ã€ŠThe Evil Prince and his Precious Wife: The Sly Ladyã€‹


 Chapter 1 â€“ Demoting Wife to Concubine

    Semi-conscious, Murong Xue felt a sharp pain in her chest. Every breath felt like a thousand steel needles fiercely stabbing at her heart, so painful that she tightly frowned. She slowly opened her heavy eyelids, but was stunned by the scene that came into her view.

    White marble table-tops, red sandalwood chairs, golden pirs, silk brocade marble beds; the resplendent great hall was extremely luxurious. In the corner sat a purple-gold twisted-wire furnace which was an extremely expensive antique; at the window were two 1-meter-tall red corals which were even more precious and almost extinct in the modern era; in addition, the wall was embedded with night pearls, so many that it was overwhelming.

    Murong Xue couldn¡¯t help but be stunned. The modern society would have electric lighting everywhere but this was furnished so quaintly old-fashioned. Even the pce halls of the Forbidden Pce in Beijing might not be as elegant and luxurious as this.

    ¡°Your majesty, this humble servant requests that your Majesty grants Princess Yuyuan as my wife and Murong Xue as my concubine¡­¡±

    A cold male voice traveled to her ears, destroying the pleasant surprise brought about by the scene in front of her. Murong Xue turned towards the direction of the voice and saw a man dressed in purple-red brocade robes standing on the red carpet, in the middle of the big hall. His hair, like ck silk, was tied up using a purple-gold crown. His expression was calm, his young face handsome beyondparison, and sharp gaze, ruthless.

    Murong Xue felt a thud in her head and received a sudden influx of foreign memories, coalescing rapidly with her original memories. Although she couldn¡¯t believe it, she had no choice but to admit ¨C her soul had traveled.

    The owner of this body was also named Murong Xue and was the daughter of the first wife in the house of the marquis. She had been engaged to Prince Jing, Ye Yichen, since young. Three years ago, Prince Jing had led an army to the borders against the enemy while Murong Xue waited bitterly in the capital city.

    After waiting for so long for her fianc¨¦¡¯s return, unexpectedly, he had returned together with the Princess of Mobei, Qin Yuyuan. He had even publicly requested to marry Qin Yuyuan as his first wife in front of all the court officials and their families during the wee home banquet, demoting Murong Xue to a concubine. She was caught off guard. Shocked and angry, her old illness had rpsed and she had died.

    In order to give the title of first wife to Qin Yuyuan, Ye Yichen unscrupulously used his military aplishments to request that the Emperor allow the marriage. But what wrong did Murong Xue do? She had only obeyed her parents¡¯ wishes to get engaged with Ye Yichen. She did not even have a chance to speak to her fianc¨¦ before he had demoted her into a lowly concubine. Her ego as the daughter of a prestigious family was stamped upon heartlessly into the ground.

    Sharpness gleaned Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. Facing everyone¡¯s looks of sympathy, pity, ridicule, disdain and gloating, she slowly raised her head towards Ye Yichen, ¡°I had an engagement with you first, Princess Yuyuan¡¯s political marriage came second. Don¡¯t you think that you are too much to have me demoted to concubine?¡±

    Astonished looks fell upon Murong Xue. Ye Yichen is a war prince and has many military achievements. Even all the court officials would give in and respect him. Murong Xue is only a sickly girl still in her boudoir, and she dared to mercilessly reprimand him. How audacious!

    The middle-aged Emperor sitting on the golden throne also raised his head and looked towards Murong Xue calmly. His sharp and majestic gaze hiding behind white jade tassel, faintly discernable.

    Murong Xue turned a blind eye to all these and coldly stared at Ye Yichen.

    ¡°Yuyuan is the King of Mobei¡¯s most favourite princess. Making her my concubine would be humiliating Mobei. The two countries, Qingyan and Mobei, would definitely go to war again!¡± Ye Yichen coldly answered without even sparing her a look. His brows revealed a hint of casualness and annoyance.

    Murong Xue begged to differ, and coldly said, ¡°Qingyan is strong as a country with sufficient military strength. If Mobei dares to attack, just send troops to destroy them. Why should the Prince be scared of them?¡±

    ¡°I am not afraid of going to war. I just do not want our border soldiers to die without reason!¡± Ye Yichen turned around, and condescendingly looked down upon Murong Xue, coldness showing all around the tips of his eyes and brows. ¡°If both countries can settle war through a political marriage, why should we still need to have an intense war and sacrifice so many soldiers?¡±

    Mobei¡¯s army is aggressive and will not easily surrender. If they agreed to a peace treaty and a political marriage, it is likely that the three years of war has caused them heavy losses such that they need to rest and rejuvenate. Even if Qin Yuyuan bes concubine, they will be vexed and angry, and they will harshly criticize, but they will not easily send troops to the border. Ye Yichen and Mobei have been at war for three years and he definitely knows fully well about Mobei¡¯s predicament but he still used peace between both countries as an excuse. Is it really because he likes Qin Yuyuan and wishes to take her as his first wife?!

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curved up with a touch of ridicule, and she coldly looked at Ye Yichen, ¡°The princes of the royal family are all young and capable. The nobles of the capital also have many young and talented men. Princess Yuyuan can marry any one of them and form a good rtionship between the two countries. She does not have to marry you who already has a marriage agreement.¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s act of mercilessly demoting Murong Xue as concubine in the great hall was simply humiliating her and not giving any respect to her as his fianc¨¦e. The original person was angered to death by Ye Yichen; she as the precious daughter of a first wife in a prestigious family will not allow anyone to bully her!

    ¡°When both countries came to a truce, the King of Mobei had asked that I personally take care of Princess Yuyuan. And I had agreed!¡± Ye Yichen calmly said, his voice calm and unwavering.

    A small condition in return for twenty years of peace between Qingyan and Mobei seemed like a very good deal. Ye Yichen was marrying Qin Yuyuan for the sake of the entire Qingyan. Demoting Murong Xue to concubine was because he had no other choice. If she continued to reprimand Ye Yichen, then she would be considered selfish and unappreciative.

    In a few words, he had rebuked her criticism. Ye Yichen¡¯s methods were really to the point and unfathomable. His reputation as the god of war was well deserved! But she, Murong Xue, was also not a weak goat up for ughter, ¡°In that case, Prince Jing and Princess Yuyuan¡¯s marriage cannot be stopped and has no way of changing?¡±

    Looking into Murong Xue¡¯s cool eyes that were like deep pools, Ye Yichen¡¯s heart clenched, as though something surprising was about to happen. He frowned, and coldly said, ¡°Of course!¡±

    ¡°In that case, I request that my engagement with Prince Jing be annulled!¡±

    As soon as she said that, the crowd was in an uproar. Murong Xue wants to break off the engagement and not marry the prince of war who is young and talented and has many military achievements? Is her mind muddled from her sickness? Qingyan has many young and talented men, but it is impossible to find one who is as aplished as Ye Yichen! Even as his concubine, she will be better off marrying him than marrying another as first wife.

    A gleam of surprise appeared in Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes. When he had decided to ask the Emperor to grant marriage, he had envisaged all sorts of reactions Murong Xue would have and had already thought of all sorts of countermeasures. However, he did not expect that she would actually suggest annulling the engagement. His de-like brows flicked up slightly, and he coldly said, ¡°No way!¡±

    Murong Xue coldly questioned, ¡°Why not?¡±

    Ye Yichen lowered his eyelids, ¡°If it is annulled, your reputation will be affected¡­¡±

    ¡°In front of so many people, Prince Jing demoted me to a concubine without any mercy, making me theughing stock of the capital. My reputation has already been utterly destroyed,¡± Murong Xue icily interrupted, derision showing all around the tips of her eyes and brows.

    ¡°Are you ming me?¡± Ye Yichen looked at Murong Chen, danger shing in his eyes.

    ¡°I dare not! I only ask that Prince Jing annull the marriage agreement. We each can marry and no longer have any ties!¡± Murong Xue casually answered with hints of derision and perfunctoriness.

 Chapter 2 â€“ Demotion of Wife to Concubine

    Chapter 2 ¨C Demotion of Wife to Concubine

    By admin | October 4, 201625 Comments

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face darkened. Lowering his eyes, he patiently exined, ¡°You have been sick for many years, and your body is weak, even after annulling the engagement, it is impossible for you to marry into a good family. You have a marriage agreement with me, and have waited for me for so long, I will not treat you shabbily. After marrying into the Prince Jing household, you will be the first concubine, and your position will only be slightly lower than the first wife¡­¡±

    ¡°The first concubine is still a concubine. I am the Marquis¡¯ first wife¡¯s daughter. No matter how bad the marriage is, I will never be a concubine!¡± Murong Xue harshly rejected his proposal, fire brewing beneath her eyes. She had already been so clear, yet Ye Yichen still wanted to take her as concubine. Did he really not understand her or was he acting as if he did not get her meaning?

    Ye Yichen is young and handsome, with many military aplishments. He has control of the army and is highly valued by the Emperor. Lots of girls from prestigious families in the capital would give up on the first wife position to marry him as concubine, but those people definitely do not include her, Murong Xue!

    Her cold voice pierced through his ear drums and pounded onto his heart. Ye Yichen stiffened and frowned as he looked towards Murong Xue. She wore a dress of pink smoke silk; the edges of the skirt lightly brushed the ground, enhancing the delicate shape of her body. Her hair, like a waterfall, was lightly rolled up using a green snow floral pin, revealing a smooth forehead, and a slightly pale but bright small face. Her ck eyes were like stars in the dark sky, calm but determined!

    It had been three years since thest time he had seen her. The weak and sickly girl in his memory, that even the wind could blow her down, had grown in a beautiful young woman. Her gentle nature had also be cold and indifferent. Her gaze directed towards him was even colder, with not a hint of admiration and attachment. This is her ¨C noble and proud, elegant and calm, like the red blossoms in the cold winter months, quietly blooming and presenting her beauty, not making a sound but is exceptionally attractive.

    When she asked to annul the engagement, she really meant that she wanted to annul the marriage agreement and it was not a bid to y hard and attract his attention!

    Her stubbornness had directed the situation into developing the opposite path to which he had envisioned, growing itpletely out of his control! He did not like this feeling.

    A dark haze passed Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes as he looked up at Murong Xue, ¡°Our engagement is our parents¡¯ wish, and the matchmaker¡¯s words. How can one lightly change it?¡±

    ¡°The engagement my parents agreed upon is for me to marry your highness as first wife and not to be your highness¡¯ concubine. When your highness demoted me to a concubine, it already went against the wish of my parents!¡± Ye Yichen destroyed the marriage agreement in front of the entire court and still dared to reprimand her for not obeying her parents¡¯ wishes ¨C how utterly shameless! If she were to marry this type of person, don¡¯t even mention about being a concubine, even if she were the first wife, she would not even give a care for it.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s gave her a meaningful look, ¡°You still me me!¡±

    Such an unfeeling and unrighteous person. He was just wasting her time. All she wants to do now is to draw the line between him and her, and not have anything to do him ever again!

    ¡°Prince Jing is marring the Princess of Mobei for the sake of the people of Qingyan. How could I possibility me you? By taking the initiative to annul the marriage, I am supporting your Highness and the Princess, and looking forward to the peace between Qingyan and Mobei. Am I wrong? Unless it is not enough that your Highness marries your beloved Princess Yuyuan as first wife, you also want to take me, the ex-fianc¨¦e, as concubine, to fulfill your carnal desires?¡±

    At thest few words, Murong Xue¡¯s tone grew heavy. Ye Yichen heard the derision in her voice, his handsome face became overcast and his eyes shed darkly. He gave no care to carnal desires; he allowed Murong Xue to be his concubine because¡­

    ¡°Miss Murong, please don¡¯t be angry. It is all my fault¡­¡± a gentle female voice suddenly rang out in the great hall.

    Murong Xue raised her head towards the source only to see a beautifuldy standing behind the marble stage. ss-coloured butterfly hairpin adorned her small delicate fringe, a long tassel hung down,plementing her elegant long dress; the edges of her skirt were embroidered with fresh-looking begonia flowers. It lightly gathered at the waist, reflecting her slim figure and willow-like posture. That exceedingly beautiful little face was full of apology, ¡°I did not know that Miss Murong and Prince Jing had a marriage agreement. That¡¯s why I came to Qingyan. I am so sorry that it caused a misunderstanding between the both of you.¡±

    Qin Yuyuan and Ye Yiyuan are deeply in love with each other and have definitely poured their souls out to one another. How could Qin Yuyuan not have known about their marriage agreement?

    Furthermore, we have been debating about the marriage agreement issue for half a day. Qin Yuyuan did not speak up earlier, or wait tillter; she conveniently chose this moment when Ye Yichen has been rebuked till he has nothing more to say to speak up. She is obviously trying to help Ye Yichen out of his predicament.

    Murong Xue sneered internally, and calmly said, ¡°Your Highness is too serious. Your Highness is marrying into Qingyan for peace between both countries. Your Highness¡¯ marriage to Prince Jing as first wife is even more so for the millions of citizens of both countries and not for your own selfish reasons. You do not have to be sorry about purposely breaking another¡¯s marriage.¡±

    Qin Yuyuan looked embarrassed, her eyes shed ufortably.

    Murong Xue pretended not to notice and continued, ¡°As a woman, and with serious illness, I cannot help my country. The only thing I can do is to annul the marriage engagement with Prince Jing, and allow your Highness and Prince Jing to marry, and having a small part in helping the citizens of both countries. I am backing down from this marriage willingly; no one has forced me. Your Highness really needs not me yourself!¡±

    Qin Yuyuan faintly smiled, ¡°Miss Murong is righteous in doing so but I feel guilty about it. If Miss Murong does not mind, I am willing to be the concubine and Miss Murong can be the first wife.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows. They failed by using force so now they are trying to entice her, letting her be first wife? It¡¯s all just empty talk. After marrying into Prince Jing¡¯s mansion, the person making all the decisions will be Ye Yichen. After the mansion door closes, who knows whether she will be demoted into concubine or a lowly servant-concubine.

    Even worse, he could give her a bowl of medicine and let her ¡°die from serious illness¡±. She¡¯s not that stupid and suicidal as to enter the wolves¡¯ den: ¡°Your Highness is so kind. Murong Xue is extremely grateful. But Xue cannot bear for your Highness to suffer. It is best that our engagement be annulled!¡±

    ¡°Miss Murong¡­¡±

    Murong Xue waved her hand to interrupt Qin Yuyuan, looking fixedly at her, ¡°How can the Princess of Mobei be a concubine! Even if your Highness does not care, the King of Mobei will, and Prince Jing will definitely not allow your Highness to suffer¡­¡±

    ¡°Prince Jing is a good person and will definitely treat Miss Murong well after marriage.¡± Qin Yuyuan urgently exined, full of sincerity.

    Murong Xue scoffed internally and coldly said, ¡°I do not want toe between your Highness and Prince Jing and prevent your marriage. I definitely do not want to be scorned by the people for being a fool and for not being perceptive by impeding upon such a perfect match and happy couple. Please do not stop me from breaking the engagement anymore, your Highness!¡±

    Upon finishing her speech, Murong Xue bowed towards the Emperor, clearly enunciating her words, ¡°I earnestly request your Majesty to order the relieve of the marriage agreement between Prince Jing and I!¡±

    The calm and determined voice travelled to everyone¡¯s ears and the court was astonished ¨C Murong Xue really wants to annul the engagement! Qingyan¡¯s capital has countless youngdies adoring the Prince of War but she is throwing it away like it¡¯s something she detests, and giving it to Qin Yuyuan without any reluctance ¨C not wanting it anymore.

    Qin Yuyuan stiffened; her gentle and moving smile awkwardly froze on her face.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face darkened and he lowered his eyes to cover up the dark shes within¡­.

 Chapter 3 â€“ Demotion of Wife to Concubine

    Chapter 3 ¨C Demotion of Wife to Concubine

    By admin | October 5, 201620 Comments

    The Emperor gave a meaningful look, his sharp gaze travelled over Ye Yichen and fell onto Murong Xue, ¡°The marriage agreement between Prince Jing and you was agreed upon by your parents and not by issue of my edict. It will be against reason for me to issue an order to annul the marriage agreement. You had better ask the elders in both families in order to annul the engagement.¡±

    The Emperor does not wish to meddle in the family matters of his courtiers!

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes. She has an idea of how to convince the elders in the Marquis household to agree to break off the engagement but Ye Yichen¡¯s direct elders are a thousand miles away on their fief. Therge Prince Jing household only has Ye Yichen as the master. If he conceals this and does not invite his elders to the Capital, who knows till when shall this engagement drag on before it can be broken off¡­

    As though he saw through her worries, the Emperor calmly said, ¡°I will immediately send a letter to old Prince Jing, and invite him toe to the Capital with haste!¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much, your Majesty!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s anxiety immediately left her. If the Emperor personally summoned old Prince Jing into the Capital, no matter how audacious Ye Yichen was, he wouldn¡¯t dare to sabotage. She only needed to wait patiently, once old Prince Jing arrived, the negotiations to annul the engagement could start.

    Eyeing her upturned lips and the faint happiness that she was unable to conceal, a dark shadow loomed beneath Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes. She is this happy for breaking off the engagement with him, huh?

    ¡°The feast has ended!¡± The Emperor¡¯s sharp eyes scanned though the varied expressions of his courtiers, got up and walked down the golden throne.

    ¡°To the Emperor!¡± The court officials kneeled to respectfully send off the Emperor.

    Seeing the Emperor¡¯s bright yellow silhouette disappear outside the great hall, Murong Xue stood up and with everyone¡¯s eyes on her, she calmly waltzed towards the door, without even casting a nce at Ye Yichen.

    Looking at her determined posture, Ye Yichen narrowed his sharp eyes. Three yearster, Murong Xue was no longer that weak-bodied, shy-smiling, carefully-ingratiating Murong Xue anymore¡­

    ¡°Your Highness, you and Murong Xue¡¯s engagement definitely cannot be annulled!¡± Advisor Xu Tianyou quickly walked to Ye Yichen¡¯s side and quietly reminded him, his eyes shing with severity that only they could understand.

    ¡°I am aware!¡± Ye Chenyi looked away, the ck of his eyes deep, ¡°Go to Prince Jing Mansion. Tell Seneschal Wang to represent me and present the bride price to the Marquis¡¯ Household. I want to marry Murong Xue as concubine in three days!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Xu Tianyou nodded and strode out of the great hall.

    Ye Yichen looked towards the direction Murong Xue had disappeared to with deep eyes. He is Prince Jing ¨C that who holds the reins of the military. On the other hand, Murong Xue is a weak girl with a serious illness and without any remarkable talents. By allowing her to be his concubine he is alreadyplementing her. He has already promised the position of first wife to Yuyuan; Murong Xue had better not meddle in it for even a bit!

    Murong Xue had no idea what Ye Yichen was thinking. After leaving the pce, escorted by her maid, she sat onto the Marquis Household¡¯s carriage.

    The carriage was made of incense wood. Inside the carriage, there was a wardrobe, a marble table with a pot of tea on it, a chess set, a bookshelf and many other furnishings readily avable, like a mini-bedroom. The implements on the table were very delicate; every one of them priceless items. In the corner, a purple-gold stove was lit with expensive orchid perfume. The understated luxury made Murong Xue look down.

    She remembered that she had agreed to her best friend¡¯s, Ning Qinqin¡¯s, invitation to go on a holiday to Hawaii. Unfortunately, the private jet had met with a strong storm mid-journey. So strong that even the experienced pilot could not avoid, even though he had tried his very best. The new model was torn to pieces by the storm and her body would have definitely been destroyed till nothing was left.

    In the sudden darkness that overcame her, she thought that she was a goner. She did not expect that when she opened her eyes again, she would have been reborn. And actually reborn into such an ancient world. How unbelievable!

    ¡°Eh, isn¡¯t that the page boy Shuangxi?¡± A young girl¡¯s uncertain question travelled to her ears. Murong Xue looked up and saw a young boy of about 14-15 years, standing at the door of a mansion, his young face gloomy. He was, without a doubt, Shuangxi.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed, and gently said, ¡°Stop the carriage!¡± After the carriage was steady, she was helped out of the carriage by her maid, then slowly walked towards the young boy.

    Sensing someone nearing, the boy quickly turned around and came face to face with Murong Xue¡¯s beautiful features. His eyes were widened and he was stunned, then he stammered, ¡°Young¡­ Young Mistress!¡± What was she doing here?

    Murong Xue hummed in answer and asked, ¡°The Young Master is inside?¡± Shuangxi was her twin brother Murong Ye¡¯s personal servant. If Shuangxi was here, then Murong Ye would definitely be too.

    ¡°Heh heh¡­¡± Shuangxiughed unnaturally, eyes shing. ¡°Wel¡­ Well¡­¡±

    Watching him hawing and humming, unable to exin himself, Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and walked past him into the big courtyard. In the original person¡¯s memory, Murong Ye was a rich yboy that only knew how to enjoy himself, often forgetting the time; it was not umon for him to stay out all night. In a month, he would spend over twenty days outside. How rare to run into him! Of course she had to go and see him.

    Walking through therge doors, Murong Xue saw dozens of metal cages on the side of the vast training field. In the cages were ck, white, and grey dogs. In the middle of the field, a round-shaped area of about 20 square meters was encircled with a red fence, and within it were a ck hound and a greyrge hound fighting.

    The hounds had cuts all over their bodies; their flesh turning outwards. Red blood coated their fur withrge patches here and there; their muscr bodies bloody; but they seemed not to notice, they were still entangled with each other, wildly biting and scratching.

    A young boy in green was standing outside of the fence staring fixedly at the fighting dogs, shouting excitedly, ¡°Bite, bite, bite harder¡­ General ck, bite it to death, bite it to death¡­¡±

    ¡°Snap!¡± As though the ck dog had understood him, it savagely bit onto the grey dog¡¯s neck until the grey dog breathed itsst breath.

    The young-boy-in-green looked at the broken carcass of the grey andughed out loud, ¡°Murong Ye, you have lost again. Hahaha¡­ after half a day of fighting dogs, every dog that you had bought died. I really don¡¯t know what to say about your taste in picking things!¡±

    Murong Ye¡¯s handsome face turned slightly ck and said unconcedingly, ¡°You¡¯ve only won a few rounds in a row, what is there to brag about? I will immediately buy a ferocious one andpletely destroy yours.¡±

    ¡°You have said the same thing for over a dozen times; so much that my ears are going to fall off. Yet I have not seen you win a single round.¡± The young-boy-in-green¡¯s lips curled contemptuously as his finger quickly moved through the wad of bills that he had won.

    His sore spot touched on, Murong Ye reddened and fiercely said, ¡°I was careless previously. That¡¯s why I kept losing. This time I will be more careful and I will definitely beat you. Shuangxi, bring me the money, I wish to choose a dog.¡±

    Shuangxi kneaded the t purse and walked up with a sour face, ¡°Young Master, we don¡¯t have any more money.¡±

    Murong Ye frowned, ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to bring five-six thousand silver taels? Why has it finished so quickly?¡±

    Shuangxiughed bitterly, ¡°Young Master, you bought four dogs, each costing 500 taels. In addition, each stake was a thousand taels¡­¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, you can stop detailing the ounts. Hurry and go home to draw more money!¡± Murong Ye interrupted Shuangxi irritably. Since Xu Tianan dared tough at hisck of taste, he will ssh more money to buy a few more fierce dogs and make him lose every penny. Let¡¯s see how arrogant he will be then!

 Chapter 4 â€“ Pranking Rich Playboys

    Chapter 4 ¨C Pranking Rich yboys

    By admin | October 6, 201613 Comments

    ¡°There are a few blocks between the Marquis¡¯ Mansion and here. By the time you bring the money, the sky will be dark, how are we going to fight dogs then?¡± Xu Tianan casually said,zily.

    Murong Ye¡¯s face darkened, ¡°My money has been used up, and the dog fighting arena and gambling stakes do not allow credit. If I don¡¯t go back to redraw money, how am I to continuepeting with you?¡±

    ¡°You can use the prettydy behind you as coteral!¡± Xu Tianan looked diagonally behind Xurong Ye, smiling sinisterly.

    Prettydy? What prettydy?

    Murong Ye looked behind him nkly in confusion, only to see Murong Xue standing two meters away, looking faintly at him. His heart jumped, ¡°Sister, what you doing here?¡±

    Sister?! Xu Tianan did a double-take. When he saw Shuang Xi respectfully following behind her, he had thought that she was Murong Ye¡¯s little lover. He never expected her to be Murong Ye¡¯s sister, the one who is engaged to Prince Jing, Ye Yichen¡­

    Rumors had it that she had a serious illness and a weak constitution, thus she lived deep in the mansion and seldom showed her face. He didn¡¯t expect her to be such a beauty.

    ¡°I was passing by and saw you here, so I came in.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s cold voice travelled through one¡¯s ears and hit straight to the heart. Xu Tianan¡¯s heart fluttered. His brother Xu Tianyou often followed at the side of Prince Jing. ording to him, Prince Jing does not like this fianc¨¦e of his and even intends to demote her to a lowly concubine. If he humiliates her, does that give Prince Jing a reason to demote her to concubine? When that happens, and Prince Jing feels pleased, Prince Jing might even give him a reward!

    He would have gotten thedy and the Prince Jing¡¯s praise. Definitely a worthy proposition!

    Xu Tianan¡¯s eyes brightened and sinisterly sized up Murong Xue from top to bottom. She¡¯s so delicate and pretty; that body is definitely delicious and soft. He really felt like taking her into his arms and harshly ravaging her, ¡°Murong Ye, don¡¯t talk about sibling love. Hurry and give me a firm word on whether you are going to use her as your coteral¡­¡±

    ¡°Xu Tianan, watch your mouth. This is my sister, not an item, how can I use her as coteral?¡± Murong Ye sharply interrupted him, his face ck till it could almost drip ink.

    Xu Tianan was unconcerned, ¡°What sister? It¡¯s just a girl, money-losing goods; what¡¯s there to be precious about? If I were you, I woud immediately use her as coteral to exchange for a few thousand taels, pick a good dog, and earn back my ego. And when the servants bring back the money, then just redeem her¡­¡±

    ¡°I am not as inhuman as you as to sacrifice my sister¡¯s reputation just to fight dogs,¡± Murong Ye¡¯s face filled with anger. If the proud Marquis¡¯ Household¡¯s Young Mistress was used like an item for coteral at a colosseum, the public¡¯s cynicism would be enough to drown her. Wherever she would go, she would beughed at till she¡¯s unable to look up.

    ¡°Stop sounding so righteous. I think you¡¯re just scared of losing!¡± Xu Tianan leaned against the fence and looked sideways to Murong Ye, eyes filled with arrogance, ¡°You are afraid that your taste is so bad that even if you choose a hundred dogs, you wouldn¡¯t be able to win a single round. By then, you would have lost your sister and your face¡­¡±

    ¡°Shut up, Xu Tianan!¡± Taunted, Murong Ye¡¯s chest filled with anger and thundered, all ready to pounce on Xu Tianan and beat him up.

    Murong Xue pulled him back and walked a few steps up front. She coldly stared at Xu Tianan, ¡°My brother¡¯s luck is just a little bad today. You don¡¯t need to goad him. If you wish to fight dogs, I will apany you.¡±

    Murong Ye might be a useless yboy, but he is very protective of her. Naturally, she will not stand on the sidelines and watch him get ridiculed.

    Xu Tianan widened his eyes in surprise, ¡°You will fight dogs with me?¡± Murong Xue is a gentle and weakdy, brought up in the depths of the mansion. He reckoned that she has not even seen cock-fighting or cricket-fighting. Now she wants to dog-fight with him? Is he imagining it?

    ¡°Can¡¯t I?¡± Murong Xue¡¯s said coldly.

    ¡°Of course you can!¡± Xu Tianan looked at her determined gaze and confirmed that she wasn¡¯t joking, but was serious about dog-fighting with him. He haughtily smiled. As long as she was not afraid that the sshes of blood would make her faint, he didn¡¯t mind, ¡°Pay up the 500 taels and choose a dog¡­ how much will you put as stake?¡±

    ¡°For this round, we shan¡¯t gamble with money; but we¡¯ll stake a finger!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s cold voice travelled into his ears. Xu Tianan froze mid-action while taking out the bills and looked at her in shock, ¡°You mean whoever loses will have to cut off a finger?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Murong Xue nodded, ¡°Do you dare to ept the bet?¡±

    ¡°Of course I dare!¡± Xu Tianan raised his chin arrogantly and wantonly sized up Murong Xue. Those lecherous eyes openly showed his wretched and evil desires, ¡°I know best how to take care ofdies. Even if you lose, I won¡¯t cut off your finger. You just need to serve me well for a night and we¡¯ll call it¡­¡±

    ¡°Smack!¡± A p harshly hit Xu Tianan¡¯s face, cutting him off and turning his head to the side. A bright red five-fingered print immediately formed on half of his face, hot and painful.

    ¡°Murong Xue, you dare to hit me?!¡± Xu Tianan was furious. Spitting out the blood at the corner of his mouth, he viciously pounced towards Murong Xue.

    He wants to teach her a lesson? How overconfident!

    Murong Xueughed coldly and kicked Xu Tianan.

    Xu Tianan did not expect that and got kicked in the stomach. He fell to the ground wincing with his brows knitted, and stared hatefully at Murong Xue.

    ¡°If you agree to the stakes, just nod your head. If not, just shake your head. There¡¯s no need to say so much rubbish.¡± Murong Xue looked down at him condescendingly, full of contempt and disdain.

    Xu Tianan choked. That hateful little girl who has never seen the world actually dared to hit him, kick him,ugh at him, and caused him to lose his face. How reckless of her! If she wants to court death, he¡¯ll grant her wish

    Thinking bitterly, Xu Tianan stood up and quickly walked to the metal cages, pointing at the dogs within, saying ¡°I want this one, that one¡­ and this one. Bring them all over¡­¡±

    Murong Ye gave Murong Xue aplicated look. In his impression, his sister was a gentle and beautifuldy. When he heard that he wanted to fight dogs, he was so shocked that by the time he got out of his daze, she had already finished negotiating all the terms with Xu Tianan. The dog-fight was on and he could do nothing to stop it. Hemented in his heart ¨C because he as the older brother had not taken good care of his sister, his sister had rashly set the stakes. If his sister loses, he¡¯ll cut his finger on behalf of his sister. He has been using these ten fingers for thest 14 years and is quite reluctant to cut whichever of them¡­

    Watching Xu Tianan buy four, five dogs at one go, he shouted angrily, ¡°Xu Tianan, you and my sister are only betting on one round, you only need to choose one. Why did you choose so many?¡±

    Xu Tianan nced at him, ¡°I liked them. What do you care?¡±

    Murong Ye¡¯s face darkened, ¡°You have picked all the fierce dogs away, leaving a bunch of useless sick dogs. You obviously want her to lose¡­¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Xu Tianan raised his chin and unabashedly admitted, ¡°If she has ability, why doesn¡¯t she pick a champion from the sick dogs and bite my dog to death!¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Murong Ye¡¯s stare at Xu Tianan could almost spit fire, ¡°Despicable coward!¡±

    Xu Tianan coldly snorted and ignored him, urging irritably, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, do you want to fight dogs or not? If not, I¡¯m going home.¡±

    It¡¯s just another despicable, disgusting and old ploy. She really couldn¡¯t be bothered.

    Murong Xueughed coldly and slowly walked up. Her calm eyes passed over the cages and stopped at a cage in the utmost corner.

 Chapter 5 â€“ Pranking Rich Playboys

    Chapter 5 ¨C Pranking Rich yboys

    By admin | October 7, 201617 Comments

    In the cage was a small dog. Its fur matted with dirt, making it difficult to discern whether it was white or grey. Its small head rested on this front paw, eyes closed. Its body was half the size of its neighbor, and both its ear were drooping, seemingly lethargic.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed and pointed towards the small dog, ¡°That¡¯s the one!¡±

    Murong Ye¡¯s initial optimism faded and his heart sank. He knew it. His sister was a kind-hearted, sympathetic good girl, but, ¡°This is a colosseum. If you choose a dog that¡¯s so sickly and close to death to fight, you will definitely lose. Choose another!¡±

    ¡°No need to choose again. This dog is good enough,¡± Murong Xue said softly, and personally opened the cage.

    The small dog heard the noise and slowly opened its eyes, looking at Murong Xue¡¯s warm smile. Its ck eyes glinted with brightness, and it slowly stood up and leisurely walked out of the cage towards the arena; its thin and small body seemed like it would fall with a single gust of wind.

    Murong Ye was speechless ¨C this can be considered not bad? After entering the arena, there is no need to even fight, that fierce hound¡¯s aura is enough to frighten it to death. Such a lousy dog! It was definitely caught to make up the numbers. Anyone with eyes would never choose it!

    Xu Tianan leaned against the fence, watching his ¡®General Yellow¡¯ strut into the arena, arrogantly walking to the front of the small dog and looking down upon it. Its big body shadowed the small dog¡¯s closely, like a strict elder arrogantly looking down on a misbehaving child.

    He sneered internally. Usually when one fights dogs, even if one doesn¡¯t know how to choose, they would at least choose arge and intimidating hound. Murong Xue actually bought such a small and skinny dog for the fight! What an utter idiot! After at most a few rounds, this dog will be torn to pieces by his ¡®General Yellow¡¯. When that happens, he will teach Murong Xue a hard lesson. Let¡¯s see if she still dares to show off in front of him.

    ¡®Dang!¡¯ The bell to signal the start of the fight rang. ¡®General Yellow¡¯s aura immediately sharpened and it howled towards the sky, pouncing ferociously towards the small dog!

    In contrast, the small dog stood there quietly, not moving. His ck eyes following ¡®General Yellow¡¯ as the hound came closer and closer. It is unknown whether the small dog did not know how to react, or whether it was stunned. But with such a vast contrast, it was obvious that the small dog woulde to a terrible end. Murong Ye closed his eyes as he couldn¡¯t bear to watch.

    ¡®Crack!¡¯

    A dull sound travelled into the audience¡¯s ears, and the wild howling suddenly stopped. Murong Ye¡¯s heart dropped to pit bottom. Just one move and the small dog has been bitten to death. How utterly useless!

    He had already said earlier that she can¡¯t buy that sick dog but she still did not believe him. Great! Now that the dog is dead, and his sister has lost miserably, his one finger will soon be chopped off¡­

    ¡°How can this be? How is it that ¡®General Yellow¡¯ is the one that¡¯s dead?¡± Xu Tianan¡¯s shocked exmation, full of disbelief, travelled into his ears. Murong Ye stopped. What? The ¡®General Yellow¡¯ is dead?

    Looking towards the arena, he saw the mighty ¡®General Yellow¡¯ lying on the ground with its throat ripped out and fresh blood flowing out. Its fierce eyes were nk and it was not breathing; it was obviously dead.

    The small and skinny dog stood in front of it, looking down upon the dead hound. Its back was straight and eyes cold like a haughty ruler.

    Murong Ye¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. It is really ¡®General Yellow¡¯ that¡¯s dead. Such a small and skinny dog used only one move to bite the strong and ferocious ¡®General Yellow¡¯ to death. How incredible!

    ¡°Xu Tianan, you have lost! Fulfill the bet!¡± Murong Xue calmly stated, her voice t.

    A servant of the colosseum carried a prepared tray and quickly walked up to Xu Tianan. On the red cloth of the trayid an unsheathed dagger. Its sharp edge reflecting coldly under the sunlight, piercing painfully through Xu Tianan¡¯s eyes.

    He has lost. He will really need to cut off one of his fingers. How can this be? He is the almighty and precious youngest son of the Minister¡¯s Household. How can he be a cripple with missing fingers?!

    Xu Tianan¡¯s gaze turned cold and he hurried to the dog cage that he had bought, and opened it. Dogs leaped out of the cage and ferociously pounced towards the small dog in the arena.

    ¡°Bite it to death, bite it to death!¡± Xu Tianan watched the chaotic arena, and wildly shouted. His eyes were red and he had only one thought in his mind ¨C if his dogs bite Murong Xue¡¯s dog to death then he will win and no longer need to cut off his finger.

    ¡°Xu Tianan, what are you doing? Going back against your word?¡± Murong Ye was furious and ready to ask the staff of the colosseum to separate the dogs. Just then, the small dog leaped up. Its grey silhouette moved between the group of dogs like a sh of light. ¡®Crack, crack, crack,crack¡¯, four dull sounds rang and all therge fierce hounds had their necks torn out. They fell to the ground awkwardly, eyes wide open without life.

    The small dog was unharmed. It puffed out its chest and stood proudly in the centre of the arena.

    Murong Ye gaped. That was one against four, and it won so beautifully. This dog is so powerful. It seems that dogs with a fierce physical appearance might not be fierce and strong; and dogs that looks weak and sickly might not be weak when facing enemies.

    Xu Tianan had picked so many dogs, yet all died under this small dog. It was hisplete defeat and he had no excuse to not fulfill the bet. Murong Ye had been ridiculed by Xu Tianan so much previously; today, he has finally won a round. He can walk with his head high now. Hahaha, after cutting a finger off of him, let¡¯s see how arrogant he can continue to be!

    He looked gloatingly towards Xu Tianan only to see him staring at the bloody arena, eyes wild with panic. All the dogs he had bought are dead. He has lost to Murong Xue. He will need to cut off his finger¡­ How could this happen? He definitely cannot be a handicapped!

    Xu Tianan¡¯s eyes hardened. He snatched up the dagger on the tray and rushed towards Murong Xue in a rage. She tried to arrogantly force him to submit in public. How dare she! She wants a finger, doesn¡¯t she? Then he¡¯ll cut off her finger to give to her.

    ¡°Xu Tianan, you despicable coward!¡±

    Murong Ye paled and thundered. He was just going to snatch the dagger when he saw Murong Xue turned slightly to the side to avoid the vicious attack and flipped her wrist ¨C the dagger that was in Xu Tianan¡¯s hand instantly transferred over to her hand. She waved her hand and the sharp dagger swept across his left hand cutting off all five fingers from the knuckles. Blood squirted and sshed onto the yellow soil of the ground; the red blood shone brightly against it.

    Xu Tianan¡¯s screams pierced through the air, ¡°Ah!¡±

    ¡°Young Master!¡± A page boy standing not far eximed and ran hurriedly to Xu Tianan, ripped off a length of cloth from his robes, grabbed his master¡¯s injured hand and rapidly bandaged it.

    Xu Tianan stood shakily, his face white and drained of blood. He looked at Murong Xue, eyes almost spitting fire, ¡°Our bet was one finger. How could you cut five?¡± His left hand was entirely destroyed. From today, he would be considered a real useless person.

    ¡°We had initially agreed to gamble one round for one finger. You let go of five dogs; that¡¯s five rounds, and all five rounds were lost. Of course it should be five fingers cut.¡± Murong Xue said slowly, putting the blood-coated dagger back onto the tray.

    She had nned to cut only one finger off of Xu Tianan. But since he tried to attack her despicably, then he shouldn¡¯t me her for not being merciful.

 Chapter 6 â€“ Bride Price

    Chapter 6 ¨C Bride Price

    By sandy | October 8, 201617 Comments

    Her crisp voice rang in his ears. His eyes on fire, Xu Tianan gritted, ¡°I only agreed that the first round¡¯s stake to be a finger. I did not specify what the stakes for thest 4 rounds were. Who allowed you to make that decision?¡±

    This sickly little bitch seems to be quite skilled. He doesn¡¯t dare confront her head-on. But since she had cut off five of his fingers, he will cut four of hers inpensation.

    Murong Xue nced at him, ¡°After the first dog died, you didn¡¯t say a single word before letting out another four. Isn¡¯t that a continuation of the gamble from the first round? If you wanted to change the stakes, why didn¡¯t you say anything? Now that the five rounds are over, you im that that it is unfair? Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s too shameless?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Xu Tianan choked. At that time, he had only thought of killing that weak little dog to save his finger. He didn¡¯t think that far!

    ¡°If you want to gamble, then you must be prepared to lose. There are so many people in this colosseum watching. Our bet was definitely fair. Even if you want to fight in the Dali Temple court, I have no qualms. If you are not resigned, and prepared to find someone to teach me a lesson, that¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll be at the Marquis¡¯ Mansion waiting for your arrival anytime!¡±

    The dogs in the colosseum are for the guests¡¯ enjoyment. After buying them, the dogs be the guests¡¯ private property. Whether dead or alive, the guests can take it with them.

    Maid Hongxiu followed closely behind Murong Xue, calmly walking out.

    Murong Ye raised his eyebrows and nced at the bloodied Xu Tianan, who was filled with anger and unwillingness to admit defeat, and hurriedly followed after, ¡°Sister, wait for me!¡±

    In second floor suite of the colosseum sat two men who had watched the entire scene y out in front of them.

    ¡°She made the Capital¡¯s yboy so miserable just by casually picking a dog. This Murong Young Mistress is quite amazing,¡± the man in tan robes tutted his praise, full of amazement. He nced toward the man in white robes next to him and said, smiling, ¡°What does your lordship think?¡±

    The man in white robes¡¯ jade-like fingers lightly caressed the white marble wine cup, his eyes slightly lowered, and did not say a word.

    The man in tan robes did not mind and continued talking to himself, ¡°Also, the way she had snatched the dagger and that move to cut off the fingers ¨C it¡¯s so smooth and quick that it¡¯s unbelievable. She must have inherited that from the first Marquis. And the rumors in the Capital actually spread that she is a helpless, useless and weak youngdy, how hrious!¡±

    The man in white raised his eyes and looked towards Murong Xue¡¯s delicate silhouette slowly walking further and further away; his obsidian eyes shed something iprehensible.

    The colosseum and the Marquis¡¯ Mansion was not far. After walking out of the front doors, Murong Xue did not return to the horse carriage, but walked the small dog and slowly travelled, leisurely admiring the olden beauty of the streets and infrastructure.

    Murong Ye followed closely behind her, smiling ingratiatingly, ¡°Sister, how did you know that this small weak dog is so powerful?¡±

    After fighting dogs for so many years, he can be considered to have developed a pair of expert eyes when ites to examining dogs, but when it came to this small dog, he had looked at it from left to right, top to bottom, and still couldn¡¯t figure out how to tell that it is such a powerful dog.

    ¡°Because it is not a normal dog, but a Tibetan mastiff!¡± Murong Xue calmly exined. Tibetan mastiffs are resolute and good at attacking; normal dogs are totally not their match.

    Tibetan mastiff? What kind of dog is that?

    Murong Ye often fought dogs and had developed an understanding of the types of dogs, but it was his first time hearing about Tibetan mastiffs. He had wracked his brain yet he had not been able to figure out anything about it. However, this did not prevent him from developing a love for this dog, ¡°Sister, can you give me this Tibetan mastiff? I¡¯ll exchange it with 5000 taels, no, 10,000 taels.¡±

    Murong Xue turned her head towards Murong Ye only to see him wearing a bamboo-embroidered dark blue robe, his dark hair was tied up using a marble crown, revealing a smooth forehead. His handsome face was slightly innocent, skin white, lips red, and ck-marble-like eyes shining; a really beautiful young man.

    But when she thought of how this young man is actually famous in the Capital for being a yboy; ying with horses and birds, and not willing to learn, she said, ¡°I don¡¯t like money.¡±

    Uh, that¡¯s right. His sister lives in the Mansion where food, clothes, amodation and materials have all been taken care of. She also doesn¡¯t go out of the Mansion easily, and thus doesn¡¯t have many opportunities to spend. It is quite inappropriate for him to exchange money for the Tibetan mastiff.

    ¡°Then what about giving you a few suits of rare clothing and jewelry?¡± Murong Ye said smiling; all girls like pretty clothes and jewelry, and his sister shouldn¡¯t be an exception.

    Murong Xue continued to undermine his negotiation mercilessly, ¡°Any clothes or jewelry that you can buy, I can too.¡±

    Alright. The best clothese from Yixiang Court and the best jewelry in the Capitales from Duobao Court. No matter whether it was him shopping, or his sister, they will both be able to buy about the same things.

    ¡°Then what will it take for you to give me that Tibetan mastiff?¡± Murong Ye¡¯s despondent voice wasced with dejection.

    ¡°There are so many dogs in the colosseum, you can buy another one. Why do you want my Tibetan mastiff?¡± Tibetan mastiffs are fierce and loyal and they are very rare. Murong Xue was prepared to bring it back to the Marquis¡¯ Mansion and use it as a guard dog so that it no longer needed to live a life of fighting in the arena.

    ¡°This Tibetan mastiff is so powerful! All the other dogs that I thought was good had been bitten to death by it!¡± Murong Ye looked towards the mastiff, eyes filled with passion, ¡°If you give it to me, I can use it to battle with the others and win back all the money that I have lost¡­¡±

    Murong Xue halted suddenly. Murong Ye didn¡¯t notice and almost knocked into her. He stumbled a few steps before he regained his bnce and asked, puzzled, ¡°What¡¯s the matter, sister?¡±

    Murong Xue didn¡¯t answer but instead coldly stared straight ahead.

    Murong Ye followed her gaze only to see dozens of servants carrying numerous trunks standing at the front of the Marquis¡¯ Mansion. The trunks were made of incense wood, embellished with numerous round gold buttons; dignified yet not losing any of its splendor. One look and one would be able to tell that it was expensive. The items within were naturally even more precious.

    A middle-aged man in dark blue robes walked out from the crowd towards the Marquis¡¯ Mansion.

    ¡°Seneschal Wang!¡± Murong Ye softly eximed.

    Upon hearing the exmation, the middle-aged man stopped and looked over. Seeing that it was Murong Ye and Murong Xue, he sped his hands together in salute, ¡°Young Marquis, Miss Murong!¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s father was originally themander of the three armies. He was seriously injured when fighting in the front lines 10 years ago and died from his injuries. When her mother heard of the bad news, she was so depressed that she passed away not long after, leaving behind the four-year-old twins. As such, the Marquis is now fourteen-year-old Murong Ye.

    Murong Ye hummed calmly and pointed towards the long line of procession that was carrying trunks, and asked, puzzled, ¡°Seneschal Wang, what are you doing?¡±

    Seneschal Wang lightly smiled, ¡°Your Honor, I have been ordered by his highness to bring the bride price and negotiate a day to marry Miss Murong!¡±

    Murong Ye¡¯s eyes brightened. His sister was going to get married; that¡¯s good news, although, ¡°My sister is to be Prince Jing¡¯s wife. Ye Yichen should personally deliver the bride price. Why did he let you bring it? Also, in ordance to the traditions of the Princess, the bride price should be 120 trunks, why did you only bring 64? The Prince Jing Household is a Prince¡¯s household, and Prince Jing had just delivered war achievements, he should not becking in money, should he?

 Chapter 7 â€“ A Thrashing

    Chapter 7 ¨C A Thrashing

    By admin | October 9, 201637 Comments

    The Marquis Household is a noble family, notcking in gold and silver. They don¡¯t really care about Prince Jing¡¯s bride price, but now, when the bride price is given, not only did Prince Jing not personallye, the amount is much less than what is normal. Prince Jing obviously does not respect his sister. If he epts the bride price without a word, his sister will definitely be aughing stock.

    Listening to his reproach, Seneschal Wang showed disbelief, ¡°His Highness had already announced to the Capital that he will be marrying Miss Murong as his concubine. Your Honor did not know?¡±

    Murong Rong was startled, surprised and angry, ¡°When did this happen?¡±

    ¡°Just at the wee feast earlier. All the court officials have heard it. Your Honor actually has not heard of it? Did you not attend the feast?¡± Seneschal Wang said softly but teasingly.

    Murong Ye gave an ufortable light cough. He had not been back to the Mansion for a few days. Although he knew that Ye Yichen had returned to the Capital victorious from the war, he did not know that the wee feast was today¡­

    ¡°His Highness is forced to follow with this poorer n to achieve peace between Qingyan and Mobei. Miss Murong has suffered because of it but I hope your Honor can be magnanimous enough to forgive.¡± The Prince¡¯s Seneschal bowed deeply and respectfully towards Murong Ye to convey his apology.

    Murong Ye stared at Seneschal Wang, aplicated expression flitted past his face. It was a while before he said, ¡°Well, since your Prince does not like my sister, then let¡¯s annul the engagement. There¡¯s no need to act so falsely and humiliate my sister.¡±

    Seneschal Wang froze, a look of surprise appeared. He didn¡¯t think that this useless yboy would also suggest annulling the engagement after hearing his sister get demoted to concubine level¡­

    ¡°My sister is the Marquis¡¯ Household¡¯s wife-born daughter. Even though both our parents have passed away and she is sick and weakly, she is still of noble status. Any noble gentleman in the Capital will be willing to take her as his first wife. She has no need to lower her status and be someone¡¯s concubine.¡±

    Murong Ye¡¯s determinated and strong voice travelled into his ears. Seneschal Wang smiled faintly. It seems that the Murong family has a strong backbone. It¡¯s too bad their opponent is Prince Jing, ¡°Your Honor, his Highness is also in a difficult position¡­¡±

    Murong Ye waved his hand and interrupted his speech, looking coldly at him, ¡°Ye Yichen is well-versed in the art of war. If he really likes my sister and wishes to marry her as first wife, he would have fought so hard that Mobei would have taken the initiative to surrender without daring to mention a single condition. Demoting my sister to a concubine for the sake of peace between both countries? You dare to give me such a cursory excuse? Do you think I am three years old?¡±

    After being idle for so many years, he is still able to evaluate the situation clearly, hitting all the key points ¨C Murong Ye is an exceptionally smart person. However, the marriage to Murong Xue is very important to the Prince. The Prince will definitely not allow Murong Ye to break it off.

    ¡°Your Honor, I am only obeying the Prince¡¯s orders to give the bride price. Please do not make things difficult for us,¡± Seneschal Wang said softly, giving a look to the servants carrying the trunks.

    The servants understood his signal and carried the trunks towards the front door of the Marquis¡¯ Mansion; so quickly that the others could not react in time.

    By the time Murong Ye realized, the first few servants of the possession had already carried the bride price into the Marquis¡¯ Mansion. ¡°What are you all doing?¡± Murong Ye thundered, angry and agitated. He ran quickly into the Mansion and fiercely kicked the trunks over.

    The servants carrying the trunks did not expect that and the trunks between them flipped over onto the ground, spilling over the countless gold and silver jewelry, antiques and paintings, and silk satin. Every one of those items were extremely valuable and blinded everyone¡¯s eyes.

    But Murong Ye did not even notice. He red angrily that the servant and snapped, ¡°This is the Marquis¡¯ Mansion, not your Prince Jing Mansion. You all dare to force your way in? Who gave you the courage?¡±

    The servant lowered their heads, silent, but unknown whether it was intentional or not, their eyes casted nces to the side!

    Murong Ye followed the direction of their nces and saw Seneschal Wang. The fury in his eyes burned like fire. Seneschal Wang is Ye Yichen¡¯s closest aide. If he asked the servants to force their way into the Marquis¡¯ Mansion, then it must be based upon Ye Yichen¡¯s instruction.

    ¡°I had initially thought that Ye Yichen is an upright man and a great hero. Even if we did not be rtives, we could still be friends. I never imagined he would turn out to be such a despicable person. Failing to abide by the marriage agreement, and even worse, using his power to try and force my sister into being his concubine. How very shameless!¡±

    ¡°Although my Household is not as noble as Prince Jing¡¯s, but we will not allow others to trample over us wantonly. Seneschal Wang, go back and tell Ye Yichen. The Murong Family no longer cares for him. Even if he wants to take my sister as his first wife now, we will no longer be interested. We want to annul the engagement!¡±

    Even before the marriage, he had insulted his sister as such. After marriage, he will definitely be worse. If his sister marries into Prince Jing¡¯s Household, it would be like marrying into a den of monsters; she might lose her life at any time.

    Everyone looked at him in shock. He dared to call Prince Jing despicable? How audacious!

    Murong Ye did not bother to notice and he sharply ordered, ¡°Throw these dirty things out!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The guards of the Marquis¡¯ Mansion hurriedly walked up, as though they had just woken up from a dream, picked up Prince Jing¡¯s servants and the bride price those servants had brought and mercilessly threw them out.

    Murong Ye watched the chaos and cries of Prince Jing¡¯s people, his fury gradually calming. He walked up and took Murong Xue¡¯s hand, striding towards the Marquis¡¯ Mansion, ¡°Let¡¯s go in, lest these filthy people offend our eyes!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Murong Xue nodded happily.

    Ye Yichen had disregarded her wishes and forcibly tried to give the bride price in order to take her as concubine. She, too, was disgusted and had been ready to harshly teach Seneschal Wang and his gang a lesson. She never expected Murong Ye to take action first and mercilessly push back against the arrogance of the people from Prince Jing¡¯s Household. He swept Prince Jing¡¯s face to the ground and defended her. There¡¯s no need for her to make any move; she¡¯ll just sit back and enjoy the benefits.

    Watching Murong Ye and Murong Xue step into the Mansion and walking further away, Seneschal Wang narrowed his sharp eyes. He had delivered the bride price, but Murong Ye did not ept it; he hadpleted the Prince¡¯s task. However, he did have another thing to notify Murong Ye about, ¡°Your Honor, the Prince will be here three dayster to take Miss Murong as his concubine¡­¡±

    ¡®Crack!¡¯ A piece of wood flew and hit Seneschal Wang in the mouth, making him swallow his words.

    Seneschal Wang turned livid, and coldly looked towards the delicate figure in front of him. He spat out a mouthful of blood; two white teeth were mixed in with the blood, making it particrly noticeable.

    The chaotic crowd froze and looked at each other. Who was so audacious as to p Seneschal Wang on the mouth?

    They quietly looked up only to see Murong Xue silently standing a few meters away on the bluestone road, back-facing them. Her cold voice travelled with the wind into everyone¡¯s ears, ¡°Who dares to cause trouble in front of the Marquis¡¯ Mansion¡¯s front door? All guards of the Marquis¡¯ Mansion, listen to my orders ¨C anyone who tries to force their way into the Mansion, or speak nonsense in front of the Mansion¡¯s main doors, chase them out with your swords regardless of their lives.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± The guards answered, and enthusiastically started chasing away the people from Prince Jing¡¯s Household. Chaos in the front of the Mansion ensued.

    Murong Ye ignore all that and looked at Murong Xue in surprise, ¡°Sister, where did you learn martial arts from? Just by picking up a piece of wood and throwing it strongly, you had knocked off two of Seneschal Wang¡¯s teeth. Seneschal Wang is known for being a martial arts expert, and he didn¡¯t even manage to avoid your thrashing. When did you be so powerful?¡±

 Chapter 8 â€“ Teaching the cousin a lesson

    Chapter 8 ¨C Teaching the cousin a lesson

    By admin | October 11, 201610 Comments

    ¡°What martial arts? I¡¯ve only seen too many of the guards sparring and picked up a few moves!¡± Murong Xue causally said, her eyes shing ufortably.

    Being reborn is too unbelievable a story. If it had not happened to her, she definitely would not believe either, not to mention Murong Ye who was only fourteen years of age. If she had told him the truth, Murong Ye might think that she had been bewitched. She had better keep that secret to herself.

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Ye frowned, obviously not believing a single word she had said.

    ¡°Of course, why should I lie to you?¡± Seeing that Murong Ye wanted to further pursue the topic, Murong Xue quickly said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯m going to take the Tibetan mastiff for a bath. It¡¯s so dirty that it is definitely ufortable.¡±

    Upon hearing the two words ¨C Tibetan mastiff ¨C he immediately forgot about his suspicions and looked towards the Tibetan mastiff, eyes shining, ¡°Since you are not feeling too well, sister, you shouldn¡¯t work too hard. Leave this type of manualbor to me.¡±

    Murong Xue smiled, ¡°I¡¯m going to ask the maids to wash it, not do it myself, what hard work can there possibly be?¡±

    Murong Ye shook his head disagreeing, ¡°The mastiff¡¯s fur is so matted that you can¡¯t even tell what the original color is. It must have utterly soiled. Those maids in your house are all so skinny, they wouldn¡¯t have enough strength; they probably wouldn¡¯t even be able to wash it out before dark. You had better pass the dog to me and I¡¯ll ask the male servants to wash it clean before giving it back to you.¡±

    Since his sister treated the Tibetan mastiff so preciously, and refused to lend it to him, he¡¯ll establish a good rtionship with the dog. And then when his sister doesn¡¯t notice, he¡¯ll take it out on the sly; that would be enough to build his reputation.

    ¡°Alright then!¡± Murong Xue ¡®reluctantly¡¯ nodded, and ¡®reluctantly¡¯ put the Tibetan mastiff into Murong Ye¡¯s arms and carefully instructed him, ¡°Its fur has knotted so tell the servants to be careful when they are washing it. Don¡¯t pull on the fur¡­¡±

    ¡°I know, I know!¡± Murong Ye nodded his head and quickly walked the dog away; the Tibetan mastiff is a rare and powerful dog and his future God of Wealth. Of course he will instruct the servants to be careful.

    After walking for a bit, he halted and turned around to look at Murong Xue. Under her curious gaze, he asked tentatively, ¡°Sister, I didn¡¯t ask for your opinion before I decided to annul your engagement. You don¡¯t me me, do you?¡±

    In this year, he had been spending less and less time at home, and had only seen his sister a handful of times. But he knew well that his sister really liked Ye Yichen.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Murong Xueughed softly and carelessly said, ¡°When Ye Yichen demoted me to concubine during the wee feast, I had already raised the annulment. His Majesty was not against it and actually ordered Old Prince Jing toe to the Capital to discuss matters regarding the annulment¡­

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Ye¡¯s eyes brightened, ¡°You don¡¯t like Ye Yichen anymore?¡±

    Murong Xue sniffed, ¡°Such a terrible person is not deserving of my affections.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly right!¡± Murong Ye nodded in agreement, ¡°Ye Yichen does not have you in his heart and eyes. He is not the best person for you. It is absolutely correct to have taken the initiative to annul the engagement and cleanly break your ties off with him!¡±

    ¡°Woof woof woof!¡± The little Tibetan mastiff saw that the two persons were conversing without a care for anyone else and couldn¡¯t help but bark.

    Murong Ye looked at it delightfully and said, ¡°Impatient, aren¡¯t you? Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll bring you to get a bath!¡±

    Watching Murong Ye disappear around the corner, Murong Xue followed the bluestone path and leisurely walked. From far, she heard aughter like tinkling bells. She raised her eyebrows and followed the sound towards the main courtyard.

    Stepping into the courtyard, she saw a group of maids and housekeepers standing in front of the west wing. Each of them held a delicate ebony wood box. In the boxes were sapphire hairpins, ruby earrings, jasper bangles and other varieties of elegant jewelry; each one of them extremely valuable.

    A young girl in pink skirt was fluttering here and there between the delicate jewelry, wearing this and that. Her smile was brighter than the flowers.

    Murong Xue smirked and slowly walked towards them, ¡°What are you all doing?¡±

    Upon hearing the cold voice, the maids and housekeepers turned around and casually bowed, ¡°Young Mistress!¡±

    The girl in pink, Song Qingyan, gave her a nce and carelessly said, ¡°Cousin is back. Grandmother saw that I wearing too inly so she has decided to gift me some jewelry and is letting me choose.¡±

    The Grandmother that she mentioned is not Murong Xue¡¯s real grandmother, but her step-grandmother. She had given birth to a pair of brother and sister, Murong Jian and Murong Rou. The original Marquis Murong Yue was given birth to by the original wife.

    Song Qingyan is the wife-born eldest daughter of Wu An Marquis¡¯ Household and is Murong Rou¡¯s only daughter. Thus she was extremely pampered by the Marquis¡¯ dowager. Everytime she visited the Mansion, she would dress inly and when she went back, she would be well adorned and full of delicate jewelry.

    Murong Xue sneered internally and slowly said, ¡°If Grandmother is gifting you things, you should be picking from Grandmother¡¯s treasury. Why are you picking from my mother¡¯s dowry?¡±

    Song Qingyan froze midway while putting on an earring and frowned. Previously, when she had visited the Mansion, she had always taken jewelry from here and Murong Xue had never said anything. Today, she actually mercilessly questioned her, what¡¯s wrong with her? ¡°Your mother is my aunt. It¡¯s not too much for her to gift me a few pieces of jewelry right?¡±

    ¡°If my mother had personally said that she¡¯s giving it to you, that¡¯s called gifting. Taking the jewelry without my mother¡¯s permission is called thieving and robbing.

    On thest few words, Murong Xue¡¯s voice grew heavy and her tone turned into a merciless sneer. Song Qingyan reddened and red at her, ¡°Your mother has been dead for ten years, how am I supposed to speak to her? Murong Xue, enough is enough, don¡¯t be too much.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s face darkened and she coldly said, ¡°My mother¡¯s jewelry is being stolen by others. I¡¯ve only asked a question and that¡¯s considered too much? Then isn¡¯t it worse that you as a noble¡¯s daughter is stooping to steal others¡¯ jewelry?¡±

    ¡°I am not stealing anything,¡± Song Qingyan said fiercely, ¡°I took the key and opened the lock and openly took out the jewelry.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curled slightly ¨C she was just waiting for her to say that. ¡°Who is the keeper of the treasury keys?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± A thirty-plus year-old old maid stood out, not a single piece of her hair out of ce. Her face was clean but gaze was dark; one look and one would be able to tell that her was a sharp woman.

    ¡°Somebody, drag her away and hit her a hundred times with the paddles, then sell her!¡± Murong Xue ordered harshly.

    The old maid was shocked and shouted in surprise, ¡°Young Mistress, what have I done wrong?¡± Murong Xue is very gentle and has never been angry at the servants. Why is she so fierce today, and even wants to punish her and sell her?

    ¡°When my mother had passed you the keys, it was to ask you to guard the items within the treasury, not to give you the treasury. You did not ask the masters¡¯ permission before privately opening the treasury. That¡¯s considered ¡®bullying the masters¡¯. Shouldn¡¯t you be sold off?¡±

    The original person was kind, resulting in some opportunistic servants forgetting who was the real owner of this treasury. She doesn¡¯t mind helping to remind them.

    Song Qingyan¡¯s face turned white. The old maid had opened the treasury resulting in Murong Xue ordering the punishment by paddles and being sold off. Murong Xue looks like she¡¯s punishing the old maid but in actual is giving her a p.

    Like ¡®killing the chicken to warn the monkeys¡¯, and giving oblique usations, she has lost and yet she can¡¯t find a reason to rebuke. Murong Xue¡¯s ploy is really masterful and hateful.

    The old maid looked around for help only to see the other maids and housekeepers keeping their heads down, afraid to even breath too loudly for fear of angering Murong Xue.

    Since no one dared to help her, she can only save herself. The old maid gritted her teeth and loudly proimed, ¡°I wish to inform the Young Mistress that I was obeying the Dowager Lady¡¯s orders to open the treasury¡­¡±

 Chapter 9 â€“ The battle against the step-grandmother

    Chapter 9 ¨C The battle against the step-grandmother

    By sandy | October 12, 201622 Comments

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Murong Xue pped Old Maid Qiu¡¯s face, ¡°You dare use the Dowager Lady when you had done wrong? Are you tired of living?!¡±

    Old Maid Qiu¡¯s face immediately formed a bright red five-fingered impression, hot and painful. A dark shadow formed across her eyes and she gnashed her teeth in anger, saying, ¡°Young Mistress, I am really not lying. It really is the Dowager Lady¡­¡±

    ¡°Still dare argue?!¡± Murong Xue pped her again till she fell to the ground, then she looked down upon her. She was going to harshly teach her a lesson when a strict voice rang, ¡°What¡¯s themotion about? What¡¯s going on?¡±

    She had only had a few sentences and help had arrived. How quickly servants in the Marquis¡¯ Mansion sends messages. However, the maids in front of the west wing are all the Dowager Lady¡¯s servants. The only one not serving her is Old Maid Qiu, and even she is a traitor. Of course that person woulde so quickly. please read only trantor¡¯s website

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curled into a sneer as she leisurely turned around. It was really the Dowager Lady Du slowly walking over with the support of a maid. Her white hair was tied up high pinned lightly by a dark green jade pin. A dark grey head wrap with bamboo embroidery had been decorated with a piece of emerald,plementing the jade pin, dignified without losing its severity.

    Her mouth was tight and she nced at Old Maid Qiu with the swollen cheeks, frowning tightly, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Old Maid Qiu looked at her like she had found her backbone. Eyes bright and tears like broken pearls dripping down, both knees kneeling on the ground and kowtowing till it sounded, she said, ¡°Old Mistress, save me! Young Mistress wants to sell me away!¡± please read only trantor¡¯s website .novitran

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and casually said, ¡°Old Maid Qiu opened the treasury without permission and had pushed the me on to Grandmother. By teaching her a lesson, I am helping the Mansion discipline any bad practices. If not, some people will think that since they are more experienced, they can bully young masters and boss around the Mansion.¡± please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°Really?¡± The Dowager Lady¡¯s cold sharp gaze passed over Old Maid Qiu, whose forehead was red and swollen, then fell upon Murong Xue. ¡°But Old Maid Qiu was not lying. I am the one that asked her to open the treasury to retrieve the jewelry. You are teaching the wrong person a lesson.¡±

    For the sake of her precious granddaughter, she had ordered the servants to open her daughter-inw¡¯s treasury without permission ¨C that wouldn¡¯t sound good. But Du did note up with excuses to push the me and even admitted it straightforward. It seems that she really hates Murong Xue.

    If the original person had been standing here, she would definitely not be able to raise her head from the harsh scoldings of Du. But she is from a 21st century noble family and definitely wouldn¡¯t bow down to this old piety woman. ¡°Whichw in Qingyan states that the step-mother-inw can use her dead daughter-inw¡¯s dowry at will?¡±

    A dark shadow shed across Du¡¯s eyes and she coldly looked at Murong Xue, ¡°When your mother married into the Marquis¡¯ Household, she had belonged to the Household. Her dowry is naturally the Marquis¡¯ Household¡¯s assets. I manage the internal Household and have the authority to touch anything rted to the internal Household. My treasury did not have any appropriate essories, therefore it¡¯s only reasonable to ask Qingyan to pick a few pieces from here.¡±

    ¡°Qingyan¡¯sw clearly states that when the first wife passes on, the dowry is passed on to her children. The things in this treasury is left behind by my mother for me and my brother and has nothing to do with anyone else in the Murong family. As long as my brother and I are still alive for a day, you, step-grandmother, have not right touch it.¡±

    After her parents had died, Du had left Murong Xue in the Ruoxue Court and did not care about her survival. In the few times she had seen her, if it was not to pick on something, then it was to reprimand her. If Du did not treat her like her granddaughter, then Murong Xue did not need to treat Du as her grandmother.

    ¡°Now, without my brother¡¯s or my permission, you have vited Qingyan¡¯sw by opening the treasury and picking from my mother¡¯s dowry.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Du nced sideways to Murong Xue, her eyes full of disdain. ¡°Well then, step-granddaughter, are you prepared to sue your step-grandmother and send her to jail?¡±

    ¡°The jewelries are still here and not lost. Step-grandmother need not go to court. You only need to beat his bullying and sly ve with a hundred paddles and sell her off.¡± Murong Xue said lightly.

    Upon hearing that, Du¡¯s face darkened. She was ridiculing Murong Xue ¨C didn¡¯t Murong Xue understand? She actually followed along and decided Old Maid Qiu¡¯s punishment. What a slow idiot!

    ¡°What are you waiting for? Didn¡¯t you understand the Old Mistress¡¯ meaning? Drag Old Maid Qiu down and beat her a hundred paddles without mercy, then sell her!¡± Murong Xue harshly instructed.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± Two lowly old house maids stepped forward and stuffed a rough piece of cloth into Old Maid Qiu¡¯s mouth and dragged her out so quickly that others couldn¡¯t respond in time.

    Sounds from the paddle and Old Maid Qiu¡¯s painful wails rang out. The maids and housekeepers looked at each other silently ¨C the Young Mistress had lost her temper and they didn¡¯t want to be implicated.

    The Dowager Lady¡¯s face was so scarily dark as she stared at Murong Xue, haze forming beneath her eyes.

    Murong Xue pretended she didn¡¯t see it and quietly looked towards those ebony boxes which contained fine jewelry, ¡°Close the boxes and bring them back to the treasury.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes!¡± The maids answered. Carrying the boxes, they hurriedly ran back to the store, afraid that if they were to walk too slowly, Murong Xue would punish them and they would end up in a pathetic situation simr to Old Maid Qiu.

    Looking at the empty courtyard, Song Qingyan paled and clenched her hands tightly under her sleeves ¨C she had almost got the sapphire pin and ruby earrings, all of which she loved. Now it¡¯s all gone, how hateful!

    ¡°It¡¯s not the first time Cousin Qingyan has taken jewelry from here, is it?¡±

    Hearing the cold voice, Song Qingyan froze and looked cautiously at Murong Xue, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Murong Xueughed softly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to be flustered. I am not going to teach you a lesson but only ask that you return all the jewelry which you have taken.¡±

    Song Qingyan secretly sighed in relief. She scared her ¨C if Murong Xue is not thinking of teaching her lesson than that¡¯s good. However, the jewelry she had taken are all carefully chosen and each one of them are precious. She likes them very much and can¡¯t bear to return them to Murong Xue. Furthermore, she has been wearing those jewelries for so long, they should be hers already. ¡°You are my cousin. Just treat those few jewelries as presents that you have given to me. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s too petty to ask me for them?¡±

    Murong Xue nced at her and casually said, ¡°Cousin, youe to the Mansion at least thrice a month. Each time you would take away two to three hair pins, earrings, nes, jade bangles, finger sets and many other essories. In these two years, you have not taken only a few pieces of jewelry but more than a hundred pieces, enough to fill 3 trunks!¡±

    Song Qingyan did not care, ¡°So what? Your mother had so much dowry. You are onlycking in these hundred pieces of jewelry.

    Murong Xue sneered. After snatching away others¡¯ jewelry, Song Qingyan can still be so righteous about it. How shameless! ¡°When my aunt got married, she also brought with her ten miles of dowry. She definitely does notck in jewelry. How about this ¨C return my mother¡¯s dowry and give me another 2 or 3 trunks of delicate jewelry so that I can also enjoy my aunt¡¯s generosity.¡±

    ¡°My mother¡¯s jewelry is mine. How can I give it to you?¡± Song Qingyan eximed. Immediately after, she realized that she had been fooled and was just going to exin further when Murong Xue said first, ¡°My mother¡¯s jewelry was also left for me, how can it be in your hands? I want to see those jewelry before dark. If not, we¡¯ll see in court!¡±

 Chapter 10 â€“ Naming the Tibetan mastiff

    ¡°Because of such a petty matter you want to take it to court. Do you think that the Marquis¡¯ Household has too good a reputation or do you think that you have not lost enough face?¡± The Dowager Lady coldly looked at Murong Xue and harshly reprimanded her.

    Do not air the family¡¯s dirtyundry. When other families have these type of scandals, they will try all sorts of ways to cover it up and hide it. This Murong Xue is great ¨C as though she can¡¯t wait to announce to the whole Capital. She doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s good for her.

    ¡°It is because you stole my mother¡¯s dowry, that¡¯s why I am taking it to court. Even if it will lose face, it is your faces that wil be lost. Don¡¯t forget, our rtionship is very sensitive.¡± Murong Xue leisurely said, faintly smiling.

    The Dowager Lady¡¯s shrewd eyes narrowed. Murong Xue and Murong Ye¡¯s parents died when they were young, and she was not their directly rted grandmother. Her youthful son and daughter are also not exactly Murong Xue and Murong Ye¡¯s uncle and aunt. If Murong Xue sues her and her children for conspiring to take their private assets, outsiders will definitely believe them. please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°Qingyan, go home and bring back all the jewelry you have taken.¡± The dowry in the treasury are all valuable items and she had been eyeing them for a long time and had been prepared to split them evenly between her Jian¡¯er and Rou¡¯er. However, these things have to be done quietly and can definitely not let outsiders know about it.

    ¡°Grandmother!¡± Song Qingyan looked at Du, teary. Those jewelries were very delicate and beautiful, and she liked them very much. She didn¡¯t want to return even a single item. Grandmother can¡¯t help her fight for it?

    ¡°What now? You don¡¯t listen to me anymore? Quickly go back and return the jewelry.¡± Du ¡®s face darkened. Returning the jewelry now is to pacify Murong Xue so that she will not pursue this issue. When Murong Xue lets her guard down, she will slowly scheme and swallow all the dowry in that entire treasury.

    Looking at her strict expression, Song Qingyan froze and pitifulness umted in her eyes. Grandmother actually reprimanded her because of Muong Xue, how hateful! please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°Humph!¡± Song Qingyan stamped her feet and ran out wiping her tears.

    ¡°My mother¡¯s dowry is registered in the bureau. Any jewelry lost will be written on the list. I hope that when Cousin Qingyan returns the items, they are all real and not mixed in with fake items to hoodwink me.¡±

    The cold caution rang out and Song Qingyan paused, turned towards Murong Xue, gritting her teeth, ¡°Don¡¯t worry cousin. Yan¡¯er is also the first-wife¡¯s daughter of the Marquis¡¯ Mansion. I have countless jewelry; it is not worth it to steal such a bit.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great then!¡± Muong Xue casually replied, obviously not believing her.

    Song Qingyan choked, anger stuck in her chest, unable to get out. She hatefully red at Murong Xue and furiously walked out. Originally, she really had nned to casually return 2 boxes of jewelry to hoodwink Murong Xue. She didn¡¯t expect that Murong Xue would uncover her ploy and now she must return the real and beautiful jewelry. How very hateful! please read only trantor¡¯s website

    A young maid walked quickly into the main courtyard and lowly muttered something in the Dowager Lady¡¯s ear.

    Her face immediately darkened and sharp gaze shot towards Murong Xue like arrows, ¡°You want to annul your engagement with Prince Jing?¡± please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°Yes that¡¯s right.¡± Murong Xue nodded, ¡°When Ye Yichen brought back his sweetheart and so that he is able to live a perfect life with his sweetheart, he demoted me to concubine. The public would point fingers if the Marquis¡¯ Household¡¯s first-wife¡¯s daughter became a concubine. For the reputation of the Household, I suggested annulling the engagement.¡± please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°Marriage is determined by the parents and the matchmaker. How could you break off the engagement without the elders¡¯ permission?¡± Du reprimanded her harshly.

    Murong Xue smiled faintly at her, ¡°The elder in your words refers to yourself, step-grandmother?¡±

    Du¡¯s eyes turned cold, ¡°Your parents have both passed away. Even though I am not your blood-rted grandmother, I am still your step-grandmother and can be justified as your elder. I am concerned about your marriage, is that wrong?¡±

    Murong Xue nced at her and leisurely said, ¡°The engagement between me and Prince Jing was set by my father and old Prince Jing without passing through the internal household¡¯s permission. As long as a male elder agrees, the engagement can be annulled, and need not go through step-grandmother¡¯s permission.¡±

    ¡°Your second uncle¡­¡± please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°My second uncle is in Jingzhou and need more than a month to return. This matter is extremely urgent and there is no time to ask for his permission. My older brother is the current Marquis. Older brothers are like fathers. He has already agreed to the annulment. Step-grandmother no longer needs to worry about this matter.¡± Murong Xue smiled cheerfully at her, eyes shing meaningfully.

    After Murong Yue died in battle, Du had happily though that the noble position would fall on Murong Jian. But the Emperor had issued an edict letting only four-year-old Murong Ye inherit the title and transferred Murong Jian to faraway Jingzhou. Till today, he hasn¡¯t been called back. This is the real reason why Du hates the brother and sister.

    Du¡¯s face was scarily dark. Demoting Murong Xue as concubine will definitely affect the Marquis Household¡¯s reputation but inparison to the Household¡¯s reputation, she is more than happy to see Murong Xue run out of luck. After all, Murong Xue is Murong Yue¡¯s daughter and has not much to do with her. She could always draw the line. It¡¯s all Murong Ye¡¯s, that brainless yboy¡¯s, fault. He actually was convinced by Murong Xue and agreed to annul the engagement. How hateful! please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°Woof woof!¡± A sh of white sped in and jumped into Murong Xue¡¯s arms.

    Murong Xue looked down only to see a snow white little dog lying in her arms, wet eyes looking at her, its adorable look melting hearts. please read only trantor¡¯s website

    This is the Tibetan mastiff that killed fiverge dogs? Murong Xue couldn¡¯t believe her eyes.

    ¡°Mastiff, little Tibetan mastiff!¡± Murong Ye breathlessly ran over only to see it cuddled in Murong Xue¡¯s arms acting all cute. He was immediately angered, ¡°I asked people to give you a bath and brush your fur, serving youfortably. You speedily ran here without a word of thanks? Ungrateful little thing!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still small and ignorant. Don¡¯t fuss over it anymore.¡± Murong Xue rubbed the Tibetan mastiff¡¯s little head and happily said, ¡°Let¡¯s give it a name. It¡¯s not nice to keep calling it Tibetan mastiff.¡±

    Murong Ye brightened. His best at giving dogs names. ¡°It¡¯s awesome at fighting. Why don¡¯t we call it General Victory?¡± please read only trantor¡¯s website

    Murong Xue¡¯s bright face turned ck, ¡°Now that it¡¯s with me, it will not go to the colosseum anymore. Don¡¯t give it any names rted to fights. Think of a normal one.¡±

    He had fought dogs in the colosseum for many years. All the names he had given were somewhat rted to fighting. He had never really picked a normal name before.

    Murong Ye frowned. Seeing both of them getting along well, he casually suggested, ¡°Sister, since you like this Tibetan mastiff so much, why don¡¯t you call it Precious?¡±

    ¡°Precious?¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, ¡°Sounds weird!¡±

    ¡°Then how about Baby?¡± Murong Ye softly suggested. Seeing her gradually darkening face, he quickly changed, ¡°Called it Beibei?¡± please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°Beibei? That¡¯s alright, let¡¯s call it Beibei then.¡± Murong Ye¡¯s standard of picking names is only as such and Murong Xue couldn¡¯t think of an especially good name either, so they settled on Beibei.

    Looking at the happily talking Murong Xue and Murong Ye, Du¡¯s face darkened. Two juniors conversing as though there was no one else and entirely ignoring her presence ¨C are they purposely treating her as transparent or prepared to show her off? please read only trantor¡¯s website

    Her lips moved and she was just about to teach them a lesson when Murong Xue spoke up first, ¡°Since Cousin Qingyan will need at least two hours before she can return the jewelry, Hong Qiu, lock the treasury first and bring the key over.¡± please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± Hong Qiu curtsied and locked the treasury door before putting the key in Murong Xue¡¯s hands.

    Murong Xue nned to personally oversee the treasury!

    Du¡¯s eyes shed and she loudly said, ¡°Nobles in the Capital always pass the key to their personal maids to manage. As a nobledy, you actually want to personally manage these material goods. Are you not afraid of bing aughing stock?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any old maids that I can trust so I can only personally keep the key. When I find someone I can trust, I will naturally pass the key to her. Grandmother need not worry.¡± Murong Xue slowly said, rebuking her words.

    Du choked and a dark haze shed beneath her eyes. If the treasury key is in Murong Xue¡¯s hands, she wouldn¡¯t be able to find a chance to swallow the dowry within at all. ¡°Ye¡¯er, persuade your sister. An unmarrieddy worried all day about her dowry? Is she not afraid of othersughing at her?¡±

    Murong Ye frowned and quietly said, ¡°Grandmother, my sister is already fourteen years of age and she will soon marry. There is nothing wrong in learning how to manage her dowry and the matters of the internal household.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ you¡­!¡± Du was furious and her bitter cold gaze swept from Murong Ye to Murong Xue and from Murong Xue to Murong Ye. She wanted to say something but ultimately did not speak it. She loudly tutted and without a nce backwards, she turned and walked out.

    Looking at her retreating back, Murong Ye was confused, ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡±

    ¡°Not at all. Step-grandmother is happy that you have matured!¡± Murong Xue smiled brightly andforted him. Her eyes were slightly cold ¨C Du is probably resenting that they had cut off her fortune. Du has her eyes on the dowry and will definitely think of a million ways to get it! However, she is not afraid of them; she will just deal with it as ites.

 Chapter 11 â€“ Paying respects to the dead on the day of marriage

    Prince Jing Mansion

    Xu Tianyou looked at the pile of expensive ebony trunks in the courtyard and raised his eyebrows ¨C Murong Xue actually refused and returned the bride¡¯s price, sweeping Prince Jing¡¯s face to the ground. How arrogant!

    His cold gaze swept towards the servants who were carrying the trunks and saw their bruised faces. He didn¡¯t understand and asked, ¡°You¡¯ve only carried the bride¡¯s price to the Marquis¡¯ Mansion. How is it that you all are injured?¡±

    ¡°Answering your question Mr Xu, Murong Young Mistress was angry that the Prince is forcing the marriage and ordered the guards of Mansion to chase us away. We couldn¡¯t avoid in time and were injured.¡± The servant quietly said respectfully.

    Xu Tianyou narrowed his sharp eyes, ¡°Is it Murong Xue that personally ordered that?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The servant nodded his head, paused and then carefully said, ¡°Seneschal Wang also had 2 teeth knocked out by Murong Xue.

    ¡°Really?¡± Xu Tianyou looked towards Seneschal Wang in surprise only to see him tighten his lips without a word. His sullen face showed that the servant was telling the truth.

    Seneschal Wang has been taking care of Prince Jing since young and is deeply trusted by Prince Jing. Prince Jing¡¯s advisors and staff and even friends are all respectful towards Seneschal Wang. Murong Xue actually dared to hit him? How arrogant and stupid! However, ¡°Murong Xue is well-known for being gentle. How is it that she¡¯s suddenly be so aggressive? Unless she¡¯s trying to attract his Highness¡¯ attention?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so!¡± Ye Yichen walked out of the study, wearing loose purple long robes, long and elegant. His gold and purple crown shining radiantly under the bright sunlight,plementing his unbelievably handsome appearance, ¡°If Murong Xue was trying to attract my attention, she would only need to do things rted to me. There wouldn¡¯t be a need to cut off all five of your brother¡¯s fingers.¡±

    ¡°What? Murong Xue cut off Tianan¡¯s fingers!¡± Xu Tianyou was shocked and his face turned scarily ck, ¡°When did this happen?¡±

    ¡°Not long after the wee feast ended, Murong Xue gambled with your brother in the coliseum. Your brother lost.¡± Ye Yichen lightly described.

    Xu Tianyou gritted his teeth in anger after hearing about it. Fighting animals in the colosseum usually uses money and precious items, or silk cloth, or antiques and paintings as stakes. Murong Xue actually gambled on fingers and really chopped them off making Tianan handicapped. What a bully! ¡°Your Highness, Murong Xue is only pretending to be kind and gentle. The real her is arrogant and ruthless. This type of person will not be a good match with you.¡±

    ¡°I know. I have never thought of letting her be the first wife,¡± Ye Yichen eyes were cold.

    Upon hearing that, the shadows under Xu Tianyou¡¯s eyes half dissipated. The Prince likes Princess Yuyuan; he was being overly worried. ¡°Then what should we do about the wedding three dayster?¡±

    ¡°No need to make it big but definitely need to make sure that everyone knows about it. Invite all court officials and their families to the wedding celebrations and prepare a pink small sedan chair to carry her in¡­¡± Ye Yichen instructed in an orderly fashion.

    Xu Tianyou¡¯s eyes turned brighter as he heard more and more. The Prince¡¯s concubine can sit on a four-person wedding sedan chair into the Mansion. The Prince actually is giving her a pink small sedan chair ¨C obviously he wants to humiliate her, bully her. That¡¯s a real concubine and is the lowest of rank in the Prince¡¯s Mansion.

    Murong Xue is so arrogant and she refused to be concubine. Then the Prince will demote her to the lowest of concubines and step her into the mud, making her lose face in front of the all the court officials and suffer the disdain of the public. Let¡¯s see how arrogant she can be then!

    Murong Xue doesn¡¯t know her abilities and she has time and again provoked Prince Jing. This is her best oue. He can¡¯t wait to see Murong Xue lowly like dirt, looking pathetic.

    The sun was bright, birds were chirping and flowers were blooming.

    Murong Xue washed up and ate breakfast before slowly walking out of Ruoxue Court.

    These three days, she had been staying in the treasury store in the main courtyard auditing her mother¡¯s dowry. She had only finished doing so at 9pmst night. Including the three and a half trunks of jewelries, there was not an item missing; she can finally rest and breathe some fresh air.

    Opening the door, she saw Murong Ye standing outside pacing back and forth, his handsome face with a slightly immature air was filled with worry. ¡°Brother, what happened?¡±

    Murong Ye halted and looked at her confusion before he signed heavily, ¡°Today is the day Ye Yichen is preparing to take you as his concubine. How are you not anxious?¡±

    ¡°I am not going to enter Prince Jing¡¯s Household as concubine, what is there to be anxious about? Can he force me to get married?¡± Murong Xue was not flustered and walked past Murong Ye leisurely.

    Murong Ye followed behind her closely. His eyes like ck jade shed an with umon severity, ¡°Ye Yichen has achieved a lot and he holds the reins of the army. Even the Emperor¡¯s princes give way to him. He could really force the marriage.¡±

    Murong Xue tutted lightly, ¡°Even if he dares to force me to marry, we have to give it a chance before he can seed. If we are not in the Marquis¡¯ Mansion, even if he carries the marriage sedan chair, he will have to return empty-handed.¡±

    Murong Ye was stunned and he stared closely at Murong Xue. She was wearing a dress that was in white. Her ck hair was only tied up loosely using a white jade pin. She wasn¡¯t wearing earrings or jade bangles. The light breeze picked up the hems of her dress making her look like a fairy who was going to ride the wind. ¡°Sister, why are you dressed like that?¡±

    Murong Xueughed lightly, ¡°I am going to the ancestral cemetery to pray to our parents and grandfather. Of course I have to wear simply.¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡± Murong Ye only then realized that Hong Xiu and Anxiang were each holding a basket filled with paper taels, joss sticks and other items needed for prayers.

    ¡°Do you want toe along?¡± Murong Xue softly asked.

    ¡°Yes, yes!¡± Murong Ye nodded his head heavily. Ye Yichen is a powerful man. He has also sent out invitations to everyone, inviting all court officials and their family to attend his concubinage feast. Even if he cannot marry his sister, he definitely will not give up easily!

    He is young and without much talent, and wouldn¡¯t be able to oppose Ye Yichen. But before nightfall, he will stay by his sister¡¯s side and protect her.

    Murong family¡¯s ancestral cemetery was located in the countryside and off the main road. After Murong Xue and Murong Ye got off the carriage along the side of the main road, they walked to the ancestral cemetery.

    Lighting the joss sticks and putting it in front of thebined tomb of Murong Yue and his wife, Murong Xue started to burn the paper money. In life they were together, in death theyy together; this couple is really loving. She can only hope that in their next life they will lead a good one, in peace and happiness for their whole life.

    Murong Ye took the other basket to the Old Marquis¡¯ tombstone and set up the joss sticks and prayer offerings. In the past, he would onlye here to give offerings during festivals or the new year. This was really the first time he hade here without any purpose other than just to provide offerings and burn paper money¡­

    ¡°Ping ping ping ping!¡± Faint fighting sounds travelled into their ears and interrupted Murong Ye¡¯s thoughts. He frowned, puzzled, and looked towards the source, ¡°What happened?¡±

    To protect his sister, he had brought twenty over guards when they left the Mansion and had asked them to guard the surrounding area. It was peaceful and quiet just a moment ago. Why did fighting suddenly start? The countryside of the Capital always has officers patrolling. He has never heard of any bandits or robbers.

    ¡°Nothing!¡± Following the cold answer, a young man strode out of the woods. He was wearing formal red wedding clothes; his posture tall like an oak tree, handsome face cool like ice, sharp eyes bright like the stars. It was Prince Jing ¨C Ye Yichen!

 Chapter 12 â€“ Prince Jing wants to force the marriage

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, no wonder the Mansion¡¯s guards did not manage to give a warning when the enemy came ¨C they had met Ye Yichen.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s people are all blood-soaked soldiers who have climbed out from the dead. They were good at martial arts and their every move was filled with wrath. They were able to easily defeat the Mansion guards who have not been out of the Capital, such that other than fighting for their lives, the guards could not manage to do anything more.

    A sh of dark blue stood in front of her eyes ¨C it was Murong Ye blocking in front of her, using his thin and weak body closely to protect her. ck jade-like eyes cautiously looked at Ye Yichen, ¡°What are you here for?¡±

    ¡°To wee my concubine!¡± Ye Yichen coldly answered. His sharp gaze swept over Murong Ye and looked towards Murong Xue who was standing behind. please read only trantor¡¯s website

    He knew that Murong Xue would not docilely get onto the wedding sedan. He had thought of all the ways of dealing with her. No matter how difficult Murong Xue was, he would be able to easily marry her into the Prince Jing Household. please read only trantor¡¯s website

    But he never imagined that she would wear a in white dress and run to the cemetery to pray to the dead on their wedding day!

    Is she not happy with her status as concubine, or is she purposely trying to bring bad luck to their wedding?

    Murong Ye didn¡¯t know what Ye Yichen was thinking. He red at him and said word-by-word, ¡°My sister will never be anyone¡¯s concubine. If you want to marry my sister, then use an 8-person sedan chair to carry her into the Prince Jing Mansion as first wife. If you are unable to do so, then break off the engagement!¡±

    Ye Yichen nced at him, ¡°Murong Xue and my marriage is none of your business!¡±

    That look of contempt and casual tone showed that he totally did not think much of Murong Ye.

    Murong Ye¡¯s handsome face reddened and he thundered, ¡°I am her older brother ¨C her older brother from the same mother. Her issues are mine. Why do I not have any right to meddle?¡±

    Ye Yichen smiled at him disdainfully. He didn¡¯t care to waste his breath with idiots!

    He lightly treaded and moved towards Murong Ye step by step, ¡°Move away!¡±

    Ye Yichen was a battle worn veteran and from his bones emitted an aura of decisive ruthlessness, making anyone afraid. But he was also a schr ¨C the refined aurabined with his sharp stance made people less afraid of him.

    Now, Murong Ye overconfidently challenged him and caused him to rage internally. The iron-blood like powerful aura mercilessly pressed on. Even if army generals were here, they would be stunned and afraid, not the least Murong Ye.

    Murong Ye couldn¡¯t breathe properly and both of his legs was trembling. His body was also frozen into a block but he stubbornly refused to give in, gritting his teeth and saying word-by-word, ¡°No way! Unless I am dead, I won¡¯t allow you to forcefully marry my sister!¡±

    Ye Yichen heard him and contempt shed across his eyes. He wants to die? I¡¯ll grant his wish!

    Seeing Ye Yichen clench his fingers and preparing tosh out, Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed and she raised her arm to pull Murong Ye behind her, coldly looking at Ye Yichen, ¡°Prince Jing and Princess Yuyuan are in love with each other. I had also suggested breaking off the engagement and letting both of you be. Why do you insist on taking me as concubine?¡±

    ¡°You are Uncle Yue¡¯s daughter and you are weak and sickly. I respect Uncle Yue and am prepared to take you into my Household so that I can more conveniently take care of you!¡± Ye Yichen lightly said, his tone casual.

    Murong Xue sneered internally, her eyes full of ridicule, ¡°If your Highness¡¯ definition of taking care is by taking me as concubine, and letting me face the hate, disdain and the people¡¯s ridicule and humiliation, then forget it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather not marry for the rest of my life, and die old in the Marquis¡¯ Mansion. At least I am still the noble Young Mistress of the Marquis¡¯ Household and can be buried in the Murong family ancestral cemetary when I am dead. If I enter Prince Jing¡¯s Household, when I am alive, I will be the lowly concubine, humiliated by everyone; after I die, I will be regarded so lowly that I will not even have the right to be buried in the ancestral cemetary.¡±

    Heartlessly demoting her, stamping on her, and he still wants to gain the reputation of being righteous and caring? How utterly shameless! Of course, all the court officials and the citizens in the Capital will notugh at Ye Yichen and definitely will not reprimand him, because he is the always victorious God of War, holding the reins of the armies and deeply trusted by the Emperor. Talk about him behind his back? Not unless they don¡¯t want to continue living.

    Watching her furious like an angry cat, Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shed something, and he amazingly resisted his temper, ¡°Yuyuan is caring and kind and innocent. As first wife, she will take care of you and will definitely not bully you. She will definitely not let the servants humiliate you. You will enjoy the same benefits as the first wife and after you die, I will instruct that you will be properly buried into the ancestral cemetery¡­¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue smirked. please read only trantor¡¯s website

    Qin Yuyuan is the Princess of Mobei and has lived in the pce for over ten years experiencing it. Even if she had not actually used those inner pce¡¯s shameless and dirty methods, she would have definitely seen them. After a long while in that environment, she is definitely not innocent. Caring and kind? Innocent? He thinks that she¡¯s blind and cannot see that? please read only trantor¡¯s website

    Ye Yichen¡¯s sweet talk is very tempting. Pity, she had heard countless of such pledges in modern television that she already developed immunity towards such sweet talk.

    ¡°Of couse, Yuyuan cares a lot about you. When I left the Mansion, she had kept telling me to quickly marry you so that you both can be good sisters.¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s deep voice said in all seriousness.

    But Murong Xueughed internally. As a woman, she knew clearly that if a woman loved a man, she will wish that that man¡¯s whole heart is hers, and that he will not spare a single nce at other women.

    Qin Yuyuan is a noble and arrogantdy. Even if she is used to men having multiple wives, she will still definitely hope that Ye Yichen only sees her and is unable to store other women in his eyes and heart!

    Ye Yichen promised that her status will only be just below the first wife¡¯s status, and marry first into the Household, and he thinks that she will happily marry in? You can¡¯t even get that lie pass a ghost!

    ¡°Does your Highness know that being together refers to a man and a woman really loving each other such that they are unable to have a third person? There should be 2 reasons why Princess Yuyuan encouraged you to take a concubine. First, she is jealous and wants to test your attitude. Second, she doesn¡¯t love you so she is able to open up her heart and not care if you take a concubine.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s face turned scarily ck as he coldly stared at her, ¡°Murong Xue, know your status and don¡¯t provoke the rtionship between Yuyuan and I!¡±

    Murong Xue tutted, ¡°I am not interested in provoking your rtionship. If you want to know whether I am right, you only need to go back to the Mansion and test Qin Yuyuan!¡±

    ¡°I will return to the Mansion, but you have toe with me!¡± Ye Yichen looked at Murong Xue, his eyes shing darkly. please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°Ye Yichen, my father, my mother and my grandfather¡¯s graves are all here. Today, in front of them, I will state clearly ¨C I, Murong Xue of the Marquis¡¯ Mansion, am able to take care of myself and do not need you hypocrite!¡±

    The cold voice passed through his eardrums and hit directly at his heart. Ye Yichen¡¯s handsome face turned ck till it could almost drip ink, and his eyes colored with darkness. She dared to sneer that he is a hypocrite? How audacious!

    He moved like a light cloud and suddenly stood in front of Murong Xue and reached out to grab her¡­

 Chapter 13 â€“ Murong Xue battles Prince Jing

    Catch me? You wish! please read only trantor¡¯s website

    Murong Xue lightly sneered, tapping her toes lightly, her delicate silhouette moved backwards two steps in a sh. The wind carried her hair and brushed the tips of Ye Yichen¡¯s fingers, barely missing his grip.

    Ye Yichen looked at his empty hands, his eyes darkened ¨C after learning martial arts, be it alive or dead, if he wanted to catch something, he would be able to catch it with his hands. But Murong Xue actually escaped his clutches. What is happening? please read only trantor¡¯s website

    ¡°Your highness, the hour is almost over!¡± A careful reminder came from behind him. Ye Yichen¡¯s confused look immediately turned clear and his handsome face returned to its usual coldness. He coolly replied, ¡°I know!¡±

    Raising his head and looking towards Murong Xue, his eyes shed, ¡°Murong Xue, return with me to my Mansion immediately. I can overlook the wrong words and actions you just said and did!

    Upon saying that, two servants carried over a small sedan chair. Its pink roof and curtains formed a halo of warm light, hazy and aesthetically pleasing!

    But Murong Xue¡¯s eyes filled with derision ¨C a pink small sedan, used only for marrying concubines!

    Three days ago, she had thrown out Ye Yichen¡¯s bride price. Three dayster, Ye Yichen didn¡¯t even bother with marriage formalities, didn¡¯t register with the authorities, and didn¡¯t even send a wee party. A marriage sedan ¨C he directly used a pink sedan chair to bring her into the Prince Jing Mansion as the lowest of concubines, saving on the bride price and humiliating her,pleting stepping over her!

    No wonder he¡¯s the God of War. He¡¯s always thinking about revenging on people who have gone against him.

    She is the wife-borndy of the Marquis¡¯ Mansion. In front of all the court officials and the Capital, by sitting this concubine pink sedan chair, being carried into the Mansion from the side door or even the backdoor, she will definitely be looked down upon, disdained andughed at, bing a side-joke at dinners and even pointed at till she is unable to look straight.

    Is this what Ye Yichen calls taking care? More like he thinks that she is not ill enough, and not dying fast enough, so he is prepared to help her towards death! please read only trantor¡¯s website

    Murong Xue curled her lips, and lightly sneered, ¡°What if I say no?¡±

    Ye Yichen had been observing Murong Xue. When she saw the pink small sedan chair, her calm eyes stirred up a storm and then immediately returned to calmness. Her rejection made him frustrated and he blurted, ¡°Then don¡¯t me me for not being courteous!¡±

    Murong Xue tutted disdainfully, ¡°When has your Highness been courteous to me?¡± Since Ye Yichen returned to the Capital, he had given her if not humiliation then insult, not a bit of respect, least to say courtesy!

    ¡°Murong Xue!¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s face darkened and his cold voice revealed that he had gritted his teeth in anger. He had patiently exined to her so much, but she didn¡¯t disy any happiness and didn¡¯t even have a change of heart ¨C only to reply to him a heartless rejection! How overconfident!

    If she doesn¡¯t ept his kindness, there is naturally no need for him to be courteous!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes filled with cold hostility and his clenched fingers abruptly opened. Heavy internal strength gathered in his palm forming an unseen deadly rage dispersing into the air, bringing fear into people.

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes. The original person was a weak and delicatedy without any internal strength. Although she is good at fighting techniques, but without the help of internal strength, she definitely cannot go up against Ye Yichen!

    Wind rushed towards her. It was Ye Yichen making his move. Her eyes shed and she was just about to avoid him when she saw Murong Ye pounce in front of Ye Yichen and held his right wrist tightly, shouting, ¡°Sister, go quickly!¡±

    His move blocked, Ye Yichen¡¯s face darkened till it was scary and he used the back of his palm to hit Murong Ye¡¯s chest.

    Murong Ye could not avoid in time and was hit to the ground. But without even thinking, he stretched out his arm again to tightly hug Ye Yichen¡¯s leg!

    Looking at his pale face, Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed wit aplex look, ¡°Brother!¡± Although Muong Ye was an ipetent yboy, when it came to his sister, he gave a hundred percent of his care!

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Murong Ye looked up towards Murong Xue and forced a smile ¨C it was worse than a look of crying. ¡°I am a Marquis, Ye Yichen will not dare to kill me. Quickly run and find a safe ce to hide. After today it¡¯ll be fine!¡±

    Ye Yichenhad returned victorious and was watched by the Capital. Since he went all out to take her as concubine, he definitely did not cover up his movements and there should be a lot of people in the Capital that knew he came to the Murong ancestral cemetery to ¡®wee¡¯ the marriage!

    If he killed Murong Ye here, then his position as Prince Jing would be at its end.

    ¡°Take care, brother!¡± Murong Xue solemnly said and without a look back, turned and ran ¨C Ye Yichen hade to ancestral cemetery for her. If he knew that she was gone, Ye Yichen would not stay there any longer and Murong Ye would be safe!

    Seeing Murong Xue run further and further, and Ye Yichen¡¯s leg was like bound to a rock, unable to move for a bit, a darkness formed in his eyes and he harshly kicked Murong Ye, ¡°Scram!¡±

    A sharp pain passed through his chest and immediately dispersed to his extremities. Murong Ye cried out in pain and his arm unwilling gave way. His entire being rolled into the bushes, his handsome face pale, and whole body so painful that he burst out in cold sweat!

    Ye Yichen ignored his plight and strode towards Murong Xue, chasing.

    Hong Xiu and Anxiang looked at each other and rushed forward, prepared to stop him!

    Ye Yichen, expressionless, flicked his finger and two bouts of internal strengthshed out and mercilessly hit Hong Xue and Anxiang such that they flew out 6, 7 meters away and heavily knocked against a tree trunk before falling onto the ground. Both were concussed and despite several tries, could not get up.

    Ye Yichen didn¡¯t even bother looking at them before he walked past and gave chase towards the direction Murong Xue had disappeared to.

    Murong Xue left the cemetery and blindly ran in the tall grass. After god knows how long, a cliff appeared in front of her. The cliff was very steep and not scble. At the bottom of the cliff, tens of meters down, were rapids with an unknown destination. The opposite cliff was tens of meters away and could not crossed!

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes hardened and she was just prepared to run back when she saw Ye Yichen leisurely emerging from the bushes. His purple gold crown and red wedding robes were not even a bit messed up. Even in the bushes, he had a look of leisure. He calmly looked at her, and his eyes shed an unexinable brightness, like he had chased a prey of interest. He happily asked, ¡°Why have you stopped running?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no road anymore!¡± Murong Xue snapped. The original person¡¯s body was sickly and even when paying her respects to the ancestors, she had only explored the area around the cemetery and had never gone far before. She didn¡¯t know the way and had ran flustered into this dead-end.

    ¡°In front of you is a cliff, behind you are your pursuers, what are you going to do?¡± Ye Yichen asked lowly, moving step by step towards Murong Xue.

    ¡°Neither because I don¡¯t want to jump off the cliff, nor do I want to be a concubine!¡± Murong Xue lightly smiled like a hundred flowers blossoming.

    The bright smile looked strange in Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes and he had a bad feeling.

 Chapter 14 â€“ The First Meeting with Lord Ouyang

    A white light shed in front of his eyes and a sharp aura of the sword with limitless intention to kill mercilessly came towards him!

    Ye Yichen narrowed his eyes and quickly turned sideways to avoid the killing move. He raised his head only to see Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curled into a cold smile. She was holding a long sword that shed cold light. She waved the sword into a stance and lurched towards him again; her pale-colored ribbon at her waist moved with the wind like a gracefully dancing butterfly.

    She knows martial arts!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shed a look of surprise and then disappeared. His mouth curled into a sneer ¨C rumors are merely what people spread and guess, and he has actually believed them. How amusing. The gentle person that everyone speaks about are all nonsense and invented. This character is the real her, hidden in the Mansion, not revealed to anyone else.

    A strange feeling formed in his heart but was suppressed quickly.

    He looked at Murong Xue, with a deep gaze ¨C after interacting with her for long, even with his good sight, he didn¡¯t not manage to spot the soft sword hidden at her waist. Her disguise is astonishing.

    However,dies love to essorize around the waist. Even if anyone spotted something abnormal at her waist, they would think that it is just a unique essory, and would not link her sickly constitution with a killing weapon.

    ¡°You want to kill me!¡± Ye Yichen flicked his finger to push away Murong Xue¡¯s soft sword, coldly looking at her.

    ¡°You deserve it. Who asked you to go too far in your bullying!¡± Murong Xue coldly replied, the long sword in her hand pierced towards Ye Yichen¡¯s chest.

    Ye Yichen flicked his fingers to wave away the sword, aplex look forming beneath this eyes. He is familiar with the roads near the Capital. Since Murong Xue had ran to the cliff, not only was it because she was not familiar with the roads, but also he had forced her to it. He had assumed that her resistance and rebellion against him was because of her Mistress of the Marquis¡¯ Household position and ego. If he forced her to a dead-end, she would give in and quietly go back to Prince Jing Mansion as his concubine!

    After all, everyone would be afraid of death. Facing death, and given to option to be the concubine of Prince Jing¡¯s Household, enjoying the wealth and prosperity that everyone envies, peacefully living her life would be such a beautiful and good choice.

    But when Murong Xue stood in front of the cliff, she had not, like he had envisioned, give into him, and beg him, but had drawn out her sword and mercilessly attacked him¡­

    She would rather be a murderer than his concubine.

    ¡°Swish, swish, swish!¡± Three cold lights shed and Ye Yichen¡¯s red wedding robes had three cuts. The edge of the robes had even been cut off and it flew into the air, leisurely circling before floating onto the ground. The red, brighter than blood, signified immense taunting.

    Ye Yichen looked at the damaged wedding robes, his face scarily ck. After learning martial arts, very few people could get near him, least to say injure him. He had only used half his skill just now and was distracted by his thoughts, allowing Murong Xue to audaciously sh his clothes!

    What an overconfident little girl, taking advantage of his courtesy and bing increasingly audacious. He must harshly teach her a lesson and let her know that her little life has always been in his hands! If he lets her live, then she lives, if he wants her dead, then she must die!

    Lightly clenched hands suddently opened and inner strength umted to form an invisible knife, harshly hitting towards Murong Xue.

    The strong and dense murderous aura swept towards her with all intents to destroy everything. Murong Xue eye¡¯s formed a rare seriousness ¨C this is inner strength? The attack power is definitely extraordinary. However, it is also not so easy to kill her!

    Murong Xue clenched her soft sword tightly and weed the invisible knife with shes of silver. ¡°Dang, dang, dang¡± rang out and the sharp knife was twisted into nothing. Even the smallest threat was removed.

    Looking at an unhurt Murong Xue, Ye Yichen¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed. Without any help of inner strength, and only using the sword, she had disseminated his inner strength. What a good move! Is this the Murong family swordsmanship? It deserves its reputation! How rare for Murong Xue to reveal the amazing swordsmanship of Murong family. Well then, he will give it his all and battle with her!

    The fingers beneath the wedding robes opened and closed and bursts of masculine and strong wind were sent out from under hisrge sleeves with the most urate technique and the fastest speed, and came towards Murong Xue from all directions!

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows. When she used the sword against Ye Yichen, it wasn¡¯t really to kill him, but to injure him so that he would not be able to care about forcing her to marry him. After all, everyone knows that Ye Yichen has gone to the cemetery to ¡®wee¡¯ her. But she doesn¡¯t want to be Prince Jing¡¯s concubine. If Ye Yichen dies, she will definitely be seen as the murderer. She is not afraid of death but she doesn¡¯t want to implicate nine generations of Murong n to be beheaded!

    Furthermore, she has just came to Qingyan and is in such a weak body. She can¡¯t even manage to unleash half the strength she had in the modern era. But Ye Yichen is highly skilled at martial arts and has profound inner strength. Even if she wanted to kill him, she would not be able to do so.

    Her sword moves previously only tore Ye Yichen¡¯s wedding robes. It did not hurt him but angered him. Throwing out so much inner strength ¨C he is prepared to kill her!

    She is a weakdy with no inner strength and only a bit of physical strength. But if Ye Yichen wants to kill her, it won¡¯t be that easy either!

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curled into a slight smile and she leapt to two meters away, waving her sword rapidly!

    Standing from Ye Yichen¡¯s perspective, he could clearly see ¨C Murong Xue had stood on the central attack spot of his inner strength. Streaks of silver light flew around her, protecting her tightly and hitting his inner strength towards the huge rock on the side.

    ¡°Ping, ping, ping!¡± A loud noise rang, bits of rocks flew apart and soil flew into the air, choking Murong Xue, making her cough. She quickly backed up a few steps and waved her hand to disperse the cloud of soil.

    A slight breeze blew and the top of the cliff was a lot clearer. Ye Yichen¡¯s tall and straight silhouette appeared 5-6 meters away!

    Murong Xue held on to the soft sword, her whole body on guard, only to see him stare straight ahead, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen!¡± The low voice did not carry any expression, not letting anyone guess what he was thinking.

    Murong Xue was startled. She followed his gaze only to see that 3-4 meter tall rock had been smashed to only a meter tall one, revealing an octagonal pavilion behind it. The pavilion had a stone table and chairs, and a young man was sitting in front of the table, holding a white chess piece. His eyes were slightly lowered towards the chessboard on the table.

    The man wore a snow white long robe, its material smooth like water, and the snow-white sleeve brushed across the bluestone surface, with no speck of dirt. His ck silk hair was tied up into a white crown and dispersed over his back.

    Charming ck eyes nted into his fringe and the handsome face was like dream-like out of a painting. His cold aura like the lonely moon, like ice, like snow, bringing awe into people¡¯s hearts!

    Murong Xue¡¯s cold eyes shed a look of surprise. She had seen many types of handsome men in the modern age. Aftering to the ancient era, she had also Murong Ye and Ye Yichen¡¯s handsome looks and was kind of immune to handsome men. But the appearance of this man was so handsome that she almost could not look away.

    He is Lord Freedom¡¯s heir Ouyang Shaochen! ording to rumors, he left the Lord¡¯s mansion when he was eight and had a mysterious teacher. Without much effort, the policy papers he wrote became famous; without much effort, the flute he blew caused people to be drunk within the music. Generals that had been given pointers by him became undefeatable in battles and wars. He also had a god-like presence!

    For thest ten years, he had travelled to many countries but had very rarely stepped onto Qingyan¡¯s soil. Why did he suddenly return to the Capital?

 Chapter 15 â€“ Harassed by the young Lord

    Murong Xue looked towards Ouyang Shaochen, only to see him flick his fingers. The white chess piece between his fingers mercilessly shot towards Ye Yichen. His thin lips coldly spat out one word, ¡°Scram!¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shed. Strong inner strength shot out from his finger and hit the chess piece head on. ¡°Ping!¡± The chess piece disintegrated mid-air and the inner strength dispersed suddenly as well!

    He looked at Ouyang Shaochen, who was calm like the clouds and wind, and his face darkened, ¡°I did not mean to destroy your chess game. Don¡¯t be too much¡­¡±

    Chess game? What chess game?

    Murong Xue curiously looked at the chess board on the stone table, only to see pieces of rock all over, messing up the orderly ck and white chess pieces. Some chess pieces had even fallen onto the ground after being hit by the rocks. A piece here and there made it very conspicuous¡­

    She coughed lightly and her eyes shed ufortably. Ye Yichen¡¯s inner strength had destroyed the rock resulting in bits of rocks flying and messing up the chess pieces on the board, spoiling Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s game! It was only natural if Ouyang Shaochen came after him!

    There were ck and white pieces on the chessboard. Obviously Ouyang Shaochen had been ying with himself for a long time. She had been at the cliff for such a long time and didn¡¯t even realize that there was someone nearby. was it because her level of alertness had dropped or because Ouyang Shaochen was too good?

    Ouyang Shaochen stood up, his snow-white long robes falling like water, showing off his slim andnky shape. His ck jewel-like eyes were like deep pools, drowning people within and not letting them reach the shore. Golden rays dyed his surroundings, forming a halo of warm light, causing people to be unable to look away.

    ¡°Since you had destroy my chess game, why notpensate me with one?¡± The clear voice was like a chord, melodious.

    Ye Yichen was stunned then a look of understanding crossed his eyes. He gave a faint smile, ¡°Since Lord Ouyang is interested then I will keep youpany to the end!¡± His hand moved slightly under his sleeves and a few pieces of rocks with the size of egg flew up from the ground and shot towards Ouyang Shaochen like arrows!

    Ouyang Shaochen stood tall and calmly looked at the wave of rocks. His snow-white sleeve lightly floated and a few white chess pieces shot out and heavily hit against the rocks mid-air. ¡°Ping, ping, ping!¡± With muffled sounds, the rocks and chess pieces disintegrated into dust mid-air¡­

    Murong Xue widened her eyes in surprise. This is what they meant by ¡®ying chess¡¯? It is definitely different when experts exchange blows.

    She raised her head towards mid-air only to see ck and white chess pieces and rocks hitting each other and bursting into clouds of dust. The chess pieces shot out very rapidly; after a batch had been shot out, the next batch followed closely. Piece by piece, overwhelming the vision. The broken rocks also shot out quickly but wascking in just a bit of strength.

    Wave and wave of strong shes disintegrated countless chess pieces and small rocks. In the cloud of dust, Ye Yichen realized that the area where both shed was inching towards him.

    His sharp eyes narrowed. Ouyang Shaochen is relying on his deep inner strength and is prepared to silently push the shing of chess and rocks towards him so that he will be seriously injured by the explosions. What wishful thinking!

    His lightly clenched palm suddenly opened and his strong inner strength shot out. Countless rocks and gravel flew from the ground, and with the speed of lightening, shot towards Ouyang Shaochen.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes turned cold. Beneath his sleeves, his hands opened and closed and countless ck and white chess pieces immediately floated in front of him and flew towards the iing rocks!

    ¡°Ping, ping, ping!¡± Chess pieces and rocks shed and a thick dust cloud blocked their vision!

    Ye Yichen was just prepared to move more rocks when he saw a few chess pieces fly out from the cloud shooting towards him.

    His rocks had also disintegrated yet Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s chess pieces were still intact. How amazing.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shed coldness and he flicked his fingers to disintegrate the chess pieces. Suddenly, a pain hit his knee and he involuntarily took a step back. He looked down only to see a ck chess piece lying on the ground in front of him, obviously the culprit that had hit his knee.

    Ouyang Shaochen actually surprise attacked him. How hateful!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes slightly cold, opened his palm and was just prepared to use his inner strength when he saw chess pieces fly out from the dust cloud and immediately to his front. He couldn¡¯t stop them in time, thus quickly stepped backwards. The ground beneath him disappeared and the red and tall body fell like a broken kite to the bottom of the cliff. ¡°Ssh!¡± Water sprayed up!

    Murong Xue hurriedly walked to the edge of the cliff and looked down only to see endless flowing water. The famous God of War Prince just hit into the valley, unsure whether he is dead or alive. How inconceivable¡­

    In front of her passed a corner of a white sleeve. Ouyang Shaochen leisurely walked over, his snow-white sleeves floating like a butterfly, enhancing his aura of peace and nobility!

    With the ground as the chessboard and stones as the chess pieces, Ouyang Shaochen had won well, and with such expert skills at chess, he was daunting!

    A faint bamboo scent waffled to her nose. Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed ufortably. She had a role in destroying Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s game as well. Ouyang Shaochen had bullied Ye Yichen so badly; he would definitely not let her off easily. She didn¡¯t have any inner strength and can¡¯t even move a piece of rock; she couldn¡¯t battle Ouyang Shaochen using small rocks like Ye Yichen did, and definitely did not want to have such a sad ending by falling off the cliff like Ye Yichen. She had better run!

    Murong Xue secretly nced at Ouyang Shaochen only to him stand at the edge of the cliff looking down upon the flowing water at the bottom. His eyes lowered, covering his expression, giving no hints about what he was thinking of. He didn¡¯t notice her at all. She silently sighed in relief and quietly turned around to hurriedly run.

    ¡°Stop there!¡± A clear male voice travelled into her ears and Murong Xue froze. She halted for a while then without looking back she continued running. Ouyang Shaochen definitely knew that she was also a culprit in destroying his game. Calling her to stop was only to teach her a lesson. She¡¯s not an idiot; she will not stop so that he can throw her into the valley.

    A breeze came from the back of her and Murong Xue¡¯s arm was caught and pulled backwards.

    Murong Xue did not expect that and her slim body fell heavily into the man¡¯s arms. Her small face touched his outer robe, like touching cool silk, smooth and soft like nothing.

    She smelled faint bamboo, like bamboo after the rain, the refreshing scent intermixed with moisture, uplifting spirits. The man¡¯s warm breath fell onto her hair. Murong Xue was both startled and angry. She was a nobledy. It had always been her teaching others a lesson. Today, she was actually being harassed by someone!

    Soft as though boneless body leaned into his arms. Thedy¡¯s unique lotus smell drifted into his nose. Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s tall body startled and his heart raced. His ck jeweled eyes shed a strange look.

 Chapter 16 â€“ A Joke

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes darkened as grabbed her wrist, ¡°You do not have any internal strength, and therefore you cannot beat me.¡±

    The fair wrist was warm and soft. Beneath theyers of clothing, he could still feel her delicate skin, soft and firm. Suddenly, he felt reluctant to let go.

    Ouyang Shaochen is strong and powerful at martial arts, and his internal strength is profound. On the other hand, Murong Xue is often sickly and has a weak constitution, of course she wouldn¡¯t be able to beat him. When she attacked him, it wasn¡¯t to win over him, but to escape.

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth twisted into a strange smile. Her slim arm suddenly bent into an impossible angle and she cleverly broke free from Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s hold, and kicked the gravel on the ground towards him.

    She then turned around and, without looking back, hurriedly ran forward ¨C Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s too good at martial arts, based on her current abilities she is not able to go against him, but she can hide!

    Ouyang Shaochen twisted his body to avoid the gravel and watched her slim silhouette run into the bushes and gradually disappear. He didn¡¯t chase her but just stood there, arms behind his back, his silver embroidered snow white robes softly fluttering in the wind, emphasizing his elegance and nobility, and masterful talent.

    She knew that her martial arts level was not as good as his. If she was dragged on, it might be detrimental for her, so she diverted his attention and made a surprise move to escape. What a smart move, what quick reflexes!

    A faint smile appeared in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes. Amongst the gravel suddenly shed a light. He stared at it and leisurely walked to pick it up ¨C it was a clear white jade hair pin. The pin had rose carvings on it. It was elegant, delicate and vivid, and it seemingly still carried the unique and faint lotus fragrance she emitted.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes shed and his mouth curled into a barely noticeable smile ¨C Murong Xue, we will meet again soon!

    After Murong Xue left the cliff, she sprinted on till her body almost gave out and beads of sweat dotted her brows. Only then she stopped and looked back. It was deserted and the surroundings were quiet. Other than her, there was not a single soul. She breathed a sigh of relief ¨C Ouyang Shaochen didn¡¯t chase her. What a blessing in disguise!

    Her whole body rxed and she felt paining from her left wrist. She lifted her sleeve to take a look and saw five clear blue-ck fingerprints where Ouyang Shaochen had grabbed her. Her small beautiful face immediately darkened and she gritted her teeth ¨C Ouyang Shaochen!

    ¡°Sister!¡± A surprised call rang. Murong Xue put down her sleeve and looked towards the call, only to see Murong Ye hurriedly running over. He examined her head to toe; his jade-ck eyes filled with worry, ¡°How are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Murong Xue said smiling.

    But Murong Ye frowned. His sister had insisted on not to be concubine and went against Ye Yichen¡¯s wishes. After he had caught up with her, he would have definitely fiercely taught her a lesson. How could his sister be fine¡­

    ¡°Ye Yichen¡­ er¡­ Where¡¯s Ye Yichen?¡± Murong Ye asked. He looked back and forth, left and right few times but didn¡¯t spot Ye Yichen.

    Although his sister had first run out tens of meters, but she doesn¡¯t know martial arts so Ye Yichen would definitely catch up to her. How is it that he¡¯s not with her?

    ¡°He fell into the valley!¡± Murong Xue casually said.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Murong Ye widened his eyes in surprise. Ye Yichen is such an expert at martial arts, how could he have fallen into the valley?

    ¡°You pushed the Prince into the valley!¡± Following the cold intervention, a man in green robes strode over. His eyes shed with ice-cold sharpness, as though he really wanted to execute her by a thousand cuts.

    Ten Prince Jing guards stood behind him and split into two units and into a line. They emitted a deathly aura from within their bones, making people afraid in awe.

    Murong Xue casually nced at the man. In the original person¡¯s memory, during the few meetings she had with Ye Yichen, his person was always at Ye Yichen¡¯s side. ¡°You are called Xu Tianyou right? Young Master Xu, open your eyes wide and see carefully. I am only a helpless weakdy. Do you think I can push your famous Prince of War into the valley?¡±

    Xu Tianyou¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed and carefully examined Muong Xue, only to see her slim as though the wind can make her fall to the ground. A pair of jade-like hands did not have any signs of practicing martial arts. Her small beautiful face was pale; it was the color of those who are often sick and bed-ridden.

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t careful and slipped and fell into the valley!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s cold voice was with undisguised glee ¨C although Ouyang Shaochen had used the chess pieces to attack Ye Yichen, but the real reason why Ye Yichen fell into the valley was because he was not careful while avoiding the chess pieces. She was technically not lying.

    ¡°That¡¯s not possible!¡± Xu Tianyou snapped in denial, he stared at her in fury with fire almost spitting out. ¡°The Prince is powerful in martial arts, how could he have slipped¡­¡±

    Murong Xue tutted with disdain, ¡°Your Prince is only called the God of War by people. He not a real god. After removing the shining battle armor, he is but a normal human with flesh and blood. If other people can slip and fall into the valley, why can¡¯t he?¡±

    Xu Tianyou choked. After removing his martial arts, talent, status, Prince Jing is no different from a normal person, ¡°But¡­¡±

    Murong Xue waved her hand to cut him off. She calmly looked at him, ¡°Rather than wasting time arguing with me about the real reason of why Ye Yichen fell off the cliff, why don¡¯t you take your men and search the valley. If you are lucky, you might find Ye Yichen¡¯s body, if not¡­ sigh¡­¡±

    Xu Tianyou turned ck till it could almost drip ink, and coldly looked at her, ¡°You just wish so much for Prince Jing¡¯s death?¡±

    ¡°Ye Yichen¡¯s life or death does not concern me. I¡¯m just saying that since the cliff is so tall and the water is so fast, Ye Yichen¡¯s survival is quite unlikely. Just giving a heads-up so that you can prepare yourself for it. And when you find the body, you wouldn¡¯t be flustered and crying.¡± Murong Xue casually said.

    Sounds like caring words but in Xu Tianyou¡¯s ears, it was like cursing Ye Yichen to death. He face was scarily dark and he fiercely red at Murong Xue, saying word by word, ¡°No need for Miss Murong to be concerned. His Highness will definitely make it through!¡±

    Murong Xue was doubtful, ¡°Life and death, also wealth, are all in the hands of god. You and I are not Hades. Who is to say for sure about Ye Yichen¡¯s life or death!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Xu Tianyou choked in anger. He could see that Murong Xue was happily hoping that Prince Jing would die in the valley. Every sentence she said cursed Prince Jing. If she continues, he will be angered to death!

    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave!¡± Xu Tianyou tossed his sleeves and walked towards the cliff without looking back. Prince Jing¡¯s guards followed closely behind.

    ¡°I won¡¯t see you off!¡± Murong Xue casually replied.

    After seeing them leave far, Murong Ye looked towards Murong Xue, his jade-ck eyes filled with a rare solemnity, ¡°Sister, Ye Yichen was really not pushed off into the valley by you?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Murong Xue vehemently denied. If she had done it, she would admit to it; if she didn¡¯t do it, she would naturally take no responsibility.

    Murong Ye released his anxiousness in relief but his eyebrows knotted more tightly, ¡°If Ye Yichen dies¡­¡±

    ¡°If he dies then he¡¯s dead, what is there to worry about?¡± Murong Xue didn¡¯t think much of it. If Ye Yichen didn¡¯t chase her to the cliff and didn¡¯t viciously force her using his martial arts prowess and profound internal strength, he wouldn¡¯t have offended Ouyang Shaochen and fall off the cliff. Even if he¡¯s really dead, he deserved it.

    Murong Xue sighed heavily, ¡°You and Ye Yichen have a marriage arrangement. If Ye Yichen dies, people will say that you cursed your husband.¡±

    Murong Xue raises her eyebrows, ¡°I have already raised it to Ye Yichen to annual the engagement. His first wife is now the Princess of Mobei, Qin Yuyuan. Even if Ye Yichen dies, it should be Qin Yuyuan that cursed him.¡±

    Murong Ye shook his head, his eyes filled with helplessness, ¡°Ye Yichen¡¯s and your marriage agreement has not been annulled. Qin Yuyuan and his marriage has also not been announced. If Ye Yichen dies, the one that cursed him would be you!¡±

    ¡°Ye Yichen has already fallen into the valley. We cannot do anything about his life or death. Don¡¯t think so much into it. It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s return home!¡± Murong Xue said smiling. Darkness shed in her eyes ¨C she doesn¡¯t care about whether she had cursed him or not; the most important thing now is she has to openly go back to the Capital. Whether Ye Yichen is alive or dead, she will send him an unexpected ¡®present¡¯!

 Chapter 17 â€“ Prince Jingâ€™s Poison Plan

    The sun set behind the east mountains, red clouds filled the sky, and the golden bits reflecting from the surface of clear water faded.

    Along the river bank was lush green grass, forming good looking bushes. A bit of redplemented the grass like dotting eyes to a dragon, bringing the surrounding greenery to life.

    However, the red was not from a flower, but a red wedding robe. Its ownery in the bushes. Thenky and tall body revealed that he is a man. But his ck silk hair messily covered his face, blocking most of it, not letting anyone see his looks clearly.

    Suddenly, his eyshes fluttered and he slowly opened his eyes. Looking at the unfamiliar surroundings, his eyes had a brief moment of mist then bit by bit his gaze became sharp. He suddenly sat up, his ck hair fell over his back, revealing his handsome face ¨C it was Prince Jing Ye Yichen!

    The surroundings were quiet, with not a single soul. The red wedding robes clung to his skin making it very ufortable. Ye Yichen flicked his fingers and a faint mist surrounded his body before immediately disappearing. The wedding robes were then fresh and cool, and not the least bit ufortable anymore.

    Ye Yichen slowly stood up. Deep internal strength quickly circted through his tendons, unblocked. He silently breathed a sigh of relief ¨C He doesn¡¯t know how to swim and upon falling into the rapids, he had hit his head on a rock and lost consciousness. After being carried for thousands of meters, he only has superficial wounds, how very lucky!

    Recalling the culprit that caused him to fall into the valley and suffer and almost lose his life, a darkness crept up over Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes ¨C Ouyang Shaochen!

    ¡°Your Highness!¡± A surprised call rang. Ye Yichen looked up only to see Xu Tianyou hurriedly running over. He carefully examined him, eyes shing with obvious joy, ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Ye Yichen shook his head and nced that the ten guards that followed behind, before calmly saying, ¡°Has Murong Xue been taken care of?¡±

    Xu Tianyou paused, the smile on his face frozen.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed, and coldly looked at him, ¡°What? You didn¡¯t force her into the pink sedan chair and carry her back to the Mansion?¡±

    Xu Tianyou¡¯s eyes shed ufortably, ¡°Your Highness had fallen into the valley and your survival was unknown. I was worried about your Highness so¡­¡±

    ¡°So you brought all the guards to look for me and allowed Murong Xue to openly return to the Marquis¡¯ Mansion.¡± Ye Yichen continued his sentence, eyes shed with slight anger. Tianyou had followed him for many years and had always done things to his liking. How is it that he was so careless this time and actually shelved such an important thing?

    ¡°Please do not be angry, your Highness. I will immediately lead people to the Marquis¡¯ Mansion and will definitely make Murong Xue sit in the pink sedan chair and carry into the side door of your Mansion within the next 4 hours.¡±

    Prince Jing has always been an invincible God of War in Xu Tianyou¡¯s heart. No one could surpass him in his world, and no one could harm him. Upon suddenly hearing that Prince Jing had fallen into the valley, he became flustered. That¡¯s why he only cared about looking for Prince Jing and neglected the real reason why they were here.

    Luckily, the protocols for marrying a concubine was very simple and need not bother too much about auspicious hours. As long as Murong Xue was carried into the Prince¡¯s Mansion using the pink sedan chair by midnight that day, Prince Jing¡¯s banquet would be consideredpleted.

    Ye Yichen hummed in agreement, and earnestly said, ¡°No matter what you do, you must always remember your final purpose. Even if other things happen, when dealing with those issues, you must also put some of your energy into what you had originally set out to do. Remember that you cannot be distracted and forget about your original goal.

    ¡°Yes sir!¡± Xu Tianyou solemnly nodded. He was just about to hurry back to the Capital when a surprised male voice was heard, ¡°Prince Jing!¡±

    Xu Tianyou followed the sound of the voice only to see a middle-aged man in official robes riding on a ck handsome horse, speeding towards them. Behind him were a hundred guards in military uniform with swords and as they passed through, they kicked up clouds of dust.

    That¡¯s¡­ Themander-in-chief of the five-city¡¯s military division. What was he doing here?

    In the period that they were confused, the middle-aged man had alreadye close. He crisply dismounted and saluted towards Ye Yichen, ¡°Your subordinate Yang Tai, greets Prince Jing!

    ¡°Dispense with the formalities!¡± Ye Yichen looked at Yang Tai, his voice calm, ¡°Official Yang has always been stationed in the Capital, why have you suddenly brought guards here?¡±

    Yang Tai stood up and respectfully said, ¡°In reply to your Highness, I received a call for help from Shuntian Magistrate Court¡¯s Official Lin to bring men to conduct a search and rescue for your Highness.¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shed and a bad feeling rose internally, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°About noon, Miss Murong of the Marquis Mansion, escorted by the guards of the Marquis¡¯ Household, returned to the Capital and headed straight for Shuntain Magistrate Court, saying¡­¡±

    Yang Tai secretly looked at Ye Yichen only to see him pale. He should be lightly injured. The red wedding robe hadrge tears and the sleeve was even missing a piece. The corner of his lips twitched ¨C Although Murong Xue had repeatedly emphasized that the Marquis¡¯ guards had been injured unintentionally, but 20 guards bruised altogether, even an idiot wouldn¡¯t believe her story. Now looking at Prince Jing¡¯s injuries, it was easy to piece together that both sides had shed and fought. It was not difficult to guess the reason of the fight.

    As outsiders, they cannot ¨C and dare not ¨C meddle in Prince Jing¡¯s and the Marquis¡¯ Household¡¯s private matters. As long as he did his job, that¡¯s enough. ¡°Miss Murong said that your Highness had identally fell into the valley and asked the Shuntain court to send people to rescue. They did not have enough people so Official Lin asked for my help¡­¡±

    The five-city military division was in charge of maintaining order in the Capital, fire safety, and had the most manpower. It was entirely appropriate to ask for their help.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face be scarily ck and a dense haze shed beneath his eyes. Everyone in the Capital knew that he had brought guards to the Murong ancestral cemetery. Even if one used toes to think, they would know that the Marquis¡¯ guards¡¯ injuries were due to Prince Jing¡¯s guards.

    Murong Xue unted their serious injuries publicity. Even if she didn¡¯t tell them the truth about what had happened, all the Capital¡¯s courtiers would know, andmoners would definitely also guess, that he had used his status to force Murong Xue to be his concubine but had failed, and even caused himself to fall into the valley.

    The veteran Prince Jing, awe of Prince Jing¡¯s Household, have all be aughing matter of people.

    Murong Xue, you¡¯re good, very good!

    Surrounding Ye Yichen immediately rose an aura of death, and his eyes shed with harsh coldness, leading Xu Tianyou to believe that if Murong Xue were here, Ye Yichen would tear her to pieces without any hesitation. ¡°Your Highness need not worry. The reputation of Prince Jing is widespread and neither the officials nor people in the Capital will dare randomly discuss!¡±

    They only dare not discuss openly, but privately they are definitelyughing at him, and ridiculing the entire Prince Jing Household!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shed with sharp coldness and he clenched his hands tightly under his sleeves. Just a sickly person on her deathbed and she dared destroy the reputation that he had built over many years. How audacious! Since she has given him such a big present, he naturally has to gift her one, and let her have a taste of whats it is like to feel like death is better than living!

 Chapter 18 â€“ Causing Trouble

    As the clouds parted, the mist gradually subsided, streaks of golden light spilled through the clouds, illuminating Earth.

    Dressed in a light blue long skirt, Murong Xue sat under a Hydrangea tree and sipped her tea. As the pink flower petals slowly fell from the tree, her beauty glowed, so captivating it was almost as if she was an immortal.

    ¡°Miss Murong, Prince Jing has gone back to the Capital.¡± Maid Hong Xiu, hurriedly told her while walking over, with a faint panic in her voice.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes turned cold, and stopped sipping her tea, ¡°When did he go back?¡±

    ¡°Last night between 19:00 and 21:00!¡± Hong Xiu uttered softly as she kept her eyes low. ¡°The city guards said Prince Jing rode back to the Capital alone, looking normal, and should not be injured.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s narrowed her eyes and she pondered. Having fallen from such great heights off a cliff, and swept away by fast rapids, even if an ordinary person did not die, he would be seriously injured and unconscious. Yet, Ye Yichen did not suffer even the slightest injury, his life is really big. He is the epitome of the phrase: Good people do not live long, but the evil ones live for a thousand years.

    ¡°Miss Murong, Prince Jing is very highly ranked and powerful, you had schemed him into being ridiculed by the people of the Capital and officials, he certainly will not let this slide so easily!¡± Hong Xiu said softly, her voiceced with concern.

    ¡°I know!¡± Murong Xue nodded, her eyes turning cold: her words yesterday were so vague, given that the people in the Capital have such wild imagination, they will certainly think that Ye Yichen wanted to force her to be his concubine, and had a fight with the Marquis¡¯ guards, during which he identally fell of the cliffs.

    However, given Ye Yichen¡¯s arrogance, he definitely will not confess that he was knocked off the cliff by Ouyang Shaochen. Since he had failed to force the marriage, all the gossip and talk will echo in his ears every day. Whenever he thinks of her, Ye Yichen will be reminded of the shame he suffered. He must hate her tremendously, but for the sake of his Household¡¯s reputation, he will never openly try to force the marriage again.

    And she pondered on, she realized it was Ye Yichen¡¯syer of consideration, because the Marquis¡¯ guards are simply just ordinary guards, whereas Prince Jing¡¯s guards are strong veterans, the two are simply notparable. Her constitution is weak, even if she is supported by her modern skills, she is still a far cry from Ye Yichen who has strong martial arts abilities and deep internal strength.

    With absolute power, all people and things are vulnerable. If Prince Jing openly fights against Marquis Household, Marquis¡¯ Household absolutely does not have the power to fight back. But once Ye Yichen has thisyer of consideration, then he will not openly disy force, but will deal with her secretly, with his underhanded tricks and schemes, she may lose out to Ye Yichen!

    Looking at her eyes glowing with confidence, Hong Xiu heaved a sigh of relief, yet she was still worried, ¡°Young Mistress, it is easy to hide against the open attacks but difficult to guard against schemes,we have to be more careful.¡±

    ¡°I know that!¡± Murong Xue nodded, a small smile forming on her lips: this time, Ye Yichen was able to return safely and unharmed, because when Ouyang Shaochen forced him down the cliff, he had no injuries. Given his powerful martial arts ability, the chances of him surviving the water rapids are higher than the possibility of death!

    If he dares to plot against her, she would poke a few holes in his body, so that even if he did not die from serious injuries, he would die from profuse blood loss.

    ¡°Sister ¡­ sister ¡­¡± a voice drifted over, Murong Ye excitedly rushed towards Murong Xue, the edge of his dark blue robes fluttered with the wind brought up by his haste. His lips moved a little, yet no words came out!

    Murong Xue nced at him: ¡°Is there something wrong?

    ¡°Sister, please let me borrow Beibei for a day!¡± Murong Ye smiled sweetly as he asked, his handsome and childlike face eager to please.

    Murong Xue¡¯s beautiful small face instantly darkened, Beibei was a Tibetan mastiff, good at fighting, the reason why Murong Ye wanted to borrow it went without saying. ¡°Beibei is my pet, it will no longer visit battle grounds and fight with other dogs. You should give up.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Murong Ye neither got angry nor seemed dejected. Instead, heughed cheekily and said ¡°Then why don¡¯t you give me ten thousand taels, I will go buy another dog.¡±

    Murong Xue frowned and said: ¡°Where do you originally get all your money? Isn¡¯t there no more there?¡± Based on her memory, no matter how much Murong Ye was seen as a wastrel, he would never ask her for money.

    ¡°I have always got my money from Uncle Hui, but when I went to look for Uncle Hui just now, he said that based on Dad¡¯s instructions, I have used more than this month¡¯s limit and that he would not give me any more money before the end of this month. However, I want to participate in dog fighting, so I havee to you, sister.¡± Murong Ye said lightly.

    Upon listening to this, Murong Xue narrowed her eyes. Uncle Hui¡¯s name is Ge Hui, and was previously Murong Yue¡¯s right hand man. However, he got a serious injury during battle, and could no longer be on the battlefield. He then became the butler of Marquis¡¯ family, and is in charge of external affairs.

    After the death of Murong Yue and his wife, Uncle Hui shouldered all responsibilities and took care of external matters rting to the house, and also took care of young Murong Ye and Murong Xue. You could say, the responsibility of the external matters did not fall into the hands of the olddy dowager, which added ayer of consideration, ensuring that Murong Ye and Murong Xue both grew up well and safe.

    Ge Hui is Murong Yue¡¯s official, and is also the benefactor of the two siblings (Murong Ye and Murong Xue). But, Murong Ye is still the master afterall while he is a servant. Despite the fact that Murong Ye engages in dog fighting activities, bringing shame to the family, Ge Hui does not dare to be strict and discipline him, and can only try his best to limit the amount of waste, to ensure that the proceeds are more than the outflows, hoping that therge Marquis¡¯ Household will not decline under the hands of Murong Ye¡­¡­

    ¡°Brother, you know that I have such little monthly allowance, even if I were to add up my allowance over 10 years, I would never get ten thousand taels¡­¡­¡± Murong Xue said. If Ge Hui does not want Murong Ye to engage in dog fighting, Murong Xue does not want him to ruin the family name either. She does have a fair bit of money, if Murong Ye had the intention to use it for proper reasons, she would not hesitate to give it to him, but since he wants to use it for dog fighting¡­ ¡­ hehe, it¡¯s better that she keeps the money.

    Murong Ye disagreed and said cheerfully: ¡°Aren¡¯t you holding the key to mother¡¯s dowry treasury ¡­ ¡­¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s head snapped up and looked at him, her eyes ring and cold at the same time: ¡°You want to sell your mother¡¯s dowry in exchange for silver to engage in dog fighting, are you not afraid that mother¡¯s spirit will not rest in peace!¡±

    Upon getting reprimanded severely, Murong Ye instantly turned red, anxiously waved his hand dismissively, and exined hastily. ¡°No ¡­ ¡­ no ¡­ ¡­ Mother¡¯s dowry would certainly contain some silver, I simply want those silver, I would never take the rest of the things! ¡±

    He understands that he should respect the dead, and even more so knows that the inheritance left by his elders should be properly safe kept, and not easily tampered with. Even if he were to ruin the family name, he would not go to the extent of selling his mother¡¯s dowry.

    ¡°How do you know that mother¡¯s dowry contains silver?¡± Murong Xue frowned and looked at Murong Ye. When the women of Qingyan get married, the dowry will have a document that details the specific amount of silver. But after the woman settles into the family, very seldom will they count the silver, because silver is a circted currency and can be spent any time.

    Murong Xue remembered the ounts had written down the amount of silver, while she was checking the inventory of the dowry, there was not much silver left. She did not count it, because mother had died in ten over years, even if she were to ask the whereabouts of the silver, there would be thousands of excuses where she would be dismissed by Du.

    Upon looking at Murong Xue calm down, Murong Ye quietly breathed a sigh of relief, his sister will no longer misunderstand him, and that¡¯s really great!

    Upon seeing her puzzled expression, he smiled and said mischievously: ¡°While I wasing out of seeing Uncle Hui, I happened to hear Hong Qiao and another servant quietly talking about mother¡¯s dowry, and that is how I happened to find out that mother¡¯s dowry has some silver.¡±

    Murong Xueughed, Hong Qiao is Master Du¡¯s second-ss servant, who has gained the trust of Du. When Murong Yecked silver, it cannot be such a coincidence that Hong Qiao happened to talk to others about mother¡¯s dowry, this is simply old-wives¡¯ tricks.

    The key to the treasury is in Murong Xue¡¯s hands, Du can no longer want to take mother¡¯s dowry. To use Murong Ye¡¯s weakness for dog fighting, and motivate him to pawn or sell the dowry, while they use this opportunity to buy them up at a low price, is such a good n!

    Given that Du¡¯s viciousness, wasn¡¯t her previous lesson not enough? Looks like I have to teach Du a very memorable lesson this time, let her know what¡¯s the meaning of trying to steal a chicken and ending up losing the rice: to try to take advantage only to end up worse off than before.

 Chapter 19 â€“ Borrowing Money

    Murong Xue stood up and leisurely walked out. Her elegant and long robes dragged along the floor, and lightly brushed the clean surface, forming a long mark.

    ¡°Sister, where are you going?¡± Murong Ye looked as she walked further away, filled with uncertainty.

    ¡°Going to Yutang Court to see step-grandmother!¡± Murong Xue did not stop and answered without looking back.

    His sister and grandmother had never gotten along. Why did she suddenly think of going to Yutang Court?

    Murong Ye was confused, ¡°Sister, I will go together with you.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need. Just wait her for me toe back!¡± Murong Xue is going to Yutang Court to teach Du a lesson. If Murong Ye went along, it wouldn¡¯t be convenient for her to carry out her n.

    His suggestion rejected, Murong Ye frowned and unwillingly pulled back on the step he took. He said dejectedly, ¡°OK!¡± Hearing his sister¡¯s reasoning, it seems like she has something private to speak to grandmother about and it is not appropriate for him to follow. Then he shall not follow, but send someone to watch outside of Yutang Court instead. If the two start a dispute, it will not be toote for him to rush over.

    Yutang Court was Du¡¯s permanent residence. It was filled with maids and house servants in and out. Seeing Murong Xueing over from afar, an old maid quickly went indoors to inform Du!

    When Murong Xue stepped into Yutang Court, a level three maid and lowly old maids were in the courtyard sweeping and cleaning, going about their work. A level two maid walked up and politely curtsied towards her, and said smiling, ¡°Thedy dowager is inside, pleasee in Young Mistress!¡±

    Murong Xue lightly hummed in reply and slowly walked through the curtain that the maid had pulled aside into the room, only to see Du lying on the soft couch against arge cushion, slowly eating a bowl of double-boiled milk! Faint golden sunlight shone on the sapphire on her forehead, reflecting a bright light.

    Du saw Murong Xue and lifted her eyes, calmly saying, ¡°Anything¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Murong Xue lightly smiled and leisurely said, ¡°It is not anything huge. My brother wants to fight dogs but has no money. I havee to borrow some from step-grandmother.¡±

    Du paused mid-action of eating the milk pudding ¨C Chen¡¯s (Murong Xue¡¯s mother) cash in the dowry had cleverly been spent and finished by her. She had let Xiangqiao reveal the information about the cash in the dowry to Murong Ye to make Murong Ye look for Murong Xue for money. If Murong Xue is unable to produce that much money, shouldn¡¯t she pawn some of Chen¡¯s dowry to pool the money? Why has shee here to borrow money?

    The noble Marquis¡¯ wife-born daughter borrowing money to spend. Isn¡¯t she afraid that she will be aughingstock?

    However, this is good as well. This way she can openly ask for Chen¡¯s dowry, ¡°How much do you want?¡±

    ¡°A hundred thousand taels!¡± Murong Xue said lightly and pretended to sigh helplessly, ¡°My brother has always been a spendthrift. These hundred thousand taels will probably will be enough for ten days¡­¡±

    Du¡¯s eyes formed a smirk. She is clearer then anyone else about how prodigal Murong Ye is. The more yful and ipetent he is, the better it is for her. Naturally, she is willing to allow it to connive it. However, her condition for conniving is that it does not hurt her interests.

    ¡°A hundred thousand taels is not a small sum. Converting it into physical money can fill a fewrge carts. We don¡¯t have an blood ties. If I were to just lend it to you, it wouldn¡¯t be too good, right?¡±

    Murong Xue smiled, ¡°I can write you an IOU. When my brother wins money, I will immediately return it with interest.¡±

    Du raised her eyebrows and looked at her. She snorted, ¡°Out of every ten bets, he gets nine losses. If Murong Ye can never win back that hundred thousand taels, will you never return the money then?¡±

    Murong Xue blinked, ¡°Then what does step-grandmother think?¡±

    Du thought about it and pretended to be casual saying, ¡°Use a trunk of your mother¡¯s dowry as coteral then. When you win the hundred thousand taels then you can retrieve that trunk.¡±

    Murong Xue coldly smiled. Of course Du had her eye on her mother¡¯s dowry. Every trunk of that dowry is worth 200-300 thousand taels. Du actually wants to buy that with a hundred thousand? How overconfident and whimsical she is!

    ¡°I remember that my mother¡¯s dowry ounts had listed a few shopfronts. They are all managed by step-grandmother, is that right?¡±

    Du was taken aback. From money, to dowry and suddenly to stores, Murong Xue really changes the topic quickly.

    Back then, Chen had quite a number of stores that came with her dowry. The store names and locations are all clearly written on the dowry list. She cannot deny it and therefore unabashedly said, ¡°So what if they are?¡±

    ¡°Those stores are located on a busy area. Ten years of profit probably equal to a few hundred thousand taels, isn¡¯t it¡­¡± Murong Xue trailed off and didn¡¯t continue, smirking at her. For the past ten years, the original owner did not see a cent of the profits as they were all pocketed by Du.

    ¡°Those six stores are not doing very well and are seldom visited by customers. Each store has at most a thousand taels of profit every year, hardly enough to cover household expenses¡­¡± Du lied unabashedly.

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue looked at Du and casually said, ¡°Then I would like ask step-grandmother to bring out the ounts and let me see.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the start nor the end of the month. The ounts are all in the hands of the store managers. How would I have it.¡± Du lightly said, her mouth curved in joy. She never liked this step-granddaughter and every time she sees her beaten down and suffering a setback, she will always feel exceptionallyfortable!

    ¡°Someone go and call the 6 managers of my mother¡¯s dowry stores here and ask them to bring ounts of the past ten years!¡± Murong Xue coldly instructed, her gaze cold. Didn¡¯t Du say that there are little profits? Then she will question those 6 managers in front of Du to see if they really have little profits or someone cooked up the books.

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am!¡± Hongxiu, who was standing outside, acknowledged and went.

    Du¡¯s face suddenly turned ck until it almost dripped ck ink. Naughty girl, going against my wishes and suspecting my words ¨C how unappreciative she is of my kindness! Calling the managers over with the ounts is really because Murong Xue suspects that the ounts are not right and wants to verify. She¡¯ll see what problems this unworldly youngdy can discover.

    An hourter, the managers arrived and waited outside the room.

    Murong Xue lifted up the curtain and walked out, ¡°You have been waiting for long!¡±

    The managers lifted their heads only to see a youngdy walking over. Her bright and small face, and delicate hair-do, was filled with attractiveness, fascinating people. She just lightly smiled, fresh and natural, but her eyes were very deep and carried a hidden devilishness, stunning everyone with her aura that they held their breath.

    The managers immediately woke up from their infatuation and quickly bowed, ¡°My respects to the Young Mistress!¡±

    Murong Xue lightly smiled, ¡°You managers do not need to be so polite, sit down and have some tea. I will first take a look at the ount books and if there is anything I don¡¯t understand I will ask for your help!¡±

    A middle-aged manager with a moustache under his nose smiled brightly and said, ¡°Mydy is too kind. If there is anything you don¡¯t understand please ask. I will tell you everything I know.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes. Please instruct us if anything, young mistress!¡± The other five manager agreed with all smiles.

    Murong Xue lightly smiled and leisurely sat at the round table piled with ounts and picked up the topmost ount book, carefully analyzing it.

    The managers sat at the long table not far off and slowly drank the tea. Therge waiting room immediately quietened.

    The sun rose higher and higher. Murong Xue continued to sit there without moving, flipping through the ounts. The more she saw, the more she frowned.

    The managers rested their heads on their hands, bored, with their eyes slightly closed as though they were sleeping.

    Suddenly, ¡°p!¡± a bright sound rang and the sleepy managers were immediately alert. They quickly turned their heads to look only to see Murong Xue closing the ount book and furiously looking at them¡­

 Chapter 20 â€“ Angering the Step-Grandmother

    ¡°How are you managers?¡±

    The cold reproachful voice went straight into their ears and hit their hearts. The managers shuddered and their faces showed fluster, ¡°Young Mistress, is it that the ounts are not right?¡±

    The Marquis¡¯ Dowager Lady will check the ounts every month. If there is something wrong, she will scold them or if the situation is worse, she might even report them to the magistrate. As such, they have never dared to do anything funny with regards to the ounts after so many years.

    ¡°The ounts have nothing wrong with them. It¡¯s the receivables that are too much and too long!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s delicate hand waved and the ount book urately fell into the manager¡¯sp.

    ¡°When you open for business, you might let customers put it on the tab. But there must be a limit to how much. It¡¯s ok if it¡¯s 3 or 5 months; 1 to 2 years might be straining it but see the ounts in your hands. From 10 years ago owing till now, for rogue customers who do not pay a cent, you still dare to let them take things from the store? Do you want to close the store down?¡±

    Are there much rogue customers? How is it they don¡¯t remember?

    The managers looked down bewildered to flip through the book. Looking at the debtors¡¯ name, they all turned bitter, ¡°Young Mistress, it¡¯s not us that make the decision to allow them to owe, but those thate to take things from the store are all from the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ household¡­¡±

    ¡°So what if it¡¯s the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ household? Even if it¡¯s thedy herself, Murong Rou personally, she¡¯s also a customer, and you only need to carefully serve her. Who let them take things and only need to owe and not pay?¡± Murong Xue sharply interrupted them, her gaze cold as ice.

    The managers looked at each other and lowered their heads, their voice soft as a mosquito, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s the old Lady that allowed¡­¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curved into a sneer, she knew it would be like that.

    Ten years of ounts piled together made it quite tall. She didn¡¯t flip through all of them but picked a few from ten years ago, five years ago and then saw thest two months. She found that from 10 years ago, Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ household woulde to the clothing store and orderrge batches of new clothes. Ten to twenty rolls of high, medium and low quality types of cloths wouls be used ¨C from Wu¡¯an Marquis Household¡¯s Dowager Lady, to the lowest of maids and servants would all be tailored from there!

    Just like that for 10 years ¨C they had only recorded the debt but had never paid a single cent.

    Also, there was the jewelry store, that they would also often visit. Every season, they would take away quite a number of sets for old,dies and young mistresses.

    Every 2 to 3 months, Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ household¡¯s people would also go to the antique shop to take one or two antiques, paintings and never pay a single cent¡­

    No wonder Du righteously said that she didn¡¯t steal the earnings from her mother¡¯s dowry stores. It was because the money earned had all gone to fill the debt left by Wu¡¯an Household, and thus had hardly any money left. Even if she wanted to steal, there was nothing left.

    ¡°This is the way step-grandmother helps my mother take care of her stores?¡± Murong Xue flipped open the curtain before walking into the inner room, sneering at Du.

    Du nced at her and answered without care, ¡°Your aunt makes their clothes and jewelry there to help the store¡¯s business¡­¡±

    ¡°Taking things and paying up is called helping the business. Taking things and not paying, and taking for ten years with ease is called being thick-skinned!¡± Murong Xue unceremoniously interrupted what Du was saying, word-by-word, ¡°The noble Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household is not beggars on the street, actually doing such a shameless act like street thugs. Even if they don¡¯t feel ashamed, I feel ashamed for them.¡±

    ¡°Rou¡¯er is your dear aunt. How can you say such a thing about her?¡± Du snapped, her eyes shed with cold sharpness.

    As the mistress of the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ household, Murong Rou held the reins to the household¡¯s internal matters. Tailoring new clothes and making jewelry etc. fell under her purview. If Murong Xue ridiculed Wu¡¯an household¡¯s people for being shameless, it would mean ridiculing her.

    Murong Xue tutted in disdain, ¡°My mother is her direct older sister-inw. She shamelessly takes goods from her older sister-inw¡¯s dowry stores without paying anything, and I can¡¯t even say a few words about her?¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    Muong Xue waved her hand to cut her off and lightly looked at her, ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore to me. She is my aunt. As her niece, giving her a few sets of clothing and jewelry is part of respecting her. I am her niece, and both my parents have passed away, how can she not take care of me and make me a few sets of clothing and jewelry every month at her dowry shops?¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Du pointed at Murong Xue, so angered that she was speechless. This little bitch ¨C doesn¡¯t she not like to speak much? How is it that she has be so eloquent?

    Murong Xue nced sideways at her and coldly said, ¡°My mother¡¯s good dowry shops have been ¡®taken care¡¯ by you into such a mess. If I let you continue ¡®taking care¡¯ of them, the 6 shops will definitely have to close. Could I trouble step-grandmother to return the deed of the 6 shops to me? I will personally take care of them. Whether managed well or badly, it will have nothing to do with step-grandmother anymore!¡±

    Du¡¯s face darkened and she lowered her eyelids. After Shen¡¯s death, she had her eyes on these 6 shops. However, Ge Hui also knows about these 6 shops and after Murong Ye and Murong Xue grow up, she will have to return the shops to them. As such, she cannot openly take over but can only do it using sly schemes.

    Ge Hui¡¯s very sharp and if the shops made false ount, he would definitely discover. Hence she thought of this underhanded method ¨C by randomly taking things from the shops and quietly moving the assets out of the shops and into her pockets.

    Over the ten years, they had moved most of the shops¡¯ assets. In a few more years, the 6 shops would be entirely theirs. They never imagined that at this crucial moment, Murong Xue would find out about it.

    If she hands these shops over the Murong Xue, they will no longer be able to take things from the shops. The shops still have a number of valuable items. It would be painful to just give them up!

    Eyeing her changing expressions, Murong Xue knew what she was thinking about. A sneer formed and she said, ¡°Step-grandmother, if you want to spoil your daughter, I can¡¯t meddle in what you want to give her, and also can¡¯t be bothered to meddle. But, please do not use my mother¡¯s dowry shops to get favors because those shops have been left to me and my brother by my mother and have absolutely nothing to do with you! If you insist on continuing to manage, I might not be able to resist telling others how the shops have been ¡®developing¡¯ over these ten years¡­¡±

    Du abruptly looked up at Murong Xue, her eyes shed with cold sharpness ¨C this bitch, she dared to threaten her! Well, very well!

    ¡°It¡¯s just 6 shops. I don¡¯t even think much of them. If you want them, I¡¯ll give all of them to you!¡± Du picked up an old ebony box and quickly opened it, taking a few pages of deeds and huffily threw them at Murong Xue, ¡°Get out of Yutang Court now. You are not weed here!¡±

    Murong Xue took the deeds and carefully looked. After ensuring that they were correct, she nodded, satisfied, ¡°No need to trouble step-grandmother. I am utterly disgusted with Yutang Court. Since I have the deeds, we have nothing linking us anymore. Even if you beg me, I wouldn¡¯t want toe!¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Du choked and picked up the tea cup in front of her and threw it across, ¡°Scram!¡±

    Murong Xue tutted, grabbed the curtain and threw it forward. Ping! The tea cup knocked onto the curtain, tea sshed everywhere and the tea cup shattered¡­

    The 6 managers stood in the corner, heads down, not looking anywhere else, and pretending that they didn¡¯t see the sparks flying between Murong Xue and Dowager Lady Du. The family matters of the Marquis¡¯ household don¡¯t concern them as store managers, and they dare not be concerned either. It is better that they protect themselves.

    Du schemed against Murong Xue to make her pawn he mother¡¯s dowry. Then she came here and took away 6 deeds, casuing Du and Murong Ruo to not only fail but lose their own interests as well. Seeing Du hopping mad, she felt reallyfortable!

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curved into a faint smile and she leisurely walked in front of the managers, arrogantly saying, ¡°We can no longer tolerate the ten years of debt that Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ household owes. The six of you should immediately return to the store and send your staff to Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion to collect the debt!¡±

 Chapter 21 â€“ Making trouble for Wuâ€™an Marquis Household

    Du and Murong Rou, both mother and daughter, were wealthy yet they were still unscrupulous in stealing both her and her brother¡¯s assets. How greedy and ambitious. Any little rtionship between them had been destroyed by both mother and daughter. The goods in her mother¡¯s dowry shop could be given to anyone except for Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household.

    ¡°Er¡­¡± The managers looked at each other, their faces turned bitter, ¡°Reporting to Young Mistress. We send our staff to the Wu¡¯an Mansion every month to ask for money but they still stall us and never give any money¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Young Mistress. Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household¡¯s people are very cunning. No matter what our staff say, they only say one sentence ¨C we will pay next month¡­¡±

    ¡°When our staff ask for money next month, they will continue saying that they will pay the next month. This way, they have dyed payment from ten years ago till now¡­¡±

    As the managers noisily discussed. Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curled into a sneer ¨C Du and Murong Ruo are nning to quietly move all the goods away from Chen¡¯s dowry shop? How ambitious. They are really skilled in the art of silently stealing.

    Now that she has taken over the management of the shops, the mother and daughter¡¯s schemes should end here, ¡°I have thought of a way. If you follow my instructions, I promise that Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household will obediently pay up the money owed.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The managers¡¯ eyes brightened and looked towards Murong Xue in unison, ¡°What way?¡±

    The streets of the Capital were busy and crowded. Early spring breeze mixed with the fragrance of hundreds of flowers making people happy. The bright sunlight shone onto people making them warm.

    A grand horse carriage slowly travelled and steadily stopped in front of Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household. The curtain opened and a young girl in pink stepped out. Her face was bright like blossoms, her hair like dark clouds, her brows like spring¡¯s mountains and her eyes like autumn¡¯s water ¨C it was Wu¡¯an¡¯s wife-born oldest daughter Song Qingyan.

    Stepping onto the steps and off the carriage, Song Qingyan held onto her maid¡¯s arm and walked into the Mansion. Her eyes nced towards the oak wood box, her mouth curved into an elegant smile ¨C the jewelry shop¡¯s new jewelry suited her very much so she had taken them without any hesitation.

    Oldest aunt¡¯s (Chen¡¯s) dowry shop was good like that ¨C whatever she saw she could take, and only need to record in the ounts without paying.

    ¡°Young Mistress!¡± The guard respectfully bowed towards her.

    Song Qingyan acknowledged with a hum and gracefully walked into the main door. She was just about to enter the main hall when a male voice came from behind her, ¡°I am the staff from Zhuyu Court, under the order of the manager to clear the ounts of Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household. Please help me inform.¡±

    Song Qingyan¡¯s beautiful brows frowned slightly. She turned towards the staff only to see him wear a gray rough robe. He was of average height, withmon looks and was the type that could stand in the crowd and definitely not be noticed.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Zhuyu Court and the client¡¯s ounts settled once a month? It is not the start nor the end of the month, what are you settling?¡± She has just taken new jewelry from Zhuyu Court, and now the staff from Zhuyu Court hase to Wu¡¯an Court to settle the ounts. Are they chasing for money? How annoying.

    The staff looked towards the sound and saw Song Qingyan. Recognizing that she is the frequent customer Wu¡¯an Marquis Household¡¯s Young Mistress, he smiled and said, ¡°Young Mistress, I havee to settle notst month¡¯s ount but the previous ounts ¨C those that should have been settledst month¡­¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright!¡± Song Qingyan interrupted him impatiently, ¡°It has been busy in the Mansion recently and we don¡¯t have time to settle the ounts. Come again when it¡¯s the end of the month. Get all the ounts in order and we will settle them together.¡±

    The staff¡¯s mouth curved slightly and a sh of disdain appeared beneath his eyes. These perfunctory statements again. He has heard the same things until he could almost grow ear wax. Luckily Zhuyu Court is now under Murong Young Mistress and he doesn¡¯t need to bother about not offending this demandingdy anymore.

    ¡°Song Young Mistress, I also know that it is the wrong time toe. But the manager has said that if I cannot settle the ounts this time, he is going to fire me. I have elderly and young dependent on me and cannot lose this job. Please Song Young Mistress, pity me and settle the ounts!¡±

    The staff cried as he said that, looking extremely pitiful. People passing by were all attracted by themotion and gathered in a crowd, pointing, ¡°What is happening¡­?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It seems like he is asking for payment¡­¡±

    ¡°If he wants to settle the ounts then just settle it. Why scold him until he¡¯s so pitiful¡­¡±

    ¡°Who asked her to have the Wu¡¯an Marquis as her father. Her status is extremely noble. Who would dare to me her for scolding just a shop staff¡­¡±

    Bits and pieces of discussion was traveled into her ear and Song Qingyan¡¯s pretty face immediately turned red in anger. She red at the public and angrily argued, ¡°I am not scolding him!¡±

    The crowd was not convinced. She was the only master around there. If she wasn¡¯t bullying that person then who else could it be?

    Song Qingyan was furious. She strode over to the shop staff and grabbed his clothes and pushed him in front of everyone, ¡°Tell everyone that I did not scold you!¡±

    The staff was caught off guard and fell to the ground. A sharp pain traveled from his elbow making him suck in a breath. He looked up towards Song Qingyan, and said word by word, ¡°I havee today only to collect the debt owed to Zhuyu Court by the Household. Why is Song Young Mistress making things difficult for me?

    Song Qingyan was guilty and her eyes shed ufortably. She impolitely said, ¡°Where did I make things difficult for you? I have already said to let youe again at the end of the month¡­¡±

    Upon hearing that, the staff became angry, ¡°Every time Ie to Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion to settle the ounts, the staff always give me excuses like that. I dare not trust Young Mistress¡¯ perfunctory statements anymore. Now, Zhuyu Court has be short of cash because Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household has owed 10 years worth of debt. We need this cash urgently¡­¡±

    ¡°Wu¡¯an Marquis Household has not settled 10 years worth of ounts. Is that real?¡± Amoner said.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s real. If you don¡¯t believe, brother, I will read it to you.¡±

    The staff quickly took out a copy of ounts statement and loudly read, ¡°On XX year, XX month, XX day, Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯dy bought a set of Southern pearl jewelry, a set of sapphire stone jewelry, a set of pearl jewelry, and a pair of Southen pearl head jewelry, worth 20 thousand taels. On XX year, XX month, XX day, Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯dy bought¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really the date from 10 years ago¡­ Is the list not fake¡­¡±

    ¡°Who dares to falsify such things to scheme against the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household? Unless he doesn¡¯t want to live anymore¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Zhuyu Court¡¯s reputation is good. The manager is also an honest person. He wouldn¡¯t forge such a thing to harm others¡­¡±

    ¡°The noble Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household takes people¡¯s goods and doesn¡¯t pay up. When people chase for ten years worth of debt, they still try to dy payment. How¡­ how¡­ sigh¡­¡±

 Chapter 22 â€“ Bullying Murong Ruo

    ¡°This Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion looks quite grand. It shouldn¡¯t becking in money right¡­¡±

    ¡°Who knows? Maybe they really do not have enough money. Or maybe they have money but do not want to give and are prepared to default on the payment¡­¡±

    ¡°The character of people in this Wu¡¯an Marquis Household is really quite bad¡­¡±

    ¡°Who says it isn¡¯t¡­¡±

    Everyone¡¯s criticisms travelling into all ears. Song Qingyan¡¯s beautiful small face turned red ¨C so what if she takes things from Zhuyu Court? That¡¯s her aunt¡¯s dowry shop. No matter how much she took, she didn¡¯t destroy these peoples¡¯ interest. Why are they so indignant?

    Slight fury appeared beneath her eyes. She was just prepared to teach everyone a lesson when a middle-aged man rang first, ¡°I am Jingxiu Silk Warehouse¡¯s staff. Wu¡¯an Marquis Household has been buying silk clothing from our warehouse without payment for 10 years. When Ie to collect payment at the beginning of every month, they also use all sorts of excuses. Today, I have met Zhuyu Court¡¯s staff who are in the same boat. Sigh¡­ I shall also read out of the list to everyone¡­¡±

    ¡°On XX year, X month, X day, Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯dy bought 2 batches of Shu brocade, 2 batches of Yun brocade, 2 batches of Su embroidered brocade, worth 10,000 taels. On XX year, XX month, XX day, Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯dy bought¡­¡±

    ¡°Me too, me too. I am from the antique goods shop. Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯dy have also been taking quite a bit from the antique goods shop over these ten years. And simrly has not paid a single cent. Every time I ask for payment, they will make excuses. I have brought the list along now and shall read to everyone as well¡­¡±

    Six shopkeepers representing six shops stood in front of the main entrance of the Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion in a line each holding a long list and loudly and clearly reading out the list in measured cadence. Therge amount of each item sent people into hysterics.

    ¡°Wu¡¯an Marquis Household really spends so much. Each of their purchases are close to 10,000 taels worth¡­¡±

    ¡°I would be willing to buy as much clothing, jewelry and antiques as possible if I could only record my debt and not pay anything¡­¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t have money then don¡¯t buy so many things. How can one take things without paying¡­ Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household really is¡­ like street thugs and gangsters¡­¡±

    ¡°If someone owed me that much money and refused to pay, but continued to take antiques and paintings from my shop, I would have sued them in court¡­¡±

    Ridicule and disdainful criticisms came from all sides, scolding Song Qingyan until she didn¡¯t dare to look up. Face red, she urgently instructed, ¡°Mei¡¯er, Mei¡¯er, hurry and go inform my mother¡­¡± The situation has gotten big and she can¡¯t handle it on her own.

    ¡°Yes!¡± The maid Mei¡¯er nodded and turned around to go into the Mansion when she saw Murong Ruo apanied by a group of maids hurriedly walking over.

    Her hair was raised high, revealing a beautiful small face that was well-taken care of. Her elegant robe was grand and colorful, making her look more elegant and noble. Her red lips were pursed tightly and her cold gaze swept across the line of the 6 shopkeepers. Her beautiful brows tightly frowned, ¡°What is going on?¡±

    The 6 shopkeepers looked at each other. The staff from Zhuyu Court stepped out and bowed deeply towards Murong Ruo, ¡°Lady Song, we havee to settle the debts!¡±

    ¡°If you want to settle the ounts, go and look for the butler, why are you making a ruckus here?¡± Murong Ruo snapped. After standing in front of the Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion entrance and hearing those long lists of ounts, the people of the Capital will all know that Wu¡¯an Marquis Household likes to take things without paying and even owes up to ten years. Then, the household¡¯s face will be all lost.

    ¡°Lady Song, when we looked for the butler previously, he always made excuses and dyed the settlement. These dys have been going on for ten years. We really have no other choice other than doing it this way.¡± Zhuyu Court¡¯s staff exined bitterly.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Lady Song. Because we cannot collect these debts, our shops cannot turn around and are almost going to cease operations. I beg you to settle the ounts.¡± The shopkeeper of Jingxiu Silk Warehouse continued, loudly begging.

    ¡°Yes, Lady Song, I beg you. We have elderly and young dependent on us. If the shops close, we have no way of feeding our family¡­¡±

    The 6 shopkeepers stood in front of the entrance begging and crying, looking extremely pitiful!

    The surrounding crowd shook their heads and sighed, ¡°Isn¡¯t the saying ¨C the creditors are the bosses and debtors are the dogs? Howe it¡¯s the opposite here? The debtors are the bosses and creditors have be the dogs.¡±

    ¡°Who ask them to be owed to by Wu¡¯an Marquis Household? Themon people cannot fight with the officials ¨C even if they do fight, they cannot win¡­¡±

    ¡°I heard that Shuntian Magistrate Court¡¯s Official Lin is an upright official. If you sue them there, you should be able to seek justice¡­¡±

    ¡°Official Lin¡¯s rank is entirely below Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ level. Even if you go to court, it is hard to say¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. If the official¡¯s rank is high, it can crush people. If Wu¡¯an Marquis puts pressure on Official Lin¡¯s judgment¡­ Sigh¡­¡±

    Ridicule poured in and attacked them. Murong Ruo¡¯s face turned scarily dark, and her cold gaze fell on to those 6 shopkeepers. She controlled her temper and gave a false smile with much difficulty, ¡°Any ounts with the shops have been managed by the butler. I don¡¯t know anything about it¡­¡±

    Since the issue has exploded, the reputation of Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ household has been damaged. Her mother-inw and husband will definitely be furious. She needs to take herself out of the equation and can definitely not carry a bad usation.

    People were not convinced. Murong Ruo holds the reins to Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household¡¯s internal affairs. Every month she will check the expenses of the household. She takes so many silk batches, jewelry from the shops but her butler is not paying for them ¨C shouldn¡¯t she be able to see?

    Even if she didn¡¯t notice, it is forgivable if it¡¯s once or twice. But over ten years, she would have checked the ounts 120 times and if she didn¡¯t notice till now¡­ Hehe¡­ Even the blind are not as dumb as her¡­

    The antique goods store¡¯s staff walked up and quietly said, ¡°Lady Song, we do not want to dispute over the debt issue anymore. All we want now is to collect the payment. Please fulfill our wish!¡±

    Whoever wants to carry the charges of damaging the reputation of the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household can do so. That has nothing to do with them. Their objective ofing here today is just to collect the debt!

    Murong Ruo¡¯s eyes shed sinisterly and then returned to normal. She smiled lightly and said, ¡°The 6 of you need not worry. Our household has always seen our reputation as important. The debt that we owe your shops will be returned without a cent missing to all 6 of you.¡± The crowd was very agitated. If she dared to say a word of rejection, she would drown in their usations.

    The 6 shopkeepers immediately smiled widely and their eyes shone as they looked at Murong Ruo, ¡°That¡¯s fantastic. Would Lady Song be paying in cheque or cash?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have many cheques in the Mansion but we do have a lot of cash. However, ten years of ounts is quite a lot. Given your weak bodies, I just afraid that you are not able to carry that much¡­¡± Murong Ruo said smiling, her eyes shed with sharp coldness. She will first make a promise to rey and disperse the crowd then she will harshly teach these six ipetent bastards a lesson¡­

 Chapter 23 â€“ Settling The Debt

    ¡°Thank you for your concern my Lady, but we have already prepared for that!¡± Zhuyu Court¡¯s staff snapped a finger while smiling. From around the corner, dozens ofrge horse carriages appeared and each carriage was apanied by 3 or 4 guards in battle robes, holding knifes and swords!

    ¡°The managers know that the debt amount isrge. To prevent any idents, they have informed the bank and asked them to bring people and carriages here, and will deposit the money directly into the bank.¡±

    Murong Ruo¡¯s face turned green and her fists clenched tightly under her sleeves. They had already guessed she would say that and thus had nned such a trap for her to jump into. How hateful!

    ¡°Lady Song, can we settle the ounts now?¡± Zhuyu Court¡¯s staff softly inquired; his eyes shone with undisguised happiness making Murong Ruo burn in fury, she could not wait to tear this face that was triumphant and provocative.

    The crowd was watching from the sidelines so Murong Ruo could not kick up a fuss. She held in her anger and said, ¡°Of course. Lan¡¯er, bring some to the treasury to withdraw the money!¡± Her calm voice revealed a slight gritting of teeth.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± Maid Lan¡¯er curtsied and called the 6 shopkeepers at the bottom of the steps, ¡°Gentlemen, please follow me!¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your effort!¡± The 6 shopkeepers politely bowed and invited Huitong Bank¡¯s staff and strode into the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion.

    Looking at the way they thought it was in their right to do, Song Qingyan hatefully stomped her feet. She hurriedly walked towards Murong Ruo and lowered her voice, ¡°Mother, are we really going to settle all the ounts? We don¡¯t have that much money in the Mansion!¡±

    In these recent years, she had often followed Murong Ruo in and out of Zhuyu Court, the silk shop, and had always taken many things each time. It was definitely going to be a huge amount.

    ¡°I know!¡± Murong Ruo¡¯s eyes shed with coldness, ¡°But the fact that Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household owes them 10 years worth of payment will spread widely. If we do not settle the billspletely today, we will prove to them that we do not settle our bills and will beughed at by the people of Capital, ridiculed by the nobles and everywhere we go we will be pointed at by people until we are not able to walk with our heads high. Wu¡¯an Marquis Household will not be able to continue staying in the Capital.¡±

    ¡°That serious?!¡± Song Qingyan frowned hard and her arrogant little face sank. She grumbled resentfully, ¡°Grandmother is too much. If she wants the money then she should just say. Why did she let the 6 shopkeepers make a scene and make us, Wu¡¯an Marquis Household, lose face? It will also not reflect well on her¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you think that Zhuyu Court and the antique goods shop is still being managed by your grandmother?¡± Murong Ruo nced at her and scoffed.

    Song Qingyan paused, ¡°Mother means that Zhuyu Court, the antiques good shops and Jinxiu silk warehouse have all changed hands¡­ It might be trouble caused by Murong Xue, that little bitch. Last time she schemed against me and took back all the jewelry I had chosen from my aunt¡¯s dowry. This time she¡¯s even worse; she actually schemed against the entire Wu¡¯an Marquis Household¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say so much!¡± Murong Ruo waved her hand and interrupted her. She took out a bunch of keys from her sleeve and gave it her, ¡°Quickly go to the treasury and take out that set of jade jewelry, Southern pearl jewelry, and red emerald jewelry¡­ bring them to Duobao Court and exchange them for cash¡­¡±

    Song Qingyan listened to the list of jewelry names and widened her eyes in shock, ¡°Mother, those are your dowry. You liked them the most!¡± And she had even promised that when she got married, they would be given to her as her dowry. How can they be sold?

    ¡°For ten years we have taken at least a million taels worth of goods from Zhuyu Court and those 6 shops. The money we have in the Mansion, including the cheques, will not add up to that much. We must pawn these jewelry to gather up the money¡­¡±

    Murong Ruo said quietly, her eyes shed coldly and she lightly patted Song Qingyan¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. When we ovee the hurdle in front of us, Mother will redeem all of them to give them to you for your dowry!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Song Qingyan nodded. Holding the key, she reluctantly walked towards the treasury.

    Murong Ruo looked at the guards from Huitong Bank walking here and there. The handkerchief in her hands were twisted into knots and her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly ¨C when Qingyan was forced by Murong Xue to return Chen¡¯s jewelry, she had thought that it was just an argument between little girls and did not take notice.

    She never imagined that only a few dayster, Murong Xue had not only snatched the shop deeds away from her mother, but had also attacked her unexpectedly, forcing her to return everything that she had swallowed from the 6 shops, and even damaged her reputation, causing her to lose face in front of everyone. What a good trick!

    This weak and sickly niece of hers is definitely not a simple character. It seems like she needs to find a time to return to the Murong Marquis¡¯ Mansion and meet this niece that she has never taken a good look at before!

    Bright sunlight shone onto the water surface, reflecting bits of golden light. A light breeze caressed and brought with it a sky filled with raining flower petals.

    Murong Xue wore a pink robe made of thin cloth and gracefully sat in front of the round table underneath the viburnum flower tree. She sipped lightly at her tea and casually counted the bills.

    The 6 managers stood not far off from her and looked at therge amounts on those bills. They did have not envy or jealousy in their eyes, just respect. They had used all sorts of ways to demand payment over thest ten year and could not make Wu¡¯an Marquis Household spit up even a cent. Once Murong Xue¡¯s n was carried out, Wu¡¯an Marquis Household had hurriedly returned all the money owed. So brilliant!

    When they stood at the corner of the street and saw the carts of silver taels being pulled to Huitong Bank, they were still stunned. Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Household had so much money yet they kept dying on their payment. What terrible character they have. When they left the street corner, they heard people discussing and criticizing how bad a character the people of Wu¡¯an Marquis Household have.

    ¡°The debt has been entirely settled. All of you have put in hard work. This money is to award everyone. Managers, staff, everyone has a share!¡± Murong Xue finished calcting the bills and confirmed that there was no error before taking out 6 bills and putting them onto the table.

    The 6 managers walked up one by one and picked up the bill. When they saw the amount on the bills, they all smiled brightly, ¡°Thank you so much, Young Mistress!¡± After managing the shops for so many years, this is the first time they have seen so much bonus. Young Mistress is so generous.

    ¡°If the shops¡¯ profits for this year is 10% more thanst year. I will also give all of you a huge bonus at the end of the year!¡± Murong Xue smiled lightly, like a hundred flowers blooming.

    The managers¡¯ eyes immediately shone. Young Mistress is generous. If she says that the bonus is huge, it will definitely be not a small amount of taels!¡±

    ¡°Thank you very much Young Mistress. We will definitely do our best in managing the shops and will definitely not disappoint Young Mistress.¡± The managers solemnly promised and walked out of Luoxue Court full of thanks.

    Murong Ye quickly walked forward and looked at the thick wad of bills, full of astonishment, ¡°Sister, how did you manage to think of such a method to collect the debt?¡±

    His sister had easily resolved what was causing the managers such a huge headache. Even he had thought hard but couldn¡¯t find a solution. It was brilliant!

    Murong Xue took a sip of tea, her eyes bright and active, ¡°Wu¡¯an Marquis Household is a noble family and ces great importance on their reputation. They will definitely not allow any blemishes on themselves. When I asked the shopkeepers to read the ounts at the entrance of Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion, it would be airing their dirtyundry. If Wu¡¯an Marquis Household did not wish to continue having their dirtyundry aired, then they would obediently pay up!¡±

    ¡°I see!¡± Murong Ye nodded with half-understanding. His gaze turned bright at the sight of the thick wad of bills, ¡°Sister, since you have so much money, give me ten thousand taels to spend please!¡±

 Chapter 24 â€“ Cold Poison

    ¡°You need money to go to the colosseum to battle dogs?¡± Murong Xue nced at him, her voice soft.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Murong Ye nodded and acknowledged with hesitation. He didn¡¯t have any money in his hands these few days and had stayed at home bored. He is almost bored till ill now.

    Murong Xue¡¯s gaze hardened and she leisurely said, ¡°It¡¯s not that you cannot have the money, however, there¡¯s no free meal in this world. I cannot give you this money for free. We have to make an exchange!¡±

    Thiscent fe. All he knows how to do is battle dogs. Even if she has a lot of money, she will not give it so easily.

    ¡°What do you want to exchange it with?¡± Murong Ye smiled and asked. As long as the terms are not too harsh, he can agree.

    Murong Xue picked up a book on the table and threw it to him, ¡°Memorize all the contents in this book and I¡¯ll give you ten thousand taels.¡± She had picked up that book when she was bored and had just flipped 2 pages ¨C much to Murong Ye¡¯s convenience.

    Murong Ye caught the book and looks down towards it only to see two big words on its cover ¡°the Analects (of Confucius)¡±. He flipped open the cover and saw the page filled withplex terms, until his head felt like it grew big. His confident and handsome face immediately turned sour, ¡°Sister, the words on this pages looks like rows of identical flies to me. They don¡¯t know me and I don¡¯t recognize them either. Just stop making it difficult for me will you?¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s bright face immediately darkened. How much does Murong Ye hate reading books if he is using flies to represent words?

    ¡°Then go and find Uncle Hui and ask him to teach you 10 steps. When you have learnt these 10 steps, you can find me and take the ten thousand taels from me.¡±

    If Murong Ye doesn¡¯t like to learn from texts then it wouldn¡¯t be of any use even if she forces him to. Then let him learn martial arts. Uncle Hui¡¯s martial arts skills are not bad and can definitely teach Murong Ye.

    Hearing her, Murong Ye frowned harder and pitifully said, ¡°Uncle Hui only knows how to ask me to do squats, and squats and more squats, when he teaches. I have learnt from him for 10 years and he has only just finished teaching me a full set of 49 moves. If I have to learn another 10 more new moves, it will take another 2 years and I will be bored to death¡­¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s beautiful and small face immediately turned ck until it was almost dripping with ink. Squats are the basics of martial arts. Uncle Hui wants him to build a good foundation that¡¯s why he asked him to do more squats and he actually resents it for being too boring. What an idiot!

    Uncle Hui used 10 years to teach him 49 steps not because he didn¡¯t want to teach martial arts but because Murong Ye iszy and has a weak foundation. Uncle Hui was worried that if he taught too much, it might harm his body¡­

    Learning gives a headache; martial arts is tiring ¨C these are definitely not as rxing as fighting dogs. Thiszy fe really knows how to enjoy life and live it as leisurely as possible.

    But her money is obtained through headaches and tiresome work ¨C he can¡¯t expect it to be leisure.

    Murong Xue looked up and was just about to lecture him when suddenly a sharp pain came about in her chest. Her bright and small face immediately turned pale with no colour and beads of sweat poured down her forehead¡­

    ¡°Sister, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Seeing that there was something wrong with her, Murong Ye took a step forward and supported her elbow. The tips of his fingers touched her exposed wrist and it was cold but hardly any temperate. His face immediately turned, ¡°Your¡­ cold poison is acting up. Hong Xiu, Anmei, quickly go and get the medication!¡±

    ¡°Yes yes yes!¡± Hong Xiu and Anmei was used to this situation and repeatedly acknowledged before hurriedly running towards the room. Their demure faces did not reveal a hint of panic.

    Murong Ye took out Murong Xue¡¯s handkerchief from near her wrist and gently wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, gently like the wind consoling her, ¡°Sister, don¡¯t be afraid, you¡¯ll be fine after eating the medication!¡±

    Murong Xue nodded with difficulty. In the original person¡¯s memory, she had experienced multiple time where the cold poison had acted up. Each time it was very painful, but once she had eaten the medication, the pain would disappear very quickly¡­

    ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    Two screams rang one after another. Murong Ye looked up towards the source only to see a man in ck with a ck mask run out of the Murong Xue¡¯s room tightly holding an ebony box in his arms.

    Anxiang copsed against the door, her demure face white as paper and used all her strength to shout, ¡°Young Master¡­ He has snatched Young Mistress¡¯ medication¡­¡±

    Murong Ye¡¯s ck jade-like eyes immediately narrowed. With a tap of the points of his feet, his thin silhouette appeared behind the man in ck and he raised his palm to hit, ¡°Put down the medication.¡±

    As though the man in ck did not hear, he stepped to the side to avoid Murong Ye¡¯s attack and they started fighting.

    At that moment, two silhouettes, one ck and one blue, jumped up and down, left and right, and battled closely. The sharp wind from the fight shook the leaves on the trees till they were rustling.

    The man in ck was an adult male and was not bad in martial arts. He was quick, harsh and urate and every move was forceful and unforgiving, obviously he was very experienced. His moves and bodybined into one.

    On the other hand, Murong Ye was still young and inexperienced, his martial arts moves were stiff and obviously were unpracticed. Against the enemy, theycked creativity in their use and flexibility, and thus he was slowly bing the losing side. His moves became messy and the strength he used was also halved.

    Hurried steps rang ¨C it was the mansion guards rushing over. The man in ck did not want to continue fighting and his palm hit towards Murong Ye¡¯s chest to seriously injure him and take the opportunity to escape.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes turned cold and she endured the sky-high pain level as she pulled out the short sword at her waist and leapt towards the man in ck. After hitting his palm away, she continuously waved her sword and in the harsh cold light, pierced a few wounds into his left shoulder!

    ¡°Hurry, the assassin is there. Don¡¯t let him get away!¡± The mansion guards ran into the courtyard and surrounded them. Murong Xue and Murong Ye surrounded the man in ck at the front and back. The man had been seriously injured and definitely could not escape.

    The man in ck¡¯s eyes turned cold and he pped against the ebony box in his arms. Pa! The exquisite box immediately turned to dust and the porcin bottles and its medication was pped into dust as well, and drifted towards the ground mixing with the brown soil¡­

    ¡°Fire lotus, sister¡¯s fire lotus¡­¡± Murong Ye scooped up a fist of powder but it was mixed in with more soil, wood and porcin powder, with the medication powder barely noticeable. This ck eyes immediately turned red and he harshly kicked the man in ck, and countless fists mercilessly fell under his body, ¡°Compensate for our fire lotus¡­ my sister needs it to save her life¡­¡±

    The man in ck lowered his head, his expression stern, and did not say a word.

    Murong Xue¡¯s whole body was in sharp pain and her throat was dry. She could not help but cough a few times before weakly saying, ¡°Brother, stop hitting him. He is a kamikaze warrior and will not say anything!¡±

    ¡°Kamikaze warrior?¡± Murong Ye paused and his ck eyes narrowed. He grabbed the front of the man in ck and furiously said, ¡°It¡¯s Ye Yichen that instructed you to steal the fire lotus right? Don¡¯t deny. Other than Prince Jing household and the Marquis¡¯ household, no one else knows that my sister has been poisoned with cold poison and needs the fire lotus to save her life!¡±

 Chapter 25 â€“ Blood Spilt in Prince Jingâ€™s Mansion

    Murong Xue wasn¡¯t born weak and sickly, but when she was four years old, she was poisoned with cold poison, which is strong and potent. When it attacks, it will make the person feel like dying and Qingyan¡¯s physicians had wrecked their brains but have not been able to figure out a way to get rid of itpletely ¨C they could only control it using the cold poison¡¯s natural enemy, the fire lotus.

    After Murong Xue was poisoned, Murong Yue had prevented the news from leaking. Only Murong Yue and his wife, Murong Ye and his sister, the old Prince Jing, and Ye Yichen knows this secret¡­

    The man in ck continued to look down and remained silent.

    A sh of cold sharpness passed through Murong Ye¡¯s eyes and he grabbed the cor of the man in ck, harshly pushed him to the ground and stamped on his chest before turning around and striding out without looking back.

    ¡°Brother, where are you going?¡± Murong Xue softly questioned, her voice weak.

    ¡°To Prince Jing¡¯s mansion to look for Ye Yichen!¡± Murong Ye answered furiously without stopping or turning around.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, ¡°What are you looking for him for? He will not admit that he is behind this.¡±

    ¡°Even if he does not admit, I will also want to go to Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion to meet him. I can¡¯t let him bully us and get away with it!¡± Murong Ye said with his teeth clenched and strode out of Xueluo Court.

    Murong Xue¡¯s body felt like a million needles poking and she was covered in cold sweat. Her slim body staggered and she almost fell.

    Maid Anxiang quickly walked forward and carefully supported her arm, ¡°Young Mistress, let me support you.¡±

    ¡°No need. Bring the man in ck and follow me to Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion.¡± Murong Xue¡¯s eyes was cold. Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion is Ye Yichen¡¯s mansion. Ye Yichen and her has had many conflicts and she is worried about letting Murong Ye going there alone.

    Moreover, after the meeting at the cliff, she was busy dealing with Du and Murong Rou and didn¡¯t really take notice about Ye Yichen. It is time to meet that high ranking and powerful ex-fiance.

    Prince Jing Mansion

    Ye Yichen wore a golden purple silk robe and stood in an octagonal pavilion in a painting stance. In his hand held a wolf tail brush that was moving quickly ¨C bright Chinese roses appeared on the white rice paper as though they were going to leap out of the paper.

    Thinking about that person that likes Chinese roses, his mouth unconsciously curved into an elegant smile. After finishing this painting, he will give it to her, and she will definitely like it a lot¡­

    ¡°Young Marquis, this is Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion, you cannot barge in¡­¡±

    ¡°Scram. I want to see Ye Yichen¡­¡±

    ¡°Sorry, my lord but without his highness¡¯ orders, no one can casuallye into the Mansion¡­¡±

    ¡°I have a very important thing to discuss with him. If you dy it, can you take responsibility¡­ hey hey, what are you doing? Don¡¯t pull me¡­ Ye Yichen,e out,e out¡­!¡±

    Intense arguing travelled into his ears and Ye Yichen frowned unhappily. He looked up only to see Murong Ye furiously trying to barge into the Mansion and 3 or 4 Prince Jing mansion guards tightly grabbing onto his arms and dragging him out¡­

    He hase to Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion so early, how fast is he!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s mouth curved into a barely noticeable smile and he lightly waved his hands. The guards got the message and released Murong Ye, moving to the side.

    Murong Ye walked into the pavilion, his face ck. He held up his hands towards Ye Yichen and uncourteously said, ¡°Ye Yichen, bring out the fire lotus!¡±

    Fire lotus is produced from the Fire Cloud mountain. The Fire Cloud mountain is in the Yunnan territories, and Yunnan is the Prince Jing¡¯s household¡¯s fief. After the fire lotus is harvested, most of it is kept in the Prince Jing mansion and only a little makes its way out.

    The fire lotus bloomed every five years and only bears fruit every five years, thus its production volume is very little. The fire lotus that Murong Xue used to use were gradually brought by Murong Yue and Ge Hui from variousrge medical shops. Now it has all been destroyed by the man in ck¡¯s hands. In such a short period of time, Murong Ye cannot find enough fire lotus for Murong Xue to use and therefore can only request it from the Prince Jing household.

    Ye Yichen lowered his eyes and continued painting elegantly. His young and handsome face was so attractive that people could not look away, ¡°What gives you the right to demand for the fire lotus in Prince Jing¡¯s mansion?¡±

    ¡°Just because you sent someone to destroy my sister¡¯s fire lotus!¡± Murong Ye furiously red at him, ¡°If those fire lotuses were ok, my sister would be fine, and I wouldn¡¯t have to bothering to the Prince Jing mansion to look for you.¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue¡¯s fire lotus is destroyed because of theck of capability in your household, and you had not kept it properly. What does that have to do with me?¡± Ye Yichen said lightly.

    Murong Ye gritted his teeth in anger, ¡°You¡­ I can¡¯t be bothered to argue with you. Just tell me, are you going to give me the fire lotus?¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue has already proposed annulling the marriage. Now, Prince Jing and the Marquis¡¯ households have nothing to do with each other. It¡¯s not right to give you the fire lotus.¡± Ye Yichen casually said, his voice soft.

    ¡°After all that you have said, you just want to take my sister as concubine! My sister did not agree thus you used such despicable means to force her into submission. Don¡¯t you think you are too shameless? My sister¡¯s cold poison has already acted up and if she doesn¡¯t take the fire lotus by midnight tonight, she will die from the pain.¡± Murong Ye stared at him, his eyes aze with fire.

    Ye Yichen did not contradict what he had said, and lightly questioned, ¡°Now that Murong Xue is my ex-fiancee, what does her life or death got to do with me?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Murong Ye choked from anger and his handsome face turned red. He has realized that Ye Yichen will not ever give him the fire lotus and it is useless to continue arguing with him.

    ¡°If Prince Jing¡¯s things cannot be given, we can buy it. Please tell me the price. Even if you want mountains of gold or silver, I will give them to you as requested.¡±

    ¡°The Prince Jing household does notck in money. No matter how much you offer, I will not sell the fire lotus! If Murong Xue wants to use the fire lotus, there¡¯s only one way ¨C that is to marry into the Prince Jing household and be my concubine!¡±

    At thest few word, Ye Yichen emphasized them. Upon hearing that, Murong Ye¡¯s face turned ck and his gaze so furious that it could almost spit fire!

    Ye Yichen pretended not to see it and looked at the sky before ¡®kindly¡¯ suggesting, ¡°You still have 4 more hours to consider!¡±

    ¡°There no need to consider anymore. I can give Prince Jing an answer now!¡± Murong Xue walked towards them lightly supported by Anxiang. Her clear voice was dry and hoarse and beautiful and small face was pale without colour. Her slim and weak body looked like it could be felled by the wind, but her eyes shed with strength and stubbornness. Emphasizing every word, she said, ¡°I would rather die than be your Highness¡¯ concubine!¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s paused mid-painting and his face turned scarily ck, and a dark look shed across his eyes!

    Murong Xue pretended not to see and grabbed the man in ck behind her and pulled him to the front of Ye Yichen, and said, smiling, ¡°This person is the culprit that destroyed my fire lotus. He is up to no good and is making me die. I can¡¯t find the person behind him so let him apany me in death!¡±

    Upon saying that, Murong Xue flipped her wrist and a sharp hair pin drew a long and thin opening on his neck. Red blood spurted every direction and gracefully sttered on the silver pirs, the bright red of it ring¡­

    The man stiffened for a moment, then copsed onto the ground. His eyes werre wide but dead and grey within!

    Golden sunlight shone onto the tip of the hair pin, reflecting ringly. Strong blood smell drifted away, making people¡¯s hair stand and fear arise in them¡­

 Chapter 26 â€“ Provocation

    Sorry for the dy. We will soone in routine one chapter per day. This chapter is tranted by another trantor.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face was livid. At that moment, Murong Xue knew the assassin was sent by him. As she couldn¡¯t get any useful information from the assassin, she would kill him in front of Ye Yichen, what a provocative and demonstrative move by her.

    Ye Yichen had been leading troops to war for so many years, but it was the first time he had met someone who dared to provoke him; she is really audacious and extremely hateful!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, brother!¡± Murong Xue gently wiped her bloodstained hairpin with a silk handkerchief, and she turned over slowly.

    ¡°But..........¡±

    ¡°Prince Jing is a busy person and he has to deal with a lot of things daily. Let¡¯s try not to interrupt him and just go!¡± Murong Xue interrupted the wordsing from Murong Ye with a smile, held his arm, and dragged him out of the house.

    Ye Yichen was looking gloomy and horrible as he stared at Murong Xue¡¯s slim figure that was walking away without any hesitation. He suddenly raised his arm and swept all the stationery that was on the table onto the ground. The calligraphy paper was soaked with the blood on the ground. Through the white paper, the flirtatious red of the blood was stinging and eye-catching.

    He kept his gaze on Murong Xue, watching her figure gradually disappear from his vision. Suddenly, he got a strange feeling and wanted to get angry: How dare she just walks away like that? Completely disregarding her ongoing seizures from the cold poison, she is not afraid of the dreadful pain.........

    Xu Tianyou came forward, watching Murong Xue¡¯s staggering yet physically straight figure, walking with messy but orderly pace, and asked, ¡®Prince, are we pushing them too far?¡¯

    ¡®What do you mean?¡¯

    ¡®Murong Xue and Murong Ye are both 14 years old. They are still young, yet they have been through tremendous tragedies. Hence, they are like frightened birds, they always tend to protect themselves from others. If we keep using persecution method, I¡¯m afraid we will naturally arouse their fury!¡¯

    Xu Tianyou had never been victim of cold poison. But he heard that cold poison is unforgiving and incurable. It can only be suppressed by eating Fire Lotus Seeds, or else the person will be tortured with an excruciating pain to death.

    ¡®I suggest we try approaching them with kindness, let them know Prince will not bring harm to them.¡¯

    Ye Yichen has his own n, he has a reason for wanting to marry Murong Xue, but definitely not to their life.

    Now Murong Ye is still young and he is not capable. He can¡¯tpete with Du (the dowager). No longer than few years, Du will definitely take over the town of Hou, and when that timees, he cannot guarantee Murong Ye can stay alive!

    But if Murong Xue agrees to marry Ye Yichen as his second wife, Murong Ye will be Ye Yichen¡¯s brother inw. He can protect him from any danger and Murong Ye can live in wealth. Meanwhile, Murong Xue will have endless Fire Lotus Seeds. She won¡¯t be tortured by the pain of the cold poison and can have an extended life!

    Howe Murong Xue refuses to stick to such a perfect n which is beneficial to both her and her brother? She may feel insulted to be someone¡¯s second wife, but how can this outweigh her life?

    ¡®Prince, they are not far away from us. I shall call them back, and exin it to them!¡¯ Xu Tianyou had no intention of exining the whole picture to those siblings. He merely wanted to persuade Murong Xue into marrying Ye Yichen.

    ¡®Not necessary!¡¯ Ye Yichen shook his head in disagreement. ¡®The return of Murong Xue will only cause disputes between her and Yuyuan, as she wants to be firstdy princess only......¡¯

    ¡®Murong Xue will die if she doesn¡¯t consume Fire Lotus Seeds. She deserves it, but it is not worth if your n is going to spoil due to her death.¡¯ said Xu Tianyou.

    ¡®Everyone is afraid of death. No matter how stubborn she is, she will not dare to step into the gate of hell, and she will definitely return before midnight!¡¯ At that moment, she will lose her bargaining power, then her name and her status at Jing Pce will be decided by me.

    The sun was disappearing from the horizon. Murong Xue leaned on Murong Ye as they walked out of Jing Pce. Murong Ye turned back, took a nce on the que on which was written three bronze characters ¡®Jing Pce¡¯, he said with unwillingness: ¡®Sister, are you sure we are leaving?¡¯

    Murong Xue voice tinged with sadness: ¡®It doesn¡¯t help to stay in here, as Ye Yichen will not give me the Fire Lotus Seed.¡¯

    If the cold poison persisted, the consequences would be unimaginable... Murong Ye spoke softly: ¡®Jing pce is probably the only ce within the entire capital where we can find Fire Lotus Seed. I am weak and useless as I can¡¯t even get a single life-saving pill for you.¡¯

    ¡®Do not worry, there must be a way out!¡¯ Murong Xue tried tofort his brother, as she patted his shoulder.

    ¡®You might be right, but you need to take the Fire Lotus Seed within the next 3 hours!¡¯ Murong Xue looked pale: We have searched most pharmacies in the capital. No matter how capable I am, I certainly won¡¯t able to find a Fire Lotus Seed within 3 hours. ¡®The Fire Lotus Seed is efficient, but there must be an alternative way to reduce the toxicity of the cold poison, for example, acupuncture or decoction!¡¯

    Murong Ye disagreed, ¡®These methods have long been tested by well known doctors, their effect is minimal, to survive you must consume the Fire Lotus Seed...............¡¯

    Murong Xue touched her eyebrow; she had seen in a modern medical book, acupuncture could be used to cure any kind of poison. Since cold poison is also a kind of poison, how can it be incurable?

    ¡®Sister, what are you thinking?¡¯ Murong Ye was extremely worried as he noticed her sister was unconsciously frowning.

    ¡°Nothing!¡± Murong Xue smiled gently: ¡°Brother, does the capital have hot springs?

    ¡®Hot springs? Yes, why?¡¯ Murong Ye got puzzled.

    Murong Xue smiled mysteriously: ¡°I have my own ways!¡¯

    The night had fallen. Jing pce was lightening up, all of the corpses had been removed, and the residue of blood was wiped clean. There was a gold fragrance furnace located at the corner for eliminating the unpleasant smell of the blood in the air. On the table, the sand inside a transparent hourss was flowing down.

    Ye Yichen was sitting at the stone table, holding a book, looking intentionally or unintentionally at the door of Jing Pce. The red door was left open; there was no one apart from the guard.

    Ye Yichen felt irritated, he looked at the hourss and his face turned gloomy: It¡¯s midnight soon, and Murong Xue has not returned yet, she really is not afraid of death!¡¯

    The sand was flowing and umting slowly. It indicated midnight was getting closer. Ye Yichen suddenly stood up, he picked up a white porcin pot which contained Fire Lotus Seed and strode out.

    Xu Tianyou was stunned: ¡®Prince, where are you going?¡¯

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 Chapter 27 â€“ Goodbye Ouyang Shaochen

    ¡®Go to the town of Hou¡¯s house, and look for Murong Xue now!¡¯

    ¡®I need her assistance toplete my n, she cannot die yet!¡¯

    Xu Tianyou felt relieved after hearing thosemands. He was aware that Murong Xue was important for them to achieve their n. If Murong Xue died, they would face a lot of difficulties. So, Ye Yichen taking the initiative to find Murong Xue was great: ¡¯Prince, you can send any subordinate to find Murong Xue, you do not need to go in person.¡¯

    Ye Yichen unconsciously thought Murong Xue might have been poisoned to death. He felt inexplicably irritated, he wished to see her immediately with Fire Lotus Seeds: ¡®It¡¯s better for me to remind her in person!¡¯

    Xu Tianyou nodded to Ye Yichen in agreement: ¡®Prince, Murong Xue is not in the town of Hou¡¯s house.¡¯

    ¡®Where is she then? Is she in Medical Hall, looking for her doctor to cure her cold poison? She would not be so dumb to believe that cold poison can be cured without Fire Lotus Seeds, right?¡¯

    ¡®She is in Hot Spring Vi!¡¯ Xu Tianyou spilled it out, word by word.

    ¡®Hot Spring Vi? What is she doing there?¡¯

    This night was chilling. Murong Ye was standing on the shore, holding a rabbit designmp with one hand, and leaning on Murong Xue with the other hand. While staring at the hot waves of the hot springs, he had a lot of doubt in his mind: ¡®Sister, what are we doing here?¡¯

    ¡®To eliminate cold poison!¡¯

    ¡®Can hot springs eliminate cold poison?¡¯ Murong Ye was surprised.

    Murong Xue smiled. ording to modern research, soaking in hot springs can eliminate fatigue and illnesses, ease pain, as well as soften and whiten the skin. ¡®Of course, I can¡¯t eliminate the cold poison in my body by merely soaking in the hot spring, but with the aid of acupuncture there is a chance!¡¯

    ¡®Really?¡¯ Murong Ye felt skeptical about this method.

    ¡®Of course, did I ever fool you before?¡¯ Murong Xue said it gently.

    Murong Ye raised his eyebrows. Yes, he knew his sister would never lie to him: ¡®But we have no doctor, nor silver needles for acupuncture................¡¯

    ¡®It doesn¡¯t matter, I had seen the acupuncture points of the human body, and I remember their locations urately. For the needle....¡¯ Murong Xue removed theb from her hair and scattered it into numerous skeleton roots: ¡°I will use these instead!¡±

    ¡®Are you sure?¡¯ Murong Ye looked at the thin silver pieces.

    Murong Xue smiled and patted Murong Ye¡¯s shoulder, then carefully told him: ¡®You are my lookout, do not let otherse to bother me!¡¯

    Looking at her eyes glittering confidently, Murong Ye started to believe his sister: ¡®Then I will be waiting and guarding outside the woods, if anything happens, shout my name loudly!¡¯

    ¡®Ok.¡¯ Murong Xue nodded. After watching Murong Ye pass through the woods, she untied her waist ribbon and slipped out of her long skirt, jumped into the hot spring pool in her underwear.

    The warm spring water surrounded her; the hot steam was pervasive, infiltrating through her skin. The pain in her body subsided.

    Murong Xue felt relieved, but she was aware that soaking in the hot spring can only temporarily restrain the poison, and not eliminate it.

    She held one of the silver needles with her white and small hand. The sharp needle tip reflected the moonlight.

    For acupuncture treatment, silver needles needed to be stung urately on various acupuncture points. Murong Xue tried some new acupuncture points, hoping it would help her to eliminate the cold poison and to save her life..................

    ¡®Who is there?¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s me!¡¯ It was a beautiful male voice which sounded familiar.

    Murong Xue looked around attentively, saw a young man approaching her slowly. His white underwear had been soaked in water and was tightly attached to his body. He had broad shoulders, a narrow waist profile, and a good looking face. He was Ouyang Shaochen!

    ¡®Why are you here?¡¯ Murong Xue stared at him in surprise. She felt shy and merely exposed her head and neck above the water. Due to the hot steam, he wouldn¡¯t be able to see Murong Xue¡¯s body as long as he stood two to three meters away from her.

    ¡®This hot spring vi is owned by my family. What¡¯s so strange about me being here?¡¯ Ouyang Shaochen said clearly with a smile.

    Murong Xue was stunned, howe her brother didn¡¯t remind her of this? If she knew this hot spring vi belonged to Xiao Yao family, she would think twice....................

    As she had been granted ess to the hot springs by the steward, she didn¡¯t think she was in the wrong: ¡®Your family owns so many hot springs, why would you be here?¡¯

    Murong Xue looks beautiful when she is angry.

    Ouyang Shaochen said softly: ¡®I have been here for a quarter of an hour, and you have just arrived..............¡¯

    Murong Xue choked, she realized she couldn¡¯t me him: ¡®Why did you keep quiet then?¡¯ Fortunately, Murong Xue did not get naked.

    Ouyang Shaochen casually said: ¡®I was sleeping until I heard the sshing sound of water!¡¯

    ¡®You!¡¯ She didn¡¯t believe that. Howe the conversation between her and her brother did not wake Ouyang Shaochen up, but the sshing sound of the water did?

    Both of them stared at each other; looking at those obsidian-like pupils of their eyes.

    Murong Xue was stunned, would Ouyang Shaochen still remember thatst time when she purposely ruined his chess game? She thought it would be better for her to get away immediately.

    She grabbed her skirt and put it on. When she was preparing to leave the shore, all of a sudden she was pulled back by a huge force. She stumbled back a few steps and fell into the hot spring.

    ¡®Ouyang Shaochen!¡¯ Murong Xue¡¯s hair and clothes got all wet. As her wet clothes clung to her slim figure, she fiercely red at Ouyang Shaochen.

 Chapter 28 â€“ The Meeting between love rivals

    A pair of dark pupils of falcon-like, sharp and prating eyes... Indifferent, resembling the unfathomable depths of an abyss which takes in all things; harboring a hundred of rivers, swallowing people in a stream of nostalgia, never to return again to touch the shore.

    Those eyes belong to a prestigious man. He is elegant but at the same time possesses a sense of danger. It is for her own good to stay away from him as far as she can. The moment Murong Xue made an appraisal of Ouyang Shaochen, with no time for her to react, he was already standing in front of her as he reached out with his long arms, surrounding her between him and a pool wall. He lowered his gaze to look at her, his deep eyes roamed across the night: ¡°Where to now?¡±

    A warm breath was let out on her cheek, the fog circted in the air as though a mystifying bamboo lingering around her body. Murong Xue swayed her sight unnaturally: Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s power is a lot stronger than hers. Furthermore, she is his captive, there is absolutely zero chance for her to escape from him. They both live in the same city, but they have never stumbled across each other. This little grudge between them will never be dissolved if left unsettled. It shall be settled this time, for once and for all.

    Muron Xue held her head high, facing Ouyang Shaochen. She uttered word by word: ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, it¡¯s only a game of chess that I had ruined and you still have resentment for it since then?

    Those fingerprint bruise on her arm was caused by him; she had to apply medicine several times before the mark faded away. Even then there were shallow traces of the bruise left, but never did she resent him: ¡°So much for the forbearance of a man ?¡±

    Ouyang¡¯s impression of Murong Xue had been that she had an always cold and indifferent demeanor, as if there was nothing in this world that could interest her. This time it was indeed rare sight of her getting agitated. His mood became unusually pleasant, his lips cornering slightly to the side, forming a graceful curve:

    ¡° I, the royals is indeed that petty!¡±

    ¡° You!¡± Murong Xue grasped for words for a second as she stared at him furiously: Stingy freak,weirdo!

    It was already broken at that time when she saw the chess. If Ouyang Shaochen changed his manner towards her, she might help him to retrieve and recover that chess set, but with his attitude now ... ahem, she couldn¡¯t bother less, let him ponder alone.

    ¡°That set of chess was an exquisite artwork. It was precious. You have destroyed it along with my painstaking effort, and by rightful speaking, I should teach you a painful lesson, but considering you are but a weakdy, I can show you some mercy and not take my revenge. As long as you ept my terms, then the grudges between us will be written off once and for all!¡± Ouyang Shaochen spoke leisurely. His eyes were showing an iprehensible expression.

    ¡°What is the condition?¡± Murong Xue¡¯s gaze stiffened. As a crown prince, Ouyang Shaochen possesses wealth and power. A nabobism which mortals can only dream of; riches, gold, jewelry, diamonds and powerful connections. There is nothing material in this world that hecks. The condition that he proposed must be not simple.

    Under the moonlight, Murong Xue¡¯s face had taken a rosy red color, heated by the steam from the hot spring. The hot air had formed two translucent water drops residing on her long eyshes and the misty fog concealed her dark pupils. Her fair, soft skin radiated a glowing luster. Her red belly band had be transparent upon contact with water and was exposing her body, as if there was nothing on her skin. Her uncovered delicate neck and corbone were visible, conjuring a tempting attraction. Her cherry red lipswere pursed up slightly as though as it was an invitation for a gentleman to collect...

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s pupils dted instantly. He bent down slowly, touching the thin prints of his lips gently on her pink lips ......

    The mild and soft touch of the lips left Murong Xue stunned. Her mind went nk and only after a long while she could retrieve herposure back while beholding at his handsome look. Her gaze trembled, she pushed him aside and shouted angrily: ¡° Ouyang Shaochen, what are you doing?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen was prepared so he was only pushed two steps backwards by her beforeing to a stop.Her distinguished fragrance remained on his lips. It was a pleasant aroma and taste. He weed the infuriated looks from her beautiful eyes. The corners of his mouth curved into a perfect angle: ¡°This was my condition!¡±

    ¡° But I made nopliance, how dare you just... just...¡± Murong Xue was infuriated: Who was the one who said this unfettered Prince is a mature and has good manners? Show yourself, I¡¯ll ensure not to kill him.

    ¡°I...¡±Murong Xue gasped. He didn¡¯t mention the condition a moment ago, how is she supposed to oppose£¿

    As she was clenching her teeth bitterly and preparing to argue with him, suddenly a strong and sharp pain emerged from her chest. The pain spread quickly all over her body. The great pain and frosty feeling moved through her tendons covered instantly all over her body.

    Her tiny face turned pale instantly, big drops of sweat exuded from her forehead and her eyebrows creased tightly!

    Ouyang Shaochen looked stern : ¡°What is happening to you?¡±

    ¡°My... cold poison is breaking out!¡± Murong Xue said stammeringly, paying no attention to Ouyang Shaochen anymore. She turned sideways to face the shore and saw only an empty area without a trace of the silver threads of the wasted bead.

    It must be lost when she was inside the hot spring. The water from the hot spring is fluid and moving, those silver threads must have been driven out by the flow and now she can¡¯t use the silver threads to exude the cold poison!

    Murong Xue grabbed the hairpin on the shore. She concentrated her gaze and made a forceful effort with the hairpin towards her left-hand wrist!

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Ouyang Shao Chen moved a step forward, extending his hand to grab her right-hand wrist to prevent her suicide!

    ¡°Dispelling my blood that contains the toxin!¡± Murong Xue speaks unhurriedly, the sound of her voice crumbling: After a person gets poisoned, the toxin stays in the person¡¯s blood. Dispelling the blood also means disposing the toxin inside, however, the toxicity of the cold poison is potent, she has to bleed off at least half of her blood only so she can survive tonight.

    Ouyang Shaochen creased his eyebrows: ¡°Your body is very weak, excessive loss of blood will cost your life....¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s face had a smile. She already knew what he said to her, ¡°The cold poison inside my body is circting in my tendons. Any moment now, it will explode my blood vessels. If I don¡¯t release my blood, I will die immediately!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you die!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s obsidian-like eye pupils appeared in front of Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. His slender, long arms embraced her slim waist lightly, pulling her close to his chest.

    Murong Xue¡¯s soft and tender body stayed close to Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s chest, between them were only thin clothing. She could feel clearly his strong and muscr body. Her heart trembled for a while and she struggles subconsciously: ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, what are you trying to do?¡±

    ¡°I am helping you dispel the toxin!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said those words calmly. His left-hand grabbed both of her wrists effortlessly, stopping her struggle, whereas his right hand was ced on and followed her waistline and slipped into her back.

    Suddenly Murong Xue¡¯s body became stiff. Her outer skirt fell into the hot spring. Now she was left with her belly band and pants, also, the belly band was made with two strands at the nape of the neck and waist, her back was entirely exposed. Moreover, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s palm was pressing the strands on her neck, with only a slight effort, her whole belly band would drop off...

    ¡°You are not a doctor, how are you helping me to dispel the toxin?¡± After the previous incident, Murong Xue did not dare trust in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s moral character. She made an effort to struggle in order to get away from him.

    ¡°Do not worry, if I say I can help then I can!¡° Ouyang Shaochen held her small waist tightly,as an endogenic force was transferred rapidly to her via his palm ced on her back.

    In an instant, Murong Xue felt warm currents all over her body, relieving her veins that had caused the ache and wrecking pain.

    Murong Xue was startled for a little while, then stopped to struggle. She could immediately feel the warmth of the hot spring together with the endogenic force prating her flesh, sweeping the irritating pain and cold poison, inch by inch. The cold poison dispersed and cleansed gradually by the united force.

    The warm feeling from the hot spring flowed forth inside her blood; the endogenic force transmitted from her back also transferred the intermittent warm feeling. There was an indescribable satisfaction from that urring.

    The Murong Xue¡¯s agitated heart had calmed down instantaneously, and following that, an intermittent exhaustion came. She closed her eyes slowly, a light ck bamboo fragrant lingering on the tip of her nose, posing inexplicable feeling of being at ease...

    The person under his chest had been quietly and peacefully staying there. Ouyang Shaochen lowered his head to look. He saw Murong Xue in his arms, with her eyes closed, her long eyshes like tiny fans, casting two thick shadows on her eyelids, the wings of her nose opening and closing ording to her regr breathing... Her peaceful and tranquil appearance made one¡¯s mind to move...

    Ouyang Shaochen unbearably stretched his hand out, the moment he touched her exquisite small face, an angry male voice prated the clouds, resounded through the skies: ¡°What are you two doing?¡±

 Chapter 29 â€“ The battle between love rivals

    A purple figure flew by in the dark night,nding gracefully to the side of the spring. The tall and upright stature, pretty and handsome face, it was no other than the crown prince of Qin, Ye Yichen. He stared at Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue in the hot spring with his pair of eyes burning with raging mes. He wanted them burned to death!

    Ouyang Shaochen moved with a sense of alertness. He grabbed the soaking long skirt in the water, put it on over Murong Xue¡¯s delicate body, covering her exposed flesh. He uncourteously called: ¡°Crown prince of Qin, this is a ce where you are not weed, please leave immediately!¡±

    ¡°Save your breath Ouyang royals, I, the crown prince have found the person I¡¯m looking for and I shall leave without dy.¡± Ye Yichen has experienced Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s martial art skills and tricks before. Moreover, thispound is situated in his pce. It is inadvisable to have a conflict here with Ouyang Shaochen and shouldn¡¯t even be bothered. He appeared here only because of the person he¡¯s looking for: ¡°Murong Xue,e here!¡±

    He has been concerned about her poison attack. Night after night he wanted to send her the Fire Lotus Seed, but to his surprise, she is with Ouyang Shaochen, gathering together in a hot spring and snuggling in intimacy. It is extremely distasteful.

    The forcefulmand pierced through the eardrums of Murong Xue. She creased her eyebrows wanting to return words, but she had forgotten about her soft and feeble body, which had no strength left. No matter how hard she tried, her heavy eyelids wouldn¡¯t open. Her heart sighed helplessly, giving up on retaliation.

    She curled up inside Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s chest in idleness, even her eyelids did not have a slight gesture of moving. Ye Yichen had a realization, he understood that she wouldn¡¯t attend to him. His angry eyes burned abruptly like a raging methrower: ¡° MURONG XUE!¡±

    ¡°Stop calling her. Her cold poison is taking effect. She has no room to bother with you!¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied him apathetically.

    Suddenly, Ye Yichen was startled a little bit when he realized it was already midnight. The white bottle of a porcin vase on his hand glowed with a glimpse of dim light in the dark night: Inside the vase is filled with the Fire Lotus Seed that can rescue Murong Xue¡¯s life. He won¡¯t let her die. It is obvious that he will eventually give the Fire Lotus Seed to her. However, before handing it over to her, he wants to make sure she knows that if she desires to live, he is the only person in this world that can save her. She has to rely on him.

    Murong Xue looked up and saw only Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes looking back at her. Her delicate face restored its scarletplexion a moment ago suddenly turned pale white, droplets of sweat like big beans loomed on her forehead and her delicate body shivered slightly.

    The look in Ouyang¡¯s eyes stiffened for a second, it¡¯s her ..... cold poison breaking out again. It seems his endogenic force fused with the warmth from the hot spring can only drive out the toxins inside her body temporarily. If she is to survive safely tonight, she¡¯ll need the Fire Lotus Seed!

    His palm moved gently; the white brocade gown lying on the shore flew into his hand instantaneously. He wrapped it around Murong Xue, embraced her and soared up into the sky gracefully like a phoenix, then floated as light as a feather descending on the ground. His finger flicked lightly, in a sh, ayer of white fog lingered around them. When the mysterious white fog faded away, the water stains on them had evaporated and dried!

    A tender finger as if made of jade crystals, went through the sleeves and retrieved a green porcin bottle, then a medicine pill was brought out and fed into Murong Xue¡¯s mouth.

    Murong Xue had already been suffering in pain, now bitter and astringent substances fed into her mouth, she disgorged it involuntarily.

    Ouyang Shaochen covered her mouth tightly, and said softly: ¡°Don¡¯t spit it out, eat it. You¡¯ll be all right.¡±

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, what did you get her to consume?¡± The look of Ye Yichen was gloomy and frightening. His strict tone of interrogation voiced out: ¡°While the cold poison is breaking out, carelessly consuming random medicine might cost her life.¡±

    ¡°It is Fire Lotus Seed!¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied casually.

    The sharp and stern eyes of Ye Yichen squinted: ¡°Why would you have the Fire Lotus Seed?¡± Fire Lotus Seed grows on the Fire Yun Shan Mountain, it is collected and delivered to the Qin pce when it reaches maturity, and very few quantities are leaked outside, must be confiscated by Zhen Dynasty ....

    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t I, the royals, have it when you also have it?¡± With a cocky attitude, Ouyang Shaochen cast a nce on him, provokeing the gloomy and terrific Ye Yichen into retaliation: ¡°It is only a Fire Lotus Seed, what¡¯s there to be cocky about?

    ¡°Mine, the royals¡¯ only Fire Lotus Seed is able to save Murong Xue¡¯s life but you, Majesty Qin saves nobody with your innumerable Fire Lotus Seeds......¡± Ouyang Shaochen articted with an unconcealed sarcastic tone.

    His chest resounds his regted breathing rhythm, he has lost interest in exchanging words with Ye Yichen: ¡° Xuer¡¯s cold poison has been controlled, I, the royals, am bringing her back for the rest, farewell!¡±

    Ye Yichen looked livid: ¡° Xuer? How intimate are you to be calling her name like that!¡±

    Watching Ouyang Shaochen turn around, about to leave the scene with Murong Xue in his arms, bridges of powerful endogenic forces shot out from his sleeves, maneuvered by his spread out fingers. It was directed at Ouyang Shaochen,ing from all directions. Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes trembled a little bit.

    ¡°You may leave, but Murong Xue stays with me!¡±

    The forceful and callousmand prated Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s ears. The corner of his lips curved up as though as he was amused. He flicked his fingers; countless endogenic forces zed out to meet Ye Yichen¡¯s attacks. A loud ¡°Pang Pang Pang!¡± echoed, the magnitude of the endogenic forces burst in the middle of the sky, elevated a cloud of dust...

    As the dust and mist cleared, the surroundings became hollow. Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue¡¯s figures disappeared, leaving Ye Yichen alone at the side of the huge warm spring.

    Facing in the direction that pair left, Ye Yichen¡¯s face turned dark and terrific. His fist hidden under his sleeve clenched tightly, ¡° Ka-cha ¡± was heard. The white porcin bottle in his hand crumbled into powder, along with the Fire Lotus Seeds inside, merging with his blood meandering through the gaps between his fingers. However, he waspletely unaware of this. His cold-stern eyes glitterd: ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, I, the King, will make you pay!¡±

    The color of the night got denser gradually, Ouyang Shaochen crossed several houses, streets, andnded lightly in his royal residence. His snowy color drapes fluttered. Although it was only a set of white apparel, he looked perilously graceful.

    The guard defending at the courtyard walked up with anxious steps, greeting reverently: ¡°My Prince!¡±

    Then the guard saw the person in his chest and was startled slightly, that person was covered by Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s snowy coat; a delicate face covered by his chest, blurring the appearance, but from the silk hair like a waterfall, slender and soft, exquisite yet delicate figure, that is definitely a woman.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t my Prince disinclined on feminine appeal? Howe he is carrying a woman?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen hums lightly. He lowered his head and watched the sleepingdy resting quietly in his arms; an exquisite radian curved up from his lips, paying no attention to the guard¡¯s doubts and questions. He holds Murong Xue and enters his room with his steps swift like the wind. He snapped his fingers and the door closed, blocking the sight of the guard that was following.

    Inside his chamber, Ouyang Shaochen ced Murong Xue cautiously on the bed carved with floral patterns. He untied the long skirt and gown that covered her body tightly and pulled a long thin cloth over to cover her body.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were closed. Her long eyshes were like butterfly wings, forming two thick shadows on her eyelids, her moist and pink lips were pursed up slightly, the tranquil and peaceful look unsuggested for blemish. A piece of jade slid from her clothes, falling beside the pillow, with a red thread that was attached to the jade, hanging on the nape of her neck.

    Ouyang Shaochen sat beside the bed. He picked up the jade pendant and examined its fine carvings, glossy bright and mild warm attributes. The longer a person touches it, the more its warmth propels their blood cirction. This is a priceless treasure. This is a superior warm jade!

    She has been wearing this jade pendant!

    Ouyang Shaochen showed a quirky expression that disappeared after a moment. He ced the jade pendant carefully inside Murong Xue¡¯s clothes, sticking it to her skin. His delicate fingers stroke on her exquisite face and he sighed gently: ¡°Do you really not remember me?¡± His memory of hers has always been alive and it is a memory of ten years!

 Chapter 30 â€“ Sleeping In The Same Bed

    Murong Xue was looking pale and sick. The cold breeze made her shiver under the nket.

    Ouyang Shaochen hesitated, he then took off his shoes andy down beside Murong Xue. He held her in his arms, and then pressed his palm against her back, transferring internal force to her slowly.

    The internal force that entered her body eventually converted to warmth and flowed in her veins, sweeping off the chill that engulfed her body. Murong Xue finally was looking fine.

    Ouyang Shaochen smiled as he looked at the girl who was sleeping silently in his arms. He snapped his finger and a strong wind blew out the light. Holding Murong Xue close to him, he went to sleep.

    The silver moonlight shone into the room, the scene of a couple holding onto each other was looking sweet.

    Murong Xue heard a sound of breathing through the mist of sleep, a muscr arm was wrapped around her waist. She was shocked and opened her eyes immediately.

    What she saw was a white and wless chest in front of her, what she heard was a strong heartbeat sound that echoed in her ears. Her jaw dropped and she pushed Ouyang Shaochen away from her, she then sat up straight.

    The nket slipped down from her body, revealing her in a beige tube top. She was frightened and grabbed the nket to cover herself promptly. She was relieved when she realized that she was not hurt and nothing actually happened between Ouyang Shaochen and her.

    Ouyang Shaochen was looking at her all the while, he then sniggered as he sat up slowly. ¡°So you¡¯re awake!¡± said Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°Where is this?¡± Murong Xue moved herself away from Ouyang Shaochen, trying to keep a distance between them. She red at him as she noticed that everything in the room was unfamiliar to her, this was definitely not her room.

    ¡°XiaoYao¡¯s House... My room!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen then said gently, ¡°You had fallen into a doze after consuming the Fire Lotus Seed yesterday. If I were to send you back to your house, it would definitely ruin your reputation. Besides, I felt uneasy to leave you alone in the guest room, so the only way was to bring you here with me.¡±

    Every time after Murong Xue consumes Fire Lotus Seed, she will feel dizzy and fall asleep after a moment. After she consumed the medicine yesterday, she had nned to sustain until Murong Ye came to bring her back to the house. However, she was too weak and fainted after a few minutes.

    Ouyang Shaochen was right to bring her to his house, but... ¡°There is a mattress and a single bed in the room, we can sleep separately. Why must you sleep in the same bed with me?¡±

    This was the very first time for her to sleep in the same bed with a man, the feeling was weird.

    Ouyang Shaochen nced at her and said ¡°Yesterday you were shivering even after I covered your body with a nket. I was afraid that you¡¯ would get sick, so I decided to sleep with you, and used my internal force to sweep the cold away from your body...¡±

    Every time Murong Xue suffered from poison attack, she would need a thick nket to cover all over her body to remove the cold inside her. Ouyang Shaochen only gave her a thin sheet as nket, it was certain that she would tremble badly.

    However, Ouyang Shaochen was not a servant who takes care of her, it was not his fault that he did not know she required a much thicker nket...

    Looking at her annoyed face, Ouyang Shaochen giggled ¡°You and I sleeping in the same bed, this will absolutely ruin your reputation. No worries, I will take responsibility of it!¡±

    Responsibility? They were just sleeping in the same bed for a night and nothing actually happened, what does he mean by responsibility?

    Murong Xue smiled uneasily and said ¡°It¡¯s just a small matter, no worries.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen became serious suddenly and stared straight into her eyes, ¡°You don¡¯t need me to take responsibility, seriously?¡±

    Murong Xue nodded ¡°Of course, I¡¯m serious.¡± Ouyang Shaochen had saved her life, she should show gratitude to him and not me him.

    Ouyang Shaochen was looking a bit disappointed, he walked toward his wardrobe as he unbuttoned his shirt.

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, what are you doing?!¡± Murong Xue eximed.

    ¡°I¡¯m just changing clothes!¡± Ouyang Shaochen did not look at her as he answered.

    Murong Xue frowned ¡°Can you just take your clothes together with you and change it behind the screen?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen looked at her and said ¡°This is my room.¡± He was correct, it was his right to change in his room.

    Murong Xue curled her lips, she knew it was his room, but she was obviously sitting on his bed. She is a girl, he should have gone to change at somewhere else.

    Ouyang Shaochen unbuttoned his shirt and took it off, revealing his perfect body. Murong Xue turned away to face the wall instantly. He doesn¡¯t feel shy to take his shirt off in front of another woman, but she does not like to see another man taking off his shirt!

    Suddenly, a hand tapped on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Ouyang Shaochen was already dressed in a long white robe. His robe was embroidered exquisitely and the fact that his sleeves were embellished with mysterious wave-and-cloud-like patterns made him even more marvelous and awe-inspiring.

    In his hand, he held a pale green dress robe. He delivered it to Murong Xue and said, ¡°This is for you!¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s blue dress robe was soaked in hot spring water and even though it had been thoroughly dried up, it became a wrinkled mess and was currently sitting on the footstool at the end of the bed. It was unwearable and she thought that Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s dress robe was very much a great help to her. But then-

    ¡°Why do you own a girl¡¯s dress robe?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s handsomeplexion darkened. He lifted her small hand and shoved the dress robe onto it.

    ¡°This was just bought.¡± He replied, enunciating each word emphatically.

    The pale green dress robe was cool and silky to touch. This robe was of high quality.

    Murong Xue pouted and thought: If it is new? What is he even mad about?

    The faint smell of bamboo ink emitted by Ouyang Shaochen encircled her. Annoyed, she looked up and stared directly at Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°Ouyang your highness, I¡¯m going to change my clothes,¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± He replied nodding.

    Then why doesn¡¯t he leave me alone with my privacy? There should be a clear boundary between males and females! I don¡¯t want to change my clothes in front of him!

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be cautious around me. I¡¯m not interested in childish, immature girls!¡±

    His clear, crisp voice bore into her ears and her face ckened upon hearing it. She grabbed the pillow beside her and tossed it at Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°I am not childish!¡±

 Chapter 31 â€“ Meals Together

    OuYang ShaoChen swiftly caught the pillow and ced it aside. He shot a nce at Murong Xue¡¯s direction and promptly left the room.

    She followed his stare and realized that she was looking at her chest. Admittedly, she was still a little bit immature but she was just 14 years old and had plenty of room for improvement!

    Just like the body she had in the modern times, after she became 17 or 18, people had admired her for it!

    She folded back the bed covers and got out of bed. Behind the folding screen, she then wore her undergarments, dress robe and prepared herself to look presentable. Only after then did she emerge from the room.

    Outside the room, there was an oak table amidst in which dishes, pastries, spring rolls and porridge were ced upon. The aroma of the enticing food was enough to send anyone drooling.

    OuYang ShaoChen was standing by the washing basin cleaning his hands. The crystal clear hot spring water passed through his hands, uncontaminated. Seeing that Murong Xue had appeared, he took up a wet cloth and wiped the water beads from his hands.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s eat,¡± he said dryly.

    Murong Xue frowned. At first, it was to sleep together on the bed and now, eating together at the same table? This sounds more like a husband and wife thing to do............... wait, why did she think of it that way?

    ¡°Much thanks, OuYang your highness, but I¡¯m not famished right now and returning to the Zhen country pce to feast then, wouldn¡¯t be toote either,¡±

    An arm stretched and gripped her shoulder; it was as if the fingers on it were made out of jade itself. OuYang ShaoChen then directed her to the oak table.

    ¡°Yesterday, you were suffering from Cold poison and was tossing and turning the whole day. For 7 or 8 hours, you did not eat anything and even if you aren¡¯t hungry, you should at least eat a bit. Or else your body will be weaker!¡±

    MuRong Xue¡¯s beautiful eyes glistened and squinted. Silently, she tried to escape from her constraints.

    However, with just the slightest touch of OuYang ShaoChen finger which contained immeasurable power, MuRong Xue wasn¡¯t able to move! Her powers couldn¡¯t be exerted, not even in the slightest bit.

    She knew she couldn¡¯t stand a chance against OuYang ShaoChen immense power and stopped struggling. She lifted her head to re at him.

    OuYang ShaoChen ignored her re. Seeing that she had calmed in some measure, he released his touch and gracefully sat beside her. He then scooped some rice porridge, daintily ced some vegetables on top and ced a few pieces of plum cakes in the small dish in front of her.

    MuRong Xue gazed at the fragrant plum cakes, shocked.

    ¡°How did you know I like plum cakes?¡±

    ¡°Try guessing,¡± OuYang ShaoChen replied, his jet-ck diamond eyes gleaming with a hint of humor.

    MuRong Xue red at him again.

    She thought, Fine. Not like I¡¯m interested anyway.

    MuRong Xue picked up a plum cake and shoved it in her mouth. The fragrance and the softness of the cake filled her mouth.

    One tends to not feel hungry after recovering from the poison; however, it is encouraged to have some white porridge to regain strength. MuRong Xue thought it was appropriate to eat something to nourish herself and coincidentally, plum cakes were her favorite, so she ate a few more pieces. Moreover, OuYang ShaoChen was eyeing her from the side. She feltpelled to eat something or else he would never let her go.

    MuRong Xue used impable speed to finish the plum cakes and stood up after that.

    ¡°Ouyang shizi, I¡¯ve had my fill, please take your time to have your meal!¡±

    OuYang ShaoChen expression turned solemn. He put down his bowl and chopsticks and brought over the dish with a wet cloth. He proceeded to pat his hands with the cloth. What seemed like a simple action was more of a graceful gesture when it was done by him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you back to the Zhen mansion!¡± he bellowed, his clear voice piercing the air.

    MuRong Xue quickly shook her head and said, ¡°Thank you, your royal highness for your kind gesture! But the Zhen mansion isn¡¯t far, please, I have no need to trouble your highness. Your royal highness, you better hurry back to pay respects to your father and mother instead!¡±

    It is known for noble people being filial first among all else. OuYang ShaoChen hadn¡¯t been home for 10 years and now he had just returned. It¡¯s only a matter-of-fact that he should pay respects to his parents.

    She thought: this is the best excuse to get him away from me.

    ¡°They¡¯re not in Jing City, they went to explore the great mountain, DaChuan,¡± he said wryly, as if it were amon thing to do at that time, ¡°They wanted to see it for themselves ¨C the Sakura and blossoms at Gangnam, the desert outside the Great Wall.¡±

    They abandoned the duty in which the pce called and together they explored the world. His royal highness and his wife really are royalty people who do not care for either fame or power.

    It was no wonder OuYang ShaoChen left the pce when he was just eight years old! He was out touring the world, ah so this trait was inherited from his parents!

    ¡°It¡¯s still early and I¡¯d like to stroll around the city for a while without a chariot. I won¡¯t trouble your royal highness in sending me home, goodbye!¡± MuRong Xue excused herself with a polite smile and without waiting for OuYang ShaoChen to reply; she turned and paced quickly outside.

    Once out of the yard, she followed the ck-stoned path. Hastily, she ran out of the pce and took a few quick turns in the alley. She stopped and looked at the empty streets behind her. Secretly, she was relieved. Thanks to herself, she had fast reflexes and body movement which enabled her to swiftly do countless corner turns. To be fair, she thought he was a fairly decent guy, but he exuded a dangerous aura and she didn¡¯t want to be associated with him in any way.

    Murong Xue strolled on the streets of Jing City and saw the hustle bustle of the city scenes. The varied hawkers doing their business and the rowdy haggling that came from them made the corner of her mouth tilt and it emitted a small smile.

    The host has lived in a district that snowed, had very little exercise, had a body in which, when the wind blew would knock her out. This resulted in frequent frostbites which was so painful that you were better off dead. She had to walk more and train her body to be better so that when that happened, she wouldn¡¯t feel as much pain.

    A gentle breeze blew and gracefully lifted her thick, inky ck hair. With the radiance of the sun, she looked even more beautiful. In which, this attracted many onlookers to admire her beauty ¨C her fair skin, her glistening eyes like pristine waters ¨C and wondered, which noble family did she belong to?

    Murong Xue, however, was oblivious to the stares and continued walking. Her distant stare broke the rowdy haggling and the hawkers doing business!

    ¡°Cousin!¡± a sudden enthusiastic voice bore into the scene.

    The voice came from a young man who was wearing a silvery white long robe. He hurried to catch up with her and was soon in front of her, blocking her path. The man took a greedy stare at her beauty before saying, ¡°Xue my cousin! Long time no see! Don¡¯t pretend to ignore me when you¡¯ve already seen me!¡±

    Looking at his spontaneous actions and stare, she raised her brow.

    ¡°Who are you?¡±

    This man knew her name and even called her cousin! But there was no memory of this person in the host.

    The manughed and lifting his chin, as if keen on introducing himself he replied, ¡°I am Du ChenJiang, cousin, surely you have heard of my name!¡±

    Du ChenJiang! Isn¡¯t that the eldest grandson of Du families!

    Every New Year, he and his family woulde to the Zhen country pce as a guest. But because of the fact that the host¡¯s body wasn¡¯t in good condition and the Du family did not take a liking to her, she was never asked to go to the courtyard to meet guests.

    Murong Xue let out a soft ¡°hmm!¡± and continued on her way, her pale green dress robe fluttering in the breeze which brought out the faint feminine scent of herself.

    Du ChenJiang breathed in her scent and his eyes glimmered. Seeing that Murong Xue had passed him and resumed her walk, he hurried to catch up to block her pathway again. He did not bother to hide his gaze admiring her from top to toe or even his gleaming eyes.

    He said, ¡°Xue cousin, don¡¯t walk away from me! Since we¡¯re cousins and hardly meet, let¡¯s chat more!¡±

 Chapter 32 â€“ Beat up her Cousin

    Request: We are looking for an Editor for our team. If anyone is interested, please contact us at

    shizi (ÊÀ×Ó): means ¡°heir son¡°, referring to the heir apparent of qinwang, basically son of the emperor¡¯s brother.

    qinwang: means a prince of first rank or a prince of blood

    ¡°I don¡¯t know you very well, so there¡¯s nothing to talk about!¡± Murong Xue said coldly, on her naturally beautiful face, she wore an icy gleam in her eyes.

    Watching her forged a kind of desire in Du Chenjiang¡¯s heart. He looked at her even more intently with his pervert beady eyes, taking in her full body and face.

    ¡°How can you say that? We¡¯re cousins! You didn¡¯t know me back then, but now you do!¡±

    ¡°Go away!¡± Murong Xue eximed, cutting his babbling and gave him an icy stare: The Du family consists of people who are either avaricious orscivious. She didn¡¯t even want to bother to waste her time talking to such people!

    The passing pedestrians chuckled at the scene. Their silent snickering made Du Chenjiang flushed with embarrassment.

    He red at Murong Xue and said, ¡°Murong Xue, I only feared that you were saddened by the fact that Prince Jing had demeaned you as his concubine so I came over tofort you, don¡¯t give me that rude attitude of yours.....¡±

    When he was a guest at the Zhen Manor, he did identally meet Murong Xue. Her lovely face and petite figure left him with a lustful fervor. The only thing that stopped him was the fact that she was Prince Jing¡¯s wife-to-be. He dared not make a move.

    What he did not expect was that when Prince Jing returned, he turned Murong Xue into a concubine instead, without caring for her feelings. It was obvious that Prince Jing didn¡¯t like her as much as he thought. Even if she has the position of Prince Jing¡¯s concubine, Prince Jing wouldn¡¯t mind if he had some kind of rtionship with her.....

    First time strolling around the city and I meet this prick. Hepletely fouled my mood and what was that terribly constructed excuse he just made, absolutely disgusting£¡

    Murong Xue increased the hostility of her stare, it was like an arrow directing at Du Chenjiang: ¡°Shut up.¡±

    Du Chenjiang felt the hairs on his body stood up: it¡¯s so creepy that this stare is sopelling!

    ¡°Master!¡± his manservant blurted out while shaking his arm. He had seen Murong Xue¡¯s frightful re and thought: Why is the Zhen Manor princess¡¯s stare so terrifying!

    Du Chenjiang returned to his senses. His shame became the rage. How could he, a great man of nobility background, be scared of a weak girl¡¯s re? It was humiliating!

    ¡°Murong Xue, I was teasing you because I regarded you as an equal. Don¡¯t you dare throw that obscene temperament at me....¡±

    As he was speaking, that he stretched his hand to grab MuRong Xue.

    She sensed it and dodged his hand. She then lifted her leg and swiftly kicked the lower part of his body forcefully.

    Du Chenjiang was unprepared and was kicked in the groin. He backed away 2, 3 meters and fell with a heavy thump on the ground. Clutching his abdomen, he shouted with pain: ¡°Ahh...it hurts...!¡±

    Murong Xue pulled back her leg and peered at him rolling on the ground in pain. She wore the same icy look on her face.

    ¡°Master!¡± Du Chenjiang¡¯s manservant eximed as he regained his senses. He then quickly ran over to help him up.

    Du Chenjiang, supported by his manservant, was holding his groin, his face pale with misery.

    With his lips quivering and his eyes ring at her, he said, ¡°Murong Xue, just you wait! I will never let you off!¡±

    ¡°Scram!¡±

    Murong Xue kicked a stone and sent it flying towards him. It hit him squarely on the forehead, leaving a swell. It was all too much for Du Chenjiang to bear, he had tears in his eyes and he immediately fell silent. He could only furiously re at her as his manservant carried him to the nearest medical clinic.

    Finally, the nuisance is gone!

    The corner of Murong Xue¡¯s mouth tilted to reveal a smile and she turned to go on with her walk-

    ¡°Bang!¡±

    Only to crash into a human wall.

    She was in pain and her tears rolled down uncontrobly.

    She paced quickly backward and saw the culprit¡¯s handsome face.

    Frowning, she asked, ¡°When did you get here?¡±

    ¡°Just now!¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied, staring down at her embarrassed face. His jet-ck diamond eyes gleamed with a tinge of humor as he stepped forward, holding a handkerchief and tried to gently wipe away the tears on her face: He was already there when she met Du Chenjiang, seeing that he wasn¡¯t her opponent and that she had taught him a lesson, he didn¡¯t intervene.

    When Murong Xue felt the tender touch of his hand, she regained her senses and realized that she was looking at Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face at a very close distance. Her eyes swept across nervously and grabbed the handkerchief: ¡°Sorry for troubling you, your highness....Allow me to do it myself....did you follow me?¡±

    Having the handkerchief snatched from him, his expression turned slightly downcast. He put down his hand and lightly shook his head: ¡°No, I had some errands to attend to and coincidentally passed by here!¡±

    Wiping away her tears, Murong Xue asked, ¡°Where are you off to attend your errands?¡±

    ¡°Zhuque Street.¡± he said calmly.

    Zhen Manor was at Changxing Street, Zhuque Street was just a street apart ....

    ¡°It¡¯s already noon and I¡¯m going to the restaurant to have my meal. If your royal highness has anything urgent to attend to then hurry on to Zhuque Street!¡± she replied, smiling sweetly and hurried towards Yueyang Restaurant: Even if he was really going to Zhuque Street to attend to errands or not, he couldn¡¯t possibly be going to the same ce as her now!

    Ouyang Shaochen looked on as she ran ahead. He gazed at her, deep in puzzled thought: Why did she always try to avoid him as if he were scorpions or snakes?

    In the dining hall of Yueyang Restaurant, the waiters bnced trays and shuttled back and forth. The ce was filled with all kinds of delicious food smells that sent people drooling. The shopkeeper stood behind the counter, tick-tocking his abacus. He smiled as he saw the thick book of financial records.

    ¡°Are there still any private rooms left?¡± Murong Xue stood in front of the counter asking in a soft voice: The dining hall was already full, if she wanted to have her meal, she would have to book a private room.

    I¡¯m sorry Madam, our private rooms are fully upied.¡± The shopkeeper replied her politely with a smile.

    Murong Xue scowled slightly, there are no avable seats in the dining hall and the private rooms are fully upied, seems like she has to go somewhere else.

    ¡°Xue Er!¡± Ouyang Shaochen walked elegantly into the dining hall, the exquisite flower pattern on his clothing resonate his noble status.

    The crowded dining hall had suddenlye into a silence. The people stared at him with admiration.

    ¡°Who is this young man? He looks extraordinarily handsome...¡±

    ¡°It seems like he is the shizi who just came back to the town, Ouyang Shaochen...¡±

    ¡°He is Ouyang shizi, he is indeed as impressive as he is reputed to be...¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen ignored the discussion of the crowd and walked slowly toward Murong Xue.

    Looking straight at him, Murong Xue asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you go to the Zhuque Street to get your things done?¡±

    ¡°The person in charge is not in. I¡¯ve booked a private room on the second floor to wait him. If you want to have your meal, you cane with me.¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at her gently.

    Murong Xue frowned a little. The dining hall is crowded with people, and the private rooms are fully upied. If she rejects his offer, she will definitely have to wait for a long time.

    Ouyang Shaochen has actually made a reservation for the private room earlier on, which means that he is not tracking her. Thinking that there is no harm to have a meal in the private room with him, she said ¡°Thanks, shizi!¡±

 Chapter 33 â€“ Confrontation at the Restaurant

    ¡°Okay.¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied, with a smile in his eye that vanished immediately.

    ¡°Pleasee with me, this way.¡± The waiter ushered Murong Xue and Ouyang Shaochen up to the second floor.

    A youngdy is sitting in the Lan¡¯s Room on the second floor, she was wearing a purple dress, with a perfect body line and strikingly beautiful face. She is the princess from Mobei, Qin Yuyuan. The people were praising her in a low voice; she put down the chopsticks and nced at Ouyang Shaochen as he walked up the stairs.

    The perfection of his jawline and his charming face can hardly make people take their eyes off him. His mesmerizing eyes and dark pupils... everything in him is just perfect.

    He really is the carefree king¡¯s heir!

    In the northern Mongolian deserts, she met Ouyang Shaochen several times. She got to know that he was talented in many ways ¨C in literary, martial arts, painting, chess-ying. The talents that he possessed very much exceeded all those who tried topete with him.

    There was one thing, however ¨C he never approached women.

    No matter how beautiful or elegant they were, even if they were standing in front of him, he wouldn¡¯t take notice of them. The cold, distant face of his which seemed to reject all those around him, left the women in the desert heart-broken.

    Yet she heard Ouyang Shaochen invites a girl to his private room to eat with him!

    It was astonishing! Who was this mysterious girl who made him change his attitude towards females!

    Her observing eyes swept towards Ouyang Shaochen. She saw that beside him was a girl whose face was as beautiful as blossoms, who had eyes like pristine waters, hair like dark clouds and on her dress, life-like flowers embroidered onto it. Her graceful movement was matched with the smooth fair skin of hers. She emanated a radiant, youthful aura!

    Murong Xue! How could it be her!

    Didn¡¯t Yi Chen unexpectedly abandon her, the one who was always sick? How did she gain the favour of Ouyang Shaochen who never went near women?

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s beautiful eyes squinted: Could she has performed some extraordinary acts on him?

    It seems right, how can the young miss of Zhen Manor be a concubine to anyone? YiChen is the Prince of War. In the whole of Qingyan, you cannot find many talented people like him. Since Murong Xue already has him as a future husband, naturally, she wouldn¡¯t want to be with just any simple folk.

    Despite that, she and Yi Chen have a mutual beneficial rtionship. Yi Chen would never let her marry Ouyang Shaochen! The carefree royalty parents of Ouyang Shaochen would also, never ept a woman who has been divorced. Murong Xue is destined to be the Y iChen¡¯s concubine!

    Being a concubine should have its limits! How could she cheat her future husband to seduce men outside!

    Yi Chen may not be in Yueyang Restaurant, but allow her, the future queen of Qingyan, to let Murong Xue know her position and where she truly belongs to!

    The Meixiang private room Ouyang Shaochen had booked was avish room with a ck marbled floor so shiny that you could even see your reflection in it. The tables and chairs were made up of rose wood; the handiwork on it was exceptionally good.

    Murong Xue casually sat in front of the round table and scanned the menu. She then ordered some of the signature dishes rmended by the restaurant. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a white robe.

    ¡°Since you didn¡¯t eat anything back in the pce, you should order something,¡± she casually suggested.

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry; I¡¯ll just have some wine!¡± Ouyang Shaochen responded.

    ¡°Alright then, please wait briefly while we prepare your order!¡± the waiter said smiling as he proceeded to pace quickly out of the room.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you have errands to attend to at Zhuque Street? Why are you drinking wine here? It wouldn¡¯t be good if you happen to get drunk and make a scene.¡± Murong Xue said while she poured Ouyang Shaochen and herself some tea.

    The corner of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth broke to reveal a smile, ¡°This wine is made from Qiong flowers. It¡¯s said to be wine but doesn¡¯t have a much alcoholic smell. It¡¯s also fragrant and it doesn¡¯t make you drunk easily. Single women like to drink this.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue¡¯s eyes glimmered. She didn¡¯t like the bitterness and rich taste of wine in this era. Back in the modern world, she only drank red wine and champagne. Upon entering the Qingyan country, she only saw different types of white wine and all of them were bitter and rich in vor. Because of that, she canceled the thought of enjoying wine. She did not expect to find any wine that wasn¡¯t bitter or rich in Qingyan until Ouyang Shaochen mentioned about that wine.

    Seeing her glistening eyes, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes were tinged with humour: ¡°You can try some when it gets here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Murong Xue smiled delightfully. If that wine really wasn¡¯t too rich in vour, she could drink a ss before she went to bed every day, like what she did in the modern world with red wine.

    ¡°Heir of Ouyang and Miss Murong!¡± a gentle voice called out.

    Murong Xue snapped out of her reverie and turned towards the direction of the voice. There she saw Qin Yuyuan and her maidservant walking towards them. Her face was as alluring as flowers and on her face, she wore a friendly smile. She was dressed in an elegant long dress which swept the floor as she walked, leaving faint trails behind.

    How did I wind up meeting her? What a small world!

    Murong Xue frowned and with an expressionless tone, she said, ¡°Princess Qin, have youe to Yueyang Restaurant to have your meal too?¡±

    ¡°Yes...and no,¡± Qin YuYuan let out a small smile: ¡°I heard that the women in Qingyan were beautiful, smart and talented. So I came to Yueyang Restaurant to learn musical skills from them.¡±

    It turns out that Yueyang Restaurant was not only a dining ce but also a ce to disy artistic talents. The noble people of Jing City, especially the rich single women liked to gather in the private rooms. There they would happilypete and learn from one another in many things ¨C ying musical instruments, writing poems, making arts.

    ¡°I have alreadypeted with a few people and my Yangqin musical skills have improved in some measure. Murong Xue is the young miss of Zhen Manor, I¡¯m sure you also know how to y the Yangqin. Could you possibly teach me a few tips for ying?¡± Qin Yuyuan said eyeing at Murong Xue, maintaining her smile.

    Qin Yuyuan is the princess of the northern Mongolian deserts and also the future wife of Prince Jing. The citizens of Jing City had long spread the news about her beauty and musical talents. Her musical skills in Yangqin were so remarkable that even the cranes flew down to witness her ying. Why would she even need tips then?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Princess Qin but I don¡¯t know how to y! So I can¡¯t possibly teach you anything!¡± Murong Xue responded, rejecting Qin Yuyuan¡¯s request.

    Qin YuYuan did not seem to be bothered by the rejection. Still, she smiled and replied, ¡°Miss Murong, you must be joking, the mistress of Zhen Manor was the most talented woman in Jing City. No one could beat her. And as her daughter, how could you not know how to y....?¡±

    Murong Xue sneered at her remark. The host¡¯s mother had passed away when she was just 4 years old, how could she have taught her any of her skills? After that, she got frostbite in the snow and was frequently sick. Before the age of 10, she had spent the majority of her life lying on the bed, how could she even learn any artistic skills?

    Ye Yi Chen had known that Murong Xue had gotten frostbite and naturally he knew that she had no artistic skills. And as his future wife to be, Qin Yuyuan must have known that. Yet, she had asked her to give her tips on musical skills in front of everyone. She was obviously challenging her and wanted her to make a fool out of herself.

    She has been here just to have a meal. So why was she purposely giving her a hard time?

 Chapter 34 â€“ Competition

    Chapter 34 ¨C Competition

    By admin | December 10, 201613 Comments

    Two beautiful girls, one standing and the other sitting ¨C this was a scene to behold. The customers who were having their meal were in high-spirits. In groups, they gathered and started a discussion among themselves: ¡°The one standing is the princess of the northern Mongolian deserts, Qin Yuyuan.

    ¡°She is very elegant and alluring. Who is the one sitting? She has such a beautiful face.....¡±

    ¡°Did you not hear that the princess had said the one sitting is the Zhen Country Queen¡¯s daughter?¡±

    ¡°She is Murong Xue. She was the one who was demeaned to a concubine instead....¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue, though her face is pale and she possesses a weak body but she has a youthful aura and she seems prettier than Princess Qin.......¡±

    Murong Xue, prettier than her? A hint of gloominess appeared in Qin Yuyuan¡¯s eyes and then vanished in an instant.

    ¡°Lady Murong (Queen of Zhen Country) was unbeatable. Murong Xue must have inherited her skills. But she keeps declining, iming that her skills aren¡¯t good. Is it because she thinks Princess Qin¡¯s skills are so poor that she doesn¡¯t deserve to even learn from her?¡± the voices of exchange rambled on, a third of them were quiet, another somber and the other argued on fiercely.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s jet-ck diamond-like eyes were quiet, he stared at Qin Yuyuan coldly. He was about to open his mouth to say something when Murong Xue stopped him and smiled at Qin Yuyuan.

    To force Murong Xue topete with her, she had brought up her host¡¯s deceased mother who had passed away 10 years ago. If she didn¡¯tply, maybe she would¡¯ve even brought up the topic of the host¡¯s ancestors!

    As a descendant, she couldn¡¯t help them restore their former glory. But she will not let them not rest in peace. It¡¯s only a matter of ying the Yangqin, she will oblige!

    ¡°A simplepetition is too boring, what about if we bet on something?¡±

    Qin Yuyuan smiled. That means she has agreed to y.

    ¡°What should we bet on then?¡±

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s purpose was to just force Murong Xue to y the Yangqin, so Murong Xue can make all the rules she likes. The more rules she makes, the more she would be humiliated in front of everyone!

    ¡°Let¡¯s bet on the Yangqin you have!¡± MuRong Xue said, ¡°It looks like a Jiaowei Yangqin, if I win, it shall be mine......¡±

    * Jiaowei Yangqin is a type of Yangqin (a traditional Chinese musical instrument)

    Win? Such guts!

    Qin Yuyuan has met many gifted yers in the desert but none of which who could beat her!

    Qin Yuyuan looked at Murong Xue, ¡°What if you lose?¡±

    ¡°I will pay you a Yangqin with the same value as a Jiaowei Yangqin!¡± Murong Xue responded with a serious tone.

    ¡°Deal!¡± Qin Yuyuan¡¯s eyes gleamed. She wasn¡¯t interested in what she would pay her when she lost.

    Instead, she just wanted to see the result of Murong Xue losing. If there was something that could make people remember that Murong Xue¡¯s skills were not like they had expected, it was her obligation to do so.

    ¡°Deal!¡± Murong Xue replied readily. She looked out the door with the corner of her eye: ¡°Waiter, bring me a Yangqin!¡±

    Qin Yuyuan returned to the Lanxiang private room, in which the door was opened, and sat in front of her Jiaowei Yangqin. The waiter went into Meixiang private room to deliver the Yangqin and ced it in front of Murong Xue.

    At that moment, the atmosphere at Yueyang Restaurant instantly became uproarious.

    Who is Qin Yuyuan? She is the princess of the northern Mongolian deserts, Prince Jing¡¯s wife-to- be and the future queen of Qingyan!

    Then who is Murong Xue? She is the first daughter of the Zhen Country queen. She was initially the first wife-to-be of Prince Jing. However, Prince Jing demeaned her to a concubine; she was set up by Qin Yuyuan. But she didn¡¯t want to be a concubine and did not want to be recognized as that position.....

    The future queen of Qingyan and the first wife-to- be of Prince Jing met and now they¡¯re going topete! Even if theypete because they¡¯re jealous of each other or it was to just purely to disy their skills, this would be an impressive match!

    It is so rare to see two remarkably beautiful womenpeting with each other, even if you¡¯re just passing by, you mustn¡¯t miss this!

    The customers in the dining hall put down their bowls and chopsticks and looked towards the direction of the two private rooms. Their eyes filled with anticipation. The other customers who were in their separate private rooms opened their doors and came out to witness the asion too.

    Qin Yuyuan gently tuned her instrument and fixed a smile at Murong Xue: ¡°Guests first, why you don¡¯t take the lead?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Murong Xue shook her head, her eyes glistening, ¡°Let¡¯s y together!¡±

    Qin Yuyuan was aghast! Under normal circumstances, the Yangqin was meant to be yed one after another. This was to let the observerspare who yed it better and yet, Murong Xue wants to y it with her at the same time? Does she not know that the weaker of the two would certainly be outyed by the stronger one? This would only emphasize how dreadful the ying of the weaker one was.

    She must be pretty reckless; does she have a death wish? I shall grant her wish!

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s y together then! You first!¡±

    ¡°No Princess Qin, you first!¡± Murong Xue smiled politely; her small pale hands were ced on the strings.

    ¡°Xue!¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at Murong Xue, his dark eyes showing concern- he had heard Qin Yuyuan yed before, she was outstanding.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I might not lose!¡± Murong Xue smiled; her eyes were sparkling with excitement. She seemed really confident. The corner of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth tilted to reveal a smile. Even if she lost, as long as he was here, she would not be in any harm or be wronged in any way!

    ¡°Vong!¡± Qin Yuyuan plucked the strings of her Yangqin.

    She started first as she was disgusted with their intimate exchange. Her slender fingers plucked the Yangqin with great speed. Music streamed out melodiously. The observers were left astounded- this music should only be yed in Heaven itself! We, mere mortals wouldn¡¯t be able toprehend and appreciate it! Princess Qin really has remarkable skills!

    ¡°Vong!¡± Murong Xue followed, music streamed out harmoniously. The observers nodded their heads; her skills were pretty good but not as good as Princess Qin. However, she did manage to express the charm of the tune exquisitely.

    Seeing that Murong Xue managed to win the admiration of the crowd, Qin YuYuan narrowed her eyes and took a turn in her ying. The clear melodious tune turned into a sorrowfulposition.

    Almost immediately, it took effect and Yueyang Restaurant was filled with mncholy. The men were expressionless and continued to drink their wine. However, the women had tears in both eyes and were gently wiping them.....

    The fact that she made the crowd shed tears, made her smiled proudly: to make people cry listening to music is considered as the highest achievement of ying Yangqin, she could do it so easily,

    MuRong Xue still needs tens of years of practice to achieve that.....

    Sensing Qin Yuyuan¡¯s challenge, Murong Xue smirked. With her eyes glistening, she began plucking the YangQin with impable speed. A sudden wind arose and it was like the waters of the Yellow River gushes forward, it was like thousands of horses galloping together. The ying was so powerful and much louder that it made Qin Yuyuan¡¯s ying almost inaudible. Throughout the whole restaurant, one could only hear the more powerful andpelling ying of Murong Xue.

    Qin YuYuan¡¯s face turned pale, she red furiously at Murong Xue: So this was her idea all along! She knew she couldn¡¯t beat her so she purposely yed the higher note to make her ying less audible. Even if her ying was remarkable, people might not be able to hear it, that means she would lose. Such a disgusting tactic! Murong Xue met her re, her mouth still smirking, as if to say: ¡°Try ying an even higher note to make my ying less audible, if you can.¡±

    Qin YuYuan¡¯s expression darkened. She had met many yers who did the same thing, but not one who could do it as well as Murong Xue.......

    She knew she couldn¡¯t make Murong Xue¡¯s ying less audible. But she could use other ways to win.....

    Qin YuYuan¡¯s mouth curved into a curious smile, her slender fingers furiously plucked at her Yangqin, the delicate music hid an ominous energy that was propelled towards the direction of Murong Xue......

 Chapter 35 â€“ Who Wins and Who Loses

    It was a killing weapon!

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes turned icy. He held the teacup, a de of ice formed and floated to the surface of the tea. He had prepared it to save Murong Xue.

    Unexpectedly, Murong Xue saw iting. She hugged her Yangqin and swiftly turned into her body the nick of time to evade the ominous energy.

    ¡°Vong!¡± the energy struck the wall and splinters of wood exploded out of it.

    As a result, long, thin marks were etched onto the wall. It had exposed the cement behind the wall.

    The crowd gasped as they saw the deep markings left behind.

    Murong Xue had escaped, unhurt. There was a tinge of amusement in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes. He loosened his grip on his teacup and the ice de turned into harmless tea water.

    Using the Yangqin as a murder weapon, Qin Yuyuan¡¯s skills were truly staggering. If that had hit her own arm, it would have splintered the flesh to the bone, making her unable to y any longer.

    Since she couldn¡¯t outy her, she sent a weapon spiraling towards her. She had used such a despicable tactic to win...I won¡¯t treat her with courtesy any longer!

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curved to reveal a sneer. She ced her hand on her Yangqin and lightly plucked. The melodious music drifted, a note was fling towards Qin Yuyuan. In it, a sinister weapon was hidden.

    ¡°Thunk!¡± the weapon met another note drifting and coincided! It disappeared but the musical note reflected towards the Meixiang private room.

    Qin Yuyuan squinted, gazing intently and saw that the musical note was held at the strings of Murong Xue¡¯s Yangqin. That same note repelled hers but it also went back to her Yangqin.

    She knew that the strings had certain sticity. But the most skilled yers could only fling a note half a meter across. The two private rooms were 8 to 9 meters apart; the repellence was met in the middle of the two rooms. The note was flung at least 4 to 5 meters across! Murong Xue was no simpleton.

    She hadn¡¯t met such a strong opponent in a long time; inside, she was boiling with excitement!

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s mouth tilted, it revealed a half-smile. Her slender fingers swiftly glided across the Yangqin, streaming out music but at the same time, daggers of malignant energy were strung out, mercilessly aiming at Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue raised both her brows, her fingers glided across faster on her Yangqin, making it pour out fleeting music, des of energy gathered within the strings. She then tossed it across to Qin Yuyuan!

    ¡°Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!¡± the notes and the energy shed and coincided together in midair, slicing through walls, railings, wooden doors, banisters, making it rain splinters of wood and dust. Some of which ricocheted into the dining hall.

    The ones in the dining hall had left their seats but did not leave the restaurant. They ran and hid at the foot of the wall. With eyes gleaming with excitement, they craned their necks to try to witness the event.

    In the air, rhythmic music drifted, but in the front lines, des of ominous energy were at war. Thispetition of music ying and fighting was a rare and fascinating scene to behold. Even if it was the end of the world, one mustn¡¯t miss it!

    Qin Yuyuan gently stroked the strings, soothing music came streaming out. The crowd became captivated but then grieved at the sound of it too.

    Sinister des of energy came jetting out with the flow of music. The first few des came in loose order, the rest came one after another with dizzying speed.

    Murong Xue quickened her pace in ying, the notes became higher and morepelling, bringing a powerful emanation into the air.....

    The notes, hovered in mid-air as if dancing, were actually almost as fast as light. The crowd couldn¡¯t even see how many strokes there were. The notes continued its dance as the energy repelled each other again and again. However, they were slowly getting closer towards Qin Yuyuan.....

    The tune was almost at its end when Murong Xue heightened her ying, her ying got faster and faster. Without toleration, Qin Yuyuan red at her and did the same. Sheunched a blinding white light towards Murong Xue......

    Qin Yuyuan has already prepared tounch her ultimate weapon! Despicable!

    Is that stream of white light a silver needle or a dagger..?

    No matter, it doesn¡¯t matter; Qin Yuyuan wants to win doesn¡¯t she? She will never let her!

    Murong Xue¡¯s gaze turned icy, her hand made a sudden stroke and a note was sent flying directly at that blinding light. The light was deflected so fast that the crowd couldn¡¯t quite get a glimpse of it.

    With blinding speed, it sliced through the Jiaowei Yangqin!

    ¡°Twang! Twang! Twang!¡± the strings of the Jiaowei Yangqin were sliced clean!

    ¡°Vong!¡± the drifting energy that broke the strings returned to Murong Xue¡¯s Yangqin. Its lengthy tail drifted in the air for a moment before returning.

    With that, Murong Xue ended the tune!

    Gazing at the Lanxiang private room, she saw Qin Yuyuan sitting stoned-faced. Her slender hands were still in mid-air. She was staring at her Jiaowei Yangqin. The strings had all been sliced-through and were scattered on her Jiaowei Yangqin. She didn¡¯t even get to finish thest few notes of the tune and she will never be able to do it now.....

    Yueyang Restaurant became hushed. The crowds were looking at one another, astonished: This was thepetition between the future queen of Qinyang and the first wife-to-be of Prince Jing, it was incredible!

    Suddenly someone in the crowd shouted, ¡°Incredible!¡±, and the other customers returned to their senses started shouting praises too. Yueyang Restaurant was in a frenzy, their shouts and cheers shook the heavens.......

    They gathered together in groups and started debating among themselves: ¡°Thispetition, who won? Who lost?¡±

    ¡°Needless to say, Princess Qin lost and Miss Murong won......¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, Princess Qin¡¯s ying was excellent and her skills were better than Miss Murong.

    ¡°However, Princess Qin¡¯s ying was turned barely audible by Miss Murong and she didn¡¯t even finish thest few notes, of course she lost..... ¡±

    Murong Xue smiled while looking at Qin Yuyuan: ¡°Princess Qin, do you have any objection regarding the result of thispetition?¡±

    Most of the customers in Yueyang Restaurant were people who do not y the Yangqin, but there were some of noble background who did. The result was evaluated by them. How could she object?

    ¡°No!¡± Qin Yuyuan replied with a gentle voice though there was a measure of resistance in it.

    ¡°Well, then your JiaoWei Yangqin belongs to me now!¡± Murong Xue said as she navigated through the crowd.

    Gracefully, she walked towards Qin Yuyuan and untingly hugged her newly-owned Jiaowei Yangqin.

    She smiled and said, ¡°Thank you Princess Qin!¡±

    Qin Yuyuan go livid inside. Under her long sleeve, her hand curled into a fist: She was the desert¡¯s goddess of music, how could she lose in ying Yangqin, moreover, to Murong Xue who possessed an average skill! It was humiliating.......

    ¡°Princess Qin, are you reluctant to give away your Jiaowei Yangqin?¡± Murong Xue asked, looking at her with her innocent eyes.

    In Qin Yuyuan eyes, she saw a deep hatred boiling.

    That Jiaowei Yangqin was hers; of course she was reluctant to give it away. But Murong Xue had won in front of a public crowd, if she had said she was, it would¡¯ve meant that she had cowardly backed out of the deal made initially. The citizens of Qingyan city would despise and ridicule her for not keeping her promise...........

 Chapter 36 â€“ Jealousy

    shizi (ÊÀ×Ó): means ¡°heir son¡°, referring to the heir apparent of qinwang

    qinwang: means a prince of first rank or a prince of blood

    ¡°Of course not! I have always kept my promises. Since you¡¯ve won, this Jiaowei Yangqin is yours!¡± Qin Yuyuan calmly replied, a hint of arrogance in her eyes: It¡¯s just a Jiaowei Yangqin, I can afford to lose that.

    ¡°Many thanks, Princess Qin!¡± Murong Xue said; her small hands touched the broken strings. She raised a brow and said: ¡°All the strings are broken, even if I did bring it home, I can¡¯t y it.......¡±

    ¡°You can always buy new strings to rece them. After that, you can y it again.¡± Ouyang Shaochen gently replied as he approached her.

    Murong Xue frowned: ¡°Jiaowei Yangqin is a famous ssical Yangqin. Normal strings wouldn¡¯t suit it. Even if I yed with normal strings, the sound would be awful.......¡±

    Gazing at her gloomy face, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes lit with humour and he calmly said: ¡°I know of a professional Yangqin maker, I could ask him if he has any strings for a Jiaowei Yangqin!¡±

    ¡°Thank you very much Ouyang shizi!¡± Murong Xue eximed, her expression brightening. Jiaowei Yangqin was a rare kind and she had won it with much effort. It would be a shame if there were no suitable strings for it. If there were, she could get it fixed up and take it out anytime to taunt Qin Yuyuan.

    Looking at her radiant smile, the corner of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth curled into a smile. His eyes shone with a gentle and affectionate gleam.

    In which, all of this made Qin Yuyuan¡¯s expression turned sour:

    In her opinion, Ouyang Shaochen was an elegant and serious man. When he was in the northern Mongolian deserts, her father, who was the king, sent for him. He wore an icy, distant demeanour when he met her father. So why was he so friendly and amiable when he was talking to Murong Xue? Moreover, he disyed such a heart-warming smile to her.

    Isn¡¯t Murong Xue the girl that Yichen (Prince Jing) abandoned, the one who is destined to be Qin pce¡¯s future concubine? Then isn¡¯t Ouyang Shaochen supposed to despise and be disgusted by her........?

    ¡°Princess, why is yourplexion so pale? Are you feeling okay?¡± a clear voice broke her deep thoughts.

    Qin Yuyuan frowned and replied in an impatient tone, ¡°Oh it¡¯s nothing! Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯m too tired!¡±

    The resentment in her eyes quickly vaporized but Murong Xue had already seen it.

    She smirked and said, ¡°Princess Qin, you must have exerted too much energy in the ying. Waiter, is my order done? Serve some of it over to Princess Qin to let her regain her energy!¡±

    Murong Xue is just trying to ridicule me! Saying that I had drained my energy ying and yet, I have lost to her!

    Qin Yuyuan shot an icy re at Murong Xue¡¯s direction.

    Murong Xue pretended not to see it and slowly walked towards the railing. Looking at the dining hall, she said, ¡°Storekeeper, please calcte the damages done to the walls, railings, wooden doors, banisters and send the bill to the Zhen Manor.¡±

    She didn¡¯t have the habit of bringing silver coins with her. She could only let them im it at the pce.

    ¡°Much thanks, Miss Murong!¡± The storepkeeper¡¯s eyes shone.

    The battle had been fierce and the many assets destroyed in the process were invaluable. However, one was the princess of the deserts and the other was the young miss of the influential Zhen Manor; both were of high social status. He did not dare to ask forpensation for the fear of provoking them!

    ¡®Storekeeper you¡¯re wee, as the things were destroyed by me, it is by nature topensate you!¡¯ Murong Xue smiled gently then went down while carrying her Yangqin.

    Everyone parted a way for her, while looking at her with eyes full of appreciation, noble and polite, knowing how to give and take, she is worthy of her status of being the Zhen Manor¡¯s young miss, unlike the person in the blue booth, gave a bad attitude even after destroying properties.

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s expression became stiffed, a cunning look shed through her eyes, when her first music kill trick spoiled the walls, she had thought topensate the storekeeper, taking the advantage to illustrate her own gentleness and dignity.

    Never thought that, Murong Xue would win, this send her mind into chaos, temporary neglected this incident that gave Murong Xue the opportunity to lead: ¡®The things in Moon Establishment(what was previously known as Yueyang Resturaunt), I have destroyed the most, its more appropriate for me topensation!¡¯

    Murong Xue stopped her footsteps, raised her head and look towards the blue booth, smiled while saying: ¡°Princess Qin has lost her Jiaowei Yangqin, how could I still let you spend; Let me pay for thepensation!¡¯

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s polite smile immediately froze; the anger in her eyes could almost inte: She is taunting me again! It is so hateful!

    Murong Xue turned a blind eye, unhurriedly spoke: ¡°Princess Qin, I have other appointment, therefore I will leave first, see you soon!¡±

    She gave a wavelike posture towards Qin Yuyuan¡¯s direction, Murong Xue leisurely walked out of Moon Establishment, the beautiful sunlight shined on her body, unexinably warm andfortable, the corner of her lips tilted up:

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s cunning trick did not gave her a lesson, but in turn humiliated herself, even losing her most beloved Yangqin, she must be enraged, by my continuous act of taunting her, would definitely explode her lungs by rage.

    ¡°Is the Yangqin heavy?¡± a clear voice sounded out, Ouyang Shao Chen walked leisurely over.

    Murong Xue came back from her thoughts immediately, lightly nodded her head: ¡°It is quite heavy!¡± her shoulders have started to ache even though she had carried it for only a few minutes.

    ¡°Let me help you.¡± Ouyang Shaochen lightly said.

    ¡°I have to trouble you then!¡± Murong Xue blinked her eyes, then passed on the Yangqin to Ouyang Shaochen, the distance to Zhen Manor is not short, by the time she carries the Yangqin home, both her shoulders would be extremely sore till she couldn¡¯t lift it up, Ouyang Shao Chen¡¯s martial arts are admirable, carrying the Yangqin would be easypare to her.

    Ouyang Shaochen took over the Yangqin, and passed it behind.

    While Murong Xue doubts, she only saw a young man in white suddenly appeared, took over the Yangqin and easily handled it.

    Mu Rong Xue blinked her eyes hardly, and yet she still sees a man holding a Yangqin, slowly lifting his head, with sharped eyes, delicate facial features, and a slight arrogance is entangled in between his eyebrows.

    So this is the dark guardian as mentioned in the legends? They really appear out of nowhere! And in this bright, sunny day, where could they hide?

    A white sleeve drifted into her vision, blocking her view. Gazing upwards, she saw that she was looking into the fathomless eyes of Ouyang Shaochen, his pupils reflected her silhouette: ¡°What are you looking at?¡±

    Murong Xue broke her gaze and her eyes swept from side to side: ¡°Nothing. Is he your bodyguard?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen calmly said yes and grabbed her wrist, pulling her to move forward: After Xun Feng (the bodyguard of Ouyang Shaochen) appeared, her gaze was fixed intently on him, and she didn¡¯t even bother to look at him. Was Xun Feng better-looking than him?

    Murong Xue¡¯s focus was on the bodyguard and nothing else. Eagerly, she asked, ¡°Your highness, what is your bodyguard¡¯s name?¡±

    ¡°................¡±

    ¡°How long has he been with you?¡±

    ¡°................¡±

    Why did she keep enquiring about Xun Feng? Was Xun Feng more attractive than him?

    Ouyang Shaochen turned and lightly raised his brow at Xun Feng.

    It was like an invisible force that was pressuring Xun Feng. He trembled and secretly sighed inside his heart, Your highness, this has nothing to do with me!

    The corner of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eye observed that Murong Xue was about to ask more questions about his bodyguard. His expression turned slightly downcasted and coldly he said, ¡°We¡¯ve arrived at the Zhen Manor!¡±

    Editor¡¯s note: For those of you confused, Ouyang Shaochen is referred in the raws as shizi, which means royal highness in English. Ouyang Shaochen is part of the imperial n, meaning his father is rted to the emperor in some way (most likely his brother). Though he is referred to as prince, he is not the son of the emperor, but his father does hold an important position in the Imperial n. (The Chinese peerage system is extremelyplicated and very different than the European monarchy system.) Also, to clear the confusion, there was a mistake in the previous trantions, Murong Xue is the young miss of the Zhen Manor, not a princess.

    If you have any other questions or concerns, pleasement and I¡¯ll try to answer it the best of my ability.

 Chapter 37 â€“ Secret Dating

    Murong Xue took another step and lifted her head to look up. She saw a magnificent emerald-tiled pce in front of her. At the entrance, there were gold letters that glittered in the sunlight that read, ¡°Zhen Manor¡±.

    She had reached home.

    ¡°Thank you, your highness for sending me home!¡± Murong Xue said with a smile, her hand stretched towards Xun Feng, ready to take her imed prize.

    Xun Feng¡¯s eyes glistened. With a swift movement, he handed the Jiaowei Yangqin to the bodyguard at the entrance and disappeared without a trace within the blink of an eye.

    Murong Xue blinked, though she could clearly sense a few people passing by, she could not detect any trace of the bodyguard. Her eyes shone with curiosity; bodyguards truly deserve to be recognised for their skill ¨C appearing out of nowhere and disappearing again without a trace, making it impossible for people to prepare themselves for an assault from them.....

    Looking at her eyes sparkling made Ouyang Shaochen even more depressed. He had already gone and yet, she was still looking at the direction he disappeared to. Was she really that interested in Xun Feng?

    ¡°This is the wine you wanted to try, bring it back to have a taste!¡± Ouyang Shaochen grabbed Murong Xue¡¯s small hand and ced a small wine bottle into it. His mannerism seemed rough, as if he didn¡¯t know how to properly treat a girl.

    A dull pain passed from her hand and it jolted her to her senses again. Looking at the sealed bottle, she was startled.

    At first, she was battling with Qin Yuyuan, and then she saw his mysterious bodyguard. She hadpletely forgotten about the wine. Unexpectedly, Ouyang Shaochen still remembered.

    ¡°Thank you very much, Your Highness........Your Highness, do you have many bodyguards like him?¡±

    She was talking about Xun Feng again!

    Inside, Ouyang Shaochen furrowed his brow.

    Impatiently, he replied, ¡°Do you want me to hand Xun Feng over to you?¡± His voice obviously disying sarcasm.

    Murong Xue shook her head, ¡°This won¡¯t be necessary. My ce is quite peaceful, I don¡¯t need such an aplished bodyguard. I¡¯m just very curious about their skill of appearing and disappearing without a trace!¡±

    Ah, so she wasn¡¯t interested in Xun Feng, she was just curious about his bodyguards!

    Hiding in oblivion, Xun Feng let out a sigh in relief. Luckily she had exined, or else, upon returning to the pce, he wouldn¡¯t be let off the hook easily.

    The gloominess in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes vanished and his pupils returned to their normal unfathomable state.

    ¡°What they can do, is indeed a unique skill. If you want to know more, you cane to my pce anytime!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, your highness!¡± Murong Xue smiled delightfully.

    Ancient martial arts are soplicated yet splendid. Learning more about it would be a wise decision.....

    The faint smell of bamboo ink encircled her nose and she was suddenly reminded of her sickness.

    ¡°Your highness, do you still have any fire lotus seeds? If it¡¯s convenient for you, I would like to buy all of them!¡±

    Whenever her sickness strikes, she has to take fire lotus seeds to help herself. She had no hope of gaining any of them from Ye Yichen (Prince Jing). All the other fire lotus seeds in her area were purchased by Zhen Manor. However, they were all destroyed by Qinyang¡¯s bodyguard. So far, she could only take the ones Ouyang Shaochen had given her.

    Looking at her earnest face, pity formed inside Ouyang Shaochen. From his sleeve, he took out a white porcin bottle and gave it to her.

    ¡°I initially had 3 fire lotus seeds; I gave you onest night. Now there are only 2 left, there you go!¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much, your highness!¡± Murong Xue got hold of the bottle from him, her delicate hands lightly touching it. She raised her brow: So there are only 2 left? Her attacks were unpredictable. Every time it happened, she must take them. Two was far from enough!

    ¡°Your highness, do you know of this medicinal herb named Diyang Cao?¡±

    ¡°Diyang Cao?¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes had a glimmer of surprise, then it vanished and returned to its normal state once again.

    He then casually replied, ¡°I have heard of it, why did you suddenly ask about this?¡±

    With her eyes shimmering she exined, ¡°My sickness has an extreme Yin (from Yin Yang) effect, it needs a medicine which has an extreme Yang effect to control it. This medicinal herb, Diyang Cao happens to have a Yang effect to it. It has a close effect to a fire lotus seed. And I thought maybe it can be used to rece them....¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen frowned, ¡°Diyang Cao does have a Yang effect but it¡¯s not extreme. When it encounters an Yin effect, its damaging effect would be neutralized. But if it encounters an extreme Yin effect, the medicinal impact wouldn¡¯t be as potent as a fire lotus seed....¡±

    ¡°So you do know a few things about Diyang Cao!¡± Murong Xue emitted a faint smile at his direction.

    Ouyang Shaochen lightly coughed, ¡°I unintentionally came across it while I was reading..... How did you know about it?¡±

    ¡°I also saw it in a book!¡± her eyes swept nervously from side to side: She had read about it in a modern medical book back in her era, but she didn¡¯t expect this era to also have this medicinal herb.

    ¡°Diyang Cao¡¯s medicinal properties are much more inferior aspared to the fire lotus seed. If you consume it during your attacks, you will suffer a lot!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said pessimistically.

    Frostbite attacks are agonizing torments, if a girl could withstand them, that would be her limit. If it were to be more excruciating, then she would really be better off dead.

    Murong Xue shrugged, ¡°It¡¯s okay, if Diyang Cao can stop the effects of my attacks and let me live, then it¡¯s alright.¡± It¡¯s better to suffer a bit more than to just give her life up to her sickness.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes turned solemn and said, ¡°The Qingyan pce has a lot of fire lotus seeds. If you are willing to find Ye Yichen......¡±

    ¡°I would never beg him even if I die!¡± Murong Xue snapped at him, interrupting his dialogue. Her eyes depicted iciness and disgust.

    The corner of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth curled into a small smile, his jet-ck eyes had a hint of whimsy.

    ¡°I will take note of where to find Diyang Cao, if I have any news about it, I will immediately inform you!¡±

    ¡°Thank so much!¡± Murong Xue smiled.

    Diyang Cao did not grow in the neighboring areas. Even if Ye Yichen was very powerful, he wouldn¡¯t be able to cut the supplies of it.....

    ¡°Murong Xue, you still have the guts toe back!¡± a clear, high-pitched voice of a woman chirped from behind.

    Murong Xue turned and saw Song Qingyan paced quickly towards her, her arms folded behind her back. As she hurried towards her, her hairpin which had a golden butterfly on it pped with every step she took.

    ¡°This is my home, why can¡¯t Ie back? As for you, why don¡¯t you stay at your own household- Wu An Marquis¡¯ household? Why do youe to my ce? To acquire my mother¡¯s dowry, I suppose? What a shame, I¡¯m now in charge of it, you can¡¯t touch it one bit.¡±

    It was as if Song Qingyan was stomped on the foot, her face turned into a swelling red and she red at Murong Xue.

    ¡°Who cares about your mother¡¯s lousy jewellery? This is my grandmother¡¯s home, I am here to visit her. But luckily I¡¯m here; otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have known the horrid thing you¡¯ve done! Cousin Chen Jiang is the eldest grandson of the Du pce and is very much favoured by the Du family. But even so, you had the audacity to hurt him seriously! Just you wait for your punishment!¡±

    ¡°Are you done yet? If you are, then get out of my way!¡± Murong Xue casually said, obviously not taking her threat seriously.

    ¡°Why you.....¡±

    Song Qingyan was choked with anger, her eyes shed with fury.

    In the end, she managed to spout out, ¡°Cousin Chen Jiang has been in the pce for a long while and you have only just returned! Did you secretly go dating......¡±

    A white sleeve shed past out of the corner of her eye, Song Qingyan turned her head to look at it. Suddenly, her eyes widened ...........

 Chapter 38 â€“ Teasing her cousin

    Chapter 38 Teasing her cousin

    A young man was bathing under the sky in a wooden hot tub.....

    It¡¯s him, Ouyang Shaochen!

    She saw the prince once before far away from the pce, there is no doubt that he is the prince!

    ¡°I am sorry your Highness!¡± Song Qingyan saluted the prince hurriedly, with her heart beating fast and her face blushing: Can¡¯t believe that I will meet Prince Ouyang here, what a fate....

    Ouyang did not give her a nce but stared at Murong Xue: ¡°Who is she?¡±

    Murong Xue answered coolly: ¡°I don¡¯t know her!¡±

    ¡°Bullshit!¡± Song Qingyan stand up immediately and replies Murong Xue with a fierce look: ¡°I am the daughter of Wu An Marquis, the one that grew up with you since we are young, and you said that you don¡¯t know who am I?¡±

    ¡°The daughter of Wu An Marquis should be a person who is tender and virtuous, full of knowledge, it won¡¯t be a person like you who is unruly and capricious!¡± Murong Xue replied with ridicule.

    ¡°You!¡± Song Qingyan red at Murong Xue angrily but she couldn¡¯t think of anything to say back.

    Xun Feng appeared obviously and remind Ouyang Shaochen: ¡°Your Highness. It is going to be quarter past one!¡±

    ¡°Xue¡¯Er, I¡¯ll leave first as I have something to do.¡±

    Murong Xue smiled and replied, ¡°Alright Your Highness!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen turned around and walked along the road then disappeared from the light of sunshine.

    Song Qingyan looked at it nkly: Prince Ouyang had just left without looking or talking to her.....

    ¡°Imperial bodyguard Lee, bring this Jiaowei Qin to Luo Xue Pavillion¡± Murong Xue coolly ordered.

    Song Qingyan started to get very angry and said: ¡°Murong Xue, you are a fianc¨¦e to someone, please take note of your own identity.....¡±

    Song Qingyan had clearly noticed how Ouyang shizi had called Murong Xue- Xue¡¯Er, but she knew that such a noble person wouldn¡¯t get close to a girl who had an engagement, it was for certain that Murong Xue was the one who kept on bewitching him shamelessly.

    ¡°This is none of your business. It is better that you mind your own business!¡± Murong Xue reprimanded, calm and severely. All the sudden, Song Qingyan got so angry and yelled: ¡°I would not bother if you weren¡¯t the one who keeps on pestering Prince Ouyang.

    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯ve fallen in love with Ouyang Shaochen. What a pity he doesn¡¯t like you back.......¡± Murong Xue said, raising her brow. She didn¡¯t know what type of girls Ouyang Shaochen was into but she knew he wasn¡¯t interested in someone like Song Qingyan who was immensely selfish, stubborn and immature.....

    With her thoughts deciphered, Song Qingyan flushed. She red at Murong Xue, enunciating every word, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen doesn¡¯t like you too, don¡¯t you think too highly of yourself....¡±

    Murong Xueughed sarcastically, ¡°I know my ce, not like someone who always likes to daydream and vainly attempt to take a share of something she can¡¯t have!¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue, don¡¯t you dare ridicule me!¡± Song Qingyan glowered, her eyes were raging with hatred.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even point out any names, you said it yourself!¡± Murong Xue casually replied.

    She turned to walk into the pce. With contempt in her eyes and an air of arrogance, shepletely ignored Song Qingyan.

    At that moment, Song Qingyan¡¯s face darkened to a dangerous shade of murder. With two-three steps, she ran in front of Murong Xue and wanted to push her down the stairs.

    Murong Xue had realized what was about to happen and swiftly turned to one side. Song Qingyan used all of her might and pushed at what was supposed to be Murong Xue but now was thin air. Having lost her bnce, down she tumbled to the bottom of the steps with a loud noise.

    ¡°Ahh...!¡± a mournful wailing echoed, so loud that the gatekeepers trembled and look over to the direction where it came from. Song Qingyan was t-faced on the floor. Her dress robe torn, exposing her bare arm which was bruised with a purplish-green.

    With her whole body aching, Song Qingyan tried her best to stand but could only force herself to a half crawl half stand.

    ring furiously at Murong Xue¡¯s direction, ¡°Murong Xue, how dare you pushed me......¡±

    Murong Xue lifted her hand to interrupt her, from above the steps she looked at her and said, ¡°Miss Song, you should never spout such nonsense. It was you, yourself who fell down the steps, the gatekeepers clearly saw it with their own eyes. Don¡¯t try to push the me on me.....¡±

    Song Qingyan¡¯s eyes swept nervously from side to side, lifting her chin she challenged, ¡°These gatekeepers are yours, of course they would obey and tell others that you were innocent if you told them to do so....¡±

    Having failed at pushing Murong Xue down, moreover, having fallen down herself, she would never confess what happened. So, she had to put the me on Murong Xue, to let her be punished, as revenge.

    ¡°What you say is true..¡± Murong Xue contemted deeply while nodding her head, ¡°You and I have been in conflict for a long time. Even the Jing City citizens have heard about it. If you imed that I had pushed you, even if someone proved your statement wrong, they won¡¯t be convinced. Guard Zhang, bring Miss Song over here......¡±

    ¡°Yes, miss!¡± Guard Zhang sweated nervously, not understanding why Murong Xue had made thismand. But he obeyed, he did as he was asked as he bowed at her before proceeding towards Song Qingyan.

    Guard Zhang was a strong man. As he was approaching, an unseen pressure made Song Qingyan tremble and she shouted, ¡°Murong Xue, what do you think you¡¯re doing?!¡±

    ¡°Since you imed that I had pushed you, then I should do just that! So at least I don¡¯t get used of doing what I didn¡¯t do! These 3 to 4 flights of stairs, aren¡¯t really very long or short. But if you fell and became a retard... Hopefully you can bear with it!¡± Murong Xue smiled while casually replying her.

    Song Qingyan momentarily stopped breathing and her face swelled with fury: Murong Xue, you evil woman. I just used her of something trivial and she¡¯s ready to push me down to be a retard.....

    Seeing that Guard Zhang was almost where she was and that there weren¡¯t many passersbyers, she quickly shouted, ¡°I identally fell down the steps myself, Cousin Xue had nothing to do with it!¡±

    Lately, Murong Xue had been rather wicked, if she said she might identally cause her to be a retard by pushing her, she would certainly believe she would! By then, when she had be one, it would have been toote!

    Murong Xue raised her brow and said sarcastically, ¡°Cousin, you change your mind rather quickly, I must say, did you identally knock your head in the process and blur your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°No, no!¡± Song Qingyan quickly shook her head and shouted in a clear voice, ¡°Qingyan, myself is very much awake and thinking clearly right now. I identally fell down the steps myself, no one was involved in this!¡±

    ¡°Since it is so, then Guard Zhang please return to your former position and stand guard, you no longer have to help her up!¡± Murong Xue nodded, satisfied with her answer and gracefully walked into the pce: Song Qingyan was only a minion, she need not waste any more of her energy on her, she should save it for the sly fox that awaited her in the pce.

    Seeing her disappearing into the pce, Song Qingyan¡¯s eyes burned with fury, in her anger, she knitted 3 words together: Mu Rong Xue!

 Chapter 39 â€“ Spitting blood

    Radiant sunlight shone through the mosaic pattern of the leaves onto the emerald floor of the pce, reflecting halos of light. Murong Xue bathed in the golden ethereal light, with one hand holding the wine, she paced forward.

    ¡°Murong Xue!¡± a familiar voice broke the peaceful scene. Murong Xue turned and saw Mr.Du with a 30 year old man who was charging towards her. Behind the 2 men were about 10 female ves and their grandma.

    She knew the man, he was the Du family¡¯s nephew, Du Chen Jiang¡¯s father, Du Yi. He was in-charge of the Tai Chung Temple, he was also one of the 4 officials of it.

    Murong Xue¡¯s lips curled into a sarcastic smile. They hade quickly, it was almost as if the moment she stepped into the manor, Mr.Du had received news that she had returned. He then proceeded to bring arge number of people with him to block her way.

    ¡°Grandma, Official Du, why have you brought such a huge parade to wee me? Is this a trial for religious offenses or a trial for crime?¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue, don¡¯t you interrupt! Chen Jiang has used you of seriously injuring him! How did this happen?!¡± Du Yi interrogated with an air of seriousness.

    Murong Xue raised her brow: And thus, the trial has begun. There wasn¡¯t any rubbish talk at the front but it was straight to the point. And so, she had to oblige to y along.

    ¡°It was he who teased me. That¡¯s why I had to teach him a lesson.....¡±

    ¡°Rubbish! Chen Jiang is your cousin, he would never have teased you!¡± Du Yi¡¯s hoarse voice interrupted her, not believing her exnation.

    ¡°You watched Du Chen Jiang grow up, you must very well know about his lustful manner towards beautiful women. Whenever he sees one, he goes up to tease them, isn¡¯t that what he normally does?¡±

    Du Yi choked. Upon close examination, he found she had inky ck hair, her eyebrows were beautifully arched like a painting, her face exquisite. Murong Xue saw him examining her beauty. Just then, he spoke up again, ¡°Even if Chen Jiang did tease you, you could¡¯ve just punished him lightly, why did you inflict such serious injuries on him? Did you know that you had kicked Chen Jiang until he had almost be crippled.....¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Du Chen Jiang is rted to me, I would never have the heart to cripple him. At the most, I would just teach him a lesson that will be etched into his memory, serving as a purpose to remind him to never tease me again.¡±

    Du Chen Jiang is the Du family¡¯s eldest grandson, if she had crippled him, the Du family would never let her go easily. She wasn¡¯t afraid of their evil ns to get back at her, it was just that she didn¡¯t have much power in her current position now, since her parents couldn¡¯t protect her and the Du family was waiting for the chance for revenge, of course she wouldn¡¯t let them have it their way!

    Seeing that Murong Xue still wore a casual manner when confronted, Du Yi¡¯s face darkened. He muttered, ¡°You¡¯ve seriously injured someone, not only did you not reflect on what you did or apologized, moreover, you had the audacity to rebut our usations, what an uneducated child.......¡±

    ¡°Shut up! Whether I was properly educated or not, isn¡¯t something that you are in a position to tell me off!¡± Murong Xue interrupted his mutterings and gazed coldly at him, ¡°Not to mention you, Official Du, have you ever heard of the idiom, ¡°Like father, Like son¡±? Du Chen Jiang would never have be like this, it was you who shaped it. But you should be grateful as the person he teased was me, not a royal monarchy princess. If not, he would have long be an eunuch by now ory in the dungeons to rot.....¡±

    Du Yi spouted, ¡°Why you.....¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have the ability to educate your son, and I, helped you do so. With him punished, he would most probably cause less trouble. Fine, if you¡¯re ungrateful for it, but you had the nerve ridiculed me instead...¡± Murong Xue finished what she left unsaid and eyed Du Yi with contempt.

    ¡°Fine, fine, fine!¡± Du Yi was so angry that he wasughing, which was odd, even odder was the fact he uttered ¡°fine¡± 3 times in a row even though nothing was fine, ¡°You really are good with words and a pro in confusing the truth with falsehood.....¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just being honest, how can that be confusing the truth with falsehood?¡± Murong Xue look sideways at him, her face innocent, ¡°I don¡¯t find it weird that you don¡¯t listen to me. Since stone, cold truth is always hard to ept. The truth is ugly, and this world has very few of those who are emphatic and just. Most of them are corrupted and unreasonable!¡±

    Du Yi¡¯s face became green, is she implying that he is an unreasonable person who uses his power to bully the weak?

    ¡°Murong Xue, I am your uncle. Who taught you to speak so rudely to an elder? Don¡¯t you know how to respect the elderly and love the young?¡±

    The fact that she kept replying him sarcastically made him furious!

    ¡°Respect the elderly and love the young?¡± Murong Xue raised her brow at Du Yi, as if mocking him, ¡°Official Du, respect should be mutual. You, yourself don¡¯t even love the young and you want me to respect the elderly? You must be joking!¡±

    ¡°You....¡± Du Yi red at Murong Xue, he was so enraged that he couldn¡¯t even speak. Suddenly, a spit swelled in his throat. Unable to contain it, he spitted it out.

    It was blood.

    ¡° Ah Yi, what happened to you? Someone, please help!¡± Mr. Du panicked and shouted. The female ves and the grandma surrounded them. Some wiped blood, some helped to carry Du Yi, it was a chaotic scene.

    Murong Xue stood outside the scene gazing at the pale-faced Du Yi, she lightly raised her brow: It was just a few sentences and it was enough to make him spit out blood? He must be really weak, I don¡¯t understand how he could even be one of the officials of the Tai Chang Temple.

    ¡°Grandma, Official Du, take your time, I must excuse myself to go to my residence now!¡± Murong Xue casually responded. Smiling politely, she turned and went towards her residence: Du Yi was so angry that he had spitted out blood, he must not be in the mood to punish me right now, I can finally be at peace.

    Turning a corner, she had reached the door of her residence. Murong Xue ordered, ¡°Hong Xiu,e out to take my Jiaowei Yangqin and my things! Also, go to the kitchen to prepare a few dishes for me......¡±

    From noon till now, she was busy handling a bunch of terrible people. She hadn¡¯t even had the chance to have lunch! A ss of wine that Ouyang Shaochen had given to her and a few dishes sounded like a good idea!

    ¡°Sister...Sister....¡± A surprised voice poured into her ears, Murong Ye rushed out of Murong Xue¡¯s residence. His robe was a mess, his hair ornament had swayed to one side, his eyes had thin streaks of red lines in them and he had dark circles under his eyes.

    Seeing Murong Xue, his eyes shone. After skimming her for any damages, he let out a long sigh, his expression brightened and said, ¡°You¡¯re alright!¡±

    Murong Xue gave out a wry smile. After she had consumed the fire lotus seed, she had fallen asleep without saying Goodnight to Murong Ye: ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep the whole night?¡±

    ¡°How could I sleep after you had disappeared.......¡± MuRong Ye said iling his hands in the air. Suddenly he thought of something and whispered, ¡°Sister, did you take any fire lotus seedsst night?¡±

    Murong Xue nodded, ¡°Yup.¡±

    If she hadn¡¯t, she would¡¯ve been dead by now!

    ¡°Then, howe you are back so early?¡± MuRong Ye asked, shocked, ¡°Last time, when you took them, you would sleep for at least 12 hours.....¡±

    Murong Xue jolted. Every time when she attacks strike, the host would be tormented endlessly. She never noticed how long she was out. But when she thought about it, it was true that she would be asleep for at least 10 hours.

    However, she took the fire lotus seed between 11pm to 1am and awoke between 7am to 9am. She had only been asleep for about 4 hours. What was happening?

    Just then, a purple robe drifted into the corner of her eye, Murong Xue immediately returned to her senses. Gazing up, she saw a familiar handsome face. Her gaze turned into a fierce, defensive one, ¡°Ye Yi Chen, why are you here?¡±

 Chapter 40 â€“ Date

    gongzi (¹«×Ó) : young master, basically what most rich teenage boys in ancient China were referred to as

    DaRen (´óÈË): an authorative person you respect

    Ye Yichen didn¡¯t reply. He stood at the entrance and gazed coldly at Murong Xue. He examined her ¨C her small beautiful face, her cherry lips, and her long slender neck. They didn¡¯t disy any ambiguous mark on them. He continued to study her ¨C her small hand holding a small wine bottle, the sleeve of her green robe sliding down as she was doing so, revealing her fair skin.

    She was still an innocent virgin! She did not do anything that she wasn¡¯t supposed to with Ouyang Shaochen!

    Ye Yi Chen let out a sigh of relief and calmly said, ¡°You are my future wife-to-be, please remember that. Do not simply associate with other men...¡±

    ¡°Prince Jing (Ye Yichen), I have already broken off the engagement. To the knowledge of the Jing City citizens, your future wife-to-be is Qin YuYuan, the princess of Mobel. Please do not associate me with that disgustingbel......¡± Murong Xue interrupted him, her eyes filled with hatred.

    Ye YiChen¡¯s face turned gloomy, he gazed at her intently and enunciated every word, ¡°We have not broken off the engagement....¡±

    MuRong Xue casually replied, ¡°All that¡¯s sort of, is a wedding ceremony. You should remind King of Mobel (Qin Yuyuan¡¯s father) and ask him to hurry over to Qingyan....¡±

    ¡°You really are in a hurry to cut all ties with me, aren¡¯t you?¡± Ye Yi Chen said solemnly.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t, do I just let you demeaned me to a concubine instead?¡± MuRong Xue raised her brow, looking at him, her gaze sarcastic: ¡°I am the first daughter of Zhen Manor; I won¡¯t be dumb enough to be someone¡¯s concubine instead of someone else¡¯s first wife!¡±

    ¡°No one will take you as their first wife!¡± Ye Yichen calmly gazed at her: All the noble families in the city know ¨C He had specially requested her to be his concubine (second wife). If anyone took her as their wife, it would mean that they were provoking Ye YiChen. In the whole city of Qingyan, not many would dare to do so...

    ¡°I¡¯d rather never be married than be your concubine!¡±

    Her cold-steel, resolute voice bore into his ears, Ye Yichen¡¯s mouth curled into a smile: She loved to say that but she could only speak about it and do nothing. It is because Ye Yichen will force her until she has no choice but to be his concubine!

    Lifting his head to gaze at Murong Xue, his eyes came across a familiar object. He was filled with suspicion, how did this happen?

    Murong Xue followed his gaze and found that he was looking at the Jiaowei Yangqin the guard was holding.

    She smiled and said, ¡°You need not doubt no more, and this is your future wife¡¯s Jiaowei Yangqin. She had lost to me in a Yangqin yingpetition and she surrendered it to me.......¡±

    What? Qin Yuyuan had lost to Murong Xue?

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shone with disbelief, then it vanished and they return to normal: ¡°As long as you like it!¡± he calmly said and then proceeded to make his exit.

    Looking at his disappearing silhouette, Murong Xue stared in disbelief and blinked: And just like that he¡¯s gone. He didn¡¯t even bother to punish her on behalf of his future wife? She had beaten her in public and that had very much humiliated her........

    ¡°Where had you beenst night, sister?¡± The sound of caring caught Murong Xue¡¯s ear then she replied: ¡°Went to another courtyard to put up a night...¡±

    She had been to Xiao Yao Pce, also had slept on Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s bed, it is better not to say anything to avoid him from thinking unnecessary things.

    ¡°Oh I see!¡± Murong Ye nodded his head, he heard a fight sound in the woods then rush outst night, but there was nothing beside the hot spring pool. When he was getting ready to go out to look for her, there was a note flew in and it written there ¡®Murong Xue is safe and sound, don¡¯t worry, stay in the mansion.¡±

    He was still worrying about her, but doesn¡¯t know where to find her, ended up stood in Lou Xue Pavillion for the whole night: ¡°Who gave you the Fire Lotus Seed that you took?

    ¡°I was in my sickness and felt dizzy that time, didn¡¯t get to see the person¡¯s face clearly!¡± Murong Xue replied with perfunctory. It is not that she doesn¡¯t want to tell that it was Ouyang Shaochen, it¡¯s because, if she did so, then the fact that she had put up a night at Xiao Yao Pce might be known.

    ¡°It is truly unfortunate then!¡± Murong Ye sighed. He thought that he could buy Fire Lotus Seed from that person.

    ¡°The cold poison attack will only be triggered after a period of time, we can still have time to find the Fire Lotus Seed, but the most important thing now is to deal with Ye Yichen!¡± Murong Xue said. He had appeared in Lou Xue Pavillion and left with unhurried words, but there was something odd about the way he talked, like he had already nned something, she has to be careful.

    ¡°Indeed!¡± Murong Ye agreed with her: Her sister had already terminated the engagement but Ye Yichen still came and disturbed her frequently, how annoying it was! He wanted a way that could stop Ye Yichen from disturbing his sister.

    The weather became hotter day by day, the garden looked very exquisite in Zhen Guo Pavillion, there were different types of flowers, and it was very colorful when one gazed at it from afar.

    Murong Xue took a pot of tea and sat on the stoned furniture in front of the garden, she tasted the tea slowly as warm sunshine touched her skin. It was sofortable.

    ¡°Sister!¡± Murong Ye called her softly and walked towards her, he smiled and introduced: ¡°This is Gu DaRen¡¯s son, Gu Haoyu gongzi.... This is my sister Murong Xue.....¡±

    ¡°Gu gongzi!¡± Murong Xue greeted him politely, looking at the way he smiled, she said: ¡°Gu gongzi please excuse us!¡±

    Murong Xue stood up quickly and pulled Murong Ye aside: ¡°What do you mean by this?¡±

    Obviously this is a blind date!¡± Murong Yeughed happily.

    ¡°Blind date?¡± Murong Xue replied ¡°You arranged for me to have a blind date when my engagement with Ye Yichen is not formally terminated yet!¡±

    ¡°Ye Yichen still disturbs you frequently right? If you found a person who is willing to take you as his wife, then Ye Yichen has no reason to disturb you anymore!¡± Murong Ye said it as it is a fact.

    Murong Xue shakes her head: ¡°You are too na?ve, though there is for sure an underhanded reason why Ye YiChen keeps on disturbing me, he will not stop even if there is another guy!¡±

    Murong Ye didn¡¯t really care: ¡°Who cares about the reason, he cannot disturb you if you get married after the engagement is terminated!

    editors note: anyone else want to punch Ye Yichen in the face and dump him in a hole?

    *raises hand*

 Chapter 41 â€“ Prince got to know

    Listening to his exnation, Murong Xue was speechless, Murong Ye was only older than her by an hour, and he was just a fourteen year old kid; it was difficult for him to take the role as a parent and at the same time also be a matchmaker.

    She took a gaze at him and asked him softly: ¡°Are you done talking? If you are, you may leave now, and also bring Gu Haoyu with you......¡±

    ¡°No wait.¡± Murong Ye was shocked and replied: ¡°It took me a lot of effort to choose such a great future brother-inw!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested with him!¡± Murong Xue shook her head.

    ¡°Even if you aren¡¯t interested in him, you still have to talk to him since he has alreadye to visit!¡± Murong Ye smiled.

    Murong Xue looked at him and said: ¡°I have nothing to talk with him!¡±

    ¡°You can ask about how his parents are doing, or if he is busy with work and so on... I tried so hard to invite him toe; it¡¯s ill-mannered if you just ask him to leave like this.....¡±

    Murong Ye pulled Murong Xue to Gu Haoyu and smiled: ¡°Both of you have a little chat first, I¡¯ll go and check with the kitchen servants to see whether the high-tea is ready to serve.¡±

    He left both of them without saying another word.

    Murong Xue looked at Gu Haoyu and sighed: ¡°My brother is such a dandy, sorry for the disturbance, please let me lead you to the main door perhaps!¡±

    Gu Haoyu was shocked by her words, but his expression return to calm almost immediately and he smiled: ¡°After you, Miss Murong!¡±

    Murong Ye looked on as his sister and Gu Haoyu left. He felt depressed as he merely wanted them to have a chat.

    His world was crushedpletely as his hard work and efforts werepletely stomped beneath his sister¡¯s feet, as if it was nothing.

    A ray of sunlight sparkled up the road, Murong Xue was still silent and even in their stroll, the atmosphere was filled with a slight difort as it was too quiet.

    After a while, Gu Haoyu could not stand the silence any longer, and started to state out his intentions, ¡°To tell you the truth, the reason why I¡¯m here today was not purely out of your brother¡¯s kind invitation, I am willing toe over by myself because I¡¯ve heard so much about you and I admire you, Miss Murong, so I¡¯m here to meet you personally.¡±

    ¡°Admire me?¡± Murong Xue eximed, she looked at Gu Haoyu in disbelief, ¡°Have we met before this?¡± In her memory, there was no one like this man standing in front of her right now; she had only met a few people since her arrival at Qing Yan.

    ¡°Of course! I first saw you when you broke off your engagement which shocked everyone in their seats during the banquet dinner by Prince Jing.¡± Even now, he still remembered the scene vividly in his mind, the girl who was once as gentle as a dove changed into apletely different person- a brave girl with such strong courage that even the mighty sun loses its power.

    Murong Xue was stunned for a moment, as her eyes blinked quickly she tried to recall back to that night. She was busy entertaining Ye Yichen and Qin Yu Yan then and did not manage to see who was in the hall. ¡°Gu gongzi, don¡¯t you have a slight judgmental thought about my misbehavior?¡±

    That night, she had gathered up her courage and announced the breakoff of her engagement with Prince of War (Ye Yichen) in front of everyone, her family and friends were enraged by her actions!

    ¡°Why would you think so? Just as you mentioned, you¡¯re the first daughter of Zhen Manor, how can you marry a person like that? It was Ye Yichen loss to overlook your positive traits, mydy.¡± Gu Hao Yu praised her while looking at her with pure adoration in his eyes.

    ¡°Oh, how sweet of you to say that, Mr. Gu!¡± Murong Xue smiled in bliss, Gu Haoyu who had lost himself in her beauty, blurted out, ¡°Miss Murong, actually, I...¡±

    Suddenly, three men in ck attacked him out of nowhere, cutting his conversation.

    Gu Haoyu was appalled by this sudden attack; being a temperate schr, he was soon pressed down under those attackers, with no ability at all to fight back.

    Murong Xue saw what happened to him, shook off her surprise and started snapping, ¡°Stop! Stop immediately!¡±

    Those men ignore her and continued their brutal attack.

    Murong Xue used her mighty strength and kicked away one of the attacker; and she spread out her arms, standing in front of Gu Haoyu and be his human shield. She stared coldly at the three of them, ¡°How dare youe over here andmit this crime? Which house are you from?¡±

    The leader of the group stepped forward, replied with a cold tone, ¡°Yes, Miss Murong, we are requested by Master Ye (Ye Yichen) to kill those men who are close to you.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s face darkened instantly, how dare Ye Yi Chen nt his spies in her housepound, and tantly emerged in this way to attack people, how arrogant! Guess this is what will happen to all of the men who came near her...

    ¡°Leave this ce! I don¡¯t want to see you all over again!¡±

    Those men looked nkly among themselves, and then stared at Gu Haoyu who was lying on the floor. The surrounding shifted quickly from the previous tension to distress.

    Murong Xue turned behind and found Gu Haoyu¡¯s face was swollen like a pig from the beating, his hair was a crazy mess, even his turquoise royal robe was torn, and she looked at him in pity.

    Gu Haoyu leaned against the wall and gradually pulled himself up, he smiled warmly at her and said, ¡°Miss Mu Rong, don¡¯t worry about me, I¡¯m fine...¡± A sharp prick pierced into his bones and wounds as he smiled, he hitched a breath out of pain.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask my man to send you back; I think it is wiser to note over here again!¡± Murong Xue sighed and turned around, making her way back to her home.

    Gu Hao Yu¡¯s face darkened, his eyes kept following thedy, ¡°Miss Murong!¡±

    Mu Rong Xue ignored him, she did not turn her head, she just continued on back to her house: The reason why she did not want to be Gu Hao Yao¡¯s friend was not because of her fear towards Ye Yi Chen, it was because she did not like him as a person. Her resentment with Ye Yi Chen could be settled between themselves, there¡¯s no need to burden the others.

    The sound of footsteps could be heard behind the main door, with this, she knew that her men had sent off Gu Haoyu, even after a distance, she could still feel the piercing eyes on her, she sighed at the thought of this.

    Just then, Murong Ye walked out from behind a big tree, he red angrily at the door. He had stalked both of them to see if Murong Xue and Gu Haoyu would start a conversation, but was furious when he saw the sight of Ye Yichen¡¯s spies, ¡°Ye Yichen is such a bully!¡± He shouted in rage.

    ¡°Ye Yichen is the Prince of War, he is mighty and powerful with troops made of the best warriors. I¡¯m telling you now don¡¯t set me up for a blind date with someone else, otherwise today¡¯s incident will happen again!¡± Murong Xue nced at him.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t believe that Ye Yichen can rule the city like this!¡± Murong Ye¡¯s eyes filled with pure rage and displeasure: Indeed, Ye Yichen is famous for his powerful fighting skills and mighty strength, if he could find someone better than him for his sister, Ye Yichen could no longer be as arrogant as now.

    Mu Rong Xue did not know of her brother¡¯s mischievous ns; she walked past him and went back to her own crib. When she opened her room door, a handsome young man turned around, she eximed in delight, ¡°Mr. Ouyang!¡±

    ¡°Were you on a blind date? Are you getting married soon?¡± OuYang ShaoChen stepped forward towards her, with a slight smirk on his face, who knows what kind of danger was awaiting her this time...

    meixi¡¯s note: oh murong ye, next time just use tinder. XD

 Chapter 42 â€“ Jealousy

    The statement made Murong Xue¡¯s stomach churn, she felt something wrong, like she was misunderstood, and she hastily shook her head and denied: ¡° No, that was not it!¡±

    ¡°Then why did you go to a blind date?¡± Ouyang Shaochen continued teasing her while stepping even closer to her. His footsteps were heavy, she receded backwards without noticing her movement: ¡°It was my brother...¡±

    With that, she tripped and fell right on her back, mming herself down on the cold hard ground.

    Ouyang Shaochen dashed forward swiftly, without any ws or hesitation, he grabbed her slim waist tightly in his arms and held her to his chest, he whispered in jealousy, ¡°but you and Gu HaoYu had such intimate time together just now!¡±

    His sweet masculine smell lingered around her tiny nose; and his hot breath was blowing softly on her cheeks, part of her was mesmerized by him, another part of her wanted to push him away.

    Even though his skill was better than her, hers was not too bad either, but she felt so fragile and weak in his arms right now. She squinted her eyes and looked at him,

    ¡°He is the guest, and it is my courtesy to serve him politely. If I were to set him aside without a care, what would others think of me?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen nodded his head as if he understood her point, he thought this excuse was reasonable, but, ¡°When the spies of Jing Wang beaten up Gu Haoyu, you blocked them in front of him, what did that mean?¡±

    Murong Xue got so fed up with his questioning, he was so demanding and controlling, ¡°Gu HaoYu was here as a guest, but was attacked in front of my house, how could I sit still and ignore the situation? Even if there was a beggar who got beaten up, my men would still go over and help!¡±

    ¡°Is that so? Just like that?¡± Ouyang Shaochen stared deeply into her eyes with doubts.

    ¡°Of course, why would I lie to you?¡± MuRong Xue nodded her head; her face was so sincere that she almost swore with her hands up.

    Ou Yang¡¯s face lightened a bit, nonchntly told her, ¡°Come find me in the future no matter what happens, I will definitely help you till the end...¡±

    ¡°Even when I¡¯m getting married?¡± Murong Xue joked.

    ¡°Yes, you can!¡± Ou Yang looked at her with his dark ck eyes.

    MuRong Xue went speechless, ¡°......¡±

    The elegant and handsome Ouyang had just made a cold joke, which was not really funny.

    Looking up, Murong Xue gazed into his hypnotic eyes; she coughed slightly and said, ¡°By the way, why did youe?¡±

    Yu Bao Xuan market brought in a new stock, one of them is Diyang grass.¡± Ouyang mumbled and continued on, ¡°They will start selling in the morning.¡±

    Murong Xue was dumbfounded, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?¡± It was alreadyte morning, the auction market had already begun half an hour ago, and she doubted there would be any Diyang grass left on site...

    ¡°You were being all lovey-dovey with Gu Haoyu when I reached here, do you expect me to just go over and pulled you away to the auction market?¡± OuYang arched his eyebrows as if he was looking at a fool.

    Murong Xue, ¡°......¡± Alright, she got it, it was all her fault!

    ¡°Well... Let¡¯s get to the auction market now!¡± MuRong Xue broke herself away from his arms, turned her back and sprinted to the market, silently praying that Diyang grass had not been sold off yet.

    Suddenly, a strong hand reached out to stop her, Ouyang¡¯s deepened voice could be heard from behind, ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re going there in this?¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I?¡± MuRong Xue checked herself out in confusion.

    Ouyang nced at her, and then he pulled her to the door of her closet. He opened it and chose a sweet pink sundress, ¡°change into this, then we¡¯ll go.¡±

    Murong Xue looked down at her dress and saw patches of grey dust, this dress was unfit to be worn.

    Suddenly, slim fair fingers found their way to her waist, and those fingers tore the ribbon belt between her waist. Murong Xue was surprised by this, she pped his hands away and red at him, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    ¡°Helping you to change!¡± Ouyang exined to her indifferently, seemed like he did not have any mischievous thought in his mind at all. He did this as if it was totally normal for him to help her change.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright; I can do it by myself.¡± Murong Xue grabbed hold of his hands in panic, she changed her own clothes all this while, and there was no need of others¡¯ help in her own matter.

    ¡°You¡¯re too slow, with this changing speed of yours; we wouldn¡¯t be able to make it to the auction market!¡± Ouyang told her calmly, his hands immediately freed themselves from her grab. He used only one tiny hook of a finger; her first button sprang off in an instant.

    Murong Xue was furious, she threw her best daggered eyes at him and scolded, ¡°Mr. Ouyang, do you know that I¡¯m ady and you¡¯re a man?¡± Even though they were rushing, he simply could not do this.

    ¡°Of course I know!¡±

    With an evil smirk on his face, once again he hooked the rest of the buttons with his fingers, the buttons bounced off along with his action.

    His speedy action was too fast and before she even realized, her dress was halfway unbuttoned. She shouted in anger, ¡°Ou Yang! It is improper for men and women to touch each other!¡±

    Wasn¡¯t he the smartest and noblest man in Qing Yan? Didn¡¯t he know this rule?

    ¡°We are rushing to the auction market for the life-saving DiYang grass, we have to save time now!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen nced at her and snapped his finger gently. Thest button on her skirt loose, open and slipped down from her shoulder, revealing her soft skin and beige tube top.

    Murong Xue clenched her teeth and red at him furiously.

    There was not a sign of wild desire going on in Ouyang Shaochen mind. Without a second thought, he took a sweet pink colored dress to cover her body swiftly and buttoned her dress. He grabbed her wrist and said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go to the auction house now.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen! She can actually change herself, but he insisted to change for her. She wanted to p him.

    Ouyang ShaoChen tilted his body slightly to avoid her ¡®attack¡¯, he then wrapped his arm around her waist. He walked out of the room and said, ¡°It¡¯s time to go now.¡±

    Without enough time for her to react, she was actually floating in the air. Ouyang Shaochen has carried her with him and flew.

 Chapter 43 â€“ Conflict In The Auction House

    shizi (ÊÀ×Ó): means ¡°heir son¡°, referring to the heir apparent of qinwang, basically son of the emperor¡¯s brother.

    The wind whipped at her face, the scenery changed rapidly in front of her eyes. The anger in her had disappeared, she widened her eyes, was this the levitation practiced in the ancient times? This is so cool! She wanted to learn it someday when she was free.

    Murong Xue saw a huge and impressive building with a beige white front door. The top part of the door was carved ¡°Yu Bao Xuan¡±. The exterior of the building was elegant and magnificent.

    Ouyang ShaoChen grasped her waist tightly and continued to fly in the sky, there was no indication that he was going to stop. Murong Xue reminded him softly, ¡°Shizi, we¡¯ve reached Yu Bao Xuan, we shall go down now.¡±

    ¡°There are many products avable for auction this time in Yu Bao Xuan, it must be crowded in there. We are not going to the main hall, we¡¯ll go to the private room.¡±

    The windows looked exactly the same, Murong Xue asked curiously, ¡°You sure you know which one is the private room that you¡¯ve booked?¡±

    ¡°Of course I do!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen said confidently with a smile on his face and went straight into one of the private rooms.

    When theynded at the private room, a familiar figure appeared in the room. It was Xunfeng.

    When Xunfeng saw Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue, he bowed and greeted them politely.

    Murong Xue nodded and released Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s arm that wrapped around her waist. She made her steps toward the door of the private room. The hall was fully filled, a prettydy was standing right at the center of the stage, her hand was holding a maroon colored Lingzhi, ¡°This is a thousand years long Fire Lingzhi, it can cure over a hundred types of disease. The starting bid is ten thousand dor.¡±

    ¡°Twenty thousand dor...¡±

    ¡°Thirty thousand dors...¡±

    ¡°Forty thousand dors...¡±

    Murong Xue smiled a little when she looked at the Fire Lingzhi. This is the highest grade among Lingzhi and it can be hardly found. No matter how severe the injuries are, as long as you consume the Fire Lingzhi, you will recover. The products selling in Yubao Xuan were really in good quality.

    Ouyang Shaochen was standing behind the window, looking at his hand. This was the hand that wrapped around her waist, he can still smell her fragrance, her nice scent. He walked toward the table and poured a cup of tea. He handed the cup of tea to Murong Xue, ¡°Come. Sit down and have some tea.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Murong Xue took a sip of tea, her sight did not leave the stage. ¡°I wonder if the Diyang grass was sold.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m waiting at here all day long, I¡¯m sure that the Diyang grass was not sold yet.¡± said Xunfeng.

    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± Murong Xue was relieved to hear that. The prettydy on the stage smiled sweetly and said, ¡°Fire Lingzhi is now belonged to Sir Wang, congrattions! The next selling item is a box of Diyang grass, the starting bid is five thousand dor.¡±

    Murong Xue noticed that the box of Diyang grass was exactly the same as the Diyang grass she saw in the book previously.

    ¡°Ten thousand dor...¡±

    ¡°Fifteen thousand dors...¡±

    ¡°Twenty thousand dor...¡±

    ¡°Fifty thousand dors!¡± The whole auction hall was quieted down by the girl¡¯s voice. The bidders frowned and shook their heads. Diyang grass has its own efficacy, it¡¯s not suitable for everyone to consume like Ginseng or Lingzhi.

    The bidders wanted to buy Diyang grass at a reasonable price and keep it, in case of any emergency. However, the bid called by Murong Xue was far exceeded the actual value of Diyang grass.

    ¡°Fifty thousand dor calling once, fifty thousand dor calling twice, fifty thousand dor calling thrice! There¡¯s no higher calling bid, the Diyang grass now belonged to thatdy!¡± said the prettydy on the stage.

    ¡°Bang!¡± As the hammer was knocked down, the voice of ady said, ¡°Hold on!¡±

    A daintydy walked slowly into the auction hall. She was wearing a yellow long dress, a pair of bright clear mesmerizing eyes, she was so beautiful.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this Miss Shu Nan Xiang?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s her, the Master¡¯s eldest daughter, the talented woman in the capital. She¡¯s the definition for perfection, I wonder why she is here.¡±

    ¡°Obviously she wants to bid items here, but I wonder what she wants to bid.¡±

    All the people in the hall were looking at Shu Nan Xiang.

    Shu Nan Xiang was used to all thesepliments, she walked toward the stage at a leisurely pace. Looking at the prettydy on the stage and said, ¡°Miss, I offer one hundred thousand dor to buy the box of Diyang grass!¡±

    The prettydy was stunned and rejected politely, ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I cannot ept your offer, Miss Shu. This box of Diyang grass is considered sold.¡±

    ¡°She hasn¡¯t paid yet, so the transaction is unsessful.¡± Said Shu Nan Xiang.

    ¡°The transaction is sessful when the hammer is knocked down, even though the bidder has not paid for the item. If Miss Shu is interested to buy this Diyang grass, you can discuss with thatdy.¡± The prettydy on the stage exined to Miss Shu in detail. Yubao Xuan was famous and popr in town as it provided fair auction and followed strict rule, the bidder has to abide the rule.

    ¡°Oh I see, thanks for the information.¡± Shu Nan Xiang turned to Murong Xue. Oh, that¡¯s... the private room booked by Ouyang Family, why is Murong Xue standing there?

    Shu Nan Xiang can hardly see the face of Murong Xue as the curtain covered Murong Xue¡¯s face, Shu Nan Xiang scowled a little, ¡°Thisdy, my mother has caught a cold, and she needs Diyang grass urgently to sweep the cold away from her body. Can you please sell it to me?¡±

    ¡°There are many other herbs that have the same efficacy to cure a cold, it is not necessary that you must use Diyang grass.¡± Murong Xue knew that many other herbs can substitute Diyang grass to cure a cold.

    ¡°My mother has caught a severe cold, using Diyang grass will obtain the best result.¡± said Shu Nan Xiang.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Shu. I have a severe disease that needs Diyang grass to cure, only this herb can treat my disease.¡± If Shu Nan Xiang¡¯s mother truly was sick, she will give the Diyang grass to her. However, her mother can actually be treated with other medicine.

    She had lost the Fire Lotus Seed, she cannot afford to lose the Diyang grass anymore because there are not more Diyang grass avable. She only had two Fire Lotus Seeds in hand.

    Shu Nan Xiang was taken aback by Murong Xue¡¯s respond, ¡°You really don¡¯t want to sell the Diyang grass to me?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to, it¡¯s I can¡¯t afford to do so.¡± Murong Xue answered coolly.

    The people at the auction hall exchanged nces. One wanted to buy while the other one did not want to sell, how would this end?

    Yubao Xuan was in dead silence. Shu Nan Xiang frowned looked into the private room where Murong Xue was standing. ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, do you think thisdy should sell this Diyang grass to me?¡±

    The crowd started to whisper : Prince Ouyang has came to Yubao Xuan?

    Murong Xue was shocked, Shu Nan Xiang knew Ouyang ShaoChen...

 Chapter 44 â€“ Decision of the Prince

    Merry Christmas to all

    shizi (ÊÀ×Ó): means ¡°heir son¡°, referring to the heir apparent of qinwang, basically son of the emperor¡¯s brother.

    qinwang: means a prince of first rank or a prince of blood

    furen: a respectful form to address a married woman

    wangfei (Íõåú): wife of (in this case) qinwang, a title given to the wife of a member of royalty

    Murong Xue looked at Ouyang Shaochen, he put down the cup that was pressed against his lips. His expression was cool, he moved forward elegantly. He was truly handsome and gorgeous.

    Everyone was stretching their necks to take a good look at Ouyang Shaochen, to witness the mour of Ouyang Shaochen. This was Ouyang shizi, he was genuinely good looking, even better than the description of the people who met him before.

    It was really a great reward to see Ouyang shizi when they came to Yubao Xuan.

    Shu Nan Xiang was standing in the center of the auction hall, gazing at the face she had been missed all the time. Her eyes only gazed at Ouyang shizi at this moment; when he left the capital, she didn¡¯t get to say goodbye to him because she was at her great grandmother¡¯s house. A few days ago when he came back to the capital, coincidently she was at her great grandmother¡¯s house and couldn¡¯t meet up with him. It¡¯s been almost two decades since theyst met each other.

    He was taller than before, much more pleasant looking as well. She had grown up, missing him all this time.

    ¡°Ouyang shizi, it¡¯s long time that I haven¡¯t seen you.¡± Shu Nan Xiang said gently.

    ¡°Miss Shu.¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded as he replied.

    Shu Nan Xiang¡¯s face was filled with the happiness that a young girl had when sees her crush. She held her silk handkerchief tightly in her hand, she was a bit nervous. In a reserved manner, she said, ¡°I came back to the capital just now. I nned to pay a visit tomorrow, never thought that I will see you here.¡±

    ¡°My parents are not in the capital right now.¡± said Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°Is it? I¡¯ve bought the finest pearl powder from Chuan Zhou as a gift for wangfei.¡± Shu Nan Xiang said with a broad smile on her face.

    Ouyang Shaochen was quiet.

    ¡°Shizi, what¡¯s the rtionship between you and Shu Nan Xiang?¡± Murong Xue asked curiously, they must be very close.

    ¡°Her grandfather was the most famous confucianist in the capital. He was my master when I was five years old. He taught me for a few years.¡± Ouyang ShaoChen said softly.

    Murong Xue nodded, ¡°It turned out to be both of you are childhood sweethearts.¡± No wonder Shu Nan Xiang gazed at him in full admiration and such a way like he was her long lost husband. They actually had a special rtionship back then.

    Ouyang Shaochen frowned a little and said in a low voice, ¡°I was learning from the master in the front yard, I¡¯ve never stepped into her housepound. We¡¯re not that close as we only meet once or twice per year...¡±

    ¡°So both of you knew each other since young and grew together, it¡¯s right to say that both of you are childhood sweethearts.¡± Murong Xue winked. Staring at Murong Xue, Ouyang Shaochen thought to himself : Why didn¡¯t she remember the memories they share when they were young?

    Shu Nan Xiang was amazed and she wondered who was thedy that can stand right beside Ouyang Shaochen and talk in whisper with him.

    Ouyang Shaochen was superior and he never talked to thedies that were the same age with him. Only when Shu Nan Xiang talked to him, he will reply in simple answer. This honour only belonged to Shu Nan Xiang and should never be shared with the otherdies.

    ¡°Ouyang shizi, to be honest, my mother is suffering from the disease and it¡¯s really torturing for her. If I can get Diyang grass for her, she will recover soon and replenish her health.¡± Shu Nan Xiang said in a gentle and humble manner.

    Shu Nan Xiang could no longer wait for Ouyang shizi to make the decision, who should get the Diyang grass. Everyone held their breath and looked at Ouyang shizi, they were guessing the decision of Ouyang shizi.

    Ouyang Shaochen took a quick nce around the auction hall, finally he looked at Murong Xue who was standing beside him and said, ¡°Shu furen is our elder, she is very old now. You¡¯re still young, I think it¡¯ll be more appropriate if you can sell the Diyang grass to Miss Shu.¡±

    Shu Nan Xiang was relieved to hear his answer. She looked at Ouyang Shaochen with full gratitude, she knew she was the special one in his heart, it will never change no matter who appears in his life.

    Murong Xue¡¯s face was filled with anger and red at Ouyang Shaochen : Who says that age is corresponding to the severity of a disease? Shu Nan Xiang¡¯s mother is old and she should give the Diyang grass to her? What kind of logic is this!

    He should not show partiality even though Shu Nan Xiang was his childhood sweethearts.

    ¡°Ouyang shizi, Shu furen can still live without the Diyang Cao. However, without Diyang grass I¡¯ll die when the poison attacks my body!¡± said Murong Xue.

    Ouyang Shaochen looked into her eyes, ¡°The box consists only one nt of Diyang grass, which means it can only save you once...¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s better than none, right? I¡¯ll die in pain without the Diyang grass.¡± Murong Xue interrupted his words, she was certainly furious with his decision.

    Ouyang ShaoChen grinned a little, he knew he should not fool her any further, ¡°The servant just told me that he found arge amount of Diyang grass, you can go pluck it yourself, as much as you want...¡±

    Murong Xue was delighted, ¡°Is it true?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen nodded, ¡°Have I ever lied to you before?¡±

    He asked her to give the box of Diyang grass to his childhood sweetheart, he must give her something back in return topensate her. However, she would prefer uncountable Diyang grasspared to only one nt of Diyang grass because it will secure her life in that way. She did not need to fight for it anymore, ¡°Alright, you can have the box of Diyang grass.¡±

    Looking at her generous act, Ouyang Shaochen smiled.

    Shu Nan Xiang¡¯s expression suddenly became stiff : There was not much Diyang grass avable on the market, in fact the price was very high. Ouyang shizi asked thedy to sell the box of Diyang grass to her for one hundred thousand dor but he gave thedy it for free- unlimited supply of Diyang grass for free... He was being nice to thedy...

    Shu Nan Xiang knew Ouyang Shaochen for thirteen years, he had never treated her the way he treated thedy beside him right now...

    meixi¡¯s note: Our family¡¯s Ouyang Shaochen only has eyes for Murong Xue, give it updy!

 Chapter 45 â€“ Everything has settled down

    Merry Christmas everybody. Here is your Christmas present.

    shizi (ÊÀ×Ó): means ¡°heir son¡°, referring to the heir apparent of qinwang, basically son of the emperor¡¯s brother.

    The only difference was when she talked to Ouyang Shaochen, he will reply her seriously, even though it was in a polite manner, at least he was listening to her. She thought she was different to him...

    Today, this was what she saw, Ouyang Shaochen standing right beside a girl, bickering with each other with a smile on his face...

    Shu Nan xiang was truly hurt, ¡°Thanks for selling the bos of Diyang grass to me. May I know your name so that I can reciprocate your kindness someday.¡±

    Shu Nan Xiang used one hundred thousand dor to buy one nt of Diyang grass. Murong Xue used nothing to get an unlimited supply of Diyang Cao, Shu Nan Xiang must hate her very much now. She only wanted to see who is thedy beside Ouyang Shaochen right now, her wish should be granted.

    Murong Xue grinned as she lifted up the curtain.

    Shu Nan Xiang was taken aback, ¡°You¡¯re... Murong Xue!¡±

    She had seen Murong Xue for a few times when she entered the pce, but she did not pay much attention, now Murong Xue had be her rival.

    Murong Xue nodded as she smiled, ¡°Miss Shu is willing to spend one hundred thousand dor to buy Diyang grass for Shu furen, you¡¯re truly a filial daughter.¡±

    Shu Nan Xiang¡¯s face became darker and more dissatisfied, Murong Xue bought the box of Diyang grass at fifty thousand dors, but now she was selling it at one hundred thousand dor!

    Shu Nan Xiang thought to herself : It is fine to be in a disadvantageous position, at least now she knows who is her rival. ¡°Thanks for yourpliment.¡± said Shu Nan Xiang.

    Looking at Shu Nan Xiang¡¯s calm expression, Murong Xue grinned. She spent fifty thousand dors more for the Diyang grass but still can act like nothing actually happened, she was definitely someone great. Since she did not want to argue with Murong Xue, Murong Xue also did not want to talk much with her.

    Murong Xue nced sideways at Ouyang ShaoChen, ¡°Ouyang shizi, we shall go now.¡±

    Murong Xue came to Yubao Xuan to bid the box of Diyang grass, now that it was sold, she did not need to stay here any longer.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Ouyang ShaoChen nodded, he smiled a little as he walked out.

    Everyone is staring at Ouyang ShaoChen with respect as he walked out. Shu Nan Xiang did not take her eyes off him. As he walked step by step down the stairs, across all the people, he did not look at her for once or show any intention to talk to her. She was shocked, how could Ouyang shizi forget her entirely, how could this be...

    As Ouyang Shaochen was about to leave Yubao Xuan, Shu Nan Xiang called out, ¡°Ouyang shizi, please wait for a while.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± Ouyang Shaochen said coldly and distantly, he stopped but he did not turn around.

    ¡°I...¡± Shu Nan Xiang hesitated as she looked at Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue winked and said to Ouyang ShaoChen, ¡°Both of you shall have a long chat, I¡¯ll wait for you outside.¡± Shu Nan Xiang and Ouyang Shaochen are childhood sweethearts, it had been so long since theyst met each other, definitely they will have a lot to talk about, it will be weird for her to stay there.

    Ouyang ShaoChen stared at Murong Xue as she walked out from Yubao Xuan. She was looking here and there, she seemed to be frustrated at the long wait. He smiled at the thought.

    Shu Nan Xiang clinched her hands and moved forward, she reminded gently, ¡°Ouyang shizi, Murong Xue is Prince Jing¡¯s fiancee.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face was serious, he knitted his brows and said coldly, ¡° So what? The engagement will soon be broken off.¡±

    ¡°But she had an engagement with Prince Jing already. Although the engagement will soon be broken off, as a prince, you should not marry ady that Prince Jing abandoned...¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen looked straight into her with dark and piercing eyes, ¡°Miss Shu, you care too much.¡±

    Shu Nan Xiang was frightened by the harshness of Ouyang ShaoChen, she was trembling, ¡°I...I...¡±

    ¡°Miss Shu, I think it¡¯ll be best if you take good care of your own business. Please don¡¯t get involved when it¡¯s not your matter.¡± Ouyang ShaoChen turned around and walked out from Yubao Xuan wthout a second look at Shu Nan Xiang.

    Shu Nan Xiang was aggrieved, she clenched her teeth. Everything she do is for Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s good, why can¡¯t he see this?

    Ouyang ShaoChen walked toward Murong Xue, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Murong Xue turned around and looked at him strangely, ¡°Both of you have finished talking so fast?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen sounded like he did not care, ¡°I do not have much things to talk to her.¡±

    Murong Xue winked as she talked, ¡°I thought you would take a long time to talk with her, I¡¯m seeking for an umbre stall. I¡¯m going to buy an umbre and wait for you to finish.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen sighed as he thought to himself : She¡¯s not waiting for him toe back as she looked here and there, she¡¯s actually looking for an umbre stall.

    ¡°Is the sun scorching?¡± asked Ouyang Shaochen. The sun in March was warm but definitely not scorching.

    Murong Xue nodded, ¡°It¡¯s a bit scorching to me.¡± People with cold poison in their bodies were actually very weak. When the weather is cold, they will feel freeze; when the weather is hot, they will faint easily.

    Xunfeng walked toward them and handed an umbre to Ouyang ShaoChen.

    Ouyang ShaoChen opened the umbre for Murong Xue to protect her from the strong ray, ¡°Do you feel better now?¡±

    ¡°Definitely a lot better.¡± Murong Xue smiled as she replied Ouyang Shaochen. She then whispered to him, ¡°Shizi, the unlimited supply of Diyang grass that you mentioned just now, where is the exact location?¡±

    Murong Xue wanted to ask when they were at Yubao Xuan just now, but there were too many people there. Diyang grass is one of the best quality herb, it was very expensive. If the Diyang grass were stolen by the others, she will be in danger.

    ¡°It¡¯s actually on top of a mountain, quite far from the capital...¡± Ouyang ShaoChen stopped as he saw a figure passed by, he nced in the direction of the figure.

    Murong Xue was paying full attention at Ouyang Shaochen, waiting for his answer, she consciously nced toward the same direction of Ouyang Shaochen. Shuang Xi was running in the street, sweating profusely. ¡°Shuang Xi, what are you doing here?¡± Murong Xue shouted.

    Shuang Xi stopped as she heard Murong Xue¡¯s voice, she turned and ran toward Murong Xue happily.

    Murong Xue took a look at Shuang Xi and asked, ¡°Is it something happened to my brother again?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡± Shuang Xi shook her head. ¡°Wu An¡¯s family has sent an invitation card, to invite Madam, Murong Ye and you to the dinner.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the dinner?¡± asked Murong Xue.

    ¡°Three dayster is Master Wu An Hou ¡®s fifty-fifth birthday!¡±

 Chapter 46 â€“ Murong Rouâ€™s Impish Tricks

    Merry Christmas everybody. Here is your Christmas present.

    The citizens of Qing Yan appreciated their parents and elderly, filial is their life motto, moreover, they were all well-educatedds. The age of fifty-five is a good age for major celebration, this was the best time to rejoice in this special asion and it could be a good stepping stone to regain reputation, the house of Wu An would surely organize it!

    ¡°Do you want to go to the dinner party?¡± Ouyang ShaoChen asked quietly.

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t!¡± Murong Xue shook her head without hesitancy.

    She recalled back the time she forced Murong Rou to return her the debt of almost a few hundred thousands, Murong Rou must have hated her so much right now, Murong Rou might be finding some evil ways to humiliate her at the dinner; probably she unwillingly gave her this invitation.

    It was not that she feared her evil ns, she simply did not want to waste her time and efforts in this drama, ¡°Sir, I think we should discuss about the Diyang grass beforehand.¡±

    She only had two fire lotus seeds left in her hands, which required immediate remedy from Diyang grass.

    Her eyes were filled with weariness, Ouyang Shaochen calmed thedy,¡±Diyang grass is a nt that needs constant sunlight, it usually grows on the mountain peak, and to climb up that mountain which it is on is not as easy as we thought.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue walked side by side under the golden sunlight; they talked while nning their journey. What they did not know was that right in front of them, Shuang Xi was walking towards their directions, she saw two figures with white long robe and soft pink dress and was surprised with the sight, ¡°Was that Ouyang Shaochen?¡± she thought.

    As clean as a whistle, as handsome as paint, his gestures were so graceful and gentle, he looked just like how he was described in the city.

    Wait a minute, rumours had it that he would never go neardies, so how could he have walked so closely with the young miss?

    In the house of Wu An

    Murong Rou picked up the curtain and stepped into the main hall with the help of maids and maidens, she bowed slightly and wished, ¡°How do you do, mother.¡±

    Madam Song Lao sat beside the window, she was wearing a navy blue robe that had patterns of a golden age, her head had a head scarf of the same colour as her robe, her hands was rolling Buddha beads. She replied back to her daughter-inw unresponsively, ¡°Get up from your knees, how¡¯s the birthday preparation so far?¡±

    ¡°In fact, I came here today to report back to you about this matter, this is a list of my arrangement on that day, here¡¯s the menu list, please have a look at it.¡± Murong Rou stood up beamingly, and she handed over her menu lists to Madam Song Lao.

    Madam Song Lao flipped open the brochures, she noticed that the arrangement made by her daughter-inw was all more expensive than the past years, it consisted of singing operas, poetry reading, art exhibition and luxurious delicacies.

    Her face lightened slightly, ¡°We will go with your n, but don¡¯t ruin things up, be more meticulous.¡±

    ¡°Yes, madam.¡± Murong Rou replied politely.

    Madam Song closed back the leaflets in her hands and spat, ¡°you better prove to me what you¡¯ve said, don¡¯t repeat the same incident in Liu Jia Pu Zi and ruin the reputation of Wu An¡¯s family.¡±

    Greed is amon attribute in human beings, in order to take action on greed, you have to be wise not to get caught by others, but that was not the case for Murong Rou, she left a huge traces behind her and caused chaos.

    She was already well-recognized for her materialistic character; she was always taking advantage of elderly people and the young children.

    As for Madam Wu An, she was also famous for her notorious horrid behavior, they were an embarrassment for the house of Wu An.

    Murong Rou was stunned on her feet when she heard what the old Madam Song said about Liu Jia Pu Zi, her hands clutched tightly underneath her sleeves. The story of Liu Jia Pu Zi was the day when the house of Shen got married, Madam already knew it even before then, when she stole those things from there for the old Madam Song, she was delighted and kept praising her for her filially. Now that things had gotten into a mess, she ced all me upon her shoulders and wiped herself clean from the usation, how cunning!

    ¡°Mother you are right, I know my mistake.¡± Murong Rou clenched her teeth, but remained as a sweet daughter-inw as she was supposed to be.

    Madam Song started to get irritated by her and snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there, go and do your things, as for the wedding, you better n it properly, I don¡¯t want to see any mistakes in it.¡±

    The incident that happened to Liu Jia Pu Zi had been spread throughout the city, people were pin-pointing and the house of Wu An became aughing stock, even when the maids were out to buy groceries.

    They invited several important people from the government to this birthday banquet as well, not merely for the celebration, but to serve the purpose of exining themselves too. After all, it was Murong Rou¡¯s fault, the rest of the family members were cultured, and everybody knew that.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Murong Rou made her final bow in respect and walked out of the hall gracefully. Old Madam Song watched her daughter-inw and thought to herself, ¡°Out of so many good choices in the city, how could her son choose this idiot?¡±

    She would not even think to let her son to marry this girl if she was not the close friend of the house Du, and Murong Rou was the daughter of this close friend of hers. If they were not acquainted, Murong Rou would not stand a chance in here so peacefully.

    Old Madam Song would only pass all arrangements to her because her second daughter-inw had no experience in this. She had a n of letting Murong Rou stayed in the kitchen instead ofing out to serve the guests, since she had disgraced their house.

    She could also use this opportunity to teach her second daughter-inw, so that she could rece Murong Rou in the future.

    Murong Rou¡¯s expression switched from sweet to evil, right after she strode out of the hall, her handkerchief was crumpled badly in her fist, feeling betrayed by that old woman.

    A tall figure walked towards her, Murong Rou asked emotionlessly, ¡°How¡¯s everything?¡±

    A maid bowed politely to her and said, ¡°Yes ma¡¯am, everything is done, what¡¯s left is the celebration.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s brilliant!¡± Murong Rou nodded her head, her face lightened up a bit by this. She could take vengeance on Old Madam Song after this, but Murong Xue busted her out openly, and the scene of her being shamed was vividly in her mind.

    Since then, different kinds of names: ¡°wicked¡±, ¡°crafty¡± and such followed her no matter where she went, she could not even lift her head up to face the public.

    She was this lowest point of her life because of Murong Xue, she would not sit still, she wanted to take revenge on both of the brother and sister, and she wanted them to feel exactly how she felt!

    Three days passed by swiftly, it was the wedding celebration of Madam Wu An. Since dawn, the house of Du and Murong Ye had departed in a carriage to the destination.

    Murong Xue feared of going to the party, thus she stayed in her room to pack up some belongings after giving excuses of not feeling well.

    Yu Shan Mountain was the ce where Diyang grass was nted; people could only reach this ce after one whole day of journey in miles. Furthermore, it took time to climb up the mountain and getting down; with this she had to be fully-prepared.

    ¡°Miss, the young master is in trouble!¡±

 Chapter 47 â€“ First Deception

    er: second

    shaoye: young master

    A piercing panicked voice travelled to her ears, Murong Xue stopped what she was doing andughed to herself, she should have known this about her brother.

    Murong Ye would not enjoy the birthday celebration peacefully, but she did not expect things to escte this quick, he got into this trouble not even one hour after his departure. Indeed, Murong Rou could not wait any longer.

    She understood undoubtedly that she being sick could be excused from the celebration. Murong Ye was the son of Zhen Manor and the nephew of the Murong Rou, his presence was crucial no matter what. He must have tried to protect himself from Murong Rou¡¯s setup.

    Murong Xue turned to look at the person, ¡°what happened? Tell me.¡±

    The messenger was Murong Ye¡¯s steward, Feng Tao, based on his looks; she guessed she was probably only fifteen or sixteen years old. He was panting hard from the running, ¡°Mydy... Master gambled with er Song shaoye... And he lost...¡±

    Murong Ye was young, thus his skill might not be as good, and therefore it was normal for him to lose in gambling, ¡°How much did he lose?¡±

    ¡°Hundred Thousand!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Murong Xue was startled. Murong Ye did not usually lost this much when he was gambling, the most was only few thousands.

    Feng Tuo said bitterly, ¡°They made a lot of high bets, it was around five to six thousands per round, I told him to stop when I saw him losing but he wouldn¡¯t listen, that¡¯s why I came over to tell you...¡±

    Murong Ye forgot about everything once he started gambling, such pampered child. He could still control his desire even if it¡¯s Murong Rou¡¯s trick.

    With that amount of money, the normal citizens could not even finish them for centuries! Did he realize how difficult and how long it would take for them to earn back these twelve thousands?

    Murong Xue was in fury, ¡°where is Murong Ye now? Bring me to him!¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± Feng Tuo cheered up promptly, ¡°please wait ma¡¯am, I will go and prepare the carriage...¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no use in doing that, we go right now by using the short way, I want to reach the house of Wu An as soon as possible.¡± Murong Xue retorted. She was very well aware on Murong Ye¡¯s addiction in gambling, Feng Tuo spent so much timeing back here to find her, he must had gambled a few more rounds, who knows he could be losing more money than before, if they wasted time on preparing carriage, that amount of a few hundred thousand that they had just collected would be vanished in the air just like that.

    Murong Rou knew how much he loves to gamble and used this weakness to set him up, how smart.

    ¡°Noted!¡± Feng Tuo replied in confidence and left the mansion with Murong Xue. He guided her along the way and after a few turnings, finally they reached their destination.

    The shimmery golden signboard above the door which wrote ¡°The House of Wu An¡± could be seen under the ray of sunshine. The head of governments, people with big titles and important generals were walking in and out of the main door,ughing happily as they passed.

    Lavish gifts were stacked up like a mountain, and the housekeeper ordered the maids to arrange the presents.

    Murong Xue had a sulk on her face, she thought, ¡°Murong Rou, I¡¯m here to clear off our debts, are you ready for this?¡±

    Behind the house, Old Madam Song was sitting in the garden with her elderly friends, wearing a set of emerald outfit with a red gemstone on her head.

    ¡°Old Madam Song, it¡¯s your big day today, why didn¡¯t your first daughter-inwe out and attend the guests?¡± Liu Jia Pu Zi¡¯s incident was a huge hit in the city; Murong Rou had discredited the house. Madam Lin came here today was not purely because she was a close friend of Old Madam Song , but also to hear the truth.

    With that question, the nobility and others looked at Madam Song Lao with pure interest. That urrence had been manipted by others into different versions, now that they were all here with the victim herself, they wanted to know in details.

    ¡°I¡¯ve asked her to repent in the temple as a punishment!¡± Old Madam Song replied casually.

    ¡°Why is that?¡± Madam Lin asked knowingly.

    ¡°It was her fault after all.¡± Madam Song Lao sighed loudly. ¡°She acted so politely and she was such as gentle girl, I trusted her to let her manage everything in the house, but I did not expect her to steal from others, it was really unlucky for us to have her now...¡±

    The crowd looked at each other and pitied the olddy. It was Murong Rou¡¯s mistake but the house¡¯s reputation was dragged along with her misconduct.

    She was the head daughter-inw in the house, because of what had done; the house had to bear all charges, what a shame...

    Feeling the crowds, Madam Song hid her smile. It was true indeed when Murong Rou stole from the other house, this was known by everyone and she could not deny the fact, therefore she admitted it in front of everyone and cut through the details, so that people would not consider her as the culprit.

    Her strategy went smoothly as how she had nned.

    ¡°It is rare for us to see each other so often, let¡¯s not talk about this miserable event, Hui Hui, please go to the kitchen and take out the crystal jelly for everyone.¡±

    Hui Hui was the second daughter-inw in the house; she had extraordinary social skills, now that Murong Rou was not here to disparage her movements, Hui Hui strode towards the kitchen in dness.

    Madam Lin praised, ¡°This daughter-inw of yours are so intelligent, was she the one who organized everything today?¡±

    ¡°Exactly, but it is her first time doing this, there was so much to handle, such a poor girl...¡±

    Murong Rou who was standing behind a fake hill, heard every single word she said. This celebration was her achievement, she would not mind at all if Madam Song wanted to build Hui Hui up.

    But how could she say so deceitfully about the event in Liu Jia Pu Zi? Everybody in Wu An had entire possession she took from there...

    Just then, a maid came forward and reported, ¡°Ma¡¯am, the eldest daughter of Zhen Manor hase.¡±

 Chapter 48 â€“ Conspiracy Ongoing

    Murong Xue? She imed that she was sick and would not attend the dinner. Why was she here now?

    Murong Rou smiled hypocritically as she saw Murong Xue walking slowly towards her. Murong Xue was wearing a long light green dress, she lifted the corner of her mouth slightly, and her captivatingly beautiful eyes were cold.

    It was good to see Murong Xue here, it was easier for her to execute her n.

    Murong Rou took a look at Madam Song, this old woman was trying to nder her in front of everyone, so she did not need to obey this old woman.

    Murong Rou was sneering as she walked toward Murong Xue, ¡°Xue Er, I thought you¡¯re not feeling well? Why are you here?¡±

    Looking at her fake smile, Murong Xue did not want to pretend to be courteous to her, she said without any emotion, ¡°I¡¯m here to look for my brother.¡±

    ¡°Ye Er is in the front yard...¡± said Murong Rou.

    ¡°No, he¡¯s not. His servant told me that he¡¯s in the guest room.¡± Murong Xue interrupted and corrected her disrespectfully.

    The nobledies and guests who attended the dinner did not think that Murong Xue was being rude. She was standing right in front of the person who was trying to fight with her for her estate. It was perfectly fine for Murong Xue to treat her in such a way.

    Murong Rou was stunned, ¡®This impudent girl! How dare she retort upon me in public. But she won¡¯t be arrogant any longer, not until Murong Rou¡¯s n seeds.¡¯

    ¡°It¡¯s not lunch time yet, Ye Er is probably not drinking at this hour, how can he be in the guest room?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not with him right now, how am I supposed to know? That¡¯s why I¡¯m here to look for him.¡± Murong Xue said dispassionately. She walked over Murong Rou and followed Feng Tao to the guest room.

    How could this rude girl be so bossy? Murong Rou would¡¯ve lost control if she did not need Murong Xue¡¯s help in seeding her n. Murong Xue held back her anger and chased after Murong Xue, ¡°I¡¯ll follow you to check it out.¡± She will definitely take revenge on Murong Xue after she seeded her n.

    Everyone followed them to the guest room as they thought there must be a drama going on soon.

    At the same time, the other people looked at the birthday woman, Mrs. Song. She said she had punished Murong Rou to remorse at the Buddha hall? Why was she here then?

    Mrs. Song was feeling extremely embarrassed, she had reminded Murong Rou several times to stay in the kitchen and note out to serve the guests. However, Murong Rou dared to disobey her order and put her in such an awkward situation.

    ¡°Murong Ye is Master Yue¡¯s only male child, hopefully nothing has gone wrong.¡± Mrs. Lin spoke to resolve the awkward situation.

    Madam Song took a look at her full with gratitude, ¡°That¡¯s right, we should follow them to check out the situation.¡±

    Murong Xue rushed forward as she saw Shuang Xi was suffering from abdominal pain and lying against the wall. He looked pale and drawn, ¡°What happened to you?¡± asked Murong Xue.

    Shuang Xi walked towards Murong Xue weakly, ¡°I¡¯ve been suffering from diarrhea for almost two hours.¡±

    Murong Xue raised her brow, ¡°You were in good condition when you came out today morning. Did you eat something unclean?¡±

    Shuang Xi shook his head vigorously, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t eat anything once I reached here, I just drank a few cups of tea...¡±

    Needless to say, there must have been something that was added into his tea. Shuang Xi was a smart boy, Murong Rou did it on purpose, so that it would be easier for her to scheme against Murong Ye.

    Murong Xue smiled scornfully, ¡°Next time you must remember not to simply drink any beverage at other ces. Luckily this time you only had diarrhea, who knows next time you may actually die.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright. I know what to do next time.¡± said Shuang Xi. His face was ghostly pale with fright.

    Murong Rou was looking gloomy, she clenched her fist tightly because she knew Murong Xue was being sarcastic.

    Murong Xue ignored Murong Rou and walked swiftly to the guest room. The door was widely opened and a huge gambling table was ced at the center of the room. Song Qing Yan was wearing a dark blue robe, standing behind the table and shaking the dice triumphantly.

    Murong Ye was standing opposite Song Qing Yan and surrounded by all the rich men¡¯s sons. They were all staring at the dice cup with full attention and shouting, ¡°Small, small, small... Small, small, small...¡±

    Song Qing Yan put down the dice cup hardly on the table and removed the cap, he shouted arrogantly, ¡°Five, five, Six... Big... Murong Ye, you¡¯ve lost...¡±

    Every time Murong Xue encountered with Murong Ye while he was gambling, he will definitely lose- such a useless man.

    Murong Xue wrinkled her brow as she shouted, ¡°Murong Ye!¡±

    Murong Ye turned around as he heard the angry voice, his eyes were filled with suspense, ¡°Sister, what are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to see how much you¡¯ve lost!¡± Murong Xue stepped forward into the room.

    They all thought something bad must have happened to Murong Ye, however he was only gambling in the room.

    They were relieved at the sight and did not follow Murong Xue into the room.

    Those rich men¡¯s son quieted down as they saw so many people came suddenly. They did not speak even a word.

    Murong Ye looked at the empty table and smiled sheepishly, ¡°Didn¡¯t lose much, not much...¡±

    ¡°Not much, it¡¯s only fifty thousand dor...¡± Song Qing Yan said carelessly as he was calcting the stack of chips in front of him.

    Murong Ye has lost all his cash. They had signed contract, every round won will then put a chip.

    There were so many people here, they cannot continue to gamble anymore, it was time to cash out.

    ¡°What? Fifty thousand dors?¡± Murong Ye gawked when he heard the amount. ¡°How can it be so much?¡±

    The people were taken aback when they heard the amount, losing fifty thousand dor in one morning. Murong Ye was undeniably a prodigal son.

    ¡°You must remember how many rounds you¡¯ve lost, right?¡± Song Qing Yan raised an eyebrow as he looked at Murong Ye, ¡°Each round is five thousand dor, summing up all the rounds...¡±

    ¡°Initially you said each round will be fifty dor, why is it five thousand dor now?¡± Murong Ye interrupted him rudely, staring at him right into his eyes.

    ¡°Fifty dors? Murong Ye, open your eyes and look closely. The contract has stated clearly that each round is five thousand dor...¡± Song Qing Yan took out a piece of paper and put it in front of Murong Ye. It was stated on the piece of paper : Not enough cash, lose one round is equivalent to five thousand dor. Written by Song Qing Yan, signed by Murong Ye.

    ¡°This is certainly a fraud. It was written fifty dor...¡± Murong Ye was furious. He pointed at the rich men¡¯s sons, ¡°You can try to ask them, our agreement is fifty dors each round. They heard it clearly...¡±

 Chapter 49 â€“ To Beat Up Song Qing Yan

    meixi¡¯s note: sorry sorry sorry, I was editing this at the airport so I was unable to double check the raws, so for anyone confused, Song Qingyan is a GUY, not a girl, and he isn¡¯t the daughter Murong Rou. I doubled checked and yes he has the same name as the girl Song Qingyan in pinyin (which is the chinese alphabet of english letters), but they have different chinese characters. Oh dear author, why did you make them have the same name in pinyin.

    I was away for vacation for thest week and a half and was unable to edit the chapters that were released, so if any of you were confused about some things in the chapters that were released this week, the majority of it has been rified.

    ËÎÇååû: girl Song Qinyan, daughter of Murong Rou

    ËÎÇåÑÔ: guy Song Qinyan, cousin to Murong Xue

    er: second

    gongzi : young master of a reputable house

    ¡°Is it?¡± Song Qing Yan walked toward Murong Ye in a leisurely manner. Standing in front of a fat profligate son, he lifted his chin and asked, ¡°Did you hear I say fifty dor for each round?¡±

    The man shook his head decisively, ¡°No!¡±

    Song Qing Yan turned to another thin profligate son and asked, ¡°Did you hear it?¡±

    ¡°No, No. Definitely not.¡± He shook both his head and his hands.

    ¡°You... All of you...¡± Murong Ye looked at all these familiar faces, he was left speechless. They were both Song Qing Yan¡¯s and his friends, but at this critical moment, why would they choose to stand on Song Qing Yan¡¯s side and not tell the truth?

    Murong Xue sneered as she knew they had all been bribed by Song Qing Yan.

    In other words, Murong Ye had been trapped by all of them in the room.

    ¡°Murong Ye, I believe you¡¯ve heard them clearly, do you still want to deny?¡± Song Qing Yan was feeling highly aplished as he looked at Murong Ye¡¯s nervous behavior.

    Murong Ye red at him harshly, he clenched his fists and his eyes slowly turned into blood- red colored. He was not trying to deny a single thing because what he said was fact.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s time to pay now.¡± Song Qing Yan knew that Murong Ye could not defend himself anymore, he showed the contract in front of everyone and said, ¡°This is the contract we¡¯ve signed. Everyone, please do have a look. The amount of Murong Ye lost was quiterge. There are sufficient material evidence and witnesses now, obviously I¡¯m not taking any advantage of him.¡±

    Murong Rou was standing beside the door, entirely free from worry. Murong Ye had lost fifty thousand dor in two hours, this had clearly proven that he is the ck sheep of the family. The royal and noble ranks people will certainly looked down upon him, his reputation will be ruined thoroughly. Byparison, she only corrupted almost one million dor for the past ten years, it will be not worth mentioning. After all, Murong Ye will lose it all in four hours.

    After today, it will be less likely for people to reprimand Murong Rou. However, Murong Ye being a prodigal son squandering the family fortune will be the gossip of the town.

    Murong Xue smiled grimly, this was Murong Rou¡¯s main objective, to discredit Murong Ye so that no one would remember the bad things she had done... By making aparison, what Murong Ye had done seemed to be worse than Murong Rou, so people will only point their fingers at Murong Ye.

    Murong Xue will not grant her wish, ¡°To change fifty dor to five thousand dor, all you need to do is add a line.¡± Song Qing Yan looked at Murong Xue with knitted brows, ¡°Excuse me, I am the reputable Wu An¡¯s house second young gongzi, do you really think I will do something shameless like this?¡±

    ¡°Hard to say!¡± Murong Xue said scornfully. ¡°Previously, a Madam from the Wu An household had almost hollowed out my mother¡¯s store. I don¡¯t think you have any credibility either...¡±

    Murong Rou¡¯s face was pale, she gripped both her hands tightly beneath her long sleeves. All the effort she had done to divert people¡¯s attention was destroyed by Murong Xue.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any direct rtionship with her. You shouldn¡¯t judge me based on what she had done.¡± Song Qing Yan took a look at Murong Rou, and then red at Murong Xue, his hand was holding the contract, ¡°You look at this. This is the evidence showing that your brother owes me money. Are you refusing to admit it? If you can¡¯t afford to lose so much of money, you shouldn¡¯t y in the first ce. Both of you are the ones with no credibility at all...¡±

    ¡°Song Qing Yan!¡± Murong Ye was enraged. He rushed forward and wanted to fight with Song Qing Yan.

    Murong Xue held him back as she looked at Song Qing Yan coldly, ¡°Song er gongzi, you¡¯re able to win fifty thousand dor in just two hours, you must have brilliant gambling skill.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for thepliment.¡± Song Qing Yan lifted his chin high and replied arrogantly.

    ¡°You¡¯re the banker for all the rounds yed?¡± asked Murong Xue.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Song Qing Yan was feeling proud of himself.

    Murong Xue walked forward unhurriedly and pointed at the dice cup, ¡°You¡¯ve used this set of dice all the while?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Song Qing Yan nodded.

    ¡°Song er gongzi, it looks like you¡¯re ying a trick and fooling my brother in public.¡± Murong Xue squeezed the three dice hardly, the three dice crushed into six pieces instantly. ¡°Song gongzi, you¡¯re actually scheming against my brother and reprimanding him boldly now. Your personality is truly the worst that I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±

    Everyone was stunned as they looked at the fragments of dice Murong Xue was holding, they were left speechless.

    ¡°Song Qing Yan, you fooled me!¡± Murong Ye clenched his fist high andunched it straight on Song Qing Yan¡¯s face.

    The agonizing pain made Song Qing Yan recovered from his surprise. He immediately retaliated. Both of them fought fiercely and the situation was out of control.

    The people surrounding them had no intention to stop the fight. They started to gossip:

    ¡°The truth is Song Qing Yan was scheming against Murong Ye...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Although Murong Ye is a gamble addict, he still knows how far to go and when to stop. Each round costs only fifty dor, even if he lost one hundred rounds, the amount of money lost is still considered eptable. However, Song Qing Yan changed the content of the contract to five thousand dor for each round, obviously this is trying to deceive Murong Ye¡¯s money...¡±

    ¡°Previously, someone was scheming against Murong Ye¡¯s mother for the store. Now, he is scheming against Murong Ye for money. This Wu An¡¯s family only knows how to take advantage on these two poor children...¡±

    ¡°Birds of a feather flock together. This proverb is rather urate...¡±

    Murong Rou looked ck as thunder : Murong Xue, it¡¯s her again to ruin my n...

    Murong Ye was tall, and he had practiced Kung Fu for ten years. He punched Song Qing Yan hard and mercilessly in the face. Song Qing Yan was one year younger than Murong Ye, he did not have enough energy to fight back. Every part of his body was injured, he held her head and surrendered, ¡°Help, help me...¡±

    Everyone turned a deaf ear to his call. Song Qing Yan should be punished for his actions.

    Song Qing Yan was fed up as he looked at Murong Ye. Murong Ye¡¯s eyes were filled with hatred. The way he whacked Song Qing Yan, definitely wanted him to die. Song Qing Yan was too afraid, and he cried aloud, ¡°It¡¯s Murong Rou the one who instigated me to do so. She asked me to bribe all the rich men¡¯s sons, the trick dice... It was all her idea. She said that we¡¯ll share the amount of money equally. Murong Ye, you shouldn¡¯t be beating me alone...¡±

 Chapter 50 â€“ Torn Apart

    chang sao: elder brother¡¯s wife, in this case, Murong Xue¡¯s mother

    Daren: a respected adult male

    The crowd¡¯s eyes fell onto Murong Rou, their faces were full of shock and disgust; they had thought that because Song Qingyan was still young and reckless, when he encountered a rich family who owned thousands of silvers, his heart would naturally be filled with envy and would want to take advantage of them. But they would¡¯ve never guessed that he was only an aplice, the real mastermind behind this situation was actually Murong Rou.

    The six shops situation (Liu Pu Zi) had made Murong Rou theughing stock of the capital, her reputation was washed down the drain. Since then, she never took a single item from the Zhen Manor, instead, she hid herself out of embarrassment. She had nned to cheat them out of their silvers indirectly through Song Qing Yan so that even if the incident got out, everyone would me him, instead of her. How smart yet cunning.

    Murong Rou hated them all, Song Qing Yan was only thirteen years old and he was still a child who did not know anything. If their n was busted, he would¡¯ve just had to admit his mistake and the matter would be considered settled, he would not receive any punishment at all. But what she did not expect was him exposing her too, with that, their status spread across the cities. She thought that it was truly a dumb move to take...

    ¡°Song Qin Yan, don¡¯t you dare to frame me!¡± Murong Rou stared hard at him, but at the same time, she winked at him indirectly without others noticing to tell him not to bust them out.

    Unfortunately, the senseless Song Qing Yan did not see her wink, he thought she was trying to protect herself with the scolding and let him shoulder all responsibilities himself. He turned furious and pointed at her, shouting:

    ¡°I med you? Murong Rou, you gave me those silvers two years ago and asked me to convince Murong Ye in doing different types of gambling. One year ago, you gave me two thousands more to bring him into the casino, and half year ago, you promised to give me five thousands more to bring him to Qing Brothel, my steward knew exactly what was going on all this while, do you want me to bring them out and prove to you now?¡±

    Everyone was discussing among themselves, people started to judge and threw dirty looks at her. Murong Ye turned into a bad person exactly two years ago, from minor gambling to casino, he started to mingle with other ignorant fools, but ¡°we¡¯ve never heard of him going into Qing Brothel.¡±

    ¡°That was because when the incident in the six shops was busted, Murong Rou covered everything with the money she stole from the house, she did not give me any money after that, so I had to dy Murong Ye¡¯s arrangement, otherwise, he would be sleeping soundly in one of the flowery beds in Qing Brothel now...¡± Song Qing Yan blurted out proudly, he was satisfied with his exnation.

    Everyone in the room was shocked, the whispering among them soon turned into a loud rambling. She had worn the silk that she took from someone else¡¯s shop, used someone else¡¯s jewelry and even deliberately led someone else¡¯s son into all these temptations; Murong Rou¡¯s heart was indeed ck, she was too cruel. Even though they were having conflicts among the family, their surname were all Murong, they were part of the same family line.

    Murong Ye stopped the beating, after hearing the discussion and gossips; he squatted down in astonishment...

    Murong Xue smirked beside the room, she had always thought that since Murong Ye had lost his parents when he was young, he would slowly grow up into an ipetent and ignorant profligate son of the rich, but now it was revealed, he was actually set up!

    This was such a good trick of Murong Rou!

    ¡°Since Lin Daren from the house of Shun Tian is also attending the birthday banquet, I don¡¯t know if making a good and behaved child into a dandy is in vition with thew of the country of Qinyan. However, Murong Rou and Song Qinyan both conspired together to cheat my brother of 500 000 silvers, this certainly is against thew!¡±

    Murong Xue was ready to send her into custody! But she was the first daughter-inw of Wu An, how could she go to prison!

    Murong Rou¡¯s face paled quickly, she clenched her fist tightly under her dress and said, ¡°I did not conspire with Song Qing Yan, he med me because he wanted to escape from punishments...¡±

    ¡°Sister-inw, please watch what you say.¡± Wu Hui Hui eximed, she walked swiftly towards her and looked at the swollen face of Song Qinyan, her heart ached for him and she secretly cursed at Murong Rou. She said coldly, ¡°Qingyan is the er gongzi of Wu An¡¯s house- clothes and food are all provided for him, he does not have to worry about anything, why would he take so much money?¡±

    ¡°As for you sister-inw, for ten years you took everything from our chang sao¡¯s dowry shops for free and got chased by debtors. Everyone in the street knew that you were stealing from the poor all along; you cheated them when you could not steal from them, only you alone can do such a despicable thing!¡±

    Murong Rou was thedy of Wu An, and she had only the status of the second daughter-inw, usually she would not dare to speak to her in this manner, but this time, Murong Rou was just too crafty, she used Qing Yan and used him so that she could clear off her name. That was too unfair.

    Murong Rou clenched her teeth, ¡°Wu Hui Hui, I neglected the management in the situation of the six shops and lost the silvers, I did not mean to drag it for ten years. As for Murong Ye¡¯s story, you all could see clearly what had happened, how can the me be shifted on to me?¡±

    Wu Hui Hui spat, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why would he use you when he could me others?¡±

    ¡°That was because we had conflict before this, and everyone would believe his story!¡± Murong Rou tried to exin herself.

    Wu Hui Hui went quiet. Murong Rou was really cunning, her excuses were quite believable, but she knew it in her heart that it was all her idea, ¡°His steward saw everything when you were discussing with Qing Yan...¡±

    ¡°Song Qing Yan¡¯s steward is loyal to him, his words are not trustworthy...¡±

    Murong Rou and Wu Hui Hui were arguing with each other, Murong Xue ignored their bickering and strutted slowly in front, ¡°Lin daren!¡±

    Lin Daren from Shun Tian¡¯s house sighed in his heart; he had been standing very subtly but did not expect to be found. s, the dirty doings of aristocracy made people¡¯s lives difficult! Even if it was tough, when the case fell onto him, he had to deal with it!

    Master Lin looked up at Murong Xue and smiled, ¡°Miss Murong, Murong Rou and Qing Yan did not receive the silvers and ruin the house even though they operated together to steal from Master Xiao Hou, therefore their penalties will not be hefty...¡±

    He had encountered simr case before; such case would only take about one to three months of imprisonment!

    Murong Xue delightfully replied, ¡°Alright, we will all listen to Master Lin, if it this is the sentence then we will follow what you said!¡±

    Master Lin sighed once again, she must have hated Murong Rou so badly for wanting her to go into the prison, but it was impossible for him to stop her decision, but then again Murong Rou was cruel enough to mislead Murong Ye in such way, no wonder Murong Xue would be fuming.

    ¡°Come over steward, cuff both Murong Rou and Qing Yan over to Shun Tian hall!¡±

    Everybody quieted down with that instruction, Murong Rou deceived Murong Ye and finally she got what she deserved...

    Wu Hui Hui blinked her eyes, not saying anything, she understood that Master Lin captured Murong Rou because he believed that Qing Yan was innocent. After all, he was only thirteen and he did not ept the money. She knew that he woulde back after several interrogations, and started to feel misfortune for Murong Rou.

    A few soldiers of Shun Tian¡¯s house came forward, ready to capture them, suddenly a sharp intense bellow spread across the room, ¡°Murong Xue, Rou Er is your aunt, how could you send her into the prison?¡±

    ______________________________________________________

    meixi¡¯s note:

    After reading too many chinese novels, I¡¯m starting to feel that all older females or even females in general beside the MC have evil souls.

    2017 is here sooon!!!!! Another year for me to waste my life away reading these chinese novels with thousands of chapters!!

    .

 Chapter 51 â€“ Revealing of Plans

    o furen: respected elderly woman

    Tianfu: where the Tian family live

    Murong Xue was startled when she heard the question, and saw Mrs. Du march angrily towards her. She had not been feeling well so she wanted to rest briefly in the guest room. However, everyone was rushing to the hall so she followed the crowd, but was rather upset when she saw that Murong Xue was condemning Rou Er.

    Murong Xue faced her angry eyes and said mercilessly, ¡°When she emptied out my mother¡¯s dowry, why didn¡¯t she act as our blood-rted aunt? When she bribed Song Qinyan into deceiving my brother, why didn¡¯t she act as our blood-rted aunt? When she coborated with Qingyan to cheat my brother out of his silvers, why didn¡¯t she act as our blood-rted aunt? Now that her evil ways have been all revealed and she¡¯s on her way to prison, you suddenly want us to think of her as our blood-rted aunt?

    ¡°You!¡± Madam Du was stunned and could not move. Rou Er was truly wrong for what she had done, but she was still thedy of Wu An, her name would be ruinedpletely if she went into the prison. ¡°I¡¯m your grandmother, I have the right to interfere in your things and make the final decisions, clear off the usation...¡±

    With one word, Rou Er did not have to go into custody, since Murong Xue would not let go of this matter, she would have to release her herself.

    Murong Xue blurted out augh, raised an eyebrow and said, ¡°Grandmother, please listen carefully, Murong Rou stole my brother¡¯s silvers, not yours, you don¡¯t have the right to make any final call...¡±

    Madam Du sneered, ¡°I am theo furen of Zhen Manor, I am the biggest decision maker, your brother lost all his money, he had to return his debts using my money, how can I not interfere?¡±

    ¡°Since when he was young, my brother¡¯s clothes and food and everything were all provided by Uncle Hui, when has he ever asked for money from grandmother¡¯s house?¡±Murong Xue fainted smiled at her, her eyes were filled with contempt and mocking. In front of everyone, Madam Du still had the confidence to lie about this matter.

    Madam Du¡¯s face turned red; she stared at Murong Xue and cursed her in her heart as she gritted her teeth: evil! Evil!

    The crowd watched both of them as they debated, Madam Du had her own blood-rted daughter, how would she treat Murong Ye and Murong Xue sincerely, who had no blood rtions at all. The crowd understood the whirlwind storm inside of the household.

    ¡°She harmed my brother, this fact is certainly true; she deserves to be in the jail for scamming my brother!¡± Murong Xue went on and looked at the guards, ¡°These two guards, stop staring nkly into space, arrest them now!¡±

    The two soldiers, who had regained themselves, walked towards Murong Rou and Son Qing Yan and cuffed them.

    Song Qin Yan calmly moved forward with his head high up, as if he was a guest going for a visit.

    Murong Rou, however, was filled with wrath, but she could do nothing.

    A voice appeared suddenly as both of them were halfway to the main door, ¡°wait a minute!¡±

    Everyone looked up and saw Old Madam Song walking over to the crowd with her maid helping her out, her face was gloomy, ¡°Tian Wen, please write a xiushu (divorce letter) and divorce Murong Rou, we do not want such sinister and cunning daughter-inw in our Song household.¡±

    Murong Rou¡¯s head went nk, Madam Song was asking her husband to divorce her, how could she do that?

    Mrs. Du realized where this was going, looked up to stare at Old Madam Song and said coldly, ¡°Rou Er has been married to the Song family for more than ten years, she worked hard day and night and has not received any credit for her hard work, how could ask Tian Wen for a divorce?¡±

    ¡°She is evil and ck-hearted!¡± Old Madam Song¡¯s tone was harsh, her voice was filled with coldness. ¡°As the Song¡¯s daughter inw, she was supposed to be gentle and virtuous, live in harmony with her sister-inws, and know right when she sees it, but what has she done so far? She stole her sister-inw¡¯s dowry shops, this matter of deceiving Murong Ye was all her doing, yet she pushed the entire me onto Qing Yan, such a ck-hearted and despicable woman, we certainly cannot afford to keep her in the Song family nor do we dare to in order to keep the family peaceful.¡±

    In front of everybody, she had just rified that the people of Wu An¡¯s house were all intelligent and faithful, and that nobody conspired with Murong Rou in her evil n. Murong Rou has trapped herself in her own set up by trying to deceive Murong Ye, she could not tolerate this selfishness any longer.

    Mrs. Du choked, and her chest heaved in anger, she wanted to refute the words, but she could not think of anything to say.

    Murong Rou came back to her consciousness, looked at Old Madam Song with full determination, ¡°Mother, ording to the Song¡¯s family rule, one can only divorce the wife if she breaks the seven major rules, since married until now, have I broke those seven major rules? Have I done anything to this family?¡±

    Madam Song Lao blinked her eyes in difort, since Murong Xue married to Tian Wen, she had been a hardworking and responsible good wife, thus Madam Song Lao trusted her enough to let her handle all issues in the house.

    But who asked her to be greedy? She was caught doing wrong things and she ruined the reputation of the family. The house of Song needs a submissive Wu Andy, not someone like her who spread their bad reputation all over the town!

    Old Madam Song bowed her head slightly to look at her and was surprised when she found Murong Rou staring back in return, her pupils shed darkly and her eyes narrowed. What did Murong Rou want?

    In the middle of her confusion, Song Tian Wen came into the scene and eximed, ¡°Mother, this matter is serious, let Master Lin bring Rou Er and Qing Yan back to Tianfu first...¡±

    When no one was looking, he dropped his voice to a whisper, ¡°Mother, Rou Er has been captured for her crime, if we settled off her right here right now, would it not add insult to injury? How will the government officials view the Wu An House then?¡±

    Old Madam Song narrowed her eyes a little, the House of Wu An¡¯s reputation could not ride on the back of his wife, they could not bear this humiliation.

    Indeed, the people in Wu An received many gifts from Murong Rou¡¯s stealing, if Tian Wen divorced her now, she would tell the truth to everyone around them so that the entire Wu An House would be shamed. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, we¡¯ll postpone this issue, wait till she¡¯s back to Wu An, we will definitely discuss further about this.¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much, mother!¡± Murong Rou let out a breath of relief, she marched slowly out of the door with the guards holding her arms.

    Murong Xue looked at her as she drifted further into the skyline, she thought to herself, even if Murong Rou was not settled off, her reputation waspletely ruined already, once she came back from the Lianfu, Madam Song Lao would not even let her handle anything at all, the stewards and maids in the house would not fear her too, they would all make fun of her from now on, in short, even if she continued on as firstdy in Wu An, her life would be worse.

    Murong Xue broke out of her thought as a shadow appeared above her head, Song Tian Wen stood in front of her and apologized, ¡°Ye Er, Xue Er, my deepest apologies, your aunty... she... Find me if you face any troubles in the future, I will absolutely support you if I can!¡±

    Murong Xue smiled, Song Tian Wen was the husband of Murong Rou, and he acted as if he did not know what she was doing all this while? She did not believe that.

    ¡°We do not really need help and support, as long as you people of Wu An stop nning to take away our inheritance and create chaos for us siblings, we are grateful enough.¡±

    Song Tian Wen faked augh, ¡°there are a lot of guests in here today, I have to go now, please make yourselves at home!¡±

    The two culprits had been taken away to the station, everything was over, the crowd gradually walked away from the scene, and there was only Murong Xue and Murong Ye left in the hall.

    ¡°All those busybodies are gone, brother, let¡¯s go home too.¡± Murong Xue stated, she turned around when she did not get any response from her brother, and saw him squatting down aside unbendingly, he was looking down at the floor, as if he was thinking about something...

    aw poor Murong Ye, he¡¯s probably had the shock of his life, imagine having your entire nned out by evil people.

    Happy New Years guys! What¡¯s your new year resolutions?

 Chapter 52 â€“ Dislike Physical Intimacy

    Shizi: son of a person who is rted to the royal family

    ¡°Brother, what are you doing?¡± Murong Xue asked in confusion.

    Murong Ye looked up with his swollen blood-red eyes, his captivating eyes were filled with tears. He was trembling as he took Murong Xue into his arms, ¡°Sister... I thought they were all kind and sincere to me...¡±

    But what was the truth? His close rtionship with his cousin was for the advantage of someone else to set him up and lead him astray. For his so-called caring aunt, to spend manpower, material and financial resources, all just to make sure he grows up a waste and thus destroying his future. These past two years, his entire path and life had been determined by someone else¡¯s calctions.

    The warms tears flowed down Murong Ye¡¯s cheek and dropped on Murong Xue¡¯s neck. Murong Xue was stunned for a moment, she patted his back gently. Murong Xue didn¡¯t like to have physical contact with males. But he was hurt, like an injured little pet, making people unable to have the heart to push him away.

    Murong Ye was only fourteen years old, his parents died when he was young. He was longing for friendship and family love, that was why he was deceived by Song Qing Yan and Murong Rou.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, it¡¯s not your fault. You just have to be more cautious next time, you¡¯ll meet loyal and sincere friends in future. These people don¡¯t worth your tears.¡± said Murong Xue.

    Murong Ye was choked with sobs, ¡°Why are they scheming against me? I don¡¯t understand...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all because they¡¯re selfish and greedy. Your existence is blocking their way to seed their evil n.¡± Murong Xue knew, they were trying to turn Murong Ye into a useless man for someone¡¯s good. ¡°We are not a direct descendent of their family, even though you¡¯re trying to be kind to them, they will still think of a way to ruin you and knock you down.¡±

    Murong Ye knew about all these schemes and intrigues, but he thought all of these were strategies used to defend himself from enemies. He never thought that his ¡°family members¡± would treat him in such a way.

    His parents died when he was young. The only one who was helping him wholeheartedly is his sister, it was very lucky for him to have her as sister...

    Murong Xue saw a white shirt shing across the corner of her eye, and she felt the grip around her waist. She was carried away almost three meters far, Murong Ye was left alone.

    She smelt the familiar nice scent, she raised her head and found herself looking at Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s poetic and handsome face, she frowned, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, what are you doing?¡±

    ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be any physical contact between you and other males.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said word by word, his voice did not sound like he was happy.

    ¡°He is my brother.¡± said Murong Xue.

    ¡°Your brother is a man, women and men should not have any physical contact; or have you forgotten that your brother is already fourteen years of age?¡± Ouyang Shaochen raised one of his brow and looked at Murong Xue as if she is stupid.

    ¡°...¡± Murong Xue was speechless, he always had his reason.

    ¡°My brother was tricked by the others, he¡¯s not feeling well, I¡¯mforting him.¡±

    ¡°There are many ways tofort someone, you¡¯re using the most stupid, the most useless one.¡± Ouyang Shaochen casted a nce at her, he didn¡¯t say anything, but his face showed his dissatisfaction.

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s beautiful face immediately darkened as she gritted her teeth. Every time she saw him he made her speechless, Ouyang Shaochen definitely had a poisonous mouth and a ck belly.

    Murong Ye was rooted to the ground, he looked at their interactions nkly. They were bickering right in front of him as if they were the only ones around, they seemed to be very close. Tears were stuck between his long eyshes; his sister and Ouyang shizi... What was happening?

    Aware of his gaze, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes fell onto Murong Ye. His piercing hawk-like eyes made Murong Ye feel like they could see through his eyes and into his heart. Murong Ye hurriedly lowered his head, his eyes shing incoherently as he gabbled in a panicky way, ¡°Sister, shizi, you guys take your time, please excuse me... I¡¯m going back now.¡±

    ¡°Hold on, I¡¯m going back with you!¡± Murong Xue hade here to rescue Murong Ye, now that everything had been resolved, it was naturally time for them to go back. She did not want to stay any longer at this birthday banquet.

    Seeing Murong Ye turn to leave, Murong Xue forcibly pushed away the hand that was around her waist. But when she tried to move, she couldn¡¯t, Ouyang Shaochen had stretched his long arm and pulled her small waist back into his embrace, ¡°I have something to ask of you¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Murong Xue was not interested in that at all. She turned around to see Murong Ye, wanting for him to wait for her. But that did not happen, Murong Ye¡¯s footsteps quickened as he ran quickly out of the small courtyard- disappearing out of sight.

    Murong Xue was silent, ¡®Murong Ye can you at least slow down a bit?¡¯

    ¡°When are you going to Yu Mountain?¡± A clear voice traveled to her ears, bring Murong Xue back to her senses.

    ¡°The earliest I leave would be in a couple days, I¡¯ve already packed the majority of the climbing equipment. I¡¯m just waiting for the special items at the shop to beplete, and then I¡¯m ready to go. Why are you asking this?¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen pondered for a moment and said in a disappointed tone, ¡°I have some things to take care in the uing days, I don¡¯t think I can apany you to Yu Mountain.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. As long as you tell me the exact location of the Diyang Cao on Yu Mountain then it¡¯s fine.¡± Murong Xue smiled cheerfully. She was nning to get the Diyang Cao herself at the first ce, she did not have the slightest intention of letting Ouyang Shaochen apany her.

    Looking at her bright smile, Ouyang ShaoChen thought gloomily to himself : She seemed to be very happy when she heard that he cannot go with her.

    ¡°Ouyang shizi!¡± a soft girly voice called out. Murong Xue looked toward the direction of the sound, she saw Shu Nan Xiang was standing at the front of the courtyard. Shu Nan Xiang was wearing a plum red colored long dress, both of her shoulders were exposed- revealing soft and creamy pale skin. The exquisite diamonds adorned her dress and shined brightly under the sunlight.

    Her eyebrows rose in surprise as she saw her most beloved person, her bright beaded earrings gently shook. She was so excited to see Ouyang Shaochen, but was also uneasy at the same time.

    ¡°Yes?¡± said Ouyang Shaochen, indifferently. He tightened his arms and Murong Xue¡¯s slim physique gracefully came out his arms. Shu Nan Xiang dropped her jaw and her entire body shook, she had almost fallen down from shock, but she had grabbed onto the door frame for support as her little face turned pale instantly.

    She thought since Ouyang Shaochen did not like ces that are too crowded, he woulde here. But She would¡¯ve never expected that he was here to have a rendezvous with Murong Xue!

    Murong Xue, why is it Murong Xue again!

    Shu Nan Xiang clenched her hands under her sleeves and looked at Murong Xue with cold and piercing eyes...

    Murong Xue blinked her eyes, Shu Nan Xiang actually, hated her?

    ¡°Nan Xiang, I¡¯ve been looking for you a long time, I never would¡¯ve thought you would be here!¡± A voice filled with warmughter called, a slender figure walked toward their direction.

    Does anyone else want to tell all the insane females, who will go insane to get the attention of the male character, to get a life? Contribute to the world? Do something other than getting jealous of the female protagonist?

    *sighs and remembers all the insane psychopathic characters you know* (cough cough DKC)

    *Slowly raises hand*

 Chapter 53 â€“ Brilliant Idea

    That person was wearing a green long robe, the sleeves and cor was embellished with fine silver embroidery, a tourmaline belt was at his waist. He wore a ring on his right hand of exquisite green jade. He was truly outstanding and extraordinarily handsome. He was the fourth Prince, Ye Tian Qi.

    ¡°Greetings to the Fourth Prince!¡± Shu Nan Xiang greeted politely, her plum red dress looking like petals spread onto the ground, her beauty was mesmerizing. Ye Tian Qi face showed a trace of admiration as he smiled broadly as he saw Shu Nan Xiang, ¡°Everyone is having a meal in the dining hall, why are you here?¡±

    ¡°It was suffocating in the dining hall, so I decided to walk around. I met with two friends.¡± Shu Nan Xiang said gently. She was truly beautiful, she had never fallen for any other men, but only this man right in front of her can give her butterflies in her stomach...

    Ye Tian Qi looked in the direction of her gaze, he saw Ouyang Shaochen standing gracefully in the courtyard- his handsome face was as outstanding as always. Standing beside him wearing a long skirt was Murong Xue, her pretty small face was both bright and beautiful, but her clear ck pupils were cold. The warm sunlight shined on them, they looked like a beautiful deities drawn out of a painting!

    Ye Tian Qi was stunned for a moment and recovered from his surprise immediately. He smiled, ¡°Shaochen, Miss Murong, both of youe to join the party as well?¡±

    ¡°No, I just passed by, not here for the party.¡± Murong Xue said softly, she was not very close with Ye Tian Qi. She did not n to talk much with him too.

    ¡°Prince Fourth came to Wu An¡¯s house also don¡¯t ne to join the meal, am I right?¡± asked Ouyang ShaoChen.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m here to look for Nan Xiang. Is Shu Lao feeling better now? When is he avable to give me some advice?¡± Ye Tian Qi grinned.

    Shu Lao was his master. He had known Shu Nan Xiang since he was very young, they were quite close. Master Shu was being well thought of by the emperor. He was over exhausted in his career, now that he was old and sick. He can only stay home and get rest, he seldom met with guests anymore.

    ¡°You¡¯re here for the issue regarding flood in Ling Nan?¡± asked Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Ye Tian Qi nodded. He was looking worried, ¡°It¡¯s been raining heavily in Ling Nan for the past half month. Almost half of Ling Nan was flooded, the citizens lost their houses. If this situation continues, not only Ling Nan, Jiang Nan will also suffer from the same problem...¡±

    Jiang Nan was the richest ce of the country, thirty percent of the country¡¯s ie is from Jiang Nan. If Jiang Nan was flooded, the country¡¯s ie will reduce tremendously, and the cost to rebuild Jiang Nan will leave the citizens with no home to stay in...

    During these few days, the emperor had been discussing this issue with the vassals. However, there was no ideal solution to resolve the problem yet.

    Shu Nan Xiang was delighted, ¡°Grandpa is weak, I don¡¯t think he has the energy to give you any advice. However, I have an idea, do you want to listen?¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± said Ye Tian Qi.

    Shu Nan Xiang smiled gently, ¡°Ling Nan always rains heavily. To avoid the flood, the only way is to build a new dam as a bulwark against future floods.¡±

    Build a new dam? Ye Tian Qi frowned and acted like he was listening to her words seriously, ¡°As long as a new dam is built, it can keep back millions of gallons of water...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Ye Tian Qi nodded but he was still scowling, ¡°However, the rain in this year is much more than the previous year. I¡¯m afraid the dam must be built very high...¡± That means it will be costly.

    ¡°There are soldiers guarding at Ling Nan, I think you can order them to build the dam now, priorityes first.¡± Shu Nan Xiang smiled cheerfully : The soldiers are all muscr and strong, they can surely work swiftly. The progress will definitely speed up with their help.

    ¡°Then, we can appeal to the public to donate money and necessary needs to help the citizens in Ling Nan...¡±

    ¡°This idea... is not bad!¡± Ye Tian Qi praised her, but he was still anxious : Donate money? The rich men must be disgusted with this idea.

    ¡°Thanks for Fourth Prince¡¯spliment!¡± Shu Nan Xiang smiled humbly. She took a look at Ye Tian Qi, he was looking down, not sure what he was thinking, but he was not happy at all.

    She stole a nce at Ouyang Shaochen, he acted as if he did not listen to what she said just now.

    Is there something wrong with her idea? Shu Nan Xiang looked at Murong Xue confusedly, ¡°Ms. Murong, what do you think about my idea?¡±

    Murong Xue said reluctantly, ¡°It¡¯s barely passes!¡±

    The idea can only solve the problem temporarily, but not resolving the root of the problem, it was too costly as well. Ouyang Shaochen and Ye Tian Qi did not agree with her because they knew it.

    Shu Nan Xiang was enraged, ¡°You sound like you don¡¯t actually agree with me. You must have something great in your mind. Why don¡¯t you share with us? That way I can learn from you.¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen and Ye Tian Qi had a lot of experience, it was fine if they are not satisfied with her idea, but Murong Xue was only an ordinarydy, how dared she look down upon her idea. It was time to teach her a lesson.

    Murong Xue¡¯s face was darkened. Shu Nan Xiang¡¯s idea was not epted by Ye Tian Qi because it was something wrong with the idea, there was nothing to do with her. Shu Nan Xiang did not think of a better way but was looking for trouble now. Alright, since she wanted to listen to a better n, then I¡¯ll tell her my n.

    ¡°Raining heavily, sh flood, it¡¯s not necessary to build a new dam. However, canals can be built. There are many mountains in Ling Nan, the irrigation ditch can turn the millions of gallons of water into a naturalke. The flood problem in Ling Nan can be resolved in that way...¡± said Murong Xue.

    She continued, ¡°The citizens in Ling Nan stay near to the mountain, most of the men know the skill to create canals. The government can hire them to work on it and pay them some money and food daily. For women, children and old people, food should be provided to them so that we don¡¯t need to force the stingy rich men to donate their money.¡±

    ¡°Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!¡± Ye Tian Qi pped his hand impressively as he gazed at Murong Xue with admiration.

 Chapter 54 â€“ Reward according to her merit

    ¡°Miss Murong, that¡¯s a great idea.¡± said Ye Tian Qi when he heard the idea that could resolve the disaster.

    ¡°Thanks for thepliment, Fourth Prince.¡± said Murong Xue, with a sweet smile on her face.

    Shu Nan Xiang lowered down her head. She was enraged and clenched her fist tightly under her sleeves: Though she didn¡¯t believe it herself, she couldn¡¯t deny that Murong Xue had proposed a brilliant idea. Murong Xue¡¯s idea could solve the root of the problem, which was definitely more mature and effective than her idea...

    ¡°I¡¯ll go back to the pce right now and tell my father, the emperor, about Ms. Murong¡¯s idea. He¡¯ll definitely reward you ording to your merit!¡± Ye Tian Qi nced at Murong Xue with admiration and walked out swiftly.

    Shu Nan Xiang recovered from her thoughts as she smelt the Long Yan scent on Ye Tian Qi, and she raised her head, ¡°Such a brilliant idea... Was that really your idea, Miss Murong?¡±

    ¡°Or else what do you think? Miss Shu.¡± Murong Xue lifted the corner of her mouth.

    ¡°How did youe up with such an idea?¡± Shu Nan Xiang contemted at Murong Xue with full attention, she wanted to scrutinize her reaction.

    ¡°When I was young, I saw the gardener create a small ditch to let the excess water flow into the pond beside the garden. That¡¯s how I came up with the idea.¡± Murong Xue simply told her a reason. That was the solution for flood in twenty first century; it would certainly be useful in the ancient time.

    ¡°Is that true?¡± Shu Nan Xiang did not trust herpletely.

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you whether you believe or not. It¡¯ste and I¡¯ll going back now, please excuse me, Miss Shu.¡± Murong Xue was toozy to argue with Shu Nan Xiang, she pushed Shu Nan Xiang away and walked out.

    Shu Nan Xiang almost fell down and stepped back two steps clumsily. She saw a white figure moving forward; it was Ouyang Shaochen walking behind Murong Xue. He was undeniably elegant and handsome. Sadly, he did not look at her, not even once.

    Shu Nan Xiang¡¯s face was darkened, she red at Murong Xue¡¯s back from a distance, her eyes were filled with anger: It was pure luck for her to think of this brilliant idea, nothing to be proud of. Hopefully The Emperor will find the w in her idea and execute her immediately.

    After 2 hours, an eunuch came to the Zhen Manor with an imperial edict.

    ¡°The Emperor has proimed that- Murong Xue, the first daughter of the Zhen Manor, who is indeed smart, has resolved the worries of the Royal Pce¡¯s ministers and ofmon folk by submitting a brilliant flood management n. She is therefore rewarded and her effort is very much appreciated!¡±

    ¡°Long live the Emperor!¡± Murong Xue eximed and went over to ept the imperial edict.

    Eunuch Zhao handed over the imperial edict to Murong Xue. He then smiled and pointed behind him, ¡°Congrattions Miss Murong, these are the rewards the Emperor has awarded you with.¡±

    Murong Xue looked towards the direction which he had pointed. She saw over 10 maids aligned in a straight line holding huge trays filled with gold, gems, silk, satin and many more. It was an impressive sight.

    There were so many, the Emperor was indeed a generous man: ¡°Much thanks to the Emperor!¡±

    ¡°Eunuch Zhao, please take a seat and have some tea!¡± Murong Xue offered, smiling politely while giving him a red packet. She then asked her servants to acquire the rewards from the maids¡¯ hands.

    Eunuch Zhao gently squeezed the thick red packet and the smile on his face became broader, ¡°Thank you for your kindness Miss Murong but we have to return to the pce. Without further dy, please let me excuse myself.¡±

    ¡°Have a safe trip back, Eunuch Zhao!¡±

    Seeing that Eunuch Zhao and the maids had left, Murong Xue smiled happily as she looked at the gift list: She wasn¡¯t short of money but no one had everined that they had too much.......

    Looking at the lengthy gift list and all the rewards that took up half the space of the courtyard, Madam Du¡¯s face turned pale. It was merely just a suggestion. Who knew it had carried such a huge reward! Murong Xue¡¯s luck was really something. She just couldn¡¯t let her take all of it.

    ¡°The Emperor has given the Zhen Manor these reward, we must store it in the vault. Servant, take all these to the Yu Tang Court!¡±

    Madam Du, who was always the greedy person, wouldn¡¯t even let go of the rewards in which the Emperor had awarded to Murong Xue. She really was avaricious.

    Murong Xue raised a challenging brow towards Madam Du, as if she were ridiculing her actions: ¡°Step grandmother, it¡¯s written very clearing on the imperial edict that The Emperor had awarded me these rewards, not to Zhen Manor. You are partially deaf and am not able to hear clearly. But that is fine, the edict is right here, you can have a closer look at it!¡±

    Murong Xue opened the golden scroll and held it in front of Madam Du: ¡°You aren¡¯t blind, surely you can understand the writings on it.¡±

    Madam Du¡¯s wrinkled face suddenly flushed red, her lips quivered for a long time, looking for the right words to argue with. Her gaze fell upon the tea on the table and she brightened: ¡°Murong Xue, why did you not tell me you had the flood management n?¡±

    Her son, Murong Jian had been working in Jing Zhou for 10 years and couldn¡¯t return to Jing City. Someone had told her that it was because there were many disced workers and Jian didn¡¯t have any impressive skills. If he were to submit this flood management n, it would have been a big merit to him, and then maybe he could be transferred to Jing City.........

    Murong Xue looked at her, ¡°Why should I hand over the flood management n to you? You are not a court official.¡±

    Du replied, ¡°I could help you look through it to find out if there are any ws in it.....¡±

    ¡°Oh really?¡± Murong Xue looked at her, ¡°I thought you were going to tell Uncle Jian about this n and let him imed it as his own to get promoted....¡±

    Having her thoughts deciphered, Madam Du¡¯s face once again flushed bright red, her eyes nervously swept from side to side, ¡°I am not a despicable person, don¡¯t you use that perspective to view a righteous woman like me!¡±

    ¡°What you have imed better be true. There isn¡¯t a wall in this world that cannot be prated. Simrly, The Emperor is an intelligent man, if someone detestable were to im other people¡¯s work as their own, he would surely find out. Till then, that person would surely face severe consequences....¡± Murong Xueughed lightly, but what she had said had prated deeply into Madam Du¡¯s heart.

    Looking at the contemptuous stare of Murong Xue, she was suddenly filled with rage. She was her grandmother. Not only did she not respect her, she had also ridiculed and mocked her. It was both humiliating and enraging! If she did not use her identity as an elder in this family to punish her, maybe she would even forget her own family name!

    Madam Du¡¯s eyes shed an icy look. Just when she was about to open her mouth to lecture her, she saw a long shadow approaching and jolted: ¡°Prince Jing!¡±

    MuRong Xue followed her stare and saw a man with a purple robe standing at the entrance. His young handsome face wore a harsh, brutal expression, it really was Ye Yichen.

    ¡°Is there anything you want, Prince Jing?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Ye Yi Chen looked at Murong Xue, his eyes shed a shade of enigma.

    If he hadn¡¯t any business here, then why had hee?

    She was getting ready to break off the engagement with him. Before the Old Jing Wang reaches Jing City, she intended to minimise her contact with him.

    Murong Xue raised her brow, she was about to announce that he wasn¡¯t weed here when a gentle female¡¯s voice bore into the scene, ¡°Yi Chen

 Chapter 55 â€“ Warning

    Murong Xue turned to look. She saw Qin Yuyuan gracefully walked into the pce. She was wearing a green dress robe which was embroidered with begonia flowers. A cord was tied around her waist, making her look irresistible and very beautiful.

    ¡°Yuyuan, why are you here?¡± Ye Yichen spoke gently, his ruthless face suddenly softened.

    ¡°It was getting dark and I was afraid there would be a storm so I brought you your cloak!¡± Qin Yuyuan smiled. She then draped a purple cloak around Ye Yichen.

    The cloak was splendidly made, its wave and cloud pattern was embroidered with golden thread. It amplified Ye Yichen¡¯s elegance and ruthlessness. But the way he looked at Qin Yuyuan was gentle: ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Qin Yuyuan eyes shed with pleasure, ¡°It is what I should do.....¡±

    ¡°Prince Jing, Princess Qin, if you want to disy your affection please return to the Qingyan Pce, you can do all you like there.¡± Murong Xue calmly said, her eyes disyed annoyance, ¡°This is my pce, I still have many things to attend to and I am not free to see your mushy gestures. The entrance is right in front!¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face turned downcast. Calmly, he looked at Murong Xue. But he did not speak.

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s smile disappeared. Beneath her sleeve, she had curled her hand into a fist: Even with Yichen by her side, Murong Xue still had the guts to ridicule her. If Murong Xue had a death wish, she shall grant it:

    ¡°Are you jealous, Miss Murong? Yichen is a kind person, he is sopassionate that he doesn¡¯t want to abandon you, after you¡¯re engaged to him as his concubine, we will be a family......¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s gaze turned icy, her hand flung out with fury, a sword sharp as an arrow was hurtled towards Qin Yuyuan. It was flung with such an impable speed that no one could¡¯ve dodged it.

    Only the sound ¡±TING!¡± was heard and it left a deep gash in the wall above Qin Yuyuan¡¯s head. The force caused the sword handle to wobble lightly above her head.

    ¡°Qin Yuyuan, let me repeat myself thest time. Even if I die, I will never be married to Ye Yi Chen as a concubine. If I ever hear you using that title on me one more time, the next thing my sword will slit will be your throat!¡±

    The icy warning that was issued bored into the ears of all and prated the heart of Qin Yuyuan. She was trembling. Slowly, she came around her senses.

    At that moment, she really hated Murong Xue. She gazed pitifully at her lover, Ye Yichen, her eyes were filled with tears, ¡°Yichen!¡± Her voice was gagged with pity, it was as if she had been humiliated out in the public.

    Ye Yichen did not heed to her pleads, instead, he gazed deeply at MuRong Xue: When she had flung her sword, he had studied her angle and knew that it would not hurt Qin Yuyuan. Which was why he did not interfere to stop it.

    Yuyuan had merely just mentioned about her being his concubine and she had reacted heavily. It seems that, she must really hate being his concubine!

    ¡°Get out of here! I do not wee you!¡± Murong Xue stared icily at Ye Yichen and Qin Yuyuan.

    Qin Yuyuan was indignant, how dare she chase them off like that! She will soon let Murong Xue know what regret felt like!

    ¡°Yi Chen!¡± Qin Yuyuan pleaded in dismal, her eyes shone with tears. She looked so miserable that it made people want to wrap their arms around her to protect her.

    Ye Yichen turned to look at her, his eyes held a shade of imprable darkness. He extended his arm to hold her wrist and turned to step out: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Qin Yuyuan was stunned; her eyes were wide with surprise. Murong Xue had insulted her, shouldn¡¯t Ye Yichen punish her gravely as to avenge for her? Why then, did he not even try to lecture her and that he had just turned around to leave just like that?

    Ye Yichen followed the emerald path. In his mind¡¯s eye, he kept picturing Murong Xue¡¯s beautiful face. The first time when he heard about the flood management n which was approved by the King, he was full of doubt and sarcasm. Murong Xue was merely just a daughter of a rich man, how could she, alone, could have thought of such a brilliant n when none of the ministers or wise men in the royal pce had? She had to be working with another person who was extremely intelligent!

    The true purpose of himing to the Zhen Manor was to find out who was behind the brilliant n and to make him/her one of his own for his advantage.

    But when he had arrived at the entrance of the pce, he had seen Murong Xue arguing with Du. The way she argued..it was as if she was very confident. At that moment, he believed that she, herself had solely been the one responsible for flood management n.

    The time when Murong Yue was still present in the Zhen Manor, she was very powerful and intelligent. Not many could stand a chance against her. Sheng, who also belonged to the Zhen Manor was also a brilliant woman. Naturally, the daughters of both were also smart.

    A while ago, he didn¡¯t really like Murong Xue all that much and did not bother to make contact with her. Because of that, he never knew how intelligent she was and did not care if she was.

    But after returning victorious from hisst war, he had met her many times. Slowly, he began to realized that she was indeed a very clever woman. Every time when they met, she would always bring out some sort of ¡®surprise¡¯ that he did not expect......

    With her by his side, he will never have mundane days!

    Ye Yi Chen¡¯s mouth curled into a smile.

    A long shadow was approaching. This person had an attractive face and a warm smile. It was the Fourth Prince.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes gleamed, ¡°Tian Qi!¡± What was he doing here?

    ¡°Yichen, Princess Qin, it seems that you¡¯re here too! I¡¯m here looking Miss Murong.¡± Ye Tian Qi smiled. His presence was like the breeze during spring. He politely walked past Ye Yichen and Qin Yuyuan.

    ¡°My father and the ministers have heard about your flood management n. Well done Miss Murong, you are indeed clever!¡±

    ¡°Thank you Fourth Prince!¡± Murong Xue smiled humbly.

    ¡°When I was going out, I met the prime minister and the duke, they had asked me to enquire whether if you were going to hold a banquet.¡±

    ¡°A banquet?¡± Murong Xue jolted.

    She realised that during this era, when the rich had encountered a fortunate and joyous event, they would organise a banquet in their homes. However, in her pce, the host¡¯s mother, Murong Yue had passed on early, Murong Jian, the host¡¯s uncle, was working far away and Murong Rou, the host¡¯s aunt, had already been engaged to someone else long ago. Only Madam Du, the host¡¯s step grandmother, Murong Ye and herself remained in this pce. Which was why, other than Madam Du¡¯s birthday banquet, the Zhen manor normally remained quiet and banquets were a rare thing.

    ¡°I fear that it would be inappropriate to hold a banquet..¡±

    Normally when a banquet was held, adults from rich and noble families would be invited. But her brother and herself weren¡¯t even nearly the same age as them, which made it hard to share amon topic or interest with the guests....

    Ye Tian Qi saw Murong Xue¡¯s face became downcast and thought that she was thinking about how her parents had passed on early. He then deliberately coughed to make things less awkward.

    ¡°Holding arge banquet is indeed inappropriate. However, you could hold a small dinner and invite the young princes and other young rich people to celebrate!¡±

    The guests he mentioned were closer in age to Murong Xue and Murong Ye, thus, they might have somemon interests.

    Murong Xue blinked, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I might have to postpone the dinner, I¡¯m going out of the city to attend to some errands...¡±

    Yu Mountain¡¯s Di Yang grass had already ripened and she needed to hurry to harvest them.

    ¡°Never to worry, the people in the prime minister¡¯s and the duke¡¯s homes aren¡¯t in a hurry. You can hold the dinner whenever you are free. And it¡¯s alright if you don¡¯t wish to hold one even! However, whenever the prime minister or the duke sends an invitation, be sure to attend it.........¡±

    Ye Tian Qi¡¯s gentle suggestion bore into the ears of all in the scene. Madam Du¡¯s eyelids started to tremble, an ufortable feeling started to boil inside of her....

 Chapter 56 â€“ Danger Ahead Of Yushan

    Over the years, the Manor of the Prime Minister and Zhen Manor have maintained a close rtionship. However, since the death of Murong Yue, the transferal of Jian er and the death of two elders in Hou Manor, they started to interact less and less with the other manors and only showed respect and friendliness by exchanging presents during festive season.

    Madam Du had rarely organized any open banquets for the past ten years as she did not want Murong Ye to grow close to them. To her dismay, this time they initiated the proposal for Murong Xue to arrange a dinner in the Zhen Manor; they even sent out an invitation card to invite her to the Prime Minister¡¯s and Duke¡¯s Manor.

    Were they trying to regain the rtionship?

    The Prime Minister¡¯s family and the Duke¡¯s family were the pir of strength in Qing Yan, it was a right move for her to pull back in their rtionship, but this was not the right time to do so...

    ¡°Miss Murong, what¡¯s your brother¡¯s n after this?¡± Ye Tian Qi¡¯s voice came from behind once again, while Madam Du lifted her ears and listened.

    ¡°This... I¡¯m not so sure myself too...¡± Murong Xue mumbled, Murong Ye did not like academic and martial arts, not to mentioned other misceneous things too, if he were to be a general in the government, he would surely have messed up everything, might as well stayed at home and continued to be Hou¡¯s Master for the rest of his life!

    Ye Tian Qi thought silently, and continued, ¡°If he wants to be a general, he could start off with the right hand man of Chong Wen Men...¡±

    Chong Wen Men was a crafty general, but he was the one who could manipte the other generals and he was well-known with his skills in cultivating new people. The motive of Ye Tian Qi is obvious: To develop Murong Ye......

    Murong Xue stared at Ye Tian Qi and saw him smiling, ¡°This is the will of the Emperor.¡±

    Murong Rou¡¯s immoral plotting of Murong Ye was known by everyone in the city, including the Emperor. His deeds for the past fourteen years were recorded down and presented to the Emperor, it was apparent that Murong Ye had been manipted.

    Murong Ye and Murong Xue were the twins of Murong Yue. Seems Murong Xue was so intelligent and bright, her brother shouldn¡¯t be too bad himself. If he were to gather himself back into the correct path again, he would grow into an excellent person, even if he would never be as vigorous as Murong Yue in serving the country, he might still at least lighten the burden of the country...

    ¡°About this... I have to ask my brother first.¡± Murong Xue exined further, ¡°You should have known, he¡¯s the precious one in the house, if he were to start his life in this position, he wouldn¡¯t get used to it, and it will be a shame if he messed things up again...¡±

    Ye Tian Qi nodded in agreement, ¡°I understand this, your brother is still of young age, he may be roguish a little, just like you¡¯ve said: he wouldn¡¯t get used to the mature working life, it all depends on him now...¡±

    The conversation kept going on. Madam Du could no longer listen to what they were saying, her brows were scrunched tightly, and her eyes were filled with frenzy: Murong Xue simply suggested a n yet she received praises and honors by the Emperor and the Emperor had even take notice of Murong Ye. Her strategy must be undeniably significant...

    No wonder the Manor of Prime Minister and the Duke wanted to regain their friendship with Zhen Manor all of the sudden.

    The Prime Minister, Duke Cheng and Murong Yue were childhood best friends since they were small; but they hadn¡¯t remained in contact since Murong Yue¡¯s own children were too young.

    Now, Murong Xue had solved the problems of the nation and the Emperor with her brilliant strategy, this was more than enough to prove that the daughter of Murong Yue had grown up. Therefore, they were ready to involve Zhen Manor in their uing movement and to improve Murong Ye as well!

    Madam Du¡¯s thought in her mind:

    Now that Murong Yue had passed away, they decided to take up the responsibilities of taking care of his children? It was confirmed that even if Murong Ye was ipetent or incapable of doing anything, they would still make sure Murong Ye¡¯s position in the manor and he would maintainedfortable life for the rest of his life.

    No, no, no, how could this be? Murong Yue had long gone from this world, Jian Er should be in his position in the house, Murong Hua was useless in his life, and was just a toy in her hands, how could he possibly be the heir of Zhen Manor?

    She had toe up with an idea to bring back Jian Er into the city, if he were here, he could still stand a chance in taking over this crucial seat in Zhen Manor.

    Undoubtly, she had to n ordingly without ws before Jian Er was back, she could not allow Murong Xue meeting up with the Prime Minister and Duke Cheng

    ¡°I have something to do tomorrow; I¡¯m bringing my brother out for a getaway...¡± Murong Xue stated indifferently. Her orders from store had arrived, and she had to start her journey to Yu Mountain.

    Ye Tian Qi nodded, ¡°He is so young and with all of the things he had faced, he should really go out and clear off his mind more...¡±

    Madam Du¡¯s eyes lighted up instantly, she looked at Murong Xue and smirked coldly. She was just about to set Murong Xue up with her n, and now Murong Xue fell into her trap herself, even the gods were helping her!

    Murong Xue, just you wait and see!

    Ye Yichen was standing nearby and saw Du watched over Murong Xue, he stared for a moment and suspected something...

    Yu Mountain was very far from the city; Murong Xue had already picked the best horse she could find in the city. After several hours of journey since midnight, she finally arrived at the foot of Yu Mountain at noon.

    Yu Mountain was as tall as she could ever imagine, it was surrounded by mountain mist even after the warm sunshine shone upon it!

    Murong Xue stood in front of her horse and raised her eyebrows at the sight of the massive mountain. It would definitely be difficult to find Di Yang grass in here, Ouyang shizi had only tell her that the grass could be found in mountain peak, she had to climb all the way up there to find it.

    ¡°Sister, we are ready!¡± Murong Ye stepped forward. He carried a ck bag behind his back, Shuang Xi and Feng Tuo who followed him had the same bag carrying behind them as well, inside the bag were equipment that Murong Xue had prepared and some food.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go in!¡± Murong Xue mumbled and stepped into Yushan.

    The sun brightened the leaves, the birds sang cheerfully, and the whistles of the wind apanied those on their hike up the mountain.

    ¡°Ah... Snake...¡± Feng Tuo¡¯s moans could be heard from behind. Murong Xue turned around only to face the sight of a green, five-meter-long snake sinking its fang deep into Feng Tuo skin; his blood turned ck in a second when it soaked into his shirt.

    ¡°This snake is poisonous!¡± Murong Xue squinted her eyes, turned her body towards the venomous snake swiftly and stabbed it using her short de from her sleeve.

    The poisonous creature seemed to have sense danger around it, loosened its grip on his shoulder and crawled away as fast as it could, hitting Murong Ye and Shuang Xi in the process of escaping.

    Shuang Xi did not expect such strong hit and was thrown on a bush five meters away, her eyes were shut tightly and her body was not moving, her face was a pale as paper, fortunately, her chest was moving up and down which indicated she was still breathing...

    Murong Ye dodged the snake¡¯s attack and jumped in front of Murong Xue, ¡°Sister, we¡¯re in trouble now!¡±

    ¡°Certainly, we are!¡± Murong Xue knew that it was extremely dangerous in the mountain and that was why she was well-prepared for the trials, but what she could not imagine was that Yu Mountain was beyond treacherous than she anticipated, they had only travelled a few meters and one was down with poison and the other copsed...

    She looked up at the monstrous snake; it opened its mouth widely and dashed forward to the both...

    .

 Chapter 57 â€“ Beauty Saved by A Hero

    ¡°Move!¡± Murong Ye pushed Murong Ye away and used her short de to stab the snake once again. A loud ¡°Chi¡± was heard, the knife-edge cuts straight into the body of the creature, the sun reflected the fresh red blood at the end of the sharp de...

    ¡°Hiss... Hiss... Hiss!¡± The snake hissed in pain and it flung its sturdy tail towards her in full violence, a gust of strong wind blew across them and the leaves were overthrown by that gushing breeze.

    Murong Xue held on her de tightly around her hands and made a sudden turn; the snake vomited out a pool of blood and strike at her, shaking its tail non-stop like a crazy maniac.

    Murong Ye could not escape in time and was hit very hard on his back, he copsed on the floor and spat out blood from his mouth, he tried to get back on his feet but it was in vain.

    ¡°Brother!¡± Murong Xue stunned at that scene of his brother¡¯s attack, she went forward to help her brother but just then, a swift figure flew down from nowhere and grabbed his brother by his arms, they both were caught up in the mid-air and evaded the snake¡¯s attack.

    Mu Rong Xue breathed out in relief. Suddenly, she smelled a taste of blood nearby and looked up, there in front of her were the snake¡¯s fangs attacking towards her cheeks, she knew she could not escape this time...

    Just when she was about to move away from it, a white figure came to her rescue. The person was in a white robe and the musky scent made her feel safe.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯m here!¡± a firm voice rang through her ears, and a few blows were released from his fingertips, soon enough she heard the snake moaned in agony and it turned into dust, disappeared into the thin air.

    Murong Xue looked at her hero and dumbfounded, ¡°Ouyang shizi, why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Yu Mountain is too dangerous, I¡¯m worried when I know you¡¯re here alone!¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked back at the warming eyes of hers.

    ¡°I thought you said that you have something else to do?¡± Murong Xue asked in confusion.

    ¡°You¡¯ve already solved my problems!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth lifted up a bit, his eyes shone in delight.

    Murong Xue stared at him, feeling puzzled, ¡°You meant... The flood in Ling Nan!¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Ouyang Shaochen eximed. The flood in Ling Nan was disastrous and was in desperate need of aid, since Murong Xue had already thought of a strategic proposal; he did not have to burst through his head thinking for a solution.

    ¡°Sister!¡± Murong Ye limped over towards them with Xun Feng¡¯s help, his face was as white as snow and blood spots were staining the corner of his mouth.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Murong Xue asked in concern.

    Murong Xue gave her his bestforting smile, ¡°I¡¯m alright...¡±

    ¡°He had internal bleeding but it¡¯s not life-risking!¡± Xun Feng replied on his behalf, he gazed at the fainted Shuang Xi and Feng Tuo, ¡°one of them is injured badly, another one was poisoned, and they could no longer go up this mountain...¡±

    ¡°Brother, please bring them back to Zhen Manor.¡± Murong Xue was saddened by the view of her servant; they all needed immediate medical attention at the moment.

    Murong Ye was slightly disappointed. The fire lotus had been destroyed and now finally Murong Xue found the Di Yang grass; he wish to go up to the mountain with his sister so badly, but unfortunately, his fighting skill was just average and moreover, he was badly injured. He knew that if he continued on with Xue Er, he would be a burden to her.

    ¡°Sister, you must be careful!¡± Murong Ye emphasized to her, worrying about his sister. He took out a small packet from his waist and passed to Murong Xue, ¡°This is the amulet which mum had prayed for me, you wear this now and you¡¯ll be safe!¡±

    Murong Xue took the packet from her brother and hung it around her waist, ¡°Don¡¯t worry brother, I will go home safely!¡±

    After the assurance from his sister, Murong Xue looked up at Ouyang Shaochen, ¡° Ouyang shizi, please take good care of my sister.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen nodded slightly; His eyes reflected a sense of uncertainty.

    Three guards from the Xiao Yao Manor came forward, one of them carried Murong Ye; the other one carried Shuang Xi and the third guard did a minor acupuncture on Feng Tuo¡¯s temple to stop the poison from spreading throughout the body, he then picked him up and walked forward.

    Murong Xue sighed loudly as she watched them strolling afar, they just came in for a few meters and three of them had damages, Yushan was dodgier than she imagined!

    ¡°It¡¯ste, let¡¯s go.¡± Ouyang Shaochen stated calmly. Di Yang grass was located at the mountain peak, which was far ahead from where they were.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Murong Xue moved forward speedily, it was a little after noon, she should get going faster; it would be too dark if she procrastinated again.

    The mountain journey was very challenging, the more they climbed the steeper it was, they had to be extra careful and alert when going through the path. Soon, Murong Xue could feel the air and mist were getting thinner and thinner, she could see a cloud of fog floating around her.

    Ouyang Shaochen walked in front and grabbed her small hand, ¡°The air is getting heavier, we can¡¯t afford to get lost from each other.¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Murong Xue stated firmly, along the traveling, the chirpings of the birds were getting further, by now, it waspletely muted, the only sound they could hear was their footsteps, the surrounding was getting stranger, as if a big threat wasing their way...

    ¡°Sss! Sss! Sss!¡± green vines curled on Xun Feng and Wu Heng unforgivingly.

    Both of them stood back to back, they hurled their swords with might and chopped off all vines instantaneously.

    However, the vines kept growing without stopping.

    Suddenly, Wu Heng¡¯s sword was seized by one of the vines and he was curled up into the vine as well. The vine strangled him tightly and soon enough, his face turned purple...

    ¡°Wu Heng!¡± Xun Feng saw what happened and swing his sword to chop of the vines.

    Murong Xue stopped him, ¡°This type of vine is very durable, it has a strong vitality too. If you use your sword to cut it, it will use the fastest way to strangle Wu Heng to death. To save him, you have to use fire...¡±

    Murong Xue took out a match, lit it and threw over at the vines, true enough, when the vines sensed heat from the fire, it stretched back again...

    Wu Heng escaped from the vines and expressed his gratitude, ¡°Thank you so much for saving my life, Miss Murong!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee!¡± Murong Xue smiled briefly. She was wondering how such vines appeared in Qing Yan when it could only be found in a tropical jungle?

    Yu Mountain was getting trickier!

    Di Yang grass was in this mountain and she needed it to save her life, no matter how dangerous it would be, she still had to climb up to the mountain peak.

    ¡°Help... Help me...¡± a soft feminine voice called from afar, Murong Xue raised her ears and

    looked over...

    .

 Chapter 58 â€“ Meeting the Enemy

    A few fast-moving ck dots were seen advancing in the thin fog. Their silhouettes gradually appearing. The first was one wearing a purple robe, whose handsome face wore a ruthless expression ¨C it was none other than Ye Yichen.

    In his hands, he tightly held a young girl whose face, though pale, was beautiful ¨C she was the princess of Mobei, Qin Yuyuan.

    Why were they here?

    Murong Xue frowned. Behind them, she saw 5 or 6 guards and a giant white nt chasing them. The nt was 3 meters apart from catching its prey. The nt¡¯s roots were moving with impable speed all the while remaining in the soil. This caused it to leave trails of yellow soil behind as it moved.

    Green stems appeared on the nt and at the tip of the stem, there was a flower bud with its pink petals curled tightly. It bobbled up and down, left and right as the stem was moving.

    ¡°What....is that?¡± Xun Feng was stunned. In the 10 years of following Ouyang Shaochen, crossing countlessnds and mountains, meeting all sorts of peculiar animals and nts, he had nevere across a nt which could run.

    ¡°Carnivorous flower!¡± Murong Xue replied grimly: The carnivorous flowers found in tropical forests all had a long stem with a single flower and did not move. It could only wait for prey toe knocking on death¡¯s door ¨C its flower. But this carnivorous flower in front of them not only had more than one flower bud but it could also chase its prey. Has the world gone mad?

    Are carnivorous flowers capable of eating men too?

    Xun Feng gazed ahead. He could see that the flower was fast approaching thest guard behind. Its petals suddenly snapped opened and swallowed the guard. Its petals quickly curled and closed tightly, the impact caused shattered bones to fly out and drop to the ground....

    Xun Feng¡¯s lips trembled. The nt had eaten a whole man without even spitting out the bones. If anyone were caught by it, he/she would be swallowed whole, leaving not even a corpse behind.

    ¡°Ouyang shizi, Murong Xue, this carnivorous nt is dangerous to deal with, let¡¯s go!¡±

    They would have helped if the nt was troubling someone else, but it was troubling Ye Yichen ¨C who was not in good terms with Ouyang shizi, not to mention...ahem...a love rival. Oh well, they would have to deal with it themselves....

    ¡°It¡¯s toote! That nt is moving too fast, we will never outrun it!¡± Murong Xue said. The carnivorous flower was closing in...

    Murong Xue quickly took a step back and managed to dodge the flower bud. Using the dagger in her hand, she swiftly cut the stem with the flower. It dropped onto the floor and turned into a pool of ck water......

    The ones who witnessed it quickly did the same to defend themselves. In a sh, there was the frenzy of cutting flowers and stems all over in the scene.....

    In the corner of her eye, a purple robe floated into view, Murong Xue gazed coldly at Ye Yichen: ¡°Prince Jing, how did you guys provoke this carnivorous flower?¡±

    Because of him, they got involved. They could have avoided the carnivorous flower and saved time and energy.

    ¡°I came to hunt and unintentionally met the flower. And that¡¯s how we got chased by it....¡± Ye Yichen replied lightly, his long arm was grabbing Qin Yuyuan and held her closely to him to protect her.

    ¡°Oh really?¡± Murong Xue raised a brow at him, obviously not believing what he said.

    Ye Yichen used his sword to severe the looming stems. Annoyed, he nced at her and said, ¡°What do you think happened then?¡±

    ¡°Carnivorous flowers have a protective trait. If you did not cross over to its territory and rob something from it, it wouldn¡¯t have chased you! You aren¡¯t here to hunt, are you? You¡¯re here searching for something, am I right?¡± Murong Xue challenged.

    Something that needed that nt to guard over was definitely nothing ordinary. But she wasn¡¯t interested in finding out what it was; she was just keen in finding Di Yang grass. She had held hope in finding it but it was crushed indefinitely by all these happenings....

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes held a hue of gloom but it vaporized in an instant and disappeared without a trace. His face darkened and he said nothing: She was indeed clever!

    After provoking the carnivorous flower and being chased by it, he ran in random direction until he saw her silhouette. By instinct, he ran towards her....

    ¡°AHH!!¡± a gruesome shout bore into their ears.

    Ye Yichen jolted to his senses and turned his head towards the direction of the shout. One of his guards was being swallowed by the nt.......

    ¡°How many stems does this carnivorous flower have?! We will never finish cutting all of them. If we continue on like this, it¡¯s either we get eaten or fall to exhaustion......¡± Xun Feng muttered.

    Murong Xue started to think fast, they couldn¡¯t just hope to kill it just by cutting its stems......

    A stem loomed soundlessly in front of her and opened its petals, it was aiming for her.......

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed and she extended her arm, weing its petals........

    ¡°Be careful!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen rushed over and grabbed her waist, pulling her aside to safety. The back of her hand lightly grazed the petals, forming a long cut, spilling out blood........

    ¡°What are you doing?! Do you not want to live?!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face darkened. Quickly, he pulled out a small white porcin bottle and opened it. He then carefully poured its powdered contents onto her fresh cut......

    While fighting against the flower, he was also watching over her. If she were to be in any danger, he would rush over to her aid. But what he did not expect was that she had voluntarily approached the flower herself.......

    ¡°Carnivorous flowers fear cold, I have frostbite sickness in me which is cold, my blood can stop them!¡± Murong Xue smiled.

    As soon as she said that, the flower started to wilt. It struggled frantically, its stems thrashing about, creating thrusts of wind. But even that couldn¡¯t stop its awaiting fate. It was as if the whole nt was a deting ball, atst, it turned into a puddle of ck water........

    Ouyang Shaochen nced at the ck mess, his expression darkened even more.

    ¡°Even so, you shouldn¡¯t bait yourself! What if it went wrong? We could have thought of other ways to stop it!¡±

    ¡°If there were other ways, Prince Jing would have used it earlier on, why would he be still running when he met us?¡± Murong Xue replied coldly.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face turned downcast, he said nothing....

    ¡°Next time, don¡¯t be so reckless.¡± Ouyang Shaochen frowned and took out a white handkerchief. He then carefully tied it around her wound, his gesture was so gentle it was as if he was holding a precious gem.

    Ye Yichen felt an ufortable feeling surge in him.

    He gazed down at Murong Xue and coldly said, ¡°Murong Xue, you and I have yet to break off the engagement. You are my wife-to-be, how can you and Ouyang Shaochen flirt with one another in broad daylight? Do you not know that males and females shouldn¡¯t be found associating with one another too much.........¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen threw a re like daggers at Ye Yi Chen............

 Chapter 59 â€“ Vent

    His arm made a vicious swing towards Ye Yichen. A powerful energy emanated from the movement and passed though Ye Yichen¡¯s defences. It resulted a long, thin cut that extended from the back of his hand to his elbow. Blood was pouring out from the cut, staining his sleeve............

    ¡°Ye Yichen, you are not fit to lecture Xue!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s clear voice pierced the air, arousing Ye Yichen¡¯s anger.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s expression turned stoned-cold, ¡°If not I, then who? I am the legal future husband of Murong Xue and everyone in Jing City knows that!¡±

    ¡°You publicly shamed her by demeaning her into a concubine. Because of that, she became aughing stock to people. And to force her to remain as your concubine, you put her in peril by destroying all the fire lotus seeds you could find. She could¡¯ve died without those during her attacks! When the carnivorous flower struck her, you did not even ask about her well-being, you were tightly holding another woman. How can you be fit to be her future husband?¡± Ouyang Shaochen was looking at Ye Yichen with contempt.

    ¡°This is my business; you do not have the right to question it!¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s voice was icy, his eyes held a dangerous gleam: When Murong Xue extended her arm towards the carnivorous flower, he was about to stop her but at that time, Qin Yuyuan was tightly holding onto his arm, he couldn¡¯t stop her on time.......

    ¡°I do not give a damn about your business! But you had involved Xue!¡± OuYang Shaochen nced at Qin Yuyuan, ¡°King Jing had only stopped teaching you a few years ago and now you¡¯ve gone and fallen in love with this woman. Your taste is beyond atrocious. If King Jing hadn¡¯t made the move to engage you with Xue, there wouldn¡¯t have been any ties between you two......¡±

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s face turned into a shade whiter than pale. Beneath her sleeve, she curled her hand tightly into a fist.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face turned livid with anger, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, don¡¯t you bully others in this!¡±

    ¡°Me? Bullying?¡± Ouyang Shaochen smirked ever so slightly, but it had shown enough sarcasm:

    ¡°Ye Yichen, the reason why we are ¡®flirting¡¯ because she is hurt and I¡¯m tending to her wound. As to why she got hurt, it was to rescue you! If her hand hadn¡¯t bled, how would you two still be standing here, unharmed?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t thank her for her actions, but yet instead, you chose to lecture her. This character of yours is so dreadful that no one dares to even point it out...¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face darkened to a dangerous shade of murder, enunciating every word, he spoke, ¡°Yu Yuan does not know how to defend herself, I had to protect her. Regarding Xue....¡±

    ¡°Xue has me. Next time, you need not worry about her business. You need only cleanly break off the engagement.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said icily.

    He then turned around to face Murong Xue and gently he spoke, ¡°The sky has darkened, let¡¯s find some ce to rest.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Murong Xue nodded and started to leave: The sun was already below the horizon, it was quickly getting dark. They had walked for two or three hours, endured two battles and were exhausted. They indeed needed to find a safe haven to rest.

    OuYang Shaochen walked side-by-side with Murong Xue, his arm gripping on her shoulder to support her. The sight of that made Qin Yuyuan boiled thick with jealousy and hatred: She was just someone who was abandoned by Ye Yi Chen, how could she have found so much favour in OuYang Shaochen? This wasn¡¯t the way it should be.......

    A faint smell of blood roused Qin Yuyuan to her senses, she looked at the long cut on Ye Yichen and was filled with the need to care for him, ¡°Yichen, your wound seems really deep....¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, don¡¯t worry about it. Let¡¯s also find somewhere to rest for the night.¡± Ye Yichen calmly replied.

    He gazed at the quickly disappearing Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue with an expression that was unreadable.

    Murong Xue and Ouyang Shaochen followed a small path and emerged from the tall grass to find a small stream ahead. The stream gurgled with crystal clear water. The area was filled with t patches of grass and flowers which swayed with the wind. It was an enchanting sight.

    There was a clearing beside the stream which was ideal for a resting ce. Wu Heng was responsible for collecting firewood while Xun Feng went to catch some fish.

    Ouyang Shaochen guided Murong Xue to sit on a big rock. He then took out a white bag filled with water and gave it to her.

    ¡°Drink some water.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Murong Xue smiled and took it from him: She hadn¡¯t had any water for about two or three hours, she was indeed thirsty.

    The material of the water bag was quite puzzling as it was smooth and the water inside of it was still warm.

    Murong Xue was surprised and with widened eyes she said, ¡°Howe the water is still warm?¡±

    They had ventured into the mountain for two or three hours, even if the material of the bag was of high quality, the water in it would have already been cooled.

    ¡°Your body resistance is weak, drinking cold water is bad for you!¡± Ouyang Shaochen responded without answering the question.

    He then ced two plum cakes in front of her, ¡°The fish might take awhile to cook, eat this first.¡±

    The plum cakes emitted a faint delicious smell. Its fragrance was enough to send others drooling. Murong Xue ate one, the fragrance of the soft plum cakes filled her mouth.

    Curious, she looked at Ouyang Shaochen. He held a container in his hand which contained 8 plum cakes. But they were all cold and stiff, which was entirely different from the one she just had. That meant that the plum cakes had been passed through Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s hand to be hot.

    ¡°How do you do that?¡±

    Looking at her curious gaze, OuYyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes shed a tinge of humour and said, ¡°It¡¯s a secret.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s face darkened and she red at him.

    ¡°Fine!¡±

    Not like she was really interested anyway.

    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ye Yichen and Qin Yuyuan sat on a nearby rock. Her brow raised lightly: Ahh so they are quite smart too, they knew that Yu Mountain was a dangerous ce and they needed to find a ce with a clearing to ensure their safety. This area, with the river close-by was the best choice.

    Seeing what Murong Xue was looking at, Ouyang Shaochen frowned.

    ¡°Do you dislike them being here? I shall ask my guards to chase them away!¡±

    Qin Yuyuan became rigid, she red at Murong Xue instantly, and her gaze was filled with anger: This is the public area of Qing Yan, it is not their residential or property, they have no right to drive them away.

    Ye YiChen lowered his eyelid for a little, his eyes had grown murky. He spread open his palm, a strong internal force was coagting...

    ¡°No need to do so!¡± Murong Xue shook her head and took a look at Qin Yuyuan. ¡°Although they are our enemies, I still can ept their existence. It¡¯s fine for me to be with them at the riverside, I¡¯ll just pretend like I don¡¯t see them.¡±

    Ye YiChen was the prince of Qing Yan, he was an arrogant man. If we insult him, he will certainly take revenge. By that time, it will definitely create a chaos. She was not afraid of Ye YiChen, she just did not want to create problems.

    As she knew, the main focus now was to find DiYang grass. After she got all the DiYang grass, she would be able to immediately retaliate.

    ¡°The fish is done. Let¡¯s go and have a look.¡± Murong Xue held Ouyang Shaochen together with her as she walked briskly toward the pile of firewood.

    Ye Yichen closed his palm slowly, the internal force subsided and disappeared instantly. He was contemting at Ouyang Shaochen with aplicated expression on his face as he saw they were holding hands together.

 Chapter 60 â€“ Roasted Fish

    Ouyang Shaochen walked toward the pile of firewood and grabbed a fish that has been roasted until yellow golden in color. He passed it to Murong Xue, ¡°Taste it.¡±

    Murong Xue answered him briefly and was about to take the fish. Ouyang ShaoChen went straight across her hand and ced the fish right in front of her mouth.

    Murong Xue scowled a little and red at him. She bit the fish unwillingly. For a moment she can taste the freshness and the warmth of the meat was undeniably delicious. She was delighted, and she nodded her head profusely in admiration, ¡°That¡¯s great. It¡¯s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. The meat is very fresh, this is definitely one of the best cuisines. However, I have a way to make it taste even better!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the way?¡± Ouyang Shaochen was interested to listen to her : The method used by Xun Feng to roast fish was taught by some master chef, his kills were even better than the best chef in the pce.

    ¡°It¡¯s a secret that cannot be leaked.¡± Murong Xue smirked mysteriously and looked at Ouyang Shaochen proudly: You don¡¯t tell me your secret, I won¡¯t tell you mine either.

    ¡°I can tell that you don¡¯t have any brilliant method, you¡¯re just bragging...¡± Ouyang Shaochen nced at her carelessly, the look on his face was telling as if he knew that she will answer like that.

    Murong Xue¡¯s face was darkened, ¡°I¡¯m not bragging, I can show you the method right now. It¡¯s just that I need an extraordinary spice, and in Yu Shan... Oh... That¡¯s the spice!¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were brightened. She sprinted toward the bush and plucked a lot of green leaves. She cleaned them at the riverside and handed it to Ouyang Shaochen. ¡°Crumble them all, please.¡± said Murong Xue.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded, he squeezed them gently with his long finger. The green leaves had transformed into powdered form.

    Murong Xue sprinkled them evenly on the fish and started to roast the fish. Instantly, their surroundings was filled with the aroma of the fish.

    Ye Yichen, Qin Yuyuan and the soldiers from the house of Prince Jing smelt the enticing smell. Ye Yichen and Qin Yuyuan did not pay much attention, but the soldiers were licking their lips as they stared at the roasting fish.

    Murong Xue took a fish that had been cooked and put it in front of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth proudly, ¡°Ouyang shizi, go ahead and taste it.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded and took a bite from Murong Xue¡¯s hand. He tasted it gracefully and said reluctantly, ¡°It can still be considered not bad, I guess.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s face was suddenly clouded: Can still be considered not bad? She used the green leaves as seasoning, it would absolutely be betterpared to the one Ouyang Shaochen made. There must be something wrong with Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s taste buds!

    Murong Xue took the fish and gave it a fierce bite. She was truly impressed when the intense aroma of the meat suffused her mouth. She almost bit her tongue!

    The fish was unquestionably way better than the other one, how dare Ouyang Shaochen say it was bad... Wait a minute, this fish was... the one that Ouyang Shaochen ate just now.

    Staring at the other side of the fish, it was obviously not her bite mark, Murong Xue was stunned. She looked dazed and confused, Ouyang Shaochen snickered as he saw her expression, ¡°You bit the meat yourself, it has nothing to do with me.¡±

    ¡±Why didn¡¯t you remind me?¡± Murong Xue red at Ouyang ShaoChen, her eyes were filled with anger.

    ¡°I wanted to remind you actually, but you bit it too quickly.¡± Ouyang Shaochen was feeling particrly good, his eyes were shining bright like a ck diamond.

    ¡°...¡± Murong Xue was left speechless.

    If it were not Ouyang Shaochen that had given such a neutralment on her fish, she would certainly not bite it in her fury. It was Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s fault that she had eaten the wrong fish.

    This evil-minded guy, was he actually scheming against her...

    Ye Yichen was sitting not far away, his injured arm had been bandaged. He was staring in the direction of Murong Xue and Ouyang Shaochen, not sure what he was nning in his mind.

    Qin Yuyuan was sitting beside Ye Yichen, and she was looking at Murong Xue furiously and jealously : Ouyang Shaochen spoke bluntly to any girls he encountered, but now he was talking to Murong Xue with a kind and pleasant countenance. It shouldn¡¯t be that way, it shouldn¡¯t be that way...

    The soldiers of Prince Jing were roasting their fishes, they suddenly lost their appetites as they smelled the strong aroma of the fish Murong Xue was roasting...

    Looking in the direction where the nice scent was from, Wu Hen was holding some fruits and strolling toward Ouyang Shaochen. He spoke in a polite manner, ¡°Prince, I¡¯ve brought you some fruits!¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen nced at the fruits, they were round in shape and vivid red in color. There were beads of moisture on the fruits, it can be told from the appearance that the fruits were crunchy and thirst-quenching. ¡°Where are these from?¡±

    ¡°Shizi, I got them from there!¡± Wu Hen pointed in the direction of the woods not far away and handed the fruits to Ouyang ShaoChen. He took one out of his sleeve and was about to put inside his mouth.

    Murong Xue took a look at them and was frightened. She pushed away Wu Hen¡¯s hand abruptly and said, ¡°These fruits are poisonous and inedible...¡±

    As she finished her words, they heard a frantic scream and a soldier from the house of Prince Jing fell on the ground. He held his belly and rolled on the ground. His skin turned its color into strange ck rapidly. Later, he lied silently on the ground and a half bitten red fruit dropped out from his body.

    Ye YiChen, Qin Yuyuan and the soldiers from the house of Prince Jing stared at the body quietly. They were standing beside the firewood in dead silence.

    Wu Hen was taken aback as well. He showed great gratitude to Murong Xue when he recovered from his surprise, ¡°Thanks Ms. Murong for saving my life again! How do you know that the fruits are poisonous?¡± He had tested the fruits with needle before he plucked them, the needle did not turn ck...

    Murong Xue looked at him seriously, ¡°The poison of these fruits cannot be tested by using a needle. Once you¡¯ve eaten the fruits, the poison will flow through your vein instantly, and you¡¯ll die in the twinkle of an eye.¡± It was really a truth to be told that in the jungle, the more beautiful was the fruits, the more poisonous they were.

    Wu Hen nodded and looked at Murong Xue with admiration: She is just a daintydy who stays in the house for most of the time, but she is much knowledgeable than him, even though he was the one who stood by Ouyang Shizi¡¯s side for almost eight years. She was certainly an incredibledy, no wonder Ouyang shizi would fall for her...

    The enticing smell engulfed the surroundings, Murong Xue felt thirsty. She strolled toward her ck bag and took out a few porcin cups. These cups were custom made, the cap and the cup were held together tightly. When she opened the cap, it can be seen that the cup was filled with white liquid...

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ouyang ShaoChen walked toward her and asked in confusion.

 Chapter 61 â€“ Imminent Danger

    ¡°Sour milk!¡± Murong Xue smiled.

    Sour milk? What¡¯s that?

    They have heard of cow milk, goat milk and know that cow milk were from cows while goat milk were from goats but sour milk.....could it be possible that there is an animal name Sour?

    Xun Feng and Wu Heng looked at each other then turned to look at Murong Xue with a puzzled stare.

    Murong Xue smiled, ¡°Sour milk isn¡¯t produced from an animal. I used cow milk to make it. It can ease digestion and it¡¯s good for your stomach. It¡¯s best consumed after eating oily or cold food. I knew we wouldn¡¯t be able to eat any properly prepared food in the mountain so I brought some. Come try it!¡±

    ¡°Thank you very much, Miss Murong!¡±

    Xun Feng and Wu Heng never really liked milk all that much but they were especially interested in it. So they each took a cup to have a taste. The thick liquid flowed from their throats into their stomachs and they instantly felt the warmth course through them. Their eyes brightened and they each gave their praise, ¡°Not bad! Not bad! This is really something!¡±

    Looking at the two gulping down her concoction, Murong Xue smiled. She then held it out before OuYang Shaochen and said, ¡°Come try it too!¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± OuYang Shaochen nodded and took a sip.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare tell me it isn¡¯t good!¡± Murong Xue red at him with a threatening gleam in her eyes.

    OuYang Shaochen¡¯s eyes lit up with humour and said, ¡°Not bad!¡±

    OuYang Shaochen never liked milk because it held a strong aroma in it. However, the milk Murong Xue had made was rid of the aroma and had a sour taste in it, it made him feel warm inside.....

    ¡°That¡¯s more like it!¡± the corner of Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curled into a small smile.

    She then continued to take slow sips from her cup. At that moment, the hot sweet and sour taste of the milk coursed through her. She jolted and looked down at her steaming milk. When she had first opened her bottle, it had already cooled down considerably. How did it be hot?

    She looked at OuYang Shaochen. He was holding his cup while gracefully tasting the sour milk. It was such a simple action yet, the way he did it was very elegant.

    Steam also rose from his cup of sour milk. Murong Xue¡¯s brow raised, OuYang Shaochen indeed had been the one behind this! But how did he do it? Nheless, she admitted to herself that drinking hot sour milk was way better than drinking the cold one.

    The Qing Yan Pce had only three guards left. They sat by the fire and casually ate the dried up fish grilled by the fire. Secretly, they admired the people sitting at the other side: Xun Feng and Wu Heng were also guards like them but they were far better off. They sat in front of the fire eating the grilled fish which smelled wonderful and drinking the sour milk. Their lives obviously were morefortable than theirs.

    The ingredient used to make the grilled fish more scrumptious and the sour milk were both from Murong Xue. She had initially been Prince Jing¡¯s first wife-to-be, if he hadn¡¯t fallen in love with Qin Yuyuan, then the person beside him would have been Murong Xue. Her grilled fish, sour milk would have been offered to them instead....

    They secretly stole a nce at Qin Yu Yuan. She didn¡¯t know how to defend herself. Whenever their excursion had met danger, she had to rely on them for protection. Even if she didn¡¯t get in their way during those dangers, she had immensely slowed down the pace of this excursion.

    She didn¡¯t know how to cook either. They would normally have dried grilled fish and cold water as their meal. Even though they were ustomed to this but that didn¡¯t mean it didn¡¯t do any damage to their stomachs in the long term........

    She also did not have profound general knowledge. She didn¡¯t know that the red fruit was poisonous, when Ah Si ate it, she didn¡¯t try to stop him and that had costed his life.......

    If the person beside Prince Jing now had been Murong Xue, she could¡¯ve stopped Ah Si from eating it and he wouldn¡¯t have died....

    If they were topare, Murong Xue was a million times better than Qin Yu Yuan....

    The guards were discussing this discreetly but Qin Yuyuan had pieced together their murmurs and found out. Her beautiful face fell downcast: How dare theypared her with Murong Xue, moreover, they had said that she was far better than herself! These guards obviously don¡¯t know where their ce is! How dare they criticize her!

    Qin Yuyuan gazed teary-eyed at Ye Yichen. She was about toin to him when she realised he was looking at Murong Xue¡¯s direction, his eyes held shades of mystery, doubt, regret......

    Wait, why would he regret? Maybe..he also thought that she was ipetentpared to Murong Xue and was regretting that he had chosen her over Murong Xue!

    No no no, how can this be! She was the royal princess of MoBei, the king¡¯s most beloved daughter! Aspared to Murong Xue, who was just a rich orphan, she was a million times better than her! How could she lose to her? She must never lose to her!

    It was just a simple thing of plucking leaves and scattering it on the fish to make it more delicious and it was just making cow milk into sour milk, she could have done it too!

    Qin Yuyuan spun around and without even turning her head back, she took big steps towards Ye Yichen. The wind carried her sullen voice, ¡°Yichen, I¡¯m going for a walk!¡±

    Yichen nced at her. Thinking she was off to do her private ¡®business¡¯, he didn¡¯t pay much attention and calmly responded, ¡°Don¡¯t wander too far!¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Qin Yuyuan replied harshly. She then broke into a run and didn¡¯t stop until she was panting and couldn¡¯t run any further. With hatred, she pulled the grass around her: Yichen had really abandoned her! She said she wanted to take a walk, he didn¡¯t even oblige to apany her, he had only replied her with some nonsense.......

    Everything...was because of Murong Xue! That girl didn¡¯t learn how to sew and knit, she didn¡¯t learn how to y chess or paint but she had learnt how to cook atrociously instead! What a joke! And those low-lives actually respect her! The way Yichen had been looking at her was worrying too...

    A shadow dashed past her. Qin Yuyuan jolted and immediately turned her head. She saw a white mountain wall. Beneath it was a cave opening, there was a ck tombstone beside the entrance. A light breeze blew and the grass swayed from side to side, hiding some parts of the ck tombstone, making it hard to read what was on it.

    Mountain wall! ck tombstone! Qin Yuyuan¡¯s thoughts raced and she thought about the true purpose ofing to Yu Mountain. Her eyes gleamed: Could this be the ce they were looking for?

    Ye Yichen and herself had been moving around blindly in Yu Mountain for a day but weren¡¯t even close to finding what they were looking for. Who would have thought she had stumbled upon it by chance! She wanted to hurry back to tell Yichen about it, he would be so happy!

    Qin Yuyuan smiled and turned to go back. Suddenly she had a thought: What if she was wrong? Yichen would be so disappointed and those guards would have viewed her with more contempt. She needed to make sure this was the ce they were looking for.

    Qin Yuyuan stopped smiling and treaded slowly towards the ck tombstone. With force, she gripped onto it. It turned out to be soft and she widened her eyes with fear..........

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 Chapter 62 â€“ Falling into the valley

    Slowly, Qin Yuyuan turned to look at what she had gripped. The ck ¡®tombstone¡¯ had turned its head.

    It had bloodshot eyes. The sight of it made her trembled and made the hair on the back of her neck stood at end¡­¡­.

    ¡°Ahh!!!¡± Qin Yuyuan screamed and quickly retracted her hand. She was filled with terror. She staggered backwards then turned to run¡­¡­¡­

    All the ck ¡®tombstones¡¯ had been awakened. Their ck bodies pped their wings and rapidly chased after her¡­¡­.

    Beside the stream, Murong Xue had just finished her share of grilled fish and sour milk. She was about to spread her mat to sleep when a distressed shout for help was heard, ¡°Help me¡­help me!!!¡±

    Murong Xue turned her head to see Qin Yuyuan running panickily. Behind her, creatures with tall ears, short feet and enormous wings covered the entire sky like a ck cloud, blocking out the stars¡­¡­

    ¡°Those are¡­.bats!¡± Wu Heng eximed.

    Wu Heng widened his eyes with shock. He knew they loved to live in groups but there were so many of them¡­¡­¡­

    ¡°Why are their eyes red?¡± Xun Feng asked.

    He had seen many bats. But their eyes had all been ck.

    ¡°They are vampire bats! Run!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s face became pale. She grabbed OuYang Shaoshen who was beside her and ran. Vampire bats were fierce in nature and blood was their food source. It was impossible to fight a sky full of them¡­¡­¡­

    Xun Feng and Wu Heng quickly followed.

    The guards from Qing Yan all turned to look at Ye Yichen, their faces anxious, ¡°Prince Jing!¡±. The bats were approaching and they could feel their evil aura, if they didn¡¯t start running soon it would be toote.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Ye Yichen calmly said. He sprinted towards Qin Yuyuan, grabbed her wrist and started running.

    Murong Xue raced ahead. She caught a glimpse of Ye Yichen and Qin Yuyuan behind her.

    Coldly she said, ¡°Qin Yuyuan, how did you provoke them?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea. I came back from strolling around and saw them behind me¡­.¡± Qin Yuyuan lied, her eyes swept nervously from side to side: She had just wanted to help Yichen..She wanted to know if that cave was the ce they had been searching for. Little did she know the ck ¡®tombstone¡¯ turned out to be disgusting blood sucking bats. It wasn¡¯t intentional, she couldn¡¯t be med, she couldn¡¯t be med ¡­

    ¡°Princess Qin, even though vampire bats suck blood to live, they would never initiate an attack unless you breached their territory. When that happens, they will chase you endlessly¡­¡± Murong Xue coldly threw that fact wide in the open.

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s small face turned pale, her eyes were wild with fear. She didn¡¯t know what to argue back¡­.

    Xun Feng and Wu Heng were expressionless: They had already been troubled by the people from Qing Yan once, it wasn¡¯t surprising that they were doing it again¡­..

    The guards from Qing Yan frowned: They could¡¯ve rested well tonight but now they were being chased by a flock of vampire bats. The question of keeping themselves alive was doubtful. Resting obviously was out of the question. Qin Yuyuan was a troublemaker, a terrible ¡®high and mighty princess¡¯ who always seems to drag them back¡­.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face remained stoned-cold. His eyes were tilting below, unreadable.

    OuYang Shaochen¡¯s face was calm, the corner of his mouth curled into a smirk. He held Murong Xue¡¯s hand and emerged from the tall grass. Only to find themselves on the edge of a cliff. It was dangerously steep and the fall was neck-breaking. Beneath, the dark valley lurked with menace. One couldn¡¯t see what was below¡­..

    ¡°It¡¯s a dead end!¡± the Qing Yan guards jolted and stopped at the nick of time. More than ten vampire bats were behind them and in a flock, they descended onto one of the guards. Their razor-sharp teeth sunk deeply into his flesh and quickly drank his blood.

    ¡°Ahh!!¡± the guard wailed, his face was filled with horror. His young body was quickly changing. In a sh, he became a dried mass¡­..

    Frightening rumours about vampire bats really were something to fear about!

    Murong Xue frowned. She swung her arm and 10 silver coins came flying out. They hit the bats¡¯ head.s with force¡­¡­¡­.

    ¡°The bats are rushing down. Quick, y them!¡± Xun Feng eximed.

    The remaining Qing Yan guards came to their senses, buried their shock and proceed to y theing bats with their swords. Streaks of blood came raining down¡­.

    One by one the bats dropped dead on the ground. They were quickly piling up. The thick scent of fresh blood was in the air. But the sky remained pitch ck full of them, it was as if it hadn¡¯t been reduced at all¡­.

    The Qing Yan guards secretly red at Qin Yuyuan. She was ipetent and a failure in many ways, what did Prince Jing even favour in her!

    Qin Yuyuan felt the anger and dissatisfaction of the guards but she did notin. Her small hand clutched onto Yichen¡¯s robe, she was held in his arms, luxuriated in his protection:

    There were so many of them, she didn¡¯t know when they would all be killed. But she knew ¨C as long as Yichen was still alive, she would be very safe. The martial arts of the two guards were not even one tenth as good as Yichen¡¯s! As time dragged on, she knew the two guards would be exhausted and turn into the bats¡¯ dinner!

    She was the mighty MoBei princess, she wouldn¡¯t be criticized any longer by two of these low-lives¡­..

    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a white robe. It was OuYang Shaochen. Silently, he stood beneath the night sky, he was as beautiful as a picture. Under his sleeve, his hand clenched and unclenched. His white robe pped against the wind like a blooming lotus. A gust of strong wind blew and a powerful surge of energy flew out from his sleeve. It surged towards the bats in the sky and in a sh, some of them were reduced to dust¡­¡­..

    He was such a handsome, talented man. He should be someone who was elegant and refined. Murong Xue was just some sick girl who was abandoned by Yichen, how could she be fit to be with him? And why did he even like her?

    She then looked at Murong Xue. She was holding a dagger and was slicing the air with impable speed. The bats which came before her dagger were sliced clean, their blood sttered onto the ground, it made people stare in awe¡­¡­..

    Qin Yuyuan squinted: Murong Xue was a powerful enemy, she could not let her grow stronger by the day. She needed to get rid of her quickly. Today presented a good chance, she could get rid of her once and for all¡­¡­¡­

    ¡°There are too many vampire bats, I¡¯ll help too!¡± Qin Yuyuan casually said.

    She then walked out of Yichen¡¯s protective arms. In one hand, she held a sword, it was as if she was going to kill the impending bats. Silently, she approached MuRong Xue¡­¡­.

    Countless bats swooped down, Murong Xue was focussed in killing them. Suddenly without warning, someone pushed her, it had caught her off guard, she fell into the dark valley¡­..

    meixi¡¯s note: QIN YUYUAN YOU LITTLE ****

 Chapter 63 â€“ Beat Up Qin Yuyuan

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    Murong Xue saw Qin Yuyuan smirking from the corner of her eyes, and she knew what happened exactly on that moment. She grabbed the corner of her outfit furiously, leading her fell off the cliff along with Qin Yuyuan...

    ¡°Xue Er!¡± Ouyang pulled out his hands to grab Murong Xue, but his soft fingertips touched across her apple green dress, he could not manage to grab her in time...

    Her slim figure and Qin Yuyuan fell into the limitless deep dark pit...

    Ouyang went into a panic attack; he jumped down the cliff and followed Murong Xue. The white robe that he was wearing was particrly visible in the dark surroundings...

    ¡°Shi Zi!¡± Xun Feng and Wu Heng screamed in fear and jumped along with Ouyang, they were his bodyguards, and it was their jobs to protect their masters and followed him wherever he went...

    Ye Yichen was filled with mixed feelings, nevertheless, he spread out his arms like a bat and jumped off the cliff as well...

    ¡°Wang Ye!¡± The bodyguard from house of Jing Wang, Ah Yi was astonished, what did just happen? Why everyone was jumping off the cliff?

    ¡°Ah Yi, let¡¯s jump down too!¡± Ah Er yelled as he waived around his swords trying to kill those monstrous bats.

    Ah Yi¡¯s eyes twitched at the thought of the deep pit, wasn¡¯t he trying to kill himself if he jumped down from here?

    Groups of ck bats flew across them from below the pit, the red eyes of the bats could be clearly seen in the mid-air, Ah Yi¡¯s eyes twitched again; there were only both of them left, if they stayed one second longer, they would surely be those bats¡¯ dinner. ¡°Let¡¯s jump now, leave everything to our destinies!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ah Er nodded his head and jumped off to the deep pit with Ah Yi.

    Soft wind blew on their faces as they jumped. The cliff was filled with countless bats and they could see them flying blindly around in front of their eyes...

    The wind below the cliff was very strong. It pierced their faces sharply as if they were cut by shrill knives. The pit was incredibly deep; Murong Xue opened her eyes and held tightly on Qin Yuyuan¡¯s cor.

    Deep down inside her, she knew that she could not survive such high fall from the cliff, she would be dead by the time her body hit the ground below, but before her life ended, she wanted to get revenge for herself.

    ¡°Pak!¡± Strokes of pping were ced across Qin Yuyuan¡¯s cheeks; she turned her face around and continued pping her cheeks one side by one side.

    Qin Yuyuan woke up from the hard ps and went panic, she regained her consciousness and stared angrily at Murong Xue: ¡°Murong Xue, how dare you pped me!¡±

    ¡°Not only I dare to p you, I¡¯d even dare to kick you!¡± Murong Xue cried in fury, then she kicked Qin Yuyuan at her side with might.

    A sharp piercing sensation came from her chest, Qin Yuyuan face was pale and white, beads of sweats were dropping from her forehead. She red at Murong Xue, waiting to defend herself, Mu Rong Xue¡¯s mighty kick hauled forward at her.

    The pain spread throughout her tiny body, she almost fainted at the throbbing kicks, but Murong Xue did not stop. ¡°Murong Xue, be remindful that I¡¯m Mo Bei Prince ¨C ...¡±

    ¡°Pak!¡± Murong Xue pped hardly at her face once again, Qin Yuyuan did not even get to finish her sentence. She was half dead and there she went, boasting around about her princess status in Mo Bei, how ridiculous!

    Qin Yuyuan spat out a mouthful of blood, and scowled at her, ¡°Murong Xue, who are you to beat me up like that?¡±

    ¡°You brought the cannibal flower, which affected my journey to find the medicine, and you brought the monstrous blood-sucking bats which made me almost lost my life, and you were so evil-hearted that you pushed me over the cliff without thinking twice...¡±

    Murong Xue screamed angrily at her, but all Qin Yuyuan could hear was the buzzing sound in her ears, her mind waspletely nk. She thought no one knew what she had nned behind, but who would have ever thought that Murong Xue was smart enough to see through all her tricks...

    But who cared? Murong Xue was dying very soon, she would have to bring this secret with her into the grave, and nobody else knew about her ns except herself!

    Qin Yu Yanughed to herself and clutched firmly of Murong Xue¡¯s shoulders!

    Murong Xue startled at her action, she looked down to see pile of tree branches below, and she quickly understood Qin Yu Yan¡¯s intention. Qin Yu Yan was on top of her and with her under the evil princess, she would be the scapegoat when they both fell below!

    Murong Xue grinned to herself, when she felt the touch of branches behind her. She turned around rapidly and changed her position to be on top of Qin Yuyuan...

    Qin Yuyuan was horrified at this, she wanted to do something but it was toote, the tree branches went through her back and blood slowly oozed out from the wounds, Qin Yuyuan felt the pressure and screamed in pain, ¡°ahh!¡±

    ¡°Thud!¡± Qin Yuyuan fell right at her back, the piercing pain went through her body, her screaming stopped and her face went pale instantly. She opened her mouth widely trying to catch some breath, she looked like a dying fish grasping for air.

    She did not die yet!

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and stood up slowly; she scanned through her surroundings and saw the trees around her were firm and tall. The tree branches acted as a pillow when they both fell, the grass on the ground was soft and intact, that was why Qin Yuyuan did not die from the fall!

    ¡°Murong Xue, you tried to kill me, I will never let you go!¡± Qin Yuyuan gave her a deadly frown, as if she wanted to burn Murong Xue alive with her fury eyes!

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Murong Xue kicked her again and said, ¡°You are the one who tried to kill me, that was why I pulled you down with me, you got what you deserve!¡±

    Qin Yuyuan moaned in pain from the unexpected kicks, her dress was torn by the tree branches and strikes of wounds could be seen on her bare skin, the aching increased as her skin moved on the soft grass!

    She hitched a breath, she was beyond furious, to think that she was the Princess of Mo Bei, the precious daughter of Mo Bei King and Queen. Everyone put their highest respect to her, and nobody dared to even touch her finger!

    Now, Murong Xue had beaten her up, kicked her and scowled at her, she would let her get away with this!

    Qin Yuyuan leaned on her side despite the pain and yelled, ¡°Steward!¡±

    With the calling, four ninjas in brown mask appeared in front of them out of nowhere.

    They gave out dangerous killer vibes, their eyes were as cold as ice, and they bowed in respect, ¡°Princess!¡±

    Qin Yuyuan red at Murong Xue and ordered, ¡°Kill her and chop her into pieces!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The ninjas replied resolutely, they drew out long shrill swords from their belt and dashed forward to Murong Xue...

    Note: If you want to support this trantion, but can¡¯t donate, consider adding us to your ad blocker¡¯s whitelist. We take intrusive ads very seriously, please contact us if youe across a malicious ad!

 Chapter 64 â€“ Killing Ninjas In Brown

    Qin Yuyuan had spies behind her, this was shocking to Murong Xue, those ninjas were skilled in their moves and their martial art were of high level as well, but it was not so easy to get her killed!

    Murong Xue drew out her swords from her waist as well and ran forward to them without fear.

    At that exact moment, leaves were rolling and flying around them, their shadows were swift and actions were as fast as lightning!

    Murong Xue gripped on her sword tightly, the aura of the enemy¡¯s threat vanished instantly with her killer instinct.

    The brown ninjas¡¯ eyes darkened as they ran forward with their swords pointing in front, they attacked Murong Xue who was in the centre from all four corners!

    Murong Xue ducked from three swords quickly, another sword won its way and cut through her hair at her side forehead, her hair fell gently from her head to the ground...

    Murong Xue squinted her eyes, these ninjas dressed themselves oddly and their skills were deadly. She was sure herself that they were not from Qing Yan, they were probably the spies sent to Qin Yuyuan from her father; they were all experienced in their fighting, she was not as trained as them, moreover, she was all by herself here, she knew that she would not win if she continued fighting! She had to think of a n to get rid of these ninjas.

    Murong Xue smiled to herself, with a light tip-toed jump, her slender figure disappeared into the midst of forest. Forest was her territory, those ninjas could only show their skills outside. Once they went into the forest, they would no longer be the dominant ones!

    The ninjas in brown quickly followed her into the forest, but all they could see were bushes and trees, there was no Murong Xue in sight.

    The leader among them ordered, ¡°We shall find her separately!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the rest of them went to their separate ways; they ran to all east, west, south and north directions to search for Murong Xue.

    The forest was filled with unorganized branches and weeds, it was chaotic inside. The ninjas went on their way with care, their eyes scanned through the surroundings despite the unkempt environment.

    Suddenly, there was a ruffling sound from behind, one of the ninjas swung his swords towards the directions and the sword cut through a tree trunk. However, there was no one there, he breathed out in relief, knowing it was just the windswept sound of leaves.

    A beautiful face emerged in front of the ninja out of the sudden, he was overwhelmed and with that, he stood there frozen as a sword sliced through his throat in one second. Blood was spilled out of his throat; he gripped his sliced throat firmly when he realized what was going on. Slowly, the ninja fell at his feet with his hands still around his bleeding throat, his eyes were opened wide and they were filled with perplexing and staggered.

    Murong Xue looked down expressionless at the body, she then took out a piece of silk handkerchief and proceeded to wipe off the blood stains on her sword. She was the twenty-first centurydy of the Murong¡¯s family, she had undergone strict training since young which included fighting skills, weapon knowledge, guns, hunting methods and medicines.

    Her household members recruited numerous deadly killer trainers when she was eighteen years old, they were supposed to train her skills. She would kill those psychopaths in the mountains when they surrounded her and tried to hunt her down, these few unknown ninjas were absolutely nothing to her!

    All she had been doing since she arrived at Qing Yan was quarrelling with the mother and daughter of Du¡¯s house, she did not manage to brush up her fighting skills since then, and now that those ninjas in brown showed up just like that, it was a good practice for her!

    Murong Xue threw her blood-stained handkerchief into the air, and smirked coldly as she walked towards a direction. Now, the game had changed, she promised herself that she would kill all of the other ninjas...

    The bushy forest was extraordinarily quiet, the ninjas did not dare to move a single hair, however, they walked steadily step-by-step with swords in their hands, their eyes were gazing around and ears were listening carefully for any unusual movements.

    Murong Xue¡¯s slim figure was hanging downwards on a tree branch, her forehead was right in front of them and with ease, she sliced her swords across one of their throats, just like the one before, his blood oozed out and it gradually became a huge pile of blood pool, the ninja¡¯s body went stiffed and he fell down on the ground, dead...

    Poor man, he would never know when did Murong Xue went up to his head...

    ¡°An San!¡± Murong Xue dashed forward to the voice, she hurried in front of the ninja who yelled and pierced her sword into his heart directly, blood spilled out from the attack and filled the glowing evening skies...

    Murong Xue pulled out her sword from his heart and walked towards thest ninja, with blood dripping from her sword, onto the green grass at her feet...

    Thest ninja was the most powerful one, he strolled carefully around her with his long mighty sword.

    Murong Xue leaped to him from bushes of trees, her sword in her hand exploded through his forehead and blood could be seen seeping from the blow...

    The ninja stunned in his feet and after a moment, he fell hardly on the ground...

    Murong Xue won this battle, the four ninjas in brown were all dead, now it was her time to get revenge from their master!

    The clouds in the sky and mist in the surroundings evacuated gradually, the golden sunbeams shone across the airy greennd.

    Qin Yuyuan sat beneath a big tree with torn clothes on her, she was holding on to the medicines gave to her by a ninja, she wiped some of the medicine on her wounds and cringed when she felt the sizzling pain. Murong Xue had wounded her badly, she would not still be contented even if Murong Xue was killed!

    A ninja in brown walked out from the forest, Qin Yuyuan looked at him and stated coldly, ¡°Is she dead?¡±

    ¡°My apology, Princess Qin, I¡¯m not dead yet, sorry to disappoint you!¡± Augh came from the woods, Qin Yuyuan froze on her spot, she turned to the voice slowly and saw Murong Xue¡¯s pretty little face as she pushed the ninja aside, she stuttered, ¡°how... how could that be...¡±

    ¡°Your spies were useless, I killed them all and walked here myself!¡± Murong Xue retorted teasingly.

    ¡°How could that be?¡± Qin Yuyuan was practically shouting, those incredible spies were gifts from her father, they were the most powerful and skilled fighters in Mo Bei, they could even defeat the strongest warrior on earth, how could Murong Xue have killed all of them so easily...

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you to believe it, they¡¯re all dead, and no one could stand in between my revenge!¡± Murong Xue grinned evilly, and she strode slowly towards Qin Yuyuan, each footsteps she made sounded as if Reaper was revealing herself...

 Chapter 65 â€“ Deeply Wounded Qin Yuyuan

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s face was filled with terror. She screamed and tried to run but instead staggered.

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curled into a smirk. She was in front of Qin Yuyuan in mere seconds, blocking her way. She then kicked her and sent her rolling¡­¡­

    Murong Xue caught up slowly. Wherever Qin Yuyuan stopped, she would send another vicious kick. It was as if Qin Yuyuan was a rubber ball, each kick sent her rolling¡­..

    How dare you dragged me down in this!

    How dare you plot against me!

    How dare you use me!

    ¡°Ahh¡­.ahh¡­ahh!¡± Qin Yuyuan, who was sent rolling around in the silent valley, screamed. Her hair was in a mess and her hair pins were scattered all around. Her dress robe had been torn by rocks in many areas and her delicate skin had been scarred countlessly. Qin Yuyuan was in such a miserable state. Gritting her teeth she wailed, ¡°Murong Xue,e kill me, if you dare!¡±

    ¡°Killing you straightaway would be mercy! I want to torture you slowly!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s chilling answer bore into her ears.

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s eyes were aze with anger, ¡°Murong Xue, you vicious woman!¡±

    ¡°Me? Vicious? Qin Yuyuan, youmanded your henchmen to have me chopped up to pieces, isn¡¯t that torturing me? Now that I¡¯m doing this, it is only because I have learnt this tactic from you!¡±

    Murong Xue smiled and again, kicked her. The skirt of her dress robe tore open and a piece of paper made from goat-skin fluttered out from it!

    Murong Xue blinked and bent down to pick it up. The goat-skin paper was yellowed with age and ck letters were written on it. There were also ck strokes of vertical, horizontal lines and circles. Now that she looked at it, it looked like a map¡­¡­

    Murong Xue squinted, she was about to take a closer look at the letterings when Qin Yuyuan who was deeply wounded charged at her, ¡°Give it back to me!¡±

    ¡°Get lost!¡± Murong Xue dodged her and kicked her. Unfortunately, the blow hadnded on Qin Yuyuan¡¯s face. With a cracking sound, Qin Yu Yuan spat out two of her teeth and fresh blood¡­¡­

    Murong Xue ignored all that, peered at her and proudly said, ¡°This belongs to me now. Seeing that it¡¯s mine now, I¡¯ll let you die morefortably. Tell me, how do you want to die?¡±

    She didn¡¯t know what was written on the goat-skin paper and wasn¡¯t very interested in it. However, Qin Yuyuan obviously treasured it very much. That was why she wanted to im it for her own, to anger Qin Yu Yuan!

    ¡°Murong Xue, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Qin Yu Yuan cried and charged towards her with a sharp golden hair pin in her hand. Her eyes were aze with revenge!

    Kill her?! She obviously didn¡¯t know what she was capable of!

    Murong Xue casually lifted her leg and kicked her again. This time the impact sent her flying 3,4 meters away. Murong Xue came towards her again, her dagger angled at her heart, she was about to stab her: Since she wanted to die so much, she shall grant her wish!

    Seeing that the sharp dagger was about to pierce through Qin Yuyuan, a hand extended and grabbed Murong Xue¡¯s wrist. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t bring it closer to Qin Yuyuan.

    Murong Xue frowned and looked up. She found herself face-to-face with Ye Yichen¡¯s handsome face.

    He was gazing coldly at her, ¡°Murong Xue, you are too vicious¡­¡­.¡±

    No wonder they¡¯re a match for each other, they even described her in the same way!

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curled into an icy smile and pried loose of his grip.

    ¡°I learnt it from your lover!¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s sharp eyes swept across from Qin Yuyuan who had fainted to Murong Xue, ¡°I have known Yuyuan for 3 years and I clearly know what kind of person she is ¨C she is smart, beautiful and kind. She is not vicious like you. Murong Xue, don¡¯t you nder her or else don¡¯t me me for being unkind to you¡­.¡±

    The moment the words left his mouth, Ah Yi and Ah Er drew their swords and pointed them at Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue ignored them, the cold smile still curled on her face. Qin Yuyuan, kind? This was the funniest joke she¡¯s ever heard!

    She then quickly lifted the brown-shirt man¡¯s body and threw it in front of Ye Yichen: ¡°This is Qin Yuyuan¡¯s guard. An hour before, shemanded them to chop me to pieces¡­¡­..She even thought of what way to kill me. This is your Princess Qin, kind indeed¡­¡­¡­..¡±

    Ye Yichen turned a deaf ear towards Murong Xue¡¯s sarcasm. His eyes were fixed onto the corpse of the brown-shirt man, suddenly, his eyes had a gleam of shock¡­¡­¡­.

    It was only for a brief moment but Murong Xue had seen it: ¡°Jing wang, why are so you surprised? Is it because you didn¡¯t think that Qin Yuyuan would have her guards kill me or because you did not expect her to have her own guards¡­..?¡±

    Just as she was mentioning that, she suddenly realised that when Ye Yichen and Qin Yuyuan met the carnivorous flower and the vampire bats, her guards were nowhere to be seen. That means that even Ye Yichen didn¡¯t know that she had her own guards!

    ¡°The fact that Princess Qin had her own guards was such an important matter, did she not tell you? Isn¡¯t she madly in love with you? Why would she keep this from you¡­¡­¡±

    Murong Xue had some feigned surprise in her voice but it was obvious that she was gloating over their misery: It was surprising how Qin Yuyuan and Ye Yichen were so simr in some ways¡­¡­

    It was such a sudden fact thrown out in the open that it made Ye Yichen terribly upset and confused.

    Angrily he responded, ¡°Murong Xue, you need not do that just to ruin my rtionship with her¡­.¡±

    ¡°Ye Yichen, the state of your rtionship with her has been clearly disyed, why would I still need to ruin it? I was here to harvest herbs, not to be chased by carnivorous flowers or vampire bats. You two had dragged me into this, and one of you even pushed me off the cliff, endangering my life. It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t apologize but instead, you used me of ruining your rtionship with her¡­¡­ The way the mind of the Prince of War works is indeed wonderful!¡±

    Murong Xue stared at Ye Yichen with contempt and walked away without turning back.

    Looking at her slim silhouette, Ye Yichen squinted and coldly said, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°My business is none of yours, you take care of Princess Qin. I forgot to tell you but Qin Yuyuan has been hurt very badly, you better take her to a doctor quickly. If you¡¯re toote, she might just be a corpse. By then, don¡¯t say it was because I was jealous, it was all because you were toote¡­¡­¡± Murong Xue said without slowing her pace.

    Ye Yichen was here so she couldn¡¯t kill Qin Yu Yuan. That made Diyang grass her first priority now. She would settle things with Qin Yuyuan another day.

    Ye Yichen turned to Ah Yi and Ah Er and gave a knowing look.

    Ah Yi and Ah Er understood immediately and went to block Murong Xue¡¯s way¡­¡­¡­

    when ur upset that qin yuyuan + ye yichen didn¡¯t die because thats all you want right now.

 Chapter 66 â€“ Battle

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Murong Xue raised her brow and gazed coldly at Ah Yi and Ah Er.

    ¡°The mountain is unsafe, it will be dangerous if you head out alone. Prince Jing would like to invite Miss Murong to travel with us!¡± Ah Yi¡¯s sword lowered, even though his voice was calm, it had a sense ofmand.

    ¡°What if I say no?¡± Murong Xue raised her brow: Travel together? It sounded tactful but they could either be taking her as hostage or keeping her until Qin Yuyuan awakens then avenging for her. She would never believe their lies.

    ¡°Then please excuse us!¡± Ah Yi pointed his sharp sword at Murong Xue¡¯s neck.

    Murong Xue¡¯s lips curled into an icy smile. Her hand made a sudden swing across Ah Yi and Ah Er¡¯s wrist. It left a long, thin cut. Blood was spilling from the wound.

    ¡°THUNK!¡± their swords dropped. They couldn¡¯t lift it any longer.........

    Murong Xue returned her de to its sheath. Stunned, Ah Yi and Ah Er could only look as she arrogantly stepped over them: Threaten her? They obviously don¡¯t know where they belong! A split tendon for both so they can¡¯t lift their swords any longer, let¡¯s see how they try to stop her!

    How could well-trained Qing Yan guards be unable to stop a weak girl like her! What a bunch of idiots!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s expression darkened. He moved quickly and was in front of Murong Xue in a second. He extended his arm to grab her shoulders.

    Murong Xue frowned, he was everywhere, she couldn¡¯t seem to stop encountering him!

    She turned sideways and avoided his grip. She then extended her hand and was about to p him!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s mouth curled into a smirk and dodged it. Instead, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him.........

    Murong Xue did not expect it and was frowning as she saw that she was fast-approaching Ye Yichen¡¯s chest. As she was almost in his arms, a hand pped Ye Yichen¡¯s hand.

    An arm grabbed her shoulder and pulled her into a warm hug. A faint smell of bamboo ink encircled her nose, it was such aforting smell! She looked up and saw a familiar handsome face.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Ouyang ShaoChen said peering down at her, his eyes full of concern.

    Murong Xue nodded and her face broke into a small smile, ¡°I¡¯m fine, you came just in time!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth curled into a small smile. After he had jumped down from the cliff, he did not see Murong Xue¡¯s silhouette. He then used the fastest speed he can manage to find her but he was still a step behind Ye Yichen......

    Slowly, he raised his head up to look at the culprit. He had an icy gleam in his eyes, ¡°Ye Yichen, as I¡¯ve mentioned, don¡¯t you dare touch Xue again!¡±

    His hand clenched and unclenched, a strong wind emerged from his sleeve and surrounded Ye Yichen from all sides, attacking him.

    Was Ouyang Shaochen ready to humiliate himself?

    Thest time when they were on the cliff, he had underestimated him and that made him careless. Because of that, Ouyang Shaochen had beat him and that was how he ended in the mountain stream. This time, he will be careful in dealing with him, Ouyang Shaochen will never beat him again!

    Ye Yichen squinted, his hand under his sleeve started to clench and unclench too. A powerful energy surged and rushed towards OuYang ShaoChen¡¯s wind of attack......

    ¡°PING PING PING!¡± the two powerful forces were at battle with each other in mid-air. Each crash made a frightful sound.

    Murong Xue, who as standing beside the two, couldn¡¯t see how they summoned their energy. She could only see OuYang ShaoChen¡¯s white dress robe pping in the wind which was produced by the aftermath of each crash. His dress robe was like a blooming white lotus,pelling energy came propelling out from each petal, aiming its forces at Ye Yichen........

    Ye Yichen¡¯s expression was hostile, he was also propelling forces mercilessly at OuYang ShaoChen!

    Both werepetent fighters who had proficient martial arts skills. The battle raged on... For the moment, it was hard to decide who the winner would be!

    Suddenly, a worrying news came: ¡°Prince Jing, Princess Qin.....it¡¯s no good.....¡±

    When Ye Yichen heard the news, his hand trembled slightly, his propelled energy was momentarily disrupted.

    At that moment, OuYang ShaoChen¡¯s energy breached his defensive barrier and hit his shoulder. The sound ¡°SWOOSH!¡± was heard and 3,4 deep cuts were formed on his shoulder. Blood spilled from his wounded shoulder........

    Ye Yichen sighed and frowned. His energy had scattered. He nced at OuYang ShaoChen who remained unhurt and his expression turned downcast. Slowly, he receded his propelling energy and turned to walk towards Qin Yuyuan:

    He will have plenty of chances to fight with OuYang ShaoChen again but Qin Yuyuan had only one life. If she didn¡¯t survive, he wouldn¡¯t be able to continue fighting.........

    OuYang ShaoChen saw Ye Yichen¡¯s turning silhouette and stopped. His white sleeve cascaded down his handsome, long figure.

    Murong Xue raised her brow and looked at Qin Yuyuan. She was a curled ball of pain in Ye Yiyhen¡¯s arms ¨C her lips had gone very pale, her face was swollen red, her eyes were shut and her lips were quivering, ¡°....cold....it¡¯s so cold.......¡±.

    Her skin had been raked by tree branches and rocks and many cuts had been formed. If those cuts were not treated properly, they would be infected and she would get a fever!

    Ye Yichen bent down to touch her forehead. From his hand, he felt an abnormally high heat raising and frowned. He then picked her up and paced quickly forward, ¡°Exit the mountain, return to Jing City!¡±

    Qin Yuyuan was hurt very badly and needed medical help, fast.

    ¡°Yes sir!¡± Ah Yi and Ah Er obeyed and picked up their fallen swords on the ground. They quickly followed Ye Yichen from behind.

    Xun Feng and Wu Heng were seen running from the opposite direction. They peered at Qin Yuyuan who was muttering in Ye Yichen¡¯s arms: Is that Qin Yuyuan? Her face looks so swollen. There¡¯s even blood at the corner of her mouth.. If she weren¡¯t in Ye Yichen¡¯s arms, they would have never recognised her.

    Qin Yuyuan had fallen off the cliff with Miss Murong. The condition she¡¯s in must have been caused by Miss Murong!

    At that moment, both of them were ovee with the feeling of admiration for Murong Xue. She was the first person who dared to hurt the princess of MoBei to that degree!

    ¡°OuYang shizi, Miss Murong!¡± both bowed in respect.

    Ouyang ShaoChen nodded and said nothing.

    ¡°Ouyang shizi, we have found the DiYang grass, it¡¯s at that mountain peak!¡± Wu Heng smiled as he said, pointing at the mountain in front: After they had descended from the cliff, they went to find everyone everywhere, but who knew they had stumbled upon the Diyang Cao.

    ¡°Really?!¡± Murong Xue was looking at the direction he had pointed. She saw medicinal herbs swaying with the wind. She looked closely and found that she was indeed looking at Diyang grass!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s be off to harvest them!¡± Murong Xue eximed, her eyes were filled with joy and she was running towards the mountain, pulling OuYang ShaoChen along.

    Xun Feng and Wu Heng looked at each other then slowly followed them from behind.

    Ye Yichen jolted to a stop, his eyes filled with mysterious shades of enigma: So the true purpose of hering to Yu Mountain was to harvest the Diyang grass!

    Diyang grass was a medicinal herb with Yang properties, its effect was far milder than the fire lotus seeds, she must have known that. And yet, she still chose to acquire it. Was she trying to break all rtions with him?

    The truth was that, he didn¡¯t want her to die. He just wanted her to apologize and followed his conditions to be his concubine, then he would give her a lifetime supply of fire lotus seeds. But why was she so stubborn? She¡¯d rather suffer than topromise to him!

 Chapter 67 â€“ Harvesting Diyang grass

    A breeze blew, bringing Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s calm voice to all ears, ¡°The peak has a lot of Diyang grass. Have you prepared your storage to store them all?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have long prepared my storage. Moreover, I have disced many guards around it. Even if some viins were to breach the pce, they wouldn¡¯t be able to destroy them......¡± Murong Xue smiled.

    It didn¡¯t matter if they had destroyed the Diyang grass, there was enough in Yu Mountain right now and even if he tried, Ye Yichen would never be able to destroy thempletely. With Zhen Manor¡¯s rtions and wealth, she could find enough to prolong her life. It was not a problem.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face turned dark. It was he who sent people to breach her pce and annihte the fire lotus seeds. The ¡®viins¡¯ that she mentioned was secretly referring to him!

    It had been many days since the incident. She was unhurt and alive. How could she still hate him?

    Gazing at Murong Xue, she had reached the base and was looking at the peak.

    Frowning, she said, ¡°This peak is so high up and the road leading to it is very steep. If we follow it, will we not slip?¡±

    To call it a road was honouring it. It was actually just a lightly-treaded pathway which was very narrow and smooth. There weren¡¯t any branches or roots to hold onto. If one identally slipped on the way up, there would be nothing to hold onto, one would simply plunge all the way down ......

    Looking at her worried face, Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s eyes held a tinge of humour, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we won¡¯t be walking up.¡±

    ¡°If not,¡± Murong Xue jolted, ¡°then how would we get up there?¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen smirked and scooped her up in a one swoop, his white robe pping as he did so. Murong Xue was stunned!

    Murong Xue was held in his arms. Her light green dress robe pped elegantly and her long, ck hair swayed with the wind. The scene wasplemented with the graceful fluttering of Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s white robe. It was a charming sight to behold!

    Ye Yi Chen¡¯s face turned livid. His gaze was fixed onto Ouyang ShaoChen and Murong Xue who was quickly disappearing. As he did so, his aura turned murderous. It left Ah Yi trembling and his eyelids jumping. Ah Yi¡¯s eye caught sight of the corner of a purple robe and with an anxious voice he said, ¡°Prince Jing, Princess Qin is getting worse!¡±

    Ye Yichen jolted back to his senses. Looking back, he saw Qin Yuyuan¡¯s face had flushed red and her breathing turned rapid. Underneath her thin clothes, he could sense her body temperature raising.

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s sickness was indeed getting more serious. He couldn¡¯t dy any longer. This time, he shall spare Ouyang ShaoChen. He could alwayse back to get even with him

    Holding Qin Yuyuan tightly, Ye Yichen turned to take big steps. Without looking back, he issued hismand, ¡°Exit the mountain!¡±

    Halfway up the peak, Ouyang ShaoChen nced at him. He smirked.

    Not long after that, he had reached the peak.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes swept nervously from side to side. She rolled out of his arms and tumbled on the ground. The ground shended on was a goldenndscape. Countless Diyang grass basked in the sun, swaying as the wind blew.

    There were so many. She might not even be able to finish it in her lifetime. Even if her attacks came more often, she wouldn¡¯t need to worry.

    Murong Xue pulled out her dagger. Normally, herbs were harvested using specialised tools but she only had her dagger and nothing else. It was her only option.

    Ouyang ShaoChen looked at her dagger and frowned, ¡°There are at least a few thousand of them here. You wouldn¡¯t be able to finish harvesting them even if you had 3 days!¡±

    ¡°Then what should I do?¡± Murong Xue looked at him.

    Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s eyes filled with scorn: There was much simpler way and yet she couldn¡¯t think of it! What an idiot!

    With the snap of his fingers, a powerful energy flew out and crossed over the stems of the Diyang grass. At that moment, all the stems it passed over were cut and they fell neatly onto the ground.

    Amazing! Murong Xue widened her eyes with shock: People who had mastered high level martial arts were indeed not the same! Not only could they go up and down mountain peaks with ease, they could also cut Diyang grass in a blink of an eye! They were even better than modern harvesting machines! Indeed, the rumours about Ouyang shizi weren¡¯t false at all...

    Looking down, she saw Xun Feng and Wu Heng carrying about 10 bamboo baskets. She hurried over to take one and happily filled the basket with the harvested Diyang grass.

    Two hourster, all the Diyang grass had been harvested. Murong Xue, Ouyang ShaoChen, Xun Feng and Wu Heng descended the peak and exited the mountain with their yield!

    At the base of the mountain, there were 3 transports waiting. One was the Zhen Manor¡¯s horse carriage; the other two were horse carts.

    Murong Xuemanded her workers to move the Diyang grass onto the horse carts and carefully tied them. After making sure that they were secured in ce, Murong Xue sighed with relief: With all this Diyang grass, finally, she can secure her life!

    The faint smell of tea encircled her nostrils. It was Ouyang ShaoChen drinking tea under a big tree.

    Murong Xue blinked and walked over to him. Smiling, she said, ¡°Thank you so much for your help, Ouyang shizi. How did you get to Yu Mountain?¡±

    ¡°Using my martial arts skills ¨C Qing Gong!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen replied calmly. His eyes were partially hidden behind the steam of his tea and were unreadable.

    Murong Xue jolted. It was no wonder that other than her own vehicles, she did not see a carriage or horse in sight. He didn¡¯t use any of those to get here.

    Ouyang ShaoChen hade to Yu Mountain from Jing City using his own ability and had apanied her 2 days and a night. He had helped her immensely. He must have used up a lot of his stamina and strength. He also did not rest much during the trip, he must be very tired. It would be cruel to let him return to the city on his own.

    ¡°Heir Ouyang, if you don¡¯t mind, you could sit with me in the horse carriage to return to Jing City. Regarding Xun Feng and Wu Heng, you could let them sit with the guards on the horse carts!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen responded after pondering for a moment and nodded. He then put down his tea and walked towards the horse carriage. The corner of his mouth broke into a small smile.

    Inside the carriage, it wasid out with expensive carpet. A faint fragrance filled his nostrils. It was emanating from Murong Xue.

    Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s face became downcast when he saw Murong Xue¡¯s exhausted face.

    Frowning, he asked, ¡°Are you very tired?¡±

    Murong Xue nodded. She had spent 2 days and 2 nights without resting much, she was drained.

    ¡°Ouyang shizi, there are tea leaves, tea utensils, water, chess, books and more in the drawer. Please help yourself, I¡¯m going to rest!¡±

    Back in the modern era, it wasn¡¯t a problem for her to stay up for 3 days and 3 nights. But her current body was too weak, it couldn¡¯t be pushed for long. This was its limit.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded. He saw Murong Xue took out a pillow from the drawer and fell asleep. She didn¡¯t even bother to cover herself with a nket.

    How can she be so uncaring of herself!

    Again, Ouyang ShaoChen frowned. He was about to take a nket out of the drawer when he saw her frowning in her sleep, it was as if she was having a bad dream.

    He closed the drawer. Carefully, he eased Murong Xue into his arms.........

 Chapter 68 â€“ Assasins

    Murong Xue was exhausted. The slight shifting of ces didn¡¯t make her open her eyes. Instead, she merely switched her position to find afortable spot in Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s arms. Having found it, she buried her head in it and continued to sleep soundlessly.

    It was as if she didn¡¯t have any bones. She was soft and her faint fragrance encircled the carriage. It caused the calm aura of Ouyang ShaoChen to ripple.

    Peering down at her, he saw that she was breathing lightly, her long eyshes casted shadows beneath them and her pink lips were pursed together lightly. It was as if they were waiting for someone to kiss them.

    Slowly, Ouyang ShaoChen reached down and lightly ced his lips on hers. Her lips felt soft and sweet. However, his light kiss had intruded her constant breathing.....

    Murong Xue had felt some difort in her sleep. Her eyebrows knitted together lightly. She then buried her face deeper into his arms, avoiding the chance of another kiss.

    Gazing at her half buried face in his arms, Ouyang ShaoChen lightly grimaced: Did she just reject him...? Or was it because she didn¡¯t like people to disturb her while she was sleeping?

    Ouyang ShaoChen slowly straightened his back. He looked at her quietly, his eyes held shades of an enigma.

    Suddenly, his expression darkened. He then opened the hatch above the carriage, carried Murong Xue and flew out.

    While he was in halfway in the air, a loud ¡°BANG¡± was heard. The luxurious horse carriage was blown to smithereens, its wooden structure ricocheted away and smoke rose from it.

    Murong Xue awakened at the sound of the explosion and looked at the blown apart carriage. She immediately knew what had happened. Her face darkened to a murderous shade: The horse carriage had the Zhen Manor¡¯s logo on it. The person who buried the bomb beneath it was obviously aiming for her!

    Ouyang ShaoChen slowly set Murong Xue down safely on the ground. All of a sudden, they heard something aerial heading towards them.

    Murong Xue turned to look and saw countless ck-feathered arrows heading towards them from all directions. The sky was dense with them.

    ¡°Assassins! Protect Miss Murong and Heir Ouyang!¡± someone eximed. Wu Heng, Xun Feng and the Zhen Manor¡¯s guards assembled around Murong Xue and Heir Ouyang, forming a protective circle. They used their des to stop the impending arrows.

    Only the sound of repelling the arrows were heard. Having being repelled, the arrows dropped on the ground. But a few guards got hit too.

    Ouyang ShaoChen held Murong Xue lightly and saw the direction where the arrows wereing from. It was as if he was already used to being ambushed.

    The arrows were raining hard on them but the swords were also fast to repel them. Xun Feng and Wu Heng¡¯s swords were waving around so much that even wind couldn¡¯t prate their swings. For now, the rain of arrows couldn¡¯t hurt Murong Xue and Ouyang ShaoChen.

    In another ce, the ck-shirt aggressors saw that the arrows had no effect. They lightly waved their hands and the others stopped shooting their arrows. Instead, they unsheathed their long swords and attacked.

    Xun Feng, Wu Heng and the pce¡¯s guards also did the same and met the aggressors head on. At that moment, the air was filled with the battle¡¯s rage........

    More than 10 people were in the fight, one couldn¡¯t see much but they could see Xun Feng and Wu Heng¡¯s swords as fast as the wind. Wherever they had swung their swords, ck-shirt aggressors would fall on the ground.......

    ¡°Xun Feng and Wu Heng¡¯s martial arts skills are quite decent!¡± Murong Xue praised: Ouyang ShaoChen had trained them and indeed, they had stood out.

    ¡°They are the best among my guards. Even though the ck-shirt aggressors are many but they are not their opponents.......¡± Ouyang ShaoChen replied calmly.

    Suddenly, they heard another aerial attack. It was an arrow and it was aiming for Murong Xue....

    Ouyang ShaoChen released an energy from within and aimed for the fast-approaching arrow.

    ¡°PING!¡±

    The arrow exploded in mid-air.

    The dense smell of explosives filled the air. Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s eyes filled with a dangerous gleam: They had actually tried to plot against their own, disgusting!

    Beneath his sleeve, he clenched and unclenched his fist. A powerful energy surged out and hit the ck-shirt aggressors, which caused them to spit out blood!

    About 10 of them vomited blood and fell dead. The battlefield was filled with the thick scent of spilled blood!

    Ouyang ShaoChen stopped. His expression was icy and his robe pped in the wind, undamaged.

    Most of the ck-shirt aggressors lied defeated on the ground. Their corpses stained the yellow earth with fresh blood.

    Murong Xue blinked. They had only fought for a while but now, all of the assassins were dead. Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s martial arts were incredible, however: ¡°Ouyang shizi, you didn¡¯t leave anyone alive?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s someone still alive over there.¡± Ouyang ShaoChen pointed as a ck-shirt man rose out from the pile of corpses. He fell in front of at Murong Xue. His entire body and face were covered with blood and his eyes were rolling in his head.

    Murong Xue pulled away his ck mask. She pulled his cor and threatened him, ¡°Who sent you to kill me?¡±

    Still, the man¡¯s eyes were rolling.

    ¡°You better tell the truth, don¡¯t make up someone to deceive me. There are only a few who hate me and want me dead, even I can make a guess. I just need to confirm who it is with you. If you lie, I will make you wish you were dead!¡±

    Murong Xue smiled, which was refreshing, but her eyes were filled with malice. It made the man catch his breath.

    The man returned to his senses. It was then his eyes were filled with fear.

    ¡°It was your step grandmother, Du, who sent us.......she gave us 10 thousand silver pieces....to take your life....she had told us you would use this road back......¡±

    ¡°Ahh so it was that old hag, thank you very much!¡± Murong Xue smiled andcerated his throat.

    The man widened his eyes and fell heavily to the ground. Fresh blood was pouring from the cut and stained the ground red........

    Wu Heng raised his brow, puzzled he said, ¡°Miss Murong, why did you not keep him alive as evidence and take him back to your step grandmother?¡±

    Ambushing the rich and the noble was a serious crime. If proven, Madam Du would definitely be sent to prison.

    ¡°Madam Du is very clever. She wouldn¡¯t leave any traces of her deal with them. With just the testimony of this man, it wouldn¡¯t be enough to prove that she was involved. Moreover, she would most probably turn around and use me of false allegations!¡±

    ¡°Then, what are you going to do?¡± Wu Heng¡¯s face was filled with curiosity: Letting Madam Du off the hook? This wasn¡¯t what Murong Xue would do!

    ¡°Madam Du had sent me an unexpected gift. Of course it would be polite to send one back to her!¡± Murong Xue smiled coyly, her eyes were filled with hostility..........

 Chapter 69 â€“ Beating Madam Du

    Back in the Zhen Manor, Madam Du was wearing a blue dress robe. On her head, she wore an ornate headband with a blue gem. She was in a hearty mood and was seated in front of a round table having her breakfast.

    The table was filled with plum cakes, pineapple cakes, chicken, duck and porridge. The smell was enough to send one drooling.

    Madam Du was eating a bowl of porridge. Discreetly, she asked, ¡°Grandma Guo, have we receive any news from ¡®there¡¯?¡±

    Grandma Guo was Madam Du¡¯s maid servant and was very much trusted by her. Everything that Du hadmanded was carried out or see to by her.

    Madam Du¡¯s ask was very cautious but Grandma Guo had understood: ¡°Madam, there hasn¡¯t been any news!¡±

    Madam Du jolted with shock and frowned, ¡°It has been a long while and there hasn¡¯t been any news? What if something bad had happened..........¡±

    Grandma Guo whispered in reply, ¡°Madam, don¡¯t you worry, we hired Qing Yan¡¯s most ruthless and powerful assassins. Even if Murong Xue is strong, she wouldn¡¯t have escaped.........¡±

    ¡°Do you mean him?¡± an icy voice rung out and an indistinguishable object flew across the room andnded in front of Madam Du.

    Madam Du lowered her head and peering at her was severed head with bloodshot eyes. There was blood oozing out from the eyes and the entire head was drenched with it. Drops of it had made its way into Madam Du¡¯s porridge, staining it red..........

    ¡°Ahh!¡± Madam Du screamed out in terror.

    Her arms were iling with fear and they identally hit the severed head. It rolled under the table. Madam Du stood up panickily and wanted to leave the table but she slipped and fell with a heavy thud.

    In the corner of her trembling eyes, she looked up as Murong Xue walked slowly towards her. Her light blue dress robe was swaying with her movement and her beautiful face was smiling. Her eyes, however, were cold with malice.

    ¡°You...you....you..¡± Madam Du pointed at Murong Xue. She was so stunned she couldn¡¯t speak, her body trembled like sieving flour: Murong Xue had returned, she was really back.......

    ¡°Step grandmother, I am human, not a ghost, you need not be so surprise! Even though you have hired many assassins to kill me but I got lucky and survived. But they didn¡¯t!¡±

    Murong Xue smiled, she was holding more than one severed head. One by one, she threw them mercilessly at Madam Du:

    ¡°Surely, they aren¡¯t strangers to you? They are the assassins you hired! You spent so much silver but couldn¡¯t get rid of me, what a pity. So I brought back their heads to let you know that you have bought their lives instead and your pay didn¡¯t go to waste......¡±

    Madam Du was just the wife of a rich man. She knew how to scheme and hire assassins but she had never seen such a gory and bloody scene. The bloody heads Murong Xue threw had left her robe soaked with blood. It had stained her skin and she could feel the stickiness of it. It made the hair on her neck stood at ends.

    And those heads had vacant eyes, it was as if they were ring at her, making soundless usations at her. She broke down into a cry, ¡°Help me......help me!¡¯

    Grandma Guo came to her senses and paced quickly to put herself in front of Madam Du.

    She looked coldly at Murong Xue and said, ¡°Madam happens to be your great grandmother. Even if she did do something wrong, you are not fit to punish her....¡±

    ¡°Get lost!¡± Murong Xue kicked Grandma Guo away.

    Grandma Guo was kicked 3 to 4 meters afar. She knocked against the wall and fell with a heavy thud. She spat out blood, it felt as if all her bones in her body had shattered.

    ¡°The owner of this pce is speaking, when was it your turn to intervene?¡± Murong Xue peered at Grandma Guo, ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that you are her aplice? You¡¯re also involved in hiring assassins to kill me.......and you still use that old hag¡¯s position to threaten me? You obviously don¡¯t know where you belong!¡±

    Murong Xue kicked Grandma Guo once more. She rolled 3 to 4 meters away and hit the wall. She wailed with pain before passing out.......

    Murong Xue gracefully walked towards Madam Du. She then lifted one of the heads and swayed it in front of Madam Du, ¡°It¡¯s just a head, everyone has one of those on top of their necks. It¡¯s not like you¡¯ve never seen one before, why are you so afraid? Is it because you feel guilty? Oh so you can feel guilt too, what a rare thing to witness..... ¡±

    A sudden shout filled the air, Madam Du was charging towards Murong Xue with a dangerously sharp hair pin, mes of anger aze in her eyes, ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, Murong Xue!¡±

    Kill her? Clearly, she doesn¡¯t know what she¡¯s capable of!

    Murong Xueughed coldly. She grabbed her wrist roughly and applied pressure. The breaking of bones could be heard. She had broken Madam Du¡¯s wrist. The hair pin fell on the ground.

    ¡°Ahh!¡± Madam Du wailed loudly with pain.

    Murong Xue raised her brow and gave her a brutal kick, ¡°Shut up!¡±

    Madam Du¡¯s aged body hit the wall from the impact and her wailing stopped. Beads of sweat rolled down her wrinkled face and her brows knitted together. She curled up into a ball of pathetic agony.

    Murong Xue walked up to her and gave her another merciless kick which made her roll to the table and hit it with a heavy thud. The impact sent the contents of the table crashing and pouring onto her ¨C tes, bowls, food. It was a terribly humiliating sight.......

    Murong Xue walked towards her slowly. Ignoring the leftover food all over Du, she grabbed her cor when suddenly a voice said, ¡°She is well advanced in her years and can¡¯t take many blows. If you keep kicking her, she might lose her life!¡±

    ¡°Ahh don¡¯t worry, I know what I¡¯m doing!¡± Murong Xue smiled and grabbed Du¡¯s cor even more tightly, ¡°All because this is your first crime, I am sparing you. If you dare hire assassins to kill me again, I will cut your head off and kick it like a ball.¡±

    After threatening Madam Du, she released her grip and Du copsed. Without turning her head, she walked out of the room. The air once again carried her icy warning to Madam Du: ¡°Don¡¯t treat me as a joke, I have never made jokes to my enemies. Even if you borrow the royal pce¡¯s bodyguards, I can still kill you!¡±

    The maidservants who were in the room were trembling terribly in the corner. Murong Xue ignored them and walked out.

    An arm lied on the floor, blocking her way, Murong Xue pretended not to see it and stepped on it while exiting.

    ¡°Ahh!¡± Grandma Guo yelled, her wail of pain so loud that it shook the heavens above.....

 Chapter 70 â€“ No longer a Dandy

    I¡¯m posting today

    *maniacallyughs* man you guys don¡¯t know what¡¯s gonna hit you in these next chapters

    MWAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA GRINS man life is great

    ¡°Murong Xue is a killer, catch her immediately!¡± Madam Du copsed on the floor, yelling at the top of her lungs.

    The courtyard was empty, not even a single shadow in sight, her order was ignored among the silence.

    Madam Du was injured badly, yet she still wanted to teach Murong Xue a lesson!

    Murong Xue smirked at her weakness, ¡°guards!¡±

    Rapid footsteps could be heard, prating the stillness, more than ten guards stepped into the courtyard of Yu Tang. They were all armed with swords on their waist belt. They lined up in a uniform manner and responded with steadfastness, ¡°as you wish, mydy.¡±

    ¡°Madam Du is mentally unstable, keep an eye on her and close down this courtyard. Make sure to double the security, no one could enter or leave here without my order!¡± Murong Xue instructed.

    ¡°Yes!¡± The guards followed hermand and stood around the courtyard, not even one eye could see through.

    Madam Du feared for her life, her guards had turned their backs against her and listened to Murong Xue now. How could she have not heard about this huge news...

    Murong Xue, this sly woman...

    Noticing the re from her back, Murong Xue ignored the olddy and walked out from the courtyard. Madam Du was in herte fifties, she was getting older and soon enough, she would be lying in her own grave.

    Murong Ye was only fourteen, even though he was incapable of doing anything, he was the heir of their house. The Hou Manor belonged to him in the future and plenty of guards would kneel before him asking for favours.

    Any smart person on earth would choose to follow Murong Ye instead of Madam Du.

    Madam Du had sons and daughters, her mother was still alive too. Murong Xue could not let her die just this soon, otherwise, her n would have backfired. Instead, she locked her up in this courtyard and let her live the rest of life in here.It was all up to Madam Du at this point if she wanted to stay alive...

    Wu Heng bit his lip as he watched the courtyard door closed little by little. Madam Du was aging and she was severely injured, she had to receive medical treatment straightaway.

    Murong Xue not only stopped the guards to call on doctors, she had locked Madam Du away and let her die slowly. It was indeed a meless n for murder!

    Murong Xue finally had her revenge, she hopped light-heartedly, ¡°Ouyang!¡±

    Ouyang smiled softly as he saw her lovely face, ¡°I¡¯ve already ced the Diyang grass into your storeroom.¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much!¡± Murong Xue was d, ¡°You¡¯ve helped me a big time, I¡¯ll treat you some tea!¡±

    Wu Heng bit his lip again and thought to himself, ¡°Ouyang had helped Murong Xue to find the magical Diyang grass, he had also saved her life in the carriage and brought back heads of the ninjas, and now she repaid him with only tea, what an ungenerous person!¡±

    ¡°This tea is just to express my gratitude, I will always remember your good deeds, if you need any help in the future, please don¡¯t hesitate to ask favour from me, I will definitely help you!¡± Murong Xue promised with a big smile on her face.

    Wu Heng coughed ufortably when he heard that, he disappeared promptly. He had misunderstood Murong Xue¡¯s intention, he was ashamed for himself and hid away.

    ¡°So, we¡¯re going to Luo Xue Ge for tea?¡± Ouyang asked unresponsively.

    ¡°Correct.¡± Murong Xue nodded her head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go then!¡± Ouyang flicked his sleeve to his back and walked away.

    Murong Xue followed him from behind to the door, strolling along the path and headed towards Luo Xue Ge.

    From afar, there was someone sitting by the pond. He was covered in army green robe, watching the sky elegantly, it was Murong Ye for sure. His eyes were filled with doubt and looked as if he was thinking deeply about something.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and asked, ¡°Brother, how¡¯s your injury?¡±

    Murong Ye regained back his posture when he heard his sister¡¯s soft voice. He walked towards her and checked on her from up to down, making sure she was safe and sound, ¡°It¡¯s good to have you back here safely, I¡¯m doing fine, my wounds are recovering...¡±

    He realized Ouyang was standing beside and bowed in respect, ¡°I couldn¡¯t thank you enough for how you¡¯ve helped my little sister...¡±

    ¡°It was nothing, my pleasure!¡± Ouyang stated.

    ¡°Brother, your body is fine now, why didn¡¯t you go to gambling with your bunch of lousy friends?¡± Murong Xue joked.

    ¡°You¡¯ve said so clearly that they¡¯re lousy friends. I no longer want to join them nor gamble, I¡¯m studying very hard right now...¡± Murong Ye waved a book in his hand to her proudly.

    Murong Xue could not believe her own eyes, then she realized something, ¡°But your book... it was upside down...¡±

    Murong Ye stunned and looked at the book, the title of the book ¡°Lun Yu¡± was indeed tilted upside down.

    Murong Ye¡¯s face turned red and he coughed to cover up his embarrassment. He was trying to study very hard but he was just not the right person to do so, he went all nuts reading those block letters, what more to understand the content...

    ¡°Anyways, why did you change your mind all of the sudden?¡± Murong Xue was curious of her brother¡¯s change. Murong Ye used to enjoy spending his life ying and fooling around, never did he once wanted to study.

    ¡°I want to stop being so dandy!¡± Murong Ye mumbled. Ye Yichen went to war with the armies when he was fourteen and was rewarded; Ou Yang travelled around the world and came back as a wise man when he was fourteen!

    As for him, all he did when he was fourteen were gambling and beingzy, if he continued his life in this way, he would never be like them even when he was eighty!

    He wanted to please everyone by studying and gaining knowledge, he did not want people to shake their heads in disappointment when they looked at him!

    Murong Ye was serious about changing his life, was he prompted by Song Qingyan¡¯s words?

    It did not matter now as long as he was determined in this, ¡°There¡¯s this respectable general in Chao, if you don¡¯t like to study, you can learn some fighting skills from him!¡± Murong Xue encouraged him.

    Murong Ye thought for a moment, ¡°Fighting skills?¡±

    ¡°Exactly, I know you didn¡¯t like to study, even if you try hard enough, you won¡¯t be able to understand it. Might as well learn some fighting skills; remember how you liked itst time when Uncle Hui used to teach you?¡±

    The master saw both of them when they were learning fighting skills. He used to be so energetic and eager to learn, unfortunately hisziness took over, thus Murong Ye had only fourty-nine skills in ten years of practicing.

    ¡°But, this time we won¡¯t ask the teacher toe over here to teach, you¡¯ll have to go over to his site, in that way, you get to learn some war knowledge as well...¡±

    Murong Ye was an intelligent man, too bad he waszy. Moreover there was no one to guide him along his life, that was why he becamezy and sluggish!

    Strictness was practiced in the soldier camp, if he could stand the army training, he would definitely turn into a new leaf.

 Chapter 71 â€“ Ou Yang Fell Sick

    Editor: Meixi

    Note: We will release 5 chapters a week from now onwards. 1/5

    *CACKLES* MWAHAHHAHAH WHAT DID I SAY ISNT IT GETTING GOOD

    COME PEEPS, COME BOARD THE OUYANG + MURONG XUE SHIP, IT¡¯S SAILING SO FAR I CAN¡¯T EVEN SEE LAND ANYMORE.

    but it¡¯ll get even better soon *smirk*

    ¡°This is a really good idea, but how do I get in?¡± Murong Ye had no clue about this, he looked at his sister with hope.

    Mmm... The soldier camp had tight security, this year they had never recruit anyone; it would be difficult to send Murong Ye in. They need someone¡¯s help.

    Murong Ye knew his crummy friends¡¯ parents, but they were all academic dons.

    Among the intellects Murong Xue knew, only Ye Yichen held the power in the army. But since they were rivalry, Murong Ye must not enter his army camp, otherwise, he would be tortured to death everyday...

    Other than Ye Yichen, there was nobody else, it was really tough for Murong Ye to enter soldier camp...

    A huge piece of token fell in front of Murong Xue, Ou Yang ordered gently, ¡°Take this, find General Zhang in an army camp thirty miles away from the city, he will arrange a position for Murong Ye inside.¡±

    The token was oval and bronze in colour. She had no clue on what was it made from, the token had the carving of Xiao Spirit(s) Manor on it.

    Murong Xue could not hide her surprise, ¡°Are you close to General Zhang?¡±

    Ou Yang had spent his life travelling around and he just got back in this city. She figured he had not seen every single civil officer in town, how could he had known General Zhang who was so far away from their city?

    ¡°We¡¯ve met a few times.¡± Ou Yang stated indifferently, he grabbed Murong Xue¡¯s tiny hand and ced the token into her palm.

    ¡°Truthfully, General Zhang was your father¡¯s subordinate, but he was merely a small general back then. He rarely talked to your father, your housekeeper should know him...¡±

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s great!¡± Murong Ye leaped in joy, he took the token from his sister¡¯s hand and ran outside, ¡°Ou Yang, thank you very much, I¡¯ll go find Uncle Hui now and asked him to go to the camp site with me, you have fun talking to my sister now.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s heart sunk as she watched her brother fleeing, it was her idea to send Murong Ye to the soldier camp. Because of Ou Yang¡¯s majestic token, Murong Ye only thanked him, he had totally forgotten about her effort in this as well.

    ¡°Ou Yang, let¡¯s go drink some tea now.¡± Murong Xue stated in grief.

    Ou Yangughed silently as he watched her sunken face.

    In the middle of Luo Xue Ge stood a finely-carved dining table, an antique blue vase was ced in the center, the room was elegantly designed with exquisite ancient calligraphy and paintings. The corner of the ce was a golden furnace with aromatic smelling out from it, the scenery of the hall was serene and tranquil.

    ¡°Please wait for a moment, I will ask people to prepare some hot water and fresh tea.¡± Tea was best served when hot and fresh, the water used to boil the tea leaves were crucial as well. Zhen Manor had stored fresh icy droplets from plum blossoms, hence the tea they boiled had the most fragrant scent.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ou Yang¡¯s voice cracked slightly.

    Murong Xue raised her head in curiosity, she noticed that his face was flushed in red, his lips were pale and his eyes went nk, ¡°Ou Yang, are you alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Ou Yang shook his head, his body was swaying a little.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Murong Xue quickly ran forward and held him. A fiery sensation travelled to her hands from his robe and she realized he was high in fever.

    Blood scent travelled to her nose, Murong Xue looked around her, clueless. Luo Xue Ge had been tidied up and swept, where did this blood scente from?

    A drop of fresh blood seeped through Ou Yang¡¯s sleeve and started to spread speedily, just like the plum blooming during winter!

    Murong Xue was astonished, ¡°Are you injured?¡±

    When did this happen? She had no idea at all.

    ¡°It was nothing, I¡¯ll be fine!¡± Ou Yang muffled as his body temperature rose.

    Murong Xue squinted her brows, she pulled up his sleeve and saw a white bandage covered his arm, the bandage was soaked in blood. She quickly took off the bandage and there in front of her eyes were wound as big as five centimeters.

    His injury was repugnant, Murong Xue cringed and scolded, ¡°You call this nothing? It looks serious to me...¡±

    Those ninjas in ck had nted numerous bags of explosive on the ground, and bombed their horse carriage into pieces. Although she waspletely safe, Ou Yang was not so lucky when he protected her from the explosion...

    Ou Yang¡¯s wound was treated properly and was cleaned perfectly as well. But he did not take his medication on time, which causing the wound had started infecting and that was why the fever kicked in!

    He covered her as the carriage exploded, he helped her kill the spies and stored up Diyang grass, he did everything for her but he did not manage to take care of himself...

    Murong Xue was in guilt yet she felt warmth inside. She looked at Ou Yang, who smiled back at her and said calmly, ¡°I¡¯m fine...¡±

    Before he could finish his sentence, Ou Yang fell hard on Murong Xue¡¯s shoulder.

    Murong Xue was standing steadily, even though she did not fell along with him, her shoulder was aching with his weight. He was on high fever, his wound was infected badly and now he fainted, yet he said he was fine? Why couldn¡¯t he just take good care of himself!

    Hong Cultivator(s) and An Xiang had been ordered to get some clean water and tea, there was nobody else around in Luo Xue Ge. Murong Xue had no choice but to carry Ou Yang herself to the room.

    Murong Xue wiped her sweat once she had put Ou Yang on the bed cautiously. She was exasperated by how heavy he was when he was only slightly taller and older than her.

    There was a first aid kit in Luo Xue Ge, Murong Xue took out some medicines and bandage, she then cleaned Ou Yang¡¯s wound gently and put on a new dressing for him...

    She was skillful with her handiworks,stly, she pulled down his sleeve to cover up the white dressings and sighed in contentment. It was finally over, she had cleaned his wound, and now she wondered if his fever had subsided.

    Murong Xue ced back the first aid kit and used her small hand to touch Ou Yang¡¯s burning forehead, unexpectedly, Ou Yang opened his eyes and gripped her wrist, pulling her to the bed.

    Murong Xue fell towards to bed surprisingly, her back lied on the soft nket, her slim waist was wrapped tightly in his arms, her face touched his muscr chest and the rising temperature trickled her skin. Murong Xue tilted her head and looked right into Ou Yang¡¯s mesmerizing eyes.

    Ou Yang¡¯s face was not as emotionless as usual, the musky scent and his striking appearance was as if trying to suck her into his world...

    His hot breath and masculine aroma blew across her face, Murong Xue realized it was toote as his face was too close to hers and his soft lips were on hers...

 Chapter 72 â€“ Love Is In The Air

    *HOLDS UP SIGN* OUYANG + MURONG 4EVER

    Murong Xue¡¯s mind wentpletely nk as their lips touched, what was going on?

    Her body was squished by his, she could clearly felt his hot temperature through her sheer blouse...

    Murong Xue tried to push him with all her might, ¡°Ou Yang, get up now!¡± His fever had not subsided yet and he was unconscious, now that they were so physically close together, ¡°dangerous things¡± was bound to happen...

    Murong Xue had no inner strength, her effort in pushing Ou Yang away was in vain, in fact, his arms went tighter around her waist, tingling sensation was all she could feel as his soft lips ced on hers.

    Murong Xue avoided his soft kiss in the chaos and shouted in anger, ¡°Ou Yang, don¡¯t make me hit you!¡±

    Ou Yang ignored her threat as he continued hugging her with his eyes closed, her body temperature had decreased his fever, he was pleased and hugged her even tighter.

    ¡°Murong Xue... Xue Er!¡± Ou Yang called out in a husky voice, his muttering indicated that he was still unconscious.

    Murong Xue red at him in fury, she was almost out of her breath being under his weight, she coughed from her dry throat and stretched out her arm. She smirked as her fingers sensed something cool.

    Ou Yang was still in fever and he could easily take advantage of her, moreover his fighting skills was excellent, she could not move him now, but she could make him pass out.

    Acupuncture is apulsory lesson for the heir of Murong Manor and she was the excellent student in this. She could easily point out the correct body points even with her eyes closed, if only she could hit his sleeping point, she would be safe.

    However, in her position right now, she could not reach to his body point, she needed an external force to help her do so.

    Murong Xue pulled out her hairpin and stick into Ou Yang¡¯s sleeping point speedily.

    Ou Yang loosened his grip suddenly and hit Murong Xue¡¯s wrist with his elbow, her hairpin fell on the floor and the room was filled with a loud clink.

    ¡°Ou Yang!¡± Murong Xue looked at her empty hand and shouted.

    He continued sleeping soundly, as if nothing was going on.

    ¡°Ou Yang, open your eyes now, stop pretending!¡± Murong Xue hit his rock stiff chest as hard as she could.

    Ou Yang stayed in his position, his head rested on her shoulder, peacefully asleep.

    Murong Xue kept hitting him a few more times, yet he did not move a single hair, his eyes were shut tightly.

    Murong Xue calmed herself down and she thought to herself, maybe he did this unintentionally, he was after all, injured, and had no clue of his actions, she should not had gotten so angry at him.

    His steady breathing could be heard, Ou Yang¡¯s face was buried in her neck, his breathing was warm and it was ufortable.

    Murong Xue clenched her forehead and pushed Ou Yang¡¯s head aside, unwilling to do so, he moved towards her neck even closer. The more she pushed, the closer he got.

    He was so stubborn, since she did not manage to push his head aside, she might as well leave him!

    Murong Xue grabbed Ou Yang¡¯s shoulder sturdily and pushed him away, she then leaped out of the bed. Suddenly, a strong force held her back, she looked down to see Ou yang¡¯s firm arms were locking her waist.

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes and tried to escape from his grasp, but he increased the strength of his arm, she could not free herself no matter how hard she tried!

    Murong Xue sighed at her useless effort, he was staying in her room and dominated her bed, now he wanted to lock her freedom as well, she would not sumb to this even though he was lying unconscious.

    She scowled at Ou Yang and saw his eyshes battled a little.

    Murong Xue blinked her eyes and looked at him again, Ou Yang was resting peacefully on the bed, what happened just now was as if her imagination!

    ¡°Ou Yang, Ou Yang...¡± Murong Xue called out softly. Ou Yang ignored her calling in his sleep.

    Murong Xue used the back of her hand and touched Ou Yang¡¯s forehead, it was no longer hot like before, his fever had subsided.

    ¡°Ou Yang, I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re really sick or pretending, you better watch yourself, if you disrespected me again, I will chop off your hands, do you hear me?¡±

    Ou Yang once again, ignored her and continued sleeping!

    Murong Xue sneered at him andid on her bed reluctantly, since she could not escape from here, she should get some rest herself after all this hard work.

    Ou Yang was a sickly patient now, she could not hold grudges for what he did previously, but now that he no longer had fever, she would teach him a lesson if he tried to do anything again!

    Murong Xue felt the exhaustion as she inhaled the aromatic scent around the room, she closed her eyes and dived into her own dreand instantly!

    Ou Yang then opened his eyes slowly and looked at thedy who slept in his chest, smiling in serenity, his eyes shone with contentment.

    It had been ten years, she did not change at all, as silly as it sounded, she was still senseless like how she was when they were young, nheless, he would protect her and stay by her side from now on, he could not care less if she was still imprudent!

    Ou Yang flicked his fingertips and a speedy gust hit upon a golden hook by the bed, a string of sky blue curtains then fell and closed together, Ou Yang hugged thedy in his chest tightly and slept with beam.

    Ray of bright sunlight shone through the sheer curtains into the room, the beaming light spread across the carved bed onto the pair of embracing couple, adding a bit of warmth and ambiguous.

    In the courtyard of Jing Wang Manor

    ¡°Help me!¡± Qin Yuyuan cried in plead, she sat up straight away, her chest was beating faster than she could bear, big drops of sweats were rolling down from her forehead, she looked at the familiar settings and sighed in relief, it was just a dream...

    ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡± A brawny voice signaled from adjacent, Qing Yuyan tensed at the sound, she turned her head around slowly and saw Ye Yichen sitting by the bed, his eyes met hers emotionlessly...

    ¡°Yichen, what happened to you?¡± Qin Yuyan tilted her head, unsure why he was treating her this way, he used to be so caring and meticulous, now he was like aplete stranger to her...

    ¡°Do you still remember what happened before you passed out?¡± Ye Yichen asked aloofly.

 Chapter 73 â€“ The First Contradiction

    if i ever meet Ye Yichen in real life, I¡¯m going to kick him in the balls and send him to where he belongs. *bows and ps* please appreciate these sick rhymes

    Chapter 73

    Qin Yuyuan recalled back the scene of her falling off the cliff, the vivid memory kept ying in her mind, she was furious with the whole incident, she gritted her teeth with tears in her eyes, ¡°Murong Xue... She hit me... And she wanted to kill me...¡±

    ¡°Why did she want to kill you?¡± Ye Yichen asked out of response, he did not even mean to ask.

    ¡°Because I pushed her off the cliff, but I didn¡¯t mean it, I really didn¡¯t...¡± Qin Yuyuan pleaded as her tears rolled down her cheeks, she looked so pitiful.

    Ye Yichen stared at her emotionless, ¡°you even ordered your spies to kill Murong Xue, I guessed that¡¯s the reason she wanted to kill you...¡±

    Qin Yuyuan shocked when she heard that, and then she remembered, she cked out when Murong Xue wanted to kill her, but when she woke up she was safe and sound, it was Ye Yichen who saved her from Murong Xue¡¯s death grip. The bodies of ninjas in the forest were right beside her that time, Ye Yichen must had seen them, if she denied it now, she would not have gained his trust, ¡°actually, those spies...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that those spies from Mo Bei were there to kill you, Murong Xue grew up in Qing Yan, she had never step a foot into Mo Bei, she would never have known how they looked like and about you going to Yushan, and she would never instruct the spies from Mo Bei to execute you...¡± Ye Yichen cut off her sentence before she could even finish.

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s n was busted, and her face went red instantly. She had to admit everything as Ye Yichen had called out her trap,

    ¡°Those four spies were gifted to me by my father, they were there to protect me from danger, he even asked me not to tell anyone about this, Ye Yichen, I did not mean to hide this from you...¡±

    ¡°I understand, everyone has their own secrets, those four spies in brown were your protectors and bodyguards, it is understandable for you not to tell anyone.¡± Ye Yichen stated in a monotonous voice.

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s heart was torn, she knew he was angry now, she had to do something, ¡°Yichen, I¡¯m really sorry, I promise, I will tell you everything including the details from now on, I will never hide anything from you ever again, please don¡¯t be angry?¡±

    Qin Yuyan tucked his sleeve and swayed it from side to side, her pale face was filled with regrets, her eyes were sparkling with tears, she looked so pathetic!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face loosened a bit, he sighed a little and soothed out Qin Yuyan¡¯s hair, saying,

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, I don¡¯t me you, but, you have to keep this in mind, Murong Xue is useful to me, before I finished my task, she has to be alive, you can torture her or y with her in any way you like, but you must not take her life...¡±

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s face tensed up, she realized he was angry at her not because that she hid the secret from him, but that she ordered her spies to kill Murong Xue!

    She acted nonchntly even though she was frustrated inside, ¡°Is it really just like that?¡±

    ¡°Of course, why would I lie to you? If she was useless to me, I would have called off the engagement and leave her far behind, I would have save all this precious time instead of wasting it on her to be my concubine!¡±

    Ye Yichen pinched Qin Yuyuan¡¯s small face jokingly, he looked at her gently, ¡°Luckily Murong Xue did not die in Yushan, if not you would have spoiled my n.¡±

    ¡°What did you want with her exactly?¡± Qin Yuyuan had to get to the bottom of this, she looked at him, not wanting to miss out any expressions on his face.

    It was more than once she caught him looking at Murong Xue with adoration in his eyes, she knew for sure it was not of what he meant by using her!

    ¡°This is a secret, I¡¯ll tell you next time.¡± Ye Yichen replied, ¡°oh, the other half of the picture, where did you put it?¡±

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s steward helped her to clean up her injuries when she arrived home, they changed her clothes as well but did not find the picture on her.

    ¡°Picture?¡± Qin Yuyuan stunned, she touched her chest where the picture was kept, she was in fury when she sensed the emptiness, ¡°Murong Xue has taken it...¡±

    They had out in a lot of efforts in Yushan to find that picture, they were almost eaten up by those cannibals because of it, Murong Xue took it away so easily, Qin Yuyan could not believe this.

    Ye Yichen knew what was going on, ¡°that was only half of it, Murong Xue could not do anything with it, we will take it back one day, for now, we have to find the other half of the picture...¡±

    ¡°The other half was not in Yushan?¡± Qin Yuyan was clueless, she thought the whole picture was in Yushan? Howe it was not there?

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not!¡± Ye Yichen shook his head, ¡°my spies have already checked the whole mountain, they even digged up holes to find it, obviously, that picture was not in Yushan...¡±

    Qin Yuyuan did not understand, ¡°where then if not in Yushan?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re injured, don¡¯t think about this too much, rest well!¡± Ye Yichen kissed tenderly on Qin Yuyuan¡¯s head, ¡°I will call my people to find the picture immediately, I¡¯lle check on youter.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Qin Yuyuan watched as Ye Yichen walked out of her room, her smiling face sunk immediately,

    Yichen forgave her out of pity, he was still being kind and gentle to her, but deep down, she felt that they were no longer close like before, as if there was something between them, was it because of the secret of her spies? Or because of Murong Xue?

    ¡°Ying Ying, send a dove to my father right away, tell him that I¡¯m in huge trouble and asked him to send over his people here immediately to help me.¡±

    ¡°Right away!¡± Ying Ying was the maid she brought with her from Mo Bei. She was faithful and obedient unto her instructions. Ying Ying walked over to the round table and started writing the letter as soon as she got themand.

    Qin Yuyuan¡¯s eyes darkened, Ye Yichen belonged to her, she would not let anybody took him away from her!

    As for Murong Xue, she had killed he precious spies and revealed her own secret. She had cause destruction to her rtionship with Yichen and injured her, she would get her revenge.

    But of course, she would not let Murong Xue die, she would torture her until she begged to take away her life!

    Murong Xue wanted to turned her body around in her semi-conscious but failed, she wondered why and slowly opened her eyes...

    somethin about Qin Yuyuan makes me want to p her, i wonder why?????? ::)

 Chapter 74 â€“ Nonsense

    Editor: Meixi

    The first thing she saw when she woke up was the white robe in front of her, strong heartbeats were all she could hear, she felt streams of hot breath on her head and there was a muscr arm wrapped around her waist, Murong Xue knew who that was without even thinking.

    She massaged her forehead and sat up, she looked at the hourss beside her bed, it was already noon, she remembered she had slept in the morning, it had already been three hours.

    ¡°Mydy, are you awake? Do you want to eat?¡± An Xiang asked when she heard the sound from the room.

    It was past her eating hours and Murong Xue was starving. But Ou Yang was still sleeping soundly beside her, he was sick and injured and she did not want to disturb him as she was ready to order in the food. A muffling voice said, ¡°bring it in!¡±

    Murong Xue tensed up and looked over, Ou Yang had already opened his eyes before she even knew, she clenched her teeth, ¡°When did you wake up?¡±

    ¡°Just now!¡± Ou Yang stood up and stretched himself, he then grabbed her into his chest and ced his jaw on her shoulders, ¡°Did you sleep well?¡±

    An ambiguous atmosphere surrounded them as he asked gently, Murong Xue red and retorted, ¡°very well!¡±

    Ou Yang casted a nce at her and said, ¡°your face is so pale and your eyes look tired, there are even dark circles beneath them, I don¡¯t think you had a good rest...¡±

    Murong Xue snapped, ¡°I¡¯m hungry, I¡¯ll eat first, I will continue my sleep after I¡¯m finished!¡± She freed herself from his hug and stepped down from her bed. An Xiang froze on her feet with food tray in her hands when she saw Murong Xue and Ou Yang were in the same bed.

    Murong Xue¡¯s blouse was slightly loosened, her hair was a mess and she was out of her breath. She looked like she was being bullied. While Ou Yang sat on the bed nonchntly buttoning up his robe, she felt something sparked between them.

    Ou Yang looked up at An Xiang, his eyes piercing as he stared at her, she shuddered and walked hastily to the table andid down the food tray.

    ¡°Mydy, sir, please enjoy your food, I shall leave now!¡± An Xiang stuttered, she rushed out immediately after her bow.

    She thought Ou Yang had left when she brought in the tea and water during the dawn, she never expected that Ou yang was in fact sleeping in herdy¡¯s room, and they slept together for three hours...

    Ah... Ou Yang was a gentleman and very educated as well, he was perfect for herdy...

    Murong Xue knew her steward had misunderstood them, she red at Ou Yang, ¡°why did you ask her to bring the food in? Now see what you¡¯ve done, she saw us both on the bed, if this spread out, what should I do?¡±

    ¡°I will marry you, don¡¯t care about what the others say!¡± Ou Yang looked intensely at Murong Xue, he was being serious about this.

    Murong Xue almost choked on her drinks when she heard it, her face turned red and she could not stop coughing...

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ou Yang wondered as he patted her back to ease her coughing.

    ¡°Nothing... nothing...¡± Murong Xue waved her hand nervously, sheughed and said, ¡°An Xiang is my steward, she will not say a word about it, I was just joking about it earlier, don¡¯t keep it in heart...¡±

    She was just sulking because Ouyang had slept on her bed and cut off her sentences, she did not intend to ask him for responsibility.

    Ou Yang¡¯s face went gloomy at her words, he looked at Murong Xue and walked out of the door without looking back, ¡°I have things to do, see you again.¡±

    Murong Xue watched his shadow as he walked further, she was confused with his action, she did not say anything improper, did she? Why would he be angry all the sudden? He was so weird!

    The food on the table was delicious and hot, the room was filled with the food aromatic scent, but Murong Xue had no appetite at all.

    ¡°Mydy!¡± An Xiang walked up hurriedly, she quietened down herself when she saw Murong Xue¡¯s mncholy face.

    ¡°What?¡± Murong Xue asked casually.

    ¡°There¡¯s a letter for you!¡± An Xiang handed out the letter to herdy.

    The letter was in pure white, on top of it was written ¡°To dear Murong Xue¡±, the characters were square and neat, looked like it was printed on the envelope.

    Who would write to her?

    Murong Xue opened up the envelope in confusion, she took out a piece of white paper and it was written: Meet at the bamboo room in Yi Pin Xuan, urgent need for discussion!

    ¡°Who sent this?¡±

    ¡°ording to the guards, it was a steward who looked familiar.¡± An Xiang stated.

    Murong Xue tried to reminiscence, she did not know a lot of people since her arrival at Qing Yan, who was this mystery person who invited her over to Yi Pin Xuan? He or she could havee to her house to discuss...

    An Xiang looked at herdy and asked, ¡°miss, are you going to Yi Pin Xuan?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and see.¡± Murong Xue nodded, since she had nothing to do in her house, why not go over to Yi Pin Xuan and meet this mysterious person!

    Yi Pin Xuan was a tea house located between the busy streets, it was only two streets away from her house.

    Yi Pin Xuan served the best tea in town, their delicious desserts were famous among the vigers. Murong Xue walked up to the bamboo room as stated in the letter when she arrived at the tea house.

    There were two strong-looking guards in front of the room door, they pushed open the door when they saw Murong Xue, ¡°please, Miss Murong!¡±

    Murong Xue walked slowly into the bamboo room, there in front of her was a man in his thirties, sitting at the table sipping tea, he was very good-looking and his silk robe added to his elegance.

    Murong Xue blurted out, ¡°you are... Prime Minister Xie!¡±

    The mid-age man looked up at Murong Xue, he was stunned at her beauty, the young little girl he once knew had bloomed into a properdy, ¡°you have grown so much, I¡¯m surprised you could still remember me, what a great memory.¡±

    Murong Xue smiled tenderly, ¡°thank you Prime Minister Xie, may I know what made you call me over?¡±

    In her memory, she rarely seen Prime Minister Xie after four years old, the only time she saw him was in the banquet. But they only met each other from afar, there was no conversation at all, why would he suddenly request to meet her?

    Prime Minister Xieughed, he knew thisdy dislike going round the corners, he told her directly, ¡°do you know why had your uncle Murong Jian been transported to Jing Zhou?¡±

 Chapter 75 â€“ Familyâ€™s Enemy

    ¡°Because someone tricked him!¡± Murong Xue stated, Murong Ye was only four years old when Murong Yue passed away, he was fragile and weak. Murong Jian was energetic and passionate, he could take over the leader position by getting rid of Murong Ye without anyone noticing his exploit.

    Leaving the city to Jing Zhou meant giving up the leader seat, this was not the greedy character of Madam Du and her son, therefore, she knew that Murong Jian was forced to leave by someone.

    Prime Minister Xieughed, Murong Xue was indeed smart, ¡°Cheng Guogong and I did something to transfer Murong Jian.¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much, Prime Minister!¡± Murong Xue replied. She believed what he told her as Prime Minister Xie, Cheng Guogong and Murong Yue were best friends, it would make sense for them to transport Murong Jian.

    Zhen Manor would have been controlled and dominated by Madam Du and her son if not because of the help from Prime Minister Xie and Cheng Manor, if that happened, she doubted if she would still be alive until now, but Murong Ye would be dead for sure.

    Prime Minister Xie grinned, ¡°there¡¯s no need to thank me, I was told to do so by your grandfather.¡±

    ¡°My grandfather?¡± Murong Xue was confused, as far she could remember, her grandmother had long passed, her grandfather¡¯s health was not so good too. He was always bed-ridden, he died after her mother, Madam Shen passed away, but she had an army general uncle in the border, his family was there with him too, and they rarely came back.

    The Shen Manor was abandoned, it stood empty for years, the only caretakers were an old couple and their steward, there was no owner at all.

    ¡°Your grandfather was An Guo Gong, his warrior skill was excellent, people used to call him the god of war, even our enemies fled when they heard his name...¡±

    Prime Minister could not stop reminiscing the happy days, ¡°Cheng Guogong, your father and I were his students, he taught us how to fight...¡±

    ¡°Your father¡¯s mysterious fighting skill was also taught by your grandfather, Cheng Guogong and I had no interest in war, so we became an intellect... Xiao Yao and Lao Jing were also under your grandfather¡¯s guidance...¡±

    Murong Xue blinked her eyes in disbelief, her grandfather was so mighty, his students were all the famous people she had heard of, unfortunately, he perished at such an early age...

    ¡°Xue Er, Murong Jian ising back!¡± Prime Minister Xie sounded serious, Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and thought, the intention of the Prime Minister was to inform her about this.

    Officers that were transported out of the city coulde back within three to six years, they would then get promoted.

    However, Murong Jian was in Jing Zhou for ten years, he must have used some of his connections to be sent back here.

    His probation period was over, as long as he was obedient, it would not be a problem for him to be transported back.

    ¡°Let him be!¡± Murong Ye and she had grown up, they were no longer the weak children who got bullied everytime, they were not afraid of him now, ¡°if I may ask, who transported Murong Jian back?¡±

    Prime Minister Xie shook his head, ¡°it was the order from the headquarter, I tried to ask but they gave me the excuse of ¡®Murong Jian¡¯s probation period was over, he should be sent back¡¯, they would not tell me the truth...¡±

    Murong Xue smirked, Murong Jian¡¯s probation was up since years ago, if the headquarter was really efficient, they would have ordered him back then, the culprit behind this must be powerful and overriding, that was why they were afraid to speak out...

    Prime Minister Zheng and Cheng Guogong did not know who was the person behind this n, therefore they could not do anything, ¡°thank you for your guidance for these past few years!¡±

    If not because of them, Murong Jian would have been sent back to the city years ago, Murong Ye and she would unable to grow up to what they were now.

    Prime Minster Xie sighed in regret, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for not being able to take care of you and your brother till the end.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself, Prime Minister Xie, you have done all you can, I will take over from here when Murong Jianes back!¡± she encouraged him. Murong Jian¡¯s return to the city was nothing, his mother was already half-crippled, there was nothing to fear!

    Murong Xue walked out of Yi Pin Xuan as the sun went down, her long shadow was drawn as she ambled down the trail.

    She was deep in thought: Murong Jian¡¯s grandfather was only a bookworm, the father-inw was in the temple, the sisters-inw were from Wu An Manor, these three people were not powerful, the guards in headquarter would not have kept this secret for them!

    Who, then, would have ordered Murong Jian to be sent back if not them?

    ¡°Thud, thud, thud!¡± Murong Xue turned around as she heard the trotting sound of horse, she saw a youngd in a white silk robe rode towards her with speed, he was in his teen and was fine-looking, yet proud and arrogant.

    ¡°Ha!¡± the horse sped through the trail, everyone on the street was dodging it.

    Murong Xue wanted to step back, but she could not do so with the crowd piling up behind her.

    The youngd saw everyone dodged him except her, he was furious and pped the bullwhip towards her, ¡°move, don¡¯t block my way!¡±

    Murong Xue did not like his attitude, with squinted eyes, she grabbed the whip tightly and pulled it aside, the bullwhip hit across thed¡¯s chest with a loud ¡°pak¡± and he fell off from his horse!

    ¡°Ah!¡± The youngd cried out in agony.

    ¡°Master!¡± A middle-aged housekeeper ran forward in haste, he helped him up and tried not smirk as he looked at the boy¡¯s messy hair and long wound.

    The young man pointed at Murong Xue in rage andmanded, ¡°she blocked my way and now she hit me off from my horse, she was so rude to me, catch her and beat her up without mercy!¡±

    The housekeeper looked at his direction and his eyes were bulging as he stuttered, ¡°you are... Murong Lady!¡±

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, ¡°do you know me?¡± He did not look familiar to her.

    ¡°I am Chai Jin, the housekeeper brought to Jing Zhou by Master Murong Jian, he was sent back here with me.¡± Chai Jin pointed to the man, ¡°this is his eldest son, your cousin brother, Murong Ji, can you remember him?¡±

    Murong Xue nced at Murong Ji, she leered coldly. She was just thinking of the reason of Murong Jianing back to the city, now she had met the son in this way, such chance!

 Chapter 76 â€“ First encounter with Murong Jian

    ¡°Oh, so you are Murong Xue!¡± Murong Ji swept his gaze up and down Murong Xue, his eyes were filled with contempt and sarcasm, ¡°Rough, unreasonable ¨C pretty much how my mother described to you. You are a shame for the Murong family!¡±

    Murong Xueughed coldly. She indeed did not get along with Du, her son or even her grandson. Since Murong Ji was very ill-mannered towards her, she wouldn¡¯t treat him politely either.

    ¡°You are arrogant, despotic and a show-off, it¡¯s like your eyes grew on top of your head! How had your parents even brought you up? You are the one who truly brings shame to the Murong family!¡±

    Murong Ji gave a disagreeable hmmph, ¡°I wasn¡¯t the one abandoned by your future husband, I have nothing worthy of public shame!¡±

    ¡°You were domineering the streets, riding on your horse ¨C that act itself is intrusive and rude! Do you not have any manners! But you should be lucky that you met me, if it were other princes or rich families, you would¡¯ve been beaten and sent to prison, how could you still be here standing mocking me?¡± Murong Xue looked at him scornfully.

    Murong Ji¡¯s expression immediately darkened and he red at Murong Xue, ¡°Murong Xue, don¡¯t you dare use your position as my older cousin to mock me, I don¡¯t even recognize you as my cousin......¡±

    Murong Xue responded with a hmmph, ¡°Oh so you think I recognize you as my cousin? Your arrogant trait can only be tolerated in Jing Zhou, where your dad was working. But in Jing City, if you dare do anything uwful, it will not be left unnoticed. If you want to die, please do not die here, get lost to some other city and don¡¯t involve us.......¡±

    Looking at Murong Xue¡¯s stare which was filled with contempt, Murong Ji¡¯s eyes were aze with anger. How dare she taunted and cursed him!

    His hand clenched into a fist and was about to take a swing at Murong Xue when a man¡¯s voice shouted, ¡°Stop!¡±

    Murong Xue looked towards the direction of the voice. She saw a middle-aged man walking towards them. He was wearing a long, green robe with bamboo patterns embroidered on it, a ck cloth sashed onto his waist and high boots. He was well-built and handsome. He was none other than Murong Jian!

    ¡°I taught you to always be polite and tolerant. But youe back and wreck such a havoc, did you not listen to any of my teachings?!¡±

    Murong Ji felt wronged, he pointed to Murong Xue and said, ¡°Dad, she taunted me!¡±

    ¡°She is your older cousin, now that you have done something wrong, it is appropriate for her to lecture you. Quick, apologize!¡± MuRong Jian¡¯s strict voicemanded his son.

    Murong Ji hung his head low and had red-rimmed eyes but he did not apologize.

    Murong Jian red at him and turned to look at Murong Xue. Gently, he spoke, ¡°Ji is still young and doesn¡¯t know much yet, please don¡¯t mind him!¡±

    Looking at his seemingly sincere gaze, Murong Xueughed coldly internally. Murong Jian was also riding a horse when returning to Jing City. He was a 30 year-old man. Obviously, he could ride a horse faster than his son. He reached his destination far earlier than Murong Ji. In fact, she knew he had been looking at themotion from the crowd. Knowing that his son wouldn¡¯t win this argument, he had interfered to get Murong Ji out of it. He is indeed a sly fox!

    ¡°Uncle, don¡¯t you worry, I won¡¯t associate with people who have no manners!¡± Murong Xue smiled, obviously ridiculing Murong Ji.

    Murong Jian¡¯s eyes held a shade of enigma before disappearingpletely and looked kindly at Murong Xue, ¡°Howe you¡¯re alone? Your brother, Ye, didn¡¯t apany you?¡±

    Murong Xue smiled and said, ¡°My brother, he........¡±

    ¡°Sister, I¡¯m back!¡± a cheerful cry rung out from the crowd and Murong Ye was seen running towards her. His ck eyes were shining.

    ¡°Have you met General Zhang?¡± Murong Xue raised her brow at him.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Murong Ye nodded excitedly, ¡°General Zhang looks fierce but he is a decent guy.......¡±

    ¡°General Zhang? Which General Zhang?¡± Murong Jian asked, stunned.

    ¡°He is the one outside the city........¡± Murong Ye replied smiling.

    He then looked at Murong Jian and was shocked, ¡°Uncle, why have you returned?¡±

    ¡°It was ordered from the top, they had me ced back here........¡± Murong Jian exined sinctly, his gaze never leaving Murong Ye, ¡°Why have you gone to meet up with General Zhang?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because I have decided to join the army... General Zhang has agreed to let me join, I¡¯m here to pack up and I¡¯ll officially join the army tomorrow morning....¡±

    Murong Ye joining the army wasn¡¯t something to hide, so he had inly admitted it to his uncle.

    Murong Jian nodded his head and said, ¡°A mature man must have his own dreams, having ns to have it carried out is a good thing. However, you are very young, joining the army alone might be inappropriate. Why not let Ji join you too? You two could look out for each other.¡±

    Murong Xueughed coldly. Seeing how Murong Ji had treated her, she knew that the Murong Jian and his wife had instilled hate in Murong Ji that they were enemies with Murong Xue and Murong Ye. Murong Jian letting his son approach Murong Ye was purposeful and deliberate, nothing good coulde out of that.

    ¡°Thank you for your kindness, uncle, but Murong Ji had just returned to Jing City. It must have been such a tiring journey, how can he not rest and join the army? That isn¡¯t good for his health.....¡±

    But Murong Jian wasn¡¯t moved, ¡°Boys aren¡¯t meant to be spoiled. Joining the army can train yourself to be better. Ji and Ye are almost simr in age and are cousins. You two could join together, train together and grow together, it will be great........ ¡±

    Again, Murong Xueughed coldly. Murong Jian had made it sound so beneficial to all but she knew what was good for Murong Jian and his family was bad for her and her brother.

    ¡°That army camp is led by General Zhang, whether Murong Ji gets to join or not, General Zhang gets to have the final say.¡±

    ¡°No matter, tomorrow morning I will personally send Ji to the camp to meet up with General Zhang.¡± Murong Jian said smiling, his eyes were shining with arrogance.

    Murong Xue squinted with suspicion: Apparently, he already steeled his heart in letting Murong Ye and Murong Ji join the army together. He had just returned to Jing City and he was so eager to bond them together. What is he nning.....?

    ¡°Master......master.....something has happened!¡± a manservant was rushing towards them. He was panting heavily when he reached them.

    Murong Jian raised his brow, his action was implying, ¡°Why so nervous, what has happened?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s your mother, Madam has been so badly hurt that she has fainted......¡± the manservant replied panickily.

    Murong Jian was shocked, ¡°What happened? Wasn¡¯t she okay, how can she get hurt so badly?¡±

    The manservant shook his head, ¡°I don¡¯t know......just now your wife went to pay her respects to her and discovered her lying unconscious on the floor...her maidservant was hurt too.....¡±

    Murong Jian¡¯s eyes squinted with suspicion, ¡°Have you called the doctor?¡± His mother and her maidservant, Grandma Guo, had been hurt at the same day, something sounded fishy.....

    ¡°Yes, we have. The madam said she was beaten by someone.......¡± The manservant took a cautious look at Murong Xue and his voice turned into a whisper, ¡°Madam is still unconscious but she keeps cursing Miss Murong under her breath......¡±

 Chapter 77 â€“ First Clash

    Murong Jian¡¯s gaze turned fierce and he looked at Murong Xue, ¡°Xue, what did you do?¡±

    ¡°I have had many fights with step grandmother, every time when she¡¯s angry, she will curse me in her sleep.¡± Murong Xue replied as a matter-of-a-factly.

    The passers-by looked at her with pity. They lived under the same roof, it was impossible to not have any conflict. Madam Du should just reveal her dissatisfactions of her in person instead of cursing her in her sleep. What a petty old woman she is!

    Murong Jian¡¯s face darkened to a murderous shade, he asked, ¡°Your step grandmother wasn¡¯t beaten by you?¡±

    ¡°If I said no, would you believe?¡± Murong Xue looked at his side-eyed, her expression full of scorn, ¡°If you do not believe me, why would you ask me again? Why don¡¯t you wait till step grandmother is awake to question her, then you would know the truth!¡±

    Murong Xue looked innocent, which puzzled Murong Jian greatly. He then turned and walked towards the Zhen Country Pce.

    The wind carried his icymand, ¡°Go to the government official¡¯s building and tell them that the Zhen Country Pce¡¯s owner has been beaten very badly, ask Lin to arrest the culprit.....¡±

    Murong Xue snickered, he had said that to frighten her. But no matter, if Du were to name her guilty, she would tell the truth of Du hiring assassins to kill her. In the end, she would be the one in more trouble!

    Du was hurt in the early morning but she was discovered in the evening of the same day, Murong Xue estimated that she wouldn¡¯t die. It was true that evil people lived longer than good people, she was the ultimate proof.......

    ¡°Sister!¡± Murong Ye cried out, his eyes were filled with worry and surprise: Step grandmother had always disliked them both, she often gave his sister trouble. It was possible that his sister had been angered to the point that she had beaten her........

    Murong Xue replied casually, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will be alright...¡±

    ¡°Are you really twins? Why do you not look alike at all?¡± Murong Ji looked at Murong Xue with an air of arrogance and then turned to look at Murong Ye, mocking them.

    Murong Xue¡¯s expression darkened. She was in no mood to talk to Murong Ji but he was like a ster, glued to them. Since he was so annoying and pompous, Murong Xue needn¡¯t be polite to him either: ¡°One of us looks like our dad, the other looks like our mum, which is why we don¡¯t look alike. Unlike you, you don¡¯t really look like your dad or your mum........¡±

    Murong Ji¡¯s face flushed with anger.

    ¡°I look like my uncle, haven¡¯t you heard?¡±

    ¡°Oh, really? Everyone knows that the official¡¯s eldest son died drowning, your 14 year-old self looks like him when he was 5, it¡¯s amazing......¡± Murong Xue nced at him in a scornful manner.

    Murong Ji was aze with anger, ¡°I look more like my grandfather.......uncle is my grandfather¡¯s son.........so of course he would look very much like my grandfather.....that is why I look like my uncle too.......¡±

    Cai Jin coughed aloud a few times, interrupting their taunting, ¡°Young master, Madam is very badly injured, it will be good if you went to visit her too.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go. Ignore these 2 boring people!¡± Murong Ji turned smugly and walked towards the Zhen Country Pce.

    ¡°Brother, let¡¯s go home too.¡± Murong Xue said: ¡°Demons¡± and ¡°monsters¡± had arrived at the pce, the 2 owners of it naturally should return to it too.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Murong Ye nodded.

    ¡°Where is Uncle Hui?¡± Murong Xue asked, looking around but she failed to spot him.

    Uncle Hui had apanied Murong Ye to the army camp. Since Murong Ye was here, he should have returned too.

    ¡°He has gone to prepare the necessities for joining the army.¡± Murong Ye answered.

    Murong Xue nodded. Uncle Hui was from the army, he would know what a soldier needed......

    As they slowly walked into the pce, Murong Xue saw over 10 men carrying about 6 crates to the study room. She frowned and said, ¡°What are you guys doing?¡±

    Cai Jin came up and answered, smiling at them, ¡°Miss Murong, the crates are filled with books. My master, your uncle, hadmanded me to ce them in the study, which makes it convenient for your brother to read them.......¡±

    ¡°Thank you for the kindness uncle has shown but the study has enough books in it. My brother will never finish reading them. These books are uncle¡¯s personal collection, they must be very valuable, have them ced in his own study room instead.¡±

    Murong Ye was going to the army. He would rarely return home in the span of 3 to 5 years, he certainly wouldn¡¯t be here to read all those books. This was just an excuse for Murong Jian to go in and out of the study whenever he wished. As time passes, people would think the study room belonged to him.

    He could have snatched away the study room without even creating a conflict, moreover, changing his identity in the hearts of many as the master of the pce. Murong Jian was indeed devious!

    Cai Jin argued, ¡°They are all the study rooms of this pce, wouldn¡¯t it be the same.......¡±

    ¡°It is not the same at all!¡± Murong Xue answered untactfully, ¡°This study room belongs to the owner of this pce. Ordinary people cannot simply enter the room. The current heir to this pce is Murong Ye, this room can only be essible to him. Uncle is an elder but he is not the heir of this pce, he cannot enter and exit the room as he wishes. It will also be inappropriate to ce his belongings there too.¡±

    Murong Xue looked side-eyed at Cai Jin, ¡°I still remember when my grandfather was still alive, you had already worked at our pce. My grandfather was the one who set this rule, surely you remember?¡±

    Cai Jin¡¯s wrinkled face flushed with embarrassment. She really was smart, she had only argued awhile and her statements had already forced him to silence.

    ¡°All the shelves in Master¡¯s study room are already full, there isn¡¯t enough space to put more.......¡±

    ¡°Then he can expand his study room and put more shelves in it. The Murong family will never mistreat its descendants, but its descendants must be aware that there is order in this pce. One cannot simply take ownership of something which is not his......¡±

    Thest sentence was spoken with great emphasis. Murong Xue¡¯s clear voice had pierced into the heart of Cai Jin.

    ¡°I will remember your advice, Miss Murong!¡±

    Murong Xue nodded, ¡°Have these crates of books moved to uncle¡¯s study. This is the study room for the heir of the pce, don¡¯t mess up the ce. If you happened to meet uncle, I don¡¯t mind you telling him what I just said!¡±

    Cai Jin gave a politeugh but his eyes showed otherwise: Miss Murong was not a simpleton. Even if master wanted to steal the ownership of this pce, he will face many difficulties!

    Cai Jin then disappeared with the excuse that he was going to tend to some other errands. Murong Ye looked at Murong Xue with admiration and a sense of impress, ¡°Sister, you are really smart!¡±

    When he saw the crates of books, he knew the purpose of Murong Jian¡¯s action but he didn¡¯t know how to stop it. But now, his sister had aplished it for him.

    Murong Xue smiled, ¡°This is a small matter. It¡¯s already dark, go have your meal and rest up. Tomorrow you need to wake up early to go to the army, don¡¯t bete.¡±

    ¡°I know. Then I¡¯ll be off to my room now, you go get some rest too!¡± Murong Ye nodded his head gravely. He then followed the emerald path back to his residence.

    Murong Xue looked at the Yu Tang Court. The corner of her mouth curled into a smirk: Du had had medical treatment, she should almost be waking up now. If she didn¡¯t guess wrong, the first thing Du would do is to exaggerate the story of how she was beaten up, pointing the me at Murong Xue, asking him to punish Murong Xue and avenge for her.........

    Oh well, Du can do what she likes, she will just ce her own soldiers outside to protect her......

 Chapter 78 â€“ Murong Jianâ€™s Evil Plan

    Editor: Ocelot

    When darkness fell, the Yu Tang Court was filled with lights!

    Madam Du had been seriously injured and was lying on a carved mahogany bed. Her whole body was wrapped with bandages, like a glutinous rice packet. Her face was speckled with green and purple bruises and her lips were very pale. Her eyelids fluttered as she began to open her eyes slowly. She looked at the familiar green bed canopy and felt like she was in a dream.

    ¡°Mother, you¡¯re awake!¡± a familiar voice rung out that made her jolt to her senses. Slowly, she turned her head and was face-to-face with Murong Jian¡¯s handsome face. Tears of joy formed: ¡°Jian, you have finally returned!¡±

    Murong Jian nodded and replied, ¡°Your son hase home and will never leave again. Mother, how did you get hurt so badly?¡±

    When Chou had arrived, Mother was already unconscious. The court¡¯s maidservants were murmuring to themselves, he didn¡¯t know what they were whispering about.

    ¡°It was because of Murong Xue, that disgusting girl. She had beaten me!¡±

    Thinking how she had been mercilessly kicked by Murong Xue, Madam Du gritted her teeth with hate. She then proceeded to exaggerate the story of how it happened. Atst, when she had finished, she cried out in anger, ¡°Quick,mand your guards to drag her here and punish her with force to avenge for me!¡±

    In Murong Jian¡¯s mind¡¯s eye, Murong Xue¡¯s beautiful, serene face floated into view. He squinted, ¡°Murong Xue is very intelligent. If she dared to beat you up like that, she must have already prepared herself to face the consequences. If Imanded my guards to go over now, not only can we not punish her, we might also face a big loss.¡±

    Step-grandmother hires assassins to kill step-granddaughter, step-granddaughter¡¯s patience runs out and beats up step-grandmother. If this news were to be known by the public, Mother would be med and despised upon. Even if Murong Xue¡¯s actions were worthy of scorn, most people would pity her and view her actions with understanding.....

    ¡°Then what should we do? We can¡¯t just let her off like that!¡± Madam Du¡¯s eyes were filled with hatred.

    ¡°Of course we won¡¯t.¡± Murong Jian replied, his expression ruthless, ¡°Your son has returned to Territory City, I have plenty of chances to punish Murong Xue, we don¡¯t have to rush.......¡±

    ¡°Master!¡± Cai Jin called out softly to Murong Jian outside the door.

    Murong Jian replied, ¡°How did things go?¡±

    ¡°Your n has been seen through by Miss Murong, those 6 crates of books were not ced in the study room.........¡± Cai Jin whispered, sneaking a few nces at Murong Jian.

    Murong Jian¡¯s eyes squinted, Murong Xue wasn¡¯t someone easy to deal with!

    The act of cing those book crates into the study was just a small test. Its sess meant opening the road for him to acquire the position of marquis. But it was also alright if it wasn¡¯t sessful. He had already returned; he had the time and stamina to deal with Murong Ye.

    ¡°Murong Xue, that terrible girl, is the cause of our downfall. She had caused your sister to be sent to prison, beaten me and even stands in your way in acquiring the position of heir to this pce. She really is horrible, if we do not remove herpletely, my hatred for her will never diminish.....¡±

    Madam Du was so furious that she identally strained her injuries. It was so excruciating that she sucked the cold air of relief. She hated Murong Xue from the bottom of her heart.

    Murong Jian carefully moved her back to a morefortable position and spoke softly, ¡°Mother, you are injured badly, please rest well. I will deal with Murong Xue and Murong Ye.¡±

    Madam Du¡¯s eyes brightened and she looked at Murong Jian, ¡°You have thought of a n to deal with them?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Murong Jian nodded, his eyes were cold with malice.

    When daylight broke, Murong Xue woke up to prepare herself. After having a simple breakfast, she paced quickly out of her residence and followed the emerald path to the pce¡¯s entrance.

    Outside the pce, there were 5 horses, Murong Jian, Murong Ji, Murong Ye, Ge Hui and Cai Jin. They were each holding the rein of their own horse.

    The first person Murong Xue saw was Ge Hui. Because of the fact that he often went to the desert, he had shielded part of his face with a piece of cloth. He exuded a fierce, hostile aura that made people look at him with fear:

    ¡°Uncle Hui!¡±

    Ge Hui looked up and saw Murong Xue. His eyes disyed surprise: ¡°Miss Murong!¡±

    Murong Jian looked at Murong Xue, he squinted, his eyes held shades of unknown emotion......

    ¡°Sister, why are you up so early?¡± Murong Ye was shocked.

    In his memory, he had known Murong Xue to fear the cold greatly. If the sun had not risen, she would never get out of bed.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to send you off to the army camp!¡± Murong Xue smiled.

    Murong Jian had always coveted the position of heir to the pce, and he would try to kill Murong Ye at any time. Today, Murong Jian and Murong Ji were with Murong Ye, even if Ge Hui was apanying them, she still didn¡¯t feel safe enough.

    Murong Ye looked at Murong Xue, lightly raising his brow, ¡°It is still very early now and it¡¯s very cold. Your body is weak, if you were to ride with us, your attacks will happen again....¡±

    Murong Xue ignored that and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not a spoiled brat........¡±

    ¡°If you two want to show your sibling concern for each other, please find an appropriate time. The army camp has its own rules, women are not allowed inside. If you dare to step foot in there, they will immediately throw you out!¡± Murong Ji raised a brow at Murong Xue, challenging and ridiculing her.

    Murong Xue red at him.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t nning on entering the army camp at all. I just want to send my brother to its gates, then I will return.¡±

    Her taunt bore in Murong Ji¡¯s ears and his face flushed red with embarrassment. His eyes swept from side to side. Outraged, he replied, ¡°The journey to the camp is long, our horses cannot be ridden by more than two people, can you ride a horse?¡±

    ¡°As a member of the Murong family, how can I not know how to ride a horse? I have even prepared my own horse.¡± Murong Xue casually said.

    Inside the pce, there was a servant holding a chestnut horse walking towards them. The horse had bright eyes. One look at it, one would know that it was a fine horse.

    Murong Xue took the reins from the servant and heaved herself up the horse. Her action was so smooth that it was a surprise for all.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s go!¡± Murong Xue smiled and with a gentle prompt, the horse sped ahead like an arrow.

    ¡°Wait for me, sister!¡± Murong Ye eximed happily. He quickly saddled onto his horse and sped ahead to catch up with her.

    Ge Hui too saddled on his horse and rode towards them.

    Looking at the 3 quickly disappearing silhouettes, Cai Jin squinted, ¡°Master, what should we do?¡±

    Murong Jian was silent for a moment. Then he spoke in a low tone, ¡°Stick to the n!¡±

    Murong Xue was just intelligent but she didn¡¯t have any martial arts skills. She wouldn¡¯t be prepared for a physical attack. He had thought of this n the whole night, he couldn¡¯t abort it just because Murong Xue was here.

    ¡°Yes master!¡± Cai Jin nodded gravely.

    They all mounted their horses and started towards Murong Xue, Murong Ye and Ge Hui.

    The sky was starting to brighten as 6 horses were seen galloping in the quiet streets of the city. A sinister n was beginning to unfold...

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 Chapter 79 â€“ Horse Gone Mad

    The patreon for The Evil Prince is up. Moreover, the releases will be evenly distributed from Tuesday to Saturday(yes, I¡¯ve finally done it).

    Editor: Ocelot

    It was still very early and the streets outside the city were very quiet. Murong Ye and the others were advancing on their horses with great speed.

    Murong Ye looked at Murong Xue who was riding beside him, his face full of surprise: ¡°Sister, your horse riding skills are really good, who did you learn it from?¡±

    ¡°You can say I learned how to ride from the guards. I saw how majestic they were when they were horse riding and tried it myself a few times. Not long after that, I mastered it.¡± Murong Xue looked for an appropriate reason to cover up. As the heir of the Murong family in the 21st century, horseback-riding sses are a must. She had managed to pass the ss with flying colours.

    ¡°So you just rode a few times and you mastered it? Sister, you are such a pro!¡± Murong Ye praised with genuine admiration, ¡°I had learned it from Uncle Hui. I could only manage to make the horse run 2 rounds after half a month of teaching......¡±

    Murong Xue feigned a smile, ¡°It was because you were still young at that time so you were slower in picking up things. I had only learned how to ride a year before. I was much older then, so that¡¯s why I could pick up things faster...¡±

    Murong Ye¡¯s eyes shone with understanding, ¡°You are right, if I practise more, my horse riding speed would increase immensely...¡±

    ¡°Quit talking so much nonsense! Murong Ye, since your horse riding skills are quite decent, why don¡¯t we have a littlepetition?¡± Murong Ji impatiently interrupted, his eyes shining with provocation.

    Murong Ye¡¯s expression became downcast and spoke glumly, ¡°This is my first day going to the army camp, I don¡¯t think I should. Maybe we¡¯llpete next time when we¡¯re free.¡±

    Murong Ji snickered, ¡°We are riding to the camp. Ifwepete, it will only make the horses run faster which will make us reach our destination earlier. I think you¡¯re just scared of losing.¡±

    Murong Ye flushed red with anger, ¡°Who¡¯s scared of losing?! Let¡¯spete then!¡±

    He then pped his horse¡¯s neck sharply and the horse sped up. In a blink of an eye, he had abandoned the group behind.

    Looking at Murong Ye and Murong Ji¡¯s disappearing silhouettes, Murong Xue shook her head: Murong Ji is Murong Jian¡¯s son. No doubt in the future, Murong Jian will help his son deal with Murong Ye.

    But Murong Ye was simple-minded. Just because Murong Ji had angered him, he immediately agreed to a horse race. The current Murong Ye wasn¡¯t a worthy opponent for Murong Jian and his son. He needed to endure hardships and be trained, only in that way can he grow to be stronger.

    ¡°Horse, where are you going?!¡± a frantic shout bore into the ears of all. Murong Xue jolted to her senses and looked towards the direction of the shout. Murong Ye¡¯s horse had gone mad and was elerating down the road with impable speed. Murong Ye was like a fly clinging onto the horse, going through bumpy roads...

    Murong Xue squinted her eyes with suspicion, ¡°What is going on?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s something wrong with the horse! I¡¯m going to save young master!¡± Ge Hui said, and with a whip the horse dashed towards Murong Ye.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go rescue him too!¡± Murong Jian shouted. He too whipped his horse and sped towards Murong Ye. His eyes held a sinister gleam. Even though it disappeared in an instant, Murong Xue had seen it. Her mouth curled into a smirk.

    She had thought that he would wait till he was safely rooted in the Zhen Country Pce before slowly unfolding his n to acquire the position as heir, that is ¨C killing Murong Ye.

    Who knew that he had boldly made his move on the second day of his return! Moreover, he was going to do it in public! He really was daring and desperate to acquire the position of heir!

    ¡°Miss Murong, where are you going?¡± a deep voice asked.

    Murong Xue looked over and saw Cai Jin riding behind her. She frowned and replied in an irritated tone, ¡°To save my brother, of course!¡±

    Cai Jin smiled with patience and said, ¡°Miss Murong, the road ahead is very bumpy. You have just learned how to ride a horse, don¡¯t risk your life trying to save your brother. Master and Ge Hui are already onto the task, they can surely bring your brother back safely.¡±

    ¡°I would¡¯ve saved my brother by now if you hadn¡¯t spouted so much nonsense!¡± Murong Xue coldly responded and sped up towards Murong Ye.

    Cai Jin squinted and his eyes gleamed. He then whipped his horse and it sped up beside Murong Xue. When they were side-by-side, he tried to snatch Murong Xue¡¯s horse reins!

    Murong Xue saw iting and pped his hand away. She gazed coldly at him, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    Cai Jin¡¯s hand was pped red and was slightly swollen. But still, he kept a friendly demeanor, ¡°Master hadmanded me to keep you safe, he doesn¡¯t want you to risk your life......¡±

    Murong Jian had wanted him to stop Murong Xue from interfering his n!

    ¡°This is my business, stay out of it! Get lost!¡± Murong Xue whipped Cai Jin¡¯s horse which forced him to stay behind. She then used that chance to tighten her grip on her reins and continued to speed up to catch up with Murong Ye.

    In the distance, Murong Ye¡¯s horse was advancing faster and faster. The horse was going mad!

    Murong Jian and Ge Hui were still chasing after him. Murong Jian had reached him first. He held out his hand and shouted, ¡°Ye, your horse has gone mad! Quick, grab my hand!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Murong Ye replied, his head was dizzy from the ride. He leaned forward to grab Murong Jian¡¯s hand. Just when he touched his uncle¡¯s fingertips, Murong Jian retracted his hand. Seeing that most of Murong Ye¡¯s body was in mid-air, he had purposely done so. Murong Ye¡¯s body weight pressed him forward and he nearly fell off.

    It had caught him unguarded and he was now clinging upside down on the horse¡¯s stomach. He could fall off anytime!

    ¡°Young master!¡± Ge Hui shouted in shock. He turned to look coldly at Murong Jian, ¡°Please move aside, let me rescue him instead........¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not argue on this, I have better riding skills than you! I should be the one to rescue Ye!¡± Murong Jian interrupted him, vexed. He had ced his horse in between Murong Ye and Ge Hui, blocking Ge Hui from rescuing Murong Ye.

    Ge Hui made several attempts to dash forward but Murong Jian blocked him every time. Ge Hui was unable to ride side-by-side with Murong Ye¡¯s horse. His eyes were aze with anger: ¡°Murong Jian, back off immediately!¡±

    Murong Jian¡¯s expression darkened. Looking straight at Ge Hui he said, ¡°Ge Hui, you are just a ve of the Zhen Country Pce., Who gave you the guts to call me by my full name?!¡±

    It was as if the mad horse had an endless energy reserve as it kept running. Murong Ye was still clinging desperately onto its stomach, swinging from each gallop. He might fall off anytime soon and that made Ge Hui desperate with worry. Atst, he released an energy that pped Murong Jian: ¡°Step aside!¡±

    ¡°How dare you make a move on me, Ge Hui! Since you are so bold, I shall see what you can do!¡± Murong Jian¡¯s eyes gleamed with malice and released an energy that hit Ge Hui. At that moment, the two started to fight...

    Murong Xueughed coldly inside. Murong Ye was clinging between life and death, and Murong Jian hadn¡¯t nned on rescuing him. He even blocked Ge Hui from attempting. Now that they have begun fighting each other, Ge Hui will never be able to save Murong Ye. How clever! Even if Murong Ye died falling off his horse, Murong Jian will not be med.

    But what a pity, he shall be let down. Ge Hui cannot save Murong Ye, but she can!

    Murong Xue sped her horse to overtake Murong Jian and Ge Hui...

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 Chapter 80 â€“ Heir Ouyang Saves Damsel in Distress

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    Trantor: Manyfacegod

    Editor: Ocelot

    ¡°Miss Murong, be careful!¡± Cai Jin warned.

    Murong Xue turned her head and saw Cai Jin behind. He lifted his whip and whipped viciously at her horse¡¯s back. At the crack of the whip, the horse ran even faster than before.

    ¡°Cai Jin, what are you doing?!¡± Murong Xue shouted and tightened her grip on her reins, her eyes shed with hostility.

    ¡°I havee to save you...Miss Murong be careful!¡± Cai Jin replied in an odd, cynical tone. His horse followed Murong Xue¡¯s horse closely from behind and he kept whipping her horse. His eyes were filled with satisfaction and malice.

    The continual whipping of her horse had cause it to run like mad and he imed that he was saving her? He wanted to hurt her, to let her be preupied so she couldn¡¯t save Murong Ye!

    Moreover, if she didn¡¯t grab onto her reins tightly and died falling off, Murong Jian would have one less enemy to deal with!

    What an intelligent yet vicious tactic! Cai Jin had thought of that tactic. Since he had a death wish, she shall grant it for him!

    Murong Xue swung her arm out and 3 silver needles flew out from her sleeve. They pierced into Cai Jin¡¯s horse¡¯s buttocks. The horse shrieked with pain and ran like mad.

    Cai Jin did not expect it and was iling to stay in his saddle. His eyes were filled with terror and he quickly grabbed tightly onto his reins: ¡°Stop, stop!¡±

    But his horse didn¡¯t listen to hismand and ran straight ahead with immense speed.

    Murong Xue¡¯s mouth curled into an icy smile. It¡¯s toote for him to yell stop now!

    Murong Xue flicked her fingers and 2 more needles flew out. They prated the horse¡¯s legs. The horse neighed and copsed......

    Cai Jin was flung forward and fell hard to the ground rolling around seven to eight meters away. Knoced against a tree trunk. It was only then did he stop. He was feeling dizzy, tinnitus and stars over his head from the fall and it felt like some of his bones had shattered pain is unbearable.

    He gritted his teeth and attempted to stand but he saw Murong Xueing with grinned smile on her face and riding fast, one of the first leg of Her horse stamped on his leg when it was passing him.

    ¡°Ahh!¡± Cai Jin yelled in pain.

    Murong Jian looked over and saw Cai Jin lying on the ground, badly injured and unconscious. He also saw Murong Xue look at Cai Jin with contempt while her horse raced over, stampeding him in the process as she struggled to catch up with her brother.........

    Murong Xue!

    Murong Jian¡¯s eyes shed and warded off Cai Jin. He then quickly sped his horse towards Murong Xue!

    Ge Hui looked at where the others were heading and his face turned green. Shouting, he cried, ¡°Miss Murong, there is a cliff ahead! Be careful!¡±

    What, a cliff?!

    Murong Xue observed the path ahead and saw there was an abyss just below the cliff ahead. Murong Ye¡¯s horse had almost reached the edge: ¡°Brother, jump off the horse now!¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Murong Ye nodded. He immediately threw away the horse reins and aimed for the ground!

    The mad horse was galloping very fast, if he jumped, there was slim chance that he will live. But if he continued to cling onto the horse and fell off the cliff, he will have no chance at all!

    Murong Xue jumped off her horse and rushed to the edge just in time to grab Murong Ye¡¯s arm before he fell. Just then, a powerful energy struck her back.

    She was caught off guard and fell into the abyss below. When she was falling, she saw Murong Jian¡¯s cruel face staring back at her. In a sh, she used her whip to grab tightly onto Murong Jian¡¯s neck and pulled him.

    His slim body passed through bushes, shrubs and rocks. He was almost at the edge of the cliff when he stopped.

    He kneeled right at the tip of the cliff. Murong Xue¡¯s long whip was tightly coiled around his neck, suffocating him to the point where his face had turned slightly purple and his veins were bulging.

    Both his hands were grabbing onto the whip now. He fixed his gaze on the other side of the whip ¨C Murong Xue. With great difficulty, he spoke, ¡°Let go...let go of me!¡±

    Let go? In his dreams! If she and her brother died falling off this cliff, she wanted Murong Jian to die with them too! Murong Xue red viciously back at Murong Jian.

    Ge Hui rushed to the edge and saw Murong Xue was hanging onto it. One hand was clutching her whip, the other was grabbing Murong Ye. His eyes had disyed anxiety but when he saw her, but it turned into astonishment.

    ¡°Miss Murong, young master!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re alright. Uncle Hui, grab my brother!¡± Murong Xue managed a little smile and swung Murong Ye up with all her might. Ge Hui managed to grab hold of him safely..........

    Now that there were less people holding down the whip, the pull on Murong Jian¡¯s neck was not as tight. He then snapped the whip in two with his bare hands. With cold malice in his eyes: ¡°Die, Murong Xue!¡±

    ¡°Sister!¡±

    ¡°Miss Murong!¡±

    Murong Xue fell down again. The strong wind brushing against her made her feel cold.

    Was she going to die? How unlucky, she had only been in Qing Yan for a short time. She hadn¡¯t even got the chance to travel outside of Jing City or meet many new friends.......

    Just then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a white robe. A strong arm grabbed her waist and the faint smell of bamboo ink encircled her nostrils. Murong Xue was stunned and she turned to look at the person. That person had a face of a beautiful painting.

    ¡°Heir Ouyang! Why are you here?!¡± Murong Xue asked, bbergasted.

    ¡°I was passing by!¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied casually.

    With a slight shift of his footing, the two began to change course ¨C they were flying upwards to top of the cliff.

    Murong Xue was left dumbfounded, ¡°...¡±.

    How could anyone be passing by mid-air in a sheer drop to the abyss? Was he here to jump down the cliff?

    She had wanted to rescue someone from the abyss but now she was falling into it! No one could have done something so stupid, except Murong Xue. She was the same dim-witted person she was when she was little!

    People normally get smarter as they grow older, but why does she get dumber as she grows older?

    Ouyang Shaochen frowned slightly as he pulled her out of the abyss. Murong Ye and Ge Hui stared at him with awe as hended gently down on the ground next to them. Beneath Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s sleeve, he snapped his finger. A strong energy surged and hit Murong Jian, causing him to fall into the abyss........

    ¡°Ahh!¡± Murong Jian¡¯s hopeless scream echoed and grew fainter by the moment........

    Murong Ji turned pale and got down from his horse to rush to the edge. He peered at the bottomless abyss and cried out, ¡°Father!¡±

    A team of patrol guards heard themotion and rushed to the scene. They saw Cai Jin who was unconscious, Murong Ji who was wailing helplessly and Murong Xue, Murong Ye and Ouyang Shaochen who were gloating over the misery. And they looked at each other: What had happened?

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 Chapter 81 â€“ The Enemy Lives

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    Trantor: Manyfacegod

    Editor: Ocelot

    ¡°Father.....father.......father........¡± Murong Ji kneeled at the cliff¡¯s edge crying.

    His wailing echoed forlornly in the abyss, seeing him filled people with grief.

    However, Murong Xue wasn¡¯t moved. Murong Jian had brought this upon himself and had died falling. He had no one else to me but himself.

    ¡°I.....I¡¯m alright........¡± a frail voice echoed from beneath the cliff, Murong Ji stopped crying and jolted to his senses. He peered down the edge and cried out in shock: ¡°Father........is that really you?¡±

    ¡°Yes it¡¯s me....I¡¯m alright....Let down a long rope..... and pull me up......¡± Murong Jian continued. His voice sounded weak, as if he was badly hurt.

    ¡°Alright, wait for me, I will be back!¡± Murong Ji yelled back in joy. He then wiped his tears away and dashed towards the patrol guards: ¡°Sir, do you have a rope? Could you lend it to me for a little while......¡±

    The purpose of having patrol guards was to detect and solve suddenplications in the area. Other than weapons, they also bring along ropes and other life-saving tools with them.

    The fact that ¨C Murong Ji looked very young, his eyes were filled with desperation and he had a tear-stained face ¨C had the sympathy of patrol guards. They took out ropes and tied all of them together to form a single long rope. The rope was then let down the cliff.

    The rope swayed. Slowly, the patrol guards pulled the rope up and a badly injured man emerged with his robe torn in many areas.

    His hair was in a mess, his face was criss-crossed with scratches and his eyes held animosity ¨C it was none other than Murong Jian!

    Murong Xue frowned: He had fallen down the cliff and yet, he had survived! This detestable being was hard to kill!

    ¡°Father!¡± Murong Ji hurried over to untie the ropes knotted to his waist and hugged him. He cried out in happiness, ¡°You¡¯re alright!¡±

    Murong Jian smiled and tousled his son¡¯s hair, ¡°Your father is very tough. He won¡¯t die so easily especially when he¡¯s being attacked by someone deceitful...¡±

    ¡°You are right. Good people don¡¯t live long but bad guys do. So of course, uncle, you wouldn¡¯t die so easily!¡± Murong Xue smiled.

    The patrol guards heard the whole exchange: What she said...doesn¡¯t seem right...

    Murong Jian¡¯s expression darkened and he gazed coldly at Murong Xue, his eyes disyed gleams of hatred.

    Murong Xue didn¡¯t show any signs of giving in and stared at him with contempt too. Their gazes met each other in mid-air, and without saying anything, they were battling with each other by ring.

    ¡°Sir Murong, how did you fall off the cliff?¡± a patrol guard came up to politely ask Murong Jian.

    After solvingplications, the patrol guards naturally need to report the cause of it and how it happened. That was why one of them had approached Murong Jian.

    Murong Jian raised his brow and looked at Murong Xue, as if saying: ¡°If I tell them the truth, you will certainly be in deep trouble!¡±

    Murong Xue smiled: Go ahead and do it: Uncle tried to assassinate nephew and niece but failed... moreover, he was pushed down the cliff by his niece. The patrol guards would be very intrigued with your story. In fact, I think more people would love to hear about it too...

    Someone¡¯s work performance wasn¡¯t good enough to get noticed and returns to Jing City to assassinate people, what a detestable, evil person he is. Even if I can¡¯t trace who this person is, the officials in the upper ranking sure can...

    Murong Jian¡¯s face darkened to a murderous degree: You have no proof of me wanting to kill you and Murong Ye!

    Of course I do! That horse which just fell over was drugged by you, which was the best evidence!

    Murong Xue¡¯s gaze turned icy: Even though it has fallen down the cliff and no doubt, died in a sttered mess, but there are many patrol guards here. If they search carefully for it, they will indeed find its body........

    Murong Jian¡¯s face darkened even more, his hand under his sleeve clenched into a fist and he gritted his teeth: Murong Xue.......

    ¡°Sir Murong....... Sir Murong....... Are you alright?¡± The patrol guard saw that Murong Jian was staring elsewhere ¨C unblinking ¨C for quite some time and was worried.

    Murong Jian jolted to his senses and feigned a smile, ¡°I¡¯m alright. I just identally fell off the cliff myself...¡±

    Having heard his father¡¯s answer, Murong Ji jolted and interrupted, ¡°Father, but I saw it with my own eyes that...¡±

    Murong Jian raised his hand and cut him off, ¡°That was what happened. Son, you were quite some distance away when it happened, you did not clearly see what was really going on.¡±

    Murong Ji swallowed what he wanted to say and red at Murong Xue, then Murong Ye. His eyes were filled with imprable hatred.

    The patrol guard nodded: ¡°Ahh I see... Sir Murong, you must have been frightened to death.¡±

    Murong Jian smiled, ¡°You have saved me, I will always remember that. My assistant has been seriously injured and is still unconscious. Could you please send him back to Zhen Country Pce to rest?¡±

    The patrol guard looked at Murong Jian with surprise, ¡°Sir Murong, you¡¯re not going back?¡±

    ¡°I need to apany Ji to the army camp and won¡¯t be returning. Thank you all.¡± Murong Jian smiled and pushed a silver ingot into the hand of the patrol guard, ¡°A token of gratitude, to buy yourself some wine.¡±

    The patrol guard squeezed the silver ingot and smile broadly, ¡°Thank you, Sir Murong.¡±

    Murong Xue raised her brow lightly. There were vine leaves on his robe, he must have held onto vines while he was falling and steadied himself, which exined why he was still alive.

    His sleeves however, were very much torn in many ces and when he had passed the silver ingot to the patrol guard, his hands were trembling slightly. It was obvious that his arm had been injured. Why would he still not return to the pce to treat his wounds and insist on going to the army camp? Was he really that keen on letting his son join the army, or did he have another evil n in store along the way?

    ¡°Heir Ouyang, excuse us!¡± The guards¡¯ bellows bore into the ears of all. Murong Xue looked over and saw the guards bowing to Ouyang ShaoChen then continuing with their patrol.

    She blinked a few times. Murong Jian¡¯s right hand man, Cai Jin, had a broken his leg which meant Murong Jian had lost another helper in his devious n. If he were to execute another one, it wouldn¡¯t be as sessful as this one. Let¡¯s see if he has any more tricks under his sleeve!

    ¡°Brother, it¡¯s getting veryte. Let¡¯s continue our journey to the army camp.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Murong Ye nodded. His horse had gone mad and strayed off track, which wasted a lot of time. Hopefully he could still get to the army camp on time.

    ¡°Young master, allow me to give you a ride.¡± Ge Hui led his horse over to Murong Ye.

    Murong Ye¡¯s horse had fallen into the abyss and Murong Jian and his son were still here, so who could guarantee that the other horses hadn¡¯t been drugged, too? Ge Hui was worried about Murong Ye riding alone so that was why he made that offer.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Murong Ye nodded and mounted up Ge Hui¡¯s horse after him.

    Murong Xue too, mounted her horse. A white robe floated into view and sat behind her. A faint smell of bamboo ink encircled her nose. Murong Xue raised her brow at him, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

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 Chapter 82 â€“ Challenging Murong Ye

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you to the army camp!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen said briefly as his strong arms went across the sides of her body and held her in ce. He took the reins from her.

    Murong Xue¡¯s back was stuck closely to Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s chest. She can still see his face no matter if she raises her head or lowers her head, hence she avoided his gaze uneasily and kept a distance from him quietly, ¡°I know how to ride a horse, and I don¡¯t need you to send me.¡±

    ¡°You sure about it after you fell down from the cliff?¡± Ouyang ShaoChen nced at her scornfully.

    Murong Xue¡¯s face was darkened, she said angrily, ¡°That¡¯s just an ident. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°If I were to let you ride alone to the army camp, another ident will ur!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen was making fun of Murong Xue. He pulled the rein, and the horse sprinted in the forward direction.

    The light blue dress that Murong Xue was wearing fluttered elegantly and Ouyang ShaoChen was wearing a snow white colored long robe. It was truly a picturesque scene.

    Ge Hui looked at the rising sun expressively and said, ¡°Sit still, Xiao Hou Ye.¡± He whipped the horse and it spread its legs and moved forward at maximum speed.

    Murong Jian stood rooted to the ground. He was staring at the horse that was getting further and further away. He squinted with his piercing eyes: Ouyang ShaoChen knows Murong Xue? He seems to be very close to her...

    Looking at his unfathomable expression, Murong Ji asked carefully, ¡°Dad, are we still going to the army camp?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Definitely we are going.¡± Murong Jian said loudly. Cai Jin is ina now and he also had a serious injury. They must achieve their initial goal after paying such a great price ¨C there is no way for them to quit halfway!

    Ouyang ShaoChen had great horse riding skills so Murong Xue did not really feel any jolts or bumps. She could smell the familiar scent of Mo Xiang when the wind was blowing. The scenery changed rapidly in front of her, and she narrowed her eyes and enjoyed the sight.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ce some bodyguards with you.¡± Ouyang ShaoChen said suddenly, his eyes dark.

    ¡°It¡¯s not necessary!¡± Murong Xue shook her head and continued, ¡°I can handle Murong Jian and his son.¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen took a look at her, ¡°If you really can handle it yourself, you wouldn¡¯t have fell down from the cliff. It¡¯s a coincidence that I passed by and saved you, and you¡¯ll not be so lucky next time. You¡¯d be smashed to pieces if you fell down from the cliff.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s face darkened and she red at him fiercely, ¡°I¡¯ve told you that it was an ident, can you stop mentioning on this matter?¡±

    ¡°Your enemies are not only the family of Murong Jian, there are still the house of Du Shang Shu and the house of Wu An. You sure you can handle them all by yourself?¡± Ouyang ShaoChen said in a low voice, his eyes were filled with anxiety.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrow. She was left alone now; if all her enemies were to cooperate tobat her, she will not have a high chance of winning.

    However, if she epted his bodyguards she would owe him a big favor. She did not know what to do to pay him back in return, ¡°Let me consider for a moment!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen nodded, relieved. ¡°But you better not to take too long. When your enemies attack you, they will not even give you time to think.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Murong Xue nodded. There were fencings and army tents in front of her, so she was delighted,: ¡°We have reached the army camp!¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen answered her briefly and stopped the horse. Murong Xue jumped down without any hesitation. He was a bit disappointed as she was instantaneously far away from him and the refreshing smell of Fire Lotus Seed had disappeared. He came down from the horse and handed the reins to Xun Feng. He strolled forward and held Murong Xue¡¯s hand, they walked together side by side.

    General Zhang was a thirty year old man. He had a cold expression, a moustache on his face, and a pair of piercing eyes. He was training the soldiers and was taken aback when he saw Ouyang ShaoChen. He left the soldiers and walked toward Ouyang ShaoChen, ¡°Prince!¡±

    ¡°General Zhang!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen replied gently.

    ¡°General Zhang, I¡¯m notte, right?¡± Murong Ye ran toward them hastily, with sweat on his forehead.

    General Zhang looked up to the sky, ¡°No, you¡¯re not consideredte. Have you brought everything with you?¡±

    ¡°Yes! I can be a soldier immediately!¡± Murong ye took his baggage from Ge Hui and raised it up highly with a broad smile on his face.

    General Zhang nodded, ¡°You can immediately...¡±

    ¡°General Zhang, it¡¯s been a long time since west met. How are you?¡± a happy voice came from a distance. Murong Xue raised her head toward the direction of the voice and she saw Murong Jian was walking toward them with his face wreathed in smiles. He had changed his attire, hebed his hair nicely and applied cream to the wound on his face. If he wasn¡¯t walking with a limp, no one could actually tell the he was injured.

    General Zhang was very observant, ¡°Master Murong, what happened to you?¡±

    ¡°I was careless and fell down.¡± Murong Jian said naturally. He nced at Murong Ye and said, ¡°Ye Er is a mischievous kid, General Zhang must keep an eye and take good care of him in future.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, Master Murong!¡± General Zhang was being polite to Murong Jian, but he had the intention to keep his distance from Murong Jian.

    Murong Jian scowled a little in his heart but he was still wearing a smile on his face. ¡°Ye Er is still very young, I don¡¯t really feelfortable to letting him enter the army camp alone. I propose to let Ji Er apany him, can General Zhang recruit him as well?¡±

    ¡°To be honest, every soldier team has their own codes. This year is not the recruitment year, so I cannot bring in anyone as I wish. I can keep Murong Ye because an old soldier has passed away and Murong Ye can substitute his position.¡± General Zhang exined in detail.

    ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s the situation.¡± Murong Jian nodded and smiled embarrassedly, ¡°Sorry for taking up your time, General Zhang. Ji Er, let¡¯s go back!¡±

    He stretched out his hand to hold Murong Ji but Murong Ji pushed him away. He straightened his body and walked toward General Zhang and said in a serious manner, ¡°General Zhang, the soldiers in the army camp have been trained for a several years, I believed that they can battle right now. For the new soldiers, it would be better if they have great shooting skill and martial art skill!¡±

    General Zhang looked down at him from a height and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Murong Ji lifted his chin high and said arrogantly, ¡°Since my cousin Ye and I want to be soldiers and there is only one ce left, we should have an archerypetition. The person who wins get to stay.¡±

    Murong Xue smirked. She knew it, Murong Jian and his son came to the army camp with purpose.

    The father Murong Jian had snatched Hou Wei from Murong Ye, now the son Murong Ji was about to steal his ce in the army camp. This father and son were truly bad. She wondered how General Zhang will settle this case.

    General Zhang¡¯s face had grown murky. He looked coldly at Murong Ji, ¡°Your suggestion is good, but I¡¯ve agreed to keep Murong Ye. I¡¯m a man of my words.¡±

    Murong Ji blushed in embarrassment as he was rejected in public; it was truly disgraceful. If the news spread out, he will be the joke of the town ¨C and he did not want to be made fun of by others.

    Murong Ji suddenly had an idea and looked straight at Murong Ye, ¡°Murong Ye, I challenge you. The person who wins will enter the army camp, the person who loses will leave. What do you think?¡±

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 Chapter 83 â€“ Competition

    ¡°Ji Er, behave yourself!¡± Murong Jian reprimanded him.

    Murong Ji was aggrieved, ¡°I¡¯m just thinking that the better person gets to enter the army camp, and this will increase thebat power of the team ¨C am I wrong?¡±

    Murong Xue sniggered. Murong Ji was only a fourteen year old kid. He definitely would not know how to talk in such a manner; Murong Jian was the one who taught him all these lines. The father and son could not persuade General Zhang, so now they were trying to trap Murong Ye. They were undeniably smart and cunning.

    ¡°Murong Ye, I¡¯m challenging you now, can you not act like a mute? Just answer me, do you dare topete with me?¡± Murong Ji looked straight Murong Ye proudly.

    Murong Ye stared at Murong Ji, his eyes were filled with determination, ¡°Alright, I¡¯llpete with you!¡±

    Ge Hui said hurriedly, ¡°Xiao Hou Ye...¡±

    Murong Ye raised his hand and interrupted Ge Hui, ¡°I agreed topete with you neither to seek to prevail over others ¨C nor show off myself, but to let you know I, Murong Ye, is a real man and I¡¯m not afraid of any kind of challenges. You say, how do you want topete?¡±

    Murong Ji thought to himself : There was no need to say so nicely, as I will certainly let you lose thepetition and feel shameful about yourself.

    Murong Ji sniffed and said, ¡°Archery!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Murong Ye nodded, his eyes filled with perseverance and seriousness.

    General Zhang stole a look at Ouyang ShaoChen. He was calm and had no objection to thepetition, so General Zhang granted their wishes and let thepetition go on.

    The soldiers moved to aside and the training hall was instantly emptied. Around ten targets for archery were ced in front of the hall.

    Murong Ji took his bow and arrow with him and walked in a leisurely pace. He nced at the targets and frowned a little, ¡°The targets are all stationary; it is meaningless. In the battlefield, your enemies will not just stand there and let you shoot them!¡±

    ¡°What do you want then?¡± Murong Ye, holding his bow asked softly.

    Murong Ji lifted his head up and said haughtily, ¡°Let the targets move. we¡¯llWe¡¯ll both stand at the side and aim for the bullseye. Within the time of a burning joss stick, whoever shoots the most number of bullseyeswill be the winner.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Murong Ye nodded. The challenge was proposed by Murong Ji, so no matter what request he had, Murong Ye will always agree with him.

    ¡°Shuu! Shuu! Shuu!¡± Around ten targets were starting to move in the training hall, Murong Ji was standing at the left side of the hall. He held his long bow and arrow in ce, with a loud sound of ¡°shuuu¡±, the arrow wasunched and hit the bullseye urately and hardly.

    ¡°Well done!¡± A voice came from the crowd and the soldiers burst into an uproar, ¡°He has great skill... that was not bad...¡±

    Murong Xue raised her brow: shooting the moving target was much harder than shooting the stationary target. The targets in the hall were moving utterly without a style ¨C if any slight mistake was made, he surely wouldn¡¯t get the bullseye. Murong Ji shot the bullseye at the very first attempt, Undoubtedly he had great skill as Murong Jian had put a lot of effort into him How about Murong Ye¡¯s shooting skill?

    Murong Xue looked in the direction of Murong Ye, who was standing at the right side of the hall. He was aiming at the target with a dignified gaze. The arrows went ¡°Shuu! Shuu! Shuu!¡± to the targets ¨C ALL were shot on the bullseye.

    The huge hall was quieted down!

    ¡°Great!¡± A voice came from the crowd again and a loud disturbance broke out, ¡°Xiao Hou Ye from the house of Zhen Guo Hou is known to be a prodigal son... never thought that he would have such a great shooting skill...¡±

    ¡°He is the son of Yue Hou Ye. Yue Hou Ye was well known of his shooting skill back then, probably the best in the world. Now his son was only shooting some moving targets, nothing to be surprised about...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! There will be noggard among the children of a talented man...¡±

    Murong Ji knitted his brow as he heard the discussion of the soldiers: The reason he suggested having an archerypetition was to perform himself, to disy the wonderful shooting skill he has. Now that Murong Ye has be the center of the attention, he can never lose to him!

    Murong Ji held his bow and arrow in ce andunched three arrows at a time. In a blink of an eye, two of the arrows hit the bullseye and the other one was at the edge of the bullseye.

    ¡°Shooting three at a time. That was a great skill, not bad!¡± The soldiersplemented in admiration.

    Murong Jian¡¯s face was grew gloomy. This skill was supposed to used at the end of thepetition, to make a remarkable ending and to impress the audience, to let them remember his extraordinary potential...

    The time of a burning joss stick had just started and he had showed them everything he¡¯s got, so what to do now?

    Murong Jian saw Murong Ye took out three arrows. From the corner of his eye, he aimed and shot. ¡°Shuu! Shuu! Shuu!¡± the three arrows hit the bullseye urately, without a miss. The apuse came from the soldiers, ¡°Great! That¡¯s impressive. He is indeed the son of Yue Hou Ye...¡±

    Murong Jian narrowed his piercing eyes, his face darkened. The skill of Murong Ye was splendidly good. Was it the gene of Murong Yue, or the guidance from Ge Hui?

    Ji Er had one arrow shot at the edge of the bullseye. He was the biggest jokepared to Murong Ye. Evil!

    Murong Jian red at Murong Ji furiously! He was looking pale, and his hand that held the bow was trembling. He gave a ck look at Murong Ye, his gaze filled with hatred and anger: My shooting skill was taught by my father. In Jing Zhou, no one is above him. In the capital of Qing Yan, he is one of the best, too. How could Murong Ye win? How could it be?

    Murong Ji narrowed his eyes and rearmed his bow. The ck arrows were shot toward Murong Ye ¡°Shuu! Shuu! Shuu!¡± Murong Ye totally did not see thating., He wanted to escape from it but he was toote.

    ¡°Dang, Dang, Dang!¡± Three needles hit the arrows and they dropped to the floor.

    The hall was in dead silence. The crowd looked in the direction where the needles hade from. In a blink of an eye, Murong Xue was standing at the center of the training hall. She looked at the ck arrows on the ground and said coldly, ¡°Murong Ji, are you shooting the target ¨C or trying to kill?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so mean, it¡¯s just a slip of my hand.¡± Murong Ji lifted his chin high and said without any regard. He was cursing Murong Xue in his heart... such a busybody! If it was not her, the arrow would definitely have killed Murong Ye!

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Murong Xue lifted the corner of her mouth. All of sudden she grabbed the bow and arrow from Murong Ye and all the crowd could hear was the sound ¡°Shuu! Shuu! Shuu!¡± The arrows hit on top of his head and both his shoulders ¨C he was attached to the fencing.

    ¡°Ahhhh!¡± Murong Ji screeched in a frantic loud voice!

    ¡°Ji Er!¡± Murong Jian was frightened as he went to Murong Ji swiftly. His shoulder was bleeding. Murong Jian was indignant at the sight. His gaze was like a sharp arrow that was shooting right toward Murong Xue.

 Chapter 84 â€“ Murong Jian losing it all

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being careless, it¡¯s just a slip of my hand!¡± Murong Xue smiled lightly, she was looking innocent.

    Murong Jian red at her with gloomyplexion, she was obviously showing off and challenging him, ¡°Ji Er did not injure Murong Ye, why do you have to be so brutal?¡±

    ¡°If it was not my needles that hit the three arrows, my brother would have died and not standing right here with me!¡± Murong Xue looked at Murong Jian with cold expression, ¡°Anyhow, it is just because you are not capable enough. Why didn¡¯t you hit my arrows and save your son?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Murong Jian pointed his finger at Murong Xue, but he was too enraged to speak.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me? I¡¯m not going to the battlefield, so it¡¯s fine for me to be careless when shooting, but for Murong Ji, he was determined to join the army team, if he had a slip of his hand, he would have shot his own allies and that¡¯s a great fault...¡± Murong Xue was absolutely being sarcastic.

    The soldiers had goose bumps when they shed back the scene which Murong Ji shot the three arrows mercilessly. They looked at Murong Ji thoughtfully : They do not need people who will shoot their own allies, the reason for them to join the army force is to defend their mothend andbat with the enemies. It would be rather baffling to be killed by your own team mate!

    Murong Jian red at Murong Xue vehemently, he was on fire : After being insulted by Murong Xue in such a way, the best skill of Ji Er is the biggest joke now. The shooting skill of Ji Er will also be despised by the others. He will be boycotted and bullied by the others even though he managed to get into the army force. Murong Xue was truly evil-hearted...

    General Zhang walked toward them and said, ¡°Master Murong, your son was injured badly, let the military surgeon treat him first!¡± Murong Ji was injured in the army camp.

    Murong Jian recovered from his anger, he almost forgot that Murong Ji was wounded. ¡°Thank you, General Zhang!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention, Master Murong!¡± General Zhang was being polite to Murong Jian, he wanted to keep a distance with Murong Jian.

    A man in his mid-forty was wearing grey martial attire and holding a first aid box. He walked toward Murong Ji and checked his wound, ¡°The arrow on top of the head went across his hair, not a big problem, and the other two arrows on the shoulder did not hurt his bone. Murong Ji is still very young, he will recover soon after a good rest...¡±

    The military surgeon said confidently and held the arrows in ce. He pulled it out in a swift move and the blood was sshing out.

    ¡°Ahh!¡± Murong Ji shouted and fainted instantly, he was looking pale and weak.

    Murong Jian was stunned to see Murong Ji in such a condition, he held Murong Ji who was bleeding profusely in his arm, ¡°Ji Er...Ji Er...¡±

    ¡°Master Murong, you don¡¯t have to be worried or anxious, your son was only temporarily fainted, after the treatment and medicine given, he will regain consciousness!¡± The military surgeon tore open Murong Ji¡¯s shirt and cleaned up his wound carefully. He applied medicine and bandaged Murong Ji.

    Murong Ji was looking better after the treatment, Murong Jian was finally relieved, ¡°Thank you for your great effort, doctor!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Master Murong!¡± The military doctor was being friendly to Murong Jian.

    ¡°Ah Shi, bring Murong Xiao Hou Ye to the army camp and put his things!¡± General Zhang instructed.

    Murong Xue raised her brow, because that meant Murong Ye was approved by General Zhang to be a soldier now.

    Murong Ji was injured, he would not be able to do archery with short period of time, not to mention to have training in the hall. Now he did not have any way to snatch the quota away from Murong Ye, no matter how infuriated he was, he could only look at Murong Ye enter the army force.

    She looked at Murong Jian from sideway, he was incensed!

    ¡°Thank you, General Zhang!¡± Murong Ye expressed his gratitude as he smiled happily. He looked at Murong Xue seriously, ¡°Sister, I wouldn¡¯t be able to go home in near future, you must take good care of yourself!¡±

    He understood now, only his sister was sincere and kind to him in the house of Zhen Guo, his great grandmother, aunty, uncle and cousin, they all wanted him to die. They did not want him there to block their ways.

    Now, he was in the army force, they could not scheme against him anymore, so most probably they would release their anger on his sister and makes her suffer.

    Murong Xue smiled gently, ¡°No worries, I will take good care of myself. You must do well in the training and work hard, our family will be proud to have you!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Murong Ye nodded, he promised and pledged, ¡°I will never let you down.¡±

    Murong Ye followed Ah Shi to the army camp, Ge Hui went after them to help. Murong Xue was feeling bored, ¡°Prince, it¡¯ste. Let¡¯s go back to the capital.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen nodded and walked in a rx manner : He was here to apany her, now that she wanted to go back, he certainly will agree.

    Murong Jian suddenly remembered that female was prohibited from entering the army camp as he looked at the back of Ouyang ShaoChen and Murong Xue walking together. Murong Xue was not stopped from entering the army camp, was it because of Ouyang ShaoChen?

    The well-known Prince Xiao Yao Wang, he was definitely somebody!

    Murong Jian narrowed his eyes, his gaze was dark and gloomy.

    After walking out from the army camp, Murong Xue strolled toward her horse and untied it, ¡°Uncle Hui was busy right now, Prince you can take his horse, and I¡¯ll send him another one when I reach hometer...¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen listened to her ¡°appropriate¡± arrangement, he did not say a word but frowned a little. He snapped his finger gently, an internal force was released and hit the horse.

    Murong Xue brought her horse out from the fence and was about to ride it. The horse went out of control abruptly and sprinted away from Murong Xue. It did not turn back and left Murong Xue standing behind.

    Everything happened in just a blink of an eye, there was not enough time for her to react and the horse had already gone out of her sight.

    Murong Xue rubbed his hand that was in pain, she was angry and confused : What was going on? Why was the horse behaved like that? It was normal before this.

    Looking at her depressed face, Ouyang ShaoChen could not help to snigger, he was in extremely good mood. He walked toward Murong Xue, ¡°Wu Hen was taking the carriage here, and we¡¯ll just take the carriage.¡±

    Murong Xue looked in the direction of his gaze, an exquisite carriage was parked not far away from them. There was a logo ¡°The House of Xiao Yao Wang¡± hung on the carriage, his bodyguard Wu Hen was standing right beside the carriage with great respect.

    She could smell the familiar scent of Mo Zhu again, it was Ouyang ShaoChen walked past her and heading toward the carriage.

    Murong Xue sighed, her horse had ran away without any reason, and she was not sure whether Uncle Hui¡¯s horse was safe. She had no choice but to take the carriage with Ouyang ShaoChen, at least that¡¯s the safest choice!

 Chapter 85 â€“ Drunk

    Murong Xue walked towards the carriage moodily, just as she was putting down the curtains in her carriage. She saw a stroller being pushed from the army camp, on top of the stroller was stack of hays with unconscious Murong Ji and depressed Murong Jian on it.

    Murong Ji fainted after he was injured, he had to be carried back by carriage. However, there were no carriage that could amodate people and not a single person were seen around the camp, therefore, they had no choice but to rode on this stroller back to the city.

    The striking sun was shining furiously on them, Murong Jian¡¯s injury was serious, he could get heat stroke on his way back.

    Murong Xue felt a gush of satisfaction inside when she saw them.

    An aromatic scent travelled to her nose, she was awakened by it. She turned around and saw Ou Yang sat by the small table, drinking by himself. The bright sun shone through the window upon him, it smudged out ayer of light on his shadow, hazy, it was an unspeakable beauty.

    He poured out another ss of wine using his fair hands, the smell of the wine was fragrant, leaving people wanting more.

    Murong Xue felt dryness in her throat, ¡°Ou Yang, is there any tea?¡± She had not drink a single drop of water since dawn, she was thirsty!

    Ou Yang mumbled, ¡°I was in a hurry this morning, there¡¯s no clear water in this carriage, do you want some wine instead?¡±

    ¡°No, thanks.¡± Murong Xue shook her head as her eyes nced towards the bottle of wine. She was thirsty, wine could not fulfil her, it would be useless for her to drink it.

    The luxurious carriage fled on the rocky road, Murong Xue was bored throughout the journey, she was trying to find something to do when she felt a sift bag beside her.

    She looked down and saw a familiar white bag, it was... Ou Yang¡¯s water sack!

    Murong Xue took it out and pinched it slightly, there was still half left, it was enough to boil tea, but she could quench her thirst by drinking this.

    Murong Xue opened up the sack happily, as the sweet taste touched her lips, she gulped down more and more...

    ¡°I thought you did not want the wine? Why are you drinking it like a maniac?¡± Ou Yang retorted, Murong Xue stopped drinking immediately, ¡°this is... wine?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Ou Yang nodded.

    Murong Xue was horrified, ¡°why did you put wine in your water sack?¡± She thought it was pure water, she had gulped down almost everything.

    ¡°Who says that I can¡¯t put wine in the water sack?¡± Ou Yang stared at her and continued, ¡°moreover, wine and water taste dissimr, a smart person could differentiate it.¡±

    Murong Xue was speechless, ¡°...¡±

    She did not smell and taste any scent of wine, was Ou Yang implying that she was stupid?

    Suddenly her head was spinning and her vision went blurry, she could no longer control her body movement, she tried to walk upright, instead her body was swaying from side to side.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Ou Yang eximed as he rushed to hold down her waist, he grabbed the water sack and pinched it, it was almost empty. She drank more than what she could handle, no wonder she was drunk this fast.

    Murong Xue¡¯s blushing cheeks stared back at him, he massaged gently on her temples, ¡°are you alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± his musky scent increased her dizziness, she could notprehend her thought, ¡°but my head is spinning!¡±

    She was drunk, of course she felt giddy!

    Ou Yang flicked her soft cheeks tenderly, he wanted to get the truth from her, ¡°Xue Er, who do you hate the most in this world?¡± There was a saying of drinking the truth, he wanted to know the answers from her when she was drunk.

    Murong Xue red in hatred, ¡°I hate a lot of people, Ye Yichen, Qin Yuyuan, Madam Du, Murong Jian, Murong Rou...¡±

    Ou Yang smiled with joy as he listened to her naming the list of people she hated.

    ¡°What about the person you like the most? Who is it?¡± Ou Yang¡¯s heart was beating inside as he was eager to hear the answer.

    Murong Xue thought deeply, and shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anyone that I like...¡±

    There was nobody that she liked! So she did not like him!

    Ou Yang could not believe his ears, he carried Murong Xue closer to him and stared deeply into her eyes, ¡°do you know who am I?¡±

    ¡°Of course I know you, you are Master Ou Yang from Xiao Yao!¡± Murong Xue traced along his chest with her fingertips, then she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer and said,

    ¡°Ou Yang, do you know? Your eyebrows, your eyes, your face, you are the most fine-looking man I¡¯ve ever seen in my life...¡±

    Sincerepliments made his heart leaped with joy, but he was confused, ¡°since I¡¯m so good-looking to you, why don¡¯t you like me?¡±

    ¡°I like you, you have helped me so much, how would I not...¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, not understanding what he meant.

    Ou Yang sighed, he looked at her and said, ¡°I meant the like between man and woman, not between friends, do you understand?¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s stomach stirred up as she heard this, she was oblivious, confused, skeptical, puzzled!

    He knew it, she did not understand him! He did not expect this dumbdy to understand him anyways.

    Ou Yang hugged her waist tighter than before, her waist was so slim and soft. Ou Yang could not resist himself any longer, he slowly bent down and pressed his lips against hers.

    As his soft and wet lips touched hers, Murong Xue¡¯s eyes went wide in shock. She stared at the beautiful man in front of her, his eyes were so hypnotic and heart-capturing.

    Ou Yang¡¯s pupils dted with this, and he hold Murong Xue even tighter.

    At that moment, Murong Xue felt overwhelmed by the kiss, her mind went nk and her heart raced faster.

 Chapter 86 â€“ Whatâ€™s Done Is Done

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    Ou Yang¡¯s scent made Murong Xue felt suffocated, she shuddered at this and pushed him away anxiously.

    Ou Yang hold her wrist calmly, but she could not move with his firm grips around her wrist, so she kicked him instead.

    Ou Yang avoided her attack, he turned her around on a cotton rug, he gazed at her hazy eyes and panting face, he hugged her into his chest and starting exploring her mouth. The kiss was gentle and passionate, she was fascinated by it and finally she let herself loose.

    Murong Xue was held down tight and could not move a single muscle, the passionate kiss was like a storm, flooding her lungs and eating up her soul. She was woozy and almost suffocated, her cheeks were flushed in red.

    As Ou Yang kissed intensely, he slowly made his way down to her neck, he sucked on her soft skin and red patches of love bites gradually tinted on her neckline.

    Abruptly, drops of tears fell on his cheeks, Ou Yang stopped his act and saw Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were filled with tears, he was taken back by this, ¡°what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Murong Xue pushed him aside and started punching him with her strength, ¡°I lost my parents since small, Ye Yichen bullied me, Madam Du and her daughter bullied me, now, even you bullied me... Sob sob sob...¡±

    Ou Yang did not fight back, his chest felt a pang in grief, he held Murong Xue¡¯s waist and exined, ¡°I¡¯m sorry! It was unintentional!¡±

    He just wanted to show her how he felt towards her, but she would never understand in this situation...

    ¡°I want to go home... I want to go home...¡± Murong Xue cried out as she continued hitting him on his chest. Her loose blouse unfastened inadvertently, showing off her fair belly and skin.

    Ou Yang adverted his eyes and pulled back her blouse.

    ¡°Alright, I will take you home, please don¡¯t cry!¡± Ou Yang cooed her and wiped off her tears with a handkerchief. She was still a crying baby like how she was, she did not change at all.

    The carriage halted progressively, Wu Heng reported in polite, ¡°sir, we have arrived!¡±

    Ou Yang helped Murong Xue down from the carriage and walked her to the main door of his house.

    Murong Xue followed his lead as they went along, she stopped as she saw the big signage on the door, ¡°this is not my home, we came to the wrong ce!¡±

    Ou Yang looked at the signage and continued on, ¡°it¡¯s also four letters, not much difference from your house.¡±

    Wu Heng grinned at the side, Zhen Manor and Xiao Spirit(s) Manor were indeed four letters, but they had apletely different meaning, and they represented two different households!

    ¡°This is really not my house.¡± Murong Xue stated firmly, she held on the door knob tightly, not wanting to let go. Her household¡¯s surname was ¡®Hou¡¯, but this was ¡®Wang¡¯.

    ¡°We¡¯ll arrive there soon!¡± Ou Yang lied as he tried to flick off her fingers from the door knob.

    She thought to herself, her parents were dead, the only brother had already gone into the army camp, there was nothing left for her to stay at Zhen Manor. Furthermore, with her current state, it was better to stay here and rest!

    Murong Xue¡¯s head was still whirling, her body was weak and frail, Ou Yang finally freed her grasp on the knob and led her inside the house. She murmured faintly as she trotted, ¡°this isn¡¯t my home, I don¡¯t want to go in...¡±

    A man in tan clothing walked towards them, he used Ou Yang when he heard her, ¡°Ou Yang, what are you trying to do? Taking advantage of a poordy?¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were getting heavier as she walked, she surrendered to her weak body and leaned against Ou Yang¡¯s chest.

    Ou Yang stopped and carried Murong Xue in his arms as soon as he heard her steady breathing, he stared at the man and said, ¡°do I still need to take advantage of girls?¡±

    The man in tan clothing coughed to cover up his embarrassment, indeed, Ou Yang was tall and handsome, tons of women were lining up to be with him, there was no need for him to initiate the move. However, the girl in his chest did not look like she was interested in him.

    ¡°Who is thisdy?¡± The man asked anxiously as he nce over at Murong Xue, but her face was buriedpletely in his chest.

    ¡°She¡¯s from Murong¡¯s¡± Ou Yang replied, continuing walking speedily with Murong Xue in his arms.

    ¡°Murong¡¯s? Which Murong¡¯s?¡± The man was puzzled.

    ¡°How many Murong family do we have in this city?¡± Ou Yang snapped.

    The man was astounded, ¡°she is... Murong Xue from Zhen Manor.¡±

    Ou Yang acknowledged him by nodding slightly and walked away.

    The man recalled his memory of her arrogant face in the colosseum, he proceeded with great interest, ¡°are you... serious about her?¡±

    Ou Yang looked at the man and eximed, ¡°do I look like some phony swindler?¡±

    The man dryughed a little, ¡°she is the fianc¨¦ of Ye Yichen, now she got into this intense fight with him, you might getbelled as ¡®pervert¡¯ if you got too close to her...¡±

    ¡°Pang!¡± the main door was mmed loudly in front of him.

    The man did not expect such response, his nose was bleeding due to the mming on his face, two streams of blood ran down his nostrils. He quickly took out a handkerchief from his pants and stared angrily at the door, he was merely advising him, why would Ou Yang got so mad at him?

    ¡°Ou Yang, I have something important to tell you,e out now!¡± The man banged on the door with his fist. He was too concentrated in making fun with Ou Yang and had totally forgotten about the important matter.

    ¡°Tell me tomorrow, I want to rest now.¡± Ou Yang said coldly.

    The man joked, ¡°Murong Xue is the one who got drunk, not you, what rest do you need...¡±

    An idea shed through his mind all of the sudden, he suddenly realized, ¡°Ou Yang, are you thinking of... taking advantage of her?¡±

 Chapter 87 â€“ Weeping

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    ¡°Leave!¡± a white ceramic cup flew across the room onto the man.

    The man was ready for this, he seized the cup but was pushed a few steps behind due to the strength, his feet were numb from the force.

    He scoffed at the thought of him busting his n and now Ou Yang was raging.

    ¡°Ou Yang, since you have your lover in there, I won¡¯t disturb you then, see you tomorrow!¡± The man teased further and walked away. He had to spend time alone since his friend engrossed more on his love life rather than friend.

    As soon as he heard the light footsteps walking further, Ou Yang¡¯s face loosened and he looked down at Murong Xue. She was sleeping soundly on the bed, her face was blushing slightly, her long eyshes were closed tightly, creating a soft shadow on her cheeks, she looked so peaceful and still.

    Ou Yang moved his fingers slowly to her blouse, he tugged on the ribbon gently and it fell of instantly, her faint blushed belly and skin was driving him crazy, he felt the satisfaction as he looked at the love bites on her neckline.

    Ou Yang pulled up ayer of nket to cover her body and lied beside her, pulling her closer as he did.

    The soft touch of her body felt tremendouslyfortable, Ou Yang held her tightly and hid his head in her neck, sleeping at the scent of her aroma.

    He wanted to make Murong Xue his forever, but she was too young for that, and she did not like him yet, he could not bear to hurt her!

    The huge bedroom came to a silence, it was heartfelt as the sunlight shone upon them through the checkered windows!

    Compare to the disordered situation at the courtyard of Zhen Manor, Xiao Yao Manor was much more serene.

    Song Qingyan sat by Madam Du¡¯s bed, crying out, ¡°grandma, you have to take your side on me this time!¡±

    Madam Du could not even got down from her bed, she was frustrated enough, ¡°what happened?¡±

    ¡°Mother went into the prison because she cheated the money from our nephew, now my uncle, aunty and cousins hate me very much, even the maids and stewards were teasing me when they saw me, I am the eldest daughter in the house but I no longer have power in the family...¡±

    Song Qingyan howled pleadingly, Madam Du squinted her eyebrows when she heard this, ¡°are you ming your mother for putting you through this by breaking thew of Qing Yan?¡±

    ¡°No, no...¡± Song Qingyan shook her head in fear, ¡°I just want to invite you over to Wu An Manor to exin for me, so that they will not bully me...¡±

    Madam Duforted her and said, ¡°I am thedy of Zhen Manor, how can I go over and threaten them in Wu An Manor? You go find your father and your grandmother, ask them to stand on your side, then nobody will ever criticize you again...¡±

    ¡°Sob sob... Father is always busy, he hasn¡¯te back home for days... Grandmother would re at me and scold me when she sees me... She will never protect me... I have no choice but to find you now...¡± Song Qingyan covered her face in her silk hanky, her body trembled as she wept.

    Madam Du¡¯s face sunk immediately, ¡°Rou Er cheated Murong Ye¡¯s money for everyone in Wu An Manor, now that she was busted and was captured in jail, they did not only refuse to help her, they even bullied you, they are too much!¡±

    ¡°I know, mother took the stuff for everyone in Wu An Manor, they received everything she gave to them, now when she was revealed, they treated her as if she was dirt!¡± Song Qingyan would never let them go easily for what they had done.

    Madam Du looked at her and said, ¡°you should stay here for the next few days, wait till your uncle is back, I will ask him to go over to Wu An Manor with you...¡±

    ¡°Thank you, grandma!¡± Song Qingyan sighed in relief, she dared not to go back to Wu An Manor alone, her grandmother¡¯s decision was perfect for her current situation...

    ¡°Madam, bad news, bad news, the masters were injured...¡± a steward panted anxiously as she ran forward to report.

    Madam Du eximed, ¡°what happened?¡± Why there were two people getting injured all the sudden?

    ¡°ording to second master, it was Murong Xue!¡± the steward shouted loudly, she could not care less by now since everyone in this house were under Madam Du.

    Madam Du clenched her fist in fury, Murong Xue had always been the one who bring misfortune to her family, ¡°was it serious?¡±

    The steward replied, ¡°the old master was wounded all over, his limbs were hurt as well. Second master was unconscious as his elbows were shot by arrow...¡±

    Madam Du was astonished, ¡°that was serious! Bring the doctor, faster...¡±

    ¡°The seconddy has already done that...¡± the steward replied politely.

    Madam Du shouted in rage, ¡°they are both injured, one doctor is not enough, get another one...¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes!¡± the steward nodded quickly and ran out.

    ¡°You guys, carry me now, I want to see Jian Er and Ji Er!¡± Madam Dumanded. Her beloved son and grandchild were severely injured, she had to go see them right away.

    ¡°Yes!¡± the maids and stewards started to gather around her to assist her in her clothes and hair, it was a chaos!

    Song Qingyan stood in the corner and looked at the furious olddy, she raised her eyebrows and walked out of the room. Murong Xue was the one who caused her to be humiliated by her own family members, she wanted to get revenge for herself and mother, therefore she came here today asking for her uncle to torture Murong Xue without mercy.

    She never thought that Uncle Jian and Cousin Ji were already wounded by Murong Xue andying unconscious before she could see them!

    Apparently, Murong Xue was very powerful, it would not be easy to get rid of her...

    ¡°I can help you to get rid of Murong Xue!¡± a feminine voice came from behind, Song Qingyan jumped at the voice, ¡°who is it?¡±

 Chapter 88 â€“ Crafty Plots

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    ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± A purple silhouette with an arrogant voice appeared three meters away. She had a perfect bodyline and sharp figure, she was the princess of Mobei, Qin Yuyuan.

    Song Qing Yan widened her eyes in surprise. Qin Yuyuan was the noble princess of Mobei and the sweetheart of the knight of Qing Yan, Prince Ye Yichen. Before this, she was totally not rted to her, ¡°Princess Qin, why are you helping me?¡±

    ¡°Because I cannot bear the sight of Murong Xue!¡± Qin Yuyuan said coldly.Yichen gave her the best medicine. Her external and internal injuries recovered at the fastest speed, but she could never forget how Murong Xue had whacked and insulted her. She will only feel relief after tearing Murong Xue into pieces.

    Looking at her furious gaze, Song Qing Yan suddenly remembered the incident in which Murong Xue and Qin Yuyuan were having a debate during dinner. Qin Yuyuan was the sweetheart of Ye Yichen, his fianc¨¦e was definitely an eyesore to her, and so she was helping Song Qing Yan teach Murong Xue a valuable lesson.

    ¡°Princess Qin, what are you nning to do?¡± She hated Murong Xue very much. She would be overwhelmed with joy if Murong Xue was punished.

    ¡°I¡¯ming up with a brilliant idea to torture Murong Xue and vent your anger, Ms. Song...¡± Qin Yuyuan said gently with a cold gaze.

    ¡°Please do so, Princess Qin!¡± Song Qing Yan was smiling happily. She had no wayto fight against Murong Xue,and she was disliked by most of her family, and so she could not take revenge on Murong Xue by herself. Qin Yuyuan was the sweetheart of the knight, Prince Ye Yichen. They had so much manpower that if she wanted to punish Murong Xue, it would be a piece of cake.

    Song Qing Yan epted her help so easily that it was obvious that she loathed Murong Xue very much. Murong Xue must havemitted all sorts of wicked actions.

    Harshness shed in Qin Yuyuan¡¯s eyes, ¡°Morong Xue is very smart so we cannot rush. We have toe up with an explicit n to scheme against her. I¡¯ll think of the most brutal way to torture her. I¡¯ll make her unable to either live or die, simply to appease your anger, Ms. Song.¡±

    ¡°Thanks a lot, Princess Qin.¡± Song Qing Yan looked at her with great gratitude.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it!¡± Qin Yuyuan looked at Song Qing Yan briefly and said, ¡°I have encountered some difficultiestely, and I want you to do me a favor. Are you willing to do so?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that? Just speak what¡¯s on your mind, Princess Qin.¡± Song Qing Yan looked at her sincerely. She was willing to do anything that would harm Murong Xue and make her suffer.

    Murong Xue opened her eyes in a daze, the warm sunlight caressed her face. She narrowed her eyes as the scent of flowers surrounded her. She could not tell why, but she was really refreshed and feeling great.

    She lifted her arms out of the nket and wanted to stretch her body. Her skin felt a chill and she shivered a little. She was frightened at that moment as she realized her arms were naked and she was only wearing her tube and pants.

    She could see the sky green colored curtain, the red sandalwood furniture and the exquisite antique vase. She was taken aback and immediately sat up straight: This is not her room!

    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± Murong Xue was stunned to hear a man¡¯s voice. Looking in the direction the voice came from, she saw Ouyang ShaoChening out from the screen. He was wearing a snow white shirt with a delicate floral pattern on its sleeves. The shirt resonated with his noble status while the steam from his back indicated that he just had his bath.

    Murong Xue examined her surrounding and noticed that she was in the house of Xiao Yao Wang. This was Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s room. She has been here before, but... ¡°Why am I here?¡±

    The silk nket slipped down and Murong Xue¡¯s pale and moist skin was exposed instantly. Her delicate corbone was a breathtaking sight to be seen. Ouyang ShaoChen looked away from her in a gentlemanly manner and said, ¡°You were drunk when we were on our way back to the capital from the army camp, don¡¯t you remember?¡±

    Murong Xue blinked her eyes as she recalled that she drank the half bottle of ¡°water¡±. Her face darkened immediately. People would fill the water bottle with water, but Ouyang ShaoChen filling it with liquor? Tat was seriously weird. ¡°What¡¯s the time now?¡±

    ¡°Chen Shi (7 to 9 in the morning)!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen said gently.

    Murong Xue raised her brow. When she was drunk, it was Wu Shi (11 to 1 in the afternoon), and it was Chen Shi now. She had been drunk for more than twenty hours... the aftereffect of Ling Long Zui was indeed very great.

    Murong Xue turned around and prepared to dress. She saw her reflection clearly in the bronze mirror not far away from her. Her lips were vivid red in color and her pale neck had some red spots on it. She frowned a little as she stroked the red spots, ¡°Prince Ouyang, there are mosquitoes in your room!¡±

    ¡°Mosquitoes?¡± Ouyang ShaoChen scowled. His room was filled with extraordinary spices that repelled mosquitoes. It was impossible for mosquitoes to exist in his room, ¡°I think you¡¯re mistaken.¡±

    ¡°How is that possible?!¡± Murong Xue shook her head and pointed at the red spots on her neck, ¡°Look at it yourself, I¡¯ve been bitten in a few ces.¡±

    ¡°...¡±Ouyang ShaoChen did not say a word.

    One night had passed and the red spots on her neck had subsided a lot, only leaving a faint red color. It looked like mosquitoes bites.

    The bad thing he did was not revealed, but he was not feeling good. He even felt a bit fretful and his face had grown murky. He looked straight at Murong Xue, ¡°The things that happened after you got drunk, you actually can¡¯t remember any of it?¡±

    Many things happened after she got drunk?

    Murong Xue blinked and tried to recall with great effort, but when she recalled some of the memories, the picture would disappear instantaneously.

    Staring at her lost expression, Ouyang ShaoChen knew she could not remember anything and it depressed him. He frowned as he said, ¡°Forget about it. I¡¯ll ask the servant to prepare breakfast...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m not hungry now. I¡¯ll go back to the house of Zhen Guo Hou to have breakfast!¡± Murong Xue said impatiently. She grabbed her dress and walked behind the screen. It¡¯s just that she could not remember the things happened when she was drunk, so why was he showing his temper? That¡¯s rather baffling! She did not want to stay there any longer.

    ¡°I¡¯m going now!¡± She walked from behind the screen after she dressed. She stomped out of the room without turning around.

    Ouyang ShaoChen was down, but he followed behind her. ¡°I¡¯ll send you!¡± The aftereffect of Ling Long Zui was incredibly great. Although she was conscious, her body was retained much Ling Long Zui; he would be anxious to let her go back alone.

    Murong Xue was mute and did not pay much attention on Ouyang ShaoChen who was walking behind her. She followed the path of the green stone road and strolled from the house of Xiao Yao Wang straight back to the house of Zhen Guo Hou.

    The door of house of Zhen Guo Hou was wide opened, with two guards standing at each side. They saluted hurriedly when they saw Murong Xue and Ouyang ShaoChen, ¡°Prince Ouyang, Ms. Murong!¡±

    Murong Xue answered them briefly and stepped quickly into her house. After some distance, she slowed her pace. Ouyang ShaoChen did not consume anything and chose to send her back early in the morning. It would be extremely unreasonable if she did not invite him in.

    She turned toward the direction of the door and said with little feeling: ¡°Prince Ouyang,e in and have a cup of tea!¡±

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 Chapter 89 â€“ Deadly Trap

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    This week Chapter¡¯s 3/5

    Editor : Ocelot

    Ouyang ShaoChen was about to leave, but he halted as soon as he heard her words. He smiled softly, ¡°Great!¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen sauntered into the house of Zhen Guo Hou together with Murong Xue. The faint sunlight enveloped them both. It was such a picturesque scene.

    The servants who were tidying could not help but steal a look at them; they were so well suited to each other. Without anyone noticing,, a servant girl sneaked into Yu Tang Hall and reported the incident to Du Shi!

    Du Shi narrowed her shrewd eyes after listening to her words, ¡°Ouyang ShaoChen responded to her invitation and entered our house? Are you sure about it?¡±

    ¡°Madam, I¡¯m hundred percent sure about it!¡± The servant girl nodded profusely. There is only one man in the world who is this elegant and noble, and he is Ouyang ShaoChen. She can definitely recognize him.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on then?¡± Du Shi knitted her brow tightly. People said that Prince Xiao Yao Wang was a solitary individual. He was even discourteous to the ministers in the imperial court, so how could he respond to the invitation of Murong Xue?

    ¡°What could it be? The hero bes a prisoner of love.¡± Murong Jian who was sitting beside her spoke suddenly: ¡°can see clearly the tender, loving and care he has for her. I am certain that Ouyang ShaoChen is in love with Murong Xue.¡±

    Du Shi shook her head in disagreement, ¡°Ouyang ShaoChen has been to various countries in the world and seen numerous prettydies. How is it possible for him to fall for a fourteen year-old young girl like Murong Xue?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t make a conclusion like that. Murong Xue¡¯s features are very like with her mother¡¯s. She is undeniably a great beauty in the world. Even though Ouyang ShaoChen has been to so many ces, it¡¯s unlikely that he has encountereddies who are prettier than Murong Xue.¡± said Murong Jian.

    Du Shi¡¯s face had grown gloomy instantly. She could not believe but she also could not deny the fact that Murong Xue was honestly good-looking. She was born with nice facial features which would make young men go crazy for her. Sometimes even Du Shi would lose focus when she looked at Murong Xue. If she was not sick and had to stay in Luo Xue Ge all the time, then she would be famous as the exceedingly beautifuldy and would be the talk of the town.

    ¡°Ouyang ShaoChen is here to back up Murong Xue. We can¡¯t battle with her anymore, or it will lead to our own destruction.¡± This evil girl was so innately smart that she found herself such a great support.

    ¡°It¡¯s indefinite!¡± Murong Jian smiled in an unfathomable manner, ¡°Men will always disdain the old one when they get someone new. Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s attraction to Murong Xue is probably due to the feeling of freshness. If we could find someone to fascinate Ouyang ShaoChen, we could still tackle Murong Xue.¡±

    Du Shi was enlightened, ¡°You mean...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Murong Jian nodded, grinning as he looked toward Song Qing Yan, scrutinizing her thoroughly.

    Song Qing Yan felt uneasy and tightened her clothes imperceptibly, ¡°Uncle, why are you looking at me in such a way?¡±

    ¡°Qing Yan has grown up now.¡± Murong Jian smiled. He had an ulterior motive going on in his mind.

    ¡°Well, she is around the age to get married !¡± Du Shi continued, her face suffused with smile.

    Song Qing Yan blushed instantly and spoke in a girlish voice, ¡°Great grandmother, you¡¯re making fun of me again...¡±

    ¡°Great grandmother was only telling the truth!¡± Du Shi nced at her flushed face as she asked, ¡° Qing Yan, do you like Prince Ouyang?¡±

    Song Qing Yan was stunned at the thought. The morous face of Ouyang ShaoChen appeared in her mind and she blushed again, but she said in a bitter and astringent manner, ¡°Ouyang ShaoChen is a wonderful man, he is the dream man for every girl ¨C but he would not give me a thought...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve not tried before, how do you know he is not interested in you?¡± Murong Jian interrupted her in a low voice.

    Song Qing Yan was lost for a moment, ¡°Uncle, what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°The chemistry between male and female will only be created through daily interaction andmunication. You have not even spoken to Ouyang ShaoChen, so how could he get to know you and fall in love with you?¡± Murong Jian took a look at her, ¡°If you want someone to fall for you, you must talk to him more, create more topics to discuss, let him remember you...¡±

    Song Qing Yan understood clearly now: how did she know Prince Ouyang is not interested in her when she had hardly spoken to him?

    ¡°Thanks for your advice, uncle. I have something going on, so I¡¯ll have to leave now.¡± Song Qing Yan dashed out, her eyes filled with intense excitement and happiness. Prince Ouyang is right here in the house of Zhen Guo Hou. She can approach him straight away right now and snatch him from Murong Xue, giving her a big blow!

    Looking at Song Qing Yan¡¯s back, Du Shi was anxious, ¡°Do you think Ouyang ShaoChen will fall for Qing Yan?¡±

    It was not that she looked down on her grandchild, but in fact Qing Yan was indeed an ordinary girl. People hardly ever noticed her...

    ¡°Just rest assured, Qing Yan will not disappoint us!¡± Murong Jian smiled. He was too profound to be understood.

    Ouyang ShaoChen had travelled for ten years with so much exposure, but he was not interested in any girl until he met Murong Xue. It was obvious that he liked Murong Xue!

    Although Song Qing Yan was not as beautiful as Murong Xue, she was almost same age as Murong Xue. Moreover, she was Murong Xue¡¯s cousin; she must have somemon resemnces to Murong Xue. As long as she tried hard enough she could definitely attract Ouyang ShaoChen, make him enter their camp, and be their strong support.

    By that time, Murong Xue would be alone and they could do anything they wanted to her. They could get the position of Zhen Guo Hou easily as well.

    Murong Xue did not know their wicked n as she ambled into Luo Xue Ge.

    ¡°Wang! Wang!¡± a white silhouette pounced. Murong Xue wanted to catch it, but it went across Murong Xue and threw itself towards Ouyang ShaoChen. It revolved around him, it was cheered up.

    ¡°You¡¯re...very close with it?¡± Murong Xue raised her brow as she looked at Ouyang ShaoChen. It was the third time he visited her room. The previous times Bei Bei was not there, so how could it be this happy when it sees him now?

    Ouyang ShaoChen looked at her confused face and smiled involuntarily. He squatted down and stroked its head, ¡°I think we can be considered quite close. When I got it back to my house, it was just a newborn baby that had fainted at the mountain road. I took care of it for three months until one day it ran out and did note back again...¡±

    Murong Xue blinked her eyes. She knew the incident that happened after that. Bei Bei was caught and sold to the coliseum, and coincidently she bought it...

    ¡°Since Bei Bei belongs to your, you can just bring it back with you.¡± Murong Xue was loath to part with Bei Bei, but he knew Bei Bei earlier than she did and he was Bei Bei¡¯s rightful owner, so she shoulde between them.

    Looking at her sad gaze, Ouyang ShaoChen lifted the corner of his mouth, ¡°I have many bodyguards with me, so I don¡¯t need it. I think you should have it.¡±

    A lot of things annoyed her at this moment; she did not need Bei Bei with her as well!

    Murong Xue was about to speak, but all of sudden she heard a voice. She looked toward the direction and asked, ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡±

 Chapter 90 â€“ Meeting Mu Liu Feng For the First Time

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    This week Chapter¡¯s 4/5

    Editor : Ocelot

    ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± A young man drifted down in front of Murong Xue and replied in a high-spirited tone. He was wearing an elegant ebony colored long robe, the sleeves of which were embellished with a floral pattern. His chest muscles were exposed a little as the sleeve slightly opened.

    He was smiling amorously, and his perfect facial features made people go wild. His dark hair wasbed to the back, making him truly mysterious and sexy. He was scrutinizing Murong Xue, and it was obvious that he was ganting her!

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Murong Xue scowled. He seemed to be very close with her as he spoke, but she could not remember him in her memories.

    ¡°I forgot to introduce myself. I¡¯m the prince from Cheng Guo Gong, Mu Liu Feng. You can call me Liu Feng or Feng!¡± Mu Liu Feng narrowed his eyes and smiled as he looked at her, his tone ambiguous. Murong Xue knitted her brows, ¡°Prince Mu, I think we are not that close!¡±

    Mu Liu Feng snapped closed his folding fan and looked at her in disagreement, ¡°Our families are old family friends. Furthermore, my father and your father were best friends. Both of us can be considered childhood sweethearts, how can we be not close?¡±

    ¡°Bang!¡± Ouyang ShaoChen waved his hand and smashed Mu Liu Feng into the wall. He stood in front of Murong Xue and stared at him coldly, ¡°Mu Liu Feng, you¡¯re talking nonsense today!¡±

    Mu Liu Feng turned around and rubbed of the blood from his nose with his handkerchief, as he said in a careless manner, ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve met Murong Xue officially. I¡¯m just a bit excited!¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s face darkened, ¡°Yeah, you even talked about being childhood sweethearts with her...¡±

    ¡°Take it easy, even though we are childhood sweethearts, I will not steal her away from you...¡± Mu Liu Feng said in a low voice as he patted Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s shoulder tofort him.

    Ouyang ShaoChen frowned a little. He gave Mu Liu Feng a cold shoulder by beating away his hand, ¡°Why did youe here and not stay in the house of Chen Guo Gong?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s obvious: I am here to see your little wife, and tell you an important issue as well!¡± Mu Liu Feng said in a mysterious tone. He went to look for Ouyang ShaoChen in the house of Xiao Yao Wang, but since Ouyang ShaoChen came to the house of Zhen Guo Houhe followed him here.

    Ouyang ShaoChen took a look at him, ¡°So you¡¯ve seen her. Now let¡¯s discuss on the important issue.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about Prince Jing, Ye Yichen.¡± Mu Liu Feng lowered his voice, stealing a look at Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue knew she should not be there during the discussion, so she said sensibly, ¡°You guys have a chat, I¡¯ll ask the servants to get us some tea!¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen grabbed her hand as she was about to leave, and he looked at Mu Liu Feng briefly, ¡°Xue Er is not an outsider, just go ahead and speak what is on your mind.¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen honestly trusted Murong Xue wholeheartedly as he chose to discuss her fianc¨¦ right in front of her. Since Ouyang ShaoChen did not bother doing so, Mu Liu Feng would not mind as well.

    ¡°The spies in the house of Chen Guo Gong have found out that Ye Yichen has been mys very mysterious recently. He¡¯s looking for the treasure left by the royal ancestors.¡± Mu Liu Feng said seriously in a low voice.

    ¡°Treasure left by the royal ancestors?¡± A thought shed across the mind of Murong Xue, it was so fast that she could not catch it in time. ¡°Prince Jing has such a noble status. He¡¯s filthy rich and living a luxurious life for generations. Why does he need to spend great effort to look for treasure?¡±

    ¡°No one will be contented with the money he has!¡± Mu Liu Feng said arrogantly, his eyes shining brightly. Ye Yichen is an overweeningly ambitious man. He is expanding his power silently and he seems to be unsatisfied with only being Prince Jing of Qing Yan.

    Murong Xue blinked her eyes, ¡°ording to history, the previous Emperor was dissolute and debauched. He spentvishly and made the country poor which resulted in the sufferings of the citizens. He was such a prodigal Emperor, how could there be any treasure?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s something you don¡¯t know. Someone who could squander that much would definitely be in love with searching for gold, silver and jewelry. He will keep them in his vault quietly without being noticed. As a result, there must be a trove of priceless treasures!¡±

    Mu Liu Feng continued his words, ¡°Ye Yichen is a smart man, and he will not simply believe in rumors and do something meaningless. Since he sent his men to look for the treasure, it provens that the treasure truly exists...¡±

    ¡°You guys really have courage to block my way, get aside now...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but there¡¯s order from Ms. Murong. Without her permission, no one can enter her front yard...¡±

    ¡°All of you... I have something urgent that I need to see Prince Ouyang about right now. If anything goes wrong, are you going to bear the responsibility?¡±

    The intense argument can be heard from inside. Murong Xue was speechless as she looked at the sky. The admirers of Ouyang ShaoChen came to her Luo Xue Ge to look for him, that was really too much.

    She raised her brows as she stared at Ouyang ShaoChen, ¡°Prince Ouyang, aren¡¯t you supposed to go out and meet her?¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen said without any emotion, ¡°I¡¯m not free to see her, you go and bundle her off.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s face had grown murky, ¡°She came here purposely for you, why am I the one to bundle her off?¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen took a look at her and said naturally, ¡°This is your Luo Xue Ge. I am the guest here and you¡¯re the host. I am being disturbed by other people at your ce. Don¡¯t you think you have the responsibility to solve the problem for me?¡±

    This evil-hearted guy dared to ask for favors in such a logical way. That was abominable! If he wasn¡¯t the guest of her house, she would certainly ignore him. If there is a next time, she will teach him a lesson for sure...

    She red at Ouyang ShaoChen as she walked out from the room unwillingly.

    Staring at Murong Xue¡¯s back, Mu Liu Feng showed his respect to Ouyang ShaoChen, ¡°Prince Ouyang, I have to salute you. Both of you have not married yet and she¡¯s beginning to chase other girls away from you. You¡¯re truly capable...¡±

    ¡°To be honest, the position you hold, the good-looks you own, and you¡¯re such a brilliant man with extensive knowledge... these attributes will attract girls to you. If Murong Xue was to marry you, she would have to continue to chasing girls away from you. It¡¯s good for her to practice earlier on.¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen¡¯s face had grown gloomy, ¡°Do you think I am a flirty man?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not flirty, but those girls like to stick themselves to you!¡± Mu Liu Feng narrowed his eyes and smiled, ¡°Just like the one waiting for you outside Luo Xue Ge, she suddenly came here just for you...¡±

    ¡°Erm?¡± Ouyang ShaoChen looked straight at Mu Liu Feng, his gaze like an arrow shooting right towards Mu Liu Feng.

    Mu Liu Feng was frightened. He could feel the chill flowing in his heart and he shivered a little. He coughed to camouge his uneasiness, ¡°I think...it¡¯s better for us to continue on our discussion about Ye Yichen and the treasure...¡±

    Ouyang ShaoChen answered him briefly and nced at Murong Xue. She was walking out from Luo Xue Ge and raising her brow as she looked at the person waiting out there...

 Chapter 91 â€“ Scalded Song Qingyan

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    This week Chapter¡¯s 1/5

    Editor : Ocelot

    Song Qingyan wore a plum coloured off-shoulder dress. Her fair neck and shoulders were proudly disyed, showing off her delicate corbones which could be seen under the sheer cloth.The dress was embellished with shining diamonds and crystals. It sparkled under the beaming sunlight.

    Murong Xue sneered upon seeing her pretty dress. Song Qingyan must have had other intentions., Too bad! Her effort was in vain since Ou Yang did not even cast a nce in her direction. ¡°Song Qingyan, this is Zhen Manor, not Wu An Manor, what kind ofmotion brings you here?¡±

    Song Qingyan hid her disappointment when she saw there was nobody behind Murong Xue, ¡°Murong Xue, where is Ou Yang?¡±

    ¡°He does not want to see you, just leave!¡± Murong Xue expelled her without even thinking. She was toozy to talk to her now.

    Song Qingyan¡¯s face dropped at the news. She stared at Murong Xue angrily, ¡°Did you say something to him? That¡¯s why he doesn¡¯t want toe out and meet me?¡±

    ¡°Song Qingyan, do you think I can order him around? He doesn¡¯t want to see you because he¡¯s fed up with you. That has nothing to do with me, stop being so imaginative...¡± Murong Xue retorted proudlyas a light breeze blew across her hair, showing off the love marks on her neck.

    Song Qingyan saw that and was manic! Murong Xue and Ou Yang had been so intimate with each other, and now she was telling her that she had nothing to do with him? ¡°Murong Xue, don¡¯t you ever forget that you are engaged. Even though you gave yourself to Ou Yang, he will never be yours, so stop day-dreaming...¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s face sunk. Song Qingyan was too much, and her words were as sharp as knives, ¡°Song Qingyan, leave Luo Xue Ge immediately, you are not weed here!¡±

    ¡°What if I don¡¯t want to leave?¡± Song Qingyan pestered, her eyes were filled with fury!

    ¡°Then I will ask my guards to send you out!¡± Murong Xue snapped determinedly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± Song Qingyan could not take it any longer.

    ¡°Guards, send my cousin back to her room.¡± Murong Xuemanded without care. She would let Song Qingyan know who was the powerful one and that she was in charge here.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Two strong nannies, one on each side, began to carry Song Qingyan as they walked out.

    Song Qingyan could not feel her feet on the ground. She tried to escape from their grips as she shouted angrily, ¡°What are you doing? Let me down!¡±

    The nannies ignored her yelping, they continued on with Song Qingyan firmly in their arms. Song Qingyan could not escape no matter how hard she tried, ¡°You two old hags, you¡¯ve disregarded mymands!I will let grandmother sell you off if you don¡¯t put me down this instant...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, mydy. Our contracts are with Miss Murong Xue. The madam has no right to sell us.¡± The two strong nannies popped her bubbles and continued walking.

    Song Qingyan felt helpless as she turned and stared at Murong Xue...

    Two maids sashayed courteously towards Luo Xue Ge. Passing Song Qingyan, they were holding a bowl of soup in their hands.

    Song Qingyan suddenly thought of an idea. She kicked the bowl of soup from the hands of the maid with might., The bowl flew towards Murong Xue with that one kick.

    Murong Xue saw the bowl from the corner of her eye as she was about to leave. She quickly grabbed a wooden stick from beside her and with no options decided to swing it hard. The bowl then flew towards Song Qingyan¡¯s shoulder, spilling half of the boiling hot soup on her.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Song Qingyan cried out in pain as the burning sensation hit her.

    Murong Xue watched as Song Qingyan escaped from the nannies. She was wiping her neck and shoulder furiously while screaming to the maids and stewards, ¡°It¡¯s hot, it¡¯s hot... Call the doctor, go call the doctor...¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the stewards and maids nodded and walked away quickly.

    Song Qingyan red at Murong Xue with hatred, ¡°Murong Xue, you tricked me again!¡±

    ¡°You are the ck-hearted one. You intended to scald me with that bowl of soup, but your n backfired. You can¡¯t me me... If you insist on using me, I don¡¯t mind scalding you again...¡± Murong Xue said casually as she took the other bowl of soup from her maid.

    Song Qingyan shuddered at this. She knew how cruel and heartless Murong Xue could be. She knew in her heart that if she disgraced her once again, Murong Xue would definitely burn her once more!

    ¡°Murong Xue, you win this time!¡± Song Qingyan shouted angrily, ring at her and walked back to her room, with her steward lifting her injured arm.

    The soup was indeed boiling hot! She had to clean herself up immediately; she could not let it burn through her skin!

    Song Qingyan would remember what Murong Xue had done to her forever. She would return twofold the revenge when the time was right, leaving Murong Xue no choice but to beg her for mercy!

    Song Qingyan walked to the end of the path and disappeared as she turned in the corner.

    Murong Xue shook off thoughts of her as soon as she saw Song Qingyan walk away., By chance she noticed that the golden purse on her waist had been drenched in soup!

    She quickly took the purse from her waist and wiped off the damp filth using her handkerchief. She tried to be as careful as she could when she hit the bowl earlier, but still she could not a spill. Luckily it was on the purse instead of her skin...

    This golden purse was given to her by Murong Ye. She had been so caught up with her work after the returning from Yushan that she kept forgetting to return it to him. She wondered if the amulet inside the purse was wet too?

    The amulet was passed down to him from their mother, making it even more precious and valuable. Hopefully nothing would happen to it...

    Murong Xue opened the purse at this thought and removed a thin piece of paper from inside. The paper was clean and there was no water stain at all, but wasn¡¯t the amulet drawn on normal paper? Why was this on sheepskin?

    Murong Xue opened up the amulet, feeling puzzled The sheepskin was old and had faded into a yellowish tone. She felt somewhat familiar with the ck-inked letters written on it...

    Murong Xue scrunched her eyebrows and tried to recall a memory; the half picture she had stolen from Qing Yuyuan was simr to this, so what could it be...

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes lit up as if she knew something. She clutched the sheepskin securely and ran to Luo Xue Ge...

 Chapter 92 â€“ Tricked By The Black-Hearted

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    This week Chapter¡¯s 2/5

    Editor : Ocelot

    Murong Xue ran to her room and took out a piece of sheepskin from the tiny slot in her wall. She fixed the two pictures together and lo and behold, aplete image appeared in front of her eyes. In huge letters ¡°Treasure Map¡± was clearly visible on the sheepskin as she pieced it together.

    Now she knew why Qing Yuyuan became a nt maniac when she took away the sheepskin. This was the precious treasure map from the former dynasty. Qing Yuyuan had spent a long time finding this map, so of course she was furious when Murong Xue stole it effortlessly.

    But then, how was the other half of the map in Murong Ye¡¯s purse? And it was the purse that had been passed to him by Madam Shen...

    Murong Xue was confused. She opened her room door and walked out, seeing Ou Yang sitting alone at a table by a tree. Elegant vibes surrounded him in his white robe, but Mu Liufeng was nowhere in sight.

    She blinked her eyes in curiosity, ¡°Where is Mu Liufeng?¡±

    ¡°He has gone back to Cheng Manor.hy do you want to find him?¡± Ou Yang asked, the steam from his cup rising to cover his face as he drank his tea.

    Murong Xue shook her head, ¡°Nothing, but I do have something to discuss with you.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ou Yang raised his head.

    Murong Xue sat beside him, whispering mysteriously, ¡°Are you interested in treasures?¡±

    She was certain that this treasure was nothing trivial if Ye Yichen was so keen about it. She was not a materialistic person, but she was willing to do this if it would be a hindrance to Ye Yichen and Qing Yuyuan!

    Sadly, troops from Zhen Manor could not defeat Jing Wang Manor¡¯s. If she finds the treasures with her guards, Ye Yichen would steal everything from her without doubt!

    Therefore she had to work with someone.Ou Yang was the strategist and intellect in the city, he must have a lot of strong warriors under him, making him the most suitable candidate for this trip.

    Ou Yang felt her warm breath on his neck. He turned to look at her, ¡°You know where the treasures of the former dynasty are?¡±

    Murong Xue smiled and put the two sheepskin fragments on the table, ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, this is the route map to the treasures, thendmarks are dotted in detail. If we follow this, we will find the treasure.¡±

    Ou Yang looked at the curves and drawings on the map unconcernedly, ¡°Where did you find this? Are you even sure it¡¯s real?¡±

    Murong Xue smiled in delight, ¡°I got this by luck. These sheep skins are faded, so I assume it is very old. As for the routes and symbols, we have to explore for ourselves to see if it¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°If this map is fake it would be just a waste of our time and we¡¯d lose nothing. But if it¡¯s real, we will be filthy rich.¡±

    Ou Yang raised his eyebrows, ¡°You love money that much?¡±

    ¡°Money will never be enough.¡± Murong Xue quoted Mu Liufeng and smiled at Ou Yang, ¡°Ou Yang, I give you the map, you give me your men, we split the money half each after everything, alright?¡±

    Ou Yang looked at her weirdly, ¡°Half each?¡±

    ¡°Then... how about I get forty, you get sixty. That¡¯s the final deal because half of this map was my mother¡¯s, and I almost got killed because of the other half.¡±

    Murong Xue was not really interested in the treasure.She wouldn¡¯t even care even if she didn¡¯t find it, but since Madam Shen passed the map to Murong Ye she probably she wanted him to have part of the treasure, therefore she had to leave some to Murong Ye when she found it.

    Ou Yang looked at her as she was thinking, ¡°You found the map, you should keep the treasures. I wanted to offer some of my troops to help you, without any return, but since you n to give me sixty percent of it, I will not refuse ...¡±

    Murong Xue was bbergasted, ¡°...¡±

    Free help! He should have said so earlier! She did not intend to give him sixty percent! When she suggested half each, she saw his weird expression and thought that it was too little...

    This ck-hearted man, she was tricked again...

    Ou Yang grinned when he saw her gloomy face. He ttened the sheepskin and studied it, ¡°It¡¯ste now, let¡¯s do some research on the route first.This is about my sixty percent treasure, we cannot be careless...¡±

    Murong Xue, ¡°...¡±

    He did this deliberately. He wanted to spark her anger and show her how imprudent she was for giving him the sixty percent!

    A ck shadow quietly passed by outside of the room...

    In Jing Wang Manor¡¯s study room:

    Ye Yichen sat at his study table with his arms leaning against it. He stared deeply at the framed painting frame on the wall. The painting was not of nature. Instead it showed a young man who was shot by three arrows on his arms and head! The man in the painting was none other than Murong Ji!

    Three arrows in a row was the famous tactic used by the Murong family. Every generation in the household knew this skill, but to shoot right in the heart with all three arrows was incredibly difficult and the person who knew how to do this was really prevailing. The only person who could master this skill was Murong Yue. His arrow shooting could hit different major arteries of the enemies. He was the expert!

    The arrow shooting scene was painted perfectly without ws. Even though he did not witness this with his own eyes, he knew how astonishing it was when Murong Xue shot the three arrows...

    The gentle fianc¨¦e in his mind vanished at this thought, or it was probably because of the limited interaction he had with her, perhaps that was why he did not know this side of Murong Xue... He changed his perception of her strength, toughness, and intelligence ...

    ¡°Yichen, Yichen...¡± a feminine voice broke his thoughts. He pulled down the painting and faced towards the door.

    Qing Yuyuan wore a purple sheer dress. She walked into the room gracefully and smiled sweetly at him, ¡°Yichen, let me share some good news: I¡¯ve found the other half of the treasure map!¡±

    Ye Yichen eyes widened, ¡°Really? Where is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s with Murong Xue!¡± Qing Yuyuan said.

    ¡°You mean Murong Xue has theplete map?¡± Ye Yichen confirmed her statement.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, she has discussed it with Ou Yang and they are on their way to find it now.¡± Qing Yuyuan continued, ¡°We have to stop them.¡±

 Chapter 93 â€“ Danger Ahead

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    This week Chapter¡¯s 3/5

    Editor : Ocelot

    Murong Xue trusted Ou Yang so much that she was willing to share this important news with him and find it together, so clearly they must be very close with each other.

    Ye Yichen felt his emotion stirring up inside, ¡°Ou Yang is hard to deal with. We need to think of a really a good n to stop them...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve already ced a tracker on Murong Xue. We can watch their movements twenty-four seven. It will be as easy as ABC to track them...¡± Qing Yuyuan said with confidence.

    Ye Yichen warned her, ¡°Murong Xue and Ou Yang were smart people, we have to be extra cautious with our ns!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious, I know what I¡¯m doing. I have already thought of a perfect n to defeat them...¡± Qing Yuyuan smiled.

    Murong Xue¡¯s emerald dress was eye-capturing under the rays of the sun.She rode swiftly her horse, speeding with the wind through the trail.

    Unexpectedly, she heard a ruffling sounding from the bush.With a swift throw of a poison needle, a ¡°thud¡± sound, and a ck figure fell from a tree instantly, the man crumpled unconscious on the ground...

    Murong Xue nced at the body while the horse kept going despite what had happened, ¡°Spy sent by Ye Yichen?¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Ou Yang nodded in confirmation.

    Murong Xue smirked. She knew Qing Yuyuan would not let her go so easily after she stole the map from her. With the spy and all, by now Murong Xue understood how she worked things out ...

    ¡°This spy has followed us since the beginning of our journey. Why didn¡¯t you do anything? Why wait ¡®til now?¡± Ou Yang asked with great interest.

    Murong Xue chuckled, ¡°ording to this map, we will reach the destination soon. There are a lot of forked roads but only one of them leads to the treasure. This spy was cataleptic, he could no longer follow us. If Ye Yichen can¡¯t track us, we won¡¯t have any troubles getting the treasure...¡±

    Ou Yang chortled a little, ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that simple.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Murong Xue was puzzled.

    ¡°There¡¯s another spy behind us.¡± Ou Yang stated.

    Murong Xue stunned. True enough, she heard another ruffling sound from the woods. The spies from Jing Wang Manor were so clingy, it was such a hassle to get rid of them...

    ¡°Do you have any idea of how to escape them?¡± Ye Yichen sent them here to find out the exact location of the treasure. How can we get to it with all these spies around?

    ¡°Of course.¡± Ou Yang smirked and leaped over to grab Murong Xue by her waist, he then carried her mid-air and hopped forward.

    Murong Xue blinked as she watched the scenery passing by her in rapid motion. Ou Yang¡¯s flying skill was the finest. If he carried her using this technique even Ye Yichen could not get to them, to say nothing of his spies...

    He was so brilliant toe up with this idea...

    Murong Xue saw a hill from afar. The hill was neither too high nor low, with Flora and fauna covering thendt looked somewhat familiar to her...

    Murong Xuended on the ground and took out the map. She carefully read the symbols and eximed, ¡°The treasure is on this hill, let¡¯s go down!¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ou Yang asked.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure!¡± Murong Xue pointed to the map and said, ¡°Look here, it is all drawn out in this map.¡±

    Ou Yang stared at the map for a moment. He looked up and saw the trees and flowers, but there was no cave or hole in sight.

    Murong Xue squinted:The map showed a cave here at this spot, but there wasn¡¯t any cave here?

    Freeing herself from his arms, Murong Xue walked slowly to the hill.She simply pulled the leaves in front of her and slowly, a rock door appeared in front of them as she pulled away the leaves.

    Murong Xue¡¯s face lit up, ¡°This might be the entrance.Ou Yang, please help!¡±

    The cave waspletely blocked by rocks and stones. hSe did not bring any digging tools with her If she used the tree branches to dig up the door, she would not even finish digging after the sun set.

    Ou Yang flicked his fingers and a swift force busted the rocks and the cave expunged tiny bits of stones and dust into the air...

    When the dust faded away, a small tunnel appeared before them.It was pitch dark and hollow...

    Murong Xue was correct about this, ¡°Ou Yang, let¡¯s go in.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ou Yang went in first, Murong Xue followed behind him.

    The cave was damp, odours filled the air and beneath their feet were tons of algae. They were certain that no one had walked here for a long time. Murong Xue walked slowly in the darkness, but she still slipped and fell forward.

    ¡°Be careful!¡± Ou Yang grabbed her hand, locking hers with his tightly, ¡°Hold on to me, don¡¯t let go.¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Murong Xue nodded. She did not like physical contact with people, but it was too dark in here and she might fall again if she let go of Ou Yang¡¯s hand.

    A ring light hit their eyes when they walked halfway. Murong Xue looked up and saw ahead of them stood a two-meter tall rock wall, it was as if they went towards to the end.

    It might be the door to guard the pathway ahead. If they destroyed this rock wall, they would see the trail!

    Murong Xue walked eagerly to the rock as a ¡°hoot¡± sound caught her off guard. She looked in the direction of the voice and saw a steel bed full of nails was being thrown towards them...

 Chapter 94 â€“ Fights

    If you love our trantion, Please consider us Donating. or We are also on patreon. It really motivates us to give more time for trantion.

    This week Chapter¡¯s 4/5

    Editor : Ocelot

    ¡°Look out!¡± Ou Yang pulled Murong Xue from behind. He flicked his fingers again and a swift wind shot from his fingertips, spreading to all corners and hitting the steel bed. The nails fell from the bed with a ¡°peng, peng, peng¡± sound...

    A loud sweeping sound was heard abruptly. Before Murong Xue and Ou Yang couldprehend, a huge was thrown over them.

    Murong Xue reacted rapidly by pulling out her sword and slicing towards the. A bright light flickered as her sword touched the.The was not torn, but instead, she was forced backwards and her hand was numb from the force.

    ¡°This was made by the mighty silk from Mo Bei; it¡¯s unbeatable by anything. Murong Xue, Ou Yang, don¡¯t waste your energy,¡± A soft female voice came from above.

    ¡°Qing Yuyuan, you deceived us.¡±

    ¡°There was no deception. There¡¯s only one treasure: you want it, we want it too, sowe are fighting to get it...¡±the feminine voice said cheerfully. Murong Xue replied ironically, ¡°True enough. Princess Qing is known for getting what she wants no matter what. You must have nned in detail to get this treasure. Just bring it on, we are not afraid.¡±

    Murong Xue was implying that she was a cold-blooded wicked person indirectly!

    Qing Yuyuan¡¯s temper rose, ¡°How dare you! Since you¡¯re asking for it, I will destroy you!¡±

    As soon as she finished her sentence, she rolled a few odd-looking balls towards them and they spread gas all over the couple.

    Ou Yang covered his face, ¡°This is poisonous gas... stop breathing!¡±

    Murong Xue quickly stop her breathing, but was toote. She had breathed in a bit of the smoke and started to feel wobbly. She could not feel her legs and she slowly copsed to the ground.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Ou Yang grabbed her by the waist, took out a white handkerchief and covered her nose.

    Murong Xue smelled a gust of a scented aroma and started to regain her consciousness. She looked at Ou Yang curiously, ¡°This handkerchief can detoxify?¡±

    Ou Yang nodded his head and said, ¡°This handkerchief was soaked in numerous herbs, so that it can release body heat, stop blood clot, and detoxify...¡±

    ¡°I see, Ou Yang has done a lot of homework before finding the treasure.¡± Qing Yuyuan walked over with her guards by her side, looking at the both of them.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always brought along my handkerchief with me, it¡¯s not some nning, but your thorough n is quite impressive.¡± Ou Yang teased sarcastically..

    Qing Yuyuan ignored his tone and said, ¡°Ou Yang thank you!¡±

    The steel trapped Ou Yang and Murong Xue tightly, and Qing Yuyuan felt the satisfaction in her heart. Who cared if he was the master from Xiao Yao Manor, she still caught him after all. How exciting!

    The steel was so durable and tough that Murong Xue could not even slice it open. She threw off the handkerchief in frustration, ¡°Qing Yuyuan, how did you know we came here?¡±

    They had abandoned their horse and used the flying skill. Those spies could not even chase after them, but now Qing Yuyuan managed to find her way to them with her guards. There must be something wrong.

    ¡°I¡¯ve dropped a tracker on your body, so I can find you easily no matter where you go. Those spies were used to divert your attention so that you would not notice the tracker...¡± Qing Yuyuan exined with pleasure.

    Murong Xue was trapped by her n, there was nothing she could do now...

    ¡°So it is!¡± Murong Xue understood now. She recalled that morning as she left her house There was a maid who was carrying a bowl of soup, walking in a hurry.It was probably dropped on her that time.

    ¡°You have even ced your spies in Zhen Manor? You are good.¡± Murong Xue scoffed.

    Qing Yuyuan continued, ¡°I have put in a lot of effort into getting the other half of the map, how could I let it be stolen by some cunning crook...¡±

    Murong Xue fought back, ¡°Stop trying to take all the credit. If not because of my mum, you would not have found the map...¡±

    ¡°Stop your nonsense, Murong Xue. Thanks to you, I¡¯ve found the ce of the treasure. You can leave after I¡¯ve stored all of it!¡± Qing Yuyuan hinted at her guards.

    The guards understood her and ran towards them with their swords.

    Qing Yuyuan was pleased with herself, ¡°this secret should not be leaked out, so I¡¯m sorry to you two.¡±

    Murong Xue smirked at this, Qing Yuyuan trapped both of them in this steel so that she could get the treasure, she even ordered her guards to attack them from everywhere, she was indeed heinous...

    ¡°Qing Yuyuan, you want to kill us, just look at yourself.¡± Ou Yang flicked his fingers and the steel was turned inside out and flew over to the guards.

    The guards were caught off guard and were trapped inside the, they tried to free themselves and Ou Yang flicked his fingers again, blowing the guards away, causing them to hit on the wall and fell to the ground. They moaned and groaned in agony as they felt their bones were broken, they could not get up...

    He had settled the guards, now it was time to wipe the enemy off!

    Murong Xue looked at Qing Yuyuan, ¡°Qing Yuyuan, it¡¯s my turn to kill you!¡± She then stretched out her swords and threw it to Qing Yuyuan...

    Qing Yuyuan was shocked and tried to ran away from the attack. Her steel was known to be impable, but it did not stop Ou Yang¡¯s plot, she should have known it was not that easy to deal with him...

    Not now, she could not run away just like that!

    Murong Xue leaped and stood in front of Qing Yuyuan, she pulled out her sword and stabbed her arms, blood was spilled everywhere!

    ¡°Ah!¡± Qing Yuyuan cried out in agony...

 Chapter 95 â€“ Dying Alone

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    Editor : Ocelot

    A gush of fresh red blood seeped out from her wound, staining her long sleeve, her arm was in piercing agony, Qing Yuyuan looked up and stared at Murong Xue in hatred, her eyes were ming with rage, ¡°Murong Xue, I curse that you will die grief!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll die sooner than I will, even if I did die in grief, you won¡¯t be able to see it!¡± Murong Xue smiled, she was so happy with her deed, she pushed down her sword again and again, piercing Qing Yuyuan¡¯s arm for multiple times, her wound was gettingrger and the blood stained her sleeve even more.

    ¡°Ah! Ah! Ah!¡± Qing Yuyuan screamed in pain.

    ¡°Murong Xue, I will kill you!¡± Qing Yuyuan¡¯s eyes were turning red, she could not care less about her condition and dashed towards Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue felt a sense of disgust and shifted her body slightly to avoid her attack, then she kicked furiously on her back, making her fell three metres away, Qing Yuyuan fell hard on the cold hard ground, she could hear buzzing sound in her ears as she hit her head...

    Murong Xue walked closer to her, her footsteps were ringing in Qing Yuyuan¡¯s ears, she bit her jaw tightly, she had arranged professional spies to kill Murong Xue, but Murong Xue had better n to kill them all, now she even wanted to kill herself, Murong Xue was indeed cruel, she was the noblest Princess of Mo Bei, how could she die in Murong Xue¡¯s hand?

    Qing Yuyuan took a glimpse and grabbed a long sword from the ground, she dashed it towards Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue sneered at this, she was trying to kill her with this lousy sword? That was a foolish move.

    She dodged the attack by shifting her body to aside, Murong Xue continued to walk towards Qing Yuyuan, her long sword was still dripping with her blood from earlier attack, drip by drip, it spilled on the dusty ground...

    The hint of blood covered the whole ce, Qing Yuyuan was not shaken by that, she was fearless, the corner of her mouth raised slightly and she hit on a small round rock by the rocky wall beside, suddenly, the sturdy ground split into half and Murong Xue fell right into the hole, not knowing what just happened...

    Qing Yuyuan was tripped on that small rock when she first came in, she had noticed it earlier, it was connected from the rocky wall to the ground, at first she assumed it was for decoration purpose, after some detailed observation, she knew it could be her chance of getting rid of the enemy.

    The maze of treasure was usually trap, this was to prevent seekers from getting into the treasure ce, therefore she activated the trap and got rid of Murong Xue.

    ¡°Xue Er!¡± Ou Yang saw the whole incident and jumped along with Murong Xue into the pithole, while jumping down, he waved his hands and a mighty covered Qing Yuyuan, pulling her down into the trap as well.

    ¡°Yuyuan!¡± Ye Yichen leaped into the rocky hole along with his scream just as the opening of the trap was about to close, his face was as dark as the hole, his fist was clenching under his sleeve. No matter how fast he was, Ye Yichen was still toote.

    ¡°Guards, find the trap immediately, open up this trap!¡± Ye Yichen ordered with a strict tone, the temperature in the area was declining.

    ¡°Yes!¡± The guards answered and scattered away, trying to find the trap opening.

    Xu Tianyou¡¯s eyes sunk as he rushed forward, ¡°master, from what I know, the treasure¡¯s opening can be only open once at a certain time, the opening has just closed, even if we could find it, we had to wait for a period of time...¡±

    Ye Yichen squinted his eyebrows when he heard this, ¡°then what should we do now?¡± Yuyuan had tricked Murong Xue and Ou Yang, now she fell into the pit with them, she must be tortured by them now, he had to find her quickly to prevent any unhappy ending.

    Xu Tianyou stated firmly, ¡°those traps in the treasure area are all connected, let¡¯s find in other ces, if we can find the opening and go into the trap, we¡¯ll definitely find Princess Qing!¡±

    ¡°Makes sense, let¡¯s go!¡± Ye Yichen took a step forward...

    Back in the trap where Murong Xue and Ou Yang fell, he held onto Murong Xue¡¯s tiny waist, hugged her tightly in his chest.

    His musky scent traveled to her nose, his warm breath exhaled on her earlobe, Murong Xue felt a sense offort. She noticed someone in the with them in her corner of eyes, she smirked and kicked with all her might to shove Qing Yuyuan down.

    With a loud ¡°pang!¡±, the three of them fell hard on the gorund below, Qing Yuyuan was unfortunately the flesh cushion for them as they fell, she vomited blood with a ¡°pfft¡± and lied on the ground, the slight movement on her chest indicated that she was still alive...

    Murong Xue was on the highest, she waspletely uninjured. When she stood up, she stomped on Qing Yuyuan again: this wicked woman had fell into her own trap, served her right.

    Qing Yuyuan closed her eyes and did not move a single bit...

    Murong Xue red at her and turned around, she nced over the ce, realizing they were in a closed space, the whole area was covered with rocky walls and there was a tiny tunnel that could only fit a person in front of them.

    ¡°Shi, let¡¯s go in front!¡± She heard Ye Yichen¡¯s voice when she was falling, she knew that he would have ordered his people to dig up an exit to find Qing Yuyuan, they would not stay here forever and die.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ou Yang nodded and grabbed her hand tightly, they walked towards the tunnel slowly, when he noticed the unconscious Qing Yuyuan, he asked, ¡°what about her?¡±

    Murong Xue red at Qing Yuyuan with disgust and replied nonchntly, ¡°she¡¯s already half dead, it would waste our energy to bring her with us, it¡¯s better to leave her here and let her die alone.¡±

    Qing Yuyuan wanted to kill them so badly, of course she would not let Qing Yuyuan go, it would be too easy for her if they just kill her with a sword, she rather tortured her to death, this was the best punishment for her.

    Qing Yuyuan was already wounded from the start, moreover she pierced her wound multiple times just now and let her be their flesh cushion when they fell, she was truly deathly wounded.

    It was icy cold, dark and moist in here, there were no food and water, not to mentioned medications, after a period of time, she would have died if there was no proper treatment.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ou Yang nodded again and pulled Murong Xue into the tunnel.

    As they dissapoeared into the dark, Qing Yuyuan opened her eyes and scowled at the tunnel opening, her eyes were cold staring with hatred: they wanted to leave her here to die alone, continue to dream on, she would not let their wishe true.

    She had to keep up with them and kill them when the time was right, so that she could take revenge for how they embarrassed her!

 Chapter 96 â€“ Treasure Found

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    Editor : Ocelot

    The tunnel was narrow and long, and the ending of the tunnel could hardly be seen. A moist and foul scent hit their noses, making Murong Xue cringe, ¡°We¡¯ve been walking for almost an hour. The tunnel is still looks the same. Where will it lead us to?¡±

    Looking at her irritated face, Ou Yang smiled gently, ¡°Does the map have any marks on it?¡±

    Murong Xue read the map and shook her head, ¡°It only recorded the location of the treasure, it doesn¡¯t indicate any geographicalndmarks or tunnels in the cave.¡± These marks were too detailed, there was no wonder the former Emperor did not draw out this part, otherwise anyone could find the treasure easily.

    Ou Yang studied the rocky walls and said, ¡°This tunnel has a stench, there are no openings or traps. Let¡¯s continue down, maybe we can find the exit!¡±

    ¡°We have no other choice.¡± Murong Xue sulked. Hopefully this tunnel was not in a circle, otherwise they woulde back to the starting point and be stuck in this cave for life.

    Suddenly, a breeze blew across her cheeks. Murong Xue¡¯s face lit up, ¡°There¡¯s wind, there¡¯s an exit near here.¡± Even though it may not be an exit, it would still be a door that lead to another path; there would be no need to continue on in this tunnel.

    The rocky walls were still the same, there was no difference along the way. Ou Yang¡¯s face darkened, ¡°The opening should be nearby, let¡¯s find it properly!¡±

    ¡°Mmm!¡± Murong Xue nodded and pressed on the wall with her tiny fair hands. The walls were sticky and full of algae. The salty stench hit them again as she furrowed her brows slightly and continued pressing on the rocky walls.

    As she pressed a protruding triangr rock, suddenly, the rock in front of them moved aside with a loud ¡°Hong¡±. wWith that, a ray of bright sunlight shone upon them, so bright they could not open their eyes.

    Murong Xue lifted her hands to shield her face from the brightness. Peeking through the gap in her fingers, she saw a picturesque golden mansion before her. The entrance to the golden mansion was decorated with pearls and jewels on the walls, and each jewel was enormous andvish. Four golden pirs stood grandly, supporting the opulent weight of the mansion¡¯s entrance.

    In the middle of the golden pirs were twelve staircases made of pure gold. At the top of the stairs was a finely-carved golden throne, adorned with numerous gemstones and ornaments.

    Golden boxes were ced randomly along the floor of the mansion. Extraordinary gems were piled up in them, and some were even spilling over and onto the ground, making it shiny and sparkly.

    There was a two-metre wide pool outside of the mansion., The clear pool surrounded the mansion elegantly..., It was so clear that they could see the steam rising from below...

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes went wide as she saw the luxurious scene in front of her. Gold was used to make pirs and tiles, pearls were used to decorate walls, the precious corals- that were so hard to find- were ced randomly here and there... The former Emperor must have been filthy rich.

    No wonder even Ye Yichen wanted these treasures. They were limitless. Anyone who saw these treasures would long to own them.

    Murong Xue walked into the mansion slowly. Her toes encountered a small rock and suddenly she tripped. The rock floated above the surface of the pool, which created a slight turbulence. The small waves then sucked the hovering rock into it. The whole process was so swift and urate...

    Murong Xue was puzzled, ¡°What was that?¡±

    The water was no longer clear. It became grey ¨C and a hint a red could be seen, proving that whatever had happened was real...

    ¡°The pool water is toxic., We cannot fly above it, or else we will be sucked into it andpletely dpose.¡± Ou Yang mumbled in a low voice, his eyes drifting.

    Murong Xue asked curiously, ¡°Then how should we cross over?¡± The pool water surrounded the whole mansion. If they could not fly over it, they had no way to get into the mansion to retrieve the treasures!

    ¡°I think there¡¯s a small wooden bridge over there, let¡¯s cross it!¡± Ou Yang pulled Murong Xue to the bridge. It was faint ck in color and was only ten-centimeters wide. They had no idea what kind of wood it was made of as it did not dpose even though it had hovered over the pool water for years.

    Ou Yang braced himself and walked up to the bridge first. Seeing there was no reaction below the bridge, he grabbed Murong Xue¡¯s hand and took small steps to cross it.

    As they were reaching the end of the bridge, two small rocks flew beside on the bridge. The calm water turned into a rigorous wave, and a musky stench filled the air. Murong Xue was rmed by this, and before she could take it in, the water sshed on her cheeks.

    A white sleeve waved and the pool water subsided. A strong force grabbed onto her slim waist and brought her to the bank.

    A hint of burnt scent hit her and when she regained her senses, she saw smoke wasing up from Ou Yang¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°How are you?!¡± Murong Xue asked worriedly while pulling up his sleeve to check on his wound.

    Ou Yang stopped her immediately and said, ¡°It was only my sleeve, I¡¯m fine!¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Murong Xue doubted if that was the truth. The power of the wave was so strong, how had it not hurt him?

    ¡°Of course. Why would I lie?¡± Ou Yang replied nonchntly, ¡°Someone thought of this way to get rid of us. How smart.¡±

    Murong Xue was stunned when she heard this. She stared in the direction the rocks flew from, then she noticed a familiar shadow squatting by the bridge entrance. That person was ring at her so hard that she could sense the hatred and evil: Murong Xue, Ou Yang, they were not hurt at all by that acidic water. How lucky!

    Qing Yuyuan, so it was her!

    Murong Xue squinted her eyes and shot a silver needle from her hand. It hit Qing Yuyuan¡¯s wrist.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Qing Yuyuan¡¯s piercing scream filled the ce.

    Murong Xue acted as if she did not hear anything and continued her path towards Qing Yuyuan. She grabbed onto her cor and red, ¡°You¡¯re so badly injured, yet you still came all the way here and tricked us. You, Qing Yuyuan are heartless. Since you like this deathly water so much, I¡¯ll make your dreame true and let you unite with it!¡±

    When she finished her sentence, Murong Xue kicked Qing Yuyuan hard, making her fall on the ground once again. Her body rolled closer to the pool side, and half of her leg was on the water. At that moment, the water stirred up into waves and sshed onto her leg!

 Chapter 97 â€“ Abuse of Qing Yuyuanâ€™s Smoke

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    ¡°Ah!¡± Qing Yuyuan cried out in pain yet again as she tried to crawl away from the water, dragging her bloody and decaying leg behind her.

    Seeing that she was escaping, Murong Xue walked slowly towards Qing Yuyuan and stood on her chest...

    When Xunfeng and Wuheng rushed into the mansion, Qing Yuyuan and Murong Xue were struggling with each other by the water. Yuyuan¡¯s dress and hair were messy, her arm and leg were eaten up by the water, and blood and soft flesh could be seen all over the floor.

    ¡°Ah... ah... ah...¡± Qing Yuyuan shouted loudly. Her scream could even be heard from the hall of the mansion. It was terrifying.

    Murong Xue continued kicking her, ignoring her agony.

    Wuheng cringed when he saw her heartless expression: this Miss Murong Xue was getting... out of hand.

    ¡°Shi, Miss Murong!¡± Xunfeng greeted them politely. Murong Xue stopped what she was doing and looked up. She saw twenty to thirty guards in ck outfit and ck masks standing in front of the door, their stares both icy and fearless.

    ¡°You all came? Take all of these things back!¡± Murong Xue was delighted.

    ¡°All?¡± Wuheng looked at the treasures lying around, his eyes widening at the idea of it. There were so many treasures, when would they be able to carry all of these things out?

    ¡°Correct, don¡¯t leave even one behind!¡± Murong Xue made herself clear. The treasures were found by her and Ou Yang, so of course they owned them. Ye Yichen and Qing Yuyuan would never get a single cent of it.

    Wuheng looked towards Ou Yang, but he was only standing still on the side, not saying anything. The way he looked at Murong Xue was so gentle, as if it was hinting that he would follow whatever she said.

    ¡°Yes!¡± The guards replied firmly and walked into the mansion. They tidied up the jewels on the floor and put them into the boxes, then they carried those boxes out.

    After that, they carried the golden throne down and opened up the golden stairs. Once they filled the boxes with the golden tiles, they moved them out.

    There were the pearls on the walls as well, so along with the golden walls, they cracked them and filled boxes with these riches...

    Qing Yuyuan leaned by the water. Her dress was unkempt and her hair was a mess, her arm and hands were torn apart, and she had almost lost consciousness. Despite her blurry eyesight, she saw the guards carrying out box after box. The mansion was emptied instantly and it was no longer sparkling.

    Xunfeng, Wuheng and few other guards were chopping down the golden pirs with axes, piles of gold falling down each time they chopped...

    ¡°Miss Murong, these four pirs are used to support the mansion. If we chopped all of them down, wouldn¡¯t the mansion copse?¡± Wuheng asked worriedly as he saw the pirs were getting thinner.

    Murong Xue did not care much, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve checked it. These four pirs are only for decorative purposes., They are not being used for support, so the mansion will still stand without them.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Wuheng doubted.

    ¡°Of course, why would I lie? If the mansion would copse without them, I would¡¯ve run by now. I wouldn¡¯t have stood here watching you chopping them down!¡± Murong Xue red at her guard.

    It did make sense! Wuheng nodded and breathed out in relief. He continued waving his axe and chopping down the golden pir. The golden fragments fell piece by piece, the brilliance of it all blinding them...

    Qing Yuyuan¡¯s face went dark as she clenched her fist tightly. These treasures belonged to her and Yichen, but they were all stolen by Murong Xue without hesitation. How awful! She would never forget Murong Xue and her guards...

    Qing Yuyuan reached for her inner sleeve with her bloody hand. She took out a packet of explosives and a match. When she was about to light it up, a slim figure showed up in front of her and kicked her explosives and match away.

    Qing Yuyuan was shocked! She looked up and saw Murong Xue¡¯s cold expression, ¡°I see. Princess Qing hates me so much that she wanted to blow me up. I have the same thought as princess, too.¡±

    Murong Xue grabbed her by the cor and pulled Qing Yuyuan to the front.

    The sturdy rocks shredded Qing Yuyuan¡¯s dress, and her silky smooth skin was scraped against the harsh ground., Qing Yuyuan sensed a bad omen so she began to struggle as she screamed, ¡°Murong Xue, what are you doing... Let me go...¡±

    Murong Xue ignored her plea and pulled her over the bridge, then she continued on into the mansion and tied her up to a golden pir.

    Qing Yuyuan hated her guts and wanted to kill her more than anything, therefore Murong Xue did not want to let Qing Yuyuan live anymore in case she came back from the brink of death again to cause her troubles.

    ¡°Princess Qing came this far to find treasures here in spite of your injuries; it was indeed a tiring journey. It would be a shame if you did not get anything, so I¡¯ll give you half of this golden pir. Let it be part of your burial!¡±

    The sound was piercing through the wind, making Qing Yuyuan shudder. Looking up at Murong Xue, she glimpsed merciless emotion in her eyes. She knew then that Murong Xue was not lying: she was nning to kill her this time.

    Terror exceeding her emotions, Qing Yuyuan shouted with fear, ¡°Murong Xie, how dare you kill me?!¡±

    ¡°You dared to kill me, why wouldn¡¯t I? Qing Yuyuan, remember this: this is Qing Yan, not Mo Bei. Don¡¯t act all stuck up here!¡± Murong Xue warned her for thest time. With a single hand movement, Xunfeng, Wuheng and the other guards backed off a little.

    Murong Xue walked around the mansion swiftly. She was facing away from Qing Yuyuan, therefore whatever she was doing could not be seenng, but she knew it was not something good.

    The uneasiness was getting stronger. Qing Yuyuan struggled her way out and scolded angrily, ¡°Murong Xue, let me go this instant... Otherwise, I will chop you into pieces...¡±

    Murong Xue ignored her again, and afterpleting one round of the mansion, she pulled Ou Yang outside. Xun Feng, Wuheng and the rest followed behind.

    Qing Yuyuan then realized she was all alone in the massive mansion.

    ¡®Hong long long...¡¯ The rock door began to close. Murong Xue stood outside the door and smiled at her while waving, ¡°Princess Qing, I¡¯ll leave the rest of the golden pirs for you. I hope not to see you again!¡±

    ¡®Peng.¡¯ The rock door closedpletely, with Murong Xue standing outside of the mansion. The ce was so quiet all of the sudden that Yuyuan could clearly hear her own heartbeat. Fearing the ce would copse, Qing Yuyuan was sweating hard: what kind of ce was this? Who woulde and save her?

    ¡®Sou sou sou-¡¯ A loud voice came with the breeze. Qing Yuyuan raised her head and saw multiple feathered arrows were shooting from the wall, and each of them was pointing towards her...

 Chapter 98 â€“ Explosion

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    Editor : Ocelot

    ¡°Help... Help me...¡± Qing Yuyuan did not expect this. She wriggled to free herself, she tried to loosen the knot, but Murong Xue had made an extremely tight loop. It would not fall off, not even a bit.

    The feathered arrows were increasing in speed when the rock door opened up suddenly with a loud ¡®Hong¡¯. A purple shadow flew into the ce, and with this force, the arrows dropped instantly.

    The purple robe was like the purple sky. As itnded softly in front of Qing Yuyuan, she took in his handsome face and intense eyes. Qing Yuyuan felt a pang of gratefulness and cried, ¡°Yichen!¡±

    Ye Yichen looked at Qing Yuyuan and saw her torn dress and messy hair. He hesitated for a moment but dismissed the feeling,forting her with a soft voice, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, it¡¯s all done now. I¡¯ll bring you out of here.¡±

    ¡°Mmm!¡± Qing Yuyuan nodded her head furiously as tears of joy spilled from her eyes and dripped on her face, then onto her wounds. Feeling the sharp pain, she hitched her breath and her eyes were filled with wrath once again: wait ¡®til she gets back to the city, she will kill Murong Xue mercilessly.

    Ye Yichen tugged forcefully on the long rope until it was in pieces and fell onto the ground. Qing Yuyuan¡¯s leg was injured. She could not stand, she leaned against Ye Yichen.

    Ye Yichen cringed when he smelled the dusty rotten scent. and he tried not to push Qing Yuyuan away. He held onto her waist and when they were just about to leave, a ¡®ci ci ci¡¯ sound was heard.

    What was that sound? Ye Yichen did a quick surveince of the area and noticed a ck thread was hiding in the corner, shooting fireworks.

    That was... a fuse.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Ye Yichen carried Qing Yuyuan and flew out of the ce. All of a suddenl the fuse came to an end and it exploded with a loud bang! The force of the burst through the skies and clouds...

    The whole mountain shook, rocks and mud rolled down from the peak, and even Ou Yang and Murong Xue felt it in front of the mountain.

    Xunfeng, Wuheng and the rest had to rearrange their position so that they could stand properly. ncing towards the mountain that had finally stopped shaking, they were relieved that they could still feel their hearts beating. If the whole mountain was shaken by it, that damn thing was indeed powerful.

    ¡°How many explosives did you put in the mansion?¡± Ou Yang looked at Murong Xue and asked.

    ¡°Every single one that they brought, I positioned. I put all of them in there!¡± Murong Xue replied happily.

    Wuheng cringed again. They brought those explosives to open up the entrance. There were fifteen huge packets of them that could explode half of a pce, yet she used all against Qing Yuyuan. How deep was their hatred?

    Fortunately, they were out of the cave. Otherwise they would have been crushed to death by the falling rocks.

    Ou Yang looked at her, annoyed, ¡°Why did you use so much? It was only Qing Yuyuan ¨C one person! Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a waste?¡±

    Murong Xue could not care less, ¡°We got our treasures. It¡¯s useless to keep the explosives with us, so we might as well finish them all. It would be such a hassle to bring them back!¡±

    As the princess of Mo Bei, Qing Yuyuan should have had numerous guards protecting her. Those ck feathered arrows were merely to test her. It would be great if she died under the arrow attack, but if she did not, Murong Xue had prepared plenty of explosives for her. With such a force, she was certain that Qing Yuyuan would be dead by now.

    ¡®Peng!¡¯ A rock was shoved out, creating a hole. A ck figure flew out from the hole andnded in a crouching position directly in front of Murong Xue and Ou Yang.

    The man was tall and his robe was stained in ck. This mysterious figure was looking downwards, therefore they could not determine its identity.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows. Even if the people in the cave did not die in the explosion, they would have undoubtedly died under the falling rocks in the cave, but this man escaped, shoved a boulder out of the way, and flew out of the cave?! That was really amazing! She wondered who was he?

    When she was about to raise that man¡¯s face to have a good look, the man stood up slowly. His decent features were stained with spots of ck, but he still he gave off a cool vibe. His dark eyes were as deep as the cave and they were sharp: it was Ye Yichen from Jing Wang.

    As he stood up, a woman came into their vision. She was leaning against Ye Yichen¡¯s chest and her eyes were tightly shut. Her whole body was smoky ck, leaving them with no idea if she was alive or dead.

    Murong Xue squinted her eyes. She was certain that the woman was Qing Yuyuan, who was obviously rescued by Ye Yichen. They managed to survive all those explosives?! They were really lucky...

    ¡°The explosives in the mansion were buried by you all?¡± Ye Yichen asked as he stared coldly at Murong Xue and Ou Yang. Yuyuan fell into the trap with them, so they were the ones most likely to have tied her up and nted the explosives.

    ¡°Correct.¡± Murong Xue nodded and admitted it without thinking twice. Everyone knew the hatred between her and Qing Yuyuan, so it was useless to hide it.

    ¡°Those treasures in the mansion were taken by you, too?¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s stare was piercing: when he reached the mansion, all that was left were the remnants of the four golden pirs and a wounded Yuyuan, who was tied to one of them. The rest of the treasures had been taken away.

    Ou Yang red at Ye Yichen. He did not say anything, but his eyes were mocking him. Wasn¡¯t it obvious? Yet he still asked... what a fool.

    ¡°Howe you guys weren¡¯t injured?¡± Ye Yichen blurted in confusion. The treasure¡¯s location was filled with openings and traps, and as is the case with looking for hidden riches, the more treasures that were hidden, the more traps it would have.

    When he brought his people along into the cave, he was greeted by traps after just a few steps. Even though he tried to be careful, a number of his men were killed by those traps. Even he himself got slightly wounded...

    Murong Xue and Ou Yang had walked through the cave for one round and reached the mansion uninjured. They also managed to get hold of the treasures. Something was not right.

    ¡°All thanks to Princess Qing!¡± Ou Yang threw a nce at Qing Yuyuan, who was still lying senselessly on the ground. He mocked, ¡°If it wasn¡¯t because of her, we would not have fallen into the trap and we wouldn¡¯t have been able to find the mansion so easily.¡±

 Chapter 99 â€“ Rescue By The Bank

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    Editor : Ocelot

    Ou Yang continued on, ¡°The button that Qing Yuyuan pressed was not the trap, but a secret tunnel that lead directly to the mansion. Even though the passage was narrow, moist, dark and stinky, it did not have any traps. That was why we were ahead of you and reached the mansion safely!¡±

    Qing Yuyuan¡¯s intention was to trick them into the trap to injure and kill them, but instead she created a shortcut for them, letting them escape through the tunnel and steal all of their treasures!

    They had beaughing stock!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face plummeted. He looked at Qing Yuyuan with his dark eyes, not saying a single word. Nobody knew what he was thinking!

    ¡°Master Jing Wang, the people you¡¯ve chosen so carefully have created more troubles for you instead of lightening your burden. They were utterly useless. Your taste is so terrible that I cannot respect you!¡± Ou Yang scowled at Qing Yuyuan and mocked them harshly.

    Ye Yichen was furious, ¡°Ou Yang, you have no rights to tell me what to do!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s your issue, I¡¯m not interested!¡± Ou Yang replied coldly. He turned and looked at Murong Xue, then said in a tender voice, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s go back to the city.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Murong Xue nodded and strolled forward. They had finally gotten the treasures, so there was no need for her to stay here any longer. As for Ye Yichen, she did not care if he lived or died!

    Seeing her unwavering shadow, Ye Yichen squinted his eyes. He did not listen to her, but he had to admit that even though Yuyuan was the princess of Mo Bei, she could neverpete with Murong Xue!

    Especially on the aspect of adventures, because Murong Xue was born observant. Even he could notpete with that.The fact that Ou Yang was able to get his hands on the treasure was also because of her!

    Murong Xue was his fianc¨¦. If he did not allow Yuyuan to participate in this treasure hunting, but chose instead to work together with Murong Xue, he would be the one who owned those jewels...

    ¡°Master!¡± A familiar yelp called out to him. It was Xu Tianyou, along his wounded guards. They were limping towards him, looking quite puzzled when they saw the injured Ye Yichen who was covered in smoke.

    Ye Yichen ignored their stares and ordered, ¡°Back to the city!¡± Those jewels were taken away by Murong Xue and Ou Yang; it would be useless for them to stay here.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Xu Tianyou replied with a low voice, and started to give outmands to the guards.

    Ou Yang looked afar and told Murong Xue who was beside him, ¡°The treasures have been ced in the carriage. Do you want to send your share back to Zhen Manor?¡±

    Murong Xue shook her head, ¡°Not right now, just put it together with yours. I¡¯ll go get it when I need it.¡±

    Ye Yichen longed for those precious jewels; if she took them back to her home, Ye Yichen might send his spies to steal them., She knew their manor was nopetition for Jing Wang Manor. It would be a waste if Ye Yichen stole all of her treasures after she¡¯d risked her life to find them!

    ¡°It¡¯s better that way.¡± Ou Yang nodded in agreement. His eyes were staring into space deeply, ¡°The amount of treasure is massive. It would gain attention no matter where we carried it. I¡¯ll ask my guards to store them in a safe ce first, then we will bring it back to Xiao Yao Manor secretly.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Murong Xue was pleased with this n. She knew that those treasures would stay safe under the care of Xiao Yao Manor¡¯s guards, so it did not matter where they kept them.

    A gentle breeze blew across thend, carrying a rotten scent along, Murong Xue was startled by it. She sniffed her sleeve and cor, then she frowned:

    Although this secret tunnel was safe, it had been abandoned for so many years. The venttion of the passage was bad; therefore, the stench had gotten onto her dress during her journey.

    She did not realize the condition of the tunnel until the wind blew. That stench was really horrible...

    ¡°Is there any water around here? I want to wash... my hands!¡±

    Ou Yang smirked when he saw her darkened face, ¡°There¡¯s a river after this mountain on the left!¡±

    ¡°Thanks!¡± Murong Xue increased her speed towards the river¡¯s direction. Her dress smelled dreadful, she could not wait to have a wash...

    After they had exited the mountain, they saw a river that was extremely clear. The bank of the river had lush green grass, and the air surrounding it was so fresh...

    Murong Xue rushed to the stream and cupped a handful of mountain water in her palms. She washed her hands and her arms, but even though the stench was slowly fading with the rubbing, the reek was still there. She frowned and started to undo her waistband, buttons, and then she took off her long dress and washed both in the water.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± A man¡¯s clear voice could be heard from afar, as a musk scented long robe was thrown at her, covering her naked body.

    ¡°This is wilderness. How could you simply take off your dress? What if you met with some perverts?¡± Ou Yang¡¯s face sank when he saw her, but with his long white robe swaying in the breeze, he looked so elegant!

    Murong Xue did not think that much, ¡°I¡¯ve checked through the area, and there¡¯s no one around except you!¡±

    Ou Yang was perplexed, ¡°You... undid your dress for me...?¡±

    Murong Xue frowned even harder, ¡°Stop thinking nonsense. It¡¯s because of the stench on my dress. I just want to take it off and wash it...¡±

    She was wearing a pair of white innerwear. Not even a single piece of skin was showing. It was like the way people wore a white shirt and a pair of jeans in modern era; it did not matter if people saw her.

    ¡°Really?¡± Ou Yang smirked.

    ¡°Why would I lie to you... I... I¡¯m not going to wash my dress anymore!¡± It was useless for Murong Xue to exin herself. She grabbed her dress from the water furiously and was about to leave when suddenly she noticed a faint red color in the water.

    Stunned by that sight, she stopped her movements and went forward to take a good look. It was then she saw a man was lying dead by the river, with his upper body buried in the bushes and his lower body in the water. A gush of red blood was seeping out as the small waves flushed his body...

    ¡°I thought there¡¯s nobody around?¡± Ou Yang saw this and he asked in a serious tone.

    Murong Xue, ¡°...¡±

    This man was covered and half buried in the grass, how could he me her if she did not notice this corpse?

    Moreover, shouldn¡¯t he had go ahead and check if he was still alive? Why did Ou Yang care for something else?

    Seeing her confused look, Ou Yang replied, ¡°I¡¯m not interested in a half-dead man!¡±

    ¡°But we shouldn¡¯t just leave him to die here!¡± Murong Xue ignored him and walked towards the man. She grabbed his shoulders to turn him around. A pale face greeted them as she did so; his face was porcin-like and fine-looking.

    ¡°It¡¯s him!¡± Ou Yang recognized him and he grimaced.

    Murong Xue blinked her eyes and looked at Ou Yang, ¡°You know him! Who is he?¡±

 Chapter 100 â€“ Awoken

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    Editor : Ocelot

    ¡°Someone who doesn¡¯t matter!¡± Ou Yang replied emotionlessly.

    Murong Xue looked up at the sky and said, ¡°Who asked about your rtionship with him? I want to know his name?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve only met him once, so I don¡¯t know his name.¡± Ou Yang stated calmly, not wanting to exin further.

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue looked at him with doubting eyes. She recalled the moment he saw him, he was really shocked then ¨C it did not look like they had met only once.

    ¡°Of course, why would I lie?!¡± Ou Yang continued.

    Murong Xue smirked. The man¡¯s identity did not really matter to her, but there was something she needed to do.

    She stretched out small palm in front of Ou Yang and said, ¡°Take it out!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ou Yang looked at her confused.

    ¡°The medicine. He¡¯s hurt his shoulders and thigh, the bleeding won¡¯t stop, and I need to stop it immediately!¡± Murong Xue exined with a serious face.

    Ou Yang scowled and stared at her, ¡°You really want to save him?¡±

    Murong Xue blinked, ¡°He¡¯s badly injured but it¡¯s not infected yet. I could save him if I cleaned his wounds and put on some ointment. Such simple task, why wouldn¡¯t I do it?¡±

    Ou Yang was agitated: this man was not as simple as she thought. It would be a disaster if she saved him...

    Murong Xue did not know what he was thinking. Seeing that he did not continue speaking, she put her hand into his pocket straightaway and took out a small green vase.

    ¡°We are doing a good deed by saving others, so stop hesitating; you provide the medicine, I¡¯ll do the work. Let¡¯s save people...¡±

    Murong Xue smiled as she said it, then she pulled the man out of the bush by grabbing his shoulders. After that she ced him t on the ground, took off his clothes and started treating the wounds. Her skill was swift and trained, it was so impressive!

    The man¡¯s eyes were shut tightly. His long eyshes wiggled slightly and then they came to a stop!

    Murong Xue did not notice his movement as she was concentrating on treating his injuries. She tied a decent ribbon on his shoulder as a makeshift bandage and sighed in relief when she was done checking his wounds. Finally, it was all done.

    Slowly she stood up and looked at Ou Yang, ¡°Sir, Xunfeng and Wuheng shouldn¡¯t have gone far, let¡¯s ask them to carry this man back.¡±

    Ou Yang¡¯s jaw dropped, ¡°You want to take care of him back in the city?¡±

    ¡°Not really!¡± Murong Xue shook her head. ¡°I just thought that since this is wilderness, wild animals woulde at any time. He¡¯s injured and unconscious, he would be dead if there are any animals here. Let¡¯s just save him and bring him back. He can leave when he¡¯s awake...¡±

    Ou Yang was relieved when he heard that, ¡°His men should be here soon, they¡¯ll take good care of him. Let¡¯s just leave him.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Murong Xue had doubts.

    ¡°Since when did I lie to you? It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s go!¡± Ou Yang grabbed on her hands and traveled ahead.

    The many on the ground, not moving. His pale face was so white, Murong Xue was still troubled, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be so nice if we just left like this, so let¡¯s wait until his mene...¡±

    ¡°Wait ¡®til they¡¯re here and we tell them we saved him. Let them repay us...¡± Ou Yang continued her sentence.

    Murong Xue¡¯s face darkened, ¡°I¡¯m not that kind of person, I don¡¯t ask for repay...¡±

    ¡°Since you won¡¯t, let¡¯s leave.¡± Ou Yang held her waist and dragged her.

    Murong Xue scowled at his action, ¡°Ou Yang, why do you want to leave so badly...¡±

    Ou Yang nced at her and said, ¡°Your outfit isn¡¯t suitable to see any man.¡±

    Murong Xue was stunned, then she remembered she was still in Ou Yang¡¯s robe. The silk material was half transparent, her innerwear could be clearly seen!

    He was right, she could not see the man¡¯s people in this!

    When she was still, Ou Yang threw her a gentle nce. He grabbed tightly on her waist and they continued walking, ¡°There¡¯s no wild animals around here, he will be fine... His men are close, they should be here any minute...¡±

    As they traveled further and disappeared at a turning point, a slim feminine figure walked towards the man. Her long dress was sky blue and she was a stunningdy, she was the granddaughter of Su Nanxiang!

    ring ahead at the turning point, Hu Nanxiang¡¯s eyes were filled with fury:

    She was passing by earlier and she did not expect to see Murong Xue here, and she was even teasing around with Ou Yang. How annoying! She had never experienced such intimacy before...

    Her wrath lingered for a moment. When she felt better, she looked down at the lifeless man: his eyes were closed and his breathing was faint, his face was as pale as a sheet of paper, what kind of injuries did he have?

    Hu Nanxiang frowned as she squatted to take a good look. Suddenly a piercing sound flew across the sky. A man in ck appeared beside the injured man, his long sword was pointing towards f her as he stared daggers at the woman, asking ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Hu Nanxiang thought and said, ¡°I¡¯m your master¡¯s life saver!¡±

    The paleness of the man could not hide his identity and status. The man was handsome and his outfit looked expensive, therefore she assumed he was from a plush background.

    It would be useful for her if he owed her his life!

    The man in ck was astounded. He saw the bandages around his shoulders and thigh, the ribbon tied on the bandages indicating it was the work of a woman...

    ¡°Erh erh erh!¡± The man on the ground coughed and slowly opened his eyes, they were like the shining stars in gxy.

    The man in ck was delighted when he saw that. He quickly bent down and carried him, ¡°Master, you¡¯re awake!¡±

    The man nodded slightly and stood up with the man in ck¡¯s help!

    He sensed a sharp pain in his leg. He grimaced and saw the ribbon bandages on his body, then he looked at Hu Nanxiang, ¡°Did you save me?¡±

 Chapter 101 â€“ Suspicion

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    Editor : Ocelot

    ¡°Mmm!¡± Su Nanxiang nodded while maintaining a straight face, her heart racing as she lied.

    ¡°I¡¯m Dong Fangli. Thank you for saving my life.¡± Dong Fangli said softly. His porcin face was so charming and attractive, and his intense eyes were like ss glistening under the rays of the sun.

    Dong Fangli? Wasn¡¯t that the seventh prince of Xi Liang? She had ¡®saved¡¯ such a famous person?

    Su Nanxiang tried to hide her excitement as she she smiled politely, ¡°It was nothing, don¡¯t take it to heart, Prince Dong Fang.¡±

    ¡°Your help was a huge deal to me. If you don¡¯t mind, please allow me to escort you back to your home as a token of gratitude,¡± Dong Fangli said sincerely.

    ¡°This...¡± Su Nanxiang hesitated, ¡°...my house is of the Di Shi Manor in the city. Thank you,Prince Dong Fang!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re most wee. Please-¡± Dong Fangli moved aside and gestured for her to go first. It was such a simple yet such a courtly move.

    ¡°Please, Prince Dong Fang.¡± Su Nanxiang smiled happily and walked ahead, smirking as she made her move. Dong Fangli assumed her to be his savior, so she had to cherish this opportunity and try to take advantage of this situation.

    As he watched Su Nanxiang walking further ahead, Dong Fangli fell back a little and lowered his voice, ¡°Huo Tong, was she really the one who saved me?¡±

    He¡¯d regained consciousness for a moment when thedy who saved him was bandaging him, but he was too weak to move a single muscle, he could not speak even though he wanted to, his eyes were shut tightly and his vision was blurry.

    In the blurriness, he did not manage to get a good look at thedy¡¯s features, but he could see her eyes and her build. He knew thedy who saved him and thedy in front of him were different.

    ¡°This...¡± Huo Tong raised his eyebrows and told the truth, ¡°I did not see her saving you, but she was the only person here when I reached you.¡±

    ¡°Alright then,¡± Dong Fangli nodded while his eyes were staring ahead intently.

    ¡°Master, do you want me to check on this?¡± Huo Tong asked quietly.

    ¡°No need. Let¡¯s not think about this,¡± Dong Fangli stated softly.

    This was their first time in the city. They did not know anyone nor were they familiar with the ces. In addition to that, there were spies looking for him. He had been attacked discreetly, so he could not simply boldly make his move.

    Di Shi was the teacher of the Emperor. There would be guards and soldiers by the gates and doors, and those spies could not simply break in. He nned to follow thedy in front and would n again after he reached her house.

    Wu An Manor¡¯s maids, nannies and stewards were walking around the house in the afternoon. They were allpleting their own duties, however, the An Shou Hall where Madam Song Lao was seated waspletely quiet.

    Madam Song Lao sat on her mighty chair and took a gentle sip of her tea. She then nced towards the youngdy in front of her and stated, ¡°it¡¯s good that you¡¯re back. You¡¯ve gone through a lot these days.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for your concern, but I¡¯m fine!¡± Murong Rou smiled and took a sip from her cup as well.

    She had been sleeping amongst damp hay every night, the food and drink were terrible, the soup that they served to her was disgustingly shallow, andduring these twenty days she lost half of her weight and her face was still pale even though she had used plenty of makeup to cover it.

    Madam Song Lao looked at her and raised her eyebrows, ¡°You should take a rest since you have just got back. Wu An Manor will be handled by Hui Hui for now.¡±

    Stop pretending to be so caring and noble! This old nanny wanted to train Wu Hui Hui because she had just gotten out of jail; the nanny just simply did not want to ruin their reputation.

    She was thedy of Wu An Manor. She had dedicated herself to this house for more than ten years. Wu An Manor belonged to her, the old Song Lao had no rights to snatch this house from her!

    ¡°Thanks for being concerned about me, but I don¡¯t feel tired at all.¡± Murong Rou smiled sarcastically.

    ¡°You¡¯re not tired, is that it? Then I want to discuss something with you.¡± Madam Song Lao red at her from the side and mocked, ¡°Tian Wen has grown to a sessful man , but he had only one daughter, Qing Yan., How can this be? Other generals had more children than him at his age...¡±

    Murong Rou got a bad feeling as she asked softly, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Madam Song Lao smiled and said, ¡°You go with Tian Wen and bear more children with him.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Murong Rou screamed without second thought, then she realized her mistake but it was already toote.

    Madam Song Lao¡¯s face dropped and she asked coldly, ¡°Why not?¡±

    This was her first time seeing a daughter-inw that was so daring, this was ridiculous.

    Murong Rou¡¯s eyes started to glisten, ¡°Because... a daughter is enough.¡±

    ¡°But I want a grandson, and only you can do that!¡± Madam Song Lao red at her small belly. ¡°Qing Yan was born more than ten years ago. Since then your belly is the same. If you decline, Tian Wen will have no future generation to take up his family name, and there will be no one to pray for him when he¡¯s dead!¡±

    Murong Rou had regrets for not bearing a son, but Madam Song Lao was adding oil to the fire, her mocking and scolding were too much for her, ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, I don¡¯t mean that.¡±

    ¡°Stop talking.¡± Madam Song Lao raised her hand to stop the conversation. She stared coldly at her, ¡°Earlier, when Tian Wen was in love with you, I could disregard his request for not wanting children, but now that he has grown so old I have to force him ¨C even if he doesn¡¯t want it.¡±

    ¡°Go back and think about what I said. See me when you have this figured out!¡± Madam Song Lao did not want to talk much at this point. She ordered her people to remove her from her sight.

    Murong Rou wanted to say something, but swallowed back her words, ¡°I¡¯ll leave now!¡± She then bowed and walked out of Shou An Hal.,She was so troubled as she walked along the green path: the old woman wanted a grandson. She herself wanted a son as well, but she had no idea why she could not conceive.

    Qing Yan was a girl; there was no way she could take over Wu An Manor. If she could bear a son for Tian Wen, their son would be the heir of this house, but if she did not do so, Wu An Manor would fall under the second son¡¯s hand.

    No no no! She was thedy of Wu An Manor. She had to leave this house for her own son, nobody could snatch it from her...

 Chapter 102 â€“ Seek Doctor

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    Editor : Ocelot

    ¡°Nanny Lee, who is the most famous and skilled doctor in town?¡± Murong Rou asked quietly.

    Nanny Lee was Murong Rou¡¯s nanny since she stepped into this house. She trusted her and she told her everything.

    Nanny Lee knew what Murong Rou had in mind, ¡°Miss, the doctor from the pce has just checked your body. You¡¯re healthy and fit, there¡¯s no need to seek doctors again. The reason you can¡¯t conceive is because it¡¯s not time yet!¡±

    Murong Rou stared into space gloomily, sighing as she thought, ¡°Qing Yan was born twelve years ago. Since then, I never got pregnant again. If I continue to wait for destiny, I¡¯m not sure if I can conceive again at this age.¡±

    Nanny Lee suddenly recalled that Murong Rou was already in her thirties. She would need to be fast if she wanted to conceive, she had no time left. ¡°What do you n to do, mMss?¡±

    Murong Rou looked around to make sure that there was no one around them, then she whispered, ¡°You go listen around and see if there are any methods or secret pills that can make me pregnant.¡±

    She and Tian Wen were no longer young. She had to bear a son for Wu An Manor¡¯s sake and to secure her own status.

    There were plenty of secrets and pills out there, she was certain she would get what she wanted.

    ¡°Secret pregnancy pill?¡± Nanny Lee¡¯s face darkened, ¡°I passed by a clinic few days ago and heard the people inside was showing off the secret to get a son...¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?!¡± Murong Rou eximed, ¡°Where is it? Quickly take me there.¡±

    ¡°This... I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s true. How about I go ask first?¡± Nanny Lee suggested. There were a lot of skilled doctors out in the city, but there were plenty of fraudsters, too. They could not simply believe just anyone.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go together!¡± Murong Rou was excited, ¡°I want to know as soon as possible whether the secret method is true or false.¡±

    Hui Chun Tang is a modest clinic in town. As noon was approaching, the clinic was quiet and empty. There were not many patients around, and a pharmacist waszily wiping the counter and the first aid box with a cloth.

    Murong Rou held Nanny Lee¡¯s hand and walked inside Hui Chun Tang. The pharmacist saw her and rushed forward eagerly to greet her, ¡°Miss, are you looking for the doctor or to purchase medicines?¡±

    ¡°I heard you have a secret method to bear a son?¡± Murong Rou nced at the pharmacist and blurted out her intention.

    The pharmacist was stunned for a moment before staring at Murong Rou from head to toe. She was wearing a long white dress, and her ck hair was pinned up loosely with a silver hairpin. Her ears were decorated with in silver earrings. Her simple outfit and looks could hardly tell didn¡¯t indicate her real identity, even her face was covered with a in sheer white mask; only her eyes could be seen.

    She was merely here to get the secret method for a son. He would not tell her much after all, Did she need to act all mysterious? He could not care less about helping her if she did not want to reveal herself.

    The pharmacist smirked, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a son-bearing secret. It¡¯s our clinic¡¯s precious treatment.¡±

    ¡°Is there anyone who has tried it? Is it effective?¡± This was the most pressing question that Murong Rou wanted answered. She did not want to waste her money on something that was not effective.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Miss. Hui Chun Tang has been in business since five to six years ago. Our methods and medicines are all effective. If it¡¯s not, pleasee here and smash away our clinic,¡± the pharmacist assured her.

    Murong Rou nodded her head. She knew how good their reputation was in town, ¡°I¡¯m ready to buy that method. Tell me your price.¡±

    ¡°This...¡± The pharmacist smiled sheepishly, ¡°To tell you the truth, the secret is inherited from our Dong family. If you want it that bad, you¡¯ll have to talk to Dong family.¡±

    Buying a secret child-bearing pill was nothing to be proud of. She just wanted to buy it quietly and not let people know. Who would ever think that this young pharmacist had no decision-making rights?

    Murong Rou started to get upset. She scowled and asked, ¡°Then where is the Dong family?¡±

    ¡°Right here!¡± A middle-aged man walked out from behind a curtain. He was in his forties and he was dressed in a blue robe. His belt was loosely tied around his waist and his hair was messy. His eyes were faintly red, as if he¡¯d just awakened. He walked towards them hurriedly, looking as if he would fall any time. The pharmacist saw him and quickly dashed forward to help him, ¡°Fourth Master, I¡¯ll go make some tea for you!¡± He was having a hangover; this Dong family was quirky.

    ¡°No need!¡± The man raised his hand to signal the pharmacist to step aside. He then walked slowly towards Murong Rou and looked at her, ¡°You want to buy my family¡¯s secret medicine?¡±

    His stench was mixed with a hint of alcohol. Murong Rou squinted her brows as the smell hit her face, ¡°Yes. Name your price.¡±

    ¡°He he!¡± the manughed out and sat on the chair beside him, then lifted a cup of warm tea and drank it. After his sip, his eyes were somewhat brighter, ¡°This medicine can build up your generation. As for the price, it won¡¯t be low.¡±

    ¡°How much do you want? Just name it.¡± Murong Rou cut off his sentence and she looked agitated. If it were not for the secret medicine, she would note here in the first ce and talk to this drunkard.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want your silver!¡± the man blurted.

    Murong Rou was stunned, ¡°You don¡¯t want silver? Then what do you want?¡±

    The man stared at her and lowered his voice, ¡°I want you to help me with my marriage. I want a pretty young girl who is below twenty years old...¡±

    Murong Rou smirked and mocked him, ¡°You are only a low-leveled merchant who owns a medicine store, and you¡¯re in your forties now. You want a young girl as your wife? Are you insane? This is not the way you to go about things...¡±

    The man¡¯s face darkened instantly. He scowled at Murong Rou and eximed, ¡°I am the brother of Xu Shang Shu from the military. I am a general, not some low-leveled merchant!¡±

 Chapter 103 â€“ Enemies Meet Up

    Xushang Shu from the military? Brother? General?

    Murong Rou was stunned as she heard those keywords. She recalled this man before her.,

    His name was Xuwen, he was thirty-six years old, his wife passed away when she was young, and currently he has a son.

    He had no skills and he spent huge amount of money to bribe the internal people to get this general position.

    He was always dreaming of marrying pretty young girls. The noblemen and rich men who heard this wouldugh and mock him.

    Even she had always regard him as aughing stock. Who knew she would hear this sentence for herself today? This was

    hrious!

    Xuwen saw that she was speechless and that her eyes held trace of mockery. He was

    furious! ¡°What are you sniggering at?¡±

    Murong Rouposed herself and replied, ¡°Xu Dian Shi, you are nearly forty.

    You shouldf findan innocent woman to be your wife.¡± The girls of Qing Yuan tended to marry at a young

    age, those girls below twenty were either wives of others or widows. He would not like these two types of girls...

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Taipu Shi marry a pretty young girlst month?¡± His age was almost the same as Taipu Shi; if he could marry that girl then so could he!

    Murong Rouughed a little, ¡°He is the highest ranked general and his status is precious.

    Of course people are pushing their young daughters to him.

    As for you? General, you¡¯re not skilled ¨C and people would never look at you if you were thrown into the crowd...¡±

    Not even the peasants¡¯ daughters would want him.

    As the saying goes, old cow ate fresh grass.

    It was not that he could not do so, but not every old cow had the right to eat fresh grass.

    Xuwen red at Murong Rou, ¡°This Miss... I¡¯m here to do business with you, not to listen to you mock me. If you think my request was too much, then please leave!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave in that case. Xu Dian Shi, see you again.¡± Murong Rou said nonchntly.

    She stood up and walked out without second nce.

    That lousy general was nothing to her. The military camp was a few miles away from Wu An Manor, and since he did not know who was she, there was no need for her to worry.

    Xuwen threw the tea cup on the floor furiously as he saw her walking away, the cup shattering into pieces with a loud ¡®pang¡¯!

    He red at Murong Rou angrily. Her outfit was elegant and, her aura was strong; he was certain that she was thedy of a house.

    He was so ready to do this business with her but she was mocking him the whole time.

    With that attitude, it served her right that she was unable to conceive! He cursed that she would never bear any children!

    Nanny Lee looked towards the shop¡¯s sign when they were walking out of Hui Chun Tang, ¡°Miss, are you sure we should just leave like that?¡±

    Theywere so close to getting the secret medicine.

    Murong Rou winked and said, ¡°Qing Yuan has plenty of skilled doctors.

    If Xuwen has the secret method, I¡¯m sure the other doctors will have it as well. Let¡¯s be patient and keep looking.¡±

    She sincerely wanted the secret medicine.

    She could consider helping Xuwen find a pretty young maid in exchange, but as for a well-educated young girl? Keep dreaming!

    Xuwen had been theughingstock in town for ages. Everyone mocked and humiliated him when they heard his name. She knew people would kick her out of town if she looked for young girls in the city on his behalf. She would not want to embarrass herself in that way...

    ¡°Yes!¡± Nanny Lee nodded, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, do you want to go back?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, let¡¯s go to Zhen Manor¡± Murong Rou replied. It had been a while since she went there. She had heard about her mother¡¯s injury, and her second brother and his wife wereas back after ten years, so she wanted to pay a visit to them all.

    Zhen Manor was quiet and tranquil, s with sunlight shining down upon the hall. The main door was manned by two guards, each standing on either side of the entrance with a straight face.

    Murong Rou climbed down from her carriage and held onto Nanny Lee¡¯s hand as she ascended the staircase. As she entered she saw a young girl running towards her at a fast pace, almost knocking her down along the way. The girl¡¯s face was clean and pretty, her body was slim and petite, she was none other than her precious daughter Song Qingyan!

    ¡°Mother!¡± Song QIngyan saw her and her eyes gleamed with joy. Sheid her head on her mother¡¯s bosomand cried out, ¡°Mother, you¡¯re back! This is great!¡±

    She had heard about her mother getting out of jail so she was just about to visit her in Wu An Manor, She had no idea she would see her mother in Zhen Manor.

    Murong Rou smiled gently and patted her shoulders, ¡°I¡¯m back. I won¡¯t let you be bullied ever again.¡±

    Song Qingyan wiped her tears and nodded, ¡°I knew it. You love me the most!¡±

    Murong Rou smiled warmly and nudged Song Qingyan¡¯s cor. Just then, she noticed a white bandage underneath her high cor. The bandage gave off a medicinal scent.

    She narrowed her eyes and enquired, ¡°Qingyan, how did you injure yourself?¡±

    Song Qingyan straightened up and looked down at her bandage, ¡°It was all because of that Murong Xue. She threw a hot bowl of soup on my body...¡±

    Murong Rou eximed worriedly, ¡°Then this will leave a scar?¡±

    ¡°No, it won¡¯t. The doctor told me that as it was treated immediately, as long as I take my medicines on time and stay home for three months, my wounds will healpletely without leaving any scar.¡± Song Qingyan smiled in delight.

    ¡°Then that¡¯s fine.¡± Murong Rou sighed in relief. A porcin and clear skin was the first crucial step for women to gain their husband¡¯s attention and care. Men would leave their wives if there was a scar on her body.

    The sound of horses trotting could be heard. Murong Rou raised her head and saw Ou Yang riding a fast horse, carrying Murong Xue to the main gate of Zhen Manor.

    Murong Xue climbed down from the horse¡¯s back with a swift move, then she looked up at Ou Yang, ¡°I have an important matter today so I can¡¯t invite you in for tea. I¡¯ll repay you another day.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡± Ou Yang nodded and smiled at her, ¡°If you want to know where ¡®they¡¯ are,e over to Xiao Yao Manor and look for me.¡±

    ¡°I got it.¡± Murong Xue nodded, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You should quickly go back now. Be safe on the road.¡±

    ¡°I will¡± Ou Yang chuckled as he listened to her, then he turned his horse and sped forward to Xiao Yao Manor.

    As the horse made its turn and disappeared from sight, Murong Xue turned around and noticed Murong Rou and her daughter...

 Chapter 104 â€“ Fainted

    She saw that mother and daughter right when she got back. How unlucky!

    Murong Xue raised her brows and pretended not to see them. As she walked past them, she trotted right into the hall with a smile on her face. Song Qingyan could not bear this so she went forward to block Murong Xue¡¯s way, then she shouted at her madly, ¡°Murong Xue, you did not greet the elder when you saw her. Did your manners get eaten by the dogs?¡±

    Murong Xue red at her and simply replied, ¡°You came right to my face and shouted at your cousin. It¡¯s your manners that got eaten by the dogs!¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Song Qingyan was speechless. She scowled at Murong Xue with hatred, her eyes burning with rage.

    ¡°Don¡¯t block my way. Move!¡± Murong Xue waved her off and pushed Song Qingyan aside, then she walked ahead with her head up.

    She had been in the secret tunnel for hours. Her hair, shoes and dress were stained with dirt and she reeked. She could not wait to go back to Luo Xue Ge and cleaned herself up. She was in no mood to converse with Song Qingyan!

    Song Qingyan did not expect such attitude, and she slid backwards in surprise and almost fell. When sheposed herself she looked up and saw that Murong Xue had already walk back to her room.

    Her eyes turned red as she cried against Murong Rou¡¯s chest, ¡°Mother, look at Murong Xue! She¡¯s too much!¡±

    The pleading cry was deafening in her ears. Murong Rou narrowed her eyes as shes patted gently on her back, ¡°Is Ou Yang close to Murong Xue?¡±

    ¡°They were already hugging each other on the same horse ride, what do you think?! They are extremely close!¡± Song Qingyan eximed, her eyes were filled with fury and jealousy.

    Murong Xue and Ou Yang¡¯s closeness were not exactly a good thing to them.

    Murong Rou asked, ¡°Is Murong Xue always this proud in Zhen Manor?¡±

    ¡°She isn¡¯t only proud; she sees no one but herself!¡± Song Qingyan was so angry, ¡°A few days ago, uncle came over and he wanted to move a few boxes of books into the big study room.

    Murong Xue did not let him do so and she even ordered the butler to squeeze his books into uncle¡¯s small study room. Also, grandmother, uncle, cousin Qi and butler Chai all were wounded because of Murong Xue. She¡¯s the unlucky star in this house, everyone will be

    unlucky if she¡¯s around,¡±

    Zhen Manor¡¯s big study room was dedicated to the Zhen household, outsiders were not allowed to enter. Second brother wanted to build his status in this house by putting his books in the study room, however, his n was thwarted by Murong Xue.

    In the battle between him and Murong Xue, he was the loser!

    Even their second brother lost in Murong Xue¡¯s hands. She was not as simple as they thought. They had to think of a smart way to get rid of her!

    Murong Rou had a n in mind, ¡°Nanny Lee, you go back to Hui Chun Tang and tell Xuwen that I agree with his condition; I will bring a well-educated young girl to be his wife.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Nanny Lee replied as she walked off.

    Murong Rou looked towards Xue Luo Ge and smirked evilly. Zhen Manor belonged to them.

    Murong Xue was an orphan without parents, she had been ordering people around in this house for so long... It was time for her to take back what was hers and punish Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue was delighted as she was bathed her dirty body. Once she was done with cleaning herself in a tub full of petals, she stepped out of the tub happily. Afterwards she dried herself with a white silk towel and wrapped her body in a green robe. When she was

    done, she walked out of the bathing area.

    Her room was quiet.there was nobody in sight. The golden urn was emitting a soft hint of fragrance, maaking the whole room feel so cozy.

    Murong Xue was confused, she called out softly, ¡°Hongxiu, Anxiang!¡±

    Silence. It was still silent...

    Murong Xue furrowed her brows, She¡¯d only asked them to bring over some porridge and dishes. What was taking them so long?

    A light breeze blew in the room. Feeling drows, Murong Xue yawned and crawled into her bed toy down.

    She had not been resting well while nning the the treasure hunt, and she had been was racing from Zhen Manor to where she thought the treasure was a few times, so she was really exhausted. Hongxiu and Anxiang could wake her up when they came in with her lunch... Murong Xue wrapped herself in the nket with this thought and she closed her eyes and drifted into dreand.

    A ¡®zhi¡¯ sound was heard when her room door was pushed open. Murong Rou walked in and stood by the bed, looking down at Murong Xue as she smirked: So what if she was smart and clever with her ns? She still fell under the sleepy trap!

    With a smirk, she drawled, ¡°Xu Dian Shi, this is the wife I¡¯ve prepared for you. Are you satisfied with this?¡±

    Xuwen walked in hastily and looked at Murong Xue. She was sleeping soundly, her long eyshes were like a pair of butterfly¡¯s wings, her pinkish lips were tightly closed...in short,s she was adorable!

    The soft nket covered her up to her chest, showing off her fair smooth skin and her corbones. Her ck silky hair rested neatly on her chest... Xuwen was astounded by this sight.

    ¡°Who is she?¡± Xuwen stuttered. He had never seen such a pretty girl in all of these years of looking for a wife.

    ¡°My niece, Murong Xue.¡± Murong Rou did not n to hide her identity.

    Xuwen, stunned, stared at Murong Rou, ¡°Murong Xue is the fianc¨¦ of Jing Wang. Are you nning to kill me by asking me to marry her?¡±

    Murong Rou knew this would happen. She lowered her voice and said, ¡°Murong Xue did not want to marry Jing Wang. It will be better to say that she seduced you and asked to marry you.¡±

    Xuwen¡¯s eyes lit up. It was true that Murong Xue did not want to marry Jing Wang. This news was spread throughout the city. Murong Rou had a point, but, ¡°This way... are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Why not? Even if Jing Wang wget angry you can still me it all on Murong Xue, saying that she was the one who seduced you, and that you had nothing to do with this.¡± Murong Rou told him with a cunning smile.¡°This...¡± Xuwen hesitated. He did not dare snatch Jing Wang¡¯s woman, but this girl was so pretty. What should he do?

 Chapter 105 â€“ Karma

    Xuwen lowered his head and ruminated, not aying a word.

    Murong Rou was impatient, ¡°Xu Dian Shi, do you want this deal? If you keep dying, the sleepy scent will go off and you will lose your chance with her...¡±

    ¡°This...¡± Xuwen was still thinking, ¡°Alright, it¡¯s a deal.¡±

    This pretty girl was one of a kind. He liked her so much, that even if Jing Wang killed him, he would not mind at all! ¡°Xu Dian Shi is a smart man. Murong Xue belongs to you from now on, help yourself!¡±

    Murong Rou smirked and walked out of the room.

    Murong Xue and she had been enemies from the beginning. She had always wanted to get rid of her, but because of her engagement to Ye Yichen and her close friendship with Ou Yang, she would be dead if she pushed Murong Xue to Xuwen as wife.

    The noblemen wouldugh at her and mock her!

    She did not want to try to get rid of Murong Xue and to lose her reputation in the process, therefore she thought of this sleepy scent idea to let Xuwen get her on his own.

    Xuwen would not break his promise when he got hisdy, she would get her secret medicine for son-bearing and increase her reputation in the household. This n was great!

    Ou Yang and Ye Yichen were from wealthy backgrounds and their statuses were highly-ranked. Once Murong Xue lost her innocence, they would not want her anymore. The princess of the house would be thedy of Dian Shi. Picturing this bleak future excited her!

    He he! She could not wait to see how pitiful Murong Xue would be once she was attacked...

    Murong Rou smiled at this thought as she turned around. She saw Xuwen standing by the bed and looking at Murong Xue perversely, then his shaking dark hands were approaching to Murong Xue¡¯s small face...

    As he moved closer to her face, Murong Xue woke up suddenly and hit Xuwen on his neck.

    With a loud ¡®ka¡¯, Xuwen rolled his eyes and fell right on his back.

    Murong Rou¡¯s eyes widened and she quickly rushed towards the door when suddenly she heard a loud shriek from behind and a white cloth wrapped around her waist. She tripped and fell to the floor so hard that it made her dizzy.

    Murong Xue walked slowly towards her, her green robe was swaying gracefully in the breeze.

    Murong Rou red at her and shouted, ¡°When did you wake up?¡±

    Didn¡¯t Xuwen tell her that the sleepy scent canst for a day? Why did Murong Xue wake up so fast?

    ¡°I did not faint from the start. I was just pretending to faint, to see who was behind this!¡±

    Murong Xue shrieked, her voice as cold as ice.

    Murong Rou was astonished, ¡°You knew there was something wrong with the joss stick from the start?¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡± Murong Xue had studied poisons during the modern days; this little scent would not do anything to her.

    ¡°Then my conversation with Xuwen...¡±

    ¡°I heard all of it.¡± Murong Xue replied softly., She smirked and stared at Murong Rou.

    Sensing something wrong, Murong Rou shouted, ¡°Murong Xue, what do you want to do?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t kill you. I just want you to feel what I felt just now, helpless like amb to be ughtered...¡± Murong Xueughed.

    Murong Rou was shocked by this. She gathered her energy and shouted loudly, ¡°hHlp...¡±

    Before she could scream , a silver light shone in front of her eyes and she became mute. Her body went rigid as well, unable to move.

    She looked up and scowled at Murong Xue!

    Murong Xue ignored her and grabbed her by the cor, then she dragged her on the bed and walked towards Xuwen. She squeezed open his mouth and popped two pills in his mouth.

    Murong Xue stood up and checked to see if there was anyone around, then she walked out gracefully.

    Murong Rou stared at Murong Xue as if was asking, ¡°What did you feed Xuwen?¡±

    Murong Xue red back and said, ¡°Don¡¯t you have eyes, couldn¡¯t you see?¡±

    Murong Rou looked at Xuwen and saw his eyes flicker open. His gaze was blurry and drops of sweat were beaded on his forehead and his cheeks were flushed.

    He was poisoned with ttery poison! Murong Rou was frightened. She wanted to burn Murong Xue so bad!

    Murong Xueughed her off and waved her hand, ¡°I¡¯ll leave first. This was your own trap,so enjoy yourself.¡±

    As she saw Murong Xue strutting off, Murong Rou red at her shadow: Murong Xue, you are wicked!

    Xuwen had been poisoned. He sensed a gust of warmth in his body. He groaned ufortably... he needed to get rid of this feeling!

    Smelling a hint of feminine scent, Xuwen looked in that direction and saw a slim figure on the bed. He jumped on the bed like a wolf ready to devour a helplessmb...

    The slim figure was pressed down roughly. Murong Rou felt like fainting as a strong scent of breath hit her face. She wanted to push Xuwen off and scold him as bad as she could.

    However, she was paralyzed by the silver needles. She could neither speak nor move, she could only let Xuwen do whatever he wanted to her. Feeling humiliated, her tears rolled down her cheeks, wetting the pillow. She looked out at the sky and screamed internally:

    Help, help me!

    Murong Xue sat on the swing in the courtyard. She was swinging while eating her cake.

    A low manly moan and the creaking and banging of the bed could be heard. Murong Xueughed and thought:

    Murong Rou wanted to trap me, but now she¡¯s caught in her own trap. Serves her right!

    ¡°Ladies... bad news... something¡¯s happened to the mistress!¡± the nanny shrieked, rming the whole Zhen Manor.

    Murong Xue raised her brows and joined in the chaos. She held on her tea cup, waiting to see the show...

 Chapter 106 â€“ Caught In Bed

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    ¡°Xue Er... Xue Er... What¡¯s the matter with you...¡± Zhou has lightly covered his mouth and nose with the silk handkerchief, sniveling while running over to the Luo Xue Pavilion followed by a troop maid, wet nurse and young manservant.

    ¡°What is the matter?¡±

    ¡°We do not know...¡±

    With the man¡¯s high-pitched growl and the loud, violent shaking sound of the bed giving out, the startled servants understood the matter from beginning to end instantaneously. The young manservants had a quickugh and felt awkward while the maids, who had not married, lowered their heads with blushes on their faces.

    Zhou squinted her eyes as a crooked and viinous smile hung from her lips. Murong Xue, do not me me, me yourself as Murong Yue¡¯s daughter and the ruthless obstructor of brother Jian¡¯s schemes. The Hou Residence Hall of Zhen country belongs to brother Jian, and it belongs Qi Er. As a stumbling block, you will be kicked away and will have to acknowledge that you have bad luck...

    ¡°Xue Er...¡± Zhou faked a low cry and rushed the door suddenly. In an instant, the malodorous air makes her start to frown. She looked into the room while using the silk handkerchief to cover her nose and mouth tightly. She merely sees the ripped and tattered clothes scattered on the ground in a disorderly fashion, while the heavily carved bed is shaking violently. bBoth of the man and woman on the bed are sticking close to each other and making the most primitive movements!

    ¡°What......The woman is the great-aunt ......The great-aunt of Wu¡¯an Hou¡¯s wife......¡± a startled maid shouted loudly when she got a good look at the woman on the bed.

    Everyone followed her line of sight and saw the personying under the man without a stitch of clothing. When they discovered that the woman is Murong Rou, the silent crowd fell into an uproar instantaneously!

    Were they not saying that Murong Xue was being humiliated here? Why is it now Murong Rou before them?

    Zhou was greatly surprised and confused as she snapped: ¡°What are you all dazing for? Separate them quickly!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Maids and wet nurses, as if awakening from a dream, hurried forward to grab Xu Wen¡¯s arms to pull him to the ground. Two maids used the thin quilt on bed to cover Murong Rou¡¯s body, as they rushed to hold her and unplug the acupuncture needle from her acupuncture point. Murong Rou coughed twice as she recovered her stiff stature and returned to normal, but as she saw bruises on her white skin and became aware of her backache and the physical pain she was incapable of not knowing what had urred. The anger was ming in her eyes as she rushed toward Xu Wen: ¡°Xu Wen, I must kill you!¡±

    Xu Wen was unable to extricate himself once he fell under the spell of the aphrodisiac, but as Murong Rou forcefully hit him and gouged deep scars on his chest with her sharp fingernails, leaving bloodstains in her wake, Xu Wen gradually regained consciousness. Looking at Murong Rou who is half-naked with messy hair and hitting like a crazy woman, Xu Wen is startled. Isn¡¯t Murong Rou the beautiful angel having an intimate time with him? When did she turn into this middle-aged charmless woman? When he is thinking of their intimate contact for most of the day, it makes Xu Wen feel disgusted. He grasps Murong Rou¡¯s wrists and flings her aside ruthlessly. He takes up his tattered clothes and reproves fiercely: ¡°Murong Rou, it¡¯s enough! If you hit me again, I will fight back!¡± Murong Rou, who has be irrational in her anger, turns a deaf ear to Xu Wen¡¯s words. Once again she attacks Xu Wen threateningly......

    Zhou, who knows the deal between Murong Rou and Xu Wen, hurriedly pulls her and says: ¡°Xiao Rou, calm down and think carefully what happened just now? How could you be here at Luo Xue Pavilion?¡±

    As all of these maids, wet nurses, and servants saw the intimate activities of Murong Rou and Xu Wen, the matter will no longer be easy to hide Now, the only n is thinking of the most secure and reasonable excuse that will be advantageous to them.

    Suddenly, Murong Rou was awakened by the words of ¡°Luo Xue Pavilion¡± that hit straight to the heart. ¡°Murong Xue ......Is Murong Xue ...?¡± Murong Rou pratttled loudly.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is Mrs. Wu¡¯an Hou looking for me?¡± Murong Xue passed through the crowd and walked gracefully with her light cerulean skirt swaying lightly. The beauty and graceful smile of Murong Xue seems like a heavy sarcasm that stings Murong Rou¡¯s eyes!

    Murong Rou red fiercely and threw herself towards Murong Xue wickedly: ¡°Murong Xue, I will kill you!¡±

    Kill her? That¡¯s as ridiculous as a tiny insect trying to shake a mighty tree, while being ludicrously ignorant of its own weakness!

    Murong Xue sneers while lifting her foot to trample on Murong Rou¡¯s chest. She kicks her down to the ground and says: ¡°Mrs. Song, you were caught by second aunt having an affair with a man in Luo Xue Pavilion, and you became angry as a result of embarrassment. You should beat your adulterer severely, or perhaps the person caught you in bed...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Murong Rou interrupted her words savagely., Wrapping herself tightly with the thin quilt, she red at her in a ming rage: ¡°It¡¯s you! You nned to entrap me by throwing me on that bed to be humiliated by Xu Wen!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Song, you are an adult. As I threw you on the bed, you¡¯ve kept your body unmoved instead of reacting against it. How ridiculous this is!¡± Murong Xue, with a slightly arched eyebrow, cast a jeering nce in her direction.

    ¡°That is because you have plugged my acupuncture point with acupuncture needles....Acupuncture needles....Acupuncture needles?¡± Murong Rou hurriedly looked for quite a while, but she could not find any acupuncture needles in the room.

    The people in the room viewed the sight of her with derision as they all subconsciously found her to be despicable. The situation is very disadvantageous to them as there are no ws in Murong Xue¡¯s words, and Xiao Rou is unable to vindicate herself.

    Zhou frowned and looked at Murong Xue, asking: ¡°Murong Xue, where were you just now?¡±

    ¡°Having tea beside the pond. Two maids passed by and saw me just now. If you do not believe that, I can look for them to have a face-to-face confrontation,¡± Murong Xue smiled.

    ¡°It seems like you were having a leisurely and carefree interlude by rushing to that far away ce to enjoy your tea time.¡± Zhou growled, the words spilling harshly from between her clenched teeth.

    Murong Xue didn¡¯t take it seriously and smiled: ¡°I cannotpare with Mrs. Song. There are many guest rooms in Hou Residence Hall, but she would rathere to Luo Xue Pavilion to have an affair? ...Yes, what is the name of the uncle? How did he enter Hou Residence Hall?¡±

    The gaze of the people fell on Xu Wen instantaneously. Looking at his ordinary facial features, a wet nurse shouted with a low voice: ¡°Xu Dian Shi! Isn¡¯t he the person who discussed some matters with the second-in-charge master a moment ago?¡±

    ¡°Yes...It was him...It was him!¡± Servants who saw Xu Wen nodded vigorously.

    Xu Dian Shi, while looking for the second-in-charge master, coincidentally bumped into Mrs. Wu¡¯an Hou. They fell in love at first sight and romantically nned to have an affair...The servant¡¯s eyes were shining with curiosity as they fell into a reverie.

    Murong Rou¡¯s face turned purple with rage as her initial n was to let Xu Wen meet Murong Xue. She wanted Murong Xue to know that Xu Wen has lost his wife, and then entice her to be the second wife. Unfortunately, she had not thought that Murong Xue¡®s clever trick would make her ns backfire in her face...

    ¡°Wu¡¯an Hou ising to Luo Xue Pavilion? What?! A stranger?!¡± Murong Rou became startled when she heard a clear sneering voice. She looked up gradually to find Song Tian Wen was standing outside of the door, his hands crossed behind his back. He stared at her with a pair of sharp eyes and his face clouded over in disappointment.

 Chapter 107 â€“ Punishment

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    Editor : Ocelot

    ¡°Tian... Tian Wen...¡± Murong Rou felt a thud and her mind suddenly went nk. Why is he here? She lost the chastity of a woman after she had been sexually assaulted by Xu Wen, and he knew all about it? How could this be? How did this happen?

    ¡°Murong Rou, you are so disappointing!¡± Song Tian Wen said without mercy as he turned to go.

    Murong Rou was stunned. Was Tian Wen going to abandon her? She is a wife of Wu¡¯an Hou, but after that shameless man brutally defiled her body, Tian Wen will definitely hate her. If she allows him to walk out of the Hou Residence Hall without any attempts to stop him, their rtionship wille to an end and there will be no future!

    ¡°Tian Wen, don¡¯t go!¡± Murong Rou, her body wrapped tightly in the thin quilt fell at Song Tian Wen¡¯s feet. Shepulled his sleeve while crying miserably: ¡°Tian Wen, I¡¯ve been framed. I have really been framed by people... Please believe me ... Believe me ...¡±

    Song Tian Wen slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds. With his next step he asked Murong Rou without looking at her: ¡°Where is the proof? Do you have any proof that you were framed?¡±

    ¡°Proof...The proof...¡± Murong Rou looked around the room anxiously. Suddenly her eyes lit up when she saw Xu Wen sitting beside the bed: ¡°Xu Wen was given an aphrodisiac. Please let the doctor diagnose his pulse. Surely this can be diagnosed.¡±

    ¡°Even if Xu Wen really took an aphrodisiac, it cannot be determined if he was given an aphrodisiac by other people, or if he chose to take it himself!¡± Murong Xue whispered tongue in the cheek. Her words made all of the maids and wet nurses snigger Official Xu was not young anymore, so he took an aphrodisiac to help him when having an affair due tock of ability to do as he wishes. Indeed, it is very normal.

    Murong Ruo stared at Murong Xue with sharp eyes: ¡°Murong Xue, stop slinging mud at me. I bet you are feeling guilty now!¡±

    Murong Xue disdains to nce at her: ¡°I am not the person who been caught cheating. What am I guilty of?¡±

    ¡°If you are not guilty, let us search the Luo Xue Pavilion.¡± Zhou immediately used her words against her, staring at Murong Xue, careful not to miss any expression on her face.

    ¡°It does not matter. Search it as you wish,¡± Murong Xue agreed readily.

    She had changed the incense in the incense burner, while the aphrodisiac she¡¯d fed Xu Wen was taken from his sleeve. Luo Xue Pavilion had no traces, therefore she did not mind them searching it.

    ¡°If you find an aphrodisiac in Luo Xue Pavilion, I will ept the punishment. However, if you intend to put the aphrodisiac in Luo Xue Pavilion to defame me like Xu Wen did just now, I will not let you off so easily .¡±

    The startled crowd looked towards Xu Wen who was sitting at the bedside. They saw him half pinch a ck pill, ready to put it on the bedside table while attempting to cover his actions behind his sleeve.

    Suddenly, the maids and wet nurses couldn¡¯t stop staring: Official Xu and Mrs. Wu¡¯an Hou are used of cheating! They were guessing indiscriminately before, but they did not expect to see the evidence right in front of their eyes now!

    Song Tian Wen¡¯s face was ghastly pale. He suddenly looked at Murong Rue with a flint of anger: ¡°What do you want to say with these witnesses and mounting material evidence?¡±

    Murong Rou¡¯s face was full of dismay as she did not expect things would turn out this way, so she tried to exin: ¡°Tian Wen, this is a misunderstanding, misunderstanding...¡±

    ¡°Misunderstanding?¡± Song Tian Wen was furiously pushed her away: ¡°You think I am blind and cannot see the truth?¡±

    Murong Rou was pushed to the ground unexpectedly, her arms and shoulders were burning with pain as the skin had been rubbed off. She ignored this pain and exined immediately: ¡°Tian Wen, it is a misunderstanding., This is really a misunderstanding ...¡±

    Song Tian Wen had remained unmoved by sneering at her.

    Murong Rou¡¯s eyes filled with tears. She was biting her lips as she epted his grievance, then she walked towards Xu Wen and mercilessly beat him up: ¡°You must exin what happened just now. Please do not incriminate me even if you want to die...¡±

    Xu Wen swallowed back the words on the tip of his tongue because he took the aphrodisiac from the Hui Chun Hall. If they found the aphrodisiac on him, would he then be charged with cheating with Murong Rou?

    As a misceneous official, Xu is afraid of offending Wu¡¯an Hou. Therefore, he was ready to put the aphrodisiac on the bedside table quietly to fabricate a case against Murong Xue, so that he will be able to escape from trouble because he is a victim while Wu¡¯an Hou will hate Murong Xue.

    However, he did not expect Murong Xue to have such a sharp pair of eyes that saw his action and let him be caught unawares this time. No one will believe his words now, even though he has a silver tongue.

    The fianc¨¦e of Prince Jing is one in a million!

    Xu Wen looked at Murong Xue. He saw her fresh smile, but her eyes were shing enigmatically and could only consider her to be breathtaking in that moment...

    ¡°As a Wu¡¯an Hou¡¯s wife, you should be immersed in pig cage for cheating on your husband and not keeping the chastity of a woman. In consideration of your many years of service in Wu¡¯an Hou Residence Hall, I will give you a certificate of divorce to avoid death, so let us just end it now!¡± Song Tian Wen said cruelly as he strode to the desk, picked up a writing brush and quickly set the brush to swaying on the paper¡±

    What? Tian Wen is going to divorce her? How can this be?!

    Murong Rou, shocked, hurriedly rushed to Song Tian Wen and pulled his sleeve. ¡°Tian Wen, Tian Wen... You know how deep the hatred is between Murong Xue and I. How can you believe her words?¡± Murong Rou persisted.

    Song Tian Wen stopped for a while, then continue to write.

    ¡°Tian Wen, we knew each other before marriage and you are my childhood sweetheart. You know words are not enough to say how much I love you. How could I betray...¡± Murong Rou said slowly with tears in her eyes.

    Song Tian Wen stopped writing and looked at her, saying: ¡°Wu¡¯an Hou¡¯s wife must be an unsullied woman, but you are not clean and pure anymore.¡± The sullied woman is not qualified to be Wu¡¯an Hou¡¯s wife!¡±

    The harshness seemed to knife through Murong Ruo¡¯s heart. Her eyes glittered, tears overflowing her eyes to spill helplessly down her cheeks: ¡°I know, just, I have some things to do, I will leave the hall after I have finished. I will not let you feel embarrassed. For the sake of our rtionship after all of these years, please do me this honor...¡±

    Song Tian Wen looked into her misty eyes, their eyes reflecting their conjugal love at some time in the past. He tears up the divorce letter and sighs, ¡°I will give you a month to finish your work. Think wisely!¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Murong Rou thanked him repeatedly and shed tears of delight.

    Song Tian Wen gives a cool response, got up, and left without any reluctantance. This woman was no longer pleasing to him.

 Chapter 108 â€“ Settles Down

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    After seeing Song Tian Wen walk out of Luo Xue Pavilion, Zhou came forward and gave the servants a stern re through her dignified eyes, snapping: ¡°Do not disclose a word about today¡¯s incident, otherwise, you will be beaten to death!¡± Family quarrels must be settled behind closed doors. Murong Rou was charged with cheating on her husband. If news of the incident spread, Murong Rou¡¯s parental home, Hou Residence Hall of Zhen country, would be held in contempt.

    ¡°Yes!¡± The maids and wet nurses nodded before retreating from the room. Onlyy Murong Xue, Murong Rou, Zhou, Xu Wen were left in the room.

    Murong Rou was staring at the Murong Xue, her eyes close to shooting mes: ¡°Murong Xue, this was too much! I will never let you off!¡±

    Murong Xue sneered: ¡°Murong Rou, you nned to frame me first, I just beat you at your own game. You ended up losing all social standing and your good reputation. This is a self-inflicted wound. You deserve everything that happened to you!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Murong Rou pointed at Murong Xue, choked on her anger, and couldn¡¯t finish her speech.

    ¡°Get out of Luo Xue Pavilion! Murong Xue ordered, You are not wee here.¡±

    Zhou snapped: ¡°Murong Xue, how can you speak like that? We are all your elders ...¡±

    Murong Xue looked at them with disdain: ¡°All of you are the most malicious and cunning elders that I have ever seen. It is my misfortune to have you as my elders. Get out of Luo Xue Pavilion, do not make me say it a third time!¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue!¡±

    ¡°Get out!¡± Murong Xue aimed a kick at Zhou¡¯s chest. Zhou was kicked three or four meters away, fall on the ground both dizzy and was suffering from agonizing pain.

    Zhou coughed a few times, but it is toote to scold. She watched Murong Rou and Xu Wen also get kicked, the pair heavilynding beside her. They were obviously in as much pain as she was.

    Murong Xue¡¯smand rang out from her chamber: ¡°Maids, open all the windows and drive this disgusting smell from the room, then light a few incense burners to ensure that none of this disgusting smell remains. After that, gather all the bedding that was used by the adulterer, the brocade mattress, brocade quilt, pillows and bed curtains. Burn them. Burn them all. The chairs, antique vases, crystal ornaments and so on that have been tainted by their breath, take the lot of it outside and smash it. Do not keep anything that is currently in this room.¡±

    ¡°My room must be clean and refreshing...¡± Murong Xue said.

    ¡°Yes!¡± The maids and wet nurses busily moved to and fro,ing and going from the room to move out those precious furnishings and smashing them one by one. They collected all the bedding, the brocade mattress, brocade quilt, bed curtains and so on in the corner, and then they burned it all. The mes nted across Luo Xue Pavilion, causing Murong Rou¡¯s face to turn ghostly pale with fright. Murong Xue was mocking her, humiliating her...

    She gave Murong Xue a ferociously angry re before,suddenly, her head was hit by a wave of dizziness, and she had a ckout and fainted.

    ¡°Xiao Rou... Xiao Rou...¡± rmed, Zhou hurried to hold her and repeatedly called her name but she did not get a response. Zhou urgentlymanded: ¡°Maids, bring madam back to her room ... call a doctor...¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The maids and wet nurses came instantly and the situation became messy.

    Xu Wen eyes were shing as he was thinking of how to get out of this ce. Murong¡¯s elder daughter had a serpent¡¯s heart hidden under the guise of an angel¡¯s face. Although he was dazzled by her beauty, he still racked his brain but could not find a good way to frame her, so it would be better for him to run away to fight another day...

    Suddenly, several guards kicked Xu Wen to the ground, then kicked and punched him mercilessly. Xu Wen held his head and curled up into a shrimp-like shape, rolling non-stop on the ground while begging piteously! Murong Xue nced at him and sneered.

    She knew that Xu Wen would never get out of Hou Residence Hall as he has stained Murong Rou. Even if Song Tian Wen chooses to ignore the person who made him a cuckold, but Murong Jian will never get over his anger towards the man who ruined his sister.

    Xu Wen was an aplice to the n of burning sleeping incense in the room to sully and frame her. When Murong Xue was preparing to take revenge on Xu Wen, she did not expect Murong Jian to beat her to it.

    ¡°You¡¯re surrounded by danger when living in Hou Residence Hall.¡± Murong Xue turned to look at the speaker and saw Ouyang Shao-Chen walking over in snow-colored clothes.

    She remained perplexed despite much thought: ¡°How do you know what happened to me?¡±

    ¡°I saw everything when passing by,¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen lied.

    Murong Xue smiled softly, ¡°These are just small cases to me. I have settled them all.¡±

    ¡°Mu Jongjian and Murong Rou are smart. Their conspiracies will be much more diabolical and much more treacherous if they really want to hurt you. Although you avoided them this time, you may not be able to do so next time.¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen looked at her, his eyes shing deep concern.

    Murong Xue gently frowned. She believed that Ouyang Shao-Chen¡¯s words were not meant to be rmist. Murong Jian and Murong Rou are indeed likely to be even more vicious the second time around. Although she is not afraid of them, their endless tricks are really very annoying. ¡°Then what do you think,¡± she asked. ¡°What should I do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you some guards. They¡¯ll help you,¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen said lightly. He thinks: He has mentioned this matter several times, but she refuses his help every time. Hongxiu and Anxiang are very loyal, but they do not know martial arts. When there is a serious incident, they will not able to help Murong Xue as they even cannot help themselves.

    Murong Jian and Murong Rou were there for many years, there are a lot of people around her who serve them first. It is not suitable for Murong Xue to fight against Murong Jian and his sister by herself. The most suitable way to support her is with several powerful guards to help keep her safe.

    Murong Xue nodded, for once agreeing with his n. ¡°Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you for sending me just the two guards. It will be much more noticeable if there is more than two.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen nodded, his smile reaching his obsidian eyes.

    ¡°To express my appreciation for your help in sending the guards to assist me, I would like to invite you to have a meal with me at Jiang Ling Restaurant. What do you think, Your Highness?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Great!¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen nodded in agreement, but his eyes were shing signs of a mysterious agenda.

    ¡°Youshi (17:00 in the afternoon to 19:00 in the early evening), it¡¯s almost the time to eat. Let¡¯s go!¡± Murong Xue said, walking at a brisk pace while pulling Ouyang Shao-Chen along by his wrist.

    A person fell on the ground and groaned in agony. He was blocking her way so she did not even nce down before mercilessly kicking the person two or three meters away.

    In the twinkling of an eye, Xu Wen¡¯s screams ripped through the skies, ¡°Ahhh!¡±

 Chapter 109 â€“ Seventh Princeâ€™s Conditions

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    Editor : Ocelot

    Imperial Master guest room.

    Dr. Zhang, who was carefully examining Dong Fang Li¡¯s injuries, nodded in satisfaction: ¡°The wounds have been treated in time, and good quality medicine was applied, so it¡¯s nothing serious. He will recover quickly after recuperating for half of a month and by changing the bandages and applying medicine in the morning and again in evening.¡±

    Dr. Zhang is an imperial physician. The emperor appointed him toe to Imperial Master Residence Hall to feel Master Su¡¯s pulse. At the same time, he mets the injured Dong Fang Li and gave him an examination.

    ¡°Thank you, Dr. Zhang,¡± Dong Fang Li said politely with a voice that sounded alienated and indifferent.

    Dr. Zhang did not seem to mind and smiled: ¡°Not at all, Your Highness.¡±

    Dong Fang Li¡¯s eyes sent a dull nce towards Su Nan Xiang as he gently said. ¡°The medicine applied to my injury is very effective. Miss Su, would you be willing to sell a bottle to me?¡±

    Su Nan Xiang¡¯s vision sparkled and she gave an embarrassed smile before replying, ¡°Your Highness, you are being too modest. It is only a bottle of medicine. I would be happy to give it to you, but unfortunately that bottle of medicine was used up when I applied it to your injuries.¡±

    ¡°Really? Sorry to hear that.¡± Dong Fang Li looked disappointed, but continued to ask: ¡°May I know where you bought the medicine? I can buy a bottle myself.¡±

    ¡°I did not not buy it. It was a gift from my friend. She only gave me the one bottle,¡± Su Nan Xiang smiled, her eyes showing her regret.

    ¡°That is too bad. The efficacy of that bottle of medicine exceeds anything on offer from the imperial pce¡¯s collection of medicines. The person who gave the medicine to Miss Su, must be a member of the imperial family.¡± Dong Fang Li was looking at Su Nan Xiang with a greasy smile.

    Su Nan Xiang smiled unnaturally while thinking to herself: Dong Fang Li¡¯s wound was healing quickly and he remained in a good condition by using the medicine. The medicine that was applied to him is the best quality medicine. The medicines in Hou Residence Hall are the high-grade medicines, but the best quality medicines should belong to Prince Ouyang. That medicine was a precious and priceless good, but Prince Ouyang gave it to Murong Xue without hesitation to treat and cure other men. He is really good to Murong Xue......

    Resentment flickered faintly through Su Nan Xiang¡¯s eyes when she was caught by Dong Fang Li. He gazed at her and before seeking her assistance. ¡°I am not able to bind my wound by myself, would you please help me?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Su Nan Xiang nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. Luckily he does not ask again, otherwise, she will be likely to expose her weaknesses. Su Nan Xiang walked towards Dong Fang Li, then she took up a fine cloth and helped him bind the wound carefully before making a bow with a twist of her wrist.

    A bow? On an injury?!!

    Dong Fang Li said: ¡°Thank you, Miss Su.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Your Highness. Grandfather is about to awaken from his rest. If you are fine, I am going to meet grandfather now.¡± Su Nan Xiang was smiling and thinking: Dong Fang Li is an intelligent person and he continually asked details about his rescue. If she remains here, he definitely will continue to ask questions. She might be unable to justify her own assertions if he continued asking questions. There is no way out except to escape from here!

    ¡°Miss Su, please,¡± Dong Fang Li said in a faint voice as he smiled gently. Su Nan Xiang felt relieved as she walked out of the guest room. Dong Fang Li smiled because he could see clearly what was going on when looking at Su Nan Xiang who was leaving with a light foot.

    Huo Tong walked foward and said slowly, ¡°Dr. Zhang, how is the Seventh Prince¡¯s...condition?¡± Besides those injuries, Dong Fang Li had a serious illness. Those injuries were insignificant whenpared to his illness.

    Dr. Zhang looked at Dong Fang Li, shaking his head as he sighed lightly. ¡°Seventh Prince has been ill for a long time and it is too serious. The virus has prated into the bones and internal organs of his body. Even the gods are unable to save the situation. Please forgive me for being incapable of helping.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you try to find another solution?¡± Huo Tong asked sincerely.

    ¡°My abilities is inferior and I have limited knowledge to figure out other methods to treat Seventh Prince. I am going back to the Imperial Physician Institute to find a brilliant n to treat Seventh Prince by discussing his case with the other imperial physicians,¡± Dr. Zhang sighed.

    ¡°You have my greatest appreciation for your help, Dr. Zhang,¡± Huo Tong said gratefully.

    ¡°Imperial Bodyguards Huo, you are being too modest. Please do allow me to take my leave now.¡± Dr. Zhang was said gently, as he carried the medicine kit and left the guest room.

    After seeing a physician to leave, Huo Tong nced at Dong Fang Li and said in a soft voice, ¡°You do not need to worry, Your Highness. Qing Yan¡¯s imperial physicians have excellent medical skills; surely they will discover a method to treat you.¡±

    ¡°You do not need tofort me, I am clear about my condition.¡± Dong Fang Li was sighing gently, but his eyes looked profound.

    Xi Liang¡¯s imperial physicians have drawn the conclusion that he is suffering from an incurable disease . He¡¯d visited many famous doctors over time, but their conclusion was always the same: incurable. He has no hopes on his illness.

    He can live no longer, but that person is still not willing to let him off by sending many people to secretly assassinate him. Yesterday, those assassins found him. When they attempted to assassinate him, he had a rpse. This left him incapable of fighting against them and caused him serious injuries.

    ¡°Your Highness ...¡±

    ¡°Say no more about it, I know better than you.¡± Dong Fang Li interrupted his words. He sat gazing out the window before saying: ¡°Since we rarelye to Qing Yan, let¡¯s go for a walk.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Huo Tong nodded as he followed Dong Fang Li to walk outside.

    The sunset was brilliant, making the shadows of the people and the houses on the street appear much longer than they actually were.

    A luxurious carriage stopped in front of Linjiang Restaurant. When the curtain opened, Ouyang Shao-Chen descended, holding out a hand to help Murong Xue descend. Suddenly there came a familiar male voice: ¡°Ouyang Prince!¡±

    Ouyang Shao-Chen looked up and saw Dong Fang Li approaching him slowly. He will stand before him in several steps. With slightly dull eyes, he turned to Murong Xue and said, ¡°Xue Er, I am meeting an acquaintance, you wait for me in the cart for a while.¡± Once Murong Xue had been settled in the carriage behind the curtain, Ouyang Shao-Chen turned around to wee Dong Fang Li.

    Murong Xue pulled a long face instantaneously, murmuring to herself that as they have already arrived at Lingjiang Restaurant, if he wants to talk with an acquaintance, he can let her enter the restaurant first. Why must he make her wait inside the cart? Does the person whom he is meeting have a special identity that might be inconvenient for her to see?

    Murong Xue opens the curtain, looks back quietly, and sees Ouyang Shao-Chen standing face-to-face with a man who is almost same height as him. She cannot see the man¡¯s face, and can only vaguely see his clothes ¨C but she can hear their conversation clearly.

    ¡°It is ages since we metst after leaving Xiliang. How are you doing, Seventh Prince?¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen said lightly.

    ¡°All well, many thanks, Ouyang Prince.¡± Dong Fang Li greeted politely with a faint voice.

    ¡°The reason Seventh Princees to Qing Yan is to seek medical help?¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen inquired in softly.

    ¡°I guess so.¡± Dong Fang Li smiled gently with a pair of profound eyes.

    Ouyang Shao-Chen said lightly: ¡°I know severalpetent imperial physicians who are experienced in treating misceneous diseases. They can give you a diagnosis¡±

    ¡°Many thanks, Ouyang Prince.¡± Dong Fang Li looked behind Ouyang Shao-Chen. He caught a glimpse of light blue clothing on the carriage. The Dong Fang Li enquired, ¡°Prince had a date with a beautiful woman?¡±

 Chapter 110 â€“ Lessons Learned

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    Editor : Ocelot

    ¡±Well...¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen nodded. With a flick of the finger under his sleeve, an internal force shot out and hit Murong Xue¡¯s wrist. Suddenly Murong Xue loosened her hand, the carriage curtain falling down gently, concealing her from view.

    When looking at Ouyang Shao-Chen calm eyes, Dong Fang Li¡¯s eyes shed a glimmer of surprise. ¡°I wonder whose daughter would have the ability to win Prince Ouyang¡¯s attention?¡± Dong Fang Li had met Ouyang Shao-Chen at Xi Liang and had been in touch with him often. Ouyang Shao-Chen did not lust after women, so it is very surprising that he is obsessed with women now.

    ¡°She is the little sister of a family friend,¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen said faintly.

    Dong Fang Li gently raised his eyebrows, assuming that they are childhood loves that both areing from families of equal status, so clearly they can achieve a happy marriage. ¡°Congrattions, Prince Ouyang!¡±

    Ouyang Shao-Chen smiled lightly: ¡°Seventh Prince, you are being too modest.¡±

    A breeze blew, carrying a faint scent of fire Lotus incense. Dong Fang Li was surprised to find that this scent seemed very familiar. He had definitely encountered it before at some point. He followed the scent and saw a light blue skirt embroidered with a dancing butterfly falling down from the carriage. He narrowed his sharp eyes and strode towards the carriage.

    Ouyang Shao-Chen, startled, stepped forward to block Dong Fang Li and said: ¡°Seventh Prince, she does not like to see outsiders. Please forgive us!¡±

    Dong Fang Li recovered from his surprise and gave Ouyang Shao-Chen an embarrassed smile. ¡°My manner is too abrupt ...¡±

    His sharp eyes swept over the curtain before falling back to Ouyang Shao-Chen. ¡°I do not wish to disturb Prince Ouyang as you have a date with thedy. Goodbye!¡± ¡±

    ¡°See you again!¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen said, watching Dong Fang Li walk away, Huo Tong disappeared around the corner of the street, and Prince Ouyang waled to the carriage and pulled back the curtain.

    Murong Xue sat in the carriage lightly rubbing her wrist as she stared at him. ¡°I just lifted the curtain to nce quietly. I did not disturb your guests. Was it necessary to use internal force to hit me? Look, you can see that my wrist is red and swollen. If you do not treat it immediately and apply medication it will be crippled!¡± Murong Xueined.

    Looking at her red swollen wrist, Ouyang Shao-Chen gently frowned. ¡°It is not my fault. You are the one who is making the wrist red and swollen by rubbing it.¡± He had only used half of his power. It will only cause her to lower the carriage curtain, and it would never hurt her.

    ¡°You still dare to argue with me after hitting me inexplicably?¡± Murong Xue flung herself at him and beat Ouyang Shao-Chen ruthlessly.

    There was a dull pain in his chest and arm. Ouyang Shao-Chen hurriedly caught her hand and sighed, ¡°It is my wrong. I did not mean to hurt you, it was just an ident because my hand slipped!¡±

    Murong Xue grunted lightly. Ouyang Shao-Chen is a peerless master. Is it possible that he would be unable to control hisinternal force and beat people identally? Don¡¯t believe a word of it!

    Looking at her gloomy expression, Ouyang Shao-Chen could only sigh.: ¡°As a way to apologize, I will treat you to lunch today.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯ s more like it.¡± Murong Xue cooled down instantly, withdrawing her hand and stepping down from the carriage by holding onto Ouyang Shao-Chen¡¯s arm. She walked towards Linjiang Restaurant and asked: ¡°Which country¡¯s Seventh Prince was that just now?¡±

    Ouyang Shao-Chen was blocking her so she did not see the appearance of that person, but she knows there is no Seventh Prince in Qing Yan country.

    ¡°He is the prince from Xi Liang,¡± Ouyang Shao-Chen answered carelessly, while holding Murong Xue closely.

    Murong Xue paid no attention to his little gestures as she kept thinking of Seventh Prince. ¡°Both of you are good friends?¡± asked Murong Xue

    ¡°identally met a few times, we knew each other but cannot be called a good friend,¡± said Ouyang Shao-Chen.

    ¡°I see.¡± Murong Xue nodded, as she slowly walked into the Linjiang Restaurant with Ouyang Shao-Chen.

    When they stepped into the restaurant, a person came around the corner of the empty street. The person had a white jade-like face and was wearing purple clothing. It was the Seventh Prince, Dong Fang Li.

    He squinted as he looked in the direction of Linjiang Restaurant. He hid her in the carriage to avoid others seeing her, then he held her closely within his arms after stepping down from the carriage. Even if he has good eyesight, he could only slightly see the figure of thedy.

    Ouyang Shao-Chen really likes thatdy ...

    Su Nan Xiang, her eyes shing murderously, had a panoramic view while standing under the eaves.: Murong Xue, who has lost her parents, is a daughter of the Hou family. Furthermore, she is engaged and has a fianc¨¦. How can she get Ouyang¡¯s wholehearted love? She is not worthy to get that, not worthy!

    With cold eyes, Su Nan Xiang forcibly tore the two buttons on the top of her long skirt and scratched mercilessly against her skin with her long nails until a few of blood stains appeared.

    ¡°Miss!¡± Mi Er, the maid,shouted loudly. Dong Fang Li was startled by the voice.

    He turned around, his eyes shing with profound meaning when he saw Su Nan Xiang, then he slowly walked over. ¡°Miss Su, what happened?¡±

    Su Nan Xiang pulled the cor to cover the blood stains, gave him a misty smile and said softly, ¡°Thanks for your caring, Seventh Prince. I am fine, my maid is making a fuss over it!¡±

    ¡°Miss, you have been bullied and badly injured. How can it be a fuss?¡± Mi Er became outraged at injustice. Miss would like to teach someone a lesson for a long time, so she went along with helping Miss y this game. Miss shouldn¡¯t treat him shabbily!

    Su Nan Xiang coughed several times before chastising Mi Er in a faded voice: ¡°Mi Er, don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡±

    ¡°I did not talk nonsense, it is the truth!¡± Mi Er pursed up her mouth as she defended herself.

    Dong Fang Li gently wrinkled eyebrows: ¡°What is going on?¡± He had no idea of Su Nan Xiang¡¯s interpersonal rtionships as he first came to Qing Yan.

    ¡°It is all because of the Hou Mansion¡¯s daughter!¡± When Murong Xue was mentioned, Mi Er¡¯s eyes shed a hint of contempt. ¡°She has an engagement with Prince Jing but still shamelessly seduces Miss¡¯s sweetheart. Miss was in a fit of anger and said a few words to her, however, she unexpectedly flung herself at Miss and scratched like a shrew.¡±

    Dong Fang Li looks at Su Nan Xiang, her brows tightly wrinkled and her eyes are red from crying. She has buttoned her skirt crookedly, andeblood stains are looming under hercor. Obviously, she has been put in an unfavorable situation. ¡°Hou Mansion¡¯s daughter is very arrogant.¡±

    ¡°Exactly! With a lot of people backing her up, she would naturally be looking down at everybody. Her grandmother, second uncle, and her aunt were being ruined by her,¡± Mi Er flung into the y, fabricating lies, with every sentencepletely directed against Murong Xue.

    Su Nan Xiang very satisfied but she was pretending with a sad appearance: ¡°Mi Er, stop it. Don¡¯t say it again ...¡±

    ¡°Miss, she is so arrogant and defiant, she looked down upon everyone. If we do not teach her a lesson, she certainly will scourge the people ...¡± shouted Mi Er. She became outraged at injustice.

 Chapter 111- Lesson

    Song Qingyan spoke with a heavy sigh, ¡°We are just two women without any strength. She has guardians with her. If we look for her, we will only be exhorted by her, so how can we give her a lesson?¡±

    Mei`er, the anger clearly visible on her face,shed out, ¡°So just let such arrogant person harm people, as if thew no longer exist...¡±

    Looking at the helpless and sorrowful Song Qingyan and her servant, Dongfang Li felt a pang of sympathy as she was lost in thought, before saying, ¡°The country¡¯s first daughter needs to be taught a lesson indeed. I can give you a hand if you need it!¡±

    ¡°Really?!¡± Mei`er asked with a joy, ¡°Thank you so much!¡±

    Dongfang Li gave a gentle smile, ¡°You¡¯re wee. Where is the country¡¯s first daughter now?¡±

    ¡°I saw her walk that way,¡± replied Mei`er loudly while pointing at the front.

    Dongfang Li headed in the direction she¡¯d pointed, and saw a huge sign bearing the words ¡®Linjianglou¡¯. ¡°What a coincidence, Ouyang Shaochen and his lover are in Linjianglou as well...¡±, he murmured.

    ¡°Seventh Prince, anything wrong?¡±, Song Qingyan asked as she quietly observed him.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Dongfang Li shook his head and called, ¡°Huotong!¡±.

    ¡°Yes!¡±, Huotong understood and disappeared in a snap in the air.

    Song Qingyan was thinking with a broad smile, ¡°What a great way to get help to teach someone a lesson, and from such a famous person as the Seventh Prince from Xiliang country, and all itr took was to cry a little in front of him. Dongfang Li is a cold-blooded person, causing injuries but not dead. Murong Xue, just wait for it!¡±

    In the Linjianglou, a huge variety of all kinds of fabulous dishes filled up the table.

    Ouyang Shaochen picked a slice of braised fish and ced it in Murong Xue¡¯s bowl, ¡°This is Linjianglou¡¯s signature dish. It tastes good, try it.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡±, Murong Xue nodded her head. Taking a bite of the braised fish, the fragrant aroma of the fish filled her senses and it tasted incredible.

    ¡°Prince!¡± Xunfeng suddenly appeared by Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s side, his dignified face whispering a few words in his ear.

    Ouyang Shaochen frowned and said nothing.

    Murong Xue looked at him and said, ¡°You can go if you are busy, I can take care of myself.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen gave Murong Xue a deep look, ¡°There¡¯s something out there indeed. I have to go to deal with it, but I will be right back. Xunfeng will be stay here and protect you.¡±

    Murong Xue disagreed. She didn¡¯t need anyone to protect her. She looked at Ouyang Shaochen, and couldn¡¯tpete with the look in his eyes so she capitted with a surly ¡°Alright!¡±.

    Murong Xue watched Ouyang Shaochen walk out of Linjianglou, then she put down her chopsticks withck of interest. She does not eat much. She ordered so many dishes just because she wanted to waste Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s money in order to take revenge as he¡¯d hit her just now.

    Ouyang Shaochen had left, and she could not even finisheone-tenth of the dishes. ¡°Xunfeng, have you eaten yet? Come on, let¡¯s eat together,¡± she said.

    ¡°Thank you for your kindness, but I have eaten,¡± replied Xunfeng. He was standing beside her without any movement, focusing on every movement around them.

    Murong Xue sighed helplessly. The time for work and the time for rest is very different for the guards and the ordinary people, and so were the meal times. Xunfeng had eaten, and Murong Xue was almost full, too. There were still so many dishes left. What a waste...

    ¡°Schhwaff, schhwaff, schhwaff!¡± A bunch of ck feathered arrows suddenly flew in, prating the door and heading towards Murong Xue!

    Murong Xue quickly overturned the table and hid under it. The rain of arrows shot into the room, sticking in the walls, windows, tables and chairs. The people cannot lift their heads up.

    ¡°Murong Xue, are you alright?¡± Xunfeng asked while swinging his sword to block the arrows.

    ¡°I am fine!¡± Murong Xue stood up and slid her dagger from her sleeve. She shed her dagger to get rid of the arrows.

    ¡°There are too many arrows! Almost all of the things in this room has been shot. We must get out of here immediately,¡± said Xunfeng.

    ¡°I know!¡± Murong Xue nodded. While swaying her dagger, she moved back toward the window and jumped out of the room, and Xunfeng followed right behind her.

    The second theynded, more than ten men d head to toe in ck rushed at them from all directions. They used the long swords they held to stab towards them mercilessly.

    Murong Xue gave a thin smile. She never thought that there would be such a huge trap waiting for her once she jumped out of the window. This was clearly an assassination plot. Since they were so excited, she decided to give them something to be excited about.

    Murong Xue swung her dagger and pierced a ck d manin his heart, the blood sshing out immediately...

    Without looking, Murong Xue kicked away the dead body and stabbed the next ck d man who approached her..

    The men in ck moved very fast and were extremely ruthless. Murong Xue and Xunfeng were also quite ruthless, the end result being a street full ofr chaos, bodies, and blood.

    Dongfang Li was standing in front of the window on the second floor of the teahouse. He was staring at Murong Xue who fought valiantly although she was surrounded by ck d men, fighting again and again. There were serious injuries on the men for every swing of her dagger.

    ¡°The martial art skills of this country¡¯s first daughter are pretty good. Her guard is also a tough guy. No wonder Song Qingyan had been tricked so badly by her...¡± Dongfang Li thought as he observed her skills.

    AtIn the beginning he worried that Huotong would bring too many people and might get the woman killed, which would cause some trouble. Looks as if he had been overthinking. It clearly wasn¡¯t easy to teach this woman a lesson...

    However, the woman¡¯s figure looked familiar. He felt as if he had seen her somewhere before...

    Murong Xue cut a man¡¯s throat and his blood sprayed out. Dongfang Li studied her. Those eyes, they belonged to the person who saved him. The breeze was blew the ribbon around Murong Xue¡¯s waist, a ribbon that looked exactly like the one that was wrapped around Dongfang Li¡¯s wound.

    ¡°Stop, stop it!¡± Dongfang Li yelled. He jumped out of the window andnded on the street.

    Song Qingyan, who was standing at the window , saw this and frowned. Why would Dongfang Li, who was supposed to enjoy the struggling of Murong Xue, suddenly call things to a halt?? t Could he have recognized that Murong Xue as being the person who saved him?

    But it is impossible that he would remember Murong Xue as he obviously was unconscious when she walked in front of him. Could it be, he likes Murong Xue? Song Qingyan became even angrier. She knew that Murong Xue was good

    at seducing people, so she could never let Murong Xue have any kind of chanc.

    Song Qingyan grabbed a bow and an arrow, and she aimed directly at Murong Xue...

 Chapter 112 â€“ Poisoning

    ¡®Schhwaff!¡¯ A sharp arrow mercilessly flew towards Murong Xue, as if a silent attack would do her any harm.

    Murong Xue gave a sly smile, pushing away the man in ck and moving to block the arrow with the dagger in her hand.

    A mysterious figure suddenly appeared in front of her and stopped her dagger. He gently waved his hand, and the arrow changed direction instantly and reflected back!

    The arrow flew with great intent back through the window and directly into Song Qingyan¡¯s shoulder. The sheer force of it knocked her three to four meters backwards and impaled her on the wall. Blood colored her clothes instantly...

    ¡°Miss!¡± Mei`er sorrowfully shouted.

    The chaotic street grew quiet immediately. The men in ck ceased their attack and gathered at the mysterious man in purple¡¯s side, loudly dering, ¡°Prince!¡±

    The mysterious man in purple looked at Murong Xue, asking with great concern: ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°It is you!¡± Murong Xue looked at him in surprise with a mind full of doubts. It was the first time they met when she¡¯d saved him. She did not offend him, so why would he send that gang of ck d men to kill her? And now, inexplicably, he saved her?Xunfeng moved in front of Murong Xue to guard her, alertly assessing the mysterious man with his band of men.

    Dongfang Li smile in embarrassment as he said, ¡°I am sorry, actually I am ...¡±

    ¡°Dongfang Li, our first daughter kindly saved you, and you attacked her in return? How dare you!Mie`er angrily scolded Dongfang Li after she looked at Song Qingyan¡¯s serious wound, with no focus on her self-respect.

    Dongfang Li looked at her, seeing her body covered in blood. Song Qingyan looked at him sadly with her eyes filled with tears, said, ¡°I saved you. I am your savior. You should not kill me even if you are enchanted by Murong Xue...¡±

    ¡°Song Qingyan, are you sure you saved me?¡± Dongfang Li looked at her with a tricky smile.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Song Qingyan asked.

    ¡°You are not the one who saved me, you are just an imitation,¡± replied Dongfang Li, exposing her lies.

    He had suspected that Song Qingyan was not the person who saved him and he¡¯d performed a small test on her in the imperial house. Song Qingyan could not give him the medicine he needed, and the bandage she wrapped was not the bow-knot, so he knew that the person who saved him was not Song Qingyan.

    Imperial House was a nice ce for temporary lodging. Song Qingyan was bullied, and he could help her in return, but she should not ask him to kill the person who truly saved him. The arrow, she should take it as the interest of her lies, right?

    Song Qingyan¡¯s face turned pale, Dongfang Li knew it, he knew everything? How could this be? How could this be?!

    She still hadf a lot of things she needed to ask Dongfang Li to help with, now she would not get any more chances...

    Song Qingyan was shocked and angry¡± The wound was so very painful... She frowned and very soon, she fainted!

    Mei`er was shocked! She called her anxiously, ¡°Miss, Miss... Somebody help... Help....¡±

    The closed door was pushed open. A lot of people rushed in, and the quiet environment turned into chaos again.

    Murong Xue looked at the seriously injured Song Qingyan and gave a thin smile. Song Qingyan pretended that she was the savior after Murong Xue left, and she enticed Dongfang Li to kill her. What a despicable person!

    Fortunately, Dongfang Li had known of Song Qingyan¡¯s intrigue, or she would have died or been seriously injured by the powerful men in ck.

    It was also Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s fault. Why would he rush to take her away? There would have been no misunderstandings if they¡¯d waited until Dongfang Li woke up.

    ¡°Miss, I am sorry. I did not know the person that Song Qingyan wanted to punish was you!¡± Dongfang Li apologized.

    ¡°Nevermind, as long as you will never take revenge for those people who are dead.¡± Murong Xue did not take too long to fight with those men in ck, but she fought mercilessly. At least eight or ten people died because of her.

    Dongfang Li stared at the bodies on the ground and said, ¡°It is my fault for mistakenly trusting in the viin. I gave the wrong order and they died. It is all my fault, it has nothing to do with you.¡±

    ¡°That is good,¡± she was relieved. That Dongfang Li could have so many skillful subordinates, he must be a very powerful person. Both of them would do better to have no revenge ns for each other!

    When looking into her eyes, Dongfang Li had a deep feeling inside his heart. When he tried to say something, he suddenly felt a burst of blood on his chest. He quickly covered his mouth, but the red blood flowed down between his fingers, drop by drop, dripping to the ground...

    ¡°Prince!¡± Huotong quickly retrieved a pack of medicine from the purse on Dongfang Li¡¯s waist and poured it into his mouth. Dongfang Li¡¯s face was pale, but his condition was getting better slowly.

    Huotong was relieved. He saw Murong Xue staring at Dongfang Li. He exined, ¡°Our price was seriously ill. He will be fine after eating the medicine.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue smiled and asked, ¡°Which disease requires eating arsenic to control it? Aren¡¯t you afraid it might poison him?¡±

    Huotong was shocked, ¡°How did you know... it was arsenic?.¡±

    The arsenic that he used had undergone careful grinding to be a fine powder with very light taste. Even a doctor would assume it was simply a powdered drug.

    Murong Xue smiled mysteriously, ¡°I know that is arsenic. I also know your prince has been poisoned and is using arsenic to relieve the symptoms of the poison.¡±

    When she rescued him by the river, she found that the color of his blood was different, but she did not care about that as the situation was urgent. Just now when he consumed the arsenic, she smelled something familiar. Although it had a very light scent, she was still able to recognize it as arsenic.

    She¡¯d studied poisoning. Her knowledge was slightly different from the study of ancient poisons, but there was no big difference between the medicines. Arsenic is very poisonous. An ordinary person would die if they consumed a little of it but Dongfang Li prepared a purse of it as medicine. The only possibility is that he was highly poisoned with something far more toxic than arsenic, so he usedarsenic to relieve it.

    Dongfang Li recovered gradually. He looked at Murong Xue with interest, ¡°Is there anything more that you know?¡±

    Murong Xue smiled gently and said, ¡°When you consumed the arsenic your face turned greenish-gray, which means your poison has been deep inside your internal organs. Obviously, the poison was eroding quickly inside your body. You can only live up to three months, even if you use arsenic to suppress it.¡±

 Chapter 113 â€“ Detoxification

    Three months! Almost the same as the time limit given by the doctors, but the doctors can only predict the time after checking the pulse. She only needed to take a look to predict it...

    Dongfang Li was thinking while staring at Murong Xue, ¡°You know medical skills?¡±

    Murong Xue smiled, ¡°I know a little. What kind of poison is it?¡±

    ¡°Weep blood,¡± Dongfang Li said, word by word, ¡°The doctor told me that there is no medicine that could cure this disease.¡±

    Murong Xue nodded. She¡¯d heard about ¡®weep blood¡¯ and it was said that its toxicity is really strong. There is no medicine which can cure it indeed.

    ¡°Cough, cough, cough!¡± Dongfang Li suddenly covered his mouth, coughing heavily as strands of dark colored blood flowed out, dripping on his clothes.

    ¡°Prince had just consumed the medicine just now, how can the disease attack again?¡± Huatong was shocked, so he hurriedly took another dose of medicine from the purse.

    Murong Xue stopped him, ¡°It is not what you think. Your prince is just reacting to the arsenic; he will die immediately if you give him another pack of arsenic.¡±

    Huotong was startled, ¡°Our prince has not encountered this situation before, how could it be...¡±

    ¡°It is because his body was in good condition, so he could withstand the efficacy of arsenic. He was seriously injured yesterday and consumed a lot of energy too. His body has not fully recovered yet, that is why he could not withstand the efficacy and ended up feeling the effects of the arsenic!¡± Murong Xue exined with sigh.

    Arsenic is also a kind of poison, so while at the moment it controlled the ¡®weep blood¡¯, it was also harming Dongfang Li¡¯s internal organs at the same time. Dongfang Li could not ovee the toxicity of both,even if he were highly skilled in martial techniques.

    ¡°So what should we do now?¡± Huotong cried helplessly while looking at Murong Xue. He did not know how to help the prince as he knew nothing about medical skills!

    Dongfang Li was coughing heavily and spitting out dark colored blood. His condition was getting more serious as the toxins spread quickly throughout his body. It was heartbreaking to watch!

    Murong Xue whispered, ¡°Do you want to live?¡±

    Dongfang Li lifted up his head and looked at Murong Xue. He was shocked and asked, ¡°Cough... Can you... cure weep blood?¡±

    Murong Xue smiled and turned around. She took a few steps forward and said, ¡°Follow me!¡±

    Looking at her back, Huotong was so surprised. Does she think that she could cure the disease? How, when every doctors that had been to look after the prince said there was no cure for the disease?

    He looked at Dongfang Li, who was staring at the incredible Murong Xue. Huotong whispered, ¡°Prince!¡±

    Dongfang Li replied, ¡°Follow her.¡±

    He was highly poisoned, and he did not have much time left. He could only live for three months even if he consumed the arsenic, so they will follow the woman to see if she has another method to cure it. It would be good if she can sessfully cure the disease. If not, at least she tried...

    As night fell, Murong Xue came to a riverside. Looking at the clear river and nodding, she dered ¡°Here!¡±

    ¡°Guard, lend me some of your blood!¡± Murong Xue said to Huotong as she pricked his hand. She squeezed a few drops of blood onto a white cotton pad.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Huotong asked her curiously.

    ¡°You will know itter,¡± Murong Xue said. She handed his dagger to Xunfeng, and she took the cotton with blood on it and jumped into the river!

    Murong Xupletely disappeared. Dongfang Li, Huotong and Xunfeng did not say anything. They just kept staring at the water¡¯s surface.

    Time passed, a half an hour followed by an hour... Suddenly a ¡®ssh¡¯ sound was heard. Murong Xue came out of the water and stood on the shore. She opened up the cotton pad to reveal that several leeches were on it.

    Huotong was shocked, ¡°What do you want to do with the leeches?¡±

    ¡°Cure the toxin, of course,¡± Murong Xue replied with a smile.

    ¡°Cure the toxin with leeches?¡± Huotong could not believe it.

    Murong Xue exined, ¡°Do not underestimate these leeches. They are very effective in curing disease and they¡¯re used in a lot of medical situations.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Huotong was curious. He did not learn about medical skills, but using leeches for detoxification sounded ridiculous.

    ¡°Of course. Why would I have to lie to you?¡± She turned to Dongfang Li¡¯s side and said, ¡°Prince Dongfang, please take off your upper clothes.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Dongfang Li nodded, slowly taking off his robe, followed by his internal clothes, until his bare chest was revealed.

    ¡°Prince... are you sure?¡± Huotong was worried.

    Dongfang Li said, ¡°The toxin has been poisoning my internal organs, why don¡¯t I just go for it?¡± Using leeches was the only method he had at the moment. If he did not try, he will end up dead. Dongfang Li was a very charming person. If he died from being poisoned by weep blood, it would be quite a pity.

    Murong Xue smiled and gently put the leeches one by one onto the chest of Dongfang Li using a wooden clip. The leeches sucked his blood immediately after they touched his skin. Within half an hour, the leeches bodies ttened and became a deep ck. They stopped moving andy still on Dongfang Li¡¯s chest.

    Huotong asked, ¡°What is wrong with the leeches?¡±

    ¡°Dead because of the poison of weep blood,¡± said Murong Xue. She picked up the leeches using the clip and put them aside. She looked at Dongfang Li, ¡°Prince Dongfang, how do you feel?¡±

    ¡°The toxin is getting less.¡± Dongfang Li had been suffering from the toxins coursing through his blood after he¡¯d been poisoned, but today he can feel the toxins are a lot less severe.

    ¡°Thank you so much!¡± He eximed as he thanked her with joy.

    ¡°You have been poisoned for so many years that the toxin has seeped into your internal organs, so the poison cannot be fully cleared in one night. It is too early for you to thank me,¡± Murong Xue joked.

    ¡°You saved me twice, so I could not thank more!¡± Dongfang Li was thinking that he would have been dead soon if he hadn¡¯t encountered her.

    Murong Xue smiled gently and said, ¡°The leeches method is effective, but you cannot use it frequently. Only use it once in every three days. Where do you live? I can go to your house for detoxification after three days¡±

    The leeches detoxification depends on the level of toxins. The leeches must be ced on specific points on the body, or the condition might get worse. Murong Xue has to do it by herself as there is no one who has these specific medical skills around Dongfang Li.

    ¡°I have just arrived in Beijing. I have not found a ce to stay yet.¡± Dongfang Li looked at Murong Xue, ¡°What if... I stay in your house for a moment?¡±

 Chapter 114

    Murong Xue was speechless and looked upat the sky: ¡°I understand your point of view, but stop talking aboutteaching! Just tell me directly how to do it!

    When the Old Jing Wang was in Yunnan, hehad no way to help me. The old Jing Wang had no other choice than returningback to Beijing and retire immediately, I surely did not have any intention toget involved with that shameless viin!"

    ¡°jing Lao Wangye, the "Iron Heart",didn¡¯want you to run away. You avoided all the ceremonies and you decided to notconfess. You can¡¯t y any role now. You need to draw a clear line, right now,during this beautiful night. You have to train hard your body, silently doalways something to improve, in order to defeat them and make them retire!¡±

    Ouyang Shaohao said those words lookingdown, with pupils dark like a deep pond.

    Murong Xue¡¯s bright eyes lit up and she nodded with decision: ¡°Iunderstand.¡±

    Ouyang Shao nced at her, the corners of his mouth curved like a beautiful arc:¡°It seems that you are not stupid as you look.¡±

    Murong Xue small face instantly became dark, she grabbed the soft pillow infront of her and threw it ferocious to Ouyang, trying to smash his face:¡°YOU are stupid!¡±

    Looking at her angry eyes, OuyangShaosheng couldn¡¯t hold a bit ofughter, gently avoided the soft pillow,grabbed her wrist, pulled her to the lounge chair with strong arms, tightlywrapped them around her little waist, and kissing her lips that tasted likefresh water!

    The wet feeling that came from the lipsmade Murong Xue almost faint, her mind was going nk while a faint bambooscent floated around the tip of her nose. Her eyes were as bright as the cloudsin front of the sun.

    The recliner of the chaor was not bigand he was holding her tightly. The two of them were so close that one couldnot see any gaps between them. Through his thin shirt, she could clearly feelthe warm temperature from his slender and fit body...

    Murong Xue was shocked and stunned, butshe found the strength to scream at Ouyang Shaohao and push him away:¡°Ouyang Shaohao... What the hell are you doing?¡±

    Looking at her so angry and arrogant butstill so beautiful, Ouyang Shaohao acted like nothing has happened and casuallysaid: ¡°The sky is still bright, but now you will rx, you worked tillnow and you are definitely tired, I want you to lie down and rest.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue askedsuspiciously.

    ¡°Do you think I need to lie to youin this kind of thing?¡± Ouyang took a look at her, and she was stilldoubtful.

    Maybe it was all a mistake. Maybe, hedid not have to do this to her.

    Murong Xue was starting to hate OuyangShaohao, and with an angry expression said: ¡°I¡¯ll go back to my room tosleep.¡±

    ¡°The weather is getting hotter andhotter, your room is full of stuff and I want you to rest right here!¡±Ouyang Shaohao said lowly, his head resting with closed eyes on Murong Xue¡¯sshoulder.

    Murong Xue little face want instantly evenmore dark: "Here it is, he thinks I¡¯m his pillow!"

    Suddenly she stretched out her arms andwas about to push Ouyang Shaohao away, so he faintly opened his mouth:¡°Can you think of a way to deal with all the dust in your room?¡±

    Murong Xue was caought by surprise andshook her head: ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about it yet, but I think that someonewill soon clean it for me!¡±

    The corner of her mouth curled up with astrange smile, and she nced at the wall behind them not far away.

    Ouyang Shaohaolooked where she was ncing and saw a sneaky figure that quickly ran away:¡°That is... is a spy of your grandmother and your second uncle!¡±

    "Yeah!" MurongXue nodded. "Their headquarters are all over the town of Houfu. From time totime, they wille to the Snowfall Court and quietly monitor my every move.However, thanks to these spies I hear many news, but as long as you don¡¯t talkloud they won¡¯t know nothing about us¡±

    Ouyang Shaoyan¡¯s mouth was open withshock. Everything she said out loud was because she deliberately wanted them toknow. It was really a low blow.

    ¡°Everyone in Beijing knows that Iwant to retreat with Yuyue. Nothing has to happen this night, or everyone willdoubt me. So, I am going to use this pool of clean water and clean that mess. Later,during the night, that nasty dust will have to retreat...¡±

    Murong Xue had nothing more to say, the condensationended with her gazing at the sky, waiting for an answer from Ouyang Shaohao, orjust an advice, but for a long time she couldn¡¯t hear a single word from him.The situation started to look awkard and she looked at him: she saw OuyangShaoyan lips closed as his eyes, and is chest slowly going up and down.

    He was... asleep! She is talking nearhis ear, yet he can still sleep? Is his anti-interference ability too good, orare my words too boring?

    Murong Xue was gloomy and looked atOuyang Shaohao. She saw that he was sleeping like a baby. The long eyshescast two thick shadows on his eyes... Oh, it were not the shadow of theeyshes, but the skin. He had such dark circles around his eyes!

    It¡¯s no wonder that he felt asleep listeningto her words. He was clearly exhausted. I didn¡¯t know what kept him busyrecently. Xiaoyao Wangfu is always at the royal pce. In the Qingyan country,keeping his status must take a toll on his body. Some people admire him andsome are hostile. The Xiaoyao Wang and Wang Hao families were allpeting. Theburden of the whole pce was on the shoulders of Ouyang Shaohao.

    Ouyang Shaohao was only 18 years old anddid not yet win anypetition. Although he has been traveling for ten years,he is still young and has almost no experience. It was really difficult for himto deal with the old smart foxes who inhabitated the Royal Pce. It is nowonder that he was so tired......

    The breeze blew gently, and Murong Xueyawned loudly. The tiredness came suddenly and she couldn¡¯t keep awake!

    Keeping the eyes opened became too hard,and before she could notice she had already fallen asleep!

    Ouyang Shaohao slowly opened his eyesand looked at her peaceful and quiet sleep. She was smiling in her sleep: shebecame smarter, not as stupid as she used to be, and her marriage contract withYu Yichen now seemed not a problem, she could handle it. If her method didn¡¯twork, he would think another one...

    As for Du Shi, Murong Jian, Murong Rou,etc. ... she could also take care of them slowly, she could ovee anyobstacle and after he could quietly clean up everything for her...

    Yutangyuan was sitting on the soft couchin front of the window, leaning against arge pillow with an angry face, tirelesslymoving with nervousness: ¡°How can I be so careless? My whole calctionswere wrong!¡±

    She was seriously injured, and sherested nearly the whole day. She didn¡¯t expect to wake up this early this morning. She actually overheardthat Joer and Xu Wen slept together, and Song Tian was almost raped in bed...

    Murong Rou sat on the mahogany chair,his eyes were red and swollen, his face was very awkward, and he gnashed histeeth: ¡°I will never let Murong Xue do his biddings!¡±

    ¡°What is the use of these wordsright now?¡± Du Shi gave her a sigh of annoyment: ¡°You¡¯ll have toretire after a month, and you will never go back to the Song family. You shouldthink about it since you left Wu Anhou. What should I do with thegovernment?¡±

    Song Qingxuan is the capital of Wu¡¯anHoufu, and will always be the biggest city of Wu¡¯an Houfu.

    Song Tian asked for a young age wife,and when he would go to the church, he would definitely get married again witha beautiful woman...

    Thinking about Song Tian asked to beable to hold other women in his arms, under his care, Mu Rongrou¡¯s heart hurtlike it was stabbed by a knife. He kept crying and crying: ¡°It will be ina month... I promise you.... Prepare a good home for the Qing Dynasty... Even ifthedy who will marry you will look like a little vicious... I think we canfix this mess..."

    Du Shi nced at him and scorned:¡°You are Mr. Wu Anhou, Qing dynasty rules the noble capital of Wu¡¯anHoufu. It shouldn¡¯t be a problem for you to help me creating a good family. If can¡¯torganize a marriage at church, the reputation of Qing dynasty will also drop.The family has suffered, do you want it to disappear?¡±

    There is a lot of people who believed inthe marriage contracts in the capital city, but there are many people who alsowere attracted by the family wealth. Who could guarantee you would find a noblpanion and not only a thief?If everything went ording the ns, everyonewoulde and bow at his feet. Qing will retire. To keep reputation intact isreally hard. It is also difficult to find someone else at thest minute.¡°What should I do?¡±

 Chapter 115 - Old Prince Jing Returned to the Capital

    <h4>Chapter 115: Old Prince Jing Returned to the Capital</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    (Say hi to all those who were ever a fan of this novel. I myself am also a big fan. For kind of personal interest of harem and romance genre stories, we¡¯ve decided to pick it up with our humble ability. And I really appreciate the trantion of the former chapters. They are so fascinating and attractive to me. So I do hope that we won¡¯t fail those who love this novel. And if you have any suggestions on our trantion, please do tell us and we¡¯ll try my best to improve.

    ¡°My lord, this is Murong Xue!¡± Ouyang Shaochen stepped forward and held Murong Xue behind naturally while introducing her.

    So he was the old Prince Jing? Ye Yichen¡¯s father? He finally came back!

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shone. She raised her head and looked at this middle-aged man. He was in his thirties, starry eyes, high nose and a delicate face. Ye Yichen indeed resembled him quite a lot.

    The indigo long robe didn¡¯t make him any less dignified. The maturity time left on him made him like a sharp sword hidden in the scabbard, like deep waters running deep...

    Looking at Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue so intimate, something shed in old Prince Jing¡¯s eyes.

    Looking at the slim and graceful Murong Xue, he said in an astonishing tone, ¡°So you are Xue. You are all grown up after all these years. I even didn¡¯t recognize you. How you been?¡±

    ¡°Thank you for asking, my lord. I¡¯m all good.¡± Murong Xue smiled: in the original owner¡¯s memories, old Prince Jing crowned Ye Yichen and then took the old queen to settle down in Yunnan when she was nine. It had been five years already.

    ¡°It¡¯s quite a long journey from Yunnan to the capital. I shouldn¡¯t have bothered you. But Xue and Prince Jing¡¯s engagement was settled by their parents. So we could only bother you toe back and cancel it. Please pardon us...¡±

    The old Prince Jing heaved a sigh and then said while looking at Murong Xue, ¡°In the pigeon letter His Majesty sent me, he has exined everything. I know it¡¯s all Yichen¡¯s fault. Don¡¯t worry. I will hold the scales even...¡±

    Murong Xue smiled. Actually she didn¡¯t care whether his scales were even or not. She only wanted to cancel her and Ye Yichen¡¯s engagement. She only wanted to get rid of him now!

    When she was about to say something, an indifferent voice cut in, ¡°Father!¡±

    Murong Xue followed the sound and saw Ye Yichen walk in. His purple-red robe few in the wind, making her face even paler. But his illplexion didn¡¯t make him less charming and indifferent.

    On seeing Murong Xue, Ouyang Shaochen and others, he slowed down for a bit, but immediately picked up the pace and came before the old Prince Jing.

    On noticing the light smell of blood and the bodies on the ground in disorder, he immediately understood what had happened, then asked, ¡°Father, are you OK?¡±

    On hearing his father wasing, he immediately left everything behind to greet him, but only finding the assassins¡¯ bodies on the ground.

    The old Prince Jing cast a nce at him and said angrily, ¡°I would have been dead if I have waited for you to save me. Fortunately Xue happened to pass by and saved my life...¡±

    Ye Yishen showed some kind ofplicated feelings in his eye. He then said indifferently, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You are wee.¡± Murong Xue answered back casually, ¡°His lord¡¯s kung fu is superb. Even without me, the assassin wouldn¡¯t be able to hurt his lord.¡±

    After a while, Ye Yichen said in a t tone, ¡°Anyway I should thank you. After all you lent a hand...¡±

    Looking at his indifferent and alienated expression, the old Prince Jing immediately darkened his face and walked to the side, with his order in a deep tone, ¡°Ye Yichen,e with me now!¡±

    With his eyes blinked, Ye Yichen followed him behind slowly...

    After walking into a dark corner, the old Prince Jing suddenly turned around. He took out something from the sleeve and smashed at Ye Yichen, ¡°Demoting your wife to a concubine? Who taught you that?! Huh! You¡¯ve made your ancestors humiliated!¡±

    Ye Yichen didn¡¯t dodge. The book flew over his face, leaving a deep wound. He just ignored it. He stared at his father and said, ¡°Father, you taught me to be loyal to the woman I love. I did this only because I don¡¯t want to let her down...¡±

    ¡°You bastard, how dare you talk back?!¡± the old Prince Jing scolded him, ¡°Princess of Mobei is now living in the mansion now. She knew that I am back and wouldn¡¯te greet me. How could you fall in love with such kind of uncourteous woman? Are you blind?¡±

    ¡°Yuyan got badly injured, so she didn¡¯te to...¡± Ye Yichen tried to exin.

    The old Prince Jing sniffed, ¡°She hasn¡¯t been here for long and already hurt herself badly? I could imagine how she has behaved. Such kind of woman is a troublemaker. Whoever married her would be doomed...¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face immediately darkened. He said word by word, ¡°Father, don¡¯t make a conclusion before you see her. This is unfair to her...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± the old Prince Jing interrupted him while looking at him coldly, ¡°I¡¯ve been in service in the court for many years, and you think I¡¯m no better than you judging a person? Yeah, I have never seen Qin Yuyan, but I have never seen Murong Xue either. But look whom Murong Xue has been with.¡±

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, Dongfang Li, either of them would be a match for you. You mean their vision is not as good as you? You think they have feelings for Murong Xue because they are both blind?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen was the widely known Lord Freedom¡¯s heir, while Dongfang Li was the famous prince of Xi Liang. If one of them fell for Mu Rongxue, he might be blind. But since both of them fell for her, it might not be their problem then...

    ¡°Be it in Mobei or in Qingyan, I bet the woman you love was always surrounded by some mediocre men.¡± A kind of mockery could be sensed through his deep voice,

    Ye Yichen got shocked by his words. He then recalled all Qin Yuyan¡¯s admirers he had ever seen. Although they were all from noble families, none of them had had the ability or made any outstanding achievement...

    On seeing that he didn¡¯t say a word, the old Prince Jing quieted down a little, saying in a deep voice, ¡°My son, I have experienced much more than you, so I have better judgment. You are my only son. I wouldn¡¯t do any hard to you. I picked Murong Xue from over ten thousand girls. It¡¯d only bring you good to marry her as your wife...¡±

    ¡°Yuyan is the princess. She can¡¯t be a concubine.¡± Ye Yichen mumbled with firm eyes.

    The old Prince Jing also said resolutely, ¡°If not, get packaged and go back to Mobei! My mansion doesn¡¯t need her.¡±

    ¡°My lord, my lord...¡± a servant ran to them and shouted with excitement, ¡°Princess Qines around. She wants to see you.¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shone, ¡°Really?¡±

    The servant gasped and nodded, ¡°Absolutely!¡±

    ¡°That is great!¡±

    Ye Yichen felt much relieved. And when he was about to go home, the order of the old Prince Jing was heard, ¡°You can¡¯t go.¡±

    Ye Yichen then stopped. He looked at his father and said word by word, ¡°Father, Yuyan is the princess of Mobei, and she got badly wounded and has been in aa because of me. I don¡¯t know whether she could survive, so I can¡¯t leave her alone...¡±

    The old Prince Jing stayed unmoved, ¡°I didn¡¯t finish yet. If you go back to see her now, you are no longer my son!¡±

 Chapter 116 - Old Prince Jing Fainted

    <h4>Chapter 116: Old Prince Jing Fainted</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Father, Yuyan is badly injured and at herst gasp. Though she is sober, I don¡¯t know whether she can survive. So I have to check on her. I¡¯lle take the punishmentter!¡± Speaking of which, Ye Yichen already turned around and ran back to the mansion.

    ¡°Bastard! You even disobey me for a woman!¡± Old Prince Jing was ck with anger, with raging fire in his eyes.

    Murong Xue blinked and then moved forward slowly, ¡°My lord.¡±

    The silvery sound soon dispelled the Old Prince Jing¡¯s anger. He heaved a long sigh and looked at her with regret, ¡°I should be med. I failed to discipline my son. But trust me. I nominated you as my daughter-inw and I will only acknowledge you as the Empress Jing. I won¡¯t let you be a concubine...¡±

    ¡°My lord, you take me wrong. I never wanted to be Empress Jing. Actually I¡¯m here to cancel the engagement...¡±Murong Xue smiles gently, with unprecedented resolution in her cool eyes.

    Old Prince Jing was surprised, ¡°But why?¡±

    When they were having the engagement that day, the eyes of the beautiful little girl were filled with all joys and excitement. She loved Yichen so much. She should try all she could to be his wife. But why would she cancel the engagement?

    Murong Xue smiled slightly, then said, ¡°Prince Jing and Princess Yuyan are made for each other. Our engagement would only be a burden to him. I shouldn¡¯t stand in their way. It¡¯ll only embarrass them. So I think the best thing for the three of us is to cancel the engagement...¡±

    ¡°Did Yichen force you to say that?¡± Old Prince Jing gritted his teeth and asked in a low voice.

    ¡°No. No...I mean what I say. I¡¯m willing to cancel our engagement...¡±Murong Xue shook her head and said seriously.

    ¡°I¡¯m really appreciated of your kindness and generosity. But that¡¯s not love between us. Even if we get married, we will not be happy. So we should cancel the engagement and set each other free. He can find his love and I will also find mine someday...¡±

    On hearing her sincere words, Old Prince Jing felt shocked but he didn¡¯t show it.

    A gust of wind brought kind of coldness. Murong Xue rolled up in her clothes subconsciously and looked at old Prince Jing ndly.

    ¡°It¡¯s still early. How about we cancel it now? My lord, the love token and betrothal gifts, and all the gifts you sent to my ce during all festivals, I¡¯ve all ced them together. Later I¡¯ll ask the servants to send them back. And you only need to give back the love token my father gifted you...¡±

    Suddenly the old Prince Jing¡¯s face turned pale, he spitted out a mouthful of blood and directly fell to the ground...

    ¡°My lord!¡± Murong Xue was surprised and tried to support him.

    A ga figure suddenly appeared and supported the Old Prince Jing ahead of her. He hit a few vital acupoints of the Old Prince Jing and quickly took out a pill and packed it into his mouth...

    Looking at that charming face and skillful moves, Murong Xue raised her eyebrows. Hadn¡¯t Ye Yichen gone back to take care of Qin Yuyan? Why did hee back?

    Looking at her confusing face, Ye Yichen frowned and med her, ¡°My father has an old disease. He has taken such a long way back to the capital. And before he has gone back home, you asked him to cancel the engagement already?¡±

    Actually before Ye Yichen had gone far, he saw that Murong Xue walked before his father. He suddenly wanted to overhear what she would say to her father. So he came back without anyone noticing. He didn¡¯t expect that Murong Xue had neither told him off nor med all those bad things he had done, but proposed to cancel the engagement instead...

    ¡°How would I know his lord¡¯s old disease is so serious?¡± Murong Xue answered him back angrily. She just said the reason and expressed her determination, and the Old Prince Jing already couldn¡¯t take it and rpsed...

    It seemed the Old Prince Jing indeed wanted them to be together. Pity that they had no feelings for each other. So they would never be together...

    Ye Yichen said with a cold voice, ¡°My father is quite satisfied with the engagement. So don¡¯t you

    Murong Xue sneered, ¡°If not, do you want me to be your concubine? You wish!¡±

    Ye Yichen darkened his face and said word by word, ¡°I can let you be my wife.¡±

    ¡°Then what? Prince Jing marries Princess Jing as the concubine, loving her and spoiling her, meanwhile leaving all the chores of the mansion to me? Then I¡¯m like an extra taking up the position of the empress, and finally end up being locked in my harem for my whole life? Or you would send me somewhere else to perish? Or maybe grant me a bowl of poison to kill me?¡±

    Murong Xue stared at Ye Yichen with her eyebrows raised, wearing a faking smile, making Ye Yichen a little ufortable, ¡°So you think of me that way?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you are capable of? Oh sorry...I forgot your father is still alive. He lives while I can live, as furnishings in the mansion. And when he dies, I¡¯m gonna die with him...¡±

    ¡°Maybe you can say the feeble and sick Empress Jing died unfortunately since she is over sorrowed about the death of the elder. What a touching excuse! What a convincing reason...Then you can nominate Princess Qin as the empress saying the mansion shouldn¡¯t do without a hostess. And then you and your new empress would grow old together...¡± Murong Xue was inferring the plot as if she had already seen everything through.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face turned dark. He gritted his teeth while something was glittering in his eyes, ¡°Murong Xue!¡±

    Then Murong Xue came to herself. She forced a smile and said, ¡°I said too much. Let¡¯s cut to the chase. It is your thing that your father doesn¡¯t allow you to marry Qin Yuyan as your wife. Don¡¯t take me as your shield, or even sacrifice me for your love. I¡¯m gonna cancel the engagement for sure.¡±

    Speaking of which, Murong Xue turned around and strode away!

    After thinking for a moment, Ouyang Shaochen walked to Murong Xue. He patted Murong Xue¡¯s shoulder lightly, ¡°It¡¯ste. Let me walk you home.¡±

    ¡°OK!¡± Murong Xue nodded and then went away with him.

    Looking at the two of them walking together, Ye Yichen got outraged. The mes of anger deep in his eyes weaved a name quickly: Murong Xue!

    Dongfang Li looked at the furious Ye Yichen, then turned to the couple-like Ouyang Shaochen and Murong, with a meaningful smile on his face.

    Huo Tong was confused, ¡°My lord, are you OK?¡±

    ¡°Nothing!¡± Dongfang Li shook his head, still wearing that smile, ¡°I just think we are here at the right time. A good show will be on.¡±

 Chapter 117 - Going to Cancel the Engagement

    <h4>Chapter 117: Going to Cancel the Engagement</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    As the night deepened, Ouyang Shaochen came before the Marquis Mansion holding Murong Xue in his arm. The two exquisite rednterns on both sides of the gate were shining with warm light.

    Ouyang Shaochen darkened his eyes and then said lightly, ¡°Old Prince Jing has got an old disease. Shouldn¡¯t you pay him a visit?¡±

    Murong Xue nodded, ¡°Of course. I¡¯m going tomorrow morning, and I can take the betrothal gifts and all the other festival gifts with me, to cancel the engagement...¡±

    Since the Old Prince Jing hade back, she should do it at the fastest speed, in case of any iing troubles.

    A slice of unnoticeable smile shed on Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face but was gone instantly. He said in a low voice, ¡°But it seems that Old Prince Jing doesn¡¯t agree...¡±

    Murong Xue hummed, ¡°I don¡¯t want to be Ye Yichen¡¯s concubine, or die in his hands without knowing why. So whether he agrees or not, I will do it...¡±

    Looking at her firm eyes, Ouyang Shaochen curled his lips with a graceful radian, saying with a t tone, ¡°Do you need my help?¡±

    ¡°No, thanks. This is between me and Ye Yichen. You should stay out of it. Murong Xue smiled at him gently.

    She said in her heart, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen is Lord Freedom¡¯s heir, an outsider. It¡¯s not justified to take him to Prince Jing Mansion with her. And if the Old Prince Jing thinks that she doesn¡¯t show the courtesy and is hard on her, it¡¯d only make things moreplicated...¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for your news in the mansion.¡± Said Ouyang Shaochen lightly, with kind of unspoken expression shed in his eyes.

    ¡°OK!¡± Murong Xue nodded: The spies of Lord Freedom were almost everywhere in the capital. So if she sessfully cancelled the engagement, he would know soon.

    Looking at her worn out expression, Ouyang Shaochen said lightly, ¡°It¡¯ste. You should go back to rest. There¡¯re a lot of things to do tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Hm! Good night!¡± Murong Xue said gently, and then turned around and walked into the mansion noiselessly.

    Until she disappeared at the end of the road, Ouyang Shaochen turned around gracefully and went back to Lord of Freedom Mansion.

    Light steps were heard behind. Someone was following him. Ouyang Shaochen pretended he didn¡¯t know, and walked in big strides. After a few turns, he arrived at the mansion of Lord of Freedom.

    The guard stopped him, ¡°Sir, this is Lord of Freedom¡¯s Mansion. No outsider is allowed in.¡±

    ¡°Our lord is your prince¡¯s friend. He isn¡¯t an outsider.¡± Huo Tong argued. Ouyang Shaochen raised his eyebrows, and then turned to the Dongfang Li and his servant at the door, ¡°Dongfang Li, it¡¯s alreadyte. What are you doing here instead of checking in a hotel or an inn?¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m here to put up for the night.¡± Dongfang Li said lightly. Murong Xue was a woman, so it was inconvenient to go back with her. He could only live next door to her. Although it was only separated by a wall, it was not so good to watch the show.

    Ouyang Shaochen liked Murong Xue. So it was quite likely that he would step in Murong Xue and Ye Yichen¡¯s engagement stuff. And if he stayed with Ouyan Shaochen, he¡¯d definitely watch the scene of bustle.

    Ouyang Shaochen looked at him and said with a cold voice, ¡°This is not a hotel. You should check in an inn.¡±

    ¡°Urgh, the environment there is bad, furnishings bad, and food bad, I won¡¯t go there.¡± Dongfang Li shook his head. And when he saw Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s gloomy face, something shed in his eyes,

    ¡°If I am not weed here, then I am going to Prince Jing Mansion. Although I only met Prince Jing and his father for once, as the seventh prince of Xi Liang, I believe they¡¯ll be very pleased to let me in and...¡±

    With his lips curled, Dongfang Li turned around and pretended to go.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Ouyang Shaochen stopped him. Any official who knew that he was the seventh prince of Xiliang Kingdom would be very pleased to let him in.

    And only Xue¡¯er could detoxify his Blood Poison and she had to do it for him every three days. If he lived in Prince Jing Mansion, then Xue¡¯er had to go and out of there often...

    ¡°Someone! Bring the prince to the guest room in the southeast corner.¡±

    ¡°Southeast corner?¡± Dongfang Li squeezed his eyes and frowned lightly, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, as your honored guest, how could you let me stay in such a remote yard?¡±

    ¡°This is Lord of Freedom Mansion, not your Xi Liang Pce. There¡¯s no ce for you to choose. The guest room in there is already good enough for you. Sleep there or leave!¡± Ouyang Shaochen cast a nce at him and then strode away.

    Watching the southeast corner, Dongfang Li smiled. He just came from there. Despite the high walls, he already had a picture of it. Though it was a bit remote, the environment there was quite good with grass and flowers. A good ce for him to detoxify. He would tarry here and watch the show by the way.

    Tomorrow Murong Xue was going to cancel the engagement. No one knew whether she could seed or not.

    The next morning, after the thin mist dispersed, the golden sunlight sprinkled the ground.

    In the main room, the Old Prince Jing who had been insensible for the whole night slowly opened his eyes. The first thing that came into his eyes was Ye Yichen¡¯s delicate but a little pale face. Ye Yichen looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes. Apparently he stayed up the whole night.

    On seeing his father wake up, Ye Yichen felt much relieved, ¡°Father, you are awake.¡±

    The Old Prince Jing responded and then sat up. He heaved a sigh lightly while looking at his son¡¯s tiring and pace face, ¡°Yichen, it was me and your uncle Yue who arranged your engagement with Murong Xue. Now uncle Yue has passed away, you should take better care of his only left child. You can¡¯t do such perfidious things. Murong Xue will be your wife. You should give up the n of demoting her to a concubine...¡±

    With his eyes darkened, Ye Yichen said in a low voice, ¡°Murong Xue doesn¡¯t want to be my wife at all. The only thing on her mind now is to cancel the engagement...¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be med for this? If you hadn¡¯t demoted her to a concubine to embarrass her in front of everyone, how would she draw a clear line with you?¡±

    The Old Prince Jing scolded him and then red at him, ¡°You go to Marquis Mansion to apologize to Xue¡¯er now and beg her to forgive you...¡±

    ¡°Father!¡± Ye Yichen was surprised. As the prince, how could he go apologize to Murong Xue?

    ¡°Why are you staring at me?¡± The Old Prince Jing squirted at him and said word by word, ¡°I am in charge of your engagement. No one can change it. Your wife would only be Murong Xue! Before you marry her, you could marry no one else...¡±

    Ye Yichen pulled his face, saying nothing.

    At this time a guard came in, ¡°My lords, Princess Murong Xue from Marquis Mansion requests to see you.¡±

 Chapter 118 - Failed to Cancel the Engagement

    Chapter 118: Failed to Cancel the Engagement

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Ye Yichen squeezed his sharp eyes and said, ¡°She is here to cancel the engagement!¡± She was already here so early in the morning, from which he could tell she was really eager to cancel their engagement.

    ¡°I know!¡± Old Prince Jing red at him, ¡°When you see Xue¡¯er, say some nice words and apologize to her. Make promises to win her heart back, so she wouldn¡¯t mention this again.¡±

    To say some nice words? To apologize? To make promises? Did it mean he had toy down his pride to coax Mu Rongxue?

    A slice of sulkiness shed in Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes. He said impatiently, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to coax a woman.¡±

    ¡°Then learn to!¡± Old Prince Jing snatched up the pillow behind and threw it at Ye Yichen, ¡°Aren¡¯t you the God of War of Qingyan Kingdom? You could even sweep away the mighty forces of Mo Bei, but don¡¯t know how to coax a girl? Don¡¯te back before you nail it.¡±

    Ye Yichen tilted his body and avoided the pillow throwing at him. Looking at his angry father, he frowned and said to himself, ¡°Killing and coaxing are two different things. How could you put them together?¡±

    Besides, the old Murong Xue was soft and adored him heart and soul. He might win her back saying some nice words, ¡°The present her is headstrong. She hates me now and canceling the engagement is the only thing on her mind. She wouldn¡¯t believe a word I say, and may urge me to cancel it as soon as possible...¡±

    ¡°Then what are you gonna do?¡± said Old Prince Jing angrily while ring at him. He said to himself, ¡°You messed up such a great marriage now. I¡¯m so pissed off...¡±

    After a moment¡¯s silence, Ye Yichen said, ¡°I¡¯ll ask someone to persuade her to go back first. Then I¡¯ll try to figure it out. Our engagement is still there. I will try to win her heart back.¡±

    The new Murong Xue was arrogant and proud who totally ignored him. He wouldn¡¯t lower his head to coax her.

    His father still hadn¡¯t recovered from the old disease. If he disobeyed his father, his father may get infuriated and hurt his body. So he used this as an excuse tofort his father and then thought about how to solve this problem.

    After a moment¡¯s silence, Old Prince Jing said, ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you then. But, remember one thing. Your wife could only be Murong Xue. And your engagement can never be canceled!¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Ye Yichen nodded reluctantly with sharpness shing in his eyes.

    The bright and warm sunlight was shining. Murong was outside the gate of Prince Jing Mansion, walking back and forth slowly, and looked into the mansion now and then...

    Suddenly a tall and straight figure appeared on the empty bluestone road. Navy blue robe, cute face, it was the son of the empress of Minister¡¯s Household Xu Tianyou.

    He walked before Murong Xue slowly and saluted politely, ¡°Lady Murong!¡±

    ¡°Why is it you?¡± Murong Xue frowned lightly. She was here to cancel the engagement. It should be Old Prince Jing and his son to exchange their tokens back. Why did they send Xu Tianyou who had nothing to do with this here?

    Xu Tianyou smiled, ¡°Old Prince Jing has an old disease. Yichen is taking care of him and has no time to meet you. I¡¯m entrusted to invite you to have some rest in the guess room. When Old Prince Jing wakes up, he wille to see you...¡±

    ¡°When will Old Prince Jing wake up?¡± Murong Xue pulled her face.

    ¡°Urgh...It¡¯s hard to tell.¡± Xu Tianyou shook his head, looking scarcely serious. ¡°The imperial doctors are still waiting outside. They also couldn¡¯t tell the exact time when Old Prince Jing would wake up...¡±

    Murong Xue was a little surprised, ¡°Is it very serious?¡±

    Xu Tianyou blinked and lowered his voice, ¡°Old Prince Jing has even got severely wounded during the war times. Now he could never go back to the battlefield and has just passed the throne to Prince Jing. This time it is because of his old wounds. Every time it rpsed, it would take half of his life away...¡±

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes. She clearly knew the condition of Uncle Hui who had served as the housekeeper in her mansion for many years. Those who got badly wounded on battlefields should not get angry or use kung fu too much. Otherwise, when the old disease rpsed, it would be a real torture.

    Last night Old Prince Jing¡¯s old disease rpsed and he nearly lost half of his life. Fortunately he took a pill in time. However feeble he was, he should be sober now, ¡°Can I go in and check on him?¡±

    Xu Tianyou smiled awkwardly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Prince Jing said his father needs some rest now. Before he wakes up, no one should disturb him.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and said word by word, ¡°I¡¯m just gonna take a look. I won¡¯t make any sound, I promise.¡±

    ¡°Lady Murong, this is Prince Jing Mansion. I only listen to the prince. So please don¡¯t embarrass me...¡±

    Xu Tian spoke the perfect reason he had already came up with before he came. When he raised his head randomly, he saw that Murong Xue was staring at him with a faking smile. Her eyes were crystal clear like the stars and also as cold as the ice, as if she had already seen everything through...

    Xu Tianyou¡¯s eyelid was twitching drastically. And he could only stop his perfect reason. He curled his lips to make a faking smile, ¡°Well, it¡¯s really hot today. What about we talk inside? Lady Murong, pleasee with me...¡±

    ¡°No need!¡± Murong Xue turned him down and then said with a t tone, ¡°Since Old Prince Jing has an old disease and needs some rest. I shouldn¡¯t disturb him then. I¡¯lle visit him when he bes sober.¡±

    Old Prince Jing should be sober now. He just didn¡¯t want her to cancel the engagement, so he made an excuse to refuse to see her.

    Jing Prince Mansion was heavily guarded. And those guards in the mansion all had been through numerous wars and owned superb kung fu. When she broke through all those obstacles and finally saw Old Prince Jing and Ye Yichen, Old Ping Jing had already been in a¡± as Xu Tianyou just described, and Ye Yichen was ¡°taking care of him¡± just like what Xu Tianyou had told him...So she still couldn¡¯t cancel it sessfully even if she saw them today...

    ¡°It¡¯ste. I should go. I¡¯ll leave these boxes to you then.¡± Since Old Prince Jing didn¡¯t want to see her, even if she waited till dawn, he still wouldn¡¯t be ¡°sober¡±. So she wouldn¡¯t wait here under the sun like a fool.

    Xu Tianyou cast a nce at those seven or eight big sandalwood boxes behind Murong Xue, and twitched his mouth. Weren¡¯t these the betrothal gifts, New Year¡¯s gifts and festival gifts Prince Jing had sent to her? She took them all back. Did she really want to draw a clean line with Prince Jing?

    But Prince Jing told him not to agree with it. So he could never keep those boxes!

    ¡°Lady Murong, for the betrothal gifts, you¡¯d better give it back in person. As an outsider, I shouldn¡¯t step in your personal things...¡±

    Murong Xue cast an eye over him and said in a cold tone, ¡°Since Ye Yichen asked you to receive me on his behalf, he would never take you as an outsider. Just a few boxes of betrothal gifts. It doesn¡¯t make any difference to give you or him...¡±

    CommentChapter 119: Returning the Betrothal Gifts

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Well...¡± Xu Tianyou felt a little awkward, ¡°After all I am not the master here. It¡¯s inappropriate for me to make the decision for them...¡±

    ¡°Then go ask Ye Yichen...¡± Murong Xue gave him a suggestion: Ye Yichen degrading her to a concubine in front of everyone was insulting her, so it was quite reasonable for her to cancel the engagement. She bet Ye Yichen dare not say no!

    ¡°But he is taking care of Old Prince Jing now. I¡¯m afraid he doesn¡¯t have time to talk to me.¡± Xu Tianyou smiled awkwardly.

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and said casually, ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave them here. You can tell Ye Yichen when he is free. He will ask the servants to take them back...¡± With guards watching outside the mansion, those boxes wouldn¡¯t get lost.

    ¡°Peoplee and go in the street. What if someone identally breaks things inside?¡± Xu Tianyou protested and then raised his voice, ¡°Lady Murong, I suggest you take them back with you...¡±

    ¡°If someone breaks it, I willpensate...¡± Murong Xue interrupted him: Though every gift from Prince Jing was valuable, but the Marquis Mansion also had numerous pricey things. Even if all the stuff in those boxes were broken, she could stillpensate them all...

    Of course she wouldn¡¯t leave the love token from Prince Jing Mansion here, because that was the eye of Prince Jing Mansion, only one in this world. If it was broken, nothing could rece it. Thus she would never cancel the engagement then...

    ¡°It¡¯ste. Old Prince Jing is badly ill and Yichen is taking care of him. I guess you are also upied. I won¡¯t bother you then. Bye!¡± After saying these words, Murong Xue turned around and walked away...

    A cool breeze was blowing. The dazzling light that the gold-rimmed buttons on the sandalwood boxes reflected under the sun suddenly woke Xu Tianyou up. He ran after Murong Xue, ¡°Lady Murong, Lady Morong, wait...¡±

    It were all the betrothal gifts Prince Jing had gifted Murong Xue in the boxes. Of course he couldn¡¯t leave them out of the mansion. If so, it meant he failed Prince Jing.

    Murong Xue turned a deaf ear to him and got into the cart and left.

    ¡°Lady Murong!¡± Xu Tianyou called her. And the moment he came before her cart, the guards of Marquis Mansion stopped him.

    And the moment he was stopped, the cart had already set off and ran away along the t and smooth road...

    The moment the cart made a turn, Murong Xue pulled the curtain open and looked back, seeing that Xu Tianyou was standing there watching her cart. But when she saw those sandalwood boxes, raging fire was burning under her eyes again...

    Murong Xue hummed: Those things belonged to Prince Jing Mansion. It was reasonable to give them back. She never wanted to take them back. So they had to ept them whether they wanted it or not...

    The sun was rising higher and higher. Aftering back home, Murong Xue took a walk on the bluestone road in the mansion, with her lips curled at a perfect angle: She left the betrothal gifts at Prince Jing Mansion, which meant that the engagement was half canceled already...

    After she found an appropriate chance to exchange the love tokens with Ye Yichen, she would get rid of him once for all and be free again. For all her rest life she wouldn¡¯t want to have anything to do with him...

    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

    Some harsh sound was heard in the air!

    Murong Xue was startled. And the moment she tried to throw a palm, some guards in ck appeared from nowhere and threw a pile of boxes before her...

    Those were all sandalwood boxes, with gold-rimmed buttons on them, shining brightly under the sun.

    Murong Xue was caught in a trance, ¡°Isn¡¯t it the betrothal gifts she has just sent back to Prince Jing Mansion? They send them back...¡±

    The raging fire was burning under Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. She red at them and said, ¡°You take them back! Now...¡±

    Those guards in ck all turned a deaf ear to her. With a light flip on their tiptoes, they disappeared in the dark night...

    The clop-clop was gradually going far away. Only Murong Xue was left in there, with all the intact sandalwood boxes on the ground, like a kind of mockery to her...

    Murong Xue was furious. She kicked all those boxes one by one. All those precious treasure and silk fabrics fell to the ground. She gritted her teeth and howled, ¡°Ye Yichen!¡±

    Ye had sent a few random guards, broken into her mansion and thrown those boxes in front of her. So he thought she had no bodyguards to take down those burrs? She was pissed off. She was so so pissed off!

    ¡°Since the betrothal gifts are already sent back, it¡¯s no use to be angry.¡± A silvery sound was heard above. Murong Xue raised her head, finding Ouyang Shaochen was reclining on the lounge under the viburnum tree, who was enjoying a ss of wine, with his snow white robe down onto the ground, spotlessly clean.

    It smelled pretty good when the fragrance of ck bamboo and viburnum were mixed together, which also implied that Ouyang Shaochen had been here for quite some time.

    ¡°Since you were here, why didn¡¯t you give me a hand to beat those guards and let them take those boxes away? Then Ye Yichen would never send his people to break in...¡±

    Murong Xue walked to him angrily. She sat beside Ouyang Shaochen and pinched his face with her small and white hand, leaving red marks on that charming face immediately.

    Pains were felt on the face. A slice of helplessness shed under Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes. He seized her small hand which she was using to pinch him and lowered his voice, ¡°Ye Yichen would never ept them. Even if I kicked those guards out of here, they would use other means to send them back.¡±

    On hearing that, Murong Xue frowned. Actually his words were quite reasonable. Since Yi Yichen didn¡¯t agree to cancel it, he would try every means to send back the betrothal gifts. First time failed, he¡¯d try the second time. And if the second time failed, he would try the third time...until he seeded. Anyway he had countless guards.

    ¡°Since you already knew the result, why didn¡¯t you remind me?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that Old Prince Jing wouldn¡¯t agree you canceling your engagementst night? Don¡¯t you remember?¡± Ouyang Shaochen nced at her, with all despise in his eyes.

    ¡°I...¡± Murong Xue became speechless. She did remember his words. But she never expected that Ye Yichen would send them back in this way. All the things she had done the whole morning were in vain...

    Ouyang Shaochen looked at that sad face, with a smile shing on his face. He held that cup of good wine and started to enjoy it.

    Murong Xue darkened her face. She snapped the wine from his hand and said angrily, ¡°No time for a drink now. Help me figure it out. Since Old Prince Jing is back, I want to cancel the engagement as soon as possible. No dy.¡±

    ¡°Old Prince Jing is your elder. If he doesn¡¯t want you to cancel it, he will set a lot of obstacles for you. So even if you want to get rid of Ye Yichen, you shouldn¡¯t jump the gun. You should consider it in the long run...¡± Ouyang Shaochen lowered his voice, with kind of craftiness shing in his eyes...

 Chapter 119 - Returning the Betrothal Gifts

    <h4>Chapter 119: Returning the Betrothal Gifts</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Well...¡± Xu Tianyou felt a little awkward, ¡°After all I am not the master here. It¡¯s inappropriate for me to make the decision for them...¡±

    ¡°Then go ask Ye Yichen...¡± Murong Xue gave him a suggestion: Ye Yichen degrading her to a concubine in front of everyone was insulting her, so it was quite reasonable for her to cancel the engagement. She bet Ye Yichen dare not say no!

    ¡°But he is taking care of Old Prince Jing now. I¡¯m afraid he doesn¡¯t have time to talk to me.¡± Xu Tianyou smiled awkwardly.

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and said casually, ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave them here. You can tell Ye Yichen when he is free. He will ask the servants to take them back...¡± With guards watching outside the mansion, those boxes wouldn¡¯t get lost.

    ¡°Peoplee and go in the street. What if someone identally breaks things inside?¡± Xu Tianyou protested and then raised his voice, ¡°Lady Murong, I suggest you take them back with you...¡±

    ¡°If someone breaks it, I willpensate...¡± Murong Xue interrupted him: Though every gift from Prince Jing was valuable, but the Marquis Mansion also had numerous pricey things. Even if all the stuff in those boxes were broken, she could stillpensate them all...

    Of course she wouldn¡¯t leave the love token from Prince Jing Mansion here, because that was the eye of Prince Jing Mansion, only one in this world. If it was broken, nothing could rece it. Thus she would never cancel the engagement then...

    ¡°It¡¯ste. Old Prince Jing is badly ill and Yichen is taking care of him. I guess you are also upied. I won¡¯t bother you then. Bye!¡± After saying these words, Murong Xue turned around and walked away...

    A cool breeze was blowing. The dazzling light that the gold-rimmed buttons on the sandalwood boxes reflected under the sun suddenly woke Xu Tianyou up. He ran after Murong Xue, ¡°Lady Murong, Lady Morong, wait...¡±

    It were all the betrothal gifts Prince Jing had gifted Murong Xue in the boxes. Of course he couldn¡¯t leave them out of the mansion. If so, it meant he failed Prince Jing.

    Murong Xue turned a deaf ear to him and got into the cart and left.

    ¡°Lady Murong!¡± Xu Tianyou called her. And the moment he came before her cart, the guards of Marquis Mansion stopped him.

    And the moment he was stopped, the cart had already set off and ran away along the t and smooth road...

    The moment the cart made a turn, Murong Xue pulled the curtain open and looked back, seeing that Xu Tianyou was standing there watching her cart. But when she saw those sandalwood boxes, raging fire was burning under her eyes again...

    Murong Xue hummed: Those things belonged to Prince Jing Mansion. It was reasonable to give them back. She never wanted to take them back. So they had to ept them whether they wanted it or not...

    The sun was rising higher and higher. Aftering back home, Murong Xue took a walk on the bluestone road in the mansion, with her lips curled at a perfect angle: She left the betrothal gifts at Prince Jing Mansion, which meant that the engagement was half canceled already...

    After she found an appropriate chance to exchange the love tokens with Ye Yichen, she would get rid of him once for all and be free again. For all her rest life she wouldn¡¯t want to have anything to do with him...

    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

    Some harsh sound was heard in the air!

    Murong Xue was startled. And the moment she tried to throw a palm, some guards in ck appeared from nowhere and threw a pile of boxes before her...

    Those were all sandalwood boxes, with gold-rimmed buttons on them, shining brightly under the sun.

    Murong Xue was caught in a trance, ¡°Isn¡¯t it the betrothal gifts she has just sent back to Prince Jing Mansion? They send them back...¡±

    The raging fire was burning under Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. She red at them and said, ¡°You take them back! Now...¡±

    Those guards in ck all turned a deaf ear to her. With a light flip on their tiptoes, they disappeared in the dark night...

    The clop-clop was gradually going far away. Only Murong Xue was left in there, with all the intact sandalwood boxes on the ground, like a kind of mockery to her...

    Murong Xue was furious. She kicked all those boxes one by one. All those precious treasure and silk fabrics fell to the ground. She gritted her teeth and howled, ¡°Ye Yichen!¡±

    Ye had sent a few random guards, broken into her mansion and thrown those boxes in front of her. So he thought she had no bodyguards to take down those burrs? She was pissed off. She was so so pissed off!

    ¡°Since the betrothal gifts are already sent back, it¡¯s no use to be angry.¡± A silvery sound was heard above. Murong Xue raised her head, finding Ouyang Shaochen was reclining on the lounge under the viburnum tree, who was enjoying a ss of wine, with his snow white robe down onto the ground, spotlessly clean.

    It smelled pretty good when the fragrance of ck bamboo and viburnum were mixed together, which also implied that Ouyang Shaochen had been here for quite some time.

    ¡°Since you were here, why didn¡¯t you give me a hand to beat those guards and let them take those boxes away? Then Ye Yichen would never send his people to break in...¡±

    Murong Xue walked to him angrily. She sat beside Ouyang Shaochen and pinched his face with her small and white hand, leaving red marks on that charming face immediately.

    Pains were felt on the face. A slice of helplessness shed under Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes. He seized her small hand which she was using to pinch him and lowered his voice, ¡°Ye Yichen would never ept them. Even if I kicked those guards out of here, they would use other means to send them back.¡±

    On hearing that, Murong Xue frowned. Actually his words were quite reasonable. Since Yi Yichen didn¡¯t agree to cancel it, he would try every means to send back the betrothal gifts. First time failed, he¡¯d try the second time. And if the second time failed, he would try the third time...until he seeded. Anyway he had countless guards.

    ¡°Since you already knew the result, why didn¡¯t you remind me?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that Old Prince Jing wouldn¡¯t agree you canceling your engagementst night? Don¡¯t you remember?¡± Ouyang Shaochen nced at her, with all despise in his eyes.

    ¡°I...¡± Murong Xue became speechless. She did remember his words. But she never expected that Ye Yichen would send them back in this way. All the things she had done the whole morning were in vain...

    Ouyang Shaochen looked at that sad face, with a smile shing on his face. He held that cup of good wine and started to enjoy it.

    Murong Xue darkened her face. She snapped the wine from his hand and said angrily, ¡°No time for a drink now. Help me figure it out. Since Old Prince Jing is back, I want to cancel the engagement as soon as possible. No dy.¡±

    ¡°Old Prince Jing is your elder. If he doesn¡¯t want you to cancel it, he will set a lot of obstacles for you. So even if you want to get rid of Ye Yichen, you shouldn¡¯t jump the gun. You should consider it in the long run...¡± Ouyang Shaochen lowered his voice, with kind of craftiness shing in his eyes...

 Chapter 120 - Setting up a Trap

    <h4>Chapter 120: Setting up a Trap</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Murong Xue looked up to the sky, ¡°I know. I know it all. Stop lecturing me. Just tell me what I should do.¡±

    When Old Prince Jing was in Yunnan, she couldn¡¯t do anything. But now since he was back in the capital, she wanted to end their engagement as soon as possible. She didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with that shameless rotten man for one more second!

    ¡°His Lord looks poised not to let you cancel the engagement. So things like giving back the betrothal gifts or returning t3. Our purpose is to provide the public with original tranted novels. However, as we have found, illicit use of exclusive works is quitemon. We want to make it clear that our official novel sharing tforms are only .flying-lines & novelupdates.he engagement token doesn¡¯t change anything. If you really want to draw a clear line between you and Ye Yichen, you should work on him. Do something secretly to push them. You know what I mean?¡± said Ouyang Shaochen with a low voice, with his dark eyes blinking in the night.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shone. She nodded heavily, ¡°I got it.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen cast a nce at her, with his lips curled at a perfect angle, ¡°It seems you are not a blockhead.¡±

    Murong Xue immediately pulled her face, snatched up the soft pillow before her and threw it at Ouyang Shaochen with all the strength she had, ¡°You are!¡±

    Looking at her angry eyes, Ouyan Shaochen smiled tenderly. He dodged the soft pillow, seized her wrist and pulled her onto the chair. With his strong arms around her slim waist, he skimmed over her lips lightly and immediately moved away.

    Feeling his moist lips against hers, Murong Xue felt her brain was totally nk. With light scent of bamboo, she felt like she was in heaven.

    The sling chair was not big, and he was holding her in his arms. Two bodies were sticking together. She could clearly feel the warmth from his slender yet strong body...

    Murong Xue was startled and pushed Ouyang Shaochen away while ring at him, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen...what are you doing?¡±

    Looking at her beautiful but angry eyes, Ouyang Shaochen heaved a sigh in his heart, and the said causually, ¡°You got up early and have been busy all day. You should be tired. I want you to lie down and take some rest.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± asked Murong Xue skeptically.

    ¡°Why would I lie to you?¡± Ouyang Shaochen nced at her, with disdain in his eyes.

    She just didn¡¯t get what he meant. Did he need to contempt her like this?

    Murong Xue red at Ouyang Shaochen, and said grumpily, ¡°I¡¯ll go back to my own room then.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s getting hotter recently. It may be a little too sultry in the room. You better take some rest here.¡± Speaking of which, he already leaned on her shoulder, with his eyes closed.

    Murong Xue¡¯s face immediately darkened, OS: Does he take me as a pillow?

    When she spared her arms and was about to push him away, he opened his mouth, ¡°Have youe up with any idea yet?¡±

    Murong Xue stopped what she was doing and then shook her head, ¡°Not yet. But I think someone is gonna do it for me soon.¡±

    With her lips curled, she cast a nce at the foot of the wall not far away with all contempt.

    Ouyang Shaochen followed the direction she was looking at and saw a shadow running away, ¡°Is that...your step-grandma...or you second uncle¡¯s scout?¡±

    ¡°Hmm!¡± Murong Xue nodded, ¡°Their eyes were everywhere in our mansion, who would often slip to the pavilion to watch every move of me. But anyway, thanks to those eyes of them, they would know every word of me. It saves me a lot of time and energy to send it to them...¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen twitched his mouth. So she had deliberately leaked the information. Such a ck bellied woman!

    ¡°The whole capital now know that I n to cancel our engagement. So if anything happens to Ye Yichen now, people would all suspect me. So I should throw some dust in their eyes, then I would take action. At that time, Ye Yichen would have no choice but to cancel it...¡±

    Murong Xue said those words bitterly while looking up to the sky. Actually she was waiting for a piece of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mind, but got no response at all. She nced at Ouyang Shaochen, only finding that he was sipping his mouth, breathing lightly with his eyes closed.

    So was he...asleep? How could he fall asleep while she was talking by his ear? Did he have super immunity from interference or was her n toome?

    Murong Xue pulled her face and goggled at Ouyang Shaochen. His face was as white as the moon, and his long eyshes cast two thick shadows under the moonlight...Oh, that was not his eyshes, but dark circles.

    No wonder he would fall asleep while she was talking. He was too tired. What had he been busy with recently? Lord Freedom Mansion rendered a superior status in Qingyan Kingdom. Some admired them, while some took them as a thorn in the flesh. Since Lord Freedom and his first wife had gone to roam through the country, the burden of the whole mansion fell on his shoulder.

    Ouyang Shaochen hadn¡¯te of age. Although he had had a study tour for ten years, he was still too young and inexperienced anyway. It must be tough for him to deal with those old foxes. No wonder he would be so worn out...

    A breeze was blowing. Murong Xue yawned subconsciously. From early in the morning till now...She also felt a little tired!

    With her eyes slowly closed, she also fell asleep...

    Ouyang Shaochen slowly opened his eyes. Looking at her tranquil face, he curled his lips without noticing it himself: She learnt to be smarter now, no so dumb as before. He would leave things to her. If her n didn¡¯t work, he would then...

    As for Lady Du, Murong Jian, Murong Rou and others...he would all leave them to her. She could y cat and mouse with them. Even if she made some trouble, he would clean the mess up for her behind...

    In Yutang Courtyard

    Lady Du was reclining on a pillow at the window. She looked much better, only kind of furies could still be told deep in her eyes. She scorched, ¡°Why are you so careless to get caught by such a low life?¡±

    She was badly wounded. So she slept quite early every day. And early in the morning, she got woken up and was told that Rou¡¯er and Xu Wen were having an affair, and got caught in bed By Song Tianwen...

    Murong Rou was sitting on the rosewood chair, eyes swollen, face haggard, saying while gritting her teeth, ¡°Murong Xue is dead to me!¡±

    ¡°What is the use of saying that now?¡± Lady Du looked at him grumpily, ¡°You will get married a monthter, and could never go back to Song family. You should think about it. Once you leave Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion, what about Qingyan?¡±

    Song Qingyan was the daughter of the first wife of Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion, so obviously she had to stay.

    And Song Tianwen was still young. When she got old, he would definitely have a new first wife...

    On thinking Song Tian would lie in another woman¡¯s arms someday, Murong Rou felt her heart was bleeding... She said with a crying tone, ¡°I swear...within a month...I will find Qingyan a good man from a noble family...Even if the legal wife marrying into the mansion after me is a vicious one...she could never mess up with Qingyan¡¯s marriage...¡±

    Lady Du cast a nce at her and hummed lightly, ¡°You are thedy of Wu¡¯an Mansion, and Qingyan should be the noble princess. It¡¯s an easy thing to find her a good husband. And by the time you leave the hall, Qingyan will also be degraded with you. At that time, what if her fianc¨¦ goes back on his words and end the engagement?¡±

    Murong Rou was caught in a trance. There were indeed a lot of families in the capital who would abide by the engagement, but those who dreamt of marrying daughters from noble families were not in minority. Who could guarantee that the one she wedded Qingyan to was a noble one?

    Like what her mother said, the moment she left the hall, they would immediatelye to cancel the engagement, which would be a deadly blow to Qingyan. No one would want to marry a disreputable woman. ¡°So what do you think I should do, mother?¡±

 Chapter 121 - Scheming to Be a Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 121: Scheming to Be a Concubine</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Lady Du picked up the ginseng soup, took a sip carefully, then said unhurriedly, ¡°A maidservant just brought the news, saying the betrothal gifts Murong Xue having sent back were all returned...¡±

    Murong Rou¡¯s eyes shone with surprise, ¡°So you mean...¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue has made up her mind to cancel the engagement, while Prince Jing wouldn¡¯t agree. While they are contradictory, we could take advantage of it to let Qingyan marry into Prince Jing Mansion in ce of Murong Xue.¡± Lady Du said that word by word, with kind of cattiness shing in her eyes.

    ¡°It...It¡¯s not appropriate.¡± Murong Rou frowned, ¡°After all Qingyang¡¯s surname is Song, not Murong. She is not a lineal daughter of the Marquis Mansion...¡±

    Madam Du disapproved, ¡°They are both princesses of the first wife and her sister. They are cousins. What¡¯s the big deal?¡±

    ¡°If Old Prince Jing doesn¡¯t agree, then we will make him do...¡±Madam Du whispered, with kind of craftiness shing in her eyes.

    On seeing her mother talk like that, Murong Rou frowned. It had been tens of years of the internal strife inside the harem. She was quite clear what her mother pointed to, ¡°That...is obscene. What if Qingyan fails to be to the first wife even if she pays her reputation?¡±

    Madam Du pulled her face and red at her, ¡°The first wife? Are you daydreaming? Ye Yichen already has someone on his mind. The reason why Murong Xue is so determined to end their engagement is just because he wanted to degrade Murong Xue to a concubine to make room for his beloved one. Even if Qingyan married into the Prince Jing Mansion, she can only be a concubine. And if she covets the position of the first wife, she even wouldn¡¯t know how she died...¡±

    Murong lost her tongue for words. Before her eyes were all those scenes that how Ye Yichen defended Qin Yuyan and his cruel and iron means, which made her chill. She almost forgot the fact that Qingyan only could be a concubine if she married Prince Jing.

    Ye Yichen had a noble identity, was capable and welded the scepter. Being his concubine was even better than other noble family¡¯s first wife.

    Besides, Qingyan and Ye Yichen had been engaged. However vicious Tianwen¡¯s second wife was, after Qingyan married into Prince Jing Mansion, she wouldn¡¯t make trouble for Qingyan then. Also, Qingyan wouldn¡¯t be far too inferior to Qin Yuyan . Double benefits then...

    Seeing her satisfying expression, Madam Du nodded, smiling, ¡°After Qingyan marries into Prince Jing Mansion, Prince Jing will be our powerful support. At that time, we could do anything we wanted to Murong Xue...And Jian¡¯er will be the real master of the Marquis Mansion...And maybe you will have a chance to be thedy of Wu¡¯an Mansion again...¡±

    Bam! Song Qingyan pushed the door open very hard. She said with great anger, ¡°Mother, grandmother, I won¡¯t want to marry Prince Jing...¡±

    Madam Du was surprised, ¡°But why?¡± So many girls out there were drooling about the position as Prince Jing¡¯s concubine.

    ¡°Because...I like Prince Ouyang!¡± Song Qingyang yelled out loud, with her delicate face blushing immediately.

    Madam Du frowned, ¡°But Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s thoughts are all on Murong Xue. And there¡¯s no such engagement binding you two together. It is vain to like him. He will never marry you as his concubine...¡±

    ¡°Then I will try to make him like me!¡± Song Qingyan said so seriously, and shyly, ¡°Even if he doesn¡¯t like me, I will try all I can to be his concubine...¡±

    Madam Du hummed, ¡°Murong Xue also likes Ouyang Shaochen. You¡¯ve seen what she is capable of. As long as she is with him, you will never stand a chance to be his concubine...¡±

    Song Qingyan looked quite anxious, ¡°I can figure out a method to get Murong Xue away from him...¡±

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue have already slept together on one bed intimately! They even hold their hands together when they go out, in case of getting separated by the rushing crowd. You think you can break them apart with your fluff?¡± Lady Du interrupted her, with all despise in her eyes.

    She brought Song Qingyan up since she was a baby. Of course she knew her own granddaughter was too na?ve to tackle Murong Xue. She would lose to the ground.

    Song Qingyan¡¯s face turned a little pale, and asked, ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Why would I lie to you?¡± Lady Du red at her, ¡°The maidservant said she saw them holding together and lying on the sling chair. They were still asleep now. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can go see it with your own eyes.¡±

    Raging fire was burning under Song Qingyan¡¯s eyes. It should be true since her grandma was so sure of it. That despicable and shameless Murong Xue grabbed her Prince Ouyang!

    ¡°All right then! I¡¯m gonna marry Prince Jing as his concubine!¡± When she became Prince Jing¡¯s concubine, she would then torture Murong Xue, make her beg for her death!

    Looking at her resolute expression, Lady Du and Murong Rou looked at each other, smiling.

    Lady Du then narrowed her eyes, and said word by word, ¡°Old Prince Jing is an old school. It¡¯s not an easy thing to let him change his son¡¯s fianc¨¦e. So we should figure out a perfect n.¡±

    Old Prince Jing came back to the capital under the emperor¡¯s decree. So he didn¡¯t hide his tracks. And the news that he rpsed after he came back spread through the whole city soon.

    All officials brought the best medicine to visit him, but he turned all of them away using the excuse that he needed rest.

    When Murong Jian came to visit, Old Prince Jing was sunbathing in the courtyard. Looking at Murong Jian¡¯s visiting card, he darkened his eyes and said with a low voice, ¡°Let him in.¡±

    He hadn¡¯t seen Murong Jian for nearly ten years. Since he was here, he kind of wanted to see him anyway.

    Murong Jian was Murong Xue¡¯s second uncle, but their rtion was like fire and water. So he shouldn¡¯t be here to nose for something of him. Even he was here for that, the engagement would never be canceled...

    When Old Prince Jing was still thinking, a middle aged man came in under the guard¡¯s lead. He was wearing a moon white nicely-tailored long robe, ck waistband, and ck high boots, looking charming and noble. He greeted to him, ¡°My lord!¡±

    Old Prince Jing responded and sized him up, smiling, ¡°It¡¯s been ten years and you have barely changed. I¡¯m so jealous...¡±

    Murong Jian smiled lightly, ¡°You tter me, my lord. You haven¡¯t changed either, still so majestic and charming...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had those wounds for many years. And I am not as healthy as before...¡± Old Prince Jing heaved a long sigh, ¡°Don¡¯t stand there. Seat yourself.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, my lord!¡± Murong Jian smiled slightly, seated himself on the opposite side of Old Prince Jing elegantly, exposing the young woman behind him.

    Old Prince Jing was a little surprised, ¡°This is?¡±

    ¡°This is my niece, Qingyan!¡±

 Chapter 122 - Seducing

    <h4>Chapter 122: Seducing</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Murong Jian introduced her smilingly, while observing every move of Old Prince Jing.

    Old Prince Jing looked poised, putting wrinkles in his brows slightly, and said casually, ¡°Qingyan is so big now. You are grown into a pretty girl!¡±

    His indifferent voice made Murong Jing very unpleasing. But still he forced a smile and said, ¡°I met her in the street. I was a little worried about her going home alone. So I brought her with me. Sorry to have offended you, my lord.¡±

    ¡°You are too serious. We are old family friends. We and our kids should visit each other often.¡± Old Prince Jing looked at him smilingly, with kind ofplicated expression.

    With some twitching of the eyelid, Murong Jian gave a hallowugh, ¡°You are right. We should visit each other often...¡±

    Then he saw a familiar figure in a ga robe walking towards them with his split vision, so he raised his voice, ¡°Well...Qingyan, we¡¯re gonna talk about the old days for some time. You can go take a walk in the garden.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Song Qingyan walked outside gracefully. After getting out, she followed the ga figure all along the ck stone road carefully.

    The sun was quite warm. Ye Yichen stopped before a rockery, staring at the glitteringke, gloomy.

    He asked his people to throw those betrothal gifts in Falling Snow Pavilion, but Murong Xue epted them and didn¡¯te to him to protest, and also didn¡¯t take any further action. That was quite unlike her. She must be cooking some evil n...

    ¡°Qingyan pays her respect, Prince Jing.¡± A weak woman¡¯s voice was heard from behind. Ye Yichen turned around and saw a woman standing before him, who was wearing a plum long dress, with beautiful peach blossoms embroidered on the neckline, cuffs and hemline, a head of pitch ck hair coiled up. Those hairpins decorated with jewelries and earrings made her small face a feast to the eyes.

    Ye Yichen said to himself,¡±Qingyan? Do I know a woman called Qingyan?¡±

    He was trying to search such a woman in his mind. After quite a while, he remembered her, ¡°You are Song Qingyan from An Hou Mansion!¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Song Qingyan replied smilingly. The waving plum hemline of her long dress made her more beautiful and seductive!

    But Ye Yichen showed no interest at all. He looked at her proudly and said with an indifferent voice, ¡°So what are you doing here?¡±

    Song Qingyan smiled gently, ¡°Nothing actually. I just came with my uncle...¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing important, you¡¯d better leave. My father is badly ill and needs rest. He doesn¡¯t like being bothered.¡± Ye Yichen interrupted her impatiently, and expelled her impolitely.

    Song Qingyan¡¯s face immediately turned pale. She shambled backwards and hit on a giant rock. Tears of grievance burst out, and flew down her delicate face.

    She gave up the man she deeply loved and sacrificed her whole life happiness to fawn Prince Jing and tried to win his heart, but he asked her to leave? So he had no feelings for her at all...

    Yes, he was the lofty Prince Jing, God of War, with a noble background, having great power, and also having a clean-cut face. Most single girls of noble families in the capital gave their hearts to him. How would hey his eyes on a humble daughter from Wu¡¯an Mansion?

    Since she knew she couldn¡¯t win his heart, she could only win his body.

    Song Qingyan darkened her eyes, and secretly pulled the pouch in her waist open, then a wisp of light scent came into the air. It slowly flew into Ye Yichen¡¯s nose without him noticing at all.

    The indistinct scent was actually quite thick. He sensed it and then immediately tried to hold his breath. He followed the direction where the scent came from, only finding Song Qingyan was smiling at him, ¡°Prince Jing, are you OK? Why are you blushing...¡±

    Ye Yichen didn¡¯t say a word, only looked at her coldly.

    Song Qingyan ignored it. She untied the first button of her long dress slowly with her white jade-like small hand. Her watery eyes were sparkling, looking so seductive...

    ¡°Prince Jing, I am...¡± Her coquettish voice even made one¡¯s bones softened...

    But Ye Yichen still looked cold, with a slice of contempt shing in his eyes when looking at her seductive and horny face.

    What? Ye Yichen despised her?!

    Song Qingyan simmered with rage! Right, he was that lofty God of War. He had every right to look down on her. So what? She was also daughter of the first wife¡¯s sister of Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion. As long as she married him, he should at least give her a concubine¡¯s title!

    That was what she wanted! She wanted Ye Yichen to be her backup. To get back at Murong Xue, she could do anything!

    Song Qingyan gritted her teeth, then split the silk ribbon around her waist and quickly unlocked the buttons. Her silk plum long dress slipped onto the ground, exposing her fair skin, exquisite corbone, and also the plum bellyband embroidered with pretty fish.

    Ye Yichen lowered his eyes. She really made him speechless.

    But from Song Qingyan¡¯s point of view, he got attracted by her body, so he felt too shy to see her. With her lips curls up, she walked towards him slowly, saying with a super gentle voice, ¡°Prince Jing, you can¡¯t hold it, right? It¡¯s all right. I¡¯m gonna give you a hand.¡±

    Ye Yichen still lowered his eyes, saying nothing!

    Then Song Qingyan became bolder, trying to untie his clothes with her soft little hand...

    ¡°Get lost!¡± Ye Yichen threw a kick at Song Qingyan!

    Song Qingyan never expected this and got blown away and fell into the pond. She screamed, ¡°Ah!¡±

    All the maidservants, mamas, servants and guards heard it. They all rushed towards where the scream came from. Even Old Prince Jing and Murong Jian who were talking about the old days came.

    As they saw, Song Qingyan was struggling in the pond, drifting ups and downs, screaming, ¡°Help...help...¡±

    Ye Yichen just stood beside the pond, doing nothing.

    ¡°Qingyan!¡± Murong Jian felt something bad. He called her name and then jumped into the water and pulled her out of water.

    Her hair was all disheveled, wet all over, the plum bellyband and the white underwear pants clinging to her body, and arge part of her fair skin exposed...What a scene!

    Murong Jian immediately took off his robe and covered her, then shook her lightly, ¡°Qingyan, are you all right? Qingyan!¡±

    ¡°Eh-hem!¡± Song Qingyan had a few hard coughs, and spitted out mouthfuls of water.

    Murong Jian got panicked, ¡°Someone! Go get a doctor! Hurry!¡±

    ¡°No need. She won¡¯t die.¡± A cold voice was heard from behind, which made Murong Jian chill. When he turned around, he directly looked into Ye Yichen¡¯s cold eyes...

 Chapter 123 - Old Consort Jing Is Back

    Chapter 123: Old Consort Jing Is Back

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Murong Jian, what is your motive of bringing Song Qingyan here to seduce me with the rosemary acid?¡±

    On hearing what he said, everyone on site was astonished! How dare a humble daughter from Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion seduce Prince Jing with such nasty means?

    They all cast their eyes on Murong Jian and Song Qingyan with contempt.

    Murong Jian pulled his face, nced at Song Qingyan viciously and thought to himself ¡°You can¡¯t even do such a tiny thing? So stupid!¡±

    However angry Murong Jian felt about Song, he still pretended to be astonished as others did, ¡°Urgh...I know nothing about it, my lord...¡±

    The scent of rosemary acid could still be smelt in the air, plus the plum long dress was there right before Prince Jing. Crimes of trickery and seduction, he could deny either of them. But he still couldn¡¯t admit it. Otherwise, it meant he was telling Ye Yichen they had already set up this trick beforehand.

    ¡°You really didn¡¯t know?¡± Ye Yichen shed his eyes at Murong Jian, with only coldness, making Murong Jian shiver down the spine: He brought Song Qingyan together with him, of course Ye Yichen wouldn¡¯t believe a word of him...

    After thinking for a second, he raised his right hand and made a vow, stressing each syble, ¡°In the name of all gods and His Highness, every word I, Murong Jian, said is true. If I lie, I will get struck by lightning and die in my boots!¡±

    Ye Yichen was hard to fool. If he only kept denying it, Ye Yichen not only wouldn¡¯t believe what he said, but also despised him for passing the buck. So the best way was to make a vow in front of Ye to prove his innocence. Even if Ye Yichen still suspected him, he wouldn¡¯t be too hard on him then.

    He peeped at Ye Yi Chen, only finding that his expression looked not so tense now. Ye Yichen looked at him indifferently, and then said, ¡°Since you knew nothing about this, it should be Song Qingyan¡¯s idea to set me up then. Someone! Pull Song Qingyan away. 100 whacks!¡±

    Murong Jian was astonished, ¡°Qingyan is too young. She misbehaved herself and offended you. Please show some mercy, Prince Jing.¡± Qingyan was weak and severely wounded before. She¡¯d be dead then after receiving 100 whacks.

    ¡°She set me up, so she should bear the consequences.¡± Ye Yichen said with an ice cold tone, ¡°What are you waiting for? Drag her away! Do as what I said!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The guards then moved forward, grabbed Song Qingyan¡¯s arms and pulled her up.

    ¡°My lord, please show mercy. She is only thirteen years old. She did make a mistake, but she doesn¡¯t deserve to die...¡± Murong Jian¡¯s face turned all pale. He held her in his arms, with only anxiousness and pains in his eyes. Old Prince Jing could do nothing but heave a long sigh on seeing this.

    He took a look at Song Qingyan, only finding that her eyes were half open, with blood at the corner of her mouth. Apparently she was badly injured. He then said, ¡°Yichen, Song Qingyan is already severely injured. And she has taken what she deserved. Let them go!¡±

    Ye Yichen frowned. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he still nodded, ¡°As you said, father.¡±

    He then raised his eyes and looked at Murong Jian, saying with an extremely cold voice, ¡°Get your ass out of here! From today on, never set your foot on my mansion again!¡±

    Murong Jian felt much relieved on hearing this. He exhaled a long breath and said, ¡°Thank you, Prince Jing. Thank you, my lord.¡±

    ¡°Say no more. Take Song Qingyan to the doctor now.¡± Old Prince Jing interrupted him: He had anticipated that Murong Jian should have cooked some ill intention. But he never expected his target was his son, and using such dirty means...

    Kids from Du family were the same as the ten years ago, still so despicable and unscrupulous...

    ¡°Thank you for your kindness, my lord...¡± Suddenly an idea shed in his head. He then turned to Song Qingyan who was in a mess, sighed, ¡°Qingyan is a girl, exposing her virgin body in front of so many people. How does she live?¡±

    ¡°Most guards and servants here are still single. You can pick one as her husband.¡± Ye Yichen answered casually.

    Murong Jian then thought: The first one who saw Qingyan¡¯s body was Ye Yichen. Even if someone had to be responsible for her, it should be Ye Yichen. How could he pass the buck to those minions?!

    Anyway Qingyan was the daughter from Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion. How could she marry one of those hangdogs?!

    Ye Yichen really had gone too far!

    After quite a while, Murong Jian pressed down the raging fire in his chest, and then said, ¡°You mistook me, Prince Jing. What I meant is that I hope you can keep this a secret for Qingyan.¡±

    Since Ye Yichen wouldn¡¯t be responsible for Qingyan, he had neither the ability nor a reason to push Prince Jing, so he could onlypromise.

    ¡°There is no such a yenta in my mansion!¡± There was kind of sarcasm in Ye¡¯s words.

    Murong Jian could only swallow it. He carried Song Qingyan up and walked outside slowly, ¡°Thank you for your kindness, Prince Jing. I¡¯ll take my leave!¡±

    Qingyan failed her tricks, made a show of herself in front of everyone and even got badly injured. Even the way those dogs looked at them was different, only with despise and distain. So they should get out of here as soon as possible.

    Feeling only dizzy, eyes half closed, Song Qingyan still heard every word of Ye Yichen, those sarcastic words. She felt a raging fire burning in her chest, then spitted out a mouthful of blood and passed out.

    ¡°Qingyan, Qingyan...¡± Murong Jian panicked! He then ran home like mad carrying Song Qingyan.

    At this time, a madam came out surrounded by a bunch of maids and mamas. Red lips, high chignon, well maintained beautiful face, ostentatious hairpins made her look extremely elegant and poised. She cast a nce at Song Qingyan who had already passed out, hummed, ¡°

    ¡°Using such dirty means to seduce my son?! Myrong family nevercks of dirty dogs...¡±

    On hearing her, Prince Jing immediately darkened his face, and said bitterly, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Did I say something wrong? Hasn¡¯t that girl named Song Qingyan got hurt for she tried to set up my son?¡± She raised her eyebrows, with all arrogance in her eyes.

    Actually she had already arrived. She wanted to enjoy the show, so she didn¡¯te out until the show was over.

    Old Prince Jing looked gloomier now, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to stay in Yunnan? Why do youe back?¡± For Murong Jian and Song Qingyan¡¯s personalities, he even didn¡¯t want to talk about them.

    ¡°My son is getting married. As his mother, of course I shoulde back to make everything well arranged for him. Why would I stay in Yunnan?¡± Old Prince Jing didn¡¯t allow her toe back. So she set off a few dayster. And finally she came back today.

    Old Prince Jing hummed, ¡°Murong Xue is cancelling the engagement, not marrying your son!¡±

 Chapter 124 - Quarrel

    <strong>Chapter 124: Quarrel</strong>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    She said indifferently, ¡°Then cancel it. What¡¯s the big deal? There are so many good girls out there for my son to pick. Why would he marry that despicable and shameless Murong Xue?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about? How could you defame her like that?¡± Old Prince Jing questioned her, wearing a long face.

    ¡°Those two who have just left, one is Murong Xue¡¯s second uncle, the other is her cousin, right? Yichen didn¡¯t agree, so he asked them to set him up to force him to give in. Isn¡¯t she despicable and shameless? Did I mistake her?¡± A cold light shing in her eyes while she said that.

    Two sisters couldn¡¯t serve one husband. As long as Song Qingyi had an intimate rtion with Yichen, she would be his concubine. At that time, she would pin a discardingbel on Yichen, then he had no choice but to cancel the engagement with Murong Xue.

    And Murong Xue could draw a clear line with Yichen as she had always wanted, meanwhile she could win people¡¯s sympathy. She was so good at calcting.

    ¡°Xue¡¯er has always been ipatible with Murong Jian and Song Qingyan like fire and water. She could never be part of this. It should be Murong Jian and Song Qingyan¡¯s idea. They are trying to snatch Yichen from Xue...¡± Old Prince Jing said with a low voice, with some cold light shing in his eyes.

    First Murong Ye¡¯s position, then Murong Ye and Murong Xue¡¯s family properties, and now Murong Xue¡¯s marriage! Lady Du and her kids had behaved more and more excessively!

    ¡°Even if she isn¡¯t part of this. that she doesn¡¯t want to marry our son is a fact, isn¡¯t? Since she wants to cancel it, so be it!¡± she said bitterly:

    Murong Xue was always weak with sickness. Maybe she¡¯d die young some day. Who would marry such kind of woman as a wife? Yichen agreeing to marry her was to pity her. Instead of showing some gratitude, she now wanted to end it? So ungrateful!

    Old Prince Jing pulled a long face and said word by word, ¡°Marriage is something big. I picked her out of thousands of women. How could I end it so easily?¡±

    Old Consort Jing then said, ¡°The point is Yichen doesn¡¯t like her. She won¡¯t feel happy even if she married him. So, why not end it now and let Yichen marry Qin Yuyan...¡±

    Yichen was young and handsome, and had superb kung fu. If he could marry his beloved, he would live a dreamed life everyone was jealous of.

    While for Murong Xue, her reputation would be ruined by then. Besides, she was both feeble and weak. Even if someone would like to marry her, it wouldn¡¯t be from any noble family. And some day when she saw Yichen in high feather, she would bite her tongue off...

    Detesting Yichen? That was her karma...

    ¡°You even haven¡¯t met Qin Yuyan. How do you kno w if she is qualified to be the first wife?¡± questioned Old Prince Jing while he skewed at her.

    She then smiled and said proudly, ¡°I believe in Yichen¡¯s taste. The woman he likes should be the best. As long as he thinks Qin Yuyan is qualified, Qing Yuyan would be...¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t agree. Yichen¡¯s first wife has been settled down ten years ago. It is Murong Xue!¡± Old Prince Jing interrupted her, with daggers eyes.

    ¡°Yichen hase of age. He isn¡¯t a kid anymore. He knows what kind of women he likes and which woman is best for him. You arranged the engagement for his own good. But if this marriage would only restrain him and make him unhappy, why not cancel it and let him be with the woman he loves?¡± she said morally.

    Old Prince Jing didn¡¯t talk back, only staring at her coldly. The contempt and ridicule deep in his eyes gradually turned into raging fire, ¡°Yichen has grown up. We should not interfere in his person life. Let him decide which woman he is gonna marry then...¡±

    She then turned to the direction which Ye Yichen ran to, but no one was in there before the rockery, ¡°Yichen! Where is my Yichen?¡±

    ¡°You pissed him away.¡± Old Prince Jing replied bluntly.

    ¡°How could it be me...¡±She frowned. Yichen liked Qin Yuyan and wanted to marry her as his first wife. She all said the way he liked...

    Old Prince Jing sneered at her, ¡°If you don¡¯t know anything about it, don¡¯t make any arbitrary suggestion. You foolish woman!¡± Speaking of which, he flicked his sleeves and strode away.

    ¡°You!¡± She lost her tongue while pointing at the fading figure: Her husband distained her and her son ignored her. And it was all because of a woman, Murong Xue!

    Murong Xue even hadn¡¯t married into Prince Jing Mansion, and she already made the two most important men in the first wife¡¯s life ignore her. Murong Xue was really something. If Murong Xue married into the mansion someday, would there be a ce for her?

    So as long as she was breathing, she would never allow Murong Xue to marry his son as the first wife!

    She was so angry that she even didn¡¯t notice someone had quietly walked into Qin Yuyan¡¯s ce along the ck stone road not far away.

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s arms and legs were burning hot because of the poison, plus she also had severe internal injuries during the explosion. Now she was half lying in bed, with thick strips of white cloth bandaged all over like a mummy!

    On hearing the maid¡¯s words, she popped her eyes out, ¡°Old Prince Jing doesn¡¯t want me to be Yichen¡¯s first wife? Did you hear it right?¡±

    ¡°Every word of it. I heard it with all my years.¡± Yingying said word by word, looking quite serious.

    ¡°How can that be?¡± Qin Yuyan frowned. Old Prince Jing was Yichen¡¯s father. Even if Yichen liked her, he wouldn¡¯t go against his father. It would make it much harder for her to marry Yichen!

    This was all because of Murong Xue. If it hadn¡¯t been Murong Xue, Old Prince Jing wouldn¡¯t hate her even before he met her...

    Looking at her angry but still beautiful eyes, Yingying blinked and then lowered her voice, ¡°Old Consort Jing likes you and wants you to marry Prince Jing...¡±

    ¡°But it is Old Prince Jing who makes the decision. If he doesn¡¯t agree, it is no use however much Yichen and his mother like me...¡± Qin Yuyan heaved a long sigh, and narrowed her eyes, ¡°When will the helpers from Mo Bei be here?¡±

    ¡°They are on their way. I guess it wouldn¡¯t take them long to arrive in Qingyan.¡± Yingying said word by word with a low voice.

    ¡°That¡¯d be great¡± Qin Yuyan nodded. Maybe those creams of the crop would be her helping hand...Wait! Helping hand?

    An idea suddenly struck Qin Yuyan¡¯s head, then she said, ¡°You said Old Prince Jing rpsed and needs some rest...¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Yingying nodded, ¡°The imperial doctor said his long distance trip and the extreme anger induced his old disease...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Qin Yuyan curled her lips, with kind of craftiness shing in her eyes. She lowered her voice, ¡°Yingying, I need you to do something for me!¡±

 Chapter 125 - At the Last Gasp

    <h4>Chapter 125: At the Last Gasp</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    With a string of ¡®notes¡¯ clearly flowing into her ears, Yingying popped her eyes out with astonishment, ¡°My Princess, well...this isn¡¯t appropriate...I guess...¡±

    ¡°I do this all for the good of Prince Jing Mansion. Even if some day this is exposed, they would only be grateful to me...¡± Qin Yuyan said word by word arrogantly.

    But Yingying looked quite embarrassed, ¡°But...¡±

    ¡°No buts! Sink or swim all depends on this action! I pin all my hopes on you. Don¡¯t let me down.¡± Qin Yuyan interrupted her. And the way Qin Yuyan looked at Yingying was a little creepy, making her chill down to the spine. She immediately lowered her head.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Yingying sighed in her heart and then left in a hurry after bowing to the princess...

    Watching her figure gradually fade away, Qin Yuyan curled up her lips: Old Prince Jing was the only decision maker in Prince Jing Mansion. He favored Murong Xue but hated her. So even if Old Consort Jing liked her, she still wouldn¡¯t stand a chance to marry Yichen as his wife.

    Yichen was all hers. She wouldn¡¯t offer him to anyone else. So she¡¯d set up a trap to let people of Prince Jing Mansion realize how immoral and doggy Murong was, how annoying she was, and also let them know she was the most suitable first wife of Prince Jing!

    It was sunny the next morning. The light golden sunlight shone on the antique eaves, blooming kind of warm yellow halo, with indescribable sense of beauty.

    Old Prince Jing, Old Consort Jing and Ye Yichen were having breakfast leisurely by the table.

    Crispy sugar rose cakes, qi-maintenance soft golden puddings, treasure gathering cakes...purple rice congee, eight-treasure congee, pumpkin congee, ck rice congee...a whole table of food, and the smell made one drooling.

    Old Prince Jing had no appetite, so heid down his chopsticks after grabbing a few bites. Then he turned to Ye Yichen, ¡°Do you have any n today?¡±

    ¡°Things in the military camps are done early in the morning. So I guess I¡¯m avable now. You got something for me, father?¡± Ye Yichen answered casually while raising his head to look at Old Prince Jing.

    ¡°Nothing serious actually. But since your official duties are done, you better go to the Marquis Mansion and hang out with Xue¡¯er. You can roam the street, enjoy some sightseeing, and maybe have some dinner at an fancy restaurant, to grow some bond between you two...¡± From his tone, one could tell actually it was an order.

    Ye Yichen lowered his eyes and said nothing.

    Then Old Consort Jing hummed, ¡°Yichen doesn¡¯t like Murong Xue at all. They would grow no bond however hard they try...¡±

    Old Prince Jing pulled a long face and looked at her coldly, ¡°I was talking to Yichen. Don¡¯t cut in.¡±

    ¡°But I said nothing wrong!¡± Old Consort Jing dropped her chopsticks on the table and said, ¡°Yichen likes Yuyan. As his father, why would you break them up and squeeze him a woman he doesn¡¯t like? Why can¡¯t you let him marry the woman he loves and live a happy life?¡±

    ¡°Except those love affections, what else do you know? Huh?¡± Old Prince Jing looked at her and yelled, ¡°A woman inside the house is ignorant and shortsighted! You have no vision at all...¡±

    Looking at his angry eyes, Old Consort Jing retorted, ¡°I am shortsighted? Yeah, you have the vision. You are No. 1 in the world then, OK?!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Old Prince Jing turned grim-faced, with his finger pointing at her, trembling. Pfff! He spitted out a mouthful of blood and then directly fell to the ground.

    ¡°Father!¡± Ye Yichen shouted! In an instant he already came before Old Prince Jing. He tried to support him and quickly took a pill from his pocket and squeezed it into his mouth.

    Old Prince Jing passed out, eyes closed, with blood stains on his cyan robe.

    Consort Jing was startled and lost her head, ¡°What...what¡¯s happening?¡±

    Ye Yichen nced at her and sighed, ¡°He rpsed due to extreme anger!¡±

    Rpsed!?

    Consort Jing jumped out of her skin. Old Prince Jing had been badly injured that year. And every time he rpsed, it nearly took half of his life away...

    ¡°I have fed him a pill. He should be fine after taking some rest.¡± Right after he finished of his words, ¡®pfff¡¯, Old Prince Jing spitted out another mouthful of blood, wetting nearly half of the front of his robe.

    Looking at his pallid face, Ye Yichen panicked, ¡°How could this be? Is his old disease deteriorated?¡±

    Old disease deteriorated? Old Consort Jing cried with her eyes wide open, ¡°Imperial doctor...imperial doctor...summon the imperial doctor now!¡±

    This wasn¡¯t something small! Soon the imperial doctor arrived. He knitted his eyebrows after feeling the pulses of Old Prince Jing.

    Old Consort Jing¡¯s heart was also hanging in there. She asked gingerly, ¡°Doctor, how is he?¡±

    Then the imperial doctor turned to Old Consort Jing and Ye Yichen, and raised his voice, ¡°My Lady, My Prince, allow me to be straightforward. Old Prince Jing has old diseases all the time. He should neither get angry or over excited. What did you do to get him rpsed because of extreme anger?¡±

    Old Consort Jing then forced an awkward smile. He had been fine all those years in Yunnan and never rpsed. She thought maybe he had fully recovered. Plus, she wanted to defend his son. So she argued with him. If she had known that he would have broken down, she would have never gone against him or argued with him.

    After giving it some thinking, Ye Yichen turned to Imperial Doctor Sun, ¡°Doctor, how is my father¡¯s condition?¡±

    ¡°Allow me to be honest, Old Prince Jing¡¯s situation is so serious that I¡¯m afraid I can do nothing.¡± Imperial Doctor Sun lowered his voice, with kind of pity.

    ¡°How...how is that possible?¡± Old Consort Jing just couldn¡¯t believe it: In those years he could even have survived with such serious injuries, and now only an old disease already killed him?

    Imperial Doctor Sun heaved a long sigh, ¡°Old Prince Jing has rpsed the day before and hasn¡¯t half recovered and then rpsed again. It¡¯s like adding salt to the injury. Even a god can not save him now I¡¯m afraid...¡±

    Consort Jing was startled, asking, ¡°Doctor Sun, please figure it out. You have to save his life...¡±

    Imperial Doctor Sun then heaved another long sigh, ¡°My job is to save people. But he is too badly injured. I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have the ability to save him. I¡¯m so sorry...¡±

    Consort Jing stumbled backwards, with only sadness on her face. Imperial Doctor Sun was the best doctor of the Imperial Academy of Medicine. If even he couldn¡¯t save him, then no one could...

    Ye Yichen looked at his father wearing a pale face, with kind ofplicated expression...

    The whole room quieted down in an instant. And thick sadness took up the whole room, making one lose his breath...

    At this time, a silvery voice of a woman was heard, ¡°I have ever heard of a special method which may work...¡±

 Chapter 126 - A Warding-off Wedding

    <h4>Chapter 126: A Warding-off Wedding</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°What is it?¡± Old Consort Jing hurriedly followed the source of the sound and saw a maidservant wearing a green waistcoat. She was called Lv¡¯er, 15 or 16 years old, a second grade maidservant of the main courtyard.

    She straightened up and then saluted, ¡°My Lady, I heard someone has ever said that a Warding-off Wedding could cure any disease.¡±

    ¡°A Warding-off Wedding?!¡± Old Consort Jing¡¯s eyes were shining: Right! A Warding-off Wedding could ward off all evil things and also bring someone who was dying back to life with a healthy body! She had ever seen someone who was dying of a serious old disease had recovered using this method!

    If Yichen could hold a Warding-off Wedding, maybe her husband would soon recover...

    Old Consort Jing turned to Ye Yichen then, while he was looking at Imperial Doctor Sun, ¡°Doctor Sun, do you think it can save my father¡¯s life?¡±

    ¡°Urgh...¡± Imperial Doctor Sun frowned, ¡°It doesn¡¯t belong to any medical skills. So I am not sure whether it really works. But I do hear someone has recovered using it...¡± Of course someone also died right after the wedding. So leave it to god to decide.

    Ye Yichen nodded, lowered his eyes, saying nothing for quite a while.

    Old Consort Jing became impatient, ¡°Yichen, your father is still young. As long as there is a slice of hope, we should have a try, right?¡±

    ¡°I know you are the prince and deserve a grand and solemn wedding. It¡¯d be hasty to make arranges in only a few days. And it won¡¯t go with your status. But as your mother, I will spare all my effort to throw you a perfect wedding, which you won¡¯t regret for...¡±

    With his mother nagging by his ears, Ye Yichen knitted his eyebrows. He then looked up to Old Consort Jing, ¡°But who do you think I should hold a Warding-off Wedding with?¡±

    It should be the first wife of a Warding-off Wedding. But he hadn¡¯t decided who his first wife would be...

    She thought he didn¡¯t want a Warding-off Wedding, but it turned out he was thinking whom to marry.

    This made Old Consort Jing feel much relieved. She then smiled, ¡°Of course it¡¯s Yuyan!¡±

    She already felt sorry for her son, of course she must select the one her son liked most.

    On hearing her words, instead of feeling happy, he frowned instead, ¡°Yuyan is a prince from Mo Bei. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s inappropriate...¡±

    Consort Jing was stunned. Suddenly she recalled that a Warding-off Wedding would do no harm to the man, but was really harsh to the woman. If the diseased one could recover, then people would say ¡°this woman is a blessing¡¯ or something like that aspliments...But if the diseased died right after the Warding-off Wedding, people would take the woman as a hoodoo, who would live a shameful life for all her life!

    Qing Yuyan was Yichen¡¯s beloved, so Yichen didn¡¯t want her to take the risk...

    ¡°I am willing!¡± suddenly a soft woman¡¯s voice was heard. Ye Yichen followed the sound and saw that Qin Yuyuan was sitting on a bamboo cling chair carried by the guards, moving slowly towards them.

    She was wearing a loose light cyan long dress, covering those white strips of cloth bandaged around her body, with a ze hairpin tying up her thick and ck hair. Herplexionless face made her even more delicate and pitiful!

    ¡°You are badly injured. The doctor specially tipped you not to move. You should stay in your room. What are you doing here?¡± Ye Yichen walked towards her with a gloomy face.

    Qin Yuyan knew he med her because he worried about her, so she still wore an unnoticeable smile and said, ¡°Old Prince Jing¡¯s illness is so serious. How can I note?¡±

    She raised her head and took a look at Old Prince Jing, saying, ¡°I heard your talk. I¡¯m willing to hold the Warding-off Wedding with you, to do something for your father...¡±

    Wearing aplicated expression, Ye Yichen asked her, ¡°Have you made up your mind? If we fail...¡±

    ¡°I will never regret it.¡± Qin Yuqin cut in and said word by word, ¡°Because he is your father. For his health, I¡¯m willing to take any consequences...¡±

    ¡°Yuyan, thank you!¡± Old Consort Jing cried with joys. She tried to wipe off her tears without others noticing: Yichen really had a good taste to like such a generous and soft-hearted woman.

    Qin Yuyan smiled, ¡°Auntie, no need for that. This is what I should do.¡±

    Consort Jing grumbled, ¡°Still call me auntie? We will be family soon.¡±

    Qin Yuyan immediately blushed, she lowered her head and murmured, ¡°Mother...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± Old Consort Jing thenughed. When she took off the jade bracelet and was about to give it to Qin Yuyan as a gift, she saw Yichen knitting his brows, with his eyes looking down, thinking of something.

    He was about to marry his beloved woman. Shouldn¡¯t he be happy? Why did he look preupied as if he didn¡¯t want it at all?

    Pfff! Old Prince Jing suddenly spitted out another mouthful of blood. That sickly face seemed to be indicating he was gonna die.

    Imperial Doctor Sun was startled. He took out a pile of long and thin silver needles and punctured them into all his vital acupoints...

    Looking at the sick Old Prince Jing, Old Consort Jing came to herself after quite a while, ¡°Oh...what am I gonna do?¡± He had been stable all the time. Why did he suddenly spit blood again?

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid he doesn¡¯t agree with the wedding thing.¡± Ye Yichen said in a low voice, with something shing in his eyes.

    Old Consort Jing was dumbfounded, ¡°Then...what should we do?¡±

    Ye Yichen narrowed his eyes a little bit, ¡°Father always wishes that I could marry Murong Xue. If I do as what he wanted, maybe he would fully recover...¡±

    Old Consort Jing put wrinkles in her brows lightly. Old Prince Jing was obsessed about the marriage between Prince Jing Mansion and Marquis Mansion. She knew that. But she never expected that he was still concerned about it when he was ina. She then said, ¡°But...what about Yuyan?¡±

    Ye Yichen turned to Qin Yuyan and mumbled, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s...it¡¯s all right,¡± Qin Yuyan tried to force a smile, ¡°You should put your father in the first ce. You choose Murong Xue to save him. So I don¡¯t me you.¡±

    Ye Yichen blinked his eyes unnaturally, ¡°Thank you!¡±

    When he raised his head, he found that his father looked much better, and his face showed signs of a rise, which made him much relieved. He then raised his voice, ¡°Father is a lot better now. I¡¯m gonna go to the Marquis Mansion for Murong Xue. We¡¯ll talk about the Warding-off Wedding date.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Old Consort Jing nodded, ¡°Hurry back!¡±

    Ye Yichen responded and then rushed out.

    Until he disappeared at the end of the ck stone road, Old Consort Jing sidelong nced at Qin Yuyan who looked quite sad with her eyes down.

    Old Consort Jing heaved a long sigh and walked to Qin Yuyan. She lowered her voice, ¡°Yuyan, don¡¯t be sad. Even if Murong Xue marries Yichen first. I¡¯ll only take you as my daughter-inw. Yichen and I will treat you well...¡±

    ¡°Thank you, auntie.¡± said Qin Yuyan with gloomy eyes: So Old Consort Jing wanted her to only be one of Yichen¡¯s wives. She was the noble Princess from Mo Bei! How could she be inferior to anyone? She wanted to be the consort, Yichen¡¯s one and only wife!¡±

    Qin Yuyan quietly looked at Old Prince Jing, with only resent in her eyes: He was half dead now and still tried to stand between her and her Yichen, and even wanted his son to hold a Warding-off Wedding with someone else to save his ass? He should directly go to hell now!

 Chapter 127 - Gathering in Falling Snow Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 127: Gathering in Falling Snow Pavilion</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Under the warm sunlight, Murong Xue was sitting under the viburnum tree. She poured a cup of green tea and pushed it to Ouyang Shaochen, ¡°Any news from Lady Du and her daughter?¡±

    The spies from Lord Freedom Mansion were around the Marquis Mansion. So they knew every move of Lady Du and her daughter.

    Ouyang Shaochen took a sip and said casually, ¡°They didn¡¯t take any action for now...Song Qingyan wakes up. But she is severely injured, and needs at least half a month¡¯s rest.¡±

    ¡°Really? It seems Ye Yichen did give her a hardcore kick.¡± said Murong Xue bitterly: Ye Yichen was the mighty God of War who hated dirty tricks and intrigues the most. Murong Jian and Song Qingyan were really bold enough to use the rosemary acid on him. It was already their luck that Ye Yichen hadn¡¯t cut them into pieces...

    Looking at her smiling face, Ouyang Shaochen also smiled lightly, ¡°The doctor said, if that kick had been a little harder, Song Qingyan would have broken all her internal organs, and no one could save her then...¡±

    So serious? Murong Xue was startled: It seemed Ye Yichen indeed meant to kick Song Qingyan to death. But the rosemary acid weakened his internal power, so she was lucky enough to have survived...

    ¡°It nearly scared the shit out of Lady Du and her daughter. So they wouldn¡¯t have the guts to provoke Ye Yichen again. Now you should figure out another n!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said softly.

    Murong nodded, ¡°I know.¡± Lady Du and her daughter had always yed the bully. But this time they met a bigger bully Ye Yichen, so they would behave themselves before him, otherwise they would invite a death wish.

    Song Qingyan was only her first move to nose into Old Prince Jing¡¯s situation. And Ye Yichen also started to behave much more discreetly. So it wasn¡¯t an easy thing to let them agree to cancel the engagement...

    ¡°Prince Ouyang! Miss Murong!¡± suddenly a gentle voice was heard. Murong Xue raised her head and saw Dongfang Li was walking towards them. His purple long robe was waving in the wind, making him extra charming and noble.

    ¡°Prince Li!¡± Murong Xue thought to herself, surprised with her eyes popped out, ¡°What is he doing here?¡±

    ¡°Today is my detoxifying day. You don¡¯t forget it, do you?¡± said Dongfang Li with kind of teasing tone, while looking at her.

    Murong Xue smiled gently, ¡°Of course not. I was going to your mansionter...¡±

    ¡°You are not feeling well. So I came here. As your patient, I should visit you for treatment. So what I¡¯m trying to say is, I wille here for treatment every three days, what do you say?¡±

    Speaking of which, Dongfang Li took a white package from Huo Tong¡¯s hand. He shook it and smiled, ¡°Here are the leeches. You can start to treat me anytime.¡±

    Murong Xue, ¡°...¡± He was so ¡®thoughtful¡¯ and made everything prepared.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face darkened. He looked at Dongfang Li indifferently, ¡°Falling Snow Pavilion is her personal boudoir, not a clinic! As a rough man, how could youe here now and then?¡±

    Dongfang Li retorted, ¡°But don¡¯t you also oftene?¡±

    Since having lived in Lord Freedom Mansion, he went to visit Ouyang Shaochen almost every day, but always saw no one home. After doing some inquiries, he knew that Ouyang Shaochen woulde to Prince Jing Mansion for Murong Xue before dawn every day.

    ¡°How can youpare yourself with me?¡± Ouyang Shaochen cast a nce at him, with only contempt in his eyes.

    ¡°Do we have any difference?¡± Dongfang Li looked at Ouyang Shaochen with the eyebrows raised, ¡°You are single, so am I. You got no engagement, neither did I. You preserve your moral integrity, and I also have never slept with any woman...¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyelid twitched. What were they talking about? Why did it sound so spooky?

    She looked at Ouyang Shaochen, only finding kind of cold light shing in his eyes. His hands under the sleeves clenched. And the silk gussets were about to rise...she hurriedly said, ¡°It¡¯ste. Let me get detoxified first.¡±

    ¡°Thank you then!¡± Dongfang Li smiled, with his lips curled up slightly. It was allcent and provocation written on his face.

    When he came before the sling chair and was about to seat himself, Ouyang Shaochen waved his hand, and the bamboo sling chair immediately flew a few meters away, ¡°Just detoxifying him. He doesn¡¯t need a sling chair. Amon one would do.¡±

    ¡°But no one is using it. Why can¡¯t I?¡± asked Dongfang Li while knitting his brows.

    Ouyang Shaochen replied coldly, ¡°Because that¡¯s only for me and Xue¡¯er. No one else cany a finger on it.

    Murong Xue was speechless. This quarrel really came from nowhere, ¡°Prince Li, go get yourself any chair but that one. The crucial thing is to get you detoxified.¡±

    ¡°All right!¡± Dongfang Li listened to her and stopped fighting with Ouyang Shaochen. He then leaned on a bamboo chair, unbuttoned his robe, exposing his fair but robust chest.

    Murong Xue blinked and was about to get up, Ouyang Shaochen stopped her, ¡°It¡¯s inappropriate for a man and a woman to have any physical contact. You are a youngdy. It¡¯s inappropriate to put the leeches on his chest with your hand. You name the acupoints and I¡¯ll let Huo Tong do it.¡±

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, ¡°30 to 40 percent of the toxin near his heart arteries is sucked out. So only using leeches may not be enough. He needs to do acupuncture to disperse the toxin and...¡±

    ¡°Huo Tong can also do it!¡± Ouyang Shaochen gave his suggestion.

    ¡°But I know nothing of acupuncture.¡± said Huo Tong while looking at him.

    ¡°At least you should know the acupoints, don¡¯t you? Just puncture the needles into each acupoint a few centimeters deep.¡± Ouyang Shaochen told him how casually.

    ¡°But...¡±

    ¡°No buts! He is your master, and you have to do anything for him.¡± Ouyang Shaochen interrupted him. He picked up his tea and took a sip, then held Murong Xue¡¯s hand in his tightly.

    ¡°My lord!¡± Huo Tong turned to Dongfang Li, embarrassed, while Dongfang was looking at their hands holding together, knitting his eyebrows. After quite a while, he said, ¡°You put the leeches for me.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Huo Tong felt much relieved. He then quickly walked to Dongfang Li, opened the cloth bag. When he was about to take out the leeches, a gasp of wind blew. Then a ga figure suddenly appeared before them.

    Murong Xue got up. Looking at that pretty but cold face, she frowned, ¡°Ye Yiche? What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°To talk about the wedding stuff with you.¡± Ye Yichen said word by word while looking at Murong Xue, with kind ofplicated expression no one could read.

    ¡°The wedding stuff?¡± Murong Xue sneered, ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± The only thing on her mind now was to cancel it.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t kidding. My father rpsed, and is dying. Doctor Sun suggested we...¡±

    Murong Xue was stunned, ¡°You mean...a Warding-off Wedding?!¡±

 Chapter 128 - Making a Bet

    <h4>Chapter 128: Making a Bet</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Ye Yichen didn¡¯t say a word. His silence meant yes.

    Murong Xue sneered. A Warding-off Wedding was to take thest chance for a dying person. If it worked, that was with your duty. But if it failed and the dying person died, people would take you as a hoodoo and you¡¯d live under people¡¯s mes.

    When Ye Yichen had to determine who his first wife was, he had never thought of her. When Ye Yichen went to take the treasure, he had never thought of her. But when his father was dying and needed a Warding-off Wedding, he thought of her. Ye Yichen was really ¡®nice¡¯ to her!

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you let Qin Yuyan do it?¡± questioned Murong Xue with an ice cold voice. Ye Yichen looked at her and said word by word, ¡°My father didn¡¯t agree her to be my first wife.¡±

    ¡°Really? I thought you like Qin Yuyan, so you don¡¯t want her to take the me if it fails. So you let me be the scapegoat!¡± Murong Xue forced a smile. Her contempt and ridicule stung Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes, ¡°So in your heart, I¡¯m such kind of person?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡± Murong Xue nced at him, and retorted, ¡°In your heart, Qing Yuyan is a treasure, while I am only a grass. For the treasure in your heart, you can sacrifice the insignificant grass any time...¡±

    Ye Yichen didn¡¯t have to like her, but he couldn¡¯t take her as a puppet that he could use or sacrifice!

    Looking at her cold eyes, Ye Yichen frowned and tried to hold his horses, ¡°I am not here to quarrel with you...¡±

    ¡°And I am not in the mood too. The door is there. Off you go. Bye!¡± Murong Xue showed him the door impolitely.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face immediately grew dark, ¡°Murong Xue, my father is also an elder of you. How can you be so ironhearted?¡±

    ¡°So I am the ironhearted one?¡± Murong Xue got irritated, ¡°Ye Yichen, he is your father. As long as you get married, whoever it is, it all belongs to a Warding-off Wedding. And your father will recover if he is blessed.¡± Of course, if he was not blessed, even if Ye Yichen married a goddess, his father wouldn¡¯t survive.

    ¡°But my father only acknowledge you as his daughter-inw. If I marry you, he may have a chance. But if I marry someone else, I¡¯m afraid he will nevere around.¡± said Ye Yichen, with obvious sadness in his eyes.

    Murong Xue turned a deaf ear to him and sneered, ¡°Your father is still ina. How would he know who you marry to?¡± At least he should havee up with a convincible excuse. Even a three-year-old kid wouldn¡¯t buy such ame one...

    Looking at her cold and resolute expression, Ye Yichen felt a sense of incapability for the first time. She was even more stubborn that he had thought. Whatever he said, she wouldn¡¯t buy it, ¡°So on what condition you will marry me?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t marry you on any condition!¡± Murong Xue looked at him, with unprecedented coldness and firmness in her eyes.

    ¡°Why is that?¡± Ye Yichen suddenly squeezed his sharp eyes, wearing kind of unreadable expression.

    ¡°You don¡¯t like me, and I don¡¯t like you either. Even if we are bound together, we wouldn¡¯t be happy. On the contrary, it will only make both of us miserable. So we should cancel the engagement for the good of both of us.¡± said Murong Xue casually, with gloominess in her eyes.

    A slice ofplicated light shed in Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes. After a quite a while, he said with a low voice, ¡°But my father...needs you...¡±

    ¡°I can help you cure him and then we cancel it. What do you say?¡± Murong Xue looked at him with that pair of cold eyes.

    Ye Yichen was startled, ¡°You know medical skills?¡±

    ¡°I have read some medical books when I had time.¡± Murong Xue smiled lightly: Medical skills is not a moment¡¯s thing. It needs a master¡¯s careful teaching. The original owner of her body was weak and sick, and she didn¡¯t like connecting with people. If she said she was proficient in medical skills, Ye Yichen would definitely doubt it!

    ¡°My father has new wounds on his old wounds, even his heart arteries are affected now. Even Doctor Sun, the best imperial doctor, could do nothing. How will you save him?¡± doubted Ye Yichen, with his eyebrows raised.

    Murong Xue¡¯s delicate face suddenly darkened. She then said arrogantly, ¡°How do you know I can¡¯t before I try? How about this? Let¡¯s make a bet. If I can bring your father back to life, we cancel the engagement!¡±

    On hearing her words, Ye Yichen suddenly squeezed his sharp eyes, saying nothing.

    Murong Xue was a little impatient. She nced at him and forced a smile, ¡°You asked me to hold the Warding-off Wedding to save your father. And now I know how to save him and you wouldn¡¯t agree? Or maybe your father isn¡¯t ill at all? Or you don¡¯t want your father to wake up...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡± Ye Yichen interrupted her harshly while looking at her indifferently, ¡°I¡¯m just worried that you can¡¯t bring him back to life.¡±

    Murong Xue disapproved, ¡°I¡¯m sure I can...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so confident of yourself. Nothing is absolute.¡± In Ye Yichen¡¯s cold voice, there was kind of unspeakable feeling.

    His words sounded a little unpleasant. Murong Xue then said, ¡°Don¡¯t beat the bush. Just tell me what you want.¡±

    ¡°If you can¡¯t save my father, you¡¯ll marry me, all right?¡± Ye Yichen said word by word, showing some kind ofplicated expression.

    On hearing that, Ouyang Shaochen narrowed his eyes and stared at Murong Xue for he was also waiting for her answer.

    Murong Xue sneered in her heart. So all in all he still wanted her to marry him to save his father. Shame on him! But pity she was gonna let him down, ¡°It¡¯s a deal.¡±

    ¡°Deal!¡± said Ye Yichen, with his lips curled up at a perfect angle.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s pretty face immediately darkened. He took a look at Murong Xue and then strode away without looking back.

    Murong Xue was confused. She ran toward him and grabbed his arm, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°You are so silly to agree with his stupid bet...¡± Ouyang Shaochen red at her. He thought she had learnt to be smart and wouldn¡¯t agree with Ye Yichen¡¯s condition so easily. But it turned out she agreed without even thinking!

    Murong Xue twitched her mouth and lowered her voice, ¡°Old Prince Jing has been avoiding me. I can¡¯te up with some other method. I know maybe this is not a good idea, but I have no other option...¡±

    Looking at her delicate yet sad face, Ouyang Shaochen heaved a long sigh, ¡°You can take it from the long run. If you lose this time, you will marry him for real.¡±

    ¡°Trust me. I won¡¯t lose!¡± Murong Xue smiled with confidence.

    Ouyang Shaochen was a little curious, ¡°Why is that?¡±

    ¡°I already have a n. It¡¯s a secret now. You¡¯ll know when in Prince Jing Mansion...¡± said Murong Xue, smiling. On seeing Ouyang Shaochen still wanted to ask, she said, ¡°It¡¯ste. Let¡¯s go to Prince Jing Mansion now. I save his father early, and I can cancel the engagement early.¡±

 Chapter 129 - Detoxifying

    <h4>Chapter 129: Detoxifying</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Looking at her dark eyes, Ouyang Shaochen could only turn all hisints into a slight sigh and let Murong Xue hold his hand and leave.

    Watching their hands holding together, the gloominess in his eyes suddenly disappeared. He then quickened his steps and followed those two.

    Huo Tong stood before the bamboo chair, looking at those bouncy leeches and then turned to Dongfang Li who was half leaning on the chair, saying gingerly, ¡°My lord.¡±

    Murong Xue didn¡¯t tell him anything about how to detoxify before she left. He had no idea which acupoints to put those leeches on to detoxify for his master.

    Dongfang Li¡¯s face turned dark. He got up, put on his robe nimbly and then strode away. He has been here all the time when the three of them left one after another. But no one said goodbye like he was transparent! This was humiliating!

    Old Prince Jing¡¯s passing out could either be something huge or small. He had no idea when Murong Xue woulde back. Waiting here wasn¡¯t his style, ¡°Prince Jing Mansion is putting on a good show. Let¡¯s go have a look.¡±

    About half an hourter, Murong Xue arrived at Prince Jing Mansion. She walked gracefully into the main courtyard along the ck stone road. When she entered, she saw a sylphlike figure running towards them, ¡°Yichen, how is it? Have you...¡±

    On seeing the woman standing next to Ye Yichen, the four words ¡°settled the wedding date¡± got stuck in her throat.

    Murong Xue was wearing a violet long dress, slim, graceful, with a pair of nd eyes. Her delicate face was totally resembled that beautiful face in her memories. The anxiety and expectations in Old Consort Jing¡¯s eyes turned into huge shocking in an instant, ¡°You...you are Murong Xue?¡±

    Murong Xue nodded politely, ¡°Greetings, mydy.¡±

    Old Consort Jing was lost in a trance while watching her. She murmured, ¡°You...you are so much alike.¡±

    The original master of her body indeed looked quite like her mother. And Old Consort Jing should have been familiar with the original master¡¯s mother. So she was shocked? A face having disappeared ten years ago now appeared before her again. If it had been her, she would also have been shocked.

    Murong Xue smiled, and peeped sideways at Ye Yichen, ¡°Where is your father now?¡± Now was not the time chitchatting with his mother. The top priority was to get Old Prince Jing treated.

    ¡°In the room!¡± whispered Ye Yichen. Then he passed over Old Consort Jing and directly went into the bedroom.

    Murong Xue also followed him in. Pulling the bead curtains, she saw Old Prince Jing was lying in bed, covering with a navy blue quilt, eyes closed, face ghastly pale, brows knitted, a little purple of that pair of dry lips...

    Murong Xue moved slowly before the bed, stretched out a hand to feel his carotid artery. The weak pulse was felt through her finger pulp, which made her squeeze her eyes slightly.

    ¡°My father fell ina after spitting out some blood. Doctor Sun said he only has ten days. Can you bring him back to life?¡± Asked Ye Yichen softly. Actually he didn¡¯t count on her at all. Even Doctor Sun announced that his father was hopeless. Who could save him then?

    ¡°The color of his lips looks abnormal.¡± Speaking of which, Murong Xue took back her hand, with something shing in her dark eyes.

    Ye Yichen shed his eyes at his father¡¯s lips and said disapprovingly, ¡°Doctor Sun said that¡¯s because my father has injured his heart arteries.¡±

    Murong Xue smiled lightly, ¡°That¡¯s right. But there¡¯s another possibility, poison.¡±

    Ye Yichen got startled, ¡°You mean my father might have got poisoned?¡±

    ¡°Hm.¡± Murong Xue nodded. She had thought maybe because Old Prince Jing¡¯s condition had worsened so he would pass out. She thought if she did acupuncture, gave give him a massage to activate the blood, he would wake up, and then she could easily cancel the engagement. She never expected he had been poisoned, which made thingsplicated now.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± asked Ye Yichen suspiciously.

    Even doctor Sun from the Imperial Academy of Medicine who had practiced medicine for several decades hadn¡¯t diagnosed that his father had been poisoned. How could Murong Xue who only read a few medical books tell that...

    ¡°Why would I lie to you?¡± Murong Xue red at him and said crossly, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can check on his neck...¡±

    Ye Yichen moved before the bed incredulously. He lowered his head and noticed that there were three looming ck vertical stripes on his father¡¯s neck. No one would notice it if he didn¡¯t observe it carefully...

    His father indeed got poisoned!

    Ye Yichen squeezed his sharp eyes, ¡°How did my father get poisoned?¡± Who had the guts to poison his father?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Murong Xue shook her head.

    Ye Yichen then asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you know medical skills? Feel his pulses and see what kind of poison it is.¡±

    ¡°Even Doctor Sun could not, how could I?¡± said Murong Xue randomly.

    Actually she was from modern times and also had learnt modern poison. Telling what poison it was through looking, listening, questioning and feeling the pulses belonged to traditional Chinese medicine, which she had never learnt before. She could only tell how many times one¡¯s pulse beat in a minute. How could she tell what kind of poison it was through feeling the pulses...

    Looking at her knitted brows, Ye Yichen didn¡¯t know why he felt so happy and put on an unnoticeable smile, ¡°If you can¡¯t save my father, ording to the bet we have made before, you should hold the Warding-off Wedding with me.¡±

    Although the Warding-off Wedding couldn¡¯t save his father since his father passed out because of poison but not because of the old worsened disease, they still had to hold it since their bet hade into effect.

    ¡°Who said I can¡¯t save him?¡± Murong Xue snickered, then took out a small cloth bag out of her sleeve. She quickly rolled it out, exposing a pile of silver needles, glittering.

    Maybe she didn¡¯t know what kind of poison it was. But she could categorize it through the color of his lips, the color of his face, etc., and then she could use corresponding acupuncture of that category to detoxify him. Even if she couldn¡¯t save him, at least she could bring him to life temporarily.

    Murong Xue pulled out a thin and long silver needle, which was glittering with cold light under the sun.

    Ye Yichen narrowed his eyes. He had kind of bad feeling. His subconsciousness told him to stop her. But Murong Xue already pulled off the quilt and punctured the silver needle into the acupoint in his father¡¯s chest...

    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

    The silver needles were punctured into his chest one after another, forming an oval shape. Murong Xue turned to a servant beside, ¡°Hold Old Prince Jing up.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The servant nodded. Then he moved before the bed and carefully held Old Prince Jing up.

    Murong Xue took an empty bowl and put it under the chest of Old Prince Jing. Then he cut slightly on his chest with a dagger. Then a stream of ck blood squirted out of the wound...

 Chapter 130 - Digging Out

    <h4>Chapter 130: Digging Out</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    A thick stinking smell spread through the whole room, making one sick. Those maidservants and mamas all covered their noses and mouths, quickly opened the windows for venttion.

    Old Prince Jing who was ina suddenly made a few light coughs and slowly opened his eyes. Seeing Murong Xue¡¯s beautiful face right before his eyes, he was a little surprised, ¡°Xue¡¯er?!¡±

    Murong Xue responded and smiled at him, ¡°My lord, are you feeling better?¡±

    With the stinking smell lingering on his nose, Old Prince Jing frowned. He looked at the silver needles and wounds on his chest, and then turned to that half a bow of ck blood, he immediately understood what had happened. He nodded slightly, ¡°Much better. What poison is it?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know the name. But I could tell it could damage one¡¯s heart arteries.¡± In modern society, Murong Xue had learnt about all kinds of poison that could damage one¡¯s nerves, brains and internal organs, etc.. Different medicinal materials for those poisons produced different smells.

    In the stinking smell had a rather light smell of a kind of medicinal materials, which was specially used to damage one¡¯s heart arteries.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face immediately darkened. So all this wasn¡¯t an ident. Someone did it intentionally. ¡°When would it attack after one gets poisoned?¡±

    After some calction, Murong Xue said, ¡°In two to four hours.¡± The higher toxic, the sooner. ording to Old Prince Jing¡¯s symptoms, it should have attacked after it got into his body for two to four hours.

    ¡°But my father has stayed in the mansion all these days. He even seldom went out of the yard. But he got poisoned in the mansion...¡± Ye Yichen didn¡¯t finish his words, but everyone on site knew what he was pointing at.

    Prince Jing Mansion was heavily guarded, plus Old Prince Jing had superb kung fu. No one could sneaked into the mansion and poison him without him noticing. So it should be an inside job.

    All maidservants and mamas looked at each other and then lowered their heads, holding their breath. Poisoning Old Prince Jing was a capital crime. No one wanted to invite trouble in.

    Ye Yichen cast a nce at every maidservant, mama, servant and guard, and thenid his eyes on Murong Xue, ¡°Can you find the source of the poison?¡±

    ¡°Urgh...¡±After thinking for a moment, Murong Xue nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± This kind of poison was pricey and rare. So he/she wouldn¡¯t use it all for once. As long as he/she had some left, she could cor him/her out.

    Looking at her confident eyes, Ye Yichen was a little surprised. There were nearly a hundred people counting in all the maidservants, mamas, servants and guards... To find the suspect among so many people wasn¡¯t an easy thing. He was only asking actually, but she promised!

    ¡°Beibei!¡± called Murong Xue at the door, smiling.

    Following her eyes, Ye Yichen saw a puppy get up on the floor and hopped towards them.

    Its snow-white hair was as smooth and soft as the silk. And it nearly became one with Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s long robe when it lied down at his feet.

    Bark! Bark! Bark! Beibei ran before Murong Xue and wagged its snow-white tail at her.

    Murong Xue then put the half bowl of ck blood by its nose, ¡°Sniff and take us to somewhere else where it has the same smell.¡±

    Bark! Bark! Beibei sniffed the ck blood, rolled its eyes and then, swoosh, jumped out of the room and ran away.

    Ye Yichen immediately followed up!

    And those guards, servants, maidservants and mamas all rushed out to follow Beibei: This is Prince Jing Mansion! Who was bold enough to poison Old Prince Jing under so many pair of eyes?! Who could it be?

    After getting out of the main courtyard, Beibei kept running, first ran across a pavilion, then a bridge, and finally ran into a guest house.

    Up on the gate was written Lotus Courtyard, two lively and vigorous big words. Ye Yichen looked kind of shocked. He hurriedly walked in, seeing Beibei was digging with its snow-white front jaws under a pear tree. And soon a pit over ten centimeters deep came into sight.

    Beibei stopped digging and then barked at Ye Yichen!

    Ye Yichen moved forward and saw a corner of a gilding box in the pit. With a little strength and he took it out from it.

    After rubbing off the mud quickly, Ye Yichen saw the whole box was gilded, carved with beautiful hollow redbud. And in the middle of each flower bud was iid a ruby, making it extra exquisite and ostentatious.

    Ye Yichen crumbed the hanging gold lock and opened it. Three small china bottles wereid side by side, one light cyan and two white.

    Murong Xue moved forward, took the light cyan one and opened it. She sniffed it slightly and said, ¡°This is the poison we are looking for.¡±

    Ye Yichen stared at the light cyan bottle, wearing aplicated expression.

    Murong Xue corked it up and then took up the white one on the left. She unplugged it, sniffed, and then her eyes shone, ¡°This one is the antidote!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ye Yichen was a little surprised.

    ¡°Yeah. There¡¯s the poison and there¡¯s the antidote. What¡¯s the fuss?¡± said Murong Xue. She then took thest one and sniffed, ¡°This one is highly toxic. With only one drop could it kill a adult without any trace...¡±

    Because this one could cause brain death. After taking it in, one would be like sleeping, but he/she would never wake up. So however skillful a doctor was, he/she could never find out the real cause of death...

    Ye Yichen looked grim-faced. He slowly raised his eyes and saw Qin Yuyan was moving towards them on a wheelchair pushed by Yingying. She was wearing a loose violet long dress. Her palm-sized face looked pale and sick, making her quite pitiful. But in his eyes, that face was not pitiful but extra ironic!

    ¡°Qin Yuyan, do you have any words for yourself?¡±

    Being questioned by Ye Yichen, Qin Yuyan¡¯s slim body suddenly shivered. She tried to stay calm and forced a smile, ¡°Yichen, what happened?¡±

    ¡°Stop pretending! Keep your eyes wide open and see what this is!¡± Ye Yichen grabbed the two bottles of poison and dropped them at her feet. Pia! Pia! They were smashed to pieces, with ck brown poisonous fluid spreading on the ground, causing kind of erosion.

    Qin Yuyan popped out her eyes, ¡°It¡¯s poison?¡±

    ¡°To be more precise, it¡¯s the poison my father got, which belongs to you!¡± Ye Yichen gazed at Qin Yuyan indifferently, with something shing in his eyes...

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s face immediately turned a dead pallor. She shook her head, ¡°It doesn¡¯t belong to me. I mean it.¡±

    ¡°But we dug it out under the pear tree in your yard!¡± said Ye Yichen coldly. Qin Yuyan was the first and only one who had ever lived in Lotus Courtyard. So it could only be her.

    ¡°Somebody set me up!¡± Qin Yuyan scanned those maidservants, mamas and guards one by one. When she saw Murong Xue, her eyes shone, ¡°it¡¯s Murong Xue! She set me up! It¡¯s her...¡±

 Chapter 131 - Dispute

    <h4>Chapter 131: Dispute</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Murong Xue curled up her lips and sneered with no one noticing. So Qin Yuyan was cornered and tried to drag her into this. Since she wanted to die, she could make her, ¡°Why would I set you up?¡±

    ¡°Because I snapped your fianc¨¦, making you aughing stick. You hold the grudge and use such despicable and shameless means to set me up!¡± censured Qin Yuyan, with raging fire in her eyes.

    Murong Xue tittered, ¡°I have never acknowledged Prince Jing as my fianc¨¦. If you want, he is all yours. I wouldn¡¯t mind at all. As for those officials in the capital, they onlyugh at you two. One has no morals to demote his wife to a concubine. One is morally corrupt to steal other¡¯s fianc¨¦ relying on her identity of a princess...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qin Yuyan interrupted her angrily, with burning fire under her eyes. She was the Princess of Mo Bei. All these years, no one had never talked back at her or mock her. Murong Xue really crossed the line!

    ¡°You are only a woman living in the inner chamber. You can not even cure yourself, but brought the dying Old Prince Jing back to life? Hehe, isn¡¯t this really a coincidence?¡±

    All people¡¯s eyes fell on Murong Xue. Judging from her slim body and slightly pale delicate face, apparently she was still quite sick. She couldn¡¯t even cure herself, but now she detoxicated Old Prince Jing! This was indeed suspicious. Was it she who had administered the poison? And only this could exin why she recognized the antidote so easily...

    Under everyone¡¯s suspicious eyes, Murong Xue said calmly, ¡°When I was free at home, I have read some medical books which exin how to treat illnesses and how to detoxify ording to different kinds of poison, so...¡±

    Qin Yuyan hummed, ¡°Stop quibbling...¡±

    ¡°She is not quibbling! She really knows it.¡± Dongfang Li walked forward and looked at Qin Yuyan, ¡°I am Dongfang Li from Xi Liang Kingdom. I got Blood Poison. And all thanks to Miss Murong, the poison in my body is reducing day by day. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask the imperial doctor to feel my pulse...¡±

    After a pause, he continued, ¡°I got poisoned in Xi Liang Kingdom, about 5 or 6 years already. So it could never be Miss Murong who...¡±

    Pfff! A servant could not hold it andughed! So the prince from Xi Liang Kingdom was mocking Qin Yuyan!

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s face immediately darkened. She thought to herself, ¡°Since when has Murong Xue hooked up with Prince Li from Xi Liang Kingdom? Why does he speak for her? Son of a bitch! But since Dofang Li requires an imperial doctor¡¯s presence, it means the poison in his body indeed reduces...But even if Murong Xue knows how to detoxify, it doesn¡¯t mean she is not ndering me.¡±

    Qin Yuyan pointed at Beibei who was lying under the pear tree and said coldly, ¡°Murong Xue, this is your dog, right? After it came out of the main courtyard, it directly ran into my ce. It looks like it followed the smell of the poison and found this ce, but who knows whether it is you who has already taught it the route...¡±

    ¡°This is the first time I am in Prince Jing Mansion. So I would never know you live here. Then how did I bury the poison here to set you up?¡± Murong raised her eyebrows and looked at Qin Yuyan, with all contempt in her eyes.

    ¡°But it doesn¡¯t mean some friend of yours has nevere...¡± Qin Yuyan hummed and turned her eyes towards Ouyang Shaochen intentionally.

    Ouyang Shaochen had super kung fu. He could sneak into the mansion quietly and buried the poison under the pear tree without rming anyone.

    ¡°If I really hate you so badly, I would ask my friend to sneak into the mansion, poison you and the get your badly injured. Then even if you die in your sleep, people would only think you die of the severe injuries. Why would I beat around the bush to frame you, to set you up? The point is this could not end your life at all. It gives me a headache even on thinking of it...¡± Murong Xue squinted at her, with only distains in her eyes.

    ¡°You...¡± Qin Yuyan was so angry that she even lost her tongue.

    People all looked at each other, and then lowered their eyes, thinking, ¡°Bury the poison here, then poison Old Prince Jing, then let the dog follow the smell to find this ce, and then frame Qin Yuyan up. Oh man, it¡¯s really long-winded. The point is this can¡¯t shake Qin Yuyan¡¯s foundation at all. Why not poison her and give her a quick death...¡±

    A breeze blew the light scent of medicine into Murong Xue¡¯s nose. She blinked and then said, ¡°You brought all these things from Mo Bei, right? I sniffed an extremely special medicine which only grows in the thick woods of Mo Bei...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡± Qin Yuyan hurriedly cut in, with anxiety in her eyes.

    Murong Xue cast a nce at her randomly, ¡°We¡¯ll know whether I am talking nonsense after the imperial doctor checks it.¡±

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s eyes shone, and then she shouted, ¡°Even the poison is peculiar to Mo Bei. You can¡¯t prove it belongs to me.

    The poison was dug out in her yard, not from her room or her body. So as long as she didn¡¯t admit it, no one could do anything to her.

    Bark! Bark! Beibei barked and then jumped onto Qin Yuyan fiercely.

    Without any preparation for this, Qin Yuyan got knocked onto the ground from the wheel chair. The sharp pains from the back made her scream!

    Beibei turned a deaf ear and kept scratching her head with its jaws, making her exquisite chignon turn into a messy bird nest.

    As her arms got hurt, Qin Yuyan couldn¡¯t use any strength, so she shouted, ¡°What are you waiting for? Get the damn dog off me!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes!¡± Now Yingying and other maidservants and mamas came to themselves and tried to catch Beibei.

    Bam! A golden hairpin on Qin Yuyan¡¯s chignon fell on the ground, with a bit of white powder spitted out.

    Qin Yuyan got startled and tried to snatch it. But a delicate hand picked it up before her.

    Looking at the well-carved hairpin, Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, ¡°So this gold hairpin is hallow, with powder in it, which is used to poison Old Prince Jing...¡±

    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s not. Don¡¯t nder me...¡± Qin Yuyan tried to defend herself, with all anxiety in her eyes.

    ¡°You know whether I have you wronged.¡± Murong Xue looked at Qin Yuyan indifferently, ¡°This hairpin fell from your head, and you wear it willingly. Don¡¯t say I put it on your head without you noticing!¡±

 Chapter 132 - I Wanna Cancel the Engagement

    <h4>Chapter 132: I Wanna Cancel the Engagement</h4>

    Qin Yuyan goggled at Murong Xue, with raging fire burning under her eyes. While that bitchy dog brought them to her Lotus Courtyard, she was sitting by the window. She could only see the goddamn dog dig out her precious medicine but do nothing. Yichen got furious. She was afraid he may search her room, so she hid the poison in her gold hairpin, but still got busted by that goddamn dog...

    People¡¯s eyes with contempt and disdain all fell on Qin Yuyan: It should be her. Without any doubt!

    Old Prince Jing didn¡¯t like her, but had never been hard on her. He had supplied anything she needed, food, clothes, a ce to live, whatsoever! And when she got badly injured, precious medicine had been kept sending to her ce for her to recover. Instead of being grateful, she had got Old Prince Jing poisoned. How nasty, despicable and ungrateful...

    ¡°Qin Yuyan, you really let me down!¡± Ye Yichen looked at Qin Yuyan, with cold light shing under his eyes: My father always has a word of her, and she could feel unhappy about it, orin to him. But how could she use such an insidious method?

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s eyes were filled with tears instantly. She had been here for so long, but Yichen still wouldn¡¯t marry her. Plus, Old Prince Jing didn¡¯t like her, and always pulled strings between him and Murong Xue. She was angry with him so she used such dirty means to poison him.

    Her original n was that if Yi Chen married her as his first wife, she was gonna give Old Prince Jing the antidote. At that time when he came to life, it meant that the Warding-off Wedding was a sess and Old Consort Jing and Yichen would like her more. And even if Old Prince Jing hated her, for the sake that she saved his life, he would drop the hatred and let everything go.

    But if Yichen married Murong Xue, she nned to feed Old Prince Jing a drop of the poison and let him die while sleeping. Then in people¡¯s eyes, he died due to his old disease. And it showed that the Warding-off Marriage failed and Murong Xue should take all the me. At that time, Old Consort Jing would hate her, Yichen would detest her, maybe he would throw her in a remote courtyard or even divorce her.

    By then, she would marry Yichen well-reasoned and be the new Consort Jing, and live with him forever.

    She least expected that Muyrong Xue detoxified Old Prince Jing and spoiled her n, and even made her lose all her reputation! This was unbearable!

    She was the noble princess from Mo Bei. Nobody could defeat her!

    ¡°This hairpin belonged to me. But about one month ago, I gave it to Yingying as a reward. I went out in such a hurry that I could not find my own hairpin, so Yingying dressed me up with her...¡±

    Everyone beeped on hearing that. So what Qin Yuyan was trying to say was it was her maid Yingying who had put the powder in the hairpin without her noticing...

    Everybody now turned to Yingying, whose slim body was trembling, wearing a pale face, with all shocking in her eyes: So the princess wanted her to take the me? But she was the only one the princess could trust.

    She stared at Qin Yuyan with her eyes popped out, while Qin Yuyan was also gazing at her, with something evil glittering in her eyes, making Yingying chill: Qin Yuyan was the noble princess while she was only a menial maid. If Qin Yuyan wanted her to die, she could only die. And if she wanted her to be the scapegoat, she would have no other choice.

    ¡°It was me. Princess Yuyan has nothing to do with this!¡±

    Looking at her despairing eyes, Murong Xue sneered: Qin Yuyan is both smart and dumb to let her closest maid be her scapegoat, ¡°So why did you poison his lord?¡±

    ¡°Because his lord doesn¡¯t like our princess. So I tried to teach him a lesson.¡± Yingying replied with a rather calm voice mechanically.

    All the maids and mamas looked at each other, thinking: Yingying is only a personal maid given as a dowry. Even if she has a word of the host of the mansion, she would onlyin secretly.

    Would she really be so heartless and bold enough to poison Old Prince Jing? Who the hell would buy it? There must be someone behind her. And as for whom it was, hehe...

    Now people allid their contempting eyes on Qin Yuyan.

    But only Murong Xue was looking at Ye Yichen. Anyone with a brain would know Yingying was the scapegoat. Now Old Prince Jing was severely ill.. Ye Yichen would be in charge here. To punish whom was all up to him.

    ¡°It is Yingying who tried to poison my father. Drag her away! Beat her to death!¡± Ye Yichen gave an order indifferently.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Two guards moved forward and dragged Yingying out.

    Along with the beating sound, Yingying¡¯s painful whining was heard throughout the whole yard. All maids and mamas looked at each, as mute as a fish: The master should have his own reason to make this decision. So they should all keep their mouths shut.

    Murong Xue sneered. Old Prince Jing got poisoned. Only by finding out the one behind it was to revenge him. But Ye Yichen didn¡¯t get to the bottom of it and executed Yingying to protect Qin Yuyan. So he loved her for real.

    Qin Yuyan felt much relieved on hearing that, with all joys under her eyes. She knew that Yichen would favor her. Even if she had made a mistake, he wouldn¡¯t bear to punish her.

    With her lips curled up at a graceful angle, she looked at Ye Yichen with all tenderness, while Ye Yichen was ring at her. The cold light under his eyes nearly killed her.

    What was wrong with him?

    She looked at Ye Yichen with her jaws dropped, while he turned around and strode away without turning back at her. Every step was hitting the floor, as if the sweet happiness was also stepping away from her...

    So Yichen hated her? She nearly killed his father, he had every reason to hate her. But she only meant to set up Murong Xue. His father was only an ident...

    Qin Yuyan felt wronged. And her tears were spilling out of her eyes, down on her face. Yichen mistook her. She had to exin it to him.

    When she was about to call him, a cold voice came in, ¡°Prince Jing, hold on for a second!¡±

    Ye Yichen stopped and turned around, seeing Murong Xue was walking slowly towards him, with that pair of dark and cold eyes, beautiful and radiant small face. And the snow cyan hemline was swinging in the wind, making her more noble and graceful.

    There was a moment Ye Yichen was lost in her beauty. And then he said softly, ¡°What?¡±

    Murong Xue smiled gently, ¡°Prince Jing, since your father has been sober, ording to our bet, we should cancel the engagement now.¡±

 Chapter 133 - Engagement Cancelled finally

    <h4>Chapter 133: Engagement Cancelled finally</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°A bet? Cancel the engagement? What is going on?¡± Old Prince Jing who wasing near the gate of the Lotus Courtyard suddenly stopped. He looked at his son with his eyebrows knitted.

    At that time Imperial Doctor Sun diagnosed that his father¡¯s heart arteries got severely injured and he was incurable. He had thought that Murong Xue was only a woman who had always stayed home. It was impossible that she could save his father. That was why he had agreed with the bet. But it turned out his father got poisoned, and Murong Xue happened to master excellent medical skills and save his father...

    ¡°Prince Jing, why don¡¯t you speak? Are you gonna go back on your words?¡± Murong Xue looked at him with a faking smile.

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Ye Yichen denied it with a cold voice.

    Actually he really wished he could breach it. But when he and Murong Xue made the bet, Ouyang Shaochen and Dongfang Li were there and heard every word of it.

    Ouyang Shaochen was the son of Lord Freedom, with an encyclopedic mind, worldly known, while Dongfang Li was the seventh prince of Xi Liang Kingdom, with noble blood, paramount and powerful. With the two of them as Murong Xue¡¯s witnesses, everyone would believe what Murong Xue said. So if he breached it, the whole world would disdain him and criticize him.

    ¡°Are you dumb?¡± Murong Xue looked at him with her eyebrows raised.

    ¡°But our engagement was arranged by our parents. So it is their decision to make. And if we cancel it here in a haste, it is a kind of disrespect to you.¡± Ye Yichen murmured, wearing kind of indescribable expression.

    ¡°Just canceling an engagement. The simpler, the better. Save those damn long rituals.¡± Speaking of which, Murong Xue took out a green jade pendant, ¡° This is the token your father has gifted my father. I¡¯ve brought it with me, and the engagement gifts, New Year gifts and all gifts during all festivals should also be out of the gate now. Bring me the token my father has gifted you. After exchanging our tokens, our engagement is officially cancelled.¡±

    No one could predict what would happen the next second and she was quite aware of that. Ye Yichen proposed to let the elders to cancel it, actually he just wanted to buy some time. She wouldn¡¯t do as what he wanted. Today! Now! She must cancel it!

    The green jade pendant looked glittering and translucent with ssic and exquisite patterns carved on it, which made Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes a little sour. He blinked and then whispered, ¡°The token your father has gifted me...I can¡¯t find it...¡±

    Murong Xue was surprised, ¡°You lost it?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Ye Yichen shook his head, ¡°I was too busy recently and I forget where I put it.¡±

    Murong Xue sneered. The token represented the engagement. Before the wedding, both sides should keep it safe to show both sides¡¯ bonafide about this marriage. Now Ye Yichen threw his token away and couldn¡¯t find it now, which meant he had never taken this marriage seriously. To be more precise, he didn¡¯t care about her at all.

    Of course, he may not have lost it. He just didn¡¯t want to cancel it...

    Whatsoever, it didn¡¯t matter now. Whether Ye Yichen really lost it or he was pretending, she didn¡¯t care at all. The only thing on her mind was to cancel the engagement.

    ¡°I will send them to look for it now. And when I find it, we¡¯re gonna cancel it...¡±

    As sincere as Ye Yichen sounded, Murong Xue didn¡¯t give it a shit: It ain¡¯t an easy thing to find a palm-size token in such a huge mansion. Plus if those servants loaf on their job, maybe he couldn¡¯t get it back in a few years. She has no time for that. She still wants to cancel it before she gets old.

    ¡°Just a token. It wouldn¡¯t affect us.¡± Murong Xue said smilingly. Speaking of which, she already slipped her token into Ye Yichen¡¯s hand, giving him no time to respond.

    ¡°Now I have given it back. All you need to do is write a pledge proving that we have officially cancelled the engagement. As for the token, you can ask your people to look for it when you have time. And when you find it, just sent it to me. And if you don¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t mind actually.¡±

    The jade pendant was gentle to touch. With a slice of its warmth infiltrated into the skin, making one refreshing...That was the eye of Prince Jing Mansion. It had been ten years before it was returned. But Ye Yichen didn¡¯t feel cheered up at all, because its return represented that Murong Xue would draw a clear line with him, but not marry him...

    ¡°Prince Jing, write he pledge now.¡± Murong Xue urged him smilingly.

    Goufeng and Wuhen came from nowhere, carrying a desk before Ye Yichen with the brush, ink stick, paper and ink stone prepared.

    Ye Yichen looked grim-faced, thinking, ¡°If she is so desperate to cancel their engagement, so be it!¡±

    Then he picked up the wolf hair brush and started to write on the paper. In the turn of a hand, the pledge, including the signature, stamp, was all finished.

    Murong Xue moved forward, took it up and carefully checked the content, and then said with satisfaction, ¡°Thank you, my lord. From today now, our engagement is officially canceled, once for all. And there¡¯s no rtionship between us anymore!¡±

    She dered it right after she got the pledge. She really brooked no dy to distance herself from him!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face looked terribly scary, with kind of cold light shing in his gloomy eyes.

    But Murong Xue totally turned a blind eye to him. She carefully put the pledge in her pouch, with her lips curled up. She finally cancelled it and distanced herself from him! She no longer received any threat or bothering from him. What a big event! She had to celebrate...

    While Murong Xue was immersed in the joys, suddenly a huge and sharp pain came out of her chest, like numerous fine needles pricking her heart, making her eyebrows knitted, and bean big beads of sweat seeping out of her forehead...

    ¡°Xue¡¯er!¡± It was Ouyang Shaochen who first noticed it. He stretched out his arms and held her in his arms. He put the tip of his finger against her Rouyi acupoint. It was as cold as ice! He was startled, and mumbled, ¡°It¡¯s the Ice Poison!¡±

    ¡°Hm!¡± Murong Xue tried to nod with difficulty. The original master of this body had got the Ice Poison for ten years, which would attack at any time, without a sign or rules to follow...

    ¡°Someone! Get the Fire Lotus!¡± ordered the Old Prince Jing. He knew about her Ice Poison and had ever seen how it looked like when she got attacked by the poison...

    Murong Xue forced a smile and said, ¡°Thank you, my lord. There¡¯s a lot of Earth Yang Grass at my mansion. You shouldn¡¯t waste your Fire Lotus!¡± She had nothing to do with Prince Jing Mansion now, so she didn¡¯t want to or scorn to ask for help from them.

    She raised her head towards Ouyang Shaochen, and said torpidly, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°OK!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded. He held her up, used his Lightness Skill to fly over Prince Jing Mansion, and disappeared in the distance...

 Chapter 134 - Please Forgive Me

    <h4>Chapter 134: Please Forgive Me</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Watching Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue fade away, Old Prince Jing looked dreadfully gloomy. The Ice Poison belonged to extreme Yin, so only the Fire Lotus which belonged to the extreme Yang was its bane. Earth Yang Grass only belonged to Yang medicine, which couldn¡¯t suppress the Ice Poison at all. Although it may work temporarily, it would also make one feel as good as dead.

    No one would like to suffer using the ineffective medicine while leaving the effective one out there. But since Murong Xue did so, it could only mean that Marquis Mansion had no more Fire Lotuses, so she could only use the Earth Yang Grass as the recement.

    But he remembered Murong Yue had collected a lot of Fire Lotuses, which should be enough for ten years, however frequently the poison attacked.

    And the year beforest year, he had asked Yichen to send Murong Xue more Fire Lotuses. How was it possible they ran out?

    Old Prince Jing turned to Ye Yichen slowly, and reproached him, ¡°See what you have done!¡±

    Although he had few contacts with Murong Xue, he could tell she was a gentle and kindhearted woman. If it hadn¡¯t been something she could not bear, she wouldn¡¯t use the Earth Yang Grass instead of the Fire Lotus Ye Yichen had sent her.

    Ye Yichen didn¡¯t say anything, with his eyes downcast.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you speak? What have you done to her?¡± Old Prince Jing scolded him, with raging fire burning in his eyes.

    Ye Yichen still didn¡¯t say anything, with his eyes downcast.

    Old Consort Jing couldn¡¯t take it anymore. She frowned and said, ¡°Murong Xue is too proud to use the Fire Lotus we gave her. Yichen has nothing to do...¡±

    ¡°I am doing the talking! You have corrupted him, so he would be so reckless in the capital, and never care about other¡¯s feelings.¡± Old Prince Jing interrupted her.

    ¡°Fire Lotus only grows in our territory. Those bottles of Fire Lotus in the mansion have nearly heaped into dunes! As the fianc¨¦e of our mansion, she uses Earth Yang Grass when the Ice Poison attacks her. Don¡¯t you feel humiliated?¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue is no longer Yichen¡¯s fianc¨¦e. What kind of medicine she adopts has nothing to with us.¡± Old Consort Jing muttered while twitching her mouth.

    ¡°But she always was before today!¡± Old Prince Jing yelled, ¡°As long as Yichen showed a little bit of care about her, would she quit using the Fire Lotus today?¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s she who proposed to cancel the engagement!¡± Old Consort Jing disapproved, with her brows knitted: Murong Xue didn¡¯t know chalk from cheese. She deserved it!

    ¡°If you hadn¡¯t demoted her to a concubine in front of everyone, do you think she would do this?¡± Old Prince Jing med him, with mes of fury in his eyes, ¡°She is supposed to be the first wife, and just because of a word of you, she was demoted to an inferior side concubine, and in the future her kids would also be at a lower grade. Would you take it if you were her?¡±

    Old Consort Jing blinked her eyes unnaturally. If someone had done this to her, she would also insist cancelling the engagement absolutely. But she still tried to defend herself, ¡°Yichen has cancelled the engagement as she requested. Now she has nothing to do with us anymore. Why would you scold your own son for an outsider?¡±

    ¡°He has made a huge mistake, shouldn¡¯t I teach him a lesson? If he doesn¡¯t learn a lesson out of this, he will make the same mistake some day!¡± said Old Prince Jing fiercely, while heaving a sigh in his heart: What a well-matched marriage! It¡¯s all because of him!

    Actually he opposed it, but Yichen and Murong Xue had made a bet, which had been heard by Ouyang Shaochen and Dongfang Li by ident. If he still insisted, it¡¯d only make Yichen a man against his words. And he and the whole mansion¡¯s reputation would be ruined...

    While the old master was reproaching the young master, no servant should be around. No one knew when those maids, mamas, servants and guards were all gone. Only Old Prince Jing, Old Consort Jing, Ye Yichen and Qin Yuyan were left in the huge Lotus Courtyard.

    Looking at Old Prince Jing scolding Yichen, Qin Yuyan¡¯s face turned dead pallor. Just throughn a word from Murong Xue, he could already have doped out so many details. That was impressively dreadful.

    The truth behind him getting poison and who was behind all this, he should have all doped it out. Or he may even have known that Yingying was only her scapegoat. If that was the case, he could only hate her more and would never allow Yichen to marry her...

    Yichen was hers, the position as Yichen¡¯s first wife could only be her.

    After thinking for a moment, Qin Yuyan struggled to get off the wheelchair! Thump! She kneeled before Old Prince Jing, ¡°My lord, I¡¯m so sorry. About your getting poisoned, it was not Yingying. I¡¯m the one to me.¡±

    Old Prince Jing cast a nce at her and said nothing, like he had already known it all.

    Ye Yichen still kept his eyes downcast, saying nothing, like he didn¡¯t hear her at all.

    Only Old Consort Jing popped her eyes out surprisingly, ¡°Why would do you do that?¡±

    ¡°Because I want to marry Yichen. But his lord doesn¡¯t like me and has someone else in his heart as his daughter-inw. So I tried to make us of the Warding-off Wedding.¡± Said Qin Yuyan with her head downcast and tears in her eyes.

    Old Consort Jing pulled a long face and reproached her, ¡°Did you know this might have killed my husband?¡±

    ¡°No, no, no...That kind of poison has an antidote. Whether Yichen would marry me or not, I will give the antidote to his lord anyway...¡± Qin Yuyan tried to exin, while thinking to herself:

    ¡°Old Prince Jing is upright, and he likes honest people. Since he has already known the truth, I have to tell the truth.¡±

    Of course, she wouldn¡¯t tell every bit of it. She only modified it upon the fact, making it on her favor...

    ¡°Oh really?¡± Old Prince Jing nced at her, ¡°I thought if it had been Xue¡¯er who had held the Warding-off Wedding with Yichen, you would have used it on me.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no...I have never had t thought it that way...¡±Qin Yuyan denied it, thinking, ¡°He is indeed an old fox, calcting every detail...¡±

    Suddenly a sharp pain from the leg made Qin Yuyan gasp. She lowered her head, looking at the hard and cold ground, frowning: She was in such a hurry that she only wore a think dress. And the injuries on her leg made her feel painful.

    Looking at her trembling, Old Consort Jing heaved a sigh, ¡°You are badly injured. You shouldn¡¯t kneel for long. Get up already. ¡±

    Qin Yuyan curled up her lips without anyone noticing. She then raised her head and turned to Old Prince Jing, ¡°Please forgive me, my lord. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you...¡±

    Since Old Consort Jing had already been touched, Old Prince Jing should let it go.

    Old Prince Jing caught a glimpse of her and then walked away...

    For her own interests, she even tried to sacrifice other¡¯s life. She thought only an apology was enough? No way!

 Chapter 135 - Drensh

    <strong>Chapter 135: Drensh</strong>

    Looking at his ruthless back, Qin Yuyan¡¯s confident smile froze on her face, she poured herself out so sincerely while he still refused to forgive her. What a heart of stone...

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shed and ran after the man quickly: ¡°Father!¡±

    The Old Prince Jing stopped and looked back at him. His eyes were burning with rage: ¡°Look what kind of person you¡¯ve fallen in love with!¡±

    In order to marry Yichen sessfully and be a rightful princess, she went so far as to poison his father. Such a cruel woman in bad virtue would do anything to achieve her goal.

    ¡°Father, I¡¯m sorry!¡± Ye Yichen said in a deep voice. He knew Qin Yu Yan was clever and scheming, but he never thought that she would poison his father in order to create opportunities...

    ¡°You really have a bad taste of women!¡± Old Prince Jing reproved him loudly.

    A strange look appeared in Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes since his father scolded him the same way as Ouyang Shaochen did...

    Seeing him frowning tightly, Old Prince Jing¡¯s face eased slightly: ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, don¡¯t stay here any longer, Xue¡¯er is poisoned, go to visit her in the Marquis Mansion if you¡¯re free!¡±

    Ye Yi Chen looked shocked: ¡°What do you mean, father?¡±

    ¡°Although you had broken off your engagement with Xue¡¯er, you still have a chance to visit and apany her before she gets married. Perhaps the engagement of you two can be saved!¡± Old Prince Jing said in a low voice, eyes shining with rare dignified.

    ¡°Let me think about it.¡± Ye Yichen sank down the eyelid, with his eyes darkened.

    ¡°Then you must think faster. Otherwise, Xue¡¯er would be married to another man. Not every young man in this world is as blind as you are.¡± Old Prince Jing threw down this sentence, turned around and strode forward without looking back.

    Ye Yi Chen stood and looked at his father¡¯s retreating figure, then shifted to the direction of the Marquis Mansion with aplicated look in his eyes.

    Old Prince Jing was several tens of meters away from the Lotus Courtyard, but what he said still fell into Qin Yuyan¡¯s ears word for word ,and her face turned instantly gloomy and terrible.

    She put down her dignity to make an apology to Old Prince Jing. Not only did he refuse to forgive her, but also med and taunted her. On the top of everything, he even urged Yichen to stay away from her and get close to Murong Xue. He was really an abominable old thing!

    If that bottle of poison was not destroyed, she would have immediately dripped a few drops to poison this stubborn old stuff to death!

    It took Qin Yuyan a few moments to subside the rage in her eyes. Old Prince Jing was a tough man and had a guard against her. She should not make any move for the time being, but lived in the Lotus Courtyard for rehabilitation. When the reinforcements from Mo Bei arrived in the capital, she would definitely teach that old scoundrel a lesson!

    The golden sun was shining warmly on the earth, and the maids and mamas went in and out of the Falling Snow Pavilion with a slight mix-up.

    Murong Xue was lying on the carved bed in the inner chamber. Sharp pains and algidity moving back and forth in her ribs making her frown tightly. Her face was pale and bloodless with bean-sized sweat oozing from her forehead. Her slender body tightly wrapped in the thick brocade quilt, but she was still shivering with cold.

    Ouyang Shaochen sat on her bedside, and Ruyu stretched her hands to press on Murong Xue¡¯s back for conveying internal force. Murong Xue¡¯s deep eyes looked out of the door frequently, ¡°The Earth Yang Grass hasn¡¯t been cooked yet?¡±

    Fire Lotus seed was a kind of fruit that could be taken directly. While the Earth Yang Grass was an herb that needed to be boiled into a decoction before being taken.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s ready!¡± Hongxiu answered loudly, carrying a bowl of steaming herb broth, and hurried in.

    Ouyang Shaochen took Murong Xue by her shoulder and lifted her up. He handled the bowl to her lips and said softly, ¡°Drink it quickly, and you¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    With thick medicinal smell lingering on the tip of her nose, Murong Xue frowned. Again, the algidity quickly spread through her veins, she had no choice but took a sip of it reluctantly. Suddenly, the thick medicinal smell filled with her oral cavity, even her breathing was full of bitterness. She coughed heavily: ¡°Why is this so bitter?¡±

    ¡°Good medicine tastes bitter!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly and handed the bowl to her lips again.

    Murong Xue was speechless, so she looked up nkly. What she hated most in her life was drinking bitter medicine. In her precious life of modern society, she would always rehabilitate after having cold or fever relying on her own resistance rather than medicines or herbs. Even if she identally got poisoned, she would choose injections.

    She could not bear the sufferings of those primitive bitter herbs anymore even if there was no other alternative in Qingyan, ¡°Take it away, I quit.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s handsome face darkened in an instant, ¡°The Ice Poison is flowing in an elerated speed in your veins. You¡¯ll die if you don¡¯t take it.¡±

    Murong Xue tightly puckered up her eyebrows, ¡°It tastes horrible, I¡¯m sick of it. How about asking the doctor to make the Earth Yang Grass into pills? I¡¯ll take the pills!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen looked gloomy, ¡°It¡¯ll take several hours to make pills with herbs. You¡¯ll suffer more pains in waiting.¡±

    ¡°Never mind, I can handle it.¡± Murong Xue nodded with a pair of faint eyes. She had suffered various internal injuries and traumas in her precious life, and developed good endurance. She could tolerate the Ice Poison even if it would make her suffer more. However, the taste of the bitter herb was just too much for her, she would rather endure the physical pain when the symptoms broke out.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you die in pains!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said coldly, reaching for Murong Xue¡¯s chin and pouring the broth into her mouth.

    The woman was really getting more stupid for refusing to drink the medicine because it was too bitter, and allowed the toxin to spread in her body. She simply could not tell her priorities clearly.

    An instant vor of bitterness filled between her mouth and throat soon after the medicine broth reached her tongue. Murong Xue frowned tightly, ready to stretch out her hand to push the bowl, but tragically found that her arm tightly pressed by Ouyang Shaochen and could not move a bit.

    This hateful Ouyang Shaochen was teasing her again relying on his stronger kung fu!

    Murong Xue red at Ouyang Shaochen ferociously. He just turned a blind eye and continued to feed her with the broth.

    When thest drop fell into Murong Xue¡¯s mouth, Ouyang Shao Chen released his hand.

    Murong Xue choked by the heavy smell and coughed heavily. Then she sat up straight with her eyes burning with rage, and reached out of her hand to p Ouyang Shaochen.

    Ouyang Shaochen avoided her attack, put down the bowl and casually picked up a fresh and attractive preserved fruit to stuff it into her mouth, ¡°Take it, it could neutralize the taste of the herb.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll order the doctor to make all the remaining herbs into pills. Next time you have symptoms, you can take pills instead of such bitter medicine broth.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly and sat down on her bedside. He put his palm on Murong Xue¡¯s back, conveying internal force for her. His whole movements were so spontaneously.

 Chapter 136 - Solution to Ice Poison

    <h4>Chapter 136: Solution to Ice Poison</h4>

    The internal force having been poured into her back instantly turned into plumes of warmth flowing slowly in the veins. The warmth merged with the medicinal power produced by the Grass quickly dispelled the algidity in her body. After a while, the heavy algiditypletely removed from her body and only left with the warm current flowing back and forth in her veins.

    Her cold body became warm, her pale face gradually regained some color, and her blue lips became cherry red and moist. However, her mouth was still bitter and astringent. Seemed that the taste could not dissipated by the candied fruit.

    Murong Xue gave Ouyang Shaochen a ferocious stare, ¡°Pass me that cup of yogurt on the table. The yogurt is thick and should be able to suppress the bitter taste in my mouth.

    Ouyang Shaochen nced at the white porcin cup on the table and frowned gently, ¡°You have just removed the cold toxin from your body. Yogurt is not an ideal drink!¡± Since cold toxin pertained to Yin, taking more Yin food like yogurt or cold tea after the toxin would be bad for health.

    ¡°I¡¯ve only heard yogurt promotes digestion, protects intestines and stomach, and enhances immunity. Just one cup, which is beneficial to the body but not harmful!¡± Murong Xue argued seriously.

    ¡°Yes, you can, but not now. Wait for 30 minutes until your body reaches full recovery.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said in a light tone and showed nopromise.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be poisoned to death by the bitter taste after another 30 minutes.¡± Murong Xue said grumpily and suddenly crossed over Ouyang Shaochen and grabbed the yogurt cup on the table, and quickly opened the lid. When she was about to drink it, Ouyang Shaochen stretched out his hand, snatched it, and took a sip gracefully. His long white sleeves streamed down, noble and elegant.

    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Murong Xue said in anger with knitted brows. There were several cups of yoghurt on the table. He could take whichever he liked. Why was he targeting hers?

    Without a word, Ouyang Shaochen slowly put down the yogurt cup. His dark eye was as deep as a pool. He stretched out his arms and took Murong Xue in his arms. Suddenly, his thin lips tightly kissed on her cherry red lips. The milky yogurt flowed into her mouth through her slightly opened jaws, with a faint warm sweet and sour taste, filling her whole mouth instantly.

    Murong Xue only felt a boom in her head and her mind got totally nk. Well, so he was not intent to drink but to ¡°warm up¡± the yogurt, for feeding her...

    Murong Xue red at Ouyang Shaochen ferociously and identally looked into his dark pupils. His eyes clearly reflected her figure, making her suddenly freeze: why was the scene so familiar? As if it had ever happened before...

    Pieces of broken images shed in her mind to quickly and gradually piece together into aplete fragment, whichpletely coincided with the scene in front of her eyes. Murong Xue suddenly strained her big eyes, on the way back to the capital from the barracks, she mistook the wine for water and got drunk, which meant her first kisses in her two lives, were all taken by Ouyang Shaochen in a daze. How irritating!

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes red up with rage. She waved her arms to hit Ouyang Shaochen, just like a sullen cat.

    Ouyang Shaochen left her for an inch, puzzled and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°You are even not bashful to ask!¡± Murong Xue was angry, grabbed the soft pillow behind her and smashed at Ouyang Shaochen severely.

    Ouyang Shaochen casually stretched out his hand and caught it. He looked at Murong Xue and said, ¡°I have no alternative to feed you this way. If you feel cheated, I can take the responsibility!¡±

    She was angry not because he fed her yogurt this way, but...

    Though angry and irritated, she could not tell him bluntly. With faint pink appeared in her beautiful little face, she blurted out, ¡°I don¡¯t even know how many years left for me, which kind of responsibility you want to take?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes fixed on her: ¡°You¡¯re an expert at antidote. Is this not enough for detoxifying your Ice Poison?¡±

    ¡°I have already dealt with it if I can.¡± A sad looked revealed in her eyes. Rank poison like He Ding Hong and arsenic could kill people instantly. However, there were also several other detoxification methods.

    People who suffered from Ice Poison usually looked the same as ordinary people. Only when the toxin attacked, people would die of great pains, but as long as they take the Fire Lotus Seeds in time, they would stay safe and sound. Therefore, cold toxin would not poison people¡¯s lives, but it naturally had no therapies!

    However, people suffering from this generally died young since they would endure the pains all the year round.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, as long as it¡¯s poison, there should be a way to relieve,¡± said Ouyang Shaochen in a low voice, his eyes were dark as pool as always.

    ¡°Hope so!¡± Murong Xue said sullenly, but held no hope in her heart. Medical skills in modern times umting five thousand years of wisdom had failed to find out the solution of Ice Poison. How could doctors in Qingyan figure the way out...

    Ouyang Shaochen squeezed Murong Xue a little bit, so she looked towards him, noticing he took off his shoes, got into bed and sat beside her.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Murong Xue moved toward the inside and looked at him with a frown.

    ¡°A little bit tired, I¡¯d like to take a rest!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said tly, leaning against the bed head with his eyes closed. A faint weariness lingered over his brows.

    Tired? Rest? Murong Xue suddenly realized that in the past, after taking the Fire Lotus Seeds for curing the poison, she would be in lethargy for several hours. But today she was so awake after taking the Earth Yang Grass.

    And thest time the toxin attacked her, she also woke up after a short sleep. The difference between the past and these two times was Ouyang Shaochen by her side to convey internal force for her.

    Yes, internal force! Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s internal force could dispel the Ice Poison in her body!

    Murong Xue looked at Ouyang Shaochen with sparkling eyes, only to see his dark eyebrows slightly puckered and his brows full of fatigue. She slowed down her speaking speed and said, ¡°Are you really tired?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, only after a short rest!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said in a slightly exhausting voice.

    ¡°Then have a good rest!¡± Murong Xue said gently, pulling up her brocade quilt to cover Ouyang Shao Chen. Now she was full of energy without any trace of fatigue. She did not need to rest in bed any more.

    Ouyang Shaochen was the one who needed more rest because he consumed too much internal force.

    ¡°Mm...¡± Ouyang Shaochen responded with his eyes half closed, and then picked up the yogurt cup beside him.

    Murong Xue said in a panic, ¡°There is no bitter taste in my mouth. I don¡¯t need any more yogurt!¡±

    Looking at her alert and deep eyes, Ouyang Shao Chen¡¯s eyes seemed shing with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s for myself!¡±

    Murong Xue felt relieved and stare at him resentfully, ¡°How about its taste?¡±

    ¡°Not bad.¡± Ouyang Shaochen drank it slowly and said casually, ¡°When you are free, you may as well prepare more and give it away if you cannot finish them by yourself...¡±

    ¡°I have few acquaintances in the capital. Who did I make the yogurt for?¡± Murong Xue said. Then her eyes suddenly brightened, ¡°how about opening a yogurt shop in the capital?¡±

    ¡°Nice idea.¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded gently. The yogurt tasted very good and was not as heavy as cow¡¯s milk or goat¡¯s milk, which would certainly be popr.

 Chapter 137 - Big Secret

    <h4>Chapter 137: Big Secret</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Then it¡¯s nailed.¡± said Murong Xue smilingly. No one in Qingyan city knew how to make yogurt. So once her yogurt shop was open, people would all scramble to buy.

    ¡°It should be in a prosperous street...¡± Ouyang Shaochen suggested while looking at Murong Xue.

    ¡°I know...¡± Murong Xue nodded. In a busy street, there would be more potential guests. And they could earn more money.

    Standing on the rooftop of the opposite side of Flowing Snow Pavilion, Ye Yichen stared at Murong Xue and Ouyang Shaochen talk andugh while sitting on that carving queen-size bed through the open window, with her face looking terribly gloomy.

    He was worried that the Earth Yang Grass might not suppress her Ice Poison. So he brought the Fire Lotus seeds for her. But now she was sitting there all good, and even flirting with Ouyang Shaochen.

    It seemed the Earth Yang Grass could protect her life for now. So his worries were totally unneeded.

    Ye Yichen suddenly clenched his hand, ¡®crack¡¯, the white porcin bottle got crumbed into powder. The porcin powder and the Fire Lotus seeds were mixed together, gone with the breeze.

    He then flew away without turning back.

    Watching him fade away in the distance, Ouyang Shaochen snickered...

    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± With a soft voiceing in his ears, Ouyang Shaochen turned around and saw Murong Xue was also looking out the window...

    ¡°Nothing!¡± Ouyang Shaochen tried to block her view, ¡°If you want to open a shop, youe need to make full preparations. It¡¯ste. Let¡¯s go find some sources of goods and see if there¡¯s an appropriate site...¡±

    ¡°OK!¡± Murong Xue nodded slightly. The yogurt she was gonna make was made of milk. If she wanted to open a shop, she¡¯d need a great amount of milk. So she really needed to find a stable source...

    Night fell. Song Qingyan lied in bed after eating dinner. She gritted her teeth whiling looking at the direction of Falling Snow Pavilion, thinking, ¡°Prince Ouyang has been in there for long. Murong Xue must have used some witch craft to get him enchanted! That shameless bitch! When I¡¯m recovered, I¡¯m gonna teach that bitch a lesson...¡±

    A breeze blew on. Suddenly the half closed window got pushed open. Two guards jumped in carrying a bamboo chair on which was sitting a woman wearing a loose apricot dress, with a clean chignon and pale face. It was Qin Yuyan, princess of Mo Bei!

    Song Qingyan was surprised, ¡°What are you doing here, my princess?¡±

    ¡°Of course I am here to see you.¡± said Qin Yunyan smilingly. After getting seated on Song Qingyan¡¯s bed, she pped her in the face. Pia! Five bloody red fingerprints were shown in Song Qingyan¡¯s fair skinned face, and even with a wisp of blood at the corner of her mouth.

    She slowly turned to Qin Yuyan, with astonishment, ¡°What is this for , my princess?¡±

    ¡°Are you asking me? Do you forget what you have done in Prince Jing Mansion?¡± Qin Yuyan raised her eyebrows and red at Song Qingyan: On hearing that Song Qingyan used rosemary acid on Yichen, she wished she could have torn Song Qingyan limb from limb!

    She got badly injured at the time. So it was not convenient for her to teach Song Qingyan a lesson. And now since she got busted, Old Prince Jing hated her, Yichen wouldn¡¯t see her, even those servants looked down on her, which made her quite frustrated. So she asked the servants to carry her out for some air, and also retaliate Song Qingyan by the way!

    ¡°I...I didn¡¯t mean to...¡± Song Qingyan stuttered, with her face turning ghastly pale. She also felt wronged: She only wanted to be a concubine. She never meant to snatch Qin Yuyan¡¯s position as the first wife. Why would she be so angry?

    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t mean to, the fact is the fact!¡± Qin Yuyan looked at her ruthlessly and said with an ice cold voice, thinking, ¡°She really overreached herself! Who gave her the courage to try to seduce Yichen?¡±

    A guard was walking slowly towards Song Qingyan. He was wearing the dark blue guard¡¯s clothing, wearing a bloody cold face. Every step of his was binging with a beat, like the Death was approaching.

    Song Qingyan was astonished, seized with terror. She shouted while trying to squeeze into a corner, ¡°Somebody help...Somebody help...help...¡±

    ¡°I have emptied your ce before I came. So however hard you cried, no one is gonna save you!¡± Qin Yuyan shed her eyes at her with all contempt: Anyone who tried to steal her man should take the punishment!

    The moment the guard was trying to catch her, Song Qingyan yelled in a pucker, ¡°I know a big secret of Murong Xue. If you can spare me, I will tell you now!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qin Yuyan cast a ce at her randomly, looking quite suspicious. Murong Xue was so smart. How could she let Song Qingyan snoop a secret from her?

    ¡°Really. I mean it! Trust me!¡± Song Qingyan nodded, and sputtered, ¡°My grandmother has served in the Marquis Mansion for many years. She has eyes all though the mansion. So every move of Murong Xue is under her eyes. As for the secret, I also scooped it by ident...¡±

    This big secret was only known to herself. She meant to save it for own use. But now since Qin Yuyan was going to end her, she could only offer it to her in exchange for her own life.

    Qin Yuyan nodded and then said slowly, ¡°If this secret is useful, maybe I will consider to let you live!¡±

    ¡°Trust me, my princess. This secret is very useful for you. If Murong Xue knows that her secret is leaked out, she would foam with rage!¡± said Song Qingyan fiercely, with kind of cold light shing in her eyes. She and Murong Xue were like fire and water. She would be willing to do anything as long as it could do harm to her.

    She then moved by Qin Yuyan¡¯s side and murmured, ¡°The secret is...¡±

    With a string of notes flew into her ears, Qin Yunyan suddenly narrowed her beautiful eyes, with kind of excitement. This was indeed great news which she should make full use of. Maybe this could drive Murong Xue crazy. By the should, Old Prince Jing should also know she was way much more outstanding that Murong Xue!

    With the warm light shining on the ground, the antique streets were bustling with people. Murong Xue was also one of them. Looking around those closely linked shops, he murmured, ¡°This street is so busy. It¡¯s not bad if I open a shop here...¡±

    They had checked seven or eight shops in a few days, which were all at good locations. But for now she only nned to open one yogurt shop. So she needed to make detailedparison and then decide the location...

    Looking at her exhausting delicate face, Ouyang Shaochen said gently, ¡°There is a tea house in front. Let¡¯s go drink some tea and have a rest.¡±

    ¡°OK!¡± Murong Xue approved. She was indeed a little tired after a whole morning¡¯s walk...

    ¡°Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Come on...¡± Suddenly those passers-by were running past them to the same direction...

    Murong Xue was a little confused, so she stopped a man, ¡°Excuse me. I see you are all running in a hurry. Could you please tell me what¡¯s going on?¡±

    The man said with bated breath, ¡°Someone opens a yogurt store there. Quite tasty and the price is reasonable. They¡¯ll be sold out if we¡¯rete...¡±

 Chapter 138 - Piss You Off

    <h4>Chapter 138: Piss You Off</h4>

    A yogurt store? Murong Xue got stunned: Seriously? Is there anyone else who knew how to make yogurt except her in the whole Qingyan City?

    Looking at her confusing expression, Ouyang Shaochen said lightly with his brows a bit knitted, ¡°Shall we go have a look?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Murong Xue nodded and then paced up towards the shop after the crowd.

    People in Qingyan usually drank milk or ewe¡¯s milk directly. Sometime they would add some sugar. Few people would further process it.

    Besides, yogurt was originated from Bulgaria. It was not until the early twentieth century that a Russian scientist introduced it to the whole world. If the person who sold the yogurt really had developed the yogurt on his own, he¡¯d be definitely a genius...

    After taking a bow, a shop came into her sight, with a big gue written with two big gilding words ¡®Yogurt Store¡± hanging up there. The store got tightly packed. People were all crying and shouting at the top of their voice with coins in their hands, ¡°I want three cups...¡±

    ¡°Five cups...¡±

    ¡°I want ten...¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t push. Don¡¯t push! We have enough yogurt! We have enough yogurt...¡± The person in charge of the shop tried to pacify those hundreds of customers, while grinning from ear to ear.

    There was a sandalwood te two meters away from the store, on which was written three big ck words ¡°Mo Bei Specialty¡±.

    Murong Xue immediately squinted. So this yogurt shop was opened by someone from Mo Bei? So far, she only knew one person from Mo Bei, that was the Princess Qin Yuyan...

    ¡°Prince Ouyang, Miss Murong!¡± A soft voice from a woman was heard. Murong Xue followed where the sound came from and saw two guards carrying a bamboo chair walking towards them slowly.

    On the bamboo chair was a young woman. She was wearing a moon white long dress, with her ck hair braided into to an exquisite chignon. Although she wore no makeup but still looked extremely beautiful. That woman was no one else but Qin Yuyan, the princess of Mo Bei.

    Murong Xue was a little surpsied, ¡°So you opened this yogurt store?¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Qin Yuyan nodded, wearing that arrogant expression.

    The big secret Song Qingyan told her was the recipe of yogurt. She had ever seen Murong Xue drink yogurt in Mout. Yu and since then she knew yogurt was something good. So after she let go of Song Qingyan, she immediately went back to make yogourt ording to the recipe...

    ¡°Mo Bei has wolf milk, bear milk, but since when you start to make yogurt?¡± asked Murong Xue indifferently with her eyebrows raised.

    ¡°I myself have developed it by ident!¡± Qin Yuyan looked at Murong Xue smilingly, with all arrogant and provocation in her eyes: She had a bite after making the yogurt. And only one bite she already got amazed by it.

    She had anticipated once she opened the yogurt store, there would be a long line. But hundreds of people snapping up was still beyond her expectations.

    ¡°Really? Well, you are really smart, Princess Qin!¡± Murong Xue grinded her teeth and said so.

    Qin Yuyan was a high-fed princess. She would never painstakingly have made the yogurt herself. Obviously Qin Yuyan stole her recipe and made yogurt! And now she said she made it herself without even feeling bashful! Such a shameless swine...

    ¡°You tter me!¡± said Qin Yuyan smilingly, with a bit contempt in her eyes: Song Qingyan told her that Murong Xue had been preparing to open a new yogurt shop. So she hurriedly purchased everything needed and opened a yogurt store ahead of her and especially in the name of Mo Bei specialty.

    So now even if Murong Xue opened a yogurt store, she was imitating her and obviously wouldn¡¯t do better than her. At that time she could spread rumors saying that Murong Xue stole her yogurt reciple. By then all civilians would look down on her. Even if she wanted to exin, no one would buy any word of her. And Murong Xue¡¯s business would plummet.

    It¡¯d be better if Murong Xue close the store in a pet and she could make a huge fortune though making yogurt alone!

    Qin Yuyan looked at Murong Xue arrogantly, while Murong Xue was also watching her, saying, ¡°What makes you want to open a yogurt store? A whim thing?¡±

    Upper ss nevercked of money. And recipes of pastries and pickles were for personal use only. Unless there was kind of special reason would they open a shop facing the public.

    Qin Yuyan smiled and said unhurriedly, ¡°Cow milk is quite nourishing, but its smell repels a lot of people, while yogurt is made of milk and also keeps all the nutrition of it while making it taste much better. In order to let more people enjoy the healthy milk, I specially open this store...¡±

    Now all the guests¡¯ eyes fell on Qin Yuyan. They were all praising her, ¡°Princess Qin is really nice...¡±

    ¡°Yes. right...She always thinks of others. She is so selfless...¡±

    ¡°What a beautiful and kind princess! She and Prince Jing are a perfect match...¡±

    With people¡¯s praise bombing her ears, Qin Yuyan had never felt so joyful before. And the way she looked at Murong Xue was all provocative!

    Murong Xue snorted. Qin Yuyan stole her recipe to make money and now even said such shameless words to win people¡¯s support! Even if she had the mood to provoke her, to irritate her, Murong Xue was in the mood to waste time here. Since Qin Yuyan wanted to die, she would make her.

    ¡°So you mean all the ingredients of your yogurt are from Mo Bei?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± said Qin Yuyan smilingly: She said it was Mo Bei specialty. Of course she would make it with the ingredients from Mo Bei. Otherwise it was lying to the customers!

    ¡°My yogurt tastes delicious, the price is reasonable! No tricks! And if you want some, I can give you a discount!¡±

    It was Murong Xue who had developed the yogurt. Qin Yuyan stole her recipe and now asked her to buy her yogurt! Murong Xue would be fumed with anger or even cough up blood, she thought.

    Qin Yuyan looked at Murong Xuecently, while Murong Xue seemed rather calm. With her lips curled up, Murong Xue said smilingly, ¡°Thank you for your kindness. But the food from Mo Bei is too cold and too hard, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯d make me ufortable...¡±

    Qin Yuyan snorted. Feeling ufortable? Just making an excuse. She kept pushing Murong Xue. She should be extremely angry now...

    ¡°Ouch! I have a stomachache...¡±

    ¡°Me too...¡±

    ¡°Me too...Ouch! Ouch! It hurts...¡±

    Suddenly all those people who ate her yogurt were having a stomachache, with bean size beads of sweats oozing on their foreheads and pains in their eyes...

    ¡°What is happening?¡± Thecent smile froze on Qin Yuyan¡¯s face. She had kind of bad feeling, ¡°Did you eat something unclean?¡±

    ¡°I have had nothing after breakfast, but only your yogurt...¡± Someone said torpidly. Suddenly he thought of something. All those who had a stomachache were holding a yogurt cup in their hands...

 Chapter 139 - Backup from Mo Bei

    <h4>Chapter 139: Backup from Mo Bei</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    So the yogurt was the only reason!

    That person suddenly turned to Qin Yuyan, saying with an ice cold tone, ¡°Princess Qin, what did you put in your yogurt?¡±

    ¡°Just milk and some other eatable ingredients...¡± answered Qin Yuyan impatiently while ring at him.

    That person just ignored her and went on, ¡°We all got a stomachache after eating your yogurt. Is there something wrong with your ingredients...¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Qin Yuyan denied it: She had checked all the ingredients on the recipe. They wouldn¡¯t do hard to the body...

    ¡°Then how do you exin this?¡± That person kept pushing her.

    ¡°How would I know?¡± Qin Yuyan red at him, ¡°After it was made, I am the first one to taste it. And I am still all right...¡±

    ¡°But we all had a stomachache after eating your yogurt. As the owner of this store, at least you should give us a reasonable exnation.¡± That person looked at Qin Yuyan indifferently.

    ¡°But...there¡¯s a possibility...it is not our yogurt...¡± Qin Yuyan tried to defend herself. If she admitted her yogurt was unhealthy, no one woulde buy her yogurt from now on. After all people would never eat something that would do harm to their bodies however delicious it was!

    ¡°But the obvious is indisputable and you are still trying to defend yourself? Where are your morals...¡± That person didn¡¯t finish his words. He cast a nce at Qin Yuyan and then turned around and walked slowly towards the shopkeeper. He yelled while walking, ¡°Yogurt belongs to the nobilities. I am only a vulgar and don¡¯t have the luck to enjoy it. I still have a few unopened cups. I want to return them...¡±

    ¡°Me too...¡±

    ¡°Me too...Me too...¡±

    All those folks surrounded the yogurt store and shouted to return the yogurt.

    ¡°Easy! Easy! One at a time! Take it easy!¡± Looking at those waving hands, the shopkeeper got grim-faced. This was like from heaven to hell! He was yelling in his heart!

    Even those passers-by knew there was something wrong with her yogurt now. Be it those returned ones, or those left there, no one would buy any now. A few hundreds of cups! Totally wasted...

    ¡°I got things to do at home. I can¡¯t wait. Here is your yogurt! I¡¯m gonna get the coins myself!¡± The man behind the counter dropped his three cups of yogurt onto the counter and snatched a few coins from the drawer and then elbowed the way out of the crowd!

    ¡°I also got things to do at home. And I can¡¯t wait...¡± Then the crowd all shouted and dropped the yogurt on the counter and tried to snatch the coins in the drawer. In an instant, the shopkeeper got pushed aside. And they all vied with one another to stretch their hands into the drawer for the coins.

    Along with a rattling sound, iputable coins fell out of the drawer. Those avaricious civilians immediately jumped onto the counter to grab the coins. The yogurt store, in and out, immediately fell into a mess!

    Those civilians swarmed, pushing each other, even those two guards carrying the chair got elbowed to a corner. Qin Yuyan even had no time to respond and directly fell down on the ground. Sharp pains were immediately felt, making her frown.

    A bunch of unruly rustics! After she got out of here, she would report it to the yamun and arrest all of them and get them all severely punished!

    When the raging Qin Yuyan was about to call the guards, someone suddenly backed up a few steps and treaded on her arm!

    ¡°Ouch!¡± Qin Yuyan screams echoed the clouds, but instantly drowned in the noisy crowd.

    Those people were pushing each other beside Qin Yuyan, forwards and backwards, and kicking, stepping on her now and then. Her arms and legs were all hurt. She couldn¡¯t get on her feet at all!

    Qin Yuyan raised her head with resent and red at Murong Xue not far away through the crowd. Murong Xue, standing on the other side of the street, was also looking at her, with her lips curled up, with all contempt and distain in her eyes...

    Qin Yuyan flew into a great rage. So judging from Murong Xue¡¯s casual look, it seemed she had already anticipated all this...Hm? So there was something wrong with the recipe...

    Murong Xue snorted. All the procedures of how to make the yogurt had been imprinted in her brain. She had guessed that Lady Du and her daughter would covet her stuff. So she wrote a false recipe and meant to let them steal it away. But it turned out to be Qin Yuyan...

    ¡°What did you do to the recipe?¡± Ouyang Shaochen asked casually while turning to Murong Xue: The moment he heard someone opened a yogurt store, he had known that someone had stolen Murong Xue¡¯s yogurt recipe.

    ¡°Not much. I just added some special ingredients...¡± said Murong Xue while sneering: Qingyan folks preferred soft and worm food, while the ingredients she wrote were cold and hard-natured. Putting them into the yogurt would lead to stomach upset...or even have a running stomachache...

    It was not a wise choice to steal things from her. Even if someone stole it, that person wouldn¡¯t have the luck to use it.

    Ouyang Shaochen nodded and shed his eyes at the que hanging above the store, ¡°I guess Qin Yuyan has to close her yogurt store on the opening day!¡±

    ¡°So many people are having a running stomachache because of her. They already show some mercy not to pull down her store...¡± Murong Xue crowed over.

    Qin Yuyan caused the public¡¯s anger the first day she opened her yogurt store. What a big joke! Qin Yuyan became famous again in Qingyan City, but on a bad side. See if she had the guts to steal things from Murong Xue next time...

    Murong Xue looked at Qin Yuyan who was rolling on the ground, yelling, ¡°Someone! Help! Help...¡±

    Suddenly a wind arouse from nowhere which smashed towards those civilians. Bang! Some of them got blown away. And a deep pit appeared on the hard ground. And the shouting and yelling people all quieted down.

    A tall and straight figure fell from the sky, andnded before those people lightly. That man was wearing a golden cloak embroidered with exquisite clouding, with his ck hair tied behind his back bundled up with a violet golden cap. He had a pretty face, with only evilness and arrogance in his eyes.

    When he saw Qin Yuyan lying on ground, he called, ¡°Sister!¡±

    ¡°My brother, you are finally here!¡± Qin Yuyan cried with joy, with tears streaming down her face...

 Chapter 140 - Dangerous Prince from Mo Bei

    Chapter 140: Dangerous Prince from Mo Bei

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s fine chignon got all loose, her ck hair in a total mess, and the front of her moon white dress got torn open with her plum purple tube top exposed, a little sensual. On the hemline full of dust was also imprinted with dozens of ck footprints. One could imagine how embarrassing it was!

    Prince Qin looked down on her, with a little coldness shing in his evil eyes, ¡°My sister, we have been apart for only two months. What makes you so confounded?¡±

    ¡°Someone set me up!¡± Qin Yuyan gritted her teeth and then raised her head abruptly and looked at Murong Xue, like she was saying, ¡°I got reinforcement. Are you prepared for the worst of your life?¡±

    Murong Xue didn¡¯t give it a damn, thinking, ¡°What do you have in your sleeves? Just show me!¡± Here was Qingyan City. What could the prince of Mo Bei do here? Countermeasure for measure!

    ¡°If I tell them the recipe of the yogurt was from you. Do you think whether they are gonna kick your ass right now?¡± Qin Yuyan looked at Murong Xue with only ruthlessness in her eyes: Her injuries, her embarrassment, all because of Murong Xue. She would never spare Murong Xue!

    Murong Xue snorted, ¡°Haven¡¯t your pledged that the yogurt is Mo Bei specialty you¡¯ve developed yourself? Why is it mine now? Even if you tell them it¡¯s me, do you think they will buy it? They would only think you are talking nonsense and dodge the column. All you do is try to frame others...¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qin Yuyan was so angry that she even lost her tongue: She was only thinking to grab the yogurt making right from Murong Xue. But she never thought the recipe was a false one...

    Murong Xue snorted while casting a nce at her, ¡°If I were you, I would go home now and lock myself in my room to reflect on myself. But you! You have created such a big trouble and still stand here. Don¡¯t you feel ashamed of yourself...¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Qin Yuyan got choked because of extreme anger, and her angry eyes were like ming.

    But Murong Xue just turned a blind eye to it. She raised her head and saw over ten guards from Mo Bei fall from nowhere who all saluted to that young man, ¡°My prince!¡±

    Prince Qin responded and then bent over to hold up Qin Yuyan and put her on the bamboo chair, saying with a cold tone, ¡°Send Princess Yuyan back to Prince Jing Mansion.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Then those guards uplifted the bamboo chair.

    Qin Yuyan gave Murong Xue a dirty look and then moved to the chair reluctantly.

    Prince Qin then turned to Ouyang Shaochen and said across the crowd, ¡°Prince Ouyang!¡±

    ¡°Prince Qin!¡± Ouyang Shaochen responded while looking at him.

    ¡°My elder sister is injured. I have to go check on her. We¡¯ll talk the other day.¡± said Prince Qin in a deep tone.

    ¡°Please suit yourself, Prince Qin.¡± There was kind of unnoticeable indifference and alienation in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Farewell!¡± said Prince Qin with a low voice. And the moment he turned around to leave, he caught a glimpse of Murong Xue, with kind of intense evilness and cattiness, which made Murong Xue chill down to the spine subconsciously.

    Ouyang Shaochen immediately noticed it and held her cold hands in his tightly, asking with concerns, ¡°Are you OK?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡± Murong Xue came to herself and smiled gently. Watching Prince Qin disappear in her sight, she wore a meaningful expression, ¡°This prince from Mo Bei is really something!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen cast a nce at him and said lightly, ¡°His name is Qin Haoyan, son of the empress of Mo Bei, a little entric and unreasonable...¡±

    ¡°As the prince of Mo Bei, shouldn¡¯t he stay in the pce and share the burden with the king? What is he doing here?¡± Asked Murong Xue, confused.

    ¡°Of course he is here for his sister.¡± said Ouyang Shaochen, ¡°Qin Yuyan is the king¡¯s favorite daughter. You killed her personal bodyguard and got her insulted. She should have reported everything to her father and apparently her father sent the reinforcements...¡±

    Murong Xue blinked, asking, ¡°So Qin Haoyan is here to help her deal with me?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded, stone-faced, ¡°You should be careful from now on. Qin Haoyan is a bad ass...¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Murong Xue nodded. Judging from the way he looked at her, she could tell Qin Haoyan could never be a merciful person. But he was prince of Mo Bei who had no authority here. So he was not so dreadful like Ouyang Shaochen described.

    ¡°How is your rtionship with him?¡± asked Murong Xue while looking at Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°Just a nodding acquaintance!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said tly.

    ¡°So you hardly know him?!¡± Murong Xue frowned while turning to Ouyang Shaochen and teasing him, ¡°Qin Haoyan is the prince of Mo Bei, who will be the king. You should grow an intimate friendship with him...¡±

    ¡°I travel through all those countries and only make friends pleasing to my eyes. I would ignore those I don¡¯t like at all!¡± said Ouyang Shaochen arrogantly while casting a nce at her: Qin Haoyan wasn¡¯t pleasing to his eyes, so he just ignored him!

    He was worthy to be the son of Lord Freedom, who even had harsh terms of making friends.

    Murong Xue pursed her lips, and then shed her eyes at the sun above the head, ¡°It¡¯ste. Let¡¯s go back.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ouyang Shaochen got a little surprised, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we go look for a suitable site for your store?¡±

    ¡°No bothering!¡± Murong Xue shook her head, ¡°Qin Yuyan has discredited the yogurt thing. Even if I open a yogurt store now, the business wouldn¡¯t be good. I would only raise people¡¯s questioning. I wouldn¡¯t do such a thankless thing. Let¡¯s go back now. If I guess it right, a drama will be on in the Marquis Mansion!¡±

    ¡°What drama?¡± asked Ouyang Shaochen while raising his brows.

    ¡°You will knowter.¡± Murong Xue wore a meaningful smile and then pulled Ouyang Shaochen and ran away.

    After entering the Marquis Mansion, Murong Xue and Ouyang Shaochen didn¡¯t go to the Falling Snow Pavilion. Instead, they walked along the bluestone road and came before Qingyan¡¯s yard. Then they climbed onto a big tree and hid themselves.

    The big tree directly faced Song Qingyan¡¯s room. With the covering of the thick leaves, no one would notice them, while they could see every detail in Qingyan¡¯s room through the shiny green leaves and the open window.

    It was noon, and all the maids and mamas were having a rest in their own rooms. Song Qingyan was alone in her room, wearing a violet Xiang skirt. Her ck hair was braided into a delicate flowing cloud chignon. Those glittering jewels made herely face more delicate. Her face looked a little pale in a quite healthy way...Now she was walking up and down in her own room, looking rattle and hum, thinking,

    ¡°Qin Yuyan¡¯s yogurt shop should have been opened now. There should be a long line now. She is gonna make a big fortune...Hehe, that recipe belongs to Murong Xue. She may not even know she has lost it...Should she go to the Falling Snow Pavilion and tell her this ¡°good¡± news and piss her off...¡±

    While Song Qingyan was still immersed in her joys, bang, the half-closed door got mmed open and then a tall and straight figure strode in...

 Chapter 141 - Beating up Song Qingyan

    <strong>Chapter 141: Beating up Song Qingyan</strong>

    It was a man. He wore a brown guard¡¯s armor, with a sword in his waist, ordinary looking, who was walking towards Song Qingyan.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± reproached Song Qingyan. Then she saw two guardse in carrying a bamboo chair on which was seated a woman who was wearing a loose plum purple dress, exquisite chignon, delicate face. It was Qin Yuyan, princess of Mo Bei.

    Song Qingyan was surprised on seeing her, ¡°My Princess!¡± Shouldn¡¯t she be engaged in her yogurt shop now? What was she doing here?¡±

    Qin Yuyan took a hard look at her, ¡°Beat her up!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The guard grabbed Song Qingyan¡¯s cor and pped her face hard as ordered.

    Pia pia pia! Raindrop dense ps fell on her face, making her head turn from left side to the right side, from the right side to the left side, on and on...Both her cheeks were burning hot, and she nearly lost her consciousness, with only the smell of blood in her mouth.

    Now Song Qingyan got awakened and turned to Qin Yuyan confusedly, ¡°My princess, what did I do wrong? Why did you let him p me?¡±

    ¡°Because the recipe you gave me is a fake one!¡± Qin Yuyan snapped at her, with raging fire under her eyes: Because of that fake recipe, she got scoffed at by those nidering civilians, and nearly lost her reputation. All the way here, people were gossiping about her. Now she became a total notorious woman through the whole Qingyan City!

    She got med and ridiculed by people all because of Song Qingyan. She could never absolve herself from the me!

    What? The recipe was fake?

    Song Songqing was surprised. The maid who stole the recipe for her was on her grandmother¡¯s side, who would never cheat her. The only possibility was... ¡°Murong Xue...she gave me the wrong recipe...¡±

    ¡°So what? I took it from your hand!¡± said Qin Yuyan with her brows raised. Song Qingyan even hadn¡¯t checked whether it was real before handing it to her. So fucking stupid! ¡°Keep beating!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The guard responded and then threw a hard kick on Song Qing. The sharp pains from the chest made her face turn dreadful pale, with bean sized beads of sweat oozing on her forehead...

    But the guard showed no mercy at all and immediately threw another kick. Song Qingyan then rolled on ground three or four meters away and then hit on the corner of the desk hard. The huge pains from her back made her brows knitted intensely. And she was crouching like a shrimp, screaming!

    But the guard turned a deaf ear and kept beating her. The dense kicks and punches fell on Song Qingyan¡¯s body, making her screaming, ¡°Help! Help!¡±

    Her miserable screaming startled Murong Jian and Murong Rou who were taking a walk not far away. They looked at each other and immediately ran towards where the screaming sound came from.

    On seeing the total mess in Qingyan¡¯s ce, Murong Jian thundered, ¡°Stop it!¡±

    Murong Xue ran into the inner chamber, pushed the guard away and took Song Qingyan in her arms. While stroking her badly injured face, she cried with watering eyes, ¡°Qingyan, are you all right...Qingyan my child...¡±

    Looking at her concerning expression, Song Qingyan couldn¡¯t hold it anymore and cried, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m hurt all over...¡±

    Grim-faced, Murong Jian looked at Qin Yuyan coldly, ¡°What are you doing here, Princess Qin?¡± Breaking into the mansion and beating up Qingyan? Was this something personal or she was just defying the Marquis Mansion?

    Qin Yuyan nced at him and snorted, ¡°Song Qingyan defamed me. I¡¯m here to teach her a lesson. So she would not make the same mistake next time!¡±

    That guard beat her up with all his strength and showed no mercy. She was killing Qingyan!

    Murong Jian¡¯s face darkened and he said word by word, ¡°Qingyan is the daughter of Wu An Marquis Mansion. So it should be the elders of the mansion to regte her. It¡¯s never your turn¡±

    ¡°Then you would let her face the wall and reflect on her misdeed or transcribe the Buddhist sutras? Do you think that¡¯ll let her learn a lesson?¡± said Qin Yuyan while looking at Murong Jian with her brows raised.

    ¡°You!¡± Murong Jian was left speechless with rage while pointing at Qin Yuyang with a finger of his.

    Qin Yuyan just ignored it, ¡°Only bone-deep pains could let her remember the mistake she has ever made and won¡¯t make the same one again...¡±

    Qin Yuyan raised her head and looked at Qin Yuyan who was weeping in Murong Rou¡¯s arms, showing with undisguised contempt in her eyes, ¡°Now that I¡¯ve beaten you up and taught you a lesson, I feel much better now. See you!¡±

    Two guards uplifted the bamboo chair and strode away. Qin Yuyan just went out of their ce without turning back.

    In a towering rage, Murong Jian hit on the wall, gnashing, ¡°Qin Yuyan has gone too far this time. Qingyan, what did you do to offend her?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all because of Prince Jing...¡± Then Song Qingyan told them the whole story with a sobbing tone, which made Murong Jian extremely angry, ¡°You fell into Murong Xue¡¯s trap. She let the maid steal the recipe on purpose. And when the yogurt shop is opened, it could both ruin Qin Yuyan¡¯s reputation and get you beaten up...A stone with two birds...¡±

    ¡°I know...but...it¡¯s toote...¡± Song Qingyan felt so sad because she had already been beaten up...

    ¡°Murong Xue...that bitch!¡± Murong Jian gashed, with his face darkened: Murong Xue resembled Lady Shen, but her characters totally followed Murong Yue, crafty and sly...

    Now Murong Rou also squinted, ¡°Murong Xue is already so scheming at such a young age. If she grows bigger, all of us together would not be her match.¡±

    ¡°I know! I will figure it out. We can¡¯t let Murong Xue y the bully!¡± mumbled Murong Jian, with cold light shing in his eyes.

    Standing on a branch, Ouyang Shaochen whispered, ¡°They are going against you!¡±

    Murong Xue said tly, ¡°They are cracking their brains to deal with me every day. Counter measure for measure. That¡¯s my rules.¡±

    Sometimes she would also dig holes for them to jump in. Like the yogurt trap this time. Qin Yuyan had no informer in the Marquis Mansion, so it could only be someone else who could try to steal the recipe for her...

    Everybody knew that Qin Yuyan was petty, of course she would never go easy on the one who stole the recipe for her. So she went to beat up Song Qingyan, saving Murong Xue a lot of effort.

    Looking at Murong Xue¡¯s smiling eyes, Ouyang Shaochen was a little confused, ¡°Being on guard against them every day, don¡¯t you feel tired?¡±

    ¡°But they leave me no choice. My parents died when I was young. I can only take care of myself.¡± sighed Murong Xue.

    With something shing in his eyes, Ouyang Shaochen muttered, ¡°Have you ever thought of finding a good man to take care of everything for you?¡±

 Chapter 142 - Dragon Boat Race (1)

    <strong>Chapter 142: Dragon Boat Race (1)</strong>

    Murong Xue blinked, ¡°But I¡¯m only fourteen years old. Isn¡¯t it too early to find a man?¡± In modern society, she was only a middle school student.

    ¡°Of course not. Women in Qingyan usually get engaged at the age of 12 or 13 and get married when they reach 15. You are 14 now. Even you don¡¯t get married, at least you can get engaged first!¡± said Ouyang Shaochen.

    Getting engaged? But she had just cancelled the engagement with Ye Yichen and hadn¡¯t had a few days¡¯ free life. And now getting engaged again? Then she had to stay in her own boudoir and embroider her own bottom drawer until the day she got married? Such a boring life was thest thing she wanted!

    Murong Xue pursed her lips and said slowly, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna get engaged. I n to wander around the capital. If I am lucky enough to meet a keeper, then I¡¯m gonna marry him directly. But if I am not lucky enough, I¡¯m gonna stay single as always...¡±

    ¡°So you mean you haven¡¯t met your keeper yet?¡± muttered Ouyang Shaochen, then he raised his head and looked at Murong Xue with that pair of sunken eyes as dark as a pool, like they were going to suck in everything.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyelid twitched abruptly, she then nodded subconsciously.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s pretty face immediately darkened, ¡°Then be a singledy for your whole life!¡± He said those word by word while gritting his teeth. He flipped with his tiptoe and jumped into the sky, then flew out of the mansion without turning back.

    Watching him fly away, Murong Xue got evidently confused, ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡±

    ¡°You said nothing wrong, but a little stupid. Didn¡¯t you get what he was saying?¡± A sigh came from the dark. Murong Xue turned around and saw a young man standing under the tree. He was wearing an ebony ck cotton robe with the neckline embroidered with exquisite flowers slightly open. And that evil but pretty face could even take one¡¯s breath away. That was Mu Liufeng from Duke¡¯s Mansion.

    He was looking at her with a fake smile. Some kind of teasing could be told from his glittering eyes, which made Murong Xue steamed up, ¡°Mu Liufeng, you are stupid!¡±

    ¡°At least I understand what Ouyang Shaochen means, but you don¡¯t.¡± Mu Loufeng heaved a long sigh, then curled up his lips to put on a bitchy smile.

    Murong Xue¡¯s pretty face immediately darkened. Ouyang Shaochen wanted her to get married. Of course she got him.

    Mu Liufeng was Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s best friend, of course he would speak for him. So she ain¡¯t in no mood to argue with him, ¡°Mu Liufeng, what are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°To invite to watch the dragon boat race!¡± said Mu Liufeng smiling. Then he opened his folding fan and fanned himself lightly once in a while.

    Murong Xue was confused, ¡°Dragon boat race?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s the Dragon Boat Festival tomorrow. All folks of the capital, civil and military officials, even His Majesty and the Empress will go watch it by theke. Quite a scene...¡± Mu Liufeng was in the mood, so he tried to exin to her, ¡°My family has a pleasure boat on theke. If you are interested, we can take it to have some fun around theke...¡±

    Murong Xue nodded. The original owner of this body had already been weak. So in herst few years, she had been staying in the Falling Snow Pavilion and never had a chance to watch the dragon boat festival, neither had she actually.

    After she came to Qingyan, she was a lot better. So recreational activities like eating zongzi, watching dragon boat race, etc., she would never miss any of them, ¡°What will the dragon boat race begin?¡±

    ¡°Nine to eleven in the morning.¡± said Mu Liufeng smilingly, with his eyes glittering, ¡°I will pick you up then...¡±

    ¡°No, thanks. I can go by myself.¡± Murong Xue shook her head with a smile. Skywatrer Lake was in the city, not very far from her mansion. She could take a carriage.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I should go make some preparations. Suit yourself!¡± Speaking of which, Murong Xue jumped off the tree and walked away along the bluestone road.

    Watching her fade away, the smile on Mu Liufeng¡¯s face froze. Here was the Marquis Mansion. How would he suit himself? She was just making an expulsion order! Having stayed with Ouyang Shaochen for too long, Murong Xue had be a little ck bellied now. Every word she said meant more that the word itself. He who lives with cripples learn to limp!

    But Murong Xue was too young to know anything about rtionship. So Ouyang Shaochen had a long way to go. As ck bellied as he was, he finally met a rival in his life. Life wouldn¡¯t be so easy for him as before! Today he left with anger. See how he would react after seeing Murong Xue tomorrow.

    While Mu Liufeng was still drowning in schadenfreude, it was already the next day.

    After having dinner, Murong Xue took the carriage and went to Skywater Lake.

    Skywater Lake lied in the southwest of the capital. It stretched to the horizon. Seen from afar, it seemed like the water and the sky were united. So people named it Skywater Lake.

    When Murong Xue arrived by theke, it was already parked all kinds of extravagant carriages. Those civil and military officials and their families were talking andughing while walking to theke. Right ahead was a huge tform above theke, in the center of which was ced the seats of the emperor and the empress. Below it was numerous smaller seats for those officials and their families.

    Murong Xue stepped off the carriage and followed the crowd. Suddenly a familiar female voice was heard somewhere, ¡°, Xue¡¯er my cousin, don¡¯t you always like staying at home? What brings you here?¡±

    Murong Xue followed the source of the sound and saw Song Qingyan was walking toward her gracefully and slowly under the support of her maid. She was wearing a plum purple floor-length gown which revealed her hourss figure. On thately face was covered a thickyer of pearl powder, hiding the bruise but not the hatred glittering in her eyes.

    ¡°The dragon boat race is held once a year. I like it, so I am here.¡± said Murong Xue casually and then turned around and kept walking.

    Song Qingyan immediately pulled her face, with only hate in her eyes, thinking, ¡°Bitch! You should feel honored that I talked to you first! How dare you mock me? You are so dead. But today it¡¯s my turn to mock you!¡±

    ¡°Xue¡¯er my cousin, I¡¯m d you cane today. But your seat is not there in the front, but in the southeast session...¡±

    Murong Xue blinked her eyes, then stopped and turned to Song Qingyan, ¡°What do you mean?¡± She was the daughter of the Marquis Mansion. Her seat should be in the front.

    Song Qingyan smiled, ¡°Only those officials in the court and their families have the right to sit in the front. You have cancelled your engagement with Prince Jing, and your only elder brother doesn¡¯t serve in the court. Even if you are the daughter of the Marquis Mansion, you are no family of any official in the court. So of course there¡¯s no seat there for you...¡±

    ¡°Daughter of the Marquis Mansion? Prince Ouyang likes you? So what? You still have no right to sit in the front. This time I finally got you humiliated in front of everyone!¡± thought Song Qingyan...

 Chapter 143 - Dragon Boat Race (2)

    <h4>Chapter 143: Dragon Boat Race (2)</h4>

    ¡°Although my elder brother doesn¡¯t serve in the court, he has seeded to our father¡¯s title and receives grainforrations every month, who could be rendered as the official of the court. Besides, during the Dragon Boat Festivals before, we have always had seats in the front. Why not this year?¡±

    ¡°The officials in the court have increased year by year, while the seats are mostly fixed. They can¡¯t add more. In order to make sure those officials who are really doing things for the country and their families can appreciate the dragon boat race, of course those holdovers would be removed out of the list.¡±

    said Song Qingyan smilingly, with all gloat in her eyes: Murong Ye is just a cob who is having neither civil nor martial virtues. He is not qualified to sit with those meritorious officials at all. It¡¯s already his luck to be delisted till now.

    ¡°Really?¡± said Murong Xue while leering at Song Qingyan, then said word by word, ¡°Qingyan my cousin, you are always staying in your boudoir, how is it possible you are so familiar with things in the court?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because the one who undertakes the dragon boat race is my uncle!¡± Song Qingyan raised her chin, with all arrogance in her eyes.

    Murong Xue raised her head and looked at the high tform. The one who was issuing orders was exactly Du Yi, Song Qingyan¡¯s uncle...

    ¡°My uncle told me there¡¯s no seats for you and Murong Ye there. So you don¡¯t have to go ask for an insult. Go to the stand in the southeast to watch the race...¡± said Song Qingyan arrogantly, with all contempt under her eyes.

    The stand in the southeast was quite small, remote and had bad view. Standing there to watch the race?

    ¡°When others have undertaken the dragon boat race, me and my brother always have our seats, while after Du Yi takes it over, our seats are gone. You are abusing public power for your personal grudge...¡±

    mumbled Murong Xue with a voice that could be heard by those nearby. Then the crowd all turned their heads and sized Song Qingyan up, making her feel quite uneasy. She then plumped out, ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? Your brother is a dandy, ignorant and ipetent, who has never done anything useful for the court, while my second uncle has made great contributions for the country. Shouldn¡¯t you and your bother offer your seats to him?¡±

    Murong Xue was a little stunned. Then she suddenly remembered that Murong Jian and his wife had been away from the capital for ten years, so their seats had already been taken. Now if they wanted to watch the dragon boat race, they had to edge out two people. Instead of edging out officials with lower positions, they snatched her and her brother¡¯s!

    ¡°So this isn¡¯t personal, but a turtledove takes over the nest of a magpie!¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue, watch yournguage!¡± said Song Qingyan angrily, ¡°They are not a turtledove and you are not a magpie! Those two seats belonged to them.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes. His Excellency Murong Jian is noble and dignified who has made great contributions, while my brother is still young, simple-minded, who has been tricked into cockfight, gambling, and nearly the whorehouse. He is a total dandy, who has no right topare with His Excellency Murong Jian at all. Those two seats should belong to him...¡± said Murong Xue tly with kind of unnoticeable ridicule under her eyes...

    The way people looked at her was with all sympathy, parents both gone, no one caring about her, family properties being coveted, elder brother wasted, and she herself was weak and sickly... And now she finally got a chance to watch the dragon boat race at the Skywater Lake, her seat got snatched away...Poor Murong Xue...

    Now Song Qingyan¡¯s attention was all on Murong Xue, so she didn¡¯t notice the crowd¡¯s reaction at all. On seeing her promised¡¯, she said wearing a cocky expression, ¡°You are smart! Not bad, huh?¡±

    Now people allid their eyes with disdain, contempt on Song Qingyan. She and her uncle had snatched things from Song Qingyan, but it looked like Murong Xue was ying the bad. So shameless!

    ¡°Qingyan, what nonsense are you talking about? Ye and Xue¡¯s seats are in the front. I didn¡¯t take them.¡± Du Yi strode towards them, wearing a dreadful expression on that handsome face.

    They had nned to let Murong Jian take Murong Ye¡¯s seat without telling her so as to humiliate her. But Song Qingyan made it known to all! All the officials soon would know they conspired to bully Murong Ye and Murong Xue whose parents had died when they were young. So stupid!

    Song Qingyan was stunned, ¡°But, uncle, you just said...¡±

    ¡°Shut up! I know what I said. You don¡¯t have to remind me!¡± Du Yi cut in while ring at her: It¡¯s good as long as they know themselves. How could she spit it out? Such a good n is screwed up. Frozen stupid!

    Being scolded by different people in one day made Song Qingyan both sad and upset, with her beautiful eyes filled with tears...

    Du Yi just ignored her and turned to Murong Xue, saying smilingly, ¡°Xue, your seat is right over there. Come with me...¡±

    ¡°No, thanks. It¡¯s true me and my brother have done nothing for Qingyan City, while Lord Murong Jian has indeed done a lot. He deserves to sit there. And if he can enjoy the dragon boat race to the full, he could make greater contributions for the country and its civilians...¡± said Murong Xue with sarcastic smiles,

    ¡°You must be kidding...¡± Du Yi forced a smile, thinking: Now Murong Ye and Murong Xue¡¯s seat could be empty or others can take them but not Murong Jian and his wife. Otherwise, it tells people they snatched their seats Murong Xue imed.

    The n of using Murong Jian to rece Murong Ye failed again. It was all Song Qingyan¡¯s fault. That stupid blockhead! Can not do anything right!

    ¡°But if you don¡¯t sit here, where are you gonna watch the dragon boat race?¡±

    Murong Xue looked around. The stand in southeast was too remote. She couldn¡¯t see anything there. So that was a choice, ¡°Where is the pleasure boat of the Duke¡¯s Mansion? Mu Liufeng said I could watch the race on their boat?¡±

    Actually she also didn¡¯t want to be with Murong Xue in the front.

    Du Yi was a little surprised. During the dragon boat race, no personal pleasure boat was allowed to be on theke, but with only a few exceptions. The pleasure boat of the Duke¡¯s Mansion was one of them, which represented His Majesty¡¯s favor and their transcendent status and power!

    Mu Liufeng was the son of the Duke¡¯s Mansion, the future the duke. He usually came and went without a trace. Few people could have a chance to see him. Since when Murong Xue became so close with him?

    With a slice of his white robe flying at the corner of his eyes, Du Yi suddenly came to himself. Then he saw Ouyang Shaochen walked before Murong Xue, looking a little gloomy, held Murong Xue¡¯s wrist and walked away at a quick pace.

    Murong Xue was confused, ¡°Where are you taking me to?¡±

    ¡°A ce where you can watch the dragon boat race!¡± responded Ouyang Shaochen without turning back.

    Murong Xue blinked, asking, ¡°Is it the pleasure boat of the Duke¡¯s Mansion?¡±

 Chapter 144 - Dragon Boat Race (3)

    <h4>Chapter 144: Dragon Boat Race (3)</h4>

    Ouyang Shaochen nced at her, saying grumpily, ¡°Their boat is full...¡±

    ¡°Ah? Then where are we going?¡± asked Murong Xue, confused, which made Ouyang Shaochen simmering with rage. He then dragged her onto a pleasure boat.

    The floor of the boat used rosewood, as smooth as a mirror, which could nearly reflect one¡¯s shadow, the sandalwood boat columns were carved with lifelike phoenix, two beautiful octagonal pcenterns hanging above, rosewood iid printing ss partition looking extremely luxurious, and delicate carving. Absolutely stunning!

    ¡°This is...the pleasure boat of Lord Freedom Mansion?!¡± said Murong Xue with her eyes wide open! She had seen a lot of exquisite and luxurious pleasure boats before, but none of them couldpare with this one!

    Ouyang Shaochen responded with an ¡®hm¡¯ and then paced before the rosewood table, picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea. With the light aroma flying to the high tform, all people¡¯s eyes shone when they smelled it: superior tea!

    It was all jealousy in Murong Xue¡¯s eyes.

    Now Song Qingyan was ring at Murong Xue, with fire nearly ming under her eyes: She thought she could humiliate her by driving her away from the high tform. But now she went on the pleasure boat of Lord Freedom Mansion together with Prince Ouyang!

    Their pleasure boat was close to the high tform but had a broader view, plus no irrelevant people hindering their vision. So they could see clearer there. They could also drink some tea, eat some snacks and zongzi, much morefortable than on the high tform! How could that bitch be so lucky! She was so so pissed off!

    Du Yi now squinted his eyes, thinking, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen seldom shows up before the public. Even those officials rarely see him. How could Murong Xue who has seldom stepped out of her boudoir be so well acquainted with him...¡±

    Du Yi was sizing Murong Xue up with all question marks in his head.

    Murong Xue just ignored them. She took a zongzi, slowly stripped it off, exposing the white sticky rice and red dates. Its exquisite fragrance made one drool. Only with one bite, the sweet taste would suffuse the whole mouth instantly...

    She then said with her eyes shining, ¡°Mm, pretty good. Much tastier than those of our mansion.¡±

    ¡°Then eat more if you like!¡± said Ouyang Shaochen ndly while pushing the whole te of zongzi on the table before her.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± said Murong Xue smilingly. Lord Freedom Mansion used the best ingredients for their zongzi, of course they would be extra delicious...

    Suddenly Gou Feng appeared on the pleasure boat, ¡°My prince, Su Dishi is here.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ouyang Shaochen made a pause of his hand which was stretching out to pick up his tea, with his eyelid down, thinking, ¡°Su Dishi has been ill in bed. How could he get off bed ande to watch the dragon boat race?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go see him. Be right back!¡± said Ouyang Shaochen softly while getting up.

    Su Dishi had ever been his tutor for a few years. Since he was here, of course he should go pay him a visit.

    ¡°OK!¡± Murong Xue nodded, watching Ouyang Shaochen walk down the deck, until he walked out of her sight.

    Ancient people respect their teachers and honor truth. Su Dishi had ever been Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s tutor, of course Ouyang Shaochen should pay him a visit. But Murong Xue felt something not right, so she secretly followed him behind...

    After walking through quite a few boats, Ouyang Shaochen came before Su Dishi, ¡°Teacher!¡±

    Su Dishi was in his sixties, his hair and beard all white, with a light sickly look shown between his brows, but still he looked in good spirits anyway. Looking at the noble and graceful Ouyang Shaochen, he was a little surprised, ¡°You are...Shaochen...¡±

    ¡°You still remember me! You really have a good memory.¡± said Ouyang Shaochen ndly, with his lips curled up slightly.

    Su Dishi stroked his whiskers and smiled, ¡°You are far-famed and has made impressive achievements. No one hasn¡¯t heard about you.¡±

    ¡°You tter me, teacher. How you been recently?¡± asked Ouyang Shaochen softly while looking at him.

    ¡°A lot better, thanks to Nanxiang¡¯s careful coddling...¡± said Su Dishi smilingly, then pulled Su Nanxiang who was standing behind him before Ouyang Shaochen, ¡°This is my granddaughter Nanxiang. You have met before when you were young, remember?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen caught a glimpse of her and said, ¡°Sure. Hi, Miss Su.¡± There was kind of indifference and alienation in his silvery voice.

    ¡°Prince Ouyang!¡± Su Nanxiang bowed to him politely, with her beautiful eyes peeping at Ouyang Shaochen now and then.

    Su Dishi immediately understood what was going on, so he smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯m too old, I can only sit here to enjoy the view. I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t go enjoy the dragon boat race. But I am a little worried about Naxiang if she goes alone. Can you take care of her for me?¡±

    His words made Su Nanxiang blushed. She raised her head and waited for Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s answer expectantly: Actually she came here today, only hoping that she could watch the dragon boat race together with him shoulder by shoulder...

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, teacher, but I have got a date. She is dull and foolish and needs my care. So I¡¯m afraid I have no time and energy to spare on Miss Su.¡±

    On hearing that Ouyang Shaochen turned her down, Su Nanxiang¡¯s delicate face immediately turned pale, with her hands in the sleeves clenched tightly: She brings her grandfather to watch the dragon boat festival, actually she thinks that for the sake that he is Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s tutor, he would not say no and hang out with her...

    But it turned out he was so hardhearted to directly reject her grandfather¡¯s request. He really had gone too far...

    Su Dishi also didn¡¯t expect Ouyang Shaochen would reject him. The kind smile froze on his face, but soon he regained his smile, ¡°It¡¯s OK. since your friend is here, of course you should take care of her...¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your understanding...¡± said Ouyang Shaochen tly, with kind of unnoticeable delight shing in his deep eyes, which made Murong Xue quite unhappy. He had a lot of reasons to reject Su Dishi, but why would he denounce her? Damn Ouyang Shaochen...

    Murong Xue red at Ouyang Shaochen, while Ouyang said ndly, looking at Su Dishi, ¡°The dragon boat race is about to begin. If there¡¯s nothing else, please pardon me.¡±

    ¡°Suit yourself!¡± said Su Dishi smilingly, looking quite kind.

    ¡°Farewell!¡± speaking of which, Ouyang Shaochen turned around and strode away.

    Watching him fade away, Su Nanxiang looked quite anxious. So he just left like that? She even barely said anything with him! How can that be?

    She then turned to Su Dishi, ¡°Grandpa!¡±

    Su Dishi heaved a long sigh, ¡°Nanxiang, you can¡¯t force someone for a rtionship. Since Shaochen has no feelings for you, even if I forced him to stay, the one on his mind would never be you...¡±

    Su Nanxiang gritted her teeth with resent! Ouyang Shaochen didn¡¯t see her because Murong Xue was standing between them. If she could get rid of Murong Xue, Shaochen wouldy his eyes on her then...

 Chapter 145 - Dragon Boat Race (4)

    <strong>Chapter 145: Dragon Boat Race (4)</strong>

    As Ouyang Shaochen wasing near, Murong Xue hurriedly turned around and meant to go back to the pleasure boat without anyone noticing. But only one step and she bumped into someone¡¯s arms. Her nose twitched and her tears nearly spout. She immediately stepped back and opened their distance, saying in haste, ¡°I¡¯m sorry...¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue!¡± A familiar voice came from above. She was stunned. When she raised her head and saw that evil but delicate face, her eyes immediately darkened, ¡°Mu Liufeng, what are you doing here sneakily?¡±

    ¡°Sneakily? I was taking a walk here above board. But you, why did you follow Ouyang Shaochen sneakily?¡± said Mu Liufeng while looking at her with a fake smile.

    ¡°This is none of your concern.¡± Murong Xue said angrily, ¡°What are you doing here instead of staying on your boat and enjoying the dragon boat race?¡±

    ¡°The view on my boat is not as good as here. So Ie.¡± said Mu Liufeng casually, waving the folding fan in his hand now and then, wearing an annoying smile on that evil but still pretty face.

    Murong Xue red at him and said, ¡°Then you enjoy the dragon boat race here yourself. I¡¯m going back.¡± Speaking of which, Murong Xue already passed through Mu Liufeng and walked away. A deliberately prolonged sigh was heard from behind, ¡°But I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Murong Xue stopped, turning back at him, confused.

    ¡°His Majesty and the empress have arrived. You can¡¯t go back.¡± Right after Mu Liufeng said that, a shrill voice specially belonging to the eunuch arouse, ¡°His Majesty is here. Her Empress is here...¡±

    ¡°Long live, Your Mejesty. Long live, Your Empress...¡± All officials, their family members and those civilians by theke all got on their knees and paid their respect.

    Murong Xue could only get down on her knees and salute. She raised her head secretly, seeing that His Majesty wearing the bright yellow dragon robe took the empress¡¯ hand and walked before the honored seat. He tossed the robe tails and took the seat, then scanned those officials below and said with a deep voice, ¡°Rise!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty!¡± Then they all got up and took their seats, peeping at His Majesty now and then.

    It was sunny and cloudless today. When the breeze blew over, it brought the light moisture on the shore, making one feelfortable. His Majesty seemed to be in the mood. He then winked at the eunuch and the eunuch immediately understood. He then moved forward holding the horsetail whisk, shouting loudly to the front, ¡°The dragon boat race starts now!¡±

    Duang! The drumming sound pierced through the clouds. Ten dragon boats lining side by side on theke immediately ran forward like the shooting arrows.

    All dragon boats were willow leaf shape, thin and long, with gs of different colors on the bow to distinguish each other.

    After running for some distance, some dragon boats gradually took the lead while others fell behind. The civilians by theke all cheered for them.

    ¡°Why is the blue dragon boat so slow? Didn¡¯t they have breakfast this morning...¡±

    ¡°And the drummer. Listen to his drums, no power at all, which makes me sleepy. Can¡¯t he use some strength? So stupid...¡± People¡¯s judgment echoed in the sky. Suddenly Murong Xue saw a moon white shadow fly down the high tform, who tipped on the surface of theke and thennded on that blue dragon boat.

    That person pulled the drummer¡¯s cor and threw him aside and directly took the wood drum from him and started to beat the drum hard. The heavy drums pierced into one¡¯s ears and shook one¡¯s heart. Those oarsmen got stimted and the blue dragon boat immediately speeded up...

    Only by beating the drum could that person already stimte the oarsmen¡¯spetitive spirit. That person kind of had the leadership talent.

    Murong Xue smiled while raising her head to look at that person. That person had bushy eyebrows and a pair of big eyes, dark skin, as strong as an iron tower, wearing a moon white long dress looking tight on the body, neither fish nor fowl, with the straw-like hair smoothed into an exquisite moon-shape chignon, like half a watermelon peel pressed on that round head, looking quite hrious.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyelids twitched, ¡°Is it a man or a woman?¡±

    ¡°She is Yuan Fangfei, daughter of the first wife of the General Mansion. You tell me whether she is a man or a woman.¡± Mu Liufeng looked at her with his brows raised, with all teasing in his eyes: Yuan Fangfei is not likedy like her name indicated at all, 175 mm, 75 kg, a total tough ¡®man¡¯.

    Murong Xue was caught in a cold sweat on her forehead. In modern times, she had seen too many masculine women, but they had all behaved themselves well. And their neutral beauty had always stunned a lot of people!

    But this Yuan Fang before her, if she didn¡¯t wear that long dress, and got her hair cut, she was a total rough man, who had nothing to do with neutral beauty at all...

    ¡°Yu Fangfei resembles her father. Many people say she has reincarnated in a wrong way. She should have been a boy who could learn superb kung fu and protect the country...¡± said Mu Liufeng.

    Murong Xue approved, ¡°I think so!¡± With Yuan Fangfei¡¯s face, it was really a little uneptable to wear a dress. If she wore a man¡¯s clothing, especially the armor, she would be mighty!

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that before her. She hates people gossiping about her gender. And she is ill-tempered. So when you see her, you¡¯d better avoid her. If you identally offend her, you are so dead...¡± Mu Liufeng tipped her.

    Murong Xue casually nodded, she and Yuan Fangfei bore no hatred, why would she offend her......

    Looking up to theke, the blue dragon boat was far ahead, from where she came closer and closer towards Murong Xue, suddenly someone pushed her from behind...

    Murong Xue got caught off guard, staggered forward a few steps, directly falling onto the blue dragon boat......

    ¡°Murong Xue!¡± Mu Liufeng freaked out, and tried to stretch out his hand to catch her, but only caught a full hand of air...

    Yuan fangfei stood on the blue dragon boat, looking at the woman who fell off the pleasure boat, sharp eyes narrowed: She fell down at such a critical moment. Such an eyesore! Does she have any idea the blue boat has to stop in case she falls into theke and then the dragon boats behind will catch up? Such an idiot!

    The champion belongs to the blue dragon boat, she will not give up!

    ¡°Get out of here!¡± Yuan Fangfei shouted angrily, and the threw a palm at Murong XUe with all the strength she had...

    Murong Xue was astonished, quickly pulled out the sword around her waist, stabbed at the edge of the boat and jumped away. Yuan Fangfei¡¯s strong internal force brushed a corner of her garment and heavily hit the person behind her, who got blown away four or five meters away ¡®pfff ¡®, spit out a mouthful of blood...

 Chapter 146 - Picking a Fight

    <h4>Chapter 146: Picking a Fight</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Feeling extreme pains under her whole bones like being scattered, she struggled to look up to Murong Xue. Her eyes shing sharp beam of anger seemed to devour Murong Xue alive. This beautiful little face as white as paper was Su Nanxiang, the granddaughter of Di Shi!

    Murong Xue sneered. There were only Mu Liufeng and Su Nanxiang around her. The former bore no animosity for her and stood in front of her left, so the one attempting to push her into the water could only be Su Nanxiang undoubtedly. So, Su Nanxiang¡¯s injury was entirely her own fault. She asked for it.

    Looking at Murong Xue floating above the water unharmed, Yuan Fangfei¡¯s shrewd eyes narrowed sharply. This woman caused trouble to her and even avoided her palm wind to make a fool of her. Yuan Fangfei waved her hand again angrily, letting out a st of sharp strong wind hitting towards Murong Xue relentlessly, ¡°Piss off!¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s keen eyes quickly focused on the attacker. She raised her palm to resist the iing power directly without blinking. Bang! With a loud sound, Murong Xue got blown off by the brute force in a sh.

    However, she stayed unperturbed and quickly went backward borrowing that strength and fell lightly back onto the pleasure boat. A little smile flickered in her dark eyes: ¡°Thanks for your assistance, Miss Yuan!¡±

    Hearing this, Yuan Fangfei¡¯s little dark face suddenly darkened. ¡°How dare you to fool me!¡± She said, gnashing her teeth, hitting the wooden hammer hard on the drum. With her toe applying force to the ground, her strong body instantly flew up in the air. She waved her left and right palms repeatedly, giving off strong palm force towards Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue picked her eyebrows and dodged quickly. The strong force brushed past her dress, and hit on Su Nanxiang behind her heavily.

    Bang! Su Nanxiang got a p on her legs!

    Bang! Su Nanxiang got a p on her abdomen!

    Bang! Su Nanxiang got a p on the chest... The poor Su Nanxiang vomited blood after consecutive battering with her slender body tumbling back quickly, and then hitting the ship¡¯s pir heavily. She gave Murong Xue a hate stare, and fainted with reluctance...

    Seeing Yuan Fangfei not going to stop attacking in the air, Murong Xue blinked and then said jokingly: ¡°Miss Yuan, she will die if you don¡¯t stop!¡±

    Yuan Fangfei took a nce at Su Nanxiang, who was lying on the board, eyes-closed with life and death unknown, a burning anger instantly rising in her eyes. Her palm wind obviously targeted the hateful woman, and finally they all pped toward Su Nanxiang. It must be the wicked woman¡¯s trickery...

    ¡°You fooled me again!¡± Yuan Fangfei said with gnashing teeth, and was about to pounce on Murong Xue.

    While the other side just looked at her lightly and said unhurriedly: ¡°Miss Yuan, if you continue to waste your time on me, the champion of the dragon boat race will be reced!¡±

    Yuan Fangfei paused and looked down, only saw the red dragon boat had caught up with and was about to surpass her blue one. She withdrew her eyes, gave Murong Xue a fierce stare, and then quickly fell back onto the blue dragon boat. She picked up the wooden hammer and beat the drum quickly, and then the blue dragon boat rushed to the finish line like a shooting arrow...

    Looking at the fading Yuan Fangfei, all the people sitting on the high tform watching were stunned. Yuan Fangfei left unexpectedly and failed to beat Murong Xue beyond recognition. This was incredible since people who had offended her would at least be ill in bed for at least two or three months with a pair of broken legs...

    Song Qingyan sat in the crowd and red maliciously at Murong Xue. She offended Yuan Fangfei and was able to get away with it. It seemed that she underestimated this bitch¡¯s ability...

    Mu Liufeng stood on the deck and looked at Su Nanxiang, who was seriously injured and unconscious, then at Murong Xue in good condition, with eyes filled with wonder: ¡°Still waters run deep!¡±

    At first, he was thinking of helping Murong Xue secretly. But it seemed he didn¡¯t need help at all. She skillfully solved Yuan by herself and hurt the victimizer Su Nanxiang. What a smart woman she was...

    Murong Xue nced at Su Nanxiang and snorted contemptuously: ¡°She asked for it!¡± If Su NanxXiang had not pushed her, she would never have fallen off the boat and provoked Yuan Fangfei to cause the injury of Su Nanxiang...

    ¡°Someone! Send Miss Su back to Teacher Dishi¡¯s pleasure boat!¡± Mu Liufeng casually gave themand. Since he was not the attacker, he naturally had no obligation to send her to a doctor. Let Dishi deal with it!

    ¡°Yes!¡± Several maids and nannies came up, carefully lifted up Su Nanxiang and walked away.

    Mu Liufeng¡¯s eyes suddenly sank and his voice dropped. ¡°Su Nanxiang is a vengeful person. She will never let you off easily because you have hurt her badly. You must be careful!¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Murong Xue nodded. Her feud with Su Nanxiang could never be solved overnight. Su Nanxiang was always thinking about how to set her up...

    ¡°The blue dragon boat is the final champion!¡± Warm cheers spread to Murong Xue¡¯s ears, so she looked sideways and saw those dragon boats sessively rushing toward the destination.

    The dragon boat race was originally men¡¯s race and opened no ess to women, let alone for women to win the championship. But all drummers and boaters had automatically ignored Yuan Fangfei¡¯s gender, and surrounded her on the tform!

    Yuan Fangfei walked a few steps quickly to the front of the emperor and bowed to him, ¡°Your majesty!¡±

    ¡°Rise.¡± His Majesty looked at Yuan Fangfei with his sharp eyes and nodded gently, ¡°Well, fabulous. Women are no inferior to men. Now that you won the championship, what reward do you want?¡±

    All eyes immediately focused on Yuan Fangfei. The first ce of Dragon Boat Festival¡¯s annual Dragon Boat Championship would always been rewarded handsomely. Previous champions had asked for gold, silver, jewelry, silk, and granted marriage, which were all satisfied by the Emperor. So people wondered what Yuan Fangfei would ask for.

    Under the gaze of numerous eyes, Yuan Fangfei raised her head to look at the Emperor and said word for word, ¡°Your majesty, I am nock of anything. People want gold, silver, jewelry, silk, but not me. If you insist on rewarding me, please grant me an opportunity,¡± Yuan Fangfei pointed at Murong Xue, ¡°to have a real fight with her.¡±

    The audiences were in uproar when they heard these words. It turned out that Yuan Fangfei did not give up fighting when she returned to the blue dragon boat. Instead, she prepared to teach Murong Xue a hard lesson after winning the championship. This was in line with Yuan Fanfei¡¯s character. Now, everyone was looking forward to the drama right after the Dragon Boat Championship.

    Song Qingyan was numb for a second, and then her eyes shed a bit of concealed ecstasy. She knew Yuan Fangfei could not have let Murong Xue go so easily, Yuan Fangfei was just waiting for the opportunity. At the moment, Song Qingyan was expecting that His Majesty would agree to this request. She could not wait to see Murong Xue¡¯s confounded look after being beaten beyond recognition...

 Chapter 147 - Snake Disaster

    <strong>Chapter 147: Snake Disaster</strong>

    His Majesty raised his head and turned to Murong Xue, with kind of unspeakable light shing in his eyes, ¡°What do you think, Xue?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, I am seriously ill. It¡¯s a little inconvenient to fight.¡± said Murong Xue tly: Yuan Fangfei has a short fuse and enjoys fighting with people. But she is not interested to be her moving target...

    ¡°Stop lying! If you are really seriously ill, you could never have dodged dozens of my palms...¡± Yuan Fangfei interrupted her ruthlessly, with kind of cold light shing in her eyes: Having practiced kung fu for so many years, this is the first time she has been fiddled around. She must kick her ass to vent her anger.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, ¡°That was kind of instinctive reaction for survival. I know my kung fu is not at the same level as you. So I admit defeat...¡±

    ¡°How could you give up before you actually have a real fight? I hate cowards. Take this!¡± Yuan Fangfei gritted her teeth and then tipped on the ground and threw herself at Murong Xue with the long whip in her hand...

    Watching the whiping near, Murong Xue frowned: She doesn¡¯t want to fight Yuan Fangfei, but Yuan Fangfei keeps pushing her. She has no choice now. Since Yuan wants this, she is gonna make her!

    Murong Xue moved a bit and stabbed at Yuan Fangfei without dodging. At that very moment, people could only see a blue shadow and a white shadow getting intertwined together, while the brown long whip and the silvery soft sword weaving together, making one dazzled.

    But how could they already start fighting without His Majesty¡¯s order?

    People all peeped at His Majesty who looked a little surprised but didn¡¯t stop them anyway, which made them much relieved. Then they turned to the pleasure boat in silence.

    .

    Yuan Fangfei had superb kung fu, her moves kept changing unpredictably, while Murong Xue¡¯s moves were quite simple but very effective. In an instant, they had already fought over dozens of moves.

    Watching them locked together, people were all amazed: Yuan Fangfei looked big and tall, like a tower, whose kung fu was also at a superb level. She could even break off a big tree with a whip! Even those strong guards could not take over ten moves from her.

    While Murong Xue was only ady living in her boudoir, weak and sickly. Like that quick dodge just now, she could save her own life. But to meet Yuan Fangfei head on, shouldn¡¯t she be beaten up or get crippled? But now it had been dozens of moves, she still hadn¡¯t shown any sign of losing... This was incredible...

    Mu Liufeng praised her while waving his folding fan now and then. She had inherited everything from uncle Yue. She was worthy to be member of Murong family.

    Now Song Qingyuan looked both startled and angry, and nearly twisted the silk handkerchief in her hands into a Chinese doughnut! Since when had Murong Xue the bitch be so powerful? She even took the upper hand fighting Yuan Fangfei. This was unbearable...

    She neither liked practicing kung fu nor knew anything about it. Otherwise she would have united with Yuan Fangfei to beat up Murong Xue already...

    The raging fire was burning in Song Qingyan¡¯s chest. She pped on the handrail of the chair and felt a soft sense of touch spread into the center of her palm. She was a little surprised and lowered her head, only seeing a light cyan head sticking on her palm, staring at her with its eyes...

    ¡°Ah!¡± Song Qingyan screamed and immediately held back her hand. She then kept retreating with only astonishment in her eyes, shouting, ¡°Snake! There¡¯s a snake!¡±

    On hearing her, all officials and their families looked down on the floor. It was all thin and long water snakes on the ground, on the desks and chairs...¡±Snakes...snakes...snakes...snakes everywhere...¡±

    All the dowagers,dies and misses were screaming, jumping, pushing each other, the whole high tform fell into a mess instantly...

    His Majesty also got up, squinted his sharp eyes while watching the dense water snakes on the ground...

    The eunuch stood in front of His Majesty and screamed while looking at the water snakes crawling towards their direction, ¡°Help! Protect His Majesty...Protect His Majesty...¡±

    The imperial guards immediately ran toward them and circled the emperor and the empress. They pulled out their swords and cut off the attacking water snakes fast. In an instant, snake blood sshed everywhere. The heads and bodies of the snakes were shuttling among the crowd. Everyone was scared to death, screaming, ¡°Help...Ah...Help...Help...¡±

    Murong Xue cast a nce at the messy high tform and said with a cold voice with her eyes narrowed, ¡°Yuan Fangfei, stop! There¡¯s snakes!¡±

    ¡°They are not here. Why bother? Take this!¡± Yuan Fangfei didn¡¯t care about that at all. With her wrist turning over, her long whip aimed at Murong Xue ruthlessly...

    Murong Xue frowned. When she was prepared to throw a kick, whoosh, a light cyan darted between them and bit Yuan Fang¡¯s arm tightly. Pia! Yuan Fangfei fell into theke...

    When Murong Xue was about to check her out, the light cyan water snakes kept pouncing at her. She immediately swayed her sword to chop off those snakes. At that very moment, she saw Yuan Fangfei surfaced. Yuan grasped the snake entangling her arm and directly pulled it into two halves, while cursing, ¡°Damn water snakes. How dare you bite me! Screw you! Screw you!¡±

    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! More and more water snakes swam toward Yuan Fangfei, entangled her arms, waist, legs, chest and neck tightly. Yuan Fangfei tried to pull them off but failed because there were too many of them.

    Her neck got entangled tighter and tighter, while her face turned to dark purple. And the air in her lung became less and less and she could hardly breathe. Things before her eyes became more and more blurry, and she was gradually losing her consciousness, but she still refused to close her eyes: I don¡¯t wanna die. Never...

    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! With the sharp sword qi sweeping by, those water snakes were all cut into halves in a split second. Yuan Fangfei immediately felt the fresh air surging into her lungs. She coughed badly and looked back with gratitude in her eyes.

    It was Murong who was standing at the bow, with the sword in her hand. With that delicate face, nd eyes, and light blue hemline waving along with wind, shepletely became one with the blue sky and green water, which stunned Yuan Fangfei, ¡°You saved me?¡±

    ¡°Cut the crap! More water snakes areing at you. If you wanna live, get on the boat now!¡± said Murong Xue tly while trotting into the cabin.

    Yuan Fangfei turned around and saw tens of water snakes wereing at her as Murong Xue had said. With her mouth twitched, she immediately used all her strength to jump onto the boat. Before she caught her breath, numerous snakes had already crawled onto the boat, making one¡¯s blood freeze...

 Chapter 148 - Indifference

    <h4>Chapter 148: Indifference</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Those thin and long water snakes jumped at Yuan Fangfei and entangled her ankles. Yuan Fangfei immediately pulled out a dagger and swayed it at those snakes. Instantly those snakes were cut into halves and fell into theke, making circles of ripples...

    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Murong Xue was also swaying her sword to chop off those snakes and then kicked them into theke. But more and more snakes kept crawling onto the deck...

    Yuan Fangfei frowned, ¡°More and more snakes are gathering, like we can never kill them all. We have to figure a way out...¡±

    ¡°Have youe up with one?¡± asked Murong Xue randomly while swaying her sword to kill those snakes.

    ¡°No!¡± Yuan Fangfei shook her head desperately. She was most good at fighting the enemies. When she was at a war, she could at leaste up with tens of methods to win. But she had never fought with snakes. She had no idea how to deal with them at all...

    ¡°Ah...¡± The screaming sound pieced through the clouds. Murong Xue raised her head and saw two or three three¨Cto-four-meter-long snakes were crawling onto the high tform and pouncing at those women folks...

    Murong Rou, Madam Zhou and Song Qingyan were also among them, who were retreating backwards with the crowd. Suddenly they missed their steps and fell into theke!

    ¡°Help...Help...¡± Murong Rou couldn¡¯t swim. She was shouting for help while struggling in water.

    ¡°Help...¡±Madam Zhou was also shouting for help with her body floating up and down in the water.

    Song Qingyan had learnt how to swim for a few days, so she knew a bit how to swim. She was struggling in the water, trying to let her head stay above water while quickly scanning around. Suddenly she saw Murong Xue on the pleasure boat. Her eyes shone, ¡°Xue¡¯er my cousin, help me....help me...¡±

    Madam Zhou was stunned. She followed the way Song Qingyan was looking at and saw Murong Xue and the giant pleasure boat. Her eyes also immediately shone with hope, ¡°Murong Xue, row the boat here...¡± One could tell she was ordering Murong Xue through her tone!

    She was still so arrogant while begging others to save her?! Was she out of her mind?

    Murong Xue snorted in her heart and said indifferently, ¡°I¡¯m busy killing those snakes. Don¡¯t have time to row the boat...¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Madam Du got choked by her words. She then stared at Murong Xue, with rage under her eyes.

    Song Qingyan blinked her eyes and immediately cried, ¡°Xue¡¯er my cousin, I am sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have stopped you sitting on the high tform. It was all my fault. I can understand if you don¡¯t save me. But please save my mother and my aunt. They are also your elders. You can¡¯t watch them die without doing anything...¡±

    Now people¡¯s eyes all fell on Murong Xue. They all knew Murong Xue and Song Qingyan were old enemies. Song Qingyan was not right to insult her, but after all she was Murong Xue¡¯s cousin, Murong Rou was her father¡¯s sister, and Madam Zhou was her second uncle¡¯s wife. If Murong Xue transferred her anger on them at such a critical moment, she was too blinkered...

    Murong Xue sneered. So Song Qingyan tried to use the public voice to push her to save them. Well, since they asked for death, she¡¯d make them!

    Murong Xue looked at Song Qingan and said word by word, ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to save you. It¡¯s also very dangerous here on the boat. Are you sure you want toe up?¡±

    ¡°Sure, sure!¡± Song Qingyan, Madam Zhou and Murong Rou all nodded. Could it be more dangerous than in the water?

    ¡°OK. That is your choice. Don¡¯t me me if something happens.¡± said Murong Xue in a deep voice, with kind of imposing expression.

    ¡°Of course not. We will never me you. Pull us onto the boat.¡± they all urged. They thought Murong Xue was just trying to scare them. Of course they wouldn¡¯t buy it.

    ¡°OK!¡± Murong Xue nodded, with kind of weird smile shing on her face. She grasped the brown long whip on the ground and threw it beside Song Qingyan, wrapped it around her slim waist and pulled her up.

    Song Qingyan then squatted on the deck, like a drowned rat, with water dripping. She was breathing deeply and finally felt relieved. She was on the boat now. She wouldn¡¯t get drowned. That was great news!

    After coughing heavily a few times, she felt something soft under her palm when she was trying to loosen up. Besides, the deck under her was also moving...

    Song Qingyan was surprised. She then lowered her head and saw numerous snakes were crawling onto her arms, her waist...That kind of soft but cold feeling made one¡¯s hair stand on end...

    ¡°Ah...Ah...Ah...¡± Song Qingyan screamed and immediately got up. With all snakes on her body, she rushed to the edge of the boat and jumped back into the clearke...

    All kinds of water snakes were entangling Song Qingyan. She was struggling and screaming, but still could not shake them off.

    Murong Rou and Madam Zhou got pop-eyed and then noticed that numerous snakes were crawling onto the pleasure boat where Murong Xue was at. The color of the snakes was quite simr to the boat. Since they far from the boat, plus they were all panicked, they didn¡¯t notice it at all...

    ¡°Aunt Rou, Aunt Zhou, what about I pull you onto the boat?¡± a female voice came from the boat, which made Murong Rou and Madam Zhou chill. When they raised their heads with panic, they saw Murong Xue was trying to throwing the long whip at them on the boat...

    ¡°No, no, we are good here...¡± Madam Zhou shook her head. It were all snakes everywhere on the boat. They would be dead if they got onto the boat. It was safer to stay in water...

    ¡°Come on! I am your niece. How can I watch you die?¡± speaking of which smilingly, Murong Xue was trying to throw the long whip at them.

    Madam Zhou was struggling backwards, screaming, ¡°It¡¯s not that you don¡¯t wanna save us. It¡¯s just we¡¯d rather stay here in the water...Xue, leave us alone please.¡± Atst Madam Zhou already choked with sobs with big teardrops flowing down her cheeks, looking quite pitiful...

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and said slowly, ¡°So you asked for it. You don¡¯t wanna get onto the boat. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to save you.¡±

    ¡°Sure, sure, sure. We choose to stay in water. It¡¯s none of your business...¡± said Madam Zhou hurriedly, with joys in her eyes: So Murong Xue gives up forcing them onto the boat. It¡¯s great!

    Murong Xue responded and took back her whip, with her lips curled up: A drama will be on soon!

    ¡°Mom, aunt, help!¡± A screaming sound was heard from behind. Madam Zhou turned around and saw Song Qingyan get bitten on her arms. Two or three snakes on her arms fell into water and were swimming towards her and Murong Rou...

 Chapter 149 - Using Fire to Burn the Snakes

    <h4>Chapter 149: Using Fire to Burn the Snakes</h4>

    Madam Zhou was panicked and struggled to swim away, with her screaming piecing the sky, ¡°Help...help...¡±

    ¡°Qingyan!¡± Watching Song Qingyan who got badly injured and entangled by the snakes, Murong Xue¡¯s heart was bleeding...She unplugged the hairpin on her head and threw it at Song Qingyan, ¡°Qingyan, take it. Go for the jugulur...¡±

    Song Qingyan got badly injured in her arms. She could only watch the hairpin fly at her and then fall on the head of a snake. The snake shook its head, with dangerous light glittering in its red little eyes. It released Song Qingyan and swam toward Murong Xue who hit it...

    So the snake was...swimming her way!

    Murong Rou was panicked. She waved her hands and tried to swim forward, while the snakes wereing nearer and nearer from behind...

    The snakes were getting closer and nearly got them. Madam Zhou narrowed her eyes, suddenly turned back and kicked at Murong Xue and pushed her to those snakes...

    Murong Rou was surprised. She immediately grasped Madam Zhou¡¯s ancle and said grumpily, ¡°Woman, what are you doing?¡±

    Madam Zhou struggled to get rid of her but failed. She then raised her eyebrows and said to Murong Rou bitterly, ¡°You brought those snakes to us. I just want you to deal with them.¡±

    While she was saying that, she looked quite calm, like she had done nothing guilty at all.

    Murong Rou frowned, ¡°I was trying to save Qingyan, so...¡±

    ¡°You are her mother, of course you have to save her. But I am just her aunt. We have no blood ties. I have to take care of my husband and my son. I can¡¯t die with you and your daughter...¡± Madam Zhou interrupted her with that ruthless voice.

    ¡°So you tried to push us to the snakes, while you can escape?¡± said Murong Rou resentfully, with cold light shing in her eyes, ¡°Zhou, you are so heartless...¡± Their over ten years¡¯ friendship was nothing before her life.

    Madam Zhou snorted, ¡°Murong Rou, no one isn¡¯t selfish. If you were me, you would also make the same choice. So don¡¯t me me.¡±

    ¡°Right. Sacrificing others to protect oneself is the wisest decision.¡± said Murong Rou with her lips curled up. She grabbed Madam Zhou¡¯s ankle and used all the strength to throw her slim body into the snake swarm.

    Numerous snakes entangled Madam Zhou¡¯s arms, waist and neck, biting her ruthlessly with the sharp fangs. The blood immediately reddened theke. Madam Zhou was screaming with fear, ¡°Ah...Help...Help...¡±

    The snakes were everywhere. All people were running for their own lives. No one would risk their lives to save her. She could only shout for help in hell...

    Murong Rou snorted, with a cold smile on her face. She then swam to the bank quickly with all her strength. But suddenly a lot of thick and long giant snakes came out of water and entangled her body, tighter and tighter. She tried to open her mouth and cried for help using that feeble and weak voice, ¡°Help...help...¡±

    Murong Xue looked those two people on the boat, with only contempt in her eyes: They im to be best friends, like real sisters. But when ites to a life or death matter, they immediately fall out and even try to kill each other. So ridiculous! Wait! Where do those big snakes in thekee from? Something isn¡¯t right...

    Whoosh! A thick and long snake crept out of water and entangled Yuan Fangfei¡¯s hand and pulled her into the water...

    ¡°Help...¡± Yuan Fangfei¡¯s weak crying was heard under the water. When Murong Xue was trying to save her, suddenly another big snake crept out of water and tried to entangle Murong Xue...

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes and dodged its pounce. Then the snake immediately swung its tail and hit on Murong Xue¡¯s back. She then got thrown onto the ground. And the snake immediately threw itself at her with its mouth widely open...

    Murong Xue concentrated all his attention, stretched out her hands to grasp the jaws of the snake and tried to use all her strength to break them apart.

    That giant snake then pounced at her delicate face with its tongue hissing. Murong Xue quickly tilted her head and dodged it. Then the snake poked its head onto the deck, then rolled with huge pains.

    When Murong Xue was about to lose its jaws, she suddenly turned over and rode on the back of the giant snake. She then pulled out the hairpin on her head and pierced into the jugulur. The giant snake rolled on the ground because of huge pains and shook Murong Xue off...

    Murong Xue quickly stabilized her body and fell on the boat. Before she kept her feet after backing up for a few steps, the giant snake already threw itself at her again with its big mouth open. Her hairpin was still left in its jugulur, with the blood dripping onto the deck...

    Murong Xue sharpened her eyes and immediately grabbed anything by her side and smashed them at the giant snake. Suddenly when something hit on the snake¡¯s head, some kind of golden liquid spilled all over the body of the snake...

    It¡¯s...oil!

    Murong Xue suddenly remembered people could not only enjoy the sightseeing, but also have meals on the boat. Except zither, chess, tea, snacks, there were also vegetables, meat, oil and flintstone...

    The giant snake was trying to attack again with its mouth ope, Murong Xue grabbed the flintstone beside and threw it at the snake...

    The oil immediately got on fire and burned the giant snake. It rolled and hissed and then fell into the water...

    It thought after getting into the water, there¡¯s a way out? What wishful thinking!

    Murong Xue Sneered and the got all the oil out of the boat and poured it all into theke and immediately nearly half of theke was on fire. Murong Xue then looked up to the high tform and shouted, ¡°I set the fire. Move!¡±

    Those people who got surrounded by the snakes now all turned to her who on standing on the boat, with her nattier blue dress waving in the wind, making her extra beautiful. She flipped the flintstone into thete then. Boom! Everything was on fire! All the snakes were on fire...

    With the zing fire on the surface of theke, the snakes became fewer and fewer. And the way people looked at Murong Xue was all filled with admiration. Burning the snakes with fire! What a genius n! Murong Xue was really smart!

    The emperor¡¯s eyes darkened. And the way he looked at Murong Xue was kind ofplicated...

 Chapter 150 - Punishment and Reward

    <h4>Chapter 150: Punishment and Reward</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Swash¡ª! The imperial guards quickly brandished their swords and cut all the water snakes on the tform into halves. The snake pieces dropped into the fire like tears streaming with red blood streaking crisscrossed the ground, sending chills up to one¡¯s spine...

    Murong Xue was relieved inwardly, finally the water snakes all solved...

    With a huge ¡°boom¡±, a soaring me suddenly rose and a monstrous heat wave came over, pushing Murong Xue staggered back several steps. After standing firm, she looked up and saw the fire on theke spread along the bodies of the water snakes onto the pleasure boat where she was standing. After touching the cooking oil on the deck, the little re grew into towering mes rising and rushed straight towards her like an arrow from the string...

    Murong Xue quickly turned around and ran to the nearby deck. The boat would soon get engulfed by the fire. She must jump to the front tform as fast as possible to keep herself safe...

    The fire was burning up and chasing closer, and was on the verge of burning Murong Xue alive. All of a sudden, a white figure fell from the sky, grabbed her waist and took her up into the air. The fire whooshed throughout the boat, instantly turned it into a sea of fire...

    Whirring wind blew through her ears, and faint ink and bamboo fragrance lingered on the tip of her nose. Murong Xue looked up and saw a beautiful face resembling a picture. She stared at the man, frowning and said, ¡°Where have you been?¡±

    She encountered dangers several times on the boat. If Ouyang Shaochen had been nearby, he would definitely havee to rescue her and would never have waited until now.

    ¡°I had something urgent to deal with, so I went to the riverside to sit for a while. I saw you being chased by the fire soon after I came back...¡± Ouyang Shaochen nced at her, wearing an obvious despising face.

    Murong Xue¡¯s beautiful little face was slightly gloomy. She said sullenly, ¡°How could you me on me? I set fire only to kill those annoying water snakes...¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you just run away after setting the fire? Look at you, just stood there, waiting for the fire toe over, you are really,¡± Ouyang Shaochen gave her a leer with his cool and thin lips gently spitting out a word, ¡°stupid!¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s bright little face darkened instantly and red at him maliciously, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the fire would be so strong. It burned all over the boat relying on the bodies of water snakes floating on the water...¡±

    ¡°Oil is mmable. Such arge pile of oil-stained snakes beside would obviously get the boat ignited. How could you have forgotten about that? Do you have any words for yourself?¡± Ouyang Shaochen raised his eyebrows and looked at her, his eyes full of contempt.

    ¡°You are the stupid!¡± Murong Xue was furious and ruthlessly punched Ouyang Shaochen. After setting the fire, she was ready to leave, but the fire burned so fast that she failed to seize the time to leave...

    Seeing a gust of evil wind striking, Ouyang Shaochen turned sideways deliberately and avoided her attack. He loosened his arm to let Murong Xue fall onto the tform and stagger back three or four steps before she could stand firm.

    Scenting blood, Murong Xue gently frowned and mercilessly stared at Ouyang Shaochen. She looked up to the front, and saw the tables and chairs on the high tform were all cut apart,dies gathered in two or three in shock!

    Even the Empress and the Emperor¡¯s concubines looked pale. They were surrounded by maids and nannies, carefully arranging their hair essories and dresses.

    The Emperor stood in the center of the high tform with his hands at the back. He looked at the burning fire on theke, eyes shing. His thin lips gently sipped, revealing a sense of majesty though showing no anger.

    ¡°Who is the organizer of this dragon boat race?¡± Hearing the cold and dignified inquiry, military and civilian officials all shuddered, looking to the left back...

    All of a sudden, a figure stumbled over, and knelt in front of the Emperor, with his head down, ¡°Your Majesty, this race is hosted by me!¡±

    The Emperor looked down at him and saw the man was wearing the fourth rank official robes. His official hat was slightly askew, his arms and legs were injured, his body was trembling slightly, and his face was pale. It was Du Yi, prefect of Taichang Temple.

    ¡°Look at what you¡¯ve done.¡± The Emperor¡¯s deep voice was enveloped with great anger. Du Yi quivered and said hastily, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your Majesty. I didn¡¯t expect the water snakes would climb onto the tform and attack people...¡±

    Du Yi spent numerous manpower and material resources in order to get the right to organize the race, but he never thought that his dragon boat race would be destroyed by snakes while the passing races were all organized well and pleasing.

    ¡°What a good excuse! Dragon boat races are held on the water. The high tform is also built on the water. Everyone knows there are snakes in the water. Every host would think of preventing insects and snakes. But you¡¯ve done nothing. Of what use are damn you?¡± The Emperor sharply questioned him, with his sharp eyes shing with cold.

    Du Yi¡¯s tall figure trembled violently and he stammered, ¡°I know my mistake, please show mercy, Your Majesty...¡±

    Because of his improper arrangement, the snakes attacked wildly, the Emperor and Empress were both frightened, and civil and military officials as well as the royal families suffered injuries. He was now asking for no increase in official position, only hoping His Majesty would not punish him too severely...

    ¡°Your fault has caused the weak harem frightened, and tens of thousands of people injured. How can I let you off?¡± The Emperor was livid and reprimanded him harshly.

    Du Yi choked on the Emperor¡¯s remarks. At this moment, the Emperor would feel even more offended the more Du Yi pushed off his responsibility. The Emperor¡¯s anger might reduce if Du Yi just admitted his mistake.

    He bit his teeth secretly and said in a low voice, ¡°It was all my fault! I ask for the punishment, Your Majesty.¡±

    Looking at his pious eyes, the Emperor¡¯s face eased slightly, and he then said coldly, ¡°A big mistake was made due to your thoughtlessness. I depose you the position of prefect of Taichang Temple, and demote you as a civilian. For now on, you could never serve the government... Now, go to the Ministry of Punishments to receive the punishment of one hundred spanks!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy!¡± Du Yi kowtowed to the Emperor and breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. He only deposed of his official position and had to receive one hundred spanks, which was so much better than death penalty.

    ¡°What are you still doing here? Be quick to receive your penalty!¡± Hearing the Emperor¡¯s dignified rebuke came from above, Du Yi shook and then hastily said, ¡°Yes, I might be excused.¡±

    Du Yi stood up. When leaving backward step by step, he saw the Emperor turned around from the corner of his eye. The Emperor¡¯s voice was as amiable as ever, ¡°Is Xue hurt?¡±

    Du Yi¡¯s footsteps suddenly paused, Xue? Could it be Murong Xue?

    He looked up quietly and saw a young girl with a bright little face and a delicate body standing opposite the Emperor. It was Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue looked at the Emperor and chuckled, ¡°Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Prince Ouyang came in time, so I was unharmed.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good!¡± The emperor nodded with faint eyes, ¡°Your n of setting fire to burn the water snakes solved the trouble and saved me, the empress, and civil and military officials. To recognize your contribution, you can make a request to me...¡±

 Chapter 151 - Prince Ouyang Got Poisoned

    <strong>Chapter 151: Prince Ouyang Got Poisoned</strong>

    Murong Xue paused, in the past, people who did a deed of merit were all rewarded ording to the Emperor¡¯s preferences. Why was it now that she was the one to make her own demands?

    She nced at Ouyang Shaochen quietly and saw his thick ck eyebrows puckering up. It seemed that he did not understand the situation, either.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shing, and she then lightly said to the Emperor, ¡°Thank you for your recognition, Your Majesty. But Ick nothing, so I ask for nothing...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already granted you a right. If I take back my word, I would be the man without credit.¡± The Emperor looked down from a height at her, with his eyes shing.

    ¡°Well...¡± Murong Xue frowned tightly, ¡°I can¡¯t think of any request for now...¡±

    Looking at her embarrassing face, the Emperor¡¯s lips curved with a graceful radian which disappeared instantly, he then raised his voice, ¡°Then you can make a request to me when you think it over...any request.¡±

    He purposely stressed thest two words, which shocked the Empress, concubines, and all civil and military officials present. The Emperor had given Murong Xue a great promise, she could get whatever she wanted, be it gold, silver, jewelries or power and status...

    In a sh, all gazes mixed with envy, jealousy, nonrecognition, and anger, fell on Murong Xue...

    Murong Xue, however, seemed unmoved, just smiled gently, ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡±

    Her eyes narrowed slightly. The fire she set off did burn many water snakes and saved many civil and military officials and royal families.

    However, the Emperor was generally protected by the imperial guards, who were all skilled in martial arts. Even if she had not set the fire, they could have protected the Emperor from leaving here in good condition. Strictly speaking, she was not the biggest contributor. If the Emperor wanted to give her a reward, some petty favors were enough. How could he make such a big promise?

    In previous years, when dragon boat races were held on the Dragon Boat Festival, only one or two water snakes could be seen at most. This year, thousands of water snakes poured out all of a sudden, which was alsopletely incredible.

    In particr, having disappearing for many years, thoserge, thick and long water snakes at least 10 years old showed up again. Why did they appear today and were crazy about pestering and biting people since this year had no big particrity...

    Were there any hidden facts she did not know?

    Suddenly, a shadow seemed passing by the corner of her eye, she looked up and saw a luxurious pleasure boat floating on theke. A young man was standing at the hatch of the boat. He was dressed in a golden robe and had a handsome and evil appearance. It turned out the man was Prince Qin Haoyan from Mo Bei!

    He looked at the high tform with a faint smile and gently put down the bead curtain. In the sh when the bead curtain hanging down, his eyes turned at Murong Xue, beaming with evil and strange lights. Murong Xue narrowed her eyes, Qin Hao Yan must be scheming something!

    Murong Xue stood on tiptoe, and was ready to get up and go after him. At this moment, a small pale blue snake suddenly jumped out of the water, pouncing on Murong Xue as fast as lightning. With light fishy smell, the small snake¡¯s sharp teeth instantly approached her cheek, she wanted to dodge, but was already toote...

    ¡°Be careful!¡± Ouyang Shaochen grabbed the little snake with lightning speed. The little snake instantly turned into muddy flesh in his sudden sped hands.

    He looked down at Murong Xue with full of concern in his eyes, ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡± Murong Xue shook her head and looked at him with a little nervousness, ¡°How about you?¡± She worried that Ouyang Shaochen would get hurt by the poisonous snake.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine too,¡± said Ouyang Shaochen faintly, his eyes as deep as a pool.

    ¡°Really? Then show me your hand!¡± Murong Xue said softly, reaching for his sleeve. After he killed the little poisonous snake, his hand was covered by the hanging sleeve.

    ¡°Never mind, I¡¯m really fine!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s corners of the mouth bent up a shallow smile, he then casually put his arm behind his back.

    Murong Xue frowned and was about to speak when the tip of her nose suddenly smelled a faint scent of blood, which was obvious mingled with the faint scent of ink and bamboo.

    Her face changed greatly. She then grabbed Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s hand and pulled it to her eyes. There were two deep teeth marks on the back of his jade-like hand, gurgling ck blood, ¡°So you call this fine? You were obviously bitten by a snake and get poisoned.¡±

    At that time, the snake opened its mouth to bite her, but Ouyang Shaochen took it away, so it bit the back of his hand instead...

    Looking at her angry eyes, Ouyang Shaochen forced a gentle smile and said, ¡°I¡¯ve taken the antidote pill, everything will be fine ...¡±

    Before his voice had died away, his lips suddenly turned dark purple, with his corners of the mouth overflowing a wisp of blood and his entire figure slowly falling down...

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen!¡± Murong Xue staggered and reached out to support him. Unexpectedly, Ouyang Shaochen fell on her shoulder, causing her to stumble back several steps before she could keep her feet. The thick blood smell lingered on the tip of her nose. The smell came from therge ck and brown blood stain on the white sleeve of Ouyang Shaochen, which was truly shocking.

    Tears shing in Murong Xue¡¯s pitch-ck eyes, she bowed her head on the back of his hand, quickly sucked out a mouthful of poisonous blood, and spit it onto the ground, dark brown poisonous blood meandering along the floor gap. Seeing this, the Emperor frowned with aplex gaze...

    With the snake toxic sucked out from his body, Ouyang Shaochen coughed a bit and slowly opened his eyes. A slim figure was faintly visible in the dim line of sight.

    A warm touch came from the wound on the back of his hand. He was stunned, his misty sight was instantly clear. He quickly withdrew his injured hand and hid it behind his back. His pupils were like being filled with strong wind and torrential rain, ¡°This is highly toxic. Stop!¡±

    If he had been awake just now, he would never have let her approach his poisoned wound.

    Murong Xue wiped away the poisonous blood from the corners of her mouth and red at him fiercely, ¡°That snake was extremely poisonous. If I did not suck out the poison, you would have been killed! Although the toxic was drew out mostly, but the residual poison in your body was still risky...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t die!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s voice was as beautiful as a harp, his obsidian eyes revealed a faint appalling storm. How could he, the son of Lord Freedom, die of snake venom?

    ¡°Then I will use silver needles to drive out the residual poison!¡± Murong Xue said angrily, took out the silver needle bag. Ouyang Shaochen was very stubborn, and did not want her to approach the wounded hand anymore. No matter what she said, he would resist. So she could only think of other ways.

    Ouyang Shaochen hesitated for a moment and nodded, then said ¡°Okay¡± and slowly stretched out his injured hand.

    Murong Xue revealed a strange smile, opened the silver needle bag, took out all the silver needles, and mercilessly pierced them into Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s acupoints. See what else you could do, you stubborn, bullheaded and loftily man...

 Chapter 152 - Detoxify

    <h4>Chapter 152: Detoxify</h4>

    With the silver needles inserted on the back of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s hand one after another, it made his hand like a hedgehog, with the sharp point of the needles sparkling slightly under the sun, reflecting kind of cold light, making one shiver down the spine.

    But the expression on Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face didn¡¯t change a bit.

    It made Murong Xue feel a little frustrated. So many silver needles on the back of his hand, he didn¡¯t even feel a bit of pains! His endurance was really extraordinary.

    Murong Xue picked up thest silver needle and inserted it into the back of his hand bitterly and said grumpily, ¡°Gou Feng, get me a deck chair.¡± Since all the silver needles were done, it was time to detoxify him. Ouyang Shaochen had to sit up, for her convenience.

    ¡°Yes!¡± said Gou Feng and then moved two chairs to their side, one was a deck chair, and the other amon chair.

    Ouyang Shaochen sat on the deck chair, with his injured hand rested on the armrest randomly. Only such an ordinary move already made him extra charming and noble.

    Murong Xue curled her lips and then sat by his side. She then entwisted the silver needles and said in a deep voice, ¡°Gou Feng, you go check on the water snakes in theke now. I have a feeling there¡¯s something wrong with the snakes!¡±

    The water snakes had been living in the Skywater Lake and never hurt people so many years. But today they came out of water to attack people with no reason. Thousands of them all together, like they were controlled by something...

    Standing behind Ouyang Shaochen, Gou Feng lowered his voice, ¡°I have caught a few of them and sent them to the doctor. The doctor said they took kind of medicine...¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Murong Xue popped her eyes out with surprisement!

    ¡°Yeah, someone sprinkled some kind of medicine into the Skywater Lake. And the snakes would go crazy after taking it and attack people insanely!¡± said Gou Feng, with something shing in his eyes: Actually it¡¯s not a natural disaster but with someone behind it!

    Murong Xue nodded, ¡°Do you know what kind of medicine it is?¡± It was strong enough to control so many snakes. It should be something very poisonous...

    ¡°Urgh...the doctor said he doesn¡¯t know...¡± Gou Feng shook his head. The doctor was a good one, but he could only tell the snakes took some kind of medicine, but didn¡¯t know what it was...

    Murong Xue frowned slightly. If so, it¡¯d make it much harder to smoke out the one behind...

    ¡°There¡¯s a kind of mysterious medicine in Mo Bei called Madness Pill. Whatever kind of animals it is, once they take it, they would go mad. The patricians like using it on all kinds of beasts like leopards, pythons...and then let them fight for fun.¡±

    said Ouyang Shaochen, with his silver fair-sounding voice, which made Murong Xue a little stunned, ¡°So those snakes took the Madness Pills?¡±

    ¡°Quite possible!¡± said Ouyang Shaochen with a low voice, with kind of cold light shing in his eyes.

    Murong Xue looked gloomily, ¡°You mean it¡¯s Qing Haoyan who is behind this?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen didn¡¯t answer her, which kinda meant he approved her guess.

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes: No wonder Qing Haoyan would appear on theke. So he was here for fun. But why would he do this?

    The emperor, the empress and the princes had the imperial guards to protect them. They wouldn¡¯t get hurt a bit. The officials and their female families might get hurt. But since there were thousands of officials in Qingyan Kingdom, losing dozens of their lives would not shake the foundation of the kingdom a bit...

    Wait! She bears the grudge with Qin Yuyan. As Qin Yuyan¡¯s younger brother, he is here to help Qin Yuyan. Is it possible he did all this to deal with her?

    But she is only a fragiledy. Using so many snakes only to get rid of her? Isn¡¯t it like breaking a fly on the wheel?

    ¡°Qin Haoyan is cooking something evil against you. You should be extremely careful when you meet him!¡± said Ouyang Shaochen with a very serious tone, with kind of caring in his eyes.

    Murong Xue nodded, ¡°I know!¡± Qin Haoyan was Qin Yuyan¡¯s younger brother. Even Ouyang Shaochen didn¡¯t tip her, she had already taken precautions against him...

    ¡°Qingyan, Rou!¡± some kind of anxious voice was heard, Murong Xue then raised her head, seeing the guards pulled two persons out of water, whose clothes were already totally wet, clinging on their bodies, faces smoked, as well we their hairpins, earrings, etc.. She could tell they were Murong Rou and Song Qingyan.

    Murong Rou was ina, eyes closed. But her moving chest indicated she was alive.

    Song Qingyan was also ina, with ck blood gurgling out of the wound on the arm, reeking some kind of thick stench smell, making one frown and want to puke.

    Murong Xue blinked: Murong Rou was wrapped by snakes while Song Qingyan got bitten by snakes, and both had been floating in theke on fire for so long but survived! Those two bitches are so lucky...

    Wu¡¯an Marquis Song Tianwen shouted at the high tform while looking at those two with all anxiousness under his eyes, ¡°Imperial doctor...imperial doctor...¡±

    An imperial guard came forward and replied, ¡°The imperial doctor is saving those injured. Please wait a minute, My Lord...¡±

    Song Tianwen caught a glimpse of the dense mass of the crowd in front and frowned. There were only a few imperial doctors while hundreds of injured. God knew when they could finish treating so many people. Qingyan got bitten by the snake and needed immediate treatment, otherwise she might die. What to do?

    While Song Tianwen was burning with anxiety, he nced at Murong Xue randomly and suddenly his eyes shone, ¡°Xue, please save my Qingyan...¡±

    What? Ask her to save Song Qingyan? Did she hear it wrong? Murong Xue popped her eyes out and turned to Song Tianwen little by little with shocking...

    Watching her knitted brows, Song Tianwen suddenly remembered the hatred between her daughter and Murong Xue. He then said in a very serious tone, ¡°Xue, I know you and Qingyan don¡¯t get along. But anyway she is your cousin. You can¡¯t watch her die and do nothing...¡±

    Like father, like daughter! He threatened her to save his daughter, and even with the same reason! She¡¯d definitely never save her if in the mansion. But now under so many pairs of eyes, she was a ¡°good person¡±. How could she be so indifferent? Hehe...

    ¡°My lord, you sure you want me to save her?¡± asked Murong Xue with a fake smile.

    Song Tianwen¡¯s eyelid twitched, and he asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I can only detoxify her but I can do nothing with her injury. I can tell Qingyan my cousin is both poisoned and badly injured. If she dies while I use the silver needles to detoxify for her, don¡¯t me me!¡± said Murong Xu with a crooked smile.

    Murong Rou and Song Qingyan had tried set up traps and framed her so many times. They had already been like water and fire. And they asked for it to end up like this. They deserved it! She¡¯d never be so silly to save them. If Song Tianwen nodded, she¡¯d instantly send them to hell!

 Chapter 153 - Murong Rou Is Pregnant

    <strong>Chapter 153: Murong Rou Is Pregnant</strong>

    Song Tianwen frowned. He threatened Murong Xue, only wanting her to save Qingyan but not to kill her. Since Murong Xue had already dered she couldn¡¯t treat Qingyan¡¯s wounds, he could never let her help, otherwise Qingyan¡¯s life...

    Qingyan was both badly poisoned and wounded. Could she make it through till the imperials doctors treated all the other patients?

    ¡°The imperial doctor is here. The imperial doctor is here...¡± An exciting screaming sound interrupted Song Tianwen¡¯s thinking. He raised his head and saw an imperial doctor about 40 years old walking to them.

    He then immediately ran to the imperial doctor and bowed to him, ¡°Doctor Li, both my wife and daughter are severely injured and in aa. Please treat them...¡±

    ¡°My lord, you¡¯re too modest!¡± said imperial doctor Li smilingly. He then took big strides and came before Song Qingyan. He tucked up his robe, squatted down and put two fingers against her pulse.

    Feeling her pulses beating weak and light, imperial doctor Li frowned. He took out the silver needles and gave Song Qingyan an acupuncture treatment. With the ck poisoned blood slowly shedding from her wound, Song Qingyan¡¯s dark purple lips gradually went back to normal...

    Qingyan is cured!

    Song Tianwen now felt much relieved. He then nced at Murong Xue who was lying beside Qingyan. He took off his robe and covered Muroug Rou¡¯s body...

    The robe was warm, plus it had his unique masculine smell, which warmed Muroug Rou¡¯s cold body. She then gradually came to herself. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at Song Tianwen¡¯s charming face, saying in a weeping voice, ¡°Tianwen!¡±

    ¡°You wake up!¡± said Song Tianwen tly.

    ¡°Hm!¡± Murong Rou nodded and tried to sit up with the support of her hands.

    ¡°Be careful!¡± Song Tianwen moved forward and helped her slowly sit up, ¡°You¡¯re badly injured. You should lie in there...¡±

    ¡°Tianwen!¡± Murong Rou stretched out her hand and held his neck, with joyful tears streaming down her face. When she was in aa, actually she kind of heard Tianwen in snatches. In order to save them, he threatened Murong Xue, begged imperial doctor Li. So he still cared about her!

    Actually she also cared about him. After all they had been married over ten years. Murong Xue set up a trap to make her lose her virginity. Tianwen was extremely angry so he imed to divorce her. But now he had cooled down. Maybe she could try to get close to him and win him back...

    She wanted to be the first wife of Wu¡¯an Marquis everyone was jealous of and grow old together with Tianwen happily...

    Murong Rou was longing for the beautiful life in the future, with her lips curled up. She then buried herself in Song Tianwen¡¯s arms, tears wetting arge part of his long robe. That kind of slimy feeling really made him uneasy.

    Song Tianwen frowned. He held Murong Rou¡¯s arms and tried to hold her up without a trace. Pity that Murong Rou held him too tight. He just couldn¡¯t, however hard he tried...

    Song Tianwen became a bit impatient. And when he tried to use force, a familiar male voice was heard from behind, ¡°Eh-hem...My lord, Miss Song has been detoxified and she is in a stable state now. I mean, does Mrs. Song still need the treatment?¡±

    Murong Rou was startled. She suddenly remembered they were on the high tform, surrounded by the crowd. So the intimacy of her and Tianwen was all seen...

    She immediately took back her hands from Song Tianwen¡¯s body, lowered her head, face bloody blushing...

    While Song Tianwen looked still ndly. He looked at her casually and then stood up slowly, ¡°Please, doctor Li.¡±

    ¡°My honor, my lord.¡± said imperial doctor Li smilingly. Then he moved before Murong Rou, put his finger against her wrist and felt another pulse within her pulse. He was a little surprised, thinking he might make a mistake. So he concentrated himself and felt her pulse again. But still another pulse was felt within her pulse, light and weak. Imperial doctor Li nodded while smiling, ¡°Congrattions, My Lord. Madam Song is pregnant...¡±

    His words were like a bomb, making both Song Tianwen and Murong Rou drop their jaws: What...wait...Pregnant?

    Murong Xue was also surprised with her eyes wide open, with all gloat in her eyes: Murong Rou is pregnant now? Then who is its father?

    ¡°How long has she been pregnant?¡± Song Tianwen also thought of this and asked in a deep voice, with kind of suspiciousness in his eyes.

    After carefully feeling her pulses for some time, imperial doctor Li said tly, ¡°Nearly a month.¡±

    Murong Xue blinked, thinking, ¡°It¡¯s been over twenty days since Murong Rou and Xu Wen had an affair. After that, she has been staying the Marquis Mansion and never met Song Tianwen, let alone sleeping with him. And before that, Murong Rou has been in prison for 20 days. So all in all, she hasn¡¯t been with Song Tianwen for over forty days. But she is pregnant less than a month...Of course her baby should never be Song Tianwen¡¯s, but Xu Wen¡¯s bastard...

    ¡°Thank you, doctor Li!¡± Song Wentian threw these words behind grim-faced, and then strode away without even turning back.

    ¡°Tianwen!¡± Murong Rou¡¯s heart was broken. She struggled to get on her feet and tried to catch up with him: So many years she has been hoping she could get pregnant. But what was beyond her expectation was the day she knows she is pregnant is the most shameful day in her life...

    Watching them two quickly walk away, imperial doctor Li was totally confused. Shouldn¡¯t it be a happy thing that the first wife got pregnant? But why did both of them look kind of upset...

    Murong Xue blinked, pulled out the silver needles on the back of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s hand, and dragged him to run, ¡°Come on. Hurry! Let¡¯s go watch the drama!¡±

    Looking at her exciting delicate face, Ouyang Shaochen was kind of confused, ¡°It¡¯s just Murong Rou has an affair and has someone else¡¯s baby. What¡¯s the fuss?¡±

    Murong Xue looked sullenly, ¡°Actually I set her up to have an affair. Murong Rou must be extremely angry now. So she will try everything she can for Song Tianwen¡¯s forgiveness.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes darkened, and he said tly, ¡°It¡¯s true Murong Rou is smart, but Song Tianwen ain¡¯t no fool. He wouldn¡¯t bear getting cuckolded and help the adulterer to raise his kid!¡±

    ¡°So I follow them to see how they are gonna solve this problem.¡± Murong Xue smirked and pushed Ouyang Shaochen, ¡°Come on. Hurry! Or we¡¯ll miss the most wonderful part...¡±

    Looking at her glittering eyes, Ouyang Shaochen sighed in his heart and could only go with her.

    A pile of luxurious carriages were parked by the Skywater Lake. Song Tianwen strode before one of them. When he pulled the curtain aside and was about to get on, Murong Rou caught up and grabbed his sleeve, begging him, ¡°Tianwen, listen to me. I can exin...Please...¡±

 Chapter 154 - Song Tianwen Keeps a Mistress

    <strong>Chapter 154: Song Tianwen Keeps a Mistress</strong>

    ¡°What are you trying to exin? Losing your virginity? Or pregnant with someone else¡¯s kid?¡± Song Tianwei looked at her bitterly, with cold light shing in his eyes.

    ¡°I...¡± Murong Rou got choked by his questions, with tears popping out her eyes, ¡°Tianwen, I have never meant to get you cuckolded. I got set up...¡±

    ¡°I know! So what? The truth is you have lost your virginity and is pregnant with a bastard. Whether it¡¯s out of your will or not, does it make any difference?¡± Song Tianwen looked at her contemptuously!

    Murong Rou¡¯s face immediately turned ghostly pale. Yeah, whatsoever, she had lost her virginity. But she really didn¡¯t want to part with her beloved husband and daughter...

    ¡°Can you give me another chance?¡± asked Murong Rou with a sobbing tone.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± asked Song Tianwen ndly: As the Wu¡¯an marquis, how could he let a woman who has lost her virginity to someone else and is pregnant with a bastard be the first wife? So funny! There¡¯re so many virgins out there...

    ¡°I can have an abortion...I won¡¯t let you humiliated...And I don¡¯t mind if you want a concubine...to carry on your family line...¡± Murong Rou promised incoherently, with all expectations in her eyes, while her heart was bleeding: After the abortion, she had to rest at least for one or two years. So she could not get pregnant in a short time. She could only let another woman have a baby with Tianwei, which means, from now on, she has to share his Tianwen with another woman...¡±

    ¡°But a concubine¡¯s son could only be a bastard...I want a son with my first wife...¡± Song Tianwen interrupted her, with cold light in his eyes.

    ¡°Well...then you can marry a wife, then she can still have a legitimate son for you...¡± Murong Rou tried to figure it out for him. But her non-stop nagging made Song Tianwen annoyed. He then shouted, ¡°Murong Rou, don¡¯t you get what I mean? I want a divorce...¡±

    Murong Rou¡¯s body shook. She looked at him, with tears gushing out of her eyes, ¡°Tianwen, we have been married for over ten years, and I tried all my best to maintain the whole mansion in order. You know that¡¯s best years in my life. And I was set up to make the only mistake in my life. Can¡¯t you give me a chance?¡±

    ¡°I may forgive you if it¡¯s something else. But now you carry a baby of that son of bitch and get me cuckolded. How can I let it go? I tried to save your face not to expose you and Xu Wen¡¯s affair in front of everyone. That¡¯s the most I can do...¡±

    With Song Tianwen¡¯s rebukeing to her ears, Murong Rou¡¯s heart was bleeding and then she copsed to the ground: No man could bear his own wife loses the virginity to another man and even is pregnant with that man. She can understand if Tianwan wants to divorce her. But she really loves Tianwen. She can¡¯t afford to leave him. She doesn¡¯t want to give up on him!

    With tears in her eyes, when Murong Rou was about to say something, a kid¡¯s voice cut in, ¡°Daddy...daddy...¡±

    The silvery kid¡¯s voice made one¡¯s heart melting. Murong Rou followed the sound and saw a 7 or 8 years old boy run here, who opened his little arms at Song Tianwen, with his expensive royalblue robe fluttering in the air.

    The coldness in Song Tianwen¡¯s eyes was totally gone. Instead, he put on a gentle smile he rarely had. He bent over to hold this soft boy up, and tapped the tip of his nose, pretending to be angry, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to stay at home? What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I miss you, daddy. So Ie here to see you!¡± The little boy held Song Tianwen¡¯s neck, making his heart melting on seeing the little boy¡¯s cute face.

    Song Tian pinched his little nose and pretended to scold him, ¡°It¡¯s dangerous out here. How can youe alone?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯te myself. Ie with mommy.¡± the little boy grinned when he turned around. In the way he looked at came a young woman wearing a violet long dress walking toward them. She was about 24 or 25 years old, with a beautiful face and slim but hour-ss figure making one hard to forget.

    The woman hurriedly came before Song Tianwen and asked hastily, ¡°Xiaobai kept nagging, asking me to bring him to see you. I meant to bring him to look at you from a distance. But he ran here himself. Do we trouble you?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s OK!¡± Song Tianwen smiled gently. He then stretched out a hand to hold that young woman¡¯s shoulder. The three of them made a perfect scene.

    Murong Rou was stunned. Looking at this family of three who totally ignored everyone on site, she asked with a shocking and unbelieving tone, ¡°Tian...Tianwen...what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Where does such a big sone from?

    Hearing her questioning, Song Tianwen suddenly came to himself. He turned around and saw the stoned Murong Rou. He looked a bit unnatural and said in a low voice, ¡°I guess I should be frank with you now. As you see, Jing¡¯er is my kept woman. And Xiaobai is our son...¡±

    Murong Rou felt like her head was bombing His husband who only loved him even wouldn¡¯t take a concubine because of her. Now he had a mistress and even a son behind her back...

    Murong Rou¡¯s strength was taken outpletely, copsed on the ground, asking Song Tianwen with hatred: ¡°how long have you been together?¡±

    ¡°Eight or nine years...¡±Song Tianwen answered softly, his eyes looking quite calm: every man from a noble family has at least three wives and four concubines, while he only has a wife. Even he has a mistress, people would criticize about that.

    Murong Rou smiled coldly, with kind of irony, they had been married only thirteen years, and he actually had kept the mistress for 8 or 9 years. She had always thought she married a devoted husband.

    ¡°you insist on divorcing me, only to marry her?¡¯Murong Rou gnashed her teeth, eyes burning raging anger.

    ¡°Not all.¡± Song Tanwen gently shook his head, Murong Rou was his first wife. If she did not lose her virginity, he was very happy to let her lead the whole mansion, but she had a scandal, getting him cuckolded, he could only divorce her.

    As for Jing¡¯er and Bai, he was looking for an opportunity to bring into the mansion, and give them their identities. He was also ready to divorce Murong Rou.

    He was already over 30 years old, and he really needed a legitimate son!

    ¡°Rou, you are not young, so you need to have your own children to apany you. So you¡¯d better keep the baby. Wouldn¡¯t it be nice for you to marry Xu Wen as a step wife and raise your child together?¡±

 Chapter 155 - Song Tian Wen to Divorce His Wife

    <h4>Chapter 155: Song Tian Wen to Divorce His Wife</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Ah, so this is your n?¡± Murong Rou looked at Song Tianwen and her eyes filled with scorn. He married his beloved Jing¡¯er and they loved each other. While he still did not forget to find a marriage for his ex-wife, forcing her and Xu Wen together without asking her wishes. What a ¡®sympathetic and righteous¡¯ man!

    ¡°Rou, I¡¯m doing this for your own good...¡± Song Tianwen looked at her with sincerity in his eyes: After all, she was already over 30 and with a pregnancy. No noble princes or aristocrats in the capital city will marry her as a wife. To marry Xu Wen was her best choice!

    Murong Rouughed sarcastically. If he was really for her good, he should let her stay in Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion to be the first wife instead of divorcing her and letting her marry as the step wife with a county governor who had no talent, no appearance and no status...

    Looking at her furious eyes, Song Tianwen knew that she did not agree with his suggestion and sighed softly, ¡°Rou, we¡¯ve already had a rift, and it¡¯s impossible to be like before. You and I have been husband and wife for so many years. Let¡¯s break up peacefully. Tomorrow I will write a divorce paper to clear up our rtionship...¡±

    Murong Rou suddenly looked up at Song Tianwen, with her eyes burning with rage. Gnashing her teeth, she said, ¡°The one-month agreement has not yet expired...¡±

    Song Tianwen was careless about it, ¡°There are few days left. We will separate our ways after all. A few days earlier orter makes no difference...¡±

    How ironic! He was so eager to divorce her and marry someone else!

    She had lived here for more than a decade and had been in charge of the whole family matters for several decades. The mansion that she could have entered and left at will would drive her out tomorrow and be a ce beyond her reach. What a great irony...

    Her dark eyes glistened with tears, and her thin body slumped in the wind, looking so lonely and sad.

    Song Tianwen¡¯s eyes shed a trace of sympathy and sighed heavily, ¡°This is not what you and I wanted, but what we have no choice. You were tricked by Murong Xue to lose a woman¡¯s most precious thing.¡±

    Murong Xue and she were to me. Who let them fight secretly? He had no choice but to divorce his wife all because of the aftermath of the two women¡¯s infighting.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too sad, take good care of yourself, as for Qingyan, she is still the legitimate daughter of the Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion. Jing¡¯er and I will never let her ill-treated. Whenever you miss her, you cane here to see her...¡±

    Jing¡¯er¡¯s eyes shed, then she continued his words smilingly, ¡°Yes, sister, please rest assured, I will definitely take Qingyan as my own daughter, take good care of her and love her...¡±

    Well, this woman had already put on an appearance of the first wife before she married to the marquis! What a strong adaptability! Like sharp arrows, Murong Xue¡¯s cold eyes relentlessly red toward Jing¡¯er!

    Jing¡¯er¡¯s slender body shuddered as if she heard a loud bang, and she forced herself toward Song Tianwen¡¯s arms with her clear eyes glistening like a startled deer, ¡°Honey...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, it¡¯s all right.¡± Song Tianwenforted her softly, took her by the shoulder, held her tightly in his arms, and then looked at Murong Rou coldly, ¡°It¡¯s settled then. Come here tomorrow morning to get the divorce paper!¡±

    In fact, it was no matter whether she came or not. Song Tianwen would order the servant to send the divorce paper and half of the dowry back to the Marquis Mansion anyway. He would definitely divorce his wedded wife who lost her virginity, conceived a bastard and even threatened Jing¡¯er!

    Murong Rou fell to the ground with a pair of dull eyes, and speechless!

    Jinger¡¯s mouth curved with a triumphant radian and it disappeared in an instant. When seeing a group ofdies walking out of the tform and slowlying up, she quickly reached out to pick up the little boy besides, ¡°Husband, someone ising. We should go!¡±

    ncing at the women who were getting closer, Song Tianwen did not panic. Holding the little boy in his arms, he naturally walked forward, ¡°I¡¯ll go back with you!¡±

    The little boy was dazed, ¡°Is dading home with us?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Song Tianwenn nodded, pinched the little boy¡¯s chubby face and said smilingly, ¡°Daddy will be with you all the time today. Are you happy now?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Mom made a lot of delicious food, just waiting for dad...¡± The little boy pped happily with joy and excitement.

    A twinge of guilt revealed in Song Tianwen¡¯s eyes. He was Wu¡¯an Marquis with a wedded wife, so he spent all the holidays in the mansion and with family members and seldom set foot in Jing¡¯er and Xiaobai¡¯s home. He only went to them asionally in his spare time, ¡°Darling, I know you and Xiaobai are suffering over these years.¡±

    ¡°She would not feel suffering as long as she can be with her husband...¡± She said slowly with her eyes full of firmness.

    Song Tian Wen¡¯s guilt grew stronger in his eyes. He sped Jinger¡¯s hand and solemnly promised, ¡°After I divorce her, we will choose an auspicious day as soon as possible to marry you into the mansion...¡±

    ¡°Mmm!¡± Jinger nodded. Her little face was full of the gloss of sunset glow and a little pride in her eyes. For all these years, she had been expecting that the duke would bring her back to Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion to be a concubine. Unexpectedly, her dream came true and married to him as the step wife. What a pleasant surprise....

    Seeing her happy, Song Tianwen¡¯s eyes were also tinged with smiles. He gently squeezed the little boy¡¯s cheek and said, ¡°Soon, Xiaobai will be able to return new home and live with dad and mom, and they would not be separated. Is Xiaobai happy?¡±

    ¡°Really? Great...¡± The little boy was so happy and glowing that he around Song Tianwen¡¯s neck in one hand and Jinger¡¯s in the other. He smiled so hard making people could not see his eyes but only his teeth.

    Song Tianwen¡¯s eyes shed with favor and smile. The three of them walked away, leaving Murong Rou alone slumping on the cold ground.

    She looked at the three close family members,ughing wildly and shaking her voice to the skies, ¡°Hahaha!¡±

    This was the good husband she picking out from thousands of choices. In front of his wedded wife, he showed loving care to another woman and even gave a birth to an illegitimate child of seven or eight years old. The deep attachment and absolute loyalty between husband and wife, all of which were bullshit! For more than ten years, she had been living in the lies and deceit of Song Tianwen...

    When she was framed, he just stood idle, and even divorced her afterwards. Before writing the divorce paper, he had already found a second wife! This was really a great irony. Their love for more than ten years was actually not worth a dump in his heart...

    Murong Xue stood behind a luxurious carriage and looked at the three who were gradually walking away. Then she looked at Murong Rou who copsed to the ground, and gently raised her eyebrows. ¡°Surprisingly, the sanctimonious man had a mistress outside and gave birth to an illegitimate child. It seemed not all glitters was gold. Murong Rou suffered hard blows this time...¡±

 Chapter 156 - Feeding

    <strong>Chapter 156: Feeding</strong>

    Having been married for so many years, Murong Rou had always put her husband on her heart. She never expected that when something happened to her, her husband¡¯s mistress and their 7 or 8 years old bastard had appeared right in her face, which was a great blow to her. Now that woman even tried to grab her position as the first wife of Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion. Misfortunes nevere singly!

    Ouyang Shaochen nced at Murong Rou and said tly, ¡°Do you think she¡¯ll just wait to be divorced?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so!¡± Murong Xue shook her head, thinking: Murong Rou isn¡¯t such a weak woman. She wouldn¡¯t give up like this. But now Murong Rou is copsing on the ground like losing her soul. No one could tell what she is thinking...

    Suddenly a kind of sticky feeling was felt from her finger pulp. Murong Xue was a little confused and lowered her head, only seeing that the two deep wounds the snake left on Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s back of his fairy hand was bleeding...

    He was in a hurry to run for the drama but forgot to dress her wound after getting him detoxified...

    There¡¯s kind of tear-like thing shing in Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. She then pulled out a silk hanky and quickly but softly wiped off the blood.

    Looking at her guilty eyes, Ouyang Shaochen put on a gentle smile and said softly, ¡°Just a small wound. Nothing serious. Just wipe it off slowly. No hurry.¡±

    Murong Xue responded and wiped clean of his hand, then she took out a small bottle of vulnerary and smeared carefully on the wound. With her gentle rubbing, the vulnerary gradually permeated into the skin, cool, and the sharp pains were gradually gone.

    Murong Xue stood under the sun, fair-skinned, with beautiful little face, big and watery eyes, cherry lips! What a wonderful creature!

    Ouyang Shaochen subconsciously lowered his face and slowly put his thin lips against her pinky lips...

    ¡°Murong Xue!¡± A rough voice was suddenly heard. Ouyang Shaochen was startled and moved a bit away from Murong Xue, looking a bit upset. She really came at the wrong time.

    Murong Xue and Ouyang Shaochen stood shoulder by shoulder. So no one saw what they did. They followed the voice and saw Yuan Fangfei was slowly walking towards them under the support of two nannies. Her face was kind of pale and she kind of staggered, with her arm bandaged, through which one could tell she was badly injured.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Murong Xue looked at her ndly: As weak as Murong Rou and Song Qingyan were, they would still save their assess in the big fire, let alone the strong Yuan Fangfei.

    ¡°Well...thank you for saving my life. I will keep this in my heart for my whole life. If you need me some day, juste to me.¡± said Yuan Fangfei heroically.

    Murong Xue curled up her lips, ¡°OK!¡± Whether she would really need Yuan Fangfei¡¯s favor someday, she already epted her gratitude.

    ¡°Then I¡¯m gonna go. Remember toe to me...¡± After repeating that, Yuan Fangfei slowly walked to a horse not far away.

    ¡°Hm!¡± Murong Xue nodded and watched Yuan Fangfei jump onto the horse and leave. She then put away the vulnerary and took out a new white hanky and banded up Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s wound on the back of his hand.

    ¡°Murong Rou is about to leave!¡± a silvery voice was heard, and then Murong Rou raised her head and saw Murong Rou struggle to get up and stumbled towards her luxurious carriage, looking quite confounded.

    With those nobledies and their daughters walk over, they would overthink things if Murong Rou kept copsing on the ground. So leaving was the wisest choice.

    It was already 17, so Murong Xue said, ¡°We should go.¡±

    ¡°Hm!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded, held Murong Xue¡¯s hand and got on to the carriage of Lord Freedom Mansion.

    Inside the luxurious carriage wasid the velvet nket, warm and soft, veryfortable. In the middle was a sandalwood table, on which was a snack box. The fragrant smell was overflowing, making one drool.

    Murong Xue also felt very hungry on smelling it. And she remembered she didn¡¯t have lunch at all.

    After opening the food box, she saw there were two bowls of congee, two bowls of rice and a few hot delicacies.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were shining. She took out the food at the fastest speed and put them on the table and raised her voice, ¡°Shaochen, it¡¯ste. Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    ¡°OK!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded. He then picked some dishes from the te with his chopsticks but immediately it fell.

    ¡°Shaochen, are you OK?¡± asked Murong Xue while looking at him, confused.

    ¡°My hand, you know. I have no strength to use chopsticks...¡± said Ouyang Shaochen tly. He then put down his bow and chopsticks, wearing that innocent face, like he had no ability to eat food.

    ¡°Prince Ouyang, but your left hand is all good, besides, there¡¯s a spoon here!¡± Murong Xue tipped him smilingly. Even if he couldn¡¯t use chopsticks with his left hand, at least he could use a spoon.

    ¡°But the snake poison is too strong. I can¡¯t feel my left hand...¡± said Ouyang Shaochen tly, looking a little frustrated.

    ¡°So you even had no strength to use a spoon?¡± Murong Xue frowned while looking at him confused.

    ¡°No!¡± Ouyang Shaochen shook his head, ¡°My hands were both like paralyzed. It¡¯s like they are not mine...¡±

    The snake poison inside his body was mostly cleared. So at least it should be his right hand feeling paralyzed. How could his left hand also feel nothing...Is it possible...

    Murong Xue suddenly understood what was going on. So she gazed at Ouyang Shaochen, ¡°Since you can not use neither of your hand, how are you gonna eat?¡±

    ¡°Just temporarily. I can use them when I can feel them.¡± said Ouyang Shaochen ndly.

    ¡°Since the snake poison is so strong, when your hands regain the strength...¡±asked Murong Xue, with a faking smile.

    Ouyang Shaochen just ignored her question, ¡°It won¡¯t take long. I can hold it without having one or two meals anyway.¡±

    Murong Xue shook her head, ¡°Bread is the staff of life. And you are the noble prince, how can you starve? If you don¡¯t mind, what about I feed you?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen immediately wore an unnoticeable smile, and then turned to Murong Xue, ¡°Urgh...isn¡¯t it bothering you?¡±

 Chapter 157 - Setup

    <h4>Chapter 157: Setup</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°You got injured because for me. Of course I should take care of you. How would it bother me?¡± said Murong Xue smilingly. And then she picked up a bowl of rice and squeezed a full spoonful into his mouth...

    The fragrant and soft rice immediately suffused his whole month, as much as that he couldn¡¯t even chew it. Ouyang Shaochen frowned and hurriedly tipped her, ¡°This is not the right way to feed...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Prince Ouyang. I am a clumsy person. I can only feed you this way. So just bear with it!¡± said Murong Xue with a faking smile, and then squeezed another full spoon of rice into his mouth...

    His cheeks got all bulged out. Looking at her, Ouyang Shaochen protested mumbled, ¡°But I hadn¡¯t finished the first spoon...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m only responsible for feeding. Whether you finish it or not is your thing.¡± said Murong Xue smilingly. And then she squeezed another full spoon of rice into his mouth, wearing kind of teasing smile.

    Since Ouyang Shaochen wanted her to feed him, she¡¯d do as he told her. But she¡¯d feed him in her special way and see if he has the guts to ask her to feed him again...

    ¡°My prince, Miss Murong, Murong Rou turns a corner. It seems she doesn¡¯t n to go back to the Marquis Mansion.¡± Gou Xun reported to them from outside.

    Murong Xue was a little surprised, ¡°Really?¡± She then put down the bowl and chopsticks and finished ¡°abusing¡± Ouyang Shaochen. She pushed the curtain aside and saw Murong Rou¡¯s carriage turn into a valley, at the end of which was piles of unacquainted houses...

    Where is Murong Rou going?

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes, ¡°Follow her.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± answered Gou Fen.

    The carriage was moving in the valley neither too fast nor too slow, keeping a safe distance with Murong Rou¡¯s carriage, so they would neither lose her nor rm her.

    After about half an hour, Murong Rou¡¯s carriage stopped before a mansion. She pushed the curtain aside and cast a nce at the que above the gate, and the walked in with an unnoticeable smile on her face.

    What is this ce? What is Murong Rou doing here?

    Murong Xue frowned. She hopped off the carriage and walked slowly before the mansion. After looking around to make sure no one was around, she jumped onto the wall and secretly watched what was going on inside.

    First she saw a beautiful garden with all kinds of flowers, beside of which was a rockery, with nts interspersed among, looking quite refined.

    Before the rockery was an octagonal pavilion, in the middle of which was a big rosewood table with all kinds of snacks, like zongzi, ck rice pastries, walnut sweet cakes, and jujube paste cakes.

    Song Tianwen, Jing¡¯er and Bai were sitting around the table, enjoying those snacks. They were feeding each other happily, making one really jealous.

    So this was the ce where Song Tianwen hid his mistress. This ce was remote and located in a secret ce. No wonder no one had ever found it all these years. But since Murong Rou had already known that Song Tianwen had a mistress and even a bastard, what was she doing here?

    While she was still thinking, a familiar female sound was heard, ¡°Tianwen!¡±

    Murong Xue followed the sound and saw Murong Rou walking before the garden gracefully. Her slim body looking weak and feeble, face ghastly pale, and tears in that pair of big and ck eyes, making one feel pitiful for her.

    Jing¡¯er shivered on hearing her. She then held up Bai and hid behind Song Tianwen.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m here. She won¡¯t hurt you!¡± Song Tianwen patted Jing¡¯er¡¯s back whileforting her. He then turned to Murong Rou indifferently, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    The insidiousness inside Murong Rou before now was totally gone. She then lowered her voice, ¡°I need to talk to you...¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s about the divorce, save it!¡± Song Tianwen interrupted her impatiently. She lost her virginity to someone else and even got pregnant. She wasn¡¯t worthy to be the first wife of Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion. So he would definitely divorce her.

    ¡°I¡¯m not here to beg you but talk about my dowries.¡± said Murong Rou hastily, with all sincerity in her eyes.

    So she agreed to get divorced?

    Song Tianwen felt much relieved and he looked much loosened up. He then looked at Murong Rou arrogantly, ¡°I n to split your dowries into halves. One half is left for Qingyan, and the other half is for you to take back to the Marquis Mansion. What do you say?¡±

    If a woman had an affair, ording to thews of Qingyan, she couldn¡¯t take a penny away. Since Song Tianwen allowed her to take away half of the dowries, he already showed the mercy.

    ¡°You are wise enough to make this decision. But Qingyan is still young. So I want to take away all the dowries and the shops away. I¡¯m gonna manage it myself. When Qingyan reaches the age and marries someone, I will hand over the shops she deserves to her. What do you think, my lord?¡± said Murong Rou word by word, with kind of insistence in her eyes.

    Song Tianwen raised his brows, sneering in his heart. After Jing¡¯er marries him, she will be the hostess of the mansion. And everything in the mansion would be managed under her management. The dowries Murong Rou left will naturally fall into her hands. Murong Rou insisted she manage the dowries and the shops herself, just in case Jing¡¯er takes her dowries as her own.

    Although Jing¡¯er was from a small noble family, she had a broad vision. And the mansion had a lot of iings from different channels, which could ensure her a rich life. So she would nevery her eyes on Murong Rou¡¯s belongings. Murong Rou just overthought things.

    As the marquis, he wouldn¡¯t argue with a petty woman. Besides, that few shops meant nothing to his mansion. Since Murong Rou wanted them back, he¡¯d just make her, ¡°OK!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, my lord!¡± Murong Rou thanked him, with kind of unnoticeable weird smile.

    ¡°You are wee!¡± said Song Tianwen randomly, thinking that since this matter was over, he would let her go and keep enjoying their private happy life.

    When he was about to let her go, he suddenly felt like his whole body was emptied and fell onto the ground...

    ¡°Tianwen!¡± shouted Jing¡¯er. When she was about to support him, she also felt emptied and fell onto the ground...

    Her son Bai in her arms also fell, eyes widely open, brain sober, but just couldn¡¯t move a bit...

 Chapter 158 - Blood Spattered the Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 158: Blood Spattered the Pavilion</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    So... they were framed! Who could be so reckless to frame him!

    Song Tianwen¡¯s eyes shed with a sharp cold beam, he shouted in his top voice, ¡°Help, help...¡±

    ¡°My lord, stop yelling. The doorkeepers and servants were too tired. I¡¯ve already let them rest. No one wille even if you break your throat!¡± Murong Rou smiled, walking gracefully towards the pavilion. Every step of her sounded like Death wasing!

    Murong Xue grinned, like she thought, Murong Rou was by no means a person who was so easy to ept her fate. She came to her ex-husband¡¯s love nest with his mistress, not just to ask for her dowries back, but for another purpose...

    With her corners of the mouth curved with a beautiful radian, Murong Xue leaned her slender body within the shadows, continued to see the drama, the next moments should be more wonderful...

    Song Tianwen gave Murong Rou dagger eyes, ¡°It was you!¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am the one who framed you!¡± Murong Rou walked slowly into the pavilion and looked at Song Tianwen from a high position. Her eyes gleamed with maliciousness and cold light, making Song Tianwen¡¯s eyelids tremble violently. He held a bad feeling in his heart and snapped, ¡°Murong Rou, what do you want?¡±

    ¡°I am just a weak woman. What can I do? An eye for an eye, a teeth for a teeth.¡± Murong Rou said slowly. Although her voice was very low, he could feel her teeth gnashing while saying every word.

    Song Tianwen¡¯s face darkened instantly and red at her harshly, ¡°We have been husband and wife for many years, and I respect you. When youmitted a scandal, I helped you hide it. For a long time, I could not say I treated you badly, but you repay kindness with enmity...¡±

    ¡°Ha? You had a mistress behind my back. Was this your kindness? You gave birth to a bastard behind my back. Was this your kindness? If these are what you called kindness, I will repay kindness with revenge...¡± Murong Rou interrupted him boldly, pped him right in the face.

    With rounds of clear and crisp sound, Song Tianwen¡¯s face was beaten to switch sides, showing five fingerprints emerged on his handsome face, which was swollen. His mouth was full of the taste of rust, a wisp of blood following down from its corners...

    Seeing him beaten, Jing¡¯er felt very distressed. She blurted out, ¡°my husband!¡± The crisp voice was filled with unspeakable sadness and worry.

    Murong Rou suddenly stopped her movements and turned to look at Jing¡¯er, ¡°What? Worried about your lover, you two are really deep in love...¡±

    Jing¡¯er stared at Murong Rou bitterly with her angry eyes which were about to burst into mes. She snapped, ¡°Murong Rou, how can you do this to him? He was also your husband. Over the years, he had really treated you well...¡±

    ¡°Shut up, that¡¯s what I hate to hear most. What nonsense! He is obviously deceiving me, and you owe me too!¡± Murong Rou interrupted her words, pulled out a dagger from her sleeve and scratched toward Jing ¡®er¡¯s cheek mercilessly...

    ¡°Ah!¡± Jing¡¯er¡¯s piercing scream passed through the clouds, resounding through the sky!

    Murong Rou turned a deaf ear to this, her dagger in the hand forcibly scratched her white and soft face again and again, red blood spattering in mid-air. Ferocious look emerged from her face: You dared to seduce Song Tianwen and be his mistress, what a shameless woman! Why would a shameless woman like you need a face? Let me help you destroy it and make you a real shameless bitch...

    Looking at Jing¡¯er¡¯s badly mutted little face, Murong Xue¡¯s eyelids jumped: This woman was so vicious, she hated Jing¡¯er so much that she could not wait to break her to pieces...

    ¡°Ah... Ah... Ah...¡± As the sharp pain came from the face, Jing¡¯er grieved to the extent of wishing to die, her shrieks weakened as she was going to fall into aa. Her cheeks covered with scars, bloodied, and horrible...

    Murong Rou was satisfied and stopped. Her eyes shed a harsh look. With such an ugly appearance, the bitch could no longer seduce Song Tian wen. Ha, ha, ha!

    ¡°Mom!¡± A tender voice of a little kid suddenly sounded.

    Murong Rou looked toward and saw Bai lying on the ground, looking at Jing¡¯er and crying loudly. His dark eye pupils overflowed with bean big tears, which looked very pitifully!

    Perhaps aware that Murong Rou was looking at him, Bai turned his head and red at her ferociously, screaming angrily, ¡°You bad, you bullied my mom, bad...¡±

    This was the bastard of Song Tianwen and Jing¡¯er. Well, the boy was as nasty as the two. And his appearance had the characteristics of his parents. Among the three of their family, she hated him most. Seeing him, she could think of Song Tianwen¡¯s concealment and deception. His life was the greatest humiliation to her.

    Murong Rou¡¯s gazes suddenly became scary. She reached out and grabbed Bai¡¯s hair, violently hitting his head against the hard ground, ¡°Bang Bang Bang!¡± The dull sound made people¡¯s hair stand on end. His small forehead was instantly red...

    ¡°Murong Rou, don¡¯t hurthim.¡± Song Tianwen snapped angrily, his eyes burning with rage.

    ¡°Toote!¡± Murong Rou said mercilessly, clutched the hair of Bai, frantically hitting his head into the ground, his blood dyed the hard ground ckish red beneath him...

    ¡°Bai... Bai...¡± Jing¡¯er screamed, her eyes shing with deep pain and despair.

    Murong Rou¡¯s eyes revealed traces of craziness, holding the head of Bai, hitting it more hardly. This bastard was the darling of Song Tianwen and Jing¡¯er. If she killed him, Song Tianwen and Jing¡¯err must be overwhelmed by sadness. But the more painful and desperate they were, the happier she would feel!

    ¡°Murong Rou, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± With a shriek, Jing¡¯er sat up, threw herself toward Murong Rou with the strength she had not known she possessed!

    Kill Murong Rou? Over-ambitious!

    Murong Rou bent up her mouth with a sneer, grabbed the little boy in her hand and ruthlessly smashed him at Jing¡¯er.

    Jing¡¯er was caught off guard and fell to the ground. Before she could take a look at her blood-rtionship son, she saw a sh of cold light. Murong Rou¡¯s dagger was stabbed on her wrist and pierced it back and forth. ¡°Ah!¡± Jing¡¯er¡¯s shrill screams resounded through the pavilion, shaking people¡¯s nerves!

    Murong Rou just ignored it. She looked at Jing¡¯er from a high position, sarcasm filled between her eyebrows. ¡°Aren¡¯t you quite capable? Why didn¡¯t you kill me? Juste and kill me!¡±

    Murong Rou said, while frantically waving the dagger, relentlessly pierced Jing¡¯er¡¯s wrist and ankle, leaving four deep blood holes on them, deep red blood like a burst of flood, flowing out along her wounds, dyeing the ground red...

    Jing¡¯er fell to the ground, watching her blood pouring out, but unable to stop it. Her lips and face were gradually turning white, her mouth was wide open, like a dying fish...

    Bai fell on her chest, eyes closed. His forehead was full of blood, his breathing was weak like hisst gasp...

    ¡°Jing¡¯er, Bai!¡± Song Tianwen looked at the two who were seriously injured. He roared with pain, just like a sad beast!

    Murong Rou turned around, ring at him, and said slowly, ¡°Their sufferings were all because of you. If you hadn¡¯t hooked up with Jing¡¯er, you wouldn¡¯t have this bastard and them two would not have been seriously injured and have this near-death experience...¡±

    ¡°Murong Rou, why did you do this?¡± Song Tianwen asked her hysterically, his eyes burning with rage: Men of noble families all had multiple concubines. He just had a mistress. Why was she so angry, and even went mad...

    ¡°Because you lied to me for nine years, how miserable I am!¡± Murong Rou said with hatred, her eyes emitting horrible lights. She once thought her husband loved and respected her, and only recognized her as his wife in this life. But it turned out he already had another lover nine years ago and gave birth to a son secretly. She had lived in his lies and deceit for nine years, but still devoted herself to him. She was simply the biggest fool in the world!

    Murong Rou¡¯s eyes shed with coldness. She stretched out her hand, tore open Song Tianwen¡¯s belt, and ripped off his pants. With his skin suddenly exposed in the cool air, Song Tianwen felt shiver, while this kind of shiver was especially strong in somewhere between his legs!

    Song Tianwen¡¯s slender body trembled slightly, and his heart swelled with a bad feeling. His speech became incoherent, ¡°Murong Rou, what... what are you doing...¡±

    Murong Rou looked at that part down there and smiled slightly, ¡°In the past nine years, you must have pleased Jing¡¯er a lot with that thing. That bastard, Bai, was the living proof. You deceived me. You owe me. I will execute it...¡±

    After her voice just fell, Murong Rou suddenly raised her dagger, and cut down toward that ce...

    No one let him to cheat her or do anything wrong to her. He deserved his fate. Without that thing, see how he could find a lover, how to give birth to illegitimate children...

    Ssh of blood immediately filled the sight ...

    ¡°Ah!¡± The shrill scream of Song Tianwen prated through the clouds and resounded through the sky. The veins stood out suddenly and violently on his forehead. His hand was covering his bloody wound and he cried in pain!

    His tall body rolled back and forth on the hard ground and knocked over the mahogany table, on which cakes, green tea and wine fell to the ground. Precious teapots and wine jugs were all smashed to pieces, and the residual tea and wine mixed together and meandered along the ground.

    Murong Rou nced at it contemptuously. With a gentle wave of her wide sleeves, a me fell from the inside and fell onto the liquor. With a ¡°bang¡±, the mes soared up into the sky. Jing¡¯er and Bai all caught on fire, writhing in pain and wailing, ¡°Ahhh... Help... help...

    Still, Murong Rou turned a blind eye and walked slowly toward the outside. Suddenly, she felt that her ankle was tight and couldn¡¯t walk. Looking down, she saw Song Tianwen lying on the ground, clutching her ankle tightly and staring at her with hatred. The burning anger from the bottom of his eyes seemed to burn her alive, ¡°Murong Rou, how cruel you are!¡±

    ¡°You are no better than me!¡± Since his wife lost her virginity, he immediately prepared to divorce her, ignoring the fact that she was being framed. His ruthless attitude was even worse than hers. Since the man cheated her, why should she have mercy on him?

    With her eyes shing with cold light, she severely kicked Song Tianwen away for two or three meters, to let the other party fell to the edge of the fire. The mes instantly lit his clothes, in a blink of eye, Song Tianwen became half burnt with shrill scream, ¡°Help... Help...¡±

    Murong Rou just gracefully walked out of the pavilion. She stood in front of the garden, looking back at the burning pavilion, and listening to the crying of Song Tianwen, Jing¡¯er and Bai who rolled back and forth in the pavilion, a cold smile appeared on her lips.

    During the 14 years of her marriage to Song Tianwen, she had always adhered to women¡¯s ethics and worked hard at home. She did not dare to ck off for a moment. But what about Song Tianwen? When she was busy dealing with the affairs of the whole mansion, when she was taking care of the shop, and when she was working hard to serve her elders, he was pursuing pleasure with Jing¡¯er...

    She suffered for the sake of the while mansion and Song Tianwen. However, Song Tianwen took it for granted and never praised or rewarded her. Just because she had made a mistake, she was to be divorced and reced by the cheap Jing¡¯er who was going to enjoy the achievements of Murong Xue¡¯s hard work for more than ten years and let her humble bastard be the sessor of Wu¡¯an Marquis Manor. How could there be anything so easy in the world...

    The sessor of Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion could only be her own son.

    Murong Rou gently stroked her t abdomen and her eyes shed with smiles. Fortunately, she was pregnant. The baby should be a boy. She should thank Song Tianwen for not spreading the affair about her and Xu Wen. The Song family would think the baby was her and Song Tianwen¡¯s.

    As long as Song Tianwen died, the child would be the future sessor of Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion in due course, and she would be the master of the mansion, not the divorced wife whose reputation had been ruined.

    Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion would be in the hands of her own son, what¡¯s the difference who his real father was?

 Chapter 159 - Whoever Plays With Fire Will Get Burnt (1)

    <h4>Chapter 159: Whoever ys With Fire Will Get Burnt (1)</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Why is there so much smoke here? What happened?¡± A confused exmation was heard from behind, which was quite familiar to Murong Rou.

    Murong Rou was frozen, and slowly turned around to find the speaker, only to see an olddy wearing a sapphire five longevity pattern sleeved over-dress and dark blue jade headband. It was the old Lady Song of Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion. She came up hurriedly surrounded by maids and nannies.

    Looking at the zing fire, the smoky pavilion, and the three ming people who kept rolling in the fire, old Lady Song suddenly widened her eyes and eximed with shock, ¡°Tianwen...Bai...¡±

    Murong Rouughed grimly. Bai? Seemed they were already very close! It turned out that she had long known that Song Tianwen had a mistress and secretly gave birth to an illegitimate child. But she not only didn¡¯t tell Murong Rou but also being so close with the bastard behind her back. She and Song Tianwen werepletely the same birds of a feather. They acted in collusion and kept Murong Rou in the dark for nine years.

    ¡°Why are you standing here in a daze? Go and save them!¡± The olddy Song snapped the orders, her eyes shing with anxiety and worry.

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes ...¡± Like waking up from a dream, the maids and nannies hurried to the pavilion...

    Song Tianwen knew all the disgraceful things she had done. If he survived, it would be her to strike a bad patch.

    Murong Rou¡¯s eyes shed like lightning, and she stepped forward, blocking the way, ¡°No one is allowed to approach the pavilion...¡±

    ¡°Madam!¡± Maids and nannies stopped and looked at Murong Rou in surprise. Why was she here?

    ¡°Murong Rou!¡± old Lady Song was also taken aback, mes shing from the corner of her eyes. Suddenly, an idea scratched her head, she gnashed her teeth and said, ¡°Did you set the fire?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Murong Rou lied, remaining calm.

    ¡°Then why are you blocking the way? Get out of here immediately, for heaven¡¯s sake, the fire is going to kill Tianwen!¡± Old Lady Song thundered angrily.

    Murong Rou disagreed, ¡°His lord is dying. Even if he is rescued, he will not live long. The fire in the pavilion is so strong that maids and nannies will definitely be burned if they rush in. It is not worth sacrificing so many people¡¯s lives for a person who will die.¡±

    ¡°Shut up. Tianwen is the Wu¡¯an Marquis, the lord of the mansion. These maids and the nannies are all his servants. They deserved their fates even if they were all burnt for him. Get out of the way!¡± old Lady Song snapped angrily and red at the maids and nannies, ¡°go and save lives!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± They nodded and rushed forward hastily. As they were going to cross Murong Rou, thetter rushed to the pavilion.

    Murong Rou suddenly pulled out the dagger hidden in her sleeve and waved it wildly, ¡°Stay away, or I¡¯ll kill whoeveres in!¡±

    The dagger was extremely sharp and stained with dried blood. It wielded back and forth rapidly among those maids and nannies. The faint scent of blood haunted the tip of the noses and made everyone shudder.

    Old Lady Song was furious, ¡°Murong Rou, how dare you do this...¡±

    ¡°Yes, I dare.¡± Murong Rou¡¯s harsh voice thundered, barging her way through the crowd of the servants with a sharp dagger, cold lights shed by.

    These maids and nannies had lived in the inner residence for a long time and had never seen such a scene before. They were scrambling to dodge and did not know what to do. The front of the garden fell into chaos for an instant.

    Old Lady Song looked at them with most gloomy countenance. How could so many people fail to control just one Murong Rou? What a bunch of fools!

    With a loud ¡°crack¡±, the pirs of the pavilion was burnt down and would soon smash down. In a sh of light, Old Lady Song stepped forward quickly, grasped Murong Rou¡¯s wrist tightly, grabbed the dagger with all her strength, and sternly ordered the servants, ¡°I¡¯ll deal with Murong Rou, you save people!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes...¡± Finally, there was no obstacle in front of them, they covered with water-soaked quilts, ran across the heavy mes and rushed into the pavilion. Song Tianwen, Jing¡¯er, and Bai were found in the thick smoke and were dragged out of the pavilion...

    The moment they stepped out of the pavilion, they only heard the sound of ¡°boom¡±. The pavilion copsed, and the heat wave made their cheeks ache and also dazzled their eyes.

    The fire had been extinguished. Murong Rou looked back and saw the three lying in front of the pavilion, with their eyes closed and their whole body ck. She could not recognize whether they were dead or alive.

    Song Tianwen was lucky to be able toe out of the pavilion alive. No matter whether he was dead or alive, she must give him another fatal wound to make sure he die thoroughly and could no longer reveal her secret!

    Murong Rou¡¯s eyes became fierce. She kicked old Lady Song in front of her severely, holding the dagger, and rushed toward Song Tiawen.

    Old Lady Song was caught off guard. She was disced four or five steps back and squatted on the ground with a thud. Her body was as painful as her whole bones broken. She was pale and while pointing at Murong Rou, she ordered the servants, ¡°Stop her...¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The maids and nannies immediately gathered around Murong Rou at themand. They dragged Murong Rou¡¯s legs and arms and trapped her.

    ¡°Fuck off...¡± Murong Rou¡¯s harsh voice thundered. She desperately struggling with them, but could not break their besiege, and her dagger fell to the ground...

    Old Lady Song breathed a long sigh of relief. Looking at the three not sure whether alive or dead, she said urgently, ¡°Go and get a doctor!¡±

    ¡°Madam, please rest assured. Someone has already done it!¡± Her maidservant answered softly, squatted down and touched the necks of the three injured one after another, with a hint of heaviness at the bottom of her eyes.

    Old Lady Song¡¯s eyelids jumped and her heart felt a bad premonition, ¡°how are they?¡±

    ¡°Madam, Jing¡¯er and Bai are not breathing, but his lord is still alive ...¡± With the low-pitched reply was heard in her ears, Old Lady Song only felt a loud bang and she was stunned. Her grandson, the lovely grandson who was already eight years old, had died like this...

    Murong Rou, she did all these!

    Old Lady Song¡¯s eyes like sharp arrows, mercilessly shot Murong Rou, ¡°Drag her down, and beat her hard...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pregnant, are you sure you want to beat me up?¡± Murong interrupted with a cold and calm tone, turning up her nose at her!

    ¡°You sure?¡± Old Lady Song was skeptical. After giving birth to Qingyan, Murong Rou never brought any good news. And now she was pregnant?

    ¡°Doctor Li from the Imperial Academy of Medicine confirmed the diagnosis. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask another doctor to take my pulse!¡± Murong Rou said coldly, the corners of her eyes and brows all showed a proud look.

    She was now pregnant with the only male of the eldest branch of the Song family. Even if she made a big mistake, for the sake of the child, Old Lady Song would not dare to do anything to her!

    It was with this that she dared to attack Song Tianwen without fear under the eyes of the public. Compared to a half-dead son, a lively grandson, of course, was more important. As long as the child was in her belly, Old Lady Song would not want her to die.

 Chapter 160 - Whoever Plays With Fire Will Get Burnt (2)

    <h4>Chapter 160: Whoever ys With Fire Will Get Burnt (2)</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Looking at Murong Rou¡¯s t abdomen, Old Lady Song¡¯s eyes shed with aplex light: Since this woman dared to let the doctor feel her pulse, she should really be pregnant. She was here because she already knew about Jing¡¯er and Bai. Thus, she should be the one who set the fire. Was she helping her unborn child clean up the obstacles? This woman really got filthy ways...

    The maids and nannies looked at Murong Rou with a strange expression. They quietly released their hands grabbing her. She was the first wife of the mansion. If she had a male fetus in her belly, the child would be the future Wu¡¯an Marquis. Having such a respectable status, she and her baby should never be hurt...

    Looking at the awe eyes of these servants, Murong Rou¡¯s corners of the mouth emerged a smirk. Setting fire to Song Tianwen was no small matter. She had to use her pregnancy to drive out the resentment of Old Lady Song and save her own life. This excuse was better than an imperial edict. The child was really a treasure to her...

    In the corner where no one noticed, the unconscious Song Tianwen suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes shing with terrible cold lights. He quietly picked up the dagger that fell to the ground and stabbed Murong Rou¡¯s leg hard.

    Murong Rou caught off guard, her knees bent and her body leaned down. At that time, Song Tianwen thrust the dagger into her lower abdomen without mercy. With the sound of ¡°bursts¡±, the de of the dagger plunged deep into her skin...

    Sharp pain in the lower abdomen made Murong Rou¡¯s body quiver, and her proud smile disappeared instantly. She looked down slowly and saw the de on her lower abdomen fully inserted into her skin, leaving only the handle outside. Deep red blood prated her clothes...

    A burnt face without its original shape appeared at her feet, but the eyes on this face bursting with anger and resentment were staring at her. Song Tianwen pulled out the dagger again, stabbed mercilessly into her abdomen, and then pulled out...

    After several attacks, Murong Rou¡¯s lower abdomen was pierced with several blood holes. The bright red blood dyed her dress red. Her mouth also spilled a wisp of blood and her delicate body could not support herself, falling to the ground with a ssh...

    The maids and mammies were all shocked. They stared at Murong Rou, who was seriously injured and bleeding, and Song Tianwen, who was scorched all over and waving daggers crazily. They were zed over for a long time: what was going on?

    Old Lady Song came back to her senses and stared at Song Tianwen. She cried hysterically, ¡°Tianwen, what are you doing? This is your own son...¡±

    ¡°Ba... ba... bastard...¡± Song Tianwen said word by word, his voice hoarse as broken gong, he tried his best to raise his head high and stared at Murong Rou!

    Old Lady Song got stunned, ¡°You mean the baby in her belly is not yours, but someone else¡¯s?¡±

    Song Tianwen nodded in haste, ¡°Ye...Yes...¡±

    Old Lady Song¡¯s eyes shed with deep shock, and she asked incredulously, ¡°You sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes... I¡¯m sure... it is... a ba... bastard...¡± Song Tianwen¡¯s firm voice had a gnashing hatred.

    Hearing this, Old Lady Song only felt a loud bang over her head, and her mindpletely went nk. Being so unfaithful to her husband and conceiving a bastard, Murong Rou made her son more dead than alive and caused her grandson¡¯s death from the burn. This woman was really ruthless and unforgivable. ¡°Guards! Drag Murong Rou down and hit her hard!¡±

    Murong Rou lied on the ground, blood poured out from her lower abdomen, she could clearly feel the little life in her belly was seriously injured and was quickly getting away from her...

    She looked at the sky and burst outughing, she had been working as a cow and horse for 15 years after the marriage. Without her, Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion would never have the present glory. Without her, the Song family would never have the present wealth!

    She brought the glory of the Mansion. How could Jin¡¯er, that little bitch, and Bai, that little bastard, sit idle and enjoy the fruits of her work? While herself, the greatest contributor denounced as a debased wife used by everyone after tomorrow¡¯s daybreak! This was so intolerable!

    She was extremely unbnced in her heart, so she set up a deadly trap and set fire to Song Tianwen, Jing¡¯er, and Bai. She wanted to take control of Mansion, but the arrival of Old Lady Song ruined her n and herself...

    She just wanted to be in a higher position and led a better life without being ridiculed and criticized. Was she wrong?

    Deep footsteps were heard in her ears, and two nannies came along, one on the left and the other on the right, setting up her arms and dragging her rudely onto the bench.

    Murong Rou sneered. She was seriously injured and nearly lost half of her life. She could probably die subjecting to more bitterness of flesh. The old woman was deliberately trying to kill her and revenge for her bastard grandson, hehe...

    Just as the nannies¡¯ high-lifted nk was about to hit her hard, a majestic voice came over, ¡°stop!¡±

    Murong Rou tried her best to look at the direction where the voice came from. She saw Murong Jian, surrounded by several guards, walking up at a brisk pace. A weak smile curved up her mouth, ¡°Brother... help me...¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s slender body moved toward the shadow again. The fight between Song Tianwen¡¯s mother and Murong Rou¡¯s brother must be wonderful and must not be missed. She decided to continue to watch the y!

    Looking at Murong Rou, who was bleeding profusely, Murong Jian frowned tightly. He was passing by on business. When he heard some noise, he came to see what was going on but didn¡¯t expect to see such a scene!

    ¡°Mrs. Song, you have the right to teach your daughter-inw a lesson, but you should know where to draw the line. Rou¡¯er has suffered such a severe injury. She will die if she suffers more...¡±

    Old Lady Song looked at Murong Jian coldly and said slowly, ¡°Mr. Murong, it¡¯s not my ruthless determination, it¡¯s your sister¡¯s vicious mind to be med. She set fire to the pavilion, burned my son and killed my grandson...¡±

    A life for a life was thew of Qingyan. Murong Rou had killed her lovely grandson. She would never let Murong Rou leave here alive.

    Didn¡¯t Song Tianwen never had a concubine? Rou¡¯er didn¡¯t give birth to a son, either. Where the grandson came from? Was it...

    Looking at the quiet, elegant and secluded mansion and the body of a little boy, Murong Jian¡¯s face turned sullen. Song Tianwen had a mistress behind Rou¡¯er¡¯s back and gave birth to a son. How abominable!

    ¡°Madam, did you see Murong Rou set the fire with your own eyes?¡± Murong Jian raised his eyebrows and looked atOld Lady Song. His eyes were full of coldness.

    ¡°I camete and didn¡¯t see it, but Tianwen saw it, Tianwen...¡± said Old Lady Song grumpily. Looking down, she could only see her son lying on the ground with his eyes closed and unconscious, holding the bloody dagger tightly in his hand...

    This is ... Song Tianwen!

    Murong Jian looked at Song Tianwen, who was inplete darkness and was seriously injured and in aa. Murong Jian¡¯s mouth twitched. The present Song Tianwen was neither human nor ghost. IfOld Lady Song had not said this was her son, he would not have recognized him at all!

 Chapter 161 - Family Became Enemy

    <h4>Chapter 161: Family Became Enemy</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Song Tianwen¡¯s serious injury was due to Rou¡¯s vicious actions. However, Song Tianwen secretly had a mistress outside first. Rou could not be the only one to be med...

    ¡°Is it Song Tianwen who stabbed Rou?¡± Murong Jian asked coldly.

    Old Lady Song snorted scornfully, ¡°it was your sister who carried on a ndestine love affair and was pregnant with a bastard. She was stabbed because she irritated Tianwen!¡±

    ¡°Was it? Where is the adulterer?¡± Murong Jian¡¯s eyes were cold. To catch a thief, you must have stolen goods as evidence. To reveal adultery, you must find the adulterer and jezebel. Rou¡¯s pregnancy proved nothing. Only when an adulterer was found could she be judged to havemitted adultery.

    ¡°This... is also known only by Tianwen.¡± Old Lady Song said coldly, her eyes faint. If her son was awake, speaking out who Murong Rou¡¯s adulterer was, they could immediately kill Murong Rou on charges of her being an obscene woman!

    ¡°So, Mrs. Song, you have no evidence that Rou cheated Song Tianwen and set fire to the Pavilion, right?¡± Murong Jian raised his eyebrows and looked at Old Lady Song. His eyes were full of arrogance.

    Old Lady Song said urgently, ¡°When Tianwen wakes up, there will be evidence...¡±

    ¡°His Lord¡¯s injury is so severe, when can he awake? If he is in aa for a long time, should we keep him here without any food or drink?¡± Murong Jian sternly questioned, his eyes shining with a threatening light.

    Old Lady Song frowned tightly. The burns of Tianwen were serious. This was not a good ce to recuperate. ¡°What should I do in your opinion, Lord Murong?¡±

    Murong Jian raised his voice and said, ¡°Song Tianwen is your son. You take him back to the mansion to cure his injury. Rou was my sister. I will take her back to my mansion to heal her wounds. When Tianwen wakes up, we will Old Lady Song sneered. Murong Rou was the darling daughter of the Marquis. Her own family was her strong backing. As long as she left, she would be covered with invisible security nket. Even if Tianwen woke up and provided a lot of evidence, they could never ever punish Murong Rou. Thus, he wouldn¡¯t foolishly just let go of Murong Rou, ¡°What if I said no?¡±

    ¡°Then, I have to say sorry!¡± Murong Jian said coldly, striding to the front of Murong Rou, who was half blood-soaked. He carefully held her in his arms, walking steadily forward,pletely ignoring, with a disdainful attitude, Old Lady Song.

    Old Lady Song shed a sharp cold light at the bottom of her eyes and winked at her servants quietly.

    The maids and nannies grasped her meaning and pounced on Murong Jian ferociously.

    Wanted to block him? Simply overreached!

    Murong Jian¡¯s corners of the mouth emerged with a sneer. He stood on tiptoe, his tall body dodged back and forth between the maids and nannies. With a rumbling sound, they got all kicked down to the ground, stroking their chests, and wailing painfully...

    Murong Jian just turned a blind eye. Holding Murong Rou, he swaggered out of the house. This supercilious behavior made Old Lady Song livid. Her hands under her sleeve tightly grasped and her angry shouts passed through the clouds, resounding through the sky, ¡°Murong Jian!¡±

    Sitting on the high wall, Murong Xue gently raised her arched eyebrows. In the face of absolute force, everything was a paper tiger. Murong Jian¡¯s martial arts were very good, while the maids and nannies were only strong in strength. How could they be his opponent? A double number of servants may not be able to stop him...

    ¡°Doctor,e and check Tian wen¡¯s injury!¡± Old Lady Song¡¯s joyful exmation was heard in her ears. Murong Xue looked up and saw a doctor in his 40s rush into the garden carrying a medicine box...

    Murong Jian and Murong Rou left. Song Tianwen was healing his wounds. The y hade to an end and there was nothing to watch.

    However, Murong Rou killed Jing¡¯er and Bai, seriously hurt Song Tianwen, who also stabbed Murong Rou and killed the fetus in her belly. The knots among them becameplex. The two families had changed from inws to enemies...

    Murong Rou and Song Tianwen were not kind people. They were both seriously injured and could do nothing. When they well recovered, there would definitely be fierce infighting between the two and they would not stop until they die. The capital city would soon wee a good show...

    Murong Xue¡¯s corners of the mouth curved up with a pleasant radian, she quietly jumped down the high wall, gracefully walked to the outside, only to see the carriage parking spot beside the Lord Kingdom Mansion empty, without a trace of any carriage...

    She looked around, and it was empty too. There was no carriage from the mansion.

    Murong Xue frowned gently, where did the carriage go? Was Ouyang Shaochen impatient with waiting for her and return to Lord Freedom Mansion alone...

    ¡°The carriage is too luxurious and could be easily noticed in the alley. I let Xun Feng drive it back. Have you finished watching the y?¡± The crisp voice was heard in her ears, Murong Xue looked toward Ouyang Shaochen who was in a white robe, sitting at a stone table under the osmanthus tree, and leisurely sipping green tea. His long sleeves were casually flowing down. This noble appearance was so attractive that she couldn¡¯t move her eyes from him.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Murong Xue nodded and felt a strange emotion in her heart: Ouyang Shaochen did not leave me and left alone...

    ¡°How was the y?¡± Ouyang Shaochen asked lightly.

    ¡°It was wonderful. This matter will spread around the capital by tomorrow at thetest!¡± Murong Xue was smiling. Murong Rou and Song Tianwen, who turned from a loving couple into a dead enemy, would certainly surprise the nobles in the capital city. The fights between them would definitely be more exciting than ever before, making people look forward to it.

    Looking at her sparkling eyes, Ouyang Shaochen shed a smile at the bottom of his eyes. He got up and walked up to her, holding her small hand and slowly walking forward. ¡°Murong Rou and Song Tianwen were both seriously injured. The two will not be able to fight for some days. You don¡¯t have to put too much energy on them...¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Murong Xue nodded. She was going to wait for them to recover and continue seeing the y. When Song Tianwen was about to be burned to death, Old Lady Song came in time, when Murong Rou was nearly killed, Murong Jian came to rescue her. Both of them were viins with good luck, destined to survive and fight with each other...

    Seeing a vendor carrying candied haws passing by, Murong Xue¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°I want candied haws!¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded and stopped the peddler. He picked a bunch of candied haws and handed them to Murong Xue. The afterglow of the setting sun circled around him with a pale golden aperture, making him look noble, sacred, and spotless.

    Seeing this scene, Murong Xue was in a daze, her eyes shing unnaturally, took the candied haws, and quickly took a bite. The sour-sweet taste instantly filled her whole mouth!

    The candied haws were pure in taste and excellent in materials, much more delicious than some modern candied haws that used inferior materials.

    Murong Xue nodded with satisfaction and peeked at Ouyang Shaochen from the corner of her eyes. Suddenly, a hint of banter shed through her eyes and she handed the candied haws to his mouth, ¡°It tastes very good. You can try it, too!¡±

 Chapter 162 - Ouyang Shaochen Got Wounded for Murong Xue

    <strong>Chapter 162: Ouyang Shaochen Got Wounded for Murong Xue</strong>

    The bright red haw balls were wrapped in thick msses, crystal clear and attractive. Looking at the candied haws, Ouyang Shaochen was not swayed, he shook his head gently, ¡°I don¡¯t like candied haws!¡±

    Murong Xue blinked and said unhurriedly, ¡°There are so many candied haws in this string. I can¡¯t eat them all. Help me finish them, please!¡± Murong Xue held the string of candied haws, putting it in front of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth. It seemed that she would never give up until he had a bite.

    Ouyang Shaochen focused on her, and there was a hint of helplessness in his obsidian eye pupil, ¡°I really don¡¯t like eating sour and sweet things, don¡¯t be naughty!¡±

    ¡°Eat one, just one, and the rest belongs to me...¡± Murong Xue tried to persuade him, with her eyes glistening.

    ¡°No...¡± When Ouyang Shaochen opened his mouth to speak, Murong Xue suddenly took off a haw ball and quickly stuffed it into his mouth.

    The sour and sweet taste pervaded Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth. The fresh, sweet vor with a faint of sour taste let him feel a sourness in the tooth. He frowned slightly and stared helplessly at Murong Xue.

    While she looked at him grinning, ¡°How does it taste?¡±

    ¡°Not too bad!¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied with surrender in his tone!

    ¡°Take another one if you like it!¡± Murong Xue said smilingly, took off another haw ball and was about to stuff it into his mouth.

    She and Ouyang Shaochen had several meals together before. Of course, she knew he didn¡¯t like sweet and sour food. However, they were good for the human body. He should not be too picky about food...

    Seeing the candied haws reaching his mouth, Ouyang Shaochen quickly reached out and grabbed Murong Xue¡¯s wrist, ¡°One was enough and the rest will be yours!¡± Voice down, Ouyang Shaochen exerted strength in his wrist, the haw ball was stuffed into Murong Xue¡¯s mouth!

    The sour and sweet taste instantly stimted Murong Xue¡¯s taste bud. She red at Ouyang Shaochen grumpily. He had no good fortune to eat such delicious candied haws!

    ¡°Girl, have mercy on me!¡± An old, husky begging was suddenly heard. Murong Xue turned and saw a gray-haired and ragged old man standing half a meter away from her. His body was half bent with a wooden stick in his hand and a broken bowl with a small breach in his other hand. He handed the bowl to her and looked at her pitifully.

    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± Murong Xueughingly said, her white hands stretching out to the waist. She pulled out a soft sword, and relentlessly stabbed toward the old man...

    The old man narrowed his eyes. He waved his stick to fight against Murong Xue¡¯s attack. With a ¡°crack¡± sound, the stick¡¯s skin broke apart, revealing the cold shining sword inside...

    ¡°ng!¡± The old man brandished his sword to avoid Murong Xue¡¯s attack. He jumped aside and looked at her from a high position, full of pride and homicidal intent. The old pitiful appearance disappeared. ¡°How did you see through me?¡±

    He had never been seen through for many years of disguise!

    ¡°Yourplexion. Beggars have no enough to eat all year round. Their faces are all sallow and emaciated. Although yourplexion is also yellow, it is a little bit unnatural. As soon as I look at it, I could tell that you have smeared something on your face. And your voice, too. You have deliberately lowered your volume to make it sound old and husky. With careful listening, I could recognize your original voice is loud and energetic. Well, the broken bowl has notpletely covered your hand, revealing a thickyer of calluses on it. Further thought will tell that it is caused by years of sword practice...¡± Murong Xue said casually, the tip of her brows full of ridicule!

    Upon hearing this, the old man narrowed his eyes slightly, ¡°You are indeed a smart girl. My disguise could not escape your sharp eyes...¡± He originally intended to approach her as a beggar and took her life while she was unprepared. Unexpectedly, she was so smart that he could only assassinate her in another way...

    ¡°Who sent you here to kill me?¡± Murong Xue looked at him coldly.

    ¡°Ask the King of Hell!¡± With a wave of the old man¡¯s hand, countless men in ck poured out of the eaves and alleys. They were holding cold shining swords and mercilessly stabbing toward Murong Xue and Ouyang Shao Chen.

    Wanted to kill her? Overconfident!

    Murong Xue bent up her mouth with a cold smile, rushed against the men in ck, waving the soft sword in her hand, stirring up lines of red blood...

    The men in ck were impassive, like the tide, they surrounded Murong Xue, stabbing relentlessly toward the key parts of her body with the long sword in their hands...

    ¡°Bang bang bang!¡± Strenuous internal forces shoot toward, beating the men in ck out of Murong Xue¡¯s surroundings. Ouyang Shaochen fell from the sky andnded lightly beside her, reaching for the soft sword in her hand.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Murong Xue looked at him puzzled.

    ¡°Your movements are good, but not hard or fast enough. I¡¯ll teach you some tricks, just see it carefully!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly, tapping his toe on the ground and his slender figure disappeared in the sight of all.

    The old man was frightened and looked around for Ouyang Shaochen. With a faint scent of ink and bamboo suddenly lingering on the tip of his nose and a white attire floating across the corner of his eyes, a cold light shed before him like lightning.

    The old man felt only pain in his neck. Suddenly, a gasp of blood spurted out of it. He looked down slowly and saw scarlet blood flowing down his neck, soaking his clothes and the faint scent of blood spreading rapidly. Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s clear and arrogant voice sounded in his ear, ¡°Xue, did you see it? This is killing!¡±

    Ha, prince of Lord Kingdom Mansion really deserved his reputation. Had the old man known his opponent was so powerful, he would have waited for Murong Xue and Ouyang Shaochen to separate before starting his attack!

    The old man bent up his mouth with a bit ugly smile. His body tilted, and he fell to the ground and lost his breath. Blood from his neck quickly outflowed and dyed red the ground...

    Looking at their leader dead, the men in ck all froze. At the moment of their trance, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s sharp sword had swung at them. With a white shadow drifted across followed by a cold sword light, the men in ck ripped off their necks without seeing clearly how he swayed his sword. Although unwilling to fall to the ground, they were killed with their eyes wide open...

    This was not a fight, but a ughter. Murong Xue stood by, only to see a white figure shing back and forth among those men in ck, stirring up scarlet blood, then, all the enemies fell dead...

    Bodies were everywhere, blood flowed on the ground like rivers, and the thick smell spread in the air. Ouyang Shaochen was holding a sword and standing in a group of dead bodies. His white attire was flying with the wind, spotless, and his young face was like a picture scroll, such an elegance appearance made Murong Xue unable to move her eyes away.

    Murong Xue raised her arched eyebrow. Ouyang Shaochen had deep cultivation in martial arts, strong internal force, and daunting fencing skills, he deserved his fame as the prince of Lord Freedom Mansion...

    ¡°Ouyang!¡± Murong Xueughingly went up to him, patted him on the shoulder, preparing to say some nice words But at the moment her palm touched his shoulder, Ouyang Shaochen fell straight down on the ground...

 Chapter 163 - Xue Carrying Prince Ouyang back

    <h4>Chapter 163: Xue Carrying Prince Ouyang back</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Shaochen!¡± Murong Xue eximed, hurriedly stretched out her hands to support him and let him fall on her shoulder. She looked at him carefully, only to see his eyes closed and his breathing impeded. His long eyshes cast two thick shadows on his eyelids. The lips of his slightly pale face tinged with unnatural ck and purple!

    Damn... He had a rpse!

    The moment he was bitten by the snake, the snake venom had flowed all over his body with his blood cirction. Although she had detoxified the snake venom for him, there would be residue more or less. Taking two pairs of drugs could eliminate the residual poison, which would have been no big deal.

    But before he could take the drug, he exerted inner force to speed up the flow of the residual poison in his blood. As a result, the poison attacked his heart, causing hisa...

    Fortunately, the amount of residual poison in his body was small, which would not hurt him too hard!

    Murong Xue took out a silver needle and gently pricked it on the acupoint of Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s chest. With the gently twisting of the needle, the ck-purple color on his lips gradually dispersed, and his pale face gradually recovered some red color...

    Ouyang Shao Chen coughed lightly, slowly opened his eyes and looked into Murong Xue¡¯s worried eyes. His mouth curved with a shallow smile, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m fine!¡±

    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were faint. She was just trying to help him detoxify but had not had time to check his injury.

    ¡°Just a few dozen assassins, far from hurting me,¡± said Ouyang Shaochen wearing a proud face.

    That would be fine! Murong Xue breathed with ease. The thick scent of blood lingered on the tip of her nose. She frowned tightly, nced at the corpses all over the ground, and lowered her voice, ¡°It¡¯s too nasty here. Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Ouyang Shao Chen coughed a few times and said weakly, ¡°I¡¯m weak all over now. I could not walk. Go to and the mansion to call Xun Feng and Wuhen for me. I¡¯ll wait here!¡±

    ¡°How could that work?¡± Murong Xue shook her head and rejected his proposal. Ouyang Shaochen had a rpse. He did not even have the strength to walk. Even someone with a little mastery of martial arts could kill him. She could never leave him in the pile of dead bodies.

    ¡°I will carry you back!¡± Murong Xue naturally turned around and backed on Ouyang Shaochen.

    Looking at her thin figure, Ouyang Shaochen was slightly shocked, ¡°I¡¯m heavy, can you?¡±

    ¡°Less talk, how do you know I can¡¯t without trying!¡± Murong Xue said grumpily, grabbed Ouyang Shaochen by his arms and carried him on her back.

    Ouyang Shaocheny on Murong Xue¡¯s back, both feet still on the ground. His two arms around her white neck, hanging down in front of her. Looking at her unstopping sweat on her forehead, Ouyang Shaochen eye¡¯s emerged with a clear smile.

    ¡°Keep steady, I¡¯m going!¡± Murong Xue reminded him softly and walked slowly forward.

    Ouyang Shaochen nodded, ¡°Okay.¡±

    It was getting dark. Carrying Ouyang Shaochen, Murong Xue walked out of the alley and came to the street. There were very few pedestrians in the street. She walked slowly, with ayer of sweat on her forehead. Her arch eyebrows puckered up and panted heavily as she walked. Why was the man so heavy?

    Three or four beggars gathered from different directions. They walked lightly and quietly. After they signaled to each other, sharp hidden weapons like arrows from the string shot towards various important acupuncture points on Murong Xue.

    Ouyang Shaochen sneered. A flick of the finger under his sleeve, sharp strong breeze hit toward the hidden weapons. With the sound of ¡°bang¡±, those hidden weapons instantly changed their direction back towards their masters and plunged deeply into their acupuncture points...

    The beggars¡¯ eyes widened, they fell on the ground and were dead with unwillingness. Wasn¡¯t he weak and even had no strength to walk? How could he still use his internal force to fight against their hidden weapons?

    When the breeze blew, Murong Xue felt an elusive murderous atmosphere around. She narrowed her eyes and looked up quickly. All around her were empty and no one was nearby. ¡°Ouyang, have you noticed a murderous atmosphere just now?¡±

    ¡°Murderous atmosphere? No, you think too much.¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied casually, resting his head on Murong Xue¡¯s shoulder. This warm and soft touch made him loathe to get off.

    ¡°You sure?¡± Murong Xue frowned gently. After years of vignt life, her feeling had always been urate and she had never felt wrong. But now, she was surrounded by peace and quiet. There was really no danger. Was it really her illusion?

    Looking at her tangled eyes, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes shed a clear smile, ¡°You have been walked for half an hour. Want to have a rest?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Murong Xue shook her head. As it got darker, the streets would be more dangerous. It was better for them to go back earlier.

    ¡°But you are so tired, your forehead is sweating!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly, pulling up his silk sleeve and gently wiping the sweat on her forehead!

    ¡°Never mind. We¡¯ll rest when we back to Lord Freedom Mansion!¡± Murong Xue saidughingly, moving on. Ouyang Shaochen was very weak, and it was safest to return to the mansion. Fewer minutes they stayed outside, the safer they would be.

    Looking at her firm eyes, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes shed and the deep internal force quickly flowed through his body.

    Murong Xue suddenly felt that the man on her back was less heavy. Her footsteps gradually became lighter. Carrying him across the streets, she walked into the Marquis Mansion.

    As night fell, the maids and nannies of the mansion returned to their rooms. It was quiet. Murong Xue carried Ouyang Shaochen back to the Falling Snow Pavilion unimpeded.

    Looking at the familiar desks, chairs, and beds in the room, Murong Xue breathed a long sigh of relief. They finally came back after all these hardships!

    ¡°Help me to the chair!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s voice was faint.

    ¡°No way. The residual poison in you hasn¡¯t been dissipated. You¡¯ll feel ufortable sitting in such a hard chair!¡± Murong Xue rejected his proposal, walked to the bed and carefully put him on the bed.

    Opening the hidden drawer beside the bed, she took out a pill and handed it to him, ¡°This is an antidote pill. It can remove the residual poison in your body!¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said tly took the pill and ate it.

    Murong Xue walked to the round table, poured a cup of tea, drank it all in one gulp, and her thirsty throat gradually moistened, ¡°Shaochen, how do you feel? Has your internal force recovered?¡±

    ¡°Almost!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s voice was faint.

    ¡°This antidote pill is self-made by me. It is the most effective to remove snake venom. If you take it, the residual poison in your body will almost be eliminated. And no need for additional drugs...¡± Murong Xue saidughingly and turned to Ouyang Shaochen. He was lying on the bed with his eyes closed and breathing evenly. His snow-colored attire streamed down the edge of the bed, what an elegant and noble image...

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, he was... asleep?!

 Chapter 164 - Sleeping on the Same Bed

    <h4>Chapter 164: Sleeping on the Same Bed</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Prince Ouyang, Prince Ouyang!¡± Murong Xue walked to the bed and whispered.

    Ouyang Shaochen kept his eyes closed and had no reaction at all.

    She frowned. At first, she thought after taking the antidote pill and removing the remaining poison, he would leave the Falling Snow Pavilion and return to his own mansion. Unexpectedly, he fell asleep directly in her bed. What could she do?

    Called him up and drove him away? His residual poison had not beenpletely removed and it was not suitable for him to walk for the time being. However, she did not know whether the man would have a long sleep...

    Looking out of the window at the increasingly dark sky, Murong Xue sighed heavily: She might let him rest here for a night. There was a soft couch at the window, on which she could also sleep well.

    Thinking about this, Murong Xue went behind the folding screen and fitted with a basin of warm water, soaked a white cotton handkerchief, and gently wiped Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s cheek with it. She liked to bathe before sleeping, washing away the tiredness and dust of the day. Ouyang Shao Chen, who loved everything clean, must bathe every day. However, he was asleep now and could not do that. Thus, she helped him wipe his cheeks and hands.

    The warm cotton handkerchief stroked slowly on his cheek, that kind of warm andfortable was marvelous for words. The eyes under his eyelids turned slightly but he restrained the motions instantly!

    Murong Xue did not see it. She wiped his hands, threw the cotton handkerchief into the basin, carefully took off his boots, and moved his feet hanging outside into the bed.

    Her white and small hand leaned toward his waist, and when her fingertips touched his belt, her bright little face was dyed with two reds.

    Single men and women were not allowed to have intimate contact in ancient times. So it was not appropriate for a woman like her to take off his dress. Worrying about Ouyang Shao Chen would feel ufortable, she just took off his coat. This was not beyond the rules, thought she.

    After loosening his belt and buckle, she gently picked up his shoulder so as to take off his robe. Unexpectedly, Ouyang Shao Chen suddenly turned to inside to make her arms toote to withdraw. Her whole person was brought down by him and fell to the inside of the big bed!

    On the touch of the soft brocade mattress on her back, Murong Xue was shocked and was preparing to turn over and sitting up. However, the man suddenly turned over again. His slender body pressed against her, blocking her petite figure.

    His strong chest was close at her hand, the faint pleasant scent of ink and bamboo lingering on the tip of her nose, making her feel dazzled. However, Murong Xue was nearly out of breath under his heavy body. She protested angrily, ¡°Ouyang Shao Chen, I¡¯ve been pressed by you...¡±

    Ouyang Shao Chen was still lying motionless, making her confused at whether he was in deep sleep or just pretend to sleep.

    Murong Xue red at him. Her head and arms turned left and right, looking everywhere for a gap to breathe. After much effort, she finally broke free the man¡¯s lock. Pinching his cheeks hard on both sides, she threatened ferociously, ¡°Ouyang Shao Chen, wake up... If you don¡¯t open your eyes, I¡¯ll crush your face...¡±

    Ouyang Shao Chen¡¯s handsome face was pinched out of red marks and he felt slight pain. He coughed a few times and slowly opened his eyes. There were a faint confusion and doubt in his dark pupil, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°You are ying dumb!¡± Murong Xue threw her punch angrily and hit him at his temple. She heard that hitting that part would make people painful so she tried.

    With a strong and sharp wind blowing right against the face, Ouyang Shao Chen¡¯s ck eyebrow puckered and reached for her wrist. His obsidian eyes shed with seriousness, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, I¡¯ll be responsible for you!¡±

    Be responsible? The same words again? Upon hearing this, Murong Xue¡¯s anger was even stronger, and she said fiercely, ¡°Mind your own business!¡± She just wanted to give him a good beating to relieve her sulks.

    Looking at her angry little face, Ouyang Shao Chen¡¯s deep eyes dimmed slightly, she still didn¡¯t understand his heart...

    A breath suddenly quivered in his body. He covered his chest by hand and coughed violently.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Murong Xue quickly reached out her hand and patted him on the back with gentle strength.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine...¡± Ouyang Shao Chen said lightly, coughing more violently and his moist thin lips slightly white.

    ¡°The residual poison in your body has not been removed and your breath is unstable. Lie down and rest!¡± Murong Xue said hastily, and pressed the man to the bed. When she was about to cross his body and get out of bed, Ouyang Shao Chen suddenly grabbed her wrist and said, ¡°Where¡¯re you going?¡±

    ¡°To get you a ss of water.¡± Murong Xue looked at him and answered softly.

    ¡°I¡¯m not thirsty. After carrying me all the way, you must be tired. Lie down and have a rest.¡± said Ouyang Shao Chen lightly. He held Murong Xue¡¯s small waist, pulled her back to the bed, the other arm reached under her neck, as a pillow for her.

    The faint ink and bamboo fragrance surrounded her. Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed unnaturally. She was not used to sleeping with men, but Ouyang Shao Chen was sick and better not to get angry. She followed his advice andy down with him, thinking she could leave when he fell asleep.

    Gently turning around, Murong Xue stretched out an arm to gently pat Ouyang Shao Chen on the back, ¡°Feel better?¡±

    ¡°Much better!¡± Ouyang Shao Chen nodded, his chin resting lightly on Murong Xue¡¯s hair, the faint fire lotus fragrance lingering on the tip of his nose, his mouth curved with a graceful radian, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, do you want to have dinner?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry!¡± Murong Xue shook her head. She didn¡¯t feel hunger at all but a little tired. Carrying Ouyang Shao Chen all the way home was tiring, maybe she could have a little rest...

    Murong Xue closed her eyes slightly. Feeling the strong heartbeat of the man in the ear like a beautiful luby, she unconsciously fell asleep!

    Looking at her tired face, Ouyang Shao Chen gleamed with a smile: Clearly, he was the one who was poisoned and injured. How could Murong Xue sleep faster than he did?

    The noise came from outside the window. Ouyang Shao Chen put his hand over Murong Xue¡¯s ear and said coldly to the person outside, ¡°Any progress?¡±

    Xun Feng, dressed in ck, appeared outside the window and said, ¡°Shi Zi, we have found out it was Mo Bei imperial guard who attacked you and Murong Xue in the alley...¡±

    Mo Bei imperial guard!

    Ouyang Shao Chen¡¯s obsidian pupil narrowed slightly, ¡°Were they ordered by Qin Hao Yan?¡±

    ¡°Most likely!¡± Xun Feng replied in a low voice. Qin Hao Yan and Qin Yu Yan were the only ones in the capital of Qing Yan from Mo Bei. The guards of Mobei were basically brought by Qin Hao Yan. They listened to his orders. Although Qin Yu Yan was the Princess of Mo Bei, after the serious injury, she was not likely to mobilize so many guards...

 Chapter 165 - Giving Directions to Future Brother-in-law

    <h4>Chapter 165: Giving Directions to Future Brother-inw</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Watch every slight move of Qin Haoyan for me, and don¡¯t let your guard down on Qin Yuyan!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said coldly, his inky pupils were deep as pools. They were all members from Mo Bei royal families who could mobilize Mo Bei imperial guards. Who was the real mastermind behind the scenes remains to be seen...

    ¡°Yes!¡± Xun Feng responded in a low voice. From his point of view, he could see Ouyang Shaochen lying alone on the bed. He raised his eyebrows and lowered his voice, ¡°My prince, you...¡±

    ¡°Anything else?¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked up at Xun Feng with sharp eyes, making the other side shudder, ¡°No... No, I gotta go!¡± Xun Feng said hastily, and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

    Ouyang Shaochen withdrew his eyes and looked down at Murong Xue. He saw her eyes closed and breathing evenly. Her long eyshes were like butterfly wings, casting two thick shadows on her eyelids, and her beautiful little face was slightly pale, which made him cannot bear to disturb the peaceful sleeping beauty.

    Ouyang Shaochen chuckled and pulled the thin quilt in the bed over to cover them both. He stroked her delicate porcin face with his jade-like fingers but sighed softly. Why was she so stupid? When could she be smarter and understand his feelings for her?

    Between sleep and awake, Murong Xue tried to turn over, but could not move. There were faint ink and bamboo fragrance lingering on the tip of her nose, she frowned and slowly opened her eyes.

    Into her eyes were a white chest apanied by strong heartbeats. Warm breath sprinkled on her hair, strong arms tightly around her waist, Murong Xue sighed, she wanted to have some rest yesterday, unexpectedly, she overslept...

    ¡°Sister, sister... I¡¯m back...¡± A cheerful voiceing through, the bedroom door was pushed open. A slightly thin figure appeared with a smiling face and was ready to step into the room.

    ¡°Whoosh!¡± A sharp strong wind blew from inside to close the wide-opened door instantly. Murong Ye was shut out with a ¡°bang¡±. A painful cry came from outside, ¡°Oh, my nose... is going to be broken...¡±

    Murong Xue was stunned, looking down slowly at Ouyang Shaochen who already opened his eyes and looked at the door lightly. His clear and bright eyes were dark and sharp. It seemed that he was dissatisfied with Murong Ye¡¯s trespassing in her room.

    Murong Xue looked at him puzzled, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°How can a man enter your room casually when he is supposed to avoid arousing suspicion?¡± Ouyang Shaochen said word by word, and his obsidian pupils shed with indignation.

    Murong Xue was choked by her words, and after a while she then said word by word, ¡°He is my brother!¡±

    ¡°Your brother is also a male. Men and women could not sit together from the age of seven. Don¡¯t forget he is already fourteen!¡± Ouyang Shaochen raised his eyebrows and looked at her with disdain at the corners of his eyes.

    Murong Xue, ¡°...¡±

    ording to his logic, Ouyang Shaochen himself was also a male. Although he did not break into her room, he stayed in her room for more than one night...

    Seeing her silence, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯splexion eased slightly. He got off the bed gracefully and freely, took the white robe aside, put it on slowly, and then said lightly, ¡°It¡¯s early, if you have nothing important during the day, you can take more sleep!¡±

    Murong Ye had already arrived at the door, how could she go on sleeping?

    Murong Xue twitched her lips, rolled over and got out of bed. She walked to the front of the cab, took a long skirt and went to the folding screen to change clothes.

    Outside, Murong Ye¡¯s body froze during waiting, and he was surprised with eyes staring, how could there be a man¡¯s voice?

    Knocking his sister¡¯s door hard, he asked, ¡°Sister, can Ie in?¡±

    ¡°Yes,e on in!¡± An arrogant male voice came through the door. Murong Ye slipped and nearly fell. The man inside even didn¡¯t mind anyone knowing that he was in his sister¡¯s room? How bold and reckless the man was!

    Pushing open the door and stepping into the room, Murong Ye looked straight into the inner chamber. He saw a man standing upright in the middle of the room, with snow-colored attire touching the smooth ground, spotless, and his hair like inky brocade tied up in a white jade crown and scattered gently behind him. His handsome face looked like a beautiful and dreamy picture scroll, and his cool imposing manner was like a lonely moon in a high sky, making people awe-inspiring!

    Murong Ye suddenly widened his eyes and stammered, ¡°Ou... Prince Ouyang..¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen let out a faint sigh, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be in the barracks? Why did you suddenlye back?¡±

    Hearing this inquiry, Murong Ye smiled unnaturally, ¡°General Zhang said that I behaved well and gave me three days¡¯ leave toe back and see my family.¡± His parents were both dead so his sister was his only family. He came to see his sister immediately after he returned.

    Ouyang Shaochen nodded and said lightly, ¡°What did you learn in there?¡±

    ¡°Swordsmanship, martial arts, lightness skill, battlefield formations, andbating with soldiers...¡± Murong Ye talked about it in a gushing and glowing way. He liked the barracks when he first entered it. In just over a month, he learned many things he had never known before, and the more he learned, the more he liked the barracks...

    Looking at his bright eyes, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth slightly curved. It seemed that the barracks were very suitable for him. Having sent him to the barracks was a right choice, ¡°What are you best at?¡±

    ¡°It should be fencing and troops deployment. I like these two things best.¡± He could quickly understand the fencing and troops deployment discussed by the generals and could draw inferences from other examples. Every time hearing his advice, the generals would be extremely surprised and praised him for his talent different from ordinary people.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes twinkled. Murong Ye¡¯s advantage was also fencing and deploying soldiers, just like his father. ¡°So, you must be good at fencing.¡±

    ¡°Barely can do, ha ha ha...¡± He only learned fencing for more than a month, which could only be regarded as a small achievement. In front of the famous Prince Ouyang, he dare not say his fencing was good.

    ¡°Then you can show your swordsmanship to me. I¡¯ll see if you need improvement!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s voice was nd.

    ¡°Well, fantastic!¡± Murong Ye nodded, his eyes glistening with ecstasy. It was a golden opportunity for him to have Ouyang¡¯s directions in person. He must not miss it, ¡°There are too many furnishings in the room. Not very convenient. Let¡¯s go outside.¡±

    When Murong Xue finished her washing and came out from behind the folding screen, Murong Ye had already led Ouyang Shaochen out of the room smilingly and quickly walked to the rockery outside the Falling Snow Pavilion.

    Looking at the bright smile on Murong Ye¡¯s face, Murong Xue looked up to heaven, leaving without an argument. With just a few words, Ouyang Shaochen had eliminated the hostility of Murong Ye to him and won thetter¡¯s admiration, Ouyang Shaochen was capable even more, he deserved his fame of Prince of Lord Freedom.

    So how would he show Murong Ye his sword technique?

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes turned, walked out of the room and quickly ran to the rockery...

 Chapter 166 - Conflict Intensified

    <strong>Chapter 166: Conflict Intensified</strong>

    Murong Ye¡¯s figure appeared beside the rockery. He was holding a long sword and waving it quickly. The sharp de reflected the cold light under the sun, dazzling. The agile sword strokes and the sharp ssh were daunting!

    After several days of sharpening in the barracks, his face was still white and clean, not tanned at all. His brow was covered with strong fortitude and concentration, which surprised all watchers.

    He turned his wrist over and pointed his sword at the rockery. Suddenly, with a ¡°bang¡±, arge piece of the solid rockery was cut off, with rubble swirling and dust flying...

    Murong Ye stood in the smoke and dust and neatly drew the sword back to its sheath. His dark jade-like pupils were gleaming with calmness and tenacity that had never been seen before.

    ¡°Prince Ouyang , how was my swordsmanship?¡± Murong Ye walked out of the smoke at a quick pace and looked at Ouyang Shaochen, eyes sparkling, with an open mind to consult.

    ¡°Your moves are skillful, and your wielding of swords is also standard. However, neither your skills are fast enough nor your strength strong enough. You have only learned half of sword techniques, and the remaining half needs to be honed carefully...¡±

    Ouyang Shaochenmented tly. Swordsmanshipposed of shape and soul. Now Murong Ye had only learned the shape, but not the soul!

    Murong Ye smiled shyly, ¡°When will I learn the whole set of sword techniques?¡±

    ¡°Practice until your skills are fast, hard, and urate, like this...¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly. Murong Ye¡¯s sword in his hand was unconsciously transferred into his hand. Ouyang Shaochen wielded the sword lightly, a sharp ssh swept through, and suddenly a thin and long broken mark appeared on the high rockery. The rockery quivered gently, slumped down, revealing a smooth, mirror-like incision, without any dust...

    Murong Ye was surprised, eyes staring. This was the real swordsmanship! He looked at Ouyang Shaochen full of admiration, ¡°How did you do that, Prince Ouyang?¡±

    ¡°Concentrate,bine internal force with the sword, and you can also do it...¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly, suddenly remembering that Murong Ye has just begun to learn martial arts. Even if he understood what he meant, he could not know how to do it, ¡°Xun Feng, guide him...¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Xun Feng then appeared out of nowhere, took the sword and walked to the front of Murong Ye...

    Murong Ye¡¯s eyes were brightened. Xun Feng was Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s personal bodyguard, so his martial arts should be very good. With Xun Feng¡¯s guidance, his swordsmanship would certainly improve by leaps and bounds...

    Murong Xue picked her eyebrows. Xun Feng was a personal bodyguard, and he practiced mainly for killing. His clear-cut and agile moves may suitable for Murong Ye. After all, thetter could go to the battlefield one day. The sharp sword skills could enable him to protect himself and hurt the enemies from the fighting of tens of millions of people...

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s go and have breakfast!¡± After hearing the sound, Murong Xue learned it was Ouyang Shaochen who came to her.

    Murong Xue blinked, ¡°Let¡¯s eat with my brother!¡±

    ¡°Judging by his glowing appearance, he must have eaten breakfast earlier...¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly, taking Murong Xue¡¯s small waist and walking slowly forward.

    ¡°But it is just after dawn, he flew all the way back from the barracks, and it is impossible for him to have breakfast...¡± Murong Xue looked at Ouyang Shaochen, bewildered.

    ¡°He is focused on swordsmanship now, even if you call him to eat, he may not be willing to, let him practice first. If he is hungry, he will definitely order someone to prepare some breakfast...¡± Ouyang Shaochen said softly and took Murong Xue into the Falling Snow Pavilion. He didn¡¯t want to have another man on the table with their two, even if that man was Murong Ye...

    Murong Jian stood in a hidden corner, looked at Xun Feng who exined swordsmanship, and then looked at Murong Ye who listened attentively. In his eyes, there was a sh of deep and remote cold and dark light and he walked quietly to the Gentleness Garden.

    In the Gentleness Garden, Murong Rou was lying on the bed covered with brocade quilt, her eyes closed, sound sleeping, and her little face was pale and bloodless. In the corner of the room, the golden stove emitted a faint scent, the scent curling up and filling the bedroom. But vaguely, he could smell the scent of blood.

    Lady Du sat in front of the bed, holding a warm wet cotton handkerchief and gently wiping Murong Rou¡¯s pale face. She sighed silently with sorrow in her eyes.

    ¡°Mother!¡± As the anxious voice sounded, Murong Jian hurried in, looking dignified. He looked at the maids and nannies in the room hesitantly.

    Lady Du waved away the maids and nannies and looked at him, ¡°What happened?¡±

    Murong Jian¡¯s face darkened and he said slowly, ¡°The affair between Rou¡¯er and Xu Wen, the illegitimate child, and the murder of Song Tianeen by Rou¡¯er have spread all over the streets andnes, and everyone scolds Rou¡¯er for not being virtuous and shameless...¡±

    Of course, Song Tianwen was also to be med by the public¡¯s view of having a mistress secretly and giving birth to an illegitimate son. However, Rou¡¯er was pregnant with a bastard and tried to murder her own husband. In contrast, Song Tianwen¡¯s fault appeared minor. All the people in the capital shook their heads, sighed and felt sympathy for the family...

    ¡°I knew it would be like this!¡± Lady Du said in a low voice. A p hit on the table. Rou¡¯er killed the bastard, pregnant with another bastard and injured Song Tianwen. The Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion would never forgive and forget, ¡°How was Song Tianwen¡¯s injury?¡±

    ¡°His life was saved, but he was badly burned and became a ¡°eunuch¡±. The situation is not very optimistic...¡± Murong Jian shook his head and sighed silently.

    Lady Du nced at Murong Rou¡¯s bloodless little face and sighed heavily, ¡°Rou¡¯er was also seriously injured by Song Tianwen, and her child was dead. The doctor diagnosed that her uterus was punctured and she could no longer be pregnant. If she did not make Song Tianwen a eunuch, the feud between them would almost settle down...¡±

    But Rou¡¯er¡¯s ruthless moves destroyed the lifeblood of Song Tianwen, making him no longer able to have children. Having no children to inherit his family business was the end of his family¡¯s blood. The feud between Rou¡¯er and Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion was big now. As Rou¡¯er¡¯s mother and brother, they would naturally join the conflict with Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion...

    ¡°What should we do now?¡± Lady Du looked at Murong Jian in a daze. She was just an old woman in the inner house, and could only handle some family duties. Although her heart was willing but she was not able to intervene in the external affairs.

    Song Tianwen was seriously injured. His family would pay no attention to them for the time being. When Song Tianwen¡¯s injury recovered, they would immediately turn the spearhead around.

    Song Tianwen had be a eunuch. In the mind, he must hate Rou¡¯er together with her family very much. When he woke up, he would definitely relentlessly go against them with malicious methods...

    But how could he, the second master of the Marquis Mansion, be bullied?

    Murong Jian narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a low voice, ¡°There is only one way to deal with him!¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Lady Du¡¯s eyes turned fiercely and looked at him expectantly.

 Chapter 167 - Murong Jianâ€™s Tricks

    <strong>Chapter 167: Murong Jian¡¯s Tricks</strong>

    ¡°Marquis Mansion can cultivate a general with military power to deter Song Tianwen!¡± Murong Jian said slowly, looking solemn. Although with his current ability, he could actually match Song Tianwen, but the two were simr in strength and would definitely be a lose-lose situation. What he wanted was to crush Song Tiawenpletely, not to cause the enemy one thousand wounds and brought himself eight hundred losses.

    Lady Du slightly narrowed her eyes, ¡°so you mean...¡±

    ¡°We can send Ji¡¯er to the barracks, and when he has established military merits in there and has a certain military power, Wu¡¯an Marquis Mansion will naturally fear of us,¡± Murong Jian said in a low voice, his eyes were deep.

    When he saw Murong Ye beside the rockery, he only felt that the other party¡¯s will and spirit was dignified, his eyes were firm, and his whole body was encircled by the unique solemn air of soldiers on the battlefield. Murong Ye waspletely different from the bygone incorrigibly obstinate boy!

    With just more than one-month training in the barracks, Murong Ye hadpletely changed. He was more and more like his damn father Murong Yue. It seemed that the barracks was really capable of training people. Murong Jian felt that Ji¡¯er must be sent there for learning martial arts and establishing his military merits so as to be a pir of Qingyan and defeat Murong Ye.

    Lady Du¡¯s eyes were slightly fixed, ¡°How about the injury of Ji¡¯er?¡±

    ¡°He has almost recovered. No big deal.¡± Murong Jian¡¯s eyes were cold. Song Tianwen was seriously injured and it would take at least several months to recover. If Ji¡¯er worked harder and built up his prestige early, he could make Song Tianwen bear fear in heart and dare not do anything to them, which would save Murong Jian himself a lot of trouble.

    ¡°It makes sense.¡± Lady Du nodded approvingly. After Ji¡¯er returned from his studies with heavy power in his hand, he could not only deter Song Tianwen, but also easily take away Murong Ye¡¯s position as the marquis. It was indeed a good thing to kill two birds with one stone. However, ¡°This year is not the year for recruiting new soldiers. Ji¡¯er is not epted in the barracks. How do you let him enter the barracks?¡±

    ¡°This is also what worries me.¡± Murong Jian frowned tightly. Qingyan recruited new soldiers every three years. If Ji¡¯er wanted to enter the barracks through normal process, he must wait until next autumn. But at that time, Song Tianwen¡¯s wounds would already be healed, and he would definitely be eyeing them up. And at that time, Murong Ye would be more and more outstanding. Therefore, Ji¡¯er must enter the barracks as soon as possible and there can¡¯t be any dys.

    ¡°Is General Yuan also in charge of the barracks?¡± A gentle female voice sounded. Mrs. Zhou, supporting by a maid, came in slowly. She looked slightly pale and gave Murong Rou an unnoticed stare.

    She was injured and poisoned all because of Murong Rou. So when Murong Rou was stabbed, she almost apuded. And she didn¡¯t want to see Murong Rou originally, but her mother-inw and husband were both here. Now that she was awake, it was unreasonable not toe and have a look. She was only going toe in and take a look, say a few conventional words and leave, but unexpectedly she heard the conversation between her mother-inw and her husband.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Murong Jian nodded and said casually, ¡°How do you suddenly remember him?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou smiled gently, ¡°Yesterday in the dragon boat race, Yuan Fangfei, the daughter of General Yuan, had a very ¡®brilliant¡¯ performance. Thedies around me talked about her a few words...¡±

    That was appealing to Murong Jian, ¡°What did they say?¡± The small household affairs that women in the inner house talked about could sometimes be the key to solve problems.

    ¡°They said that General Yuan dotes on this daughter very much. She is 19 years old and has not been married yet. General Yuan is very worried and almost worried to ill.¡± Mrs. Zhou said smilingly, and her eyes shining. Ji¡¯er was her son. As his mother, she naturally hoped that he could be an able man with heavy power.

    Murong Jian¡¯s eyes brightened, ¡°As long as we find a husband for Yuan Fangfei, removing the worry for General Yuan and pleasing him. He would definitely take Ji¡¯er to the barracks!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Mrs. Zhou smiled. When she heard her husband¡¯s n, she immediately thought of this.

    ¡°However, what kind of family would marry a woman like Yuan Fangfei?¡± Murong Jian restrained his smile and frowned tightly. Yesterday he stood on the high tform and saw Yuan Fangfei¡¯s appearance. She had a thick body, dark skin, a rough voice and rude behaviors, making her more like a man rather than a woman.

    The sons of noble families looked more delicate than her. Who would marry her? Even if she lowered her standard and chose to marry a man from poor families, it was hard to say there was man who was willing.

    ¡°Others may be not willing to. But, husband, you can let her marry to the Zhen Guo Hou Manor!¡± Mrs. Zhou¡¯s eyes shing with light and she smiled.

    Murong Jian¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, ¡°You mean... Murong Ye!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Mrs. Zhou nodded and smilingly said, ¡°Ye¡¯er is 14 years old, not young. He can be engaged with a girl. After a few years, when he is seventeen or eighteen, he could have a marriage.¡±

    Children, no matter men or women, must obey their parents¡¯ orders about marriage. Murong Ye¡¯s parents were both dead, he had only a grandmother and two uncles. It was perfectly justifiable and natural for them to conduct his marriage.

    ¡°He won¡¯t agree,¡± Murong Jian said in a low voice, frowning even tighter. Fang Yuanfei was four or five years older than Murong Ye and with such an appearance. Murong Ye would never like her even if he was blind.

    ¡°We could think of a way to let him agree,¡± Mrs. Zhou said smilingly, her eyes shing.

    Murong Jian¡¯s eyes turned, ¡°You mean...¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Mrs. Zhou nodded, her pupil shed a sly. Ji¡¯er was her own flesh and blood, and Murong Ye was just her nephew without parents. For Ji¡¯er¡¯s future, she didn¡¯t mind letting this nephew be a stepping stone!

    Murong Jian¡¯s brow was still wrinkled tightly. He pondered for a moment, then said in a low voice, ¡°If it seeds, Murong Ye would be the son-inw of General Yuan. But if it fails, General Yuan would refuse Ji¡¯er, and we would waste our efforts.¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Mrs. Zhou bowed her head and thought for a moment, then slowly said, ¡°We can disclose some information in advance to let General Yuan know our purpose. If he agrees, we will proceed with our n.¡± The army generals valued the promise most and could never go back on what they promised.

    ¡°General Yuan controls the barracks and holds certain military power. If Murong Ye really bes his son-inw, he will get help and the situation will be very unfavorable to us!¡± Murong Jian¡¯s eyes were deep and cold. One should not only look at immediate interests, but also consider the long-term benefits.

    ¡°If Ji¡¯er enters the barracks, strives to establish military merits, gains military power and bes a young general, he will certainly be famous in the capital. When the timees, there will be numerous families with deep roots and heavy power to ask for rtives.¡± Mrs. Zhou smilingly said, proudly in eyes: General Yuan¡¯s military power is not small but not big enough, and there are several more powerful families in the capital than his.

    Murong Jian repeatedly weighed the pros and cons, then nodded gently, ¡°You¡¯re right, so the thing is set!¡± Ji¡¯er was clever, after the training, he will definitely be a general in the army. Murong Ye should thank them for letting him to be a stepping stone.¡±

 Chapter 168 - Push Him into the Water

    <h4>Chapter 168: Push Him into the Water</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    As night fell, Murong Ye ran into Falling Snow Pavilion with his head covered in sweat. His jet-ck eye pupil glowed with intense excitement, ¡°Xun Feng¡¯s swordsmanship is so good. With his advice, my technique has improved a lot in just a few hours...¡±

    Good advice was beyond all price. Murong Ye had now understood the truth meaning of the words.

    Murong Xue looked up to heaven, speechless. From Murong Ye¡¯s return to the mansion until now, he had been discussing swordsmanship with Xun Feng. He didn¡¯t eat breakfast and only had a te of cakes for lunch. He was really diligent and learned to forget all about eating and sleeping. Was he trying to make up for the time wasted by his incorrigibly obstinate years?

    ¡°Where is Prince Ouyang?¡± Murong Ye looked from left to right but could not see Ouyang Shaochen, so he couldn¡¯t help asking. Ouyang Shaochen was the reason why he could get Xun Feng¡¯s guidance...

    ¡°He had something to deal with and went back to Lord Freedom Mansion!¡± Murong Xue said faintly, looking up at him, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, we could discuss theseter, now wash your hands and have some food first!¡±

    There were five or six small dishes on the stone table in front of them. The aroma was overflowing, making people salivating. Murong Ye suddenly felt hungry, realizing he didn¡¯t eat much the whole day and smiled unnaturally, ¡°Awesome!¡±

    Putting the sword on the chair beside him, Murong Ye quickly washed his hands. He sat down at the table, picked up the bowl and chopsticks, and ate the food gracefully and quickly. After eating a few mouthfuls, he found that he was the only one eating. He couldn¡¯t help raising his head and looked at Murong Xue puzzled, ¡°Sister, why don¡¯t you eat?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already finished my meal, these are specially prepared for you.¡± Murong Xue said tly, pushing the dishes toward him, ¡°Enjoy your meal.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Murong Ye nodded and ate slowly. Looking out of the corner of his eye at Murong Xue¡¯s bright little face, he thought for a moment, and then said casually, ¡°Sister, I heard you broke off an engagement with Ye Yichen.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Murong Xue nodded. It was not a secret and had long been known to the public. So it was not surprising that Murong Ye heard the news in the barracks.

    ¡°I feel happy for you. The ruthless guy Ye Yichen is not worthy of you at all...¡± Murong Ye was indignant and felt injustice for her. His eyes shed and his voice was lowered, ¡°What is your rtionship with Ouyang Shaochen, sister?¡±

    ¡°Just friends!¡± Murong Xue answered softly.

    ¡°Just friends?¡± Murong Ye raised his eyebrows and looked at her, obviously not believing her words.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Murong Xue looked up at Murong Ye.

    He thought Ouyang Shaochen would be his future brother-inw. After all, he shared a room and a bed with his sister. That was the intimacy between husband and wife.

    If Ouyang Shaochen became his brother-inw, he could take good care of his younger sister and often teach him sword moves, which served double purposes...

    But his sister seemed not having that kind feeling for Ouyang, but how could she let Ouyang sleep in her room?

    Murong Ye was puzzled. Just as he was about to ask her politely, a servant came up at a brisk pace and said, ¡°Young master, please go to the front hall and have some talks with your second uncle.¡±

    Murong Jian¡¯smand was definitely not a good thing!

    Murong Ye curled his lips and said casually, ¡°What¡¯s the matter with him?¡±

    ¡°Young master, a guest hase to the mansion. Your second uncle wants you to go to the front hall to apany the guest.¡± The servant replied respectfully.

    Murong Jian¡¯s friends were all birds of a feather. He had no heart to go to the front hall to pretend politeness andpliance to them!

    Murong Ye disdained and hummed lightly, saying leisurely, ¡°I have something to do tonight, so I won¡¯t be able to go there...¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± The servant frowned and was about to open his mouth to exhort. At that time, a familiar voice sounded, ¡°Cousin, what are you busy with? You don¡¯t even have time to eat with me?¡±

    Murong Ye looked up and saw Murong Ji swaggering came in, his canthus and brow filled with arrogance!

    Murong Ye¡¯s dark-jade eyes narrowed and he said casually, ¡°It¡¯s some trivial things in the barracks, which need to be carefully sorted out. You have never been to the barracks and I guess you couldn¡¯t understand...¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes brightened and she looked at Murong Ye in surprise. He actually learned to innuendo people. It was really not easy. It seemed that barracks could really train people...

    Murong Ji¡¯s face was slightly gloomy. Just a month¡¯s experience in the barracks and look at him! What could he be proud of? Murong Ji himself would soon be able to enter the barracks too, ¡°Today the guest is an old family friend. As the marquis, it makes no sense you refuse to go...¡±

    Murong Ye disagreed, ¡°I think second uncle alone is capable of entertaining the guest. He is my elder. It¡¯s reasonable to let him entertain guests...¡±

    ¡°But the guest named to see you!¡± Murong Ji said tly and looked at Murong Ye with his eyebrows raised.

    ¡°It that so?¡± Murong Ye¡¯s eyes were faint. He was the marquis and woulde into contact with many civil and military officials in the future whether he entered the imperial court or stayed at the barracks. He also nned to meet those elders who had a good rtionship with his father. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the front hall.¡±

    Murong Ye put down the bowl and chopsticks, stood up leisurely and solemnly told Murong Xue, ¡°Keep the food for me and I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Murong Xue nodded and looked at the figure of Murong Ye walking away gradually. Her nd eyes narrowed slightly: In order to seize Murong Ye¡¯s position as the marquis, Lady Du had been trying every mean to block Murong Ye¡¯s contact with various family friends. How could they offer to let Murong Ye contact with them this time? Something was not quite right...

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes sank. She quickly stepped out of the Falling Snow Pavilion and ran after them two.

    On the smooth bluestone road, Murong Ye and Murong Ji walked side by side. Murong Ji¡¯s eyes shed and whispered, ¡°Cousin, what do you usually do in the barracks?¡±

    ¡°Archery, sword practice and troop deployment... You will know when you enter the barracks...¡± Murong Ye¡¯s casual tone was perfunctory.

    Murong Ji¡¯s face was sullen and his chest was filled with anger. However, he choked back his anger and said in a low voice, ¡°Cousin, are you used to the life in the barracks?¡±

    ¡°Quite good.¡± Murong Ye nodded and said casually, ¡°I practice sword during the day and shoot arrows at night. It¡¯s tiring, so I naturally eat and sleep well at night...¡±

    Eat and sleep well? Like a pig? Strictly speaking, Murong Ye was a stupid pig. After so long experience in the barracks, he had not seen any progress in his life except for his glib talk skills and his ability to ridicule people.

    Foolish people would not be wiser even after much experience!

    Murong Ji¡¯s eyes shed a trace of contempt, and he looked at the rockery pond near at hand. His mouth curved with a strange smile, and he eximed, ¡°Cousin, look, what fish is swimming in the pond?¡±

    ¡°Do we have fish in the pond?¡± Murong Ye said puzzled and looked up at the pond.

    Murong Ji¡¯s eyes were cold, he stretched out his hand to push Murong Ye into...

 Chapter 169 - Reap What One Had Sown (1)

    <h4>Chapter 169: Reap What One Had Sown (1)</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°The water surface was rippled by the wind. There¡¯s no fish!¡± Murong Ye said leisurely, suddenly tilting his body.

    Murong Ji failed to push Murong Ye but touched the air and his thin body went straight forward. He was shocked and tried to stabilize himself. However, he did not expect a stone flew out of thin air and hit him heavily on the knee. His body tilted, with a ¡®plop¡¯, he fell into the pond, arising countless ssh!

    ¡°Who is it? Who jumped into the water?¡± Apanied by a rough female voice of inquiry, a figure swam out from behind the rockery. One could easily tell the woman was the darling daughter of the General Mansion Yuan Fangfei from her heavy eyebrow and dark face!

    Under the dim light, her stout body was bare and naked andpletely exposed to them, her sere hair was tied into a bundle on top of her head. Such a strong chest was looming in the clear water, and the ck breasts were closely connected with her strong muscles, making peoplepletely unable to distinguish whether it was a woman¡¯s breasts or the man¡¯s chest muscle.

    When Murong Ji saw this scene, his mouth twitched and he said hastily, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m so sorry...¡±

    ¡°Could a ¡®sorry¡¯ solve all the problem?¡± Yuan Fangfei strode over and picked up Murong Ji¡¯s cor, giving him a ferocious scold, ¡°This is the pond where I bathe. Who let you jump in?¡±

    Murong Ji¡¯s lean body was lifted off the ground in an instant. His neck was tightly restrained by his cor, making it difficult for him to breathe. His pale face was flushed and he coughed heavily, ¡°No... But, I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to...¡±

    ¡°Even if you didn¡¯t mean it, you¡¯ve disturbed me ...¡± Yuan Fang Fei interrupted him maliciously, and her eyes were fierce. She lost all her interest after being disturbed by him, what a hateful guy...

    ¡°Miss Yuan, please show some mercy, Ye¡¯er didn¡¯t mean it...¡± An anxious exnation sounded. Murong Jian and Mrs. Zhou, surrounded by maids, nannies and servants, came up in a hurry. A sly smile curled around Murong Jian¡¯s mouth: Murong Ye had been fallen into the trap, Ji¡¯er would soon be able to enter the barracks and show his talents...

    Yuan Fangfei was now standing in the pond with her thick body, there was fierce in her eyes. Like an eagle catching a chick, she was holding a young man by his cor. The young man was kicking his legs and struggling desperately, but he still could not get rid of her clutches. His white face turned slightly red.

    Seeing this scene, Mrs. Zhou¡¯s eyes widened in surprise and she blurted out, ¡°Ji¡¯er, why is it you?¡± Shouldn¡¯t it be Murong Ye who fell into the pond?

    ¡°Mother, help me!¡± Murong Ji looked at Mrs. Zhou pitifully. His dark pupil was covered with ayer of mist, revealing endless pain and injustice...

    Mrs. Zhou suddenly realized the whole story, and her eyes narrowed slightly. Murong Ye didn¡¯t fall for it. It seemed that he was not too stupid. However, all the ys today were arranged for him. He could not stay out of it.

    Looking up at Murong Ji, Mrs. Zhou raised her voice and said, ¡°How could you fall into the pond?¡±

    Murong Ji¡¯s eyes shed and he said with tacit cooperation, ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened. I was walking along the pond with my cousin. Suddenly someone gave me a push and I fell in...¡±

    Mrs. Zhou¡¯s eyes were like sharp arrows, shooting fiercely at Murong Ye, ¡°Ye¡¯er, what were you doing?¡±

    ¡°Auntie, when I walked alongside your son, I walked beside the pond and he walked to my left. If I want to push him into the water, I should pull or drag him, not push him.¡± Murong Ye looked at her with his eyebrows raised and his eyes beamed with scorn.

    ¡°Don¡¯t quibble, even if you are near the pond, you can quietly walk to the back and push him into the water with your left hand...¡± Mrs. Zhou¡¯s harsh voice retorted, her eyes glistening with cold.

    ¡°What you said is really vivid, as if you had done such a thing yourself...¡± Murong Ye¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. Mrs. Zhou choked immediately. Her chest swelled with rage, ¡°Murong Ye...¡±

    Murong Ye motioned with his hand to interrupt her words and said coldly, ¡°Auntie, why should I push your son into the water?¡±

    ¡°Because... Because...¡± Mrs. Zhou¡¯s eyes turned sharply and said, ¡°You don¡¯t like Ji¡¯er...¡±

    Murong Ye snorted contemptuously and said, ¡°If I really don¡¯t like your son, I would have kicked him out as early as when he went to the Falling Snow Pavilion, I would not have waited until now. The water in the pond is not deep enough to drown him...¡±

    Zhou was furious and sharply reprimanded, ¡°Murong Ye...¡±

    ¡°Stop!¡± A dignified and rough voice sounded. A tall figure came along, his dark skin, thick ck eyebrows and intense eyes were much simr to that of Yuan Fangfei, making Murong Xue¡¯s eyelids jump. Was he Yuan Fangfei¡¯s father, General Yuan? They were so alike.

    Murong Xue looked up at Yuan Fangfei, and the other party called out to the man, ¡°Father!¡±

    General Yuan gave a faint sigh. His majestic eyes swept over Murong Ye and Murong Ji lightly and fell on Mrs. Zhou, ¡°The feud between Murong Ye and Murong Ji is a family matter of your mansion. I won¡¯t participate in. However, your son should take the responsibility since he has seen my daughter¡¯s body!¡±

    Yuan Fangfei¡¯s body was no different from that of men. How ridiculous he was to let her son take the responsibility.

    Mrs. Zhouughed in her heart, but her face looked apologetic. She said slowly, ¡°We will arrange a gift ande to your Manor for a solemn apology to your family!¡±

    General Yuan¡¯s face darkened instantly, ¡°My daughter is an unmarried girl from a noble family. Your son has seen her body and she has been stained. We won¡¯t ept your sole apology.¡±

    Mrs. Zhou¡¯s eyelids jumped and she felt a bad premonition, ¡°What does General Yuan mean?¡±

    ¡°Your son is not engaged, Fangfei is not yet, either. Then let the two of them make up a pair!¡± General Yuan burst outughing. The daughter who stayed at home for years finally found her husband.

    ¡°How could that work?¡± Mrs. Zhou refused at once without thinking. Her son was smart and would be a young general. He should marry a woman of good family background, pretty looks and gentle temper to spend his rest of life with.

    And Yuan Fangfei, her strong body, dark skin and rude actions make her totally a reckless and rough man. How could her son marry a ¡®man¡¯?

    General Yuan¡¯s face was instantly gloomy, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t your son be responsible for ruining my daughter¡¯s reputation?¡±

    His rough roar spread through the clouds and resounded through the sky, making Mrs. Zhou¡¯s ears buzzing. She had no doubt that if she dared to say no again, his family would severely punish them. Now their own family only had a shallow foundation and was not suitable to be the enemy with General Yuan!

    ¡°No... no... I didn¡¯t mean that... I mean, Ye¡¯er has been here too, he also saw the body of your daughter, and he is bigger than Ji¡¯er, even if you want an engagement, it is more suitable for him to marry your daughter...¡±

 Chapter 170 - Reap What One Has Sown (2)

    <h4>Chapter 170: Reap What One Has Sown (2)</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Mrs. Zhou smilingly said. Her eyes were cold, thinking that although she could not offend General Yuan, she could transfer the disaster to Murong Ye. If he married Yuan Fangfei, her son would be saved.

    ¡°Aunt, I have been standing behind the rockery and didn¡¯t see Miss Yuan¡¯s body. Don¡¯t use me...¡± Murong Ye defended in an urgent voice. He saw the strong body in the water from the corner of his eyes, and his mouth twitched slightly. He liked a girl of his sister¡¯s exquisite size and beautiful face. Such a tall and strong Yuan Fangfei was not his dish at all...

    Mrs. Zhou snorted contemptuously, ¡°You were walking side by side with Ji¡¯er just now. When he fell into the water, you should be at the side of the pond. Dare you say you didn¡¯t see Miss Yuan at all?¡±

    ¡°Even if he saw a little, what he saw still cannotpare with what cousin had done. He rubbed up and down in Miss Yuan¡¯s arms, and closely in touch with her skin. Miss Yuan¡¯s innocence almost all lost on him, so it is natural for our cousin to be responsible for her...¡±

    Murong Xue said calmly. She leisurely walked toe over, and her dark pupil was cold as ice. Murong Xue understood that the real purpose of Mrs. Zhou and Murong Jian was to push Murong Ye into the water, let him and Yuan Fangfei have intimate contact underwater, and then force him to marry thetter...

    ¡°You...¡± Mrs. Zhou mercilessly stared at Murong Xue and she was speechless with anger!

    Murong Xue just turned a blind eye and looked directly at Yuan Fangfei, ¡°Is Miss Yuan satisfied with having cousin Ji as her husband?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Yuan Fangfei widened her eyes in surprise and looked at General Yuan inquiringly.

    General Yuan nodded, ¡°If you like him, Murong Ji is your husband, and if not...¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes... of course!¡± Yuan Fangfei¡¯s eyes shed a trace of ecstasy. She raised her head to look at Murong Ji carefully. His red lips, white teeth, clear and handsome face, and deep and dark eyes making her heart melted.

    She had no high demand for her future husband, just as long as he was a man. She never expected the god of love to send such a lovely boy to her. So, she was extremely happy.

    Yuan Fangfei smilingly put her arms around Murong Ji¡¯s waist, and held him tightly in her arms like a child. Her dark face severely rubbed against his white cheek. The silky soft and smooth touch made her sighfortably. Her future husband was pretty awesome.

    Scratched by her rough face, Murong Ji¡¯s face was painful. Her strong arms almost made him out of breath. He struggled hard, but could not earn off the clutches of Yuan Fangfei. His face was flushed with anger and tears streamed down his face.

    The scene in front of General Yuan made him burst outughing, ¡°Excellent, Fangfei and Xiao Ji love each other very much. They are very suitable...¡±

    Mrs. Zhou was angry. He probably felt that they loved each other only because he was blind. Ji¡¯er simply could not escape Yuan Fangfei¡¯s strong grasp.

    ¡°Fangfei hase to the age. Let¡¯s choose a good day and do their wedding.¡± General Yuan suggested smilingly.

    Mrs. Zhou was worried and a ¡°No!¡± burst out of her lips.

    General Yuan¡¯s face was gloomy again and he looked at her coldly, ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°Because...¡± Mrs. Zhou¡¯s eyes shed quickly, and she blurted out a seemingly suitable reason, ¡°Ji Er is only 13 years old, and he is still under the age of marriage...¡±

    It turned out that she was only worried about the age, rather than unsatisfied with his daughter!

    General Yuan¡¯splexion eased slightly, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, we can let them get engaged first, then hold the wedding when Ji¡¯eres to the age. How old is he?¡±

    ¡°Thirteen.¡± Mrs. Zhou said lightly, then an inspiration shed through her mind and she said, ¡°He is six years younger than Miss Yuan. If Miss Yuan can¡¯t wait...¡±

    ¡°I can wait, I can wait...¡± Yuan Fangfei motioned with her hand to interrupt her words, and then smilingly said, ¡°As the saying goes, marrying a wife three years older than you will bring you a blessing, if I married into your house, I will bring you a double blessing. Your son and your family will certainly get promoted to a higher position, and be richer...¡±

    Mrs. Zhou scorned in her heart. With this stupid look of Yuan Fangfei, Mrs. Zhou would thank god as long as she did not bring disaster to her family, let alone wealth and rank. It was ridiculous, even if she had a good-luck face, they would rather not have this kind of luck...

    Yuan Fangfei grabbed the dress on the rockery and casually put them on. Then she lifted Murong Ji and walked out of the pond. She pinched his long arms, legs, and feet, then frowned in disgust, ¡°You are really thin and still far from a qualified husband of mine...¡±

    Murong Ji¡¯s arms, legs and feet hurt when she pinched him. He red at Yuan Fang Fei severely: Who wanted to be her husband? He could not even tell whether she was a man or a woman...

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the barracks tomorrow. You¡¯ll sharpen up and be an indomitable man as soon as possible!¡± Yuan Fangfei said smilingly, her rough hand stroking Murong Ji¡¯s cheek. She liked to touch his face most. It was smooth, more delicate than the silks and satins she wore.

    Feeling the rough touch on his face, Murong Ji frowned: He could finally get into the barracks as he wished, but the way really made him feel wrong. Clearly, Murong Ye should have taken the bait and he should enter the barracks as a victor instead of being taken to the barracks by such a wife as he was now.

    Yuan Fangfei¡¯s dark face was close to his eyes. Murong Ji was preparing to turn his head to avoid her, but he didn¡¯t expect that her hand tightly grasped his chin. His eyes were red with sharp pain, and his eyes were full of tears...

    At this time, Yuan Fangfei giggled, ¡°It¡¯s really fun, you just like a big toy...¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s forehead sweated instantly. Was Yuan Fangfei taking Murong Ji a toy?

    Seeing this, Mrs. Zhou¡¯s eyes were burning with anger. Her son¡¯s chin was pinched red by her, this hateful bitchid hands on him without considering her strength. How could her son be her toy?

    Yuan Fang Fei turned a blind eye to the anger of the mother and her son. She looked at Murong Xue smilingly and said, ¡°Murong Xue, from now on, I will be your cousin¡¯s fianc¨¦e. I will be married to the Marquis Mansion in the future. Hope we will get along with each other!

    ¡°Definitely!¡± Murong Xue grinned and nodded: Yuan Fang Fei had no feud with her. She would naturally get along well with her.

    ¡°Husband, where is your room?¡± Yuan Fangfei looked at Murong Ji smilingly. Her deliberately slowing voice was slightly hoarse, giving Murong Ji goosebumps. He looked at her warily, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°I heard your maid say that the water in your pond is drawn from a special ce. If you bathe in it, you can make your skin white as jade and delicate as porcin...¡±

    Yuan Fangfei said smilingly, her eyes glistened. Last moment, she was just a guest of the Marquis Mansion. Since she was inconvenient to ask for water for a bath, she jumped directly into the pond. Now she was Murong Ji¡¯s fianc¨¦e and was going to be the marquis. Going to her future husband¡¯s room for a bath was a matter of course for her...

 Chapter 171 - Reap What One Has Sown (3)

    <h4>Chapter 171: Reap What One Has Sown (3)</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Murong Xue sneered in silence. This was how they deceived Yuan Fangfei into the pond. What a clever deceit!

    Mrs. Zhou gnashed her teeth. This was just a lie she fabricated casually and told the maids. Yuan Fangfei actually believed it. How stupid was she!

    ¡°Mother, it¡¯s gettingte. Please excuse us. We¡¯ll back our room. Please let the maids and nannies carry the water there.¡± Yuan Fangfei said smilingly and walked forward with Murong Ji being held in her hand. The handsome young man in her hand was thin and handsome. On a whim, she threw the young man into the air, caught him, and then repeated the movements several times.

    The series of breathtaking moves made Murong Xue¡¯s eyelids could not help jumping. It seemed that Yuan Fangfei really took Murong Ji as a toy and threw him up and down for ying!

    Yuan Fangfei was tall and burly. In contrast, Murong Ji, who was thin, was like a child without resistance and could only be juggled in her hands...

    Mrs. Zhou¡¯s anger was burning. Her son Ji¡¯er was a man and would be an indomitable general in the future. How could he be insulted by such a rude fool as Yuan Fangfei?

    When Mrs. Zhou, whose eyes were harsh, was about to snap out a reprimand, Murong Jian quickly stopped her. The other side quietly winked at her. General Yuan was still here. They should not make a move...

    General Yuan¡¯s eyes had been fixed on Yuan Fangfei and Murong Ji. His daughter¡¯s strong performance filled him with joy and he nodded repeatedly. His daughter was truly capable. Shepletely suppressed his son-inw. In the future, his daughter would nevere to grief when she married into the mansion...

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯m going home. Please choose a good day to send the dowry to the General Mansion.¡± General Yuan said smilingly, turned around and walked slowly toward the outside. His daughter¡¯s life-long affair was finally resolved. The burden on his mind could also be put down and he could have a good sleep.

    Looking at the figure of him walking away gradually, Mrs. Zhou¡¯s eyes flickered. She eximed, ¡°General Yuan, it is not safe for a girl to walk at night. Please wait for your daughter,¡± hoping General Yuan would leave with Yuan Fangfei and stop harming her Ji¡¯er.

    General Yuan just turned a deaf ear and did not look back, ¡°Fangfei is good at martial arts. She will be safe even if she walks at deep night alone.¡± Yuan Fangfei was deeply rooted in his instruction. More than a dozen strong men¡¯s besiege could not trap her. Hum, people who wanted to rob her were all abandoning their long lives.

    Seeing General Yuan¡¯s tall figure disappearing into the night, Murong Jian lowered his voice, ¡°Prepare the dowry, tomorrow is an auspicious day, send the dowry...¡±

    Mrs. Zhou suddenly turned around and looked at him in surprise, ¡°You really let Ji¡¯er marry that rude girl?!¡±

    ¡°Do we have a choice?¡± Murong Jian raised his eyebrows and looked at her, saying slowly, ¡°General Yuan and Yuan Fangfei have both decided Ji¡¯er. If we don¡¯t take the initiative to send the dowry, they would definitely seek trouble for us!¡±

    By then, if they deliberately smeared Ji¡¯er and spread false rumors about him, wouldn¡¯t he be a shameless viin who took advantage of some girl and was not responsible? When his infamy spread all over the capital, whichdy would like to marry him?

    Zhou¡¯s silver teeth were gnashing harshly. ¡°But Yuan Fangfei does not deserve a husband like Ji¡¯er!¡± Ji¡¯er and she standing together was like a flower inserting in a cow dung!

    Murong Jian said casually, ¡°It¡¯s just an engagement, not a marriage. Why are you thinking about the things in the long run?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou suddenly came to herself, ¡°You mean...¡±

    ¡°Ji¡¯er is only 13 years old, he would have to wait at least three or four years before getting married. In such a long time, there is no guarantee that nothing will happen...¡± Murong Jian said in a low voice, his corners of the mouth bent up with a strange smile!

    Mrs. Zhou¡¯s eyes lit up. Yes! As long as they did not get married, Ji¡¯er¡¯s marriage to Yuan Fangfei could be changed. The engagement was nothing to worry about, they could withdraw their marriage at any time, just like Prince Jing and Murong Xue. They had engaged for ten years, and their marriage was finally cancelled due to the Princess Qin Yuyan from Mo Bei...

    Murong Xue? Murong Xue! Mrs. Zhou narrowed her eyes and suddenly turned to look at Murong Xue, who was standing in front of the rockery and looking at her with a spurious smile. Her chest swelled with rage and she said, ¡°Ji¡¯er is the unlucky guy. Are you satisfied?¡±

    ¡°Why am I satisfied? Today¡¯s trap was designed by you. My cousin got what he wanted and got the beauty. I think it should be you who is satisfied. Congrattions for having such a wonderful daughter-inw.¡± Murong Xue saidughingly, her eyes beaming with scorn.

    ¡°You...¡± Mrs. Zhou pointed at her and was speechless with anger. Murong Xue knew that she hated Yuan Fangfei and deliberately stayed to make fun of her. Obviously, she was mocking her, making her extremely angry!

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, we will back to the room to rest. May aunt and uncle have a satisfying discussion about the dowry.¡± Murong Xue smilingly said, turned around and strode forward without looking back. With Yuan Fangfei by Murong Ji¡¯s side, this family of three should not make any big deal during this period of time, Murong Ye could also practice sword in the barracks without distractions and learn to deploy soldiers...

    The young man walking beside Murong Xue had red lips, white teeth and a handsome face. The childishness between his brows was getting weaker and weaker. Instead, he had strong perseverance, which was admiring.

    ¡°My brother has be smarter.¡± Murong Xue sighed heartily. Even if she didn¡¯t follow him and hit Murong Ji on the knee with stones, Murong Ye wouldn¡¯t fall for their tricks.

    ¡°I should be smarter. Otherwise, how could I protect you? How could I keep the positionour father left to me.¡± Murong Ye¡¯s eyes were firm, the position and his sister were the most precious wealth his parents left him, and he would certainly take good care of them.

    Looking at his firm eyes, Murong Xue chuckled, ¡°If our parents could hear what you say, they would certainly be very happy.¡±

    Murong Ye¡¯s corners of the mouth bent up with a shallow smile. He used to be a jerk, from now on, he would work hard to learn everything that could make him smarter and stronger and never let his parents and sister down.

    Swish! A voice that was as tiny as bee buzz broke through the air and a ck figure passed on the nearby roof.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were fierce, ¡°Who is it?¡±

 Chapter 172 - Qin Yuyanâ€™s Tricks

    <h4>Chapter 172: Qin Yuyan¡¯s Tricks</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    The man in ck turned a deaf ear to her. He was carrying a bulging object, leaping lightly over houses and flying straight ahead.

    It seemed that he jumped from the direction of the Falling Snow Pavilion!

    Murong Xue¡¯s cold eyes narrowed fiercely. She stood on tiptoe and let her slender figure leap onto the roof, chasing after the man in ck quickly.

    ¡°Sister, wait for me!¡± Murong Ye shouted in rm and hurried after her.

    The night was like ink, and the figure of the man in ck gradually merged with the darkness, like fleeing into an emptynd. He shuttled through the streets and alleys andnded in a mansion.

    Murong Xue¡¯s toe gently touched the ground and followed him directly in.

    There was a dim light in the bedroom of the main courtyard of the mansion. Ye Yichen was standing by the window with his hands behind his back. His deep eyes looked through the window into the dark night sky, and shed with iprehensible lights.

    Qin Haoyan, wearing a dark yellow cape, leaned against the soft couch. He casually looked at the furnishings in the room, ¡°Sister, what did you ask us to do here in the middle of the night?¡±

    Qin Yuyan was sitting on a bamboo chair in the middle of the room. Her snowy blue skirt made her looked even paler, and her eyes were cold. Then she said stressing each word, ¡°Watch the y!¡±

    Qin Haoyan raised his eyebrows, ¡°This is only a remote small house. What y are we going to watch?¡±

    Qin Yuyan lowered her head slightly. The smile on her lips and the jade hairpin on her head made her looked cold and strange, ¡°You will know soon!¡±

    ¡°Swish!¡± The dark night outside was suddenly lit up as bright as day, and a slim figure suddenly stood in the middle of the courtyard. The beautiful little face and cold eye pupils made Ye Yi Chen narrowed his eyes, ¡°Murong Xue! Why is she here?¡±

    ¡°I ordered someone to lead her here.¡± Qin Yu Yan pushed the bamboo chair to the window and looked at Murong Xue¡¯s gentle and graceful shape. Her eyes shed with a shade of maliciousness and coldness.

    Ye Yi Chen frowned and looked at Qin Yu Yan, ¡°What are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°An eye for an eye.¡± Qin Yu Yan said slowly, her eyes looked vicious.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Ye Yi Chen looked at her puzzled.

    ¡°My hand injury, foot injury and internal injury are all caused by Murong Xue. I will also hurt her hands and feet, so that she can also taste the bitter experience I have had.¡± Qin Yu Yan said with her teeth gnashed, her palm suddenly pped on the table heavily.

    ¡°Whoosh! Whoosh!¡± ck feather arrows poured out from all directions and shot at Murong Xue without mercy.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were fierce, she pulled out the feather arrows attaching to her waist, with the sounds of ¡°ng¡±, the arrows shooting toward her were all fell onto the ground...

    ¡°Murong Xue is quite fierce!¡± Qin Hao Yan came up slowly and looked at Murong Xue with great interest through the window.

    ¡°Yesterday, I lent the guards to sister. Under themand of sister, they set off snakes and dressed as beggars, but Murong Xue was not hurt at all and killed them all...¡±

    Qin Yu Yan¡¯s face darkened for an instant and she said slowly, ¡°It was just because she was lucky. This time, I nted many hidden weapons in the courtyard, and she could not escape.¡±

    ¡°Is it?¡± Qin Hao Yan¡¯s mouth curved with a strange smile and he looked out of the window casually, ¡°Then I¡¯ll see what will happen to her.¡±

    Ye Yi Chen did not speak. His sharp eyes looked at Murong Xue through thettice window intentionally or otherwise.

    Murong Xue stood in the courtyard, wielding her sword to cut down the feather arrows. Her cold eyes narrowed slightly. Since the man in ck leapt into here, he immediately disappeared without a trace, and after shended, she was attacked by endless arrows, making her unable to handle. If she continued to stay, there would not have any results, it was better to leave as soon as possible!

    Murong Xue picked her eyebrows and shot down the arrows in front of her. Then she turned and wanted to leave. Unexpectedly, the dense arrows suddenly stopped, and clumps of flowers and trees surged up and surrounded her. The green trees and red flowers kept moving around her, changing their positions rapidly and dazzling her eyes.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were fierce, this was a matrix! She was trapped!

    ¡°Whoosh!¡± Apanied by the light sounds, two iron beds full of steel needles, one left and one right, smashed towards Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue smiled coldly and leaped forward quickly. The steel nail bed rubbed her skirts across and crashed together behind her. ¡°Bang!¡± The sound was piercing.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed with a bit of coldness, she gentlynded to the ground. Unexpectedly, in a sh ofnding, with her feet touching the ground, her slender body fell straight into the trap, where its bottom covered with ayer of long and hard steel nails...

    Murong Xue frowned, she turned around quickly with her feet up and her head down. The soft sword in her hand suddenly stretched out, hitting the iron te at the bottom of the trap. With the sword bending up with a beautiful circle, it bounced up, Murong Xue thereby leaped out of the trap through its sticity, and back the ground t safe and sound. A thick chill and haughtiness shining in her inky eye pupils.

    Qin Hao Yan stood at thettice window and looked at her in good condition. His mouth was slightly tilted and he smiled, ¡°Sister, your clever trap is useless to her. she cracked it all!¡±

    Qin Yu Yan looked gloomy, and she said maliciously, ¡°This is just some appetizers. It¡¯s no big deal that she cracked these all. The worst is yet toe.¡±

    ¡°Is it? What kind of tricks has sister prepared?¡± Qin Haoyan said casually, looking up and looking out, he saw white mist curling up from the flowers and trees, slowly drifting towards Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were fierce, and she held her breath. This was poison gas! The enemy actually tried to poison her, which was really stupid! Didn¡¯t the other party know what she was good at detoxification?

    Her eyes shed with invisible ridicule. And she slowly waved her arms out of graceful round circles with clear distinction, absorbing all the wisps of toxic smoke.

    Qin Haoyan¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, ¡°She has gathered all the poisonous smoke together?¡± How did she do it?

    And what she did just now, slow but effective, which was what he had never seen...

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s expression looked terrible, her hands under the sleeves tightly gripped up. Murong Xue broke her trap of poison smoke again, which was really hateful!

    With the poison smoke gathering together, the dense white poison smoke gradually turned gray and ck. Qin Yu Yan tightly frowned. She gathered so much poison smoke. What was she going to do?

    When Qin Yu Yan was still confused, Murong Xue suddenly turned her head, looking directly the direction of them. Her corners of the mouth bent up with a weird smile, with a wave of her white hands, the round poison smoke ball relentlessly smashing toward them...

 Chapter 173 - Let The Victimizer Be The Victim

    <h4>Chapter 173: Let The Victimizer Be The Victim</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Qin Yuyan was shocked, ¡°Be careful!¡±

    At the moment the voice just fell, with a ¡°bang¡±, the poison ball crashed toward thettice window, smashing it into pieces. The thick poisonous gas diffused in the room along with the scattered debris, making their throats dry, their heart and lungs painful, and they nearly suffocated...

    ¡°This is highly toxic... take antidote pills quickly...¡± Qin Yuyan weakly reminded others. Her trembling hands tore open the waist pouch, took out a ck and brown pill and put it into her mouth, the pill slightly alleviated the sharp pain...

    ¡°I was still wondering who it was. It was you, Princess Qin. Your Majesty invited me herete at night. So you must have something urgent.¡± Hearing the cold voice, Qin Yuyan looked up and saw Murong Xue gracefully standing in front of her, looking at her yfully.

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s eyes lit up with rage, ¡°To teach you a good lesson, of course.¡± After arriving at Qing Yan, Murong Xue repeatedly sabotaged her ns. She had long wanted to teach Murong Xue a good lesson!

    Murong Xue nodded, her eyes beaming with mockery, ¡°Princess Qin couldn¡¯t beat me by her own ability, so she prepared these hidden weapons. But the arrows, the traps, and the poisonous smoke all seemed useless to me.¡±

    ¡°These are just appetizers. More powerful weapons lie ahead.¡± Qin Yuyan¡¯s corners of the mouth bent up with a strange smile, her hand wrapped in severalyers of white cloth heavily hit on a button.

    The ground at the foot of Murong Xue suddenly shook violently, making she staggered and nearly fell to the ground. She had a difficult time to stabilize herself. Soon after, the hard ground cracked and tall figures emerged from the ground.

    They were wearing ck without facial shields. These people had stiff faces, mechanical movements, lifeless eyes, and looked like dead bodies. Their coats covered with mud and the thick offensive smell spread rapidly in the air...

    Murong Xue frowned tightly. What were these? Zombies? However, the zombies recorded in ancient books and records all slept in coffins and were dressed in a decent manner, which totally varied from these strange things in front of her. They stunk all over, just like sleeping in the soil for a long time.

    ¡°Night Blood Stabber!¡± Ye Yi Chen and Qin Haoyan called out the name of these things in unison, and their eyes shed with deep shock.

    The so-called Night Blood Stabber were the dead burying underground with cast spell on them. As soon as the caster called, they would break through the ground and kill anyone they see.

    ¡°Sister, how can you summon the Night Blood Stabber?¡± Qin Haoyan stared at Qin Yuyan motionless. This technique was forbidden in Nan Jiang, where few locals, let alone ordinary people, would be able to master it. He had only heard of such things before, but now he saw them with his own eyes.

    ¡°Some time ago, I ran into a man from Nan Jiang and gave him petty favors. He helped me to set up this trap. I was only responsible for summoning them out,¡± Qin Yuyan said airily.

    ¡°Sister, these things do not recognize people, they will kill indiscriminately. Do you really want to use them to deal with Murong Xue?¡± Qin Haoyan said in a low voice, his eyes shining with rare solemnity. If Murong Xue died and the Night Blood Stabber were still alive, they would pour out of this house and kill in the capital.

    ¡°I have summoned them, how can I stop?¡± Qin Yuyan said in a low voice, her eyes suddenly became cold, and her voice was harsh, ¡°Kill Murong Xue!¡±

    After arriving at Qing Yan, she met Murong Xue several times and lost to her again and again. Old Prince Jing did not like her and Ye Yichen¡¯s heart seemed to have gradually deviated from her. She hated Murong Xue¡¯s guts.

    She called Ye Yichen here just to let him see with his own eyes how she defeated Murong Xue. As for the method, she felt that she didn¡¯t have to pay too much attention on it, as long as she could win!

    ¡°Swish!¡± A dead man, holding a sword, shed madly at Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were sharp. She wielded her sword to cut off the right arm of the dead man who was running toward her. Blood spatter filled her sight. But the dead man was void of consciousness and waved his left arm to reach out for Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyebrows slightly wrinkled, she wielded a sword to cut off his left arm. Most of the dead man¡¯s body was in the blood, but he was still without consciousness and lifted his foot to kick Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue squinted to the dead man, and she swung her sword to cut off both his legs. The man fell on the ground with half of his body moving rapidly in a pool of blood. Then he opened his mouth to bite Murong Xue...

    Murong Xue was speechless and looked up to heaven. These were a group of senseless monsters, who were unable to be dealt with normal methods...

    ¡°Swish!¡± Sharp sword moves and thick stink smell came on her face, Murong Xue¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, she kicked off a dead man, and wield her sword to meet their swords, the silent courtyard rang with fierce fighting...

    All of a sudden, a cold and strong wind hit from her back, Murong Xue made a fast dodge. A sword rubbed her skirts across, and a wisp of ink hair was cut off, fluttering to the ground...

    Looking at the wisp of ck and smooth inky hair, Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes suddenly showed a beam of coldness, but he instantly restored calm, he looked faintly at Murong Xue surrounded by the dead...

    There were more Night Blood Stabbers, and their attack was bing increasingly fierce. Murong Xue was struggling to cope with them. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Qin Yu Yan sitting in her room enjoying the y leisurely with Qin Haoyan and Ye Yichen. All of a sudden, her mouth curved up with a strange smile, then she wielded her sword to drive the dead men in front of her, jumped toward the three people...

    It was a waste to let these dead people deal with her alone. She thought it would be fun to find several more to join the y.

    Night Blood Stabber holding swords, expressionless followed her up...

    Looking at the Night Blood Stabbering to the room one after another, Qin Yuyan¡¯s face changed greatly and she screamed, ¡°Murong Xue, what are you doing?¡±

    ¡°What can I do? Of course, to avoid the attack of these monsters. These were all brought here by Princess Qin. So you must like them very much, right? I will let Princess Qin have close contact with them.¡±

    Murong Xue was smiling, and her eyes shed a sly smile. She cared nothing about Qin Yuyan¡¯s life or death. It had nothing to do with her, thought Murong Xue.

    ¡°Swish! Swish!¡± These Night Blood Stabbers leaped into the room, brandishing their swords and shing at Qin Yuyan, Qin Haoyan, and Ye Yichen...

    Ye Yichen squinted his sharp eyes, his hands under the sleeve quickly opened and closed, gasps of sharp strong winds flew out of his sleeve, relentlessly hitting the dead...

    Qin Haoyan took out a long sword from not know where. He quickly wielded his sword, raising the scarlet blood...

    Qin Yuyan dodged left and right between the two, seeking protection. Her pale little face looked colorless...

 Chapter 174 - Qin Yuyan Stewed in Her Own Juice

    <h4>Chapter 174: Qin Yuyan Stewed in Her Own Juice</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Blood spurting, minced meat flying, the small room fell into a mess instantly...

    The dripping blood and pieces of minced meat fell on their bodies and heads from time to time, and the foul smell made them want to vomit...

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s little face was extremely pale. She nced at Murong Xue nearby from the corner of her eye, and hatred burst out in her eyes. They were standing in the room, and originally there was no trouble at all. That bitch even led the dead to kill them. What she did was really abominable!

    She gently rolled the bamboo chair and quietly came behind Murong Xue. Then she gave Murong Xue a hard push, exposing her to the swords of the dead men...

    Murong Xue took a nce at Qin Yuyan, and then her toe tapped the ground, cleverly avoiding the dead man¡¯s sword. She stretched out her palm and severely hit on the dead man, making the sword in the hands of the dead straight stabbing toward Qin Yuyan...

    ¡°Help!¡± Qin Yu Yan was frightened, she dodged quickly, a sword rubbed her cheek across, her delicate little face like porcin instantly emerged a clear mark with blood seeping out of her skin, which was especially striking in her pale little face.

    A strong internal force flew in and smashed the dead in front of her. Blood and minced meat spilled all over Qin Yuyan, but she could no longer care about this. She only felt her cheek ached like being burnt. She trembling hands, gently touched her face, scarlet blood came into her view. Qin Yuyan was furious. This bitch was going to destroy her face. How wicked she was!

    Qin Yuyan stretched out her hand and grabbed the sword fell on the ground, stabbing maliciously toward Murong Xue...

    Sensing the strong evil winding from her back, Murong Xue just felt disdain. She dodged to the sideway to avoid the wind, the soft sword in her hand relentlessly stabbing toward Qin Yuyan. With a sound of ¡°swish¡±, the sword rubbed Qin Yuyan across her forehead, scraping out arge piece of scalp with flowing blood from her head...

    ¡°Ah!¡± Qin Yuyan¡¯s shrill scream prated through the clouds and resounded through the sky.

    Ye Yichen nced at her injured scalp and cheek and frowned tightly. Murong Xue only cared about her personal grudges when facing the arch enemy, thought he.

    Boom! A violent shaking came from the ground, a tall dead man in ck like an iron tower emerged. He strode with his long legs with a foul smell. In a blink of eyes, he came to the room, his smelly skeleton hands like talons, reached for Murong Xue and Qin Yuyan¡¯s heart...

    ¡°Be careful!¡± Ye Yichen turned around and suddenly came to Murong Xue. He grabbed her by the arm, pulled her behind him, and then waved his hand to expel the dead man...

    Looking at the slender figure in front of her, Murong Xue¡¯s eyebrows in tight frowns. She broke off his fingers without hesitation, pulled his hand off her arm, and then said grumpily, ¡°Thank you!¡±

    It was just a dead man with a rtively tall figure. She could handle it all by herself and did not need the help of Ye Yichen at all. He was truly a busy body.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee!¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shed unnaturally. He saw Murong Xue was in danger, so he just subconsciously rescued her...

    His slightly rough hand touched Murong Xue¡¯s soft and delicate fingertip. In a sh, an electric current reached his limbs instantly, making his body stiff. His sharp eyes narrowed fiercely: What was going on...

    Qin Yuyan sat on a bamboo chair, staring nkly at Ye Yichen, her eyes shing with deep shock and disbelief: Ye Yichen saved Murong Xue at the moment of his wife¡¯s life and death. He chose to give up her and save Murong Xue. How could this happen? Why?

    Yichen used to like her the most and would consider her first in everything. For her, he ruthlessly demoted Murong Xue as a concubine. Because of the disagreement with the old Prince Jing, he rejected Murong Xue cruelly. Why did he go to save Murong Xue when both of them were in danger? Shouldn¡¯t he hate Murong Xue so much and didn¡¯t care whether she dead or alive?

    She raised her head and looked at Ye Yichen with bitterness, only to find that he was looking at Murong Xue, with a little tenderness in his dark eye pupils.

    He was... in love with Murong Xue!

    Qin Yuyan only heard a loud bang on the top of her head, her mind suddenly in a nk. How could this be? Yichen belonged to her alone. How could he be in love with Murong Xue?

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s eyes became cold, she grabbed a sword, threw it toward Murong Xue...

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes and waved her soft sword to guide the iing sword to rotate rapidly. The sword was thrown out instantly, arising sparks. Then the sword plunged into Qin Yuyan¡¯s chest, dragged her out of three or four steps, and nailed her heavily to the wall...

    Qin Yuyan opened her eyes wide and stared at Murong Xue bitterly. Her eyes were burning with rage: She had lost to Murong Xue again. She was extremely unwilling to admit this...

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed a sharp cold light. She waved the soft sword in her hand and stabbed Qin Yuyan relentlessly. Qin Yu Yan hated her very much and would not give up until she was killed. Why should she leave Qin Yuyan a way to live? Once it was all over, the trouble would be solved.

    ¡°Stop!¡± An indifferent voice sounded, and a big hand stretched out and gripped Murong Xue¡¯s wrist tightly.

    Murong Xue struggled hard for several times, but failed to break free. She raised her eyebrows and looked at the man, her eyes as cold as ice, ¡°Prince Jing, you want to save your sweetheart?¡± Murong Xue deliberately emphasized the voice of thest word, showing endless ridicule.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shed unnaturally and he said in a low voice, ¡°She is the Princess of Mo Bei. It is not good for you to kill her.¡±

    ¡°In your opinion, what should I do? Keep her alive until she wakes up, and then continue to plot against me?¡± Murong Xue looked at him coldly, her eyes full of sarcasm: Qin Yuyan had done her a lot of harm, and she didn¡¯t want to leave herself with any more trouble.

    ¡°I won¡¯t let her hurt you again!¡± He spoke in a low voice with his eyes shing with firmness never seen before.

    Murong Xue snorted scornfully. Ye Yichen liked Qin Yuyan. She would be grateful as long as he didn¡¯t help Qin Yuyan calcte her. And she never expected him to restrain Qin Yuyan for her, ¡°Are you kidding?¡±

    ¡°I am not joking.¡± Ye Yichen looked at Murong Xue and said slowly, ¡°I¡¯m talking from my heart. If you don¡¯t believe me, give me three days. Within the time, I will definitely give you an exnation!¡±

    Murong Xue sneered at in her heart, she didn¡¯t care about Ye Yichen¡¯s exnation and disdained to listen to it. Now she just wanted to take Qin Yuyan¡¯s life...

    Swish! There was a sudden sh of cold light, and Murong Xue¡¯s left arm was shed with a long gash. Blood instantly dyed red on her sleeve...

    ¡°Xue¡¯er!¡± Ye Yichen frowned and stretched out his hand to check her injuries.

    Murong Xue waved her hand and drove off his hands. Her eyes were filled with disgust, ¡°Get out!¡± If he hadn¡¯t grasped her wrist tightly, she wouldn¡¯t have been stabbed by the dead man.

    The dead men were armed with swords and they hacked frantically. Murong Xue squinted, took out a ck round bead and threw it to them...

 Chapter 175 - Confrontation between Rival Lovers

    <h4>Chapter 175: Confrontation between Rival Lovers</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Bang!¡± After the violent explosion, numerous fragments burst out and therge group of dead men in ck was blown to the ground.

    Murong Xue seized the opportunity. She gave the ground a push with her toe. Then her slender figure jumped out like an arrow from the bow. There were countless dead men in ck. She knew she could not finish the killing since the number was huge and she was injured. So she left this time-wasting job!

    The dead men were summoned by Qin Yuyan. Let the three of them enjoy it. As for whether they would live or die, rely on their own luck!

    ¡°Xue¡¯er!¡± Ye Yichen squinted slightly and wanted to get up and go after Murong Xue. Unexpectedly, arge group of dead men swarmed around him, and he could only watch her go further...

    The courtyard was blown out of a big pit, nearly a hundred Night Blood Stabber were killed and injured. The thick smell of gunpowder lingered on the tip of the nose. Qin Haoyan narrowed his eyes slightly, ¡°What was Murong Xue throwing just now?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Ye Yichen shook his head gently. He only saw that it was a small ck bullet. It was really amazing that such a small thing should have such strong lethality. Just like Murong Xue, every time he saw her, she could give him an unexpected surprise...

    Qin Haoyan gently raised his eyebrows. He thought it smelled like gunpowder. But shouldn¡¯t gunpowder need fire? Murong Xue let it explode automatically, it was really incredible...

    Swish! The Night Blood Stabber armed with swords, frantically cut to them!

    Ye Yichen¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed slightly, ¡°The number is increasing. If they don¡¯t stop, we could not know when it will end. Let¡¯s leave first and send someone to destroy themter.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Qin Haoyan nodded. Then he suddenly turned around and pulled out the sword on Qin Yuyan¡¯s shoulder. The courtyard abounded dead and wounded, and the room was full of minced meat. Apart from the blood smell, the foul smell filled over all the courtyard. He had been longing to leave.

    Qin Yuyan spat out one mouthful blood, she was pale and bloodless, face down on Qin Haoyan¡¯s back, her eyes gradually wandering...

    Ye Yichen exerted strong internal forces from his finger, knocking down all the dead men and then leaping to the high wall. Since strong internal forces continued to suppress the dead men, Qin Haoyan took the opportunity to carry Qin Yuyan and leapt out of the house, falling gently on the ground outside the courtyard.

    ¡°Yuyan is seriously injured. Take her back to the Prince Jing Mansion for a treatment.¡± Ye Yichen drifted down to the ground, turning around and striding forward.

    Qin Haoyan frowned puzzled, ¡°Prince Jing, where are you going?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s an urgent matter to deal with,¡± answered Ye Yichen, striding forward without looking back.

    Looking at his gradually distant figure, Qin Haoyan¡¯s mouth curved with a strange radian. What Ye Yichen had to deal with must have something to do with Prince Jing Mansion and the barracks. Now it was sote, the gates are closed, he could not go back to the barracks, what else was in such a hurry for him to deal with?

    ¡°Sister, has my future brother-inw gone for Murong Xue?¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s concern for Murong Xue could not escape his eyes.

    She suffered such a heavy injury, however, Ye Yi Chen did notfort her, nor did he take her to see a doctor, but went to see Murong Xue, which was very truly abominable!

    Qin Yuyan was angry, she spat out one mouthful of blood and felt a sudden sharp pain in her chest. Then she was seized by dizziness and fainted unwillingly, the clothes near her chest was dyed red with blood...

    Looking at her bleeding wound, Qin Haoyan¡¯s cunning eyes shed with a trace of heaviness. If the sword being a little bit more partial, her sister would be dead. It seemed Murong Xue was ready to take her sister¡¯s life when sheunched the attack. The woman was malicious!

    Murong Xue¡¯s style was very simr to Ye Yi chen!

    The night was getting dark, Murong Xue was walking alone on the empty street, and her light footsteps spread far in the silent night...

    She felt the wound on her left arm burning with blood continuously spilling outward and dyed red half of her sleeve. That blood scent haunted the tip of her nose, making Murong Xue frown tightly. The power of these monsters was really not small, if it weren¡¯t for her fast dodge, half of her arm could be cut off...

    A gust of wind broke out, and a crimson shadow fell from the sky, falling gently in front of her, ¡°Xue¡¯er!¡±

    Murong Xue squinted and stepped back quickly, distancing herself from him, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Looking at her alert eyes, Ye Yichen¡¯s dark pupils became dim. He took a small porcin bottle of light blue and handed it to her, ¡°Your arm is injured. I¡¯m here to send medicine to you.¡±

    The porcin bottle was delicate as jade. The faint fragrance of medicine overflew the bottle stopper. It smelled very good. Murong Xue knew it was the best wound medicine from the smell.

    Murong Xue remained unmoved and said coldly, ¡°Thank you for your kindness. There is a lot of wound medicine in the Marquis Mansion, so we won¡¯t bother you.¡± She didn¡¯t expect Ye Yichen to get rid of the dead men so quickly and unharmed. He really deserved the name of War God of Qingyan.

    ¡°They are your own anyway. This is my regard,¡± said Ye Yichen in a low voice, with sincerity in his sharp eye pupil.

    Murong Xue ridiculed with disdain, ¡°Ye Yichen, there is no rtionship between us anymore. I won¡¯t ept anything from you. Your regard should go to Qin Yuyan.¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes shed withplex. He lowered his eyelids slightly and did not speak.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, I should go, enjoy your time.¡± Murong Xue said coldly and walked forward quickly. After walking through him, he suddenly reached out and grabbed her arm, ¡°Xue¡¯er...¡±

    ¡°Fuck off!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were cold and she waved her fist to Ye Yichen.

    Ye Yichen reached out and grabbed her wrist. His deep eyes shed, ¡°Xue¡¯er, can we sit down and have a talk?¡±

    ¡°Price Jing, you have never liked me, nor have I liked you. The engagement that bound us has beenpletely dissolved. Now we are just strangers who know each other. What else can we talk about?¡± Murong Xue said coldly, and then suddenly lifted her feet to kick him. His grip was so tight that she could not break free and could only do this.

    Ye Yichen stepped sideways, making Murong Xue¡¯s slender body straight down to the ground...

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Ye Yichen stretched out his hand and took Murong Xue¡¯s waist and lifted her up. Suddenly a familiar figure came into view, he looked up at him...

    Murong Xue stood firm, angry and anxious, pping Ye Yichen on his arm, ¡°Get your hands off me!¡±

    Ye Yichen did not move, and his sharp eyes looked straight ahead.

    Murong Xue raised her head and saw a slender figure standing under the big tree in the front. The elegant appearance and the noble temperament was obviously Ouyang Shaochen!

 Chapter 176 - Kiss of Jealousy (1

    <h4>Chapter 176: Kiss of Jealousy (1)</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Shaochen!¡± Murong Xue smiled faintly. She then turned to run to Ouyang Shaochen.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes suddenly became sharply, he grabbed her wrist and dragged her back. His big hands held her tightly, so tight that his joints were slightly white and his veins stood out on the back of his hand.

    Murong Xue¡¯s wrist was pinched as if it were about to break. Feeling great pains, she frowned tightly and pped Ye Yichen on the back of his hand. Then she snapped angrily, ¡°Let go of your hand!¡±

    Ye Yichen just turned a deaf ear to her, and he held her hand even tighter...

    ¡°Ye Yichen, let her go!¡± Ouyang Shaochen ordered in a cold tone and then walked step by step toe over. Like a solitary bright hanging on the air, his aloof and cold manner with imposing pressure made people feel breathless.

    Ye Yichen just paid no heed to hismand and looked at him coldly, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, she is the fianc¨¦e of mine!¡±

    ¡°You broke off your engagement many days ago. It seems great wits have short memories.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said coldly. Suddenly he came to Murong Xue and grabbed her waist with his outstretched arm. His jade-like palm hit the wrist of Ye Yi Chen like lightning.

    Ye Yi Chen¡¯s eyes were fierce, he subconscious dodged and loosened Murong Xue¡¯s wrist.

    Ouyang Shao Chen naturally took Murong Xue into his arms, held her around and marched forward.

    Looking at his empty palms, Ye Yi Chen¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed, he turned around, suddenly came to the front of the other two, blocking their way, ¡°Ouyang Shao Chen, you can go, but she must stay.¡±

    ¡°On what grounds?¡± Ouyang Shao Chen looked at him coldly, his eyes as deep as pools.

    There were coldness and sternness in his eyes, and Ye Yi Chen blurted out, ¡°I like her.¡±

    Ouyang Shao Chen sneered with disdain, ¡°Aren¡¯t you fond of the princess from Mo Bei? Since when it is Xue now? In order to win the heart of Qin Yuyan, you did bad things to Xue one after another. All themon people and the civil and military officials in the capital know what you did. Do you need me to remind you?¡±

    Ye Yichen froze and he seemed to realize the hardships Murong Xue went through because of him. A strange look appeared in his sharp eyes, ¡°Xue¡¯er, please ept my apology!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of apologizing now?¡± Ouyang Shaochen raised his eyebrows and looked at him. His eyes were full of mockery: Everything had happened. No matter how much he was sorry, nothing could be reversed.

    ¡°Could you forgive me?¡± Ye Yichen looked at Murong Xue, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

    Murong Xue looked at him coldly and said rudely, ¡°We are just strangers who know each other. What does it matter whether I forgive you or not?¡±

    Ye Yi chen smiled bitterly, ¡°Do you hate me?¡±

    It was not surprising if she hated him, he had done so many bad things to her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you, but I don¡¯t want to forgive you, either. Do not appear in front of me ever again. I don¡¯t want to see you!¡± Murong Xue said coldly, turning to Ouyang Shaochen and said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°OK!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded, gently held her waist, and swaggered over Ye Yichen, striding away. His arrogant and cold reminder came from the wind, ¡°Qin Yuyan has been seriously injured. Since you love her so much, you should go back earlier to take care of her and stop wandering around...¡±

    Ye Yichen was livid. Ouyang Shaochen knew he was in love with Murong Xue, and he deliberately reminded him Qin Yuyan¡¯s injury and asked him to go back to take care of her. Clearly, this man was mocking him!

    Xue¡¯er had ever been his fianc¨¦e and should be his future wife. He should never let her go. As for his rtionship with Qin Yuyan, he would handle it properly...

    Ouyang Shaochen took Murong Xue around the corner and took her to another street, leaving Ye Yichen far away!

    The street was quiet, with no one in sight. Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face sank instantly, he suddenly releasing Murong Xue and striding forward alone.

    Murong Xue frowned with puzzlement and quickly ran after him, tugging at his sleeve and saying, ¡°Shaochen, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°What are you chatting with him on the street instead of resting in your roomte at night?¡± Ouyang Shaochen questioned her sternly. He suddenly turned to look at her, his eyes were full of anger.

    Murong Xue froze and said in a low voice, ¡°I wasn¡¯t chatting with him. I was tricked out...¡±

    ¡°Being tricked into the street and flirting with Ye Yichen?¡± Ouyang Shaochen raised his eyebrows and looked at her, obviously not believing her words.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes rose up with mes, ¡°I didn¡¯t flirt with him! He grabbed my wrist, I¡¯m going to cast him off, but his strength was too big, I didn¡¯t break free...¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ouyang Shaochen leered at her and hissed, ¡°If I hadn¡¯te here, you would have cuddled with him and wouldn¡¯t have separated tonight...¡±

    ¡°Shut up, how can I be that kind of woman!¡± Murong Xue snapped his words, staring at him with anger in her eyes.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it? When I came there, you were holding each other tightly...¡± Ouyang Shaochen said slowly, his eyes glistening with coldness. When he saw Ye Yichen¡¯s hand on her waist, he couldn¡¯t wait to cut off both of his hands...

    ¡°I kicked him and slipped identally. I didn¡¯t cuddle with him at all! Are you blind?¡± Murong Xue retorted without confidence and red at him ferociously.

    Ouyang Shaochen said coldly as if he had not heard it, ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t have eyes, but even a blind man can see that you two were so intimate...¡±

    ¡°You... you are simply unreasonable!¡± Murong Xue red angrily at Ouyang Shaochen. She was clearly refusing the approach of Ye Yichen. Why would Ouyang Shaochen think that she and Ye Yichen still have feelings for each other? No matter how she exined it, he would not believe it, ¡°I don¡¯t want to take the trouble to exin it to you...¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s because you can¡¯t justify it!¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at Murong Xue, and his dark eye pupils were cold. His cold voice was like a snowball hitting the ground.

    Murong Xue¡¯s anger turned intoughter and she stared at Ouyang Shaochen bitterly, ¡°Yes, I was caught cheating. I have nothing to say. Are you satisfied?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes became sharp. His dark eyes gleamed with dangerous beam, ¡°Do you really like Ye Yichen?¡±

    ¡°None of your business.¡± Murong Xue said grumpily. She turned around and strode forward without looking back. After much effort, she escaped from the group of dead men. Encountering with Ye Yichen made her feel even more blocked in her heart.

    When she finally met Ouyang Shaochen, he not only did notfort her but also inexplicably questioned her and quarreled with her. It really pissed her off. She didn¡¯t want to stay here any longer...

    Looking at her walking away briskly, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s obsidian pupils surging with storms, he quickly followed and appeared in front of Murong Xue in a sh like a piece of white clouds. He took her by the waist, dragged her into his arms, and then stamped his thin lips heavily on her pink lips...

 Chapter 177 - Kiss of Jealousy (2)

    <h4><strong>Chapter 177: Kiss of Jealousy (2)</strong></h4>

    With the moist touch came from her lips, Murong Xue only felt a ¡°boom¡± in her head. She suddenly widened her eyes and saw only the elegant face of Ouyang Shaochen close at hand. His dark eyes seemed to have surging waves rolling!

    She was surprised and tried to push Ouyang Shaochen away.

    Ouyang Shaochen unhurriedly grabbed her wrist. His jade-like hand seemed to contain infinite strength, with a gentle grab, her arm could not move at all, and she could only randomly stretch her legs to kick him.

    Ouyang Shaochen avoided her attack, pressed her against the high wall beside her, devouring her soft lips violently, snatching deeply the doughy aroma peculiar to young girls.

    The storm-like kiss suddenly knocked Murong Xue¡¯s soul into pieces. Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s faint ink and bamboo fragrance filled every part of her lips, making her nearly unbearable.

    Her mind was nk, her breathing was rapid, her heart nearly stopped, she struggled hard and beat him severely.

    Ouyang Shaochen looked at her purples and rosy cheeks as if nothing had happened. His eyes shed with smiles and then he took a bit on her lips.

    Feeling sharp ache, Murong Xue¡¯s mouth instantly filled with faint rust smell, she snorted with pain and pushed away Ouyang Shaochen. She raised her sleeve to wipe her lips. Blood was tinged on her pale blue satin. Her eyes were burning with anger and she red at Ouyang Shaochen fiercely, ¡°What were you doing?¡±

    Looking at her angry little face and red lips, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s inky pupils filled with emotions. He bent up his mouth with a smile, ¡°Didn¡¯t you meet your loverte at night? If you don¡¯t leave a mark, how could you prove that?¡±

    His cold voice with a strong sarcasm let Murong Xue lower her eyes. The burning pain from her lips was a silent reminder of what had happened to her just now.

    She was identally introduced into the trap. Only after a narrow escape did she get rid of it. Before she could catch her breath, she met the annoying Ye Yichen. When she finally got rid of the nuisance, Ouyang Shaochen came to scold her and made sarcastic remarks about her. Why was she being treated so unfairly?

    Suddenly, her dark eyes grew red and were filled with tears. She red at Ouyang Shaochen bitterly with her watery eyes, ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you anymore!¡± With these words, she turned around and ran forward without looking back.

    Her slender figure faltered. Ouyang Shaochen was rmed by the sad and desperate look on her face. He quickly caught up with her and stretched out his hand to hold her arm, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°None of your business!¡± Murong Xue cast aside him ferociously and ran forward quickly.

    Feeling greasy and sticky in his hands, Ouyang Shaochen bowed his head and saw a bloodstain in his palm, bright red and harsh, with a faint rust scent lingering on the tip of his nose. He suddenly realized something and hurried forward, holding Murong Xue firmly, ¡°Your arm is bleeding.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t die,¡± Murong Xue said grumpily. She shook her arm hard to break free Ouyang Shaochen. However, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s hand seemed to grow on her arm and could not be shaken off.

    ¡°You¡¯re too weak to bleed any more.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said faintly. His hand grabbed her sleeve and tore it hard. With a rip, half of her sleeve was torn off, revealing her white and porcin arm.

    ¡°What were you doing?¡± Murong Xue thundered, her eyes burning with rage, waved her hand to hit the man.

    Ouyang Shaochen sidled gently to avoid her attack. He took out a small porcin jar, opened the lid and sprinkled the powder on her wound, ¡°Your wound is very deep. If you don¡¯t apply the powder onto your arm, it will leave scars...¡±

    ¡°You have too much in charge!¡± Murong Xue said grumpily and she suddenly exerted herself to withdraw her arm.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s handsome face was slightly gloomy. He dragged her into his arms with a strong pull. His dark eyes glowed with solemn, ¡°Stop acting like a child, I¡¯ll help you with the ointment...¡±

    ¡°Acting like a child? Me? This is my arm. I have the final say on whether to apply the ointment or not.¡± Murong Xue said angrily, pulling back her arm.

    Ouyang Shaochen tightened her waist with his long arm, then pressed her wound with his fingertips.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Murong Xue screamed. Her little face was pale and bloodless. She beat Ouyang Shaochen with her fist, ¡°What the hell? It hurts!¡±

    ¡°You can still feel the pain? If you don¡¯t apply the ointment, you will really hurt to death.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said grumpily, grabbed her injured arm and slowly applied the ointment on her arm. The sharp pain when the powder was sprinkled on the wound was like countless fine needles sticking hard on the skin. Murong Xue took a breath and sweats seeped from her forehead.

    ¡°Endure it, it will soon stop hurting.¡± Ouyang Shaochenforted her softly and sprinkled the powder evenly on her arm. As coolness seeped into her wound, the pain was slowly expelled. The faint scent of medicine lingered on her nose tip, clear and cool, and the scent of blood in the air was slowly dispelled.

    Ouyang Shaochen took out a white silk handkerchief from his sleeve and gently bandaged her wound. The silk handkerchief was fumigated with medicine, making her arms feel cool andfortable.

    Murong Xue gently wobbled her arm. Apart from the slight pain, there was little difort. She red at Ouyang Shaochen and said, ¡°Thank you very much.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± looking at her awkward little face, Ouyang Shaochen thought for a moment and said in a low voice, ¡°What is going on between you and him?¡±

    Murong Xue didn¡¯t like hanging out at night, and Ye Yi Chen was clearly not a gentleman. Therefore, he would be angry when he saw the two cuddling together in the street.

    ¡°It¡¯s all because of Qin Yuyan.¡± Murong Xue snorted angrily, recounting the cause and effect of the incident. In the end, she added maliciously, ¡°Ye Yichen has humiliated me so much. Even if all the men in this world are dead, I will not fall in love with him. Even if we stand close, there would be a reason. Please don¡¯t guess we are dating again.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes shed unnaturally. Ye Yichen had a ten-year engagement with her. He knew more or less of her heart and love for him.

    Ye Yi chen did not know how to cherish her and demoted her as a concubine. In a fit of pique, she cut off her rtionship with Ye Yichen.

    However, Ye Yichen suddenly changed his mind and took care of her with care and consideration. Ouyang Shaochen feared that she would change her mind. Therefore, he was so angry when he saw them cuddling closely together.

    ¡°In this life, you two will never have any intersection?¡± Ouyang Shaochen inquired with uncertainty.

    ¡°Even if we have an intersection, we will not be entangled with each other.¡± Murong Xue said word by word, her eyes shining with a dignified look never seen before.

    ¡°I¡¯d be d!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said in a low voice, and his mouth curved with an imperceptible smile.

 Chapter 178 - To Expel Qin Yuyan

    <strong>Chapter 178: To Expel Qin Yuyan</strong>

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s voice was weak and light. Murong Xue didn¡¯t hear what he said, so she couldn¡¯t help frowning, ¡°What were you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes shed and he stared at Murong Xue¡¯s bloody lips, ¡°Your lips are broken!¡± He used his fingertips to get some powder and gently pressed them onto the wound on her lips.

    The sharp pain made Murong Xue gasp and she red angrily at Ouyang Shaochen, ¡°It¡¯s all your fault. How can I go out to meet someone when I look like this?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s dark eyes filled with smile and he said leisurely, ¡°Your lips will be almost recovered after tomorrow morning...¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue was skeptical. No matter how magical the powder was, it would take at least 12 hours for the wound to heal. Now it was only a few hours before dawn.

    ¡°Of course it is true. Any benefits to me to I cheat you?¡± The powder he used was specially made and its efficacy was excellent. Ouyang Shaochen said tly, put away the medicine and bent over to hold Murong Xue up in his arms.

    With her being lifted up from the ground, the faint scent of ink and bamboo lingered all over her around. She was a little shocked and looked up at Ouyang Shaochen, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Looking at the flickering of alert and doubt in her eyes, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes darkened and he said lightly, ¡°It¡¯ste, I will take you back to rest!¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Murong Xue felt relieved, there was still a long way from the Marquis Mansion, if she chose to walk, it would take at least half an hour, but Ouyang Shaochen could make it much faster with his light feet...

    The man took Murong Xue into the air and flew forward quickly.

    The whirring wind blew past her ears and the scenery on both sides flew back quickly. Murong Xue suddenly remembered Murong Ye and said in a low voice, ¡°My brother followed me closely. He was weak in martial skills and could not keep up with me and the men in ck. It¡¯s veryte, and I don¡¯t know if he has gone back home...¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll send someone to look for him!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly.

    ¡°Thank you so much.¡± Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed with a faint smile, making her look bright and shining.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth curved, thinking of what she had just said, ¡°Xue¡¯er, are you sure that the dead men you saw in that mansion were the Night Blood Stabber?¡±

    Murong Xue blinked, ¡°I heard Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan say so.¡± It was the first time she saw these monsters, so she didn¡¯t know their specific names. ¡°Those should all be dead, since they felt no pains at all. After they emerged from the soil, they only focused on killing.¡±

    They were more ferocious than the zombies recorded in ancient books. Even zombies had weaknesses, but these dead men were different, just like the strengthened army of soldiers. They would never give up until they were reduced to ashes...

    ¡°They were Night Blood Stabber. It can¡¯t be wrong.¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes dimmed. Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan were well-informed men. They won¡¯t make it wrong for such a rare monster.

    Unexpectedly, Princess from Mo Bei was proficient in the forbidden arts in Nan Jiang. There would be a spectacle y in Prince Jing Mansion.

    In a daze, Qin Yuyan felt sharp pain in her chest, and her throat was thirsty. She coughed a few times and said in a weak tone, ¡°Water... Water...¡±

    A strong arm stretched out and gently took her by the shoulder, lifted her up, and handed a cup of water with moderate temperature to her lips. Qin Yuyan drank it in small sips.

    With warm clear water slowly flowing into her throat, Qin Yuyan¡¯s misty thoughts gradually sobered up, and she slowly opened her eyes. A manly smell lingered on the tip of her nose. She looked up slowly and saw the handsome face of Ye Yichen.

    His eyes were tinged with tiredness, and a faint grey shadow appeared on his eyelids. Obviously, he did not sleep all night!

    He had been taking care of her!

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s heart was instantly filled with happiness. A smile appeared on her face, ¡°Yichen!¡± Her beautiful voice was slightly hoarse, indicating that she was seriously injured.

    Ye Yichen responded with a ¡°hmm¡± and looked at her little face and forehead wrapped in white cloth. He said in a light tone, ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    ¡°Much better!¡± Qin Yuyan was in a cheerful mood, and the wounds on her face and head seemed to be less painful.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Ye Yichen said softly. He put down the cup, took a big pillow and put it behind her to let her lean against it.

    Looking at her smiling eyes, aplicated look appeared in Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes. He was silent for a moment and then whispered, ¡°Yuyan, when your injury is healed, you might as well go back to Mo Bei with Prince Qin.¡±

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s bright smile froze instantly, and she looked at him with stupefied eyes. It took a long time before she came to her sense. ¡°Are you... kidding?¡± She came to Qingyan to marry him as the first wife. She should be the princess consort. How could she return to Mo Bei?

    ¡°I am not joking. I can¡¯t marry you as the first wife.¡± Ye Yiyhen looked at her and said word for word, his eyes shining with a rare dignified.

    Qin Yuyan only felt a loud bang in her head, and her mind suddenly went nk. She said in a dull voice, ¡°Why?¡± When they were in Mo Bei, he promised to marry her as the princess. Did he change his mind only a few monthster?

    Suddenly thought of something, Qin Yuyan¡¯s teeth snapped angrily, ¡°Is it because of Murong Xue? You like her and want to marry her as your first wife?¡±

    Ye Yichen pondered for a moment and nodded softly, ¡°Yes, I want to marry Murong Xue as my first wife!¡±

    ¡°But why?¡± Qin Yuyan stared at him in surprise. He once demoted Murong Xue as his concubine, let her feel humiliated, stole her Fire Lotus seeds, and made her suffer. He should hate her, how could he suddenly change his mind?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, either!¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes were blurred. Although they were engaged for ten years, there was not muchmunication between him and Murong Xue. He always thought that she was a cowardly little girl and did not think much of her.

    When he demoted her to be a concubine, she vehemently refuted him. When he forced her to ept him, she resisted strongly and destroyed his ns again and again. Her cleverness and strength made him start to take notice. Unconsciously, she had walked into his heart...

    Seeing the Night Blood Stabber attack her, his heart was in a panic and felt disorderly, and it almost stopped. It was until then did he realize that his heart had been upied by her.

    He seemed to see Murong Xue¡¯s shining and bright little face. His sudden smile let Qin Yuyan¡¯s eyes burst into mes. She gnashed her teeth and roared, ¡°How could you do this?¡±

    ¡°In this life, I only want her.¡± Ye Yichen said one word at a time. His firm and affectionate eyes made Qin Yuyan feel furious, she hysterically thundered, ¡°What about me? You said you would take care of me this life, are they all lies?¡±

 Chapter 179 - Stay or Leave?

    <h4>Chapter 179: Stay or Leave?</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    A trace of guilt shed through Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes, as he said in a low voice, ¡°I¡¯m sorry... ¡± At that time, he hadn¡¯t realized that the woman he really liked was Murong Xue. If he had known that, he wouldn¡¯t have made any promises to Yuyan.

    ¡°I want more than an apology from you,¡± Qin Yuyan shouted furiously with tears in her eyes.

    ¡°But except for the apology, I can give you nothing.¡± Ye Yichen looked at Qin Yuyan without any emotion in his dark eyes.

    ¡°I just want to stay with you!¡± Qin Yuyan stared at him with imploring eyes, as tears rolled down her cheeks like pearls from a broken string. ¡°I¡¯m willing to be your senior concubine... or inferior concubine... as long as you keep me by your side... ¡±

    ¡°You are the noble young princess of Mo Bei. How can you condescend to be my concubine?¡± Ye Yichen interrupted her, with sharpness shing in his eyes.

    Qin Yuyan said hastily, ¡°I don¡¯t care. As long as I can be with you, I am willing to give up everything.¡±

    ¡°But I can¡¯t do that.¡± Ye Yichen looked at her with sharp eyes. She was the favorite daughter of the king of Mo Bei and the most noble fairy maiden in the eyes of people of Mo Bei. Taking her as his concubine was an insult to her.

    Qin Yuyan said hurriedly, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to take me as your concubine, just allow me to be your maid...¡±

    Ye Yichen waved his hand and interrupted her. ¡°Say no more.¡± Then he looked down at her and continued, ¡°I¡¯ll ask the imperial doctor to try his best to cure you. When you feel better, you have to start the journey back to Mo Bei.¡±

    With that, Ye Yichen turned around and was about to leave. Qin Yuyan stretched out her arms and held him tightly. Tears rushed out of her eyes like floodwater bursting the dyke. ¡°Yichen, please, please let me stay...¡±

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes darkened, as he said under his breath, ¡°Sorry...¡± After saying that, he grabbed her wrist and slowly detached her hand from his overcoat with all his strength. Then he turned around and left without looking back at her...

    ¡°Yichen!¡± Looking at his retreating figure, Qin Yuyan cried sadly.

    ¡®How did thingse to such a pass? We used to love each other. And in order to be with you, I left my hometown. Yichen, how can you abandon me? I am not willing to ept that. I don¡¯t want to go back to Mo Bei. I will try all means to stay by your side...¡± she thought to herself.

    The bright sunlight shone through thettice window and bathed Murong Xue in warmth. She was sleeping on the carved bed and feeling warm andfortable. Suddenly, she let out a sigh of satisfaction and turned over on her side.

    ¡°Your left arm has been injured. Don¡¯t rub the wound.¡± A melodious voice rang in her ear. One arm slipped under her neck, caught her by the shoulder and turned her around.

    Murong Xue felt ufortable. She frowned in her sleep and turned over again, her left arm underneath her body.

    A helpless sigh came from above her head. The very next second, a strong arm wrapped around her waist and picked her up.

    Murong Xue was woken up. She knitted her brows with displeasure and said angrily, ¡°Who are you? Why are you bothering me?¡±

    With that, she opened her eyes and met a pair of obsidian-like eyes. Ouyang Shaochen looked at her with affection, his eyes like bottomless ck pools, attractive and mysterious.

    Suddenly, Murong Xue came back to herself. She instantly sat up and said, ¡°Prince Ouyang, why are you here?¡± She distinctly remembered that Ouyang Shaochen had gone back to Lord Freedom Mansion after sending her back to her bedroom.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to see you,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly. A trace of helplessness flickered across his ck eyes. He knew that she was injured and impossibly woke up early. So he had eaten his breakfast slowly before he came to see her. But he didn¡¯t expect that she would be still sleeping in the bed. What was worse, she almost hurt her left arm again.

    Ouyang Shaochen asked, ¡°Are you feeling better today?¡±

 Chapter 180 - Why Didnâ€™t You Wake Me Up?

    <h4>Chapter 180: Why Didn¡¯t You Wake Me Up?</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Murong Xue answered in a soft voice, ¡°Yes. I feel much better now.¡± She gently touched her wound beneath the silk handkerchief. The pain in her left arm waspletely gone. Now the wound was a little itchy as it was healing.

    Ouyang Shaochen looked at her and asked, ¡°Can you bear a long journey?¡±

    ¡°If I travel by carriage and the road is t, I can bear a long journey. But if I have to ride a horse, I¡¯m afraid that I can¡¯t travel too far...¡± answered Murong Xue. She looked up at Ouyang Shaochen and asked, ¡°Why do you ask me this question?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is going to Mountain Resort with the Empress, imperial concubines and princes. The third-ranked officials and above can bring with their wives and children...¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied.

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue¡¯s eyes lit up. After the Dragon Boat Festival, the weather became hotter with each passing day. There was no air-conditioner in ancient times, so she was hot and sweaty every day at noon. ¡°I want to go to Mountain Resort!¡± she said decisively.

    Ouyang Shaochen looked at her injured left arm, frowned slightly and said, ¡°Mountain Resort is more than 30 miles away from here. Your wound...¡±

    ¡°My wound is not deep. We can take a horse-drawn carriage and travel slowly. I will be okay...¡± she said eagerly. For fear that Ouyang Shaochen wouldn¡¯t believe her, Murong Xue reached out and was about to remove the silk handkerchief which was wrapped around her left arm. ¡°Look at my wound. It is healing nicely...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch your wound.¡± Ouyang Shaochen caught her hand and stopped her from remove the handkerchief. He looked into her eyes and beheld eagerness. Atst, he sighed with profound resignation andpromised, ¡°Since you want to go to Mountain Resort, you have to wash and dress as quickly as possible. We shall set out at 9 o¡¯clock.¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡± Murong Xue was dazed for a second, then nced at the hourss on the bedside table and eximed, ¡°The departure time is approaching.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I asked you to be quick.¡± Ouyang Shaochen cast a nce at her as if to say, ¡°Why are you so silly?¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s face clouded, as she said fiercely, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up earlier?¡±

    ¡°I tried, but you were too soundly asleep to hear me,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said helplessly.

    ¡°You...¡± His reply choked her off. Murong Xue red at him with anger. She was very sensitive to disturbance. If Ouyang Shaochen had attempted to awaken her, she would have woken up early. However, in fact, she had been sleeping until a few minutes ago. So, he must be lying...

    ¡°His Majesty will soon set out. Now get moving. Otherwise, we will bete for this journey,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said with a casual air. A teasing smile formed onto his lips.

    Murong Xue gave him a dirty look, threw back the quilt and got out of bed reluctantly. Then she took a suit of clothes from the wardrobe and went behind the folding screen.

    Sounds of water came from behind the screen. With a flicker of amusement in his bright ck eyes, he thought, ¡®She is seldom in such a hurry...¡±

    Before long, Murong Xue in a purple dress walked out from behind the folding screen. Her beautiful face was clean and rosy; her ck eyes were clear and chilly; her figure was long and slim. She walked towards him, like a willow branch swaying in the wind. Her long hemline brushed the smooth and clean floor.

    A glint of affection passed through his eyes. Ouyang Shaochen quietly watched hering closer. She caught him by the wrist and walked out of the room in a hurry, while saying, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s go.¡± The wind picked up her ck hair and a wisp of her hair brushed past his face. Ouyang Shaochen felt a touch of sweetness in his heart.

    He blinked unnaturally and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t youb your hair?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no time for me to wear my hair in a bun. Let¡¯s go to the carriage first,¡± Murong Xue answered carelessly. She held his wrist tightly and strode forward.

    As they approached the gate of Marquis Mansion, they heard a rough voice, ¡°Mother, I told you many times to make salty pastries. Why did you ask the cooks to make so many sweet pastries?¡±

    Murong Xue looked up to see Yuan Fangfei and Mrs. Zhou standing outside the gate and quarrelling furiously.

    Mrs. Zhou looked at Yuan Fangfei with disdain and snorted, ¡°Ji¡¯er likes sweet pastries. As his mother, I prepared these pastries for him. Have I done something wrong?¡±

    ¡°Mother, I know you love your son. But don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m your future daughter-inw. When you prepare pastries, you should also think about my taste. I don¡¯t have a sweet tooth. I want some salty pastries... ¡± Yuan Fangfei looked down at Mrs. Zhou with a haughty look.

    Mrs. Zhou sneered in her heart, ¡®We haven¡¯t sent you betrothal gifts. There¡¯s not the slightest sign of anything happening yet. But you have already regarded yourself as my daughter-inw and assumed great airs. You are really a wretched woman utterly without self-knowledge. Ji¡¯er is my son. Of course I will put him first. But you are nothing to me. How dare you ask me to prepare salty pastries for you?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou snorted contemptuously with an indifferent look and said perfunctorily, ¡°Maybe the cooks were so busy that they forgot to prepare salty pastries for you. Now it¡¯s toote. There¡¯s no time for them to make your pastries...¡±

    ¡°Well, I see. Since it is so, I¡¯m not going to set out. Without salty pastries, I have no mood to travel,¡± Yuan Fangfei said leisurely. She sat down on the steps, leaned her head against the stone lion and crossed her legs. Her leisureliness provoked Mrs. Zhou to anger. ¡°Yuan Fangfei, how can you do this?¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I do this?¡± Yuan Fangfei gazed up at Mrs. Zhou, raised her chin and said in an arrogant tone, ¡°It¡¯s a long way to Mountain Resort. I can¡¯t bear to travel more than 30 miles hungry.¡±

    ¡°You... ¡± Mrs. Zhou choked with rage. She tried her best to hold back her anger and soothed herself in her heart, ¡®Ji¡¯er hasn¡¯t got a ce in the military camp yet. I shouldn¡¯t offend Yuan Fangfei openly. She¡¯s unruly and domineering, but for the sake of Ji¡¯er, I have to bear her for the time being.¡¯

    After calming down, she turned to a servant and ordered, ¡°Go to the Riverside Restaurant and buy some salty pastries.¡±

    ¡°Yes madam.¡± The servant hurried towards the Riverside Restaurant the moment he received the order.

    Yuan Fangfei stood up and beamed with satisfaction, ¡°Thank you, mother.¡±

    With a face like thunder, Mrs. Zhou snorted coldly. Then she turned to Murong Ji and exhorted him to be careful on the road...

    Murong Xue looked at Mrs. Zhou and Yuan Fangfei squabble with a faint smile. With such a bossy daughter-inw as Yuan Fangfei, Mrs. Zhou wouldn¡¯t live a peaceful life in the future...

    Yuan Fangfei looked up to see Murong Xue and greeted, ¡°Murong Xue!¡±

    ¡°Miss Yuan!¡± Murong nodded politely and asked, ¡°I remember that you said you were going to the military camp this morning. Why are you still here?¡±

    Yuan Fangfei raised her voice, ¡°His Majesty decreed a new order. We have to leave for Mountain Resort first. I will go to the military camp when Ie back. By the way, are you going to Mountain Resort?¡±

    Murong Xue nodded, ¡°Yes.¡± The Marquis was in the list of officials of the third rank and above. He and his family members were eligible to go to Mountain Resort with the Emperor.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go together. We can keep each otherpany on the way,¡± Yuan Fangfei advised in such a loud voice that most people in the street could hear her.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Murong Xue nodded. Although Yuan Fangfei look rugged and wasn¡¯t beautiful, she was a person of integrity. She would be a good partner.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to go,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said coldly. He took Murong Xue¡¯s hand, led her to his carriage, and then opened the curtain and pushed her into the carriage.

 Chapter 181 - Murong Ji Got a Beating

    <h4>Chapter 181: Murong Ji Got a Beating</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Murong Xue went into the carriage and slowly sat down by the window. Ouyang Shaochen followed her in and sat down opposite her gracefully.

    Yuan Fangfei¡¯s rough voice came from the outside, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Murong Ji, we¡¯ve got to go now. Hurry up!¡±

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯m leaving.¡± Murong Ji secretly cast a stern nce at Yuan Fangfei and bade farewell to Mrs. Zhou with reluctance. Then he walked up to the carriage, stepped on the footstool and slowly climbed up to the carriage.

    Yuan Fangfei was fed up with waiting for him. She grabbed him by the cor and threw him into the carriage with a bang. ¡°Can¡¯t you move faster? You are as slow as a tortoise.¡±

    Murong Ji was caught off guard. In the next second, he was thrown to the floor and every bone in his body seemed to ache. His eyes reddened within a second. From small torge, his parents loved and spoiled him, and were never hard on him. Yuan Fangfei was not his wife yet. How dared she bully him?

    Yuan Fangfei said sulkily, ¡°Don¡¯t block the way. Just move down inside and make room for me.¡± With that she reached out and gave Murong Ji a push.

    Murong Ji, who was thin and weak, lost his bnce and fell forward. With a bang, his head hit the wall of the carriage. He saw stars and felt dizzy, as his ears began humming. Seized with uncontroble rage, he raised his hand and wanted to give her a hard p. ¡°Yuan Fangfei, I¡¯m going to kill you!¡±

    This vicious woman had been tormenting him sincest night. She scolded him for trifles and hit him from time to time. Now he was covered with bruises. ¡®I¡¯ve had enough of her insolence. She is a totally tomboy. I can¡¯t bear it anymore. I¡¯m going to teach her a lesson so as to restore my dignity,¡¯ he thought.

    The wind from his motion whipped her hair around her head. Yuan Fangfei gave a snort of derision and swiftly gripped his wrist. Then she began to swing her arms with all her might. Her rough voice resounded to the skies, ¡°Murong Ji, how dare you hit me back! Do you want to die?¡±

    ¡°Bang, bang, bang!¡±

    Although they were in different carriages, Murong Xue could hear the sound of Murong Ji crashing against the floor and walls of the carriage. Even the sturdy carriage in which they two were staying, was shaken slightly by the crash.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyelids twitched and she asked in astonishment, ¡°Is Yuan Fangfei swinging Murong Ji fiercely as if he is a sandbag? She seems to want to kill Murong Ji. Can he survive?¡±

    ¡°Yuan Fangfei grew up in the military camps. She knows how far to go and when to stop. Murong Ji won¡¯t die in her hands. But he¡¯s bound to get hurt,¡± said Ouyang Shaochen carelessly. He picked up a book on the red sandalwood table and read it carefully.

    ¡°You are right.¡± Murong Xue nodded. Yuan Fangfei wouldn¡¯t kill Murong Ji because he was her fianc¨¦. But he would suffer a lot. ¡°With such a bossy wife, Murong Ji will be bullied and have a hard time in the future,¡± she said.

    As Yuan Fangfei¡¯s parents-inw, Murong Jian and Mrs. Zhou would also have a hard time in the future. Yuan Fangfei was a woman of strong personality and had the powerful Yuan family behind her, so Murong Jian and Mr. Zhou didn¡¯t dare to tyrannize her.

    As a ray of light passed before her eyes, Murong Xue immediately came back to herself and looked up to see Ouyang Shaochen depositing a bronze mirror in front of her. ¡°Nowb your hair and twist it into a chignon,¡± he said.

    Murong Xue nodded, ¡°Okay!¡± Everyone who went to the Mountain Resort with the Emperor, should be well dressed with his or her hair perfectly coiffed. However, she had her hair hanging loose over her shoulders now. It was really indecent. Murong Xue began to rack her brains to remember how to wear her hair in a chignon...

    She smoothed her hair with a woodenb, then held a wisp of hair in each hand and tried to coil it into a chignon, but she failed...

    Ouyang Shaochen heaved a long, helpless sigh, put down the book and took the woodenb from her. ¡°You have no idea of how to coil your hair, right?¡±

    Murong Xue coloured slightly with embarrassment and exined, ¡°Hongxiu and Anxiang are in charge of my chignon. I have never done my hair by myself...¡±

    ¡®Just as I thought, you know nothing about how to do with your hair,¡¯ he thought.

    Ouyang Shaochen gave her a contemptuous look and smoothed her hair with the woodenb once more. Then hebed her hair back and twisted it into a beautiful, exquisite chignon. It was the most popr chignon among young women recently. Murong Xue looked at her chignon in the mirror and drew a conclusion that Ouyang Shaochen did a better job than Hongxiu and Anxiang.

    She narrowed her eyes, looked straight at Ouyang Shaochen and asked in a meaningful tone, ¡°How did you learn to coil a woman¡¯s hair up into a chignon?¡±

    The chignon he did was very exquisite. Thus it could be seen that he was very skillful at it. Maybe he practiced a lot. But it was the first time he had helped her do a chignon...

    ¡°My father often helps my mother do a chignon. I have seen so many times that gradually I learn it,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said casually.

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and looked at him with unbelieving eyes.

    ¡°Wise men learn things very fast. But some stupid people can¡¯t learn anything even if they have watched it hundreds of times,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said. Then he cast a disdainful look at her.

    ¡°You...¡± Murong Xue choked with anger at his words. They were talking about the chignon just now. Why did he suddenly turn to the subject of the difference between wise people and stupid people?

    Ouyang Shaochen took a nce at her, picked up a pink-lotus gold hairpin and pinned it in her hair.

    Murong Xue suddenly remembered that she had left the Falling Snow Pavilion in such a hurry that she had only taken a normal hairpin with her. So, where did he get this pink-lotus gold hairpin?

    She felt puzzled. Just then, Ouyang Shaochen took out a pair of South-pearl earrings and carefully put them in her ears.

    Murong Xue frowned and red at Ouyang Shaochen with displeasure. ¡°Why do you have women¡¯s ornaments in your carriage?¡± It seemed that he had bought a set of ornaments, including a hairpin and a pair of earrings.

    Ouyang Shaochen gently closed the exquisite sandalwood jewelry box and answered, ¡°I had some jewelers make these ornaments for you, and wanted to give them to you on your birthday. But I didn¡¯t expect you to forget to take your jewelry today. So I give you these ornaments in advance. Do you like them?¡±

    Murong Xue looked at herself in the bronze mirror. She had a really beautiful face. The pink-lotus gold hairpin was gently shaking in her raven hair like a flying butterfly. The South-pearl earrings were sparkling in sunlight. The ornaments she wore ttered her snowy skin and delicate face. Obviously, they were tailor-made for her.

    Murong Xue liked the exquisite chignon and beautiful ornaments. But her birthday this year had passed. Did Ouyang Shaochen prepare these ornaments for her next birthday? It was too early...

    The carriage slowly stopped. Xun Feng¡¯s voice came from the outside, ¡°My prince, we are out of the city.¡±

    ¡°Mm...¡± Ouyang Shaochen responded. The hour of departure was almost approaching.

    The Emperor summoned so many officials and their family members to go to Mountain Resort with him. There must be a lot of people outside now.

    Murong Xue blinked, opened the curtain and looked out of the window. There were endless deluxe horse-drawn carriages parking on the government-financed road in neat rows. On both side of each carriage stood several fine horses.

    Murong Xue¡¯s gaze swept across guards, civil officials, military officials and their family members. Finally, she let her eyes settle upon a deluxe horse-drawn carriage with Prince Jing Mansion¡¯s markings. She frowned and thought, ¡®It¡¯s the carriage of Prince Jing Mansion. In the carriage should be Old Prince Jing and his wife, Old Princess Jing...¡¯

 Chapter 182 - Confrontation

    <h4>Chapter 182: Confrontation</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Suddenly, Murong Xue saw a familiar figure. He had a handsome face and sharp, cold eyes. Clearly, he was Prince Jing, Ye Yichen.

    Qin Yuyan was badly hurt. Why didn¡¯t he stay in Prince Jing Mansion and take good care of her? Did he also want to go to Mountain Resort?

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows in bewilderment and slowly pulled down the carriage curtain. Before the curtain couldpletely hide her face, Ye Yichen sensed something and immediately turned to look back. He happened to see her good-looking side face disappear behind the curtain. His eyes narrowed angrily as he realized that she was in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s carriage!

    With his eyes burning with anger, he strode towards that carriage.

    Before he coulde up to the carriage, Xun Feng reached out and stopped him, ¡°Prince Jing, please don¡¯t go any further.¡±

    Ye Yichen stopped and stared at the still curtain, his eyes eyes darkening with disappointment. She knew that he was standing outside the carriage, but was indifferent to him. ¡°Xue¡¯er, I want to talk to you,¡± he said.

    Murong Xue refused decidedly, ¡°I have nothing to say to you, Prince Jing. Please go back.¡±

    A trace of anger shed through his eyes and soon disappeared. He raised his voice, ¡°Unmarried men and women should stay away from each other. You have no blood rtionship with Ouyang Shaochen. So, it¡¯s improper for you to ride in the same carriage with him.¡±

    Murong Xue instantly refuted, ¡°My arm is injured, and I should protect it from secondary damage. The carriage of Lord Freedom Mansion isfortable. It can offer me a smooth ride, and my wound won¡¯t be cracked again.¡± She was a wise woman who liked enjoyed life and didn¡¯t care about what people would think of her. She would absolutely not change the carriage because she was afraid of aggravating the injury.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes darkened at her words, and he said, ¡°The carriage of Prince Jing Mansion is alsofortable. You can go...¡±

    Murong Xue interrupted him in a cold tone, ¡°Prince Jing, I have no rtionship with you. It¡¯s improper for me to ride in the same carriage with you.¡±

    Ye Yichen looked at the carriage curtain and said in a low voice, ¡± I¡¯m not going to take the carriage...¡±

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and said loudly and clearly, ¡°In that carriage must be Old Prince Jing and Old Princess Jing. As a junior, I shouldn¡¯t disturb them.¡±

    ¡°Old Prince Jing and Old Princess Jing already went to Mountain Resort yesterday,¡± Ouyang Shaochen suddenly said.

    Murong Xue was taken by surprise for a second, and then asked, ¡°So, who¡¯s in the carriage of Prince Jing Mansion now?¡± When she opened the curtain and looked out of the window a few minutes ago, she caught glimpses of figures in the carriage of Prince Jing Mansion. At that time, Ye Yichen was not in that carriage...

    ¡°Qin Yuyan, the Princess of Mo Bei, is in your carriage, right?¡± asked Murong Xue. Except for Old Prince Jing, Old Princess Jing and Ye Yichen, Qin Yuyan was the only one in Prince Jing Mansion who was eligible to take that deluxe carriage.

    Ye Yichen dropped his eyelids with a slight sense of guilt on his face. Qin Yuyan said that the weather was so hot and she wanted to go to Mountain Resort to recuperate. After a careful consideration, he agreed. But he didn¡¯t expect to meet Murong Xue here. ¡°Princess Qin...¡±

    Murong Xue interrupted him in a cold voice, ¡°Prince Jing, you don¡¯t need to exin to me. Princess Qin and you love each other. Of course she can take the carriage of Prince Jing Mansion.¡± She gave a snort of contempt and thought, ¡®You know that Qin Yuyan and I are deadly enemies. How dare you ask me to stay in the same carriage with her? Are you trying to add fuel to the fire?¡¯

    ¡°Xue¡¯er... ¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything more, Prince Jing. Please go back,¡± Murong Xue interrupted him impatiently. She closed her eyes and knitted her brows, wearing a look of reluctance to listen to him anymore.

    After thinking for a moment, Ye Yichen was about to say, ¡°I will send Qin Yuyan back to Prince Jing Mansion, and you can take my carriage alone.¡± However, Xun Feng cut in, ¡°Prince Jing, the procession sets out.¡±

    Ye Yichen twisted her head sideways and looked down the procession. The Emperor and Empress¡¯s carriages started moving forward, closely followed by officials. The civil officials took carriages and the military officials rode horses.

    Ye Yichen knew that he couldn¡¯t stay here anymore. He looked at the still curtain with a hint of helplessness in his eyes, and said, ¡°Xue¡¯er, I¡¯ll exin to you when we arrive at Mountain Resort.¡±

    The sound of his footsteps faded away. Murong Xue snorted with disdain. ¡®You and Qin Yuyan are deeply attracted and attached to each other. Certainly you can take her to Mountain Resort. You don¡¯t need to exin to me at all,¡¯ she thought.

    The sun rose higher and higher, zing down on everyone. The heat was unbearable. Guards were riding horses under trees, however, still sweating all over.

    Murong Xue sat in the horse-drawn carriage and kept fanning herself. But drops of sweat were constantly oozing from her forehead.

    She frowned at Ouyang Shaochen and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you put some ice in your carriage?¡± The noble families and great ns liked to store ice so that they could put ice in their rooms and carriages to relieve summer heat.

    Ouyang Shaochen nced at her and replied, ¡°You are still threatened with the Ice Poison. No ice should be used in the carriage!¡±

    Ice would release the algidity and provoke the toxicity of the Ice Poison in her blood. If there was ice in the carriage, she would be attacked by the Ice Poison in a quarter of an hour. That was why ice was forbidden to be put in Falling Snow Pavilion, even in the dog days...

    Murong Xue furrowed her brow and said, ¡°Just put a little ice. It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Ouyang Shaochen refused her request emphatically.

    Murong Xue¡¯s face clouded with disappointment. ¡°Aren¡¯t you feeling hot without ice?¡± She was almost stifled by the heat.

    ¡°The heat is tolerable for me,¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered. As a martial artist, the cold weather and the hot weather affected him little.

    Murong Xue raised her voice, ¡°I feel very hot. I want to open the window to ventte the carriage.¡± The carriage was running fast. If the window was open, the wind from the carriage¡¯s motion would blow in and take some heat away.

    Ouyang Shaochen cast a nce at her sweaty forehead and said, ¡°Suit yourself.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Murong Xue gave him a smile and quickly drew back the curtains on both sides of the carriage. A breeze came through the window and took some heat away, but she still felt hot.

    Murong Xue untied the silk ribbon of her outer skirt and took off the long skirt. The breeze caressed her naked neck and shoulders and relieved her difort...

    Murong Xue curved her lips into a faint smile. She felt refreshed in the gentle breeze.

    ¡°Murong Xue, what are you doing?¡± An angry voice rang in her ears. Murong Xue looked up to see Ouyang Shaochen standing in front of her. He picked up the long skirt on the nket and put it round her. With eyes shing angrily, he scolded, ¡°There are so many people around. How can you dress like this?¡±

    Murong Xue curled up her lips with disapproval. The tube top dress she wore was wrapped tightly around her slender body like an evening dress in modern times, only revealing her shoulders. It was normal to dress like this.

    However, Ouyang Shaochen was a nobleman of Qingyan Kingdom. He was old fashioned and straitced. Even if she exined to him, he wouldn¡¯t understand her.

    ¡°It¡¯s too hot. And there¡¯s no ice in the carriage. So I have to take off my outer dress to cool myself...¡± Murong Xue made a perfunctory excuse. ¡®The carriage is running so fast and the carriage windows are so small. How can outsiders see me dress like that? I don¡¯t know why he makes such a fuss about a small thing?¡¯ she thought disapprovingly.

    Through ayer of clothing, Ouyang Shaochen could feel her temperature. He frowned slightly because her body temperature was a little high. Apparently she was tormented by the heat...

 Chapter 183 - Using Ice

    <strong>Chapter 183: Using Ice</strong>

    Ouyang Shaochen looked at Murong Xue and asked, ¡°If I put some ice in the carriage, will you feel better?¡±

    Murong Xue nodded, ¡°Yes, of course.¡± The chill released from ice could dispel the heat and help her escape the summer heat. In that case she would stop sweating.

    After thinking for a while, Ouyang Shaochen opened a secret drawer. There were many silvery little buckets inside. He took out one and put it on the red sandalwood table, and then opened its lid. A stream of cold air came out and made the heat pleasantly bearable.

    Murong Xue looked up at the bucket. It was full of crystal-clear ice cubes...

    It turned out that Ouyang Shaochen had prepared lots of ice. If she hadn¡¯t been in his carriage, he would have put ice in the carriage early and it wouldn¡¯t be so hot now. It seemed that she had brought trouble to him...

    Ouyang Shaochen took out another two buckets of ice and ced them in the corner of the carriage. The ice cubes gave off cold air and dispelled the heat. The temperature in the carriage dropped. Murong Xue felt a chill creep over her naked skin and subconsciously crossed her arms.

    ¡°Are you feeling cold?¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at her with concern.

    ¡°A little bit!¡± Murong Xue forced a smile. The Ice Poison inside her had a strong toxicity. Once there was a chill in the air, she would feel cold...

    Ouyang Shaochen suddenly threw his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him. Then he put his palm on her back, conveying internal force to her. The internal force instantly turned into a wave of warmth flowing in her veins and dispelled the algidity in her body.

    As her body became warm, Murong Xue heaved a long sigh of relief and gave him a grateful look. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    A faint smile crossed Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face. He looked at her gleaming eyes and said, ¡°You suffer from the Ice Poison and shouldn¡¯t touch ice. So I¡¯m using my internal force to help you resist cold. But I don¡¯t know how long it will hold. If you feel ufortable, let me know immediately.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I got it.¡± Murong Xue nodded. She felt a warm current flowing fast in her veins and every fibre of her being vibrating withfort, as if she was bathed in warm sunshine. Thefortable feeling made her dozy.

    She yawned sleepily and dropped her eyelids, as if she would fall asleep at any time. Realizing that Murong Xue was sleepy, Ouyang Shaochen raised his eyebrows and said, ¡°We will arrive at Mountain Resort in two hours. If you are tired, you can have a short sleep.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Murong Xue nodded. She hadn¡¯t slept wellst night. Since he agreed, she could catch some more sleep before the carriage reached Mountain Resort.

    She reached out to push the sandalwood table aside,y down on her side and closed her eyes.

    Sitting beside her, Ouyang Shaochen could hear the constant rhythm of her breathing. He gazed down at her face. She was breathing evenly with her eyes closed. Her long eyshes, like the spread-open wings of a butterfly, cast their shadows on her beautiful face. Her serene sleeping face was as pure as a baby...

    Suddenly, she turned over and the entire weight of her body was bearing down on her injured left arm. Ouyang Shaochen slowly knitted his brows and heaved a sigh. ¡®She can¡¯t take care of herself at all,¡¯ he thought.

    He put his arm around her shoulders, turned her around and held her in his arms. Just then, a wless white jade pendant fell onto his robe from her pocket.

    The jade pendant had been exquisitely carved and had a fine lustre. Obviously, it was a top-grade warm jade.

    With a faint smile on his face, Ouyang Shaochen picked up the jade pendant and gently touched it. Then he stuffed it gingerly into her inside pocket so that it could rest against her skin and warm her body. After doing that, he gently pinched her rosy cheeks.

    ¡®She is thinner, but still as beautiful and lovely as when I saw her as a child,¡¯ he thought.

    The temperature dropped a lot in the carriage. Murong Xue felt cold and subconsciously huddled up against Ouyang Shaochen.

    Ouyang Shaochen covered the ice bucket, took off his robe and put it over Murong Xue. It was a little cold in the carriage. Although the temperature was suitable for most people, it was necessary to keep her warm because she suffered from Ice Poison.

    Two hourster, the carriage slowly stopped. Xun Feng stood outside the carriage and reported respectfully, ¡°My prince, we have arrived at Mountain Resort.¡±

    There was dead silence in the carriage. No one responded to him.

    Xun Feng raised her eyebrows, his face puzzled. ¡®What happened? Is Prince Jing asleep? Should I wake him up?¡¯ he thought.

    He frowned and lost in thought. Just then, Ye Yichen in a deep purple robe strode towards the carriage. He skillfully dodged the blows from Xun Feng, drew back the carriage curtain and shouted out, ¡°Xue¡¯er, you...¡±

    When he saw what was happening in the carriage, heartache choked his throat like a big invisible big hand and he couldn¡¯t say anymore.

    Ouyang Shaochen leaned against the wall of the carriage wearing only white underwear, his eyes closed, his strong arm wrapped loosely around the girl¡¯s slender waist.

    Murong Xue was sleeping soundly in his arms like a kitten. A faint red flush suffused her face and a gentle smile hung on her lips. Her serene sleeping face gave others a hint that Ouyang Shaochen was the person she trusted the most in the whole world, and that his arms was the safest ce...

    Ye Yichen¡¯s face dropped to the floor almost immediately. He clenched his fists in anger. When did they be so close?

    Xun Feng trotted up to Ye Yichen, snatched the curtain from his hand and let it down. Then Xun Feng stood between Ye Yichen and the carriage and said with great seriousness, ¡°Prince Jing, please don¡¯t disturb my prince.¡±

    Ye Yichen looked at the carriage with a murderous look in his eyes. ¡®I have been engaged to Murong Xue for 10 years. Unfortunately, we have been at odds with each other in recent months. So Ouyang Shaochen seizes the chance to gain her trust. He¡¯s really smart...¡¯ he thought.

    The noise outside wakened Murong Xue. She slowly opened her eyes and caught a whiff of bamboo aroma, feeling as if she was lying on a warm andfortable bed. Reluctantly, she dragged herself away from his arms, then narrowed her eyes and asked in a muffled voice, ¡°Have we arrived at Mountain Resort yet?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen opened his eyes and nodded, ¡°Yes.¡± The sunlight reflected off his obsidian-like eyes creating mboyant luminescence. He looked handsome and superb.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of the carriage.¡± Murong Xue straightened up reluctantly. The white robe over her body slipped down on the floor. She quickly picked it up and handed it to Ouyang Shaochen, while saying, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen replied in a gentle voice, ¡°Don¡¯t mention it!¡± He took the robe from her hand and put it on, then lifted the curtain and jumped out of the carriage. As soon as his feet touched the ground, he turned around and reached out to help Murong Xue out of the carriage.

    ¡°Shaochen.¡± A deep voice came from behind. A middle-aged man, who had a handsome face and a pair of bright and piercing eyes, strode towards them. He was Old Prince Jing.

    Ouyang Shaochen greeted him with an air of aloofness, ¡°Good afternoon, my lord.¡±

    Old Prince Jing didn¡¯t take Ouyang¡¯s indifference to heart. He looked directly at this young man and said, ¡°It¡¯s you. I saw you at a distance and thought that my eyes were ying tricks on me. But facts prove that I have good eyes. Did everything go all right on your way here?¡±

    ¡°Everything went well. Thank you for your concern,¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered, his eyes like bottomless ck pools. ¡°Have you be ustomed to life here?¡±

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s quiet and cool here. No wonder it¡¯s known as a summer resort,¡± Old Prince Jing said softly. When he saw Murong Xue behind Ouyang, a trace of emotion flickered across his eyes. ¡°Xue¡¯er, you are here...¡±

 Chapter 184 - Which Garden She Will Live In?

    <h4>Chapter 184: Which Garden She Will Live In?</h4>

    ¡°My lord.¡± Murong Xue curtsied to Old Prince Jing politely.

    Old Prince Jing blinked and smiled, ¡°Xue¡¯er, you have just arrived at Mountain Resort. I guess you haven¡¯t found lodgings. I live in Orchid Garden and there are two wing-rooms left. You can take one room, and Yichen will upy the other...¡±

    Murong Xue gave him a distant smile and said, ¡°Thank you for your kindness. But I heard that Princess Qin and Prince Jing came to Mountain Resort together. I think you should keep the room of Orchid Garden for Princess Qin.¡±

    ¡®Father, mother, son and daughter-inw. Apparently they are a family who should live together and share the happiness of a family union. As for me, I¡¯d better stay away from them because I¡¯m totally an outsider,¡¯ she thought.

    Old Prince Jing¡¯s face clouded. He turned to Ye Yichen and asked, ¡°I told you to send her away. Why did you bring her here?¡±

    ¡°Qin... Yuyan was badly injured. The weather is getting hotter and hotter. Staying in Prince Jing Mansion is not conducive to her wound healing. So I brought her here. She will stay here until she recovers from her injury,¡± Ye Yichen exined in a low voice.

    On hearing this, Old Prince Jing¡¯s facial expression softened slightly. They came here to avoid summer heat and wouldn¡¯t stay for long. As for Qin Yuyan, she would stay here for a few months and not go back to Prince Jing Mansion until her wound healed. ¡°Arrange a separatepound for Princess Qin. She needs a quiet environment to recuperate.¡±

    Ye Yichen replied, ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m going to do.¡±

    Old Prince Jing nodded with satisfaction and smiled at Murong Xue, ¡°There¡¯s still a wing-room left in Orchid Garden. Xue¡¯er, you can move in.¡±

    However, Murong Xue wanted to avoid Ye Yichen. Now that she knew that he would live in Orchid Garden, she would stay away from there as far as possible.

    Murong Xue frowned and searched her mind for an excuse to refuse Old Prince Jing. Just then, Ouyang Shaochen cut in, ¡°My lord, you are so kind but Xue¡¯er¡¯s amodation has been arranged. It¡¯s improper for her to move into Orchid Garden.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Old Prince Jing looked at Ouyang Shaochen with his eyebrows raised questioningly. ¡°Where¡¯s her amodation?¡±

    ¡°Bamboo Garden!¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered. His melodious voice was like a p of thunder bursting in old Prince Jing¡¯s ears. He turned to Murong Xue and asked, ¡°Xue¡¯er, are you going to live in Bamboo Garden?¡±

    Murong Xue blinked and nodded slightly, ¡°Yes!¡± This was her first visit to Mountain Resort and she knew nothing about Bamboo Garden. However, since Ouyang Shaochen arranged for her to stay in Bamboo Garden, it must be a good ce in which she could stay away from Ye Yichen and wouldn¡¯t be disturbed. So, she agreed to his arrangement and intended to move into Bamboo Garden.

    Old Prince Jing¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. People of Lord Freedom Mansion and Prince Jing Mansion followed the Emperor to Mountain Resort every year. So they had fixed residences here. Members of Prince Jing Mansion always stayed in Orchid Garden, and members of Lord Freedom Mansion stayed in Bamboo Garden.

    Old Prince Jing and Ouyang Shaochen extended Murong Xue an invitation at the same time. She refused to go to Orchid Garden and was going to stay in Bamboo Garden. It meant that her rtionship with Ouyang Shaochen was better than that with Ye Yichen...

    ¡°My lord, we¡¯ve got to go now. It¡¯s gettingte.¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s euphonious voice rang in Old Prince Jing¡¯s ears and brought him back to his senses. He nodded, ¡°Please yourself.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Ouyang Shaochen took Murong Xue¡¯s hand and walked slowly forward.

    With his eyes fixed on their sped hands, Ye Yichen face became gloomy. He clenched his fists with anger. They two had developed an intimate rtionship in just two months...

    ¡°It¡¯s all your fault. You are a bad judge of people. Now Ouyang has taken your fianc¨¦e away from you. If you don¡¯t take actions, she will be another man¡¯s wife.¡± Old Prince Jing gave Ye Yichen a dirty look, turned around and left without looking back at him.

    ¡®I didn¡¯t expect that things woulde to such a pass,¡¯ Ye Yichen thought.

    In his mind he kept reliving the moment he lifted the carriage curtain just now¨C she leaned against Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s chest with a soft smile on her beautiful face as if he was the only person she trusted in the whole world.

    Ye Yichen got in a fret. He nced at the carriage of Prince Jing Mansion from the corner of his eye and said impatiently to his servants, ¡°Why are you still standing there like statues? Princess Qin has a bad injury. Help her out of the carriage and send her to her amodation.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The servants answered, with fear in their eyes. They walked quickly to the carriage and carefully carried Qin Yuyan out.

    Qin Yuyan sat down in a bamboo chair and looked up to see Ye Yichen striding away. Without giving her even a nce, he walked fast and soon disappeared around a corner. It seemed that he had no affection for her at all.

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s eyes turned red and big tears rolled down her cheeks. ¡®Yichen left me alone here. He¡¯s really over me. He no longer cares for me... Murong Xue! It¡¯s all because of Murong Xue. The reason Yichen gives me the cold shoulder is because he has fallen in love with Murong Xue. A few minutes ago, I was in the carriage and heard Old Prince Jing¡¯s words clearly. Also because of Murong Xue, he dislikes me and excludes me from the Ye family. Murong Xue, you are the root of my misfortune. I swear I will release all hell to rake revenge on you...¡± she thought.

    Qin Yuyan red at Murong Xue¡¯s retreating figure with her eyes burning with hatred and her beautiful face twisted with anger...

    In the Mountain Resort, the grass was thick and velvety, and the trees gave wee shade. The dense green branches, like a thick green nket, shaded people from direct, hot sunlight. Murong Xue walked slowly along a ck stone path into Bamboo Garden. The cool breezes came down with the scents of the grass and brushed her face. She felt refreshed.

    She couldn¡¯t repress a sigh of admiration, ¡°Mountain Resort does have a well-deserved reputation. It¡¯s cool here and we don¡¯t have to use ice to relieve heat even in the dog days.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen looked into her gleaming eyes with a smile on his face and said, ¡°If you want, you can stay here until the autumn. By then it will be cool in the capital, and you can go back to Marquis Mansion.¡±

    On hearing this, Murong Xue¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Good idea!¡± she said, nodding in approval. She couldn¡¯t stand the heat, and what was worse, she couldn¡¯t use ice to relieve summer heat. So, it was really a good idea to spend the summer in Mountain Resort.

    They walked into a house in Bamboo Garden. The room was beautifully decorated and everything arranged in perfect order. Each piece of furniture had been carefully cleaned and had a bright, new look. All the bedding, including the brocade sheet, the thin quilt and the pillow, were new. They were soft and warm as if with a faint smell of flowers.

    Murong Xue walked directly to the bedside and threw herself on the soft bed. She buried her head in the pillow, sniffed it and let out a sigh of satisfaction. Gradually, she felt pleasantly drowsy.

    Ouyang Shaochen read a tired expression on her face. He raised an eyebrow at her and asked, ¡°Are you tired?¡±

    Murong Xue nodded and answered in a muffled voice, ¡°Yes.¡± Her body was weak. Last night she had fought with the men in ck for a long time and her left arm got injured. This morning she hurried to Mountain Resort by carriage. Now she was really tired and sleepy.

    Ouyang Shaochen pondered for a moment, and said, ¡°His Majesty will give a banquet for the entertainment of officials in an hour. You can¡¯t rest now. Go behind the folding screen and take a bath. It can effectively rx your fatigue...¡±

    Murong Xue knitted her brows and murmured, ¡°I don¡¯t want to attend the banquet...¡±

    ¡°You must go!¡± Ouyang Shaochen interrupted her in a cold voice, with solemnity in his eyes. ¡°Many people know that you havee to Mountain Resort. If you don¡¯t go to the banquet and some people with bad intentions know it, they will tell His Majesty on you. By then you will get into big trouble...¡±

 Chapter 185 - Help her Take A Bath

    <h4>Chapter 185: Help her Take A Bath</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°But I¡¯m so tired that I don¡¯t feel like moving...¡± Murong Xue whispered with a furrowed brow.

    Suddenly, Ouyang Shaochen picked her up and strode towards the folding screen.

    Murong Xue opened her eyes, looked up at him in some perplexity and asked, ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen answered, ¡°To bath you, change your clothes, and take you to the banquet.¡± While saying that, he carried her behind the folding screen.

    Behind the screen was arge bathing pool, with ayer of brightly colored petals on the surface of the water. Steam was rising from the bathing pool, wafting the sweet scent of flowers past her.

    Ouyang Shaochen put her down and held her in his arms. Then he reached out and unbuttoned the top button on her long dress.

    Feeling a slight chill creep over her skin, Murong Xue shivered a bit and all thoughts of sleep left her. She hurriedly grabbed his hand and asked, ¡°Wait, what are you doing?¡±

    ¡°We travelled more than 30 miles by carriage this morning. Now your clothes are dusty. So, you have to take a bath before going to the banquet. There¡¯s not much time left. You must hurry up...¡± Ouyang Shaochen said, as he raised his hand and was about to continue unbuttoning her dress.

    ¡°Stop! I can do it myself...¡± Murong Xue quickly grasped his hand, her eyes burning with anger. He was a man and she was a woman. How could he unbutton her dress? He even wanted to bath her and change her clothes...

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired? I can help you.¡± Ouyang Shaochen skillfully wriggled his hand free from her grasp and unfastened the second button of her long dress.

    Murong Xue said quickly, ¡°I¡¯m not a bit tired now...¡± She grasped his hands firmly to stop him from doing something improper, her eyes zed with rage.

    A faint smile flickered across his lips. Ouyang Shaochen looked down at her and asked, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes! I¡¯m not tired at all. I can take a bath myself.¡± Murong Xue nodded her head repeatedly and looked at him expectantly with puppy dog eyes, ¡°Can you go outside and wait for me?¡±

    A smile couldn¡¯t help but form onto his lips, as he answered, ¡°Okay. I will go out. But you¡¯ve got to be quick...¡±

    ¡°Okay, I got it!¡± Murong Xue kept nodding and pushed Ouyang Shaochen out of the bathroom. When she was the only one left in the bathroom, she breathed a long sigh of relief. ¡®I finally drove him away. It¡¯s not an easy job,¡¯ she thought.

    On the arched little table, fine sand in the hourss kept trickling down. Murong Xue walked slowly to the edge of the bathing pool, took off her clothes and went into the pool. Then she began to wash her body.

    ¡®It¡¯s just a banquet. Why do I have to bath and change clothes before going to the banquet? s, it¡¯s rather troublesome to stay in Mountain Resort with His Majesty,¡¯ she murmured in her heart.

    Her body was clean because she took a bath every day when she was in Marquis Mansion. So, there was no need for her to clean her body with the toilet soap. She just needed to sluice the dust off her skin...

    ¡°I forgot to tell you that you will have half an hour to bath yourself and get dressed up for the banquet. So, you don¡¯t need to be in a hurry.¡± A melodious voice rang in her ears. She looked up and saw Ouyang Shaochen, who had walked in and stood in front of the folding screen. He stared at her quietly, showing no evil intention in his clear ck eyes.

    However, Murong Xue burned with anger. She picked up a white cotton towel on the edge of the bathing pool and threw at him with all her strength. ¡°I see. Now get out of here!¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded, slowly turned around and was about to walk out. The towel was flying towards his face but he remained calm. Suddenly, he raised his hand and gave a flick to the flying towel which immediately changed direction and flew back towards Murong Xue like an arrow. The next second, it knocked her on the head.

    Murong Xue¡¯s anger finally overflowed. She bellowed, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen!¡± Her angry shout resounded through the skies. In the bamboo grove, many birds took fright and flew off.

    Before long, Murong Xue left the bathing pool and changed into some clean clothes. Then she walked out of the folding screen and saw Ouyang Shaochen in a white gown sitting at a rosewood round table with a cup of tea in his hand. He took a sip of tea from time to time, handsome and elegant.

    A breeze wafted the fragrance of bamboo and toilet soap. It smelt fresh and sweet, enchanting her.

    Murong Xue slightly raised her eyebrows and knew that Ouyang Shaochen had already taken a bath and changed into fresh clothes. It was incredible that he could do all this in such a short time...

    Looking at well-dressed Murong Xue, Ouyang Shaochen curved his lips into a smile, put down the teacup and stood up. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. We¡¯ve got to go to the banquet now.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go.¡± Murong Xue replied, looking sulky. She turned around and strode out of the room.

    Summer was hot. The banquet was held not in a hall but in the square of Mountain Resort.

    The grand square had been cleaned up and many raised tforms of different heights had been set up. On the highest tforms, there were two golden chairs, which were exclusive for the Emperor and the Empress.

    The lower tforms on both sides were prepared for imperial concubines and princes. Many exquisitely carved rosewood chairs were neatly ced on each of the lower tforms. In front of the chairs was a long table on whichid fresh fruit and various pastries. Silver wine pots were full of good wine and the air was heavy with the aroma of wine.

    Several young eunuchs stood in the square and courteously guided people to their seats.

    Murong Xue followed other people into the square and was about to look for the seats prepared for the members of Marquis Mansion. Just then, a familiar loud voice rang in her ears, ¡°Murong Xue,e here... ¡±

    Murong Xue pursued the direction of the voice and saw Yuan Fangfei sitting on a chair prepared for Marquis Mansion and waving at her with a big smile.

    Yuan Fangfei looked like the cat who had eaten the canary, fully satisfied and triumphant. With a smile on her face, Murong Xue thought, ¡®She hasn¡¯t received the betrothal gifts from Marquis Mansion. But she has already seen herself as the daughter-inw of Murong Jian and Mrs. Zhou. She seems eager to get married...¡¯

    Murong Xue walked forward and sat down beside Yuan Fangfei. Then she looked at Yuan Fangfei and asked, ¡°Why are you alone? Where¡¯s Murong Ji?¡±

    Yuan Fangfei pointed at a man behind her and replied with a casual air, ¡°He¡¯s over there.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes followed the direction in which Yuan Fangfei¡¯s finger pointed and saw a thin man standing in a corner with a bronze mirror in his hand and carefully applying some ointment onto his face. Pitifully, his face was swollen and covered with visible bruises and abrasions. If Yuan Fangfei hadn¡¯t told her that he was Murong Ji, she wouldn¡¯t have recognized him at all.

    Apparently Murong Ji had been seriously beaten by Yuan Fangfei in the carriage this morning. Yuan Fangfei was really a strong and fearless woman...

    ¡°Look! Herees Prince Mu... ¡± A cheerful female voice shouted out. Murong Xue turned around and saw Mu Liufenging across. He wore a blue gown. His cor embroidered with exquisite and inconspicuous patterns of flowers, was slightly open, revealing a small part of his strong chest. His evil and pretty face was bathed in golden sunlight. At this point, all eyes were focused on him.

    He had a pair of charming eyes. As he blinked, the young girls present were enchanted and screaming excitedly...

    Yuan Fangfei nced at him and snorted scornfully, ¡°He¡¯s an unreliable yboy. God help those girls who fall for him...¡±

    Murong Xue looked up at the sky. Yuan Fangfei had a low opinion of Mu Liufeng. Although it was not pleasant to the ear, it was an urate description of Mu Liufeng¡¯s character...

 Chapter 186 - The Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 186: The Banquet</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Fourth Prince... Herees Fourth Prince...¡±The girls¡¯ loud cheers rang again. Murong Xue raised her head and saw Ye Tianqi who wore a violet robe and a tourmaline-iid belt around his waist, looking handsome, debonair and noble. The faint smile on his face was like a breath of fresh air making people feel refreshed.

    ¡°This prince is a good catch. But he was born in the royal family. So, girls should think twice before they decide to pursue him...¡± Yuan Fangfei remarked in a low voice, as she shook her head and sighed.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, and was about to speak when a joyful female voice rang out, ¡°Prince Jing... Prince Jing ising... Prince Ouyang... Prince Ouyang ising too...¡±

    Murong Xue looked up to see Ye Yichen and Ouyang Shaochening closer. They were both handsome, tall and elegant. All the youngdies around were enchanted by their graceful bearing with hearts beating widely. The girls were standing or sitting about in small groups, talking excitedly...

    ¡°Murong Xue, these girls are all crazy about your boyfriend. You should be careful...¡± Yuan Fangfei warned Murong Xue with a smile, a trace of dark pleasure shing through her eyes. ¡®It seems not a good thing to have an outstanding boyfriend...¡¯ she thought.

    Murong Xue nced at her and said lightly, ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend. Actually, we are just good friends.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Yuan Fangfei was dazed for a second, then looked at Murong Xue with her eyebrows raised questioningly. ¡°Are you kidding? You and Ouyang Shaochen rode in the same horse-carriage on the way here. Aren¡¯t you two lovers?¡±

    Murong Xue frowned. ¡°Only lovers can take the same carriage?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly...¡± Yuan Fangfei shook her head. In her view, Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue were more than friends...

    ¡°Herees His Majesty and Her Empress!¡± A shrill voice specially belonging to the eunuch rang. The noisy square quietened down at once. All the officials and their family members went down on their knees and kowtowed respectfully. ¡°Long live Your Majesty. Long live Your Empress...¡±

    The Emperor in a bright yellow dragon robe walked slowly to the center of the high tform and smiled, ¡°Rise!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty!¡± The officials and their family members got up and took their seats.

    Murong Xue sat down and looked up at the Emperor on the high tform. He was almost forty years old, with a tall, handsome figure, a good set of features, a gravity mingled with regal dignity imprinted on his countenance.

    The Empress was in her thirties. She was wearing a long red dress embroidered with a phoenix and some mythical birds, a phoenix-shaped waistband around her waist, with a beautiful nine-tailed phoenix hairpin in her fine chignon. She had a beautiful face and was as graceful as a swan. Her deportment was dignified and graceful. She was worthy of the title of the motherly model of the nation. When she was standing by the side of the Emperor, they two looked like a good match...

    ¡°Today¡¯s banquet is held in honour of our arrival at the Mountain Resort. You guys don¡¯t have to be overcautious,¡± said the Emperor. He cast piercing looks to each one of the officials.

    ¡°Thank you, His Majesty!¡± the officials answered with one voice. Then they began to enjoy the fruits and wine on their tables.

    Murong Xue picked up the silver wine pot and poured herself a full cup of wine. The aroma of wine filled her nostrils and made her feelfortable. It was really good wine. Murong Xue couldn¡¯t repress a sigh of admiration.

    She held up the wine cup and was about to drink. Suddenly, an invisible strong wind hit at her wrist. Her hand gave a quiver, and most of the wine in the cup was spilled. Angrily, she raised her head and saw Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s handsome face.

    His obsidian-like eyes were like bottomless ck pools, as if to say, ¡®You are injured. You shouldn¡¯t drink.¡¯

    Murong Xue curled up her lips with disapproval and red defiantly back at him, as if to say, ¡®I want to drink. It¡¯s none of your business!¡¯

    ¡®Are you sure?¡¯ Ouyang Shaochen arched an eyebrow and looked at Murong Xue with a meaningful smile, seeming to say, ¡®You can have a try, but I hope you won¡¯t regret it.¡¯

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyelids twitched involuntarily, and she got an uneasy sense of foreboding. ¡®What do you want to do?¡¯

    ¡®Take a sip of wine, then you will know what I will do.¡¯ Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes were cold and authoritative. Murong Xue sensed a touch of danger in his voice, as her eyelids kept twitching. She put down the wine cup with reluctance. Since Ouyang Shaochen expressed that he didn¡¯t want her to drink, she¡¯d better take his advice; otherwise, he would punish her. Murong Xue sensibly gave up this cup of wine and decided to drink another day...

    Murong Xue and Ouyang Shaochenmunicated silently with eye contact and gestures. All the officials and their family members didn¡¯t notice it, except for Ye Yichen and Su Nanxiang. Ye Yichen kept his eyes fixed on Murong Xue. Now his face clouded with rage. ¡®They are sitting far away from each other, but they still tried tomunicate with each other by sending speechless messages with their eyes. It seems that they two like each other very much...¡¯ he thought to himself.

    Su Nanxiang, who kept staring at Ouyang Shaochen, also saw theirmunication, her eyes burning with anger. ¡®How dared Murong Xue seduce Prince Ouyang in public! She¡¯s such a hateful, shameless woman. I¡¯m going to give her a hard lesson...¡¯ she thought.

 Chapter 187 - Musical Instrument Competition

    <strong>Chapter 187: Musical Instrument Competition</strong>

    Su Nanxiang stood up, walked to the center of the square, and curtsied to the Emperor. ¡°Your Majesty, the summer resort banquet is only held once a year. If we just eat and drink, it will be rather boring. Please allow me to y the zither to add to the fun.¡±

    ¡°Good!¡± The Emperor nodded approvingly. The Mountain Resort was far away from the Imperial Pce, so the imperial musicians and dancers didn¡¯t follow him here. The summer resort banquet was actually a little boring. It couldn¡¯t be better if someone wanted to put on a show.

    An insidious, malicious smile flicked across Su Nanxiang¡¯s lips, as she said, ¡°I think it will be monotonous if I y the zither alone. So I want to invite a youngdy to y the vertical bamboo flute. We can y a tune together. Your Majesty, what do you think of it?¡±

    ¡°I give you permission to do that!¡± The Emperor waved his hand, giving his seal of approval.

    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± Su Nanxiang gave a curtsy, with a malicious smile hovering on her lips. Her eyes swept over other youngdies and finally settled upon Murong Xue. Then she said smilingly, ¡°Miss Murong, pleasee forward and y a tune together with me.¡±

    On hearing this, Murong Xue, who had been just reaching for the fruits on the table, paused and knitted her brows. There were so many youngdies in the square. Why did Su Nanxiang choose Murong Xue to y instruments with her? Obviously, she was brewing a plot. Murong Xue gave a firm refusal, ¡°Sorry, Miss Su. I can¡¯t y the vertical bamboo flute.¡±

    Su Nanxiang didn¡¯t get angry at being refused. She looked at Murong Xue with a smile and said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Marquise used to be the first talented woman in the capital, and was thoroughly aplished in lyre-ying, chess, calligraphy and painting. You are her daughter. It¡¯s impossible that you can¡¯t y the vertical bamboo flute...¡±

    Murong Xue gave a brittleugh. The original owner¡¯s mother, Lady Shen was indeed thoroughly aplished in lyre-ying, chess, calligraphy and painting, but she passed away when the original owner was four years old. So she didn¡¯t have the chance to teach her daughter anything although she was such a talented woman.

    Su Nanxiang knew what Murong Xue didn¡¯t learn anything from Lady Shen, but she still asked Murong Xue to y a tune with her. Clearly, she wanted to make Murong Xue look dumb...

    ¡®I just came here to avoid summer heat. I haven¡¯t done anything to provoke Su Nanxiang. Why does she try to make me look bad?¡¯ Murong Xue thought.

    Murong Xuepsed into silence. Su Nanxiang twisted her lips into a sardonic smile. She knew clearly that Murong Xue couldn¡¯t y the vertical bamboo flute. The reason she invited Murong Xue to y a tune with her was because she wanted to humiliate Murong Xue.

    Su Nanxiang said, ¡°Miss Murong, His Majesty has eded to my request. If you refuse to y the vertical bamboo flute, it means that you are defying His Majesty.¡±

    A cold smile formed onto Murong Xue¡¯s lips. ¡®Defying His Majesty? Su Nanxiang is trying to pinbels on me. If I refuse her, she will certainly make a mountain out of a molehill and advise His Majesty to punish me and my family. In order to y a tune with me, Su Nanxiang has racked her brains in scheming. All right, I will satisfy her request, but...¡¯ Murong Xue thought to herself.

    ¡°I really can¡¯t y the vertical bamboo flute. Can I use other instruments?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Su Nanxiang nodded, as a small, unobtrusive and sardonic smile curved her lips. Murong Xue would lose face, no matter what instrument she used.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Murong Xue said indifferently. She stood up, walked to a big tree, picked a green leaf and wiped the dust off it...

    ¡°I¡¯m going to y the zither. Miss Murong, please listen carefully!¡± said Su Nanxiang with an air of superiority. She put her slender fingers on the strings, and then gently twanged them. A melodious sound of the zither was wafted to everyone¡¯s ears.

    Refreshed by the music, the whole audience gasped with admiration. Su Nanxiang yed the zither well. Could Murong Xue join the melody?

    Everyone looked sideways at Murong Xue, who slowly lifted the leaf to her lips and skillfully yed it. The beautiful music rang out and joined the sound of the zither, sounding melodious and dulcet...

    Su Nanxiang slightly raised an eyebrow in surprise. She hadn¡¯t expected that Murong Xue could chime in with her melody. But anyway, she was confident of her ability to beat Murong Xue at music.

    She looked at Murong Xue, a flicker of scorn in her cold eyes. Then she swept her slender fingers rapidly over the strings of the zither. The music swelled and quickened into an exciting rhythm. The sonorous tune got people¡¯s adrenaline pumping...

    Murong Xue curved her lips into a sardonic smile. ¡®This piece of music is only suitable for the zither. It can¡¯t be yed by other musical instruments, such as the bamboo flute and the vertical bamboo flute, because it¡¯s too high-pitched. Su Nanxiang chose this piece of music to y because she wants to make me look bad. I won¡¯t let her n work...¡¯ she thought to herself.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes turned cold. The tune she yed suddenly changed into an ethereal melody. Everyone felt as if they were a cloud floating freely in the sky or ark flying in the breeze and drizzle. They feltpletely rxed and joyful.

    The people present looked at one another, speechless. The tune Murong Xue yed was beautiful, but it was obviously different from Su Nanxiang¡¯s tune...

    Murong Xue snorted. No one stipted that she should y the same tune as Su Nanxiang. It was clear that Su Nanxiang wanted to humiliate her bypletely defeating her in music. It would be stupid if she continued to y the same tune with Su Nanxiang...

    Looking at Murong Xue who was holding the leaf and ying the tune, Su Nanxiang uttered a snortingugh. ¡®I have never heard of anyone using a leaf to y a tune on official asions. Murong Xue is the first to do so. Although her music is pleasant to the ear, her ying is primitive, rough, and disorganized. How dare she present such a performance in front of everyone? Isn¡¯t she afraid of beingughed at? She can¡¯tpare with me in music. Murong Xue is sure to lose this game...¡¯ she thought.

    Su Nanxiang gave a mocking smile, and was about to make an ironic remark about Murong Xue¡¯s rough performance when a bird pped into the square.

    What was going on?

    Su Nanxiang frowned and was preparing to ask what happened. Just then, lots of beautiful birds fluttered their wings and flew into the square, whirling over Murong Xue¡¯s head...

    Under the guidance of the tune Murong Xue was ying, the birds gathered together and automatically flew into various formations, such as chevron, circle and square. Then, with the rhythm of music, they hovered above the square.

    The graceful formations, beautifulbinations, and perfect movements shocked everyone. The guards, maids, eunuchs and pce attendants all stopped and looked curiously at the birds flying in formations...

    A few bold birds left the formations and gently fluttered down onto the hands of the Empress and imperial concubines...

    The Empress and imperial concubines were taken aback. The birds stood obediently without any sign of attacking. So they gradually set their mind at rest and stared at the birds on their palms with curious eyes. The birds were all immersed in the beautiful music with their eyes closed. They held up their talons, pping their wings gently...

    There was a beautiful bird with bright feathers standing on the table in front of Ouyang Shaochen. The bird fluttered its wings, pivoted gracefully and circled over his head, proudly showing its beautiful dances...

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s obsidian-like eyes swept over the birds lightly and finally settled upon Murong Xue who was ying music with a leaf. In the golden sunlight, ck strands of her hair and her light purple skirt were fluttering in the breeze. She looked like a pretty fairy maiden, catching everyone¡¯s eye...

 Chapter 188 - An Emissary from Nan Jiang

    <h4>Chapter 188: An Emissary from Nan Jiang</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    The barest hint of a smile appeared on his face. ¡®Such a silly little girl can attract hundreds of birds with her music. She seems to have be a little bit more intelligent.¡¯

    Gazing at Murong Xue with aplicated expression on his face, he never knew that she could y such melodious rhythms with leaves. Is it really the little contact he made with her that resulted in hisck of acquaintance with her talent and abilities?

    Mu Liufeng leaned against the back of his chair, swept his teasing nce over Ouyang Shaochen and Ye Yichen, and finally set eyes on Murong Xue. He thought to himself, ¡®It is truly disturbing to think that someone else is secretly falling for your talented, unrequited lover.¡¯

    However, he was a little taken aback that Murong Xue could do such an incredible thing as attracting hundreds of birds with the music she yed. The only reason he was not chasing after her was that Ouyang Shaochen had been carrying the torch for her.

    Bathing in soft, golden sunshine, Murong Xue gently held the leaf in her hand. With her tune gradually fading away, the birds scattered regardless of the surprised look on people¡¯s faces, pped their wings and flew away, leaving unrestrained figures.

    The crowd fixed their gaze on the empty air, shocked, and unable to settle back to their concentration for a long time.

    ¡®Brilliant!¡¯ A burst of scream burst out in the square. Civil and military ministers as well as members of the imperial house repeatedly praised with newly-awakened surprise. ¡® Birds heard her music, and came hovering with its rhythm on a pilgrimage. What a breathtaking spectacle!¡¯

    ¡®Absolutely! An old fellow like me have lived most of my life, and it is the first time that I have seen birds attracted by the melody. How incredible!¡¯

    ¡®Now that I have experienced this wonderful view, death shall find me ready.¡¯

    ¡®Birds only respond to melodious tunes. The music Miss Murong yed is angelic.¡¯

    ¡®Eh-hem, Miss Su is also ying, so could it be her who attracted all those birds?¡¯

    ¡®Come on! Haven¡¯t you noticed that the birds came after Miss Murong modified the tune?¡¯

    ¡®Haven¡¯t you seen that they have been hovering over Miss Murong¡¯s head all the time?¡¯

    ¡®Haven¡¯t you noticed that they have been changing the formation in correspondence with the tune Miss Murong yed?¡¯

    ¡®I haven¡¯t heard Miss Su y since the birds came.¡¯

    ¡®Exactly! Her music waspletely drowned by the pping of birds¡¯ wings.¡¯

    ¡®Could you hear what Miss Su yed clearly after the birds came?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m afraid I didn¡¯t.¡¯

    ¡®Then why did you say that it was her who attracted all those birds?¡¯

    There was enough discussion to be heard by all at the table. Su Nanxiang turned paler than white momentarily, her eyes gleaming with hatred.

    She nned this ensemble of the Chinese zither and bamboo flute painstakingly, with the purpose of showing much better she was than Murong, humiliating her in the full ze of publicity, and proving to the heir of Lord Ouyang that she has outdistanced Murong in all senses. But now, she seems to be the one humiliated.

    Attracting a flock of idiot birds with a filthy leaf? What¡¯s the big deal, anyway?

    Look at all those ministers, praising Murong and holding her in high esteem. What a bunch of vulgar morons!

    ¡®y such angelic music with only a leaf! How impressive! Xue, my darling, who taught you how to y? ¡® The Empress raised a question out of the blue as she looked at Murong Xue, her eyes shining with doubt and admiration.

    Murong Xue gave a salute to the Empress and smiled. ¡® Your Majesty, I used to whistle with leaves at leisure during my childhood. And the whistle naturally became a tune as time went by. Nobody has ever taught me!

    As a matter of fact, it was the birds¡¯ chirps used as modern-day secret signals, the lifelike birdsong she integrated into the tune that drew the birds¡¯ attention.

    ¡®You became talented through self-instruction? How intelligent!¡¯ said the Empress ndly, her eyes filled with admiration.

    Murong Xue smiled politely, ¡® You have overpraised me, Your Majesty!¡¯

    ¡®She has eminent parents like the Country-guarding Marquis and Marquise, so it is no wonder that self-education would suffice.¡¯ The Emperor nced at Murong Xue and delivered a promptment, his eyes gleaming with expressions that no one else could understand.

    The Empress nodded and agreed,¡¯ That makes sense. Xue looks like her mother. She must have also inherited her intelligence and talent.¡¯

    Su Nanxiang suddenly turned pale. She sneaked a look at Ouyang Shaochen. He was sipping from the jade ss in his hand, his eyes quietly fixed on Murong Xue with a glimmer of smile. The anger in Su¡¯s heart red up after seeing this, and she clenched her fists under her sleeves.

    Murong Xue! It is all about Murong Xue!

    Everyone is talking about her! The Emperor and Empress are full of praise for her, and the heir of Lord Ouyang has eyes only for her! What on earth is so remarkable in her behavior that makes all of them think highly of her?

    She was the most aplisheddy in Qingyan Kingdom! She would never allow herself to be defeated by Murong Xue! Never!

    Su Nanxiang¡¯ s eyes glimmered with hatred. Grinding her teeth, she tried her utmost toe up with an idea of defeating Murong Xue.

    A young eunuch hurried up to the emperor and said in a respectful voice, ¡® Your Majesty, an emissary from Nan Jiang begs for an audience!¡¯

    The noisy square was instantly silent, and people stood gazing at one another with a dignified look. When did the emissary from Nan Jiange to Qingyan Kingdom? Instead of going to the capital, they hade directly to the summer resort to be presented at the Emperor. How well-informed they were!

    The Emperor¡¯s eyes slightly narrowed as he raised his voice,¡¯ Let him in!¡¯

    ¡®Aye!¡¯ The eunuch responded, and shouted towards the other side of the square, ¡® Please present yourself to our Emperor, emissary from Nan Jiang!¡¯

    An emissary from Nan Jiang?

    Murong Xue squinted as images of those fearless men of sacrifice in her courtyard sprang to her mind. People from Nan Jiang are mysterious, and they have strange hobbies, which includes their favourites, witchcraft and poison made from insects.

    The only contact she had ever made with people from Nan Jiang ever since she came to Qingyan Kingdom had been with Dark Knights of Sacrifice, and she has never seen real citizens of Nan Jiang. So she wanted to know how they look.

    As she looked up at the entrance, a young gentleman walked in. He was about 20 years old, with aely appearance and skin almost transparent. The invisible but unholy aura around him served as a foil to his scarlet eyes with brown pupils.

    His ck damask gown was perfectly tailored and embroidered withrge red bauhinias which bloomed proudly like blood, suggesting a mysterious, weird and gloomy rendering.

    The sight of him made the debutantes¡¯ flesh creep. Their eyelids twitched as they thought to themselves,¡¯ this emissary looks insidious. It is disturbing even just to look at him. He must be extremely dangerous.¡¯

    Ignoring the gaze of all people, the gentleman walked straight to the tform and leaned slightly forward,¡¯ Your Majesty, Cang Qiong is here to pay my respects!¡¯

    Yuan Fangfei¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡®So that¡¯s Cang Qiong!¡¯

    Murong Xue blinked and looked askance at Yuan Fangfei, ¡®You have heard of him before?¡¯

 Chapter 189 - A Stroke of Genius

    <h4>Chapter 189: A Stroke of Genius</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡®He is the youngest son of the prime minister of Nan Jiang and his legal wife, and he is also the brother-inw of their prince. Every soldier who has defended the border between us and Nan Jiang knows about him!¡¯ Yuan Fangfei said softly.

    Murong Xue nodded and understood. Such noble status certainly made him qualified for the emissary of Nan Jiang!

    ¡®I also heard that he is an entric of uncertain temper, and he ughters without blinking his eyelids.¡¯ Yuan lowered her voice in a mysterious manner, and her eyes gleamed with fear.

    Murong Xue smiled and thought, the aura surrounding Cang Qiong suggests an evil rendering. Anyone can see with half an eye that he was born from darkness. Ferocity is in that kind of people¡¯s nature. So how can he ever be good-tempered?

    The Emperor in his golden chair looked down at Cang Qiong in a condescending manner and asked indifferently, ¡® What are you here for, Cang Qiong?¡¯

    ¡®I was entrusted with our Emperor¡¯s mission to present our gift to the Emperor of Qingyan Kingdom.¡¯ Cang Xiong smiled in a mysterious and creepy way.

    ¡®A gift?¡¯ The Emperor¡¯s stare was intense. The war between Nan Jiang and Qingyan Kingdom broke out, and ended in great losses suffered by Nan Jiang. The intense hatred harbored by their emperor would not allow their gift to be anything good.

    He looked up at Cang Qiong, who took out a scroll and rapidly tore it open, in which a picture was gently unfolded before everyone¡¯s eyes. On the paper there was a golden dragon with five ws. Its eyes were bright, its beard was long and its ws were sharp, looking powerful and mighty.

    However , only half of the dragon¡¯s body was painted, and the other half was nk, as if it had been smashed by something.

    The dragon represents the royal prerogative. Cang Qiong¡¯s intention for the Emperor¡¯s disability and early death was exposed thoroughly by giving a mutted dragon to him as a gift.

    Minister Du, who sat at the end of the table rolled his eyes and rose to his feet, ¡® How dare you, Cang Qiong, disrespect our emperor!¡¯

    He was the first to scold Cang Qiong, so the emperor would remember him. And he felt certain that when everything is settled, he would be rewarded ording to his merits.

    Regardless of the angry reprimands that drilled into his eardrum, and hit his heart directly, Cang Qiong took a casual nce at Minister Du and responded in an unhurried way,¡¯ Please exin in detail how I was disrespectful to your Emperor.¡¯

    ¡®This mutted dragon you drew is a dead giveaway for your disrespect and evil intentions!¡± Pointing at the dragon on the picture, Minister Du angrily rebuked him in a harsh voice.

    ¡® This is clearly a powerful five-w golden dragon, a gift to wish your Emperor¡¯s health. What makes you think it¡¯s mutted?¡¯ Cang Qiong stared at him up and down with contempt in his eyes. ¡® But we can¡¯t me you for misjudging. After all, it¡¯s inevitable for a man at your age to get dim-sighted.¡¯

    ¡®Old fellows like you can hardly contribute much in the imperial court. You should retire, return to your native ce and give up your position to a young and talented person. But you are still stubbornly holding onto it. Aren¡¯t you afraid of beingughed at?¡¯

    ¡®How dare you!¡¯ Minister Du pointed at Cang Qiong, whose words had rendered him speechless. What a crafty bastard! He was clearly on the right side, but not only did he fail to teach Cang a good lesson, on the contrary, he was the one being ridiculed. Damn!

    He pushed himself forward as the first to scold Cang Qiong, drawing the attention of the Emperor as well as all civil and military ministers. But now he failed, and the emperor must be extremely disappointed with him for the shame and irony he brought about.

    Cang Qiong imed that the full body of that dragon was included in his picture, so if he hold onto the former excuse, he would definitely be despised to a greater extent. So what kind of a pretext can he use to beat Cang at his own game and win the Emperor¡¯s favour back?

    Su Nanxiang stood beside the tform and stared at the scroll with her eyes slightly narrowed up: the scroll was mounted merely with Chinese art paper without gimmicks, so indeed only half the body of a dragon was contained therein.

    Cang Qiong insisted that the full body of that dragon was included. So as long as she canplete the golden dragon and make the painting perfect immediately, not only Cang¡¯s arrogance would be restrained, but also the dignity of our kingdom would be maintained. And the emperor¡¯s face would therefore light up with pleasure.

    However, judging by the color and texture of the picture, it must have been done for a long period of time. No matter how skillful she is or how light-colored her inkling is, nothing drawn by her would ever match the upper part of the body. Any sort of inappropriate match would destroy its beauty and harmony, and in that case, instead of showing her skills, she would be embarrassing herself.

    The haughty nce of Cang Qiong swept over ministers, generals and celebrities as he raised his voice, ¡®Who else thinks this painting only includes half the dragon body or represents misfortune? Please,e forward and testify!¡¯

    The defiant look on his face was responded with the Emperor¡¯s piercing stare, whichsted briefly before disappearing.

    Su Nanxiang rolled her eyes anxiously, but no solution could find its way through her chaotic thoughts.

    Ouyang Shaochen sips leisurely from the wine ss in his hand with a distant look, as if nothing could bother him, not even the copse of the sky.

    The civil and military ministers looked at one another in dismay, shook their heads and sighed. The deep frown on their faces showed that none of them had figured out a solution.

    Cang Qiong looked about at the silent crowd on the square with obvious mockery in his eyes,¡¯ Now that no one thinks there¡¯s anything wrong with this painting, I¡¯m presenting it as our gift to your Emperor, ha ha ha!¡¯

    Cang Qiongughed triumphantly, and out of the corner of his eyes, he saw a girl slowlye over with a brush in her hand. She gently made a simple mark and said in a clear voice,¡¯ Thank you for your gift. Our Emperor will surely love this magnificent painting with auspicious signs.¡¯

    Theughter of Cang Qiong stopped abruptly as he looked down. A mountain of simplicity appeared under the body of the golden dragon. From afar, it looked like a golden dragon flying in the mountain stream, with half of its body covered by the mountains.

    ¡®A dragon soaring in the clouds! Its implication is indeed propitious and exquisite!¡¯ Minister Xie swept his admiring gaze over Murong Xue, and made no effort to hide the mockery of Cang Qiong, ¡®Yes indeed, thank you, honorable Cang Qiong, for this valuable gift!¡¯

    ¡®We really appreciate the Emperor of Nan Jiang and Cang Qiong¡¯s solicitude towards our Emperor!¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s not the stroll that counts, but the thoughts behind it!¡¯

    ¡®We are grateful for your benedictions. Our Emperor will certainly live to a healthy and ripe old age as you wish.¡¯

    Satireing from civil and military ministers mercilessly took over his breath. Cang Qiong¡¯s face was as ck as thunder, he narrowed his eyes and turned to Murong Xue,¡¯ Who are you?¡¯

    A young girl raised in her boudoir ruined days of his painstaking efforts and defeated his purpose merely with a brushstroke. How abominable!

    Murong Xue nced at him and said coldly, ¡®A girl from Qingyan Kingdom!¡¯

    ¡®What I am asking is your name!¡¯ She was the first person in the entire world who had iron nerves to destroy his painting, and he would never let her go easily.

 Chapter 190 - Teaching Cang Qiong A Lesson

    <h4>Chapter 190: Teaching Cang Qiong A Lesson</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡®I¡¯d better not throw dust in your ears with my vulgar name.¡¯ Murong Xue¡¯s replied in a distant and perfunctory manner. To someone so malicious with an arbitrary character, she didn¡¯t bother to say more. Murong Xue¡¯s stunning beauty and clear eyes served as a foil to the sullen look on Cang Qiong¡¯s face. He asked her contemptuously,¡¯ So you were named after cats or dogs. Because for me, that kind of name can be called ¡®vulgar¡¯.¡¯ ¡®Mr. Cang Qiong, provocation doesn¡¯t work on me.¡¯ Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and looked at him sarcastically. ¡®Actually, it wasn¡¯t your name that stirred up my curiosity, but you.¡¯ Cang Qiong leered at her sinisterly. ¡®Your intelligence makes you the kind of girl that I like. So what about going back to Nan Jiang with me and be my concubine? I will protect you and treat you well if you can win my favour.¡¯ His remark caused an uproar. Murong Xue is the daughter of the Country-guarding Marquis and his legal wife, which made her qualified to be the legal wife of princes or eldest sons of feudal lords. It was shameless of Cang Qiong to ask her to be his concubine. Even if Cang Qiong did not know her true identity, he must have figured out that she came from the upper ss. For no one from the low status are eligible toe to the summer resort following the Emperor. He did this merely because she added a brushstroke to the painting, which defeated his purpose and humiliated him. He wanted revenge. Å·ÑôÉÙå·¿¡ÒÝÈÝÑÕË²¼äÒõ³Á,°×ÓñÊÖÖ¸ÔÚÓñ±­±ßÔµÇáÇá»®¹ý,ÇåÏãµÄÃÀ¾ÆË²¼äÄý³ÉÒ»Ö§±ù¼ý,»º»º¸¡³öÁË¾Æ±­,ÄÇ¼âÈñµÄ´Ì,ÁèÀ÷µÄ¼â,Ö»ÒªÉäÈëÒªº¦,±£Ö¤Ò»»÷±ÐÃü! Ouyang Shaochen turned sullen instantly. As he ran his long, pale fingers along the rim of his ss, the fragrance of the wine solidified into an ice arrow almost at once, and slowly emerged from the ss. Its sharp edge guaranteed killing with one shot as long as it touches someone¡¯s vital part. ¡®Cang Qiong, please respect yourself!¡¯ Murong Xue snapped at him with a piercing stare. ¡®So now we are on first-name terms. Seems like our rtionship is strengthened!¡¯ Cang Qiong smiled with ineffable eeriness. The breeze gently drifted the scroll before his eyes, he impatiently waved and hung it aside. Su Nanxiang¡¯s scandalized gaze were focused on the stroll before she gradually settled back into concentration. It was such a stroke of genius to change the implied meaning from misfortune to auspice of health and longevity. She was too obsessed with the dragon itself to think of adding a mountain or clouds to the painting, which has different shades of colour that can not only cover its imperfections, but also show unusual imagination. Murong Xue is indeed extremely smart. How did shee up with this method? Why did I leave it out of consideration? No! How can she let Murong Xue be smarter than her? How can Murong Xue ever surpass her in terms of talent and intelligence? Malevolence shed across Su Nanxiang¡¯s eyes as she held her head up and reprimanded, ¡®Please behave yourself, Cang Qiong. How can the daughter of our Country-guarding Marquis be your concubine? Don¡¯t you have any more illusions her!¡¯ Seeing that Cang Qiong is interested in Murong Xue, she revealed details regarding her identity and social status. For she knew that a vicious person like Cang Qiong would surely help her get rid of that loathsome romantic rival in a brutal way. Cang Qiong gazed at Murong Xue with a treacherous smile.¡¯ Turns out you are the daughter of the Country-guarding Marquis. I¡¯m going to your capital tomorrow to greet your elders personally, and ask for their permission to take you as my concubine!¡¯ Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s stare suddenly turned lethal. The ice arrow was discharged promptly, aiming at Cang Qiong¡¯s cheek. His face turned aside under the tremendous force, and two of his mrs were knocked out, with blood sshed into the air. ¡®Who plotted against me?¡¯ Cang Qiong gently turned around, with his bloodthirsty, merciless eyes running down the crowd. ¡®I did!¡¯ A sharp, vibrant voice rang out of the blue on the square. Cang Qiong looked away with the voice and saw an elegant figure. His iparably handsome appearance, his dark, sparkling eyes and imposing manner were daunting. Who else could it be other than Ouyang Shaochen? Cang Qiong¡¯s eyes narrowed up in a sh. It was beyond his expectation that Ouyang Shaochen had returned. Despite Ouyang¡¯s unrivalled abilities which had made him difficult to deal with, he was never the kind of person to suppress his indignation,¡¯ How dare you beat me up?¡¯ ¡®Just because you humiliated Murong Xue!¡¯ Ouyang Shaochen said with a murderous look, stressing each syble. ¡® She is a dear friend of mine, whom you are not even close to being qualified for teaching a lesson.¡¯ The civil and military ministers looked at each other with an ambiguous expression on their faces. The reason why Murong Xue got humiliated was that she beat Cang Qiong at his own game and saved the entire kingdom from embarrassment with one simple mark. Strictly speaking, Cang Qiong was using her to humiliate Qingyan Kingdom, the Emperor and all of them! This viin deserved a good lesson.

 Chapter 191 - Unforeseen Events at the Banquet ( 1 )

    <h4>Chapter 191: Unforeseen Events at the Banquet ( 1 )</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen befriended ady? Howe I¡¯ve never heard about this?¡± Cang Qiong gave Ouyang Shaochen an incredulous stare: Isn¡¯t it true that he has always been sexually continent?

    ¡°Who do you think you are? Do I need to specifically inform you whom I befriend?¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s ruthless voice turned Cangqiong¡¯s face as ck as thunder.

    Cangqiong met Ouyang Shaochen a few years ago and knew that he is Lord Freedom¡¯s heir and by no means a person to be trifled with. Nheless, Cangqiong himself is also the legitimate son of the prime minister of Nan Jiang, and he is nearly as noble as Ouyang Shaochen, in which case he doesn¡¯t have to be afraid or menial.

    But this girl named Murong Xue, she disturbed Cangqiong¡¯s scheme, so he would never let her off easily.

    Instant anger flickered across his eyes when he said unceremoniously: ¡° I like this girl, and I¡¯m taking her with me.¡±

    ¡° You wish!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s stare suddenly turned lethal, and with a violent wave of his hand, his strong internal force was discharged, which hit Cangqiong heavily.

    Being caught off guard, Cangqiong was crushed to the ground, left with dizziness and tinnitus, as well as extreme pain which seemed to have been caused by systemic fracture.

    The painful look on his face led to taunting words from the ministers: This is what he deserves. See if he dares to be so domineering again!

    Su Nanxiang stealthily grinded her teeth with hatred and gave Murong Xue a piercing stare: The heir of Lord Ouyang is will to put up a fight with Cangqiong for her! How can he value such a vicious slut?

    Enduring great pain, Cang Qiong raised his head slowly, and gave everyone present atled look: ¡°As the emissary of Nan Jiang, I¡¯m representing our Emperor and our entire country. Is this how you entertain guests from afar?¡±

    ¡°We will absolutely treat friends with due respect, and you are not one of them.¡± Mu Liufeng shed his eyes at him with a tone of sarcasm.

    All ministers and their families¡¯ mockery and contempt made Cangqiong furious: ¡°Alright, worthy people of QingYan, it seems you are bound by amon hatred. Mark my words, I will never forgive you.¡±

    After leaving his malicious words, Cang Qiong stood up and hobbled out.

    ¡°Watch out, don¡¯t fall over yourself!¡± With a reminder of ¡°concern¡±, Mu Liufeng waved the fan. His overwhelming inner force flew out therefrom, which knocked Cang Qiong down again.

    ¡°Ha ha ha....¡± Everyone burst intoughter and their voice traveled thousands of miles away.

    Cangqiong red up into fury: They have the audacity to tease me! They must be ready to die!

    With a sudden touch of his toe on the ground, he dashed away, leaving an obscure figure in midair before eventually disappearing without a trace.

    Gazing at his figure, the Emperor narrowed his sharp eyes slightly. Something vague shed in his pupils.

    ¡°The annoying emissary of Nan Jiang is finally gone. Now I¡¯d like to propose a toast! ¡°A militarymander held up his ss and proposed aloud.

    ¡°That¡¯s just what we want!¡± The other ministers all held up their sses and responded: ¡°Now let¡¯s get hammered.¡±

    The quiet square came back to life in an instant as ministers started toasting each other. The air was gradually filled with the ever-present aroma of wine.

    Murong Xue kept her mind from being distracted by the aroma, fixed her gaze on the direction of Cang Qiong¡¯s departure and narrowed her eyes slightly. An uneasy sense of foreboding overshadowed her.

    ¡°What¡¯s eating you?¡± Ouyang Shaochen approached her and handed her some desserts: She barely ate anything since she arrived.

    Murong Xue took them over and had a few bites with her brows knitted. She then lowered her voice: ¡°Cang Qiong¡¯s rapid action just now showed his superb Qing Kung skills. He is ferocious, tyrannical, narrow-minded, and he harbors bitter resentment. He won¡¯t take our hard lesson lying down.¡±

    ¡°Rest assured. We are in Qingyan, not Nan Jiang. He can¡¯t do anything even if he isn¡¯t reconciled.¡± Mu Liufeng gently came forward and interrupted her. Holding a jade ss in his hand, he smiled at Murong Xue and said: ¡°Your stroke of genius not only taught Cangqiong a lesson, but also retrieved our reputation, which makes you our heroine. Let¡¯s drink to that.¡±

    ¡°I am afraid we¡¯ll have to take a rain check.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said in a low voice with faint uneasiness gleaming in his eyes.

    ¡° What do you mean?¡± Mu Liufeng was confused.

    ¡°Look ahead.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said softly with a distant look on his face.

    Mu Liufeng looked in the same direction and saw groups of ck-garbed ghosts dashing towards them in a strange snake-shaped aircraft.

    The aircraft seemed to have been made of wood blocks and was remarkably true to life. At the first nce, they looked like powerful snakes with grooves on their back. The ghosts were sitting inside, and their bodies were about to merge with the wooden snakes.

    Countless ghosts and wooden snakes overspread the sky, and blocked the sun, moon and stars as if dark clouds.

    ¡°How on earth did they make those wooden aircrafts fly?¡± Mu Liufeng¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. He had seen a lot of real and fake snakes, but it¡¯s the first time that he had ever seen flying wooden snakes.

    Murong Xue narrowed up her eyes. ¡°If memory serves me correctly, these wooden snakes must be ancient machinery!¡±

    In modern times, airnes, hot air balloons and plenty of aircrafts can take people to the sky. But they live in ancient QingYan, where advanced technology did not exist. And there was no sign of gas instation on those wooden snakes. The only exnation is that she encountered the sort of machinery recorded in ancient books

    ¡°Ancient machinery!¡± Mu Liufeng gently raised his eyebrows, which implied his unfamiliarity with this word.

    Murong Xue smiled gently: ¡°It dates back to the Mohist School in the early Qin Dynasty. Therge-scale machinery can be made in various shapes such as dragons, tigers and snakes and take people to the sky. Later, it somehow failed to be handed down from past generations. It now appears that the disappearance of these techniques wasn¡¯t because of that kind of failure, but the withdrawal of those craftsmen, who reemergedtely.¡±

    ¡°What the hell are these things?¡± Ministers and their family members also screamed at the sight of the scenario in midair. The square immediately descended into chaos.

    Murong Xue looked up and saw the ghosts move aside, giving way in the middle. A man in ck standing on the back of a long wooden snake began flying towards them from the back slowly.

 Chapter 192 - Unforeseen Events at the Banquet( 2 )

    <h4>Chapter 192: Unforeseen Events at the Banquet( 2 )</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    This handsome man with almost transparent skin has scarlet eyes burning with fury. Obviously, he is Cang Qiong, the emissary of Nan Jiang.

    He ran his vicious eyes down all ministers and their family members mirthlessly. These QingYan morons dare tough at him. So he would satisfy them if they were wishing for death.

    ¡°Kill them all!¡± Hemanded mercilessly, with his callous voice piercing through the clouds.

    All the ghosts raised their guard up in an instant. They dashed down in wooden snakes with long, shimmering swords which were directed towards unarmed people on the square. Blood began sshing everywhere.

    All thedies who didn¡¯t know how to fight were terribly frightened that they started running towards all directions, screaming, ¡°Help......¡±

    The bodyguards rushed over, pulled their swords out and fought with the ghosts. The whole square fell into disorder right away.

    ¡°Cang Qiong, how dare you kill people casually in QingYan Kingdom! Aren¡¯t you afraid of being condemned to death by your Emperor?¡± Minister Du stood behind the bodyguards, looked up at Cang Qiong and glowered at him with hatred.

    Cang Qiong looked down and nced at him with a disdainful snort: ¡°Emperor Nan hates your people the most. So If I kill all of you, your country will be a part of ours. Our Emperor will only reward me instead of ming me.¡±

    Minister Du narrowed his shrewd eyes in an instant: ¡°Were you entrusted with your Emperor¡¯s mission to assassinate our Emperor?¡±

    ¡°None of that matters now. What matters is that none of you will live through today. ¡± Cang Qiong roared withughter and cruelty in his eyes as he ordered brutally, ¡°Kill every one of them! No exemption!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The freaks responded loud and clear, then dashed towards Minister Du in wooden snakes.

    Groups of ghosts and wooden snakes suddenly engulfed Minister Du and bodyguards near him.

    Cangqiong stood in midair, stared at the direction of Minister Du whose whereabouts was unknown, and sneered scornfully: ¡°The reason for his death is that he dared to mor for war with me.¡±

    He had also met several enemies just now, and he was determined to make sure that they all die miserably. No one gets out of here alive!

    Cang Qiong looked down at the direction of Murong Xue with a sinister sneer shing across his face.

    Encircled by ghosts and wooden snakes ring upon ring, she was still waving her sword rapidly. Her pale blue sleeves fluttered in the wind, which contrasted finely with the gleam of her sword. Most of the nearby snakes were cut in half and they fell to the ground one after another.

    Ouyang Shaochen stood aside, flicking his fingers. His strong internal force was aimed mercilessly at the wooden snakes, which instantly turned to ashes, and the ghosts on their back fell to the ground and breathed theirst breath.

    Mu Liufeng was not far away from them, waving his fan casually, while everything, as well as the body of every ghost within its range were torn apart.

    The air surrounding them was tainted by the in. Mu Liufeng frowned: ¡°Did Cang Qiong send all these ghosts and wooden snakes to kill us all?¡±

    Murong Xue nodded and agreed at the sight of countless ghosts flying back and forth in their wooden snakes, ¡°I guess you are right.¡±

    ¡°What a maniac!¡± Mu Liufeng said, ferociously staring at the ghosts as he waved his fan rapidly. Blood sshed out while ghosts fell down to the ground and their snakes were smashed to pieces.

    Standing in midair, staring at the battle and all the corpses, Cang Qiong slightly narrowed his eyes and thought to himself, ¡°All guards that came to this summer resort with the Emperor of Qingyan are experienced, coupled with generals with superb martial skills, it¡¯s impossible to defeat them without sacrifice.¡±

    Harming others with self-devotion is not what he wanted. Contrarily, he wanted absolute triumph. ¡°Fly higher and faster! Don¡¯t let those overconfident morons get to you!¡±

    The ghosts followed the order, and shuttled back and forth above the guards. Blood was flowing like streams wherever the swords were swiped.

    Their sneak attack left the bodyguards with great martial skills out of range, resulting in regrettable death. Blood of guards died in that wholesale ughter formed a stream, whose colour was bright enough to stain the ground.

    This is no longer a battle between the ghosts from Nan Jiang and bodyguards from Qing Yan, but a unteral massacre!

    Looking at the blood all over the ce, Cang Qiong smiledcently and made a brisk gesture. Enemies he hated the most had took too long to struggle on the square, and now it¡¯s time for their overdue death!

    ¡°Swish¡ª¡ª!¡±Two ghosts mercilessly swooped down in their wooden snakes towards Murong Xue, regardless of the sword glistening in the sunlight and her hand, which could knife them in the neck with a single touch.

    For an instant, Murong Xue¡¯s eyes became sharp. She tapped the ground with the tip of her toes and rose into midair, then swept her sword across the necks of ghosts just like lightning!

    Shallow wounds appeared on their necks, which gradually widened with blood running down, and took thest breath of those two ghosts. Being out of control, their wooden snakes fell into pieces.

    ¡°Shoot them with arrows, now!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s eyes glimmered with caution. The range of arrows is muchrger than that of swords, thus making it the most suitable weapon against wooden snakes.

    Without distinguishing whosemand it was, bodyguards immediately put arrows on their bowstrings and violently aimed at ghosts and wooden snakes as if wakening from a dream.

    ¡°Swish, swish!¡± The arrows came with a fierce intention to kill them. With nowhere to hide, ghosts in midair fell heavily to the ground, leaving trails of mutted bodies and wooden blocks.

    Seeing the effectiveness of arrows, all of the guards took action more rapidly as their faces lit up. Arrows that were as dense as raindrops flew towards the ghosts and wooden snakes mercilessly.

    Looking at the weirdos and wooden snakes being shot down frequently, Cangqiong cracked an insidious smile. Murong Xue had been so smart that she figured out a way to deal with his wooden snake group. However, it would not be easy for her to defeat him.

    ¡°Find a shelter to protect yourself from the arrows.¡± His prating voice ofmand was transmitted through the square and echoed in each ghost¡¯s ears.

    ¡°Yes,sir!¡± Upon hearing the order, ghosts suddenly pressed the button on the back of their wooden snakes. Sharp ws grew out of their wooden bodies as they mercilessly dashed down to grasp civil ministers, madams and maids.

 Chapter 193 - Unforeseen Events at the Banquetï¼ˆ3ï¼‰

    <strong>Chapter 193: Unforeseen Events at the Banquet£¨3£©</strong>

    ¡°God ...... Help ......¡± a girl screamed in panic for her waist was grasped by the w of a wooden snake, as she was taken to the sky.

    The overwhelming flying arrows were violently shot to her elbows, shoulders, legs and feet. Instantly, blood gushed from the girl¡¯s body, and dyed her clothes red. Her lip got pale, and she was at herst gasp. While the wooden snake and the ghost on its back were safe and sound.

    The trick struck the ghosts as effective. They immediately decided to follow that example, and mercilessly aimed the ws of their wooden snakes at the maids.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± A maid let out a cry. Hearing her scream, Murong Xue looked up, only to find that a wooden snake had seized the Empress by her shoulders. Murong Xue immediately flied forward. With deep anger glowing eyes, the Empress severely pped the wooden ws on her shoulders, yet the firm wooden ws were still motionless ......

    ¡°Somebody help! Save the Empress! Her life is now at risk!¡± shouted the loyal grand maid while running after the wooden snake.

    Being tightly entangled by ghosts, guards couldn¡¯t get away to save the Empress at all. Realizing the severe situation, Murong Xue lightly tapped the ground with her toe, and instantly flew to the front of the wooden snake, kicking at it with all her strength.

    Two blocks fell off the wooden snake, forcing its w that grasped the Empress to loosen right away, and allowing the Empress to fall down directly.

    Murong Xue hurriedly stretched out her hands, and seized the arm of the Empress, taking her to the ground safely and lightly!

    The grand maid rushed to the Empress, and asked worriedly, ¡°Your Majesty, how do you feel?¡±

    ¡°Thanks to Xue¡¯er, I¡¯m fine.¡± Gently answered the Empress, showing an elegant and dignified temperament, yet no sign of panic or tension were found on her.

    Thank God! The grand maid gave a long sigh of relief, and looked at Murong Xue with gratitude, saying, ¡°We don¡¯t even know how to thank you, Miss. Murong.¡±

    Murong Xue smiled gently, ¡°That¡¯s my pleasure. Get some guards here to protect the Empress!¡±

    The grand maid took a heavy nod and said, ¡°By all means. The guards are on their way.¡±

    ¡°Good!¡± Nodded Murong Xue. A wrathful roar spread to her, ¡°What a disgusting and bodacious snake, how dare you grasp me? I will crucify you.¡±

    Following that roar, Murong Xue only found that a wooden snake was grasping Yuan Fangfei by her arms, and dragging her forward.

    With a gigantic ring sword in hand, Yuan Fangfei randomly cut the wooden snake. Countless sawdust scattered everywhere. Seeing this, the ghost on the back of that wooden snake twitched the corner of his mouth as a result of the amazement, and dodged quickly. Then it pressed the button on the wooden snake so as to lead it back to the sky!

    ¡°Once the wooden snake flies to the sky, Yuan Fangfei¡¯s revolt will not be as effective and deterrent as before ......¡±

    Seeing that the wooden snake was going to fly away, with Yuan Fangfei being grasped by its w, Murong Xue turned around and hurried to the front of the wooden snake, striking its w with her sword.

    Then, with a sound of ¡®crack¡¯, the w of the wooden snake was cut off. Yuan Fangfei fell down to the lower steps, gray-faced, and rolled down.

    While rolling down, Yuan Fangfei found the scene in front of her changing fast. Her bones bumped against the steps, which caused great pain. She frowned and let out a cry, ¡°Try to stop me! Murong Xue!¡±

    Murong Xue ran after her closely, and hurriedly exined, ¡°I can¡¯t! You are rolling too fast. ¡±

    As soon as Murong¡¯s voice had faded away, she heard a loud ¡°bang!¡±, Yuan Fangfei rolled down thest step, and violently bumped against a solid stone wall. She finally stopped. However, her bones seemed to have fallen apart, causing unbearable pain.

    Yuan Fangfei painfullyy down in front of the stone wall, and moaned torpidly, ¡°Not bad. I stopped atst.¡±

    ¡°Whoosh!¡± A ghost was manipting a wooden snake with ws, and mercilessly aimed its ws at Murong Xue!

    ¡°Still want to catch me? What an ignorant ghost! ¡±

    Murong Xue smiled coldly. She tapped the ground with her toe, and was about to fly to cut the wooden snake. Unexpectedly, someone behind her violently and mercilessly pushed her, letting her stumble towards the w of that wooden snake.

    Without seeing thating, Murong Xue directly fell to the w of the wooden snake. It was nearly going to grasp her, when Murong leaned quickly, and lowered her head. The w of the wooden snake slipped over her hair, and violently grasped the shoulders of the person behind her. After that, the wooden snake flew away ppingly, with that person seized in it w ......

    ¡°Help ...... Help ......¡± the familiar screams resounded in the square. Murong Xue looked up, only to find that the right shoulder of Su Nanxiang was grasped by a snake as she was taken to the sky. She let out a cry, and struggled violently, with horror in her eyes.

    ¡°Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!¡± two or three scattered sharp arrows pierced her arms and shoulders, nailing her to the wooden snake tightly. Red blood oozed from her wound, and dyed her clothes red.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Su screeched miserably, herplexion getting pale. Su Nanxiang relentlessly red at Murong Xue, with anger glistening in her eyes, which seemed that she was going to peel off Murong Xue¡¯s skin and swallow her.

    Murong Xue smiled coldly. ¡°Su Nanxiang wanted to plot against me once again. What an innocent woman. Now she was grasped by the wooden snake as a shield, which is what she asked for. She got what she deserves. ¡±

    ¡°Nanxiang!¡± loud shout resounded in the square. It was Royal Preceptor Su¡¯s voice, who was standing in a high stage, and looking up at Su Nanxiang.

    ¡°Grandpa, help!¡± Su Nanxiang moved her lips. Only a tiny sound could be uttered, which could hardly be heard by Royal Preceptor Su. However, at the sight of the small and pale face of Su Nanxiang, Royal Preceptor Su still filled his eyes with deep concern. He hurriedly said, ¡°Arrows will hurt Nanxiang, stop shooting, stop it now.¡±

    The Emperor raised his dashing eyebrows, and waved his hand lightly. All flying arrows were stopped instantly, only wooden snakes being left in the sky, shuttling back and forth, which formed a spectacr scene.

    Themander of imperial guards hurriedly stepped forward, and said reverently, ¡°Your Majesty, the wooden snakes are flying high, our guards can hardly reach them without using arrows, not to say to defeat them. We shouldn¡¯t stop.¡±

    ¡°Delicate as her was, Su Nanxiang was no more than a normal aristocratic daughter. Never should we stop shooting just for her sake, and put the monarch and half of officials of Qingyan Kingdom in jeopardy.¡±

    With obscure eyes, the Emperor lowered his voice, ¡°All girlsing to mountain resort this time are aristocratic daughters from the capital city. It¡¯s inappropriate to let them suffer injuries. Rescue them from the snakes¡¯ ws, and protect them well. Make sure that no girls will be grasped by the wooden snakes as shields. After that, intensively shoot arrows to the wooden snakes! ¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± themander epted the order. He picked up a longbow, and put an arrow on it. Then, came a sound of ¡®whoosh¡¯, a sharp arrow, piercing the sky, was shot to the ws of the wooden snakes. The ws were shot down. All girl grasped by the ws were fell down one after another.

    Guards hurried forward, and caught those girls, who were surrounded by the protection circle of the guardster.

    Su Nanxiang was also rescued with a paleplexion. Blood oozed from the corner of her mouth, and from her shoulders and arms which were still pierced with broken arrows.

    Under the support of two maids, Su Nanxiang stumbled forward, and ferociously staring at Murong Xue, with ming fury burning in her eyes.

 Chapter 194 - Unforeseen Events at the Banquetï¼ˆ4ï¼‰

    <h4>Chapter 194: Unforeseen Events at the Banquet£¨4£©</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, and causally kicked up a block under her feet, which was severely shot at the back of Su Nanxiang. Then came a sound of ¡®plop¡¯ as Su Nanxiang fell down to the ground. The feather arrows in her shoulders bumped into the ground, and thoroughly stabbed her shoulders. A miserable shriek ¡°Ah !¡± resounded through the skies.

    ¡°You deserve it!¡±

    Murong Xue nced at her scornfully, unwilling to pay any attention to her. Murong looked up into the sky, only to find that dense arrows were shot to the ghosts and wooden snakes by the imperial guards.

    Without girls as shields, the ghosts and wooden snakes were instantly pierced by arrows. They fell down to the ground one after another, and broke into pieces ......

    Seeing the mess on the ground, Cang Qiong, who was standing in the air for observing the fighting, slightly narrowed his eyes. ¡°The Emperor of Qingyan Kingdom has taken defense, and thus it¡¯s impossible for the wooden snakes to grasp any person as a shield to block arrows. I should change my strategy once again. ¡± Cang Qiong ordered, ¡°All wooden snakes, fly higher once more, and the higher, the better !¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the ghosts epted the order, and immediately flew the wooden snakes higher. The sounds of ¡®whoosh¡¯ came as all wooden snakes flew to the sky rapidly until they were out of shooting range of the arrows!

    Seeing those wooden snakes out of range, imperial guards stared at each other, feeling puzzled. ¡°Aren¡¯t those wooden snakes her to kill us? Why did they fly so high? How can we kill them if they are out of reach? Or are they still conspiring?¡±

    While the imperial guards were still confused, the wooden snakes suspending in the sky suddenly took action and violently threw down plenty of unknown ck objects.

    ¡°Bang, bang, bang!¡± Came the explosive sound of unknown objects after they fell down to the ground. Debris scattered everywhere, coupled with smoke dust. After the st, huge pits were found in the ground. Thick smell of gunpowder rapidly spread in the air!

    Themander of the imperial guards suddenly narrowed his eyes, and shouted, ¡°It¡¯s gunpowder. Dodge quickly!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Imperial guards hurriedly looked for shelters here and there. The civil officials, aristocratic women, and girls protected by them also hurriedly trotted after them. The whole square fell into disorder again.

    Wooden snakes suspended in the sky from top to bottom. ¡®Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡¯ came the sound from the wooden snakes while they recklessly threw down gunpowder to bomb the square frantically.

    Under the protection of guards, the Emperor and Empress rapidly entered a rtively safe corner.

    Murong Xue, Ouyang Shaochen, Yuan Fangfei and Mu Liufeng also took quick steps to shield themselves behind a stone wall. Through the carved interspace on the stone wall, they looked out quietly.

    Gunpowder was thrown onto the square one after another. High stages, golden chairs and tables were blown up; fruits were scattered on the ground; and the whole square was sted into chaos.

    Murong Xue frowned as a response. She was about to speak when a package of gunpowder was thrown down to the stone wall where they hid.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s guard was up in an instant. He stretched out his arms and pulled Murong Xue towards him. Then he suddenly flicked his jade-liked fingers, and his powerful internal force was violently shot to the gunpowder package.

    ¡°Bang!¡±, came the explosive sound of the gunpowder package from the above, which was deafening. Heads and bodies of those people were scattered with smoke dust and debris.

    Being in a towering rage, Yuan Fangfei waved her hands so as to scatter smoke dust quickly, and cursed in rage, ¡°What a ruthless bastard! Neither did we rob away his wife, nor did we dug up his ancestral graves. Why did he send so many ghosts and wooden snakes to encircle and suppress us. It seems that he will not stop until all of us are ughtered .¡±

    Mu Liufeng looked up at the dense wooden snakes in the sky, and slightly squinted his charming eyes.

 Chapter 195 - A Fierce Battle(1)

    <strong>Chapter 195: A Fierce Battle(1)</strong>

    ¡°Cang Qiong wants to exterminate all of us, and present our corpses or heads to the Emperor of Nan Jiang to im his credit .......¡±

    ¡°He wish. I¡¯ll make sure that he dies before I do!¡± With hands on her hips,Yuan Fangfei screamed and red at the wooden snakes above with hatred.

    Mu Liufeng nced at her scornfully and argued, ¡°Cang Qiong is standing on the back of a wooden snake, suspending in the height of hundred meters above the ground. No matter how superb your Qing Kung is, you still won¡¯t be able to reach him and conversely, you will be sted into ashes if he throws down a package of gunpowder. For him, killing you is a piece of cake. In this case, mutual deconstruction is definitely not an option.¡±

    Yuan Fangfei disagreed and talked back, ¡°There must be a solution! Come on, think of a way to defeat this pervert!¡±

    Mu Liufeng frowned, ¡°I am already using my wits, yet no solution came up. ¡±

    ¡°Bang¡± came the explosive sound of another package of gunpowder from the outside of the stone wall. Broken stone and soil debris soon covered Yuan Fangfei¡¯s head and cheeks.

    Yuan Fangfei immediately simmered with rage. ¡°What an annoying pervert! When is he going to stop! I¡¯m going out to confront him, face to face!¡± shouted Yuan Fangfei. She turned around, and was about to rush out of the stone wall.

    Murong Xue hurriedly pulled her back and tried to persuade her, ¡°Those people from Nan Jiang are bombarding here with gunpowder. Death is the only option if you rush out now.¡±

    ¡°What else can we do? Just standing here, waiting for our death?¡± Yuan Fangfei talked back, with ming fury burning in her eyes. The gunpowder in the wooden snakes seemed inexhaustible, and was thrown down ceaselessly.

    Seeing nobody in the square, the ghosts changed their targets to so-called covert corners. Thus, sooner orter, gunpowder would reach this ce, and all of them would be killed.

    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Murong Xue shook her head, and mysteriously lowered her voice, saying, ¡°Is there a way for you to take down some wooden snakes, and bring them back to me?¡±

    ¡°What do you want the wooden snakes for?¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at her with confusion. ¡°The wooden snakes are made by the people of Nan Jiang, with many hidden mechanisms. Amateurs can¡¯t manipte it even if they got one.¡±

    ¡°I certainly have my own purpose.¡± Murong Xue smiled mysteriously.

    Looking up the wooden snakes, Yuan Fangfei carefully estimated for a moment, and slightly shook her head, exining, ¡°Those wooden snakes are too far for me to grasp. ¡±

    ¡±

    Mu Liufeng also cast a nce at the wooden snakes suspending in the sky, and frowned slightly, saying, ¡°Those wooden snakes fly so high, and are far away from us. It¡¯s indeed not easy for us to grasp them. I am not very sure about this, either.¡±

    Noticing their unsureness, Ouyang Shaochen imperceptibly frowned. He nced at the wooden snakes, and looked back at Murong Xue. ¡°How many do you need?¡±

    Hearing Ouyang¡¯s words, Murong Xue¡¯s face lit up. She hurriedly replied, ¡°Five, six, seven or eight will do. But it would be better if the wooden snake is intact. Yet it doesn¡¯t matter if the wooden snake is destroyed a little bit, but not too much.¡±

    Being broken before, the wooden snakes on the ground, bombed by gunpowder, werepletely disintegrated into pieces of woods, and of no use at all. So the other wooden snakes were needed.

    ¡°Consider it done!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded. Suddenly, he tapped the ground with his toe, and directly leapt up to the sky, with his snow-white garment rustling in the wind.

    In the air, Ouyang Shaochen stood proudly among the dense wooden-snake forest. His unppable and handsome countenance, and elegant figure were deeply imprinted on everyone¡¯s mind. All people looked at him nkly, and couldn¡¯t settle back into concentration for quite some time.

    It turned out that Lord Freedom¡¯s heir had such unfathomable Qing Kung skills.

    Proudly standing in the air, Ouyang Shaochen violently waved his jade-like fingers. His powerful internal force, like the flying arrows, was shot to a ck-garbed ghost nearby, killing it in an instant.

    Without its driver, the shaky wooden snake fell down at once.

    Murong Xue was excited, and was about to run forward to catch that wooden snake.

    Yuan Fangfei stretched out her hands and pulled her back. Instead, Yuan Fangfei herself, rushed to the wooden snakes directly like an arrow. Murong could hear her ostentatious voice in the wind, ¡°You are not strong enough to carry its burden. Just save yourself the embarassment. ¡±

    As soon as Yuan¡¯s voice faded away, she stretched out her hands and caught the wooden snakes. Yet she didn¡¯t expect that the tail would be so heavy that she failed to hold it steadily. ¡®Bang¡¯, a sound came while the snake fell down to the ground. Instantly, the snake fell into pieces of long wooden blocks.

    Looking at the broken tail of the wooden snake, Yuan Fangfeiughed embarrassedly, exining, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that the wooden snake would be so heavy. It¡¯s my fault, my fault ...... Ha ha ......¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. As long as trigger at the front is not damaged! ¡± Murong Xueforted her, with a gentle smile on her face. She stepped forward immediately to catch the wooden snake, and vigorously pull it to the stone wall.

    ¡°Let me do it!¡± Mu Liufeng stepped forward, and picked up the wooden snake. ¡°I am a man, how can I allow a girl to do such hard work while I just stand here idly! ¡±

    Standing in the air, Cang Qiong were maliciously ncing at Ouyang Shaochen and Yuan Fangfei before Mu Liufeng, Murong Xue and the wooden snakes near them drew his attention. ¡°What are they doing? No matter what they are going to do, I will not let their tricks seed!¡±

    ¡°Kill Murong Xue and her fellows!¡± The ruthless order resounded through the sky.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Answered the ck-garbed ghosts reverently. They picked up packages of gunpowder, and ruthlessly threw them at Murong Xue and Yuan Fangfei!

    Realizing the serious situation, Ouyang Shaochen began moving his jade-liked fingers swiftly. Then, powerful internal forces were shot at the ck-garbed ghosts from all directions, killing them in an instant.

    Without owners, the wooden snakes began falling down to the ground one after another.

    Standing below, Yuan Fangfei flew back and forth to dodge gunpowder, and catch the falling wooden snakes.

    Mu Liufeng also shuttled back and forth inside and outside of the stone wall. He brought all of the wooden snakes that Yuan Fangfei caught back.

    ¡°Bang, bang, bang!¡± Explosive sounds of gunpowder came ceaselessly from the outside. Broken stones and soil debris scattered everywhere.

    Squatting within the stone wall, Murong Xue picked up those wood blocks, and assembled them quickly. She assembled so dexterously that she seemed to have done it for hundreds of times, which shocked Mu Liufeng to a great extent.

    Murong Xue nced at him, and said hurriedly, ¡°Stop standing there. Come help me dismantle all damaged parts of the wooden snakes.¡± Murong could directly assemble the undamaged parts well, which would save their time and effort!

    ¡°I must finish assembling the wooden snakes as soon as possible since Cang Qiong had given shoot-to-kill orders. The faster I assemble these, the less likely we will be in danger.¡±

    ¡°What ...... what are you going to do ......¡± Mu Liufeng stared at her, and let out his confusion.

    ¡°Use it against Cang Qiong!¡± Murong Xue answered, stressing each syble, with light shing in her pupils.

    ¡°Against Cang Qiong?¡± Mu Liufeng was dubious of Murong Xue¡¯s words. ¡°Use a pile of damaged wooden snakes against Cang Qiong, who was the inventor, and has countless wooden snakes? ¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Murong Xue took a heavy nod, and smiled strangely, saying, ¡°Quickly, help me dismantle these wooden snakes. Soon you will see how I beat Cang Qiong at his own game. ¡±

 Chapter 196 - A Fierce Battle (2)

    <strong>Chapter 196: A Fierce Battle (2)</strong>

    ¡°OK!¡± Mu Liufeng nodded and squatted down to pick a wooden snake up, then he tore it apart quickly.

    The dismantled wooden snakes were left to Murong Xue, who assembled them together in another way swiftly.

    Packs of gunpowder exploded outside the stone wall with huge noise, thus scattering broken stones and raising trails of dust, which was ignored by them as they were busy disassembling the wooden snakes.

    Suddenly, a pack of gunpowder fell near the stone wall and exploded with a ¡®bang¡¯. The hard stone wall was instantly torn apart into countless pieces, bursting everywhere. The bustling world inside of the stone wall quieted down in an instant.

    Yuan Fangfei was greatly frightened. Looking at the stone wall covered with dust, she eximed in fear: ¡°Murong Xue!¡±

    But silence was the only response.

    ¡°Murong Xue... Can you hear me?¡± Yuan Fangfei rushed to the stone wall regardless of the frequently dropping gunpowder packs. The cry of sorrow broke through the clouds and resounded in sky.

    The hint of an evil smile appeared on Cang Qiong¡¯s face: Huh, Murong Xue¡¯s dead? Spectacr! Finally, an abominable enemy is exterminated! That really lifts my spirit.

    ¡°Yuan Fangfei, I¡¯m not dead, just deafened by your roar!¡± A distant voice suddenly rang, which sounded faint with a low spirit.

    Yuan Fangfei stiffened and turned to look at the dusty stone wall, she widened up her eyes in surprise: ¡°Murong Xue...You are still alive...¡±

    ¡°Nonsense! Do you think a dead person can talk to you?¡± Murong Xue replied sarcastically.

    Yuan Fangfei disguised her embarrassment with a smile: ¡°The gunpowder was exploding by your side, and you remained quiet for a long time. That¡¯s why I thought you were dead...¡±

    ¡°Rest assured. Since the extremely cruel and merciless lunatic Cang Qiong is still alive, I can¡¯t breathe myst!¡± She enunciated in a cold voice, stressing each syble. A person slowly walked out of the smoke-filled stone wall.

    Her light blue dress was covered with dust, the neat chignon was slightly messy, and there were ck ashes on her beautiful cheeks. She looked untidy and dispirited, but there was a glint of stern twinkling in her eyes, which overawed others.

    Murong Xue gradually stepped out of the dust. Only then did Yuan Fangfei realize that she was not walking on her feet, but standing in a groove on the back of a wooden snake. The wooden snake was twice wider than those controlled by the ghosts. So the groove was muchrger than theirs.

    Murong Xue put her soft hands on the gear in the front of the groove, controlling the wooden snake slowly and gliding forward, and the tails behind the snake gradually came out, which were connected respectively. It was like a massive fan when looked from afar, which was stunning.

    Yuan Fangfei was so surprised that she goggled: ¡°This is an... eight-tailed snake!¡±

    Murong Xue cast a nce at the eight tails behind the snake: ¡°Whatever you want to call it!¡±

    There was not enough time for her to change the shape of the snake-like machinery, so she just adopted its original shape and connected them.

    ¡®Bang!¡¯ A pack of gunpowder exploded not far away with a considerable amount of rubbles and debris bursting out.

    Murong Xue squinted her eyes instantly: ¡°Fang Fei,e on! Let¡¯s go and see what this cruel and merciless bastard is capable of.¡±

    ¡°You know how to control this wooden snake?¡± Bearing this critical problem in mind, Yuan Fangfei stared at Murong with astonishment in her eyes.

    Murong Xue smiled gently: ¡°Just a little!¡±

    She could fly airnes, drive sports cars, ride motorcycles and bicycles in modern times. The actuating principle of mechanical operation was simr to the cars. So she almost learnt how to drive the wooden snake skillfully

    Seeing that Yuan Fangfei opened her mouth and was about to ask more questions, Mu Liufeng, who was sitting in the groove of a tail, frowned impatiently. He lifted Yuan Fangfei up by her shoulder and put her into the groove of another snake¡¯s tail.

    ¡°Time is ticking. After we defeat Cang Qiong, you can ask whatever you want no matter how long it would take.¡± He also had a lot of questions for Murong Xue. But with a formidable enemy right there before them, it was not the proper asion for asking questions.

    ¡°I got it!¡± Yuan Fangfei said unhappily, but she stopped talking obediently. She measured the wooden snake with her eyes from its head to tail curiously; she even stretched out and touched the sectional wooden tails, as she praised in her mind: This is absolutely lifelike. What an exquisite handicraft!

    Murong Xue could take the individual wooden snakes apart and assembled them into such a gigantic one which was unique in shape. She was really amazing!

    Murong Xue drove the wooden snake and they flied to the outside of the stone wall where the pce guards hid. She said aloud: ¡°Is there anyone who excels at Qing Kung? Some of you may need toe with us.¡±

    People in Qingyan Kingdom did not know how to drive wooden snakes. That was why she connected more tails than she really needed on the wooden snake, for she intended to carry more martial artists up to fight against their enemies.

    There were countless ghosts controlling wooden snakes in the air. If there were only one or two persons upward, it would take a rather long time to beat all the ghosts.

    And Cang Qiong¡¯s wooden snakes could attack in perfect unison with highbat effectiveness. Any unexpected things could happen in each minute. Therefore, she did not n to wrestle with Cang Qiong for a long time, but to fight a quick battle and force a quick decision.

    The earlier the battle ended, the fewer tricks Cang Qiong could y, and the casualties of the people in Qingyan Kingdom would be less correspondingly.

    ¡°I can go... I¡¯m going too... So am I...¡± The guards jumped out from behind, ran over and strived to be the first.

    The packs of exploding gunpowder deprived them of all the other choices but to hide behind the stone wall, which made them feel extremely aggrieved. But now, the magical wooden snake could take them up and give them a chance to fight directly with the ghosts, which could wash their shame away. Of course they were willing to go.

    Seeing the perseverance of those guards, Murong Xue raised her voice, stressing each syble, ¡°idents might happen while battling in the air. So we can only take those who excel at Qing Kung and could fly in midair. If you identally fall from the wooden snake, due to your poor flying skills, I¡¯m afraid death will be your only option.¡±

    Some pce guards hesitated. They were looking at each other in speechless despair: They were all good at martial arts; as for Qing Kung, they weren¡¯t that confident, and none of them could fly in midair. Needless to say, their death would be in vain if they were pushed by enemies from the wooden snake while fighting.

    ¡°All pce guards didn¡¯t attach enough importance to Qing Kung skills, so there¡¯s no point in taking them. I¡¯ll go with you!¡± A gentle voice rang, which came from the Fourth Prince, Ye Tianqi, who strode over there. His light blue robe was stained with dust, but it didn¡¯t make him less elegant and handsome at all.

    Murong Xue smiled softly, she knew that born and raised in the imperial family, Ye Tianqi must be extremely skilled in Qing Kung and martial arts, so she said: ¡°Pleasee forward, Fourth Prince.¡±

    ¡°Fine!¡± Ye Tianqi nodded, tapped his tiptoes on the ground and flew into the groove of a snake¡¯s tail.

    Murong Xue gazed at him and she nned to pick more people, then she found a purple figure shed across with a nce. As she looked sideways, she saw Ye Yichen flying into the groove of a snake¡¯s tail lightly.

 Chapter 197 - A Fierce Battle (3)

    <strong>Chapter 197: A Fierce Battle (3)</strong>

    Murong Xue looked at Ye Yichen with her browns slightly knitted: ¡°Prince Jing also wants to fight against the enemies in the air?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t I?¡± Ye Yichen stared at her with his eyebrows raised.

    ¡°Of course you can. But there will be unexpected danger during our battle in midair. Don¡¯t hold me ountable should anything happen to you!¡± Murong Xue looked at him in a distant manner and stressed each syble.

    She didn¡¯t want to get involved with Ye Yichen anymore. If Ye Yichen got injured identally while sitting on the wooded snake driven by her, he would me her again, and she would definitely be in endless trouble. Although she was not afraid, there was no point in getting herself into unnecessary trouble.

    ¡°You have my word!¡± Ye Yichen nodded slightly. Injuries were inevitable in battles. He was not a fatuous person. How would he me others for his own injury?

    ¡°Alright then!¡± Murong Xue replied carelessly and she thought: Ye Yichen was good at both Qing Kung and martial art, which made it easier for them to beat the wooden snake ghosts. What she needed to do was carrying him into the air, and the rest was totally irrelevant to her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± The leader of the guards came out from behind the stone wall, tapped the ground with the tip of his toe andnded in the groove of the snake¡¯s tail.

    Then three ck figures flew over after him and sat in the remaining grooves.

    Looking at these three men in ck with masks, Murong Xue slightly knitted her eyebrows: ¡°Excuse me, you guys are?¡±

    ¡°Invisible guardians of the Emperor.¡± The first one of them looked at Murong Xue and exined coldly: ¡°The Emperor asked us to give you a hand!¡±

    Murong Xue nced at the stone wall where the Emperor stayed with a smile: invisible guardians were supposed to protect the Emperor, but instead, the Emperor ordered them toe. It seemed that he really detested Cang Qiong and couldn¡¯t wait to kill him.

    But Cang Qiong, as the emissary of Nan Jiang, swaggered his way into the Mountain Resort to assassinate the Emperor and ministers of Qingyan Kingdom. No one in Qingyan could bear his heinous behavior as long as they had courage and uprightness.

    Now eight people were sitting on eight tails, it was enough and there was no need to wait for more.

    ¡°Sit tight, we are taking off!¡± Murong Xue said coldly. Her soft hands grasped the wooden hand in front of her and pulled it. The wooden snake flew straight ahead like an arrow, it went higher and directly headed towards the wooden snake crowds.

    The roaring winds whipped around as the scenery on both sides went backwards rapidly, and Yuan Fangfei excitedly widened her eyes: It was so exciting! Even more exciting than using Qing Kung!

    A slender white figure suddenly leaped to her eyes. Yuan Fangfei was stunned for a moment and said anxiously: ¡°Oops, I forgot to leave a position for Ouyang. What now?¡±

    They were flying at a high altitude of nearly 100 meters. Even if he was an expert in Qing Kung with iparable internal power, he couldn¡¯tst for long time and had to find a ce to rest.

    Now all of the grooves were upied, and the other parts of the tails were only sectional wooden blocks, where a person couldn¡¯t stand at all. What could she do?

    Mu Liufeng¡¯s amorous peach-blossom-shaped eyes were filled with disdain at the sight of her concern. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly! The groove where Murong Xue is standing is big enough for another person.¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡± In a daze for a second, Yuan Fangfei looked up, and she the groove where Murong Xue stood was twice asrge as the others. It was obvious that she had prepared it for both of them.

    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t notice that.¡± Yuan Fangfei smiled unnaturally and stopped talking. Since Murong Xue was smart enough to take everything into consideration, it was unnecessary for her to talk this much.

    Looking at the space next to Murong Xue, Ye Yichen turned as ck as thunder. She had reserved the position near her for Ouyang Shaochen in advance. It seemed that Ouyang Shaochen was different from others.

    Then he saw a person in white sh by. It was Ouyang Shaochen descending from the upper air andnding in the groove where Murong Xue stood. The corner of his white garment slid on the smooth wooden floor, which was miraculously free from dust.

    Murong Xue turned to look at him with care in her dark pupils: ¡°Are you alright?¡± He must be exhausted after consuming this much internal energy while using Qing Kung in midair for so long.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied gently as he took out a white silk handkerchief and tenderly wiped away the dust on her cheeks.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes wavered in an awkward way. She was also feeling ufortable with the dust on her face, which she had no spare time to wipe off despite her intention.

    She moved her lips in an attempt to say: ¡°I can do it on my own¡±, but soon she remembered that she was controlling the wooden snake with both of her hands and could not wipe the dust. The faint scent of bamboos lingered around the tip of her nose, which made her blush.

    Murong Xue¡¯s abashment was the shyness of a young girl in the eyes of Ye Yichen. He clenched his fists as he turned sullen immediately.

    ¡°Whoosh!¡± The shing winds swept past her ears, as Murong Xue regained consciousness and looked up. She saw lots of ghosts in ck, and each of them was driving a wooden snake and rushing towards them viciously.

    Murong Xue smiled. She was just wondering how to hunt them down. It was beyond her expectation that they took the initiative ining, which saved her some time. ¡°Act ording to the n we have just discussed!¡±

    ¡°Got it!¡± Yuan Fangfei answered with pride, she stood up from the groove, tapped her tiptoes on the ground and then leaped up. Therge ring knife in her hand was mercilessly hewed towards a ghost flying towards her. The necks of both the ghost and his wooden snake were cut off within a click before they fell down in an instant.

    And Yuan Fangfei flew to another ghost and hewed fiercely towards him with the stic force of her knife...

    Mu Liufeng, Ye Tianqi, Ye Yichen, the leader of pce guards and the three secret guardians also jumped off the big wooden snake in session, and they killed the ghosts one after another rapidly with knives, swords, or their internal force.

    At that moment, the blood was sshing with continuous screams, innumerable corpses of ghosts dropped from above. The neat and orderly sky was fell into disorder immediately.

    Ouyang Shaochen stood behind Murong Xue, and curled his hands in his sleeves into fists and unfolded by turn to shot out his strong internal force. All the ghosts close to the big wooden snake were killed instantly.

    Murong Xue glided in the air repeatedly in her wooden snake, which created beautiful arcs. Blood spattered wherever they were, and legions of ghosts were killed before falling to the ground.

    She also kept an eye on Yuan Fangfei, Mu Liufeng and others. If she found anyone consumed too much physical strength or their energy for Qing Kung, she would guide the snake immediately to their feet where they cannd steadily. Their tacit cooperation made other people jealous.

    The ghosts dashed towards Murong Xue and her partners as if seeking their own doom, so they were all killed instantly.

 Chapter 198 - A Fierce Battle (4)

    <h4>Chapter 198: A Fierce Battle (4)</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    This wasn¡¯t a war between the two parties, but a massacre aiming at people of Nan Jiang rather than those of Qing Yan.

    Riding a gigantic wooden snake, Murong Xue shuttled ceaselessly among the big crowd of snakes, and killed all the wooden snake ghosts dashing towards her.

    While she circled at a bigger and bigger radius, the number of the ghosts declined. Standing on the back of the wooden snake, Murong Xue could discern the horizon through the wooden snakes floating in the air. An almost imperceptible smile appeared on her face.

    Cang Qiong, also standing at the back of a wooden snake, stared at the ghosts whose number decreased sharply. He was too astonished to believe what he had witnessed: Murong Xue wasn¡¯t killed in the explosion, instead, she had learned to ride the wooden snake and used it against him. Damn it!

    Murong Xue intended to kill him? That¡¯s impossible!

    ¡°Merge!¡± Cang Qiong roared in an earthshaking voice.

    ¡°Yes,sir!¡± the ck-garbed ghosts replied, and swiftly pressed the wooden snakes¡¯ back. All the wooden blocks started to reorganize and formed a small tform in the blink of an eye. The flying snakes in the middle merged with the ones on their both sides slowly and ultimately, a huge tform was established.

    Two long and slender shelves emerged from both sides of the tform with a wide, soft, and curved belt stretching in the middle. A big wooden case was set close to the belt. Nobody knew what was in it.

    A ghost, standing in the front of the tform, was the driver, while the other two standing beside the belt were fully prepared!

    ¡°Kill them all!¡± At the words of Cang Qiong¡¯smand, the two ghosts took out a ball-like object, put it on the wide belt, and pulled the belt backward with all their strength. The object darted towards Murong Xue¡¯s wooden snake as an arrow.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see how many more tricks can these bastards pull! What are these things?¡± Yuan Fangfei was totally amazed. She was standing in the groove at the tail of the snake, watching the ballse from all directions.

    ¡°I have no idea, but certainly nothing good!¡± Murong Xue shook her head and looked at Yuan Fangfei, ¡°Have you finished collecting the things I asked you to?¡±

    ¡°Rest assured.¡± Yuan Fangfei responded in pride and took out clusters of dynamite. While killing the ghosts, Murong Xue asked her to collect the dynamite on the wooden snakes as much as possible. It was such an easy task that Yuan Fangfei could fulfill without much extra effort.

    Murong Xue raised her slender eyebrows, and pressed the button on the back of her snake rapidly. Suddenly, four long and slim grooves appeared on the snake¡¯s tails, while the wooden blocks retreated aside. ¡°Put the dynamite in, right now!¡±

    ¡°Here we go!¡± Yuan Fangfei nodded, and put the dynamite in the four grooves respectively. The snake¡¯s tail went back to normal as the wooden blocks closed up.

    With a sinister smile, Murong Xue pressed the button gently. A block in the snakes¡¯ belly suddenly disappeared. Clusters of dynamite dropped off from within and was shot towards all directions.

    The dynamite collided with the balls in the air, leading to huge explosions. Buried in the heavy smog, Murong Xue¡¯s wooden snake only suffered from a slight tremble, while the ghosts fell off the snakes one after another due to a wild jolt.

    Murong Xue winked. She learned the eight-tailed wooden snake was aplicated instrument during the disassembly, so she invented an inner mechanism and asked her fellows, including Yuan Fangfei, to collect dynamite. It was beyond her expectation that it came in handy.

 Chapter 199 - The Last Battle (1)

    <h4>Chapter 199: The Last Battle (1)</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Kill them. All of them.¡± Cang Qiong roared in rage. His bloody eyes were filled with the intention of murder.

    Murong Xue not only renovated the wooden snakes, but also installed an inner mechanism in a quarter of an hour. She was really gifted in mechanism invention. If we did not stop her, she would surely invent more sophisticated mechanisms and people from Nan Jiang would bepletely overwhelmed!

    Machinery invention was supposed to be be exclusive to people of Nan Jiang. He would never allow a girl from Qing Yan toy fingers on their pie. Murong Xue has to die.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the ghosts responded as they picked up the speed. Massive balls darted ruthlessly towards Murong Xue¡¯s eight-tailed wooden snake as if falling rain!

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes as she squinted and murmured, ¡°Hold tight, we are speeding up!¡± She would satisfy those warriors from Nan Jiang if they were seeking their own doom.

    Murong Xue pulled the wooden level violently with her soft hand. The eight-tailed wooden snake moved briskly in the air, dodging the balls at its agility.

    Clusters of dynamite dropped off from the snake¡¯s belly and dashed all around, colliding with the balls and the wooden tforms in the air. Explosions could be heard everywhere. The tforms were ruined one by one with the bursting crumbles and heavy smog.

    Standing on the back of the wooden snake, Cang Qiong was in total rage at the moment. The tforms were destroyed in explosion one after another, while Murong Xue¡¯s eight-tailed wooden snakes were almost kept intact. Such arge number of ghosts could not kill a girl! Useless losers!

    Cang Qiong¡¯s eyes were suddenly filled with coldness. He came to the mechanism and pressed the button on it with all his strength. With a flurry of whiz, many elliptic white balls were shot directly towards the eight-tailed wooden snake.

    The white balls approached the snake in a very short time, with a bursting sense of death which was toote to duck. At thest moment, Murong Xue tried her best to pull the wooden level to make the snake float in the air and swirl swiftly.

    All the people, including Yuan Fangfei and Mu Liufeng, felt the wind howling beside their ears. The snake kept turning sharply towards all directions. Numerous white balls rushed forward, brushing the snake¡¯s body. Many tforms were scattered as they fell down to the ground.

    ¡°Cang Qiong want to tear us into pieces. What a cruel bastard!¡± Yuan Fangfei¡¯s lips were twitching.

    Fortunately, Murong Xue was good at controlling the snake and dodged the white balls in sess. Otherwise, they would surely lose their lives.

    Ye Yichen looked up at Murong Xue with aplex expression. She was so talented in controlling the wooden snake, that she could even dodge the lethal white balls. Watching the white balls rushing towards himself, Ye Yichen once thought that they would all die on the spot.

    Swordsmanship, poison curing and mechanism invention, altogether refreshed Ye Yichen¡¯s perception of Murong Xue every time he met her. Murong Xue was such an intelligent girl rarely seen in the world. She could learn everything quickly. Maybe she still had other talent he hadn¡¯t got the chance to know yet.

    Mu Liufeng caught a glimpse of the several wooden snakes left in the air and said unhurriedly, ¡°Cang Qiong¡¯s pawns have nearly been wiped out. So our battle hase to an end. He has no other choice but to use evil tricks against us!¡±

    ¡°What a bastard! I will never miss the chance to kill him.¡± Yuan Fangfei gazed at Cang Qiong on the wooden snake with firing burning in her eyes.

    ¡°Calm down, we are almost there!¡± Mu Rongxue said gently. A mystic smile appeared on her face as she pressed the button with her soft hand.

    Clusters of dynamite whizzed across the sky, bringing down the white balls and wooden tforms which were smashed to pieces.

    Only the eight-tailed wooden snake and Cang Qiong¡¯s gigantic wooden snake were left in the smog-covered sky.

    Murong Xue led the snake to a distant position right across Cang Qiong.

    Yuan Fangfei stood up and stared at Cang Qiong in rage. ¡°Cang Qiong, all of your pawns have been wiped out. You should surrender immediately, lest subjected to the corporal abuse.¡±

    Cang Qiong took a glimpse of her and responded with a sneer, ¡°What are you going to do then? Behead me, or dismember me?¡±

    ¡°You dared to assassinate our emperor and ministers. Both beheading and dismembering are not ferocious enough to fit the felony you¡¯vemitted. Don¡¯t tell me a vicious monster like you would be afraid of death?¡± Yuan Fangfei raised her eyebrows and looked at him in contempt.

    ¡°I am not afraid of death, I just don¡¯t want to be ended by you.¡± Cang Qiong emphasized thest word. With eyes filled with utmost coldness, he suddenly pressed the button on the back of his giant wooden snake.

    Whizz! Whizz! Whizz! Numerous ck feather arrows were shot violently from the giant wooden snake to Murong Xue and her fellows on the eight-tailed wooden snake.

    A hint of coldness shed across Murong Xue¡¯s eyes as she drew her soft sword from her waist in defense of the arrows.

    Standing next to Murong Xue, Ouyang Shaochen flipped his fingers, leading streaks of his inner force towards the source of those arrows.

    Yuan Fangfei, who was standing behind, also joined the battle by iling her knife decorated with huge rings. ¡°Cang Qiong was wise enough to install so many triggers on the huge wooden snake, lest he would be injured by the enemy.¡±

    Murong Xue smiled. ¡°There were triggers all over his prawns¡¯ wooden snakes, let alone his own.¡±

    Murong Xue had figured it out earlier, so she would rather stay afar than attack him hastily.

    ¡°That makes sense!¡± Yuan Fangfei nodded and then turned to look at the huge wooden snake. ¡°I cannot imagine how many feather arrows were stored inside. Do we have to keep waiting until they run out?¡± No one knew how long that would take!

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Murong Xue shook her head and said emphatically. Once we ruin the machinery, there will be no arrow at all, and Cang Qiong will be doomed.¡±

    No sooner than hisst words were uttered, Ouyang Shaochen made a flip and led his inner force towards the huge wooden snake violently, which stopped the arrows.

    A sparkle found its way in Yuan Fangfei¡¯s eyes. With a gentle tap of her toe, her muscr body sprang forth toward the huge wooden snake, with her unt resounding in the wind, ¡°I¡¯m going to catch him...¡±

    As soon as she finished, Cang Qiong¡¯s huge wooden snake turned into a circle tform instantly, beside which numerous long spears darted towards Yuan Fangfei without mercy.

 Chapter 200 - The Last War (2)

    <h4>Chapter 200: The Last War (2)</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Murong Xue narrowed her eyes as she snatched a bundle of rope and threw it with all her strength, winding it fast around Yuan Fangfei¡¯s waist and pulling her up by over half a meter. The sharp spears brushed against her shoe sole, producing a long gash.

    With cold air pouring into her shoes, Yuan Fangfei was totally enraged. Shended on the circle tform swiftly and took a swing with her fist ferociously, intending to give Cang Qiong a heavy punch. ¡°How dare you plot against me? Say Hi to my fist!¡±

    She wanted to kill him? How over-confident!

    Cang Qiong suddenly pressed the button with a sneer on his face. A pane of shining thick ss appeared as the wooden tform withdrew rapidly.

    The ss nted down without a warning before Yuan Fangfei¡¯s fist reached Cang Qiong¡¯s chest. She fell over with a scream, dashing towards the ground at a high speed.

    With no obstructions on the edge of the tform, her body would be smashed to pieces if falling down from such a high ce.

    As soon as Murong Xue, squinting at her friends in danger, nned to save Yuan Fangfei with the rope in her hand, a huge and closely-woven appeared at the edge of the tform, which trapped her unmercifully.

    Yuan Fangfei, failing to get out after an intense struggle, red at Cangqiong and burst out a roar, ¡°Cang Qiong, you shameless bastard!¡±

    ¡°Knowing Cang Qiong is such a shameless bastard, yet she still went to confront him. No wonder she got caught.¡± The leader of the invisible guards caught a glimpse of Yuan Fangfei in contempt. Only if they plot against him in an unexpected way, can they beat him at his own game!

    The muscr body of the leader instantly disappeared in the air, followed by his two prawns after making a gesture.

    With a vague breeze brushing Mu Rongxue¡¯s cheeks, the three invisible guards appeared in front of Cang Qiong from nowhere and exerted themselves to attack him with their palms.

    Cang Qiong pressed another button unhurriedly. A made of thin iron bars, embedded with long iron spears, appeared on the smooth surface of the ss all of a sudden , forming a perfect shelter for Cang Qiong.

    It was toote for the three invisible guards to withdraw their hands. With a tearing sound, their wide and thick palms were pierced by the iron spears, and blood sshed all around rapidly.

    As noble as the leader of the invisible guards, he actually fell into the trap of a brat. What a damn! The leader¡¯s face turned grim at the thought of him falling into the trap of this brat.

    Ziyou stretched his left arm abruptly, intending to catch Cang Qiong. It was beyond their expectation that three huges appeared suddenly beneath their feet. Being stuck in the, they were dragged backwards by an enormous force, their hands rubbing against the iron spears with the flesh torn down and hanging on the spears. Mu Liufeng was so astonished by the bloody scene that his lips began to twitch.

    Following the bloodstain, his eyes were fixed on the edge of the tform, where Yuan Fangfei and other three invisible guards were hoisted. With his eyelid twitching heavily, he recognized the leader appointed by the emperor. He knew it clearly that the leader was not only adept at martial art, but also a capable man in plotting. Such an elite from Qing Yan Kingdom was actually defeated by Cang Qiong. ¡°He seems to be an impossible enemy.¡±

    ¡°Strictly speaking, invisible guards have all underestimated Cang Qiong. He would stand no chance if he had fought with any of them or using strategy aboveboard. It was theplex and mystic machinery that helped him.¡± The leader of invisible guards suddenly said with a meaningful look on his face. It was unpredictable that an iron-speared shelter would appear out of nowhere. He would have fallen into the trap as well.

    ¡°But our enemy at present is good with those triggers.¡± Mu Liufeng stared at Cang Qiong with light in his eyes, ¡°We must learn to devastate those triggers as soon as possible. Yuan Fangfei and those three guards had activated different ones respectively before they were defeated. We should be fully prepared in order not to fall into the same trap. Who will be the next volunteer to confront him?¡±

    The leader of the imperial guards red at Mu Liufeng and talked back in anger, ¡°ording to you, we are seeking our own doom, right? Why don¡¯t you expect we will triumph in the end?¡±

    Morale alwayses first on the battlefield. Only morons would inspire others by self-deprecation!

    ¡°I totally agree with you. But there are numerous triggers on that wooden snake. Yuan Fangfei and those three guards merely triggered two of them. Nobody knows how many traps were concealed beneath the seeminglymon tform. We have never seen suchplex and sophisticated mechanism before. It is almost impossible to defeat Cang Qiong who is well sheltered by those invincible inventions!¡± Mu Liufeng said unhurriedly with upset in his eyes.

    Attacking him at close range was nothing more than bringing destruction to themselves. Given the number of those triggers, merely activating another one before getting caught could be regarded as an achievement.

    The leader of the imperial guards stared at Cang Qiong, whose eyes were filled with the intention of murder. Admittedly, Cang Qiong was well protected by numerous triggers, but he must kill this bastard in revenge for the victims of Qing Yan. ¡°It¡¯s my turn to activate the next trigger!¡±

    With the triggers being activated one by one, he hoped Cang Qiong could be captured when his tricks run out.

    Seeing the leader ready to dash towards Cang Qiong, Murong Xue, with serious eyes, stopped him at once, ¡°Hold on, Your Excellency. It is not a good idea to activate triggers by sacrificing our teammates!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± The leader looked at her coolly.

    Murong Xue said emphatically with a meaningful look on her face, ¡°There are only six in our team, while the number of the triggers is beyond our imagination. It would result in total failure if we rush over to try activating all the triggers till they run out and attack him. Qing Yan Kingdom will soon be in danger again once all of us are imprisoned!¡±

    ¡°I know. But Cang Qiong is casting his covetous eyes on us. We must find a way to defeat him.¡± The leader stared at Murong Xue and stressed every syble.

    ¡°Stay calm. There must be a way to defeat him.¡± Murong Xue lowered her voice as she began searching for ideas in her mind. ¡°Come over and catch me! You are frightened by my triggers, aren¡¯t you? Do you n to protract our war by staying on your eight-tailed wooden snake?¡±

    Murong Xue frowned and raised her chin, watching Cang Qiong standing in the middle of the tform and staring at them from amanding position. A wooden pir towered behind him, which had been embedded with countless buttons.

    There was a gleam of hope twinkling in Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. An idea just popped into her

 Chapter 201 - The Last Battle (3)

    <h4>Chapter 201: The Last Battle (3)</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Murong Xue snatched Ouyang Shaochen¡¯sppet and pulled it at full tilt. Taking her hint, Ouyang Shaochen bent over for her whispers. With her melodious voice entering his ears, Ouyang¡¯s obsidian-like eyes sparkled as he gave an almost imperceptible nod.

    Mu Liufeng, jealous of their intimacy, stood up suddenly with a piercing gleam in his eyes and berated Cang Qiong harshly, not giving any impression of weakness, ¡°Cang Qiong, stop blustering. It¡¯s obvious that you just want to goad us into a battle and defeat us one by one. Stop being delusional that we will fall into your trap!¡±

    ¡°Ha-ha, you have seen through my tactic. Seems like you¡¯re a little bit brighter than I gave you credit for!¡± Cang Qiong, with the barest hint of a smile on his face, looked at his enemies on the eight-tailed wooden snake with contempt.

    Mu Liufeng snorted in disdain. ¡°We have always been bright. The previous four warriors failed only because they underestimated your machinery. We can do nothing about you and vice versa. Now all your triggers left are only for self-defense rather than attacking, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    Cang Qiong¡¯s face turned grim and frightening. He red at Mu Liufeng, and said emphatically, ¡°Who told you this?¡±

    ¡°It is obvious. If you could attack us with the mechanism, we would have died already. There is no need for you to goad us into action!¡± Mu Liufeng nced at him with his peach-blossom-like eyes filled with disdain.

    Cang Qiong turned ghastly pale, and his eyes were filled with rage. He did have attacking triggers, which he thought would be a waste to use on them. He nned to lure them into the battle and kill them one by one. However, they dared to insult him and seek for their own doom. Then he would satisfy them!

    With coldness in his eyes, Cang Qiong turned to press the button. A pir embedded with buttons appeared. Ouyang Shaochen made a flick with his fingers, producing streaks of inner force, which tore the pir apart with an enormous explosion...

    Cang Qiong was good with machinery. His n would failpletely once all the triggers have been destroyed.

    Murong Xue, with a sneer on her face, saw Cang Qiong, whose face was breathtakingly sullen, dashing towards them on his wooden snake with his eyes filled with malevolence.

    ¡°What is he up to?¡± Mu Liufeng curved his eyebrows. With his mechanisms being destroyed and his fighting capacity decreasing sharply, shouldn¡¯t Cang Qiong escape? Why is he dashing towards them instead?

    ¡°Maybe he wants mutual destruction!¡± The leader of the imperial guards answered casually.

    What? Mutual destruction?

    Mu Liufeng stared at Cang Qiong, whose pupils were filled with hatred. His intentions were as clear as day. Mu Liufeng was still young. He absolutely didn¡¯t want to perish with this lunatic!

    He raised his head and urged Murong Xue to speed up.

    With a soft hum, Murong Xue pulled the wooden handle gently. The eight-tailed wooden snake glided to Cang Qiong, drawing a graceful curve in the air.

    Mu Liufeng was shocked. He shouted urgently, ¡°We were supposed to keep away from Cang Qiong. Why are you flying towards him?¡±

    ¡°We have to approach him so as to hold him captive.¡± Murong Xue winked.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to die if we confront him face to face?¡± Mu Liufeng frowned and said hastily, ¡°He doesn¡¯t deserve mutual destruction.¡±

    ¡°Who says that will be the only result?¡± With a mystic smile on her face, Murong Xue pressed the button. The gliding eight-tailed wooden snake suddenly turned around and smashed Cang Qiong¡¯s wooden snake with its huge tails.

    With a deafening boom, three or four tails were crashed into pieces, while the head of Cang Qiong¡¯s huge snake waspletely knocked off. Cang Qiong went flying into the air and fell hard onto the circle tform. The serious concussion caused dizziness and tinnitus. With thousands of sparks seeming to fly before his eyes, he took such a long time before he could stand on one leg.

    An elegant figure suddenlynded next to Cang Qiong. Mu Liufeng opened his fans and whooshed it to his throat. ¡°Congrattions. Cang Qiong. You are our prisoner now.¡±

    Cang Qiong red at him with fury burning in his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t be toocent just yet.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just pleased by keeping you as a prisoner...¡± Mu Liufeng retorted in arrogance. His smile really deserved some good spanking.

    Cang Qiong gritted his teeth in hatred. He saw the leader of imperial guards walking to the brim of the tform, and released Yuan Fangfei as well as those three guards by cutting his open. All of them, including Murong Xue, Ouyang Shaochen, Ye Yichen and Ye Qitian crowded around Cang Qiong, their eyes sparkling with evil intentions.

    ¡°What are you staring at, bastard?¡± Yuan Fangfei walked to him in stride and struck Cang Qiong in his chest with her fist. He was knocked down with blood pouring from his mouth...

    The revenge had finally been taken! She was carried away with wild excitement for she had given full vent to her anger!

    ¡°We should go back and take this evil bastard to the emperor as soon as possible, Murong Xue.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Murong Xue nodded. She walked slowly to the two broken wooden snakes and checked carefully. ¡°The eight-tailed wooden snake was seriously broken, so it couldn¡¯t bear the weight of us. We might as well take Cang Qiong¡¯s. Although its head was knocked off and its wooden handle is broken, I think it¡¯ll still work.¡±

    ¡°As long as we can get down to the ground, I don¡¯t care!¡± Yuan Fangfei said in a dismissive tone.

    She merely wanted tond safely.

    So did others.

    Murong Xue held the broken wooden handle and pulled it gently. After trembling slightly, the tform began to descend.

    Cang Qiong stood up slowly and wiped the blood away from his lips with his eyes half-closed. They wanted to take him to their emperor for credit iming? No way! All of them will be buried with him!

    With coldness in his eyes, Cang Qiong pounced to the fracture and pressed the button nearby. A swishing sound instantly rang on the tform.

    ¡°The sting fuse is burning. This wooden snake is going to explode. Run!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s shouted anxiously.

    As soon as she jumped off the tform, the explosion took ce. The whole snake burst into mes. They could hardly open their eyes because of the powerful beams and heat.

    Wind was howling beside her ears as Murong Xue fell rapidly in the air. She suddenly realized that it was nearly impossible for her to survive falling from such height because she knew nothing about Qing Kung.

 Chapter 202 - Everything Is Settled

    <h4><strong>Chapter 202: Everything Is Settled</strong></h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Was there anyone to help her?

    Murong Xue looked around, and saw two ck figures over ten meters away. But they were falling at a higher speed, and were totally impossible to save her.

    The ground gradually became nearer. Murong Xue could see the emperor, the empress as well as the civil and military ministers walking out of the stone wall slowly. They looked up and saw her falling.

    Would she be smashed to pieces?

    Since she had died once, Murong Xue wasn¡¯t afraid. But she felt aggrieved to die like this!

    Murong Xue frowned heavily. All of a sudden, she caught the sight of a handsome young man whose dark purple robe was fluttering in the wind as he darted towards her. It was Prince Jing, Ye Yichen!

    He was approaching her at the highest speed!

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows. Would Ye Yichene to save her? She would rather die than owing him a favor!

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were filled with coldness as she stretched her legs violently. Her falling speed increased sharply, with wind howling beside her ears. Her cheeks were stinging from the hot wind rubbing against her.

    Watching her falling down more and more rapidly, Ye Yichen frowned and caught up with her, trying his best to seize her by the shoulder. Otherwise, Murong Xue would be smashed to pieces instantly.

    As soon as his fingertips touched her clothes, a white figure suddenly appeared and held her fast into his arms.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s clothes sent forth the slight fragrance of bamboo. Murong Xue, whose eyes were sparkling with surprise, raised her head and saw that breathtakingly handsome face. ¡°Are you all right, Ouyang?¡±

    Being far from Ouyang Shaochen during the explosion, she had no idea whether he was hurt.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered softly. With his strong arms holding her slim waist, Ouyang Shaochen stepped on the scattering nks lightly in the air andnded on the ground safely!

    On their heels, Ye Yichen was ring at Murong Xue in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s arms. A meaningful look appeared on his face. It was him who approached Murong Xue first, but she was eventually saved by Ouyang Shaochen. Damn!

    ¡°Flop. Flop...¡± Murong Xue raised her head and saw Yuan Fangfei, Ye Tianqi, the leader of the imperial guards and the three invisible guardsnding safely one after another.

    Their clothes and hair were filled with burnt marks, and their faces were dotted with blots due to the heavy smoke.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and walked to Yuan Fangfei slowly. ¡°Were you injured?¡±

    ¡°Just some cuts and bruises. I just need some ointments to help them recover.¡± It was no big deal for Yuan Fangfei.

    ¡°I¡¯m d you are okay!¡± Murong Xue nodded. She then looked around for Cang Qiong. ¡°Didn¡¯t Cang Qiong follow us down?¡± She asked softly.

    Yuan Fangfei snorted in contempt. ¡°He did hope to survive. It was a pity he was so close to the dynamite.¡± He was doomed to die for the iniquity he hadmitted!

    Murong Xue looked up, and saw that the clear sky had been dotted by cascading ck ashes.

    Cang Qiong went to the hell with his snakes. Given the number of his pawns and machinery, he would surely not be lonely!

 Chapter 203 - Sending Troops To Nan Jiang

    <h4>Chapter 203: Sending Troops To Nan Jiang</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Please forgive me for arriving sote, Your Majesty!¡± A familiar sound rang. Murong Xue regained her consciousness and raised her head. It was general Zhang, d in armor with a long sword bore on his waist, kneeling before the emperor, followed by hundreds of soldiers from the military camp.

    General Zhang, in charge of the troops, didn¡¯te to the summer retreat with the emperor, but his troops were not far from here. Probably he had noticed something wrong, andmanded the armies toe as soon as possible. It was beyond his expectation that he was stillte.

    The emperor in his imperial robe stood uprightly with his hands sped behind his back. His crown was tainted with ayer of dust, which couldn¡¯t undermine his majesty and relentlessness. His face turned breathtakingly grim as he caught a glimpse of the bumpy and messy square with his bright eyes. ¡°General Zhang, Imand you to lead 300,000 soldiers and upy Nan Jiang!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± General Zhang lowered his voice after regaining consciousness from the shock.

    Murong Xue winked. upy Nan Jiang? The emperor seemed to abominate Nan Jiang really much!

    As the sovereign emperor, he had the ultimate power over life and death within Qing Yan Kingdom, while the youngest legitimate son of the prime minister of Nan Jiang, dared to plot against and appoint his pawns to attack him secretly. The emperor was thrown into panic and almost lost his life.

    It was reasonable that he was infuriated and intended to destroy Nan Jiang for his majesty had been challenged.

    ¡°It is not that easy. They have a lot of those weird wooden snakes as weapons. So we have to ask Miss Murong to help manufacture some for our soldiers to enhance their fighting capacity,¡± A gentle voice rang. It was Qin Yuyan, who approached them slowly on a bamboo chair carried by her servants.

    Being seriously injured, she couldn¡¯t attend the feast, so she stayed in the yard. She dodged a bullet, while Murong Xue pushed herself forward in the battle. She had witnessed the wholebat in the yard, which made her astonished at Murong¡¯s intelligence and fighting capacity.

    With the help of Ouyang Shaochen and the other warriors, she had killed all the enemies, and saved the emperor, the empress, the civil and military ministers as well as their family members, which made her famous for her intelligence and rich knowledge. Damn!

    Since she was a talented wooden snake controller, why not ask her to manufacture hundreds of them and exhaust her to death!

    Everyone present fixed their eyes on Murong Xue. It had been well known that the wooden snake could not only soar in the air, but also be filled with triggers. Its novelty and breathtakingly powerful fighting capacity impressed all the audiences. If the soldiers of Qing Yan Kingdom could handle the wooden snakes, their capacity might must be doubled, which would be totally enough to tread down Nan Jiang.

    ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t!¡± Murong Xue stared back at Qin Yuyan and said softly.

    Everybody was stunned as they turned to look at each other nkly. She did assembled the eight-tailed wooden snake just then. Why did she lie?

    Qin Yuyan sneered at her. ¡°Murong Xue, everybody here had witnessed you making that eight-tailed wooden snake.¡±

    She should have found a better excuse. It was foolish to make a denial since her behavior had been witnessed by everyone.

    ¡°I only reassembled the eight-tailed wooden snake, I didn¡¯t invent it!¡± Murong Xue stared back at Qin Yuyan from amanding position.

    ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡± Qin Yuyan snorted.

    ¡°There is a huge difference,¡± Murong Xue retorted emphatically, ¡°Invention means that I have to choose the suitable blocks, tailor them to the right size, polish them afterwards and put all the blocks together in the end. The whole process must bepleted by myself. While reassembly means merely putting all the avable blocks together and form a wooden snake.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qin Yuyan stared at her inplete confusion.

    ¡°The wooden snakes of Nan Jiang are made of blocks, which must be tailored and polished to the exact size. I am not a carpenter, so I cannot make such delicate blocks, let alone the whole wooden snake...¡± Murong Xue raised her voice.

    ¡°Just like a clever woman cannot cook a meal without rice, neither can you invent the wooden snake without suitable nks. Am I right?¡± Yuan Fangfei interrupted with sparkles in her eyes.

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Murong Xue nodded.

    ¡°It¡¯s in and simple! Even an uneducated girl grown up in the military camp like me can understand. And some noble princess who imed to have rich knowledge is still in confusion. Such an idiot!¡± Yuan Fangfei smirked.

    Qin Yuyan felt humiliated and her eyes sparkled with hatred. Is there anything worthy of being proud of? Qin Yuyan had never heard of the wooden snakes, so it was natural for her to feel confused.

    Everybody was in agreement. Murong Xue did reassemble the eight-tailed wooden snake with the nks from other snakes! But now, all the snakes had been torn into pieces. They couldn¡¯tpel Murong Xue.

    ¡°It seems Her Highness had great fun with these wooden snakes. If you can make these nks, I can reassemble them into whatever shapes you like including snakes, tigers and cheetahs.¡± Murong Xue giggled with contempt.

    Qin Yuyan was infuriated. As the princess of Mo Bei, how could she do carpentry as those servants? Murong Xue was clearly insulting her! Such a mean bitch!

    ¡°Thanks for your kindness!¡± Qin Yuyan said gently, with her voice filled with enormous hatred.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it!¡± Murong Xue answered unhurriedly, totally ignoring the spite in her voice.

    Seeing the emperor was no longer staring at her, Murong Xue let out a sigh of relief secretly. Impressive as those wooden snakes were, they were defeated by her right before the emperor¡¯s eyes. Though he didn¡¯t say a word, his hesitant expression had shown that he hoped Murong Xue could invent snakes to enhance the fighting capacity of their army.

    Murong Xue wasn¡¯t good at handling mechanisms, let alone making the wooden snakes all by herself. Qin Yuyan deliberately put obstacles in her way, which offered her a chance toy her cards on the table. The emperor would definitely not bother her again.

    ¡°Head back to the imperial pce!¡± With a wave of his sleeves, the emperor left in stride without looking back.

    Attacked and nearly murdered by Cang Qiong¡¯s snake army at the summer retreat, with the square destroyed and civil ministers, as well as their female family members being killed, the emperor was certainly not in the mood for rxation!

    Only throughmanding the army to attack and upy the capital of Nan Jiang, could the emperor give full vent to his anger!

    The Empress, Madams, as well as the civil and military ministers, had to follow him back to the imperial pce. They came to the summer retreat along with the emperor, so they had to return with him as well.

    As the daughter of the Country-guarding Marquis, Murong Xue didn¡¯t need to go back to the capital. She winked at the group of people gradually fading away in the distance.

 Chapter 204 - Whether to Go to The Front

    <strong>Chapter 204: Whether to Go to The Front</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°What are you doing, Murong Ji?¡± A wild roar resounded in the air.

    Following the voice, Murong Xue saw Murong Ji standing in the corridor nearby. He was holding a beautiful girl¡¯s hand with their ten fingers interlocked, showing great intimacy.

    Yuan Fangfei dashed towards them angrily and separated them with all her strength. The delicate girl was pushed away and knocked against the column after taking three, or four steps back. ¡°Ah!¡± She let out a painful cry.

    ¡°Miss Liu!¡± Murong Ji eximed in panic as he rushed forward to check on her. However, with his arm seized fast by Yuan Fangfei, Murong Ji couldn¡¯t move at all. He red at Yuan Fangfei and barked a question at her. ¡°Yuan Fangfei, what did you just do?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s my question for you!¡± Yuan Fangfei stared at him condescendingly and reproached him in rage, ¡°You dared to seduce other girls while I was busy killing enemies in the air.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense! We were hiding in the same shelter during the attack. I saw her injured by the enemies, thus inconvenient to walk. I just helped her by holding her arm, which has nothing to do with seduction. Don¡¯t think of others in terms of your own desires.¡± With his eyes filled with rage and contempt, Murong Ji interrupted her harshly.

    ¡°How dare you talk to me like that!¡± Yuan Fangfei said with a faint smile, as she suddenly raised her hands and assaulted Murong Ji viciously. ¡°Seeing is believing. You did ogle her with great intimacy. This is what you asked for!¡±

    Yuan Fangfei gave him a good beat with her palms, like numerous raindrops pounding his skin. Her moves were driven by inner force, giving Murong Ji no chance to defend. He howled due to the ache all over his body, gritting his teeth, ¡°Yuan Fangfei, I¡¯m breaking off our engagement!¡±

    ¡°Stop being delusional! You have seen me naked. Stop thinking about dumping me and marrying other women!¡± Yuan Fangfei retorted harshly while infusing more strength to her palm. He was digging his own grave with the vain attempt of breaking off their engagement!

    Stricken by Yuan Fangfei continuously, Murong Ji felt sharp pain all over his body. He squatted on the ground in a huddle with his head buried in his hand and let out a cry. ¡°You are killing me.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I don¡¯t mind being a widow!¡± Yuan Fangfei said slowly while infusing more power to her palms.

    Murong Ji was nearly suffocated by the sharp pain. ¡°It¡¯s my fault, it¡¯s all my fault. Please stop.¡± He was begging Yuan Fangfei¡¯s pardon urgently.

    ¡°It¡¯s toote for an apology!¡± Yuan Fangfei said in rage. She knocked Murong Ji to the ground and watched him roll down the stairs.

    Seeing Murong Ji¡¯s blood-stained nose and swollen face, Murong Xue raised her head and let out a sigh. What a shrew Yuan Fangfei was! Having such a wife, Murong Ji would certainly keep his distance with all other women.

    Leaning against the column in the corridor, Miss Liu stared nkly at Yuan Fangfei and Murong Ji in the one-sided fight. Her pretty face turned ghastly pale.

    Murong Xue frowned at the bumpy and messy ground beside Miss Liu.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ouyang Shaochen stared at her in confusion.

    ¡°I¡¯m just thinking about my elder brother. As the subordinate of general Zhang, is he going to Nan Jiang with other soldiers?¡± Murong Xue said in a low-pitched voice with a meaningful stare.

    ¡°Miss Murong is unwilling to let her brother go to the front!¡± Qin Yuyan curved her eyebrow upward in contempt.

    ¡°Of course not. I am merely a little worried!¡± Murong Xue retorted.

    Murong Ye has just been in the army for less than two months, and his martial skills as well as swordsmanship aren¡¯t coordinated yet. It would be dangerous for him to confront the enemies on the battlefield now.

    ¡°There is no point in merely being concerned. You¡¯d better find a way to keep him away from the battlefield. I know with your intelligence, you will surely seed.¡± Qin Yuyan giggled as her eyes were filled with bare contempt.

    As a soldier, Murong Ye has the obligation of following his general¡¯s order. If Murong Ye fled on the eve of the battle, he would bemitting a cardinal sin in the army, and his reputation would be ruined. As for Murong Xue, who helped his elder brother out for her own sake, would surely be sneered for her selfishness.

    Qin Yuyan was undoubtedly plotting against her.

    With a snort in disdain, Murong Xue nced at her in coldness. ¡°Thanks for your kindness. As a soldier, my elder brother has to shoulder the responsibility of protecting his country. It is up to general Zhang whether he will go to the battlefield, and I won¡¯t intervene!¡±

    ¡°I heard that your elder brother is only fourteen years old. Given his poor martial skills and experience in warfare, it is possible that he may be seriously wounded or yed by enemies. In that case, it¡¯s highly likely that your father will have no offspring.¡± Qin Yuyan let out a sigh with her eyes filled with sorrow.

    ¡°How visionary you are, Your Highness! However, has it ever urred to you that my elder brother is no more than amon soldier who won¡¯t confront masters in the battle. He will be safe if he is careful enough, or perhaps, he will even achieve a military exploit, and get promoted as a low-ranking military officer.¡± Murong Xue, raising her eyebrows, stared at Qin Yuyan with light in her eyes.

    ¡°You are right, but if...¡± Qin Yuyan smiled radiantly.

    ¡°There is no if. We only have top-level warriors in our family. We definitely won¡¯t die in the first warfare we attend. We are not as foolish as someone, who always gets herself wounded before the war begins.¡± Murong Xue, with a faint smile on her face, held Qin Yuyan in contempt.

    Being wordless, Qin Yuyan was burnt with fury. Was Murong Xue sneering at her foolishness and incapability? Damn...

    Ignoring her anger, Murong Xue turned to look straight ahead.

    Ouyang Shaochen approached her and said, ¡°Do you want to go back to the capital or stay here for a few days, Xue?¡±

    Murong Xue looked around and saw that the majority of the ministers and their families had already left, except for dozens of guards walking about, clearing up the mess.

    Cang Qiong¡¯s wooden snake army only attacked the square, leaving the summer resort and the scenery at the back hill intact. It would suffice to continue their rxation here.

    However, following the emperor¡¯s order, Murong Ye would probably go to Nan Jiang with the army at any time. Nobody knew when he would return. It would be better if Murong Xue met him as soon as possible before they set off.

    ¡°Let¡¯s return to the capital!¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± With a nod, Ouyang Shaochen took Murong Xue¡¯s hand and stepped forward slowly.

 Chapter 205 - Qin Yuyan Became Blind

    <h4>Chapter 205: Qin Yuyan Became Blind</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue looked like an intimate couple under the perfectplement between his white gown and her pale blue long dress.

    The scene deeply stung the eyes of Ye Yichen. ¡°How dare they interlock the fingers of each other, and totally ignore him even knowing the rite that body contact is strictly forbidden between men and women?¡±

    Ye Yichen face turned as ck as thunder, and clenched his hands under his sleeves, with strong and oppressive fury around him, which nearly took Qin Yuyan¡¯sst breath. She slowly raised her head and gazed at him, hurriedly asking, ¡°What¡¯s up, darling?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Ye Yichen suddenly came to his senses as his fury dissipated in an instant. Then, he strode forward without looking back. His perfunctory exnation echoed in the wind, ¡°I¡¯m going back to the capital for further discuss details regarding the war with the generals since that three hundred thousand soldiers¡¯ lives are no trivial matter. You might as well stay here to recuperate!¡±

    Seeing his determination, Qin Yuyan gritted angrily. ¡°The square has been turned into ruins, and the mountain resort is no longer as beautiful as before. So what¡¯s the point in staying here? ¡±

    ¡°He wants to get back to the capital city without me. Is he nning to leave me here and let me run my own course?¡±

    ¡°Yichen belongs to me, and I belong to him as well. How can he leave me here alone without taking my feelings into consideration?¡±

    With beams of hatred in her eyes, Qin Yuyan took fast hold on the handrails of her bamboo chair. Her finger joints turned slightly pale, and veins on the back of her hands stood out.

    ¡®Whoosh!¡¯ A whipping sound rang as if air was sliced by a de. A dozen men in ck showed up unexpectedly, who fiercely directed their swords towards Murong Xue, Ouyang Shaochen and Ye Yichen.

    They were all in ck cloaks and bvas, same as those ghosts on the wooden snakes brought here by Cang Qiong.

    ¡°They are the escaped killers of Nan Jiang. How dare theye and seek revenge now. Ignorant morons!¡±

    Murong Xue curved her lips upwards, and was going to draw her sword against them when she saw her enemies turn their wrists and draw back their swords before they unexpectedly sprinkled the powder grasped in their left palms on her.

    Realizing the severe situation, Murong Xue immediately stepped back, and repeatedly spun the silk handkerchief in her hand, spilling all the powder back to the men in ck.

    After being exposed to the powder, those men suddenly stiffened as their swords fell to the ground at once. They choked themselves, and whined painfully. Extravasated blood oozed from their noses, mouths and ears as they staggered and fell to the ground dead.

    Murong Xue squinted and thought, ¡°Shameless perverts! Knowing that they can¡¯t kill me aboveboard, now they are trying to assassinate me by sprinkling poison.¡±

    ¡°Watch out, Yichen!¡± Hearing this anxious reminder, Murong Xue looked up, only to find that although Ye Yichen had killed several men in ck in front of him, an assassinator unexpectedly sneaked up on him, and violently sent a p towards him.

    Seeing Ye Yichen was going to be punched, Qin Yuyan rushed forward on her bamboo chair and jumped on him. With a dull thud of ¡®Bang¡¯, the blow from the man in ck was pped at Qin Yuyan, who spat out a mouthful of blood along with a ¡®poof¡¯.

    ¡°Yuyan!¡±Ye Yichen screamed, and turned to Qin Yuyan. Meanwhile he mercilessly sent a shing p towards that man in ck.

    The man in ck suddenly stretched out his left hand and violently sprinkled the powder in his palm on Ye Yichen the moment before he was pped.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Qin Yuyan screamed as she forcefully pushed Ye Yichen away. As a result, all gray powder were sprinkled on her face as her miserable shriek resounded through the sky, ¡°Ah! My eyes! Something got into my eyes!¡±

    Falling to the ground, Qin Yuyan covered her eyes with her hands and rolled back and forth painfully. Blood oozed from between her fingers.

    ¡°Send for a doctor here, now!¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s voice resounded through the skies.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± said the servants hurriedly, who obeyed his order and went for a doctor.

    Seeing Qin Yuyan in extreme pain, Ye Yichen hesitated for a while before he finally squatted down to hold her up, and strode to the guest courtyard. His gentlefort sounded in the wind, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, it¡¯s nothing serious. You¡¯ll recover soon.¡±

    Seeing the agonized look on Qin Yuyan¡¯s face, Murong Xue slightly raised her eyebrows. ¡°She keeps getting injured almost every day since she came to Qingyan Kingdom. There¡¯s definitely a curse upon her here in Qingyan Kingdom!¡±

    Now she is injured again while her previous injuries haven¡¯t healed. So it¡¯s impossible for her to recover within several months.

    ¡°She always gets herself injured, which is proportional to her malevolence. Could it be the punishment from God for her misdeeds?¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s true, I really need to thank god for his fairness.¡±

    Several guards stepped forward and pulled the corpses of those men in ck. Their shadows grew longer under the afterglow of the setting sun.

    Murong Xue suddenly realized that it was gettingte. She turned to look at Ouyang Shaochen and said softly, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the capital since all escaped killers of Nan Jiang have been wiped away!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen simply nodded at her suggestion, and walked forward slowly. His eyes ran down all of the corpses from Nan Jiang with a meaningful look on his face.

    Seeing Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue walk out of the square abreast, Yuan Fangfei directly grabbed Murong Ji by the back of his cor, and lifted him just like lifting an item while rushing forward, mumbling ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. We should get back as well!¡±

    There was no point in staying since all of the people she know had set off. So she might as well go with them.

    Beaten by Yuan Fangfei, Murong Ji ached all over, and he also felt weak and a bit dazed. He forcefully struggled to break the bond between them, yet he failed. Therefore, Murong Ji had no other options but to let her stride forward with his cor in her hand.

    One of the guest courtyards of the summer resort was aze with lights by nightfall. An imperial physician was sitting in front of Qin Yuyan¡¯s bed, cautiously checking on her injury.

    Ye Yichen turned sullen upon hearing the oppressive and painful cries of Qin Yuyan.

    The curtain of the inner room was lifted afterwards as the imperial physician stepped out.

    Ye Yichen hurriedly stepped forward and asked, ¡°How is it, doc?¡±

    The physician lowered his voice, ¡°Your Highness, the powder sprinkled on Miss Qin¡¯s eyes was the fiery poison from Nan Jiang, which is highly toxic, and will generate fire in the presence of water.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Ye Yichen interrupted him with a bewildered gaze.

    The imperial physician faked a cough awkwardly and thought to himself. ¡°I may as well jump to the conclusion since Prince Jing doesn¡¯t have medical knowledge, and won¡¯t understand my exnation about the fiery poison no matter how detailed it is.¡±

    ¡°I mean that Miss Qin¡¯s eyes were burnt by the fiery poison, and she won¡¯t be able to see anything with them from now on.¡±

    ¡°How can it be?¡± asked Ye Yichen, who narrowed his eyes in an instant.

    The physician let out a sigh and exined, ¡°The fiery poison is highly toxic and it generates fire in the presence of water. So Miss Qin¡¯s eyes were burnt at the moment it got into her eyes.¡±

    ¡°How vicious those people from Nan Jiang are!¡±

 Chapter 206 - Being by Your Side

    <h4>Chapter 206: Being by Your Side</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Yichen ...... Yichen ......¡± the faint call of Qin Yuyan rang in the inner chamber.

    Hearing her voice, Ye Yichen lifted the curtain and slowly stepped inside, only to find that Qin Yuyan was lying in bed with a hint of sadness on her delicate face against the long piece of white cloth covering her eyes circle upon circle!

    At the sight of this, Ye Yichen gently walked to her bedside and held her hands with a meaningful look on his face, saying, ¡°Here I am!¡±

    ¡°Will I be blind permanently, Yichen?¡± Qin Yuyan asked feebly, yet, her trembling hands revealed the panic in her heart.

    ¡°No, you will be alright.¡± Ye Yichenforted Qin Yuyan in a soft voice, and unconsciously held her hands tightly.

    A faint smile crossed Qin Yuyan¡¯s face as she said, ¡°You don¡¯t have tofort me. I have heard what the imperial physician said. I know my eyes were burnt by the fiery poison, and won¡¯t see anything from now on.¡±

    ¡°Cheer up. I will search everywhere for skilled physicians to cure your eyes.¡± Ye Yichen said with each syble stressed, and rare seriousness shing in his eyes.

    ¡°Stopforting me! It¡¯s my blindness instead of physical injuries!¡± Qin Yuyan let out a sigh as she sank into the depths of hopelessness.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be frustrated. There will be a way, I promise.¡± Ye Yichen held Qin Yuyan¡¯s hands tightly andforted her softly.

    ¡±You don¡¯t need tofort me since I know the condition of my eyes!¡± Qin Yuyan smiled bitterly. She looked at the direction of Ye Yichen, and asked, stressing each syble, ¡°Yichen, will you take care of me my entire life if I can¡¯t recover?¡±

    Her words caught Ye Yichen unprepared. He slightly lowered his eyelids buttoned up his mouth!

    Everything around became quiet in an instant. Only the sounds of long breaths and heartbeats were left intertwining with each other in the inner chamber!

    Finding Ye Yichen¡¯s silence intolerable, Qin Yuyan curved her lips upwards with bitterness as her heart sank, ¡°I don¡¯t mind whether you¡¯ll take me as your legal wife. And I swear I¡¯ll settle as long as I can be by your side.¡±

    Hearing what Qin had said, Ye Yichen looked away without a word.

    ¡°Yichen, I ......can¡¯t see anything anymore ..... No one will be willing to marry me, and I will die alone if you give me a cold shoulder as well. ¡± Qin Yuyan said in a choked voice, with teardrops gushing from beneath the white cloth and running down her cheeks.

    Yet, Ye Yichen¡¯s head was still lowered, as silent as a post.

    Receiving no reply, Qin Yuyan continued, ¡°Yichen, I never meant to put pressure on you by virtue of the favor you own me. I just need you to take care of me since I¡¯m blind. You can¡¯t me me for being unwilling to die alone. Please don¡¯t put me through hell!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not attaching extravagant hopes of being your legal wife, I just want to be close to you!¡±

    Hearing Qin¡¯s heartfelt promise, Ye Yichen slowly looked up at Qin Yuyan. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so depressed since there are plenty of reclusive skilled physicians out there, and my subordinates will send for them to cure your eyes as soon as possible!¡±

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s sincere smile froze on her face all of a sudden after she heard his words that plunged her into despair. ¡°I became blind due to my attempt to ward off the disaster for him. And he still thinks that the price I paid is beneath an easymitment! Such a merciless bastard!¡±

    ¡°He must have done it all for Murong Xue. He treated me, the benefactor of him so ruthlessly just to win her favour!¡±

    ¡°Ye Yichen, How shameless and pitiless you are!¡±

    With hatred gleaming in her eyes, Qin Yuyan violently clenched Ye Yichen¡¯s big hand with her soft and slightly trembling fingers, on which knuckles were slightly bloodless, making the veins on the back of her hands stand out.

 Chapter 207 - Replacing Blind Eyes with Intact Ones

    <h4>Chapter 207: Recing Blind Eyes with Intact Ones</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Gripped by Qin Yuyan, Ye Yichen¡¯s joints turned slightly bloodless.

    Ye Yichen didn¡¯t take it seriously. He just gazed at her and said, ¡°Have a good rest. I will send servants to decoct medicinal herbs for you! ¡±

    ¡°I am blind, and I cannot see anything. Is the medicine really necessary for me?¡± shouted Qin Yuyan in rage. She conveniently grasped the hourss by her side, and violently threw it at the curtain.

    Just at that moment, a big hand stretched into the curtain, and caught the hourss. A handsome gentleman with vicious and presumptuous eyes in a dark gold robe slowly walked in. It was Qin Haoyan, the Prince of Mo Bei.

    Looking at the injured Qin Yuyan, Qin Haoyan said disapprovingly, ¡°Dear sister, the temporary injure and blindness are not as serious as you think. What¡¯s all the fuss about? ¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Ye Yichen looked at him indifferently, and asked with light shing across his eyes.

    ¡°I heard there is a way of curing my sister¡¯s eyes from a highly skilled physician.¡± answered Qin Haoyan casually.

    Hearing his words, Ye Yichen narrowed his eyes and asked, ¡°What kind of treatment is it?¡±

    ¡°Rece her blind eyes with intact ones!¡± Qin Haoyan slightly moved his thin lips and answered, stressing each syble, with the barest hint of a malicious smile on his face.

    With a meaningful look on his face, Ye Yichen asked, ¡°Do you mean that your sister¡¯s eyes can be cured by putting others¡¯ intact eyeballs into her eye sockets?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s exactly what I meant!¡± Qin Haoyan nodded, curving his lips upwards.

    Ye Yichen narrowed his dark eyes all of a sudden, and lowered his voice, ¡°Is it really feasible?¡±, which sounded like an inquiry as well as a soliloquy, as his sharp eyes intentionally cast over the imperial physician in the outer room.

    ¡°Ah...It¡¯s also the first time that I¡¯ve ever heard about such a... peculiar method!¡±the imperial physician answered euphemistically after a moment of thinking. To gouge out the eyes of others and ce them in your own sockets, how creepy it is!

    How could the Prince of Mo Bei speak those words easily, which seemed that he has gotten ustomed to such cruel behavior? How presumptuous and bloodthirsty he is!

    ¡°I heard it from a great physician with high prestige who could cure all diseases in the world, and even rece a bad heart with a healthy one if possible, not to mention recing a set of eyes!¡±

    Qin Haoyan harangued superciliously. Seeing that Ye Yichen was turning sullen, he changed the topic with a subtle smile, ¡°Without doubt, there are certain requirements on recing eyes, and not all people¡¯s eyes are suitable for my sister.¡±

    ¡°What kind of people¡¯s eyes can be used to cure her blindness?¡± Ye Yichen asked with a piercing stare.

    ¡°The eyeballs of people who suffer from pathogenic cold!¡± Qin Haoyan answered smilingly.

    Ye Yichen suddenly narrowed his sharp eyes. People who suffer from pathogenic cold? What a coincidence!

    ¡°Why only the eyes of them are useful?¡±

    ¡°Since eyes of ordinary people alwayse with their body temperature, and are closely corrted with the body, they will soon decay and be useless after being gouged out. While the eyes of people who suffer from pathogenic cold, and can be kept intact with that freezing vapor when they are gouged out, and thus can fit into my sister¡¯s sockets.¡±

    Qin Haoyan answered slowly and let out a sigh, ¡°Pathogenic cold is the rarest among hundreds of poisons, and is extremely hard to prepare and obtain. I heard that it wasst seen ten years ago. Besides, most of its victims are short-lived. So, I¡¯m not sure whether there will still be a victim alive. The eyes my sister needs are indeed hard to find.¡±

    ¡°Will this cruel method really work?¡± asked Ye Yichen dubitatively, with sharp eyes as deep as a pool.

    ¡°It¡¯s about the eyes of my sister. Do you think it¡¯s necessary for me to lie?¡± Qin Haoyan nced at him, and snorted scornfully.

    Ye Yichen knitted his dashing eyebrows. ¡°I know a person with pathogenic cold, and is still alive. She was the victim ten years ago!¡±

    ¡°However, Qin Yuyan got her eyes burned by the fiery poison due to her attempt to save me. I owe her a favor, and only by curing her blindness, will it be possible for me to pay her back.¡±

    But, why is Murong Xue the only person who can provide the eyeballs Qin Yuyan needs?

    Murong Xue or Qin Yuyan, which one should he choose?

    At the crack of dawn, Murong Xue arrived at a square in the capital by the carriage of Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion. At her first nce, the square was full of armored soldiers with spears.

    Murong Xue stepped off the carriage, and quickly scanned those soldiers with her sharp eyes to seek for Murong Ye. She fell asleep in the carriage on the way yesterday. Murong Xue thought that the carriage of Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion would arrive in the capital city that night. Yet, unexpectedly, for the sake of her good rest, Ouyang Shaochen parked the carriage in the wild and spent the night there. And, only after she woke up, did he order the servants to set out again, and directly came to the square.

    ¡°My dear sister!¡± a yell of delight came to ears, Murong Xue looked up, only to find that Murong Ye was rushing towards her in a pale blue martial attire, which added to his heroic posture. With a long sword in hand, and a medium-sized bag on his back, Murong Ye¡¯s thin body looked slender.

    Though she had already foreseen that he would go to the front along with the troops, Murong Xue still couldn¡¯t rear herself away from her brother, ¡°You are leaving for Nan Jiang, brother.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Murong Ye nodded, and looked at her with his eyes twinkling with delight, asking, ¡°Are you here to see me off?¡±

    He was unexpectedly informed to join the battle today while he was resting in his mansion. So he packed several sets of clothes overnight, and came to the square. He thought that he would not see his younger sister for she was spending her summer at the resort. However, it was beyond his expectation that he would have the chance to see her before departure.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Murong Xue nodded. She took out a pouch, and hung it on Murong Ye¡¯s waist, exining, ¡°Here¡¯s the pouch you gave me before. Inside is an amulet our mother asked from a temple for you. May you return safely!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m sure I¡¯lle back safe and sound!¡± Pinching that pouch, Murong Ye promised faithfully.

    Murong Xue smile gently, and enjoined seriously, ¡°You must be careful since it¡¯s a long journey to Nan Jiang, and there will be full of perils during the battle.¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Murong Ye nodded. He knew that one of the two parties would lose in a battle. Yet, he didn¡¯t want to be a member of the losing party.

    ¡°Murong Ye, we need to go now!¡± Hearing the cold reminder, Murong Ye put on a solemn look and said, ¡°I have to leave, dear sis. Take care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Be careful on the way!¡± seeing Murong Ye running into the troops, and mounting on a tall horse, Murong Xue enjoined with reluctance.

    The man in martial attire beside him on a horse was General Chang, themander of the army!

    ¡°March!¡± General Changmanded as he suddenly mped his legs, making his horse run forward wildly like a flying arrow.

 Chapter 208 - The Threat

    <h4>Chapter 208: The Threat</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    With the beacon-fire rolling fiercely in the air, all of the soldiers rushed forward on the horseback on the general¡¯s heels. It was a magnificent troop stretching endlessly to the south, whose heavy tread made the square shake violently!

    Merely after a short time, with the smoke dispersing in the breeze, therge square had already became empty.

    Standing at the edge of the square, Murong Xue gasped in admiration while watching the troop marching at a high speed, ¡°Managing to gather 300,000 soldiers overnight, general Zhang is really extraordinary.¡±

    ¡°General Zhang is talented in deploying forces. That¡¯s why the emperor appointed him as themander in chief of the army.¡± Ouyang Shaochen came forward to make an exnation.

    Murong Xue nodded. ¡°My elder brother is more likely to survive under the leadership of general Zhang.¡±

    The general yed a significant role in the war. An unqualifiedmander would lead to heavy loss of life, while sharp-sighted ones would gain victory with unstained swords.

    ¡°Are there any other of your family members in the troops?¡± Ouyang Shaochen asked in an emotionless tone.

    ¡°No one else except for my elder brother. Why?¡± Murong Xue stared at him in confusion.

    ¡°Your family¡¯s wagon is over there. ording to you, your brother is the only one they¡¯re here to see off.¡± Ouyang Shaochen stared at the left front with his dark eyes.

    Murong Xue looked up and saw a luxurious wagon whose inner walls were made of eaglewood with the windowsills decorated with skillfully carved Chinese redbuds. It was the private wagon of Murong Jian and his wife, Madam Zhou, whose well-cared face was revealed through the slightly lifted curtain.

    Watching the troops fading out of her sight, Madam Zhou couldn¡¯t help gasping in admiration. ¡°I have never thought that the troops would be so magnificent. I really hope Ji Er can join the army to the front. He would surely be promoted at a young age due to his military exploits and excellent martial skills.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that easy to achieve military exploits,¡± Murong Jian caught a glimpse of his wife. ¡°Do you know why general Zhang will is going to the front?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it for treading down Nan Jiang?¡± Madam Zhou said with contempt, ¡°They lost the battlest time, and they still don¡¯t stand a chance now.¡±

    Murong Jian shook his head in disagreement. ¡°It has been widely known after the strike at the summer retreat yesterday that people from Nan Jiang have invented wooden snakes and used them as weapons. The brave royal army and the mystic invisible guards have all been defeated by numerous snakes filled with mechanisms. If they use them on the battlefield, it will be hard to predict who the winner will be.¡±

    ¡°So it is!¡± Madam Zhou nodded, her eyes flickering with faint light. Significant as military exploits were, Ji Er was their only son, whose life they would never allow to risk.

    Life should alwayse first. It¡¯s wise to keep him in the military camp. Although it would dy his promotion, he would be safe at least.

    ¡°Murong Ye has gone to the war with general Zhang. Whether he will return in triumph, or...¡± Madam Zhou¡¯s lowered her voice with a streak of evil skimming across her eyes.

    Taking her hint, Murong Jian snorted with contempt. ¡°Murong Ye has only been in the army for over a month, achieving nearly no progress in martial art. He will merely serve as a contrast on the battlefield, who will not be an obstacle for me even with military exploits!¡±

    If he was unlucky enough to die in the war, Murong Jian would inherit the title smoothly, which would save her the conspiracy.

    His son suddenly came to Murong Jian¡¯s mind. ¡°Ji Er went to the summer resort yesterday. Was he injured?¡±

    As an official at the fourth grade, Murong Ji wasn¡¯t qualified to go to the summer resort along with the emperor. However, as the fiance of Yuan Fangfei, the daughter of the general of the top grade, he was brought there to make acquaintance high officials.

    ¡°He should be all right!¡± Madam Zhou shook her head. The fourth prince had sent his servants for condolence to the bereaved. Since nobody came to the Marquis Mansion, Ji Er must be safe and sound.

    ¡°Father-inw, mother-inw!¡± With her cracking voice, Yuan Fangfei approached their wagon cheerily.

    With a streak of contempt skimming across her eyes, Madam Zhou stared at her swarthy face and strong body. While responding in rage, she caught a glimpse of Yuan Fangfei¡¯s swarthy hand, with which she was dragging a young man.

    To Madam Zhou¡¯s surprise, the young man with a heavily bruised handsome face and dull look in his eyes was her son, Murong Ji. ¡°Ji Er!¡± Her scream was shrill enough to pierce the cloud.

    ¡°Who did this to you? Tell me.¡± Madam Zhou seized Murong Ji by the arm and pulled him towards herself. She touched the bruise on his face gently while shedding tears.

    Recognizing Madam Zhou, Murong Ji gradually regained consciousness, as if finding a supporter to whom he could vent his grievance. ¡°Mum, help me. I was bullied by Yuan Fangfei!¡± Murong Ji fell into his mother¡¯s arms and was choked with tears.

    ¡°It was you!¡± Madam Zhou said while gritting her teeth. With rage burning in her eyes, she raised her head and red at Yuan Fangfei.

    As his mother, Madam Zhou had never beat Murong Ji before. How dare this tomboy hurt him so badly? Damn!

    ¡°We were just pitting martial skills against each other.¡± Yuan Fangfei said unhurriedly, ignoring Madam Zhou¡¯s anger.

    ¡°Stop lying! You must be looking for his ws which doesn¡¯t even exist.¡± Madam Zhou red at Yuan Fangfei with fiery eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s universally acknowledged that a woman should be subordinate to her husband. How dare you treat your fiance so rudely? You are far from being qualified as our daughter-inw. We¡¯re breaking off the engagement!¡±

    ¡°Brilliant! Since he is not my fiance any more, there is no need to cover up for him. I¡¯m going to the tform to tell all the citizens about his shameless behaviour!¡± Yuan Fangfei turned to walk toward the tform with a smile on her face.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Madam Zhou was astonished.

    ¡°Just wait and see!¡± Yuan Fangfei said proudly as she quickened her steps. It was them who plotted against her and made her Murong Ji¡¯s fiancee. She would never allow herself to be trampled upon!

    Watching her leaving, Madam Zhou became increasingly anxious. Ji Er fell into the bathing pool and saw her naked. He would be scolded as evil-intentioned and irresponsible for dumping her with no reason.

    With his reputation being ruined, Ji Er would be sneered at, which would make it hard for him to be promoted or marry again.

    ¡°Wait! Stop! We won¡¯t break off the engagement!¡±

 Chapter 209 - The Jealous Prince Jing

    <h4>Chapter 209: The Jealous Prince Jing</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    There came a call for her name in panic before Yuan Fangfei paused. ¡°Really?¡±, she asked, and turned around casually.

    ¡°Of course. Why would I lie to you!¡± Madam Zhou red at her. Ji¡¯er¡¯s future always came first. So they had to tolerate this tomboy temporarily!

    ¡°My husband must be a hero of indomitable spirit. A coward will never be a match for me!¡± Yuan Fangfei announced in pride while walking towards them with vigorous strides. Seeing her overwhelming aura, Madam Zhou felt her eyelids twitching heavily, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°To the military camp to toughen him up!¡± Yuan Fangfei said arrogantly while dragging Murong Ji forward with his cors in her hand.

    With his feet dangling in the air, Murong Ji was aching all over. Staring at her son¡¯s eyes sparkling with sorrow, Madam Zhou became anxious. As she intended to stop Yuan Fangfei, Murong Jian seized her by the arm. ¡°It¡¯s better for Ji¡¯er to be trained at the military camp...¡±

    ¡°I know, but Yuan Fangfei was savage. Wouldn¡¯t Ji¡¯er be hurt?¡± Madam Zhou¡¯s eyes were filled with concern.

    ¡°Set your mind at rest. As Ji¡¯er¡¯s fiancee, Yuan Fangfei won¡¯t hurt him!¡± There was a wisp of dark light in Murong Jian¡¯s eyes. Growing up under the protection of his parents, Ji¡¯er had never lived a rough time. It would be better for him to pit his skills against Yuan Fangfei!

    ¡°Dear mum and dad, we will go to the military camp at daytime and return to the mansion in the evening. Please tell the servants to prepare dinner for us!¡± Yuan Fangfei¡¯s rough voice echoed in the wind, making Madam Zhou¡¯s face as ck as thunder. She would not only bully Ji¡¯er at daytime, but also trouble them at night.

    Yuan Fangfei didn¡¯t go on well with Murong Ji¡¯s family. Though not as tense as a battle, they still disliked each other.

    But it was none of Murong Xue¡¯s business. She turned to looked at Ouyang Shaochen. ¡°There is a restaurant ahead. Let¡¯s go there for breakfast!¡± Murong Xue hardly ate anything yesterday, so no wonder she would feel hungry by now.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded, and turned around slowly.

    ¡°Your Excellency!¡± Xun Feng turned up and whispered to him secretly.

    A wisp of cold gleam skimmed across Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes. ¡°I must return to the mansion now, so I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have breakfast alone,¡± he apologized.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Go ahead.¡± Murong Xue smiled as she was about to leave. Seizing her by the arm suddenly, Ouyang Shaochen kissed his cherry lips gently as if the dance of a dragonfly.

    Feeling his water-like lips touching hers, Murong Xue, with a boom dashing to her ears, stared at Ouyang Shaochen nkly with her eyes wide open. She, with the light fragrance of bamboo haunting her nostrils, was so astonished that it took her such a long time to regain her consciousness.

    Sensing her gaze full of confusion, Ouyang Shaochen smiled and said, ¡°I am leaving. Go back to the mansion early after breakfast!¡±

    Upon hearing his melodious voice, Murong Xue, suddenly waking up to the reality, stared at Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s fading shadow with anger burning in her eyes. Wasn¡¯t he born in the Qingyan Kingdom in ancient times? How dare he kiss her goodbye in public? Seemed like he was even more open-minded than herself, a modern girl from the 21st century.

    Fortunately, they were standing at a secluded ce, and it was a quick kiss. Maybe no one had witnessed them.

    Feeling guilty enough, Murong Xue looked around. A man was standing nearby. d in a dark purple brocade robe fluttering in the wind, he was boiling with rage, emitting a strongly savage aura.

    ¡°What were you doing just now?¡± His interrogation punched Murong Xue¡¯s heart. ¡°Mind your own business, Prince Jing!¡± She retorted with her eyebrows knitted tightly.

    ¡°Are you in love with Ouyang Shaochen?¡± Ye Yichen pressed on coldly. A wisp of imperceptible anger shed across his eyes. He hurried to the capital to meet her, only to find that she was with him.

    ¡°Does it make any difference?¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and looked at him in contempt.

    ¡°You can¡¯t fall for Ouyang Shaochen!¡± Ye Yichen, saying in a low voice, stared at her unprecedentedly with seriousness.

    ¡°And why is that?¡± Murong Xue stared at him coldly.

    ¡°Because I like you!¡± Ye Yichen, with eyes filled with love, answered emphatically.

    ¡°Stop pulling my leg!¡± Murong Xue couldn¡¯t help sneering.

    Since Murong Xue came to the Qingyan Kingdom, Ye Yichen had been offending her with a series of evil deed that were still haunting her. How dare he be so full of hot air and say he liked her!

    ¡°I am telling the truth...¡±

    Murong Xue interrupted with a wave of her hand. ¡°I don¡¯t care whether it is true. What I can say is that you¡¯re not my type. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me!¡±

    Ye Yichen turned breathtakingly sullen. ¡°You really fell for him, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    He thought that only himself and Ouyang Shaochen were avable options for her. Murong Xue couldn¡¯t tolerate such a paranoid anymore.

    With a snort in contempt, Murong Xue turned around and stepped forward. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s frosty voice rang behind her.

    ¡°Go back to have a rest.¡± Murong Xue said peacefully. She had no appetite any longer.

    ¡°I want to take you to a ce!¡± Ye Yichen said in coldness while approaching her swiftly within a blink. He seized her by the wrist, dragging her forward with vigorous strides.

    Murong Xue, with a wisp of disgust in her eyes, pped Ye Yichen¡¯s hand away. ¡°I am not an acquaintance of Prince Jing. So please don¡¯t make me do anything I¡¯ll regret!¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s see what you¡¯re capable of!¡± Ye Yichen, with a gleam in his eyes, intended to thwack Murong Xue with his palm.

    Squinting slightly, Murong Xue unsheathed the soft sword for counterattack. Since Ye Yichen wanted to fight with her unreasonably, she didn¡¯t mind producing a few gashes on his body.

    A fierce battle broke out in silence in an instant. Two figures in green and purple, leaping up and down, were entangled in thebat with numerous moves, as well as their sharp swords rubbing against each other¡¯s cheeks.

 Chapter 210 - Gouging Her Eyes out

    <h4>Chapter 210: Gouging Her Eyes out</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Murong Xue waved her shiny silver long sword, and stabbed at Ye Yichen mercilessly¡£

    Ye Yichen dodged her attack, and lightly flicked his fingers tounch swift and fierce blows to Murong Xue.

    Fighting while running, they unconsciously intruded into a mansion. Instantly, countless guards who were armed with long swords poured out from every corner, surrounding Murong Xue from all directions!

    She must have fallen into Ye Yichen¡¯s trap!

    Murong Xue nced at a guard coldly before she set eyes on Ye Yichen who was not far away, asking, ¡°Is this the ce you ¡®invited¡¯ me to? How dangerous it is! Fortunately, I¡¯m wise enough, and haven¡¯t been mesmerized by your sweet talk, nor did Ie here after you resignedly ......¡±

    Ye Yichen turned gloomy after hearing Murong Xue¡¯s words. He had been hesitant about recing Yuyan¡¯s eyes with Murong Xue¡¯s. Yet, he simmered with rage while seeing the intimate behavior between Murong Xue and Ouyang Shaochen in the street, and somehow brought her here unconsciously.

    Qin Haoyan slowly stepped out of the main chamber, and became puzzled over the presence of Murong Xue, asking, ¡°Prince Jing, why is she here?¡±

    Ye Yichen sank his eyes, and was going to speak, when an excited female voice rang up first, ¡°I remember that Prince Jing¡¯s father once sent the seeds of a fire lotus to Murong Xue when she was attacked by some sort of disease in Lotus Courtyard. Does this mean that she has been suffering from pathogenic cold? And Yichen wants to use her eyes to rece mine?¡±

    Her words caught Qin Haoyan unexpected. With a gleam of vicious light in his presumptuous eyes, Qin Haoyan looked Murong Xue up and down and said, ¡°So she¡¯s the victim of pathogenic cold! How lucky I am to find such a rare person easily!¡±

    He had thought that there would be at least three or five years before finding the suitable eyes for his sister.

    Murong Xue glowered at Ye Yichen coldly and sharply, shouting, ¡°You want to gouge out my eyes to cure Qin Yuyan, so you spared no effort in luring me here, right?¡±

    Ye Yichen looked straight at her and admitted bluntly, ¡°Yes! Since Yuyan¡¯s eyes were burned by the fiery poison due to her attempt to save me. I want to cure her eyes and pay her back!¡±

    ¡°But it has nothing to do with me. So why my eyes?¡± Murong Xue asked in a harsh tone, with hatred gleaming in her eyes.

    ¡°Your eyes are the most suitable for her, and only yours are useful.¡± Ye Yichen gazed at Murong Xue, and exined, stressing each syble, ¡°I promise to marry you, and take care of you your entire life if you agree to help!¡±

    ¡°Who needs your hypocriticalpensation? Stop being self-sentimental!¡±

    Imperturbable as she always has been, Murong Xue couldn¡¯t help cursing after hearing Ye Yichen¡¯s so-called excuse. ¡°It wasYe Yichen and Qin Yuyan¡¯s incapacity and their failure in dodging the assassination of people from Nan Jiang, which brought about the current consequence. Why should I pay the price for them?¡±

    ¡°Mark my words, Prince Jing. I don¡¯t remember being rted to you, so I have no obligation to help you clean up your mess!¡±

    ¡°Xue¡¯er ......¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me. Your voice disgusts me!¡± Murong Xue interrupted harshly, with hatred shing in her eyes.

    Ye Yichen gazed at Murong Xue with great pain in the back of his eyes, and was going to speak, when Qin Haoyan raised his voice first, ¡°Cut the crap, Prince Jing. No one will be willing to sacrifice for my sister since eyes are of great importance. Somebody,e catch Murong Xue, and gouge her eyes out!¡±

 Chapter 211 - Incurable Eyes

    <h4>Chapter 211: Incurable Eyes</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Yes!¡± the guards answered in a lower voice, and mercilessly stabbed at Murong Xue with their long swords.

    ¡°Want to catch me? How ignorant you all are!¡±

    Murong Xue sneered as she tapped the ground with her toes, drawing a graceful curve in the air. She dexterously flew out the encirclement of those guards, andnded outside the main house lightly.

    The escape of Murong Xue got on the guards¡¯ nerves. They were about to go after her when Qin Yuyan, who slowly came out in her bamboo chair under the careful support of two portly maids.

    Murong Xue curved her lips upwards when she saw Qin Yuyan. ¡°You really did me a favour by saveing me the effort of looking for you.!¡±

    Taking one step forward, Murong Xue pushed that two portly maids away, and pulled Qin Yuyan up from the bamboo chair.

    Qin Yuyan couldn¡¯t help but let out a cry as a result of the harsh pain from her wound while being roughly pulled by Murong Xue. She was suddenly stunned by the faint scent of fire lotus, ¡°You are ......Murong Xue?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Who else will set the trap for you? ¡± Murong Xue spit these words out as she pulled Qin Yuyan off the bamboo chair as a shield in front of herself, and relentlessly put her soft sword on Qin Yuyan¡¯s neck. She cast ferocious eyes on Qin Haoyan, Ye Yichen and the guards, shouting, ¡°All of you, another step forward and she dies!¡±

    With the sharp de pressed against her neck, Qin Yuyan had no doubt that her throat would be relentlessly cut by Murong Xue if Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan dared to act rashly.

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s delicate face became slightly bloodless as a result of her fear. She looked in the direction of Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan and stuttered, ¡°Yichen, brother, please help me!¡±

    Ye Yichen just stood there motionlessly, and gave Murong Xue a meaningful stare filled with sorrow and sadness.

    Qin Haoyan raised his guard up. He slowly retracted his steps, and coldly stared at Murong Xue,, ¡°Murong Xue, what are you going to do? ¡±

    ¡°Prince Qin, what do you think I will do after knowing about your plot?¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrows as she looked at him, and asked ironically.

    ¡°Let go of my sister!¡± shouted Qin Haoyan as he gave Murong Xue a piercing stare, with maliciousness shing in his eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m rational, and won¡¯t indiscriminately kill the innocent. But I will never show mercy to those vicious hypocrites and viins.¡± said Murong Xue, stressing each syble.

    ¡°What are you up to?¡± snorted Qin Haoyan as he raised his eyebrows, with ruthlessness flowing in his vicious and presumptuous pupils.

    ¡°It¡¯s simple. I just want to let you know that I¡¯m the owner of my eyes, and none of you can take them away without my permission!¡± Murong Xue answered, and stressed thest few sybles, with hatred gleaming in her pupils.

    Hearing her words, Qin Haoyan raised his eyebrows, and generously waved his hand, saying, ¡°Okay, you may leave if you let my sister go.¡±

    While, Murong Xue sneered disdainfully, ¡°Prince Qin, I¡¯m not a fool. With at least a hundred of your invisible guards in this courtyard, I¡¯ll be immediately dismembered if I let her go. ¡±

    Qin Haoyan raised his eyebrows, and nced at Murong Xue casually, asking, ¡°What do you want to do?¡±

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes and answered, ¡°That¡¯s easy ......¡±

    Unexpectedly, a vicious attack was thrown to Murong Xue from her back. Murong Xue turned around, only to find that an invisible guard in brown had appeared behind her secretly, and was going to stab her violently with a dagger!

    Meanwhile, Qin Yuyan, who stood in front of Murong Xue, suddenly drew out her soft sword, and mercilessly tried to stab Murong with a hairpin!

    ¡°Never did they intend to let me go. Their negotiation was merely a trap to gouge out my eyes this time. How vile and barefaced they are!¡±

    ¡°As for Qin Yuyan, the noble princess of Mo Bei, how is it possible for her to lose her eyes willingly? Now that they backed out first, I will show no mercy.¡±

    Murong Xue grasped the wrist of that invisible guard, and violently stabbed at Qin Yuyan¡¯s eyes. With a crisp sound, the white cloth covering Qin Yuyan¡¯s eyes was scratched to pieces, and her blood sttered into the air.

    Qin Yuyan fell down to the ground, with her eyes covered by her hands. Her miserable shriek resounded through the sky, ¡°Ah ...... My eyes, my eyes ......¡±

    ¡°Sister!¡± shouted Qin Haoyan as he realized the severe situation. He hurried to Qin Yuyan and held her up, only to find that her eyes had been injured by the dagger.

    Streams of blood ran down Qin Yuyan¡¯s cheeks. Seeing this, Murong Xue smiled coldly. ¡°Qin Yuyan¡¯s eyeballs are scratched, and the nerves in her eyes will be withered soon. This time, no matter how skillful physicians they sent for are, her eyes won¡¯t be cured!¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue, catch Murong Xue now! We can still rece my sister¡¯s eyes!¡± ordered Qin Haoyan in a harsh voice.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± answered the guards as they came to their senses after hearing his order, and ferociously pounced on Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue sneered as she tapped the ground with her toes, and dexterously flied out the encirclement of those guards and ran forward quickly. ¡°Want to catch me? Stop dreaming!¡±

    ¡°Catch her!¡± themander of guards ordered. All guards who were armed with long swords hurried to chase after Murong Xue.

    Suddenly, countless invisible guards poured out from each corner of the high walls. Finding no way out between the high walls, Murong Xue rushed towards the backyard. ¡°Numerous as guards are, they are only paper tigers, and only Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan are the real threats to me since they have powerful fighting skills, and will help Qin Yuyan. Death will be the only choice for me if both of them are against me. So leaving is the best choice.¡±

    Guards shouted urgently while chasing, ¡°Hurry up! Murong Xue is right there. Don¡¯t let her get away with it!¡±

    Ye Yichen still kept motionless as a post, and stared at Qin Yuyan who was whining as a result of the severe pain, and then at Murong Xue who was making her rapid escape with an obscure look on his face.

    Murong Xue ran into the backyard, and then along the corridor quickly, only to find that a group of guards was running towards her.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows, and jumped out of the corridor. She ran along the bluestone road, yet, there was another group of guards waiting at its end.

    Murong Xue blinked as she ran into the garden quickly. However, she was disappointed to find that a group of guards had appeared in the front of the garden.

    Being intercepted from all directions, Murong Xue realized that there was no way out, and frowned tightly. She looked everywhere anxiously, and found a pond behind the flowers.

    Murong Xue¡¯ face lit up as she ran behind the rockery, and jumped into the pond under its cover.

    When four groups of guards arrived, there was no sign of Murong Xue at all. At the sight of this, one of the guards raised his voic, ¡°Where is she? She was here just now!¡±

    ¡°She couldn¡¯t have gone far, search carefully!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the guards separated, and looked for Murong Xue back and forth in the garden and rockery. A pebble was kicked into the water of the pond identally, and the clear water rippled faintly. Seeing this, two clever guards violently plunged their long swords into the water after making eye contact.

 Chapter 212 - Iâ€™ll Kill All of You With Explosives

    <h4>Chapter 212: I¡¯ll Kill All of You With Explosives</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡®Brush, brush!¡¯ the sounds came while guards¡¯ long and sharp swords brushed against Murong Xue¡¯s clothes, and were deeply plunged into the mud of the pond, lifting up dirty sludge, and muddying the water nearby.

    Haunted with the smell of mud, Murong Xue was dazed and dizzy, and couldn¡¯t tell the direction. She frowned tightly, and swam forward secretly while holding her breath.

    ¡°Murong Xue ...... Where is Murong Xue?¡± asked Qin Haoyan while striding into the garden, his pretty face turning gloomy and dreadful.

    A guard hurriedly stepped forward, and answered respectfully, ¡°Your Highness, Murong Xue was already disappeared when we got here.¡±

    ¡°Is that true?¡± Qin Haoyan snorted disbelievingly. He nced over the corridor, the tone road, the garden, and the rockery viciously and presumptuously, and then fixed on the pond with an ill-disposed smile. ¡°Murong Xue couldn¡¯t have fled this strongly-fortified courtyard. She might have hidden underwater.¡± At the thought of this, Qin Haoyanmanded, ¡°Somebody, st the pond!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s find out where she¡¯s hiding!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the guards took the order and walked to the pond with gunpowder packets in their hands. A cold voice suddenly rang just before they were about to light the fuse, ¡°Stop! Murong Xue will be killed if you st the pond.¡±

    Qin Haoyan nced at Ye Yichen, and said causally, ¡°So what? What my sister needs are her eyes, not her life. As long as her eyes are intact, nothing else matters.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t care, but I do ......¡± Ye Yichen interrupted him coldly with hatred radiating from his pupils.

    Qin Haoyan narrowed his vicious and presumptuous eyes all of a sudden, and asked, ¡°Prince Jing, you didn¡¯t fall for Murong Xue, did you?¡±

    ¡°What if I did?¡± Ye Yichen gave him a piercing stare.

    ¡°If it¡¯s real, what are you gonna do to with my sister? ¡± Qin Haoyan looked at him, and asked in a harsh voice.

    Ye Yichen narrowed his eyes and answered in a lower voice, ¡°I will cure Yuyan¡¯s eyes first, then,she will return to Mo Bei along with you, and marry someone who will treat her well.¡±

    ¡°But she wants to stay with you.¡± Qin Haoyan interrupted Ye harshly, with anger shing in his eyes.

    ¡°Yet, I have no feeling to her. In this case, it¡¯s unfair for her to stay with me ......¡± Ye Yichen answered in a lower voice, with his stare bing sharp, calm and emotionless.

    Hearing Ye¡¯s words, Qin Haoyan finally believed that Ye Yichen really had no feelings for Qin Yuyan. Yet, he suddenly narrowed his vicious and presumptuous eyes as he asked, ¡°Is it because of Murong Xue that you lost the interest in my sister? In that case, her presence is indeed a disaster for my sister!¡±

    Qin Haoyanughed coldly, and stretched to grasp the gunpowder in the hand of a guard. Next, he ignited the gunpowder, and violently threw it into the pond at a tremendous speed.

    Then, a sound of ¡°bang!¡± came, the clear pond water was sted up for two or three meters high. Shocked by the violent explosion, the guards hurriedly stepped backward in fright.

    A light cyan figure slowly emerged in the surface along with countless dead fish as the strong charring smell rapidly spread in the air.

    ¡°Xue¡¯er!¡± Ye Yichen cried out in rm, great panic shown in his eyes. He tapped the ground with his toe, and pounced on her as fast as a flying arrow.

    Realizing what Ye was going to do, Qin Haoyan and hurriedly ran after him. ¡°I must not let Ye Yichen get Murong Xue¡¯s corpse. Otherwise, my sister might be permanently blind if he is unwilling to take out Murong Xue¡¯s eyes due to his temporary anger at us.¡±

    Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan pounced on that figure one after another, and both stretched to catch that figure. While, the moment when their fingers touched Murong Xue¡¯s dress, a sound of ¡®bang¡¯ came, her dress was sted, sending Ye Yichen, Qin Haoyan and the guards nearby into the air.

    Standing in front of the rockery and dressed in white underskirt, Murong Xue coldly gazed at the people who were shook out with the barest hint of a smile on her face.

    Murong Xue knew they were going to ruthlessly kill her with an explosion. So she took off her outer dress, put explosives on it so as to disguise it as herself, thus giving them a taste of being sted too.

    Qin Haoyan fell down to the bluestone road, and uncontrobly spat out a mouthful of blood, burning pain spreading all over from his chest. He wrathfully raised his head, and inadvertently found Murong Xue standing beside the rockery. He narrowed his vicious and presumptuous eyes all of a sudden, and shouted, ¡°Murong Xue is there, go get her!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the guards took his order. Then, they struggled up, and stumbled towards Murong Xue with long swords in their hands.

    ¡°Such a bunch of injured guards want to catch me? How ignborant!¡±

    With a scornful smile, Murong Xue quickly ran under a high wall, and easily jumped out of the it as if a beautiful butterfly.

    ¡°Go get her now! We must catch Murong Xue!¡± Qin Haoyan made a harsh order with zing fury burning in his pupils. ¡°No one has ever dared to hurt me. And that made Murong Xue the first one. How bold she is!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the guards immediately answered, and ran after her in a hurry.

    ¡°Eh-hem!¡± Ye Yichen coughed as he fell to the ground. He slowly stood up with the support of the big tree beside him, and gave the guards who were chasing after Murong Xue a meaningful stare.

    After getting out of the courtyard, Murong Xue ran past streets and alleys. Yet, her nice eyebrows wrinkled tightly at the sight of the guards who were running after her.

    ¡°How annoying and abominable they are!¡±

    Murong Xue remained calm and rushed forward. Suddenly, an arm stretched out before her eyes before she was muzzled and pulled into a nearby alley.

    Murong Xue was horror-struck, and was going to struggle, when a faint smell of ink-bamboo spread to her nose, and a melodious and clear voice rang near her ear, ¡°It¡¯s me!¡±

    Murong Xue was stunned, and pushed Ouyang Shaochen¡¯ hand away. She raised her head and looked at him with a puzzled look, asking, ¡°Shaochen, why are you here?¡±

    Having ran fast all the way, Murong Xue, together with her half-wet and half-dry white underskirt which was stained with mud, as well as her messy hair, looked like a drowned mouse.

    Ouyang Shaochen frowned, and looked at her with disgust, saying, ¡°It¡¯s me who should be asking questions. What have you done? Why were you chased all over the street by the guards looking like a drowned mouse?¡±

    Hearing that, Murong Xue turned sullen and exined angrily, ¡°It¡¯s not my fault since it¡¯s them who tricked me first, so I taught them a lesson.

    ¡°Ah, where were you when teaching them that lesson? Since there¡¯s a strange smell spreading from your body.¡± Ouyang Shaochen interrupted her with disgust on his face.

    ¡°I smell strange?¡± asked Murong Xue dubitatively. Then, she grabbed her sleeve and sniffed, a light smell of sludge spreading to her nose. Murong Xue blinked her eyes and thought: ¡°That¡¯s the smell of the pond sludge. Maybe it caught me when I was swimming in the pond.¡±

 Chapter 213 - All Guards Were Killed

    <h4>Chapter 213: All Guards Were Killed</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Hurry! Murong Xue is not far ahead! Don¡¯t let her get away!¡± Following the harsh order, guards hurriedly ran after her, the long swords in their hands glimmering under the sunlight.

    ¡°Crap! They are catching up!¡±

    Upon hearing that, Murong Xue raised her rm, and was about to run forward, when Ouyang Shaochen stretched out, wrapped his arms around her slender waist before he took her into Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion in an instant like flying snowkes. He stared at Murong Xue with disgust, and said, ¡°You smell terrible!¡±

    Hearing his words, Murong Xue turned as ck as thunder, andined unhappily, ¡°It¡¯s not my fault!¡± In that case, she had no other options but to jump into the pond for the sake of her safety.

    ¡°Go after Murong Xue, now!¡± Hearing the urgent shout, Murong Xue looked out quietly, only to find that dozens of guards had arrived at the gate of Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, and were going to barge in with swords in their hands.

    Seeing this, Wu Hen stepped forward, and stopped them without mercy, ¡°Here¡¯s Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion. Any illegal trespassers will be killed!¡±

    Hearing that, the noisy guards suddenly quieted down. They looked at each other, and proactively made way for Qin Haoyan, who were dressed in a dark gold robe and walking steadily. He looked at Wu Hen grimly and snorted, ¡°As the Prince of Mo Bei, I¡¯m going to catch a felon of our country who has just ran into your mansion.¡±

    Wu Hen raised his eyebrows and said drily, ¡°Are you kidding? How could the felon of Mo Bei run into our heavily guarded Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion?¡±

    Hearing that merciless refuse, Qin Haoyan suddenly narrowed his eyes and huffed, ¡°Many guards have seen her running into the mansion. I¡¯ll show no mercy to you if you dare to ......¡±

    ¡°Ha......¡± a clear and melodiousughter resounded through the sky, which was apanied with undisguised scorn. Then, an invisible strong force mercilessly hit Qin Haoyan from Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion.

    Realizing the severe situation, Qin Haoyan raised his rm, and turned aside swiftly. The strong wind brushed against the lower hem of his robe, and hit the big tree not far away. Then, a sound of ¡®bang¡¯ came, the big tree was hollowed out with an egg-sized hole on its trunk.

    Seeing this scene, Qin Haoyan found cold sweat on his back as a result of the horror. ¡°Fortunately I have dodged quickly. Otherwise, my body would have been punched through by that internal force!¡±

    ¡°In the Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, Ouyang Shaochen is the only one who has such profound inner force right now!¡±

    Looking up at the Lord Freedom Mansion, Qin Haoyan said viciously, ¡°Heir Ouyang, I have no intention of intruding into your mansion. All I want to do is just catch the felon since she is very special and of great importance to me.¡±

    ¡°Here¡¯s Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, and you are obviously searching in the wrong ce.¡± Ouyang Shaochen lied without batting an eyelid.

    Qin Haoyan squinted and retorted with each syble stressed, ¡°She must be here since I just saw her entering with my own eyes.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± eyebrows raised, Ouyang Shaochen sneered at Qin Haoyan with imperceptible satire in his clear and melodious voice.

    ¡°I have to catch that felon.¡± Qin Haoyan lowered his voice, ¡°Heir Ouyang, are you ready to send her out, or do you want me to intrude into your mansion and do that myself?¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you are capable of breaking and entering?¡± Ouyang Shaochen sneered with sarcasm in his eyes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see, shall we?¡± Qin Haoyan said harshly with a creepy smile, ¡°Attention, guards! Get inside and catch the felon!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± All guards answered in unison, and fiercely crowded around the mansion with gleaming swords in their hands!

    ¡°How ignorant you are!¡±

    With a ruthless smile, Ouyang Shaochen flicked his jade-liked fingers gently, drawing his powerful inner force towards the guards.

    Traces of scarlet blood could be found everywhere. Guards whined and screamed miserably before dying. Streams of blood oozed from their wounds, and dyed the ground red. The thick smell of blood rapidly spread in the air.

    Standing nearby, Qin Haoyan watched those guards being struck down before they could strike, andy outside the gate of Lord Freedom Mansion in disorder. None of them could reach the threshold of the mansion!

    Seeing this, Qin Haoyan turned livid all of a sudden, and clenched his hands under his sleeves. The blue veins on the back of his hands were prominent, and his finger joints turned slightly pale.

    All of those guards were brought here from Mo Bei. Despite their powerful fighting capacity as well as richbat experience, they were all killed by Ouyang Shaochen within ten minutes.

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen!¡± roared Qin Haoyan while staring at the mansion with fury gleaming in his eyes vaguely.

    ¡°What? Prince Qin, do you want to fight with me as well?¡± Ouyang Shaochen nced at him coldly and sneered.

    Staring at the direction of Ouyang Shaochen, Qin Haoyan slightly narrowed his eyes, and remained quiet for a long time. ¡°Although I have known Ouyang Shanchen for a couple of years, I still don¡¯t know his character well. For many years, no one could acquire a peaceful end if they are against Ouyang Shaochen, which gave rise to the praise¨CHe is a unique, brilliant and foresighted genius!¡±

    ¡°Such kind of person will be a strong opponent, and will cause consequence that¡¯s beyond measure once challenged.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be an enemy of Ouyang Shaochen, yet, my sister¡¯s eyes were injured by Murong Xue, and she will be blind permanently if her eyes are not reced as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Prince Qin, why don¡¯t you say something? Does it mean that you have nothing to say?¡± Ouyang Shaochen stared at him with eyes as if a deep and clear pool.

    ¡°Heir Ouyang, are you sure you haven¡¯t seen the felon of Mo Bei?¡± Qin Haoyan asked in a lower voice, dark light shing in his eyes vaguely.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Ouyang Shaochen came up with a lie without hesitation.

    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t bother then. I¡¯ll see myself out! ¡± Qin Haoyan turned around slowly. ¡°It¡¯s unwise for me to set myself against Ouyang Shaochen since he is cunning and shrewd. I can obtain Murong Xue¡¯ eyes through other means!¡±

    ¡°He must be up to something since Qin Haoyan isn¡¯t a person who is willing to leave without any entanglement before his goal is achieved!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen smiled cantankerously and said in a cold voice, ¡°Hold on!¡±

    ¡°Anything else?¡± Qin Haoyan turned to look at him and asked, with a hint of unpleasantness shing in his vicious pupils.

    ¡°Remove all the corpses outside the gate of my mansion right away!¡± Ouyang Shaochenmanded inexorably.

    Hearing his words, Qin Haoyan raised his guard and looked at Ouyang Shaochen grimly, asking, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Prince Qin, you should take those guards away since it¡¯s you who brought them here!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said. Hearing these righteous words, Qin Haoyan turned livid. ¡°I¡¯m the noble Prince of Mo Bei, how could Ouyang Shaochen let me carry corpses? It¡¯s obviously an insult! ¡±

    ¡°I hope my steps and ground will be clear and uncluttered in an hour!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said directly. Then, he turned around, took Murong Xue¡¯s soft hand, and strode forward without looking back.

 Chapter 214 - Ouyang Shaochenâ€™s Disgust

    <h4>Chapter 214: Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s Disgust</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Qin Haoyan turned livid at the sight of the disordered corpses on the ground. Ouyang Shaochen meant that Qin should clean the ground and steps in front of the gate of Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion for it was his guards who had dirtied there. How mean and crafty he is!

    Removing dozens of corpses is no big deal. He could send for someone to do the job!

    Murong Xue looked back quietly when she was walking forward, only to find that Qin Haoyan was standing outside the gate of the mansion, talking with Wu Hen. She asked Ouyang, ¡°Is he really going to stay here and remove those corpses?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he will clean up personally, instead, he might send for his subordinates to do it.¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered softly, and turned to look at Murong Xue, ¡°How did the animosity between you and Qin Haoyan develop?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all because of Qin Yuyan ......¡± Murong Xue snorted unhappily, and immediately told Ouyang the development of the animosity between them.

    The more Ouyang Shaochen heard, the livider his face grew. He slightly narrowed his dark eyes as he thought: ¡°How could theye up with such a vicious method of gouging out Xue¡¯er¡¯s eyes and use them to cure Qin Yuyan¡¯s!¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, does such a great physician who could rece eyes through his profound medical skills even exist?¡± Murong Xue asked with a puzzled look. There are countless nerves in an eye, and each of them is very fragile. Even in the modern era with advanced medicine, corneal recement could only be aplished via sophisticated instruments.¡±

    ¡°Then, how does that great physician rece eyes without medical instruments?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said that there is indeed one, yet, only a few people have seen him. I don¡¯t know whether that rumor is true or not.¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered in a low voice with a piercing stare.

    ¡°It must be true. If not, why would Qin Haoyan be so urgent to get my eyes?¡± Murong Xue said, her eyes gleaming with hatred.

    ¡°They won¡¯t be able to gouge your eyes out even if they want to, for you are now in Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion!¡± Ouyang Shaochenforted gently. He stopped and gazed at Murong Xue whose hair was messy with a hint of disgust shing through his eyes at the sight of stins on her clothes. ¡°You look terrible, and you smell strange, so you might as well take a bath and clean up first. Everything else can wait.¡±

    Hearing his words, Murong Xue stiffened, and suddenly found that she was in the room of Ouyang Shaochen, and the smell of sludge spreading from her body smelled very strange and odorous against that of the ink-bamboo in his room.

    ¡°Fine!¡± Murong Xue red at him unhappily before she strode behind the folding screen.

    Behind the folding screen was a big bathing pool, from which hot steam rose slowly. By the side of the pool was a small table with a height of thirty centimeters, on which there were perfume, cotton bath towels and other items.

    With her ck hair unbounded, and clothes taken off, Murong Xue stepped into the bathing pool. The warmth prated into her limbs through her pores, and flowed fast in her blood, making her feel extremelyfortable.

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s eyes were scratched by her and must be reced as soon as possible. However, she is in Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, a ce hardly nobody dared to intrude into. Thus, it was impossible for Qin Yuyan to get her eyes reced, and she would be a blind princess of Mo Bei soon.

    Murong Xue thought gloatingly while faint fragrance spread to her nostrils. Feeling a bit tired, she leaned against the pool side, and fell asleep unconsciously with her eyes closed!

    Behind the folding screen, Ouyang Shaochen found that Murong Xue was fast sleep with her head on the edge. Her ck hair was down like waterfall, her pretty face was slightly reddened by the hot steam, her long eyshes cast thick shadows on her eyelids like small fans, and her beauty was invible.

 Chapter 215 - Tender Love

    <h4>Chapter 215: Tender Love</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    With pieces of red petals clustering round her delicate body, Murong Xue¡¯s shoulder and neck above the pool water were as exquisite as porcin, exuding girlish gloss and charm.

    Attracted by that scene, Ouyang Shaochen darted towards the pool and reached into the water so as to gently carry Murong Xue out of the pool.

    The slight ripples suddenly rmed Murong Xue, who rapidly opened her eyes. Finding it¡¯s Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s magnified gorgeous face, Murong Xue frowned in confusion, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°You have been bathing for two hours, so I guess I shoulde in and check on you.¡± Ouyang Shaochen took a glimpse at her and exined with great disdain in his eyes. ¡°How could she fall asleep while taking a bath? Such a careless girl!¡±

    Hearing his words, Murong Xue stretched her body, and found that the pool water had turned cold. She did have been asleep for a long time.

    ¡°Bring me the cotton towel, please!¡± Murong Xue said. With Ouyang Shaochen standing nearby, she couldn¡¯t stand up in the nude and reach for the towel.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen pulled down the cotton towel on the small table, directly supported Murong Xue up, and wrapped her as soon as her slender body emerged from the water, instead of following what she said.

    Murong Xue¡¯s plump snow-white breasts were half-hidden under the cover of the thin cotton towel, which were as alluring as the red plums that quietly blossomed on the icebergs.

    Ouyang Shaochen blinked in an unnatural way at the sight of that tempting scene before he carried her out, thinking, ¡°Thin as she is, she is not a t-chested girl.¡±

    It was quiet in the inner chamber. The golden sunshine shone through thettice window, creating a warm and sweet atmosphere.

    As soon as Ouyang Shaochen gentlyid Murong Xue on the brocade mattress, her thick and long hair spread all over. Her delicate skin gleaming with girlish gloss, her pupils sparking with innocence, as well as her naked slender neck and delicate vicle all turned into fatal attraction.

    Lust instantly crept over Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes as he witnessed that scene. He turned to the sandalwood table and poured a cup of green tea for himself.

    Murong Xue wrapped herself tightly with the cotton towel and sat up slowly. She stared at him, saying, ¡°Heir Ouyang, please find a set of clothes for me before having that cup of tea!¡±

    ¡°The clothes I wore before were no more useful since they were dirtied by sludge and smelled bad. Wrapping myself with such a big cotton towel was not a permanent solution for me.¡±

    ¡°I have sent for servants to buy clothes for you in Fragrant Clothing Pavilion. You can take my clothes as a stopgap since there are no clothes for women in my room.¡± Ouyang Shaochen exined tenderly as he picked out a set of white underclothes from the cab and threw them to Murong Xue.

    The underclothes were soft and smooth, and felt veryfortable, from which the faint smell of ink-bamboo peculiar to Ouyang Shaochen came.

    Murong Xue nodded with satisfaction. Yet, her eyebrows were furrowed as she turned her attention to Ouyang Shaochen who was still standing in front of the bed, ¡°Heir Ouyang, would you mind turning around, or getting out of the room, since I¡¯m about to put them on?¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen embarrassedly narrowed his eyes after hearing her words and turned around!

    Murong Xue was surprised at Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s obedience, and slightly raised her eyebrows. ¡°It¡¯s not easy for such a shrewd and elusive guy to follow my words without hesitation. Anyway, for the sake of my safety, I may as well take another protective measure in case of his misconduct on me!¡±

    Murong Xue smile at the thought as she pulled the thin quilt to cover her body. Under the cover of it, she quietly pulled off the cotton towel, and put on the silk underclothes.

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s underclothes was too wide and long for Murong Xue, which nearly covered her knee, making his pants unnecessary!

    Murong Xue looked up at Ouyang Shaochen, and said with a smile, ¡°Thank you for your clothes, heir Ouyang. The white pants are unnecessary for me. You can take it away.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen turned around, only to find that Murong Xue, dressed in her white underclothes, was sitting on the bed with herdelicate legs exposed, which were as long and straight as bamboo drains, gleaming pearl-liked luster in the golden sunlight.

    Ouyang Shaochen blinked embarrassedly when he saw that. He slowly stepped forward and covered her delicate long legs with the thin quilt, enjoining, ¡°Take care of yourself, Don¡¯t catch a cold!¡±

    However, Murong Xue didn¡¯t take it seriously. ¡°It¡¯s summer now. I won¡¯t catch a cold! But why do I still feel a bit drowsy? I just woke up!¡± ¡°Is there any ice in your room?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes, there was, but I asked the servants to take them out before you entered. Oh, do you feel ufortable?¡± said Ouyang Shaochen softly as he looked up at her.

    ¡°No, I just feel a little cold!¡± Murong Xue said feebly.

    ¡°Cold?¡± Ouyang Shaochen asked with a puzzled look. Then, he carefully gazed at Murong Xue who was sitting in bed with her arms folded, and found her slender body trembling slightly, and her face blushing.

    After thinking for a moment, Ouyang Shaochen softly touched Murong Xue¡¯s forehead with his jade-liked palm. His brows knitted at the abnormal high temperature spreading from his palm. ¡°It¡¯s a symptom of cold. But it¡¯s summer now, how did she gratuitously catch a cold?¡±

    ¡°Eh-hem, eh-hem!¡± Murong Xue coughed heavily in a slightly hoarse voice. Her lips were no longer as moist as before. A strand of ck hair scattered and blocked her vision. Murong Xue smoothed them to the back of her ear, exposing a long wound as her left sleeve unwittingly slipped into the crook of her arm along her delicate skin.

    Peering at the morbid color of her wound, Ouyang Shaochen became nervous and asked, ¡°Has your wound been exposed to water?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Murong Xue nodded. She must hide her whole body under the pool water while dodging the search of those guards, therefore, the wound on her left arm was inevitably soaked in water.

    ¡°Water causes the deterioration of your wound, as well as your high fever.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said seriously. He took out a small porcin bottle and enjoined softly as he cautiously sprinkled medicine powder on her wound before bandaging it, ¡°The sword wound is very deep, so don¡¯t go anywhere near water before it is recovered, otherwise, you¡¯ll suffer from fever again.¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Murong Xue nodded torpidly. ¡°My wound wouldn¡¯t have deteriorated this time if it weren¡¯t for Ye Yichen¡¯s plot. I won¡¯t be so careless again!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen ended the bandaging by tying a rapid knot with his jade-liked fingers. He looked at Murong Xue with a serious look, saying, ¡°You must take some febrifuge. I¡¯ll ask servants to decoct it for you.¡±

    ¡°No! I won¡¯t take that.¡± Murong Xue hurriedly refused. The decoction was too bitter for her to tolerate.¡±

    Hearing her refuse, Ouyang Shaochen frowned in disapproval, and persuaded, ¡°You have caught a severe cold, which made your forehead as hot as mes and will destroy your sense after several hours if you don¡¯t take medicine!¡±

    ¡°But that bitter decoction really disgusts me.¡± Murong Xue knitted her brows unhappily and looked at Ouyang Shaochen with an innocent look on her face. Teased by her expression, Ouyang Shaochen imperceptibly curved his lips, and said in apromising stand, ¡°Okay, you can take pills as an alternative.¡±

 Chapter 216 - Calamity

    <strong>Chapter 216: Cmity</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    He reached out his jade-liked hand to Murong Xue, and there were two dark brown pills lying still in his palm.

    He knew that she did not like medical decoction, so he specially asked his subordinates to make them into pills. Unexpectedly, they came in handy today!

    Although the pills were a little bitter, they were much better than the bitter decoction. Murong Xue took a long sign of relief and stared at Ouyang Shaochen with displeasure. Why not tell her earlier that there were pills?

    She took a pill and put it into her mouth. Murong Xue frowned at the bitter taste, and she did not savor it anymore but swallowed the pill directly. Then she stretched out for the ss of warm water in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s hand and took a few sips, diluting the bitterness in her mouth.

    The breeze blew into the room through the half-opened window, bringing a faint stream of hot air. Murong Xue felt a bit cold and ufortable still. She felt limb and weak, and her eyelids were too heavy, making it hard for her to open her eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯d better have a rest for a while. I will call you when we are ready to have dinner.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly, gently helped her lie in bed, and then pulled the thin quilt to cover her body.

    ¡°Fine!¡± Murong Xue nodded stiffly and closed her eyes. She did not sleep wellst night and drain her strengthrgely just now. She was also running a high fever, so she really needed to rest.

    After a while, there was a sound of steady breathinging from the bed. Ouyang Shaochen watched her face with a smile on his face. He carefully tucked her in again and caressed her forehead with his jade-liked hand, finding that her body temperature had turned lower.

    The almost inaudible wind came through, and a purple slender figure suddenly appeared in the room!

    Ouyang Shaochen sat by the bed and did not even nce at him before he said indifferently: ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure?¡±

    Hearing his casual tone, Ye Yichen frowned. ¡°I came here for Murong Xue.¡±

    ¡°And then you will take her back to that mansion, gouge her eyes out to rece Qin Yuyan¡¯s.¡± Ouyang Shaochen interrupted unceremoniously with slight contempt in his obsidian-like eyes!

    Ye Yichen immediately denied: ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°If not, you wouldn¡¯t have guided Xue¡¯er into that mansion and let those guards chase her.¡± Ouyang Shaochen nced at him with undisguised contempt and disdain in his eyes.

    Ye Yichen turned sullen and he snapped: ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, mind your own business.¡±

    ¡°Why would I bother if it weren¡¯t for your mean and despicable ways of treating Xue?¡± Ouyang Shaochen leered at him with contempt. Ye Yichen was famous for his outstanding military achievements, while the only reason that he knew Ye was Murong Xue. Even their first encounter a few years ago was because of her.

    ¡°It¡¯s noisy.¡± Murong Xue vaguely heard the quarrel, but she could not open her eyes due to her heavy eyelids. She frowned and murmured discontentedly. Then she pulled the quilt to cover her ears and unconsciously fell asleep again.

    The flush on Murong Xue¡¯s small face were gradually disappeared along with the fever. Her looked slightly pale and her long eyshes were like butterfly wings, casting shadows on her eyelids. Seeing her calm and quiet sleeping face, Ye Yichen¡¯s expression turned gloomy.

    Ouyang Shaochen was the first one she could ever think of when bad things happen. Even her sleep was sound when staying in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s room and lying in his bed.

    Ouyang Shaochen leaned gently to block Ye Yichen¡¯s vision, saying indifferently: ¡°Xue¡¯er got injured and she¡¯s running a high fever. She will live in my mansion recently. There is no need for Prince Jing to care about her. Please go back!¡± He did not intend to talk much with Ye Yichen and Xue¡¯er thought it was noisy, so he intended to expel Ye Yichen instantly.

    Ye Yichen stood still, and then gave Ouyang Shaochen a piercing stare. It seemed he wanted to see through him and Murong Xue behind him.

    ¡°So? Do you still n to sacrifice Xue¡¯er by all means in order to let your lover recover her sight?¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at Ye Yichen with undisguised irony shing in his dark eyes.

    ¡°I never meant to sacrifice her.¡± Ye Yichen looked gloomy, stressing each word.

    ¡°Does Prince Jing think it is fair to gouge out the eyes of Xue¡¯er and let her pay your debt? And then you will marry her and take care of her for the rest of your life. Is that loving her or cherishing her?¡±

    ¡°The way that Prince Jing loves someone is too special for others topliment. Normal girls would be too frightened to ept your passionate love.¡±

    The undisguised sarcastic voice of Ouyang Shaochen floated in the air, making Ye Yichen frown. He just wanted Yuyan to recover her sight so that she could return to Mo Bei. As for Xue¡¯er, he could take care of her for the whole life. In this way, all of them could get happiness. Wasn¡¯t it a good way to satisfy both sides? Why did she object so vehemently?

    ¡°Prince Jing, it¡¯s toote now, you should go back!¡± Seeing Ye Yichen standing still and thinking about something with his gloomy eyes, Ouyang Shaochen frowned and unceremoniously ordered his guest to leave.

    Ye Yichen looked somber and looked up slowly to Ouyang Shaochen, stressing the words: ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, I like Xue¡¯er. I will never give up easily.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen sneered with disdain, ¡°It¡¯s better if Prince Jing solves the matter of Qin Yuyan first!¡±

    A rumbling sound rang, and the houses of the mansion trembled slightly and there were mes rising to the sky in the northwest.

    Ye Yichen¡¯s raised his rm, for that was the direction of Yuyan¡¯s house!

    He looked askance at Ouyang Shaochen with coldness bursting out from his piercing eyes, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, what have you done?¡±

    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Prince Jing go back and see for yourself?¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied with insouciance.

    Ye Yichen nced at Murong Xue who was lying in bed, and then turned to look at the ze in the northwest. He slightly narrowed his eyes when he carefully weighed the pros and cons. After that, he waved his sleeves, turned around and walked out in strides without looking back.

    Ouyang Shaochen sneered. He had engaged with Murong Xue ten years ago and was absolutely a step ahead. But he did not know how to cherish her and even pushed her away mercilessly. Now he still wanted to keep her in such a despicable way despite what he had done to her. How stupid!

    He would never allow Ye Yichen to get close to Xue¡¯er! This ignorant little girl could only belong to him.

    Under the golden sunshine, the zing fire was burning and the me almost engulfed the whole mansion. Maids and servants were carrying buckets of water and pouring it towards the fire. But it was dried in the blink of an eye and didn¡¯t help at all.

 Chapter 217 - Blind for the Rest of Her Life

    <strong>Chapter 217: Blind for the Rest of Her Life</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Qin Yuyan rushed out stumblingly with the help of two maids. There were sparks on her gorgeous dress; more than half of her ck hair was burnt; and her beautiful face stained by the smoke. She was in such a mess.

    Qin Haoyan came over hurriedly. Looking at the burning mansion, he said with a sullen look, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°We have no idea, either.¡± The maids shook their heads and replied tremblingly: While they were serving Princess Qin, the house suddenly exploded. Fortunately, they managed to escape. Otherwise, they would have been burnt into charred corpses.

    The fire zed across the sky, burning people¡¯s faces painfully. Qin Haoyan squinted his evil eyes slightly, trying to figure out what had happened. There were many guards inside and outside the mansion, and it was impossible for ordinary people to blow the mansion without being noticed. This must have been done by a master.

    Could it be... Ouyang Shaochen! After all, he liked Murong Xue. It wouldn¡¯t be a surprise if Murong Xue, who was bullied by them, asked him to avenge her!

    ¡°Brother, my dear brother...¡± Hearing Qin Haoyan¡¯s voice, Qin Yuyan was pleasantly surprised. She reached out to grab his arm, and asked anxiously, ¡°Murong Xue... Where is Murong Xue... Did you catch her?¡±

    Seeing her anxious look, Qin Haoyan rolled his eyes awkwardly as he apologized: ¡°Sister, I¡¯m sorry. Murong Xue had entered Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, so I failed.¡±

    ¡°What? You didn¡¯t catch her!¡±

    Qin Yuyan stiffened with her heart filled with anxiety, and she said incoherently, ¡°What then? What should we do now?¡± She sacrificed her eyes to rescue Yichen, but it did not mean that she really wanted to be blind.

    ¡°Just calm down, sis.¡± Qin Haoyan held Qin Yuyan¡¯s arm andforted her. ¡°I have arranged spies around Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion. As soon as Murong Xuees out, I will catch her and have your eyes reced.¡±

    ¡°When will shee out? My eyes can¡¯t wait!¡± Qin Yuyan said in panic. She suddenly felt great pain in her eyes and screamed miserably. Covering them with her hand, she whined in pain, ¡°My eyes... It hurts, it hurts... ¡±

    ¡°Doctor, she needs help now!¡± Qin Haoyan became worried, and he ordered the doctor immediately. Qin Yuyan was seriously injured, so he hired a doctor who specialized in ophthalmology to take care of her.

    ¡°Here I am!¡± The doctor rushed inside. He pushed aside Qin Yuyan¡¯s hand at full tilt, only to see that her eyes had be two small pits which are badly mutted with white foam on the edge.

    ¡°It¡¯s... purulent!¡± The doctor raised his voice in surprise.

    ¡°Purulent? Did my sister¡¯s injury deteriorate again?¡± Qin Haoyan frowned fiercely.

    ¡°It¡¯s more serious than a slight injury deterioration. Princess Qin¡¯s eyeballs arepletely damaged. The fine membranes around the eyeballs are all affected by the injury and many of them are destroyed. Even if a highly-skilled doctor is here to rece her eyes, I¡¯m afraid she won¡¯t be able to see anything.¡± The doctor said in a low voice, and he looked serious.

    Qin Yuyan¡¯s mind went nk in an instant, and the doctor¡¯s voice echoed in her ears: Her eyeballs werepletely damaged. She was going to be blind forever. She was hopeless!

    ¡°Ah!¡± Qin Yuyan screamed desperately, and her miserable voice prated the clouds, resounding in the sky.

    ¡°Princess!¡± Two maids came over quickly, trying tofort her.

    Qin Haoyan frowned even more fiercely, and there were doubts in his anxious eyes. ¡°Her eyes have been treated with medicine, and they were supposed to be fine for a few days. How could the injury suddenly deteriorate?¡± The injury deteriorated so severely that it even destroyed the intact nerves, making herpletely blind.

    ¡°It was because of the fire caused by the explosion. The fire was so fierce that the temperature around became extremely high, which reduced the medicine effect and elerated the deterioration of the injury!¡± The doctor said word by word.

    ¡°Murong Xue, it must have been Murong Xue. She didn¡¯t want to sacrifice her eyes for me, so she intended to destroy mine, making the surgery unnecessary. How ruthless she is! What a vicious n!¡± Qin Yuyan gritted her teeth and said. Her shouts prated the clouds, resounding in the sky. ¡°Murong Xue, you are so dead!¡±

    Ye Yichen stood nearby, looking at Qin Yuyan who was almost mad. The look on his face was unfathomable. This was Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s purpose. He wanted to destroy Yuyan¡¯s eyes, so that she could no longer have them reced and could only live in the dark, suffering for the rest of her life. Ouyang Shaochen was indeed a devious man.

    The news reached Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, making Ouyang Shaochen sneer. More than ten packets of gunpowder set off by his men in the courtyard only caused Qin Yuyan¡¯s permanent blindness. She was really lucky to have survived the explosion.

    ¡°Your Highness, do you want me to... ¡± Saying in a low voice, Wu Hen made a gesture of killing.

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. To live in the dark for the rest of her life is also a torture for Qin Yuyan!¡± Ouyang Shaochen squinted. Death was not scary, living in hell is! Given that she had the courage to hurt Murong Xue, the price he made her pay should be considered merciful.

    ¡°Shaochen!¡± A pleasing female voice rang in the inner room, with a trace of hoarseness indicating that she had just woke up.

    Wu Hen left tactfully.

    Ouyang Shaochen lifted the curtain and went into the inner room. He saw Murong Xue sit up, holding the quilt. Her ck hair was slightly messy, and her dark eyes were wandering. At the moment she saw him, her face lit up, and she asked, ¡°What¡¯s time is it now?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about 1 p.m.¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered.

    Murong Xue frowned gently: ¡°The lunch time has passed. Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡±

    Without a proper meal for two days, she was starving at the moment.

    ¡°You were sound asleep, so I didn¡¯t wake you.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said. Looking at her increasingly gloomy face, he smiled gently. ¡°All the food is being heated in the kitchen. Get dressed and you can have some.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Murong Xue¡¯s eyes brightened. She got out of bed, picked up her snow-cyan dress, and quickly walked behind the screen.

    The rustling sound of getting dressed came from behind the screen. Ouyang Shaochen lowered his voice, ¡°Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan are hiding in the dark and nning to catch you. It is safer for you to live in Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion recently.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Murong Xue nodded. The guards of The Country-guarding Marquis¡¯s Mansion were average in martial arts, and they wouldn¡¯t be able to protect her from the attack of Prince Jing¡¯s guards.

    Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion had guards with powerful martial skills, who were as good as that of Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion. Furthermore, Ouyang Shaochen lived inside. So Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan weren¡¯t capable of breaking in. It was really safe for her to live here. But she wanted to go back to fetch something.

 Chapter 218 - A Letter To Announce Divorce

    <strong>Chapter 218: A Letter To Announce Divorce</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Consider it done!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± he continued after a short period of silence.

    ¡°Sure!¡± Murong Xue nodded. With Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan casting covetous eyes on her, she couldn¡¯t defend herself all on her own, however, she would be totally safe with Ouyang Shaochen as herpany.

    Before long, Murong Xue walked out from behind the screen in a pale blue dress. Her dress, on which there were beautiful butterflies seemingly dancing in the air, suited her very much, as if tailored perfectly based on her size.

    The servants took in a dozen of dishes whose delicious aroma would make her mouth watery, upying almost half of the table.

    After finishing her meal rapidly and gracefully, Murong Xue left for the Country-Guarding Marquis Mansion.

    Though still at a distance, she could see arge group of people crowding at the entrance. What happened? Murong Xue frowned in confusion.

    She hurried forward and wedged herself in the forefront of the crowd. The butler of Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion, standing at the gate with a letter in his hand, read rhythmically, ¡°Murong Rou, Song Tianwen¡¯s wife was so shameless that she adulterated with another man and got herself pregnant. In order to keep the scandal a secret, she plotted to burn her husband dead, as well as persecuting an innocent woman along with her child...¡±

    ¡°Is this...Song Tianwen¡¯s petition or his letter to announce divorce?¡± Murong Xue muttered.

    ¡°It should be the letter to announce divorce. If it were a petition, he should have read it at Shuntian Hall,¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered calmly.

    ¡°Why is he announcing it now?¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrows.

    ¡°I heard that Song Tianwen has just woken up.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said.

    Murong Xue nodded understandingly. As soon as Song Tianwen woke up, he asked the butler to send the letter here.

    Others would present the letter in their own rooms to save face for their wives.

    While Song Tianwen actually ordered the butler to read the letter in public at the gate of the mansion, publishing Murong Rou¡¯s affairs and evil deeds to ruin her reputationpletely.

    ¡°How cruel Murong Rou is to kill an innocent child!¡±

    ¡°Indeed! Even though he is an illegitimate son, she shouldn¡¯t have been so merciless.¡±

    ¡°Exactly! As a mother herself, isn¡¯t she afraid of the retribution?¡±

    ¡°She has already been punished with her miscarriage this time!¡±

    Although everyone had learned about the various conflicts between Murong Rou and Song Tianwen, they were still infuriated after hearing Song Tianwen¡¯s usation of her murdering the child in such a malicious way.

    Being pleased by the spectators¡¯ reproach resounding in the air, the butler of the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion raised his voice unconsciously, ¡°Murong Rou, being malicious and vicious, is no longer the wife of Song Tianwen. Her name will be eliminated from the genealogy of the Songs. The Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion will share no rtionship with this malevolent bitch from now on.¡±

    Sharing no rtionship with her any longer? It seemed that Song Tianwen was bearing a great gr xudge against Murong Rou. If the letter weren¡¯t to be read in public, he would certainly add the following words therein, ¡°I intend to drink her blood and chew her flesh.¡±

    ¡°My daughter Song Qingyan, as the princess of the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion, must be brought back by the butler when he finishes reading, in case she is ruined by this evil woman!¡± As soon as the butler uttered thest word, he folded the letter before giving it to Murong Rou¡¯s personal maid standing next to him.

    Ignoring the maid¡¯s livid face in anger, the butler stepped into the gate as he said with a smile, ¡°Your Highness, please return to the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion with me.¡±

    It was not until then did Murong Xue notice that Song Qingyan was sitting inside the yard, with her lean body slightly shuddering and her face as pallid as a piece of paper. ording to the servant, she was supposed to be meeting the guests sent by her father given her mother¡¯s serious injury.

    It was beyond her expectation that her father actually sent the letter to announce divorce, scolding her mother for being a vicious and licentious woman, even intending to take her from the Country-Guarding Marquis¡¯ Mansion.

    ¡°Mdy, it is gettingte, so pleasee with me now.¡± The butler couldn¡¯t help raising his voice to remind Song Qingyan, who was sitting nkly beside the gate.

    Song Qingyan said coldly while staring at the butler, ¡°How can I leave my mother when she is seriously injured at the moment? Just tell my father I will return as soon as she recovers.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t do that, mdy. The marquis has emphasized that you, as the princess, must return with me today!¡± Sensing the meaningful nce of the butler, two maids stepped forward and grasped Song Qingyan by the arms and dragged her outside in a hurry.

    Despite her utmost effort to struggle, Song Qingyan still couldn¡¯t escape. She red at them while shouting in rage, ¡°What do you think you are doing? How dare you offend me?¡±

    ¡°Sorry, mdy, we are just following order!¡± The maids answered without any expression on their faces while dragging her forward with long strides.

    Being angry and worried, Song Qingyan screamed in frustration, ¡°Help...Help...¡±

    Staring at each other, all the people present decided to keep their fingers off.

    Staring at Song Qingyan fading into the crowd, Murong Xue frowned slightly. Forcing his daughter to abandon her mother, it seemed that Murong Rou had be Song Tianwen¡¯s mortal enemy.

    Dragged to the wagon by two strong maids, Song Qingyan looked around in extreme concern until she caught a familiar slim figure. A wisp of gleam was shing in her eyes. ¡°My darling elder sister Xue¡¯er, help me, please!¡±

    Elder sister Xue¡¯er? Wasn¡¯t she Murong Xue, the princess of the Country-Guarding Marquis¡¯ Mansion?

    Everyone fixed their eyes on Murong Xue with curiosity.

    Murong Xue sneered. How smart Song Qingyan was to implicate her under suchplex circumstance. Why did she have to carry the ball obediently?

 Chapter 219 - The Visit of Minister Xie

    <strong>Chapter 219: The Visit of Minister Xie</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Murong Xue raised her head to stare at Song Qingyan as she answered causally, ¡°Since Marquis Song is your father, I¡¯m not in a position to stop him from taking you back...¡±

    ¡°My mother is seriously injured. She asked me to extend my stay at the Marquis¡¯ Mansion to look after her. I can¡¯t leave like this.¡± Song Qingyan raved out her grief with her eyes full of misery.

    Untouched by her words, Murong Xue said slowly, ¡°So just let me send someone for your mother and see what she can do.¡±

    ¡°She is badly injured and totally impossible to walk on her own.¡± Song Qingyan was almost reduced to tears.

    Ignoring her sadness, Murong Xue said emotionlessly, ¡°Then I will inform your grandmother, uncle and aunt, who, as elders, have the right to decide whether you should stay here...¡±

    Given that the couple had turned against each other, they would surely have a ferocious fight over their only daughter with both open and secret means. However, Murong Xue had no intention of involving herself in the dispute.

    ¡°Grandma is staying in bed for she is not feeling well. Both my uncle and aunt are out now....¡± Song Qingyan put on a pitiable look, for Murong Xue was herst hope.

    Was it a coincidence? Nobody would stand out when Song Qingyan was in great trouble. Were they nning to shift the responsibility onto her and watch her fightagainst Song Tiawen? That could only be their wishful thinking!

    ¡°Though being your cousin, I am still a junior here in the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯s Mansion. Isn¡¯t it disrespectful if I help you against his will? But I also understand that aunt also needs yourpany and she will be sad once you left. What about I send someone to invite them here to settle things?¡± Murong Xue said smilingly with a hint of contempt shing in her eyes.

    Song Qingyan turned livid in an instant. When had Murong Xue ever showed her respect to those she had just mentioned? Having seen her ruthlessness, Song would never use the word ¡®respect¡¯ in the same sentence with Murong¡¯s name. It was obvious that she didn¡¯t want to lend a hand.

    She would never let Murong Xue obtain what she wanted so easily!

    With a wisp of cold gleam shing in her eyes, Song Qingyan let out a cry, ¡°Grandma and mum...¡±

    ¡°No matter how serious their illnesses are, they will surely help you. It¡¯s not so far from the inner chamber to the gate. They cane by sedan chairs. Don¡¯t worry, just wait here for me.¡±

    Murong Xue interrupted her with a smile before stepping into the Marquis¡¯ Mansion gracefully. The butler¡¯s voice rang behind her, ¡°It¡¯s toote. Please help thedy board out wagon and return to the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The two sturdy maids answered before lifting Song Qingyan up and tucking her into the wagon.

    Murong Xue had made it clear that she had no intention of meddling in Murong Rou and her ex-husband¡¯s entanglement. They can take Song Qingyan back and report on the fulfillment of their duty!

    Song Qingyan slumped into the carriage, her arms hurting badly. She clutched the curtain and screamed in panic, ¡°What are you doing? Let me down.¡±

    Turning a deaf ear to her words, the butler sat on the forefront of the wagon and whipped the horses¡¯ bottom harshly. With a sharp neigh, the wagon shot forward as if an arrow. Song Qingyan¡¯s scream resounded in the wind, ¡°Help...Please...¡±

    The gathering people let out a sigh in helplessness. As the princess of the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion, it was well-reasoned for her toe back to her father. Her mother was the one who hadmitted the most heinous of crimes. Marquis Wu¡¯an would neither scold nor beat her. Why would she overreact?

    Being abandoned formitting adultery and murder, Murong Rou would surely ruin her daughter¡¯s reputation. Song Qingyan¡¯s overreaction was probably due to her fear of being sneered by her rtives at the Wu¡¯an Marquis¡¯ Mansion. It was, after all, none of Murong Xue¡¯s business.

    The guards and menservants at the gate then would undoubtedly report it to Madam Du, which would save her the concern.

    Murong Xue was entertaining the thought while she stepped into the Falling Snow Pavilion along the path paved by gstones.

    The two maids, Hong Xiu and An Xiang were busy cleaning the yard. They stopped to make a curtsy to Murong Xue at the sight of her.

    Murong Xue nodded before entering the inner chamber. She took out a sandalwood case from the concealed drawer. As long as the case, containing the title deeds, keys to the warehouse and bank notes, was with her, there would be nothing to worry about.

    Murong Xue put the case on the chair with a smile before turning to open the closet, from which she took out arge cloth-wrapper and unraveled it on the desk.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Standing nearby, Ouyang Shaochen stared at her in confusion.

    ¡°Taking a change of clothes.¡± Murong Xue answered casually. As it was turning increasingly warm, she would at least take two baths per day. It was necessary for her to bring enough clothes.

    ¡°I have sent a servant to buy a dozen of dresses from the Yixiang Pavilion, which should suffice.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said emotionlessly.

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue raised her head.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said as he put the cloth-wrapper back into the closet and closed the door. ¡°I have also prepared several sets of jewelries. You¡¯ll need nothing except the sandalwood case. Everything you want is awaiting in Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Murong Xue nodded. The items in Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion were definitely not worse than her own. She might as well use the ones that Ouyang Shaochen had prepared for her.

    Murong Xue leaned slightly forward to pick up the box and was ready to leave when she heard words of reproach, ¡°Liufeng, what are you doing here in Xue¡¯er¡¯s yard?¡±

    ¡°I have something to discuss with her.¡± Mu Liufeng said casually with imperceptible enchantment in his voice.

    ¡°You should have sent the visiting application in advance and stepped into the yard in public after the permission is granted, rather than sneaking in like a thief.¡±

    With the words of reproach resounding in his ear, Mu liufeng directly ignored the me. ¡°Imagine how long it would take to send the visiting application and wait for the reply. Murong Xue and I are good friends. Why can¡¯t I just fly inside without thoseplicated ceremonies?¡±

    Murong Xue looked up as she saw Mu Liufeng and another middle-aged man stepping in one after another. The man d in a ck silk robe was handsome with his eyes twinkling like stars in the night sky. It was Minister Xie!

    Murong Xue winked in confusion. ¡°Minister Xie, may I ask why you are here?¡±

 Chapter 220 - The Mysterious Shadow Guards

    <strong>Chapter 220: The Mysterious Shadow Guards</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Nothing serious.¡± Minister Xie shook his head before taking a nce at Mu Liufeng. ¡°I saw him flying into your room stealthily from the yard. In case he would hurt you, I hurried in to have a look.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®stealthily¡¯? I flied into the room aboveboard, okay? The guards, poor practitioner in martial arts, are too foolish to notice me...¡± Mu Liufeng, with his eyes zing with anger, argued for himself with justice.

    Murong Xue rolled her eyes in helplessness before cutting in with a wave, ¡°What do you want?¡± He surely would not stop talking if she did nothing.

    ¡°I heard that Ye Yichen has colluded with Qin Haoyan, in order to plot against you. Is there something I can do?¡± Mu Liufeng chuckled, his peach-blossom-like eyes sparkling.

    Wasn¡¯t it shameful that two powerful men of high social status was plotting against a helpless orphan? She held them in great contempt when hearing the news from the Invisible Guards...

    Murong Xue chuckled. ¡°Thanks for your kindness, Prince Mu. The troubles caused by Qin Yuyan have almost been settled. I don¡¯t need your help for the moment...¡±

    ¡°It seems that I came toote...¡± Mu Liufeng sighed heavily, a gleam of frustration flickering in his eyes. ¡°If I know you need any help in the future, I will exert myself to lend a hand without the faintest hesitation...¡±

    ¡°Enough! There are shadow guds to protect Xue¡¯er, a group of top-level practitioners in martial arts, who are surely able to defend against Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan¡¯s collusion. There is no need for your assistance...¡± Minister Xie suddenly interrupted, a wisp of contempt shing in his eyes.

    Murong Xue was stunned. ¡°Shadow Guards? Who are they?¡±

    ¡°The guards hiding in the darkness responsible for protecting you,¡± Minister Xie exined gently.

    ¡°You took them here?¡± Murong Xue looked askance at Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°Only Xun Feng,¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered without emotionlessly before making a strange gesture in the air with his fingers. Upon hearing the sound, Xun Feng suddenly appeared behind his master from nowhere.

    Mu Liufeng stared at Minister Xie with his shining eyes in admiration. ¡°You actually detected the Invisible Guard hiding around. What a master in martial arts...¡±

    As Invisible Guards, they must practice a quite special skill of keeping themselves invisible. Even a leading practitioner in martial arts could not detect their existence. Minister Xie was a truly master...

    Looking back at Xun Feng, Mu Liufeng crowed over. ¡°Xun Feng, you should promote your invisibility skill...Don¡¯t ck off...¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean the Invisible Guards of the Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, but the ones of the Marquis Mansion!¡± Having observed something wrong, Minister Xie stared at Murong Xue while uttering the words emphatically.

    ¡°There are no Invisible Guards at the Marquis Mansion.¡± Murong Xue shook her head. Having lived at the Marquis Mansion for such a long time, she would certainly have observed them if they did exist.

    ¡°Impossible!¡± Minister Xie denied by shaking his head in resoluteness. ¡°Fifteen years ago, one hundred men were trained as top-level Invisible Guards under the guidance of your father, all of whom were not only able to travel over a thousand miles overnight without being noticed, but also sneaking into enemies¡¯ camp before decapitating the leaders secretly. That¡¯s why they were called Shadow Guards...¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not exaggerating?¡± Mu Liufeng widened his eyes in astonishment. The Invisible Guards of the Duke Cheng¡¯s Mansion were merely responsible for protecting the family members, inquiring about information, and attending some skirmishes. None of them had participated in military actions.

    ¡°This group of Shadow Guards were originally trained to join the battle, so they were much more powerful than themon Invisible Guards. Your father was the only leader...¡± Minister Xie murmured while staring at Murong Xue with a solemn look on his face.

    ¡°But I have never met even one single shadow guard in the mansion. Could it be that they have been dismissed when my father passed away?¡± There was a wisp of dark gleam in Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. Since the leader had died, it was reasonable enough for them to disband.

    ¡°It¡¯s out of the question.¡± Minister Xie shook his head. ¡°The invisible guards are famous for their loyalty. After your father¡¯s death, you or your elder brother would inherit his title as the next leader. It waspletely impossible for them to disband...¡±

    With her eyebrows knitted tightly, Murong Xue waspletely sure that there were no Shadow Guards around her, neither was there anyone around Murong Ye. Then where did they go on earth?

    It was better that they had disbanded. If they were in the charge of someone evil, it would be a disaster for the entire country.

    Suddenly, a figure appeared in Murong Xue¡¯s mind. ¡°Hong Xiu, send for Uncle Hui at once!¡± She ordered in a hurry. Uncle Hui, once the subordinate of Murong Yue in the army, had worked as a butler in the Marquis¡¯ Mansion for decades. As the trusted follower of Murong Yue, he may had some insights.

    Not before long, Uncle Hui came over behind Hong Xiu. ¡°Lady, I heard there is something you want to ask me.¡± He paid respects to Murong Xue by bowing.

    Murong Xue nodded and stared at Ge Hui expressionlessly. ¡°Uncle Hui, have you ever heard of the Shadow Guards trained by my father?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I have.¡± Ge Hui nodded frankly. ¡°The marquis meant to involve me in the training, but I was injured, which disqualified me from the invisibility skill!¡±

    A gleam shed across Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. ¡°Then have you got any idea of the Shadow Guards¡¯ whereabouts now?¡±

    Ge Hui shook his head. ¡°I have no idea. Since I was badly wounded, I had no chance to go to the battlefield or contact with the Shadow Guards. However, as far as I know, except for the marquis himself, there was a token which can muster the Shadow Guards ...¡±

    ¡°Token? What token?¡± There was a wisp of cold gleam in Murong Xue¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s an object made under themand of the marquis in order to deploy the guards more easily. Whoever holds the token would be the leader of the Shadow Guards. As for what it looks like, I have never seen it before...¡± Ge Hui said in a low voice, his eyes gleaming. ¡°The body of the Marquis was transported back to the mansion. There were nothing else with him except for a jade pendant and a sword.¡±

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows before asking tentatively, ¡°Were the sword and the jade buried with my father?¡±

    Following the tradition, the favourite things of the dead would be put in the coffin and buried together in the tomb.

    ¡°No!¡± Ge Hui shook his head. ¡°As madam¡¯s order, the sword and jade were left to the Younger Marquis. He took them to the battlefield in the morning...¡±

    It dawned on Murong Xue that the jade and sword, kept by Murong Ye for as long as a decade, had nothing to do with the Shadow Guards, because there hadn¡¯t been a single guard turning up since her father¡¯s death. ¡°Maybe the token had already been lost on the battlefield...¡±

 Chapter 221 - Full of Cunning Tricks

    <strong>Chapter 221: Full of Cunning Tricks</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°It might have been taken by someone!¡± Ouyang Shaochen suddenly said with a piercing gaze. The invisible guards were all-conquering and invincible. They were ever-triumphant on the battlefield, so it was inevitable that people would be attracted.

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Murong Xue nodded in agreement as she looked up at Prime Minister Xie: ¡°Do Your Excellency know who else might know about the shadow guards of my father?¡±

    ¡°It was just Duke Cheng, your grandfather and I. As for others, I¡¯m not so sure.¡± Prime Minister Xie said in a low voice.

    Murong Xue slightly narrowed her eyes with a gleam shing across them. Her grandfather, the Prime Minister Xie, and Duke Cheng were all civil officials and had been staying in the capital all the time. But the token of Murong Yue was missed on the battlefield. ¡°Who were the generals with my father at that time?¡±

    Prime Minister Xie recalled carefully: ¡°It seems to be General Lu, General Qi, and the senior Prince Jing...¡±

    ¡°Was the senior Prince Jing included?¡± Murong Xue was absorbed in thought.

    Prime Minister Xie merely said: ¡°Um, the scale of the battle was quiterge. The two countries dispatched as many as four hundred thousand to half a million soldiers and the emperor asked your father to join the battle along with the senior Prince Jing. In thest one, your father died, and the senior Prince Jing was also seriously injured. But they won in the end.¡±

    ¡°General Lu and General Qi were not seriously injured, but they were badly wounded in a battle a few yearster. After that, they took off their armor and went home. And they have been living in the mansions close to the outskirts of the capital all this time!¡±

    Murong Xue nodded: ¡°I see, so I need a n to find out where the shadow guards are.¡±

    It was not that she did not believe the senior Prince Jing and the other two. Instead, after Murong Yue¡¯s death, they had the easiest ess to Murong Yue¡¯s body, which made them prime suspects.

    ¡°What¡¯s your n?¡± Mu Liufeng peered at her with sparkling eyes, as if looking forward to hearing her strategy.

    ¡°You will find out soon.¡± Murong Xue smiled unfathomably.

    In the meantime, Murong Rou was lying in bed at the Garden of Tenderness, gnashing her teeth with hatred: ¡°Song Tianwen not only asked his butler to read the letter of divorce in public, but also employed such a despicable way to take Qingyan back to the Mansion of Marquis Wu¡¯an. He was obviously insulting me. He had gone too far this time!¡±

    And Murong Xue was so intelligent and formidable that it was easy for her to send the butler of the Marquis Wu¡¯an away and keep Qingyan. But she did not say or do anything, she just watched Qingyan being taken away. How abominable!

    ¡°The letter of divorce has been read, and Qingyan have been taken away. What¡¯s the point in saying these now?¡± Murong Jian stood in the middle of the room and looked down at Murong Rou with a trace of impatience in his eyes.

    ¡°Song Tianwen has regained consciousness. You mutted him by injuring him so badly, he would never let you go easily. Writing the letter of divorce and robbing your daughter were just the start. There must be more tricks awaiting. You¡¯d better figure out how to deal with him first.

    Murong Rou gnashed her teeth inwardly. Song Tianwen was a marquis of the second-ss. Although he did not have real power, he had potential force. If he decided to retaliate against her crazily, as a vulnerable woman, she would be miserable no matter how capable she was.

    ¡°If only the invisible guards that were trained by Murong Yue fall in our hands!¡± By that time, let alone Song Tianwen, even ten more of him would bearparison with the invisible guards.

    ¡°Does Murong Yue really have a group of formidable invisible guards?¡± Murong Jian could not fully believe it. He had heard Murong Rou mention those guards more than once. And she said they were all-conquering and invincible, which were miraculous beyond belief.

    ¡°It¡¯s absolutely true. I heard Murong Yue telling Madam Shen that he had trained those guards, mainly to protect Madam Shen, Murong Ye and Murong Xue when he was out on the battlefield.¡±

    Murong Rou said lightly with undisguised irony shing in her eyes. Murong Yue had tried his best to protect his vulnerable wife and kids. However, the fact was that he died in a battle while his gentle and beautiful wife was buried with him. Although his vulnerable son and daughter were still alive, they were often bullied by others and they were even deceived by her. Had he known these in theher world, he would have absolutely turned in his grave.

    She had always regarded this half-blooded elder brother as a thorn in her side! Despite his identity as the son of her father¡¯s legal wife and his higher status than her, he had died before her.

    Murong Jian narrowed his eyes slightly. Murong Yue had been smarter than others since he was young. No matter in terms of literary talent or military ability, he was far behind Yue, not to mention Yue¡¯s excellent martial aplishments and extraordinary ability of arranging troops andbating that were beyond his reach, which made him hate him even more out of jealousy!

    If Murong Yue had really trained the shadow guards, he could absolutely not sniff at their ability: ¡°I don¡¯t think there will be shadow guards around Murong Xue and Murong Ye.¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Murong Rou shook her head and said with confidence: ¡°We had schemed against Murong Ye and Murong Xue so many times. If there were shadow guards, she would have already ordered them to kill us directly!¡±

    ¡°The shadow guards of Murong Yue were not in his children¡¯s hands, where will they be?¡± Murong Jian said in a low voice with his shrewd eyes narrowed slightly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Murong Rou shook her head with hidden bitterness: ¡°But I know we can manipte all the guards with a token.¡±

    Murong Jian: ¡°What is that token?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea!¡± Murong Rou shook her head: ¡°I¡¯ve never seen it before, I just vaguely heard Murong Yue mention it.¡±

    With a trace of frustration in his eyes, Murong Jian frowned and said: ¡°We don¡¯t even know what it is. How can we find it?¡±

    ¡°Why the rush? The shadow guards were trained for protecting Murong Ye and Murong Xue. Even if Murong Yue did not deliver the token in time when he died in the battle, there must be some clues left.¡±

    ¡°That ignorant and ipetent moron, Murong Ye cannot find anything. We¡¯d better not count on him but Murong Xue, who is smart and witty. Perhaps she will find something unexpected one day. As long as we keep an eye on her, we will find the token sooner orter.¡±

    Murong Rou said in a low voice with an uncanny smile. The years of painstaking efforts of Murong Yue were likely to fall in their hands, which made her feel excited at the mere thought.

    ¡°Sounds reasonable!¡± Murong Jian nodded with solemnity in his shrewd eyes: ¡°I will tell servants to keep an eye on Murong Xue at all times.¡±

    The hundreds of all-conquering shadow guards were such a great temptation that he could not wait to find and take over them.

    The night was cold like water and it was quiet in the suburbs of the capital. All mansions shrouded in darkness, which indicated that the owners had already turned off the light to rest. Men in ck quietly went over the wall, sneaked into the courtyard one after another and ran directly towards the main house as if entering an unpeoplednd.

 Chapter 222 - A Probe

    <h4>Chapter 222: A Probe</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.¡°Who is there?¡± Hearing the sound, the master flied out of the room with a roar before drawing his sword towards the assassins d in ck mercilessly. The de in his hand was gleaming in the depth of night.

    With an eye contact, the four assassins in ck leaped into the air at the same time before unsheathing their swords shining with cold light and lunging to the man ferociously.

    It was totally impossible for the man tounch his attack when fighting against four enemies at the same time. He exerted himself to defend against their sharp moves by wielding his sword violently. While taking steps back, he howled in rage before pulling back the sword tightly pressed by the enemies abruptly with all his strength and drew it at the assassins relentlessly.

    With a ng produced by the collision of swords, the assassins in ck were still intact, while a piece of cloth torn down from one sleeve of the man¡¯s inner clothes was floating to the ground slowly...

    As the man, blood rushing to his cheeks out of anger, nned to wield his sword again, one of the assassins in ck kicked squarely on his chest, knocking him heavily to the ground two or three meters away, his rough face turning slightly pale...

    ¡°Master...Master...¡± With the voice full of panic resounding in the air, the butler followed by arge group of menservants and guards hurried here.

    Raising their eyebrows, the assassins in ckunched punches at the butler and the guards, thumping them to the ground sessively. They were whining in pain, covering their chests as well as arms with their hands...

    Making eye contacts with each other, the assassins in ck couldn¡¯t help despising their enemies. They were so useless that even couldn¡¯t bear a single punch!

    With their tiptoes lightly touching the ground, all the assassins flied off the yard in an instant!

    As their shadows faded into the distance in the night sky, the man¡¯s face turned livid in anger. Four strange assassins broke into his houses before giving him a good bit for no reason and disappearing without a trace. How weird it was!

    Standing on the roof, Murong Xue squinted at General Lu and Qi scrambling to their feet with fiery red faces and leaving in a huff. It seemed that they had nothing to do with the shadow guards. Her next destination was Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion.

    As it turned dark, Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion was still aze with light.

    The senior Prince Jing was sitting at the octagonal pavilion located before the artificial hill. Sipping the top-level wine to the gentle refreshing breeze, he saw his wifeing up surrounded by maids out of the corner of his eye. ¡°Where is Yichen?¡± He asked casually.

    ¡°In his study, dealing with some business,¡± the senior princess said gently, and added after a period of silence, ¡°Yuyan can no longer see anything!¡±

    The senior Prince Jing responded expressionlessly while sipping his wine, seemingly having no interest in continuing the topic.

    Her house was destroyed. Qin Yuyan was also seriously injured. On a second thought, Ye Yichen decided to bring her to his Mansion. Considering she was badly injured in order to protect Ye Yichen from the fatal poison, sebior Prince Jing allowed her to live here.

    The old Princess Jing sat slowly on the opposite side of her husband before saying in a low voice, ¡°Yuyan turned blind because of Yichen. She truly loves our son...¡±

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Prince Jing cast a glimpse of her, a hint of impatience skimming across his eyes.

    The senior Princess Jing smiled unnaturally, ¡°Since Yuyan has been blind, it¡¯s impossible for her to marry into another decent family. We might as well let Yichen marry her...¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten how she poisoned me earlier? How dare you ept such an evil daughter-inw?¡± Senior Prince Jing red sidelong at his wife with his eyes full of contempt.

    ¡°Yuyan must have lost her mind then. I promise she will never make those mistakes again.¡± The senior Princess Jing tried her best to put in a good word for Qin Yuyan. It was natural for her to hate Qin Yuyan, for she nearly poisoned her husband to death, however, her anger dispersed at the thought of Qin¡¯s infatuation for her son, as well as preventing her son from the fatal poison...

    Senior Prince Jing snorted in contempt. ¡°You believe what she said?¡±

    Though not acquainted with her, he had already seen through Qin Yuyan¡¯s character. Good at plotting against others, she, wiling to achieve her own goals by any avable means, was surely untrustworthy.

    ¡°Nor do I believe her wordspletely. But I know as long as she loves Yichen, she would definitely not harm his parents! Greatly indebted to her, Yichen would surely return her favor by marrying her.¡± She murmured with a hint of dark gleam skimming across her eyes.

    ¡°As long as I am breathing, it¡¯s impossible for Qin Yuyan to marry into our mansion!¡± Senior Prince Jing said emphatically, his face suddenly turning grim.

    ¡°Why are you giving Yichen a hard time?¡± The senior Princess Jing red at her husband, her eyes burning with fury.

    ¡°Because he is too foolish to find himself an adequate wife? If he had obeyed my order to marry Murong Xue, none ofl these disgusting things would have happened!¡± The senior Prince Jingined, his august voice filled with disappointment.

    Senior Princess Jing frowned at her husband. ¡°Would you please stop mentioning Murong Xue? Yichen doesn¡¯t like her at all!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I said he is such a terrible picker!¡± The senior Prince Jing howled before rising to his feet and leaving in vigorous strides. ¡°I will never allow Yichen to marry Qin Yuyan.¡± His august voice resounded in the wind.

    Watching his figure fading into distance, the senior Princess Jing gritted her pearly teeth. How could he be so stubborn that he shared no concern about his son¡¯s happiness just for a single mistake Yuyan had made before? What a ruthless father!

    Stepping out of the garden, senior Prince Jing walked in vigorous strides along the path paved with ck pebbles. Suddenly, he detected a strange smell. With cold gleam skimming across his eyes, he held his breath beforeunching a heavy punch towards the direction where the smell came from.

    Upon a huge thump, a hole appeared on the surface of a hard stone. Four assassins in ck leaped out from behind and made a lunge for Prince Jing ferociously with long swords in their hands.

    Intending to kill him? How naive they were!

    With the barest hint of a smile on his face, senior Prince Jing intended to thwack the assassins. However, his strength dispersed all of a sudden, and he felt dizzy with his eyelids that were too heavy to be lifted. Soon he copsed on the ground and passed out.

    As soon as the assassins were about to snatch him, two invisible guards in ck turned up from nowhere before thrusting them relentlessly with their gleaming swords.

    The assassins, cold gleam shing in their eyes, was in fight against the invisible guards, deafening ng resounding in the dark night...

    ¡°Assassins...We have assassins here...Someone catch them...¡± The guards and the other invisible guards of the Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion all rushed inside to besiege the enemies as soon as they heard the news.

    Not far on the roof, Murong Xue squinted at the assassins and invisible guards in the violentbat...

 Chapter 223 - A Paroxysm of Epilepsy

    <strong>Chapter 223: A Paroxysm of Epilepsy</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    She came to Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion for figuring out the identities of the invisible guards in Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion. So she directly knocked senior Prince Jing unconscious to lead the invisible guards out!

    Although these invisible guards were superior in martial arts, they were somewhat inferior to those in Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion. There was nothing special with them. And those so-called all-conquering, undefeated and mysterious invisible guards Prime Minister Xie described would definitely not be them!

    ¡°It seems that senior Prince Jing have not taken over the invisible guards.¡± Murong Xue blinked and looked up at Ouyang Shaochen: ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    ¡°Fine!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded, held Murong Xue¡¯s soft hand and walked forward slowly.

    One of the men in dark, who was fighting, narrowed his stern eyes and threw out a small white ball. It exploded with a ¡°bang¡± and thick white smoke pervaded everwhere instantly.

    The invisible guards of the Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion quickly waved away the smoke. But they only saw the surrounding area was empty and the four men in ck had disappeared...

    Ye Yichen came with strides, looking at the messy road and the unconscious senior Prince Jing. His look was sullen and dreadful: ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡±

    One of the invisible guards came up and said courtly: ¡°Your Highness, there was someone who sneaked into our mansion and intended to assassinate senior Prince Jing.¡±

    Ye Yichen narrowed his eyes: ¡°How is my father¡¯s injury?¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, the senior prince just took the sleeping-drug. There was nothing serious with him, and he would be fine after tonight.¡± The invisible guard had carefully examined the body condition of senior Prince Jing and said courtly.

    ¡°Good.¡± Ye Yichen breathed a sigh of relief with his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. If they really wanted to assassinate his father, they would use poison directly. Why did they only use the trivial sleeping-drug? Things would never be as simple as they seemed.

    As the sky turning bright in the east, Murong Xue felt the cool breeze while she was walking slowly in the street, muttering: ¡°General Lu, General Qi and senior Prince Jing had not taken over the invisible guards. And none of the soldiers in my father¡¯s troops suddenly became stronger or was promoted to higher rank. It seems that the token is not held by anyone of them.¡±

    She had never seen the token and did not know whether it was long, wide, round or t. And she had no idea whether it was made with wood, iron, porcin or jade. She did not even know where it was. It would be like dredging for a needle in the sea if she tried to find it.

    Looking at her grim face, with a pure smile shing cross Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face, he said lightly: ¡°It is not easy to find the token. You can try to look for the invisible guards first. If you can find them, you will figure out what the token is.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easy for you to say so. But the Qingyan Country is broad and there are so many people. Where can I find those invisible guards?¡± Murong Xue stared at him and sighed lightly.

    ¡°The invisible guards were trained by your father and they were loyal to him only. Even if your father passed away, they wouldn¡¯t be too far away from your father.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly with his eyes, which were as deep as ponds.

    Murong Xue suddenly turned solemn: ¡°You mean that the invisible guards are in the capital city or at least close?¡±

    ¡°It is highly possible!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded gently.

    With brightness in Murong Xue eyes, which suddenly turned dim, she said mopishly: ¡°There are at least ten thousand peopleing and going in the capital city every day. It is hard to find out such a mysterious group of invisible guards among so many people.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen was absorbed in his thought before saying: ¡°The invisible guards are cultivated in a special way. Even when hiding in the crowd, their breathing and movements will be quite different from others. So it won¡¯t be too hard to find them.¡±

    ¡°You mean, invisible guards in your mansion will help us find them?¡± Murong Xue looked at Ouyang Shaochen with her face lit up. His invisible guards were also all specially cultivated. And they were trained with different approaches but had equally skills like the invisible guards of Murong Yue. They could definitely perceive their peers more effectively than ordinary people. It could get twice the result for them to find the invisible guards with half the effort.

    ¡°Sure!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded. This little girl was too silly, and few people would help her. So he had to give her a hand.

    ¡°That means a lot to me!¡± Murong Xue smiled brightly, wrapped her arms around Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s neck, and stood on her tiptoes to leave a kiss on his thin lips gently.

    With the supple feelinging from the lips, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s deep eyes were full of ck fog. Seeing that she had kissed and was ready to leave, he stretched out his long arms and held her waist to tie her in his arms. With his thin lips pressed against her rosy lips again, he dexterously opened her lips and teeth, constantly chasing in the enchanting fresh breath.

    The faint frangrace of the ink bamboo lightly swept across her lips, as warm as fire, like a tender lure.

    Looking at Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s handsome face that was close at hand, Murong Xue widened her eyes in surprise. What was going on? She was just too happy so that she wanted to share her happiness and joy with Ouyang Shaochen. Why would this happen?

    Murong Xue felt bewildered with misty eyes, which looked blurred and charming. Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s pupils were as dark as ink and he tightly held her in his arms, unconsciously kissing her harder.

    Murong Xue felt the air in her lung was reducing. She was dizzy and almost suffocated with her breath turning into quick gasps.

    ¡°Ah.¡± A miserable whine resounding through the air suddenly made Murong Xue sober, and then she pushed Ouyang Shaochen away fiercely. She felt her lips numb and almost unconscious. There was no need for her to look in the mirror to know that her lips were swollen.

    There was unnatural blush appearing on her beautiful small face, she stared at Ouyang Shaochen with anger: ¡°You¡¯re to me!¡±

    Looking at her swollen lips and her beautiful eyes with anger, a gentle smile shed across Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face as he said lightly: ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem so swollen and it will recover soon...¡±

    There was a sudden fury zing in Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. She did not mean that, but they were doing that on the busy street. Were they seen by others? And the scream was so loud, but it seemed that ancient people could only be surprised at their intimate behavior. Was there any need to scream?

    Murong Xue looked up and saw a man in a light gray gown, who fell on the ground not far away, rolling back to forth with his head buried in his arms. Although the miserable whine was somehow suppressed, it was still reverberating in the middle of the sky and striking people¡¯s heartstrings: ¡°Ah... ah... ah...¡±

    ¡°Sir, what happened?¡± Murong Xue quickly walked over and grabbed the man by the arm. The man was about thirty or forty years old, with long beard above his lips and below his chin, and there was strong painfulness in his tenacious eyes. He twitched his lips but he could not say aplete sentence.

    A wisp of white foam came out from his mouth, the whites of his eyes were shown and his tall body began to spasm and tremble violently.

    Murong Xue suddenly narrowed her cold eyes: He was having a paroxysm of epilepsy.

 Chapter 224 - The Jealous Heir

    <strong>Chapter 224: The Jealous Heir</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Taking off one of her hairpins, Murong Xue reached for the silver needles set within before inserting them into the man¡¯s acupoints and turning them gently.

    After a while, the man stopped frothing at the mouth, his eyesing back to normal, and his body stopped cramping. ¡°Thank you very much, Miss!¡± He stared at Murong Xue with his bright eyes after regaining his eyesight, and his voice was weak but filled with sincerity.

    ¡°You are wee. Since you are suffering from a serious disease, I will provide a prescription. You will recover gradually if you take one dose per day...¡± Murong Xue chuckled.

    An almost imperceptible strange light skimmed across the man¡¯s dark eyes. ¡°You can cure epilepsy?¡± He had visited various eminent doctors, but all his efforts were in vain...

    ¡°To some degree!¡± Murong Xue smiled. Epilepsy, incurable in ancient times, was treatable in modern society. When learning poisoning, she also gained some insight into the treatment of somemon and special diseases, including epilepsy.

    ¡°However, considering the serious wound on your head, it will take such a long time for you topletely recover.¡±

    The man squinted at Murong Xue. ¡°How did you know my head used to be badly injured?¡±

    Murong Xue smiled. ¡°Epilepsy can be divided into two kinds, the congenital kind and the kind induced by the wound on head. Since you¡¯re strong, and your heartbeat is forceful enough, your epilepsy must have been caused by the wound.¡±

    ¡°What a smart girl.¡± The man, staring at Murong Xue, nodded with admiration. ¡°Since I must leave now for some important affairs, I will visit you in acknowledgement of your assistance and get the prescription some other day. Take care!¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, the man hurried forward before disappearing in the alley nearby in a moment...

    ¡°I haven¡¯t told him the address yet. Does he know where to find me?¡± Murong Xue frowned at his receding figure.

    ¡°He should have known it already. Even if he hasn¡¯t, it will be easy for him to figure out. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have left without hesitation...¡± Ouyang Shaochen stared at the alley where the man disappeared, a meaningful gleam skimming across his eyes...

    ¡°There are thick calluses on his right hand, his eyes were filled with august aura typical for a veteran fighting on the battlefield. However, the aura has been diluted, which might be a proof of his leaving the army years ago. Given his epilepsy and the top-level Qing kung...It¡¯s highly possible that he, like General Lu and Qi, used to be a soldier leaving the army for his serious injury...¡± Murong Xue murmured.

    Ouyang Shaochen nodded lightly, his eyes as dark as a fathomlesske. ¡°Maybe...¡±

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, Murong Xue, I have been searching for you for such a long time.¡± Mu Liufengined whileing over in vigorous strides, his ebony robe fluttering in the wind, well matching his inborn elegance and evil charm!

    Catching a glimpse of Murong Xue¡¯s delicate cherry lips, he frowned a little. ¡°Murong Xue, what happened to your swelling lips?¡±

    Murong Xue stroked her slightly swollen lips before answering in anger, her eyes gleaming unnaturally, ¡°It¡¯s a mosquito bite!¡±

    ¡°Are there mosquitoes in such a windy ce?¡± Mu Liufeng, looking around at the streets extending in all directions, didn¡¯t believe her words at all.

    ¡°There were mosquitoes before the wind started blowing.¡± Murong Xue prevaricated. In case he would continue the topic, she added in a hurry, ¡°What do you want us for?¡±

    ¡°There is something for you!¡± Mu Liufeng, ignoring the previous topic, was ready to reveal his surprise. He took his hand out from behind his back, on whose palm there was a snow-white rabbit with two long ears, fat and lovely.

    ¡°Where did you get it?¡± A wisp of gleam skimmed across Murong Xue¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I bought it from a hunter on the street forward, who had hunted many rabbits. I picked the most lovely one for you!¡± Mu Liufeng chuckled while stuffing the rabbit in Murong Xue¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Murong Xue said with a smile before turning to the rabbit who was staring at her nkly with its round eyes. Its cuteness nearly made her heart melt.

    Standing in front of Murong Xue, Mu Liufeng was stroking the rabbit¡¯s ears and head happily. They were really like a couple looking after the rabbit together.

    With his handsome face turning slightly sullen, Ouyang Shaochensaid coldly, ¡°As exhausted as we are, we intend to go home to have a rest. Please help yourself, Mu Liufeng.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, Ouyang Shaochen snatched Murong Xue¡¯s wrist before dragging her away in big strides.

    Catching up with them, Mu Liufeng said smilingly, ¡°Since I have nothing to do today, I might as well pay a visit to Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion with you...¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to entertain guests,¡± Ouyang Shaochen retorted coldly, his pace quickening.

    Not minding at all, Mu Liufeng chuckled. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I can walk around by myself. By the way, I haven¡¯t been there for many days...¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be bothered during my rest. You can go thereter.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said coldly before making a signal. Two invisible guards suddenly turned up, blocking Mu Liufeng¡¯s way.

    Watching Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue¡¯s figures gradually fading into distance, Mu Liufeng shouted anxiously, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, I used to visit the mansion when you were resting. Howe I have never heard that you don¡¯t want to be bothered before...

    ¡°I have developed a new habit. Isn¡¯t it okay?¡± Ouyang Shaochen cast a glimpse of him with his eyes full of arrogance!

    Mu Liufeng was speechless. The Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion was his home, where he could do everything he wanted. What a stubborn and arrogant man!

    Dragged forward by Ouyang Shaochen in a tremendous speed, Murong Xue, not being able to catch up with him, went out of breath gradually. ¡°Stop, stop...Ouyang Shaochen, even if you are craving for a rest at home, it¡¯s not necessary to walk this fast!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen stopped before lowering his head to look at Murong Xue, ¡°Are you tired?¡±

    She nodded, saying angrily, ¡°Knowing nothing about Qing Kung, of course I would feel tired.¡±

    ¡°Then why are you still holding this rabbit? Throw it away. You will feel better.¡± As Ouyang Shaochen said, he took the rabbit away from her arms by snatching its long ears before pitching it to the crowd with a quick flick of his wrist...

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, what are you doing?¡± Murong Xue, with a cold gleam skimming across her eyes, removed his hand from her wrist with all her strength before dashing towards the crowd. With pedestriansing and going on the street, the rabbit had already disappeared without a trace...

 Chapter 225 - Plot of the Crafty Man

    <strong>Chapter 225: Plot of the Crafty Man</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen!¡± Murong Xue turned around and stared at Ouyang Shaochen in anger.

    Ouyang Shaochen looked calm and nced at her with condescension: ¡°You said it¡¯s tiring to hold the little white rabbit.¡±

    ¡°But I didn¡¯t tell you to abandon it!¡± Murong Xue was furious. How could he abandon such a cute white rabbit?

    ¡°Beibei is also adorable. Why haven¡¯t I seen you holding it with such pleasure?¡± Ouyang Shaochen narrowed his eyes, because the little white rabbit was given by Mu Liufeng while Beibei was presented by him.

    ¡°Beibei is too big and it was inconvenient for me to hold him!¡± Murong Xue felt aggrieved. However, the rabbit was quite different, and it was so small that she could hold it with her hands or in her arms.

    It turned out that she liked the little rabbit so much because it was cuddly.

    Ouyang Shaochen blinked his eyes with an almost invisible smile on his face.

    ¡°You have topensate for my little white rabbit!¡± Murong Xue stepped forward and pummeled Ouyang Shaochen violently.

    Ouyang Shaochen grasped her moving hands and said helplessly: ¡°I will ask people to find the rabbit at once.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d better act up to your promise!¡± Murong Xue gave him a piercing gaze.

    ¡°Of course. When have I deceived you?¡± Ouyang Shaochen gently smiled and grasped her small hand, leading her into Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion. But the little white rabbit had run away without a trace. Even if the invisible guards can take a cute rabbit back, it would not be that one before.

    He could give her whatever she liked and did not need the help of others.

    Walking into Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, Murong Xue silently ran her eyes down all of the guest houses while saying leisurely: ¡°Highness, which guest room should I live in?¡±

    ¡°The guest room hasn¡¯t been upied for a long time, and it is not suitable for people to live either.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said calmly as he walked forward.

    ¡°Where am I going to live?¡± Murong Xue frowned at him.

    ¡°You can live in my courtyard!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said emotionlessly.

    Murong Xue nodded in agreement that she would be safer if she lived close to Ouyang Shaochen in his courtyard. Both Ye Yichen and Qin Haoyan would be afraid so that they would not stir up trouble easily. ¡°Should I live in the eastern chamber or the western one?¡±

    ¡°The middle one!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said gently.

    Murong Xue was stunned: ¡°Isn¡¯t that your room?¡± She meant to stay for a few more days, not just for a couple of hours.

    ¡°It is the safest room in this entire mansion.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said calmly and then walked into the yard.

    Murong Xue was about to refute before her attention was drawn by thettice window not far away. She was suddenly reminded that there was a soft couch close to the window in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s room, and she could sleep on that couch. Although it would not be asfortable as the bed of carved patterns, it would be fine for her to make do with the second best.

    While Murong Xue was thinking, she saw Xunfeng and Wuhening out from the room, carrying arge object with their hands. It was the soft couch that just popped up in her mind.

    Murong Xue was shocked: ¡°Why are you moving the soft couch out?¡±

    ¡°His Highness ns to practice calligraphy in the room, so we need to move out the soft couch and rece it with a set of rosewood table and chairs.¡± Xunfeng replied in a low voice.

    If he wanted to practice calligraphy, he could go to the study room. Why would he ce that rosewood table and chairs in his bedroom?

    Murong Xue stared at Ouyang Shaochen and asked impatiently: ¡°Where do I sleep without the couch inside?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there still a bed? You are certainly sleeping on it!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said leisurely and entered the room.

    Murong Xue knitted her eyebrows tightly: ¡°That¡¯s your bed, and it¡¯s not suitable for me to sleep on.¡±

 Chapter 226 - You Must Compromise

    <strong>Chapter 226: You Must Compromise</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°Feel free to sleep on the floor!¡± Ouyang Shaochen cast a nce of her before stepping slowly into the inner chamber where he took off his white robe gracefully before lying sidelong on the soft big bed with well-carved patterns, merely d in white underclothes.

    The bed curtain, silk quilt, sheet, desk, as well as wooden chairs were in cold colors, well matching Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s frosty character.

    Light golden sunshine streamed into the room through thettice window and reflected on the smooth ground.

    Murog Xue was furious. Even in summer, sleeping on the thickest quiltid on the icy and hard stony floor would sting her waist. She definitely would not surrender!

    Looking up at Ouyang Shaochen, she said emphatically, ¡°Heir Ouyang, it was you who ordered servants to carry the couch away. Even there is someone who must sleep on the ground, shouldn¡¯t it be you?¡±

    ¡°The room and bed are all mine. Is it reasonable to make the host sleep on the floor?¡± Ouyang Shaochen nced at her with his obsidian-like eyes filled with disdain.

    Murong Xue stared at him, her smiling face suddenly turned grim. ¡°As a girl once seriously injured by the icy poison, sleeping on the ground may lead to a rpse. As a strong man adept at martial arts, you should offer the bed to me.¡±

    Upon hearing such melodious voice, other noble men would certainly meet her demand, however, Ouyang Shaochen, as unique as he was, imperceptibly curled up his lips before looking at her expressionlessly. ¡°I am not that selfless, and I know nothing about modesty...¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Murong Xue was rendered speechless. Who said Ouyang Shaochen was gracious and considerate? Was that person blind?

    He was obviously an evil and narrow-minded man, always despising and bullying her...

    Ouyang Shaochen stared at her angry face with the barest hint of a smile. ¡°If you don¡¯t feel like sleeping on the ground, how about sleeping in bed with me together...¡± he suggested casually.

    ¡°No way!¡± Murong Xue refused with resoluteness while shaking her head.

    ¡°Then you can sleep on the floor alone!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said while closing his eyes gently, still not forgetting to remind her absent-mindedly, ¡°The floor paved by blocks is chilly, so don¡¯t forget toy thick quilts on top of it...But it doesn¡¯t matter if you catch a cold. There are various kinds of medicine avable here in Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion...¡±

    Dropping to whispers, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s voice was almost imperceptible atst. He must have fallen asleep...

    Hearing him breathing evenly while staring at his serene sleeping face, Murong Xue was infuriated, her pretty eyes burning with anger. How could he sleep so soundly without giving her a suitable ce to have a rest?

    Rushing towards his bed in anger, Murong Xue grasped Ouyang Shaochen by his arm before hauling it with all her strength. ¡°Go to sleep on the floor. The bed is mine...¡±

    His slim body lurched slightly and was about to fall off the bed...

    Slightly frowning, Ouyang Shaochen snatched Murong Xue¡¯s arm before making a hard pull.

    Caught off guard, Murong Xuended herself on Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s body. As soon as she, ring at him, intended to get up, Ouyang Shaochen lurched his body,ying her on the inner side of the bed. Holding her waist fast with his powerful arms, Ouyang Shaochen murmured, ¡°You will sleep here.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to sleep in the same bed with you,¡± Murong Xue retorted violently, trying to remove Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s arm.

    ¡°I am exhausted. We¡¯ll discuss after I wake up!¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered, his whispers filled with weariness.

    Being stunned, Murong Xue lowered her head and sensed the exhaustion on Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face. All of a sudden, she remembered that in order to help her, Ouyang Shaochen hadn¡¯t slept for two days. It would be rude to bother him with such trifles.

    Knitting her eyebrows, she stared at Ouyang Shaochen while saying, ¡°I can share this bed with you temporarily. But you must arrange another bed for me as soon as you wake up tomorrow.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen responded with his eyes closed, his voice almost imperceptible, and his even breath brushing her cheeks.

    With a sigh of helplessness, Murong Xue gently removed his arm holding her waist fast before turning over cautiously and closing her eyes with her back towards Ouyang Shaochen.

    With her left arm under her body, Murong Xue felt very ufortable. She turned over, thus directly facing Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s gorgeous face, his shallow breath enveloping her cheeks. With a gleam shing in her eyes, Murong Xue turned over again. Pitifully, she had to turn over the third time for the unease caused by her left arm underneath...

    Murong Xue kept tossing and turning. Tortured by the unease, Murong Xue definitely could not sleep at all, while Ouyang Shaochen lying next to him was sleeping like a baby. His dashing eyebrows somehow softened his arrogance and added a tinge of serenity and wisdom.

    Frowning heavily, Murong Xue nudged Ouyang Shaochen. ¡°Prince, I am getting used to sleeping on my right side. Could you please turn over?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Ouyang Shaochen refused resolutely, his eyes still shut. ¡°I am used to sleeping on my right side!¡±

    Murong Xue, her eyebrows knitting tightly, would definitely not force Ouyang Shaochen to change his posture, but she also had a right to choose the sleeping posture she liked. ¡°What about switching our positions? I willy outside, and you inside...¡±

    In this way, both of them could sleepfortably.

    ¡°No!¡± Ouyang Shaochen objected again and added with his eyes closed, ¡°I am used to sleeping outside, and I find it ufortable to sleep inside...¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Murong Xue red at him, the fire of fury nearly spurting out of her eyes. Why was he so picky? Lying in bed alone, he must have slept on both sides. Refuting her with such an excuse, he definitely didn¡¯t want her to have a good rest...

    If she couldn¡¯t sleep well, neither would Ouyang Shaochen!

    A wisp of subtle gleam skimmed across Murong Xue¡¯s dark eyes. Seizing his arm while shaking it wildly, Murong Xue shouted, ¡°Heir Ouyang, the idea of a ce where the token may have been hidden suddenly struck me, and I wonder if you are interested.¡±

    ¡°Where?¡± Ouyang Shaochen, his eyebrows slightly trembling, opened his eyes slowly before staring at her with his dark eyes like a fathomlesske, without the faintest confusion of a person who just woke up...

    Murong Xue smiled, lowering her voice, seemingly revealing a secret, ¡°You have been there before...¡±

 Chapter 227 - Teaching Them A Lesson

    <strong>Chapter 227: Teaching Them A Lesson</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°It¡¯s my father¡¯s study!¡±

    ¡°Why do you think it¡¯ll be there?¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at her calmly. When Murong Yue¡¯s body was brought back to the capital city, he did not take the mysterious token with him.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention that the invisible guards were extremely loyal to my father? When they were secretly protecting my father, they must have been guarding that token as well. My father died in battle so suddenly that they had no time to rescue him. They also did not want the token to be taken by viins, so they secretly kept the token well and sent it back to my father¡¯s study.¡± Murong Xue spoke eloquently.

    Ouyang Shaochen nced at her: ¡°The story is well made up. But it is a hundred to one shot.¡± The token was made formanding the invisible guards, how could those invisible guards take it everywhere at will?

    ¡°No matter how unlikely it is, it doesn¡¯t mean there is no possibility. Let¡¯s go to my father¡¯s study to find out.¡± Murong Xue said pleasantly with wisdom twinkling in her dark pupils.

    Seeing this, Ouyang Shaochen sighed helplessly and nodded gently: ¡°Okay!¡±

    After getting off the bed gracefully, Ouyang Shaochen took a clean white robe and put it on. Then he led Murong Xue out of the room and flew out of the Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion as with his long arms tightly around her waist.

    After a while, they arrived at the Country-guarding Marquis¡¯ Mansion and thennded outside the study lightly.

    Ge Hui was standing not far away. Seeing them, he came over quickly: ¡°Mdy, Your Highness.¡±

    Murong Xue slightly nodded and looked at him, saying: ¡°Uncle Hui, did anyonee to this study after my father¡¯s death?¡±

    ¡°The junior marquis came several times, the servantes for cleaning every day, and I enter the room asionally. If memory serves, there is no one else.¡± Ge Hui replied in a low voice.

    Murong Xue nodded and gently pushed the door open. The fragrance of sandalwood came with the strong scent of books and caressed her face, which was refreshing.

    She blinked before slowly walking into the study, and only saw a tall bookshelf ced in the innermost area with various books. And there was a set of table and chairs made of rosewood in front of the bookshelf, which was sculpturedplicatedly and looked noble as well as elegant. There was also a superior set of pen, ink, paper and ink stone on the table, each of them was valuable.

    There were several scripts and paintings on the wall. The style of those paintings was delicate and the strokes of the writing was sharp, which added to the elegance of the study.

    ¡°The junior marquis seldomes to the study. So the decoration and theyout of the room are the same as it used to be.¡± Ge Hui exined gently.

    Murong Xue nodded again. It was obvious from theyout of the study that Murong Yue was not only good at martial arts, but also a person who knew literary pursuits well and had high attainments in calligraphy and painting.

    Walking slowly towards the desk, she reached out her hands and pulled out the drawer, in which she saw an ebony box quietly put on the top of everything else.

    Murong Xue picked up the box and opened it gently. She saw nothing inside so she couldn¡¯t help knitting her brows in confusion: ¡°Why is an empty box here?¡±

    Ge Feng took a nce of the box and said softly: ¡°It was used for packing the keepsake of engagement that was sent to Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion. But the box seemed so ordinary that it was unsuitable for such an asion. When exchanging the keepsake of engagement, the marquis reced it with a rtively gorgeous box, so this one was left here.¡±

    The keepsake of engagement? Was it that ¡°Icy Crystal¡± lost by Ye Yichen? Murong Yue reced the box which was supposed to contain the ¡°Icy Crystal¡±, because he hoped that his daughter could be attached as much importance as the gorgeous box. Unfortunately, the fate of the owner was also like this humble ebony box, which waspletely ignored by Ye Yichen.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and put down the ebony box. Then she picked up a stack of papers in the drawer and flipped through softly, looking at the patterns and the text marks on them, she suddenly narrowed her eyes: ¡°It is the topographic map of the junction of Qingyan and Nanjiang.¡±

    ¡°The marquis was killed in the battle against Nanjiang, and this topographic map was thest one he had drawn personally, so the soldiers sent it back to the marquis¡¯ residence as a token.¡± Staring at the slightly faded topographic map, Ge Hui sighed softly with gloom in his eyes.

    Murong Xue narrowed her cold eyes. Thest stand of Murong Yue was the battle against Nanjiang.

    ¡°Clip¡±, an almost inaudible sound rang, drawing Murong Xue¡¯s attention. Then she snatched up the paperweight on the table and threw it towards the direction of that sound mercilessly. With a dull sound of ¡°Pah¡±, a miserable scream resounded in the air: ¡°Ah!¡±

    Murong Xue suddenly opened up the window and saw a forty-year-old maid squatting below the windowsill, covering her forehead with her hands and wailing painfully. Her forehead was injured by the paperweight, with blood gushing out, streaming down her cheek, which stained her face and cut her in a sorry figure.

    Murong Xue looked at her with condescension and said indifferently: ¡°If memory serves, you are my aunt¡¯s maid, Li. Now that she has been seriously injured, what are you doing here stealthily instead of taking care of her in Tender Garden?¡±

    ¡°Mdy, I just brought the medicine for madam from the kitchen. There are more trees on thisne and it¡¯s shady, so I wanted to take this shortcut back to Tender Garden.¡± Maid Li said timidly with fear in her eyes.

    Murong Xue looked up, and saw a tray, a broken bowl as well as spilled decoction. As the faint smell of medicine pervading, she frowned and said indifferently: ¡°This is a restricted area where none of you is allowed to approach. Even if you want to take the shortcut, you should have bypassed the study.¡±

    ¡°Well. I see. And I¡¯ll never do this again.¡± Maid Li promised repeatedly with devoutness in her eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s enough. Clean up the ground and get lost!¡± Murong Xue impatiently interrupted her.

    ¡°Yes, madam.¡± Maid Li replied hurriedly, picking up the tray and the broken pieces on the ground in a great bustle, and then stumbled forward.

    Looking at her figure gradually disappearing, Ge Hui narrowed his eyes slightly: ¡°The reason why Maid Li came here was absolutely not as simple as what she said.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Murong Xue nodded with calmness in her eyes: ¡°She was here for Murong Rou, and her purpose was eavesdropping on our conversation. Bringing the medicine was merely an excuse.¡±

    ¡°But why did you let her go so easily?¡± Ge Hui confusedly looked at Murong Xue.

    ¡°So as to go for the long haul.¡± Murong Xue smiled with confidence. Maid Li was just a servant of Murong Rou, even though she beat Maid Li savagely this time, there would also be Maid Zhang or Maid Wanging next for monitoring.

    They were just a group of humble minions, and she was not in the mood to deal with them. If she wanted to, she would have directly gone for Murong Rou, the mastermind behind them.

    Ge Hui nodded said indifferently with hatred gleaming in his eyes: ¡°After the marquis¡¯ death, the mother and son of the Du¡¯s have always been behaving tyrannically, and they humiliated you and the junior marquis recklessly by virtue of their identity. It¡¯s time to teach them a lesson.¡±

 Chapter 228 - The Slaughter

    <h4>Chapter 228: The ughter</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Bathing in the golden and warm sunshine, the Tender Garden was enveloped in harmony and serenity.

    Murong Rou was lounging in bed with her eyes closed. Suddenly, there came an urgent shout, ¡°Madam...Madam...¡±

    Awoken by the noise, Murong Rou knitted her brows before opening her eyes with displeasure. Out of breath, Maid Li hurried in, the white gauze bound around her forehead swung with her steps, which was extremely eye-catching...

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Madam, I just saw Murong Xue entering thete marquis¡¯ study and taking away a small ebony box with delight,¡± Maid Li reported in haste.

    Instead of leaving after being driven away from the study by Murong Xue, she hid in the corner to keep an eye on them until Murong Xue left with the ebony box.

    ¡°Do you know what is in the box?¡± A wisp of cold gleam skimmed across Murong Rou¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I have no idea.¡± Li shook her head. ¡°However, outside the study, I heard Murong Xue and Ge Hui mentioning thete marquis¡¯st battle in Nanjiang...

    ¡°Are you sure they were talking about Murong Yue¡¯sst battle?¡± Murong Rou narrowed her eyes.

    ¡°I am totally sure!¡± Li nodded heavily, her eyes filled with sullenness. ¡°I was standing at the back window, close enough to hear their words clearly...¡±

    Murong Rou squinted with a gleam shing in her eyes. Why would they mention Murong Yue¡¯sst battle? Murong Yue died on the battlefield, and his Shadow Guards, as well as the token, also disappeared without a trace...Wait! Could the token be in the small ebony box?

    She still remembered that after Murong Yue¡¯s death, her brother was dispatched to another city, while Ge Hui had always been standing outside the study with a great number of guards, forbidding ess to it. For the past decade, Murong Rou and her mother had been exerting themselves to sneak into the study, but they failed every time. It was beyond their expectation that the token was actually in the ebony box.

    The unconquerable Shadow Guards. With their assistance, she could get whatever she wanted.

    ¡°Do you know where Murong Xue is going?¡± Murong Rou stared at Li, waiting for her answer.

    ¡°I have no idea of the exact ce, but I heard she said to Ge Hui she intended to find the shadow ...¡± Knitting her eyebrows, Maid Li tried her utmost to recall...

    ¡°Shadow Guards?¡± Murong Rou added.

    ¡°Ah, yes, Shadow Guards!¡± Li nodded, a gleam twinkling in her eyes.

    Murong Rou, with cold light shing in her eyes, was almost sure that the token had been taken away by Murong Xue. ¡°Go to the county government and inform my brother, tell him I have figured out where the token is, and ask him to return as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± A manservant took her order and left.

    ¡°How long has Murong Xue been gone?¡± Murong Rou looked up at Maid Li.

    ¡°Less than 10 minutes,¡± Li murmured, ¡°Murong Xue asked Ge Hui to prepare a horse, some food and water for her. It seems that she will leave for at least one or two days...¡±

    Murong Xue had left for the shadow guards. How fast she was!

    ¡°Did she start on the journey by herself?¡± Murong Rou squinted, seemingly lost in thought.

    ¡°No, with two guards.¡± Maid Li shook her head.

    Murong nodded in agreement. Merely two guards are not hard to deal with. ¡°Prepare a wagon for me. Inform my guards to leave with me at once...¡±

    Being stunned, Maid Li, stared at her master¡¯s pallid face and exhorted, ¡°Madam, you are badly injured, rushing about is inadvisable...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only a minor wound. No big deal.¡± Murong Rou interrupted her, a wisp of cold gleam flickering in her eyes. Her uterus had been pierced by the stagger, which made it impossible for her to be pregnant any longer. She was now a half disabled woman!

    With Song Tianwen eyeing her covetously, how could she set her mind at ease? Only with the shadow guards under her control, could she get rid of Murong Xue and Song Tianwen for good!

    Given the great significance of the token, she had to take it with her instead of entrusting it to anyone, not even her most loyal follower...

    Seeing the certainty in Murong Rou¡¯s eyes, Li sighed before murmuring, ¡°I will ask them to prepare a wagon immediately...¡±

    The sun went down, prolonging the trees¡¯ shadows slowly. Murong Xue rushed at a high speed on the horseback, dust stirred up by the hooves flying in the air. The breeze brushed her long hair near her cheeks, which lifted her spirit.

    Swish! Swish! A dozen of men in ck suddenly turned up on the path, blocking Murong Xue¡¯s way.

    Raising her eyebrows, Murong Xue drew the rein withposure. ¡°How can I help?¡± She gave a piercing stare to the men and asked expressionlessly.

    The leader came up, staring at her coldly while saying, ¡°Leave everything you have. We may spare your life.¡±

    ¡°What if I say no?¡± Murong Xue retorted casually with a hint of contempt on her face.

    ¡°Then we have to do our job.¡± With the savage voice resounding in the air, Murong Xue said slowly, ¡°If you put down your weapons, maybe I will spare you.¡±

    Upon hearing the melodious voice, the men in ck couldn¡¯t helpughing, as if it was a big joke. ¡°Murong Xue, you should be aware that this is the rural area instead of your mansion. We are the most ferocious assassins, rather than the menservants who have to follow your order...¡±

    Murong Xue snorted. ¡°You are assassins in ck. Without your disguise, you are nobody but the menservants of the Country-guarding Marquis¡¯ Mansion.¡±

    A hint of panic skimmed across their eyes but they soon collected themselves. ¡°No more nonsense. Hand over the items you took, or you will be yed.¡±

    Murong Xue sneered. ¡°How loyal you are...I have given you a chance, but you just don¡¯t know how to cherish it...¡±

    As soon as she finished speaking, Murong Xue made a gesture at which two guards appeared out of nowhere, whonded swiftly among the assassins before thrusting at them violently with swords.

    As astonished as the assassins were, they tried their best to defend against the sharp attack. The swords swished, tearing their clothes open and scratching their flesh...

    The two guards moved back and forth among the men as if being in a ce with no one around, streams of blood sshing in the air...

    Thump! The men in ck fell to the ground one by one, and their mutted bodies coule be seen everywhere. The smell of blood wafted through the air...

 Chapter 229 - Beating up Murong Rou Savagely

    <h4>Chapter 229: Beating up Murong Rou Savagely</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    A guard, no, it was actually Xun Feng, came up and said respectfully: ¡°Miss Murong, all the assassins in ck have been killed.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure they are all dead? Howe I just saw two of them escape!¡± Murong Xue said with a smile. Her cold eyes nced at the right rear wittingly or unwittingly.

    They were discovered!

    Murong Rou and Maid Li, who had been hidden in the grass, felt shivers down their spine and ran back quickly, supporting each other.

    Xun Feng turned and, in a blink of an eye, came before the two. He kicked them hard on the chest, sending them flying five or six meters away and falling heavily on the ground. They felt dizzy, their ears ringing and their eyes seeing stars, and felt like they were falling apart in excruciating pain...

    ¡°Miss Murong, how should we deal with these two female assassins?¡± Xun Feng asked softly for Murong Xue¡¯s opinion.

    Murong Xue sat on the horse¡¯s back, ying with the small ebony box in her hand, and said casually: ¡°first, ask them if they were trying to rob this ebony box in my hand?¡±

    Maid Li rolled her eyes and responded immediately: ¡°we didn¡¯t want to rob you. We just...¡±

    ¡°Shua!¡± Murong Xu¡¯s wrist turned, and the whip in her hand shed mercilessly on Maid Li, beating back thetter¡¯s unfinished words, and said coldly: ¡°Did I allow you to speak?¡±

    Her piercing gaze swept past Li and was fixed on Murong Rou, with the dark pupils gleaming, which made Murong Rou¡¯s heart quiver and eyelids twist violently. Murong Rou said in a hurry: ¡°Murong Xue, what are you doing? I am your...¡±

    ¡°Shua!¡± Murong Xue whipped hard on Murong Rou¡¯s chest, sending thetter rolling two or three meters away, and said leisurely: ¡°this female assassin deserves a good lesson. Let¡¯s whip her 50 times first...¡±

    ¡°Aye!¡± Xun Feng and Wu Hen, taking the order, picked up their whips andshed mercilessly at Murong rou, which leaft deep wounds with bloodstains...

    ¡°Ah... Ah... Ah... ¡°Murong Rou screamed while rolling on the ground. She was aching all over and she stared hard at Murong Xue with intense hatred in her eyes. It looked like she could have swallowed Murong Xue alive.

    Murong Xue didn¡¯t seem to care. She looked at Xun Feng and Wu Hen emotionlessly and said: ¡°will fifty times of whipping kill her?¡±

    ¡°That depends on whether Miss Murong wants her dead or alive?¡± Wu Hen said in a low voice, with a meaningful gleam at the bottom of his eyes.

    Murong Xue curled her lips and said casually: ¡°this female assassin is stubborn. Even if we spare her life, she may not tell the truth. Just kill her, so that we won¡¯t have to waste more of our time...¡±

    Murong Rou had always been ruthless. She had sent so many assasins to stop her, who must have attempted to rob her before they finished her off. So naturally, she didn¡¯t need to be lenient to Murong Rou.

    ¡°Aye!¡± Xun Feng and Wu Hen answered in a deep voice and started whipping Murong Rou violently. Each time would leave a bloody scar. Murong Rou rolled about painfully, her shrill screams piercing the clouds and resounding in the sky: ¡°ah! ah! ah... Help...Help me...¡±

    ¡°Stop it! Stop!¡± An angry voice rang, and Murong Jian was seen riding fast forward on horseback with over 20 guards. Rushing over, his dark pupils were filled with concern.

    Murong Xue frowned slightly. She had just managed to beat Murong Rou half dead and now Murong Jian had arrived. What a narrow escape...

    ¡°Rou, my dear sister...¡± Murong Jian got off and rushed to Murong Rou¡¯s side. With his arm around her shoulders, he cried out: ¡°are you alright, Rou?¡±

    Murong Rou coughed heavily, a trail of blood dripping from the corner of her mouth when she said weakly: ¡°fortunately...for the time being... I¡¯m still alive...¡±

    ¡°Thank god I came in time!¡± Murong Jian sighed in relief secretly. His eyes, cold and sharp like arrows, were fixed on Murong Xue viciously: ¡°Murong Xue, can¡¯t you see that you almost killed your aunt?¡±

    ¡°Is she Aunt Murong Rou?¡± Murong Xue looked at Murong Rou with her eyes widened in surprise.

    Her look of innocence infuriated Murong Jian: ¡°Drop the act, Murong Xue! How could you have not recognized her after having spent so many years together?¡±

    Murong Xue looked at Murong Jian with an arch lift of her eyebrow and said leisurely: ¡± Uncle, please take a good look. Can you see her face clearly?¡±

    Murong Jian, startled, looked down and saw that Murong Rou¡¯s face had been bruised with blue and purple marks, and her forehead was injured. Drops of blood dripped down her cheek mixed with dirt. She looked like a beggar in the street, with no trace of resemnce whatsoever to the normally beautiful and quietdy.

    ¡°Even if it¡¯s Marquis Song and cousin Yan, who have been with her day and night, could not have recognized auntie now without careful inspection. It¡¯s quite normal that I hadn¡¯t recognized her. But uncle seemed to have recognized her from that far, in addition to that calm tone you were speaking in just now. How impressive...¡±

    Murong Xue, with the corners of her lips slightly tilted and a subtle smile on her face, had undisguised mockery in her dark pupils.

    The grim-faced Murong Jian said, stressing each syble: ¡°I grew up with Rou and I know her very well. Even if she is covered in mud, I can still recognize her at a nce... But you, as her niece, have injured your aunt so badly, and she almost died in your hands. Kneel down and admit your fault right now!¡±

    Murong Xue sneered in disdain and said: ¡°Aunty and the assassins in ck ganged up to kill me. I was just defending myself. Why should I be the one kowtowing to her and admitting my fault? Uncle, are you sure you are still thinking straight?¡±

    Kowtowing to Murong Rou and admitting her fault? They must have been dreaming!

    ¡°Nonsense! When did I gang up with the assassins and try to kill you?¡± Murong Rou snapped in anger, her voice sharp and her eyes burning with rage: she was not dressed in ck, nor was she wearing a ck mask, and she definitely wasn¡¯t standing among the assassins. As long as she stuck to her statement, Murong Xue could do nothing about her.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you? Then why did you run away like you were guilty when I said we should go after the two escapees?¡± Murong Xue looked at her in a condescending manner, her eyes filled with mockery.

    ¡°Who said I was guilty?¡± Murong Rou rolled her eyes unnaturally, but almost immediately the most suitable reason came to her mind. She said viciously: ¡°your guards came at me like devils. Of course I had to run away.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? As the saying goes, he who hasn¡¯t done anything bad in the daytime would not fear ghosts¡¯ calling at night. In broad daylight, Aunty was so scared of the guards that you ran away in panic. How many evil deeds have you done...¡± Murong Xue said casually with unspeakable sarcasm in her cold voice.

    Murong Rou red at Murong Xue viciously, anger ring in her eyes like mes: ¡°Murong Xue, don¡¯t you dare nder me...¡±

    ¡°Is it nder? Deep down you know it clearly. I don¡¯t have to say more.¡± Murong Xue waved and interrupted her. Looking down at her, she said coldly: ¡°I remember that aunty was stabbed badly by Marquis Song a few days ago. Why aren¡¯t you recuperating in your mansion now?¡±

    ¡°I got so bored being in the house. Can¡¯t I go out for a walk?¡± Murong Rou retorted sharply, her eyes burning with anger.

    ¡°Such good mood you were in taking a walk here with grave injuries!¡± Murong Xue looked at her with a smile, her cold eyes with undisguised mockery, as if saying: It doesn¡¯t make sense that you havee to such a distant ce for a walk. As for being beaten as one of the assassins, you asked for it...

 Chapter 230 - Manipulator behind the Scene

    <h4>Chapter 230: Maniptor behind the Scene</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°How dare you...¡± Murong Rou, speechless with anger, shot Murong Xue a piercing stare, as if she intended to skin her alive. ¡°Murong Xue, I am your aunt. Are you aware that you havemitted the crime of showing no respect to elders and injuring me seriously?¡±

    ¡°How can you pin the me on me? It is the assassins¡¯ ferocious attempt that led to the misunderstanding between us and wounded you seriously.¡±

    ¡°I will ask Xun Feng to tear the ck veil off their faces and sketch their appearances, which will be handed over to the Shuntian Mansion. Once we find out their real identities and the person behind all this, I will personally y the culprit to avenge your misfortune...¡± Murong Xue smiled while signaling Xun Feng.

    Following her order, Xun Feng approached the assassins quickly!

    As soon as he was about to take their ck veils off, Murong Jian, a wisp of cold gleam flickering in his eyes, said in a hurry, ¡°Why are you still quarreling? Wasn¡¯t it a shame that you nearly killed each other because of a misunderstanding?¡±

    The assassins ughtered were warriors trained secretly for his own use before being brought here by himself from Jingzhou. If Murong Xue handed the pictures to the Shuntian Mansion, the assassins¡¯ identities would be clear. Even if Murong Jian was not the nominal leader, he would be listed as a suspect...

    ¡°So uncle wants to say that...¡± Murong Xue, raising her eyebrows, stared at him.

    ¡°Since this is all a misunderstanding, no one will mention it again,¡± Murong Jian said emphatically before carrying Murong Rou back to the mansion in vigorous strides.

    ¡°Are you really letting them off the hook?¡± Murong Rou stared at Murong Jian, her eyes filled with rage. She knew clearly that she and Murong Xue would never bury the hatchet. Almost killed by that girl, she really intended to skin Murong Xue alive...

    ¡°What else can we do?¡± Murong Jian, knitting his eyebrows, retorted in anger. He took such a long period of time to train those assassins whose martial arts had been a little promoted before being killed by Murong Xue. What a pity!

    However, if the assassination were known to the Shuntian Mansion, he not only couldn¡¯t put Murong Xue to death, but would cause serious trouble for himself...

    ¡°I will take you back before making further ns!¡±

    ¡°Fine!¡± Murong Rou nodded helplessly, grinding her teeth with great hatred at the thought of Murong Xue. Though badly hurt, she actually got nothing useful from her. She would never let Murong get away with plotting against her!

    Watching Murong Jian and Murong Rou dashing away on the horseback, Murong Xue was lost in thought, a meaningful gleam flickering in her eyes. As Murong Jian¡¯s secret guards, the assassins rarely reveal themselves in public. Even if she could have them taken to the Shuntian Mansion under escort, she still had no evidence of Murong Jian¡¯s participation in assassinating her.

    So she would rather y them all. By eradicating his secret army, as well as injuring Murong Rou severely, she would deter them from coveting her what belong to her...

    ¡°What have you found out?¡± There came a melodious sound suddenly. It was Ouyang Shaochening up slowly, his snow white robe fluttering like a butterfly, greatly entuating his inborn elegance and nobleness.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were shining. ¡°Murong Jian and Murong Rou came for the token. Just like me, they merely had some basic information with no idea what on earth the token is! Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have brought so many guards for the empty ebony box...¡±

    ¡°Do you know how they learned about the Shadow Guards?¡± Ouyang Shaochen asked with a meaningful stare.

    Murong Xue chuckled. ¡°My father was living in the Marquis Mansion. No matter how careful he was, there would still be oversights. Not to mention that Murong Jian and Murong Rou had always been keeping an eye on him. It¡¯s not surprising that they have heard about the Shadow Guards...¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen nodded, his obsidian-like eyes flickering with the barest hint of a smile. The silly little girl could be smart sometimes...

    Suddenly, she heard an almost imperceptible sound. A wisp of cold light glimmered in Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. ¡°Who is that?¡± As soon as she finished speaking, she pitched the silver needles mercilessly to the tree nearby with a flick of her wrist. A ck shadow fell down to the ground from the top of the tree...

    Upon seeing the figure, who was also wearing a ck veil, Murong Xue squinted. ¡°He is...an Invisible Guard...¡±

    ¡°There is someone in the capital who knows about the Shadow Guards and is inquiring about their whereabouts secretly...¡± Ouyang Shaochen said emotionlessly, his eyes as dark as a fathomlesske.

    Murong Xue squinted at the sight of Murong Yue¡¯s study, which was clean and tidy. There was nothing rted to the token. She took the empty ebony box, only aiming to test Murong Jian and Murong Rou. It was beyond her expectation that someone else would be implicated...

    Only powerful people of high status could afford Invisible Guards. So who would he be?

    How unconquerable on earth the shadow guards trained by Murong Yue were that they had attracted the attention of many people?

    It would be extremely difficult for Murong Xue to find the Shadow Guards and the token...

    Inside Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion.

    The senior Prince Jing was sitting in the octagonal pavilion near the pond, ying chess against himself.

    The light fragrance came along with the refreshing breeze. The senior Prince Jing was gently putting down one of the white pieces.

    Ye Yichen entered the pavilion in big strides, his sharp eyes flickering with sullenness. ¡°Father!¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± The senior Prince Jing asked casually while putting down a ck piece with his left hand gently.

    ¡°Murong Xue has found out that Murong Yue used to train dozens of Shadow Guards in secret. Now, she is searching for the Shadow Guards and the token, while Murong Jian and Murong Rou were also poking their noses into the matter...¡± Ye Yichen murmured, his eyes gleaming with sullenness.

    ¡°They are notmon Invisible Guards...Don¡¯t you have any regrets?¡± The old Prince Jing asked heedlessly, who put the pieces away and fixed his gaze on Ye Yichen.

    Ye Yichen understood his father¡¯s subtext, but he kept silent with his head lowered.

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t taken Qin Yuyan back, if you married Murong Xue earlier, the situation would have beenpletely different!¡± The senior prince murmured, a meaningful gleam skimming across his eyes.

    ¡°I know!¡± Ye Yichen¡¯s eyes were sparkling. He had always thought that everything would be under his control, and never expected that he would lose control and watch the situation take a turn for the worse.

    ¡°What¡¯s your n for the next step?¡± The senior Prince Jing stared at Ye Yichen expressionlessly.

    ¡°I already have something in mind!¡± Ye Yichen nodded, his sharp eyes sparkling with something subtle and opaque to others...

 Chapter 231 - The Spontaneous Combustion of Army Provisions

    <strong>Chapter 231: The Spontaneous Combustion of Army Provisions</strong>

    The morning clouds were dispersing and the mist dissipating, and beams of golden sunlight prated the clouds and shone on the earth.

    Murong Xue, dressed in a soft smoky-blue long robe, walked slowly on the streets of the capital city with Ouyang Shaochen beside her: ¡°Your Highness, how¡¯s the investigation of the Shadow Guards going?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve got some clues but not a lot ...¡± Ouyang Shaochen said gently, his sharp eyes as deep as a pool.

    Murong Xue nodded. Shadow Guards had extraordinary power and was very good at hiding. Some people had been trying to find them for over a decade with very little effect. Yet they had only started the search for a few days, so naturally whatever they had found might not be of great value.

    ¡°Liu Qingfeng, don¡¯t go too far...¡± A coarse voice rang. Murong Xue quickly turned around, looked up and saw that in front of the gate of the Ministry of Punishments, a thick crowd of people were gathering. Behind them, two familiar figures were partly hidden and partly visible.

    Murong Xue blinked, walked slowly forward and, pushing past the crowd, looked inside. There were five guards in armor with long swords standing on both sides of the hall. General Yuan and Yuan Fangfei were standing in the center of the hall and ring at Liu Qingfeng, the minister, who was sitting at the seat in the front.

    Liu Qingfeng was dressed in his uniform. He mmed his gavel on the desk and domineered over the Yuans: ¡°General Yuan, Miss Yuan, this is the hall of the Ministry of Punishments, and I¡¯m just doing my job...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not my brother¡¯s fault. If Your Honor is really doing your job, you should take these guards to the ce where the crime wasmitted, investigate the case carefully and find out the truth, instead of condemning my brother without justified reasons...¡±Yuan Fangfei said word by word, her eyes burning with anger.

    Liu Qingfeng turned sullen in an instant. He stared coldly at Yuan Fangfei and said: ¡°Under the order to escort army provisions to Nanjiang, Officer Yuan neglected his duty on the way, which resulted in the provisions being burned to nothing. The provisions for an army of 300,000 for several months were all gone under his watch, which is the fact...¡±

    As soon as this remark was made, the whole audience erupted in an uproar. The provisions for an army of three hundred thousand, which must have upied at least dozens of carriages, were all burnt down to nothing. The soldiers must have been really neglectful of their duties.

    The loss of the provisions would still be a trifle,pared to the possibility that, all themanders and soldiers in Nanjiang, would starve without the supply of foods, and thus being defeated, which would lead to severe consequences. No wonder that the Emperor had been furious and passed the case to the Ministry of Punishments for thorough investigation...

    ¡°I didn¡¯t neglect my duty.¡± An angry low voice rang as a teenage boy stepped out from Yuan Fangfei¡¯s side.

    He was a talld with dark skin, sharp eyes and a Roman nose, more or less resembling General Yuan. He looked at Liu Qingfeng angrily and said: ¡°The escorting soldiers and I had always been keeping an eye on our provisions. Who would have thought, as we were walking on the road, the provisions suddenly caught fire for no reason. It was violent and although we had tried our best, by the time we put it out, dozens of carriages had been burned down to almost nothing...¡±

    Liu Qingfeng sneered scornfully: ¡°the provisions set fire on themselves? Do you know what you¡¯re talking about? Even a three-year-old wouldn¡¯t believe it ...¡±

    ¡°But they indeedbusted spontaneously, and all the soldiers were witnesses...¡± Officer Yuan exined solemnly, his gaze filled with anxiety.

    Liu Qingfeng did not take it seriously: ¡°this is just a statement you have all agreed upon to excuse your sin...¡± Only fools would have believed that. The truth was as clear as day, and no more interrogation would be needed. He pronounced his judgement directly: ¡± put Officer Yuan in prison right now...¡±

    ¡°Aye!¡± The guards answered in unison and were about toe forward to send the culprit away.

    ¡°Get past me first!¡± Yuan Fangfei shouted angrily and, suddenly stepping forward, stood in front of Officer Yuan: the Ministry of Punishments is no different from hell, and people who get in would not be able to leave it without at least having ayer of their skin peeled off. My brother is innocent, and I will not let anyone put him through that!

    Liu Qingfeng, his face green with anger, gave Yuan Fangfei a piercing stare: ¡°Miss Yuan, your brother has made a fatal mistake, and he shall be put in prison ording to thew. If you try to interfere again, don¡¯t me us for being rude.¡±

    ¡°Are you threatening me? I¡¯ve grown up in threats. I haven¡¯t practiced for quite some time. Now let me see what you¡¯re capable of...¡±Yuan Fangfei said maliciously, raised her hands and went at the guards.

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes and said in an indifferent tone, ¡°stop it!¡±

    Hearing the melodious female voice, Liu Qingfeng, General Yuan, and Yuan Fangfei all turned around. Murong Xue pushed her way through the crowd and walked over slowly, her pale blue skirt fluttering as if a butterfly as she walked, and she looked as beautiful as a fairy stepping out from a painting.

    Liu Qingfeng frowned and said, ¡°Miss Murong, this is the hall of the Ministry of Punishments, a ce no one shall intrude into without permission...¡±

    Murong Xue smiled gently: ¡°I have no intention to disturb Your Honor¡¯s inquiry. I just need to ask Officer Yuan a question.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Liu Qingfeng asked impatiently

    ¡°Officer Yuan, did you bring back the burnt provisions?¡± Murong Xue fixed her gaze on Officer Yuan and asked softly.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s one of them!¡± Field Officer Liu responded softly, pointing at the right front.

    Murong Xue looked up and saw a carriage parked at the right front of the lobby. The carriage had almost been burned to ashes. It could be seen that the fire must have been extremely rampant. Inside the carriage there was still a pile of burnt grains.

    Murong Xue slowly walked to the front of the carriage, grabbed a handful of the charcoaled grains and inspected carefully...

    Seeing that she was serious and careful, Liu Qingfeng couldn¡¯t help scorning secretly. He walked slowly down the hall, approached her and said casually: ¡°it¡¯s just the grains burned due to his negligence. What¡¯s there to examine?¡±

    Murong Xue cast a nce at Liu Qingfeng and said gently: ¡°has it ever urred to Your Honor that the provisions were transported by carriages, while the carriages were arranged in a row with one in the front, and they were also separated by horses and a certain distance instead of being connected together. If only one or two carriages caught fire, it might have been because of the soldiers¡¯ negligence. But dozens of carriages of provisions were all on fire at the same time, and that couldn¡¯t be exined simply by the same reason.¡±

    ¡°I would look into the real cause of the fire, but Officer Yuan¡¯s dereliction of duty has caused the loss of the provisions. I must put him in prison in ordance with thew...¡± Liu Qingfeng said in a loud voice, his eyes filled with arrogance.

    Murong Xue looked at the ckened grains and said in a low voice: ¡°the fire was not necessarily Officer Yuan¡¯s fault...¡±

    Hearing her indifferent tone, Liu Qingfeng felt that his authority was being challenged. He frowned and gazed at Murong Xue scornfully: ¡°Miss Murong wouldn¡¯t really believe what Officer Yuan said and think that the provisions caught fire spontaneously?¡±

    ¡°Officer Yuan wasn¡¯t lying. The provisions did ignite spontaneously!¡± Murong Xue said emotionlessly with a meaningful stare and a grim look on her face...

 Chapter 232 - The Real Culprit

    <b>Chapter 232: The Real Culprit</b>

    Liu Qingfeng¡¯s face suddenly turned as ck as thunder. The more he emphasized the army provision would not self-ignite, the more Murong Xue insisted it did. It was obvious that this detestable girl was deliberately striking up a discordant tune.

    ¡°Since Miss Murong clings to the opinion that the army provisions could self-ignite, could you please show me how it worked?¡± Liu Qingfeng nced at her with contempt.

    Murong Xue chuckled, regardless of his sneer. ¡°Of course!¡± She snatched some provision with her soft hand and sprayed it on Liu Qingfeng¡¯s shoulder abruptly.

    With a thundering ¡°boom¡±, the provision caught fire instantly. Numerous mes leaped violently on Liu Qingfeng¡¯s shoulder.

    Greatly stunned, he hastened to p his shoulder to extinguish the fire, but to his surprise, it turned increasingly fierce, even spreading to his sleeve in a very short time.

    ¡°Help!¡± Liu Qingfeng let out a scream.

    ¡°Coming, sir!¡± Following his order, the guards rushed forward tounch heavy punches at Liu Qingfeng¡¯s shoulder. With the dull thumps resounding in the air, sharp pain spread to his shoulder and arm.

    Liu Qingfeng gritted his teeth in pain, trying his best to keep silent in fear of embarrassing himself. His eyes were wide open, his face crimson with blue veins revealed on his forehead, which showed the excruciating pain he was enduring...

    Murong Xue slightly curved up her lips. Though not intending to put her finger in another pie, she had to lend a hand this time, merely because it was about the army provisions to Nanjiang. As the saying goes, during the battle, the food and fodder should go ahead of the troops and horses. Murong Ye on the battlefield was in great need for the provision. If she couldn¡¯t figure out the reason for the self-ignition, besides staying hungry at the front, Murong Ye would highly likely be beheaded for losing the battle...

    As stubborn as Officer Liu was, he insisted that the provision would not self-ignite no matter what Murong Xue said. So, this was the only way to unravel the truth...

    With the fire on Liu Qingfeng¡¯s shoulder and arm extinguished, his stately uniform was dotted with several holes, his official cap tilted to one side.

    With the smell of scorching lingering around his nose, he gave Murong a piercing stare, his face livid with anger. ¡°What happened on earth? Why did the provisionbust spontaneously?¡±

    ¡°There was phosphorus hidden inside,¡± Murong Xue said emphatically, her gaze filled with sullenness.

    Phosphorus? What was that? Everyone present stared at each other in confusion.

    ¡°The phosphorus is very easy to self-ignite. As long as it gets to the re point by being exposed to the sun, it will self-ignite immediately...¡± Murong Xue exined in a gentle voice.

    Seemingly enlightened, officer Yuan said in a hurry, ¡°The provision caught fire at noon, the hottest time during the day...¡±

    Liu Qingfeng fixed his indifferent gaze on Murong Xue. ¡°You mean there was phosphorus hidden inside?¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Murong Xue nodded. ¡°Since it¡¯s summer now, the phosphorus hidden in the provision is very easy to get to the re point, thus igniting the dry provision...¡±

    She set the provision mixed with the phosphorus on Liu Qingfeng¡¯s shoulder just because he was standing in the sunshine at that time...

    ¡°Why would such a thing exist in the army provisions?¡± Liu Qingfeng knitted his eyebrows.

    ¡°You should ask those with the chance to approach it!¡± Murong Xue said in a low voice with a meaningful stare.

    Liu Qingfeng shot a piercing stare at Officer Yuan before asking coldly, ¡°What else do you want to exin?¡±

    ¡°I know nothing about it, including the phosphorus mentioned by Miss Murong ...¡± Officer Yuan tried to justify himself hurriedly.

    Liu Qingfeng snorted. ¡°Stop quibbling! You were responsible for escorting army provision, which caught fire seven or eight days after leaving the capital. You should be held ountable...¡±

    ¡°I promise I knew nothing about the phosphorus...¡± Officer Yuan retorted at once with a frown. ¡°It¡¯s I who was responsible for escorting the provision. Putting the phosphorus inside would be no different from digging my own grave...¡±

    ¡°Even if it were not you, it must have been somebody else in your army...¡± Liu Qingfeng snorted with contempt.

    ¡°Is there a spy in my troops?¡± Officer Yuan¡¯s eyes were gleaming with hatred.

    ¡°Perhaps not...¡± Murong Xue seized handfuls of provision and examined carefully. ¡°Given the same degree to which it was burned, the culprit must have sprayed the phosphorus evenly. If it was done by someone in the army, the topyer would have been destroyedpletely with the lowestyer intact, because he merely had time to spray it on the top hastily.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying that...? Officer Liu squinted.

    ¡°The provision was mixed with the phosphorus before bagging. Officer Liu should interrogate the barn keepers. In that way, perhaps you can catch the real culprit...¡± Murong Xue murmured, her gaze as cold as ice.

    Officer Liu squinted, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. If it were one of the barn keepers, the situation would be a littleplicated...

    ¡°Take the barn keepers here as soon as possible. All the citizens should witness the interrogation outside the hall. If suspects appear, bring them to me at once!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The guards took his order and hurried out.

    Before long, the director, the deputy, and the keepers were brought to the hall, standing in two rows.

    The guards came up before reporting with great respect, ¡°Officer, all the people rted to the barn have been brought here.¡±

    Responding emotionlessly, Liu Qingfeng caught a glimpse of one of the keepers with his sharp eyes before turning to the director. ¡°Was it them who bagged the provision sent to Nanjiang?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± The director answered calmly.

    Liu Qingfeng nodded before running his eyes over the keepers for a good while with no idea of who the suspect was. He wondered whether Murong Xue could sense something questionable.

    Looking askance at Murong Xue, he saw her walk among them slowly and finally stop next to someone.

    He was a in-looking guy with his hands dangling beside his body.

    Murong Xue forced a smile gracefully. ¡°It was you who put the phosphorus in the provision.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you are talking about!¡± He turned to Murong Xue in confusion.

    Murong Xue seized his wrist suddenly and showed his hand to the public. ¡°The inmmable phosphorus left a very slight smell on you and dyed your palm dark red.¡±

 Chapter 233 - Leaving for Nanjiang

    <h4>Chapter 233: Leaving for Nanjiang</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    The man looked sideways at his palm, and saw that a kind of distinctive redness had indeed appeared, as if blood about to coagte...

    His gaze turned cold and, flipping his wrist over, he deftly broke away from Murong Xue¡¯s grip, and mercilessly pped his palm at her: his identity had been exposed, so there¡¯s no need to hide anymore...

    Sneaking on her? He was biting off more than he could chew!

    Murong Xue curled her lips, a touch of murderous smile formed at the corner of her mouth. She turned sideways to avoid the attack of the man and kicked upward,nding a ruthless kick on the man¡¯s chest, sending him flying three or four meters away and smashing heavily on the ground, making him feel dizzy and his ears ringing, as well as aching all over...

    Grinding his teeth, the man was about to stand up, but a faint whooshing sound rang and, before he knew it, ten guards appeared before him, their long swords in hand drawn towards his neck mercilessly, and the sharp des had reached his skin. There was no way he could escape this time...

    ¡°Who are you? Why did you put phosphorus in the provision?¡± Lin Qingfeng looked at the man and asked sharply.

    The man didn¡¯t answer, and a trail of dark blood slowly dripped down from the corner of his mouth. He slowly fell on the ground, his eyes wide open, and he was dead...

    Liu Qingfeng was shocked: ¡°what¡¯s going on?¡±

    A guard squatted down and, looking at the body carefully for a moment, said in a deep voice: ¡°Your Excellency, he poisoned himself!¡±

    ¡°Poisoned himself?¡± Liu Qingfeng knitted his eyebrows. He had heard that some men of sacrifice and shadow guards would hide tiny poison bags in their teeth, and if their mission failed, they would take the poison and kill themselves. Unexpectedly, today, he had witnessed the hearsay with his own eyes...

    Looking at the man¡¯s body, he sighed heavily: ¡°he died with the clue...¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily!¡± Murong Xue came up and, looking at the body emotionlessly, said: ¡°the phosphorus is from Mount Yin of Nanjiang, which is directly under the jurisdiction of its royal family. This man could have ess to so much phosphorus, which is enough to imply that he¡¯s rted to Nanjiang...¡±

    Liu Qingfeng¡¯s gaze turned sharp: ¡°he¡¯s a spy from Nanjiang!¡±

    ¡°That stand a good chance!¡± Murong Xue nodded gently, her cool eyes glistening with seriousness never seen before.

    A spy from Nanjiang had sneaked into the granary of Qingyan, put phosphorus in and burned the provision of the soldiers. It was still a trifle that the provision was gone. What if he had put poison instead?

    Cold sweat immediately ran from Liu Qingfeng¡¯s back. He nced sharply at the head of the granary, the registrar, and various associates, who were now trembling out of fright. Falling to their knees in panic, they said hurriedly: ¡°Your Excellency, it¡¯s not our fault...We didn¡¯t know he was a spy...¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Excellency...He came a few months ago...We weren¡¯t familiar with him...¡±

    ¡°If we¡¯d known that he was a spy, we would not have allowed him any closer to the granary...¡±

    The incessant exnations rang in his ears, which gave Liu Qingfeng a headache, and he impatiently interrupted them: ¡°well, I will look into this carefully. Go now, all of you. You will stay home until we find out the truth, and none of you are allowed to approach the granary again.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir...¡± They answered in chorus repeatedly and, with a long sigh of relief, they backed out in gratitude: they would definitely cooperate by staying home and waiting for the investigation...

    Liu Qingfeng strode back to the hall with a gloomy face. He smacked his gavel on the desk and said coldly: ¡°it has been identified that the fire had nothing to do with Officer Yuan. Officer Yuan can now return to his mansion as he wishes ...¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± The grievance was finally cleared!

    Officer Yuan¡¯s face lit up, and he looked at Murong Xue gratefully: ¡°Miss Murong, thank you so much!¡±

    Murong Xue gently smiled: ¡°don¡¯t mention it. Will Officer Yuan still escort the provision to Nanjiang?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to, but due to my carelessness, there¡¯s been such a mess. It depends on the Emperor if I¡¯m still needed for the mission.¡± Officer Yuan smiled sheepishly.

    Murong Xue nodded in understanding. Provisions for an army of 300,000 were very important. With the lesson of the phosphorus incident, the Emperor would probably send another reliable person to escort the provision...

    Yuan Fangfei came forward, her dark eyes twinkling with gratitude: ¡°Murong Xue, you have helped us so much, and we don¡¯t know how to thank you enough...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. It¡¯s my pleasure.¡± Murong Xue smiled gently and, seeing the corner of a white robe, suddenly remembered that someone was still waiting for her outside. She rolled her eyes unnaturally and hurried out. Her answer came clearly from the air: ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ve got something else to attend to. We¡¯ll talkter...¡±

    Rushing out of the crowd, Murong Xue saw Ouyang Shaochen sitting and drinking tea in a teahouse not far away, so she hurried towards him: ¡°Your Highness, have I kept you waiting for long?¡±

    She was busy identifying the spy and had forgotten that Ouyang Shaochen was still waiting for her outside.

    Looking at her apologetic eyes, the barest hint of a smile appeared on Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face: ¡°it¡¯s not a problem!¡± he said gently while pouring a cup of tea for her.

    The faint fragrance of the steaming tea lingered around the tip of her nose. Murong Xue suddenly felt thirsty. She took up the tea and downed it at one gulp...

    ¡°Nobody, from the dignitaries to the ordinary of the entire capital city, has managed to figure out the reason for the spontaneousbustion of the provision. But you did it, and you have done a deed of merit while sening a warning to the Emperor. He will order all the departments in the capital to strengthen the security, and the provision will be sent to Nanjiang in time. You don¡¯t have to worry about Murong Ye...¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen said emotionlessly. He picked up the teacup slowly and took a sip, his dark eyes shining as if ck obsidians: Nanjiang had actually nted a spy into one of the governing departments of Qingyan, which was quite impressive. And the officials of Qingyan had indeed been leading a tranquil life for too long. Their vignce was getting increasingly poor...

    Murong Xue¡¯s gaze turned sharp and, sitting opposite Ouyang Shaochen, she looked at him expressionlessly and said: ¡°Your Highness, I want to go to Nanjiang!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen suddenly paused with his tea and, looking at her in confusion, he asked: ¡°Why? You¡¯re worried about Murong Ye?¡±

    Murong Xue shook her head: ¡°although people in Nanjiang are very smart and cunning, I am not particrly worried about Murong Ye¡¯s safety when he¡¯s with a troop of 300,000. My purpose is investigating the Shadow Guards.¡±

    ¡°Shadow Guards were trained by my father on the battlefield, which is also the ce where they spend most of their time. You would most likely find no trace of them in the capital city. People from the imperial court have been searching for a decade with no sign of them. If I go to Nanjiang, maybe I can find something...¡±

    The ghosts in wooden snakes led by Cang Qiong and the spy just now had all shown cleverness, cunning and uniqueness of the people of Nanjiang. Therefore, she was going there to see how powerful their soldiers were.

    Ouyang Shaochen pondered for a moment and, looking at her unblinkingly, said: ¡°do you have to go there?¡±

 Chapter 234 - Kidnapped

    <h4>Chapter 234: Kidnapped</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    ¡°I have nothing to do in the capital other than waiting for the result. I might as well go to Nanjiang and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way...¡± Murong Xue chuckled.

    ¡°Good idea!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded before asking her expressionlessly, ¡°When do you n to set off?¡±

    ¡°In a few days,¡± Murong Xue said softly. In the scorching summer, there was no need to bring so much luggage except for some money and clothes to change.

    Ouyang Shaochen nodded. ¡°There is an emergency I need to attend to...¡±

    ¡°Take your time. You don¡¯t need to see me off if you are busy...¡± As considerate as she was, Murong Xue said with a smile.

    ¡°Have I mentioned that before?¡± Ouyang Shaochen suddenly raised his tone in fury and looked up at her with his sparkling eyes. Shuddering in surprise, Murong Xue shot a piercing stare at him. ¡°I have go back and pack up. Hope you¡¯ll enjoy the tea, Your Highness!¡±

    Murong Xue rose to her feet before leaving the tea house in big strides angrily without looking back. Walking on the street, she dwelt upon the scene in the tea house furiously. ¡°Nobody forced him to see me off! Why on earth did he lose his temper like that!

    Turning around at the street corner, Murong Xue suddenly sensed an intense smell of smoke as a streak of red light skimmed before her eyes. With everything fading into darkness all of a sudden, she was greatly stricken by dizziness before slumping on the ground...

    A man in ck turned up from nowhere, seized Murong Xue by her arm, and threw her inside the carriage. Upon finishing the task, the man drove the wagon away at once, leaving a wake of dust in the air...

    Ouyang Shaochen threw a silver ingot on the desk before stepping out of the tea house in big strides. He headed towards the same direction as Murong Xue, his handsome face ghastly sullen.

    What he intended to say was that he would apany her to Nanjiang after settling the affairs at the Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion! Why didn¡¯t she let him finish his sentence? What a silly girl!

    He shouldn¡¯t have entertained the hope that this stupid girl could read his mind...

    Suddenly, Ouyang Shaochen caught sight of a glittering pearl at the corner of the street.

    He halted and picked the pearl up with his brows knitted. At the sight of the Chinese character ¡°Xue¡± carved upon the surface, Ouyang Shaochen squinted his eyes as something suddenly crossed his mind. It was Murong Xue¡¯s earring, which was given by him as a present! Something must have happened to Xue¡¯er!

    ¡°Xun Feng, Wu Hen, block the city gate at once and search for Xue¡¯er. Make sure no stone will be left unturned! If someone dares to resist, y them right away!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Following his order, Xun Feng and Wu Hen left swiftly.

    Ouyang Shaochen clutched the pearl earring, his face ghastly darkening. How bold they were to kidnap Xue¡¯er!

    Murong Xue could feel the slight jolting of her seat, but her eyelid was too heavy to lift. She was undoubtedly in a fast-moving wagon, whose curtains at both sides were fluttering in the howling wind.

    Murong Xue squinted. Although she had figured that there must have been something wrong with the fleeting red light, Murong Xue still breathed some poisonous smoke in before holding her breath. Despite the fact that she had already regained consciousness, she was still feeble all over. How powerful the smoke was!

    Who on earth had kidnapped her? What was their intention?

    With a violent jolt of the wagon, the reckless sound of one of the kidnappers rang outside the carriage.

    ¡°The invisible guards of Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion are powerful, for they not only figured out our whereabouts, but also nearly caught up with us just then. Fortunately, they were distracted by An Liu and An Qi...¡±

    ¡°Is it something to be proud of? Haven¡¯t you noticed no one has returned until now? It is highly possible that they have been murdered by those Invisible Guards...¡±

    After a period of silence, someone let out a sigh, ¡°Never underestimate Lord Freedom¡¯s Heir, Ouyang Shaochen...¡±

    ¡°Indeed. How could the eminent prince Ouyang be an incapable nobody? Our master sent thirty Invisible Guards here several days ago, and we¡¯re the only survivors. If another Invisible Guard appears, one of us must go and distract him.¡±

    ¡°Just for the girl in the wagon? Ouyang Shaochen hunted us down just for her? Is she really that attractive?¡± The man said in a low-pitched voice filled with curiosity.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± The other man asked coldly.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you interested in her?¡± The first man snickered, and hisughter made Murong Xue physically sick.

    ¡°I would rather keep myself alive than fulfilling my personal desire. It¡¯s our master who wants her. You might as well behave yourself!¡± The second man warned his partner.

    His partner turned his back on him. ¡°What are you afraid of? Our master only wants Murong Xue alive. As long as we keep her safe, our job will be done. As for other things, our master won¡¯t care at all.¡±

    His partner snorted. ¡°The Invisible Guards of the Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion might show up at any time. Howe you are still in the mood for your selfish desire? You might as well think about how to escape from them and take Murong Xue to our master.¡±

    His partner argued, ¡°There is no need to worry. Our reinforcement wille soon...We have always been running like stray dogs in fear of being caught by the Invisible Guards. It is time for our counterattack...¡±

    His partner sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t boast before our reinforcement arrives.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not boasting, just telling the truth!¡± He patted his partner¡¯s shoulder and murmured smilingly. ¡°In view of the rugged roads, it will take a long time for them to catch up with us. Drive the wagon first. I will get inside and have some fun. You¡¯ll be the next!¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, the man leaped into the carriage before his partner could even react.

    ¡°You cannot make a crab walk straight,¡± his partner scolded and urged, ¡°Hurry up!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± His partner responded casually and approached Murong Xue. She was fast asleep in the carriage, her long eyshes like butterfly¡¯s wings, casting two deep shadows on her eyelids, her rosy lips puckered. It would be so cruel to unhallow that serene sleeping beauty.

    The lc dress had been tailored to the size of her body, entuating her slim figure. The man stared at Murong Xue with his eyes wide open. No wonder Ouyang Shaochen was enchanted by her. Needless to say, he would be greatly honored for the intimacy with her. Ha-ha-ha...

 Chapter 235 - The Mysterious Man

    <strong>Chapter 235: The Mysterious Man</strong>

    That manughed viciously and reached out for Murong Xue¡¯s delicate face.

    Sensing that the hand was about to reach her cheek, Murong Xue suddenly opened her eyes. Drawing a cold light in the air with a hairpin in her hand, she stabbed it into the man¡¯s throat ruthlessly, and blood gushed out...

    The man widened his eyes abruptly. He pressed his hands firmly against his neck, but still couldn¡¯t stop the bleeding, which dyed the front of his robe red. He looked at Murong Xue, his eyes shing with shock and disbelief!

    He wanted to warn his partner outside, but could utter strange sounds: ¡°ho ho ho...¡±

    Murong Xue sat up slowly. With a cold smile on her face, she grabbed the hairpin and pulled it out hard. With a ¡°poof¡±, blood sshed onto the pping carriage curtain, bright red and dazzling...

    The man held his head up and stiffened for a moment before he fell down with a ¡°plop¡±. His eyes were wide open, as if he died with evesting regret!

    Bright sunlight shone through the window and on the hairpin in Murong Xue¡¯s hand, which reflected the dazzling light. The residual blood on the hairpin gradually gathered at the tip and condensed into a drop which dropped on the ground with a ¡°tick-top¡±, which could made people¡¯s hair stand on end...

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± The man driving the carriage realized that something was wrong. He lifted the curtain and looked inside.

    Murong Xue¡¯s gaze turned cold. With a ¡°whoosh¡±, the hairpin in her hand was suddenly pressed against that man¡¯s neck. She asked coldly, ¡°who sent you after me?¡±

    The man was dazed for a moment before he returned to normal and responded coldly: ¡°I hope you¡¯ll figure that out in hell!¡±

    As soon as his voice faded away, a gleam of malevolence shed across his eyes. He raised one hand to push away Murong Xue¡¯s hairpin and mmed the other mercilessly at her.

    Murong Xue turned sideways quickly to avoid his attack. She bent her slender arm, which directly bypassed him, and stabbed the hairpin ruthlessly into his chest. Blood gushed out and formed a particrly eye-catching scene with the bright sunshine from outside the window...

    He stood stiff for a moment before he fell to the ground, his eyes wide open...

    Murong Xue, as if she had not seen it, took out a silk handkerchief and gently wiped the blood off the hairpin: this hairpin was a gift from Ouyang Shaochen, and she must wipe it clean, or else that stingy man would think that she had not cherished what he had given her and find fault ...

    Suddenly, the carriage began bumping violently. Murong Xue almost lost her bnce before she grabbed the edge of the carriage and steadied herself. She looked up and saw that the fast horse, having lost its driver, was running wildly and aimlessly along the rugged road, and a steep slope was looming in the front. Murong Xue narrowed her eyes slightly and, with the hairpin in her hand, jumped off the carriage...

    As shended on the ground steadily, she heard a loud crash. The horse and carriage fell down the steep slope, stirring up a cloud of dust...

    Murong Xue¡¯s gaze were meaningful. Having fallen from such a slope, the men in ck and the carriage must have been smashed to pieces. They were indeed martial artists and secret keepers. Their leader would definitely be mysterious as well. But she was now out of the wood with no immediate concerns about her life. It didn¡¯t matter that the men in ck had not provided any information of value. She could investigate by herself and find the mastermind behind.

    The priority at the moment was to meet up with the invisible guards of Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, who had been trying to catch up with them!

    Murong Xue looked around and saw that she was standing in a valley, with winding roads in the front and behind, as well as undting mountains on both sides!

    What the hell was this ce?

    In order to avoid the invisible guards of Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, the men in ck had taken such a remote way. It would certainly be difficult for the invisible guards to find this ce...

    Cursing inwardly, Murong Xue stumbled along the way back on the rough road. After a few dozens of steps, she heard hunger rumbling in her stomach.

    Looking up and around, she saw bare and empty surroundings except for the soil and rocks, but around 100 meters away, halfway up the hillside, there were some fruit trees.

    She frowned and walked slowly along the zigzag catwalk towards the fruit trees.

    She did not know howrge this dreadful ce was, or how long she would have to walk to leave it, not to mention whether there were any dangerous animals or people around. She needed enough physical strength to sustain her ability of self-protection!

    The efficacy of the delirium smoke had notpletely worn off. She was feeble and extremely hungry, so she had to find something to eat first.

    A quarterter, Murong Xue arrived at some fruit trees, and saw that they were lush and full of fruits, which looked invitingly red and ripe, and intensified her hunger.

    She went forward, picked a fruit, wiped it with a silk handkerchief, and took a bite gently. Almost instantly, its fresh and sweet taste filled her mouth...

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes lit up and she nodded with admiration. It tasted really good! Holding the fruit, she took a few more bites...

    All of a sudden, she felt a pair of eyes looking her way and her gaze turned stern. She immediately looked back and saw a man in a ck brocade robe standing in front of arge rock a dozen meters away. He was about seventeen or eighteen years old, very good looking, and his eyes were as clear as a spring without any trace of impurities...

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± the man looked at her expressionlessly, his eyes twinkling with a hint of perplexity.

    ¡°Passing by.¡± Murong Xue replied carelessly.

    ¡°Oh!¡± the man nodded. Seemingly at a loss, he did not ask further questions, just like the son of a wealthy family who was ignorant of worldly affairs.

    Seeing that the man posed no harm to her, Murong Xue withdrew her gaze and took a few more bites. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw the man approaching quietly. Her eyes suddenly narrowed and she turned to look at him abruptly: ¡°what are you doing?¡±

    The vignce in her voice startled the man, who suddenly stopped and said: ¡°this kind of fruits is harmful to your health if you eat too much. Plus, they cannot really fill you up. I¡¯ve got some pastries and water. Do you want to try some? ¡±

    The man slowly reached out, holding an open food box that was small and delicate, inside which there were a bag of water and a te of pastries. The pastries were still steaming, making her mouth water...

    The hunger was almost killing Murong Xue. She hesitated for a moment before taking the food box: ¡°thank you!¡± She wasn¡¯t used to having food from a stranger, but now she was really starved. The pastries and water seemed clean. Also, the man in front of her didn¡¯t seem like a viin. She could make an exception...

    ¡°Anytime!¡± The man¡¯s smile wasforting, and his dark eyes were like a clear spring.

    Murong Xue let her defenses down, picked up a piece and put it into her mouth. She looked at him emotionlessly and said: ¡°where are we?¡±

    ¡°In Mingzhou!¡± said the man casually.

    Mingzhou? Wasn¡¯t that the territory of Nanjiang? Howe she woke up to find herself here? Had she been sleeping for days?

    Murong Xue looked up at the man and said word for word, ¡°what date is it today?¡±

    The man gave the urate answer gently with a clear stare!

    Murong Xue narrowed her clear eyes abruptly: deducing from the date, she had not only slept for an hour or two, or for a day or two, but she had slept for nine whole days. She had just inhaled a little of the psychedelic smoke, and had slept for such a long time, which meant that its efficacy was really strong. With such strong psychedelic smoke used on her, where were those men in ck trying to take her?

 Chapter 236 - Meeting Acquaintances

    <h4>Chapter 236: Meeting Acquaintances</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Sensing his gaze, Murong Xue suddenly realized the man was staring at her with his bright eyes full of confusion.

    ¡°Why are you gazing at me?¡± Murong Xue asked doubtfully.

    ¡°You seem worried about something,¡± the man said calmly in a low-pitched voice.

    Murong Xue was speechless.

    Could you not be that candid? It should be a child rather than an adult who would speak whatever in his mind. The man before her was obvious seventeen or eighteen rather than seven or eight...

    ¡°Thank you for your pastries and water!¡± Murong Xue murmured as she stuffed the empty food box and water bag into his hand.

    Given his elegance and nobility, he, with his clear eyes and innocent smile, muste from a well-bred family of high social status.

    Considering his very familiarity with the fruit trees on the mountain, it was highly likely that he came from Ming Chuan of Nanjiang. As a girl from one of the high-ranking families in Qing Yan, it was wise for Murong Xue to keep her distance from this strange man.

    The earth was full of gashes due to the scorching sunshine.

    Murong Xue sauntered along the path leisurely. The man walking unhurriedly behind her had always been keeping an eye on her.

    Incensed at the footsteps resounding behind her, Murong Xue stopped and fixed him with an angry stare. ¡°Why are you following me?¡±

    ¡°I am going downhill, too...¡± The man murmured, his bright eyes filled with innocence.

    All right. It seemed like they were fellow travellers.

    ¡°You first!¡± Standing sideways, Murong Xue made way for him.

    ¡°All right!¡± The man nodded and strode forward. He trotted along the path down the stairs with light steps, his fluttering silk robe making him more mysterious.

    Murong Xue trod behind as she looked around at the endless winding path. ¡°Can we get out of the col if we follow this path downhill?¡± She asked with a frown.

    ¡°No!¡± He shook his head.

    ¡°Why?¡± Murong Xue asked in confusion.

    ¡°There are many crossroads at the end of the path, some leading to the town, some to the mountains, or the river and the cliff...¡± The man said softly.

    Murong Xue nodded. Only by picking the right road, could they get out of here. ¡°Which one leads to the town?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea, either, but I know how to get to the rural area...¡± He turned back to look at Murong Xue with aforting smile, his eyes gleaming with kindness.

    What an innocent boy! He was even a little silly...

    ¡°How far is the nearest town from here?¡±

    ¡°About one hundred Li...¡± The man answered softly.

    ¡°Is it really that far?¡± Murong Xue frowned.

    ¡°Since Qing Yan and Nan Jiang are at war, all the people living nearby have moved away. This is Mount Meng. Although located in Ming Zhou, it is still at least a hundred Li from the urban area,¡± the man exined.

    Murong Xue nodded. In such a short time, the Qing Yan army had approached Ming Zhou. It seemed that General Zhang was really talented in deployment.

    Murong Xue nced at the man, her eyes flickering with something meaningful. His hometown, Nanjiang was invaded by General Zhang¡¯s army. ¡°Why are you here in a deserted area?¡±

    ¡°To take a walk...¡± He said softly in a depressed tone.

    ¡°A walk?¡± Murong Xue stared at him in confusion. As big as Qing Zhou city was, there were numerous ces for a walk. Why did he choose here?

    ¡°I live in a noisy ce with a lot of people chattering around, so I came here for some quiet space.¡± As he talked, a wisp of disgust skimmed across his eyes and disappeared without a trace. ¡°Why are you here?¡± He looked up at Murong Xue.

    ¡°I am strayed after I got separated with my friend.¡± Murong Xue lied naturally with a smile.

    ¡°You are going to the town to meet your friend?¡± He believed her without the faintest doubt.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Murong Xue nodded at once. She did want to meet the Invisible Guards of the Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, so it was not a lie to a certain degree.

    ¡°It is not easy to find a person in such a big city. You might as well live in my ce. My servants can lend a hand!¡± The man suggested as he stared at Murong Xue with his sparkling eyes.

    ¡°No, thank you. I¡¯ll do it myself!¡± Murong Xue shook her head in a hurry. Was he joking around? The two countries were at war. How could she live in Ming Zhou and ask people from Nanjiang to search for the Invisible Guards of Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion...

    The man¡¯s eyes darkened a little upon her refusal, but soon lit up again. ¡°What about telling me what your friend looks like? I can help you...¡±

    Swish! The sound of slicing the air interrupted his words. A dozen of men d in ck appearing from nowhere suddenly thrusted at Murong Xue mercilessly with the long swords in their hands...

    As stunned as Murong Xue was, she recalled the two bandits¡¯ words about their reinforcement. How bold they were toe here even before she could find their whereabouts. They were certainly digging their own grave...

    Intending to bare her soft sword, Murong Xue found all the assassins nearby had already been blown up one by one...

    She looked askance at the man, who, with a sullen face, raised his delicate hand surrounded by ayer of light blue mes burning fiercely. As he waved, the mes would shoot towards the assassins and sent them towards the stones about eight meters away, killing them instantly...

    Murong Xue squinted her eyes. It was beyond her expectation that such an innocent boy was a top practitioner in martial arts...

    Swish! A sharp sword shed through the air and dashed toward Murong Xue¡¯s heart, too rapid for her to defend.

    When it nearly touched Murong Xue¡¯s skin, before the man waved his palm to knock the sword away, a white figure suddenly turned up beside her before carrying her aside by holding her slim waist.

    With the flick of his delicate finger, a streak of inner force was shot toward the sword and forced it back at once. A man in ck hiding on the tree was stabbed to death before falling to the ground and rolling downhill...

 Chapter 237 - The Crown Prince of Nanjiang

    <strong>Chapter 237: The Crown Prince of Nanjiang</strong>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Light fragrance of ink bamboo was lingering around the tip of her nose, and pounding heartbeats could be heard. Murong Xue looked up, only to see Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s handsome face before her eyes, signs of fatigue could be found in his obsidian-like eyes tinted with a touch of gauntness, and his white robe was stained with dust. Apparently, he had rushed here all the way without enough time to rest.

    Murong Xue¡¯s heart quivered inexplicably, and her heart was filled with indescribable feelings: ¡°Your Highness!¡±

    Looking at her lucid and beautiful eyes, Ouyang Shaochen showed the barest hint of a smile. He reached out and held her in his arms. Her delicate body was warm, soft and scented, with a faint fragrance of fire lotus lingering around the tip of his nose. Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s tension was slightly relieved. After thousand miles of tracking, he had finally found her: ¡°I¡¯m d that you¡¯re fine!¡±

    Faint fragrance of ink bamboo surrounded her. Murong Xue rested her chin on Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s shoulder and, her stare swept past him andnded on the man in ck not far away, who was staring at her and Ouyang Shaochen unblinkingly, his clear eyes gleaming with confusion and surprise.

    Murong Xue¡¯s rolled her eyes unnaturally, and she pushed Ouyang Shaochen aside gently. Pointing at the young man, she said: ¡°he¡¯s helped me a lot just now...¡±

    The men in ck were all skilled martial artists and came at her with a fierce attack. Meanwhile, she had slept for days and her physical strength was abated. Being alone, even if she could have handled the men in ck, she would have had to pay a certain price, definitely not like this without a scratch.

    Ouyang Shaochen looked up at the man, his obsidian-like eyes shing with a touch of invisible surprise. He said gently: ¡°thank you, your Highness!¡± His clear voice was calm, without any trace of emotion.

    Murong Xue was stunned: ¡°Crown prince? What crown prince?¡±

    ¡°He is Gong Qianyu, the crown prince of Nanjiang, so naturally, he should be addressed as His Highness!¡± said Ouyang Shaochen lightly, his eyes deep and dark with a hidden glint of light.

    What? Crown prince Gong Qianyu of Nanjiang!

    Murong Xue looked at Gong Qianyu in surprise, her eyes full of shock and disbelief. She had figured that he wouldn¡¯t be an ordinary man, but she hadn¡¯t expected that someone so unsophisticated would be the crown prince of Nanjiang...

    Gong Qianyu ignored Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s words, and looked at Murong Xue unblinkingly, his clear pupils clearly reflecting her figure. He was so earnest and attentive that it was as if he wished to imprint her on his mind...

    Seeing her concentrative and attentive stare, Ouyang Shaochen frowned: ¡°it¡¯ste. Let¡¯s get going.¡± He said gently, holding Murong Xue¡¯s delicate hand and led her forward.

    Gong Qianyu¡¯s gaze turned sharp as he said abruptly: ¡°Hold on!¡±

    Murong Xue stopped, turned around and looked at him: ¡°what is it, Your Highness?¡±

    ¡°May I know your name?¡± Gong Qianyu came up and looked at her fixedly.

    ¡°Murong Xue!¡± She said gently. It was just a name, and she did not mind letting others know.

    ¡°Will we see each other again?¡± Gong Qianyu gazed at her, his clear eyes twinkling with hope.

    Murong Xue smiled softly: ¡°let¡¯s see if predestination will arrange our reunion.¡±

    ¡°We are predestined to meet again!¡± said Gong Qianyu lightly, his clear eyes shining brightly.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyelids twitched. Howe this remark sounded so weird...

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s handsome face turned gloomy for a moment. He looked at Gong Qianyu coldly and, with his arm around Murong Xue¡¯s waist, he rose into the air, his slender figure like a white cloud, and in an instant, he was high in the sky and flying forward fast...

    The whirling wind was blowing past her ears, and the sceneries on both sides were flying rapidly backward. Looking back from afar, Murong Xue could still see the eyes of Gong Qianyu and the way he gazed at her...

    ¡°How did you know Gong Qianyu?¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at Murong Xue, his obsidian-like eyes twinkling with elusive light.

    ¡°I met him by chance.¡± Murong Xue said carelessly, telling him what had happened: ¡°Strictly speaking, he has saved me indirectly, so he could be regarded as my benefactor...¡±

    ¡°Then how are you going to repay him?¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at her, his obsidian-like eyes as deep as a pool, and the corners of his mouth were curved up, looking unspeakably dangerous.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyelids twitched violently and a bad premonition surfaced in her heart. She said hurriedly: ¡°that... If there is a chance, I will help him ording to the circumstances to repay him. I won¡¯t go too far...¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at her with a faint smile, his dark eyes glistening brightly.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Murong Xue nodded hastily. Seeing that Ouyang Shaochen was about to say more, she hastened to raise her voice: ¡°Your Highness, have you found out who was behind my abduction?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got two suspects, but who the specific one is still needs to be investigated carefully!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said softly, his gaze deeper than a pool.

    Murong Xue nodded understandingly: ¡°do you know why he took me?¡± Since she came to Qingyan, she had never offended any of the powerful people.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure for the moment. Once we find out that man, we could ask him.¡± Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s voice was gentle, and his dark eyes were twinkling.

    ¡°Sounds feasible!¡± Murong Xue nodded. Asking for the reason in person, simple and fast, would be much more effective than random guesses! Zigzag paths came into view, and she said leisurely: ¡°where are we going now?¡±

    ¡°The barracks of Qingyan!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lightly.

    ¡°Why are we going there?¡± Murong Xue looked at him perplexedly: the barracks were where the generals were stationed, and no one else were allowed inside...

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. The barracks are nearby. Let¡¯s rest there tonight before we go to the nearest town tomorrow.¡± Ouyang Shaochen suggested.

    Murong Xue nodded: ¡°sounds nice.¡±

    They were new to Mingzhou, tired and fatigued, and not familiar with the terrain here. They needed more time to rest and regain their strength.

    The sound of the wind ceased and Ouyang Shaochen, still holding Murong Xue¡¯s waist, fell to the ground as light as a feather.

    Murong Xue looked up and all she could see were tents of all sizes standing one after another in a well-spaced manner. Groups of guards in armor with spears were patrolling back and forth among the tents.

    There were also soldiers in twos and threes, sitting in front of the tents, gently wiping their swords attentively, which added to the tension in the barracks...

    A soldier came up and said, ¡°Prince Ouyang, Miss Murong, General Zhang requests the pleasure of seeing you!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen agreed emotionlessly and, holding Murong Xue¡¯s small hand tightly, walked into the tent of the Commander in Chief slowly with the guidance of a soldier.

    Inside the tent, there was a long table in the center with a topographic map on top. General Zhang was standing at the table and looking down at the map with his brows knitted.

    Three or four deputy generals stood beside him, also staring at the topographic map with the same facial expression...

 Chapter 238 - Heading for the Traps

    <h4>Chapter 238: Heading for the Traps</h4>

    Trantor: Madesmoiselle V.

    Upon seeing Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue step inside, General Zhang put the map back on the table before cupping his hands to show his respect. ¡°Prince Ouyang, Miss Murong, your tents are ready, and are just next to mine...¡±

    ¡°Thank you very much, General Zhang,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said calmly.

    ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure!¡± General Zhang smiled. Red marks on the map on the desk implied his anxiety and confusion.

    ¡°Are you in trouble, General?¡± Murong Xue winked.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that serious. We have stayed here for several days, and the army is still not able to progress any further...¡± General Zhang sighed, his eyebrows knitted. Though the military situation was the top secret, it had already been well-known to the 300,000 soldiers outside the tent. Therefore, there was no need to hide it from them.

    Something skimmed across Murong Xue¡¯s mind fleetingly, which was too quick for her to grasp. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°After the general of the Nan Jiang army passed away, the emperor appointed his son, prince Gong Qianyu, as the troop leader. Adept at martial arts and deployment, he made full use of the terrain of Mingzhou and blocked our army out of the city...¡± General Zhang said in a low-pitched voice, his sharp eyes flickering with sullenness.

    During the war before, the Qing Yan army used to be in serious trouble, but the problem could always be solved smoothly. However, the traps set by the crown prince of Nanjiang are too mysterious and strange to break through, not to mention marching forward...

    If they could not get past the traps, it would be impossible to conquer Mingzhou even in the next year...

    Murong Xue remembered Gong Qianyu¡¯s clear eyes sparkling with strange light. As the leader of the Nanjiang army, that innocent guy wasn¡¯t only a top practitioner in martial arts, but also a talent in deployment. Obstructing 300,000 Qing Yan soldiers all by himself, how unimaginable...

    ¡°General, what about kidnapping several Nanjiang soldiers and interrogate them under torture?¡± One of the deputies suggested.

    General Zhang shook his head. ¡°The traps were set by Gong Qianyu. The soldiers may not know how to get past them...¡±

    ¡°What should we do...¡±

    General Zhang and his deputies discussed heatedly about the avable strategy.

    Not interested in the war, Murong Xue kept silent. She looked around, but there was no sign of even one familiar figure nearby. ¡°General Zhang, where is my elder brother?¡± She couldn¡¯t help asking.

    ¡°He is on patrol with groups of soldiers, and will return after two hours...¡± General Zhang answered expressionlessly.

    Murong Xue nodded. Since she would live here tonight, it would be okay to meet Murong Yeter.

    ¡°General Zhang, there¡¯s an emergency...¡± A scream resounded in the air. A soldier lifted the curtain before rushing inside, out of breath.

    ¡°What happened? Why are you in panic?¡± General Zhang red at him with a frown.

    ¡°It¡¯s the guards...They are in trouble...¡± The soldier took a long breath before saying in a hurry, ¡°The guards noticed several suspects during the patrol and decided to catch them, but they were trapped in the...¡±

    With his gaze turning stern, General Zhang scolded them harshly, ¡°Haven¡¯t I ordered that no one should step inside? How bold they were to vite my order...¡±

    ¡°The soldiers didn¡¯t vite your order. The range of those traps has been expanded...They thought there was still some distance...¡± The soldier argued eagerly.

    General Zhang squinted his sharp eyes. What? Gong Qianyu actually expanded the range and threatened the Qingyan army. At that time, not only the soldiers couldn¡¯t march forward, but would be forced to retreat...

    With her eyelids twitching, Murong Xue had a sense of foreboding. She looked up at the soldier and asked, ¡°Have all the guards on patrol been trapped inside?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so.¡± The soldier nodded, his eyes flickering with sullenness. ¡°The strange trap entrapped all the soldiers at once. Although Marquis Murong Ye is indeed a good practitioner in martial arts, he fell into the trap in the end after a long period of struggling...¡±

    Murong Xue frowned heavily. Hadn¡¯t she warned Murong Ye repetitively? How silly he was to be so careless...

    ¡°Are the traps so horrible?¡±

    ¡°Traps of various kinds were set ahead. None of the entrapped soldiers could survive...¡± General Zhang murmured, his eyes full of frustration.

    Murong Ye was surely in great danger...

    ¡°I want to have a look...¡± Murong Xue¡¯s eyes were narrowed.

    ¡°Please have a second thought, Miss Murong. The traps are very dangerous ces...¡± General Zhang exhorted her at once.

    ¡°Set your mind at ease. I can look after myself.¡± Murong Xue stepped outside with a chuckle. She not only had witnessed various traps, but had been to many dangerous and strange ces in the modern society. In Murong Xue¡¯s opinion, there was never any trap in the world mysterious enough to entrap her...

    Watching her resolute figure, Ouyang Shaochen followed her outside with vigorous strides, his dark eyes flickering with helplessness.

    General Zhang and his deputies nced at each other before hurrying out of the tent with their private guards, following Murong Xue.

    They still remembered vividly how Murong Xue fought against the strange people on a wooden snake at the Royal Summer Resort. The traps seemed to be far more dangerous than those snakes. It was still unknown whether she could sess this time...

    The traps were located in the southwest of the military camp, merely two or three Lis away.

    Standing afar, Murong Xue noticed a luxuriant and boundless forest covered by dead silence. The dark gray mist lingering among the trees entuated its strangeness and gruesomeness.

    Murong Xue frowned at the heavy mist. ¡°The mist is poisonous. I must take the antidote before entering, or I will die within fifty steps!¡±

    So powerful!

    All the people squinted at the poisonous mist, which they had always mistook as amon one. No wonder none of the soldiers survived after entering the woods...

    ncing at other people¡¯s eyes filled with fear, Murong Xue turned around with a chuckle and reached inside Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s sleeve for a white bag from which she took out a dark brown pill before stuffing it in her mouth. ¡°Since the traps are dangerous, there is no need for you to follow me inside. I will go there by myself!¡± She said slowly.

 Chapter 239 - Entering the Mysterious Forest of Traps

    <strong>Chapter 239: Entering the Mysterious Forest of Traps</strong>

    General Zhang narrowed his eyes. Despite his warm exhortations, in the end, he could only tell Murong Xue to be careful.

    The general knew his soldiers were neither skillful enough in martial arts nor familiar with the traps in the forest. Thus, even if they went inside, they could do nothing to help. They might even add to the chaos instead. Thus, it would be better to let Murong Xue go alone. If she came across danger, she could avoid it ore out as quickly as possible.

    Murong Xue nodded and assured General Zhang, ¡°I know!¡± Then she took Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s hand and slowly walked into the forest of traps.

    Inside the forest there were tall trees, overgrown weeds, twisted roots and gnarled branches everywhere. Murong Xue moved forward step by step cautiously. It was in summer, but in the forest it was chilly, without sunshine or wind. The silence around her was terrifying...

    ¡°Ah!¡± A scream rang in their ears. Murong Xue looked ahead, only to see Wu Hen seven or eight meters away with a severe bleeding gash on the back of his hand. From his scarlet blood, there seemed to be indistinct ck smokeing out...

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes, stepped forward, took out the antidote powder and sprinkled it on the back of his hand while asking, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°I was identally scratched by a branch, and that¡¯s all.¡± Wu Hen responded with an understatement.

    Murong Xue¡¯s cold gaze swept over the lifeless trees, as well as their branches and leaves. She then narrowed her eyes, and sensed that the air had been poisoned. Even the branches and leaves of the nts were poisoned as well. So, she warned, ¡°This is a poisonous forest. Be careful when you walk. Never touch anything!¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Wu Hen nodded and went on striding forward, continuing to explore the road ahead. They had walked forward for more than 10 meters when his tall body suddenly sank, and half of his legs got stuck in the thick mud!

    ¡°This is indeed a forest of countless traps, which made it extremely difficult for soldiers to defend themselves. Thus, it should not be regarded as a humiliation that 300,000 of our soldiers are trapped here!¡± Wu Hen sighed in a low voice. He tried hard to pull out his feet, but the harder he tried, the deeper he sank. The thick mud clung onto himyer afteryer, and in the blink of an eye, the mud had reached his knees...

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as she hurried up to Wu Hen, saying ¡°Wu Hen, stay still. The mud here is special. The more you struggle, the deeper you will sink ...¡±

    Wu Hen was stunned and stopped struggling immediately. He looked up at Murong Xue and asked, ¡°Then what can I do?¡±

    Murong Xue looked around but didn¡¯t find anything useful. All of a sudden, she unsheathed the soft sword on her waist and stretched it out to Wu Hen, saying, ¡°Hold the tip of the sword. I¡¯ll pull you out!¡±

    ¡°All right!¡± Wu Hen nodded and grasped the tip of the sword.

    Just when Murong Xue was ready to pull, she saw Ouyang Shaochen holding her wrist. In a blink of an eye, he pulled Wu Hen out of the mud and flung him onto the hard ground nearby.

    Wu Hen lightly fell onto the ground. Looking at the knee-depth mud stained on his trousers, he could not help but gasp, ¡°The mud here is really terrifying!¡±

    The moment when he got stuck in the mud, he could feel it absorbing him, making him feel like he was entangled by death, and his soul was about to be devoured bit by bit...

    ¡°This is not ordinary silt, this is a swamp!¡± said Murong Xue, ring at the gray mud thoughtfully.

    ¡°What is a swamp?¡± Wu Hen frowned and asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a very special trap,¡± Murong Xue said in a low voice. Her cold eyes narrowed slightly. She thought that no wonder their troops were annihted here. The forest reeks of poison. But the most terrible thing was these hidden marshes. Once being trapped, people would be dragged underneath by the silt, and no one could walk out alive...

    This forest had no dense ck arrows, hidden steel nail beds, or secret tunnels or traps, but it was even more dreadful, because the lethal swamps were silent, mysterious and weird.

    ¡°Whoosh! Whoosh!¡± Quiet trees suddenly jumped among Murong Xue, Ouyang Shaochen, and Wu Hen. And in a blink of an eye, the three of them were separated. Branches and leaves swayed automatically without wind, rotating and blowing wildly towards her.

    Murong Xue squinted her eyes. Holding her soft sword, she quickly and relentlessly chopped down the branches and leaves stretching out towards her.

    Countless branches and leaves kept on rushing towards her in batches. Murong Xue frowned tightly. After tapping the ground with her tiptoe gently, she rose into the air. The soft sword in her hand was ruthlessly drawn towards the highest branch of the tallest tree in the center. With a sound of ¡°crack¡±, the branch broke and fell to the ground. The whole forest instantly quieted down...

    Murong Xue lightlynded on the ground and breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at the towering trees, her stare were as cold as ice. The traps set by people from Nanjiang were mysterious, strange and different. The fact that the soldiers of Qingyan died in them was not too humiliating...

    Murong Xue looked around and saw no one except herself in the woods, while Ouyang Shaochen and Wu Hen were nowhere to be found.

    She frowned and called out loudly, ¡°Heir Ouyang... Can you hear me?¡±

    Everything around her was quiet. The only answer she received was silence.

    ¡°Wu Hen...¡± Murong Xue called out again.

    Still, the only response was dead silence.

    Murong Xue frowned at the thought that these ¡°trees¡± had separated the three of them. Ouyang Shaochen and Wu Hen might have been far away from her...

    With the help of only one forest, they could create so many strange traps. People from Nnajiang were indeed cunning and tough to deal with. Judging from the density of the traps, this ce should be the hintend of the forest, where it would be dangerous to stay long....

    Murong Xue looked around carefully and walked briskly towards one direction.

    After walking for quite a while, Murong Xue found that the fog was gradually bing thinner. The further she went, the thinner the fog became, which gradually turned from dark gray to gray, light gray, off-white, white and finally, faint pink...

    What was happening?

    Murong Xue frowned in confusion. She carefully avoided the swamp on both sides of her while stepping forward slowly along the middle of a one-foot-wide hard ground...

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s have a drink!¡± High-pitched voices rang one after another. Murong Xue looked up and saw several soldiers from Nanjiang. In shining armor, they were sitting around the bonfire on the open ground outside the forest, drinking and teasing each other.

    In the middle of the open area stood three tall, thin wooden pirs, to which three soldiers covered in mud were tied with their heads lowered. Whether they were dead or alive was still unknown.

    A soldier from Nanjiang grabbed a piece of meat and gnawed at it. He nced at the captured soldiers of Qingyan, who was still unconscious, and mysteriously lowered his voice, ¡°It is such a rare opportunity that we have caught living soldiers of Qingyan. Do you want to have some fun with them?¡±

    ¡°How?¡± asked the other soldiers with sparkling eyes.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s simple.¡± The man smiled strangely, put down the food in his hand, marched to the front of a Qingyan soldier, pulled out a dagger from his boot, and plunged it into the man¡¯s shoulder maliciously...

 Chapter 240 - In Danger

    <strong>Chapter 240: In Danger</strong>

    Trantor: Flying Lines

    ¡°Ah!¡± A Qing Yan soldier screeched and became sober again, blood gushing from his shoulder. ¡°Bastard, you might as well kill me if you are bold enough. Don¡¯t waste your time torturing me...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m impressed. Since you are seeking your own doom, I will satisfy you right now!¡± A soldier from Nanjiang said in arrogance before spraying a bag of powder on the trapped soldier¡¯s body. Suddenly, with plumes of smoke rising, the soldier¡¯s clothes, flesh and bones began to melt...

    His scream was shrill enough to pierce the clouds.

    He struggled violently, his eyes bloodshot, blue veins bared on his forehead. However, all the effort was in vain. His limbs, torso, and head were reduced gradually to a pool of pungent blood dripping on the ground...

    Murong Xue frowned. What was that? Flesh Melting Powder? Why would amon soldier own such deadly poison?

    ¡°This looks interesting. My turn!¡± Another soldier with a bamboo tube in his hand rose to his feet before rushing to the soldier tied to the wooden pir in excitement.

    ¡°That¡¯s thest tube. Don¡¯t squander it,¡± his evil partner warned him.

    ¡°Got it!¡± He opened the lid with a nod. With a plume of light pink smoke rising from the bamboo tube, he sprinkled it to the Qing Yan soldier¡¯s face.

    With a scream, the soldier¡¯s body twisted violently before turning into a dried corpse in a moment due to the strong efficacy of the poison...

    Murong Xue squinted her pretty eyes. Since the light pink powder was lethal, would the pink smoke be poisonous as well? If it were, this forest did live up to its fame...

    ¡°Since your buddies have all been killed, it¡¯s your turn now, ha-ha!¡± The Nanjiang soldier approached thest Qingyan soldier unhurriedly with a smirk and pointed at his face with the bamboo tube...

    The Qingyan soldier opened his eyes slowly, fixing his enemy with a furious stare. ¡°You will suffer from a much more miserable death someday...¡±

    Upon hearing theddish voice full of hatred and resoluteness, Murong Xue immediately realized that the only survivor in their words was Murong Ye!

    ¡°Stop bragging! I will show you what miserableness feels like...¡± The soldier said ferociously when he was about to open the bamboo tube.

    Squinting her sharp eyes, Murong Xue tapped the ground with her tiptoe and sh moved to that soldier by touching the ground lightly with her tiptoe, seized the bamboo tube, knocked it backward and spurted the light pink powder directly to her enemy¡¯s face...

    ¡°Ah...¡± He fell to the ground with a screech, his strong huddling body rolling about while turning into a dried corpse rapidly...

    ¡°Brother!¡± As stunned as they were, the soldiers from Nanjiang gathering around the bonfire bared the sabers and thrust at Murong Xue mercilessly in an instant...

    With a snort, Murong Xue darted toward them with the soft sword in her hand before swishing it violently in the air. Streams of blood kept spurting out from her enemies...

    The soldiers from Nanjiang froze at once and slumped to the ground with their eyes wide open, full of shock and disbelief.

    Totally ignoring them, Murong Xue turned to approach Murong Ye slowly.

    His hands were tied to the pir at back. His handsome face was dotted with dark mud, totally unable for Murong Xue to recognize his appearance. Murong Ye nced at the bodies on the ground, then at the carefree Murong Xue, his jade-like eyes flickering with astonishment. ¡°Sis!¡±

    ¡°Em!¡± Murong Xue responded calmly before cutting off the rope on the wooden pir.

    Slumping to the ground, Murong Ye rubbed his arms and wrists numbed by the bind before looking up at Murong Xue, his eyes filled with admiration. ¡°Dear sister, how did you get here?¡±

    Entrapped in the mud outside the forest, he had nearly been choked to death, until he woke up a short while ago...

    ¡°It is a long story. I will tell youter. We have to leave as soon as possible.¡± Murong Xue said gently before helping Murong Ye scramble to his feet, regardless of the mud on her sleeves.

    ¡°Sure!¡± Murong Ye wiped the mud off his face with a nod. Just as they were leaving, numerous archers suddenly besieged them with the arrows aiming at their chests.

    A young man d in silver armour came up unhurriedly with a stare at Murong Xue in surprise. ¡°It is really beyond my expectation that a weak girl can breakthrough various traps and reach this ce unharmed. I¡¯m impressed...¡±

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Murong Xue gazed at him coldly.

    ¡°The one who is about to send you to hell.¡± He gestured with a smirk, at which numerous arrows with ck feathers dashing toward Murong Xue and Murong Ye.

    With a cold gleam flickering in her eyes, Murong Xue wielded her swords rapidly and knocked the arrows to the ground.

    Murong Ye also picked up a long sword randomly to defend himself. The arrows didn¡¯t hurt them, not even a little...

    As shocked as he was, the young man gasped in admiration. ¡°How powerful you are! It¡¯s a pity that you are doomed today... Keep shooting until they are killed...¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The arrows became much denser.

    These soldiers wanted to kill them with such a trifling trick? No way!

    Murong Xue pounced on the soldiers nearby and yed about four of them with a wave of her sword. The number of the arrows suddenly had a sharp decrease...

    Following her example, Murong Ye leaped towards the crowd and waved his sword violently. The whole camp fell into chaos, and for fear that they would hurt their battlepanions, soldiers from Nanjiang had to stop shooting...

    The young man¡¯s face turned livid with anger. How abominable...

    By snatching the bow beside him, he intended to shoot them to death. Suddenly, a slim ck figure approached him andnded nearby.

    The young man collected himself before putting down the bow and curtsied, ¡°d to have you back, Your Highness...¡±

 Chapter 241 - Execution

    <strong>Chapter 241: Execution</strong>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    The poker-faced Gong Qianyu walked straightly past the young man without taking a nce at him, and kept striding towards the fierce battlefield emotionlessly...

    The young man was no longer vexed by Gong Qianyu¡¯s ignorance. He then turned around to look at the fighting soldiers, and ordered in a cold tone, ¡°Kill them all!¡±

    ¡°Aye!¡± responded the soldiers in deep voices. They shed in a fiercer and faster way, among whom a figure dressed in light purple appeared vaguely...

    All of a sudden, Gong Qianyu halted his steps, looked up, and saw the beautiful face of Murong Xue. He widened his eyes to confirm¨C it was her indeed!

    ¡°Stop! Nobody move!¡±

    On hearing the cold order, the soldiers stopped, and looked doubtfully at Gong Qianyu.

    But he only fixed his gaze on Murong Xue and put on a gentle smile, his clear dark eyes mirrored pureness and unsophistication...

    ¡°Your Highness.¡± the young general couldn¡¯t help reminding Gong Qianyu who spoke nothing, only staring at Murong Xue and Murong Ye.

    Interrupted by the general, Gong Qianyu knitted his dashing eyebrows and squinted at the armor on Murong Ye. He then growled with a furious re, ¡°Let go of them!¡±

    To his shock, the young general looked at Gong Qianyu apprehensively and responded, ¡°Your Highness, they are from Qingyan military camp. Setting them free will bring about danger. I don¡¯t think we should let go of them...¡±

    He didn¡¯t dare finish his sentence for a tremble of fear came over him when he sensed the piercing gaze of Gong Qianyu.

    ¡°Let them go.¡± said Gong Qianyu in amanding one.

    ¡°Aye!¡± Soldiers from Nanjiang were frightened to hear that, so they sheathed their swords, and gave way quietly by moving aside.

    Murong Ye was confused by Gong Qianyu¡¯s decision: we were sworn enemies of his kingdom, so he should have either killed us now, or had us tied up to pirs in front of his military camp. Howe Gong Qianyu just let go of us that easily...

    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here.¡± Murong Xue said calmly and took a nce at Gong Qianyu. She turned around and strolled backwards, sighing to herself that she would owe him another favor each time they met...

    Gong Qianyu looked inexpressibly mysterious and noble, standing in the forest with his hands sped behind his back and his dark sleeves fluttering. Staring at Murong Xue¡¯s receding figure, his dark eyes lit up...

    Noticing Gong Qianyu had focused only on Murong Xue and Murong Ye, the young general narrowed his eyes. He took out a bow and instantly put an arrow on it before he shot mercilessly at Murong Xue¡¯s back...

    The sound of slicing the air burst upon Murong Xue¡¯s ears, she turned around immediately and saw a sharp arrow dashing towards her, too swiftly to be dodged...

    She frowned and was about to avoid the shot at her heart. However, at this very moment, Gong Qianyu appeared, waving his hand fiercely, from which a curved me broke out. It burnt the approaching arrowpletely and its edge mercilessly swept across the neck of the young general.

    Only a tearing sound could be heard before the young general froze, maintaining his archery posture. After a moment, he copsed on the ground, with his indignant eyes wide open...

    ¡°As I said, let go of them!¡± the sullen Gong Qianyu said word by word. Soldiers reverberated with the echo of his order, lowering their heads with no courage to take a deep breath.

    As amander of the troops, what His Highness said was themand that had to be obeyed. ording to military rules, the general deserved an execution since he acted otherwise publicly.

    ¡°Miss Murong, Young Master!¡± there came a pleasantly surprised voice. Murong Xue looked up and saw Wuhen walking towards her hurriedly.

    Behind him strode Ouyang Shaochen in white, with a mysterious look on his face...

    ¡°Your Master, are you alright?¡± Wuhen was a bit shocked to see Murong Ye supported by Murong Xue.

    Murong Ye smiled unnaturally, and answered, ¡°Just a few scratches on my leg, which made me have trouble walking now. But it¡¯s nothing serious...¡±

    Wuhen nodded and said in a low voice, ¡°Miss Murong, allow me to support His Master.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± nodded Murong Xue, and she allowed Wuhen to take care of Murong Ye instead. Wuhen was taller and stronger than her, so Murong Ye would definitely feel morefortable with his support than hers.

    Ouyang Shaochen walked to Murong Xue and couldn¡¯t help feeling surprised, holding her hands, ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve kept yourself miraculously unharmed, it doesn¡¯t make sense...¡±

    Murong Xue suddenly turned sullen, ¡°What makes sense? Come on, I rarely get hurt. I made it here shortly after we separated in the forest. But the two of you have been trapped in the forest for such a long time. Did you get in big trouble?¡±

    ¡°Just toxic fog and woods, as well as man-eating swamps, nothing serious...¡± Ouyang Shaochen gave an understatement and strolled forward, holding Murong Xue¡¯s hand...

    ¡°Since it¡¯s not a big deal for you, please be our guide...¡± Murong Xue put on a weird smile. Toxic fog and woods, as well as swamps were invisible killing traps. Chances were that one would sink into the swamp even before he met toxic fog and woods, because swamps were everywhere in the forest. Ouyang Shaochen had just passed by a small one, and she didn¡¯t believe he could avoid all of them...

    ¡°My pleasure!¡± nodded Ouyang Shaochen, dragging Murong Xue into the forest.

    Gong Qianyu stood still, looking a bit upset, watching their receding figures with holding hands...

    Murong Xue strode forward in the forest without any obstacles. Two minutester, she reached the edge of the forest. Through the thick trees, the anxious faces of General Zhang and vice generals could even be seen.

    Twitching her lips, Murong Xue was taken aback: Ouyang Shaochen managed to distinguish swamps from hard grounds, and made it to the destination in the right way, despite the fact that it was the first time he had ever entered the forest...

    Standing outside the forest, General Zhang suddenly caught sight of Murong Ye supported by Wuhen. He rushed to them, and asked, ¡°Murong Ye, thank god you¡¯re alright. Where are the others?¡±

    Murong Ye suddenly turned sullen and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m the only survivor...¡±

    When General Zhang heard him say that, the delighted look on his face faded away. Looking at the dusty forest, he sighed heavily. He knew that could happen, but his heart still sank when he heard the sad news from Murong Ye...

    ¡°It¡¯s good to have you back. In those traps, how did they...?¡± General Zhang asked about how Murong Xue and Ouyang Shaochen died.

    ¡°We struggled through those traps...¡± whispered Murong, looking unprecedentedly sullen...

 Chapter 242 - Delivering the Medicine

    <strong>Chapter 242: Delivering the Medicine</strong>

    A cold gleam flickered in General Zhang¡¯s eyes. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°The woods are filled with swamps which could bury people alive. If our army march forward, the soldiers will undoubtedly be entrapped. However, if we only send a few of our elites, they will definitely be captured alive by our enemies outside the woods...¡± Murong Xue said in a low-pitched voice with a meaningful stare.

    Though the traps in the woods, as well as the guards outside who seemed ordinary, the deployment was sophisticated, which made it impossible for the Qingyan army to pass through the woods. Stopping 300,000 Qing Yan soldiers merely with several hundred guards, Gong Qianyu was a rare talent in army deployment.

    General Zhang stared at the traps with a heavy frown. Would they be detained by the damn woods forever?

    The smell of blood found its way to their nostrils with the help of the wind, chilling them to the bone in the hot summer. One of the petrified deputies suggested in a hurry, ¡°General, since it¡¯s toote, we might as well return to the camp and make a new nter!¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± General Zhang nodded before turning around and striding back with his deputies and private guards.

    Having stepped out of the woods, Murong Xue unhurriedly returned to the solemn military camp smothered in the awful atmosphere.

    The stinking mud on Wu Hen and Murong Ye¡¯s clothes had be dry. With their brows knitted, they rushed to the tent for a bath and clean clothes.

    Xun Feng suddenly showed up with a letter. ¡°Your Highness, here¡¯s a letter brought by a dove from the capital!¡±

    Responding softly, Ouyang Shaochen opened the letter before ncing over the content with his dark sparkling eyes, his face gradually turning sullen...

    ¡°What happened?¡± Murong Xue stared at him with her eyes wide open.

    ¡°Merely some trifles...¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered casually, his gaze still lingering on the letter.

    Murong Xue winked. Ouyang Shaochen never failed to handle trivia easily. There was no need for her to lend a hand...

    Enveloped by the heat, Murong Xue felt a little sick, so she walked slowly to the shades nearby, intending to enjoy the scenery...

    ¡°Murong Xue, Murong Xue...¡± There suddenly came a familiar sound. Following the voice, Murong Xue saw Gong Qianyu d in a ck silk robend quietly on the ground and stride towards her with a graceful smile.

    Greatly astonished, Murong Xue looked around before hurrying towards Gong Qianyu and taking him to an unnoticed corner. ¡°Why are you here?¡± She whispered.

    ¡°I noticed that your arm was hurt, so I came here to deliver some meds...¡± Gong Qianyu murmured as he took out a light blue porcin bottle. From the faint smell of it, Murong Xue could tell it was the top-level medicine for injuries.

    ¡°You came here merely for the medicine?¡± Murong Xue stared at him with her eyes wide open.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Gong Qianyu nodded.

    Murong Xue was speechless. He should be aware that this was his enemies¡¯ military camp, full of soldiers intending to crucify him. How bold he was to break into the camp only to deliver the medicine!

    ¡°I have enough medicine. There is no need...¡±

    ¡°This was made in ordance with the royal prescription in Nanjiang, which is very effective and impossible to find elsewhere...¡± Gong Qianyu said, giving her no other options but to ept it.

    Murong Xue took the bottle with a helpless sigh. After making sure there was nobody nearby, Murong Xue pushed Gong Qianyu outside the camp rapidly. ¡°I¡¯ll take it. You¡¯d better leave as soon as possible...¡±

    Gong Qianyu looked back at Murong Xue with a frown, his eyes filled with grievance. ¡°It took me such a long time to reach here, em... The trip was so tiresome. Don¡¯t I deserve a cup of tea?¡±

    Murong Xue was speechless with astonishment. This was Qingyan¡¯s military camp with 300,000 soldiers around who could take his life anytime. In such great danger, he persisted on having a cup of tea instead of leaving at once...

    ¡°It¡¯s toote for tea tonight. Let¡¯s take a rain check, shall we?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Gong Qianyu stared at Murong Xue, his clear eyes sparkling with a morous gleam. ¡°Promise?¡±

    ¡°I promise!¡± Murong Xue whispered with a nod, ¡°Just go.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Gong Qianyu nodded with a smile before turning around to stride forward.

    All of a sudden, numerous soldiers from Qingyan appeared out of nowhere with spears in their hands and besieged Gong Qianyu at once. General Zhang walked up from behind followed by several of his private guards, staring at Gong Qianyu coldly. ¡°It¡¯s the honorable Prince Gong of Nanjiang. To what do we owe the pleasure?¡±

    Murong Xue sighed with a helpless stare at the numerous soldiers. She had tried her best to protect him from being discovered. How bold he was toe and walk around the camp so recklessly. No wonder he had been noticed...

    General Zhang¡¯s private guards had undertaken special training, and all of them were top practitioners in martial arts. Not to mention the numerous soldiers with rich experience in warfare. She wasn¡¯t sure whether Gong Qianyu could escape sessfully...

    With a pretty smile on his face, Gong Qianyu walked forward unhurriedly, looking straight ahead, totally ignoring General Zhang and the soldiers nearby...

    General Zhang¡¯s face turned livid with anger. The Prince of Nanjiang really lived up to his fame, greatly arrogant and supercilious.

    Since his only aim was to capture him alive, there was no need to bother with his arrogance. ¡°Whoever captures Gong Qianyu alive will be greatly rewarded!¡±

    As themander of Nanjiang army, once he were captured, the traps would lose its effect without proper deployment, and soldiers from Qingyan soldiers could seize the opportunity to pass through the woods and intrude into the territory of Nanjiang...

    ¡°Yes!¡± Following his order, the soldiers thrust at Gong Qianyu with the spears in their hands mercilessly...

    With the sharp wind blowing ferociously, Gong Qianyu, with a smile of contempt, waved his hand violently to shoot the dark blue mes aimed at the soldiers relentlessly.

    With a flurry of swishes resounding in the air, the soldiers were sent to the ground eight meters away with a yelp. They spat a mouthful of blood and met their final doom...

    General Zhang¡¯s face was livid with anger. The private guards he spent much effort to train couldn¡¯t even take one single blow of Gong Qianyu. Damn!

    With a cold gleam flickering in his eyes, he unsheathed the long sword shing a frosty light and drew it towards Gong Qianyu with all his strength...

 Chapter 243 - The Trace of Shadow Guards

    <strong>Chapter 243: The Trace of Shadow Guards</strong>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    As the fretful Gong Qianyu flicked his fingers, dark blue mes burst out and walloped General Zhang¡¯s long sword, whose impact blew him up into the air and tossed him to the ground a dozen feet away...

    Gong Qianyu then gently pushed himself off on tiptoe, and in a blink of eye, floated into the air like a cloud. He took a look at Murong Xue down there and mumbled, looking reluctant to leave her, ¡°I¡¯lle to see you again...¡±

    Again? Didn¡¯t he remember that he was themander of Nanjiang, the enemy of Qingyan soldiers? Every time he broke into the Qing Yan military camp, he would cause heavy loss of life...

    Murong Xue sighed helplessly, looked up and only found Gong Qianyu fading into the distance with his ck sleeves fluttering, as if a lotus in bloom.

    On the soldiers¡¯ arrival, ¡°Go!¡± the outraged General Zhangmanded them to chase Gong Qianyu in the air. As soon as their rapid footsteps vanished, the solemn military camp became half-empty...

    ¡°See you again? You¡¯re so close with Gong Qianyu!¡± there came a clear voice of Ouyang Shaochen. He walked to her slowly with his white sleeves fluttering like butterflies, embodying his inherent elegance and dignity.

    The gleam in his dark eyes and the weird smile on his face gave Murong Xue a sense of impending doom, so she sputtered, ¡°Well, it was the third time we¡¯ve met, so we are not that close...¡±

    ¡°In that case, he still risked breaking into our military camp to deliver medicine to you...¡± doubted Ouyang Shaochen, looking at her with his eyebrows raised.

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed unnaturally and she answered, ¡°I have no idea why he came here suddenly... Maybe he regards me as a good friend...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s well known that Prince of the Nan Jiang Kingdom was born to be arrogant and defiant. He even treats the emperor with little respect. Howe he treats you as a friend only after meeting you three times? How rare it is...¡± Ouyang Shaochen said in a calm but suspicious way.

    His words disgusted Murong Xue, who then goggled angrily at him and said, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, let¡¯s make this clear. He delivered medicine to me, not the other way around. If you want the true reason, go get Gong Qianyu in his camp, interrogate him, and leave me out of this!¡±

    Finishing her words with resentment, Murong Xue turned around and strode away. Her anger could still be seen vaguely in her cold eyes. She just had a few words with Gong Qianyu, howe Ouyang Shaochen picked at her for no reason? It didn¡¯t make any sense...

    She hurried inside the tent and tossed the curtain so hard that the noise jolted the soldiers on patrol...

    Staring at the fluttering curtain, Ouyang Shaochen squinted and thought, she was really angry...

    Inside the tent, Murong Xue got changed after a bath behind the screen and had some snacks, then shey down angrily on a rough bed and fell fast asleep soon.

    While she was half awake, she sensed someone next to her from the aroma of the bamboo and the slight warmth of water on the tip of her nose. She frowned unhappily and turned around against that person, Ouyang Shaochen...

    As Ouyang Shaochen watched the angry look of hers, with his eyes sparkling a bit, he said casually, ¡°Xun Feng sent me a letter with some information for you, if you¡¯d like to know.¡±

    ¡°No!¡±rejected Murong Xue without a second thought in an obviously angry way.

    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll have him stop looking into the shadow guards...¡± said Ouyang Shaochen calmly as he got up to leave.

    Murong Xue abruptly opened her eyes, stretched her arms to catch his sleeves. Looking eagerly at him, she asked, ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°But you said no, didn¡¯t you?¡± responded Ouyang Shaochen, squinting at her with contempt.

    ¡°I do now. Out with it!¡± Murong Xue stared at him fiercely, stretching out her soft hand into his sleeve to pinch his arm.

    But the pain from the arm did not trouble Ouyang Shaochen at all, and instead he said ndly, ¡°In Mingzhou City, Xun Feng found traces of a couple of shadow guards, who are as skilled in martial arts as those from Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion...¡±

    Murong Xue narrowed her sharp eyes: the invisible guards from Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion attained high level of martial arts, even higher than that of those from Prince Jing¡¯s Mansion. Perhaps only the mysterious ones trained by Murong Yue could be in an equivalent level.

    Those shadow guards were indeed likely to choose to stay in the rtively prosperous Mingzhou City after they survived without their leader, Murong Yue, who was killed in a war in Yingzhou 50 kilometers away...

    Thinking about that, Murong Xue turned over, got off the bed, put on her embroidery shoes in such a brisk way that Ouyang Shaochen frowned, ¡°What are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m heading to Mingzhou City to figure it out...¡± Murong Xue said ndly when she quickly washed her hands with the water in a copper basin near the door.

    ¡°But it¡¯ste at night. The Mingzhou City gate is closed.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said calmly after a look at the dark scene out of the window, ¡°You won¡¯t be able to enter the city even if you have reached the gate by now.¡±

    ¡°We could make it to Mingzhou City at daybreak if we start out now,¡± Murong Xue disagreed, ¡°since nightsst short these days and it¡¯s a very long way from here to there...¡±

    She said in a low voice,bing her ck hair, but Ouyang Shaochen remained silent from the beginning.

    His silence confused her, so she looked up at him, only to find him asleep, lying on his side on the bed with his eyes closed, breathing gently...

    Murong Xue frowned at the sight of that, so she put down theb, rushed to the bed, and tried to wake him up by grabbing his arms and shaking them fiercely, ¡°Prince, get up...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been nine whole days since I had a good rest...¡± said Ouyang Shaochen. Even his nd voice couldn¡¯t hide his fatigue at all, neither could the dark circles beneath his eyes...

    Murong Xue blinked unnaturally because he only ended up like that after a long journey to save her. Now that they finally settled down and he could have a good rest, she would go too far if she continued bothering him. But she was fairly anxious to enter Mingzhou City early to figure out whether those guards were trained by Murong Yue...

    ¡°Your Highness, we¡¯ll go there by carriage. We¡¯ll go slowly and you can have a rest inside. How does that sound?¡± Murong Xue discussed with him gently, staring at him unblinkingly...

 Chapter 245 - Meeting Ye Yichen

    <strong>Chapter 245: Meeting Ye Yichen</strong>

    Faster and faster, the man with cold gleam and sullenness in his eyes was actually flying in the air after he turned into a sparsely popted alley, his rough shirt fluttering in the rushing wind. Murong Xue squinted her eyes. ¡°We have been discovered...¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded, his eyes shimmering with dark light. ¡°Seize him and have an interrogation!¡±

    Since they came to Ming Zhou City to search for the Shadow Guards, it was unwise to have a fight with them. However, since this man had already doubted their intention, it¡¯s very likely that he wouldn¡¯t visit the smithy any longer. If they let him leave, they would lose the only trace about the Shadow Guards until now...

    ¡°Okay!¡± Murong Xue touched the ground lightly with her tiptoe and flied directly to the middle-aged man swiftly like an arrow leaving the string. Just when she almost caught up with him, a figure suddenly turned up from the alley beside her and knocked her to the ground four or five meters away. It took Murong Xue a while to regain her bnce.

    She looked up in a hurry at the alley. The middle-aged man had disappeared without a trace.

    Murong Xue red at the man standing in her way, her eyes burning with fury. The handsome young man sharp and cold eyes was standing at the crossroad, his dark purple robe perfectly tailored to his tall and slim figure. ¡°Ye Yichen, why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Merely passing by,¡± Ye Yichen answered casually as he stared at her in curiosity. ¡°And you?¡±

    ¡°Also passed by,¡± Murong Xue retorted and straightened herself up. Why was he here for no reason? Without him, she had already caught the man...

    Ye Yichen nced at her indifferent face, his eyes sparkling with a wisp of sullenness...

    Ouyang Shaochen came up slowly and caught a glimpse at the winding alley with his eyes as dark as a deepke. Disappearing without a trace in such a short while when Murong Xue and Ye Yichen bumped into each other, the middle-aged man was none other than one of the Shadow Guards.

    Their invisibility skill was so weird. It was totally impossible to find them if theyunched it. Though missing the middle-aged man, they werepletely sure that the man was one of the Shadow Guards used to be trained by Murong Yue...

    They did make some achievement in this tour to Ming Zhou City...

    Ouyang Shaochen smiled gracefully which entuated the light red fingerprints on his jade-like cheeks. Knowing clearly Murong being the real culprit, Ye Yichen said with a frown, ¡°Since Prince Ouyang has visited Ming Zhou City before, this should be your second time?¡±

    ¡°It is to some degree. Xue¡¯er came here to deal with some business. I am on travel and lend a hand when necessary.¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered expressionlessly.

    But in Ye Yichen¡¯s opinion, he was obviously showing off, though almost imperceptible. His handsome face darkened, ¡°What business? Even needs prince Ouyang¡¯s assistance?¡±

    When in trouble, Murong Xue always asked for Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s help instead of his...

    ¡°It¡¯s a top secret. We will tell Prince Jing when it is over!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said calmly as he looked at Ye Yichen up and down. ¡°Isn¡¯t Prince Jing responsible for guarding the frontier at the Northern desert? Why are you in Nan Jiang?¡±

    ¡°Deal with some emergency.¡± Ye Yichen answered in low-pitched voice, his eyes as dark as a deepke.

    ¡°How is it going?¡± Ouyang Shaochen asked, his obsidian-like eyes sparkling with dark gleam.

    ¡°I just arrived at Ming Zhou City and still have no time to do it yet...¡± Ye Yichen understated, a mysterious gleam skimming across his eyes.

    ¡°All right!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded, his eyes shing a glittering light. It must be something significant, or Ye Yichen would not attend to the matter personally. Since he didn¡¯t want to say too much, Ouyang Shaochen didn¡¯t inquire, either.

    ¡°It¡¯s toote. What about taking a meal?¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked down at Murong Xue and suggested.

    ¡°Okay!¡± She nodded as she nced at Ye Yichen secretly and turned around. Since the middle-aged man was missing, it was no use to get angry. They might as well have a meal and made a new nter.

    Watching their shadows fading into distance, Ye Yichen couldn¡¯t help getting incensed. They actually ignored himpletely!

    He clenched his fists while striding forward along the alley. They must pass by here if they wanted to return...

    There was a big restaurant, as well as several stalls selling food on the opposite side of the alley where many pedestrians walked to and fro. Murong Xue dragged Ouyang Shaochen by her sleeve and hurried forward. Breeze brushed her, bringing to her a puff of sweet fragrance.

    With a gleam skimming across her eyes, Murong Xue saw a cake shop nearby where a guy just opened the oven and carried out a pan of newly baked pumpkin cakes, so delicious that made her mouth watery.

    ¡°Please wait for a moment. I want to buy some cakes!¡± Murong Xue said with a smile and hurried to the shop. Suddenly remembering something, Murong Xue returned before stretching her snow white hand to Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°What?¡± He stared at her in confusion.

    ¡°Give me some money, or I can¡¯t buy them.¡± Murong Xue murmured, staring at Ouyang Shaochen quietly with her sparkling eyes. With a sigh in helplessness, he fumbled out a silver ingot and stuffed it in her hand.

    Looking at the heavy ingot, nearly as big as her palm, Murong Xue frowned. ¡°Do you have a smaller one?¡±

    A box of cake merely cost a dozen of coins, but Ouyang Shaochen actually gave her a silver ingot...

    ¡°I don¡¯t have changes at hand.¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered calmly.

    Winking helplessly, Murong Xue approached the shop slowly. Since the cakes sold well, the boss may have enough changes...

    Suddenly, a man d in light gray, with his hair dishevelled and a stick in his hand, darted toward Murong Xue and knocked her arms with all of his strength, sending the silver ingot high up in the air.

    As soon as Murong Xue leaped forward to retrieve the ingot, the man in light gray turned swiftly, approached the silver ingot in a moment, snatched it squarely in the air, and rushed forward...

    His actions were quick and proficient, obviously an experienced thief.

    Murong Xue¡¯s face darkened. How bold he was to snatch the silver ingot in public at daytime. She thought of his counterparts in the modern society who always snatched others¡¯ belongings while riding a motorbike, very hard to catch up with them due to their high speed. Since he was merely running away, she definitely wouldn¡¯t let him off the hook...

 Chapter 246 - A Silly Girl

    <strong>Chapter 246: A Silly Girl</strong>

    Trantor: Flying Lines

    Touching the ground lightly with her tiptoe, Murong Xue flew to the man d in gray andnded squarely before him.

    With the cold gleam shimmering in his eyes, the man thrust at Murong Xue with his wooden stick mercilessly.

    With a smirk, she avoided his attack by leaning aside beforeunching a punch to the man¡¯s chest and knocking him down. ¡°Give the silver ingots back to me.¡± Murong Xue red at him in a condescending manner.

    Winking at her unnaturally, the man flicked his wrist to hit Murong Xue¡¯s wrinkles with the stick.

    Murong Xue leaped to the air before outstretching her leg to kick his cheek. The man bumped against the ground with his head suffering from a serious injury.

    Murong Xue hurried forward to seize him by the cor, her fair hand reaching for the silver ingot hidden in the shabby money bag hung on his waist. ¡°If you dare to rob others of their money in public, I will...¡±

    ¡°You viin, stop bullying the weak!¡± There came a clear voice filled with anger even before Murong Xue could finish her words. A cherry red figure darted toward Murong Xue andunched a punch mercilessly.

    She let go of that man and took a step back to avoid the unreasonable attack. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Murong Xue asked with displeasure.

    It was a girl of fourteen or fifteen with a naive and rosy face as delicate as jade, her long eyebrows slightly curling upward, her chins lifted up high. She was staring at Murong Xue arrogantly with her grape-like eyes filled with hostility.

    ¡°I came here to defend the weak against injustice!¡± She said in fury as she reached out to protect the man behind her. Murong Xue couldn¡¯t help sneering at her foolish bravery. ¡°He is a thief, not the weak...¡± She said as she pointed at the man.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even try to deny what you have done. I saw it clearly that you robbed him of the silver ingot...¡± The girl interrupted her rudely with a furious stare at Murong Xue.

    ¡°It was mine to start with. He snatched it from me. I just want to take it back...¡± Murong Xue retorted coldly.

    ¡°Really?¡± The girl looked down at the man, who was d in a gray shirt dotted with patches and a pair of worn-out shorts doubtfully, his hair straggly, his chin covered with messy beard.

    With his half-closed eyes glimmering, the man knelt before the girl all of a sudden and sobbed. ¡°I am innocent. Please uphold justice, Miss...¡±

    The girl patted his shoulder tofort him. ¡°Set your mind at ease. I will get your money back...¡±

    Given her selflessness and awe-inspiring righteousness, Murong Xue said coldly with a frown, ¡°Miss, please look at him carefully. Do you really think he has one hundred taels of silver?¡±

    ¡°As a beggar, he surely doesn¡¯t have one hundred taels of silver, but you did snatch the money you have just given to him...¡± The girl said emphatically with a stare at Murong Xue in contempt.

    Murong Xue was speechless.

    Why would she snatch the silver back if she had given it to the beggar in charity? Was she out of her mind?

    ¡°Given the dress and valuable jewelry you are wearing, you must be from a powerful family. I knew many people like you who oppresses the poor for your own pleasure...¡±

    ¡°The poor also have feelings and emotions. They are human beings who also need respect and care, rather than animals ughtered at men¡¯s will...¡±

    ¡°As a noble girl, you should set a good example by respecting and caring ordinary people instead of bullying and fooling them. Just as the saying goes, not only can the water float your boat, but also sink it. When ordinary people are in rage, the arrogant noble girls like you will be the first to bear the brunt...¡± The girl kept rebuking Murong Xue with contempt.

    How cynical she was! Not only did she believe the man¡¯s bullshit, but also kept telling that nonsense to others.

    Murong Xue twitched her lips and strode forward.

    The girl watched her resolute figure, her face darkening. As the culprit herself, she wasn¡¯t only ungrateful to her instruction, but also left in a huff. What a rude girl!

    ¡°Stop!¡± With a howl, the girlnded in front of Murong Xue.

    ¡°What ae you up to?¡± Murong Xue stared at her coldly, a wisp of impatience skimming across her eyes.

    ¡°Leave the one hundred taels of silver,¡± the girl ordered as a matter of course.

    ¡°For what?¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrow in full contempt.

    ¡°You wounded that beggar seriously. This is thepensation.¡± The girl retorted righteously.

    ¡°It was he who robbed and attacked me. Never imagine I will give him even a penny!¡± Murong Xue said coldly as she strode forward, with her back towards the girl.

    The evil thief was bold enough to steal her money and attack her. Why should she pay for the medical fee? How ridiculous...

    With her face turning livid with anger, the girlunched a punch towards Murong Xue in ferociousness. ¡°Don¡¯t you even think about getting away with it. It¡¯s totally reasonable to pay for the medical fee if you have hurt someone seriously...¡±

    Seeing Murong¡¯s stubbornness, she was determined to get the silver by herself.

    With a snort, Murong Xue avoided her attack and took the punch directly with her palm. Two slim shadows, respectively in blue and red, tussled with each other fiercely in the air, their sharp moves too dazzling to tell who hadunched the attack.

    The girl exerted herself to take a swing with her fist to attack Murong Xue, her cherry red dress fluttering in the wind.

    Murong Xue defended against her attack casually in disdain. It was beyond her expectation that the girl¡¯s martial skills were that poor. As incapable as she was, the girl had the courage to stand out...

    Seeing the girl directing her fist at her ferociously, Murong Xue kicked her forcefully out of impatience and knocked her to the ground with a cold stare. ¡°Don¡¯t merely focus on ourbat. Why don¡¯t you take a look at that ¡°victim¡± instead?¡±

 Chapter 247 - Beating up the Silly Girl

    <strong>Chapter 247: Beating up the Silly Girl</strong>

    With the sharp pain in both her arms and chest, the youngdy struggled to keep her feet before she glowered at Murong Xue.

    ¡°My beggar friend is fine, why should I take a look at him...¡± the youngdy said indignantly as she turned round casually, only to find the beggar missing from the spot...

    Not even his shadow could be seen in the bustling street full of strangers...

    ¡°Oh, where did he go?¡± The youngdy frowned confusedly, looking around in search for him. At the sight of her waist, she was shocked that the pouch hung from her belt was gone. ¡°My purse! Where is my purse?¡± She rummaged hastily, for that pouch was where she had kept all her money...

    As could be seen from Murong Xue¡¯s dark eyes, she gloated over the youngdy¡¯s loss of the purse. But to Murong Xue¡¯s surprise, she saw the beggar in gray sneaking away but missed out his act of stealing...

    Then Murong Xue turned round and walked off slowly...

    ¡°Stop right there...¡± the youngdy yelled as she ran like a gust of wind to stop Murong Xue. She said, staring at Murong Xue, ¡°That beggar, is he really a thief?¡±

    ¡°Of course, or else you would still have your purse with you.¡± Murong Xue squinted at her with contempt: the youngdy defended the beggar for being poor, even without giving it a thought about whether he was in disguise, so she really deserved the loss of her purse...

    The youngdy¡¯s eyes glittered with anger and tears almost welled up: how vicious of that beggar to have stolen her purse!

    Our of the corner of her eye, she saw Murong Xue walking away slowly, so she pulled herself together before walking briskly to stop Murong Xue. Looking at Murong Xue angrily, she said, ¡°I want my money back.¡±

    Surprised by her words, Murong Xue asked, looking at her as if she was an idiot, ¡°I didn¡¯t steal your money, why are you asking me for it?¡±

    ¡°I lost it because of you,¡± the youngdy said stoutly with a reproachful pout. ¡°If you didn¡¯t have a conflict with that beggar, why would Ie here to defend him? If I hadn¡¯te, I wouldn¡¯t have met the beggar or lost my purse...¡±

    The youngdy lost her purse because of the beggar and the youngdy. Now that the beggar was gone, she would of course ask thedy to pay her back.

    Wryly amused by her irrational theory, Murong Xue squinted at her and said word by word, ¡°Have I asked you to uphold justice for him, or teach me a lesson by a fight?¡±

    The youngdy got choked and shot Murong Xue a piercing re. ¡°In spite of all this, I lost my purse because of you. Shouldn¡¯t you be held responsible for that?¡±

    ¡°Why the hell should I?¡± Murong Xue couldn¡¯t help scolding her after hearing her irrational theory, even though Murong had always handled matters calmly. Since the youngdy came here, she had been treating Murong in every violent way instead of helping this girl of simr age. She even asked Murong Xue for thepensation for the loss of her purse, which didn¡¯t make any sense at all...

    Murong Xue shot the girl a re before walking past her.

    Infuriated by Murong Xue¡¯s scornful look, the youngdy pounced on Murong Xue fiercely. ¡°I said stop.¡±

    Murong Xue felt the gust of wind that girl stirred up, so she seized the chance to avoid her attack before pping on the girl¡¯s chest, which was hard enough to make her lose bnce and fall down.

    The girl struggled to look up at Murong Xue, and cried with rage in her grape-like eyes, ¡°How dare you p me!¡±

    ¡°And even kick you!¡± Murong Xue answered resentfully as she lifted her foot abruptly and gave the youngdy a hard kick. Murong Xue had never ever seen such an impenitent moron in the world...

    The youngdy screamed at soon as she felt the sharp pain from the kick. Gnashing and glowering at Murong Xue with hatred, the youngdy was about to explode. ¡°Do you not know who I am?

    ¡°Do I look like I care? You moron!¡± Murong Xue rebuked, kicking the youngdy fiercely, for Murong could no longer tolerate her unreasonable theory or demand...

    ¡°Help, help...¡± the youngdy cried in a mournful and deafening tone, curling herself up.

    There gently descended a tall man dressed in bluish-white. He looked at the defeated girl on the ground, whose arms were folded across her chest, and said, frowning slightly, ¡°Yingying, look what you¡¯ve done!¡±

    The youngdy raised her head slowly and saw a man. As she watched that familiar face, her eyes shone with excitement and tears as bright as crystal trickled down, ¡°Dear cousin, help me...¡±

    ¡°Why are you always asking for trouble?¡± the man scolded her in a gentle but solemn voice, ¡°you can never learn to behave yourself...¡±

    Following the voice, Murong Xue saw a man around the age of standing in front of her. He looked tall and handsome in a bluish-white robe, which was perfectly tailored and set off his unrestrained figure to the greatest extent. Its cor and cuffs had exquisite patterns embroidered with fine silver threads, and there were cloud patterns on its belt.

    ¡°You¡¯re her elder cousin?¡± Murong Xue asked calmly with coldness in her dark eyes.

    The man nodded, looking at the pretty face and sharp eyes of Murong Xue, and said in a low voice, ¡°Madam, Yingying has been rude to you, please forgive her immaturity.¡±

    ¡°No worries, I never take offence at idiots,¡± Murong Xue said in an emotionless tone, ¡°and since you¡¯re here, keep a close eye on her. And remember to keep her at home in case she would stir up trouble outside again...¡±

    Infuriated by her words, the youngdy glowered at her, ¡°It¡¯s all your fault. You were the one who should be held ountable...¡±

    ¡°Yingying, don¡¯t be rude...¡± His voice took on a serious tone as a sullen look came over his face.

    Yingying wept with an aggrieved look, ¡°But she jeered at me first...¡±

    ¡°You did something wrong and you don¡¯t think you deserve the lesson?¡± the man said, giving Yingying a horribly cold stare.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and was happy that she could get rid of the silly girl because of the arrival of this man...

    She curled up her lips slightly. When she was about to leave, she saw Ouyang Shaochen striding towards her with his white sleeves fluttering like a blooming lotus.

    Upon seeing her empty hands, Ouyang Shaochen said with a flicker of disappointment in his obsidian-like eyes, ¡°Howe you got nothing from the bakery?¡±

    ¡°Something happened,¡± Murong Xue replied leisurely. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood for desserts. Let¡¯s go have an early meal.¡± When she was ready to walk away, there came a clear voice, ¡°Heir Ouyang...¡±

 Chapter 248 - Prefect of Mingzhou City

    <b>Chapter 248: Prefect of Mingzhou City</b>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Murong Xue blinked before she followed the voice and saw a man. Looking at Ouyang Shaochen, the man said with a touch of surprise in his dark eyes, ¡°It is Heir Ouyang.¡±

    ¡°Prefect Duan!¡± Ouyang Shaochen greeted ndly with calmness in his eyes.

    Prefect Duan? Would he be Duan Wuluo, Prefect of Mingzhou City?

    Murong Xue looked up at Ouyang Shaochen and saw him nod slightly.

    Murong Xue looked up in the sky silently with a flicker of frustration in her eyes: it was a bummer for her to have met the defender of Mingzhou before she could do anything after her arrival...

    With the hostility between the Qingyan and Nanjiang Kingdoms, their arrival in Nanjiang would probably arouse the prefect¡¯s suspicion even though they came here with no hostile purpose. There might even be more obstacles for them when looking for the shadow guards if the prefect kept them under surveince either openly or secretly...

    For all this, the moron, Yingying was to me. If she hadn¡¯t bothered Murong Xue after upholding ¡°justice¡± impulsively, Murong wouldn¡¯t have had a conflict with her or bumped into Duan Wuluo...

    As Murong Xue stared at Yingying sneakily, Yingying stood up and rushed to Ouyang Shaochen with sparkling eyes, her voice rending the air, ¡°Heir Ouyang...¡±

    When the light aroma of her cosmetics ran into his nostrils, Ouyang Shaochen seized the chance to avoid her in a subtle way with a touch of disgust in his obsidian-like eyes. He then asked, looking at her indifferently, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    The moment Ying Ying failed to pounce on him, tears almost welled up. She looked up at Ouyang and used withint in her dark eyes, ¡°Heir Ouyang, don¡¯t you remember me? I¡¯m Yingying, the daughter of the Prime Minister of the Nanjiang Kingdom... I¡¯m Cang Ying!¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment. In other words, she was the younger sister of Cang Qiong, the son of the prime minister! It turned out that the prime minister had two weird children: the elder son was a cruel murder and the younger daughter was a bumptious moron...

    ¡°Cang Ying?¡± Ouyang Shaochen frowned, shaking his head without caring for her feelings. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t.¡±

    Cang Yingined, with grievances in her grape-like eyes and a reproachful pout, ¡°During your visit to the Nanjiang Pce, I stood next to Qianze when he weed you. Didn¡¯t you see me?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied hostilely with a flicker of impatience in his dark eyes.

    ¡°No way. I was such an adorable kid,¡± Cang Ying wept with an aggrieved look. ¡°Qianze and I were the most adorable kids. I don¡¯t believe that you didn¡¯t see me...¡±

    Murong Xue went speechless and hoped she could stop being self-absorbed...

    Covering his forehead, Duan Wuluo also felt so ashamed to hear that. But there was a reason behind her behavior. Under the environment where the family spoiled her and servants praised her, Yingying turned to be innocent and unsophisticated. The servants¡¯ frequent praise convinced her that she was the most adorable girl in the world...

    Having noticed that Yingying was about to say something, Duan Wuluo cut in immediately in case she would continue her embarrassing conversation, ¡°Heir Ouyang, what brings you here?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯d love to see the fascinating scenery in Mingzhou, so here I am with my friend,¡± Ouyang Shaochen lied, remaining calm.

    Duan Wuluo nodded and smiled at Murong Xue. ¡°So this must be your friend.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen admitted in a polite but indifferent tone.

    Duan Wuluo didn¡¯t over-interpret him and said with a smile, ¡°Nothing¡¯s fascinating here. Just some big shops and in roads. But the Ming Lake is a ce to go. Sitting on a pleasure boat, you can see some gorgeous view: vast lotus leaves on theke and colorful nts around theke. Would you like to go?¡±

    ¡°It must be gorgeous enough for you to rmend. We¡¯d definitely love to go,¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered emotionlessly.

    Duan Wuluo nodded slightly and said, ¡°Since you¡¯re here with you friend, would you allow me to be your guide?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a lot to ask, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ouyang Shaochen said, shooting him a meaningful stare: as the prefect of a city, Duan Wuluo must have been upied with tons of daily affairs and bothered by arge number of Qingyan soldiers stationed nearby...

    ¡°Of course not. We should wee friends from afar wholeheartedly,¡± Duan Wuluo said in a nd but indescribably sincere tone.

    Ouyang Shaochen kept silent for a short while before saying calmly, ¡°If you insist.¡±

    ¡°My pleasure.¡± Duan Wuluo smiled and turned to Murong Xue. ¡°May I know your name?¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue,¡± Murong Xue answered gently.

    Duan Wuluo nodded smilingly, ¡°Miss Murong, Heir Ouyang, this way please.¡±

    ¡°After you,¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered calmly and followed him slowly, holding Murong Xue¡¯s hand.

    Murong Xue looked grim, for she had no idea where to start the investigation after she lost trace of the shadow guards, but she found it nice to take a break on the Lake...

    Watching the three of them walking side by side from behind, Cang Ying turned slightly sullen. They had no intention of inviting her and she hated their ignorance, ¡°Wait. I¡¯ming with you...¡±

    Located in the south-west of Mingzhou City, the Ming Lake was so vast that it almost stretched to the sky, on which pleasure boats drifted and around which willows, grass and flowers grew in a concordant way, creating a pleasant scene.

    Murong Xue, Ouyang Shaochen, Duan Wuluo and Cang Ying boarded Prefect Duan¡¯s pleasure-boat which had smoothly mirrored decks made of agalwood, sandalwood pirs embellished with vivid carvings of auspicious flowers, and two elegant pcenterns hung up.

    By the rosewood table on the decks sat Murong Xue, savoring every bite of the cake and every part of theke. Under the blue sky, a cool breeze puffed across the clearke and its bank dotted with flowers and dense trees. The soothing scene dazzled Murong Xue. ¡°How breathtaking it is!¡±

    ¡°It is indeed, but only before wars start. Imagine boats smashed into pieces, dead bodies everywhere, and theke turning red with blood...¡± Duan Wuluo, who was standing near the rail, sighed and looked up at the sky with his bluish-white sleeves fluttering with the wind.

    Murong Xue blinked and looked up at Duan Wuluo, ¡°So I take it you are not a fan of wars.¡±

    ¡°People live and work peacefully in a prosperous city under the lead of a wise king, wouldn¡¯t that be nice?¡± Duan Wuluo said in a nd but meaningful tone. ¡°Why do we have to train soldiers to fight at all costs?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps that¡¯s because wise emperors share the same ambition, which is to rule the whole world...¡± Murong Xue let slip an answer.

 Chapter 249 - An Accident on the Lake (1)

    <strong>Chapter 249: An ident on the Lake (1)</strong>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°I don¡¯t think the war between Qingyan and Nanjiang started because of the emperors¡¯ ambition.¡± Duan Wuluo turned around to look at Murong Xue with a glimmer in his dark eyes.

    ¡°Indeed, it wasn¡¯t. It was all because of Cang Qiong. He wreaked such havoc that the Emperor of the Qingyan Kingdom dered war out of rage...¡± Murong Xue looked at Duan Wuluo with his calm eyes as if suggesting: the one who provoked the war was from Nanjiang Prime Minister¡¯s Mansion instead of Qingyan.

    ¡°It was Cang Qiong¡¯s mistake to have offended the emperor,¡± Duan Wuluo said, staring at Murong Xue. ¡°But why did the emperor dere war against Nanjiang and embitter innocent people?¡±

    ¡°No emperor of integrity can tolerate such humiliation and assassination. Suppose Cang Qiong assassinated the Emperor of Nanjiang Kingdom in the capital, the emperor would definitely sentence his whole n to death out of rage.¡±

    ¡°Likewise, if the Emperor of Qingyan Kingdom wanted to punish Cang Qiong, he would send troops to liquidate Nanjiang because Cang Qiong, a lineal descent of the prime minster, is backed up by the entire kingdom...¡±

    Strictly speaking, it was the Prime Minster of the Nanjiang Kingdom who had brought up such an arrogant son that provoked the war between two kingdoms. If Duan Wuluo would like to question someone, he should question Prime Minister Cang. Why did he question Murong Xue? Was he trying to sound her out?

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and looked at Duan Wuluo with an rmed look.

    Duan Wuluo was lost in thought, with a touch of sullenness in his half-closed eyes...

    ¡°Wow, so many beautiful lotus flowers...¡± There came a clear voice before Murong Xue looked up and saw bunches of lotus flowers dotting theke 100 meters away. They covered the whole surface, and even stretched to the horizon, on which light pink flowers bloomed, all of which created this uniquely fresh and elegant scenery...

    Murong Xue blinked with excitement and looked up at Duan Wuluo. ¡°Prefect Duan, do you have a canoe here?¡±

    ¡°What do you need it for?¡± Duan Wuluo looked at her confusedly.

    ¡°I¡¯d love to pick some lotus flowers and seeds by canoe,¡± Murong Xue answered gently. The giant pleasure boat was too high for her to reach the lotus. But she could shuttle through the lotus clump and pick whichever lotus she liked by canoe.

    Looking at her sparkling eyes, Duan Wuluo said softly with a touch of happiness in his eyes, ¡°They¡¯re tied behind this pleasure boat...¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Murong Xue said happily as she hurried down the decks to the back of the boat.

    Cang Ying blinked and followed Murong Xue hastily. ¡°I¡¯ming with you...¡±

    Murong Xue untied a canoe at the back of the pleasure boat before boarding carefully. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Cang Ying running to her. When Cang Ying was about to jump onto her canoe, she said ndly, frowning, ¡°There¡¯s one over there. We don¡¯t have to share this one.¡±

    Cang Ying abruptly pause as the big smile on her face froze. She said, glowering at Murong Xue, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to row.¡±

    ¡°But all servants here do, you can order anyone...¡± Murong Xue said casually as she put away the rope and picked up the paddles.

    Cang Ying retorted with a snort, ¡°Will I deign to share a canoe with any vulgar servant? You look kind of pleasing, so I guess I can share the canoe with you...¡±

    Well, Cang Ying treated her as a boatman.

    ¡°Thank you for deigning to share a canoe with me. But I¡¯m sorry I don¡¯t share a canoe with strangers. If you don¡¯t row, then just wait here. I¡¯ll pick up more lotus flowers and seeds to share with you...¡± Murong Xue said gently as she rowed the canoe.

    As Cang Ying watched Murong Xue rowing away, her pretty face was flushed with anger instantly: it was respectful enough of her to board Murong¡¯s canoe, but unexpectedly, Murong rejected her. That was awful! In spite of that, she insisted on boarding Murong¡¯s canoe.

    Upon pushing herself off on tiptoe, Cang Ying flew up towards Murong Xue¡¯s canoe. The moment she was about tond, Murong put on a strange smile and rowed her paddles, making the canoe drift several meters away like a shooting arrow.

    Cang Ying had no time to react and fell into theke with a ssh. She struggled and surfaced but her delicate chignon was ruined and her dress was drenched, pressed against her body. Sinking and floating in the water, she yelled in panic, ¡°Help...Help...¡±

    Duan Wuluo heaved a sigh at the awkward Cang Ying and ordered servants to save her. He cast a nce at Murong Xue and found her looking as if nothing had happened, before he sighed meaningfully, ¡°What a pussycat friend of Heir Ouyang...¡±

    A pussycat could scratch people with its sharp ws protracted and leave them in rage with its ws retracted, but it would not get hurt either way...

    ¡°At least that can prevent her from being pushed around!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said in a nd tone. He looked up at Murong Xue with the barest hint of a smile on his face.

    As Murong Xue rowed through the lotus clump, she admired the view leisurely, inhaling the light addictive aroma. Whenever she fancied a lotus or a seed, she would pick it and throw it onto her canoe...

    Rowing alone without Cang Ying allowed Murong Xue some time in peace and spared more space for lotus flowers and seeds...

    There suddenly came the faint sound of rowing. Murong Xue looked up and saw a rustically-dressed middle-aged woman rowing through the clump slowly.

    On the canoe stood a prettydy, looking slightly pale in her red clothes. It was obviously Cang Ying, who had got changed after cleaning herself up.

    Murong Xue slightly raised her eyebrows and thought: she showed up just a while after the cleaning up, so the drowning didn¡¯t seem serious; or perhaps she messed around so often that she could easily survive this kind of trifle such as choking...

    Whatever its reason was, since Murong Xue didn¡¯t hold a grudge against her, Murong would ignore her as long as she stopped stirring up trouble.

    As Cang Ying toured in the lotus clump standing on a canoe, all she could see was nothing but the lotus clump. Her pretty face turned slightly sullen as she thought: it was nothing difficult to pick lotus flowers and seeds. She decided to provoke Murong Xue by picking more than her...

    All of a sudden, she felt her throat scorching, which made her cough. She picked a lotus, twisted off the green stem and threw it onto the canoe: Murong Xue was to me for everything...

    The wind blew with a vague voice, ¡°Ah... Help...¡±

    Something happened! Cang Ying narrowed her sparkling eyes, ¡°Hurry up. Over there...¡±

 Chapter 250 - An Accident on the Lake (2)

    <h4>Chapter 250: An ident on the Lake (2)</h4>

    ¡°Yes!¡± As soon as the woman took the order, the canoe dashed towards that voice.

    ¡°Help... Help...¡± The holler got louder and louder when Cang Ying was approaching. She pushed aside the dense lotus leaves to look ahead, and found a normal-sized boat and a couple on it, whose hands were tied behind their backs to the pir.

    ¡°How dare you run away...¡± a brutal, ugly hulk yelled when he whipped them fiercely.

    ¡°Please let us go!¡± thedy begged tearfully and couldn¡¯t look more miserable: her shabby clothes were saturated by the fresh blood from the gashes caused by the tangled whippings on her fair skin.

    ¡°Not a chance!¡± the man said viciously. The moment he whipped thedy again, she rent the air with anguish, ¡°Ah!¡±

    How dare this demon kidnap and bully an affectionate couple even in the day time? That was an awful andwless deed. Aha, here came the chance for Cang Ying to take up the cudgel for the couple!

    Thinking about that, Cang Ying put on a smug smile. Tapping the ground with the tip of her toe, she flew into the air. She hit the man fiercely with the paddle as she yelled, ¡°You monster, take this.¡±

    Cang Ying seized the chance to hit the man on the forehead. Bang! He was dazzled and had to keep his feet by staggering back. Blood trickled down his face slowly from the gash on the forehead...

    As soon as a dozen of viins in gray shabby clothes suddenly rushed into the empty boat, they immediately supported the man and asked anxiously, ¡°Boss... Are you alright?¡±

    Pressing the gash, the man carefully looked up at Cang Ying. With bloodshot eyes, he yelled, ¡°How dare you hit me...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re arrogant, unruly and violent. You deserve that!¡± Cang Ying stood on the bow and stared at him, with her chip up and an arrogant look in her eyes.

    ¡°Good.¡± The ugly man was too mad at Cang Ying to say anything else. He pointed at Cang and yelled in rage, ¡°So you¡¯re with them. Go get her!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the viins took the order and came at her fiercely.

    Getting her? That was definitely beyond their depth!

    Cang Ying put on a disdainful smile and wielded the paddle rapidly. The viins close to her were all knocked down with a smack, yelling in anguish...

    How useless they were!

    Cang Ying snorted, feeling ashamed for them. She then picked up the broadsword, neatly cut the rope tying the couple, and said proudly, ¡°Get out of here. I got this.¡±

    The pale couple, with blood stains all over, took a peek at the ugly man with fear before expressing their gratitude, ¡°Thank you, miss.¡± They then dived into theke with a ssh.

    Ripples quivered across the surface of theke after the couple disappeared into the water. At the sight of that, the ugly man turned horribly sullen and his eyes zed with fury. He shouted, glowering at Cang Ying, ¡°Go get her! Beat her up!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the viins responded in deep voices. They grabbed up whatever weapons scattering over the floor and came at Cang Ying with no mercy.

    Only armed with a paddle, Cang Ying could no longer resist or hit back under the viins¡¯ constant attack. When her arms and legs were hit, she endured the sharp pain, gritting her teeth: how dare those barbarians hit her heedless of consequences...

    All of a sudden, Cang Ying was heavily hit by a paddle on the arm. The pain was so intense that she dropped her paddle on the floor...

    At the sight of that, the viins¡¯ faces lit up, and they started hitting her mercilessly with all kinds of weapons, which they wielded fast enough to generate airflow.

    ¡°Help...¡± Cang Ying shouted in a strange way. Leaping into the air, she jumped back to her canoe hastily and urged, ¡°Go, go, go...¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The middle-age woman was also terrified by the number and fierceness of the viins. She rowed backwards rapidly to escape.

    The ugly man steered the boat, chasing them with the viins. His eyes zed with fury and he couldn¡¯t wait to devour Cang Ying alive. ¡°Whoever gets her will be rewarded!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the viins replied in deep voices as they leaped towards Cang Ying¡¯s canoe. Seeing them almostnding on the canoe, Cang panicked, grabbed the woman and threw her fiercely at them...

    Before the sturdy body fell on them, the viins avoided her swiftly with a touch of disgust in their eyes...

    Cang Ying seized this chance to pick up the paddle and rowed forcefully. The canoe sailed unsteadily ahead through the lotus clump...

    But it was impossible for her to get away because the boat was approaching rapidly. She freaked out and shouted in panic, ¡°Help... Help...¡±

    ¡°Stop there... Don¡¯t run...¡±

    The noise came to Murong Xue and gave her a confused frown: what was happening?

    Murong Xue put down the pink flower onto the flower piles, and rowed slowly out of the clump. Unfortunately, another canoe bumped against hers heavily from the side at the entrance of the clump...

    Murong Xue¡¯s canoe was pushed several meters away with a loud noise, and it almost rolled over. She struggled to keep the bnce and prevent herself from falling into theke...

    Who was this careless guy?

    Murong Xue¡¯s pretty face instantly turned sullen. She looked up angrily while Cang Ying, standing on the other canoe, looked down at her condescendingly. Cang was surprised and said, ¡°Murong Xue, why are you here...¡±

    Murong Xue said, glowering at her, ¡°Who else would it be...¡±

    ¡°You bastard, there¡¯s no way to hide!¡± There suddenly came a fierce shout the moment Cang Ying opened her mouth and was about to say something.

    The shout gave Cang Ying a start. She turned round and saw the man approaching her with his henchmen. The man looked down at her condescendingly on the deck, whose piercing gaze sent a chill down her spine.

    She jumped onto the back of Murong¡¯s canoe. She curled herself up like an ostrich, with only her eyes able to be seen, and shouted in a pathetic voice, ¡°Murong Xue, help me!¡±

    Frowning tightly, Murong Xue tried to pull Cang Ying out to the front by grabbing her by the arm, but she failed, for Cang was almost stuck to her back.

    Murong Xue turned round and asked, looking at her indifferently, ¡°What have you done again...¡±

 Chapter 251 - An Accident on the Lake (3)

    <strong>Chapter 251: An ident on the Lake (3)</strong>

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Cang Ying retorted in a huff. Pointing at the man on the big boat, she added arrogantly, ¡°Those vicious men kidnapped an affectionate couple and tied them to the pir. I couldn¡¯t just stand by, so I let go of them, which is the only reason why they came after me...¡±

    ¡°Bullshit,¡± the man rebuked and glowered at her. ¡°That woman is my wife. She¡¯s having an affair with that man behind my back. I bumped into them shagging in the lotus clump, so I tied them up on just to teach them a lesson. Unexpectedly, you showed up, got in the middle of it and let go of those love rats...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s... That¡¯s just impossible...¡± Cang Ying said in surprise, widening her eyes. ¡°It seemed they loved each other so much...¡±

    ¡°Damn right they did because they just hooked up with each other.¡± The man glowered at Cang Ying, looking as if he could devour her alive.

    Cang Ying knitted her eyebrows and retorted, ¡°You don¡¯t even have any proof. I suppose you fancied her beauty, so you robbed her from her husband. But they resisted, so you got angry and abused them!¡±

    ¡°All due respect, just look at your face, even an old granny would refuse to marry you, let alone that pretty girl...¡±

    Cang Ying cast a nce at the man¡¯s tanned face, with a flicker of undisguised disdain in her eyes. At the sight of that, the man¡¯s face turned grim. He whipped out a red brochure and smashed it on Cang Ying¡¯s face before he shouted, ¡°You twat, take a good look at our marriage certificate...¡±

    Cang Ying curled herself up before the brochure swept past her hair and fell into the water. On the saturated red paper, two eye-catching names glittered under the sun...

    Cang Ying avoided the sight of the brochure unnaturally, and said in an unconvinced tone, ¡°Who knows if it¡¯s truly yours...¡±

    ¡°Shut up, you bag of hair...¡± the man interrupted angrily. He reached out for a long sword, whose sharp de shone with coldness under the sunlight.

    It gave Cang Ying a start, so she asked in panic, ¡°What are you gonna do?¡±

    ¡°You let go of my wife, so I need a new one now...¡± the man said fiercely, with coldness glittering in his eyes.

    ¡°How dare you! Do you know who I am? I am... Way out of your league...¡± Cang Ying scolded in panic, glowering at the man with burning eyes.

    ¡°Look at your ugly face. I wouldn¡¯t marry you even if I could without any cost...¡± The man cast a nce at her with contempt and added, ogling at her direction, ¡°I meant the beauty in front of you...¡±

    Cang Ying was rendered speechless.

    In front of her stood Murong Xue, whom the man had a crush on and wanted as thepensation for Cang Ying¡¯s fault. Cang Ying was pleased to know she was safe for the moment...

    When a touch of happiness surged up, Cang Ying also felt somewhat frustrated. Did he just imply that Murong Xue was prettier?

    Cang Ying looked up slowly at Murong Xue when Murong said to the man with coldness on her pretty face and dark eyes, ¡°She was to me because she was the one who let go of your wife. Go get even with her, not me...¡±

    All Murong Xue did in the clump was pick up a few lotus flowers and seeds. Who could she possibly provoke by doing that? Why did she get into trouble without any reason? It was just not her day...

    ¡°I don¡¯t like her, I like you...¡± the man said arrogantly as he abruptly waved his big hand. ¡°Get her, and you¡¯ll all be rewarded!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the viins replied in deep voices as they ran towards Murong Xue, smiling viciously with long whips and swords in their hands...

    Murong Xue¡¯s gaze turned sharp as she whipped out the paddle abruptly, and mercilessly hit the viins so hard that they had to plunge into the water...

    The grim man said viciously, ¡°You losers! Go get her...¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the viins replied sessively. They swam to Murong Xue¡¯s canoe and reached out for its edge...

    With a cold smile on her face, Murong Xue¡¯s beat the viins fiercely with all her strength.

    ¡°Ouch...¡± the viins yelled in pain and fell back in the water sessively...

    What a bunch of losers!

    With a grim look, the man reached out for the table on the boat. The moment he threw it fiercely towards Murong Xue¡¯s canoe, Murong narrowed her eyes and thumped it with the paddle. Consequently, both the table and the paddle were snapped and dropped into theke in pieces...

    The thump also gave Murong Xue a jolt, so she had to struggle to keep her feet. But the canoe started to shake as the surfacing men held onto the edge and struggled to climb onto it...

    Murong Xue narrowed her cold eyes slightly, and was about to give them a kick. At this moment, a clear voice suddenly rang from behind, ¡°Murong Xue, hang in there. I¡¯ll go get help...¡±

    Upon finishing her words, Cang Ying gave Murong Xue a fierce push towards the viins who then surrounded their canoe to prevent them from getting away.

    Since the man liked Murong Xue, she should be the one to draw the viins¡¯ attention and buy Cang Ying some time to escape and send her cousin to save Murong Xue. In this way, no one would get hurt...

    Murong Xue threw Cang Ying a faint smile, and stretched her hand out to grab Cang by the shoulder while staring at her, ¡°It was you who started it, so you should also be the one to draw their attention...¡±

    On finishing her words, Murong Xue pulled Cang Ying abruptly and threw her slender body fiercely at the viins...

    The viins avoided rapidly with a frown.

    Murong Xue grabbed another paddle from the canoe, and rowed so quickly that it dashed forward like an arrow. Her casual warning spread as the wind blew, ¡°Cang Ying, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯lle back for you soon...¡±

    Cang Ying was supposed to know that Murong Xue waspletely capable to defeat the man and a dozen of incapable viins without any help. But Cang Ying lied that she would get help before pushing Murong Xue to the front so that she could get away. How evil of her to have done that!

    Murong Xue saw no point in cleaning up the mess for such a merciless moron, so she left Cang Ying with the man so that they could settle the problem themselves...

    Cang Ying fell onto the deck, which gave her immediate dizziness and tinnitus. She med with fury in her eyes, and felt the bone-contusion-like pain all over.

    As she watched Murong Xue¡¯s receding figure, she let out a cry with anguish, ¡°Murong Xue...¡±

 Chapter 252 - An Accident on the Lake (4)

    <strong>Chapter 252: An ident on the Lake (4)</strong>

    Murong Xue pretended to hear nothing and kept rowing her canoe ahead.

    The ugly man turned livid with rage and snapped at the viins, ¡°What are you waiting for? Go get her now!¡±

    ¡°Yes!.¡± Upon nodding in panic, the viins scrambled onto a canoe and chased Murong Xue in a hurry.

    The man strode to Cang Ying and lift her up, grabbing her by the cor, ¡°Got you, you reckless twat!¡±

    Upon raising his hand, he pped her face so hard that it deflected. In an instant, a palm-shaped red mark appeared on her fair cheek, along with sharp pain and blood trickling down from the corner of her mouth.

    Cang Ying stared at the man with anger zing in her eyes. ¡°You pped me!¡±

    ¡°So what? You¡¯re the one who let go of my wife. Don¡¯t you deserve that?¡± the man said maliciously and kept pping her face one side after another.

    Cang struggled desperately to free herself from the man, but she failed and let out a cry with anguish, ¡°Help... Help...¡±

    As the sun declined to the west, it glinted over the ripples on the clearke under the breeze.

    Murong Xue rowed the canoe leisurely from the lotus clump to the pleasure boat.

    The viins were right after her.

    Standing against the rail on the boat, Duan Wuluo looked at the malicious viins and said with a frown, ¡°Heir Ouyang, I think Miss Murong needs help down there.¡±

    Duan turned slightly sullen and ran to the rail in a blink of an eye. As he watched Murong Xue seated leisurely in the canoe, a touch of pride glittered in his obsidian-like eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. She can handle it.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Duan was concerned that she was too weak to defeat a dozen strong viins by herself.

    On the clearke, the viins caught up with Murong¡¯s canoe, reached out for one side of it and was about to jump into it.

    Suddenly, Murong Xue¡¯s gaze turned sharp, and she hit the viins fiercely as she swept across the sides with a paddle. They all fell into the water, and their canoe was turned upside down, which couldn¡¯t look more awkward.

    Duan Wuluo twitched the corner of his mouth and no longer worried about Murong Xue, who was actually even stronger than men.

    ¡°Wuluo, help me... Help me...¡± Following the miserable cry, Duan saw the big boat sailing out of the lotus clump, on which an ugly hulk lifted ady in a crimson dress with messy hair. The pathetic-lookingdy with red and swollen cheeks turned out to be the heiress of the prime minister, Cang Ying.

    ¡°Yingying!¡± Duan shouted with his cold eyes fixed on the man, ¡°Let go of her!¡±

    ¡°No way. She¡¯s got to make it up to me because she let go of my wife,¡± the man shouted maliciously, looking at Duan arrogantly.

    Duan turned a bit sullen. Tapping the ground with his tiptoe, he flew to the man as fast as lightning to grab Cang Ying from the man and give the man a kick on the chest. The kick pushed the man several meters away till he fell into theke with a ssh.

    Cang gradually calmed down with the presence of Duan and cried in anguish, holding Duan¡¯s arm, ¡°Wuluo, I thought I would never see you again...¡±

    She couldn¡¯t look more aggrieved with crystal tears running down her cheeks.

    Duan heaved a sigh andforted her gently, patting her back, ¡°It¡¯s okay... Did you not go to pick flowers in the clump? Why did you provoke them?¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue... She pushed me to that man¡¯s boat...¡± Cang¡¯s eyes zed with anger. She looked up at Murong maliciously and continued saying, ¡°You shameless, selfish bastard...¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m shameless and selfish. I should have taken all the punishment for you as you implied by pushing me to the man, and in no way should I have run away.¡± Raising her eyebrows with contempt, Murong said leisurely as she looked at Cang.

    Cang said in a choked voice, glowering at Murong, ¡°The man liked you, so I did that in order to buy us some time...¡±

    ¡°So did I,¡± Murong sneered at Cang without disguise. Raising her eyebrows, she added, ¡°Miss Justice, you released the man¡¯s wife and the adulterer. Simply stabbing you to death wasn¡¯t enough to vent the man¡¯s anger. So I thought I had enough time to get help.¡±

    ¡°Shut up. The man hated me. Do you think I could still be safe and sound when he caught me? On the contrary, he liked you and definitely wouldn¡¯t hurt you. So, you could have bought us some time simply by entertaining him. But you didn¡¯t do that and left me there. What were you thinking?¡±

    Cang asked Murong with a glower, looking as if she could devour Murong alive.

    Murongughed coldly. It was so ridiculous that Cang dared to expect Murong to sacrifice and tie up the loose ends for her!

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I never whore myself out like you do, because I¡¯ve been a person of good morality and manners since I was young.¡±

    ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Cang Ying retorted with a flicker of fierceness in her dark eyes.

    ¡°What you meant by ¡°entertaining him¡± was that I should prostitute myself, right? You made an understatement as if it was nothing new to you. I guess you¡¯ve done that a lot...¡± Murong looked at Cang with undisguised contempt in her cold eyes.

    Cang was choked with anger, gnashing her teeth and pointing at Murong. ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°Enough of that,¡± Duan interrupted Cang because he already figured out what had happened: Cang got in the middle of the man¡¯s business due to her false judgement, and was thus hit by the man out of rage...

    Duan looked up at Cang with his dark eyes glittering. ¡°Yingying, you didn¡¯t ask what had happened before you upheld justice?¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Cang Ying blinked unnaturally. The man had tied the couple and abused them maliciously, which made him a willful bully. What was the point of asking that?

 Chapter 253 - Bumping into Gong Qianyu

    <h4>Chapter 253: Bumping into Gong Qianyu

    When Duan Wuluo perceived guilty in Cang Ying¡¯s averting gaze, he sighed, ¡°No more heroic deeds. If it¡¯s an urgent situation, ask what happened first. Don¡¯t you ever offer help randomly again.¡±

    </h4>

    ¡°Got it.¡± Cang Ying nodded reluctantly. At the sight of Murong Xue, Cang spat with her eyes zing with anger, ¡°Wuluo, Murong Xue set me up. Go teach her a good lesson for me.¡±

    ¡°Yingying, calm down,¡± Duan said word by word with a solemn look in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not Miss Murong¡¯s fault.¡±

    ¡°Are you suggesting I should let it go and give up the revenge for my suffering?¡± Cang asked, looking at Duan in surprise. Thanks to Murong, Cang¡¯s face became swollen and almost went numb. Howe Cang¡¯s cousin didn¡¯t n to seek revenge?

    ¡°You started all this, so you¡¯re to me for everything,¡± Duan answered coldly as he looked at Cang. ¡°Don¡¯t pin the me on others.¡±

    Cang said with an aggrieved look in her teary eyes, ¡°Wuluo, you¡¯re being biased. This is unfair!¡±

    The one to me should be Murong, who gave Cang a push, which struck that ugly man as convenient. Howe Cang¡¯s cousin med it on her, even without showing any support? Cang was pissed off! She didn¡¯t think that she was the one who had brought about so much trouble!

    ¡°If you don¡¯t agree with me, just go back and stop messing around in Mingzhou,¡± Duan replied sharply with a cold look. ¡°You¡¯ve been stirring up trouble almost every single day ever since you came here. And I had to clean up the mess you made, which is troublesome and tiring. Do me a favour, just go.¡±

    His cold voice hurt Cang¡¯s feelings and sent shivers down her spine. Staring at him in shock, Cang said, ¡°I can¡¯t believe that you mean it. I hate you!¡±

    As she shouted, Cang pushed Duan away. Tapping the ground with her tiptoe, she dashed away like an arrow.

    Watching her receding figure, Duan heaved a sigh before he turned round to look at Murong Xue. ¡°Yingying has been spoiled rotten. Please forgive her, Miss Murong.¡±

    ¡°Never mind,¡± Murong replied ndly in a cold and perfunctory tone, and said no more since she didn¡¯t want to know more about such a moron as Cang Ying.

    Duan didn¡¯t take it seriously and said with a gentle smile, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Heir Ouyang, Miss Murong, would you like to spend the night in my mansion?¡±

    Looking up at the sky, Murong noticed it was gettingte since the sun had already gone down. ¡°Thank you for your invitation. But we can find inns everywhere.¡±

    She preferred to keep distance from Duan Wuluo because the war between their countries was in a critical state at the moment.

    Duan added with a smile, ¡°Inns are too noisy for you to spend the night, but it¡¯s quiet in my ce. The two of you need nothing else but a good rest after the long trip. So it¡¯s way better for you to stay in my ce than to go to find an inn.¡±

    No matter how good the mansion was, it was just inappropriate for them to stay there!

    Murong blinked before she refused again, but Ouyang interrupted, ¡°We hope that¡¯s not too much trouble.¡±

    ¡°My pleasure. It¡¯ste. Let¡¯s go back to my mansion!¡± Duan smiled mildly as he dashed towards his pleasure boat nearby.

    With her eyebrows knitted, Murong looked at Ouyang. Her confused look implied her question. ¡°Why are we going there?¡±

    ¡°To stay for a night. It¡¯s quiet and safe there, way better than bustling inns.¡± Ouyang looked at her ndly with a meaningful smile.

    Murong shot him a piercing stare before she sailed to the pleasure boat leisurely: Ouyang truly favoured silence. If he preferred the Prefect¡¯s Mansion, then that would be the ce to stay.

    He smiled gently at the sight of the sullen look on Murong¡¯s face. As he stared ndly at the glitteringke, he caught sight of the ugly man who surfaced and was scrambling onto the boat with his hands reached out towards the side of that boat.

    Ouyang put on a weird smile. As soon as he snapped his fingers in the sleeve, his inner power burst out and pierced the man¡¯s throat mercilessly. Blood oozing from his wound, the man stiffened and fell into theke with a ssh.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Murong frowned and turned round, but she found nothing except for ripples quivering on theke.

    ¡°Perhaps something from the boat dropped into theke,¡± Ouyang exined casually. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. We should go ashore ASAP. Come on.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Murong nodded before turning round and rowing to the pleasure boat gently: broken pieces were everywhere on the boat, one of which might have dropped into theke.

    Then the man¡¯s dead body soundlessly surfaced on theke behind her.

    Ouyang took a nce at it ndly with a flicker of coldness in his dark eyes. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Murong¡¯s canoe approach the pleasure boat. He strolled to the edge of it and reached out to help her board the boat.

    After they went ashore, they had to spend an hour to go to the Prefect¡¯s Mansion by carriage.

    As night fell, the Prefect¡¯s Mansion was still as bright as it was in the daytime, lit up bynterns. Behind Duan Wuluo and Ouyang Shaochen, Murong Xue walked along the passage paved with gstones, looking around casually.

    In the mansion, exquisite pavilions came into sight first, followed by the bridge over a flowing stream. Across the bridge, the passage, along which pirs finely engraved with famous verses stood, stretched through the garden where rockeries rose one after another.

    It put a glint in Murong¡¯s eyes. The mansion was decorated in a magnificent and refined style, which indicated Duan¡¯s taste of beauty.

    ¡°Murong Xue!¡± a surprised voice suddenly rang. Following it, Murong saw the bright-eyed young man who looked refined and mysterious in a ck brocade robe with his smooth ck hair tied up with a purple and gold crown. He put an innocent smile on his wless face before he walked to Murong hurriedly and held her hands. ¡°Murong Xue, it is really you!¡±

    With vignce in his eyes, Ouyang stepped in front of Murong and looked at Gong Qianyu coldly, ¡°Your Highness, a man is not supposed to touch ady.¡±

 Chapter 254 - Fighting over Murong Xue

    <h4>Chapter 254: Fighting over Murong Xue

    The moment Gong Qianyu failed to hold Murong Xue¡¯s hands, anger appeared in his bright eyes. He said as he looked at Ouyang Shaochen coldly, ¡°You¡¯re also a man, why can you touch her?¡±

    </h4>

    ¡°Because we¡¯re rted,¡± Ouyang said in a nd and emotionless tone. But Gong perceived a hint of showing off and asked with a frown, ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be a family, together forever!¡± Ouyang sounded reserved and a bit solemn.

    Gong blinked and talked back word by word, ¡°Murong Xue and I can also be a family, together forever.¡±

    In an instant, Ouyang¡¯s face turned sullen and shot Gong a piercing stare, overwhelmed by which no one dared to speak.

    Looking up at the sky, Murong was lost in thoughts speechlessly: Gong was simply being unyielding when he talked back, and he was even too unsophisticated to understand Ouyang¡¯s words.

    However, it was no trifle for the heir of Lord Freedom to get angry at, so Murong must stand out to ease the tension.

    ¡°Heir Gong, what a surprise!¡± Murong stood out and looked at Gong ndly, who was supposed to supervise as amander of the troops in the military camp.

    ¡°I need a break back here from the noisy camp,¡± Gong replied gently. Looking at Murong without blinking, he continued, ¡°I have a room here. Are you gonna stay here?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Murong nodded.

    ¡°I live in the courtyard next door, which is scenic and quiet. You can also stay there,¡± Gong said with a touch of excitement in his eyes.

    To Duan Wuluo¡¯s great shock, this talky man with a smiling face and sparkling eyes was truly the Prince of Nanjiang, who used to look arrogant and defiant to Duan.

    The plunge in temperature chilled Duan to the bone. Abruptly, he came to his senses and looked up only to see Gong and Murong having an agreeable conversation with an onlooker, Ouyang. His sharp eyes sparkled with coldness, as if cold air which was able to reach the bone in a minute.

    As the violent twitches of his eyelids gave off a foreboding, Duan hastened to say, ¡°It¡¯s time for dinner. Pleasee with me.¡±

    Ouyang was a noble, unstained gentleman with the hard-hearted and excessively wise character, so his anger couldn¡¯t be neglected and needed soothing.

    ¡°Thank you, Prefect Duan,¡± Ouyang said ndly as he pushed Murong forward, dragging her by the arm. ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner.¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue!¡± Gong stood still, staring at her with his bright eyes.

    Murong turned around to look at him and asked, ¡°Have you had dinner?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡± Gong shook his head, looking a bit upset.

    ¡°Come join us.¡± Murong smiled.

    ¡°Sounds great!¡± Gong nodded and caught up with them with a sparkle in his dark eyes.

    Looking slightly sullen, Ouyang instantly held Murong more tightly by the arm since she invited Gong to have dinner together while she had never invited Ouyang before.

    Murong felt the pain in her arm and patted Ouyang on the hand with a frown. ¡°It hurts. Take your hand off me.¡±

    Ouyang put on a solemn look and loosed his grip a bit instead of letting go of her arm. He cast a nce at Gong and said coldly, ¡°Your Highness, you were going out, weren¡¯t you?¡±

    When Ouyang and Murong entered the mansion, Gong bumped into them face to face. In other words, Gong was indeed going out.

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like going out now. And I want to have dinner here instead,¡± Gong said slowly as he strode into the dining hall.

    In the middle of the hall, there was a round rosewood table. Duan sat next to the front and Ouyang on the right side next to Murong. When Gong was about to take the seat next to Murong, Ouyang said ndly, ¡°As the crown prince of Nanjiang, you¡¯re supposed to sit next to Prefect Duan.¡± That was opposite Ouyang and Murong¡¯s seats.

    Being speechless and motionless, Gong knitted his eyebrows and turned slightly sullen with a reluctant look in his bright eyes.

    Murong heaved a sigh inwardly before she pulled Gong to the seat next to her, ¡°Just the four of us are here. No more rules are needed. Just take a seat!¡± She didn¡¯t want everyone to be upset by the seating arrangement.

    Ouyang knitted his dashing eyebrows tightly and zed with anger, since Murong defended Gong again while she had never defended Ouyang like that.

    No one dared to speak in the dining hall.

    Under the tension, Duan rubbed his forehead and faked a cough. ¡°Dishes are cooling down. Let¡¯s dive in!¡±

    The chefs had prepared various dishes, such as soy-braised pork, stuffed duck, wine preserved chicken, and pork with ss noodles, whose fragrance overflowed and almost made them drool.

    As Gong put a piece of drunken chicken into Murong¡¯s bowl with chopsticks, he whispered, ¡°It tastes good. Have a try.¡±

    He cast a seemingly casual nce at Ouyang, with a hint of showing off and provocation with his innocent smile.

    ¡°Cheers!¡± Murong said softly as she was about to pick the chicken. All of a sudden, Ouyang reced it with a piece of vegetable. ¡°Ladies need more vegetables and less meat!¡±

    Looking gloomy, Gong got her one more piece of vegetable. ¡°Vegetables taste great. Have more!¡±

    ¡°Even so, she still needs meat. It¡¯s bad for her health to have only vegetables without meat!¡± Ouyang said ndly before he reced it with a slice of stuffed duck.

    Gong frowned and got her one more slice of duck.

    Ouyang picked it out again.

    Gong put food in her bowl, and Ouyang picked it out. They kept doing so again and again.

    All the food was not eaten but wasted as Ouyang took it out. Watching their childish behaviour, Murong heaved a sigh. As heirs of an honored status, howe they vented their anger on the food unintelligibly? With all the food wasted, what could other people have for dinner?

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, which is better for Murong Xue, vegetables or meat?¡± As all the food was taken out, Gong turned sullen and shot Ouyang an angry look.

    ¡°Any food from you isn¡¯t good for her!¡± Ouyang replied casually before he stood up and walked off slowly, holding Murong¡¯s hand.

 Chapter 255 - Stay Away from Him

    <h4>Chapter 255: Stay Away from Him</h4>

    The wind blew with Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s clear farewell. ¡°We¡¯re going back to our room, enjoy your dinner.¡±

    As Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue went away, Gong Qianyu¡¯s face turned sullen and his dark eyes glinted.

    Duan Wuluo nced over the empty seats and the three of them with different expressions before Duan slightly narrowed his eyes with a meaningful stare.

    Outside the dining hall, Ouyang strode forward like wind while Murong could hardly catch up. She said breathlessly, ¡°Why the rush? I need a break, right now.¡±

    Ouyang slowed down to look down at her with a solemn look in his obsidian-like eyes. ¡°I want you to stay away from Gong Qianyu from today.¡±

    ¡°Why? I think he¡¯s nice and unsophisticated,¡± Murong said softly with confusion in her eyes. Ouyang turned sullen and dissuaded her word by word, ¡°Don¡¯t judge a person by his appearance. One can pretend to be unsophisticated on the outside when he¡¯s totally different on the inside.¡± His clear voice was of much indignation.

    ¡°How much do you know about him?¡± Murong asked Ouyang with her eyebrows raised.

    ¡°Not much, but at least more than you do. Anyway, just stay away from him,¡± Ouyang replied casually as his dark eyes glinted.

    Murong glowered at him with a pout as she said, ¡°I never expected to know more about him. Plus, you were the one who insisted oning here. If we didn¡¯te here, I wouldn¡¯t even meet him.¡±

    Ouyang had no idea that Gong was in the mansion either. Or else, in no way would Ouyange here!

    Ouyang¡¯s eyes sparkled as he said calmly, ¡°Sorry for being inconsiderate. I¡¯ll never enter any official mansions in Nanjiang without a second thought. And you should stay away from Gong Qianyu.¡±

    ¡°Got it!¡± Murong replied unhappily and added, glowering at him, ¡°Thanks to you, I haven¡¯t had a bite of food and I¡¯m so hungry. I¡¯ll go buy some food.¡±

    As she said calmly, she turned around to leave, but Ouyang reached out to stop her. He looked up at the starry dark sky and said ndly, ¡°It¡¯ste now. Nice food will probably be sold out before you get there. I have a te of dessert. Would you like some?¡±

    Ouyang took it out carefully on his jade-like palm. The golden-yellow dessert in pieces was as attractive as the refined plum blossom, which smelled good and looked mouth-watering.

    Murong suddenly felt the hunger and said, pretending not to be attracted, ¡°I guess.¡± She grabbed a piece and put it in her mouth, whose light sweetness filled her mouth in a second.

    She kept praising with sparkling eyes, ¡°It tastes really good!¡±

    Looking at those eyes, Ouyang shed a smile and walked into a refined guestroom with Murong.

    Inside the room, candles filled it with warmth; furniture was clean and neat; and new quilts of different thicknesses smelledforting.

    Murong took a casual nce over the room, where they would spend the night. It was truly a nice ce!

    Out of the corner of her eye, she unconsciously caught sight of Ouyang when his jade-like fingers unhurriedly undid the robe buckles from the chest.

    Knitting her eyebrows, Murong looked at him with confusion. ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, what are you gonna do?¡±

    ¡°Take a bath and a rest,¡± Ouyang replied casually as he untied his waist belt and took off his robe.

    Murong shifted her gaze from him unnaturally and asked in a hurry, ¡°Heir Ouyang, which room do I stay in?¡±

    ¡°This one of course!¡± Ouyang replied casually.

    Murong knitted her eyebrows tightly, feeling unhappy to share a room with him again. The first time she had to do so only because Ouyang was too mean to offer her a guestroom. But now she could ask for one because Duan Wuluo was in charge of the mansion.

    ¡°We¡¯re in the prefect¡¯s mansion in Nanjiang,¡± Ouyang suddenly added. ¡°We have no idea whether there is hidden danger in here. We¡¯ll be safer if we share a room.¡±

    Murong held her steps immediately. He was right. It might be dangerous for them to live here. If they shared a room, they could take care of each other; if they didn¡¯t and something terrible happened, they would be in great trouble.

    It would be just one night anyway, so she decided to share the room with Ouyang, reluctantly though!

    Murong heaved a sigh and stayed in the room. She looked at Ouyang as he hung up the robe and undid the buckles on the white underwear. His fair, strong chest was vaguely exposed underneath his inner clothing.

    Murong flushed and ran out of the room. ¡°Enjoy your bath. I¡¯ll have some dessert outside.¡± She ran in a way as if she was escaping in panic.

    Ouyang put a light smile on his face as his obsidian-like eyes sparkled brightly enough to enchant people.

    After leaving the room, Murong strolled in the yard and had the dessert absentmindedly. Lanterns fluttered with the breeze in the corridor.

    ¡°Murong Xue!¡± The moment Murong heard the familiar voice, she looked up and saw Gong Qianyu at the entrance, who looked at her calmly with a barely visible smile.

    With surprise in her eyes, Murong took a nce at the closed door before running to him. She pushed him to the corner outside the yard and said in a low voice, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I saw you in the yard when I passed by,¡± Gong Qianyu said softly. Worried that she wouldn¡¯t believe his words, he pointed at the front and said, ¡°I live right over there.¡±

    Murong followed his finger and saw a refined building, which was on the right side of hers. So if Gong went back to his room, he would pass the entrance of her yard.

    ¡°Murong Xue, how long are you gonna stay here?¡± he asked ndly, staring at her with his clear eyes.

    ¡°Just tonight. We¡¯ll leave tomorrow morning,¡± Murong answered lightly.

    ¡°Why not stay here a little longer?¡± Gong said with a disappointed look in his eyes.

    Murong smiled softly, ¡°We came to Mingzhou for a visit. But it was toote for us to leave after the tour on Ming Lake. That¡¯s why we stay here.¡±

    ¡°There are other ces to go except Ming Lake. Why not stay here a few more days?¡± Gong lowered his head to look at her with anticipation.

 Chapter 256 - Falling for the Trick

    <h4>Chapter 256: Falling for the Trick

    Murong Xue smiled slightly. It was not her n to bump into Duan Wuluo or stay in his mansion but to find the shadow guards.

    </h4>

    She had to keep it from Gong and Duan that the guards were hiding in Mingzhou, which would cause a great disturbance once revealed. So she woulde here again secretly and in no way would she stay in Duan¡¯s mansion again.

    When Murong tried toe up with a reason with a sullen look in her eyes, a gust of breeze with a strong aroma blew past her nose.

    Her dislike of the smell made her frown. ¡°What¡¯s that strong smell?¡±

    Upon smelling the aroma, Gong¡¯s wless face turned slightly solemn. ¡°It smells like... The lust incense!¡±

    The lust incense? Wasn¡¯t it a kind of love potion?

    With vignce in in her eyes, Murong covered her mouth and nose and abruptly looked up at the source of the aroma. In the dark corner, a figure in ck could be seen vaguely, who was fanning an unknown object repeatedly, the top of which was glittering.

    It must be the incense!

    Tapping the ground with her tiptoe, Murong dashed to the man in the blink of an eye. After cutting its wick with her sword, she thrust at the man in the chest and stuck him on the wall. Instantly, blood spurted out and saturated his clothes.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± the man let out a cry with anguish, which resounded through the yard.

    Disregarding his cry, Murong looked at him coldly and asked, ¡°Who sent you here?¡± He was really heedless of consequences to have attempted to poison her with the incense.

    ¡°Noment!¡± The man also shot her a piercing re.

    He was indeed an adequate secret keeper!

    Curling up the corner of her lips, Murong whipped out a dagger from her sleeve and stabbed the man. When the dagger prated his shoulder with blood spurting out, blue veins stood out and cold sweat oozed on his forehead.

    The man glowered at Murong with a flicker of coldness in his eyes as if he could have devoured her alive.

    Murong blinked. The wound didn¡¯t seem serious enough since the man still had the mood to glower.

    With a quirky smile, Murong waved the dagger at the man whose blood instantly pumped from the gash on his neck and saturated his clothes.

    ¡°Who sent you here?¡± Murong asked calmly in a cold voice, staring at the man. She moved the dagger up and down along his neck.

    With the sharp pain, the man could clearly feel the de gradually slit his skin and blood vessels open and it almost reached his windpipe.

    Without a doubt, Murong would slit his throat cruelly and leave him losing all his blood if he refused to confess. It was hot in June, but the man was still shivering while saying with his lips trembling, ¡°Alright...The one who sent me here was...¡±

    Meanwhile, the man pulled out a dagger secretly from his belt and thrust at Murong fiercely.

    Murong put on a cold look with the corner of her mouth curled upwards coldly. How reckless he was to have attacked her sneakily!

    After Murong flipped her wrist over, her sharp dagger nced off the man¡¯s and cut a gash in his neck with bright blood spurting out onto the gstones.

    The man held the assassinating posture for a minute before he smashed on the ground with anger and grievance in his widened eyes.

    The dim light reflected off Murong¡¯s silver dagger, where blood gradually trickled down to the tip and finally dropped to the ground with a spine-chilling sense of stickiness.

    Murong didn¡¯t intend to kill him, but since the man recklesslyid a trap to assassinate her, she had no other options.

    ¡°Is he dead?¡± a charming male voice rang. Gong Qianyu came to her with his ck clothes flowing like a blooming ck lotus.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so,¡± Murong replied casually. It made sense she killed the man since he didn¡¯t confess who the one behind the scenes was and even tried to assassinate her.

    Murong sheathed her sword and looked up, only to find Gong flushing unnaturally with sweat oozing from his forehead.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Murong looked at him confusedly.

    ¡°I... I feel sick.¡± Gong looked at her with his seducing bleary eyes, feeling empty in his body. He leaned against the wall and slid down slowly with a helpless look in his eyes.

    He was poisoned by the incense!

    ¡°You alright?¡± Murong looked at him with concern, narrowing her eyes slightly.

    ¡°Yes... I am...¡± Gong said faintly with a flush on his wless face and a lustful look in his bright eyes.

    ¡°Is there a pool of cold water around? I¡¯ll take you there,¡± Murong asked hastily. The cold water could antidote the incense effectively.

    ¡°My legs are weak...¡± Gong answered gloomily when he sat against the wall, looking miserable with cold sweat oozing from his forehead and his facial features distorted slightly.

    The incense had such strong power that even Gong couldn¡¯tpress it with his internal power.

    ¡°Try topress it with your internal strength. I¡¯ll go get help,¡± Murong said hurriedly as she turned round. All of a sudden, a warm current reached her limbs and bones from her belly before it turned into scorching heat wreaking havoc inside her body.

    To her shock, Murong was also poisoned by the incense!

    With all her strength drained instantly, she staggered to the wall and gradually slid down onto the ground. She didn¡¯t expect that inhaling just a bit could still poison her in such a serious way.

    ¡°Xue, are you alright?¡± Gong looked at her with a touch of confusion in his bleary eyes.

    ¡°Same as you. The incense is kicking in,¡± Murong said faintly as she clenched her fist tightly, her fingernails embedded in her palms, from which the pain kept her conscious.

    The incense took away all her strength, which made her feel powerless to walk or yell for help.

 Chapter 257 - Poisoned by the Lust Incense

    <h4>Chapter 257: Poisoned by the Lust Incense</h4>

    Trantor: Flying Lines

    It waste at night and they were in a remote, tranquil courtyard where maids hardly ever visited, so Murong Xue was on her own.

    When Murong Xue suddenly felt a gust of heat from Gong Qianyu around one meter away, she subconsciously looked up at him and said, ¡°Your Highness, are you suppressing the effect with your internal force?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying,¡± Gong Qianyu said in a hoarse and lustful voice when he looked at Murong Xue with his mysterious eyes. ¡°You alright?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Murong Xue smiled faintly. Being tortured by the strong power of the incense, how could she possibly feel alright?

    Gong Qianyu¡¯s gaze turned sharp before he moved to Murong Xue slowly and pressed his hand against her back. Instantly, warmth current flowed into her body and reached the bones, incessantly suppressing the overwhelming power of the incense.

    ¡°Your Highness!¡± Murong Xue looked at Gong Qianyu with surprise. Also tortured by the incense, he could ovee its effect. How was he still able to transfer his internal strength to her?

    ¡°You¡¯re not as serious as I am, that¡¯s why I transferred my strength to you, so a cold bath might be enough to detoxify your body, after which you can go get help for me,¡± Gong Qianyu said gloomily with sincerity in his misty eyes.

    Instantly, Murong Xue was overwhelmed with a strange feeling, since Gong Qianyu sacrificed himself to save her though he had met her only several times. ¡°Let me help you to the cold pool,¡± Murong Xue said.

    The cold water could detoxify her body in a minute.

    Gong Qianyu said with a gentle smile, ¡°I¡¯m too heavy for you to pull. Just leave me here.¡±

    ¡°Wait until we¡¯ve tried.¡± Murong Xue said word by word as she stood up slowly, leaning against the wall. She grabbed Gong Qianyu by the arm and pulled him up slowly. The moment he could almost stand up, Gong Qianyu suddenly slid down and lost bnce before he bumped against Murong Xue.

    Having no time to react, Murong Xue was pushed to the ground, enduring the sharp pain in her arms. She couldn¡¯t help taking a deep breath and knitting her eyebrows tightly.

    Gong Qianyu involuntarily rested his head on the shoulder of Murong Xue, whose unique scent mixed with the aroma of fire lotuses found its way to his nostrils. Being mentally disturbed by the incense, Gong Qianyu leaned towards the source of the aroma subconsciously. ¡°Um... Xue...¡±

    Narrowing her eyes, Murong Xue pushed Gong Qianyu away. ¡°Gong Qianyu!¡±

    Her cold angry voice abruptly pulled Gong Qianyu back to his senses. When he looked up, the pretty face of Murong Xue popped up, who was gazing at Gong with glowering eyes.

    ¡°My... my apologies...¡± Gong Qianyu fumbled as he swiftly turned round with a flush. He didn¡¯t mean to do that at all.

    ¡°I...I¡¯ll sit right over there...¡± Gong Qianyu said hastily as he propped himself up and sat straight, but his arms were weakened due to the overconsumption of his internal strength. So he fell down again, right on Murong Xue¡¯s chest after moving away a little bit.

    ¡°Gong Qianyu!¡± With mes of fury in her eyes, Murong Xue rebuked Gong Qianyu and gave him a p.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Gong Qianyu apologized immediately, blushing. Suddenly, a gust of strong wind hit him heavily on the back when he was about to dodge Murong Xue¡¯s attack.

    Narrowing his eyes slightly, Gong Qianyu leaned to one side, and the wind merely grazed his arm, leaving a gash on his sleeve.

    It gave Murong Xue a start before she raised her head only to find Ouyang Shaochen walking towards her. He pulled a long face with coldness in his obsidian-like eyes, looking terribly sullen.

    With her eyelids twitching fiercely, Murong Xue wondered what had happened to Ouyang Shaochen.

    All of a sudden, Ouyang Shaochen abruptly bent his fingers and was about to shoot his internal strength to Gong Qianyu.

    Being stunned, Murong Xue stood up with all her strength before she pounced on Ouyang Shaochen hurriedly and grabbed his wrist. ¡°No, stop!¡±

    ¡°Why are you defending him?¡± Ouyang Shaochen lowered his head slowly to look at Murong Xue with coldness in his obsidian-like eyes.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that. You¡¯ve mistaken us.¡± Murong Xue exined in a hurry, ¡°We were both poisoned by the lust incense.¡±

    ¡°So he can get close to you willingly?¡± Ouyang Shaochen shot a piercing re at Murong Xue with his eyebrows knitted. After taking a bath, Ouyang Shaochen went out to look for Murong Xue but saw no one in the courtyard. To his surprise, he found Murong Xue with Gong Qianyu.

    ¡°No. He tried to move away. But he his arms were weak, so... It¡¯s just a mistake,¡± Murong Xue exined anxiously, trying to clear the air.

    ¡°Gong Qianyu has excellent martial skills and powerful internal strength. How could a wisp of incense weaken him so seriously?¡± Ouyang Shaochen retorted coldly. Obviously, he didn¡¯t believe her.

    ¡°He¡¯s transferred his internal strength to me...¡± Murong Xue whispered as she looked at Ouyang Shaochen emotionlessly.

    Shocked by her words, Ouyang Shaochen said coldly with a flicker of contempt in his dark eyes, ¡°He¡¯s so nice to you.¡± Abruptly, he shook off Murong Xue and left in anger.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± Having no time to react, Murong Xue lost her bnce and fell straight towards the ground.

    Ouyang Shaochen halted with helplessness in his eyes before he reached out to pull her up by the shoulder. Upon snapping his fingers, Ouyang Shaochen directed his internal strength at Gong Qianyu mercilessly.

    Being stunned, Murong Xue wanted to stop Ouyang Shaochen but it was toote. Glowering at him, she noticed his internal strength went past Gong Qianyu and hit the corner.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± A man in shabby clothes was thrown several meters away before he fell to the ground heavily, which gave him immediate dizziness and tinnitus.

    It gave Murong Xue a shock that they had been spied on. ¡°How long has he been spying on us?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s just arrived,¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered ndly with a meaningful look in his eyes.

    ¡°What happened?¡± a panicky voice rang when a guard in patrol ran to them with a sword and a torch in his hands. The guard was followed by a tall man with a wless face. It was Prefect Duan Wuluo.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Duan Wuluo strode to them. He knitted his eyebrows tightly when he took a look over Gong Qianyu who had misty eyes and a flushed face, the corpse on the ground and the wounded man.

 Chapter 258 - Antidote (1)

    <h4>Chapter 258: Antidote (1)

    ¡°The assassin sneaked into the mansion. Isn¡¯t it obvious that he attempted to kill His Highness?¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly with a piercing re.

    </h4>

    The assassin had been killed and the crown prince poisoned. All these proved Ouyang¡¯s assumption, except for the wounded man.

    Duan Wuluo turned to the man and asked, ¡°What about him?¡± Judging from his appearance, the man must be a servant.

    ¡°Prefect Duan, why don¡¯t you keep him in custody and interrogate him?¡± Ouyang said casually with a calm look.

    Suddenly, he felt Murong Xue¡¯s body getting hot in his arms. It turned out that the incense was kicking in so that her energy was being drained, her face flushed, and her eyes turned bleary.

    Ouyang heaved a sigh and bent down to hold Murong up in his arms. When he turned around and walked off slowly, his farewell spread with the wind. ¡°We¡¯re gonna excuse ourselves. Please take care of the rest, Prefect Duan.¡±

    With his jade-like hand pressed against Murong¡¯s back, Ouyang transferred his internal power to her, whichpressed the havoc inside her body and brought her back to life. She took a nce at Gong Qianyu who had flush and bleary eyes, before she turned to Duan and warned, ¡°Prefect Duan, don¡¯t forget to take Gong Qianyu to the pool of cold water. It can antidote the incense.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re poisoned. Just stop talking,¡± Ouyang interrupted coldly since the only person she cared about was Gong after she came back to her senses.

    Abruptly, Ouyang slowed down the transfer of internal power, and meanwhile, the incense began wreaking havoc inside Murong¡¯s body again. In no time, she got out of head, with her face flushed and her clear eyes turning bleary. She said with a glower at Ouyang, ¡°Gong Qianyu helped me. I care about him only because I want to pay him back. Don¡¯t be so mean.¡±

    ¡°Gong Qianyu is the crown prince of Nanjiang and Duan Wuluo is the prefect of Nanjiang. I¡¯m sure Duan will take care of Gong. You don¡¯t have to worry about it,¡± Ouyang replied angrily. Subconsciously, he slowed down the transfer when he strode forward, holding Murong in his arms.

    The dim candlelight cast a ruddy glow over Murong¡¯s pretty face. As the incense¡¯s efficacy unknowingly increased, Murong leaned on Ouyang¡¯s chest to cool herself and said powerlessly with narrowed eyes, ¡°I need a cold bath!¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Ouyang nodded and sped up abruptly.

    When the breeze blew to Murong with heat, the havoc instantly wreaked inside her body so that she twisted in Ouyang¡¯s arms. ¡°Heir, are we in the pool now?¡±

    ¡°Almost there!¡± Looking at the suffering look on her face and knitted eyebrows, Ouyang tapped the ground with his tiptoe and flew over the entrance of the courtyard. Finally, hended in front of the guestroom lightly.

    He strode inside and put Murong down on the bed carefully. With a sullen look, Ouyang pressed himself slowly onto Murong and his thin lips against her sexy ones. The hot kiss was so fierce that she could hardly breathe, looking lustfully bleary in her eyes.

    After he untied her belt with his jade-like fingers, the light blue dress fell onto the ground. When he kissed gently on her fair neck, pink blossoms appeared on it.

    ¡°Heir!¡± Murong whispered, flushing with her eyes narrowed and her eyshes fluttering.

    ¡°Um!¡± Ouyang made a hoarse sound as he kept kissing Murong¡¯s neck.

    ¡°Are we... In the pool?¡± Murong asked. Her skin turned lustfully pink as the incense kicked in.

    When Ouyang¡¯s eyes instantly turned alert and vaguely sly, he whispered, ¡°Yes, we are.¡±

    His thin lips were pressed fiercely against her lustful ones again. Ouyang threw his powerful arms around her slender waist as if he was about to absorb her body into his.

    Tortured by the incense, Murong totally lost her consciousness and could barely breathe. So she kept shaking her head, trying to get some air, and pushed Ouyang away with her powerless arms. Her chic chignon fell apart and disheveled like petals.

    A hairpin dropped right onto the back of her hand, the sharp pain of which made here to her senses gradually. After she opened her eyes slowly with her eyshes fluttering, she found everything strange, including the turquoise curtain, rosewood table and screen. She knew it wasn¡¯t the pool.

    Murong felt someone on her body exhaling warm air to her neck, which gave her a start. She looked down, only to find her coat taken off, two top buttons of the underwear undone and Ouyang kissing her on the neck.

    As her eyes zed with anger, Murong reached out to grab him by thepel. She asked, gnashing her teeth, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, what are you doing? Is it the pool?¡±

    ¡°The incense is extremely powerful. Let me fix it, so you can suffer less,¡± Ouyang said ndly and looked at Murong calmly. He didn¡¯t feel ashamed or awkward for being caught in the act of the wrong deed.

    ¡°I told you I need a cold bath, not this!¡± Murong said in a horrible voice with a glower at Ouyang.

    ¡°Chances are the cold water will cause a terrible cold,¡± Ouyang said in a low voice, looking mysterious.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got medicine for the cold. It won¡¯t hurt me,¡± Murong said word by word with an unusually determined look.

    With an angry look, Ouyang caressed her pretty face, which was too smooth for him to get his hand off. ¡°Are you sure you need a cold bath?¡±

    ¡°Uh huh!¡± Murong nodded fiercely. Her face was suffused with a flush and her bright eyes turned bleary with the incense kicking in again.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Ouyang nodded before he got off the bed elegantly. He walked to the back of the screen, carrying Murong in his arms.

    ¡°Where to?¡± Murong tried hard to maintain sober and looked at Ouyang ndly when the havoc kept wreaking.

    ¡°The pool!¡± Ouyang answered casually as he dashed forward.

    ¡°You must take me to a real pool, not another room,¡± Murong said faintly with a stare at Ouyang. She couldn¡¯t trust him easily again since he had cheated her just now.

 Chapter 259 - Antidote (2)

    <h4>Chapter 259: Antidote (2)</h4>

    Murong Xue chose a pool over Ouyang Shaochen!

    Knitting his eyebrows, Ouyang suddenly lifted Murong and threw her slender body into a pool with a ssh.

    ¡°Ouyang Shaochen!¡± Murong surfaced and shot a piercing gaze at Ouyang. Water dripped from her hair and her sodden clothes clung to her body, which brought out the shape of her slim body.

    Ouyang gave her the go-by and said casually, ¡°It¡¯s a pool. Isn¡¯t it what you want?¡±

    Being startled, Murong lowered her head and saw herself in the middle of the pool of clear water. The coldness from the water prated into her body from the skin and drove away the internal heat rapidly.

    Murong sneakily heaved a sigh. The heat was gone but the incense¡¯s effect didn¡¯t wear offpletely, so she had to stay in the pool for the time being.

    She looked around casually. Inside the room, the floor was paved with white marble, which was glossy enough for the light to reflect off shadows, and the wall was iid with a hollowed golden troffer, on which a legendary luminous pearl lit up the room.

    ¡°Where am I?¡± Murong looked at Ouyang with confusion.

    ¡°The bathroom in our courtyard,¡± Ouyang answered casually, seated on a round desk near her with a ss of wine in his hand.

    Murong nodded. When she stared at the big pool covering over half of the room, she was amazed that a courtyard could amodate such a big pool. It seemed Nanjiang people liked to enjoy their life.

    ¡°The pool was refilled with fresh warm water for bath. But you¡¯ve been absent for such a long time that the water has cooled down. It¡¯s now chilly enough for you to get rid of the incense,¡± Ouyang said ndly while he was enjoying the wine.

    In an instant, Murong turned sullen. If no one had plotted against and poisoned her, she wouldn¡¯t have stayed outside.

    She shot a piercing gaze at Ouyang before she was about to retort. Suddenly, a gust of heat from the belly to four limbs and bones made her numb and set her nerves on edge, as if her body was set on intense fire.

    ¡°The water isn¡¯t working. What¡¯s wrong?¡± With a start, Murong looked up at Ouyang when her limbs went numb, her face flushed unnaturally, and her eyes turned bleary.

    ¡°Maybe the incense was too much,¡± Ouyang said ndly with the corner of his lips curled upward invisibly. To clear the incensepletely, she needed more than just a cold bath.

    ¡°Really? What should I do then?¡± Murong asked with a frown. Tortured by the heat from the powerful incense, she couldn¡¯t feel the coldness anymore.

    ¡°Try another way?¡± Ouyang asked gently in a teasing voice while he was looking at her peacefully.

    ¡°Nope,¡± Murong blurted her rejection out with a glower at Ouyang. It was so evil of him to persuade her to try that way.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t give it a shot, the result can be horrible since the incense is now too powerful for the cold water to suppress,¡± Ouyang said in a low voice, with a meaningful look in his obsidian-like eyes.

    ¡°There must be another way,¡± Murong said word by word with a determined look. She took a deep breath and suddenly dived into the water.

    ¡°Xue!¡± Looking frightened, Ouyang instantly dived into the water right next to Murong. He pulled her out of the water before asking, ¡°What were you doing? You could die!¡±

    ¡°I was trying to figure out another way.¡± Murong smiled awkwardly with an abnormal flush. The cold water sent chills through her sodden body despite the fact that it didn¡¯t cool her down at all.

    With a sigh, Ouyang looked at her peacefully. ¡°Let me help you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need that kind of help!¡± Murong rebuked while she was glowering at Ouyang with vignce in her eyes, which made him sigh heavily. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t mean sex!¡±

    Upon finishing his words, Ouyang pressed his jade-like palms against Murong¡¯s back and transferred his internal power to her, which soon reached four of her limbs and sessfully suppressed her internal havoc.

    The cold water and the internal power worked together and soon exorcised the annoying incensepletely.

    After that, the chills were gone and a warm current brought by the internal power ran through her body, which made Murong feelfortable and pleased.

    In an instant, Murong felt relieved but she was also stricken with fatigue. Feeling both peaceful and gradually unconscious, she leaned against Ouyang with her eyes closed when the light aroma of bamboo was blown to her nose.

    As her steady breathing rang, Ouyang looked down and saw Murong peacefully asleep with a pretty smile. He put down his hands gently and carried her in his arms before walking to the side of the pool slowly with a meaningful look.

    Murong didn¡¯t inhale much incense, which could be exorcised with internal power and cold water. But it was really evil of the plotter behind the scene to have poisoned her.

    As for clues, they could rely on Duan Wuluo who should be capable to do that by interrogating the servant kept in custody.

    As clouds and mist dispersed at dawn, the golden sunlight shone into the dark room through windows. Behind the curtain on the carved bed, Murong woke up from her dream and opened her eyes gradually.

    ¡°Hey, did you sleep well?¡± As a clear voice suddenly rang above Murong, she looked up, only to see Ouyang¡¯s wless face zooming in. Lying next to her, Ouyang looked at her ndly while her figure reflected in his pupils clearly.

    What happenedst night appeared in her eyes scene by scene. Murong shifted her gaze from him unnaturally and answered, ¡°I guess.¡± Last night, Ouyang exorcised the incense for her with the internal power before putting her in bed. But howe her clothes got dried up overnight?

    With a startled look, Murong looked up slowly at the other person in the room, who was no other than Ouyang Shaochen. ¡°Did you change the clothes for me?¡±

 Chapter 260 - How She Got Poisoned

    <h4>Chapter 260: How She Got Poisoned</h4>

    Looking at Murong Xue¡¯s sullen face with a subtle smile, Ouyang Shaochen said in a casual way, ¡°I guess!¡±

    With anger zing in her eyes, Murong raised her arms and hit Ouyang fiercely. ¡°How could you do that?¡± Ouyang must have seen her naked when changing the underwear for her.

    ¡°Your clothes were all sodden. I couldn¡¯t leave you sleeping in the wet underwear.¡± Ouyang took a nce at her casually. The disdainful look in his eyes made Murong even angrier and hit Ouyang harder. ¡°You could have asked a maid to change clothes for me.¡±

    But he did that on his own. Was he unaware of it that men and women should keep distance? Murong was so pissed off.

    As she hit Ouyang mercilessly with anger zing in her eyes, Ouyang felt the pain on the chest and shoulders. Raising his eyebrows, Ouyang looked at Murong and said ndly with a light smile, ¡°I didn¡¯t change clothes for you. I just dried them with internal power.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong held her hands and looked down only to see a pink lotus on the corner of her white underwear, which was the same one she wore yesterday.

    Ouyang should have told her earlier. What a waste of her anger!

    With an piercing gaze at Ouyang, Murong instantly set her mind at ease. She put down her arms and asked casually, ¡°What time is it?¡±

    Ouyang took a look at the hourss and answered ndly, ¡°Around 6.¡±

    It was still early!

    Murong nodded and thought for a while before she looked up at Ouyang and said happily, ¡°Can you teach me to utilize internal power?¡±

    Ever since Murong traversed to the ancient times, she had suffered from various kinds of poison and made some enemies who might poison her anytime. Internal power could exorcise these lethal poison. If Murong was able to utilize internal power, it could no longer hurt her.

    ¡°Anyone suffering from pathogenic typhoid cannot utilize internal power,¡± Ouyang said word by word with aplicated gaze at Murong.

    Murong asked in a daze, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because typhoid can devour every bit of internal power you utilize,¡± Ouyang said ndly with a solemn look.

    Being speechless, Murong looked up at the sky and sighed at the thought that the typhoid could devour internal power. She used to think it just attacked her regrly and would vanish a whileter, but beyond her expectations, typhoid had an awful side effect that it could stop her from internal power cultivation. ¡°Then teach me Qing Kung!¡±

    If she got poisoned again, she could escape at the fastest speed with Qing Kung.

    ¡°Qing Kung needs internal power. Without it, you can¡¯t utilize it easily,¡± Ouyang said ndly with apassionate gaze at her.

    Anger zed in Murong¡¯s bright eyes. Damn it! Typhoid not only made her suffer but also was the barrier for her to learn martial skills. How unfortunate she was!

    ¡°Do you remember how you got the pathogenic typhoid?¡± Ouyang fixed his solemn gaze on Murong.

    She was in a daze. Ever since she reached Qingyan, the only thing she cared about was to defeat enemies. She never gave it a thought about how she got the pathogenic typhoid in the first ce.

    In fact, Murong got the pathogenic typhoid ten years ago when she was only four. It was so conscienceless of the man to have poisoned a four-year-old kid.

    What exactly happened to the four-year-old Murong?

    When Murong struggled to recall something, some vague memory suddenly welled up in her mind and tried hard to reappear.

    Murong Xue, the pathogenic typhoid...

    Murong incessantly felt sharp pain in the brain as if a needle kept pricking it. Suddenly, a cold voice rang in her mind, ¡°You must be Murong Yue¡¯s daughter! Excellent! I¡¯ve got you a gift, the pathogenic typhoid. Don¡¯t me me. This is all because of your identity as Murong Yue¡¯s daughter.¡±

    What did he mean?

    When Murong tried hard to recall what had happened with a tight frown, she felt as if numerous needles were pricking her brain fiercely.

    Prostrated by the sharp pain, she gritted her teeth and buried her head in her arms when beads of perspiration formed on her forehead. A demoniac voice rang off and on in her ears, ¡°You¡¯re Murong Yue¡¯s daughter. You deserve it. This is your fate. You can¡¯t me anyone.¡±

    ¡°Xue, stop thinking. Stop it.¡± When Ouyang held her by the waist and wrapped her in his arms, he could feel her body trembling slightly in huge pain.

    Suddenly, Ouyang¡¯s pupils dted, and a piercing look shed in his eyes. When patting Murong on the back, Ouyangforted her softly, ¡°Let bygones be bygones. Don¡¯t think about it. What matters is that you¡¯re alright.¡±

    As a clear voice rang gently, Murong came to her senses and the pain vanished gradually. She shot a piercing gaze at Ouyang when she said, ¡°It¡¯ nothing coincident that I got the typhoid!¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Ouyang nodded with a meaningful look. The pathogenic typhoid had strong effects and was limited in quantity. No one would use it randomly. The one who poisoned a four-year-old girl with it must have a special purpose.

    It was really cruel and evil of the man to have poisoned a four-year-old girl in order to realize his purpose.

    ¡°The guy said a few tough words when poisoning me. He must be an enemy of my father¡¯s,¡± Murong said in a low voice, looking sullen. It was hard to tell where the man was from judging from his weird ent. Murong Yue had killed many generals of enemy states at war, so Murong couldn¡¯t figure out who was the most likely to revenge on her.

    ¡°Never mind. We¡¯ll find him out, though it might take some time,¡± Ouyang said with a meaningful look. He would definitely find the man out and tear him apart!

    ¡°Um!¡± Murong nodded, leaning against Ouyang¡¯s chest. It was really vicious of the man to have tortured Murong by the poison instead of taking her life directly.

    ¡°Your Highness, Heir Ouyang, Prefect Duan requests an interview!¡± Wuhen suddenly reported respectfully outside the room.

 Chapter 261 - The Plotter Behind the Scene

    <h4>Chapter 261: The Plotter Behind the Scene

    ¡°Why do theye so early?¡± Murong Xue took a nce at the hourss on the bedside table and frowned with confusion.

    </h4>

    ¡°Let me go meet them. You have a rest,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly when he reached out to put Murong Xue in bed.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sleepy. Let¡¯s go meet them together.¡± Murong Xue stopped him, with her bright eyes sparkling on her pale face. Ouyang Shaochen sighed resignedly and nodded, ¡°Alright!¡±

    He got off the bed slowly and put on a spotless white body-length robe.

    With a pout, Murong Xue also got out of bed slowly. She put on the dress andbed her hair before stepping out of the room.

    Duan Wuluo and Gong Qianyu were enjoying tea on the desk made of marble in the yard. Upon seeing Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue, Duan Wuluo stood up and greeted softly, ¡°Good morning, Heir Ouyang, Miss Murong.¡±

    ¡°Good morning, Your Highness, Prefect Duan!¡± Ouyang Shaochen greeted expressionlessly as he walked towards them.

    Gong Qianyu still looked slightly pale after the over-consumption of internal power. When he saw Murong Xue, he shifted the gaze from her unnaturally and asked ¡°Murong Xue, do you feel better?¡±

    When perceiving the guilt in Gong Qianyu¡¯s eyes, Murong Xue said with a gentle smile, ¡°Yeah. I didn¡¯t inhale much incense and Heir Ouyang helped me exorcise it with his internal power and cold water. Did you also exorcise it with cold waterst night, Your Highness?¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Gong Qianyu nodded. Prefect Duan had prepared much ice for him to bathe in iced water, so all the incense had been exorcised.

    ¡°Your Highness, you came to visit us so early. Is everything alright?¡± Murong Xue asked with her gaze fixed on Gong Qianyu.

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s just about the assassin,¡± Gong Qianyu replied ndly and turned to Duan Wuluo. ¡°He¡¯s interrogated the servant in custody.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Murong Xue shot a piercing gaze at Duan Wuluo and asked, ¡°Did the servant confess who the plotter is?¡±

    Duan Wuluo shook his head. ¡°He¡¯s just a nobody and doesn¡¯t know who the mastermind is. But he confessed that he got a note, in which somebody asked him to yell in the yard to draw people¡¯s attention. Upon reaching the yard, he was discovered unexpectedly and hit seriously by Heir Ouyang.¡±

    Murong Xue¡¯s eyes lit up. If Duan Wuluo had failed to smell the incense¡¯s aroma, both Gong Qianyu and Murong Xue would have gone out of their minds with excessive inhtion of incense when the servant arrived. Under such circumstance, the two of them would either have had sex or been seen improperly dressed, which would ruin their reputation. The servant and the man in ck must be in it together.

    ¡°What about the identity of the man in ck?¡±

    ¡°The only thing we know about him is that he was a man of sacrifice,¡± Duan Wuluo said with a meaningful look. After Qingyan sent troops to the boundary, Duan Wuluo had the mansion heavily guarded in case other assassins invaded. But beyond his expectation, the servant of his mansion worked together with outsiders to attack people in the mansion so that Duan Wuluo failed to ward off the attack.

    ¡°urately speaking, the man was a man of sacrifice from Nanjiang,¡± Ouyang Shaochen suddenly said with a meaningful look.

    ¡°Heir Ouyang, how did you know that?¡± Duan Wuluo looked at him with confusion since he had had the body carefully examined but failed to find out the man¡¯s identity. Duan asserted the man was a man of sacrifice only based on his physique, clothes, calluses on his hands and other evidences.

    ¡°Shadow guards from Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion found this mark under the man¡¯s tongue,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly when he dipped his finger in the tea and drew a pretty semilunar mark on the table.

    The servants examined all over the dead body except for the tongue. It was quite surprising that the mark was branded on this convert ce. With his sharp eyes narrowed, Duan Wuluo said, ¡°It¡¯s a mark of the Nanjiang imperial family, which means they must have been working for the royalty of Nanjiang.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen acquiesced silently with a meaningful look.

    Murong Xue¡¯s gaze turned sharp. Ever since she time-travelled, she had been living in the capital of Qingyan and made no acquaintances with people from the imperial family of any other state. Why did they want her dead?

    Murong Xue looked up at Ouyang Shaochen when he said casually, stroking the white porcin cup, ¡°Two weeks ago, 30 men of sacrifice with this mark sneaked into the capital of Qingyan. Twenty-eight of them died in the face-off with shadow guards from the Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion.¡±

    With a solemn look, Duan Wuluo said, ¡°Heir Ouyang, the emperor of our state has nothing against you. It doesn¡¯t make sense that he sent assassins for you.¡±

    ¡°Their target wasn¡¯t me, it was Xue.¡± Ouyang Shaochen said nonchntly.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense, either. His Majesty has never met Miss Murong. Why would he hunt her down?¡± Duan Wuluo asked with a meaningful look.

    ¡°The emperor of your state isn¡¯t the only one who had men of sacrifice loyal to him,¡± Ouyang said with a vague smile, which made Duan Wuluo look away unnaturally.

    Only assassins trained by the Emperor of Nanjiang and his heirs were branded with this semilunar mark. So far, the emperor had only two heirs, the Crown Prince, Qianyu and Lord Rui, Qianze.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a short time since Your Highness met Miss Murong and Lord Rui hadn¡¯t even met her before. It¡¯s impossible for them to hurt Miss Murong.¡±

    ¡°Not knowing her doesn¡¯t mean he wouldn¡¯t hurt her, does it?¡± With his eyebrow raised, Ouyang Shaochen shot a piercing gaze at Duan Wuluo.

    Duan Wuluo said with a frown, ¡°Since they don¡¯t know each other, they obviously don¡¯t have a grudge against her. In that case, why would they poison her?¡±

    ¡°Because the plotter enjoys coteral damage,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly, with a mysterious look.

    The reason sounded a little odd, but it was convincing since Ouyang Shaochen had exceptional abilities. If he insisted that the plotter was the heir of the Emperor of Nanjiang, nine times out of ten, it was one of the princes.

    Duan Wuluo turned to Gong Qianyu sneakily only to see the calm look on his face. Duan Wuluo said in a low voice, ¡°Heir Ouyang, which one do you think is the plotter?¡±

    ¡°When I met men of sacrifice from Nanjiang in Qingyan, all I knew was that their master was from the imperial family. Last night, I confirmed that the mastermind is Lord Rui.¡± Ouyang Shaochen stressed thest few words as his re turned piercing.

    With an alert look, Duan Wuluo asked, ¡°Do you have any solid proof?¡±

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s possible that Your Highness ordered men of sacrifice to poison himself with the incense?¡± Ouyang Shaochen took a nce at Duan Wuluo casually, with contempt in his eyes. Gong Qianyu was arrogant but not silly, so it was impossible for him to do such a stupid thing.

 Chapter 262 - Probing

    <h4>Chapter 262: Probing</h4>

    Duan Wuluo had almost forgotten that. ¡°Mm-hmm. So you mean Miss Murong was the real target of Lord Rui and Your Highness was implicated.¡±

    ¡°No. Gong Qianyu was the target and Xue was implicated instead,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said in a ndly cold voice.

    Duan Wuluo was surprised to hear that. ¡°Howe it¡¯s another story this time?¡±

    ¡°Gong Qianze sent people to catch Xue with the purpose to set Gong Qianyu up,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said with a mysterious look. After two Nanjiang deadpools drugged Murong Xue, she was taken to Mount Meng in Nanjiang, where Gong Qianyu was. If she failed toe back to her senses in advance and kill those men, she might have been killed with Gong Qianyu by her side by the time Ouyang Shaochen found her.

    Last night, if the assassin¡¯s plot seeded, Murong Xue might lose her virginity to Gong Qianyu. In the heat of the moment, Ouyang Shaochen would kill Gong Qianyu who was too weak to fight back after the detoxification.

    Once Gong Qianyu was killed, Gong Qianze would seed to the throne as the only heir in the near future.

    It was so bold of Gong Qianze to provoke Ouyang Shaochen to kill Gong Qianyu by poisoning Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue instantly turned sullen upon hearing that. She didn¡¯t even know who Gong Qianze was until today when thetter used her as a tool to realize his plot. What a despicable man Gong Qianze was!

    A touch of murderous intent shed in Gong Qianyu¡¯s eyes.

    Duan Wuluo knitted his eyebrows tightly. He had heard of many merciless stories of the royal family in which heirs killed siblings for power and profit. But Gong Qianze was none of them as was known to Duan Wuluo, so Duan didn¡¯t believe Ouyang Shaochen this time. ¡°Lord Rui is a gentleman of good manners. He doesn¡¯t look like a vicious man.¡±

    ¡°One can be totally different on the inside. I¡¯m sure Prefect Duan has heard of this.¡± Ouyang Shaochen squinted at Duan Wuluo with contempt in his eyes. All evidence proved Gong Qianze was the plotter but Duan Wuluo still chose to believe that he was innocent.

    ¡°Probably Gong Qianze was set up,¡± Duan Wuluo said in a low voice with a solemn look.

    ¡°Who would have the guts to set up Lord Rui?¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly with undisguised contempt.

    Looking gloomy, Duan Wuluo answered, ¡°Even though Lord Rui is supported by officials and loved by civilians, he has enemies in the royal court. So it¡¯s possible that he was set up.¡±

    ¡°Really? Who do you think is suspicious, Prefect Duan?¡± Ouyang Shaochen asked, looking at Duan Wuluo peacefully.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any idea yet.¡± Duan Wuluo shook his head and put on a sullen look. Lord Rui, a people person with high reputation, hardly ever offended people. The possible powerful enemy of his could only be Gong Qianyu.

    But Gong Qianyu was innocent and had never plotted against people, though he was arrogant and indifferent almost all the time.

    Who on earth was the real plotter behind the scene?

    When the four of them suddenly stopped talking, it became dead quiet in the yard with only the leaves rustling in the wind.

    All of a sudden.

    ¡°I got an idea to tell if Lord Rui was the plotter!¡± Ouyang Shaochen broke the silence.

    ¡°What is it?¡± With a surprised look, Duan Wuluo stared at Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the military camp of Nanjiang,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said with a mysterious smile.

    The camp was located around Mount Meng, about 5 kilometers away from Qingyan camp. When Gong Qianyu and Duan Wuluo reached the Nanjiang camp, soldiers were training on the ground.

    Vice generals were surprised to see Gong Qianyu and trotted to him. ¡°Your Highness!¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s everything going here?¡± Gong Qianyu simply asked without taking a look at them.

    Vice generals understood what he meant. Vice General Wang stepped up and answered with pride, ¡°Your Highness, Qingyan troops trapped outside the jungle are struggling to leave. On the contrary, our troops have progressed in fighting skills and tactics have been improved over these days of training. We¡¯re ready for war!¡±

    Gong Qianyu abruptly looked up and shot a piercing gaze at Vice General Wang, ¡°So you think Nanjiang troops can defeat Qingyan troops?¡±

    Feeling shivers running down his spine, Wang answered hesitantly, ¡°Of course.¡±

    Gong Qianyu remained silent, but the corner of his lips curled upward with contempt.

    Duan Wuluo hesitated before saying peacefully, ¡°Qingyan soldiers are highly skillful in martial arts and there are over 300 thousand of them, but there are at most 100 thousand Nanjiang soldiers in the military camp. If the war starts, Nanjiang is probably going to lose.¡±

    Vice General Wang shook his head with disagreement. ¡°I don¡¯t think so, Prefect Duan. Having been blocked for days, Qingyan troops must be in low spirits while our troops are the opposite as the formation justpleted. If our troops set out now, they will definitely eliminate those scums from Qingyan.¡±

    ¡°Qingyan troops are just trapped outside the jungle so that they can¡¯t march. But they have enough food and water. Even if they¡¯re really in low spirits, it won¡¯t cause their loss ofbat capability.¡± Duan Wuluo lowered his voice with a solemn look.

    ¡°They must have kept their anger with all these obstacles bottled up. If Nanjiang troops set out at this moment, Qingyan troops will take it out on them, which will cause many casualties and a terrible loss.¡±

    The number of Qingyan troops was three times as that of Nanjiang troops. To win the majority with minority, force alone didn¡¯t work and military tactics were needed!

    ¡°Prefect Duan, why do you boost the enemies¡¯ moral and reduce that of our troops? Qingyan troops had kept their anger bottled up, so had Nanjiang troops. If the war starts, we¡¯ll take it out on them,¡± Vice General Wang retorted without showing Duan Wuluo any respect.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Qingyan troops are highly skillful in martial arts but Nanjiang troops are not weak either. It¡¯s hard to tell who will win the war.¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t agree more. For all these days, troops have been trained to knock Qingyan troops off the block.¡±

    ¡°Mingzhou belongs to Nanjiang. How reckless Qingyan troops are to invade ournd!¡±

    ¡°Kick them out of Mingzhou... Back to Qingyan...¡±

    Vice generals echoed one another impassionedly with pride.

    Duan Wuluo knitted his eyebrows tightly. Working with these impassioned vice generals, no wonder Gong Qianyu hated to stay in the camp even though he was amander.

    Those vice generals were highly skillful in kungfu without wisdom. They were too arrogant to ept any advice andcent over asional sess.

 Chapter 263 - Ready for War

    <h4>Chapter 263: Ready for War</h4>

    Burning with righteous ardour, the vice generals dreamed to defeat Qingyan troops superior in number only with strength. The vice generals might as well ask for the moon. No wonder they were crashed disastrously before Gong Qianyu came back to the camp.

    ¡°Your Highness, let¡¯s start the war!¡±

    ¡°I agree, Your Highness. Having been trapped for days, Qingyan troops must be anxious and less vignt. So it is the best time tounch the attack!¡±

    ¡°Truly. Our troops have had enough rest these days and are energetic enough to defeat Qingyan troops on the hop.¡±

    ¡°Right! Your Highness, please issue an order.¡±

    Desperate to start the war, the vice generals discussed, itching to have a go.

    ¡°What makes you so sure about that?¡± Gong Qianyu suddenly asked with a piercing nce at theimpassioned vice generals.

    It sent shivers down theirs spines and killed their passion instantly when they took a nce at Vice General Wang sneakily.

    Scared of the arrogant crown prince, Vice General Wang threw caution to the wind with a tight frown.

    He forced himself to step forward and said word by word for Nanjiang troops, ¡°Your Highness, we¡¯ve kept our eyes on the movement of Qingyan troops during the training. Meanwhile, we¡¯ve made someparison and analyses. We alle to the conclusion that Nanjiang troops are capable to defeat Qingyan troops now.¡±

    ¡°Do you all think so?¡± Gong Qianyu said in a low voice when giving a horrible nce at a vice general.

    The vice generals trembled with their eyes sparkling and nodded heavily. ¡°Yes...¡±

    ¡°Then lead the elite troops tounch the attack,¡± Gong Qianyu said indifferently before turning around and walking off.

    The vice generals asked with confusion, ¡°Your Highness, you are not going with us?¡±

    The general in chief yed an important role at war. Under the lead of ipetent vice generals, the troops were doomed to die.

    ¡°It¡¯s none of my business that you want to risk your lives. I don¡¯t want to die for nothing, like all of you,¡± Gong Qianyu said when he strode forward.

    The vice generals immediately turned ghastly pale. They admitted that they were worse in strategy making than Gong Qianyu, but they were also well aware what kinds of wars they should avoid. But Gong Qianyu teased them for being incapable of making tactics.

    The vice generals looked up and shot a piercing re at Gong Qianyu.

    Duan Wuluo abruptly turned around and took a nce over them with his sharp eyes. They all looked down so that he couldn¡¯t read their minds.

    Duan Wuluo slightly narrowed his eyes. Tactics rather than strength were decisive for Nanjiang to defeat Qingyan troops, in which there were over 200,000 soldiers.

    Gong Qianyu turned down the vice generals¡¯ requirement because he didn¡¯t want to sacrifice Nanjiang troops for nothing. However, the vice generals were too eager to seed. They urged him to start the war and wished to win honors without a thorough grasp of the situation. They evenined that Gong Qianyu didn¡¯t seize the chance. They were way beyond foolish!

    It was the right thing that Gong Qianyu left the camp. Or else, he would have been bothered and pissed off by their foolish deeds.

    A slim body in light green came into eyes. When Murong Xuended gently in front of Duan Wuluo, she asked ndly, ¡°Prefect Duan, any ideas?¡±

    It was not appropriate for her, a person from Qingyan, to enter Nanjiang camp directly, so she had to sneak in.

    ¡°The vice generals are horribly arrogant. Lucky me. I¡¯m not the general in chief. Or else, I¡¯ll issue an order and kill them all!¡± Duan Wuluo said in a low voice with a gloomy look. The vice generals must obey orders in any case. They did so when Gong Qianyu refused to start the war, but they were reluctant to do so as Gong Qianyu perceived.

    ¡°Were they responsible of guarding the border?¡± Murong Xue asked with her bright eyes slightly narrowed when looking at the vice generals¡¯ grim faces.

    Duan Wuluo nodded, ¡°Yes, they¡¯ve been guarding the border for years and they still will if Qingyan troops don¡¯t invade ournds.¡±

    Having been local despots for years, the vice generals turned to be arrogant enough to retort upon Gong Qianyu¡¯s decision.

    Murong Xue said with a grim smile as if she had concerns, ¡°The vice generals¡¯ hometown is the capital. They must have veryplicated family backgrounds.¡±

    ¡°I guess,¡± Duan Wuluo nodded. As male adults, the vice generals had parents, wives and other rtives and n members. Duan Wuluo added, ¡°Why do you mention that, Miss Murong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. I just think the vice generals are self-willed and don¡¯t show respects to Gong Qianyu¡¯s decision,¡± Murong Xue answered casually with a piercing gaze.

    With a faint smile, Duan Wuluo said word by word, ¡°Here is the military camp. Military orders can¡¯t be disobeyed. Since Your Highness has issued an order, they don¡¯t dare to disobey even if it¡¯s against their will.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, bad news!¡± A soldier ran breathlessly with his face reddened and beads of perspiration forming on his forehead.

    Duan Wuluo frowned unhappily. ¡°What makes you feel panicky?¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, Prefect Duan, we¡¯re attacked by Qingyan troops...¡± the soldier said with an anxious look, gasping for breath.

    A gleam shed across Duan Wuluo¡¯s eyes. ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡±

    There was arge area of woods with traps inside between the troops of Nanjiang and Qingyan, which was filled with poisonous mist and swamps. Duan Wuluo had witnessed it and tried to find a way out, but he failed quite a few dayster.

    ¡°It¡¯s true. You can go confirm it if you don¡¯t believe it,¡± the soldier said word by word with a solemn look.

    Duan Wuluo knitted his eyebrows tightly. Perhaps a talent from Qingyan troops had figured out how to get through the woods.

    Suddenly, a figure in ck flew past Duan Wuluo. It was Gong Qianyu who trotted to the trap jungle with his ck sleeves fluttering like petals of a ck lotus.

    With a sullen look, Duan Wuluo trotted and followed him.

    The vice generals looked at one another with the corners of their mouths curled upward proudly before they caught up with Gong Qianyu. The war between Qingyan and Nanjiang was inevitable. Even though Gong Qianyu was unwilling to start the war, he had no choice but to fight back under Qingyan troops¡¯ attack.

 Chapter 264 - Cracking All the Traps

    <h4>Chapter 264: Cracking All the Traps</h4>

    Murong Xue blinked. She hade up with a rough idea of how to go through the woods safely, but she still needed to work on it before telling others. To her surprise, Qingyan troops had already figured out a method by themselves.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the woods.¡± Murong Xue looked up at Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded. With his arm around her waist, he tapped the ground and flew towards the woods.

    As Murong Xue could see from the sky, tall trees were cut down one by one by some Qingyan troops sawing them in pairs.

    Some troops who stood by around jumped onto the fallen trees. When they waved the broadswords swiftly, all the leaves and branches were cut down and fell to the ground.

    Other troops lined up the long trunks on the ground. The troops in armors with long swords ran out of the woods on the trunks and rushed directly to Nanjiang¡¯s military camp nearby.

    Murong Xue was stunned upon seeing that.

    Poisonous mist and woods were not that dangerous since taking antidotes and keeping distance from woods could prevent people from being affected. Extensive swamps all over the woods were the real peril. It was hard to get through the woods on small areas of hard ground.

    But Qingyan troops came up with an idea. They cut down the trees and built bridges across swamps with the trunks, which could prevent people from falling into the swamps.

    This smart idea was simr to that of Murong Xue.

    The sound of fierce fighting rang as Qingyan and Nanjiang troops fought against each other. Long swords waved in the sky reflected piercing light and spilled blood all over the ce.

    ¡°The one who figured out this method to cross the woods must be a real talent. Who could it be?¡± Ouyang Shaochen suddenly said when he was staring at the reshaped woods with a mysterious look.

    ¡°Let me ask someone,¡± Murong Xue said with a smile when she took a nce over the troops. Upon seeing a familiar face, she blinked and tapped the ground with her tiptoes. She flew to the man and patted him on the shoulder. ¡°Hey, stop.¡±

    Her cold voice gave the man a start, who then stopped and turned around. He looked at Murong Xue with his eyes widened. ¡°Sis, what are you doing here?¡±

    Murong Xue smiled. ¡°I have a question...¡±

    ¡°Wait until I¡¯ve killed them all.¡± Murong Ye interrupted hurriedly before turning around and rushing forward with generals.

    With a frown, Murong Xue pulled him back by the armor. She said angrily, ¡°Those troops are not the priority. I have something serious to ask.¡±

    ¡°Alright then. Tell me. What is it?¡± Murong Ye sighed at the sight of her sullen face.

    ¡°Who figured out the method to go through the woods?¡± asked Murong Xue.

    ¡°I did!¡± Murong Ye said proudly with a smile when he raised his head slightly.

    ¡°You!¡± Murong Xue looked at Murong Ye with astonishment while thetter looked determined in his heavy armor and helmet.

    Fair skin, red lips, bright eyes... All of these made him a charming man who didn¡¯t look like a warrior talented enough toe up with such an impressive strategy.

    ¡°Trust me. I did figure it out. All generals can prove it,¡± Murong Ye exined loudly with pride.

    Murong Xue looked solemn. It seemed Murong Ye did figure out the method by himself since he was resolute and confident that all generals would prove it for him. But Murong Xue wondered, ¡°How did you figure it out?¡±

    Even generals with rich experience at war failed to figure out a method to go through the woods safely, but Murong Ye made it.

    ¡°Thanks to this drawing!¡± Murong Ye said ndly when he took out a piece of paper and drew circles in various sizes in an irregr circle.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Murong Xue frowned with confusion.

    ¡°Traps and swamps,¡± Murong Ye answered with a smile. He added proudly, ¡°At first, we didn¡¯t understand what it was either. But I identally noticed these two circles looking like the swamp I got trapped in.¡±

    ¡°So, we explored the woods with the help of this drawing. We found that the circles on the drawing represent swamps. The shapes and sizes of the circles represent those of them as well.¡±

    Murong Xue looked surprised. With a careful look at the paper, she found sizes of the circles and distances between the circles were marked. It was a thorough topographic map of the woods.

    ¡°Big trees are everywhere in the woods, so we cut them to make bridges across the swamps. In this way, we can cross them safely. Some special trees can even chase people, so we also cut them all,¡± Murong Ye showed off the achievements of Qingyan troops haughtily.

    Murong Xue ignored him and asked with her eyes fixed on the map, ¡°Who drew this?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Murong Ye shook his head. ¡°It was found in a bottle outside the camp, which was then handed to General Zhang.¡±

    Murong Xue narrowed her eyes abruptly. Gong Qianyu was the one who set those traps in the woods. Whoever could draw this map must have been someone close to him.

    Nanjiang generals had been staying in the camp, so it was impossible that they dropped the map identally. They must have dropped it on purpose to guide Qingyan troops to survive Gong Qianyu¡¯s traps.

 Chapter 265 - Assassinating Gong Qianyu

    <h4>Chapter 265: Assassinating Gong Qianyu</h4>

    After all, swamps of difference sizes were everywhere in the jungle, so it was extremely difficult for Qingyan troops to get through the jungle safely even though they had figured out a method.

    However, they could locate the urate position of the swamps with the help of the map and put trunks of appropriate length onto the swamps ording to the size. In this way, troops could pass the jungle smoothly and head to Nanjiang military camp directly.

    The Nanjiang soldier, who assisted Nanjiang¡¯s mortal enemy, Qingyan troops to invade Nanjiang by leaving the map must have his own purpose.

    Murong Xue walked past Murong Ye with her bright eyes slightly narrowed. As she strode forward, her farewell rang in the wind. ¡°I gotta dash.¡±

    Watching her receding figure, Murong Ye was confused. It was so odd that his sister suddenly came to him with a strange question but walked off, leaving him in confusion.

    When Gong Qianyu reached the jungle, Qingyan troops had already invaded Nanjiang station and attacked the Nanjiang troop fiercely with long swords. As Nanjiang soldiers got stabbed and fell down, the strong smell of blood spread in the air.

    With a solemn look, Gong Qianyu slightly stretched his arms under his sleeves and shot dark blue fireballs at Qingyan troops in a merciless but masculine way.

    Despite Duan Wuluo stood right next to Gong Qianyu, Duan Wuluo still couldn¡¯t see clearly how Gong Qianyu made his move. All Duan Wuluo could see was fierce fire from his ck sleeve hitting Qingyan troops, leaving bloody gashes on their skin.

    Amputated limbs scattered everywhere and dyed thend red. Nanjiang vice generals on the sidelines turned pale and frowned tightly when the strong blood smell made its way to their noses.

    The vice generals had been martial artists since childhood and learned the deadly fighting techniques. After years of practice, they had been proficient in those techniques, but they were still in an entirely different level from that of Gong Qianyu.

    Faced with hundreds of Qingyan troops, Gong Qianyu killed them all even before the vice generals could unsheathe their swords.

    How impressive Gong Qianyu¡¯s martial skills were!

    ¡°Duan Wuluo, bring me the materials from Mingzhou. I need to reorganize the troops,¡± Gong Qianyu ordered with a solemn look when he looked at the jungle.

    ¡°Got it!¡± Duan Wuluo responded in a low voice before he turned around and strode forward.

    ¡°Vice General Wang, remove all the dead bodies,¡± Gong Qianyu ordered again after taking a nce at the amputated limbs all over the ground.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Vice General Wang said in a low voice and strode to him. When passing Gong Qianyu, Vice General Wang had a gleam crossing his eyes as he pulled his sword on Gong Qianyu.

    With a vignt look, Gong Qianyu avoided it swiftly. The knife cut a gash on Gong Qianyu¡¯s sleeve, with blood oozing from his shoulder. Ignoring the gash, Gong Qianyu shot a piercing gaze at Vice General Wang. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Killing you, Your Highness,¡± Vice General Wang answered word by word with a cold look.

    ¡°You mean you, killing me?¡± Raising his eyebrows, Gong Qianyu looked at Vice General Wang with contempt and sarcasm in his bright eyes.

    ¡°No, I mean we,¡± Vice General Wang said in a low voice with a mysterious smile.

    All Nanjiang vice generals walked to the back of Wang with a hostile gaze at Gong Qianyu.

    ¡°All you guys are here to kill me.¡± Gong Qianyu looked at them ndly, not irritated by their betrayal at all.

    ¡°Your Highness, don¡¯t me us. It¡¯s an order,¡± Vice General Wang said with a solemn gaze at Gong Qianyu.

    ¡°From whom?¡± Gong Qianyu looked at him coldly.

    ¡°Lord Rui, Gong Qianze!¡± Vice General Wang said, stressing each syble.

    ¡°Vice General Wang!¡± another vice general warned Wang hurriedly with a sullen look. That they worked for Lord Rui was confidential and shouldn¡¯t be revealed with no reason before they achieved their purpose.

    ¡°Since we¡¯ve worked together, let¡¯s tell him the truth before his death,¡± Vice General Wang said and waved his hand, not taking the other vice general¡¯s warning seriously. With his eyebrows raised, Vice General Wang added when looking at Gong Qianyu, ¡°Lord Rui wants to be the emperor. But you¡¯re Lord Rui¡¯s strongest opponent since you are a top martial artist and are already a crown prince. That¡¯s why Lord Rui wants you dead.¡±

    ¡°When did you start to work for Gong Qianze?¡± Gong Qianyu asked with a piercing gaze at Vice General Wang. Gong Qianze managed to make the vice generals in outlying areas work for him. How impressive!

    ¡°A couple years ago,¡± Vice General Wang answered proudly. It had been long since he left the capital to guard the border. But his family lived in the capital and sought refugee with Lord Rui, so they were also on Lord Rui¡¯s side.

    ¡°Lord Rui ordered us to kill you when you reached Mingzhou. But you were so skillful in martial arts and always prefered to be alone, so we couldn¡¯t find a chance to kill you until today.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all our arrangement that Qingyan ruined your traps and invaded Nanjiang. We did that to make you less vignt and find a proper excuse for your death.¡±

    ¡°The Crown Prince, Gong Qianyu sacrificed when Qingyan troops invaded Nanjiang station.¡± This would make Gong Qianyu¡¯s death glorious and was such a reasonable excuse that the emperor and all officers and officials wouldn¡¯t suspect the cause of his death.

    ¡°You think you can kill me, huh,¡± Gong Qianyu said with a disdainful gaze at those vice generals.

    ¡°Of course we can¡¯t. But with some trick, you may lose.¡± Vice General Wang put on a tricky smile.

    When feeling the sudden sharp pain in the shoulder, Gong Qianyu lowered his head with a sullen look and saw the blood on the wound had already turned dark.

    Gong Qianyu narrowed his eyes slightly and shot a piercing gaze at Vice General Wang. ¡°You put poison on the sword!¡±

    Vice General Wang smiled, ¡°All of us can¡¯t defeat you at all since you have excellent martial skills. So we have no choice but to pull off this dirty trick toplete Lord Rui¡¯s order. Forgive us, Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Shame on you!¡± Gong Qianyu rebuked when looking at the vice generals indifferently.

    ¡°Eagles don¡¯t catch flies. Since you know the truth, you can die with no regret.¡±

 Chapter 266 - Vice Generals Killed

    <h4>Chapter 266: Vice Generals Killed</h4>

    Vice General Wang and other vice generals stood up at the same time. Bringing chills with swords, they rushed to stab Gong Qianyu from all directions.

    When Gong Qianyu stood still, his fingers hidden in his sleeve let out bursts of dark blue mes which shot directly at the vice generals.

    mes red and leaves fell as the intense fight continued.

    Vice generals armed with swordsbated with dark mes, which floated onto the ground after being hit. On the back of two vice generals¡¯ necks, two slim blood lines respectably set in and then gradually erged, resulting in clothes being dyed red as blood ran down. Eventually, they fell to the ground with their eyes widened in shock.

    One of the three men on their feet lost his left arm from the shoulder. With blood pouring from the wound, he looked as white as a sheet and rocked back and forth as if he might faint at any minute.

    The mes also burnt Vice General Wang and another vice general on their chests so that blood oozed from the gashes and dyed their clothes red.

    Vice General Wang turned horribly sullen, stunned by Gong Qianyu who caused so many casualties only within several rounds. Although Gong Qianyu had such excellent martial skills, the toxic would kick in faster when he utilized internal strength.

    Looking at Gong Qianyu whose face turned pale, lips turned dark and body trembled, Vice General Wang was pleased that the toxic kicked in.

    Suddenly, a drop of ck liquid from Gong Qianyu¡¯s finger fell onto the ground silently and dyed the brown ground ck in no time.

    Gong Qianyu was utilizing internal strength to discharge the toxic! ¡°Was he trying to detoxify himself and attack the vice generals? Don¡¯t even think about it!¡±

    Vice general Wang and another two vice generals looked at one another and stabbed Gong Qianyu fiercely with long swords.

    When the swords were just an inch away from him, Gong Qianyu vigntly snapped his fingers and directed his strong mes at the vice generals¡¯ chests.

    As soon as the mes prated through the vice generals¡¯ chests, blood spurted out into the sky.

    With an aggrieved gaze at Gong Qianyu, the vice generals got stiffened at the killing gesture before they fell down with no breath.

    Gong Qianyu stood among dead bodies with an awful look. When the strong blood smell made its way to his nose, he felt like a vomit of blood and turned dizzy. With all strength gone, he couldn¡¯t help copsing.

    ¡°Gong Qianyu.¡± Murong Xuended on the ground and strode to Gong Qianyu, when he breathed weakly with his eyes closed, his fair face and red lips turned dark, and stinky dark blood oozed from the corner of his mouth.

    ¡°What happened to him?¡± Ouyang Shaochen strode to them and asked gently when his white sleeves fluttering but free from dust.

    ¡°The toxin has reached his heart. Fortunately, it¡¯s just kicked in. We can save him!¡± Murong Xue said gently. She took off the pearl head-ornaments, untangled the silver threads inside the ornaments, and did acupuncture on his chest gently with the threads.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Duan Wuluo rebuked as he strode to them. With a horrible look, he took a nce over the poisoned Gong Qianyu and the vice generals¡¯ bloody dead bodies. It had been just a short while since Duan Wuluo left them to issue an order. Howe so many things happened in such a short time?

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Nanjiang vice generals failed to kill Gong Qianyu and ended up being killed instead,¡± Murong Xue said peacefully. She knew the one who dropped the map must have a unique purpose when she saw the jungle map, but it didn¡¯t ur to her that the man wanted to kill Gong Qianyu.

    With a tight frown, Duan Wuluo refused to believe her but he couldn¡¯t deny that vice generals were killed by Gong Qianyu because Gong was the only one who could manipte the mes.

    ¡°Why did they do that?¡± As amander, Gong Qianyu stopped 30,000 Qingyan soldiers from attacking 10,000 Nanjiang soldiers all by himself. Despite the vice generals were arrogant, they should havebated with Qingyan troops instead of stabbing their general.

    ¡°Gong Qianyu was a barrier for them to assist Lord Rui to seed to the throne, of course they would eliminate Gong Qianyu,¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered casually.

    Astonished by his words, Duan Wuluo put on aplicated look and was at a loss of what to say.

    ¡°Lord Rui who is obsessed with ambition wants to kill his sibling in order to ascend to the throne. With solid proof, do you still not believe that, Prefect Duan?¡± Raising his eyebrows with contempt, Ouyang Shaochen gazed at Duan Wuluo.

    When Ouyang Shaochen spoke Duan Wuluo¡¯s mind, Duan shifted his eyes and sighed heavily. In this dynasty of only two princes, Du Wuluo thought it was out of the question that Lord Rui who appeared to be a gentleman would kill his sibling.

    However, the fact told Duan Wuluo that things were not so easy as he imagined, neither were people¡¯s minds. That princes fought for the throne was not a rare phenomenon throughout history. The number of princes didn¡¯t change the situation.

    Gong Qianyu gradually returned to normal. When he opened his eyes gently with his eyshes trembling, Murong Xue¡¯s pretty face came into his eyes. His dark eyes sparkled as he said, ¡°Murong Xue, you saved me.¡±

    Murong Xue responded with a smile, ¡°Most of the toxin has been cleared. You can recoverpletely after taking some medicine.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Gong Qianyu said ndly as he stood up with the help of his hands and shot a piercing nce at the dead bodies. ¡°Prefect Duan, I need to go back to the capital. You¡¯re in charge of Mingzhou now.¡±

    After a daze, Duan Wuluo said hurriedly, ¡°Leading troops to fight is beyond my ability.¡±

    Gong Qianyu suddenly snapped his fingers and directed some dark blue mes, which blocked Qingyan soldiers like a ming screen in front of the jungle. No matter how hard Qingyan soldiers tried to strike, they failed to break through.

    Gong Qianyu said in a charming voice, ¡°Before I leave, I¡¯ll cast an enchantment around this ce. You don¡¯t have to lead troops. Just keep guard at Mingzhou with the troops.¡±

 Chapter 267 - Settling Scores with Lord Rui

    <h4>Chapter 267: Settling Scores with Lord Rui</h4>

    Upon finishing his words, Gong Qianyu snapped his fingers and directed mes straightly at the jungle. When sad wails and smashing sounds made their way to Duan Wuluo¡¯s ears, he knew Gong Qianyu had created new traps to stop Qingyan troops from moving forward.

    Gong Qianyu, who was able to create various traps even in a jungle must be able to create much more dangerous ones in Nanjiang, a state of a veryplicated topography, where he could use mountains, rivers, hills and basins as natural forts.

    After the death of Nanjiang vice generals, it was unlikely that Qingyan troops could get through all the traps safely without the help of Nanjiang traitors. Under this circumstance, Qingyan troops would not be a threat in the short run.

    In addition, Gong Qianyu set traps to keep his troops in the military camp in case they caused some turmoils. In this way, his 10,000 troops would be safe and sound before the arrival of new generals.

    ¡°Your Highness, do you really have to go back to the capital?¡± Duan Wuluo shot Gong Qianyu a meaningful stare.

    ¡°Gong Qianze is determined to kill me. I can¡¯t just evade him,¡± Gong Qianyu said as he shot a piercing nce over vice generals¡¯ dead bodies.

    With a heavy sigh, Duan Wuluo took up the cudgel for Gong Qianyu. Lord Rui was way out of line who ordered vice generals to assassinate Gong Qianyu when Gong Qianyu was in Mingzhou with abat mission. If this happened to Duan Wuluo, he would also settle scores with Lord Rui.

    The fight for the throne between Gong Qianyu and Gong Qianze was no longer a secret, so battles were inevitable. As an outsider, Duan Wuluo had no right to make ament or decision on such a significant issue. ¡°Your Highness, take care,¡± said Duan Wuluo.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Gong Qianyu replied with a nod before he turned to Murong Xue. ¡°Gong Qianze set you up. I¡¯ll uphold justice for you!¡±

    Murong Xue turned solemn before she said with a smile, ¡°No, I¡¯ll do that myself.¡±

    Gong Qianyu was surprised. ¡°You mean you¡¯ll join me?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Murong Xue nodded. Without Nanjiang traitors¡¯ help, Qingyan troops were incapable to figure out methods in a short time to get through so many new traps set by Gong Qianyu. So Murong Xue found it meaningless to stay here any longer.

    The plotter behind the scene was in the capital of Nanjing now. If she went there, she might find out the whole story and could seek revenge herself!

    Gong Qianyu¡¯s eyes lit up with a smile since Murong Xue unexpectedly decided to join him. ¡°When shall we leave?¡± Gong Qianyu asked in a charming voice.

    With a sullen look, Ouyang Shaochen raised his eyebrows and took a look at Murong Xue when she said with a smile, ¡°The sooner, the better.¡±

    As for Murong Ye, she didn¡¯t have to worry about him since he was safe in the military camp; as for the shadow guards, she lost track of them and wouldn¡¯t find any clues even if she stayed here.

    Shadow guards from Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion were also in Mingzhou with investigation missions. They might find some clues when Murong Xue came back to Mingzhou after her revenge.

    Suddenly, Murong Xue felt sharp pain on her waist. She looked down and saw Ouyang Shaochen grab her tightly. With a frown, she asked nkly, ¡°Heir Ouyang, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly as he grabbed her more tightly.

    Enduring the pain, Murong Xue knitted her eyebrows tightly. Why did he grab her so tightly if there was nothing wrong?

    ¡°Anything tricky in Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion?¡±

    ¡°No, of course. What do you ask this for?¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked at her nkly.

    ¡°In that case, join us in the trip to the capital. You can take this opportunity to revisit it,¡± Murong Xue said with a smile.

    Ouyang Shaochen once traveled to the capital of Nanjiang, so he must be familiar with there. He could show Murong Xue around there who had no acquaintance in this strange ce, when Gong Qianyu was too busy with the counterattack to apany her out.

    Looking at her sparkling eyes, Ouyang Shaochen said with a subtle smile in his eyes, ¡°I am tied up even though there¡¯s no big issue, so I cannot be too far away from my mansion.¡±

    ¡°Both Mingzhou and Nanjiang¡¯s capital are inside Nanjiang. It takes us as much time to travel to its capital as to travel to Mingzhou from our capital. So Nanjiang¡¯s capital is not far away from our capital at all,¡± Murong Xue continued for fear that he would turn her down again. ¡°Join our trip. It¡¯s a deal.¡±

    A smile snaked across Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s face when Murong Xue turned sullen. Gong Qianze who capitalized on Murong Xue was obviously biting off more than he could chew. Even if Murong Xue didn¡¯t ask Gong Qianyu to go with her, he would also go there to settle scores with Gong Qianze.

    In such a long journey from Mingzhou to the capital, carriage was the only choice. After a long journey for more than half a month, the three of them finally reached their destination.

    Murong Xue sighed in relief, lyingzily on the nket in the carriage with her eyes closed. She sighed inwardly that she finally reached the capital of Nanjiang. Worn out by the long journey, she missed the airne in modern times so much. Unlike the carriage, travelling by airne was fast andfortable.

    Ouyang Shaochen, sitting by the window, was reading. He looked more charming when the bright sunshine poured on him through the window.

    Murong Xue said to him with a pout, ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired after sitting still in the carriage for so long?¡± After getting on the carriage, she slept most of the time. However, every time she woke up, she saw Ouyang Shaochen reading his book beside her.

    Ouyang Shaochen leanedposedly against the carriage with the book in his hands. He looked so charming that Murong Xue couldn¡¯t get her eyes off him.

    ¡°I am not tired,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly, turning a page lightly and scanning it with deep eyes.

    It seemed that Ouyang Shaochen paid more attention to the book than to her. She decided not to disturb him.

    When Murong Xue rolled over and prepared to rest for a while, the carriage suddenly stopped. Roars made their way to her ears and kept her awake. Murong Xue frowned in confusion, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

 Chapter 268 - Beating up the Butler

    <h4>Chapter 268: Beating up the Butler</h4>

    ¡°Miss Murong, some people are arguing in our way,¡± Xun Feng reported respectfully outside the carriage.

    Murong Xue drew the curtain and looked outside. In the middle of the road, a middle-aged man in sackcloth rebuked with a piercing stare, ¡°It¡¯s not 50 bucks.¡±

    In front of him was another middle-aged chubby man in a dark blue finery. With a condescending gaze at the man in sackcloth, the man in finery said, ¡°You said it cost 50 bucks. Are you denying it?¡±

    ¡°I mean 50 bucks per kilo, not for all,¡± the man in sackcloth exined anxiously with a blush.

    ¡°I heard it clearly. Fifty bucks for all,¡± the man in finery said leisurely with an arrogant gaze at the other man. ¡°My men heard it too. You can ask them.¡±

    ¡°Right, 50 bucks for all.¡±

    ¡°Yes, we heard it clearly.¡±

    Two servants echoed loudly behind their master.

    The man in sackcloth was red with anger and almost shed tears. He said anxiously, ¡°These birds¡¯ nests are the best of the best. They¡¯re worth 50 bucks per kilo. I might not be smart but I¡¯m not that stupid to charge 50 bucks for 10 kilos.¡±

    ¡°To collect the birds¡¯ nests, I worked long hours every day with my mates and we barely rested in thest three months. Two of my mates even broke their legs. Even if you don¡¯t want to pay 50 bucks, please pay a little more for my mates to cure their legs. I really can¡¯t sell these at such a low price.¡±

    When people around listened to hisint, they showed great sympathy to him. ¡°Fifty bucks for 10 kilos of birds¡¯ nests. You¡¯ve really gone too far.¡±

    ¡°You really are. Even the worst birds¡¯ nests are worth more than that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really a hard work to collect birds¡¯ nests. You can make a bargain, but you can¡¯t go that far.¡±

    ¡°I agree. Fifty bucks can hardly cover the medical expense. How can they support their families with such little money?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve got a point. This is the capital, the home of His Majesty. How dare they force a deal! That¡¯s totally against thew.¡±

    When people criticized the man in finery at the same time, the man abruptly raised his chin and then said arrogantly with a sullen look, ¡°Stop! Do you know who I am? I¡¯m the butler of the Crown Prince¡¯s Mansion!¡±

    His words were quite a surprise to the people around. The butler of the Crown Prince¡¯s Mansion enjoyed certain rights and a much higher status than ordinary people. Murong Xue squinted at Gong Qianyu with her eyes widened in surprise. She couldn¡¯t believe that such a domineering man was really the butler of Gong Qianyu¡¯s mansion.

    As could be seen vaguely through the half-closed curtain, Gong Qianyu was confused at first and then turned angry when he figured out what had happened.

    Murong Xue sighed resignedly that the man in finery was indeed the butler of the Crown Prince¡¯s Mansion. Gong Qianyu was really unlucky to have such a bullying butler though Gong had little contact with him.

    The man in sackcloth was also taken aback by the identity of the man in finery. It took a long while before he said, ¡°His Highness is rich enough to buy all of those birds¡¯ nests. You don¡¯t have to haggle over like this.¡±

    ¡°What do you know?¡± said the man in finery. With a contemptuous nce at the man in sackcloth, he continued, ¡°These will be served to His Highness.¡±

    ¡°His Highness will be the emperor of the country in the future. You are just one of his people. All the things you own are given by His Highness. It is your honor that His Highness chose your birds¡¯ nests. To pay you fifty bucks is a reward for you. How dare you bargain with me!¡±

    When the harsh rebuke made its way to his ears, the man in sackcloth trembled a little and said anxiously, ¡°I don¡¯t dare to do so. It¡¯s just that His Highness has gone to Mingzhou to battle. How can he have these birds¡¯ nests?¡±

    The butler rolled his eyes and said proudly, ¡°I n to buy them in advance for His Highness. Is there anything wrong?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. It¡¯s just that we make a living from this. Could you give a little more? Fifty bucks is too little to feed our families,¡± the man in sackcloth said miserably.

    Untouched, the butler gave the man in sackcloth a kick and then spat out, ¡°How dare you bargain with His Highness. You ask for this.¡±

    Before the man in sackcloth realized, he was knocked to the ground in a very awkward position with messy clothes and a dusty face.

    People around frowned, ¡°That¡¯s way out of line.¡±

    ¡°Right. Even though he is the butler of the Prince¡¯s Mansion, he cannot bully others like this.¡±

    ¡°The two of them prove the proverb that the apple does not fall far from the tree. His Highness might be no better than this arrogant butler.¡±

    ¡°You are right. Can a prince, who is so aggressive like this butler, run the country well in the future?¡±

    Upon hearing the gossips, Murong Xue smiled meaningfully. Bearing Gong Qianyu¡¯s banner, the butler of the Prince Mansion bullied others, in which case he smeared Gong Qianyu¡¯s name and ruined his image.

    ¡°Please, pretty please, we need just a little more money.¡± Seeing the butler take some birds¡¯ nests and was ready to go, the man in sackcloth stepped forward hurriedly and clutched at the sleeve of the butler.

    A trace of impatience shed through the eyes of the butler. He kicked that man¡¯s chest fiercely. ¡°Fuck off! I have no time to take any notice of a pariah like you. Just get the hell out of my sight.¡±

    Suddenly, the butler was smashed to the floor by an invisible force. He felt dizzy after being struck down.

    ¡°Butler...¡± The two servants were shocked. They soon stepped forward and grabbed the butler¡¯s arm, trying to help him up.

    The butler shook off the servants and kept looking around, ¡°Who? Who dares to plot against me? Show yourself.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± When an icy voice made its way to the butler¡¯s ears, he followed the voice...

 Chapter 269 - Beating up the Butler (2)

    <h4>Chapter 269: Beating up the Butler (2)</h4>

    As a graciously attired man got off the carriage slowly, people could hardly get their eyes off his wless face.

    The butler stared at him with shock. ¡°Your Highness.¡±

    Wasn¡¯t he in Mingzhou? Why was he here?

    What? Your Highness? This man was the crown prince!

    People around were shocked and they immediately knelt down, ¡°Your Highness.¡±

    Deaf to their greetings, Gong Qianyu walked to the butler and then said coldly, ¡°Who are you buying the birds¡¯ nests for?¡±

    ¡°For Your Highness, of course,¡± the butler stammered when he looked down with guilt and cold sweat all over his forehead.

    ¡°You have worked in the Prince Mansion for years. Don¡¯t you know that I never eat bird¡¯s nests?¡±

    Upon hearing that, people around burst into an uproar. If the crown prince, the only master in the Prince¡¯s Mansion, never ate birds¡¯ nests, didn¡¯t that mean they were just bought for the servants? The most powerful servant in his Mansion was this butler.

    This butler really knew how to enjoy life by spending the crown prince¡¯s money in buying expensive birds¡¯ nests for himself. Judging from his stout body, he must have taken a lot more than he deserved behind his master¡¯s back.

    The butler¡¯s face turned deathly pale with his fat body trembling slightly. His tongue was knotted so that he could not utter a word.

    ¡°Your Highness, that doesn¡¯t sound convincing. When the butler bullied others before, Your Highness never appeared to stop him. Now he has raised a great wrath among the people. Your Highness just told us that you don¡¯t know what he has done. I¡¯m afraid no one will believe you.¡±

    ¡°We have seen many times that the master who makes mistakes forces his servant to take the fall for him. This butler is one of the servants of Your Highness. I¡¯m sure he has no courage to go against you.¡± a slight snort of disdain rang in the crowd.

    Murong Xue followed the sound and saw a man in his 30s with a mustache on his upper lip and a creepy twinkle in his eyes.

    As the noble crown prince of Nanjiang, what Gong Qianyu said didn¡¯t wee any doubts. Even if some people did not believe him, they dare not denounce him.

    However, the man dared to publicly refute what Gong Qianyu said. Did the man have an axe to grind?

    ¡°I am wealthy enough. Do I need to bully people for such low-priced things?¡± Gong Qianyu said coldly with a piercing gaze at the man who defied him.

    A chill ran down the man¡¯s spine before he stammered, ¡°But...it is true that the butler in the Crown Prince¡¯s Mansion bullied people. Many people have seen it.¡±

    ¡°Who allows you to bully people?¡± Gong Qianyu asked angrily upon hearing that. Under his sleeve, he directed bursts of dark blue mes at the butler, which knocked the butler to the ground. The butler felt so dizzy and painful after being thrown to the ground.

    He frowned and tried to support himself up with his arms. But the dark blue mes shot him again, causing quite a bit of pain. He had no choice but to cry for mercy, ¡°Please have mercy on me, Your Highness!¡± However, he said nothing about his bullying.

    Gong Qianyu retracted his internal force and red at the butler. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t wanna talk.¡± And then he continued, ¡°Take the butler to the prison and post a notice, saying that anyone who has been bullied by him can go to Shuntian Mansion and the officer will uphold justice for them!¡±

    Everyone¡¯s eyes lit up. The officer in Shuntian Mansion had a deserved reputation for his integrity. The crown prince sent the butler to Shuntian Mansion for further review, which meant that the crown prince had a conscience, and was not afraid of further investigation.

    As the future Emperor of Nanjiang, Gong Qianyu possessed a great fortune. There was no need for him to direct his servant to bully others.

    The butler actually did something bad and bullied people behind his master¡¯s back.

    What? Would he be sent to jail?

    Upon hearing that, the butler was startled and almost scared to death. Regardless of the injury on his body, he crawled to Gong Qianyu, kowtowing and begging, ¡°Your Highness, please spare me!¡±

    ¡°You are one of the prisoners of Shuntian Mansion now,¡± Gong Qianyu said coldly. ¡°Just beg the officers there for mercy.¡±

    The butler reached out to pull Gong Qianyu¡¯s clothes. He didn¡¯t want to go to jail.

    Gong Qianyu¡¯s eyes turned vignt as he kicked the butler down to the ground, making the butler ache all over.

    Gong Qianyu ordered his subordinates, ¡°Send him to Shuntian Mansion.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± Two guards stepped forward, took the butler by the arms and pulled him towards Shuntian Mansion.

    The butler staggered forward with his face turning pale, his hair straggling and his clothes getting dirty and shabby. He looked so ragged.

    Looking at him like this, people around only felt relieved. They apuded as they said, ¡°Justice is served. Woo-hoo!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, you are great.¡±

    Bowing their heads, people paid obeisance to Gong Qianyu gratefully.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony.¡± Gong Qianyu said ndly. His eyes nced over the crowd, but he did not see the figure of the man who had defied him before. Gong Qianyu smiled with a glint of mockery.

    ¡°Brother, didn¡¯t you go to Mingzhou to fight with Qingyan troops? Why did youe back suddenly?¡± An inquiring sound suddenly rang when a young man slowly walked over. This slender, tall man looked so charming with his hair tamed by a white jade crown, a ck belt with the pattern of a unicorn as well as a round jade pendant hanging from it.

 Chapter 270 - Qianyu VS Lord Rui

    <h4>Chapter 270: Qianyu VS Lord Rui</h4>

    Brother? The only one who had the right to call Gong Qianyu brother was Gong Qianze, the half-brother of Gong Qianyu. So this man was Lord Rui, Gong Qianze?

    Gong Qianyu, who just came back from the battlefield, actually encountered his mortal enemy who wanted to take his life.

    Murong Xue looked up at Gong Qianyu, only to find him gazing fixedly at Gong Qianze. He then said, ¡°If I don¡¯te back, I can¡¯t witness how my butler smeared me.¡± There was a hint of sarcasm in his words.

    Gong Qianze said ndly, ¡°Father appointed you to go to Mingzhou. Without the enemy troops in full retreat, the troops at the front cannot return. Father never issued a decree to call you back. Now you appear in the capital of Nanjiang, which seems inappropriate.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Gong Qianyu squinted at Gong Qianze, his dark eyes shing with imperceptible mockery.

    ¡°ording to thews of Nanjiang, those who enter the capital without being summoned will be executed!¡± Gong Qianze said word by word.

    Six guards came out and besieged Gong Qianyu with long swords.

    Gong Qianyu turned a blind eye to them, looking straight at Gong Qianze, ¡°Brother, do you intend to kill me at your own will?¡±

    ¡°So many people have seen you in the capital. To kill you is what thews of Nanjiang require. How can this be regarded as private killing?¡±

    ¡°As is known to me, thews of Nanjiang are made by the Ministry of Punishment. Those who vite thews will be punished either by Shuntian Mansion or by the Ministry of Punishment. You are neither working in Shuntian Mansion nor in Ministry of Punishment. What right do you have to kill me?¡± Gong Qianyu said with scorn.

    ¡°These guards are guards of the Ministry of Punishment. They will take you back to the Ministry of Punishment. Convicted by the minister there, you will be punished then!¡± Gong Qianze said in a low voice without any emotion.

    So that was his intention. He wanted Gong Qianyu dead.

    Gong Qianyu curled up the corners of his mouth into a cold smile. Six guards stabbed at him with their swords, nning to catch him. Gong Qianyu frowned and directed dark blue mes from his sleeve at those guards. They were knocked to the ground, dizzy and painful.

    Upon noticing that, Gong Qianze moved his fingers under his sleeve so as to utilize a technique to attack Gong Qianyu. Unexpectedly, Gong Qianyu tapped on his tiptoes and then flew into the air. When hended in the private room of a restaurant nearby, he said to a man who was sitting by the window, ¡°Father.¡±

    Murong Xue was shocked. She had long noticed that there were several people in the restaurant with light breathing and excellent martial skills, but she did not expect that one of them would be the Emperor of Nanjiang.

    Instead of dealing with the memorials to the throne in the imperial pce, the emperor just had an incognito visit to the capital in casual clothes.

    ¡°Why do youe back without being summoned?¡± the emperor looked at Gong Qianyu with sharp eyes. The war between Qingyan and Nanjiang was impending. However, Gong Qianyu did not guard the border and even went back to the capital without the emperor¡¯s call. What¡¯s more, he kept a high profile and almost all people in the capital knew his return. The emperor couldn¡¯t hide this event even if he wanted to.

    ¡°I came back because of them,¡± Gong Qianyu said when he took out a bag, ced it on the table and unwrapped it. Five bloody heads appeared in front of them.

    The emperor¡¯s face sank, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Although he lived in the pce, he also recognized these were heads of five generals who had been guarding Mingzhou all these years.

    ¡°Father, I overheard these five generals¡¯ whispers. Their master plotted to usurp the throne and take the helm of state. I sensed something wrong, so I caught them all, nning to interrogate them. Unexpectedly, they were killed when I was away. This made me worried about you, Father. So I came back, also to find out the truth,¡± Gong Qianyu lied collectedly without turning a hair.

    The emperor narrowed his sharp eyes, ¡°So one of my ministers covets my territory, huh?¡±

    ¡°I think so, ording to the five generals. Do you have any one in mind, Father?¡± Gong Qianyu fixed his eyes on the emperor.

    The emperor gave it a thought and then shook his head with a mysterious look. Prime Minister Cang possessed the greatest power at the court, but he was an official without military power. Even if he attempted to usurp the throne, he wasn¡¯t capable of doing that.

    ¡°What do you think, Brother?¡± Gong Qianyu squinted at Gong Qianze who just flew inside the room.

    ¡°Even Father doesn¡¯t know that, how could I know?¡± Gong Qianze said ndly. As he swept across those heads with a mysterious look, he continued, ¡°Were they really killed by an assassin?¡±

    ¡°Who else do you think did that?¡± Gong Qianyu gazed at his brother with a touch of imperceptible mockery.

    ¡°Well, if you didn¡¯t say that, I¡¯d assume that you killed them all in a pet when you failed to reach an agreement on a war n, since you have a proud disposition and the five generals had a fuse,¡± Gong Qianze said without an emotion.

    Murong Xue smiled. As she imagined, the five generals chose Gong Qianze as their master. Though Gong Qianze was well-aware of their death, he had to keep it a secret and trickily med it on Gong Qianyu.

    ¡°I know what my priority is. I wouldn¡¯t kill the five generals out of hatred at this critical time,¡± Gong Qianyu said ndly.

    ¡°The five generals achieved notable merits for Nanjiang. Why didn¡¯t you bring back their bodies?¡± Gong Qianyu shot a piercing gaze at his brother.

    ¡°It¡¯s far from Mingzhou to the capital and it was an urgent decision to leave Mingzhou. So it was inconvenient for me to bring their bodies with me. Besides, why is it necessary to keep their entire bodies since they were rebels? I think I¡¯ve done more than I should to have brought their heads back to the capital,¡± Gong Qianyu answered casually.

    Murong Xue smiled. The five generals were killed by the mes of Gong Qianyu, who was the only one capable to use the me technique. If he brought their bodies back to the capital, then everyone would know Gong Qianyu was the murderer. Gong Qianyu was not that stupid to have the evidence shown.

    He even particrly ordered the soldier to cut from the edge of the burn on the generals¡¯ heads.

    Gong Qianze turned sullen and was about to say something, but the emperor interrupted him abruptly, ¡°Stop arguing. Now, the priority is to find out who covets Nanjiang territory.¡±

 Chapter 271 - Death Sentence

    <h4>Chapter 271: Death Sentence</h4>

    The emperor began to suspect courtiers because of the words of Gong Qianyu!

    A gloom shed through Gong Qianze¡¯s eyes, but disappeared in an instant. Looking at the emperor ndly, Gong Qianze said, ¡°Father, courtiers rtively keep their ce and neither of them has both military and political power. So it was unlikely for them to usurp the power.¡±

    ¡°They have been in the court for many years and they know how to hide their strength,¡± Gong Qianyu interrupted him.

    Gong Qianze looked at Gong Qianyu coldly. Born in the royal family, the two of them were destined to be enemies in the struggle for the throne. Gong Qianze set Gong Qianyu up but eventually failed so that Gong Qianyu took precautions against him and dered war on him. However, Gong Qianze didn¡¯t fear at all and was ready to fight to the finish. ¡°Neither I nor Father suspects any of them. Do you have anyone in mind?¡± Gong Qianze said.

    Gong Qianyu shook his head. ¡°No, but if the five generals took refuge in that person, their families will probably have contact with that person. Check their families. Maybe we will find some clues.¡±

    Gong Qianze shot a piercing gaze at Gong Qianyu. Gong Qianze was the one who the five generals took refuge in. The families of five generals naturally were loyal to him. Now Gong Qianyu asked his father to investigate the families. So did Gong Qianyu intend to frame him for usurping the throne?

    Upon hearing what Gong Qianyu said, the emperor pondered for a moment and nodded. ¡°He¡¯s got a point,¡± said the emperor. ¡°Listen, investigate the residences and family members of these five generals. If there are any abnormalities, report to me immediately.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the guards replied. They flew away and were gone in the blink of an eye. It was toote for Gong Qianze to stop them.

    ¡°Return to the pce!¡± the emperor ordered. Because the news that Gong Qianyu brought back was too shocking, the emperor was so worried that he lost the interest to continue his incognito visit.

    Upon hearing the order, both Gong Qianze and Gong Qianyu bowed and sent their father off with respect.

    After the emperor got into the carriage, Gong Qianze said to his brother, ¡°You not only get away with punishment but also made Father suspicious of five loyal generals by a series of lies. In order to get what you want, you really are capable of anything.¡±

    Gong Qianyu nced at him without say anything and then went past him and strode out of the room proudly.

    Watching the receding figure of Gong Qianyu, Gong Qianze turned grim. It was really annoying to see such a defiant person as Gong Qianyu.

    A guard stepped forward and lowered his voice, ¡°Your Highness, the families of five generals have contact with us. His Majesty will find out the rtion if he investigates it thoroughly. Do you want me to...¡± The guard made a throat-cutting gesture as he said thest word.

    ¡°No,¡± Gong Qianze shook his head, his gaze as deep as a pond, ¡°Father¡¯s guards have already sneaked into their houses. If we kill them now, it will be easy to be spotted by the guards. By then, Father will definitely suspect that I am the one trying to usurp the throne.¡±

    Gong Qianze had also thought about usurping the throne, but currently he was far beneath the emperor in power. Gong Qianze couldn¡¯t act rashly for the time being so as not to be charged of patricide for usurpation.

    ¡°But if the guards are allowed to investigate this matter, the rtion between those five families and Lord Rui¡¯s Mansion will be found out,¡± the guard whispered, his eyes shing with solemnity.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. All the officers and officials in the capital have contact with one another. Apart from us, those five families must also have close contact with other officials. It cannot prove anything even if the guards find the rtion between Lord Rui Mansion and the five families,¡± Gong Qianze said ndly with a piercing gaze.

    Since those five families were targeted by the guards, Gong Qianze could no longer have any contact with them.

    It was a pity for Gong Qianze to lose the support of them. All of this was caused by Gong Qianyu. Without Gong Qianyu¡¯s private return, those five families would not have been suspected by the emperor.

    And if not so, the butler of the Prince¡¯s Mansion would not be arrested, and the emperor would witness how arrogant andwless the butler was. In this case, Gong Qianyu, master of the butler, would be detested by the emperor.

    But Gong Qianyu suddenly returned to the capital and talked himself out of trouble. He ruined Gong Qianze¡¯s n and even wrecked one of his troops.

    As the eldest son of Nanjiang Emperor, Gong Qianze was the one who should seed to the throne. He was determined not to let Gong Qianyu have his way.

    Soon after the notice issued by the Shuntian Mansion was posted, people from home and abroad gathered around and surrounded the mansionpletely.

    Inside the court, people who had once been wronged miserably sobbed out their sufferings on their knees.

    Minister He of the Shuntian Mansion, a righteous man, immediately ordered guards to search in the butler¡¯s house. Inside the house, the guards found birds¡¯ nests, abalones, jewelry, silk and other expensive things and transported. People were stunned upon seeing trucks of those things.

    They were awarded to the crown prince by the emperor. Particrly, the gold Buddha figure and jewelry with royal marks were specially granted for the opening ceremony of the Prince¡¯s Mansion. However, the butler was so audacious to have sneaked all those back home.

    On thest truck was a dozen of pretty youngdies, who were found in the basement. The youngest one was only 12. It was said that the butler searched for prettydies everywhere and caught those who he fancied under the banner of the crown prince. Thus, thedies¡¯ families hated Gong Qianyu to the core.

    ¡°He stole things from his master and did all evil deeds in the name of his master. That bastard should be sentenced to death with the most severe punishment!¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t agree more. The one who did the evil deeds was the butler, but he pinned the me on His Highness. It¡¯s so unfair for His Highness.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. His Highness entrusted the butler to the mansion. But the butler did all these to reward His Highness. Shame on the inglorious butler! I won¡¯t even feel sorry if he gets killed a hundred times.¡±

    ¡°Cut him thousands of times. Tear his body limb from limb by horses.¡±

    ¡°Right! Sever punishment must be executed on this vicious viin.¡±

    People defended the crown price against injustice. Upon hearing the severe punishment, the butler turned deathly pale and couldn¡¯t help shaking his chubby body.

    Minister He stood up, pounded the gavel and announced loudly, ¡°The despicable butlermitted countless crimes and oppressed people. ording to thews of Nanjiang, the butler should be sentenced to death by flogging. Execution begins now.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± two guards responded. They came up and pulled the butler to the center of the court. They tied the butler to the bench and then beat him harshly without mercy.

 Chapter 272 - Competing over Beibei

    <h4>Chapter 272: Competing over Beibei</h4>

    The butler wailed as the board hit on him. ¡°The butler is just a servant. How dare he be so arrogant and smear the crown prince?¡±

    ¡°The guards found that the butler actually is the nephew of Noble Consort Lan¡¯s wet nurse,¡± Ouyang Shaochen replied ndly.

    Upon hearing that, Murong Xue thought of something. Noble Consort Lan? Wasn¡¯t she the mother of Gong Qianze? Her wet nurse and wet nurse¡¯s nephew naturally took refuge in Gong Qianze and helped him set Gong Qianyu up.

    The strategy of doing evil deeds to frame someone seemed simple, but very effective. The ancients attached great importance to their reputation. The prince who oppressed his people and stirred up hatred naturally gained more support of people than the lord who was gentle and empathetic.

    Gong Qianze did whatever it took to get the throne. How despicable and unscrupulous he was!

    ¡°Fortunately, you have returned to capital in advance. Otherwise, you are to be despised by people, like rats crossing the street.¡± Murong Xue looked at Gong Qianyu, her eyes shing with sympathy.

    Gong Qianyu had always known Gong Qianze¡¯s hostility towards him, but he did not expect that Gong Qianze would set him up in such a despicable way.

    ¡°Starting today, I won¡¯t give Gong Qianze any chance to manipte me again,¡± Gong Qianyu continued. Since Gong Qianze wanted to levy war on him, he would fight. He would kill all spies beside him and killing the butler was just the first step.

    A guard stepped forward and said respectfully, ¡°Your Highness, Minister He has delivered the verdict of returning the butler¡¯s embezzlement to the Prince Mansion. Shall we transfer it back to the mansion?¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Gong Qianyu nodded and looked up at Murong Xue. ¡°You can go to my Mansion with me and stay there.¡±

    ¡°No, thanks.¡± Murong Xue smiled and shook her head. On the one hand, they belonged to Qingyan. Qingyan and Nanjiang were at war. On the other hand, Gong Qianze kept a close watch on them. If they went to the Prince Mansion, they would get into trouble.

    Gong Qianyu said with disappointment, ¡°Then where are you gonna stay? An inn?¡±

    ¡°When I traveled to the capital of Nanjiang earlier, I bought a house in the suburb,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly. He had asked servants to clean the house and he could move in at any time.

    Upon hearing that, Gong Qianyu looked down with disappointment. With his eyes fixed on Murong Xue, he said, ¡°Then remember to visit me when you are free.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Murong Xue nodded, her cold eyes shing with a smile. Ouyang Shaochen held her by the arm and helped her into the carriage. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Then Ouyang Shaochen also got into the carriage and put down the curtain immediately.

    The carriage drove forward slowly while the scenery on both sides moved backwards. Murong Xue frowned and said with anger, ¡°Why do we leave in such a hurry though it¡¯s still early?¡±

    ¡°Although the house is cleaned well, it has been unupied for many years. Without decoration, we can¡¯t stay there. Now it is 5:00 p.m., so we have to go there and get everything set up. Otherwise, we¡¯ll have to stay in an inn,¡± Ouyang Shaochen answered, with almost a sneer.

    Murong Xue¡¯s small face sank. She had never been to that house. How did she know the house should be decorated? It was wicked of Ouyang Shaochen to say to her like that.

    Suddenly, a crisp barking made its way to her ears. Murong Xue reacted, ¡°Why does this sound so familiar? Just like Beibei¡¯s barking!¡±

    She drew the curtain and looked out of the window. She saw a puppy running fast in the crowd. It had ck eyes and snow-white hair which fluttered in the wind. It was as cute as Beibei.

    ¡°Beibei!¡± Murong Xue called out in a voice as soft as breeze.

    The puppy stopped suddenly. Following the sound, it looked up at Murong Xue with a gleam in its eyes. Then it ran over to Murong Xue.

    It startled Murong Xue that the dog was really Beibei. ¡°Stop, stop now.¡±

    The driver was stunned, not knowing what happened. With a sudden pull on the reins, the hurrying horse stopped steadily.

    Murong Xue lifted the curtain. Beibei plunged into her arms with its little head touching her clothes affectionately.

    Murong Xue gently tapped it on the head. ¡°How did you get here?¡± Before she left for Lord Freedom¡¯s Mansion, she ced Beibei in the Duke¡¯s Mansion and asked Hongxiu to take care of it. Why was it here?

    It must be that it felt lonely without its owners around it. That¡¯s why it found them by following the smell.

    Thinking of that, Murong Xue gently gave it a squeeze, only to find that Beibei was all skin and bones. She could tell that this small animal hadn¡¯t been eating proper meals for at least half a month. What a pitiful little dog!

    As Murong Xue stroked her dog, there was an upsurge of noise. ¡°Go, find it! Don¡¯t let that snow-white puppy run away,¡± someone was shouting.

    Arge group of maids and manservants rushed over, anxiously looking for Beibei. When they saw Beibei that was in Murong Xue¡¯s arms, their eyes lit up. ¡°Here, here, the little white dog is here.¡±

    Murong Xue frowned and gave Beibei a pat on the head, saying, ¡°Did you wreak havoc again?¡±

    Beibei barked again. It pleaded that it didn¡¯t cause any trouble. It just ran past the doorway of a noble mansion. Unexpectedly, such arge group of people suddenly emerged from the mansion and chased it in hope of catching it.

    A middle-aged maid ran over to Murong Xue first and looked at the snow-white puppy who was in Murong Xue¡¯s arms. ¡°Thank you, girl. This is the dog in our mansion. Please give it to me and I have to take it back.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Murong Xue frowned. What did she mean? Beibei was given to her by Ouyang Shaochen.

    ¡°Sorry, this dog is mine,¡± Murong Xue said.

    ¡°I am afraid it is not yours,¡± the maid said. ¡°This dog is cute with snow-white hair and ck eyes. Obviously, it belongs to my master.¡±

 Chapter 273 - A Prank on Cang Susu

    <h4>Chapter 273: A Prank on Cang Susu</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    The maid said with a subtle smile and a gleam in her eyes.

    Turning a blind eye to her, Murong Xue gently tapped Beibei on the head and said casually, ¡°There are so many cute puppies with snow-white hair and ck eyes. It is impossible that all of them belong to your master, right?¡±

    The maid¡¯s face sank in an instant. She had never met a woman who was as hard to deal with as Murong Xue. ¡°Do you know who she is?¡± asked the maid.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± Murong Xue asked. At the same time, she thought inwardly, ¡°Whoever yourdy is, there is no reason for her to take my dog.¡±

    ¡°She is the daughter of the prime minister, Cang Susu!¡± that maid said word by word, her eyes gleaming with undisguised pride.

    Murong Xue was dazed. The daughter of the Prime Minister? Wasn¡¯t she just the sister of Cang Qiong and Cang Ying?

    Seeing Murong Xue¡¯s astonishment, the maid thought Murong Xue was stunned, bewildered by Cang Susu¡¯s identity. The maid then continued, ¡°Her Ladyship is His Highness¡¯...¡±

    ¡°Why are you all standing here? Did you find the puppy?¡± A charming female voice suddenly rang.

    Following the voice, Murong Xue saw a sixteen-year-old girl walking over. The girl wore a skirt embroidered with daffodils and a hairpin, which made her look not only gorgeous but also elegant.

    Was the girl Gong Qianyu¡¯s fianc¨¦e who Yuan Fangfei once mentioned? In terms of appearance and temperament, the girl and Gong Qianyu were perfect for each other.

    The maid walked over to Cang Susu and said respectfully, ¡°Miss, I have found the puppy but this girl is reluctant to give it to me.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Cang Susu frowned. Following the direction the maid pointed at, she found Murong Xue, who was beautiful with fair skin, a roman nose and rosy lips like a geisha.

    Cang Susu¡¯s face sank. She had always thought herself as a fairdy. The girl in front of her was no less beautiful and charming than her. The only difference between them was that the girl was younger, slimmer and less mature.

    As Cang Susu looked down arrogantly, she saw Beibei. Her eyes were suddenly narrowed. The dog that refused to be close to her unexpectedly nestled in that girl¡¯s arms.

    Seeing this, Cang Susu walked over to Murong Xue. ¡°My dog was lost. Thank you for catching it,¡± she said in a gentle but superior tone. ¡°It means so much to me. Please return it to me.¡±

    She was trying to take Beibei away by force! The daughter of the prime minister was arrogant.

    Murong Xue frowned and said to Cang Susu coldly, ¡°Do you have any evidence to prove that this dog belongs to you?¡±

    Cang Susu smiled and pointed at the maids and manservants beside her, ¡°They can prove that the dog belongs to me.¡±

    The maids and manservants were startled and then reacted, nodding. ¡°The puppy belongs to Her Ladyship.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, we¡¯ve watched it grow up.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Her Ladyship likes it so much.¡±

    ¡°Please return it to Her Ladyship.¡±

    Not provoked by the annoying persuasion, Murong Xue said coldly, ¡°They are all your subordinates and what they say is unconvincing. I can also find a bunch of servants to prove that this dog is mine.¡±

    Cang Susu detected a hint of sarcasm in her words. ¡°What should I do to let you return the puppy?¡± Cang Susu said coldly with her face darkened.

    ¡°Miss Cang, please show me more evidence other than what your maids and manservants provided. As long as you have unimpeachable proof, I will return the puppy immediately,¡± Murong Xue said with a proud and provocative smile.

    Cang Susu¡¯s little face darkened. She just tried to catch this puppy that ran past her mansion 15 minutes ago. How could she have any evidence to prove that it was her dog? However, she liked this puppy very much, so she was determined to get it.

    ¡°The puppy I raise likes to stick with me. If I hold it and it follows me, then it will be enough to prove this puppy is mine.¡± A strange smile shed through the dark eyes of Cang Susu. Then she reached out to touch Beibei.

    Murong Xue curled up the corners of her mouth silently and sneered. Beibei was too little to have enough strength to resist. Was Cang Susu nning to grab it and take it back home? That would be wishful thinking!

    Hardly had Cang Susu touched Beibei¡¯s soft white hair when Beibei barked loudly and jumped at her before Murong Xue could hold it up.

    Unprepared, Cang Susu was thrown heavily to the ground. She screamed in pain.

    Beibei scratched Cang Susu with its paws and her finery was almost torn to pieces. Beibei stared at her fiercely with contempt in its eyes. It was really annoying that this nasty woman asked her servants to catch it and almost hurt it.

    Not seeing Beibei, Cang Susu waved her arms and pped indiscriminately. She then sternlymanded, ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there. Get it off me.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Her servants came over and wanted to separate Beibei and Cang Susu.

    Beibei stopped and nced at them for a while. Suddenly, it rushed into the crowd and disappeared in an instant.

    The maids and manservants looked over for Beibei but all their efforts were in vain.

    Murong Xue smiled meaningfully. Beibei was so smart that it fled and couldn¡¯t be found when in trouble.

    Helped by maids, Cang Susu stood up. Her finery was torn and ragged and her Chinese style chest covering embroidered with peony was faintly visible. There were three or four scratches on her skin.

    Although Cang Susu was put into a very awkward position, she still kept her dignity and arrogance. When she failed to see Beibei, she turned round and shot a piercing re at Murong Xue.

 Chapter 274 - Choking Them

    <h4>Chapter 274: Choking Them</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    The maid instantly realized what Cang Susu meant and spoke harshly with a glower at Murong Xue, ¡°How dare you let your dog attack mydy!¡±

    Murong Xue gave a brittleugh. Cang Susu was vying with her for Beibei just now. After she got bitten, she med it on Murong Xue shamelessly. ¡°Didn¡¯t Miss Cang just now say that the puppy was yours? Why does it suddenly be mine now?¡± Murong Xue said.

    The maid whispered nervously, ¡°That¡¯s because mydy identally mistook it as her dog.¡±

    Murong Xue curled up the corners of her mouth and looked at the maid condescendingly. ¡°Beibei behaved well in my arms just now,¡± Murong Xue said. ¡°If Miss Cang didn¡¯te and rob it, how could it attack Miss Cang? She brought this on herself.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± the maid was choked with anger, pointing at Murong Xue. ¡°This girl is a bit sharp-tongued. Mydy did walk in front of the puppy before it hurt her. Mydy is indeed unreasonable,¡± the maid thought inwardly. Thinking of that, she sneered, ¡°But it is a fact that your dog has hurt mydy. You should give mydy an exnation.¡±

    ¡°What exnation do you want?¡± Murong Xue asked carelessly, even without raising her eyelids.

    ¡°The puppy is gone and we can¡¯t find it now. You, the owner of it, have to apologize on its behalf. Please go down on your knees and kowtow to mydy,¡± the maid said word by word with her eyes full of pride.

    Murong Xue shot a piercing re at the maid who made up lies with herdy to rob Beibei. Scratches on Cang Susu was just a lesson given by Beibei. It was impossible for Murong Xue to apologize to Cang Susu. ¡°In your dreams!¡± Murong Xue said.

    Mercilessly turned down, the maid glowered at Murong Xue and spoke harshly to her, ¡°Mydy is the fianc¨¦e of His Highness. His Highness won¡¯t spare you as your dog hurt his fianc¨¦e.¡±

    Murong Xue was rendered speechless. Here was another bullying under the banner of Gong Qianyu. Why was he surrounded by a batch of people like those bullies? Instead of serving their duties, they just caused trouble. Gong Qianyu would be held back by them sooner orter.

    The maid interpreted Murong Xue¡¯s silence as it that Murong Xue was frightened by Gong Qianyu¡¯s identity. The maid¡¯s mouth curled up with an arrogant smile. ¡°There is still time to apologize to mydy,¡± said the maid.

    Screw you! The one who did the wrong thing wasn¡¯t Murong Xue! She would not bother to talk to a batch of unreasonable shameless people.

    With a chill shing in Murong Xue¡¯s dark eyes, she said, ¡°Wuhen, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the driver responded in a deep voice. With a long whip in his hand hitting on horse, the horse dashed forward.

    As the carriage drove forward, clouds of dust picked up from the tires billowed to Cang Susu¡¯s and her maid¡¯s faces and almost choked them.

    Cang Susu covered her mouth with a silk handkerchief and struggled to stand straight in the dust. Watching the receding carriage, she gave her servant an order, ¡°Go check that girl¡¯s identity.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± a servant answered.

    Cang Susu shot a piercing re. She was the daughter of the prime minister. All famousdies in the capital catered to her and no one dared to stand against her. How dare that girl manipte her and embarrass her?

    Beside a picturesqueke, the house bought by Ouyang Shaochen was magnificent with blue bricks and red tiles. There were two stone lions at the gate, above which a bronze que engraved with the powerful word ¡°Pavilion¡± was hung.

    In the house, green trees and beautiful flowers came into view first. Dense branches and leaves kept most of the scorching sunlight out so that the sultry summer air was also blocked outside. People would feel cool and refreshed as the breeze blew.

    Walking on the winding gstone path, Murong Xue couldn¡¯t help but gave admiration, ¡°The air here is sweet and theyout is splendid. This house is wee-designed.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s mouth curled up into a smile. He said ndly, ¡°Are you praising me?¡±

    Murong Xue was startled, ¡°What? This is your design?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded with an imperceptible smile in his dark eyes. Everything here was designed for her. It was great that she liked it.

    ¡°Your Highness, Miss Murong, dinner¡¯s ready,¡± Xun Feng stepped forward and said respectfully.

    Ouyang Shaochen nodded and said to Murong Xue, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte so let¡¯s eat first.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Murong Xue nodded and walked forward with them. During the long journey, they hadn¡¯t had a decent meal. Now that they reached the capital of Nanjiang, she wouldn¡¯t miss any nice food to recover her strength.

    On the table in the pavilion covered various dishes, which were overflowed with fragrance and almost made them drool.

    Murong Xue washed her hands before she sat by the table and dived in elegantly.

    Sitting next to her, Ouyang Shaochen looked at her ndly. ¡°Do you like it?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Murong Xue nodded. Most of the dishes were her favorites.

    ¡°d you like it.¡± Ouyang Shaochen nodded. He pondered for a while before he continued ndly, ¡°To kill Gong Qianze...there¡¯s a long way for Gong Qianyu to go.¡±

    ¡°I know that,¡± Murong Xue said with a sullen look. ¡°Gong Qianze is a gentle man and he¡¯s good at gaining people¡¯s trust while Gong Qianyu is pure and quiet and looks proud in people¡¯s eyes. Plus, he doesn¡¯t have many acquaintances, so he¡¯s got few people to use.¡±

    It was indeed a huge challenge for Gong Qianyu to deal with Gong Qianze alone who was much morepetitive.

    ¡°You ready to help him?¡± Ouyang Shaochen fixed his mysterious eyes on Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue blinked her eyes. ¡°Well... I¡¯m still thinking about it. But Gong Qianze poisoned me before, I have to settle scores with him.¡±

    To settle scores with Gong Qianze actually would help Gong Qianyu out, indirectly though.

    With a sullen look, Ouyang Shaochen was ready to say something. But Murong Xue interrupted him, ¡°The dishes are getting cold. Let¡¯s finish the meal first. We can discuss itter.¡±

    Watching Murong Xue who couldn¡¯t divert from the meal, Ouyang Shaochen shed with a subtle smile. ¡°OK!¡± he nodded. When he picked up chopsticks, a ck feather arrow swished in.

 Chapter 275 - Frightened to Death

    <h4>Chapter 275: Frightened to Death</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Murong Xue blinked and sighed, ¡°Can we just enjoy our dinner?¡±

    ¡°Just ignore them,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly as he put a piece of fish into her bowl. Suddenly, he snapped his fingers and his powerful internal strength directed at the arrow which was immediately smashed and then floated to the ground in pieces.

    Unexpectedly, more arrows shot from all sides, attacking them mercilessly, maliciously and murderously.

    With long swords in their hands, Xun Feng and Wuhen leaped out and rushed towards the arrows, all of which were hit down in no time. The two of them had a furious, bloody fight with the people in ck who had shot arrows.

    When the noise of the fighting and wailing made their ways to Murong Xue¡¯s ears, she turned to have a look and sighed, ¡°Eww, so bloody and violent!¡±

    Those assassins were so vulnerable that Xun Feng and Wuhen knocked them down easily.

    ¡°You don¡¯t like blood and violence, huh?¡± Ouyang Shaochen raised his eyebrows and looked at her. After he returned to Qingyan, he found that Murong Xue often encountered a variety of violent and bloody scenes. He naturally didn¡¯t think this bloody and violent scene was unbearable to her.

    ¡°We are civilized human beings and we must subdue others by virtue,¡± Murong Xue said with a smile, her dark eyes shining brightly.

    Ouyang Shaochen smiled, ¡°These people intend to kill you. And you still want to reason with them?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t finished yet. For the civilized, we must subdue them by virtue while for the cruel, by violence, of course,¡± Murong Xue said with a smile. At the same time, people in ck had fallen down and there were body parts strewn all over the ce. The smell of blood spread rapidly in the air.

    Suddenly, a man covered with blood fell heavily in front of Ouyang Shaochen and Murong Xue, kicking up the dust.

    Xun Feng strode forward and said respectfully, ¡°Your Highness, this is the leader of the assassins.¡±

    ¡°Um.¡± Ouyang Shaochen looked up at Murong Xue, expecting her response. Murong Xue put down the dishes and said to the leader, ¡°Who sent you here?¡±

    Saying nothing, the man held his chin up and nced at Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and said leisurely, ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? It¡¯s Prime Minister¡¯s daughter Cang Susu. Am I right?¡±

    Martial arts and weapons used by those assassins were unique to the guards of Nanjiang. Murong Xue just came to the capital of Nanjiang not long ago and didn¡¯t have much contact with people here. It was impossible for her to breed enmity with people in the capital of Nanjiang. The only one she had had a conflict with was Cang Susu because of Beibei. So Murong Xue was sure that those people were sent by Cang Susu.

    Shock shed through the eyes of the man but disappeared in an instant. His looked down slightly.

    Murong Xue curled up the corners of her mouth and sneered, ¡°I was right!¡±

    It was rather malicious of Cang Susu to have tried to kill Murong Xue who just had a bickering with her. Cang Susu resembled her brother Cang Qiong so much in terms of characteristics, being both petty and vengeful.

    When Murong Xue was immersed in thoughts with her eyes closed, the man blindsided her. He pulled out the dagger from his boot and stabbed at her, only aiming toplete hisdy¡¯s order by killing Murong Xue.

    However, he just bit off more than he could chew with a sneak attack to Murong Xue.

    Murong Xue put on a cold smile. She suddenly extended her arm to grab the man¡¯s wrist and pushed him hard. The sharp dagger shed across his neck and red blood ran down from the gash.

    With his eyes widened, the man fell to the ground and died.

    Ouyang Shaochen looked at Murong Xue ndly and said, ¡°What are your ns?¡± He knew Murong Xue well. She was not a little girl who would be bullied easily.

    ¡°Since Cang Susu gave me such a great gift, I naturally have to pay her back,¡± Murong Xue said with an odd smile.

    In this evening, Cang Susu in a chiffon nightdress reclined on the bedbing her hair. The cold breeze brought out her allure.

    She nced at the transparent hourss on the table, her eyes glittering with malice. She thought that guards must have killed Murong Xue by then.

    Murong Xue robbed the dog she liked and even instructed it to scratch her. Murong Xue deserved to die a thousand times over.

    Suddenly, there was a sharp rap on the door.

    Cang Susu frowned. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see what¡¯s going on.¡± The little maid walked quickly towards the door, wondering who could be bold enough to smash thedy¡¯s door in the middle of the night.

    There was another loud rap on the door before the little maid furiously opened the door. No sooner had she reprimanded than an unknown object flew over her head and fell onto Cang Susu¡¯s body.

    Cang Susu was caught off guard and knocked down with the back of her head onto the bed. She felt her anger rise and looked up, only to find a dark-clothed man who was covered with blood on top of her. With blood trickling down from the gash on his neck, Cang Susu¡¯s nightdress became red. The faint smell of freshly shed blood spread in the air in no time.

    Noticing that, Cang Susu screamed in horror.

    She waved her arms to get rid of the dead body. Unfortunately, hardly had she pushed away the dead body when another one flew to her.

    Cang Susu screamed again and waved her arms in panic to push away the bodies. Unexpectedly, more and more dead bodies fell onto her. ¡°Help me, help me,¡± she screamed.

    Upon hearing that, the guards rushed in. They saw more than 20 bodies piled on Cang Susu. Unable to move, she was in a position that was so undignified, so embarrassing!

 Chapter 276 - Settling Scores

    <h4>Chapter 276: Settling Scores</h4>

    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there. Go move the bodies away!¡± Prime Minister Cang snapped as he strode over. He looked tall and erect, with his ck hair tamed, in a perfectly-tailored dark blue finery. Compressing his lips with a piercing re in his eyes, he projected himself as an awe-inspiring man.

    ¡°Yes!¡± The guards came to themselves and did as told. When they moved the bodies, they frowned at the smell of the stinky blood.

    With more bodies moved away, Cang Susu revealed in the piles of bodies. She looked beyond awkward, curling herself up like a shrimp on the bed, with blood all over her face, arms, hair and nightgown.

    ¡°Mydy!¡± At the sight of Cang Susu, the maid standing at the door immediately rushed to the bed. She grabbed a dress, covered it on Cang Susu and helped her up.

    Cang Susu, the daughter of a distinguished family, only used tricks and ordered her guards to kill people. It frightened her terribly being in such a bloody scene full of bleeding bodies and resentful eyes, which she had never been in.

    She could even still feel the way she felt with piles of bodies on top of her, which were heavy and sticky. She felt like she had been to the hell. The thick smell of blood sent chills down her spine and almost made her heart stop beating. Her face turned deathly pale and her body couldn¡¯t help but trembled slightly.

    Prime Minister Cang waved the guards away and strode to the bed. He said to her daughter condescendingly, ¡°Who did you offend?¡±

    As was known to him, those dead people were the top-notch guards of the Prime Minister Mansion and their martial arts were beyond ordinary guards. But the top-notch guards had been killed in such a tragic way, so it must be done by some superior guards. The one who could raise these superior guards must be very tough.

    On the other hand, the mansion was heavily guarded with guards patrolling around all day long. But those superior guards managed to sneak into the mansion carrying the bodies and even throw them onto Cang Susu. That was rampant.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure who she is...¡± Cang Susu told the story between she and Murong Xue to her father. As Prime Minister Cang listened to his daughter, he narrowed his eyes slightly. ¡°She stayed in a suburban mansion? So she¡¯s not from the capital. She¡¯s from elsewhere!¡±

    Cang Susu nodded, ¡°I think so.¡±

    Since Murong Xue was not from the capital, no one would investigate the case if she was killed. However, it never urred to Cang Susu that Murong Xue was protected by skilled guards who killed all the assassins sent by Cang Susu, moved their bodies to the Prime Minister¡¯s Mansion and cast the bodies onto Cang Susu to insult her.

    ¡°She¡¯s really something. You¡¯re no match for her. Just stay out of this. I¡¯ll handle it for you,¡± Prime Minister Cang said in a low voice with a piercing re. It humiliated him that his men were killed by those who sneaked into his mansion and insulted his daughter. No way would he ever spare them.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Cang Susu nodded, with a horrible look. She had confidence in it that her father was bound to catch that girl who had the guts to insult Cang Susu. Cang Susu swore that she would tear Murong Xue into pieces!

    In the suburban mansion.

    In a spacious room, a luminous pearl gave out faint yellow light which filled the room with coziness. In some corner, a wisp of smoke curled up from the incense burner and refreshed the room in no time.

    Murong Xue came out of the screen slowly, wiping her wet hair with a towel.

    As she wiped her hair with her eyes as deep as an abyss, she said inwardly, ¡°Hope that can stop her from being so rampant to send guards to kill people.¡± Murong Xue just wanted to make Cang Susu aware that misdeeds came with prices, by means of giving her a small lesson, having dead bodies thrown at her.

    As a white robe came into view, Murong Xue was startled and looked up, only to see a young man reclining on the light blue bed carved with patterns. He looked effortlessly noble and charming, and his wless face was set out in the faint pearl light.

    At the sight of his face, Murong Xue pulled a long face. ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, what are you doing here?¡± Before she could realize, Ouyang Shaochen had sneaked into her room andin on her bed. Fortunately, she had the habit of wearing a nightgown after taking a shower. Otherwise, if she just came out of bathroom with a belly cover, she would be taken advantage of by him.

    Murong Xue¡¯s cheek became red and her dark eyes twinkled, which made her more charming yet innocent.

    Seeing this, Ouyang Shaochen lowered his eyelids slightly with his heart beating violently. He got out of bed slowly, walked over to Murong Xue and took the towel in her hand. As he gently wiped her dark hair with the towel, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s decide what our next move is.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Murong Xue asked, still puzzled.

    There was a flicker of uneasiness in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes as he answered, ¡°Cang Susu Is the daughter of Prime Minister. Since you have thrown dead bodies at her, she must bear a grudge against you and won¡¯t let you off the hook.¡±

    Murong Xue said carelessly, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. If that¡¯s what it is, that¡¯s what it is. I¡¯m not afraid of her.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the point. It is just that Cang Susu is the daughter of Prime Minister. As you deal with Cang Susu, you are against Prime Minister. Prime Minister is the head of the civilian government and well-connected in the capital of Nanjiang. He is very powerful with strong support. It¡¯s not easy for us to cope with him,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said worriedly.

    Murong Xue raised her eyebrows. ¡°Cang Susu caused trouble first. It was not my fault. Prime Minister would know the truth after further investigation. As the prime minister of Nanjiang, would he spare no efforts to deal with a powerless girl like me?¡±

    ¡°From Cang Qiong¡¯s and Cang Susu¡¯s personalities, you should generally know the characters of Prime Minister. Will he be a person that is selfless and can be reasoned with?¡± Ouyang Shaochen caught a glimpse of Murong Xue with mockery.

    Murong Xue frowned. Cang Qiong and Cang Susu were just like their father in many ways. The three of them proved the proverb that the apple did not fall far from the tree. It seemed that she needed to take precautions in advance.

    Suddenly, as Murong Xue was immersed in her thoughts, Ouyang Shaochen held her in his arms.

    Murong Xue was startled and stared at Ouyang Shaochen fiercely, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ste at night so let¡¯s rest first!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said casually, walking towards the bed.

 Chapter 277 - Qianyus Visit

    <h4>Chapter 277: Qianyu¡¯s Visit</h4>

    Murong Xue instantly pulled a long face. She glowered at him and said, ¡°Ouyang Shaochen, it¡¯s my room. Go back to yours if you want to sleep.¡±

    ¡°This room is well-lit and surrounded by flowers outside, so it has fresh air and is perfect for me. My room is not only in a remote area but also exposed to the sun all day long. The dryness and heat in the room is not conducive to recuperating,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly while walking forward non-stop.

    ¡°Then you sleep here, and I¡¯ll go to your room to rest,¡± Murong Xue replied, struggling to free herself from Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s arms. However, Ouyang Shaochen was so powerful that she couldn¡¯t pull away from him.

    ¡°My room is cramped and stuffy. Even I can¡¯t sleep there, not to mention you. Let¡¯s sleep in your room!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said ndly while carefully putting Murong Xue onto the bed. And then he alsoid down.

    Seeing that, Murong Xue sat up and red at him angrily. ¡°There are other rooms in this house. I will find one to take a break in.¡±

    When she and Ouyang Shaochen were in the Prefect Mansion, the residence of Duan Wuluo, they shared a room for safety. But this house belonged to Ouyang Shaochen and it was heavily guarded. There was no need for them to share a room at all.

    ¡°The other rooms have not been cleaned, so we can¡¯t stay there for the time being!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said as he held Murong Xue¡¯s waist and pressed her onto the bed. ¡°It¡¯ste at night so let¡¯s rest first,¡± he continued.

    Feeling his hot breath, Murong Xue was seized with outrage and waved her arms to beat Ouyang Shaochen. ¡°I don¡¯t want to share a room or bed with you,¡± said she.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Ouyang Shaochen asked, puzzled.

    ¡°Men and women are supposed avoid body contact,¡± Murong Xue said word by word. Even in the modern world, sharing a room or bed was not allowed between a small boy and a small girl, let alone in this ancient and conservative era.

    Upon hearing that, Ouyang Shaochen said with an imperceptible smile, ¡°That¡¯s not the case between us.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Murong Xue asked. They were just among ordinary men and women.

    ¡°Because we will be together forever,¡± Ouyang Shaochen said lowly, his dark eyes as deep as an abyss. He then slowly bent his face down, his thin lips printing on Murong Xue¡¯s rosy lips.

    Feeling the moisture, Murong Xue widened her eyes suddenly. Seeing that Ouyang Shaochen¡®s face close to her, she was shocked that she seemed to like the feeling of being kissed instead of hating it.

    Her mind became nk, her breathing fast. She subconsciously extended her arms to push Ouyang Shaochen away.

    Ouyang Shaochen reluctantly stopped kissing her. Looking at her watery eyes and small face that blushed as red as a rose, he kissed her red lips again. ¡°It¡¯s reallyte at night,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°Let¡¯s rest first!¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen extended his long arms to hold her. With his chin on her hair and his eyes closed, he sniffed the faint but unique fragrance in her body.

    Feeling the pain from her lips, Murong Xue came to her senses and caressed her red lips. She looked up at Ouyang Shaochen, only to see his eyes closed. He was so noble and charming that she couldn¡¯t take her eyes off him.

    Had he already fallen asleep? She still had many questions unsolved. Why did he fall asleep so soon?

    Murong Xue frowned. Ouyang Shaochen hadn¡¯t taken a good rest for a long time in their long journey. Now that he finally fell asleep, it was unrighteous of her to wake him up. Besides, those were not urgent questions, so she had better ask him after he woke up.

    As Murong Xue thought that and closed her eyes, Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s powerful heartbeat made its way to her ears. It was like a luby, making her fall asleep in a moment.

    With Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyshes trembling, he slowly opened his eyes. He looked at the sleeping beauty in his arms, with admiration in his obsidian-like eyes.

    Since she cared about him, she didn¡¯t disturb him when he closed his eyes. Instead, sheid in his arms and fell asleep. It seemed that she was not particrly repulsive of his closeness now. Everything he had done for her finally paid off.

    After a while, he snapped his fingers and directed his internal strength at the pearl. He fell asleep in a pleasant mood, with Murong Xue asleep in his arms.

    The dim, yellow light of the moon forced its way through the shutters into the room onto the bed, creating a lustful and cozy atmosphere.

    Suddenly, in a daze, Murong Xue heard someone calling her.

    It was hard for her to identify who it was from that on-and-off sound. She frowned, being disturbed in the early morning.

    ¡°Get more sleep and I¡¯ll drive him away!¡± Ouyang Shao¡¯s soft voice rang in her ears.

    ¡°Um!¡± Murongxue nodded subconsciously and grabbed the thin quilt nearby to cover her ears. However, she suddenly realized that the voice seemed to belong to Gong Qianyu. In a moment, she opened her eyes.

    ¡°Murong Xue.¡± The charming male voice was getting closer, as if he had already been outside the house. It was really Gong Qianyu! Why did hee to their room so early?

    Upon seeing Ouyang Shaochen sitting up and nning to get out of bed, she hurriedly stretched out her hand to stop him. ¡°It is Gong Qianyu. Let me talk to him.¡±

    Ouyang Shaochen gave her a weird look. ¡°Aren¡¯t you sleepy?¡± he asked. He knew that Murong Xue rarely woke up so early.

    ¡°I am not sleepy anymore.¡± Murong Xue shook her head. The moment she opened her eyes, the sleepiness was gone.

    Murong Xue got out of bed and quickly put on clean clothes. As Ouyang Shaochen also changed clothes, she said hurriedly, ¡°I will greet Gong Qianyu. Before he leaves, don¡¯t go out.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Ouyang Shaochen frowned in puzzlement.

 Chapter 278 - Iâ€™ll Show Him the Door if You Dont

    <h4>Chapter 278: I¡¯ll Show Him the Door if You Don¡¯t</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    ¡°Well, you know, men and women should avoid body contact. If people know that we share the same room and bed, it¡¯ll ruin our reputation,¡± Murong Xue stressed each syble slowly as she shifted her re from him unnaturally.

    If her friend caught a man when he walked out of her room in the early morning, it would embarrass her enough even if her friend didn¡¯t make anyment.

    The sullen look on her small face made Ouyang Shaochen smile. He slowly buttoned up and walked outwards. ¡°Gong Qianyu is too arrogant to talk to people. Even if he knows this, he won¡¯t tell others!¡± Ouyang Shaochen said disapprovingly.

    A gleam shed across Murong Xue¡¯s eyes. She reached out to grab him and said hurriedly, ¡°Even so, we¡¯d better keep it from him. You just take a seat here and don¡¯t go out until he leaves.¡±

    ¡°I have something else to do. I can¡¯t stay here for too long,¡± Ouyang Shaochen interrupted her casually as he strode ahead.

    Murong Xue pulled him back by the arm. She glowered at him and said, ¡°Just a little while.¡±

    ¡°My time is precious. A little while is too much already,¡± Ouyang Shaochen took a nce at her and was ready to leave.

    Murong Xue turned furious and pulled him back with teeth and nail. ¡°You must sit here before Gong Qianyu leaves. Otherwise, I will, well...¡±

    ¡°Go on.¡± With his eyebrows raised, Ouyang Shaochen looked at her in an imperceptibly tricky way.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tie you to the bed with the curtain,¡± Murong Xue threatened him angrily.

    ¡°Tie me with the light curtain. You think that¡¯s gonna work?¡± Ouyang Shaochen said as he took a nce at the light gauze with mockery.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Murong Xue snapped when she walked towards the curtain, dragging Ouyang Shaochen.

    The minute she reached out for the curtain, a resigned look shed in Ouyang Shaochen¡¯s eyes. He said lowly, ¡°You have 30 minutes. If you fail to drive him away in 30 minutes, I¡¯ll do that for you.¡±

    Murong Xue blinked and nodded heavily. ¡°It¡¯s a deal!¡±

    ¡°Murong Xue...¡± The charming voice was getting closer. It turned out that Gong Qianyu had already walked into the yard towards her room.

    Startled by his entrance, Murong Xue got her hand off Ouyang Shaochen. As she strode outwards, she warned, ¡°Don¡¯t you go out in the following 30 minutes.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Ouyang Shaochen responded casually. Standing by the bed, he looked at Murong Xue ndly when she mmed the door.

    Afterwards, Murong Xue turned round swiftly, only to see Gong Qianyu¡¯s wless face. It was so close that she could see herself clearly in his dark eyes. Gong Qianyu greeted with a faint smile, ¡°Murong Xue!¡±

    Feeling the warmth on her forehead from his breath, Murong Xue shifted her re unnaturally. She sneaked sideward and cast a nd gaze at him. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to see how your stay in this room is,¡± Gong Qianyu said softly.

    Murong Xue responded with a light smile, ¡°Not bad.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hot and dry here in summer, so it might be hard for you to fall asleep. We¡¯ve raised many beautiful lotuses here and they can help to reduce the heat. If you keep some in the room, you can fall asleep more easily. Would you like the guards to bring some for you?¡± Gong Qianyu said lowly as he looked at Murong Xue with excitement.

    ¡°No, thanks. My room is airy,¡± Murong Xue said with a smile. ¡°There are many nts around the room. It is not stuffy at all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Gong Qianyu looked at the nts in the garden and nodded.

    Murong Xue felt guilty in a moment. It was kind of Gong Qianyu to consider for her but she bluntly refused him. It could have made him a little sad. Murong Xue intended to say a few words tofort him. All of a sudden, she heard a man¡¯s voice from the room.

    Her face sank instantly. She just talked with Gong Qianyu for a moment, but Ouyang Shaochen already urged her. She would keep her words to persuade Gong Qianyu to leave within the given time.

    Looking up at Gong Qianyu, she said with a smile, ¡°Your Majesty, you just returned to your mansion and there must be a lot of things for you to deal with here.¡±

    Gong Qianyu said, ¡°I am the master in the Crown Prince¡¯s Mansion. Manservants and maids are doing their parts and I don¡¯t need to deal with those trivial things.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean trivial things. Do you know how many people around you have been bought over by Gong Qianze?¡± Murong Xue said heavily.

    Gong Qianyu whispered, ¡°I have ordered guards to investigate this matter.¡±

    ¡°What if your guards have also been bought over and give you false results?¡± Murong Xue raised her eyebrows and looked at him, obviously disagreeing with his move.

    Gong Qianyu frowned, ¡°Then what do you think should be done?¡±

    ¡°You should investigate it by yourself. Only in this way can you find the truth,¡± Murong Xue said with a smile and nced at the shadow of the tree to tell the time. It had been over 15 minutes already.

    Gong Qianyu wore a frown, ¡°I can¡¯t investigate all my servants and guards by myself. There are too many of them. I¡¯m gonna take this measure to clear all betrayers...¡±

    Suddenly, the m of the door interrupted Gong Qianyu.

    Gong Qianyu raised his eyebrows and asked, ¡°Is there anyone in your room?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s just a naughty pet I raise,¡± Murong Xue smiled unnaturally. Looking at the shadow of the tree projected on the ground, she was shocked. ¡°Gosh! Time is running out,¡± she thought.

    With the m, the sound of footsteps also travelled to her ears.

    Murong Xue caressed her forehead resignedly. Time was up and Ouyang Shaochen was about toe out.

    In the meanwhile, Gong Qianyu looked at the door of the room and frowned, ¡°Your pet is really naughty and many things in the room must have been damaged. Wait a minute, let me teach it a lesson for you.¡±

    Seeing that Gong Qianyu was about to push the door, Murong Xue hurriedly stopped him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It will stop when it gets tired.¡±

    ¡°I just arrived in this capital city yesterday and couldn¡¯t wait to go out and enjoy the spectacr view. If you have time today, please be my guide,¡± Murong Xue said with a smile, while grabbing Gong Qianyu by the sleeve and pulling him out.

 Chapter 279 - Different Factions

    <h4>Chapter 279. Different Factions</h4>

    Trantor: Guy Gone Bad

    Ouyang Shaochen was going to go out soon. She had no choice but to pull Gong Qianyu away when she failed to persuade him to leave.

    When Gong Qianyu got pulled along, he felt the touch of Murong Xue¡¯s warm soft hand on his. He said awkwardly, ¡°Alright, there are some interesting ces to visit in the capital.¡±

    Suddenly, as the door of the room was opened, Ouyang Shaochen strode out. When he saw the two receding away, his wless face became gloomy. He asked Murong Xue to persuade Gong Qianyu to leave, but she actually abandoned him and was going to have a tour around with Gong Qianyu.

    Strong coldness from Ouyang Shaochen burst out and the temperature in the house instantly dropped to its lowest point. Murong Xue, who was walking fast on the gstones, could even feel the coldness and it gave her chills. Looking at the sun in the sky, she knitted her eyebrows. It was sunny and hot. Why would she feel cold?

    ¡°Murong Xue, did assassinse herest night?¡± A nice male voice made its way to her ears. Murong Xue suddenly came to her senses and raised her head to look at Gong Qianyu. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±

    The bodies of the assassins had been thrown back to the Prime Minister¡¯s Mansion, all the blood stains cleaned up and the destroyed houses repaired. The house remained the way it had been. How could Gong Qianyu tell that some assassins came herest night?

    ¡°The nts over there are chopped down. There seemed to be an intense fighting,¡± Gong Qianyu said.

    Murong Xue followed the direction Gong Qianyu pointed at and looked up, only to see some were mutted in the flowers. The mutted parts could only be seen when people went close to them. Gong Qianyu had really sharp eyes!

    At the mention of assassins in ck, Murong Xue suddenly remembered that they were guards in the Prime Minister¡¯s Mansion and Gong Qianyu would be the son-inw of the prime minister in the future. It seemed that she had borne a grudge against Gong Qianyu¡¯s fianc¨¦e and future father-inw.

    Murong Xue said unnaturally, ¡°Does the prime minister belong to your faction? Do you have his support?¡±

    Gong Qianyu shook his head. ¡°No!¡±

    Murong Xue was startled. ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t he your future father-inw?¡±

    Gong Qianyu flushed with shyness and stammered. ¡°I got engaged to Cang Susu under the pressure of emperor when I was young. I just...¡±

    ¡°No more exnation. I got it,¡± Murong Xue interrupted him. Ancient adults liked to arrange child betrothals for their children when they were young. When she was just transported to the ancient time, she had also been engaged to Ye Yichen since childhood.

    However, the ancients married for advantages and powers. Since Gong Qianyu and Cang Susu had an engagement, the prime minister and Gong Qianyu became stakeholders. The marriage would bring great benefits to the prime minister. Why didn¡¯t the prime minister support his future son-inw?

    Looking at her smiling face, Gong Qianyu breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Prime Minister Cang, as the head of civilians, has always remained neutral.¡± He continued without emotions, as if it was something unimportant, ¡°He has never bothered to participate in the battle for the future emperor!¡±

    Murong Xue nodded. The Emperor of Nanjiang was only in his forties. With his strong body, he could live for at least another 20 to 30 years. Nobody knew what Nanjiang would look like in 20 or 30 years. So sitting on the fence and refusing tomit himself was indeed the best choice.

    As was expected, the prime minister was cunning like an old fox.

    Murong Xue originally thought that the prime minister would support Gong Qianyu. So if Cang Susu tried to plot her again, Murong Xue wouldn¡¯t be ruthless to weaken her power in case they would lose the power to support Gong Qianyu. Unexpectedly, the prime minister chose not to help Gong Qianyu.

    Such being the case, she had nothing to fear. If Cang Susu dared to send guards to kill her again, Murong Xue swore that she would not spare them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s drop this boring topic. Where would you like to go?¡± Gong Qianyu said when looking at Murong Xue with gleaming eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just arrived in the capital and I want to experience the local customs. Maybe you could just show me around.¡± Murong Xue¡¯s eyes shed unnaturally as she walked along the gstones. Having him show her around was just an excuse to send Gong Qianyu away in case he saw Ouyang Shaochen in her room.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Gong Qianyu nodded and a slight smile curled up the corners of his mouth. The capital of Nanjiang was very prosperous. She would definitely like it.

    The picturesque capital attracted many people for its quaint atmosphere and cool evening breeze. What was more, the streets of gstones were clean. It was a sight for sore eyes.

    As the sun rose, the sunlight got increasingly scorching. Murong Xue was forced to head for the shade. Even so, beads of perspiration were still forming on her forehead. She took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat.

    Gong Qianyu stepped forward and asked, looking at her sullen face, ¡°Is the heat killing you?¡±

    ¡°Just a little.¡± Murong Xue smiled. Upon seeing Gong Qianyu who looked spirited in a long robe, she thought, ¡°Internal strength can resist not only coldness, but also heat. No matter what season it is, the weather doesn¡¯t bother those who can harness internal strength at all.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s find a ce to take a rest and prevent the sunstroke,¡± Gong Qianyu said softly.

    Murong Xue raised her head and looked around, only to find themselves by a smallke. Around theke stood many luxurious houses. But the doors of the houses were closed tightly, like a rejection sign to visitors.

    Murong Xue frowned, ¡°It¡¯s not very hot. Don¡¯t disturb others. Let¡¯s go back to get some shelter.¡±

    Watching the sweat oozing on her forehead, Gong Qianyu said, ¡°Our mansion is far from here. I have a friend who lives nearby. Let¡¯s go to his house and rest for a while.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s appropriate.¡± Murong Xue said. It was daytime now, but doors of those houses were closed. Obviously, outsiders were not wee to enter.

    ¡°Never mind. My friend is very hospitable,¡± Gong Qianyu said as he walked towards one of the houses in the southeast, grasping Murong Xue¡¯s sleeves.

    The house with gray bricks and red tiles was magnificent and the que with gold characters was grand.

    Gong Qianyu walked over to the door and knocked gently.

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