Compared to others' happiness, Yun Xiao could not be happy.
Because for her, these two things only reminded her that her father and brother were far away at Fengyaguan, fighting fiercely against the Xiliang army.
And these schemers in the palace were enjoying themselves. Her pupils couldn't help but deepen.
"Liuxing."
"Yes, master," Liuxing responded and landed, standing before his master. He saw his master looking unusually serious, her pretty face covered with frost, without a trace of a smile.
It was rare to see her like this. Usually, she was always smiling and cheerful, making it impossible for others to guess her thoughts. But now, she gave off a desolate feeling, making it clear at a glance that she was extremely angry.
"Is there any news of Father? Have they reached Fengyaguan?"
Yun Xiao calculated the time. They should be near the border now, and were they already engaging with the Xiliang army?
She hoped for a victory this time. Her father's reputation as a God of War was not for nothing, so Shangguan Yao's wishful thinking would likely fail. Moreover, this man probably had a backup plan.
If her father were to be defeated, troops would inevitably be dispatched from nearby cities to resist the Xiliang army. He absolutely would not allow Fengyaguan to fall into the hands of the Xiliang Kingdom. If Fengyaguan were lost, at least two vassal states would be lost, and he would become a defeated ruler.
"Reporting to the master, we have no news of any of the princes."
Yun Xiao was taken aback, her eyes flashing with disapproval. She had to know her father's whereabouts.
"Jingyun."
Yun Xiao called out. She had originally kept Jingyun by her side to deal with these people in the palace. But now, her father's life was more important than anything else. Moreover, in the palace, besides Liuxing accompanying her, there was also Murong Chong. That fellow had many capable subordinates.
"Yes, master."
"You don't need to stay in the palace. From now on, you will stay in the capital and immediately contact your father's subordinates. Send me all the battle reports from Fengyaguan. I don't want them to be in danger."
Liuxing and Jingyun were touched. Their master was truly a filial person. It was not in vain that the prince had spent more than ten years cultivating the two of them for her. The relationship between father and daughter was truly admirable.
Jingyun accepted the order and left the palace, staying in the capital to await the battle reports from Fengyaguan.
Liuxing continued to guard his master's side. He absolutely would not leave his master's side. The prince's ten-year mission was to ensure that his master suffered no harm whatsoever. Unless he died, he would never allow anyone to harm her...
The New Year arrived, and all the palaces were bustling and busy, only Jinhua Palace was desolate and quiet, with guards monitoring outside, making it inconvenient to do anything.
Yun Xiao's mood was utterly dejected, but Liuxing brought her good news.
At Fengyaguan, her father achieved victory in the first battle.
This was truly gratifying, and the gloom of the past few days completely vanished.
"That's wonderful, Liuxing. Father is indeed extraordinary."
Yun Xiao paced in the inner chamber, her rosy cheeks filled with a deep smile. Her two small dimples were pretty and sweet, and her large eyes sparkled like black gemstones.
Liuxing and Wanwan were infected by her joy and both smiled.
"Finally, something happy has happened."
"Yes, this is more delightful than ordinary matters," Yun Xiao agreed, nodding. She looked up at Liuxing.
"Have Jingyun continue to monitor the battle situation at Fengyaguan. Although the first battle was a victory, Xiliang is not weak. Moreover, Shangguan Yao only gave Father fifty thousand troops. We don't know how many troops Xiliang has, but judging by the emperor's deployment, Xiliang can guess that Dong Qin is internally divided, and thus will definitely make a comeback."
"I will attend to it later."
Liuxing first flashed away. Yun Xiao turned to look at Wanwan.
"Reward them. Today is a joyous occasion. All the eunuchs and maids in Jinhua Palace will receive something."
"Yes, Your Ladyship," Wanwan accepted the order and walked out. Her slender back was graceful and moving. Yun Xiao did not forget to remind her, "Don't forget your share. Don't save it for me."
"Understood," Wanwan responded with a loud laugh, her figure already disappearing behind the screen.
In the inner chamber, Yun Xiao thought of her father's victory in the first battle, an irrepressible smile on her lips. This was truly gratifying. Recent events had been too depressing, and thankfully, there was such happy news.
Yun Xiao turned and lay down on the soft couch, bending her legs and swinging them gently, enjoying the ease.
Suddenly, a powerful aura enveloped the surroundings. Her expression changed, and she tried to get up. A hand quickly pressed on her shoulder, but even faster, a silver light flashed past. That hand flicked back to counter-attack, and the two powerful waves of energy collided. A person was heard retreating two steps before stabilizing.
Yun Xiao looked over and saw two people standing in the inner chamber.
One was wild, overbearing, and wicked. Who else could it be but Murong Chong? At this moment, his clear, cold eyes were filled with a bloodthirsty killing intent, staring intently at the person holding a sword opposite him, Liuxing.
Liuxing's breathing was unsteady. His internal energy cultivation was slightly inferior to Murong Chong's, but he was not injured, which showed that his martial arts were also quite formidable.
Murong Chong's lips, cool and charming, curled into a cold smile. His deep voice rang out, "Who are you?"
He hadn't expected someone to be watching Yun Xiao's side. This person seemed to be protecting her. What was going on?
Liuxing steadied his breathing, sheathed his sword, and stood straight. He ignored Murong Chong and instead looked at Yun Xiao, examining her from head to toe. Seeing that his master was unharmed, he looked up and was about to speak.
But Yun Xiao had already spoken, "Liuxing, you may withdraw."
"Yes, master."
Liuxing hesitated for a moment before retreating. He knew that although his master smiled sweetly and appeared to be frivolous, she was actually a cunning and dark-hearted person, especially disliking it when her words were questioned. Therefore, even though he was worried, he dared not express any objection and vanished with a flash.
In the inner chamber, Yun Xiao turned to look at Murong Chong. This fellow was causing trouble as soon as he appeared, and her face darkened slightly.
"Great Hero Murong, what are you doing?"
Murong Chong's tall and slender figure did not move. A cold aura enveloped him. His deep, tranquil eyes glanced faintly, as cold and sharp as frost.
He wore a white brocade robe with a belted waist. The wide sleeves and hem were embroidered with half a lotus, emanating a faint, cold fragrance. A jade-bone silk fan was tucked into his waist. He was truly elegant, noble, serene as water, and bright as the moon.
The silver mask made his eyes appear even deeper and colder. He stared intently at Yun Xiao and spoke again with determination.
"Who was that person just now? A subordinate from the Yun Royal Mansion."
"Who else would it be?"
Yun Xiao's expression turned somewhat unpleasant. She glanced coldly at this fellow, who appeared out of nowhere and threw a tantrum for no reason.
However, after her words, Murong Chong's lips curved upward, and he visibly relaxed a little. His sharp, blade-like eyes gradually softened into a clear spring, limpid and lustrous, clean and radiant. He moved, and a fragrant breeze wafted past. His long, large hand had already taken hold of her, pulling her to move outside.
Yun Xiao struggled, but that hand seemed to be stuck to her like iron. She couldn't shake it off. It was warm and hot, and waves of warmth emanated from his palm, seeping directly into her heart.