house one after the other.

Author's Note: It's starting to erupt.

Some readers have commented that the female lead isn't strong at all. Well, that's true; "strong female lead" is a label the writers attached. While I don't think the female lead is particularly strong, even the strongest woman has her vulnerable moments. Wu Bao's insecurity stems from her past heartbreak; after developing feelings for Yi Ge, she becomes insecure and conflicted. On one hand, she's constantly suspicious, and on the other hand, she instinctively wants to protect herself and let go. So, she has some of the typical "little woman" mentality. Yi Ge also has feelings for the men around Wu Bao, but he can't express them, causing the conflict to deepen.

Chapter Forty: Saving the Relationship

I had a sleepless night and didn't know when I fell asleep, but when I woke up it was still dark. I lay there with my eyes open for a while before the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon.

Yi Ge didn't return to his room last night. Yes, I heard him come back. Although his footsteps are always as light as a cat's, the stairs of this wooden house, like the wooden bed, seem to talk to themselves, and like the wooden walls, they are not very sturdy, so they let out sounds that he didn't want others to hear. My ears are very sensitive, so I knew he had returned. He stood at the door for a while, but then went downstairs again. I didn't hear the door being opened again.

Unable to stay in bed any longer, I got up and went downstairs. As I walked up the stairs, I heard Chunman's surprised voice: "Prince Consort!" Leaning against the handrail, I saw Yi Ge sitting up from two benches pushed together; he must have slept there fully clothed last night. It's early summer, so it shouldn't be cold, but his left arm… I shook my head: He doesn't even want to come inside, and you're still worrying about whether he'll get cold? What's the point of worrying about his arm? Which of his two wounds did you bandage? Didn't he come back with them properly bandaged? There are plenty of places and people who will bandage him.

Hearing my footsteps, Chunman looked up and asked in surprise, "Princess, why are you up so early today?"

Yi Ge's gaze enveloped me, but I couldn't discern his emotions, so I simply stopped looking.

I nodded to Chunman: "I can't sleep, I'm going to practice my whip for a while." I walked out, passing through his complicated gaze.

Practicing with the whip was just an excuse. I had no interest in practicing with the whip; I was just randomly whipping the bushes with my whip.

A morning mist still lingered in the woods by the stream. I watched the green leaves I had torn apart fluttering in the mist, and my spirits plummeted again. I sat down on a rock by the stream, burying my face in my hands, staring blankly at my reflection in the water.

Have I been hurt by love again? Am I going to fall twice in the same place?

I slowly reflected on our time together over the past year, or more precisely, these nine months. I think Yi Ge wasn't indifferent to me; I don't know if it counts as love, but at least he cared about me. However, compared to the youthful feelings for my dream lover, I wondered which was more important. Although I had a good family background and good looks, Mu Ying wasn't much different, and besides, someone like Yi Ge wouldn't be burdened by his family background like Bai Yifei.

I'm being compared again. With Bai Yifei, it was about family background; with Yi Ge, it was about feelings. I don't know which is more important now. The worst part is, I've had feelings for both of them, and they weren't indifferent to me either. But Yi Ge has never actually said he likes me; I hope I'm not just imagining things.

I've really forgotten the pain once the wound has healed.

Lost in thought, she suddenly noticed another face on the stream—a face with red, swollen eyes and tears streaming down her face. It was Mu Ying.

She stood behind me, and when she saw me turn around, she spoke with a hint of timidity, "Sister Qi, I came to find you early this morning. Chunman said you were practicing whip training, so I came here."

I sat up straight: "You wanted to see me? Is there something you need?"

She nodded and said, “Last night, Brother Yi escorted me to the garrison in Famen. He told me he didn’t want to take a concubine, and that Master Gui and I might have misunderstood him. I… I didn’t sleep a wink last night, and I also have something to say to you. I know it’s my fault that you and Brother Yi have fallen apart. I also know that Brother Yi is rather quiet, but he cares deeply for you. However, I noticed that you’ve always been lukewarm towards him, so I assumed you didn’t like him that much. That’s why I agreed when Master Gui came. That incident hurt both you and Brother Yi. I thought that since you don’t like him that much, I would care for him more for you. Your inability to have children is also my fault, so I will help you have an heir for him. I’m not trying to take Brother Yi away from you. If he doesn’t marry me, I won’t complain, but I’ve thought about it, and I really want to have an heir for him. I’ll give you the child I have, and I’ll stay far away from you both. I know Sister Qi won’t mistreat the child.”

I was dumbfounded and stared at her blankly.

I said, let's not talk about me for now, do you think your family would agree? I don't think Yi Ge would agree either.

She lowered her head and said, "I can't worry about my family anymore. Brother Yi has been kind to me, and I want to repay that kindness. My family might not disagree. But Brother Yi... he refuses. He says he can't let me down."

Yes, he wouldn't let the girl he like have his child without any status or recognition.

What about me? I'd have to be a fool to agree. How would I feel raising a child that isn't mine, a child of Yi Ge's, and watching him every day?

I shook my head too: "Then I won't either. Either I leave, and you can marry him and have his children in peace. Or you leave. I haven't decided yet. Once I have, I'll talk to Yi Ge."

She burst into tears: "But, but, I really never thought of asking you to leave. I know you might not accept that Brother Yi has a concubine, so you don't want a title either, is that not acceptable?"

I must look like a wife who refuses to let her husband's pregnant mistress into the house. But I have no heart to coax her anymore. I'm so tired. I've always had trouble sleeping, so I feel tired and irritable. So I said, "Well, I've already said I'm giving up my place for you. If you want to have children for him, go ahead and have them. Is that not enough?"

I wanted to cry, but I couldn't.

Frustrated, I turned to leave, but after a few steps, I found a wall of flesh blocking my way, emanating a faint scent of sweat and pine. I took a step back, intending to walk around him, but he grabbed my arm. I knew his strength; I couldn't break free. But I was enraged. If martial arts wouldn't work, I'd resort to my usual thuggish methods. I stomped my foot hard. He gasped, but didn't release me. Instead, he forcefully pulled me into his arms. His face and eyes were red as he yelled at me, "I won't take concubines! I don't want children! Stop this!"

The cabin wasn't far from here. Through the gaps in the trees, I could see Qi Long, Qian Qian, Zi Bu, and the others standing in front of the cabin. There was also Fang Lan'er. It seemed that Fang Lan'er had brought Mu Ying here early in the morning.

My memories of that morning are a bit hazy. I only remember that Ziqian came up and took Muying away, and Yige dragged me back to my room. Looking back, I realize he's never done anything like that in front of others before. He said there were some urgent matters to attend to in the underground palace today, and asked if this matter could be discussed after the treasure hunt was over.

I could hear the weariness in his voice, and I knew how difficult it was for the Ghost Palace, with its weak forces, to navigate the martial arts world. But I still felt wronged. Taking a concubine was just a loose thread; what I cared about was the hand pulling the thread—whether it broke or continued to pull out more threads.

After a brief period of chaos in the morning, everyone naturally went about their own business. When I came to my senses, only Qianqian and I were left in the wooden cabin.

I sat down on the veranda again, but drinking tea didn't seem to relieve my worries. So I went to the kitchen and brought out the leftover pear blossom wine from my birthday celebration. Sure enough, I got drunk and forgot all these troubles. That was good.

After only two drinks, Qianqian silently sat down opposite me and poured herself a glass. I smiled and clinked glasses with her. As soon as I put down my glass, she suddenly said, "You said you wanted a divorce, but you can't let him go."

I nodded: "If I've let it go, what else do I have to worry about?"

She added, "I think he has feelings for you too, but I don't know why he's so protective of that girl. Can a man's feelings be divided equally between two women?"

I smiled wryly: "Qianqian, do you think I look like someone whose man will be stolen by my friends? First, there was Bai Yifei, who was targeted by Nan Ya. He said he still had feelings for me, but he still ended up in Nan Ya's arms. Now it's Yi Ge. I still don't know if Mu Ying is paying off a debt or stealing someone else's man."

After three drinks, Qianqian's face flushed slightly. Pointing at me, she laughed, "Don't you know? You're such a pushover in front of acquaintances. If they don't take from you, who will they take from? I heard about Nanya from Sister Mei. She said that when you were in Longcheng, you were so generous, always thinking of Nanya and sharing everything with her. Well then, why don't you share your man with her too? Too bad, she doesn't want to share; she wants the whole thing. This time, it's the same with Muying. You said you get along well with her, that she's simple-minded, just a little impulsive, and that you're not at fault for hurting your body like that, still taking care of her affectionately as usual. Fine, you don't care about hurting your body, but will you care about hurting your heart?"

I smoothed my bangs that were hanging down my forehead: "So I'm this easy to bully. I always thought I was the female warrior in front of Bai Yifei."

The two each drank another glass, and Qianqian said again, "Bai Yifei, you just let it go like that? Did you really not think about fighting for it back then?"

I smiled bitterly. "Back then, Nan Ya came to me and said, 'You've seen what Nanfeng Fort looks like. The only thing that can get me out of there now is marriage. Actually, back in Dragon City, Bai Ma Manor and Nanfeng Fort had already shown signs of a marriage alliance. At that time, I didn't know Brother Bai, so I didn't feel anything when I saw you two together. But now, I only like Brother Bai. I know you must have a good family background, and many people like you. I see that Yi Sang from the Shen family and your cousin have very special feelings for you. But for me, there's only Brother Bai. Xiao Wu, you should think about me too. I'm already his now. If I don't marry him, my life will be ruined.' I thought about her, and I thought about myself too. If I knew my husband had betrayed me, could I still stay with him? I think I couldn't, so I gave up. Is that considered giving in?"

She then asked, "So now, Yi Ge, are you really still going to give in?"

I tugged at my hair in frustration: "Ugh, I don't know. I don't know how far he's gone with Mu Ying."