With the realm newly settled and the people living in peace, the capital appeared increasingly prosperous and lively.

On this day, a long queue once again formed before Six-Petaled Flower Studio.

Speaking of Six-Petaled Flower Studio, its history stretched far back—it was a century-old establishment.

That Six-Petaled Flower Studio remained so popular to this day was because it regularly released story books with bizarre plots, drawing countless people to purchase them. Even people from other regions entrusted relatives and friends in the capital to buy them.

Of course, not every new story book release drew such a long queue. It was just that over the past year and more, people had grown accustomed to this scene.

Six-Petaled Flower Studio had produced an author called “The Dream Figure,” whose brilliant talent was stunning. The story books he wrote left readers spellbound, forgetting to eat and sleep.

In the morning light, with a creak, the century-old bookshop’s doors opened.

People surged forward in excitement. The experienced shop assistants shouted, “Form a proper queue! First come, first served!”

Those at the front entered first and soon emerged holding brand new story books, opening them to read as they walked, unable to wait.

“What’s the story about?” those still queuing asked.

That person’s eyes remained fixed on the story book as he replied with a touch of showing off, “It’s the third installment of the supernatural tales—*Returning Soul*.”

The Dream Figure’s first story was titled *Spirit Fox*, the second *Painting Bones*. These two supernatural tales had made this author’s reputation soar, leaving countless people waiting for the third installment to appear.

Hearing the title, those in line immediately felt their hearts itch unbearably, wishing they could read it right away.

But just then, the shop assistant called out, “Master Dream Figure’s story books are sold out. Customers wishing to purchase other books may enter now.”

With a rustle, more than half the queue dispersed. Those who hadn’t bought the story book quickly surrounded those who had.

“Quickly tell us what *Returning Soul* is mainly about.”

“It’s written about a woman who had an accident and fell into a coma. After waking, her temperament changed drastically. Actually, an evil spirit had borrowed her corpse to return to the living. Later, she was even enfeoffed as princess for merit in saving the emperor…”

“How did an evil spirit become a princess? Tell us quickly.”

That person shook his head knowingly. “This is just the synopsis. I’ll tell you the details after I go home and read it carefully.”

Watching that person walk away with such satisfaction, a group of people stamped their feet, hearts itching.

Master Dream Figure’s *Spirit Fox* and *Painting Bones* were both excellent reads. *Returning Soul* would surely not disappoint. Unfortunately, the number of new story books released each time was limited. To read it, they could only wait for next month’s additional printing.

On the imperial desk, a story book titled *Returning Soul* sat before Luo Chen.

Luo Chen had already looked through it, staring at the title with an expression like still water.

His trusted eunuch stood to the side, not daring to make a sound.

Though the new emperor was young, he was intelligent, reserved, and possessed considerable authority.

After a long while, Luo Chen spoke. “This is a new story written by The Dream Figure?”

“Yes.”

“How many copies did Six-Petaled Flower Studio print in total?”

“In response to Your Majesty, they printed one hundred copies total.” Observing the new emperor’s expression, the eunuch added, “This is Six-Petaled Flower Studio’s usual tactic—control the quantity of new story books, then sell them in large quantities after a month has passed…”

Luo Chen’s expression darkened slightly as he said flatly, “Go tell the owner of Six-Petaled Flower Studio that *Returning Soul* must not appear on the market again.”

The eunuch acknowledged the order.

Luo Chen’s eyebrows didn’t move, but his tone grew colder. “As for that Dream Figure, sever his hand tendons. I don’t want to see him write any new stories.”

The eunuch’s heart jumped, and he hastily agreed.

“Go handle it.”

The eunuch bowed and withdrew. Luo Chen walked to the window, gazing at the scenery outside the imperial study in a daze.

In an ordinary residence in the eastern part of the city, a man in blue robes with disheveled hair was writing furiously.

On the writing desk were manuscripts piled high, emanating a faint fragrance of ink.

A knock came from outside. He set down his brush, rubbed his wrist, and revealed a trace of a smile.

Today was the day *Returning Soul* was released. The visitor must be someone from Six-Petaled Flower Studio bringing payment for ink and brushes and reserving the next story.

The appearance of *Spirit Fox* and *Painting Bones* had all been to allow *Returning Soul* to naturally appear before the world.

But this wasn’t enough.

Though *Returning Soul* wrote about an evil spirit borrowing a corpse to return as a princess, it still couldn’t make people associate it with that infinitely glorious Princess Imperial. It only left readers with a vague notion.

What he truly wanted to show the world was the fourth installment of the supernatural tales—*Disaster Water*.

Stories with supernatural elements always spread quickly. When that time came, he would see how the imperial family could silence the endless discourse of the realm.

Even if the world treated it as just a story, could the person who was the story’s protagonist escape embarrassment?

The knocking grew more urgent.

The man straightened his clothes and walked out.

Unable to speak, he shook the copper bell inside the door.

A voice came from outside the door. “Snowflakes.”

Hearing these two words, the man reached out to open the door.

Six-petaled flowers fly before the door; all matters rest before the wine vessel.

Six-petaled flowers was another name for snowflakes. Hearing these two words, he knew the visitor was from Six-Petaled Flower Studio.

If the person outside had directly said “Six-Petaled Flower Studio,” he wouldn’t have opened the door.

The door opened. Seeing the person outside, the man’s eyes shrank and he instinctively tried to close the door.

“Don’t be hasty.” Shi Yan blocked the door with a cheerful smile.

His hand rose, the blade fell, cold light flashed, then he closed the door and left.

Inside, the man clutched his wrist and rolled on the ground in agony, unable to make a sound.

He stared at the closed door, terrified and furious.

That was Prince Kaiyang’s man!

So Prince Kaiyang had been having him watched all along, even knowing the code phrase agreed upon with Six-Petaled Flower Studio!

His suspicions hadn’t been wrong—that wretch Luo Sheng truly had been possessed by a wandering ghost.

Lying on the ground looking at the cramped sky, Su Yao’s eyes were full of resentment.

In the dream, it hadn’t been like this at all.

He had been Jinsha’s most outstanding young man, blessed by heaven, smoothly progressing, only waiting to pass the imperial examinations and enter officialdom to begin a splendid life.

But at seventeen, a Miss Luo came from the capital.

A chance encounter began her relentless pursuit. Later, when things became truly serious, his family, intimidated by Grand Commander Luo’s power, had no choice but to agree to the marriage.

That had been the beginning of his nightmare.

For Miss Luo, there was no satisfaction in getting what she wanted. Before long, she grew tired of the bland, tedious days and continued to shamelessly seduce handsome men.

When his mother angrily scolded her, she received a slap in return.

Unable to bear the humiliation, his mother swallowed gold and died.

The final outcome was that he strangled her while she slept, then took his own life.

What heaven-sent talent, what splendid future—none of it had anything to do with him. His short life had become an utter tragedy.

But he hadn’t expected that when he opened his eyes again, he was still that seventeen-year-old youth, hearing his younger sister say to him with worry, “Second Brother, you must be careful. I heard the Sheng household has a visiting cousin who goes into the streets to molest beautiful young men…”

At that moment, he had wept.

He didn’t know if it had been real or a nightmare, but he knew Miss Luo, who had ruined his life, had truly arrived.

This time he wouldn’t sit and wait for disaster. He would strike first.

But though he changed the beginning, he discovered Miss Luo was also different from the dream…

Thump, thump, thump.

The knocking sounded again.

Su Yao rolled his eyes toward the door.

The knocking stopped. The ajar door was pushed open.

The person who entered held a blade. Seeing Su Yao’s blood-drenched wrists, he paused, then walked over to check before silently leaving.

“The person we sent arrived to find Su Yao’s hand tendons already severed?” Luo Chen was somewhat surprised to hear the report.

“Yes.”

Luo Chen thought for a moment, then smiled.

He could probably guess who had struck first.

He had thought only he was secretly watching Su Yao. He hadn’t expected Prince Kaiyang as well.

Well, looking at it now, this brother-in-law was still qualified.

“Find me clothes for going out. I’m going to see my nephew.”

The eunuch hastily changed Luo Chen into everyday clothes, and he left the palace discreetly.

In Prince Kaiyang’s manor, Luo Sheng and Wei Han were bringing their several-month-old son to the courtyard to see Da Bai.

Da Bai’s feathers were somewhat sparse, but his spirit remained vigorous. He paced leisurely, allowing people to watch him.

“Elder Sister, Brother-in-law, you’re both quite leisurely today.” A youth’s clear, bright laughter came.

Seeing it was Luo Chen, Luo Sheng couldn’t help but smile. “Why didn’t you announce yourself when entering the manor?”

Luo Chen walked over and sat beside her with a smile. “It’s not like I’m going elsewhere.”

“Are you not busy today?”

Luo Chen looked deeply at Luo Sheng. “No matter how busy, I must come see my nephew.”

Wei Han, neglected to the side, silently twitched the corner of his mouth.

His brother-in-law kept saying he wanted to see his nephew, yet he hadn’t even spared a glance for his chubby son.

“Ahem.” Wei Han cleared his throat lightly, finally attracting Luo Chen’s attention.

“Your Majesty, regarding Minister Zhao and the others’ proposal from a few days ago, what are your plans?”

Hearing this, Luo Chen immediately frowned. “I think they’re worrying too much. I’m only eighteen—there’s absolutely no rush.”

Saying this, the youth looked at Wei Han suspiciously. “Does Brother-in-law also want me to marry soon?”

Wei Han said with a straight face, “When men are of age they should marry, when women are of age they should wed. Your Majesty has reached the time to discuss marriage.”

Luo Chen smiled. “Brother-in-law was already twenty-three when he married.”

Wei Han: “…”

Was his brother-in-law mocking him for taking so long to marry?

He reached out to embrace Luo Sheng and said cheerfully, “But I decided on your elder sister long ago.”

This time it was Luo Chen’s turn to be frustrated.

What showing off.

Did he think he didn’t know? Prince Kaiyang had first decided on the savory noodles.

He’d heard from Hong Dou long ago that on the road to the capital, Prince Kaiyang had eaten five bowls of savory noodles. He hadn’t eaten more not because he was full, but because he didn’t have enough money.

With this, could he believe Prince Kaiyang had fallen for his sister at first sight?

Seeing the two subtly competing, Luo Sheng asked helplessly, “Will younger brother stay for a meal?”

Luo Chen’s expression turned serious. “Naturally.”

Leaving the palace wasn’t as easy as leaving the manor used to be. How could he not stay for a meal?

“Elder Sister, I want to eat spring pancakes rolled with sauce-braised pork strips, ham strips, and Chinese chives…”

The much-neglected nephew finally began crying loudly.

Only then did Luo Chen remember he’d come to see his nephew. Fumbling, he took the chubby nephew and tried to soothe him. “Good boy, don’t cry. In a bit, you can eat spring pancakes with Uncle—”

Before he finished speaking, he sensed something wrong.

The youth held up his wet hand, no longer possessing imperial composure, only panic remaining. “Elder Sister, he urinated!”

How terrifying! He absolutely wouldn’t marry early!

Wei Han calmly took back his son and kissed the little one’s chubby cheek.

His son was still the most considerate.