Chapter 48: The Scarlet Weasel

Shui Muchen’s glassy gaze swept over the crowd before settling on the little fox. Casually, he lifted the black cloth, his thin lips parting slightly as he said, “This creature shares the same lineage as the Snow Emperor’s spirit pet, the little fox, though it is not the same species.”

At last, everyone realized what was inside—it was a red marten. Yet this marten was somewhat different from others; its fur was a deep red, but its ear tips were white. Its pair of bright blue eyes suggested impurity.

“A marten?” Lei Qing pointed at the red marten in surprise, her ignorance excused as she had truly never seen one before.

“Indeed, it is a marten, yet not quite a marten. Haven’t I already mentioned that this little creature shares some blood ties with the Snow Emperor’s little fox?” Shui Muchen toyed with the cage holding the red marten using his fan. The marten growled softly at him but dared not make a move.

“What do you mean by that?” Dong Yanlie showed interest in the red marten as well, though compared to the little fox, this creature seemed far less impressive.

Shui Muchen remained silent, turning his gaze instead toward Xuanyuan Yu. “Snow Emperor, I believe your broad knowledge must encompass the origins of this marten.”

“My guess is correct—it is indeed a member of the red marten clan from the Endless Forest,” Xuanyuan Yu dismissed Shui Muchen’s provocation without a glance. If Shui Muchen intended to embarrass him with such a trick, he would be sorely disappointed.

“Exactly. Snow Emperor, you truly live up to your title, well-versed and knowledgeable. I greatly admire you,” Shui Muchen said, raising his hand in a mock salute. Yet there was no genuine respect in his tone, prompting Xuanyuan Yu to cast him a sidelong glance.

It seemed that Xuanyuan Yu had been too lenient lately, causing these people to forget who he truly was. How dare they test him like this? What of his dignity, his authority?

“This red marten is a hybrid of the Flame Fox and the Qingyun Marten, isn’t it? The Qingyun Marten is smaller, with precious white fur and agile movements. The Flame Fox, on the other hand, hails from the fiery region of the Endless Forest. This creature has a strong affinity for fire, its red fur a distinct mark,” Mu Yueqi spoke confidently, her eyes calm and unruffled by the presence of the red marten.

“Heh, Brother Yueqi, your knowledge is indeed vast and accurate,” Shui Muchen chuckled.

“So, this is what it is. Second Prince of the Shuiwu Kingdom, aren’t you afraid of making a fool of yourself by showing it off?” Lei Qing mocked Shui Muchen again, disdain shining in her crystalline gaze. To flaunt such a thing so openly was truly embarrassing.

Shui Muchen gently deflected Lei Qing’s words. “They say it’s the thought that counts. I’m sure the Snow Emperor won’t mind.”

Lei Qing was so blocked that she had no retort. If she spoke further, she risked implying the Snow Emperor was greedy and vain—was she brave enough to say that?

Only after hearing Mu Yueqi’s explanation did the little fox understand the nature of their kinship. The Flame Fox was a fox that preferred to dwell in fiery regions, unlike herself, who favored the snow-capped mountains. Her bloodline was far nobler; she was royal among foxes, commanding the submission of all others.

“Squeak, squeak, squeak. What’s your name?” The little fox chirped at the red marten, yet she never forgot her own status. She regarded the creature with the same haughty gaze Xuanyuan Yu cast upon princes and princesses. Her purple eyes carried an aura of intimidation—an instinct born of her very nature.

It was late—later than expected. Apologies for the delay today; some complications arose. I noticed readers guessing the plot, and though there are few differences, I had originally intended it this way. Please forgive my cunning!