Female supremacy: blasphemy of imperial power [Yuri/GL]

Chapter 31: News ✨

Three days had passed since Chen Yongle's sudden confession. During this time, she seemed to have freed herself from her restraints, unabashedly expressing her feelings for Chao Yang.

A beautifully crafted small table held a plate of dainty pastries. Chestnut cakes, Chao Yang's only favored dessert.

Chao Yang held a book in one hand, precisely reaching for a pastry with the other, taking small bites. To Chen Yongle, Chao Yang seemed more grounded, the once lofty figure now connected to the earth.

"Pastries can be dry; would you like something to drink?" Chen Yongle, gracefully seated beside Chao Yang, had an expression perhaps overly radiant. People with perfect teeth shouldn't smile so brightly... Eight dazzlingly white teeth were blinding!

Chao Yang glanced at Chen Yongle but ignored her, not responding to the offer of a drink.

"Ah Yang..." Chen Yongle, dissatisfied, stood and pulled the book from Chao Yang's hands.

"Chen Yongle, give me back my book."

Chao Yang's voice was calm, but she used Chen Yongle's full name, a rarity, indicating her genuine irritation.

"Ah Yang, why are you ignoring me?" Chen Yongle's eyes reddened, her nose tingling. God knew how hurt she felt hearing Chao Yang's cold use of her name.

Chao Yang replied blandly, "When you decided to keep me here, you should have considered the consequences."

"I... I just wanted you to stay."

Chen Yongle defended herself quietly, half-kneeling at Chao Yang's feet, pleading, "Could you stay for me?"

Chao Yang didn't directly refuse but countered, "Would you come with me?"

"I..." Chen Yongle hesitated, softly replying, "I would."

"But you won't." Chao Yang's blunt words cut through. From the moment Chen Yongle declared her feelings, then quickly "imprisoned" her, Chao Yang's frustration had simmered.

She thought of Chen Yongle as a good friend, even a sister, but Chen Yongle's actions felt like a slap. Chen Yongle had always positioned herself as Chao Yang's protector, meddling in her life, yet Chao Yang didn't mind. Even if unnecessary, it felt warm.

This time, Chen Yongle used the Peach Blossom Festival and a grand gift as excuses to keep her. Chao Yang allowed it, accepting Fosang, even tolerating Chen Yongle's "detention" for three days. Part of her had indulged these actions.

But Chen Yongle's self-deception was intolerable.

Unable to argue, Chen Yongle listened as Chao Yang continued, "You won't leave the Southern Kingdom. Your sense of duty rivals mine. So, what do you plan to do about us?"

"When your brother arranges a marriage, you have a husband, will you keep me by your side? Don't deny it yet." Chao Yang stopped Chen Yongle's frantic protest, continuing, "You and I are impossible. I won't tolerate that kind of you, nor a future me."

"You selfishly want it all, but Chen Yongle, I thought you'd understand me." Understand my pride. If it were anyone else, Chao Yang might have abandoned them out of contempt.