Ye Luocha acted as if she hadn’t even seen Leng Yue, sitting down to one side and slamming her hand on the table.

“This is outrageous! You weren’t there just now, I—”

“Leng Yue, go keep watch outside.” Di Ji set down his cup gently, glancing at Leng Yue.

“Yes, Father.” Knowing full well this was about Feng Jiu’er, Leng Yue had no intention of staying anyway.

After nodding to Di Ji, she turned and walked out.

Watching Leng Yue close the door, Di Ji’s gaze settled on Ye Luocha.

“What exactly happened? How many times have I told you—we mustn’t let… ugh!”

Whatever grievances they had against Feng Jiu’er, A’Jiu absolutely must not find out. That was non-negotiable.

Ye Luocha let out a cold snort. “I haven’t forgotten what you told me, but I really can’t stand it anymore.”

“Do you know what the one you worked so hard to raise just did? A’Jiu actually hung lanterns alongside the common people, right out in the street.”

“He’s the Crown Prince, the future ruler—and yet he’s doing this kind of thing.”

With Leng Yue keeping watch outside, the two of them could speak freely inside.

Hearing Ye Luocha’s words, Di Ji’s brow furrowed as well.

“This—was this Feng Jiu’er’s idea?”

“Who else could it be?” Ye Luocha’s aura turned icy cold.

It was as if, were Feng Jiu’er standing in front of her right now, she’d tear the woman apart without hesitation.

“I also heard her tell A’Jiu that she likes peace and stability for the nation, that she doesn’t want the common people to suffer.”

“The reason A’Jiu doesn’t want to head north is entirely because of this woman—she cannot be allowed to stay!”

“If we don’t head north, how can we restore the Di clan’s imperial rule? Such a perfect opportunity is right in front of us, and A’Jiu is giving it up for a woman.”

Di Ji’s brow knit tightly, both angry and troubled.

“I know it’s all because of Feng Jiu’er, but A’Jiu once made a harsh vow—what are we supposed to do about that?”

“What must be cut off, should be cut off. Otherwise, our Di clan will never have a chance to rise again,” Ye Luocha said, her voice low and cold.

“Do you know where Mu’er went just now?”

Di Ji met Ye Luocha’s gaze and took a deep breath.

“No need to guess—the moment he got back, he went straight to find Feng Jiu’er,” Ye Luocha said firmly. “After Feng Jiu’er returned, Mu’er stood outside her room the entire time.”

“When I came over just now, he was still standing there alone. That boy’s feelings for this woman are no simple matter—look at that head of white hair on him.”

With that, Ye Luocha let out a soft sigh.

“As for Mu’er, I’m not as worried—he’s much more sensible than A’Jiu. Right now, A’Jiu is the real problem,” Di Ji said, his voice low.

“Absolutely not!” Ye Luocha snorted coldly and stood up. “If we miss this chance, it’ll be very hard to find another.”

“Forget about everything else—if A’Jiu still refuses to agree, we’ll have no choice but to deal with Feng Jiu’er directly.”

Mu’er was someone she’d raised from childhood—did others fail to see his feelings, while she couldn’t?

This boy simply hid things better than his elder brother.

The thought that Feng Jiu’er might end up marrying into the Di family made Ye Luocha’s whole body crawl with discomfort.

It mustn’t happen! She would never allow such a thing to come to pass.

“What exactly do you intend to do?” Di Ji tapped the armrest of his chair lightly. “Sit down! For now, don’t act rashly.”

“I—” Ye Luocha turned to look at Di Ji.

“Sect Master, you should still listen to the Old Sect Master.” Elder Shi, standing to the side, spoke up softly.

Ye Luocha shot Elder Shi a cold glance, then sat back down.

“Didn’t you see Mu’er’s expression just now yourself? Do you really think it’s only because she’s the Feng Phoenix Maiden that he can’t bear to be without her?”

Whether it was Mu Mu or Zhan Qingcheng, Ye Luocha couldn’t stand to see either of the two brothers troubled or unhappy.

“Even if Mu’er truly does love Feng Jiu’er, then what?” Di Ji looked at Ye Luocha, his voice dropping lower as well.

“Right now, the most important thing is convincing A’Jiu to head north and restore Di clan rule—that’s the priority above all else, do you understand?”

“How could I not understand?” Ye Luocha’s crescent brows knit tightly. “Do you think you’re the only one who wants to restore the Di imperial clan?”

“All these years of hard work—what do you think it’s all been for? Do you think it’s been for myself?”

Meeting Ye Luocha’s gaze, Di Ji closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh.

“I know your thinking is the same as mine, but I hope you can stay calm.”

“With Mu’er still standing there pining like a fool, and A’Jiu no longer listening to a word we say, how am I supposed to stay calm?” Ye Luocha said coldly.

“So what you’re saying is, we should go kill Feng Jiu’er right now?” The moment Ye Luocha finished speaking, Di Ji’s voice rang out.

“Let alone the fact that A’Jiu would never allow it—you’re no match for Feng Jiu’er right now anyway.”

“In the end, you wouldn’t be able to kill her, and you’d only earn A’Jiu’s resentment. It would cost us far more than it’s worth.”

Di Ji’s words left Ye Luocha speechless.

Standing guard outside, Leng Yue’s emotions had been swinging wildly along with the conversation inside.

How she longed to go in and list every fault of Feng Jiu’er’s, how she longed for Ye Luocha to go kill that vile woman right now.

But for now, all she could do was wait.

To win back Di Ji’s confidence in her, Leng Yue stood outside the door without moving an inch.

The hall fell silent for a good while, and Ye Luocha’s anger gradually began to subside.

Di Ji’s words had cut straight to the point, forcing her to reconsider the matter.

“Then what do you suggest we do next?”

“Let me probe A’Jiu’s intentions a bit further. Don’t let Feng Jiu’er’s return throw us into a panic the moment she’s back,” Di Ji replied softly, his composure restored.

“And if he still refuses to head north, then what?” Ye Luocha asked in a low voice.

“We’ll discuss it again then. This battle must be fought, no matter what.”

With that, Di Ji waved a hand.

“Go on back. Until we’ve worked out a plan, don’t act rashly under any circumstances.”

“Oh, and the New Year is almost here—don’t go around with such a sour face all the time, it makes the young people uncomfortable to see.”

“What do you mean by that?” Ye Luocha looked at Di Ji, brow furrowing.

“You know what I mean.” Di Ji picked up a book from beside him and waved his hand again. “Go on back. A’Jiu hasn’t come looking for me, so visit me less—I don’t want him getting any ideas.”

After staring at Di Ji for a moment, Ye Luocha stood up.

“Fine, I’ll head over now. As long as you guarantee this battle will be fought, I’ll listen to you on everything else.”

“Go on, then. Have some new clothes made for the young people,” Di Ji said softly, without looking up. “It’s almost the New Year, dress yourself properly too.”

“And get a couple extra outfits made for you as well.” With that final remark, Ye Luocha turned and left.

The last part of the conversation left Leng Yue utterly confused. Just as she was trying to listen more carefully, she sensed two sets of footsteps approaching.

Ye Luocha pulled open the door and walked out, with Elder Shi close behind.

“Senior Ye, are you heading back?” Leng Yue asked softly.

Ye Luocha didn’t even glance at Leng Yue, walking straight past her.

Leng Yue took a deep breath, turned, and pushed open the door.