Yan Yu had not expected to encounter someone so arrogant. Recalling his unfathomable abilities and the silver mask on his face, he suddenly understood that he had heard of this person before.
"Murong Chong, it's actually you."
Murong Chong raised his gaze. It seemed this man was not entirely useless, possessing a rather meticulous mind. The corners of his lips curved slightly, a chilling smile enveloping his cheeks, the mask catching the cold light.
Yun Xiao looked up, calmly observing the two men engaged in a silent battle of gazes. Meanwhile, she was sweating profusely, her head swimming, and she involuntarily tilted to one side.
Wan Wan entered from the doorway, letting out a startled cry as she rushed in with a tray.
Murong Chong was faster. He reached out and caught Yun Xiao, his previous cold, bloodthirsty demeanor vanishing. Deep tension filled his eyes. "Xiao'er, what's wrong?"
He extended a large hand to wipe Yun Xiao's forehead. It was cool, and her body was extremely weak, clearly the result of exhaustion from the past two days.
She had not slept all night yesterday, and it was unknown if she had eaten during the day. On top of that, she had just saved Prince Yan Yu of the North, a feat that would exhaust even an iron body.
Beside them, Prince Yan Yu of the North was also somewhat anxious, wondering what was wrong with the woman before him.
Her face was so pale; it was evident her health was not good, yet she had insisted on treating him.
Although her words had been somewhat sharp earlier, she seemed completely different from others. Yet, she belonged to another man.
And this man was no ordinary person.
The Divine Dragon Palace was currently the largest sect in the Eastern Qin kingdom, its influence pervasive, and its strength and capabilities not to be underestimated.
It was strange to think that a queen had ultimately become the beloved woman of the Divine Dragon Palace Master.
Yan Yu smiled bitterly, looking at the woman opposite him with concern.
Murong Chong swiftly placed Yun Xiao on the couch, then sat cross-legged opposite her. He channeled his internal energy, supplying Yun Xiao with true qi to alleviate her weakness. Only when Yun Xiao felt much better did he slowly withdraw his hands.
"Xiao'er, you didn't eat today, did you?"
This was a statement of displeasure disguised as a question, not an inquiry, and it carried an undertone of tenderness.
Yun Xiao paused, looking up into Murong Chong's clear, glass-like black eyes. Though sharp, the worry was profound.
"I'm fine."
"Yes, she was exhausted all night yesterday, didn't eat all day today, only got up in the evening, and then saved this Crown Prince, which is why she fainted," Wan Wan reported from the side. She now regarded Murong Chong as half her master, so she spoke more tactfully.
In truth, if her master hadn't saved this Prince Yan, it wouldn't have been a big problem; it was simply the exhaustion from all the effort.
"Hmph, it's all your fault."
Murong Chong turned and glared at Prince Yan Yu of the North, channeling his frustration. As the man was momentarily stunned, a flicker of warmth flashed in his eyes.
Accepting Murong Chong's blame, he remained unusually quiet, not uttering a word.
Murong Chong reached out, scooped Yun Xiao into his arms, and returned to sit by the table. With swift movements, he prepared to serve Yun Xiao food, completely ignoring the two people in the reception hall. Yun Xiao, however, felt uncomfortable.
Although Murong often did such things, doing them in front of Yan Yu and Wan Wan made her feel quite awkward.
But this man was always incredibly domineering and paid no attention to her subtle hints. He simply brought over a bowl. Yun Xiao quickly reached out and spoke first, "I'll do it myself."
She had thoroughly grown afraid of this Great Hero Murong. She diligently lowered her head and ate, her movements swift and steady.
Wan Wan watched them with a smile.
Yan Yu was feeling tired, his eyes slightly closed in rest. However, Yun Xiao was clearly imprinted in his mind, her different appearances.
First, her cold, icy expression, and then her focused, serious look when treating him.
At that time, he had already woken up and had been secretly watching her. He had never imagined that a woman could possess such varied facets; it had truly broadened his horizons.
And now, as she sat in another man's embrace, she was entirely the shy, lively girl.
How could one person have such constantly changing appearances, and each one so captivating?
He owed her a debt for saving him. While blessing her, he thought that if she ever needed him in the future, he would assist her with all his might.
For now, he needed to recover from his injuries and return to the Northern Dynasty as soon as possible to punish Prince Xin, Yan Nantian, that scoundrel, who dared to covet his throne. He was dreaming.
In the reception hall, apart from the sound of Yun Xiao eating, there was not a single other noise.
Murong Chong gazed at Yun Xiao with doting affection, his eyes focused as if she were the only person in existence, and everything else was as nothing to him.
Wan Wan looked at the two of them with a sense of admiration, feeling that the scene before them was truly heartwarming.
Her heart was filled with blessings; her master must be happy and joyful.
Yan Yu kept his eyes closed, contemplating his next moves. It seemed he was unable to attend to Yan Ling at the moment.
Although she would suffer, he had known long ago that Yan Ling would one day face hardship. With her arrogant and overbearing personality, if it were him, he probably wouldn't tolerate her either.
Even though she had been crippled by Shangguan Yao, Shangguan Yao would not harm her in the short term due to the existing relationship between the two dynasties.
As long as he dealt with Prince Xin's affairs, it would be about time for his enthronement. Then he would be the Northern Emperor and would certainly seek justice for Yan Ling.
Time passed in silence. Yun Xiao had finished her meal. Wan Wan cleared the dishes and left. In the reception hall, only Yun Xiao and Murong Chong remained, along with Yan Yu, who lay on the couch with his eyes closed, resting.
Murong Chong's hand had not released Yun Xiao. He held her, then raised his head to cast a cold glance at Yan Yu lying on the couch to the side. A cold sweat escaped his nostrils as he knew that Prince Yan Yu of the North was not actually asleep.
"Let's talk."
Yun Xiao peeked out of his embrace, struggling to get down. Unfortunately, this fellow simply wouldn't let go, his forceful, domineering expression as if declaring his ownership.
He absolutely would not allow anyone to harbor any improper thoughts.
There was already Yun Zhen, and he did not wish for anyone else to compete with him for her.
Yan Yu knew that the Great Palace Master Murong was speaking to him, but thinking of his current arrogant and triumphant demeanor, he didn't want to deal with him. Moreover, it was Yun Xiao who had saved him; why should he assume such a high and mighty attitude?
Upon seeing that Prince Yan Yu of the North dared to ignore him, Murong Chong was enraged. He called out towards the door, "Zhui Feng, escort this person out immediately."
"Yes."
Zhui Feng entered.
Yan Yu's eyes snapped open upon hearing Murong Chong's words. The chilling glint in his dark pupils spoke ominously, "On what grounds do you do this?"
After speaking, he turned to look at Yun Xiao. He saw Yun Xiao open her mouth as if to speak, but the man above her head looked at her forcefully, his eyes a naked threat, his lips forming words.
*Try speaking if you dare, and see if I don't tie you to my side forever.*