Chapter 2: Once you are no longer my woman, what are you even worth?

Shi Wushuang sat tall in his saddle, putting on a grand show before dismounting with what he considered a remarkably dashing flourish. Seeing Li Ye’s reaction—which he misinterpreted as a smile born of overwhelming grief and an inability to let go—he walked forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Qin Qingxue. Only then did he deign to greet Li Ye.

"Shi Wushuang of the Cloud-Crest Pavilion pays his respects to the Sixth Prince!"

His words were polite, but he was far too arrogant to even bother with a bow. While the Cloud-Crest Pavilion held a transcendent status—so much so that its disciples were not required to kneel even before the Emperor—common courtesy and etiquette toward members of the royal family were still expected. It was clear that Shi Wushuang was putting on a display of dominance, looking down on Li Ye entirely.

Li Ye didn't even bother to glance at him, offering no response whatsoever. Shi Wushuang, mistakenly believing Li Ye was consumed by jealousy, felt even more smug. "I have heard of the matters between you two from Qingxue," he said. "She has indeed received much care from you. However, feelings cannot be forced. Qingxue and I are in love, and I have already petitioned our Pavilion Master to accept her as a disciple of the Cloud-Crest Pavilion. If Your Highness requires anything in the future, just ask; the people of the Cloud-Crest Pavilion do not leave debts of gratitude unpaid."

"Your Highness," Qin Qingxue chimed in, "ever since I met Young Master Wushuang, I have truly understood my own heart. My feelings for you were merely those of a sister toward a brother; it was never true love. Let us be like siblings from now on, shall we?"

"Your Highness should know that the Cloud-Crest Pavilion holds an exalted position and possesses immense power," Shi Wushuang added haughtily. "My union with Qingxue means that the Cloud-Crest Pavilion will henceforth throw its full support behind the Dayuan Dynasty. We can at least guarantee that the Dayuan Dynasty will remain as solid as a rock for decades, if not centuries, to come."

Qin Qingxue gazed at him, her eyes filled with infatuation. She turned back to Li Ye with a colder, almost impatient expression. "Your Highness, there was never a formal commitment between us! I am telling you this officially only out of respect for your status. I hope you will consider the bigger picture and harbor no resentment."

Li Ye raised a hand, cutting them off. He felt nauseated, as if he had swallowed a fly. Wanting to be siblings with him? Was a woman like her even worthy? Had he known she was so fickle, he never would have spared her a second glance.

"Since there is no longer any connection between us, I will provide no further preferential treatment to the Qin family. I wish you all the best."

Without another look, Li Ye turned and left with his retinue.

"It seems this Sixth Prince isn't as pathetic as the rumors suggest; he at least knows how to let go," Shi Wushuang whispered, comforting Qin Qingxue. "Though, perhaps he is only feigning detachment to save face in front of the crowd. No matter. With me and the Cloud-Crest Pavilion by your side, even the Emperor of Dayuan must show us respect. No one cares about a disfavored prince, and the Emperor certainly won't make things difficult for you over a good-for-nothing son."

"Hmph, I, Qin Qingxue, am not one to bow to power," she declared firmly. "All my achievements were earned through my own hard work. Even His Majesty the Emperor has no right to interfere in my marriage."

"That’s the spirit! You are a disciple of the Cloud-Crest Pavilion now; you should have that pride!" Shi Wushuang praised.

The surrounding crowd, who had come to catch a glimpse of the pair, were left stunned. They had expected a celebration, but instead witnessed a scandal. Everyone knew that Li Ye and Qin Qingxue were a couple, and to the common folk, Li Ye’s devotion to her had bordered on groveling. In an era where men were held in higher regard, such behavior often drew contempt. Most people felt understanding toward Qin Qingxue for abandoning Li Ye; the Cloud-Crest Pavilion’s reputation was legendary—it was said that whoever held their support held the world. With Shi Wushuang being their most brilliant young disciple and Qin Qingxue a celebrated female general of Dayuan, everyone felt they were a perfect match.

"Good! Qin Qingxue has made the right choice! Only Young Master Shi Wushuang is worthy of her," a bystander remarked.

"The Cloud-Crest Pavilion is not only forming an alliance with our dynasty through marriage, but they have also taken Qin Qingxue as a disciple. The Dayuan Dynasty will surely grow even stronger!"

"Who would choose the Sixth Prince? He’s the least favored in the royal family, obsessed with business—he has no future," others gossiped.

Qin Qingxue and Shi Wushuang, both highly skilled in martial arts, heard every word clearly. They exchanged a confident smile, remounted their horses, and continued on. As the Cloud-Crest Pavilion’s appointed representative to the Dayuan Dynasty, Shi Wushuang was set to receive an official title, and having performed great service alongside Qin Qingxue, they were both headed to receive their rewards.

Seeing the public support, they lost all trace of anxiety and grew even more brazen in their display of affection.

On the way back, Xiao Cui was livid. Having served Li Ye closely for years, she knew exactly how much he had sacrificed for Qin Qingxue. To have it all severed with a single word of "breakup" was infuriating. "This is too much! How could Qin Qingxue do this to Your Highness?" she cried. "It’s such a loss for you! You gave her so much—at the very least, she should pay back all that money!"

"Hmph, I told you long ago not to treat that woman so well," Linyue scoffed. Despite being a maid, she did not mince words with Li Ye.

Xiao Cui fretted, "How can you speak to His Highness like that? Mind your place!"

"Hmph, it’s good to see her true colors early. Better to have it over with, or who knows how much more of His Highness’s blood she would have sucked," Linyue said, head held high. Though her tongue was sharp, her eyes sparkled with joy; she clearly approved of the split.

"Enough, say no more!" Li Ye interjected. "You know my nature. Of course I would cherish my woman. Spending heavily to support her campaigns was for the stability of the Dayuan Dynasty and its people. I am a man who can hold on and let go; there is no need to dwell on such matters."

"Of course, Your Highness is the best. There is no better master in the world," Xiao Cui quickly agreed. "You treat even us servants so well; everyone in the other manors is envious!"

Linyue added, "Since she is no longer your woman, we should cut off all supplies to the Qin family. We cannot let them take advantage of us any longer!"

"Indeed, I shall not play the fool. Send the orders," Li Ye said with a stretch, his tone relaxed. "I had prepared a banquet to welcome them, but since things have turned out this way, we shall eat it ourselves!"

"Hurray!" Xiao Cui cheered. Their master was extremely particular about food; the meals he prepared were often better than what the Emperor himself ate. Seeing that Li Ye was truly unaffected, she finally set her mind at ease.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study, Emperor Li Xuantian of Dayuan was listening to a report. He flew into a rage. "What did you say? She announced the breakup with Li Ye in public? Preposterous! A mere woman, daring to disregard the royal family—she must have the gall of a beast!"