Little Pink Starfish

Forgotten in the Rivers and Lakes

Xianzong thought through all his ministers and realized—none of them could help. Was there a more pitiful emperor in the world than him? From depression, His Majesty spiraled straight into despair.

Xiao Wei, watching his monarch remain silent for a long time, could only gently remind, “Your Majesty, those people claim to be monks from Yongsheng Temple. There were many witnesses on the northern city road.”

In other words… the whole city now knew the princess beat up monks from Yongsheng Temple. Xianzong transitioned from despair to indignation. Are you all trying to force me into a swordfight with Mo Wen? I can’t even beat him!

Xiao Wei added, “Your Majesty, those monks are still outside the palace gate. What do you wish to do?”

“You’re asking me?!” Xianzong shot back. “What do you think I should do?”

Xiao Wei hesitated, then lowered his head. “Your servant is merely a bodyguard.”

Right. This one used to be one of his secret guards, but now he was with that daughter of his, setting fires all over the place. Xianzong clutched his head. This isn’t life—this is torture!

Seeing the emperor sigh repeatedly, Xiao Wei finally suggested, “Your Majesty, the princess said those monks were impostors.”

Xianzong looked up.

Xiao Wei instantly lowered his head further. Forget it. Just pretend I didn’t say anything. Ever since traveling with the princess, especially the frequent arson, he wasn’t even scared of the emperor anymore. We set fire to the palace twice, and everyone’s still breathing!

Xianzong muttered, “Xiao Wei, just guard the princess well. But don’t copy her brain—one witless person is enough.”

Xiao Wei wisely shut up.

“If I say they’re impostors,” Xianzong continued, “and Yongsheng Temple later confirms they’re real, do you know what that means?”

Xiao Wei shook his head. “This servant is slow-witted. I don’t know.”

Xianzong snapped, “Then it would be as good as admitting my daughter beat up real monks from Yongsheng Temple! Are you trying to get me killed?”

Xiao Wei lifted his head in disbelief. That many people saw her do it, and the emperor still wants to deny it? Isn’t that a bit much?

The emperor racked his brains for a solution. No way can this fall into Mo Wen’s hands. If it does, I won’t be able to protect her!

Xiao Wei waited patiently. But the emperor… he was asking too much this time. Xiao Wei really had no idea what to do.

Finally, Xianzong’s head throbbed so much that he slammed his desk and declared, “Summon Gu Xinglang.”

Xiao Wei flinched. “Your Majesty, may I ask… why are you summoning the prince consort?” If this was about venting his rage on the poor man, Xiao Wei swore he’d alert Gu Xinglang to run—while dragging the princess along for good measure.

Xianzong stared at Xiao Wei. Is this guy really a bodyguard? When did a lowly servant start questioning my orders?

Even the hidden guards in the room were confused. When did Xiao Wei become so fearless?

Xiao Wei added, “Your Majesty, when I left the monks at the palace gate, the princess was with the prince consort.”

Xianzong immediately felt a migraine. She’s coming too?!

“Do you still wish to summon the prince consort?” Xiao Wei pressed gently. Out of respect for the princess, let it go, Your Majesty…

Xianzong shook his head. Yes, parting ways with my daughter might just be best for both of us.

Xiao Wei breathed a sigh of relief.

“…Wait,” Xianzong suddenly realized, “You think I’m afraid to see her?!”

“This servant would never dare,” Xiao Wei dropped to his knees. I totally think that, but I’d never admit it.

“Your Majesty!” the eunuch steward called from outside. “Grandmaster Chengguan seeks an audience!”

Xianzong trembled. Mo Wen’s lackey is here to settle scores?!

Xiao Wei tensed too. If His Majesty can’t talk his way out of this, what happens to the princess?

“Summon the princess!” Xianzong barked at Xiao Wei. “Quickly! Tell her to come immediately!”

Xiao Wei froze. Shouldn’t the princess be hidden away right now? Why summon her?!

“What are you waiting for?!” Xianzong shouted. “Go!”

“You really want the princess here?” Xiao Wei asked hesitantly.

“If we end up fighting, do you think I can win without her?” Xianzong roared.

Fighting?! Xiao Wei turned pale. He bolted from the study, forgetting even to declare, “Yes, Your Majesty!”

The hidden guards exchanged confused glances. Isn’t it just Chengguan? Why is the emperor acting like Mo Wen’s here himself?

Xianzong clenched his fists. If it really comes down to mutual destruction… even if Yu Ning dies, I’m taking Mo Wen with her!

As Xiao Wei raced from the palace, Chengguan was just entering the gate, escorted by eunuchs.

Meanwhile, Gu Xinglang was still seated with Yu Xiaoxiao in their private room at Big Bowl Restaurant. Gently, he fed her another boneless slice of fish.

“Slow down, it’s all yours,” he said softly.

Yu Xiaoxiao chewed on red-braised fish while wrestling a shrimp in her hands. “Xiao Gu, what should we do about Yongsheng Temple?”

Gu Xinglang replied honestly, “Xiaoxiao, right now we can’t kill Mo Wen.”

Yu Xiaoxiao looked down at her greasy hands. Yeah… unless I can zap him dead with one strike, it’s too risky. What if he’s got another freak like Huanü waiting in the wings?

“Sometimes, when the enemy doesn’t move, we don’t move either,” Gu Xinglang advised. “Let’s see what his next move is first.”

Yu Xiaoxiao frowned. “That’s too passive.”

“What would you do then?”

“Got any poison?” she asked brightly. “Let’s go poison Mo Wen! With my skills, I guarantee I’ll stuff it right into his mouth!”