The Phoenix Arises

Chapter 21.1: Tender Sentiments

Duanmu Shuang stepped up in front to bow with her hand clasped over her fist respectfully. “Your Majesty, your subject heard that Your Majesty had taken ill and I came here specially to pay a visit.”

“Your humble subject is also here just to pay Your Majesty a visit as well, and it was most coincidental that I bumped into Her Highness, the Duke of Tranquility just outside the doors of the Bonded Hearts Palace.”

Qin Zhen followed suit and stepped forward to say as she bowed.

Duanmu Xue saw the awkwardness the two of them were showing and a corner of her mouth raised up with a smirk.

“Oh, that is really such a great coincidence. I am already feeling fine now, so my two esteemed subjects can now leave.”

Duanmu Shuang’s face stiffened, and her eyes shot Qin Zhen beside her a glance.

Qin Zhen received the signal Duanmu Shuang threw her way with the look in her eyes and she bowed with her hands clasped before her once again.

“Your Majesty, your subject has something to report.”

Duanmu Xue’s violet eyes narrowed slightly.

“Speak.”

“Her Highness the Crown Princess has gone missing for two years and there still hasn’t been any news. For the sake of the Vermillion Bird Kingdom’s stability, your humble subject pleads for Your Majesty to appoint another Crown Princess.”

Duanmu Xue’s eyes flashed with an icy glint, rage surging up inside in that instant.

Huangfu Che heard the words “appoint another Crown Princess” and an icy chill rose up in him as well.

“Then who do you think is qualified to become the next Crown Princess?”

Duanmu Xue’s voice was icily cold, sounding like it had seeped out from deep down underground.

“Your humble subject is of the opinion the Duke of Tranquility’s heir is rather suited to assume the position.”

Duanmu Xue’s eyes were bright with a fiery light as she turned to look at Duanmu Shuang beside Qin Zhen.

“Does the Duke of Tranquility think the same way?”

Hearing the question, Duanmu Shuang immediately raised up her hands and bowed to reply: “Your subject wouldn’t dare.”

“You do not dare? What is there that you would not dare to do? Didn’t you just forcibly barge into my chambers just now! ?”

Duanmu Xue exclaimed as she slapped the table, her rage filled eyes gazing straight at Duanmu Shuang.

“Your subject wouldn’t dare.”

“Your humble subject wouldn’t dare to.”

The pair fell to their knees to kowtow in reverence and humility.

“Hmph! The Duke of Tranquility seems to have forgotten the rule set by the founding Emperor.”

Duanmu Xue glared disdainfully out of the corners of her eyes at the two people kneeling down on the floor.

Duanmu Shuang eyes flashed with hatred and aggrievement. If not for that damned rule, she would now be the reigning female Emperor and her Little Qing would now be the Imperial Crown Princess.

“Aren’t you going to get out?”

“Your subject takes her leave.”

“Your humble subject will take her leave now.”

Duanmu Shuang clenched her fists tightly as she ruefully retreated her way out of the Bonded Hearts Palace together with Qin Zhen.