Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 554 The Condition That Silenced the Princes

The shock from the recent events had yet to dissipate among the gathered crowd.

Lingering whispers and overlapping conversations filled the air, suddenly interrupted by another figure stepping forward.

It was the Seventh Prince, Yu Longxuan!

All gazes shifted towards him, anticipating further dramatic developments.

He halted a short distance from Mu Linyue, his expression softening as his eyes met hers.

"Miss Mu," he started, his voice a gentle yet clear melody that resonated throughout the hall, "From the very first moment I laid eyes on you today, I found myself utterly captivated."

A subtle silence followed.

"Foolish as it may sound, I believe this is what is known as love at first sight." A collective gasp swept through the onlookers.

"I, Yu Longxuan, sincerely wish to take you as my consort."

Utter silence!

His declaration struck with considerable weight.

No one had foreseen such a forthright proposal.

However, before the initial astonishment could fully register-

Another voice chimed in.

"Seventh Brother, you certainly waste no time."

A second figure emerged.

The Third Prince, Yu Wenzhao!

A faint smile played on his lips, though his eyes held a sharp intensity.

"I must confess... I feel precisely the same."

He turned his attention to Mu Linyue, offering a slight bow.

"Miss Mu, I too was deeply moved upon seeing you today. I, Yu Wenzhao, would also be honored if you would consider becoming my consort."

The atmosphere underwent an immediate transformation.

With the two princes now standing before the same woman, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

Yu Longxuan's gaze shifted towards Yu Wenzhao, a flicker of fury and hostility surfacing in his eyes.

He had presumed that by making the first move, other princes would refrain from interfering, deeming it inappropriate and a loss of face.

Yet, Yu Wenzhao had disregarded these unspoken rules and followed suit.

Everyone present understood that this was not about genuine affection.

They were all aware that the two princes desired her for the significant advantage she represented in their impending struggle for the throne.

The remaining princes maintained their positions, observing the unfolding scene with caution.

They did not step forward.

This was not due to a lack of interest-but because two rivals had already declared their intentions. To interject now would only expose them as desperate.

All eyes once again focused on Mu Linyue.

The Mu Clan seemed hesitant to intervene, as doing so might be perceived as disrespectful towards the Imperial Family.

Their only recourse was to place their trust in Mu Linyue's decision.

Mu Linyue maintained a composed demeanor, though a hint of helplessness flickered in her eyes.

She brought her hands together gracefully.

"Your Highnesses, I am truly grateful for your kind intentions..."

Her tone was impeccably polite.

Carefully chosen.

"However, I have no immediate plans to entertain matters of the heart."

A direct refusal.

Yet, neither prince showed any sign of backing down.

Yu Longxuan's expression remained unchanged.

Yu Wenzhao’s smile persisted.

"As one would expect of Miss Mu," Yu Longxuan remarked softly. "But such important decisions... can always be considered at a more leisurely pace."

Yu Wenzhao nodded slightly. "Indeed. There is no need for an immediate answer. We can allow affection to blossom naturally as we spend time together."

Evidently, their primary objective was not romantic love. They cared little if Mu Linyue would come to love them, as long as she agreed to their proposals.

Their intentions were clear, and they would not accept any response that hinted at ambiguity.

Not unless there was a sufficiently powerful reason to compel their withdrawal.

Mu Linyue regarded the two princes, a faint headache beginning to throb.

Despite her polite refusal, neither of them seemed inclined to retract their offer.

While she possessed the ability to be blunt, even dismissive, she was addressing members of the Imperial Family.

Their status was far from ordinary, and offending them would inevitably bring trouble upon the Mu Clan, a consequence she was determined to avoid.

Simultaneously, she comprehended that they would not relinquish their pursuit so easily.

Her gaze subtly shifted, searching for an avenue of escape.

Then, her eyes landed on a particular spot.

Not far away, Bai Xueqing stood serene, while Bai Zihan was engrossed in munching Spirit Fruits as if entirely detached from the unfolding drama.

!!!

An unconventional idea sparked in her mind.

Mu Linyue turned back to face the princes, her expression regaining its calm facade.

"Since I was young," she stated deliberately, "I have always admired men who are strong and possess great power."

The instant these words left her lips, Yu Longxuan and Yu Wenzhao both subtly straightened their postures.

Their chests puffed out slightly.

Their imposing auras flared.

Even the surrounding Qi seemed to subtly stir as they unconsciously emanated a trace of their cultivation, as if showcasing their formidable strength.

Mu Linyue continued, her tone unwavering.

"In fact..."

She paused, then added with a casual air-

"My cousin has always been someone I hold in high admiration."

A palpable ripple went through the assembled crowd.

Cousin?

Instinctively, everyone followed her line of sight-

Towards Bai Zihan, who was still calmly chewing his fruits.

Mu Linyue's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile.

"If someone like him were to appear..."

A brief pause hung in the air.

"I would not hesitate to consider marriage."

Now, the attention of the entire hall became intensely focused.

A palpable sense of direction emanated from her, felt by all present.

Then, Mu Linyue's voice rang out, clear and distinct:

"Should anyone manage to best my cousin, Bai Zihan... I shall seriously consider marriage."

A hush fell over the crowd!

Following the silence, a peculiar sensation rippled through the assembled individuals.

It felt like déjà vu!

Numerous gazes met, a shared recognition passing between people.

Hadn't they heard these exact words before?

Wasn't this precisely the method Bai Xueqing had employed to spurn countless potential suitors?

Her condition: whoever could defeat Bai Zihan, she would entertain their proposal.

And what had been the outcome?

To this day, a victor? Not a single challenger had even dared to step forward.

The reason was simple: Bai Zihan was unparalleled.

Within his generation, who could possibly contend with him?

Even if he were to fight with one hand bound, no one would muster the courage to confront him.

And so, naturally, all marriage proposals had evaporated into thin air.

After all, her demand wasn't outlandish. She merely sought someone superior to her 'little brother.'

A perfectly equitable stipulation, if only that 'little brother' wasn't the formidable Bai Zihan.

Yu Longxuan and Yu Wenzhao were rendered speechless.

Their earlier confidence completely evaporated.

This exact tactic had been the very excuse Bai Xueqing used to dismiss most of them previously.

And now, Mu Linyue was employing the identical strategy.

At the focal point of this unfolding drama -

Bai Zihan, with utmost calmness, finished swallowing a piece of fruit. He then looked up, his brow arching slightly.

"Huh?"

(What's happening? Why is everyone staring at me? Do I look too handsome even while I'm eating?)