"What's wrong with Zhao? His face is so grim?"
Murong Liuzun raised his eyebrows with concern. He had absolute faith in the Prince of Nan'an. Although not his full brother, they were closer than brothers.
Most importantly, they were in the same boat. If something happened to him, the Prince of Nan'an would be next. Zhao was not a fool; how could he not understand this?
"Imperial Brother, you don't know how detestable Mu Qingyao is. She actually, actually..."
The Prince of Nan'an intended to complain, but the words wouldn't come out. He, the dignified Prince of Nan'an of the Xian Yue Kingdom, had been slapped by that woman. Such a thing would be extremely shameful to admit.
Unable to voice it, his face turned red. In the end, he gritted his teeth and said nothing.
Even if he didn't say it, the Emperor could likely guess what had happened.
Perhaps Mu Qingyao had caused the Prince of Nan'an some trouble.
His imperial brother, who always treated women like clothes, was naturally deeply affected and thus so angry. Murong Liuzun chuckled, his face as gentle as jade, refined and lustrous, like the gentle flow of a stream, clear and pleasant to hear.
"Zhao, she is your Imperial Sister-in-law."
"Yes, otherwise, I would definitely not let her off today." The Prince of Nan'an, Murong Liuzhao, sighed resignedly, feeling helpless and unable to do anything.
If he could, he truly wanted to teach that woman a good lesson, to let her know that he was still the dignified Prince of Nan'an of the Xian Yue Kingdom, not some stray cat or dog that could be hit casually.
But now that woman had become his Imperial Sister-in-law, the future Empress. Thus, he, the dignified Prince of Nan'an, was now like a stray cat or dog by the roadside.
The thought made Murong Liuzhao feel a surge of bleakness, his future seemed so dark!
"Do you have anything else, Zhao? I am tired." A fleeting anxiety flickered in Murong Liuzun's eyes, as brilliant as cat's eye stones. He leaned back slightly, resting on the bed.
The Prince of Nan'an, Murong Liuzhao, rarely saw his imperial brother's expression change. But tonight, something seemed different; he was not his usual cool and composed self.
Could it be that the Princess was in trouble?!
The Prince of Nan'an was startled and quickly asked, "Imperial Brother, has the Princess encountered something?"
In the flickering light, Murong Liuzun's long eyelashes trembled. His deep, inscrutable eyes revealed no thought. His face slowly turned icy, a brilliant cold sneer.
"This detestable girl, she actually left the palace without permission."
"Ah, Xingzhu has left the palace? Where did she go?"
The Prince of Nan'an became anxious all of a sudden. Xingzhu was so innocent, and she spoke so sweetly. She was the only woman who spoke to Murong Liuzhao with a pleasant demeanor.
"To the Mu residence."
Murong Liuzun's voice was magnetic and low, with a hint of suppressed anger.
However, his handsome face remained as impeccable as ever, showing no outward signs of displeasure. But if Xingzhu returned, she would surely face consequences; this was something both Murong Liuzhao and A'jiu knew.
Because the Emperor doted on the Princess, he would be heartbroken if anything happened to her.
"Imperial Brother, Xingzhu is very clever; she'll be fine."
"Go back. Protect Miss Mu San, and don't let Changsun Zhu take her away. She is now the future Empress of our Xian Yue Kingdom. If she is indeed taken away by someone, it would be a legendary tale."
"Your humble subject obeys." The Prince of Nan'an dared not say more.
If Bingxiao had not sent a message tonight, that woman would likely have been taken away by Changsun Zhu.
But why would Changsun Zhu want to take Mu Qingyao away? He had only met that woman twice, yet he wanted to take her back to the Qingluo Kingdom?
Murong Liuzhao was bewildered, unable to fathom the mystery.
The Prince of Nan'an turned to leave. As he neared the door, the person on the bed moved, and a commanding voice echoed.
"Zhao, envoys from the other six kingdoms will be arriving soon. Go back and think about who would be suitable to receive them."
"Yes, your humble subject obeys." The Prince of Nan'an acknowledged the order and walked out.
The sleeping chambers fell silent. A'jiu saw the Emperor leaning against the bed, not showing any signs of sleep, and quickly stepped forward to inquire.
"Your Majesty, please rest for a while. If the Princess returns, I will report to Your Majesty immediately."
"Yes, inform me as soon as there is any news."
Murong Liuzhao remained still, nodding slightly. He gently closed his eyes, his ink-black hair cascading over his chest, accentuating the three-dimensionality of his features. Now, with the relaxation of his stern demeanor, the intense aura of killing vanished, leaving only a clear, refined presence. His brows were slightly furrowed, like thin ice in autumn, exuding a subtle, alluring charm, detached from the mortal world.
A'jiu was mesmerized and dared not disturb him. He slowly retreated to guard outside the chamber.
...
The dark night sky enveloped the Mu residence.
In the Green Courtyard, lanterns swayed, and candlelight flickered. Mu Qingyao, having just finished bathing, walked lightly along the corridor with her wet hair loose. Her simple shirt and shorts, paired with her long hair, made her look remarkably charming and captivating.
She yawned as she walked, feeling truly exhausted today.
Changsun Zhu had acupointed her, leaving her body stiff for a long time. It still ached.
The moment Mu Qingyao thought of that damned man, anger flared in her eyes, and her expression turned cold. She mused inwardly, "Changsun Zhu, you'd better not fall into my hands, or I will repay you tenfold."
Lost in thought, the air suddenly grew still, and a sharp gust of wind swept through as a figure lunged forward with extreme speed.
Mu Qingyao moved back, evading the attack. Mochou stepped forward, and the sash at her waist instantly transformed into a sharp sword, striking at the black-clad figure.
Mo Chou and the black-clad assailant engaged in a fierce battle in the corridor. Swords clashed and parried; sword energy shattered the lanterns, broke the jade railings, and ruined the flora.
Behind Mu Qingyao, Meixin and Xiaolian gasped in alarm, their faces pale. They reached out to shield Mu Qingyao, pulling her back.
"Miss, please be careful."
Mu Qingyao glanced at the two maids. They were still loyal, still mindful of her as their mistress despite their fear, shielding her together to prevent her from harm.
Mu Qingyao looked at the black-clad assailant. Under the lantern light, the assailant was petite and shapely, clearly a woman. Moreover, her martial arts skills were not particularly formidable, clearly inferior to Mochou's.
In a blur of movement, Mochou quickly subdued the assailant and brought her before Mu Qingyao.
"Miss, look."
Mu Qingyao gazed at the woman. She had large, round eyes, which were now filled with intense anger. She glared fiercely at Mu Qingyao, as if harboring a deep-seated hatred.
Mu Qingyao paid no mind to her gaze. With a cold expression, she reached out and pulled off the black cloth from the assailant's face, revealing a cute and pretty face.