Everyone said that the King of Beijin was gentle, and upon meeting him today, he indeed lived up to his reputation. Even without approaching, just looking at him from afar, one could feel his warm and jade-like quality. His demeanor was elegant, and within three feet, he exuded warmth.
The King of Beijin was the opposite of the King of Nan'an. The King of Nan'an was cold as ice, while the King of Beijin was as warm as the sun. The current Emperor Xian, however, combined the strengths of both, possessing both gentleness and coldness.
Upon hearing Mei Xin's words, Qing Yao was surprised to learn that the flutist was actually the King of Beijin.
The King of Beijin's complexion was slightly pale, as if he were suffering from an illness. Although his movements were elegant, they were somewhat sluggish. Was he truly ill?
Qing Yao swept her gaze around, preparing to leave, when the King of Beijin turned around. He spotted the graceful figure beneath the willow branches, paused in astonishment, and a gentle smile played on his lips. He cupped his fists and greeted, "Please forgive my impropriety, Miss."
"You are most welcome. The flute is a fine one, and the music is beautiful. However, it seems you are preoccupied with many thoughts, which inevitably causes some distortion."
Qing Yao did not mince words, pointing out the flaw in the King of Beijin's flute playing. Her sharp insight made the King of Beijin's eyes light up, and he gazed intently at Mu Qing Yao, her eyes shining. This woman seemed to understand music deeply. He enjoyed interacting with those who were skilled in music most.
"May I ask for your name, Miss?"
The King of Beijin's eyes were different from Murong Liu Zun and Murong Liu Zhao, bearing a resemblance to the current Empress Dowager. They were slender and well-shaped, with long, thick, and slightly curled eyelashes that fluttered gently as he spoke, adding a touch of graceful charm.
Coupled with his radiant, sun-like smile, he appeared incredibly approachable, truly living up to his reputation as a gentle and refined gentleman.
Qing Yao, for once, shed some of her usual coldness and replied faintly, "My name is Mu Qing Yao."
Murong Liu Mo's pupils widened in surprise. A smile tugged at his lips, and he blurted out, "You are the third miss of the Prime Minister's mansion, spoken of in rumors, the future Empress."
Qing Yao remained silent, but Mei Xin beside her puffed out her chest with pride and nodded vigorously, walking forward with her hands behind her back. "Yes, my young lady is indeed the Prime Minister's daughter, the future Empress."
Thinking thus, she no longer found the King of Beijin intimidating. The Empress would surely outrank a Prince. The little maid, her initial fear replaced by a beaming smile, looked at the King of Beijin.
"I am Murong Liu Mo. Greetings, Third Miss Mu."
Murong Liu Mo immediately restrained his radiance and greeted respectfully. Qing Yao shook her head, "Your Highness of Beijin is too courteous."
The lake had been enjoyed, the music heard, and the acquaintance made. Qing Yao, leading her young maid, departed gracefully.
Behind them, a deep, unfathomable glint flashed in the King of Beijin's dark pupils. He followed the graceful, slender figure, a smile of ambiguous meaning playing on his lips.
Just as Mu Qing Yao and her companions were about to disappear from view, a sudden cry erupted from behind, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps.
Qing Yao and Mo Chou turned around to see two masked figures in black chasing after the King of Beijin, their shining swords slashing fiercely.
Qing Yao was startled and instinctively reached out. Chang Ling shot out with a gust of wind, its potent airflow wrapping around the assailant's sword.
With a flick of her wrist, the sword fell. Qing Yao's expression turned grim as she commanded, "Mo Chou, apprehend those two. In broad daylight, they dare to assassinate the King of Beijin?"
"Yes, Miss."
Mo Chou acknowledged the order and leaped forward, her movements a series of lethal, continuous attacks.
The two black-clad assailants moved with vicious and poisonous intent. If they had harmed the King of Beijin, it would have been troublesome. With the three of them being with the King of Beijin at the time, any misfortune would have led to difficult explanations.
Mu Qing Yao was about to intervene, but in a flash of lightning, she saw Mo Chou's sword qi erupt, sweeping out with a majestic force like rivers and mountains, bursting forth into countless sharp sword flowers.
The force sent the two assailants staggering back several steps. They exchanged surprised glances, turned their bodies, and fled.
Mo Chou alone had defeated those two detestable fellows.
Qing Yao smiled. She hadn't expected Mo Chou's martial arts to have improved so much. Previously, due to years of malnutrition, her body had been depleted, causing her martial arts to stagnate slightly.
Now, with her body in excellent health and diligent practice, her martial arts had reached a new level.
"Mo Chou, well done."
Qing Yao praised her heartily, causing Mo Chou to blush. Although pleased, she reminded her young lady,
"Your Highness seems to be injured?"
This remark alerted the two women nearby.
Mu Qing Yao and Mei Xin hurried over to check on the King of Beijin, who was leaning against a large tree.
He was sweating coldly, his long hair matted with moisture. His already pale face had lost all color, and even his lips were bloodless, appearing dull and lifeless.
Qing Yao was greatly surprised. This King of Beijin was too weak. Why was his face so pale with fear? Only when she saw the bloodstains on the ground did she realize the King of Beijin was injured. His arm had been cut by the assailant's sword.
Fortunately, it had not injured bone or sinew, only an external wound. However, for the King of Beijin, who did not practice martial arts, this was already the limit.
Qing Yao quickly crouched down and pressed a pressure point on the King of Beijin's arm, stopping the bleeding.
This woman was not shy. She directly pulled at the King of Beijin's long robe and, under everyone's gaze, with a "swish," tore off the hem of his robe to wrap his wound.
"Miss?"
Mei Xin rolled her eyes. Did their young lady still have any semblance of womanhood? How could she tear a man's clothes so casually? The King of Beijin was a man.
"Thank you for your help."
Murong Liu Mo's gentle features softened, and his complexion improved considerably. He opened his mouth to thank Mu Qing Yao.
"Mo Chou, Mei Xin, you two help the King of Beijin into Yue Jue Temple and have the abbot treat him."
This Yue Jue Temple was so grand and vast that, without a doubt, its abbot must be extraordinary and powerful, with an abundance of life-saving pills and the like. As long as they administered even a small amount, the King of Beijin would be fine.
"Yes, Miss."
Mo Chou and Mei Xin helped Murong Liu Mo up and walked towards Yue Jue Temple.
Behind them, Mu Qing Yao followed at a moderate distance, gazing at the tall, slightly slender man ahead. Her brows furrowed slightly. This King of Beijin had no martial arts skills at all?
If his health was poor, why didn't he practice martial arts to strengthen himself? Could it be that he was afraid of the Emperor's suspicion, and thus gave up martial arts?
But if one's heart is clear, why worry about others' opinions?
And the Empress Dowager in the palace, she seemed overly arrogant, forming a stark contrast with the King of Beijin before her. What was the story with this mother and son?
As they entered the central courtyard of Yue Jue Temple, they saw a young novice monk in gray approach. Mu Qing Yao quickly blocked the novice monk's path and requested an audience with the abbot.