Chapter 59: Shameless and Decadent

The affair between Huanlan and Huanlan Haoyang was hardly a secret anymore; everyone within the imperial palace was well aware of it.

Somehow, the news had leaked, spreading far beyond the palace walls until the entire continent knew of it.

Within the Huanlan imperial palace, the one truly calling the shots was not the reigning Emperor Huanlan Jinggong, but rather the figure behind him—the Grand Empress Dowager, who should have passed away long ago, and who was none other than Huanlan, the founder of the Huanlan Continent.

Despite her advanced age, Huanlan still possessed the appearance of a young maiden. She had thrown court etiquette and morals into utter chaos by taking her own junior, Crown Prince Huanlan Haoyang, as her male concubine...

These were the scandalous rumors Moli and Xiao Junwang heard the moment they sneaked into the Huanlan Continent.

Moli pursed her lips, casting a cool and haughty glance at a group of people gossiping together like petty thieves, before shifting her gaze toward the direction of the imperial palace, which remained hidden from view.

With Xiao Junwang's assistance, she had already gained a preliminary understanding of the ancient spellbook she carried. Originally, she had planned to head into the long-sealed Demonic Forest to hone her skills and perhaps form contracts with a few beast servants. However, due to some mysterious pull drawing her toward the Huanlan Palace, she had ultimately chosen to bring Xiao Junwang along to the Huanlan Continent.

Long'er had grown considerably taller, so he was usually allowed to walk on his own. Whenever he grew truly tired, though, he would run up to Xiao Junwang and demand to be carried.

True to form, the toddler stopped his chubby, fur-clad little body, planted himself squarely in front of Xiao Junwang, and lifted his tiny head to gaze up at him.

"Daddy, hold me!"

With that, he didn't forget to stretch out his two small arms, gesturing for an embrace.

When Moli and her companions had first appeared, the surrounding people had instinctively found their gazes drawn to them. Now, seeing Long'er asking so adorably to be carried, even the older folks broke into warm, affectionate smiles, looking fondly at the sweet child.

The entire continent had been tainted by the decadent scandals stirred up by Huanlan, leaving many feeling heavy-hearted and oppressed. The sudden appearance of Long'er felt like a dazzling little sun cutting through the gloom, naturally drawing everyone's attention.

Moli was wearing a floor-length gown today, and because she was standing, people failed to notice anything unusual about her bare feet. Thus, the gazes cast upon her were filled with warmth and envy.

Xiao Junwang naturally sensed the reactions provoked by Long'er's sweet plea. He bent down, effortlessly scooped Long'er into his arms, exchanged a quick, communicative glance with Moli, and hurried forward with her in tow.

"What a wonderfully matched pair!"

"Look how adorable that child is! Ahh—"

"Aunty He, why on earth are you sighing like that?"

"It's just that one up in the palace... she's set her sights on our family's little one, and wants to drag him into the palace..."

The voice trailed off as if the speaker could no longer bear to continue, finally fading into silence.

The previously warm and tender atmosphere instantly clouded over, plunging back into a gloomy shadow at the aunt's fearful words.

"It is utterly despicable! How could Huanlan sink so low as to commit such utterly depraved acts?!"

The moment they cleared the crowd, Moli could not help cursing under her breath. When the aunt had been speaking earlier, Moli had turned back to look. The elderly woman, who had been smiling brightly just a second before, had instantly transformed into a mask of sorrow and terror.

It felt as though her heart was being scorched by fire.

Xiao Junwang, holding Long'er in his arms, paused upon hearing the low curses from behind. He lowered his long eyelashes and quietly came to a halt.

Long'er, who had been on the verge of falling asleep from exhaustion, shifted in Xiao Junwang's embrace. He propped himself up, draped his small body over Xiao Junwang's shoulder, and blinked sleepy eyes at Moli. In a soft, childlike voice, he comforted her, "Mommy, don't be afraid. With Daddy and Long'er here, we will protect you!"

With that, he rubbed his eyes as if fighting off sleep, but a moment later, his eyes drifted shut, and he fell fast asleep against Xiao Junwang's shoulder.