Wu Jian was in a foul mood while he made his way out of the palace. In fact, ever since he came back to Wu Xi – back in the palace, he had only been irritated. Out of all things – "they" chose to pick at his "Ruyi", his Wang Fei. "They" never questioned his decision. Never had "they" pushed or forced him to do anything. Now, not only did "they" question his decision in having Ruyi as his Wang Fei – they're actually forcing him to abandon Ruyi and take another woman?

"Jian"

Controlling his darkening expression, Wu Jian continued forward toward the Empress with the long line of escorts behind her.

"Wu Jian greets the Empress"

"How dare you have my guards killed?" Empress Wenqian couldn't control her anger seeing how nonchalant and cold the Prince – her grandson was. "Knowing well they were my guards, you still have them executed when they were following my orders"

"Oh" Jian handsome smiles were terrifying. "I see..."

"You see?" Empress Wenqian was seething. "Is that all you have to say for yourself?"

"Umm" Wu Jian ignored the Empress, his grandmother's anger while his eyes went to the guards trailing behind her.

The men all froze – their hearts beating fast with fear. As if they were small bunnies being stalk by a ferocious black tiger, they were afraid to move or look him directly in the eyes.

"And what were your orders, your majesty?" Wu Jian eyes went back to his angry grandmother.

Empress Wenqian was not only angry – she was hurt. Her favorite grandchild – her most cherished grandson whom she had always spoiled is so cold to her.

"I ordered them to escort Li Ruyi into my palace" Empress Wenqian was not backing down – she was after all the Empress of Wu Xi. "Are my orders meant nothing to you, Prince Wu Jian?"

Wu Jian smiled more – making everyone shiver. Despite how frightening it was, their eyes were hypnotized by it. It was truly a demon's smile – too beautiful, too dangerous.

"Your majesty, Wu Jian only punished them in your stead" Wu Jian glanced at the shivering guards. "The Empress had ordered to have my Wang Fei escorted into the palace. Escort"

He purposely repeated the word with a calm, cool tone.

"Instead, they barged in and broke the door to my beloved Wang Fei's favorite library"

Wu Jian smirked as he could hear the guards shaking - their swords trembled in the scabbard hanging at their hips.

"To disturb my Wang Fei's peace, scaring her... Your Majesty, clearly they did not follow your orders. So Wu Jian had only get rid of the useless guards at your side"

Empress Wenqian was lost in words. She knew her grandson was cunning, cruel, and heartless, but he was never like that with her. She watched as his cold eyes scanned her remaining guards, forcing them all to submission. Empress Wenqian had always been proud of her grandson, but at the moment, all she felt was bitter.

"To prevent future errors, Wu Jian volunteers to re-train the Empress' guards" Wu Jian showed his bloodthirsty smiles. "Wu Jian guarantees the Empress that he will reshape these guards. One month is enough"

When the guards all went to their knees and slam their heads to the ground, they all begged the Prince for forgiveness. It was a clear message that after one month, they would all wish they were dead. But Wu Jian didn't give them another look. His eyes were on the Empress.

"You're going against her Majesty all for that worthless woman"

Wu Jian eyes went to Ting who had been holding onto the Empress' left arm.

"Ting" The Crown Princess at the Empress' right side gave a warning call to the young princess.

But it was already too late. Wu Jian cold eyes already pierced Ting, making her tremble hard. While she was supposed to be the one supporting the Empress, she would have collapse if not for the old woman hold. Even her mother had rushed over to support her. Women could never handle Wu Jian's bloodthirsty eyes.

"That's enough Jian"

Everyone went to their knees at the presence of the Emperor, but Wu Jian stood defiantly without turning to face him.

"Jian" Emperor Huizhong spoke sternly for first time toward Prince Wu Jian

Everyone held their breath at Prince Wu Jian's clear defiance.

"Jian"

Wu Jian finally turned around and gave his usual proper cupping of his fist.

"Your Majesty"

Emperor Huizhong sighed seeing clearly that his grandson and his Empress were not happy.

"Bring your Wang Fei to next month celebration" The Emperor voice was gentle but firm as it always was toward his favored grandson.

Wu Jian kept silence. The Empress was about voice her anger but the Emperor silenced her with a simple lift of his hand up. Keeping her head bowed, the Empress controlled her temper.

"While you can stop the Empress' guards easily" Emperor Huizhong continued. "It will not be as easy with my guards"

The Empress, Ting, and her mother all smiled. With that one statement, the Emperor was on their side.

"Can you not indulge your grandfather on his birthday?" Emperor Huizhong sigh softly seeing Wu Jian's darkening cold silence. "Moreover, did you not want me to bestow your Wang Fei a title?"

Ting head snapped up and had wanted to speak up but the Empress and her mother tightened their hold of her hands.

"Bring your Wang Fei to next month celebration"

Emperor Huizhong never repeats what he had said once and yet for this grandson, he had repeated three times.

"Until then" The Emperor eyes firmly went to the Empress and her escorts. "No one is to disturb the Prince Wu Jian's Wang Fei"

Although the word Wang Fei brought dissatisfaction, everyone obeyed.

"You can leave, Jian"

Wu Jian left without a backward glance.