Bai Yueru was drowning.

Not literally—unfortunately—but in humiliation.

She had spent years carefully crafting her reputation as the most elegant, most gentle, most beloved lady in the empire.

And yet, in just a few minutes, Xia Wei had shredded it like old laundry.

The worst part?

The Crown Prince himself had witnessed it.

And now, instead of offering Bai Yueru even a glance of pity, he was…

Standing in front of Xia Wei.

Like she was the only person in the room.

His Highness Dares To Speak

Li Xuan was an unreadable man.

Cold. Ruthless. A strategic monster.

People feared him.

People respected him.

People worshiped him.

And yet, here he was, choosing violence with her.

“So, you’ve finally stopped hiding.”

The noble ladies gasped.

Bai Yueru froze.

The whispers began immediately.

But Xia Wei?

Xia Wei almost laughed.

Hiding?

Did this man think he was the protagonist of a bad romance novel?

She let out a slow, elegant sigh, tilting her head. “Your Highness, I wasn’t aware I needed to ‘hide’ anything. Or perhaps I should ask—are you speaking to your own reflection?”

The whispers died.

Li Xuan’s golden eyes flashed.

Oh.

Did he not expect a response?

She continued, voice silken and calm. “After all, isn’t it you who has been hiding behind cold glances and dramatic pauses, pretending to be profound?”

The noble ladies gasped louder.

Even Bai Yueru turned pale.

Xia Wei just roasted the Crown Prince. In broad daylight.

But Xia Wei wasn’t done.

She gave him a once-over, as if she were evaluating cheap market goods.

“I must say, Your Highness,” she mused, “I expected more from the rumored dragon of the empire. Instead, I find a peacock who enjoys listening to himself speak.”

Silence.

The kind of silence people write historical tragedies about.

The emperor’s son. The future ruler of the empire.

Just got verbally folded like cheap laundry.

Li Xuan stared at her.

And then—

He smiled.

A slow, dangerous smile.

Xia Wei sighed inwardly. Oh, great. He’s one of those.

The ones that enjoy being kicked.

She should have known.

After all, every dog likes a strong owner.