The assassin leading them was Shangguan Hao, but he hadn't expected Mu Qingyao to see through his origin at a glance. Since she knew it was him and still cursed him, it made him furious, and his swordsmanship became even more vicious.
However, the Prince of Nan'an was not to be trifled with. Of course, he wouldn't let him succeed. Upon hearing that he was Shangguan Hao, and that the Crown Prince of Wanhe Kingdom was openly assassinating Qingyao, he became even more enraged.
"Shangguan Hao, you scoundrel, daring to sneak attack our people from Xian Yue at night! Xian Yue declares eternal enmity with Wanhe Kingdom from this moment on."
But Shangguan Hao ignored the Prince of Nan'an, Murong Liu Zhao. If he spoke now, he would reveal his hand. If he killed Mu Qingyao now, he could simply deny it later, and who could prove otherwise?
So he remained silent, focusing on the fight. However, the commotion here quickly alerted those outside.
More people rushed in, including the Crown Prince of Qingluo Kingdom, Changsun Zhu, and the Third Prince of Yuncang Kingdom, Wen Yu.
As soon as the two appeared, they unhesitatingly joined the fray. Shangguan Hao was no match for them. Seeing himself at a disadvantage and about to be exposed, he seized an opening and slipped away, followed by two of his subordinates. The other two were killed.
Everyone removed the black cloth from the faces of the slain and confirmed they were Shangguan Hao's men.
Changsun Zhu's handsome features were etched with anger as he spoke in a low voice, "This man is too treacherous. We must guard against him in the future."
"Indeed, he appears refined and distinguished, yet turns out to be such a villain," Wen Yu agreed, nodding.
Changsun Zhu had personal experience with Shangguan Hao. The last time in Qingluo Kingdom, they almost succeeded. If Qingyao hadn't killed Changsun Yin, he would have suffered greatly. Thinking of this, the eyes of the two men lit up as they turned towards the woman leaning on the couch – who else could it be but Qingyao?
Changsun Zhu's eyes crinkled with a smile as he cupped his fist and asked, "Qingyao, are you alright?"
Mu Qingyao sighed inwardly, but her expression remained impassive as she replied faintly, "Thanks to the Crown Prince of Changsun, I am well."
Wen Yu, unwilling to be outdone, his devilishly handsome face showing a hint of remorse, spoke softly, "Qingyao, I apologize for what happened at Wushi Valley."
"No need. It's all in the past. It's late now; you should both return."
Qingyao spoke politely. It seemed they should return tomorrow. Shen Yu had successfully ascended the throne, and they had obtained what they came for, so there was no need to stay any longer.
Changsun Zhu and Wen Yu looked at her deeply. Seeing the thin veil covering her face, they recalled Ji Xue's words: she had truly been afflicted by the Ugly Visage Gu, becoming as unsightly as a hag? Both felt a pang of sympathy for her.
It was already very late. They would see her again tomorrow. The two men bowed simultaneously, "Very well, we shall see you tomorrow."
Qingyao waved her hand. The Prince of Nan'an, his face grim, saw them off. The thought of these two men staring at Qingyao made him uncomfortable. With their Emperor not present, he felt it was his duty to protect Qingyao.
Geng Han, leading two subordinates, cleaned up the imperial chamber and withdrew. Mochou walked over and said respectfully,
"Mistress, it's time to rest."
"Mm," Qingyao nodded, gently removing the thin veil from her face, yawning elegantly. She looked up at Mochou and said softly, "We are leaving Huangyuan Kingdom tomorrow. Are you sure you want to come with me? Don't you need to stay to accompany him?"
"No, I will follow Mistress," Mochou replied decisively. She had no right to stay. He was the Emperor now; what was she? Mochou smiled self-mockingly. Love truly hurt people from ancient times.
"Mistress, don't worry about me. I'm fine. You should sleep."
Qingyao rose to wash up and rest. Before sleeping, she uttered a meaningful sentence.
"What is yours will not be lost; what is not yours, even if held tightly, will eventually be lost."
Mochou was stunned. The words made sense. Whether something was hers or not, who knew? Why should she dwell on it?
The next day, as soon as the city gates opened, Qingyao, accompanied by the Prince of Nan'an and ministers from Xian Yue, departed Huangyuan Kingdom. Shangguan Hao of Wanhe Kingdom also led his people away, as did the envoy from Danfeng Kingdom.
Finally, only Changsun Zhu of Qingluo Kingdom and Wen Yu of Yuncang Kingdom remained. The two men looked at each other, gazing at the empty courier station. It seemed Yao'er did not wish to see them again. With a sigh, they bid farewell and returned to their respective countries.
The carriage traveled for ten days before returning to Xian Yue. The Prince of Nan'an, Murong Liu Zhao, escorted Qingyao all the way to the Imperial Villa before leading two high-ranking officials back to the palace to report.
The Emperor of Xian Yue was delighted to know they had returned. His handsome face shone with brilliance. He waved, ordering the Minister of Rites and the Minister of War to withdraw, leaving only the Prince of Nan'an.
The vast imperial study was filled with the scent of dragon saliva incense.
"Was the journey smooth?" the Emperor's deep, charming voice inquired.
The Prince of Nan'an, Murong Liu Zhao, knew what his brother wanted to ask. Without waiting for further inquiry, he respectfully reported, "Everything went well. The Empress's scheme was masterful. Xian Yue has obtained the letter of surrender from Huangyuan Kingdom."
After reporting, Murong Liu Zhao carefully presented the letter of surrender. The Empress had gone to great lengths for this. If she hadn't seen through Shangguan Hao's insidious scheme, she would have been in grave danger this time. Shangguan Hao's martial arts were extremely powerful. After their encounter, he realized he was no match for him. Perhaps only the Emperor could defeat him. Their victory that night was entirely due to superior numbers that scared him away.
The thought of this made Liu Zhao's expression darken further.
Murong Liu Zun took the letter of surrender and noticed his younger brother's somewhat somber expression. His heart clenched, and his voice turned cold, "Was this mission to Huangyuan Kingdom very perilous?"
The Prince of Nan'an looked up. Seeing the frosty expression on the Emperor's handsome, jade-like face and his piercing eyes, he slowly began, "It was Shangguan Hao. Because he knew Qingyao was hidden among the envoys, he attempted to assassinate her at night. Fortunately, she had already seen through it and arranged for your brother and others to hide in the shadows, preventing Shangguan Hao from succeeding."
"Insolent!" Murong Liu Zun suddenly roared, pounding the imperial desk. His face was dark and displeased, his lips, like cherry blossoms, pursed into a thin line. His chest heaved, showing how furious he was.
"Is the Empress unharmed?"
The Prince of Nan'an shook his head. Only then did the Emperor relax. Although his expression remained grim, his tone softened.
"Good. Your mission to Huangyuan Kingdom was arduous. Go back and rest well."
"Thank you, Imperial Brother," the Prince of Nan'an retreated. Ah Jiu walked in and respectfully bowed his head, saying cautiously, "Your Majesty, General An is waiting outside the study."
"Summon him," Murong Liu Zun smoothed his brows and carefully placed the letter of surrender aside. This matter was not yet suitable for anyone to know before it was made public.
Ah Jiu walked out, and soon General An followed him in.
General An, in his thirties, was a talent personally selected by the Emperor of Xian Yue, known for his loyalty. Upon entering the imperial study, he respectfully knelt, "Your servant greets Your Majesty."