316. Interrogation

"Alright, I'll train with you then," said Qian Renjue, agreeing to Hu Liena’s rather intentional invitation.

"Great! Let's get started!" Hu Liena enthusiastically stepped back, creating some distance as she took her stance.

"Alright, let's begin," Qian Renjue said, beckoning with his finger.

With a quick footstep, Hu Liena closed in, her movements a blend of grace and determination, yet Qian Renjue remained poised, easily deflecting her attempts to grapple him by simply shifting his stance.

His golden hair flowed as he stood tall, barely affected by her efforts.

Hu Liena wasn't discouraged, however.

Her real goal wasn’t him, but his clothing.

Her hands, using grappling techniques, kept reaching subtly for his clothing, her sly smile betraying her plan.

She thought she'd grabbed it but was suddenly swept off her feet, landing with a soft cry as Qian Renjue countered her move.

Just as she attempted to regain balance by holding onto his clothes, Qian Renjue prevented her with a quick maneuver, pinning her down.

"Nana, you’ve been getting bolder ever since sister went into seclusion," he chuckled as he playfully smacked her, earning a surprised gasp from Hu Liena.


---

In the Pope's Hall, Bibi Dong dismissed Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, now left with only Ling Yuan Douluo standing beside her, head lowered in anticipation.

Ling Yuan knew why she was summoned — she was caught.


Blushing furiously, she acknowledged that her actions of seducing her superior’s son weren’t exactly honorable, especially since she’d practically watched him grow up.

"Ling Yuan," Bibi Dong finally spoke after a long silence. "Do you remember why I assigned you to be with Jue?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Ling Yuan replied, voice trembling. "To protect him and report his whereabouts to you."

"And did I ever tell you to seduce him?" Bibi Dong’s voice turned icy, her overwhelming aura filling the hall.

"No, Your Majesty! I’m willing to accept any punishment!" Ling Yuan knelt, bowing her head in remorse.

Bibi Dong gazed down at her. "Punishment? So, should I punish you by making you warm his bed?"

Ling Yuan’s face grew redder. "Your Majesty, I would never!"

"Really? Then why did you act so boldly yesterday in my chambers? Or… was it Jue who forced you?"

"Absolutely not!" Ling Yuan quickly defended him. "It was me… I willingly seduced him. It was my own fault."

At these words, Ling Yuan nearly bit her lip, forcing herself to admit that she had lowered herself to such a point.

As a proud female titled Douluo, she’d branded herself "beneath" him.

"..." Bibi Dong studied her silently, perhaps understanding more than anyone Ling Yuan’s pride and inner conflict.

After a pause, she asked, "Ling Yuan, how do you perceive me as a mother? Do you see me as possessive, controlling… or even obsessive?"

Ling Yuan hesitated, her eyes widening at the unexpected question.

She understood that Bibi Dong’s words might hold truth, but she knew better than to confirm it.

"Your Majesty has always been very kind to His Highness. I dare not presume to judge you."

"Oh? So, you’re implying I am all of those things?" Bibi Dong’s expression turned stern.

"No, Your Majesty! I meant no such thing."

"Then what are you implying? You say it’s easy to speak, yet here you stay silent," Bibi Dong remarked coolly.

Ling Yuan was at a loss for words, breaking into a nervous sweat.

Bibi Dong continued, her tone shifting to a hint of warmth. "Ling Yuan, there’s no need to fear me. I love him more deeply than you could imagine."

Ling Yuan began to tremble. She had never felt this intimidated by Bibi Dong before; her fear grew as if her life depended on it.

Suddenly, the intimidating aura lifted.

"Stand up, Ling Yuan," Bibi Dong ordered calmly.

"Your Majesty?" Ling Yuan rose, confused.

"From now on, you will continue protecting Jue and keeping me informed. And one more thing — if he pursues anything with you, hold back. He’s still just a boy."

Ling Yuan’s eyes widened, her heart racing as Bibi Dong’s words began to sink in.

Was she seriously being… permitted?

"Do you understand me?" Bibi Dong’s voice grew cold again. "You are only to reciprocate if he wishes. If you dare force him… I won’t let you off. And don’t think I won’t find out. He will tell me."

"Understood, Your Majesty." Ling Yuan was practically on her knees in shock, realizing the path Bibi Dong had cleared for her.

Did this mean she’d earned the blessing of His Highness’s mother?

"Good, then get up and tell me where Jue went yesterday," Bibi Dong said, waving her hand dismissively, eager to leave behind the topic of Qian Renjue’s relationships.

"My apologies, Your Majesty," Ling Yuan replied softly. She now realized Bibi Dong’s prior words were partly a test, partly an acceptance of the inevitable.

"Hmph!" Bibi Dong huffed, both resentful and resigned to the idea.

For Bibi Dong, her children were her world. She could share them with others but never give them up entirely.

Ling Yuan awkwardly stood up, feeling a new sense of closeness with Bibi Dong.

The thought that one day she might actually call her "mother" left her feeling dizzy.

"Yesterday," she began, "I accompanied His Highness to the Zhu family in Star Luo City."

Bibi Dong regained her composure, looking every bit the wise leader as she raised an eyebrow. "And why did Jue go there?"