Rebirth Of The Strongest Female Emperor Chapter 5: Annul the Engagement (1)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Ye Xun clenched her fists tightly while observing the Hunyuan Pills delivered to Ye Ling. Yet, upon recalling Duan Tianrao’s words, her anxieties dissipated completely, and a gentle smile graced her face.

“How’s Tang Tang been over these past few days?” Duan Tianrao’s gaze flickered subtly. It looked like he was biding his time for the perfect chance to speak freely.

Ye Ling remained oblivious to any undercurrents. He let out a sigh and replied, “How could she possibly be fine with her spirit root shattered? The girl is always so thoughtful. She never lets any pain show in front of me. Watching her like this truly breaks my heart.”

Lifting his gaze, Ye Ling addressed Duan Tianrao, “Tianrao, as Tang Tang’s fiancé who grew up alongside her, it would help immensely if you spent more time with her. I’m certain it would ease her mind.”

A smile curved Duan Tianrao’s lips, though he offered no direct reply.

Standing nearby, Ye Xun dipped her head a bit. She tugged lightly at Duan Tianrao’s sleeve, and he responded by softly patting her hand in reassurance.

Just then, a slender figure stepped quietly into the hall and offered a greeting to Ye Ling, seated at the head position.

“Father.”

Upon spotting Ye Qingtang, profound affection and concern shone in Ye Ling’s eyes.

“Tang Tang, you’re still not fully recovered. Take a seat first.”

With her veil in place, Ye Qingtang settled silently beside Ye Ling. Yet, her gaze never strayed toward Duan Tianrao, who occupied a lower seat.

Unaware of Ye Qingtang’s cold detachment from Duan Tianrao, Ye Ling beamed and gestured to the items arrayed on the table for her to see.

“Tang Tang, Tianrao brought all these to aid your recovery. He even delivered Hunyuan Pills just for you. His care for you is genuine.”

Ye Qingtang cast a quick look at the pile of tonics towering like a mountain on the table. Then her eyes shifted to Duan Tianrao below, her stare icy and devoid of any delight or thanks.

“Thank you, Young Master Duan, for your effort.” Ye Qingtang said indifferently.

Young Master Duan?

The other three individuals all paused momentarily. Previously, Ye Qingtang had always addressed Duan Tianrao as Brother Duan upon meeting him. Why the sudden distance now?

A slight frown creased Duan Tianrao’s brow. Still, mindful of his reason for visiting today, he chose not to dwell on it.

Ye Ling attributed Ye Qingtang’s demeanor to her broken spirit root souring her mood, so he too refrained from probing further.

“In half a year, you’ll turn 16. I believe it’s time to move forward with your marriage to Tianrao. Once you’re feeling better, I’ll speak with the Duan family clan master about it. Does that sound alright?”

Ye Ling hadn’t originally planned for Ye Qingtang’s marriage so soon, but her shattered spirit root made further progress in Wushu improbable. With the Great Elder now dominating the Ye family, even as clan master, his influence had waned greatly.

Marrying her off to Duan Tianrao sooner would bring him greater peace, assured that he could protect her.

The expressions of the three others present shifted abruptly at Ye Ling’s words.

Ye Xun in particular went rigid, while Duan Tianrao’s face darkened noticeably.

Ye Qingtang alone remained composed in her chair. Her eyes stayed frigid, keenly noting the reactions of Ye Xun and Duan Tianrao.

“Uncle Ye.” Duan Tianrao advanced abruptly.

“Today, I came over to tell you about something.”