The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 346 Extra “Fighting for Favor (4)”

The next morning.

Heaven-Stepping Lord squinted his eyes as he sat beneath the loquat tree in the courtyard, leisurely peeling and eating the fruit while lost in thought. First released on www.biqugetv.com and m.biqugetv.com.

After switching states, he couldn't recall much of the past three days except for a vague memory of receiving a wooden box from a strange creature that resembled a sticky rice cake. It seemed to be related to Chu Wanning's birthday gift.

But beyond that, he could not remember anything else.

Heaven-Stepping Lord didn't dare to be careless. After all, he believed that Grandmaster Mo was a cunning bird, outwardly appearing sincere and honest but inwardly hypocritical with a multitude of schemes.

How different from himself, handsome, straightforward, domineering, and valiant, always genuine in his interactions with others.

Such an honest person like himself was at a disadvantage.

Heaven-Stepping Lord sighed, his purple-black eyes shimmering with a profound light. The loquat juice was sticky, so he lifted his hand to lick his fingers, savoring the delicate sweetness. He secretly vowed: I can't lose! As a monarch, I know more about palace intrigues than my other self! To triumph, one must understand both themselves and their opponent. As long as I can see Grandmaster Mo's gift beforehand, I can turn the tables and surpass him!

However, desiring to know Grandmaster Mo's gift was one thing, but the art of actually discovering it was another matter entirely.

He didn't expect to communicate telepathically with himself; it would be a miracle if Grandmaster Mo paid any attention to him.

How about... trying to get some information out of Chu Wanning?

No, no, no.

This thought was swiftly dismissed by Heaven-Stepping Lord himself.

Recalling his past life, Song Qiutong would always dress up lavishly during festivals, attempting to please him with her utmost charm while subtly probing for information on whether "Princess Chu" had prepared any gifts for him.

Back then, he had been suppressing an evil fury. Looking at Song Qiutong's seemingly clever but actually foolish expression, he had barely managed to restrain himself from cursing – Why! What are you asking for! Are you satisfied now that Chu Wanning has never sent me a holiday gift?!!

But every time, he had held back his anger, forcing a sinister smile onto his face as he spoke calmly, "I didn't expect the Empress to be so concerned about Princess Chu, even seeking inspiration from her for a gift."

Fear flickered across Song Qiutong's beautiful face, causing her to display even more obedience and coquettishness in the hope of winning the emperor's favor.

Hastily, she said, "Your servant is just unsure, wanting to understand the intentions of Princess Chu..."

"Oh... You want to understand Princess Chu's intentions." Heaven-Stepping Lord slowly savored these words, then suddenly sneered. His eyes were like cold swords unsheathed, radiating a chilling light.

"So, you're saying that as an empress, you have no initiative, and you plan to become a concubine like him, or perhaps simply demote yourself?"

Song Qiutong was so terrified that he stumbled and fell to his knees, bowing repeatedly.

At that moment, he felt a swirling vortex of disgust and anger entwining within his heart, tearing and wrestling for dominance. The palace maidens witnessing the scene attributed it to the unpredictable moods of the Emperor, unaware – not even Song Qiutong herself knew – that she had struck a raw nerve. Despite having kept Chu Wanning under house arrest for so long, he had secured the person but never truly seemed to have won the heart.

As for the obedience, submission, and adoration he yearned for, they were like a frigid moon high in the ninth heaven, perpetually out of reach.

In all these years, he had never received so much as a single festive gift from Chu Wanning... Not even a whispered "Happy New Year" on the depths of Winter Solstice night, when the snow fell thick and heavy, was more than a pipe dream.

Thus, Song Qiutong pierced his pride, prodding at his sore spots. She mocked him for having nothing and gaining nothing, ridiculing him as a lonely figure—a seemingly determined soul who in reality bore the heavy burden of resentment, a pitiful wretch.

She actually dared... How dare she??

The Imperial Lord's face turned livid with anger, while Song Qiutong paled in fright. He glared at her sinisterly, unable to voice the truth, and she was completely unaware of the offense she had committed.

Neither the Empress nor the Imperial Lord realized at that moment that her attempt to win his favor was doomed from the start.

Yes.

She couldn't ask Chu Wanning.

After reminiscing about the past, Heaven-Stepping Lord became even more resolute in his thoughts.

The essence of vying for favor lay in appearing nonchalant, as if one cared not at all, while secretly strategizing behind the scenes. It was most unwise to reveal one's true feelings from the very beginning.

But how could he casually and effortlessly inquire about Grandmaster Mo's movements?

Time was running out for him. Tomorrow was Chu Wanning's birthday, leaving him with only these last few hours to turn the tide of defeat.

As Heaven-Stepping Lord was deep in thought, he noticed Doghead chasing a colorful butterfly across his path. Sensing his gaze, Doghead abruptly halted its pursuit, tilting its head sideways and casting its usual mischievous, sideways glance at the former emperor who was lost in contemplation. Its eyes brimmed with wisdom and concern. Biqugetv Mobile: https://m.biqugetv.com/

Heaven-Stepping Lord had a sudden inspiration.

Got it!

"Good puppy, obedient puppy, come here." Taking advantage of Chu Wanning's absence while he investigated the spiritual essence of Nanshan's plants, Heaven-Stepping Lord scooped up Doghead and placed it on his lap. With a smile that he believed was amiable but was actually rather terrifying, he rubbed the puppy's paws. "This Lord knows you're the smartest. You should understand what This Lord is saying."

Doghead: "…"

"This Lord asks you, do you know if This Lord obtained a wooden box a few days ago?"

Doghead: "Woof..."

"Heaven-Stepping Lord: If you behave obediently and fetch that box for this seat, can you do it?"

"Woof, woof, woof..." Unable to do it.

The corners of Heaven-Stepping Lord's mouth turned down slightly, but he still smiled and said, "How about I reward you with a piece of meat bone?"

"Woof, woof!" Two pieces!

"Very well, two sticks it is."

The elegant and pretentious Heaven-Stepping Lord indeed proved more skilled at communicating with his kind than the genuine and human-like Grandmaster Mo. Despite the complete language barrier, the man and the dog had surprisingly reached a mutual understanding to collude for their own gain in no time.

"Woof!"

The dog wagged its tail and leaped out of Heaven-Stepping Lord's embrace, dashing into an inconspicuous cluster of bushes. In no time, it betrayed Grandmaster Mo by unearthing the Wish-Fulfilling Box that he had concealed. With dirt still clinging to it, the dog happily presented the treasure to Heaven-Stepping Lord.

"Such rapid progress?"

"Woof, woof, woof!" That's right, you should know who I am.

Heaven-Stepping Lord was quite pleased and stroked the dog's head with a smile. "My dear subject, you truly are a fine dog. This sovereign shall bestow upon you the title of—"

Before he could think of a title, familiar footsteps echoed from outside the courtyard. Heaven-Stepping Lord's expression changed, and he swiftly tucked the Wish-Fulfilling Box into his embrace before anyone could notice.

Then, turning back as if nothing had happened, he said calmly, "Wanning has returned."

The dog wagged its tail nonchalantly and playfully stuck out its tongue at Chu Wanning, attempting to curry favor.

Upon returning from his mountain patrol, Chu Wanning observed the man and the dog, sensing an eerie air of conspiracy between them. "…What are you two doing?"

Heaven-Stepping Lord quickly changed the subject. "How about this seat's harem?"

Chu Wanning said, "Your Little Cui and Little Hong are no more."

"!!!" Heaven-Stepping Lord gasped in astonishment, "What?!!"

"The tempest last night uprooted the Xiangfei bamboo and red hawthorns you planted on the southern slope. I warned you not to cultivate them in the path of the windward cliffs, but you didn't listen. Now, it serves as a lesson for next time."

Heaven-Stepping Lord was suddenly deeply saddened. He refused to accept it.

Those were the very plants and trees they had eagerly planted together when he had first retreated to Nanshan! Although he had always playfully referred to them as his harem to tease Chu Wanning, there were more than just concubines in his imaginary court; he had secretly designated the trees they had planted together as princesses and princes.

Now, their "children" had unexpectedly perished. How could he tolerate that?

"No way! This Lord must go take a look!"

"What is there to see?" Seeing that Heaven-Stepping Lord took his teasing seriously, Chu Wanning promptly pulled him closer and explained, "I've already cast a spell to reattach the broken plants."

"Are they all fixed?"

"Yes, they're all fixed."

Staring at Chu Wanning, Heaven-Stepping Lord remained silent for a moment. Before Chu Wanning could react, the latter suddenly opened his sleeves and embraced him tightly.

"…" Caught off guard by the embrace around his waist, Chu Wanning smiled helplessly and asked, "What are you doing…?"

Seated, Heaven-Stepping Lord leaned his head against Chu Wanning's ribcage, wanting to nuzzle against it but unable to lower his pride. Finally, he merely grumbled, "This Lord… This Lord is happy."

This was the heart of Chu Wanning, who would grieve for the plants and trees he had nurtured with hope, only to have them ravaged by wind and rain, yet silently revive them without a word. Even withered wood could bloom anew in spring, and so his once-withered heart, too, gradually regained its vibrant red hue, filling with blood, warmth, and love under Chu Wanning's companionship.

He could finally step cautiously into the light.

Determined to let more light shine upon himself and less on Grandmaster Mo, Heaven-Stepping Lord grew more resolute in solving the mystery behind the latter's gift. Unlike the lucid Grandmaster Mo, whose mind was sharp, he stubbornly refused to acknowledge that they were one and the same. Thus, while Grandmaster Mo harbored no enmity towards his other self, Heaven-Stepping Lord found himself daily locking horns with him, blushing and neck-craning.

Using the excuse of "This seat is in a particularly good mood today, I'll cook myself," Heaven-Stepping Lord quietly sequestered himself in the small kitchen, starting to investigate the Wish-Granting Box.

His experience as the Human Realm's Imperial Lord told him that unlocking this box would expose Grandmaster Mo's secrets right before his eyes.

The issue was that the box was airtight—how could it possibly be opened?

---

"Box, open up!"

It didn't work.

"Think about it and open!"

It remains secluded.

"Allow me to show you the handsomeness of this seat."

The box remained motionless.

The Heaven-Stepping Lord attempted various explanations, all to no avail. Eventually, his patience wearing thin, he grew somewhat frenzied. Condensing a red glow in his palm, he resolved to take a more forceful approach, intent on splitting the object in two!

With a sudden and fierce strike of his palm, a resounding crash echoed!

The stool beneath the box was shattered.

Yet, surprisingly, the box remained unscathed.

"Heaven-Stepping Lord scoffed, "How ridiculous, I refuse to believe this…" Summoning his blade, he struck it horizontally and vertically more than twenty times in a row. However, constrained by the kitchen's surroundings where he couldn't unleash his spiritual energy freely without risking the destruction of the house, his power was reduced to a mere fraction. After a long while of hacking at it, the box still remained undamaged.

On the other side of the door, Chu Wanning knocked and called out, "Mo Ran? What are you doing? Why is there so much noise inside?"

"…Chopping ingredients!" Heaven-Stepping Lord blurted out, "Making dumplings!"

Chu Wanning paused. "There's still some filling left in the Ice Mirror from the day before yesterday; I didn't use it all when I made dumplings."

"Alright, noted."

After responding, Heaven-Stepping Lord suddenly realized something—something was amiss! Chu Wanning was making dumplings for Grandmaster Mo again?

Why didn't he get any??

This thought fueled his anger even more, making him feel even more determined not to let Grandmaster Mo off. He couldn't allow that hypocrite and despicable scoundrel to gain any further favor on his birthday!

To vie for his affection? How utterly foolish!

A veil of darkness shadowed Heaven-Stepping Lord's eyes as he gazed at the box, his slender fingers tracing the rough texture of its surface. An wicked idea sparked in his mind. Perhaps... he should simply toss this box over the cliff...

Was it not just a birthday gift? He could certainly find something better for Chu Wanning before the sun set today.

He was the Heaven-Stepping Imperial Lord. If he desired something unique and unparalleled in heaven and earth, what was there that he could not obtain?

Though he despised his former life as an exalted king, he cherished the warmth of being back among mortals. Thus, he often disguised himself and ventured down the mountain to immerse in the scent of human life. He even found the coins he earned by secretly working as "Master Kuo" more precious and meaningful than the rare treasures others had once tremblingly presented to him in the cold, silent palace.

But though such mundane sweetness was delightful, he was unwilling to reveal his fondness for it.

Heaven-Stepping Lord was a man of pride, especially when it came to distinguishing himself from the poverty-stricken Grandmaster Mo. Even if he secretly adored the simple dish of cabbage and tofu from farmers' homes, he would still grumble and pretend that his true love was grand feasts with delicacies from the mountains and seas.

There were occasional benefits to putting on such a facade.

For instance, Heaven-Stepping Lord firmly believed that if he dared to reemerge in the world, brazenly seeking treasures despite the risk of being killed by Chu Wanning, he would surely find a luxurious, sophisticated, and unique gift that would impress!

Definitely!

With this idea taking root in his mind, Heaven-Stepping Lord stood up, intending to store the wooden box away and look for an opportunity to dispose of it later in the afternoon.

However, as much as he thought about it, his newly awakened conscience stirred unease when it came to actually doing it.

...W-won't Chu Wanning have one less gift then? What if this seat fails to find something better? What if Chu Wanning genuinely likes this box, and it's destroyed by this seat... wouldn't he... wouldn't he come and argue with this seat? Now that this seat has allowed him exclusive favor, what if he really does make a fuss? How should this seat appease him? Would it even work?

Lost in these thoughts, he found himself feeling worried again.

In history, the imperial family had always been cold and unfeeling. Once an emperor fell in love, they could only end up playing house with their beloved.

Even for such a trivial matter, he couldn't harden his heart at the thought of Chu Wanning being unhappy.

How pathetic of me!

Heaven-Stepping Lord sighed inwardly.

But just then, he suddenly noticed a fleeting white figure by the wooden fence window. Sensing something amiss, he hurried over, but the creature was incredibly fast. He only caught a glimpse of a small blue lamp being carried by a white tail before it vanished into the grass.

A rolled-up green lotus leaf was wedged between the wooden slats of the window.

...The Rice Cake Monster!!

A spark of realization ignited in Heaven-Stepping Lord's mind, stirring memories of an extraordinary encounter from two days ago when he was still someone else.

He promptly plucked out the lotus leaf left behind by the Rice Cake Spirit and smoothed it out under the sun's rays shining through the window. He was initially overjoyed, but that joy swiftly turned to rage.

In a fit of anger, Heaven-Stepping Lord scolded himself, "Mo Weiyu, how dare you! To mock this Lord!"

On the lotus leaf were several crooked lines of text:

Greetings, Emperor! I am a Spirit of Sticky Rice, embodying the Emperor's alternate persona. I've secretly left my village to deliver this message to you. This is the Wishing Box, containing a slice of paradise. The unlocking incantation was set by Grandmaster Mo's persona - 'Bestowing gold is truly foolish.' That's all I can do to assist you! Good luck! You can do it!

Though Heaven-Stepping Lord didn't understand the term "Pinke Emperor," he inferred that the creature's speech, peppered with demonic vocabulary, was an attempt at flattery, despite its lack of proficiency in mortal dialect.

This sticky rice spirit was clever and adaptable! After achieving his goal, he would confer upon it a high rank in the Southern Screen Mountain!

With this thought, Heaven-Stepping Lord paused, suppressing the humiliation of being mocked by his other self. Clenching his teeth, he recited the phrase inscribed on the wooden box:

"Bestowing gold is indeed foolish."

A flash of golden light enveloped him, and in the blink of an eye, Heaven-Stepping Lord vanished from the kitchen.

He had entered the Wishing Box.