Chapter 96 – Tangtang sells himself to the duke

Translator: ChuRen/ YuQiChen

The next day, as Tang Qing was painting in the studio.

The studio was not large, but it was decorated very warmly. The fabric sofa had soft cat pillows and cute Corgi plushies, making one want to just lie down comfortably.

On the wooden coffee table, there were snacks and a large plate of star-shaped cookies. The light green carpet and small potted plants scattered around made the studio look very cozy.

On the walls were some of Tang Qing’s doodles, which were as beautiful as masterpieces. From a distance, there was a giant Maine Coon cat, but upon closer inspection, the cat’s body actually revealed intricate mech designs.

Tang Qing’s major was mech design, so he often had to draw various designs. He also enjoyed doodling in his free time.

Today, he painted a chubby orange cat, entirely orange except for a white belly. The cat stretched out its claws mischievously and lay by the fish tank, eyeing the ornamental fish inside.

His painting was detailed. The cat was fluffy all over, lazy and round, looking adorable.

Finally done, Tang Qing stood up and hung the painting aside, with many other cute cat drawings next to it.

After painting for a while, he felt a bit tired.

The sunlight was shining on his face, highlighting his snow-white and delicate skin, looking flawless as if he had no pores.

He lazily stretched, revealing a glimpse of a soft slender waist, blindingly white.

Soon, it was covered by his clothes again, a fleeting sight of beauty passing by.

This scene sparked endless imagination in the minds of onlookers.

“He’s still in the mood to paint?”

Duke Xie Qingzhi stared at Tang Qing through a thin glass wall, his stoic gray-blue eyes fixed on Tang Qing for a while, admiring the young man’s beautiful figure before inexplicably asking.

The steward’s face turned pale as he looked down at the floor, trembling as he said, “Sir… Although the young master may seem a bit aloof on the surface, he has a good personality. He’s usually gentle and calm, not one to quarrel or compete.”

“Doesn’t he know that he’s already been sold to me?”

Duke Xie Qingzhi’s eyes were full of disdain and mockery, as he emitted a malicious chuckle.

Upon hearing this, the steward’s expression changed instantly. He had worked at the Tang residence his whole life, always dealing with respectable upper-class individuals. It was the first time he had heard someone use such vulgar language to describe his marriage matters.

He couldn’t help but glance at Duke Xie Qingzhi, only to be startled by the chilling gray-blue eyes hidden beneath his cold silver mask, causing him to quickly lower his head in fear.

“Sir… This is a marriage agreed upon by both families, how can you describe it as a sale?” The steward stammered, trying to cover up the situation.

Duke Xie Qingzhi stood at a towering height of almost six feet, and even his expressionless presence exuded immense intimidation. The steward’s legs were almost shaking, fearing that this man might get angry due to his offense.

Although he also admitted that Tang Moyang, in pursuit of wealth and status, had married off his eighteen-year-old son to this disfigured madman who was almost twice Tang Qing’s age.

This behavior was no different from selling off his son.

“Alright, tell Tang Moyang that I am very satisfied with this transaction, send the person to my mansion.”

After Duke Xie Qingzhi spoke, he stepped out with long strides.

“Sir! Sir, the wedding hasn’t even been held yet.” The steward wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, hurriedly followed up, “Sir, we still need to discuss the timing of the wedding.”

“No more waiting, send him over tonight.”

Ignoring the steward’s pleas, the man walked straight out of the Tang residence.

…

Tang Qing remained unaware of what was happening outside the glass window.

It wasn’t until evening when the steward called him to the living room, where he awaited his father’s arrangement of his third engagement.

Tang Qing looked at Tang Moyang in disbelief.

After his mother Chen Ruxin passed away from illness, his father quickly found a lover outside. Hindered by his mother’s powerful maternal family, otherwise Tang Moyang would have married his lover outright.

If it weren’t for his older brother Tang Bo falling into a coma after being injured in a large space battle, requiring the Tang family’s care, Tang Qing wouldn’t have had to deal with Tang Moyang, his lover, and their illegitimate children.

Yet, he never expected Tang Moyang to arrange such a ridiculous marriage without his consent.

Seeing Tang Qing’s silence, Luo Xuanling, Tang Xiaobai’s and Tang Shanshan’s biological mother, interjected, “Xiao Qing, Duke Xie Qingzhi is the Emperor and Empress’s most favored son. If you can marry him, you’ll enjoy endless glory and wealth in the future.”

Tang Qing couldn’t help but retort, “Most favored son? Everyone knows the Emperor’s favorite is the Crown Prince. Regardless, why couldn’t you discuss this with me first before deciding, instead of selling me off for your own gain without my consent?”

Tang Xiaobai chimed in, “Elder Brother, Mom and Dad are doing this for your own good. With your current reputation, finding an Alpha of such status willing to marry you is no easy feat.”

Tang Qing couldn’t help but scoff, “That woman is your mother, not mine. I have never said that I need to find a prestigious Alpha to marry, I just want to find someone I like.”

Tang Xiaobai lowered his head, feeling upset and said oddly, “Elder Brother, are you still blaming me for ‘stealing’ General Shen Yanxia? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I really didn’t know he would immediately break off the engagement with you after meeting me…”

Tang Qing couldn’t stand his hypocritical attitude and interrupted him, “I have no interest in men who change their minds so easily. Little brother, if you like picking up things that your big brother doesn’t want, then go ahead and keep them.”

Seeing that they were about to argue, Tang Moyang cleared his throat, assuming an authoritative parental tone, and directly spoke, “Tang Qing, you’re not young anymore. It’s a blessing that a man with such high status is willing to be engaged with you. Besides, this matter is not something we can oppose, as it was personally ordered by the Empress.”

Tang Qing sneered, “Ordered by the Empress herself, so you eagerly accepted it without even considering fighting for your biological son, even just a word, right?”

Tang Moyang felt somewhat guilty under his gaze, especially from his handsome yet overly intelligent son.

He admitted that he had hesitated upon hearing about this engagement, given Duke Xie Qingzhi’s notorious reputation as the ‘royal madman’.

However, after the Empress presented various benefits, he compromised.

“I never thought the Empress would choose you, and this marriage isn’t just about the Empress and me agreeing on it, it also requires Duke Xie Qingzhi’s approval.”

“It’s common knowledge that despite the Empress sending numerous beautiful Omegas his way over the years, none could make him agree to marry, let alone you as just a Beta.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Qing’s hope reignited. Ignoring Tang Moyang’s underlying disdain, he hurriedly stood up and blurted out, “So? Did the Duke agree?”

“He agreed.”

Tang Moyang slightly turned his head, feeling a tinge of guilt seeing his son’s disappointed expression.

Tang Qing felt a mix of emotions. He had long known that his father, Tang Moyang, openly brought his mistress and illegitimate children into the mansion, so he shouldn’t have expected anything from him.

But still, he couldn’t believe that as Tang Moyang’s biological son, he would be discarded without hesitation, used as a bargaining chip in exchange for paternal and royal favor.

Feeling somewhat dazed, he turned and walked out of the living room.

Taking one last look at the people present, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of disgust and nausea.

Walking absentmindedly down the road, he accidentally bumped into a tall man.

“Tang Tang, what’s wrong?” The man embraced Tang Qing.

He had a handsome face and a tall figure – it was Shen Yanxia, Tang Qing’s first arranged fiancé.

Tang Qing pushed the man away, steadied himself, and defiantly looked at him, saying coldly, “It’s none of General Shen’s business.”

Shen Yanxia looked at Tang Qing’s fragile yet beautiful face and couldn’t help but feel sorry, saying, “Tang Tang, what’s wrong? Even though we’ve already broken off our engagement, if you have any issues, you can still talk to me.”

Tang Qing, suppressing his grievances, pretended not to care and said, “It’s nothing, just found out about my next engagement.”

As an up-and-coming figure in the Empire, Shen Yanxia had heard about the imperial family’s desire to form an alliance with the Tang family. He asked in confusion, “With the Crown Prince?”

Tang Qing replied, “With Duke Xie Qingzhi.”

Shen Yanxia showed a surprised expression, unable to believe that Tang Qing’s engagement partner was him.

After all, it was widely known that apart from the Crown Prince, the other royal prince was quite eccentric and had no interest in anyone.

He probably preferred watching people suffer rather than marrying a beauty.

Concerned, Shen Yanxia asked, “Tang Tang, are you doing this willingly? If not, I can help you. Even though he’s Duke Xie Qingzhi, I will do my best to work within the military…”

Tang Qing coldly interrupted, “You don’t have to trouble yourself, General Shen. I find Duke Xie Qingzhi quite suitable for me.”

Even if he had to marry a dog, he didn’t need his ex to pity him or save him.

Not to mention, his ex was now with his half-brother, who shared the same father.

Shen Yanxia paused, incredulously asking, “Tang Tang, are you doing this willingly? Are you really, as rumored, marrying the ‘royal madman’ for power and status?”

Upon hearing Shen Yanxia’s doubt, Tang Qing found it even more ridiculous. These so-called “rumors” were all spread by his good brother, Tang Xiaobai, after he and Shen Yanxia’s engagement was cancelled.

Shen Yanxia knew the truth but never explained, choosing silence to avoid accusations of Tang Xiaobai seducing his brother’s fiancé or him cheating on his brother’s fiancé.

They had once had feelings for each other, nearly stepping into marriage. Now, Tang Qing found himself alone in the midst of rumors and gossip.

“In fact, I have long admired Duke Xie Qingzhi. Besides him, I won’t marry anyone else!”

Tang Qing looked coldly at Shen Yanxia, defiantly throwing out these words and then turned to leave.

—

“That Beta said he has long admired me and won’t marry anyone else unless it’s me?”

Upon hearing the report from the steward Li, Duke Xie Qingzhi’s gray-blue eyes showed a hint of peculiar interest, emitting a strange and eerie laughter from his throat.

Interesting, truly interesting.

After all these years, it was the first time someone had admired him and claimed they would only marry him.

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