At first, Yu Tianheng had behaved politely, acting like a proper gentleman. Dugu Yan had rejected him courteously, and the two had at least maintained basic civility.
But later, Yu Tianheng seemed to go mad—constantly pestering her every few days, inviting her to dinner or to stroll through the academy gardens. Dugu Yan naturally knew what he was after, so she refused him every single time, without hesitation.
Yet no matter how many times she rejected him—or even when she explicitly told him she already had someone she liked—Yu Tianheng simply wouldn't give up. Anyone would lose their patience after being harassed so persistently.
If it weren't for the fact that Yu Tianheng came from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Dugu Yan would have already taught him a harsh lesson. Even if she didn't cripple him, she'd make sure he'd be bedridden for days.
Although she was the granddaughter of a Titled Douluo, she didn't want to unnecessarily provoke such a powerful clan. So, she endured when she could—and avoided him when she couldn't.
But after being harassed for so long, her impression of Yu Tianheng had sunk to rock bottom.
Yu Tianheng was well aware of Dugu Yan's disgust and that her heart already belonged to someone else. Still, he didn't care. He believed that once she heard what he was about to say, she would completely lose faith in her "beloved." Then, he could take advantage of the situation.
"You like Li Chang'an, don't you?"
Yu Tianheng's question was direct.
Dugu Yan's heart skipped a beat—she felt a little embarrassed being so openly confronted, but she refused to back down, especially not in front of this irritating man. Her face remained calm and proud as she replied, "So what if I do? He's far better than you. I'll never like someone like you."
"Heh, better than me?"
Yu Tianheng sneered, meeting her angry gaze. "That's because you don't know who he really is. You've been deceived this whole time! That guy is only after your body. He's playing with your feelings."
"Shut up!"
A surge of aura burst from Dugu Yan's body. Behind her, a shadowy serpent spirit briefly flickered into view, and her eyes turned into golden vertical slits—like a viper ready to strike.
But Yu Tianheng, who possessed one of the strongest beast-type martial spirits, didn't flinch. Calm and composed, he said, "I'm not lying. The fact that I came here today means I've already investigated everything."
"Do you know what Li Chang'an's true identity is?"
"Speak!"
Dugu Yan's snake-like pupils gleamed coldly, her killing intent sharp as a blade. If what Yu Tianheng said next turned out to be a lie, he'd be torn apart on the spot.
"He is Princess Xue Ke's fiancé," Yu Tianheng said slowly.
"The royal son-in-law."
"The favored son-in-law of Emperor Xue Ye himself."
He listed each title one by one, watching as disbelief spread across Dugu Yan's face, and mocked her: "A mere royal son-in-law—do you really think he'd dare to marry you? He can't even take a concubine, let alone a wife. Emperor Xue Ye would never allow it."
"And he knows he's the prince consort, knows he can't marry you, yet still stays so close… What else could he want from you, if not to play with you?"
Yu Tianheng's words were like daggers piercing straight into Dugu Yan's heart. Her body trembled; she lost her martial spirit form and staggered back, her voice shaking.
"No… impossible. You—you're lying. He can't be… he can't be the prince consort!"
"How could I lie about something anyone could verify with a bit of effort?"
Yu Tianheng pressed on, seeing her despair. "If you don't believe me, go ask the Education Committee yourself. The three Committee members won't lie to you."
"…"
Dugu Yan didn't say another word. She turned and ran straight toward the Education Committee building. Yu Tianheng watched her figure disappear, a smug grin spreading across his stiff face. Once Dugu Yan lost all faith in Li Chang'an, his chance would come.
If he could win her over, not only would he gain the support of a Titled Douluo, but also greater influence within his clan—and an even better shot at becoming the next Young Master.
Winning Dugu Yan would be a victory on all fronts, with countless benefits and no downside.
At the Education Committee building.
Dugu Yan stumbled in breathlessly. Inside, only Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan were present; the third Committee member had accompanied Li Chang'an to hunt for his soul ring.
Meng Shenji looked up at the unexpected visitor. Recognizing her, he wasn't angry—his expression remained calm and kind as he asked, "Child, what's the matter?"
Of course, his gentleness came largely from knowing who her grandfather was. If it had been any other student barging in like that, punishment would have been swift.
"Honored Committee Members…"
Dugu Yan took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "I want to know… is Li Chang'an really the royal son-in-law?"
The two Committee members exchanged glances. Seasoned and experienced as they were, they immediately understood how to respond.
"That's right," Meng Shenji said, stroking his beard. "That boy is highly valued by Emperor Xue Ye. He was appointed as prince consort long ago and even granted the title of marquis."
Upon hearing this confirmation, Dugu Yan's tears finally burst forth. She turned away abruptly and ran out, sobbing uncontrollably.
Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan watched her figure disappear, sighing softly. "Ah… young people. Better for it to end early."
They had long known that Li Chang'an and Dugu Yan were getting close. If not for her grandfather being a Titled Douluo, she would have already been warned off.
By royal decree, a prince consort could have only one wife—the princess. Not even concubines were allowed. It was a matter of royal dignity.
So, when the three Committee members had noticed Li Chang'an and Dugu Yan's growing closeness, they had already discussed reminding him—gently—to mind his identity and keep his distance.
In truth, if not for his extraordinary talent and potential—enough to one day become a pillar of the nation—he'd have already been formally reprimanded, warned to "uphold the virtue of a royal husband" and stay away from other women.
But because his future was so bright, the royal family had decided to handle the situation delicately, avoiding any hard feelings that might turn him against them.
If it were another woman, the royal family might not care much; nobles keeping mistresses was nothing new, so long as the princess remained the primary wife and appearances were kept.
But Dugu Yan was different—she was the granddaughter of a Titled Douluo. There was no way she would accept being a nameless mistress.
Such a situation would inevitably lead to trouble and public scandal. It could even jeopardize the royal marriage itself.
So, from the royal family's perspective, Li Chang'an's flirtations weren't a major issue—so long as Princess Xue Ke's position was secure.
But Dugu Yan's status made this different.
She could threaten the princess's position—and that was something the royal family could not ignore.
(End of Chapter)
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