My Inner Thought is Exposed! The Villain Family Defy Their Fate!

"Your Majesty, for my own selfish reasons, I manipulated my younger sister to defy orders, seducing Your Majesty. I am deeply guilty and am willing to accept any punishment Your Majesty deems fit."

"..."

Mo Yuanlin’s gaze flickered slightly; he knew that night for sure that this matter couldn’t be unrelated to this boy, Yun Wanye.

This boy was the mastermind, and Yun Wanyao was an accomplice. Her decision to annul the engagement was spontaneous, but really, it was to cover for Yun Wanye.

It turns out, that’s precisely the case.

Well, that little girl always seems terrified when she sees him, yet when things happen, she shows true courage. To protect Yun Wanye, she even dared to deceive him.

It seems she needs a proper lesson; otherwise, who knows how many more people she might deceive in the future?

"Heh, you don’t seem like someone who would easily confess. Even with evidence before you, I’m afraid you’d stubbornly deny it. Why then are you confessing today?"

"Sigh..."

Yun Wanye feigned a sorrowful sigh, putting on a deeply remorseful appearance, and said, "Haven’t I had a guilty conscience, Your Majesty?"

"I placed my sister in such a wrongful position for my own gains, unable to fulfill my promises afterwards, causing her much grief and sadness. I feel very guilty and thought to come for punishment from Your Majesty."

Is he really here for punishment?

Or to seek credit?

Mo Yuanlin somewhat understood Yun Wanye, so after a few words back and forth, he saw through his intentions.

This boy must know how he feels about Yun Wanyao and is specifically seeking benefits. He didn’t want to take the bait, but upon hearing Yun Wanyao was saddened...

Even though he knew it was this boy’s strategy, he couldn’t help himself.

He furrowed his brows and said, "What conditions did you offer her to convince her to do such a thing? Why couldn’t you fulfill your promise?"

As for Yun Wanye’s reason for manipulating Yun Wanyao to enter the palace, he couldn’t care less.

"Your Majesty, won’t you even ask me why I manipulated Yun Wanyao to do this?"

"I have no interest."

Yun Wanye: "..."

"What if I have ill intentions towards Your Majesty? Wouldn’t you care?"

"If you truly had ill intentions towards me, would you come to the palace and confess to me? Is it because your head is too secure?"

Mo Yuanlin replied blandly.

This boy’s actions have a few goals at most.

First, to break up Mo Yuanhao and Yun Wanyao;

The night Yun Wanyao proposed annulment, though it was spontaneously to protect Yun Wanye, she must have already been considering it; otherwise, she wouldn’t have said it so easily.

She didn’t want to continue with Mo Yuanhao, and the Yun Family must have known, so Yun Wanye seized the opportunity.

Second, to test him;

There are rumors he’s afflicted, and Yun Wanye is always curious and naive, manipulating Yun Wanyao to seduce him...

He likely wants to test the truth of the rumor and see if he’s truly afflicted.

Third, to match Yun Wanyao with him;

Perhaps Yun Wanyao being with him would greatly benefit Yun Wanye. Any lesser benefit wouldn’t be worth such actions.

Fourth...

In summary, there’s definitely profit to be had, whether for Yun Wanyao or Yun Wanye himself; pushing Yun Wanyao to him definitely benefits them.

And for this boy to boldly come to confess and seek credit means, regardless of intentions, he harbors no malice against him.

Otherwise, why would he risk exposing himself for a benefit?

"Your Majesty, your wisdom is truly unparalleled... nothing escapes you..."

He offered his motives, but the Emperor simply wouldn’t ask about his purpose, leaving Yun Wanye quite despondent.

"The condition I promised Yun Wanyao was two thousand taels of silver, but, alas, I’m truly strapped and can’t fulfill it. So now, Yun Wanyao is about to die of sadness."

He grinned cheekily, asserting his financial struggles with a bold air.

Mo Yuanlin: "..."

He thought this boy had promised some irresistible deal, but it turned out to be just two thousand taels of silver.

Such a small amount of silver, enough for her to risk everything and actively seduce him. For a moment, Mo Yuanlin didn’t know whether to feel angry or amused.

Oh well, what’s the point in fretting over this?

As long as it’s a problem solvable with money, it’s not truly a problem. As a majestic ruler, could he possibly lack wealth?

"Eunuch Feng, bring notes for twenty thousand taels of silver."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Eunuch Feng waved a hand, and a Little Eunuch brought a vermillion wooden plate, respectfully presenting notes for twenty thousand taels of silver.

Mo Yuanlin walked over, took them without a glance, and stuffed them all into Yun Wanye’s arms.

"Here are twenty thousand taels. Ten thousand to cheer Yao’er up and the remaining ten thousand for your thanks. Take the silver and ensure to speak well of me to Duke Ning and Yao’er so she agrees to enter the palace soon."

"I am burdened with state affairs, lacking the time to court Yao’er at Duke Ning Mansion. This depends on you. Should you fail, I will reclaim the silver and hold you accountable for the disrespect of scheming against me."

Yun Wanye: "..."

This silver feels a bit scorching, indeed. The Emperor’s money is the hardest to earn.

Speaking of it, with so much silver, what harm in a little scorching?

Scorching or not, I’ll accept it. This silver, it’s mine now.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will ensure the affair is handled perfectly and Yun Wanyao willingly enters the palace."

Yun Wanye contentedly pocketed the silver notes, patting his chest and promising Mo Yuanlin.

Mo Yuanlin lightly raised his eyebrow, looked down and sideways at him, and said, "You may rise."

"I shall not, Your Majesty, for I have another matter to discuss."

Though pardoned, Yun Wanye didn’t immediately rise. Seeing his demeanor, Mo Yuanlin knew this fellow intended to ask for more benefits, inducing a headache.

A ten thousand tael payment couldn’t even ensure his efforts; truly difficult.

"Speak."

He still relied on this boy to persuade Yun Zheng and Yun Wanyao, so when it comes to benefits, he couldn’t be too stingy; he must offer sufficient incentives.

"Your Majesty, may I request once Yao’er enters the palace, that Your Majesty grants me a marriage with the Princess, as I have long admired her?"

"..."

This boy admires Zhaozhao?

Mo Yuanlin squinted, a cold laugh in his heart. Heh, hidden deep indeed, never showing a sign before.

No wonder he wants to push Yun Wanyao to him.

Turns out it’s because if Yun Wanyao becomes Mo Yuanhao’s princess, Zhaozhao won’t be with this boy to preserve sibling relationship harmony.

Truly for personal gain, making such a risky move.

And Yun Wanyao’s decision to annul with Mo Yuanhao must largely stem from wanting to fulfill this boy’s wish with Zhaozhao.

She’s soft-hearted, yet this boy is blinded by greed, wholeheartedly trying to sell her out.

At least... she’s sold to him.

"I won’t force Zhaozhao. If you can have her seek me to grant the marriage, I’ll allow it."

One must be fiercely self-serving, or face doom; Mo Yuanlin wouldn’t dislike Yun Wanye for his selfishness, rather, he’d admire it more.

Because he’s of the same kind.

The virtuous and altruistic deserve respect, models of sainthood, but such words merely educate the masses, hoping to instill a spirit of contribution.

How could a ruler be subject to education?

He would of course act wilfully, prioritizing interest. Meeting a kindred spirit only breeds mutual appreciation.

"Good, then it’s settled."

Pocketing notes for twenty thousand taels, Yun Wanye left the palace, delighted.

The next day, he proactively sought out Yun Wanyao.