Decisive words echoed resolutely throughout the hall, met by a clamor from the assembled crowd.
"Yes, Palace Master."
After Qingyao had arranged everything, she pushed Wuqing out. Lin Simiao and Zhao Hongwen, their previous arrogance gone, cautiously escorted the two of them away.
As the stone door closed, the three men let out wry smiles. From this day forward, their new master was that vicious woman. Yet, contemplating her words filled them with boundless hope.
Fengchen Palace would move forward, and they would no longer have to live in the darkness beneath. In times of chaos, heroes emerge from all paths; perhaps they, too, could attain noble titles. The thought ignited a spark in their eyes, and in unison, they declared, "From this day on, we follow the Palace Master."
The night was deep.
Qingyao pushed Wuqing through the herb fields, speaking softly.
"Wuqing, you won't object to what I just did, will you?"
"I don't object. I'm merely astonished. Qingyao, your capabilities are immense, far exceeding my expectations. I was initially worried you might falter, and I was prepared to fiercely retaliate against anyone who troubled you. To think you subdued everyone single-handedly."
Wuqing's voice held a trace of amusement.
Qingyao was truly remarkable, not only possessing martial prowess but also possessing a sharp mind. The theories she espoused were so novel that even he found them refreshing.
"Do you have any thoughts on the future development of Fengchen Palace?" she inquired.
Three thousand people. How much would it cost to maintain them? In that moment, she had made a decision. In two to three months, once these people were trained, she would send them out to take on missions. This way, they could at least support themselves and, in turn, bring in revenue, which would greatly boost morale.
Today, she had only seen a group of listless subordinates, devoid of any vitality.
"Nothing. You decide."
"Alright. The expenses for food and supplies for so many people... I have a preliminary plan. After a period of training and skill improvement, we will select the outstanding individuals to undertake missions. What do you think?"
As Qingyao spoke, Wuqing readily agreed. He had never considered this aspect before.
"Go ahead and do it. They are all your subordinates now. Don't forget, you are the Palace Master of Fengchen Palace."
In the darkness, his voice was as joyful as flowing water. Wuqing was genuinely happy for her. He had finally let go of those people, and with them, the shackles on his heart. It seemed everything was destined.
The two chatted as they walked, Qingyao escorting Wuqing to his room before returning to her own.
In Wuqing's chamber, Qingfeng paced back and forth. The moment he saw his master, he quickly glanced outside before rushing forward and whispering a few words. Wuqing's face instantly turned stern. A slight curve graced his lips as he spoke slowly.
"Very well, push me outside."
Qingfeng pushed his master out.
A lamp was lit in Qingyao's room, where Mochou was waiting. Hearing footsteps, she looked up quickly. Seeing her mistress's cheerful expression, as if she had encountered something joyful, Mochou let out a sigh of relief. "Where did you go, Miss?"
Qingyao didn't answer Mochou, instead sitting at the carved round table. Mochou immediately poured her tea and stood beside her.
"Miss, I don't know why, but since returning to the valley this time, I've felt uneasy. It's as if something is about to happen."
Mochou frowned slightly, a shadow cast over her pretty face.
Qingyao picked up the delicate tea pot and took a sip. She didn't say anything. Honestly, she had the same feeling—a sense of something lurking in the dark corners, about to unfold. This darkness seemed poised to shatter the valley's tranquility. What could it be?
The thought brought to mind Wuqing giving those people to her. What had he originally intended?
A person as indifferent and detached as he would not spend money to support a large group of people for no reason. "To train troops for a thousand days, to use them for a thousand days," he must have been preparing for a decisive blow. But now that he had given them to her, what would become of his plans?
Qingyao's gaze turned exceedingly sharp. Her earlier excitement had faded, replaced by a growing unease the more she thought about it.
She had to ask him clearly, or she wouldn't be able to rest easy.
With this thought, Qingyao immediately put down the tea pot and started to leave. Mochou called out anxiously, "Miss, Miss!"
She dared not leave on her own, as the young miss was asleep in her room. The current Wuqing Valley was filled with unsettling elements.
Although Xiaoyuer was cunning and intelligent, she had no martial arts. Her mistress had tasked her with protecting Xiaoyuer, so under normal circumstances, Mochou dared not leave without authorization.
Mochou paced back and forth in distress. Just then, Moyou entered from outside. Mochou immediately instructed him.
"Hurry and protect our mistress. She's gone off somewhere. She might be looking for Young Master Wuqing."
As Mochou spoke, Moyou flashed and sped away.
Qingyao entered Wuqing's room, only to find him strangely absent. Even Qingfeng and Mingyue were nowhere to be seen. It was so late; where had they gone?
A flicker of hesitation crossed her face. The scene by the small grove last time suddenly flashed in her mind—Wuqing meeting secretly with a group of men in black. Was there something she didn't know?
The thought spurred her on. Qingyao shifted her stance and turned to head outside. With a light push, she employed her Qinggong, swiftly moving towards the back mountain.
Fearing she might alert Wuqing and the others, she stayed far away, concentrating to listen for any movement in the rear mountain. Indeed, she faintly heard voices speaking, cold and chilling like water. It was Wuqing's voice.
"From now on, do not come again."
"If you send people again, don't blame me for being impolite."
Who was this "you"? Although Wuqing's tone was cold, he wasn't truly threatening them. She understood Wuqing's character. If they were truly insignificant people, he would have killed them long ago and thrown them into the swamp. Why would he issue a warning?
Were the people who came to find him the same men in black she had seen that night? Today, she was determined to find out what these people wanted.
Qingyao made up her mind, suppressing her breath, trying her best not to be discovered.
As she was lurking, she suddenly heard light footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Moyou drifting towards her. He squatted down beside her, following her movement, and spoke softly, "Mistress, what are you doing?"
Qingyao shushed him, preventing Moyou from making a sound. Wuqing was no ordinary person. If he discovered her, she wouldn't be able to find out who these people were today.
The conversation continued on the other side, Wuqing's voice growing louder. Finally, he commanded Qingfeng with resentment, "Let's go back."