Chapter 98: The Demon Lord Junzhu's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 98: Provocation Failed, Humiliated Instead

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

The moment she stepped through the shop door, a rich scent of books rushed over her. The shop's layout and display were unique, giving one the wondrous feeling of being immersed in a vast ocean of knowledge.

First to catch the eye was an enormous bookshelf, standing there like a towering mountain peak, drawing people's gazes. Books of every description were neatly arranged on the shelves, dazzling the eye.

On closer look, the top four tiers of this bookshelf were actually filled entirely with picture books, and the author of every single work was that mysterious figure named Bailu.

Shangguan Xingyan gazed at these books with great interest, involuntarily reaching out to pick up one titled *Baben Wangye Aishang Wo*. He recalled the plot the storyteller on the street had narrated today, which happened to match this book exactly, and a surge of anticipation rose in his heart.

Immediately after, he casually picked up another picture book titled *Transmigrated as the Vermilion Bird, Burn Everyone to Death*, and gently flipped open its pages.

The story in the book unfolded like a gorgeous, colorful scroll: the protagonist transmigrated and became the Vermilion Bird, and because of this unique identity became an object of contention for everyone. However, this Vermilion Bird had a haughty personality; for those who tried to form a contract with it, it showed no mercy, burning them all alive.

As for the subsequent plot development, Shangguan Xingyan eagerly continued turning pages, wanting to find out what happened next......

Shangguan Xingyan read with rapt absorption, completely immersed in that marvelous story world. Seeing her elder brother so engrossed, Shangguan Xingyu was also drawn in, curiously picking up a book to flip through.

The more she read, the more amazed she became, unable to help muttering: "These picture books written by Bailu are truly unique and ingenious! Not only are the plots novel and interesting, they can firmly grip the reader's heart, making one unable to put them down."

After Shangguan Xingyan flipped through several in a row, he felt every single one was splendid, each story full of novelty and surprise. He was overjoyed, and on the spot decided to buy all of Bailu's picture books, so that even after returning to Dongying Guo, he could read them for a good long while.

No sooner said than done; the two, holding their love for these picture books, carried a thick stack of over twenty volumes to the counter to settle the bill. After paying, they left satisfied, carrying these treasured books, and turned toward the Yizhan.

Just as the pair were about to reach the Yizhan entrance, they suddenly spotted the Ouyang siblings standing in front of a room door, chatting happily. Ouyang Qianyu was talking while pulling out a snow-white handkerchief from his sleeve, solemnly wiping sweat that didn't actually exist on his forehead. Right then, for some reason, the handkerchief in his hand suddenly seemed to lose control, and with a *whoosh* flew straight out.

At that moment, the handkerchief fluttered down like a light butterfly, landing right at Shangguan Xingyu's feet. She was about to take one more small step forward, which would have ruthlessly trampled it underfoot. In the nick of time, a cry rang out from the side: "That's the Crown Prince's handkerchief! Don't step on it!" It was Ouyang Qianyu shouting in desperate haste.

However, it was already too late. Shangguan Xingyu's foot still came down without hesitation, stepping squarely on that handkerchief. She raised her head, a slightly apologetic gaze meeting Ouyang Qianyu's eyes, and said softly: "Truly sorry, my foot couldn't stop in time."

Seeing this, Ouyang Qianyu was so angry he nearly exploded. He pointed at Shangguan Xingyu and roared furiously: "You're actually this bold! You dare trample even the Crown Prince's handkerchief?" Facing Ouyang Qianyu's reprimand, Shangguan Xingyu remained calm and composed, not a trace of panic.

She replied unhurriedly: "First, please don't accuse me randomly. I didn't step on this handkerchief on purpose; it's the one that inexplicably flew under my foot.

Second, why don't you think about why the Crown Prince's handkerchief fell out so easily and wasn't properly kept? Shouldn't the responsibility lie with you? Moreover, it's merely a handkerchief; with the Crown Prince's magnanimity, how could he possibly hold a grudge or nitpick over such a trivial matter? If you feel it necessary to report this to the Crown Prince, then by all means go ahead, whatever makes you feel better, do as you please."

After saying this, Shangguan Xingyu no longer paid any attention to the frantic Ouyang Qianyu, turned and left with a flourish. After finishing speaking, Shangguan Xingyu dragged Shangguan Xingyan back with her.

Faced with Shangguan Xingyu's sharp words and keen mind, Ouyang Qianyu instantly became tongue-tied, unable to utter a single word. Her face went from red to green, then from green to purple, finally twisting in rage into a hideous, terrifying monster.

At this moment, Ouyang Qianyu's heart was full of resentment and unwillingness; she secretly vowed: no matter the cost, she would find a way to hook the Crown Prince, then use his power to ruthlessly suppress Shangguan Xingyu, to vent her spleen and let that hateful woman know her might!

On the other side, the Shangguan siblings had already returned smoothly to their room. Upon entering, Shangguan Xingyan eagerly said to his sister: "Little Sister, your mouth is really formidable! From start to finish you didn't utter a single curse word, yet you effortlessly shut Ouyang Qianyu up, leaving her without any power to retort. How did you do it? Quick, teach Elder Brother!"

Shangguan Xingyu looked at her own naive elder brother with a speechless expression, shook her head helplessly, and sighed: "Brother, this isn't something just anyone can learn just because they want to! First, you need a clever, nimble brain. But in my view, with that blockhead of yours, you might as well give up early! Look, over there are the picture books you like best; hurry up and pick one up to read, stop pondering these nonsense things!"

Hearing his sister roast him so mercilessly, Shangguan Xingyan not only didn't get angry or retort, but instead nodded obediently, walked compliantly to the table, picked up a picture book, and began reading with relish.

Back at the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince's mind kept flashing back to Ouyang Qianyu's affected manner, making his stomach churn; he couldn't help shivering. The more he thought, the more agitated he became, so he simply strode to the Yudi, intending to ask Huangdi for leave.

When the Crown Prince arrived at the Yudi, the guards at the door saluted him respectfully and quickly went inside to report. After receiving permission, the Crown Prince entered the Yudi with steady steps. Upon seeing the Emperor seated at the desk, he bowed respectfully.

Then he spoke: "Huangdi, your son has felt unwell these past few days, often dizzy and weak, limbs sore and limp, truly unable to bear the heavy duty of receiving foreign envoys. Moreover, the princes of Nanliang Guo and Beilin Kingdom have already departed; only the envoys of Xishang and Dongying Guo remain. So your son begs Huangdi to temporarily appoint someone else to take over this post for these few days."

Hearing this, the Emperor lifted his head and glanced at the Crown Prince with a faint look, asking with concern: "Illness must not be delayed; you must summon the Imperial Physician for a thorough diagnosis. As for receiving the people of Xishang and Dongying Guo, We will dispatch other suitable candidates to handle it. You are the Crown Prince; take good care of your own body."