Chapter 65: A Daughter Over Three Hundred Years Old

For a moment, Song Ye, the scion of a wealthy family, truly believed himself to be the so-called “chosen one”! Among all the distinguished guests and high officials present, only he had been allowed to stay after everyone else was dismissed by Qi Shuyi. And Qi Shuyi had done so clearly at the behest of Prince Xiang. Song Ye dared to speculate boldly: Prince Xiang must have taken a liking to him, intending to make him the son-in-law of the princely household!

In an instant, Song Ye became the center of attention. He knew well that countless envious and jealous eyes were now fixed upon him, and his heart swelled with pride. Imagine, if he were to become the consort of the princess, he would have free rein in the whole city of Yan—he could strut about however he pleased, and even the haughty guards of the Ziyu Corps would have to show him the utmost respect.

Meanwhile, Murong Jingtian and Huangfu Xiaoyun were both filled with indignation. They could not fathom why Prince Xiang had singled out Song Ye, a man they saw as an utter good-for-nothing! Could it be that the princess, who had yet to make an appearance, had chosen him herself?

At this moment, seeing that the assembled crowd still lingered, Qi Shuyi once more issued a firm order: “All of you, please depart!”

Thus, except for Song Ye, everyone else had no choice but to file out. Yet after leaving the princely estate, no one actually dispersed. Instead, they all lingered outside the grand entrance, as if waiting for Song Ye to emerge so they could question him directly: why had Prince Xiang kept him behind? Was it truly his intention to make Song Ye the consort?

At last, Zhao Zhigao could no longer keep his thoughts to himself. Turning to Prefect Wang Demao beside him, he said, “Lord Prefect, isn’t there a patrol constable named Song Ye in our yamen? Could it be that Prince Xiang actually wanted to see him instead?”

Wang Demao burst out laughing. “You mean that Song Ye you recommended for the job? Ridiculous! Absolutely absurd! That fellow is just a lowly patrol constable in our yamen—how could the august Prince Xiang know of such a minor figure? Don’t go talking nonsense!”

“But Lord Prefect,” Zhao Zhigao pressed on, “I just recalled carefully—when that imposing female guard called out, she said ‘Song Ye’, not ‘Song Ye’ with a different character. There’s a real difference between those two names—listen, Ye—”

“Enough out of you!” Wang Demao cut him off at once, thinking Zhao Zhigao was just being foolish and looking for trouble.

Seeing his superior’s anger, Zhao Zhigao could only shut his mouth obediently.

Suddenly, with a creak, the gate of the princely residence swung open again. Qi Shuyi emerged, dragging someone out behind her. Before anyone could react, she flung the man straight out the door.

Everyone looked closely and realized that the person tossed out was none other than Song Ye. His face was battered and bruised, so much so that he was barely recognizable.

Qi Shuyi’s voice was cold. “This man pretended to be Song Ye. Giving him a beating was letting him off lightly!”

With that, she unfurled a sheet of paper and showed it to the crowd. “Look closely—this is the ‘Song Ye’ I’m looking for!”

On the paper, written in bold, square strokes, were the characters: “Song Ye.”

Immediately, Zhao Zhigao turned to Wang Demao, excitement plain in his voice. “See, Lord Prefect? I was right—she’s looking for Song Ye!”

Now Wang Demao was utterly at a loss. Was Prince Xiang truly seeking a mere patrol constable from his own yamen?

How could this be? A poor boy from Qiu Yu Village who’d only secured his minor post through connections—how could Prince Xiang possibly want such a man as his son-in-law? It was utterly fantastical, more incredible than if the saintess of the Tai Xu Temple had suddenly started working at a brothel.

At that moment, all eyes were on Zhao Zhigao as Qi Shuyi addressed him directly: “You know Song Ye?”

Zhao Zhigao nodded. “I do!”

“He’s not here?”

“No, he isn’t!”

“Then go fetch him—now!” Qi Shuyi ordered.

Soon, Song Ye appeared at the palace gates, wearing his constable’s uniform and holding a four-year-old girl in his arms, guided by Zhao Zhigao. The gathered dignitaries and nobles were all astonished to see that the man Prince Xiang had summoned was merely a humble patrol constable.

In truth, even Song Ye himself had no idea why Prince Xiang wanted to see him. He had never met the prince before, nor had any connection with him.

Qi Shuyi stood, one hand on her hip, and interrogated him: “You are Song Ye?”

Song Ye nodded. “I am.”

“Then come with me. Prince Xiang wishes to see you.”

Song Ye handed the little girl, Song Yan, to Zhao Zhigao for safekeeping, and then, under the gaze of the assembled crowd, followed Qi Shuyi into the residence.

Qi Shuyi led him to a room and stopped before the door. “Go in yourself.”

Song Ye pushed open the door and entered. Qi Shuyi promptly closed it behind him.

Inside, the windows were shut tight and the curtains drawn, casting the room in a dim light. Yet from the furnishings and arrangement, Song Ye could tell it was a lady’s boudoir.

Why would Prince Xiang be waiting for him in a woman’s room?

At the far end stood a large bed, its canopy drawn. Upon the bed seemed to sit a woman, only the pale, delicate feet beneath the drapes visible.

Suddenly, the woman on the bed gently parted the canopy, revealing a face of peerless beauty.

At the sight of her, Song Ye’s expression turned to one of profound surprise.

“Well, little husband! Are you very surprised to find me here?” Qin Xuanxi said, her face alight with a gentle smile as she stood barefoot on the floor.

“I am… quite surprised,” Song Ye answered honestly. “How are you here?”

“I am the daughter of Prince Xiang, and this is his residence. Isn’t it only natural that I’d be here?” Her smile remained.

“What? You are Prince Xiang’s daughter?” Song Ye was stunned.

Yet his shock did not come from learning Qin Xuanxi claimed to be the prince’s daughter. After all, he knew better than anyone that this woman, who appeared frail and delicate as a blossom, was in fact the bloodthirsty Demon Sovereign of Xuanyuan, Qin Xuanxi herself.

What truly shocked Song Ye was: why was she pretending to be Prince Xiang’s daughter?

After all, Prince Xiang was not yet fifty years old, while Qin Xuanxi had lived for over three centuries.

How could a man not yet fifty possibly have a daughter over three hundred years old?