"My Father, the Emperor, was reluctant and unwilling in a thousand ways, but I insisted on leaving the palace, because I had to do what she liked. But who would have known that once I left?
I stayed on Qingfeng Mountain for a full five years. In those five years, I learned all of my master's martial arts. My master not only taught me martial arts but also bestowed upon me his sixty years of cultivation.
He said he was old and no longer needed it, and he only wished for me to become a wise ruler of Dong Qin. But because he lost his inner strength, he was killed on Qingfeng Mountain."
At this moment, Murong buried his face in his large palm, his body trembling. Yun Xiao reached out and held his arm, saying in a deep voice, "Murong, don't dwell on the past. We won't talk about what happened before."
But Murong Chong had no intention of stopping. For so many years, he had suppressed himself to the point of near collapse, always unable to find anyone he could trust.
Now, he could finally pour out his heart to Xiao'er. Perhaps by speaking, his heart would be lighter, and he would be able to see things more clearly.
His face was veiled by a light, moonlit gauze. In profile, he was sculpted and distinguished. His narrow eyebrows were as light as wisps of smoke, and his eyes were deep and mysterious, seeming to hide an ocean, or a treasure. In short, they were unfathomable, so deep and so dark.
His long eyelashes made his eyes even brighter. His entire face was so moving and exquisite. Even with profound sadness, it only lent him an air of mystery.
Yun Xiao gazed at him blankly, as if her concern was solely for his pain, completely forgetting his peerless beauty.
"At eighteen, I received a secret letter from the palace saying that my Father, the Emperor, was gravely ill and wished to see me. I rushed back to the capital overnight, without stopping, and finally reached the East Palace in half a month. But the East Palace had set a trap waiting for me."
At this moment, he clasped his hands together tightly, exerting so much force that his veins bulged. His gaze turned icy, sharp as a blade, cold, fierce, and ruthless.
"She personally cooked my favorite soup and waited for me. While I was in agony, she actually told me that she hated me. The mere sight of me reminded her of how Father, the Emperor, had forced her. Therefore, she wished to kill me with her own hands, and she did just that. That night, the East Palace was stained with blood. Everyone connected to me was killed. As for me, due to my profound martial arts, I escaped. When the drug took effect, I didn't even know if I could survive. Later, I was rescued."
"Murong."
Yun Xiao's heart ached. She could clearly feel his pain, spreading through every drop of her blood. She couldn't comprehend how a mother could be so heartless.
To deal with her own child, and one who loved and admired her, was her heart truly as black as night?
Upon hearing Yun Xiao's voice, Murong Chong turned back, his mind much clearer. His pupils returned to their former cold clarity.
"I'm fine. Speaking has indeed made me feel much better. In four years, I organized the Divine Dragon Palace and set all the traps. Now, as soon as I gain control of the military power, I will reclaim the throne that belongs to me."
The Ye family had also been involved in the bloodbath of the East Palace that year. Without taking control of the military power, the Ye family would not stand by him.
"Murong," Yun Xiao felt sorry for Murong, but then she realized he was a crown prince.
He would be the Emperor in the future, and her heart still held some reservations. Even though he said this, what emperor didn't have a harem? Perhaps one day, he would forget everything he said today. Was she really going to take this risk?
Murong Chong reached out and pulled Yun Xiao into his arms, his voice a low growl in her ear, "Do not even think of leaving me. I told you, in this life, I will only have one wife, and that is you, my future Empress."
He roared like a lion, lowering his head to bite her earlobe. The tingling sensation coursed through her like electricity, and if she didn't make a sound, this man would surely bite harder. Yun Xiao quickly placed her hands on his chest and replied with certainty.
"I promise, I will absolutely not have such a thought."
"Good," he gently bit Yun Xiao's tender earlobe as a small warning. His deep eyes held a possessive declaration towards his prey, "Remember what I said tonight, you, Yun Xiao, are my person, my possession, forever."
A completely powerful declaration, so domineering. Yun Xiao wanted to retort, but immediately remembered he might bite her, so she immediately became as docile as a kitten.
However, she soon thought of something. She heard that Shangguan Lin had been assassinated. If Murong knew, would he be heartbroken?
Because that Prince Shangguan was his own brother. Yun Xiao was worried, and then a thought struck her: since Murong could take Sima Qingyun away, why couldn't he take Shangguan Lin away?
Could it be that the assassin was from the Divine Dragon Palace, aiming for a switch?
"Murong, Shangguan Lin might not be dead."
"Yes, he is not dead. How could I let him die? He is my own kin."
Murong Chong's tone was full of arrogance, with a hint of looking down on the world. At this moment, he had regained his cold and proud demeanor. Yun Xiao was not angry; instead, she was happy that he could forget those past pains.
"That's great, I'm relieved he's alright."
"I'll take you to see him tomorrow. He wants to see you."
Murong smiled. When he smiled, he was dazzling and radiant, his brows and eyes like poetry and paintings, indescribably pure and refined.
Never had a man been so self-possessed, so naturally beautiful, without a trace of effeminacy. Instead, beneath his sternness, his masculine dominance and pride were fully displayed. The lord of the world, to whom all things bowed.
However, she was somewhat dismissive of Shangguan Lin wanting to see her.
"Why does he want to see me? Is my relationship with him that good?"
Yun Xiao smiled with a hint of coldness. Had it been too long since she was teased that her skin was itching?
The moonlight illuminated her pretty and elegant little face. Her watery eyes rippled, and the corners of her lips curved into a faint smile. Two large dimples appeared on her cheeks, making her expression beautiful, like a budding lotus, moist, lustrous, and brilliant.
Murong's deep, ink-like eyes flickered with a playful smile. This smile made him appear like an immortal descended to earth beneath the bright moonlight.
In an instant, a faint aura enveloped him, as if bestowing upon him a layer of divine radiance.
At this moment, his expression was gentle, his smile radiant, like a Buddha redeeming all beings, radiating a peaceful light, without any of his previous enchantment. Yun Xiao stared, mesmerized, and couldn't help but murmur.
"Murong, you truly are a demon."
At this time, Yun Xiao sat upright on the rooftop, her hands supporting her chin, and said solemnly.
After speaking, she even blinked her eyes. Her long lashes were tinged with a hint of misty dew, making her bright eyes like stars, like the bright moon, incredibly enchanting.
Murong sighed, this little fool. Who was the truly enchanting one? In his heart, she was his demon. Without her, he was nothing.
However, he said nothing, keeping this secret hidden in his heart, waiting for her to discover it...
The night was already very deep. Murong Chong put away the jade flute in his hand and reached out to hug Xiao'er as they went downstairs.
In the gentle breeze, his white robes fluttered, and his dark hair danced, like an ethereal immortal. He gracefully flashed into the small building. As soon as Yun Xiao landed, she came back to her senses and remembered that he had gone to Jiangnan on business. She reached out and waved, deliberately trying to make things difficult for him.
"Where are the lotus roots and longans you promised me?"