《Phoenix Rising Over the World》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1: Death


    "Boss, I have already arranged for all the necessary funds. It will guarantee that the young Miss will have the best possible environment for treatment."


    "Boss, the candidates we have selected from our organization are all currently in their designated position within the country. I don''t think it will be long before the team can retrieve the necessary medical information to treat the young Miss''s illness from the country''s secret military base."


    Standing tall amongst the modern skysc.r.a.pers was the headquarters of Zhou Group, which was also the tallest skysc.r.a.per in A City. Within the office located on the highest floor, a beautiful woman was sitting on a ten meter wide leather sofa. Her demeanor was so overbearing and cold that it could freeze the people within her surroundings.


    Facing that atmosphere were two middle-aged men who didn''t dare to make a sound as they kneeled in front of the woman with their heads down. However, if they were looked at closely, then one would find that of the two men present, one was a tyc.o.o.n of the National Food industry while the other was an influential military deputy chairman.


    Two very prominent figures, that one could only catch a glimpse of on television, were now behaving like kittens and wouldn''t as much as dare to make a sound when facing the woman in front of them.


    "En, very good." Zhou Jiahan was still as cold as ever, but the two men didn''t miss the brief sh of praise in her eyes.


    In response, both of them rxed at the same time.


    [Knock, knock, knock!] Suddenly, there was a series of urgent knocks against the door.


    Zhou Jiahan frowned slightly but answered, "Come in."


    Coming in through the door was a woman with an extremely good figure donned in ck and white clothes, but her charming face carried traces of worry. She was Zhou Jiahan''s personal secretary, Mu Hua.


    Mu Hua went to Zhou Jiahan''s side, lowering her head down to Zhou Jihan''s ears and informed, "Not good, President. The young Miss, she¡­" She hesitated to continue as she threw a nce at the two men currently kneeling.


    Zhou Jiahan waved her hand at them and coldly ordered, "The two of you can go on ahead and attend to your matters."


    "Yes ma''am!"


    After the two men leave, Mu Hua hurriedly continued, "The young Miss has an extremely high fever and blood is constantly flowing from every orifice of her face. The doctor said you''re needed for a blood transfusion because the young Miss''s blood type is the especially rare Type RH-negative and there isn''t enough of that type stored in the blood bank topensate the blood loss."


    "Which hospital?" Zhou Jiahan asked, there was a rarely seen trace of worry in her voice.


    "Downtown district''s Jun Qu Hospital."


    "Alright, but if somethinges up within three days'' time, you''ll have to take care of it for me. I''ll be apanying Menghan, so I won''t be back within that time frame."


    Once Zhou Jiahan finished delivering her instructions, she immediately picked up the car keys on the desk and went straight down the stairs.


    "Yes, Mu Hua understands." Afterwards, Mu Hua left Zhou Group''s headquarters and came to an abandoned building where a man dressed in ck was already waiting for her.


    ck clothes covered the man''s entire countenance, only revealing a pair of cid eyes. His line of sight was tightly fixed towards the distant highway, his thoughts difficult for others to read.


    Mu Hua came to the man''s side and said in a lowered voice, "Master, Zhou Jiahan is already on the way."


    "En." When the man heard the name, his eyes briefly shed. He gazed at the ongoing traffic, the corner of his mouth cracked to reveal a cruel smile. "No matter how Zhou Jiahan defends this time, she will definitely die!" As long as a person exposes even one weak point, then no matter how formidable he or she is, that person will be as weak as an infant.


    Arriving at the downtown district''s military hospital, Zhou Jiahan quickly flew towards her younger sister, Menghan''s ward.


    When the private female doctor, Alice, saw Zhou Jiahan, she gave a respectful bow. "President Zhou, you''re here? I was just going to call to tell you that because of the young Miss''s condition, we have decided to ce the young Miss under observation for a few days in Jun Qu Hospital."


    Zhou Jiahan''s heart rxed once she saw Zhou Menghan sleeping peacefully on the bed with a rather steadyplexion. She then coldly looked at Alice and inquired, "Didn''t you call Mu Hua and tell her that Menghan had a high fever and that she needed a blood transfusion due to excessive blood loss?"


    The beautiful doctor found it strange, so Alice could only stare ridiculously in the face of Zhou Jiahan''s blue eyes. "No, the young Miss is doing fine. She just fell asleep so how could there be a fever? Besides, I never gave a call to Miss Mu Hua. How did she know that the young Miss was moved into Jun Qu Hospital?"


    Zhou Jiahan thought back to what happened earlier. A touch of coldness quickly shed across her pair of attractive eyes when she understood what had urred. "It''s fine, take good care of the young Miss. If there''s any problems, immediately inform me."


    An explosion suddenly urred at the hospital just as Zhou Jiahan was about to leave, shaking the entire floor violently.


    The severe shaking slowly woke Zhou Menghan up from her sleep. When she saw Zhou Jiahan, her small face lit up with surprise. "Big sister? You came?"


    Seeing that Menghan had already woken up, Zhou Jiahan hurriedly ran to her side to take her into her embrace. The coldness she had earlier was reced with affection. "Menghan, how are you?"


    "Good," Menghan answered. She looked around the violently shaking building and her small face became rmed. "Big sister, is there an earthquake? We should get out of here!"


    "Earthquake?!" Alice eximed in surprised. "No way¡­"


    "There''s no need to worry Menghan," Zhou Jiahan took Menghan''s hand andforted in a soft voice. "Big sister will protect you."


    "En." Upon hearing that, Menghan''s mind felt calmer because her sister always let other people feel that they could depend on her.


    Zhou Jiahan felt that the shaking was getting more and more violent. This was definitely not created by an earthquake. When she recalled the events that urred on the way here, she immediately realized that this might all be a scheme. A scheme that was specifically targeted at her.


    Zhou Jiahan immediately took Menghan and ran for the exit. However, it was at this moment that the ceiling began to copse, falling towards the spot that they were standing at.


    She hurriedly pushed Menghan away and the falling b of concrete ruthlessly mmed onto her body.


    "Big sister!" Menghan cried when she saw her sister being pressed down by the b of concrete, tears were streaming down her cheeks as she trembled.


    Right now, all the bones in Zhou Jiahan''s body were being crushed. Even the slightest movement was enough to give her so much pain that she would be drenched in cold sweat.


    Because she was being crushed under the ceiling, her body and the floor came in close contact, letting her clearly feel that the floor was on the verge of caving in. Anxious, she looked towards her frightened stiff little sister and urged, "Menghan, go! Get out of here immediately! The building is going to copse!"


    It was impossible to escape now that she was trapped under chunks of concrete, but she cannot let Menghan die in this ce!


    When Menghan heard Zhou Jiahan''s words, the tears in her eyes fell again as she stubbornly shook her head. "No! If I have to leave, then you have to leave with me!"


    She wanted to save Zhou Jiahan by trying to pull her out.


    Zhou Jiahan was helpless. Menghan was born with a weak const.i.tution, so with her current strength, it was impossible and a waste of energy if she thought she could rescue her out from under the rubble.


    Her eyes were cold as she turned to look Alice, who was standing by Menghan''s side. "Take Menghan out of here as fast as possible." Her frosty voice carried amanding tone as she ced down an order, and despite being crushed under concrete, her imposing manner didn''t decrease in the slightest.


    "Yes," When Alice received themand, she hastened to pull Menghan away.


    "Big sister! Big sister¡­" Menghan struggled frantically trying to break out of Alice''s grasp, but her physical strength was so weak. How could she put up a fight against Alice?


    As Zhou Jiahan watched her little sister leave, her heart became calm. Her consciousness was slowly getting blurry, and it was only when there was a loud bang that she fellpletely into a state of darkness.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2 ¨C Crossing Over


    Within the dark, she groggily thought that it was noisy. It seemed to belong to the voices of several young boys.


    "Beat him! Beat him to death! Beat the c.r.a.p out of this worthless b.a.s.t.a.r.d for me!"


    "Gou''er, are you sure it''s a good idea for us to be bullying him like this? At the very least, he is the little Young Master."


    "Hmph, Young Master?" The young boy''s eyes glinted with a trace of contempt. "He couldn''t even bepared to a dog in this household right now so it''s fine. There''s no need to worry about beating him to his death, hmph! If something does go wrong, then I''ll take responsibility! Who told him to steal my food anyways?"


    Zhou Jiahan''s mind slowly cleared up a bit. She gradually opened her pair ofnguid eyes, and was met with series of punches and kicks delivering towards her body.


    When she tried to move her limbs slightly, her body was struck with a wave of sharp pain.


    Seeing that she was awake, the other five boys stopped striking one by one. They made some distance between her and themselves as they all stare at her with caution.


    "Boss, look, he''s awake!" A scrawny boy said nervously to a fat one.


    What this fat boy wore was slightly better than all the other boys present and from the looks of things, he should be the one leading this bunch of kids.


    Zhou Jiahan frowned slightly. What''s going on? Why were these kids beating her?


    Furthermore, all these kids were wearing costumes from ancient China. Are they acting in a film? But it didn''t seem like they were filming though, because when she took a quick scan of her surroundings, there were no cameras!


    In any case, she needed to deal with the current dilemma in front of her first!


    She slightly moved her body, which seemed to be falling apart, and could tell that there were many broken ribs. The robe she was wearing was originally snow white, but now it was stained with dark footprints all over. It was clearly made from good quality satin, yet there were numerous patches sewn on it.


    Right when she still hadn''t figured out her situation from looking around the unfamiliar environment, someone within that group of children eximed, "You guys continue kicking! Kicking him when he''s awake will only be a lot more interesting!"


    Even though the other children heard the boss''s order, they showed slight hesitation. Then each of their faces straightened, carrying instead ill-intent as they gathered around Zhou Jiahan, who was lying immobile on the ground.


    But what kind of person was Zhou Jiahan? She was the all-powerful Business Queen! How could she be afraid of a few little brats when she could even disregard the fact that her muscles felt as though they were being torn apart with just a shift of her body right now?


    She coldly swept a nce over these children and an unbearable pressure was instantly forced down upon them, dropping the temperature around them by several degrees.


    The children were frightened stiffed by those horrifyingly cold eyes. They didn''t know why, but they felt as though the one they thought to be weak and cowardly just seconds prior, suddenly changed into a whole different person, bing someone that caused them to shiver in fear.


    When he saw that hispanions, who were originally so bold, suddenly scared stiff, the head of the group became somewhat fl.u.s.tered and went over to kick Zhou Jiahan himself.


    It was right at this moment that Zhou Jiahan took ahold of the iing foot, picked up a wooden awl lying on the side, and ruthlessly pierced that boy''s foot, causing blood to gush out in the next moment.


    "Ah! It hurts like h.e.l.l!" The boy screamed as he fell to the ground. When his otherpanions saw this, their faces were filled with fear as they looked towards Zhou Jiahan as if they witness something terribly frightening.


    Then they all scrambled to flee one by one, leaving this leader kid called Gou''er here by himself to hold onto his foot while rolling about and screaming in pain.


    Zhou Jiahan forced herself to stand up, her face expressionless as she left.


    As she examined the ancient building structures while asionally seeing servants and maidservants busying about, her brows furrowed deeper and deeper as an absurd notion took form in her mind. Did she transmigrated?


    This kind of situation only urs in fictional novels, yet it was actually happening to her!


    "Young Master! What are you doing here?" A young girl dressed in in grey cotton clothing came running towards Zhou Jiahan with her hair tied into two adorable little side buns, one on each side of her head. Judging from her appearance, she should be a maidservant of this residence.


    "Young Master, did Gou''er and them bully you again?¡± When she saw the Young Master with his clothes disheveled and injuries covering all over his body, her heart was aching yet indignant at the same time. ¡°Hmph, these people are just the children of servants, yet they dare to bully you! If not for the Madam pa.s.sing away so early, how could it be possible for them to climb over the Young Master''s head?!"


    Zhou Jiahan only stared at her silently instead of giving a response. This body was clearly that of a female, why would she call her ''Young Master''?


    "Hmph! I''m going to find them to settle the score!" She dered angrily with the desire to carry it through. It was really infuriating her that even those lowly scoundrels came to bully the Young Master!


    They really took her for a pushover if she doesn''t show her wrath![1]


    Zhou Jiahan blocked the angry little girl and said lightly, "No need."


    Those few boys should''ve learned their lessons this time, so she reckons they wouldn''t dare toe provoke her again! They''re just a bunch of little brats anyways.


    The young servant girl thought the reason that the Young Master didn''t dare to look for them was because he was afraid, so she put on an ''I got your back'' expression as she puffed her chest out. "You don''t have to be afraid of them Young Master. You have Xiao Ya to support your back! Come on, let''s go settle the score with them!"


    Zhou Jiahan lightly threw a nce at this delicate little girl, so she''s called Xiao Ya.


    The anger burning in her eyes due to the Young Master being bullied was not fake. From the looks of it, she ought to be the only person in this entire residence that treated this body''s owner well.


    "No need, I''ve already taught them a lesson. Let''s go back." There was a sense of a.s.sertive authority implied in her tone of indifference.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3 ¨C Probing


    Xiao Ya momentarily drew a nk, she felt that her Young Master was acting strange because his entire body seemed to be emitting a cold aura. Somehow, he was differentpared to before, but she couldn''t tell how he was different. "Oh, since the Young Master want to go back, then I''ll help you back first."


    On the way back, the two of them met numerous servants and maidservants, but not one of them stopped to greet Zhou Jiahan. It was as if the two of them were invisible to these people.


    Xiao Ya led Zhou Jiahan towards a rather worn-down house. Once they went in, she saw that the inside was a horrible mess withrge spider webs here and there and dust covered the entire room.


    Upon witnessing this sorry sight, Zhou Jiahan frowned slightly. Was this ce even suitable for humans to live in?


    The young servant girl found the only stool that was rtively intactpared to all the others, and wiped off the dust with her sleeve. She then smiled at Zhou Jiahan and said, "Young Master, sit here first. I hope that you don''t mind that I didn''t do any cleaning. You were sick these past few days and you wouldn''t wake up no matter what."


    "I won''t," Zhou Jiahan coolly replied. Her face of indifference caused Xiao Ya''s eyes to turn red. "Young Master, you must be ming me, because you have never treated Xiao Ya like this in the past!"


    "Uh¡­" Zhou Jiahan didn''t know what to say. From her point of view, she only met her today so they were no different from strangers.


    She really couldn''t warm up to Xiao Ya so she forced a soft expression on her face, allowing herself to look a bit more gentle. "Xiao Ya, I''m not putting the me on you. Anyways, where can I take a bath here? I want to change into another set of clothes."


    When Xiao Ya heard what she said, her grief turned into a smile. "Alright, wait right here Young Master."


    She then went to outside to fetch hot water.


    After Zhou Jiahan took a bath, Xiao Ya helped her applied the ointment that she was holding. She gently smeared it over the greenish-purple bruises covering Zhou Jiahan¡¯s scrawny arm, blowing them softly with her mouth. "Young Master, does it hurt?"


    "It''s fine, Xiao Ya. My¡­ Mother, why did she pa.s.s away?" Zhou Jiahan was somewhat unustomed to saying the word ''Mother''. She didn''t know why, but it''d always felt awkward.


    She was not familiar with the concept of a mother in her previous life because when she was young, her biological mother pa.s.sed away.


    But now, having to say ''Mother'' in ancient Chinese, she felt even more strange.


    Xiao Ya''s gaze darkened when she heard the question. "It should''ve been a good thing when the Madam was able to marry the Prime Minister, but who would''ve thought that the Madam would suffer from an unfortunate end? When the Young Master was eight years old, she was suddenly afflicted with a horrible ailment and died, leaving only Young Master left right now. And with Prime Minister never caring much for Young Master to begin with, I only fear he had already forgotten about Young Master''s existence by now. It was also because of this reason that Gou''er and those bullies took advantage of the fact that Young Master wasn''t viewed with importance to always hara.s.s Young Master!"


    Zhou Jiahan got plenty of useful information from Xiao Ya''s mouth. So the original owner of this body was the daughter of the Prime Minister. No wonder this residence was so luxurious and beautiful. Except, she was clearly a woman, so why does she need to wear men''s clothing in public?


    She continued to probe on Xiao Ya. "My Mother must have been really happy to give birth to me at that time."


    "Of course! The Madam was also very happy because Young Master was able to avoid a tribtion. That time, Madam wasn''t really favored, and it happened to be the day to honor the past emperors so it was required for a few n.o.bledies to go to the Buddhist temple to pray and beg for Heaven''s blessing. If Madam gave birth to a daughter, she would only be more miserable."


    She got enough information from Xiao Ya''s mouth, and also understood why she had to appear in public in men''s clothing. Actually, it wasn''t that bad to crossdress as a man. It would save her a lot of trouble.


    After Xiao Ya finished applying ointment, she instructed Zhou Jiahan: "Young Master, you should get a good rest tonight. If there''s anything you need, just call Xiao Ya. Xiao Ya is in the adjacent room."


    "Why do you still follow me when I''m not being favoured?" This was something that Zhou Jiahan found strange. Shouldn''t the average person keep as far away from her as possible? Why was this little servant girl still following her?


    Xiao Ya''s face turned red, she nced at him shyly and answered in a soft voice, "Young Master, I will follow you for a lifetime." Once finished, Xiao Ya immediately ran away with not even a trace of her shadow left behind.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4 ¨C Abandoned Book Pavilion


    Zhou Jiahan frowned slightly. "What''s wrong with this girl?"


    As the sky slowly turned clear in the morning of the next day, Zhou Jiahan woke up on time because she had long been used to getting up early.


    She came in front of the mirror and examined this body for the first time. With red lips and white teeth, jade-like skin, and dressed in men''s clothing, she looked like a child of good fortune who served under Guanyin[1]. Her adorable appearance could attract people''s affection, yet she carried a trace of tranquility and indifference that other people her age doesn''t have in her brows.


    Overall, she felt that this body was really too weak, it looks like she''ll have to exercise more. Following after her a.s.sessment, she decided to have the entire room tidied up. It lookedpletely like new after an hour of cleaning.


    "Young Master, was this all cleaned up by you?" The just woken up Xiao Ya was staring nkly the room that had still been messyst night, yet now it had be all clean and tidy. She then rubbed her eyes in doubt. "I didn''te into the wrong ce, right?"


    Zhou Jiahan came to a dazed Xiao Ya''s side after she finished tidying things up and asked lightly, "Do you know where there is an unused library here?"


    "Ah? Library? Does the Young Master want to read books?" Xiao Ya blinked her eyes. "But you didn''t tend to read books before."


    "That''s before. If I don''t read books, then how could I leave this ce?" Even if it might be peaceful for the next few days, Zhou Jiahan wasn''t going to obediently stay here and die.


    However, in a ce where she has no status whatsoever, death will undoubtedly be her final oue. Sitting here and waiting to die was not how Zhou Jiahan does things.


    So as of now, she first needed to get a better understanding of this world''s framework as well as this residence''s Prime Minister. In the end, what kind of person was this nominal father of hers?


    "O-oh, the bigger library is at the back of the eastern garden, but Master had given the order that you''re not allowed in there. We do have an abandoned book pavilion though, only there aren''t really that many people that drop by there. I heard that that ce''s¡­ a bit haunted¡­" The more Xiao Ya spoke, the smaller her voice got. She then swallowed, "Young Master, I don''t think you should go there."


    "Just tell me where that book pavilion is." Zhou Jiahan nced at her once, her voice carrying an irrefutablemand in it.


    Xiao Ya was startled by her imposing manner that she subconsciously blurted out, "It''s not far from here, just behind the garden in the north."


    Afterwards, Zhou Jiahan walked out and headed north.


    When Xiao Ya came back to her senses, she panicked and hollered worriedly after her. "Young Master, don''t go!"


    Zhou Jiahan arrived at the book pavilion mentioned by Xiao Ya and noticed that it was surrounded by weeds in every direction. The distance between the worn-down house and here was definitely not far, so both ces should belong to the unregted area of the Prime Minister''s residence. With the unattended grounds and dead leaves scattered about, the age-old building appeared even more deste.


    Zhou Jiahan''s lips curled up slightly. "This ce is rather peaceful." She also wouldn''t have to worry about being disturbed.


    She pushed over the heavy door, inciting up a few inches of dust. On the interior, she saw that there were numerous books lying out here and there in disorder while the bookshelves were somewhat crooked with an unknown amount of dust .u.mting on it. Looking further in, there was a set of staircases winding up to the right. And since the book pavilion has three floors, she reckon that the good books were obviously located on the highest level!


    She headed up to the third floor where there weren''t that many books. She randomly picked one up and read the t.i.tle on the cover: The Foundation of the Four Countries.


    Zhou Jiahan already got what she wanted with her first pick. Examining the book in her hand closely, she was surprised to find that it didn''t even have a single speck of dust on it.


    She looked for a ce to sit down and started reading diligently .


    Since then, Zhou Jiahan ran to the book pavilion almost every day. Sometimes, she wouldn''t even return, which caused Xiao Ya to worry to death everyday.


    After being in each other''s presence for so long, Zhou Jiahan was also clear about the ident.i.ty of this body of hers. She was the second son of the Prime Minister of Long Lin Empire, Zi Moyan.


    On the surface, she still has an older half-brother and an older half-sister. ording to Xiao Ya, she didn''t seem to have met them yet.


    Perhaps they didn''t even know that they have such a ''brother'' like her.


    From the book, she learned that this world was in an era ruled by four countries: Yue Empire in the north, the Jiao Empire in the south, the Ming Ye Dynasty in the west, then there was the eastern empire that he resided in ¡ª¡ª the Long Lin Empire.


    After staying in the book pavilion for a few days, she got a general idea of what this world was like. Though what she was particrly interested in was the fact that this world actually had a country where women were respected!


    That country was by the name of Jiao Empire, though she''d only heard of women being in power in fictional novels. She didn''t expect it to actually exist in this world.


    There was once that she had fallen asleep while reading in the book pavilion.


    "Young Master! Are you there Young Master?" And in the end, she was woken up by Xiao Ya''s voice in the distance.


    She climbed downstairs and saw Xiao standing far in the distance, not daring to get any closer.


    Once Xiao Ya saw her, the worry on her face disappeared. She then hastily held onto her. "Young Master, you scared me to death. I thought that you, thought you were¡­"


    "What?" Zhou Jiahan frowned. "There isn''t anything dangerous in the book pavilion. You needn¡¯t worry." She then pushed her away and headed for the worn-down house she resided in.


    Xiao Ya''s mouth twitched. "Young Master, just don''t go there anymore. I heard that it had foul things in there, otherwise it wouldn''t have been abandoned!"


    "I never believed that there are ghosts in this world," Zhou Jiahan replied indifferently. "Xiao Ya, it''s gettingte so go to sleep."


    "Young Master!" Xiao Ya watch after the disappearing back in exasperation. Why didn''t she believe in her words?


    Footnotes:


    [1]¹ÛÒô: Bodhisattva of Compa.s.sion or G.o.ddess of Mercy in English.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5 ¨C shing With Zi Xihan


    "Have you heard? His Majesty had people send over betrothal gifts, they say that it was for marrying our Eldest Miss!"


    "Really?"


    "Of course, the betrothal gifts are filling up the entire street!"


    The content of the two maidservants'' conversation caught Zhou Jiahan''s attention. Zi Xihan''s big wedding? At that time, the entire Prime Minister¡¯s residence will definitely be especially lively. The more people there were, the more crowded it will be. Wouldn''t this be a perfect chance to sneak out?


    Two green figures slowly approached the book pavilion where Zhou Jiahan was currently. When the two saw the said pavilion, their faces changed immediately.


    "How did we get here?"


    "I know right?! But we better get out of here quickly. If we''re not careful and provoke that thing, then we''ll be done for!"


    "En, en!" The two servant girls quickly left Zhou Jiahan''s line of sight.


    Zhou Jiahan got up and put down the book in her hand. She then climbed down and left the book pavilion, though she didn''t notice the sh of a white figure inside the book pavilion.


    Zhou Jiahan lowered her head in thought, wondering whether or not she should exploreyout of the Prime Minister¡¯s residence. It would be more convenient to leave on the day of Zi Xihan''s wedding if she does.


    She kept walking and walking until she felt a sudden pain on her forehead as if that she had b.u.mped into someone.


    "Who are you? Do you not watch where you''re going? To actually dare to b.u.mp into this Miss, are you looking to die?!"


    Zhou Jiahan lifted her head and what came into her sight was a young woman dressed in pink clothing, looking around fifteen years old. She would''ve looked pretty good in appearance if it wasn''t ruined by the disgusted expression on her face.


    Miss? There weren''t many who could called themselves as ¡®Miss¡¯ in the Prime Minister''s residence. It looks like this young woman was precisely this residence''s Eldest Miss, Zi Xihan.


    Zhou Jiahan spared her a cold nce before walking on with an emotionless face.


    When Zi Xihan saw the in clothes that Zhou Jiahan was wearing, she a.s.sumed thetter to be some lowly servant¡¯s son. Hmph! He''s only the son of a servant, yet still has that kind of att.i.tude when he b.u.mped into this Miss, looks like he must be tired of living!


    Zi Xihan grabbed onto Zhou Jiahan by the arm to prevent her from leaving, forcefully pulling Zhou Jiahan to her side and rebuked angrily. "You worthless trash, how dare you still be this disrespectful even after b.u.mping into this Miss! Looks like if I don''t give you some att.i.tude, you would just take this Miss for a sick¡­¡­ cat¡­¡­"


    It wasn''t until Zi Xihan pulled Zhou Jiahan over that she had a good look at thetter¡¯s appearance, which then left her in a daze. She had never seen a youth this good-looking before. His facial features were exceptionally beautiful and adding to the fact that his entire figure was exuding an untouchable cold aura, it was as if an immortal being had descended upon the secr world.


    Zi Xihan suddenly made another n in her mind. Rather than disciplining such a beautiful youth until he has deep cuts and bruises all over, it would be better to y with ''him'' for a while before throwing away. Wouldn''t that be an even better way to vent off her anger?


    "Pretty boy," Zi Xihan reach out a hand to caress that fair, jade-like cheek and chuckled. "Considering you have such a delicate face, if you serve this Miss for one night, then this Miss will let bygones be bygones!"


    Zhou Jiahan directly ignored her, wanting to leave, yet couldn''t when Zi Xihan was blocking her. Upon seeing Zhou Jiahan''s response, Zi Xihan''splexion turned extremely ugly. Hmph, who does this person think he is to repeatedly ignore her! This Miss will show you her might for being so ungrateful as to go looking for a beating!


    "Someonee tie this person up and send him to this Miss''s room! This Miss will definitely let him know how fearsome I am!"


    "Xi''er, what are you up to now?!" A middle-aged man''s voice that carried concealed anger came from behind Zi Xihan.


    Zi Xihan''s small face paled when she heard this voice, but her expression then turned to that of fawning as she turned around. "Father! Howe you''re here?"


    Prime Minister Zi Haotian gave a cold reply. "If I didn''te, then you will wreak havoc in this ce again! You''re about to be Huangfei[1] yet you''re still so willful!"


    Footnote:


    [1] Imperial Concubine (AKA one of the concubines within the Pce)

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6 ¨C Wedding Banquet


    When the arrogantly willful Eldest Miss saw her father, the Prime Minister, she immediately became an obedient little girl. She then gently curtsied towards Zi Haotian. "Father."


    Zi Haotian gave a cold hmph. "I can hear your voice even from afar. Are you hara.s.sing another servant again? Since you''re going to be Huangfei soon, you must learn to be virtuous!"


    Zi Xihan twitched her mouth, sending a harsh re at Zhou Jiahan before saying, "I understand, Father. It won''t happen again next time!"


    It was only now that Zi Haotian took notice of Zhou Jiahan. He didn''t know why, but he felt this child was especially familiar. "What''s your name?"


    Zhou Jiahan nced at him somewhat mockingly before she answered lightly, "Zi Moyan."


    Three characters, no more no less, carried a trace of indistinct detachment.


    ZI Haotian was somewhat surprised when he heard this name. "You''re Zi Moyan?" He looked Zhou Jiahan up and down. "Nichang''s son?"


    So many years have pa.s.sed, he had almost forgotten about this child''s existence.


    Yu Nichang, who was as clear as ice and clean as jade, was histe wife.


    Zi Xihan was also very surprised when she heard the name, but then a trace disdain flitted through her eyes. "Father, did Mother really give birth to him? Just look at how shabbily he is dressed!" Her tone was filled with contempt towards Zi Moyan when she questioned Zi Haotian.


    Zo Haotian stared at Zhou Jiahan tightly and couldn''t help but think that she was really simr to Yu Nichang in appearance.


    "He is indeed Madam Yu''s son." He confirmed afterwards in a serious voice.


    After Nichang died, he never had cared for this child. Looking at how pitiful he appeared, he couldn''t help but feel a trace of unbearable guilt in his heart.


    Madam Yu? The deceased wife of the Prime Minister?


    Zi Xihan looked Zhou Jiahan up and down with incredulity. She didn''t think that this shabby-looking youth was actually her younger brother she had yet to meet.


    "Is there anything else? If not, then I''ll leave first." Zhou Jiahan wanted to leave, she didn''t have time to y with them when she was anxiously trying to find an escape out right now.


    Zi Haotian promptly blocked her and said with a face filled with endearment, "Yan''er, since you already came, thene have lunch with us."


    "No need." Zhou Jiahan straightforwardly refused, not giving the Prime Minister the slightest bit of face as she left without looking back.


    Instead of getting angry at Zhou Jiahan, Zi Haotian stared other¡¯s retreating back thoughtfully. The aura that this child disyed wasparable to those lofty n.o.bles'' icy arrogance. They were the ones who stood high above everyone else, grasping people''s life and death in the palm of their hands.


    This kind of temperament wasn''t something ordinary children could possess. This son of his was definitely not among this category!


    On the day of Zi Xihan''s wedding, Zi Moyan, being the Second Young Master of the Zi residence, was also called to main lobby to receive guests.


    Early in the morning, a servant girl sent over a set of luxurious clothes. It was light purple in color, and when it was worn by Zhou Jiahan, her cold temperament even added a trace of n.o.bility about her.


    She looked at the elegant youth in the mirror and decided that since she been reborn this time, she will cherish this new life of hers.


    From now on, there won''t be a Zhou Jiahan, only a Zi Moyan. And her past life will be no more than clouds of smoke disappearing in the sky.


    Zi Moyan, I will continue to live on in your ce. I''ll let all those who looked down on you and bullied you, pay the price for what they''ve done!


    When Zi Moyan arrived at the main hall, it was already filled with people sitting down. Once Zi Haotian saw Zi Moyan from where he sat in the main seat, he immediately beckoned her over with a gesture of his hand.


    In response to this, Zi Moyan unhurriedly headed towards the center of banquet. Those who sat here were all influential court officials, each and every one of them held significant authority in their hands.


    Although Zi Moyan was young, she did not show any fear in front of people. Instead, with her calm and lofty demeanor, it made people feel as if they were in the presence of a king.


    At this time, the people in the main hall all quieted down with all their attention being drawn to the stunning youth that had sudden made an appearance.


    They all gasped in surprised, there was actually such a good-looking youth in this world.


    Of course, they were not only surprised by the appearance of this youth, but more at the fact that they had sudden impulse of wanting to submit when they saw him. This kind of feeling was something that they only perceive on current emperor, Emperor Chen¡¯s person!

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7 ¨C Learning in the First Study


    Zi Haotian pulled Zi Moyan over to his side as he introduced to everyone, "This is my second son, Zi Moyan. I''ll have to trouble everyone to take care of him in the future."


    "You don''t have to be so modest, Prime Minister Zi!"


    "Young Master Zi is also person of talent!"


    ¡­¡­


    Zi Haotian and the guests exchanged a few greetings before he led Moyan to sit down at the main table. He also introduced Moyan to the beautifully dressed middle-aged woman.


    Despite the pa.s.sage of time, she was still attractive. This woman was precisely Zi Haotian''s main wife, Madam Prime Minister, Liu Xuanya.


    She gently smiled at Moyan, though there was an undetectable chill shing through her eyes.


    "h.e.l.lo Madam." Zi Moyan greeted remotely nevertheless.


    Zi Haotian was well aware of Zi Moyan''s indifference so he didn''t request Moyan to call Liu Zuanya ''Mother''. Continuing with the introductions, on Liu Xuanya''s side was a young man dressed in blue clothing with his clear-cut face bearing a trace of heroism. The young man was Liu Xuanya''s son, the Eldest Young Master of Prime Minister''s residence: Zi Haoran!


    "h.e.l.lo Younger Brother Mo," The gaze he used towards Zi Moyan expressed goodwill, but his voice was highly spirited.


    It looks like this Zi Haoran was more levelheadedpared to Zi Xihan, especially those pair of eyes. They''re so bright and energetic!


    "h.e.l.lo," Zi Moyan''s impression of this brother of his was still rather good. At least, dealing with an upright person wouldn''t make Zi Moyan feel bored.


    Compared to the other court officials, the number of wives and children that Zi Haotian has was the least in number. Presently, other than Liu Xuanya, there were no other concubines.


    In the middle of the wedding banquet, Zi Haotian said to Zi Moyan, "Moyan, your brother is already a general now, but you''re still very young. Father also owes you a lot for these few years so to make it up, I have already made a request to the Emperor to allow you into the First Study. In the future, you''ll be learning with the princes and princesses."


    Learn? The corner of Zi Moyan''s mouth tugged. Learn what? The Four Books and Five .s.sics?[1]


    When Zi Haotian saw Zi Moyan''s reaction, he a.s.sumed it was of shock. It made him me himself even more in his heart so he went ahead to instructed Zi Haoran, "Ran''er, since it will be the first time Moyan will go to the First Study, you should apany him there."


    "Okay!" Zi Haoran nodded in agreement.


    Although Zi Moyan was not interested in the ancient learning of the Four Books and Five .s.sics at all, this did give her the right to freely move in and out of the estate as she pleased.


    To her, this oue was as good as a pie dropped from Heaven, so she made no sound of refusal.


    After the wedding banquet, Zi Moyan and Zi Haoran silently sat opposite of the other in the horse carriage.


    This was the first time Zi Haoran learned that he had a younger brother. Moreover, it was still such a good-looking younger brother.


    "Younger Brother Mo, if someone bullies you in future, you can just find me. Big Brother will deal it for you."


    Zi Moyan, who was appreciating the scenery outside the carriage window, was slightly surprised when she heard Zi Haoran''s words. However, instead of showing anything on her face, she only lightly responded with an "En."


    Afterwards, she resumed looking out the carriage window, her thoughts unreadable.


    Zi Haoran forced out a dryugh, thinking that this younger brother of his might be a bit too cold.


    Soon after sending Zi Moyan to the Imperial Pce''s study, Zi Haoran left. And at this time, Zi Moyan was in the Grand tutor, Liu Shubo''s study waiting for said tutor to bring her into .s.s.


    She surveyed the study of the ancient Imperial Pce. The Four Treasures of the Study [2] wereid out on the huge table, calligraphies and paintings were hung all over the walls, and the entire interior of the room gave off a hint of the scent of paper.


    When she turned around, she saw an old man around sixty years old with white hair and a goatee on his chin. Under the single-folded eyelids were a pair of mysterious eyes that were currently studying her.


    This should be that Grand Tutor Liu. Zi Moyan thought.


    She then gave him a slight bow. "h.e.l.lo Teacher."


    When Liu Shubo came back around, heughed, "You must be the Prime Minister''s second son. You are indeed a person of talent gifted from heaven. No doubt you''ll be extraordinary in the future."


    In regards to Lui Shubo''s praise, Zi Moyan also knew that there were some courteousness in it so she wasn''t that happy. "Thanking Teacher for the praise."


    "En, let''s go, follow me to .s.s." Lui Zhubo led Zi Moyan to the .s.sroom. Comparing its size to the modern .s.srooms, they were about the same, though there were only a few dozen seats.


    The princes and princess had been in their respective seats waiting for Lui Shubo long ago. When they saw him entering, those few fragments of noise also disappeared.


    And the moment they saw Zi Moyan following behind Lui Shubo, they all held their breaths in session.


    Too good-looking! This purple-clothed youth was just like a golden child, with purple clothes fluttering in ''his'' wake as ''he'' stepped in lightly like that of a descending immortal.


    Footnotes:


    [1] ËÄÊéÎå¾­: The Four Books and Five .s.sics are the authoritative books of Confucianism in China written before 300 BC.


    [2] ÎÄ·¿Ëı¦: The Four Treasures of the Study is an expression used to refer to the ink brush, inkstick, paper and inkstone used in Chinese calligraphy and painting.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8 ¨C Commotion in .s.s


    "What a beautiful youth! I have never seen such a good-looking person before!"


    "Right, right!" The eyes of the princesses below were covered with red hearts.


    There was also nock of princes who were unsatisfied that Zi Moyan stole their limelight when she appeared.


    Although this was the First Study, the Imperial .s.sroom, but there were still many rich young misses who were the princesses'' study partners. So when they saw Zi Moyan attracting all of the youngdies'' eyes, the princes were all overflowing with envy.


    "This is the Prime Minister''s second son¡ªZi Moyan," Liu Shubo introduced to the students below. "From now on, you will all be studying together so you all need to help each other out."


    "Yes!" The young women responded the most clearly.


    Liu Shubo pointed towards the back to the seat that was against the wall. "Moyan, why don''t you take a seat there first? For books, you and the student sitting next to you can share first."


    "En, okay," Zi Moyan walked to her seat. There was a youngdy to her right with her little face filled with bashfulness who would looked in Zi Moyan''s direction from time to time, until she said asked in a small, embarra.s.sed tone, "Gongzi[1], you can read the book with me."


    Zi Moyan lightly nced at this little girl and indifferently declined, "No need, thank you."


    The little girl''s eyes darkened, then turned red, feeling hurt.


    This little girl was the current War Minister''s daughter, Li Xien, but she looked sweet and adorable.


    Zi Moyan sat on Li Xien''s left, to her right was the seventh prince, Murong Xu, who had always secretly admired Li Xien.


    When he saw the beautiful girl heartbroken, he red harshly towards the distant Zi Moyan.


    Pei! What''s the use of being good-looking when he''s just a wimp! And he still dare to pull a face at my woman!


    Murong Xu looked to the lecturing Liu Shubo, his face revealing a sinister smile, a ''one stone killing two birds'' scheme forming in his head.


    Hmph, hmph! Let''s see how I''m going to mess with you!


    Murong Xu used the slingshot in his hand and aimed towards Liu Shubo, who was standing in the front, and it just so happen to hit Liu Shubo''s head. Liu Shubo painfully cried out, then angrily interrogated the students below, "Who among you all used a slingshot to shoot me?!"


    Murong Xu took the opportunity to throw the slingshot at the currently dozing off Zi Moyan''s feet. At this moment, Liu Shubo marched down to do an inspection and precisely saw the slingshots at Zi Moyan''s feet. Moreover, she was still sleeping so pleasantly!


    Liu Shubo''s ire soared in an instant.


    This Zi Moyan, just came but is already so troublesome. How will she be any better in the future? Looks like he''ll have to properly teach this rascal a lesson in the Prime Minister¡¯s ce!


    Zi Moyan was not at all interested in these shriveled up ancient .s.sics, so she was nning to close her eyes and rest when she was suddenly forcefully pulled up.


    She frowned slightly and as soon as she opened her eye, she saw a fuming Liu Shubo ring at her. Could it be that he''s angry because she was sleeping in .s.s?


    Liu Shubo picked up the slingshot at her feet and asked coldly, "Zi Moyan, mind exining to me what''s going on? Nevermind that you''re sleeping in .s.s, but to even disturb the lesson? ying with the slingshot in .s.s? You do still have me as the teacher in your eyes?"


    She nced Liu Shubo''s somewhat swollen forehead once before she immediately understood what had happened. So he was. .h.i.t by a slingshot! No wonder his anger is so big.


    This kind of behavior, she thought slightly in disdain, were just pointless tactics from those little brats who haven''t grown any hair. She lightly nced an eye at the old man, but didn''t give any exnations.


    Liu Shubo stared at the taciturn Zi Moyan and a.s.sumed that she was silently acknowledging it. He was suddenly furious and took out a rule, "Zi Moyan, extend your hands out. It won''t do unless I give you a good lesson this time!"


    When Li Xuen saw the situation on the side, her small face was filled with worry.


    Just when Murong Xu thought that Zi Moyan was going to die for sure, Zi Moyan opened her mouth to exin herself. "I didn''t do it."


    She was originally toozy to exin, but now it seemed like won''t do if she doesn''t give an exnation. She certainly doesn''t want to be someone else''s scapegoat.


    Zi Moyan impa.s.sively showed both of her palms. "There isn''t anything that I could use to shoot with in my hand, right? Besides, if it was me, then why was the slingshot at my feet? Why would I want put it somewhere where you can easily spot it when I should''ve properly hid it away?"


    Footnote:


    [1]¹«×Ó: honorific for young men (most of the time from a n.o.ble background)

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9 ¨C I Will Not Kneel to Him!


    Liu Shubo calmed down while also getting the vague feeling that something was fishy. He studied this youth once more; no panic when met with a problem, but instead, remained calm and indifferent. Not bad indeed.


    "Then who do you think did it? How can I believe you if you haven''t found the culprit?" Liu Shubo was curious, how will the boy deal with this situation next.


    Out of everyone''s expectations, Zi Moyan only said one sentence. "Go search for the one who has the pebble, that person is precisely the culprit that you wanted to find."


    When all was said and done, Murong Xu was only a child so his mind couldn''t stay calm.


    As soon as he heard this one sentence, his heart became a mess. His hand involuntarily shook as a small pebble dropped, the sound wasn''t loud but it still attracted everyone''s attention.


    Liu Shubo finally understood, so it was actually this little devil¡¯s good deed. Following after, he angrily grabbed Murong Xu''s small hand and as expected, there were not just a few pebbles in Murong''s palm.


    Liu Shubo raised the ruler and mercilessly struck Murong Xu''s small palms. "Who told you to be still as unruly?! You don''t even study properly!" It was just a few strikes though, Murong was a prince after all, so he can''t be too harsh.


    Murong Xu endured the pain, his small face pale, but he still red defiantly at Zi Moyan with an expression of ''I''m not done with you yet''.


    However, Zi Moyanpletely didn''t put him in her eyes. Murong Xu was just eleven or twelve years old after all.


    He was just a little brat in Zi Moyan''s eyes, there was no need for her to bother with him.


    Everything that had urred here had been seen by the eyes of a handsome ck-robed man outside the door. The man observed Zi Moyan''s small, delicate face as well as her calm and collected response despite her small age.


    Enticing thin lips upturned slightly while a trace of curiosity and inquiry were caught inside of those icy cold eyes. "This little fellow is really interesting."


    After .s.s, Zi Moyan returned home. However, she hadn¡¯t even had a good enough rest before Zi Haotian dragged her soon afterwards to enter the Imperial Pce once more.


    "Father," Zi Moyan''s face carried weariness as she spoke. "Why are you taking me with you into the pce?"


    In fact, she doesn''t want to enter that Imperial Pce again one bit. After going through today''s ordeal, she just wanted to take a nice long nap.


    Zi Haotian was also somewhat nervous inside, but he answered with a serious expression, "Moyan, I have already heard about what happened in your .s.s. Only, I don''t know how it happened, but the Emperor unexpectedly also knew about this matter. The Emperor had someone delivered over an Imperial Decree, wanting me to take you to meet His Majesty!"


    Zi Moyan frowned slightly, the Emperor wants to meet her? Forget it, she certainly didn''t want to see him. Meeting the Emperor meant that she needed to kneel down and do this and that.


    She certainly doesn''t have the patience for it and she also doesn''t want to kneel to anyone.


    Zi Moyan''s expression slightly turned cold, standing up wanting to leave. "Father, I don''t want to go. I''m already too tired today, I want to return early to rest."


    Zi Haotian hurriedly dragged Zi Moyan back, his face showing helplessness. "Just go meet with the Emperor for your father''s sake." He didn''t know why but hepletely couldn''t put on airs in front of Zi Moyan when thetter was clearly his son. Therefore, he could only persuade verbally.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Under Zi Haotian''s coaxing and firm pull, Zi Moyan finally agreed with his request. He was, after all, her father ¨C if only in name.


    They arrived at the Imperial Pce and entered into the Diligent Hall [1], where the Emperor usually administer government affairs.


    It was said that Emperor Murong Tianchen was Long Lin Empire''s twenty fifth as well as Long Lin''s wisest and most farsighted ruler. His martial arts were the highest among the emperors, yet his personality was cold and heartless with the aura around his body being able to freeze a group of people to death.


    Murong Tianchen didn''t wear the dragon robe but a set of ordinary ck clothes. Extraordinary handsome, but his eyes were too cold. He sat upright in highest ground of the main hall, looking down loftily on Zi Moyan in silent contemtion. The ice hidden deep within his eyes dissolved a bit, carrying instead a trace of probing and curiosity.


    Zi Haotian kneeled down towards the lofty man, respectfully greeted, "This humble official pays his respect to Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!"


    Zi Moyan, however, didn''t kneel. Instead, she was not in the least bit apprehensive as she studied Murong Tianchen and no fear visible as well when she met with his cold eyes.


    Upon seeing this, Zi Haotian hurriedly tugged on Zi Moyan''s clothes and said anxiously, "Moyan, what are you still standing there for? Quickly greet the Emperor!"


    Zi Moyan remained unconcerned as she said indifferently, "I will not kneel to him."


    [1]ÇÚÕþµî: Diligent Hall, but full name is Diligence in the State of Affairs Hall if directly tranted (TL: and I ain¡¯t gonna use thetter because it¡¯s too long lol).

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10 ¨C Remaining in the Pce


    Zi Haotian absolutely did not expect this kind of situation to happen. His face turned extremely ugly and berated, "You unfilial son ¡ª impudent! Get on your knees!"


    Zi Moyan still didn''t kneel. She was the unhindered queen in the business world that even the national military chairman had to yield under her feet. So now, telling her to kneel to an ancient geezer ¡ª that was just not possible!


    Murong Tianchen stood up and slowly walked towards that ice-cold and unyielding person, and condescendingly gazed down on her. When he saw those eyes that were like brightly lit stars, his heart trembled. Those eyes were clearly as cold as ice, yet it seemed to have the power to bewitch people''s inner souls. Murong Tianchen could not help but to stare dazedly.


    The two of them continued to stare at each other in this manner and it was after a long time did Murong Tianchen quirked his lips slightly upward into a smile. He, who had never smiled before, had unexpectedly smiled.


    This phenomenon left Head Eunuch Liu De, who was standing to the side, somewhat shocked. The Emperor actually smiled. Until now, for twenty years, he had never seen this young Son of Heaven smile before.


    Granted, the smile didn''t reach the eyes, but it looks like this Zi Moyan really does have some skills!


    Murong Tianchen pulled this cold and prideful little person into his arms, walked up to the dragon throne, and ced her on hisp before saying to Zi Haotian: "It''s fine, Beloved Subject. Zhen rather like Moyan, so he can be exempt from kneeling from now on. You can also rise now."


    Zi Haotian was left somewhat incredulous. To his understandings, this Emperor was usually cold and unfeeling, and in regards to thetter¡¯s ruthlessness against those who doesn''t yield to him, Zi Haotian had also witnessed it before.


    But now against Moyan''s discourtesy, he not only didn''t give out punishment but there was also a¡­¡­ a doting kind of feeling.


    Zi Haotian shook his head, this must be an illusion, haha¡­¡­


    Zi Moyan was also somewhat badly shocked. When she was in the modern era, she was famous for being cold-hearted so she never had this kind of intimate contact with a male before.


    Clearly sensing the warmth from the other''s body and the musky fragrance on his body circled the tip of her nose, she suddenly felt ufortable all over. She moved around uneasily, wanting to stay away from this man.


    Murong Tianchen felt the little person''s reaction in his arms, and thought it was funny. A sudden urge of wanting to tease this little fellow appeared in his mind, and his strong arms strengthened, hugging her even tighter.


    When Zi Moyan felt that the distance between them was only separated by ayer of clothing, the corner of her mouth twitched. "Your Majesty, I''m already fourteen, I don''t need to be hugged."


    Murong Tianchen looked her up and down and replied with a tone of surprise: "With such a tiny body looking no different than a ten year old child, how are you already fourteen?"


    "Ke, ke!" When Zi Haotian heard his words, he was somewhat embarra.s.sed. After all, he had never cared about this child before, therefore his life wasn''t really good in the first ce and being somewhat malnourished was normal.


    Murong Tianchen only now realized that the Prime Minister was still here, hence he waved his hand and said, "Zhen is quite fond of Yan''er, so in the future, Yan''er can just live within the pce. Zhen will definitely not mistreat Yan''er, he will be no different than a prince. Don''t know if Prime Minister is willing to part with him?"


    Zi Haotian hastily knelt, his face bursting with joy. "That is Moyan''s blessing! This humble subject will thank Your Majesty in Moyan''s ce, though this subject is afraid he will trouble Your Majesty in the future."


    "Definitely not. With Yan''er being so likable, Zhen feel that the Pce won''t be as boring in the future." Murong Tianchen tightly locked the somewhat disobedient little guy in his arms. Seeing that tiny face creasing up when she heard the decision, it was really an amusing sight!


    It seems that it was the right choice to have her remain here.


    Zi Moyan was now thoroughly speechless. She had arduously walked out of one cage only to enter into an even bigger one. This was definitely not what she wanted!


    "Father, I want to go home! I don''t want to stay in the pce!" When Zi Moyan spoke this sentence, herplexion was especially bad, not at all like she was making a request. Rather, it looked more like a demand.


    TL: I may or may not have misused ¡®he¡¯ and ¡®she¡¯ in there because the author had been using ¡®he¡¯ for Zi Moyan while the FL herself knew her own gender. I¡¯ve been trying to keep ¡®he¡¯ from other people¡¯s thought processes separate from ¡®she¡¯ of the narration and the FL¡¯s thought processes, but it gets kinda confusing sometimes when no one knew of the FL¡¯s real gender (yet) other than the FL herself.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Previous Chapter Project Page Next Chapter


    Chapter 11 ¨C Moving into the Falling Flower Pavilion


    ¡°This¡­¡± Zi Haotian was somewhat troubled. He was adept in reading the situation, hence, he discerned that this was the best time to leave. He knelt towards Murong Tianchen and said: ¡°This subject still have matters left unattended at home and must leave in advance, may Your Majesty a.s.sent!¡±


    Murong Tianchen was also satisfied with Zi Haotian¡¯s ability to have a clear view of things, so he unreservedly agreed to Zi Haotian¡¯s request. ¡°Since Beloved Subject has matters to attend to, then you may leave. Moyan will be given to Zhen to take care of.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Old fox Zi Haotian promptly slipped away. The quick-witted Eunuch Liu also did the same upon seeing the situation, leaving Zi Moyan and Murong Tianchen the only two that were left in the hall.


    Zi Moyan¡¯s face ckened and seeing Zi Haotian¡¯s quickly retreating back, she was endlessly regretful. If she knew it was going to be like this earlier, then she shouldn¡¯t have gone soft and agreed with this old fox to enter the pce!


    However, even if she wanted to leave now, she wouldn¡¯t be able to!


    Murong Tianchen reached out his hand to ma.s.sage the tightly knitted brows of the person in his arms. In regards to her thoughts and att.i.tude, he had already dispatched someone to investigate thoroughly at an earlier time; hence, he unexpectedly used a coaxing tone to say to her: ¡°Don¡¯t worry Yan¡¯er, Zhen will not confine your freedom. From now on, you can freelye in and out of the Imperial Pce. Moreover, the Inner Pce has a veryrge library that you can visit at will in the future. Is Yan¡¯er happy with these?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± She didn¡¯t think he actually saw through her thoughts ¡ª even her interests and likes were known like the back of his hand. He really deserves to be the man who held the country¡¯s power.


    Except, why did this man want to do all of these for a person he just met? For her, who was always cold, she honestly could not understand the reason behind this.


    When Murong Tianchen received her puzzling look, he dotingly tapped her nose. ¡°I treat you well only because I want to treat you well, nothing more. Zhen is the ruler of all under heaven, if Zhenwants to treat someone well, could it be that there is still someone who dares to oppose me?¡±


    In truth, Murong Tianchen didn¡¯t really understand what kind of feeling he felt towards Zi Moyan. Maybe it was of interest, since she was different from others, and adding on her miserable experience, he couldn¡¯t help but want to treat her better.


    He didn¡¯t know what Zi Moyan was thinking as he watched her lower her head, then a depressed voice came from the person in his arms. ¡°Where do I stay at night?¡±


    Murong TIanchen answered naturally without a bit of reservation: ¡°You can just stay with Zhen in Yangxin Hall [1]!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Stay there? The corner of Zi Moyan¡¯s mouth twitched again.


    Would that kind of situation count as a man and woman coexisting in the same room?


    There was a smile in Murong Tianchen¡¯s eyes as he thought that this little


    fellow was honestly too amusing. He then continued to tease: ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be any problems since we¡¯re all men. It¡¯ll be decided like this then!¡±


    Zi Moyan jumped out of his embrace and directly watched out. ¡°It¡¯s still better if I go back.¡±


    Murong Tianchen was quick to stop her. Truthfully, he had already arranged the pce that Zi Moyan will be staying in. He only wanted to tease the little fellow, but didn¡¯t expect that she would get angry.


    He was the emperor, yet this was the first time he felt helpless, and it was against this little fellow. ¡°Yan¡¯er, I have already arranged a pce for you. From now on, you will be living in Falling Flower Pavilion. It¡¯s quite close to the library and in addition, there won¡¯t be anyone to disturb you.¡±


    Even Murong Tianchen himself didn¡¯t notice that from when he and the little fellow met till now, he had never put up the air of an emperor towards her.


    Murong Tianchen instructed Eunuch Liu De to bring Zi Moyan to Falling Flowers Pce. Zi Moyan only then knew that this Falling Flower Pavilion was as beautiful as thend of the fairies without even mentioning how luxurious it was on the inside.


    The outside had mountains and water, it was not one bit like it was part of the inner Imperial Pce but more like one of the Imperial family¡¯s mountain resorts.


    ¡°Young Master Zi, this Falling Flower Pavilion is the one ce within the inner pce that the Emperor always spends time in during the summer.¡± Eunuch Liu exined at the side, ¡°The mountain resort is rather far from the capital so when it gets scorching out in the summer season and if there also happen to be some urgent matter that needs to be dealt with immediately, the Emperor can then stay in the Falling Flower Pavilion for a while. Although it isn¡¯t as good as the mountain resort, it has pleasant scenery that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Even though this is part of the inner pce, but with the exception of the Emperor, no one can enter this Falling Flower Pavilion. Young Master Zi, you may be the first person to enter this pce!¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She mildly answered, she wasn¡¯t the slightest bit concerned about her residence¡¯s good or bad points.


    Eunuch Li said politely to Zi Moyan: ¡°Gongzi, there¡¯s a maidservant inside to serve you. If there is anything that you need, you can instruct this old servant. This old servant won¡¯t be disturbing the Young Master¡¯s rest.¡±


    ¡°En.¡±


    Soon after Zi Moyan entered, she saw a small delicate figure dressed in a green pce uniform busying spreading the nket for her.


    When she turned around and saw Zi Moyan, she quickly stopped what she was doing,ing forward to Zi Moyan¡¯s side to courtesy. ¡°This servant Yuan Xiao pays her respects to the Young Master.¡±


    Pretty and delicate appearance with pleasant smile hanging on her face, this little girl does rather attract people¡¯s liking, though the hand that was tightly tugging onto her own sleeves revealed her current nervousness.


    Footnote:


    [1] ÑøÐĵî: The Hall of Mental Cultivation ¡ª or in other words, the Emperor¡¯s sleeping quarters (TL: I honestly can¡¯te into terms with the English name)

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12 ¨C Yuan Xiao


    "You don''t need to fix the bed. You can leave now."


    Yuan Xiao was somewhat baffled towards Zi Moyan''s indifferent att.i.tude and thought that Zi Moyan wasn''t satisfied with her performance. "Gongzi, is this servantcking anywhere? Please do not hesitate to point it out, this servant will fix it."


    "No, I just don''t like to have people serve and disturb me. From now on, you don''t have to do these things." Zi Moyan sat on the bed, somewhat wearily leaning against the bedside.


    At this time, a pair of small hands rounded about Zi Moyan¡¯s head and gently started ma.s.saging. Yuan Xiao''s voice then came from above her head: "Gongzi, will this do?"


    "It can." Zi Moyan wanted to refuse at first, but this servant girl''s hand work was indeed very skillful. It let her feel exceptionallyfortable, so she closed her eyes and enjoyed it.


    This sight just so happen to fall into the Murong Tianchen, who was secretly watching from afar. He didn''t know why, but his mood felt particrly bad when a woman was near Zi Moyan. Hence, he coldly interrogated Liu De by his side: "What is this? Did you arrange for that pce maid?"


    "This¡­" Liu De stole a nce at the cold faced Emperor, his legs somewhat trembling in fear. He didn''t know this type of arrangement would unexpectedly anger the Emperor, hence, he hastily knelt down, relentlessly kowtowed and begged for forgiveness. "Your Majesty, this Servant didn''t understand Your Majesty''s intentions and decided without permission, may Your Majesty give out punishment!"


    Murong Tianchen gave a cold hmph. "In the future, do not act on your own without Zhen''s orders! Hurry and have that pce maid switched ¡ª switch to an eunuch!"


    "Yes! This Servant will carry it out at once!" Under Murong Tianchen''s terrifying cold gaze, Liu De''s entire body involuntarily trembled. He really could not understand, what was the Emperor angry about?


    Zi Moyan found it strange that the next day she woke up, the oneing in to wait upon her wasn''t the pce maid Yuan Xiao fromst night, but a young eunuch by the name of Little Six. "Where''s Yuan Xiao? Why is it you that came to attend me?"


    Little Six respectfully answered: "Head Eunuch Liu swapped Miss Yuan Xiao awayst night and changed to this Servant to wait upon you."


    Zi Moyan didn¡¯t care about the arrangement and gave the same instruction as before. "If you don''t have any matters to do in the furture, you don''t have toe disturb me. I also don''t need you to wait upon me."


    "This¡­ this servant understands." Although Little Six felt that this wasn''t a good idea, but since it was the Master''s order then he will just have toply with the Master''s wishes. It''s simple and also effortless!


    After Zi Moyan changed clothes and was about to leave, Little Six halted her, and carefully informed: "Gongzi, you can''t leave right now. You are needed to attend the state banquet that will happen in a bit."


    "State banquet? Why is there a need host one? Is it some important person''s birthday or¡­..?"


    "Envoys from the Jiao Empire brought their Crown Princess to Long Lin Empire. His Majesty said the banquet is for weing the Crown Princess. I''ve heard that this time is also because they have the intentions to strive for peace between our two countries through the means of a marriage alliance."


    "Marriage alliance?" Zi Moyan understood that with the Crown Princess being the next in line as Jiao Empire''s Empress, she couldn''t marry Murong Tianchen. That would mean that this time''s arranged marriage would probably be selected from of the sons of n.o.ble families to marry off to the Jiao Empire.


    Then it was necessary for all the young men of n.o.ble status to attend. This was indeed one grand banquet. "En, I understand. Remember to call me when the banquet starts."


    "Yes." Little Six left, leaving the Falling Flower Pavilion and into the current guifei''s[1] pce ¡ª the n.o.ble Rain Pce.


    Little Six knelt towards the alluringly beautiful woman reclining on the chaise longue chair. This woman was current guifei ¡ª Shangguan Yu


    "Niangniang[2], this Servant carried out Niangniang''s instructions of telling Zi Moyan to attend the state banquet. May this Servant beg Niangniang for this Servant''s parents'' release."


    Shuangguan Yu nonchntly nce at the kneeling Little Six below. When she saw those thin and weak shoulders trembling, she smiled slightly ¡ª smiled so that it was as gentle as the wind and as light as the clouds. "You did well, Little Six. You can rest a.s.sure that your parents will live out the second half of their lives in peace."


    Footnote:


    [1]¹óåú: Senior concubine/ Imperial consort


    [2]ÄïÄï: A respectful address to the concubines of the Imperial Pce.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13 ¨C State Banquet and Marriage Alliance


    Shangguan Yu waved her hand, a glint of impatience in her beautiful eyes. "You can leave now, Little Six. Remember to continue to stay by Zi Moyan''s side and report his every movement to me!"


    "Ye¡­ yes¡­" Little Six trembled, scrambling for the pce exit.


    The head pce maid of the Imperial Violet Pce, Mei Xi, asked curiously on the side: "Niangniang, why do you want to deal with one little Zi Moyan? He is only a fourteen year old boy."


    Shuangguan Yu was somewhat unhappy. "Fourteen year old boy, yes, but he might be my biggest stumbling block in the future."


    Time quickly pa.s.sed away as the outside was adorned withnterns and bustling with noise and excitement that was above the usual level. However, Falling Flower Pavilion was still as quiet and peaceful as before, the numerous disturbances outside wasn''t able to affect it in the slightest.


    Just when it was time for the banquet to start, Little Six came to inform the currently reading Zi Moyan. "Young Master, the banquet has already started."


    "En, okay." Zi Moyan briefly fixed her clothes, making sure that there wasn''t any problems before following Little Six out of Falling Flower Pavilion.


    At the state banquet, there were either n.o.ble princes or well-known young masters from aristocrat families. As for princesses and youngdies, however, they appear to be somewhat small in numbers.


    Other than the young n.o.blemen, there were still the parents who came with them. Of course, Zi Haotian and Zi Haoran were naturally included within the invitation to this type of banquet as well.


    Murong Tianchen, as the Emperor of Long Lin Empire, sat on top of the dragon throne at the head of the resplendent main hall. He was dressed in dragon robes with an air of regality that was mixed with coldness about him, seeming to be high above all else and looking down on all living things.


    The charisma that he released attracted all of the females present at the venue. To his side sat guifei Shangguan Yu, dressed in violet clothing and carrying a regal air of benevolence and virtue.


    Since the Emperor still hadn''t named an Empress, Shuangguan Yu became the one in charge of the Emperor''s harem.


    Zi Xihan was also one of the concubines within said harem. She was dressed in pink, appearing to be loveable and cute.


    Only, she was currently just a little unnamed concubine so she could only sit at the bottom, leaving the Emperor rather far. But as the Prime Minister''s daughter, she also has the rights to attend the state banquet.


    "Distinguished guests of the Jiao Empire," Murong Tianchen addressed to said empire''s Crown Princess and envoys sitting in the guest seats. "It must have been a long and tiring journey for you all toe visit. If these drinks aren''t to your taste, zhen can instruct the Imperial kitchen to remake them!"


    Jiao empire''s twelve year old Crown Princess wore a magnificent set of clothing that was weaved from golden silk with a golden crown sitting atop her head. Her figure wasn''t as muscrpared to the women of Jiao, but as delicate as the women of Long Lin. Her pretty little face hung a self-confident smile, yet it doesn''t reach her eyes, and there was a trace of valor that was carried in her brows. With just one look at this kind of woman, one would know that she did not belong to themon people.


    The Crown Princess had yet to say anything when one of the older envoys at her side spoke for her. "Your Majesty is being courteous, the drinks rather fit our tastes."


    "En, that''s good then." Although Murong Tianchen didn''t express anything on his face, there was a trace of appreciation in his eyes as he nced at Shuangguan Yu sitting at the side. The banquet was, after all,pletely managed by her.


    When Shuangguan Yu felt Murong Tianchen''s gaze, her face turned red as she shyly looked back.


    Right at this moment, Zi Moyan entered donned in white. Compared to the atmosphere of the state banquet, she seemed to have casually stepped out from nature ¨C proud and aloof, yet beautiful as a whole. The picture momentarily captivated everyone''s gazes.


    The moment the Crown Princess, Ru Yan, saw Zi Moyan, she was also bedazzled by the sight.


    Murong Tianchen couldn''t hide the stunned look shing through his eyes, but when he came to from his trance to see other men and women alike peeking at Zi Moyan, his face darkened in a sh. Then, acting quite different from his normal himself, Murong Tianchen stepped down from the dragon throne and came to Zi Moyan''s side. He picked her up in the next second and walked back to sit on the throne, cing Zi Moyan onto hisp and confining her in his arms.


    When Zi Moyan, who had always been indifferent and not caring about the opinions of others, saw Murong Tianchen picking her up in front of this many people, embarra.s.sment was immediately shown on her face with her ears turning somewhat red in the process.


    She awkwardly tried to free herself from this man''s embrace, but his hold only got tighter and tighter.


    "The child in zhen''s arms is the Prime Minister''s younger son ¡ª Zi Moyan." Murong Tianchen announced to everyone below him. "Zhen is quite fond of Yan''er, hence, he was allowed into the pcest night. From now on, his status will be equal to that of a prince and will be treated like a prince."


    An uproar sounded from below¡­¡­


    Zi Haoran also wore a strange look as he softly whispered into Zi Haotian''s ear, "Father, what the heck is going on?"


    "Ran''er, the Emperor''s words is equivalent to the Imperial Decree." Zi Haotian answered. "Being subjects, we only need to act ordingly."


    "Oh." Zi Haoran didn''t know what else to say.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14 ¨C Zhou Family?


    A light smile yed on Crown Princess Ru Yan¡¯s lip as she stood up and leisurely walked out of her seat. She headed towards the center of the pce hall, giving a slight courtesy towards Murong Tianchen. "Ru Yan agrees that such a n.o.ble and charming person as Young Master Zi indeed possesses the air of a prince. Ru Yan has a proposal and wonder what Your Majesty will think of it."


    Although she hasn''t said it yet, Murong Tianchen already had a hint of what she was aiming for, which naturally turned his face somewhat unpleasant. He coldly looked at Ru Yan and inquired: "What kind of proposal?"


    Ru Yan tightly locked her gaze onto the handsome face of Zi Moyan who was in Murong Tianchen''s arms, her face set with determination. "Your Majesty, the Jiao and Long Lin Empires have been in a good rtionship for a hundred years. For the sake of the two countries to be even more harmonious and for our joint development in the future, I suggest that Zi gongzi should represent Long Lin Empire in the marriage alliance with my Jiao Empire. I think, for the sake of peace between the two empires, Zi gongzi will also be very willing!"


    When Murong Tianchen head this, his eyes shed with a cold light. He definitely would not let Zi Moyan marry into the Jiao Empire. However, just as he was thinking of how to reject this marriage, Zi Moyan spoke. "I will not marry you."


    "You!" Ru Yan thought that even though Zi Moyan wasn''t willing, thetter wouldn''t say it out loud in front of all these people. However, she didn''t expect Zi Moyan to not only declined, but had also been so blunt about it!


    Ru Yan took her gaze back, speaking with solemnity: "Young Master Zi, why are you not willing? Are you worried about your status? This isn''t a problem, this Crown Princess will definitely make you this Crown Princess''s main husband!"


    "I wasn''t concerned over whether or not I''ll be your main husband at all."


    "Then is it because Young Zi thinks that Ru Yan looks ugly that you don''t like Ru Yan?" Ru Yan was anxious, this was the first time that she cared about a man''s opinion. Before, she wasn''t very happy that she looked so small, but now, she was thinking how she could appear a bit more pet.i.te and delicate.


    Zi Moyan sized Ru Yan up. To tell the truth, the dainty nose, small red lips, big and quick-witted eyes, these exquisitely beautiful facial features fused together was wless! Such an absolute beauty, enhanced with the Crown Princess''s dragon robes,pletely showed off the aura of a ruler! Compared with Murong Tianchen''s concubines, they were far from being a match against her.


    "The Crown Princess is quite beautiful, I think that as long as it is a man, they will all fall in love with the Crown Princess upon sight." Zi Moyan answered truthfully.


    Hearing this, Ru Yan''s face brightened with delight while Murong Tianchen secretly held the little person in his arms tighter, his deep eyes shed a cold light. Could it be that he likes her?


    Zi Moyan then abruptly turned the topic around: "However, Your Highness, I already have someone in my heart, so I''m afraid I won''t be living up to the Crown Princess''s good intentions."


    The smile on Ru Yan''s face momentarily froze while everyone else fell into a fury discussion below.


    Zi Haotian and Zi Haoran both had an incredulous look on their faces. Zi Haotian couldn''t be any more clear of how Zi Moyan had been living in the past, so how could he have the opportunity to get acquainted with any girls?


    How long has it been? A sweetheart appeared out of nowhere just like this??


    Murong Tianchen was simrly surprised, he nced deeply at Moyan before his expression returned to normal.


    "Who is it?" Ru Yan inquired.


    "Zhou Jiahan."


    Zi Moyan only wanted to use this name to counter Ru Yan''s question, but she didn''t expect for the court officials and the Crown Princess to have such reactions. Ru Yan''s face turned somewhat unpleasant, but didn''t continue to inquire into Zhou Jiahan''s family backgrounds, choosing instead to stay silent. The court officials, meanwhile, were bustling in noisy discussions.


    "Surname Zhou? Is the person from that ce?"


    "How would I don''t know? Who else could possibly have the surname Zhou on this continent other than people of that ce?"


    "Didn''t think that Young Master Zi actually had connections with that ce. He really is capable!"


    "Right, right¡­¡­"


    The discussions seemed endless, making Zi Moyan frown mildly. Could it be that there were people with the surname Zhou here ¡ª and with major influences at that? Just look at how their expressions turned paled at the mere mention of it!

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15 ¨C Who Is She Longing For?


    Ru Yan cupped her hands and said: "Since it''s like this, then Ru Yan will not impose on Young Master anymore."


    The Crown Princess returned to her seat, herplexion wasn''t too good from beginning to end.


    By her side, the eyes of one of the enovies of Jiao shed with a harsh glint, his face turning somewhat unsightly as he said to Murong Tianchen: "Your Majesty, since Young Master Zi¡¯s heart already belong to someone, then it will do us no good to keep insisting. However, won''t this affect our two empires'' rtionship?"


    It goes without saying that there was a hidden meaning in the envoy''s words; after all, a country''s Crown Princess was rejected in public. It wouldn¡¯t do if they don''t try to redeem some face back.


    Murong Tianchen gestured to the other aristocratic youths sitting below. There weren''t short of any talented and good-looking youths as well as high and mighty princes. "Envoy, zhen is afraid that there are many youths below that have already fell in love with the Crown Princess. If one of them catches the Crown Princess''s eyes, then she only has to speak up. Zhen will help on your behalf."


    Actually, the meaning of Murong Tianchen''s words couldn''t be even more obvious. As long as it was someone that the Crown Princess takes fancy, even if it was a prince, he would still be willing to give to her.


    This should also be considered as give the Jiao Empire face, so when the envoy heard Murong Tianchen, hisplexion was a bit better. "Then we will have to thank Emperor Chen. If our Crown Princess takes fancy on one of the young n.o.bles, then we will have to trouble Emperor Chen!"


    After all, the Jiao Empire was currently in a decline, they still couldn''t shed all pretense of cordiality with the Long Lin Empire yet!


    "No need! This Crown Princess will only love one person!" Ru Yan still frankly fixed her attention on Zi Moyan with burning eyes.


    When Murong Tianchen saw the emotion in Ru Yan''s eyes as she stared at Zi Moyan, his heart was particrly ufortable. He then used his sleeve to slightly block Zi Moyan''s face, obstructing the Crown Princess''s line of sight.


    After the banquet, the Jiao Empire Crown Princess and envois all left that very night. Within the Imperial Study, Murong Tianchen solemnly spoke: "Did Jiao Empire''s Crown Princess really left the Imperial City already?"


    "Yes! The people that this Subordinate dispatched personally saw them out of the Imperial City." The shadow guard answered respectfully as he dropped down and stood by Murong Tianchen''s side.


    "Jiao Empire''s Crown Princess left just like that without bidding farewell to His Majesty?" Zi Haotian''s expression was somewhat grave as he asked.


    Standing by the side, Wo Burun gave a sneer. "If it wasn''t for your family''s younger son rejecting the Crown Princess, then we wouldn''t have provoke the Crown Princess''s dissatisfaction. She was definitely angry to have left so early!"


    WoBurun and Zi Haotian were both Prime Ministers of Imperial court, it was just that one was the Right minister and the other was the Left respectively. Both of them also held an extremelyrge amount of influence each in Long Lin Empire, but at the same time, the two were each other''s biggest arch-nemesis.


    Wo Burun continued to add oil to the story. "You Majesty, this Subject feel that Zi Moyan should be sentenced to death in order to quell the Crown Princess''s ire. If not, then I''m afraid the rtionship between our two countries will be distant and our country will be caught within the midst a perilous pincer attack from three empires!"


    "That''s right, that''s right! Your Majesty should sentence Zi Moyan to death!" The other old officials also have this kind of apprehensions, hence, they each supported Wo Burun''s proposal.


    Zi Hatoian''s face was unsightly, but he was even more worried and anxious in his heart. "You Majesty," He promptly prostrated before the Emperor and plead for leniency. "The fault of this matter is on this Subject''s son, but he is but a young child whocks the understanding of our country''s political affairs. This Subject plead Your Majesty to give him another chance on the ount that he''s still young!"


    The expressionless Murong Tianchen coldly stared at the prostrating Zi Haotian. After a while, just as Zi Haotian''s heart beated repeatedly like drums, he finally opened his mouth. "This matter indeed doesn''t have too great of a concern with Yan''er. I don''t think the Crown Princess is a narrow-minded person. There may be a special reason for why she had been in such a rush to return to her country."


    To be honest, the Emperor spoke only to help Zi Moyan, but also to put a sock in those old officials'' mouth.


    The Emperor has already said it like so, so if you all make another riot, then you won''t be giving the Emperor face!


    Zi Haotian inwardly released a breath when he heard the Emperor and promptly kowtowed to show his grat.i.tude for the kindness. "Many thanks, Your Majesty!"


    "Rise Prime Minister Zi, there''s no need to be nervous. Other elders may also sit down. The reason Zhen summoned you over is for the matter regarding the Zhou family."


    Zi Haotian stood up and took a seat, his heart had just rxed only to it to tense up again.


    Haotian''s reactionpletely fell into Muron Tianchen''s eyes. "Should Minister Zi not exin how this young Zhou family miss came to meet Yan''er and share mutual affections?"


    Upon hearing ''Zhou family'', other doyens all kept their silence, but their faces were disys of various garish expressions. There were some who were scared, some fearful, others baffled, and more calm yet solemn.


    Zhou family. On this continent, there wasn''t a single person that dared to make mention of these two words.


    Zi Haotian also heard of the Zhou family, the Zhou family and the Romance Pavilion have a bit of a connection. This Romance Pavilion was a ce one absolutely could not offend!


    However, what he knew were only these few things. The Zhou family was an enigma, so even if the Emperor interrogated him right now, he wouldn''t know anything.


    Zi Haotian sighed. "Your Majesty, this Subject is really not aware of this matter regarding the Zhou family. Perhaps this is all a coincidence."


    Murong Tianchen knew that Zi Haotian didn''t know, but the former has a hint in the heart of this matter. He turned towards the others and said coldly, "Perhaps what Prime Minister said is also within reason. This is only a coincidence, hence, others needn''t put it in heart. Zhen will also not be looking into this matter. Prime Minister Wo, do you understand?"


    Wo Burun lowered his head, his eyes shing a harsh glint. "Yes, this Subject understands!"


    It was also said to protect Zi Moyan. Maybe the real reason hidden deep within his heart was that he wished no harm woulde to that youth.


    After Murong Tianchen had dealt with these old officials, he went to the Falling Flower Pavilion. He saw from afar that dab of white figure sitting outside and leaning against the railings, hanging his head down slightly with crystal clear eyes bearing a hint of grief and longing. He watched as the gleaming, crystal clear like water surface face faintly being lost in thought.


    Murong Tianchen frowned slightly once he saw this picture. In Murong Tianchen''s eyes, he had always been calm and tranquil, never affected by the situations he encountered, and never revealing his joy and anger. Hence, this was the first time Murong Tianchen saw this kind of mncholy on him.


    Even from so far a distance, Murong Tianchen could still sense that deep yearning of his. He didn''t know why, but when Murong Tianchen saw him like this, pain pulled his heartstring.


    Who was he longing for? Could it be that little miss from the Zhou family?

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16 ¨C The White Shadow Within Abandoned Book Pavilion


    Murong Tianchen slowly made his way over and pulled Zi Moyan into his arms. With his head resting on Zi Moyan''s thin shoulder, he asked softly: "What''s wrong Yan''er? Not happy?"


    As a result of suddenly falling into a warm embrace, Zi Moyan was momentarily fraught with panic. But upon seeing Murong Tianchen, she very quickly controlled her frame of mind, her face returning to that of tranquility. "What are you doing here?"


    Seeing Zi Moyan''s expression changing this quickly, Murong Tianchen almost thought what he saw seconds prior were but an illusion. "Who is Yan''er thinking about? That Zhou family''s little miss must have been used to fool them, right?"


    He hadn''t wanted to ask, but he still couldn''t help but open his mouth.


    "En."


    Murong Tianchen didn''t know why, but he felt delighted at that moment. He patted Zi Moyan''s head, his voice carrying a certain affection that even he wasn''t aware of. "Yan''er, are you tired?"


    "En." It was still a single utterance from Zi Moyan ¨C no more, no less. However, the eyes she used to look at Murong Tianchen were of suspicion.


    Murong Tianchen lifted her up in one fell swoop, carrying her inside and gently ced her on her bed. "Then Yan''er should go to sleep, good night."


    Zi Moyan watched the man''s retreating back that carried joy, her face showing confusion. Just what was he happy about?


    In the early morning, after Zi Moyan woke up, she didn''t go straight to the First Study but she didn''t go the Imperial family''s library either. Instead, she headed out of the Imperial Pce, and came to the Zi residence. She had felt that she should say a word to Xiao Ya, otherwise, that little girl would definitely be depressed.


    "Ah!!!" Came a woman''s shriek.


    Zi Moyan was briefly startled, recognizing this voice to be Xiao Ya''s. Could it be that something has happened to her? She was inwardly somewhat worried upon that thought, so she rushed towards the courtyard''s abandoned book pavilion, where Zi Moyan had heard the voice from.


    The moment she reached the destination, Zi Moyan saw Xiao Ya stumbling and sitting on the floor, her tiny face paled enough to scare people and in her eyes were of deep fear as if she saw something extremely frightening.


    "Xiao Ya, what''s the matter?" Zi Moyan speed-walked to her side, supporting her up as she asked gently.


    Coming back from her trance, Xiao Ya was somewhat startled as she turned her head and saw Zi Moyan. The moment she saw the concern in Zi Moyan''s eyes, her heart trembled, her emotions sobering up. She threw herself into Zi Moyan''s arms in the next second, tearing up. "Young Master, you finally came back! Wuwu, Xiao Ya thought Young Master didn''t want her anymore!"


    For the first time, the always insensitive Xiao Ya was behaving just like a normal, delicate little girl and crying in such grief.


    "What''s wrong? What happened exactly ¨C Xiao Ya, you should calm down first." Zi Moyan''s eyes softened, her voice carrying warmth for the first time. "I''m right here so you can take your time to tell me."


    Xiao Ya, under Zi Moyan''s consoling, slowly calmed her frame of mind. She was somewhat red in the face as she left Zi Moyan''s embrace. "Sorry, Young Master. I got your clothes dirty."


    "It''s fine," Zi Moyan saw that she was much better so she continued to question: "Xiao Ya, what''s wrong? What did that book pavilion have inside?"


    Once Xiao Ya heard the phrase ''book pavilion'', her face paled instantly. She cowardly answered, "There seemed to be a real ghost inside that book pavilion. I just saw¡­¡­ saw inside, there was a white shadow shing by¡­¡­"


    "White shadow?" Zi Moyan creased her brows, could it be that there was someone inside this book pavilion? As far as the modern educated Zi Moyan was concerned of, she never believed these kind of unscientific things!


    She said to Xiao Ya: "Wait here for me, I''ll go into the book pavilion to take a look. Finished with the instruction, Zi Moyan marched towards said pavilion.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17 ¨C Rebound!


    "Young Master, don''t go!" Xiao Ya couldn''t stop Zi Moyan in time before she had already entered the book pavilion.


    Zi Moyan calmed her mind, carefully listening for any sounds of activity from the surroundings. She could sense that this pavilion didn''t seemed to be any different from normal. Just when she thought she could have been misled by her eyes, a white shadow swiftly floated past upstairs!


    Zi Moyan was startled in that moment, that person was upstairs! Zi Moyan followed the white shadow, arriving to the floor where she usually read books in, which was also the highest floor of the book pavilion.


    Zi Moyan slowly pushed open the door, but other than the messy books spreading all over, there was still not a soul within sight. However, Zi Moyan was positive that someone hase here before, because the book that she had usually read was already no longer in its original position!


    "Who''s here?" She asked coldly, yet her eyes were constantly observing everything in the surrounding from the gentle breeze to the stirring gra.s.s.


    "Hahaha¡­¡­" The sound of a woman''sughter suddenly resounded within the book pavilion. A sh of a white shadow, then a woman appeared in front of Zi Moyan without warning, but Zi Moyan was unable to see her face clearly due to the loose hair scattering in front of it. "You have guts little fe, you''re actually the first person who dares to enter this book pavilion!"


    Zi Moyan coldly looked at the suddenly appeared woman. "Who are you? Why are you in this pavilion?"


    Zi Moyan had yet to react when this woman already moved within a few centimeters of her and reached out a hand to caress Zi Moyan''s stunning face, chuckling as she said: "You truly do look attractive, little guy! Tsk, tsk, do you want to be my lunch?"


    Zi Moyan pped away the hand that was wandering about her face. She then took out a dagger hidden within her sleeve and promptly stabbed towards the woman.


    The woman, instead of dodging, grabbed onto Zi Moyan''s dagger and chuckled "Little guy also have thorns, interesting! Hahaha¡­¡­"


    Zi Moyan paled, the woman only needed one move to flip her wrist and knock the dagger out of her hand!


    The otherughed heartily, looking extremely pleased as she looked towards Zi Moyan. "Scared? If you''re scared, then just obediently obey me!" The woman''s sinisterly smiled as she leaned closer to Zi Moyan. But just when she reached out her hand to touch Zi Moyan''s face, thetter suddenly copsed.


    The woman momentarily drew a nk, staring at the already unconscious Zi Moyan on the ground. Blinking her eyes, she dubiously examined her entire body. "What''s wrong with this fe? He fainted just like that? I still haven''t had enough fun yet."


    She lowered herself and grabbed Zi Moyan''s hand to take her pulse. A grave look then reced her previously joking expression. "This guy actually took the [Will of Towering Heaven] I left here and practiced it! He really is brazen. He actually dared to practice [Will of Towering Heaven] when he hasn''t even opened up his meridians! "


    Despite having an unstable foundation, Zi Moyan still forcibly cultivated which induced the movement of zhen qi within her body, resulting in the current vtile zhen qi and the presence of disturbance in the energy flow.


    The woman helped Zi Moyan sit up, chuckling: "Little guy, it''s a good thing that you b.u.mped into me. If not, then you would''ve definitely died! Considering you look pretty cute, I will save you just once!"


    The woman ced her hand onto Zi Moyan''s back, slowly allowing her vigorous internal energy enter into Zi Moyan''s body, helping her straighten out and suppress the disorderly zhen qi within her body. Under the woman''s enormous zhen qi''s overwhelming suppression, Zi Moyan''s internal zhen qi was as obedient as a kitten which then slowly retreated back into her dantian.


    The woman also conveniently helped Zi Moyan open up all of her meridians in her body. Once she aplished that, she stood up and sized Zi Moyan over. "This little fe actually cultivated to the second level within this short of a time period! He is indeed a genius martial arts pract.i.tioner!"


    Generally, even if people with profound skills practiced the [Will of Towering Heaven], they might not reach the first level even after ten years. Now, however, with this fe who doesn''t even have basic foundation here, he could practice to the second level in such a short time span!


    Haha, she really did pick up a treasure!

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    Chapter 18 ¨C epting a Disciple


    Zi Moyan opened her eyes and what fell within her sight was the white robed woman from before. Her hair still in disarray, she sat on the window sill, looking far into the distance. Zi Moyan felt that her thoughts were no longer focused here, the her now didn¡¯t have the strange craziness from before. Instead, there was more of a beautiful kind of tranquility about her. In Zi Moyan¡¯s opinion, this kind of her seemed more normal!


    The woman¡¯s face still had some smudges of ckened dirt, looking like she hadn¡¯t took a bath for a long time. There was also a weird odor on her body.


    Zi Moyan slowly stood up, noticing that her body was lighter and much more rxed. Moreover, she felt somewhat as light as a feather. The painful disordered qi flow that she had previously felt throughout her body, as if it was going to explode, nowpletely disappeared. There was only an indescribablefort!


    ¡°Did you save me?¡± Zi Moyan inquired coolly, her tone no longer having the coldness from before.


    The woman turned her head back, supporting it with her hand as she looked at Zi Moyan. ¡°You¡¯re awake? You recovered pretty fast.¡±


    ¡°En.¡±


    The woman jumped off of the window sill,ing to her side and promptly pulled Zi Moyan¡¯s thin and weak little body into her embrace. ¡°Little fe, you should thank me by devoting your life to me!¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zi Moyan answered apathetically and pushed the woman away. She noticed earlier that this woman didn¡¯t have any evil intentions towards her; moreover, she doesn¡¯t seem to have much of a rtionship to the Prime Minister¡¯s residence. But her being somewhat of a pervert was a fact!


    The woman insipidly waved her hand. ¡°You little fe look pretty and cute, but you¡¯re just too cold, so you¡¯re not my type. Forget it, since you don¡¯t want to repay my kindness with your body, then just do it by bing my disciple!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Zi Moyan turned and left.


    Seeing this, the woman became anxious. This was a hard toe by genius of martial arts, she didn¡¯t want to just give up!


    Hence, she pulled Zi Moyan to a stop,ughing, ¡°Little fe, you already practiced my [Will of Towering Heaven]. Don¡¯t tell me you going to back out of a debt and not taking responsibility!¡±


    ¡°[Will of Towering Heaven]?¡± She when did she practice this thing?


    ¡°Of course! It¡¯s the book that you often read.¡± The woman exerted a suction force with her hand and the book from a few meters away came flying into her palm. She then held the book in front of Zi Moyan. ¡°It¡¯s precisely this one! You can¡¯t tell me that you haven¡¯t read it before!¡±


    Zi Moyan looked at the old-fashioned book. Indeed, she read through this book before, but it didn¡¯t have the t.i.tle [Will of Towering Heaven] written on it. She merely identally nced at it and found that it seemed to be a martial arts manual so she just practiced it a bit.


    She didn¡¯t think that there was actually an indistinct trace of of qi flow in her body, so she might as well continue to practice it. Even if she couldn¡¯t be an expert martial artist, she could strengthen her body. After all, this body was really too weak!


    Zi Moyan coolly said, ¡°That¡¯s correct, I did read it. But I only used it to change my physique a bit, to keep fit, nothing more!¡±


    The woman had the kind of beating her chest kind of feeling. There were innumerous amount of people who just wanted to take a look at this martial arts manual, and it would be great opportunity even if it was just one nce of the cover!


    Forget it, she didn¡¯t want to argue with this fe, the main thing here was to ept this disciple!


    ¡°Then that¡¯s that! You¡¯ve learned this sect¡¯s martial arts so you will be my disciple from now on! You should be honored, there are many whoe begging me to ept them as my disciple, but I didn¡¯t ept any of them. You¡¯re the first, and will also be thest!¡± The woman wore a smug look as she unted herself in front of Zi Moyan.


    With a filthy face, messy hair, and somewhat tattered white clothes, Zi Moyan found it hard to believe that she was someone who had many peopleing to beg to be her disciple with this kind of image.


    Zi Moyan continued to ignore her, heading downstairs.


    Leaving the woman upstairs stomping her feet anxiously. ¡°Little fe, you really don¡¯t know what it means to revere the master and her teachings!¡±

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19: Disappointment


    Xiao Ya greeted Zi Moyan when she came down, anxiously checking her over. "Young Master, are you okay?"


    "It''s nothing, let''s go." Right when Zi Moyan wanted to leave, her hand was pulled by the white robed woman.


    Her voice was honeyed as she spoke, "Little fe, you can''t go. You haven''t agreed to be my disciple yet!"


    Xiao Ya held her head with both hands, shrieking: "Ahhhh! Ghost!" She shakingly pointed at the white robed woman, her pupils shrinking. And just like this, she fainted, her face have yet to recover from shock.


    After all, normal people would be scared if a white robed woman with hair still disheveled and a filthy face suddenly appeared, let alone the always antsy Xiao Ya.


    Zi Moyan hastily held Xiao Ya up, checking her condition for her. She only rxed after making sure that Xiao Ya had indeed only suffered from a shock with no other problems.


    The white clothed woman saw that Zi Moyan disregarded her once again, she scratched her head in frustration. "Little fe, you ignored me again! Good, very good! Just you wait, there''ll be a day I''ll make you recognize me as your master!"


    From the day Zi Haotian recognized this ''son'', Zi Moyan also had a morefortable and s.p.a.cious room in the Prime Minister''s residence with her status also rising greatly. However, Zi Moyan had not stayed in that room for more than a few days when she entered the Pce.


    At first, that worn-down house was still there because Xiao Ya liked it. Therefore, Zi Moyan requested of Zi Haotian to have that house given to her as well.


    Now, that worn-down house didn''t counted as a worn-down house anymore. It had already been fixed up by Zi Haotian, changing so much that it lookedpletely new! In the end, it became Xiao Ya''s residence!


    After Zi Moyan ced Xiao Ya on the bed, tucked her in, and organized everything, she left the Zi residence. She knew that she couldn''t give Xiao Ya a clear exnation right now, so she might as well find time toe back next time.


    Although Zi Moyan possessed the right to freely enter and leave the Imperial Pce, that Emperor still tyrannically demanded that she must return before 10 o''clock at night. Hence, Zi Moyan didn''t stay in the Prime Minister''s residence for too long, quickly returning to the Pce.


    Once she came back to the Falling Flower Pavilion and opened the door, she saw a man dressed in bright yellow clothing sitting on a chair, looking at her firmly. "You came back, but why sote? Where did you go?"


    "Took a trip back home." Zi Moyan answered truthfully.


    After hearing the answer, Murong Tianchen''s expression warmed up a lot. He lightly curled his lips up, beckoning Zi Moyan over with his hand. "Yan''er,e have a taste of Yue Empire''s famous tea. This is a hard toe by popr product."


    Zi Moyan saw that the tea cup that Murong Tianchen pa.s.sed over was the one that he just drank from. "I can pour a cup myself."


    Murong Tianchen stopped her, pa.s.sing the tea cup over. "Just drink this one."


    Zi Moyan received that cup and took a sip with pursed lips, the light aromatic taste dispersing in her mouth.


    "How is it?" Murong Tianchen looked towards her with eyes filled with expectation.


    "Not bad."


    He smiled in satisfaction, s.n.a.t.c.hing the cup from Zi Moyan''s hand and drank the rest of tea from the part where Zi Moyan had just sipped. He licked his lips afterwards, wishing there were more to relish.


    "Your Majesty, it''ste now, you should go back and rest." Zi Moyan said lightly.


    Murong Tianchen held up her delicate cheek, caressing it as he smiled faintly. "Since when had Yan''er learned to be concern about zhen?" Hidden within the depths of his eyes, the ice-cold that seemed to be there before morphed into softness, carrying faint joy with it.


    She didn''t actually have any other meaning when she said those words, she only wanted to shoo the other person away, is all. However, she didn''t expect him to be this happy.


    Forget it, she couldn''t use the normal way of looking at things to look at him anyways.


    Zi Moyan evaded his touch, her tone carried alienation as she said, "Your Majesty, I''ll be resting first. You can do as you please." She directly entered her room, closing the door behind her!


    Murong Tianchen didn''t know why, but seeing that indifferent back brought a sense of disappointment in his heart. His Yan''er didn''t seem to like him very much?


    Not too far outside, the somewhat dozing off Head Eunuch Liu De saw the Emperoring out with a darkened face. The sight brought a scare that immediately sobered up his quick-witted mind, and followed after Murong Tianchen''s footsteps.


    On the way, a certain eunuch felt that fearful pressure all around, making a chill run through his entire body. His little mind also became alert, wondering, Uh, what happened between Zi gongzi and the Emperor?


    When the Emperor came, his mood seemed rather good. Howe the moment Zi gongzi returned, the Emperor came out with a ckened face?


    "Your Majesty¡­ that, guifei came looking for Your Majesty. She wished that Your Majesty will make a visit to the n.o.ble Rain Pce¡­" When Liu De spoke up to this point, Murong Tianchen nced at him with sharp knife-like eyes. The Eunuch was immediately scared to the point his legs buckled and could no longer continue his report.


    Heined about his hardship in his heart. Guifei niangniang, this servant had indeed delivered your message.


    He lowered his head, carefully followed behind Murong Tianchen, leaving the Falling Flower Pavilion.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20 ¨C Everyone Wishes to Marry the Prime Minister''s Second Young Master


    After Murong Tianchen left, Zi Moyan lied on her bed, but she couldn''t sleep no matter what. Once she turned her body over, she saw a stunning woman dressed in white robes smiling at her from afar. Startled, Zi Moyan promptly sat up and asked coldly, "Who are you and what do you want?"


    She had to admit, this was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. With Long, shapely brows, phoenix eyes, and small lips, a faint smile from her was sufficient to swoon over all living things. Her long ck hair draped down her back like a waterfall, a white jade hairpin lightly pinned locks of it up, allowing the woman to have a certainnguid beauty. Her white clothes made of cotton fabric danced with the wind, even a fairy would be just so-so whenpared to her.


    With a flicker of white shadow, she was in front of Zi Moyan, blinking. "Little Fe, you don''t even recognize who I am anymore? You really are an unfilial disciple!"


    When Zi Moyan heard the familiar voice, she immediately knew that this woman was the same one who bothered her that day, wanting to ept her as a disciple.


    She didn''t think that the woman only needed to clean up her face slightly to unexpectedly change into such a beautiful appearance. When seen, no one would''ve have made the connection that this kind of stunning woman and that utterly sloppy woman was actually be the same person.


    "Since when have I acknowledged to be your disciple?" Zi Moyan felt it was meaningless, so she felt back down and continued to sleep.


    Getting angry, the woman grabbed Zi Moyan up, not letting her sleep. "Little fe, you learned my martial arts and still refuse to admit it? In any case, no matter what, I''m set on epting you as my disciple!"


    She retrieved the Will of Towering Heaven manual from within her sleeve and tossed it to Zi Moyan. "Take this and continue to practice it. I don''t need it anyways."


    Zi Moyan took a nce at this iparable martial arts manual, then looked back to the woman whose face was red from anger. "I''ve already finished reading it, moreover, I memorized all of its contents as well. I don''t need this book anymore so you can take it away."


    "What? You memorized it all?!" When she heard Zi Moyan''s remark, she had the urge to pry open this guy''s head. She really wanted to see just how his brain wasposed.


    That kind of profound martial arts, Zi Moyan actuallymitted it all into memory?


    The woman sighed. "Forget it, this really is as they say, each new generation excels the previous. If you don''t want it, then just burn it. In any case, I don''t need it anymore. I have already opened your meridians for you. In the future, you just need to slowly follow in ordance to what was written in the [Will of Towering Heaven]. Cultivate everyday and you''ll be able to have profound inner energy."


    Before waiting for Zi Moyan to respond, the woman hurriedly escaped as if she was deeply afraid that Zi Moyan would refuse.


    Zi Moyan curled her lips and asked lightly of the air: "Old Woman, what''s your name?"


    "Old ¨C Old woman?!" A certain woman''s seething angry voice sounded through the air. "Hmph! This master of yours is as beautiful as a flower, how could I be an old woman?! Forget it, I won''t argue with a little fe like you! This master of yours is called Zhou Yunyi, remember it¡­¡­" The voice slowly fainted away, it seems that this woman had


    already left.


    "Zhou Yunyi huh¡­¡­" Zi Moyan mumbled. She had just put the martial arts manual away when she saw an ice-blue pearl not far from her bedside.


    She picked it up and nced at it, noting that there didn''t seem to be anything special about it. Could it be that the woman had carelessly dropped it? She put it into the inner robes covering her chest, deciding to return it to the woman whenever they meet up again.


    From then on, Zi Moyan would either stay in the Falling Flower Pavilion or the Imperial Library each day. She rarely attend .s.s in the First Study, but because her grades weren''t bad and adding on the Emperor''s doting, Liu Shubo would only turn a blind eye to her absence.


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    Time flew by quickly and four years pa.s.sed within the blink of an eye.


    Zi Moyan was not that skinny to the bone youth anymore, but grew to be more and more handsome, bing an elegant and refined young n.o.ble dressed in white clothing looking upon the world that matched ¡®his¡¯ exceptional character.


    ZI Moyan was the topic that each and every youngdy yearning for love would discuss every day, which also let ¡®him¡¯ be the capital''s rumored outstanding and suave heartthrob.


    It was also because Zi Moyan had be the dream lover of countless youngdies from Long Lin Empire, that young maidens of the rich families of Long Lin now didn''t daydream all day long about marrying the Emperor, but were daydreaming about if they could marry the Prime Minister''s second young master all day long.


    TL: That is¡­ one heck of a quick time skip right there lol¡­

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21 ¨C Prime Minister is Critically Ill


    Within the Qin Zheng Hall of Long Lin''s Imperial Pce.


    By now, Murong Tianchen has alreadypletely grew into a full-fledged adult, moreover, he was a wise and farsighted ruler. However, even he was helpless when faced with this white clothed youth in front of him. "Yan''er, although you have already turned eighteen, you can still continued to live in the Pce This is an order, let zhen see who dares to spread disparaging rumors!"


    This white clothed youth was none other than Zi Moyan, who was indeed as the rumor said. He was dressed in white clothing, standing just before the world with his peerless looks.


    Women would all feel a sense of inferiority when they see that stunning countenance. If it was not for the grave and stern eyes, then those who saw ''him'' would''ve thought Zi Moyan was a woman instead of a man.


    "Your Majesty,¡± Zi Moyan''s handsome face was still as cold as ever as she spoke. ¡°Moyan is already an adult, continuing to stay in the Pce is no longer suitable."


    Muron Tianchen inwardly sighed in his heart, his Yan''er was too handsome. He was afraid when Zi Moyan leaves the Pce, he would attract bees and b.u.t.terflies. And with Yan''er being young and vigorous, just at the prime of his life, they wouldn''t be able to control themselves.


    Then, his Yan''er wouldn''t be his anymore. Hence, when Zi Moyan should''ve left the Pce when he had turned eighteen earlier on that day, Murong Tianchen stubbornly dyed his leave till today, but he can''t dy it any longer!


    Four years ago, he thought he was only curious for a short period of time. However, within these four years, he would think about Zi Moyan constantly.


    He had once been troubled and in denial of that kind of feeling. It wasn''t until the moment his Yan''er was about to leave did he understand what he felt for Zi Moyan was no longer of curiosity and pity. It was, instead, the kind that, whenever he saw Zi Moyan, he would have the urge to pull the other into his embrace and thoroughly satisfy that sort of burning fervent desire.


    He was already in love with him! He fell in love with someone he shouldn''t! He fell in love with a man!


    When all was said and done, even if he couldn''t believe it, falling in love was still falling in love. He decided that he couldn''t let go. He believed that if he just strived hard enough, he could definitely move Yan''er, break through the gender barrier to be together with him!


    "Yan''er¡­¡­" He was helpless, but just when he was about to detain Zi Moyan again, Prime Minister''s wife, Liu Xuanya''s voice sounded outside the hall.


    "Let me in, I have urgent business with Moyan!"


    "Madam, you can''t directly enter right now. His Majesty is currently speaking with Young Master Zi¡­¡­"


    "Head Eunuch, sir, can''t you please be flexible just this one? I really do have urgent business, if not¡­¡­ wuwu~~~"


    Liu Xuanya''s voice was trembling and choking with emotion as it sounded.


    Zi Moyan frowned slightly, what''s going on? Liu Xuanya would actually lose herposure like this?


    Murong Tianchen had taken notice of the white clothed youth''s every movement standing below at all times. When he saw that the other seemed somewhat displeased, he became anxious. He then promptly instructed the person outside, "Liu De, let her in!"


    "Yes." The moment Liu De received the Emperor''s permission outside, he released a breath, letting Liu Xuanya enter the hall.


    Liu Xuanya entered with reddened eyes, kneeling and prostrating to Murong Tianchen. "This Subject greets Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!"


    "Rise. What''s the matter, Madam Prime Minister?" Murong Tianchen asked coldly when he saw the tears on Liu Xuanya''s face.


    When Liu Xuanya was questioned at where it hurts, she cried as she informed Zi Moyan. "Moyan, your father he ¨C he won''t make it ¡­¡­ you should quicklye back to see him onest time¡­¡­"


    "What?!" Zi Moyan didn''t think that it had only been this long, but the Zi Haotian who was in his prime would actually not make it anymore?


    Without another word, Zi Moyan immediately rushed in the direction of the Prime Minister''s residence with a grave look. Her footsteps, though, spoke of her anxiety.


    "This Subject bid her farewell!" Liu Xuanya kowtowed again before also following after Zi Moyan out of Qin Zheng Hall.


    Murong Tianchen watched as the white figure withdrew farther and farther from him, yet he was incapable of preventing it because he no longer has any more reason to detain Zi Moyan.


    TL: Well ya look at that sudden turn of events lol.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22 ¨C Zi Haotian Suffers From Strange Poison


    Upon arriving at the Prime Minister''s residence, Zi Moyan noticed that the entire residence wascking it''s original grandeur. Instead, there were extra traces of bleakness and mourning. Other than the few maidservants sweeping fallen leaves in main courtyard, other ces werepletely deserted.


    When she saw this situation, she asked Liu Xuanya, "What is going on? Why are there only these few maids present? Where are the others from before?"


    Liu Xuanyaughed wistfully. "The Prime Minister being seriously ill isn''t a matter of one or two days. Since he does not manage things himself nowadays, people left one by one. This residence naturally would no longer bepared to before."


    "Where''s father? Quickly take me to see him." Zi Moyan didn''t hound too excessively over this problem.


    Liyu Xuanya sighed. "Alright,oye[1] is in the Tranquil Pavilion in the rear flower garden. Let us go, I''ll lead you."


    Zi Moyan followed after Liu Xuanya, arriving at Tranquil Pavilion. Said pavilion could be considered as one of the more peaceful ces in the Prime Minister''s residence . Quiet and secluded, it''s area was also rather extensive as it was surrounded by flowers and gra.s.s. It was indeed the best ce for a person to recuperate in.


    She stood outside, standing by the small cracks on the door and through them, she saw that it was pitch-ck inside. Even though it was clearly broad daylight, but the interior of the pavilion appeared to bepletely dreary.


    Liu Xuanya spoke to her, "Laoye is just inside, go on in."


    Zi Moyan nodded, pushed open the door, and entered. The room was dark and there wasn''t a superfluous amount of decorations ced in the clear open inside. After all, too many things would not be beneficial in a ce for recuperation.


    She maneuvered around a huge screen and saw Zi Haotian lying on top of the bed.


    This Prime Minister no longer had the grace from the former days; on the contrary, he became extremely fragile, his beard turned gray, his face iparably pale, but his lips were tinged purple.


    Zi Moyan naturally understood, this was the symptom of being poisoned! She came to his side and sat down as she said indifferently: "I''vee. What do you want from me?"


    When Zi Haotian heard her voice, he strained opened his somewhat swollen red eyes. "You came ¨C kekeke¡­¡­" He had just spoke a few words when he started a violent coughing fit.


    "Who did it?" Zi Moyan restrain the emotion in her eyes, inquiring coldly.


    Zi Haotian sighed. "It''s not important who did this anymore. I called you because I have a few things to request of you."


    "Me?"


    "Child," Zi Haotian slightly raised both of his hands, but then ce them back down. "Perhaps I no longer have this kind of right, since I have not fulfilled the role of a father after all. But, I still wanted to beseech you, be the recement in my ce."


    Zi Moyan raised a brow. "You want me to take revenge for you?"


    "No, I want you to tie down Wo Buren, protect Long Lin''s bnce of power."


    "Wo Buren?" Zi Moyan coolly spared nced at the old man whose life was on the verge of its end. "How would you know I would act ording to your request?"


    "You will," The trace of a self-confident smile surfaced on Zi Haotian''s pale face. "I think, handing it over to you will make me feel at ease."


    "Why did you inform me instead of Elder Brother?" Zi Moyan inquired impa.s.sively.


    Zi Haotian coughed a few times, readjusting his breath as he continued. ¡°Although I know you definitely will not be willing to serve under the Emperor, I know you will not let Wo Buren expand his own influence! Be careful of the power behind his back."


    "Is he the culprit that poisoned you?"


    "No," Zi Haotian shook his head. "It''s not him¡­¡­ he¡­¡­" Right at this moment, hisplexion suddenly turned green, then red, before a smothered ''hmph''. Both of his eyeb.a.l.l.s rolled over, and he died just like that.


    Zi Moyan turned pale from shock, but she quickly checked his breath only to find there were no more. Lily-white hand was then ced on his neck, checking for a pulse, but there was none either.


    Zi Moyan''splexion turned somewhat unsightly. Although she has read many medical books these past years and could determine that Zi Haotian was poisoned by looking, but she has never seen this kind of poison before.


    It seemed like a type of chronic poison, but if the poison .u.mted too much, the person could die at any time.


    Zi Haotian''splexion now had returned to before, other than the pale lips, it was like he had died of a serious illness. She could no longer spot any traces of him being poisoned.


    If she hadn''t seen scene from just now, then she might''ve also thought Zi Haotian died from nothing but a serious illness.


    This type of poison was truly peculiar. After the person dies, you cannot find any signs of the person being poisoned at all.


    Footnote:


    [1]ÀÏÒ¯: Respectful address to the master of the house.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23 ¨C Zi Haotian''s Death


    Zi Moyan stepped out of the room, Liu Xuanya was still waiting outside. Once she saw Zi Moyan, she immediately went forward and asked anxiously, "How isoye? Is he better?"


    "He''s dead.¡± Zi Moyan apathetically answered. Although Zi Haotian was his father in name, but she still didn''t have any sentiments towards him to speak of. ¡°Have people go take care of the funeral arrangements without dy."


    "What? Laoye is dead?" Liu Xuanya received a shock when she heard this news, fainting on the spot.


    After Zi Moyan took good care of all the arrangements, she called for a servant to deliver a letter to Zi Haoran. The servant left the capital that very night, rushing towards the borders and delivered the news of their father''s death to Zi Haoran.


    Zi Moyan stayed in the Prime Minister''s residence for a few days, which made Murong Tianchen restless within the Imperial Pce. The image of that unique figure dressed in white robes with jade-like skin appeared in his mind every day and night.


    Even if it was because of a special circ.u.mstance that she must stay in the Prime Minister''s residence, unable to enter the Pce.


    Murong Tianchen had no methods to look after Zi Moyan, allowing him to stay by his side, but he still worries. Since Zi Moyan has already grown into a man at the prime of his life, what if he meets somedy on this one leave and falls in love at first sight? Murong Tianchen wouldn''t even have the chance to regret by that time.


    Standing by the side, Eunuch Liu De saw his master in such restlessness, and after following by his side for so long, he naturally knew the very reason for it. Hence, he approached the Emperor''s side, respectfully suggested, "Your Majesty, how about letting this Servant go invite Young Master Zi to visit the Pce? Rumor has it that Prime Minister is dead, Your Majesty. Does Your Majesty not need to appointed a new Prime Minister?"


    When Murong Tianchen heard Liu De''s suggestion, a radiant glint flickered through his eyes. He gave Liu De a look of appreciation. "Then have Young Master Zi invited into the Pce to discuss the matter of position of the Prime Minister."


    "Understood! This servant will go at once." When Liu De saw the Emperor''s face eased up, his heart also became more happy. He immediately left the Imperial Pce, arrived the the Zi residence.


    One of the servants of the Zi residence recognized Liu De, because Liu De also came over to their residence several times. When he saw Liu De, he hurriedly weed him, arching his back into a bow as he asked: "Don''t know what business Head Eunuch came over to the Zi Residence for?"


    Liu De saw this servant can be regarded as fairly clever, so he answered him in an amicable manner. "This Eunuch is looking for Young Master Zi, why don''t you show this Eunuch the road?"


    "Yes!" The servant lead Liu De over to the outside of Zi Moyan''s ce of residence, knocking on the door and informed the person inside. "Second Young Master, Eunuch Liu came saying he is looking for you."


    "Alright, pleasee in Eunuch Liu." A clear yet cold voice came from inside, then sounded another time directed at the servant. "You can leave first."


    "Yes!"


    After the house servant left, Liu De pushed open the door, entering. He saw Zi Moyan, dressed in white robes with a white fabric draped over his shoulders, calmly sitting and drinking tea. Liu De hurriedly walked over, cautiously delivered, "Young Master Zi, His Majesty entrusted me to invite you into the Pce.¡±


    "I don''t think it is convenient to enter the Pce right now." Zi Moyan naturally knew that it was impossible for anyone to wear mourning clothes to see the Emperor in fear of bringing bad luck to the the Emperor. However, Zi Moyan knew that since he actually send Liu De over, he no doubt already prepared a good reason for it.


    Liu De, being the Head Eunuch by the Emperor''s side, have also seen many high officials and n.o.bilities. However, he didn''t know why, but he was actually somewhat fearful of a white clothed youth who only just turned eighteen. On Zi Moyan''s person, Liu De felt a pressure that was not inferior of the one he felt when standing in front of the Emperor. Even he himself wasn''t fully aware of that kind of trembling fear he felt as he spoke cautiously to Zi Moyan each time. "Young Master, His Majesty has said he needs to discuss the matter rted to the Prime Minister''s position with you.


    "Oh?" Zi Moyan put the teacup down. In truth, she originally have no interest in the Prime Minister''s position, but the conversation with Zi Haotian let her felt that she must win over this position. Since it was as such, she really still need to give the Imperial Pce a visit. Hence, she stood up, "Alright, then let me change into another set of clothes and follow you into the Pce at once."


    "Yes! Good! Then this Servant will be waiting outside," Liu De rxed inwardly, then carefully retreated outside, allowing Zi Moyan to change clothes.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24 ¨C Summoned into the Pce


    Zi Moyan arrived in the Pce and under Liu De''s instructions, she didn''t go to the in Zheng Hall or the Imperial Study, but to the Falling Flower Pavilion.


    Liu De was quite clever, naturally knowing that once he brought Zi Moyan to this point, he didn''t need to go inside. He said to Zi Moyan, "Gongzi, His Majesty is inside waiting for you, please enter."


    Falling Flower Pavilion''s surroundings were all residences, yet in the middle was an enormous artificialke. And by theke''s side was a pavilion.


    Zi Moyan saw one bright yellow robed Murong Tianchen sitting within the pavilion. Upon seeing this, she headed in the direction of the pavilion.


    On the table were filled with different kinds of her favorite snacks and pastries. When Murong Tianchen saw that she''d arrived, his previouslypletely ice-cold face immediately shone brightly like the sun.


    "Yan''er," He gently gestured a hand towards Zi Moyan, patting the seat besides him. "Quicklye sit here."


    Zi Moyan approached the seat opposite of him and sat them, she seemed to be intentionally keeping a distance from him. Upon seeing this, Murong Tianchen slightly frowned, somewhat unhappy. "Yan''er. Why are you sitting so far away? How is it convenient for us to talk when you''re sitting that far?"


    "If you have something to say, then make it quick." Zi Moyan said coldly, she sure didn¡¯t have the time to chat with him. Right now, she still has many things that needed to be taken care of.


    Despite feeling somewhat ufortable inside, Murong Tianchen didn''t dare to offend his darling Yan''er. He picked a few pastries with his chopsticks, cing them into Zi Moyan''s bowl. As he coaxed. "These are are your most favorite pastries, you probably haven''t ate dinner right? Eat some of these to fill your stomach."


    She didn''t eat any of those pastries, but retrieved a golden medallion from her sleeve. "You gave this golden medallion to me on one of my birthdays. You said that this medallion could excuse my death once, but at the same time, it could also request you to fulfill one of my wishes. I don''t know if it still counts?"


    "An emperor does not go back on his words. What is your wish? If it is within zhen''s powers, then zhen will definitely help you aplish it."


    "I want the Prime Minister''s position." She had unceremoniously spoke her request. She didn''t feel like talking in riddles with him, so she was extremely straightforward speaking out this wish.


    Upon hearing this, Murong Tianchen smiled lightly, a trace of pampering shed across his eyes as he gently answered: "As long as it''s Yan''er requests, then zhen will agree to them all. You want to be the Prime Minister? This isn''t too difficult."


    Zi Moyan was startled when she heard his words, but still replied calmly: "Then that''s good. If there isn''t anything else, then I''ll leave first."


    She stood up with the intention to leave.


    Greatly rmed, Murong Tianchen immediately stood up to halt her. "Yan''er, why the rush? Can you not keep zhenpany for a bit longer?"


    He had gone through great difficulties to see him, but Zi Moyan sure was something. Thetter wanted to leave after just saying a few sentences!


    Zi Moyan impa.s.sively gave him a nce, but she turned a blind eye to the affection that his eyes revealed. "You Majesty, is there still something else? If not, then Moyan will request to be excused first."


    She was neither servile nor overbearing as she gave Murong Tianchen a courtesy that was deliberately alienating him.


    A trace of disappointment flickered across Murong Tianchen''s eyes, but it was just a brief moment before it disappeared within the depths of his pupils.


    He knew that there were not only a disparity in their positions, but the bigger disparity was in their gender. Therefore, if he wanted Zi Moyan to ept his feelings, it wouldn''t be an easy matter so he mustn¡¯t be anxious!


    As long as Zi Moyan was still by his side, then he''ll put forth the effort. There''ll be a day where he will bend Zi Moyan.


    Murong Tianchen sighed helplessy. "Alright Yan''er. Though you should sleep early tonight so you cane to court early tomorrow. Zhen will have already issued the Imperial Decree to appoint you as the Prime Minister by then, so go back and rest."


    "Yes!" Zi Moyan leave without looking back, there wasn''t even a trace of reluctance.


    Murong Tianchen watched that retreating white figure dazedly. He then picked up the golden medallion on the table, cing it in front of his nose to sniff. He greedily absorbed scent on it that belonged to Zi Moyan, and helplesslyughed. "This originally was for you to have a big use, but didn''t expect you to actually use it here."


    He had originally nned to have Zi Moyan be the Prime Minister. This way, the golden medallion didn''t reallye to much use. He gently stroke the medallion repeatedly. There will be a day that Yan''er will understand his heart.


    Sure enough, just as Murong Tianchen had said, once she returned home, Liu Xuanya took out the Imperial Decree that had arrived not too long ago. Zi Moyan took the Imperial Decree from Liu Xuanya''s hands, rolling it open and as expected, it was the decree to appoint him as the Prime Minister.


    So he had prepared it at an earlier time. Then why did he still call him to especially make a trip into the Pce?


    Zi Moyan had thought previously that the reason Murong Tianchen had looked for her was for him to gain benefits for his own interest. Weren''t all emperors like that? Using the methods of a ruler while at the same time considering the bnce of power among one''s subjects, were all for one''s own power to centralize even more, maximizing the emperor''s benefits!


    She didn''t understand¡­¡­


    TL: I don¡¯t know about you guys but thatst action with the medallion, Murong Tianchen was¡­.. creepy.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25 ¨C Seeding the Position of the Prime Minister, Attending Court


    On the eve of the day that Zi Moyan seeded her father''s position, bing the Prime Minister, the news spread quickly throughout the capital in a sh.


    After Wo Buren learned of this news, he didn''t have much reaction. Although this matter was out of his expectation, but it didn''t have any influence to the general picture. What can a baby who''s still wet behind the ears possibly do holding power?


    It would still be the same as before, it won''t be enough of a threat against him and it would also not change anything.


    Wo Buren was unperturbed, but his loyal followers of the court weren''t!


    A young-looking and seemed to have somewhat of a position among the officials spoke out to Wo Buren. "It wasn''t easy to get rid of one Zi Haotian, yet now a Zi Moyan had appeared! Their Zi family are really troublesome."


    Wo Buren chuckled. "There''s no need for Minister Li to be sullen. It''s just an infant after all, his father has already been killed by us, what can he aplish in this situation?!"


    Li Congrong was still very worried. "Although he''s just a infant, but I''ve heard that this infant''s abilities aren''t small and the Emperor also took good care to dote after him. I''m only afraid that he would be our biggest obstacle in the future!"


    "Hmph!" Wo Buren narrowed his eyes, a glint of cold light flickering through them. "Then we''ll kill him off while he''s still in the cradle!"


    Upon hearing Wo Buren''s speech, the other officials shared a look with each other. Then they stood up at the same time, bowing towards Wo Buren. "We will follow ordingly to the Prime Minister with no questions asked and will always be at your beck and call! We''re only now waiting for Prime Minister''s one sentence!"


    Wo Buren smiled in satisfaction, his smiled carried a trace of arrogance as he hmph''ed in his head. Don''t mention that infant, even if it was the Emperor ¨C there will be a day where I will get rid of them all!


    After the other officials had all left, a woman dressed in dark green robes with a green cloak over her head appeared within Wo Buren''s meeting room.


    Wo Buren wasn''t even the least bit surprised when he saw this young woman, rather, he was still calmly ying with the little bird in his hand. "Emissary really has good methods, killing the Zi Haotian that I couldn''t remove in all these years. However, he indeed still didn''t expect he would die in your hands in the end."


    To Wo Buren''s praise, the woman didn''t respond. She only coldly nced at him. "Wo Buren, the matter that Master told you to do, you''ve failed over and over again. It looks like you''re really useless."


    Wo Burenughed heartily. "You''re too polite, Emissary. Don''t know what Master wants me to do this time?" Wo Buren was extremely clear that Master absolutely would not kill him, because he was a chess piece that Master spend a great deal of effort to slip into Long Lin''s inner echelon. He wouldn''t easily destroy him.


    The woman took out something wrapped in red cloth and a letter from within her wide sleeve, pa.s.sing it over to Wo Buren. "This is the thing Master told me to give to you. On top of it is the letter from Master, remember to get rid of it after you finish reading."


    Wo Buren received the item and respectfully gave the woman a bow. "Understood. I''ll see Emissary off."


    "Hmph!" The woman coldly hmph''ed, disappearing with but a sh of green shadow.


    Early next morning, Zi Moyan woke up and after freshening up with the morning routines, she wore the indigo official''s uniform that had been delivered. Then she saw in the eight-carrier pnquin, proceeding off towards the Imperial pce.


    The color of this official''s uniform also represented one''s rank in court. It follow as red, orange, yellow, green, dark green, blue, and purple with purple being the highest. In general, first rank officials wore violet, but going up another rank from that would be indigo ¨C which is the color of the Prime Minister.


    Long Lin Empire previously only had one Prime Minister, butter because the Emperor worried that the Prime Minister''s power would be too concentrated, so the position split in two.


    One was the Left Prime Minister, the other the Right; one of civil while the other of military respectively. They each restrict the other with no differentiations of power among them but only in the matters that they each manage.


    The Left Prime Minister was to manage civil affairs while the Right Prime Minister was in charge of military affairs. Wo Buren was the Left and Zi Moyan was the Right Prime Minister. Therefore, with her older brother also being an important general, nearly more than half of the military power belongs to the Zi family.


    When Zi Moyan climbed down from the pnquin that had stopped in front of the Pce gates, there were many officialsing over to congratte her. Her lips arced into a discreet cold smile upon seeing this.


    It was only a few sweet-talkers ttering and fawning. They may appear intimate, but they''re actuallyughing at you in their hearts!


    Zi Moyan didn''t have a good opinion of these people, therefore she appeared extremely indifferent and unreasonable.


    When other officials saw that this new Prime Minister wasn''t that easy to get close to, none of them went to be snubbed despite showing good intentions.


    Generally, officials would go to the Imperial Pce''s very first and thergest Pce hall ¡ª the Radiant Dragon Hall to conduct court. All officials have came to the aforementioned hall, waiting patiently for the Emperor''s arrival.


    The Emperor seemed to be earlier todaypared to the past. Although court also started in advance in the past, but the officials would all have to wait for more than 10 minutes in advance. However, this time, they only needed to wait one minute before they heard the ''The Emperor has arrived''.


    The court has started more than ten minutes in advance this time.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Chapter 26 ¨C Disparity in Treatment


    When the court officials saw the appearance of the Emperor, they all simultaneously kneeled and loudly greeted him with the wish of longevity.


    The moment Murong Tianchen came to the hall, his eyes were locked onto the person dressed in indigo. The Prime Minister¡¯s clothing was originallyvish and made with fine workmanship, but when worn on Zi Moyan, it added more grandeur and prestige to the once tranquil and calm, yet rural person.


    It let people couldn¡¯t help but want to submit!


    Murong Tianchen felt extremely proud. This was his Yan¡¯er, dazzling no matter where he was.


    After sitting down, Murong Tianchen coldly swept across the audience and with a cold and detached voice that carried an authority that people unable to resist, ¡°You can all rise.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty!¡± The officials below then stood up simultaneously, but they only now felt cold sweat running down their backs that they were unaware of before.


    Murong Tianchen nced at his Yan¡¯er, thetter¡¯s indifferent face carried tranquility. Regarding him being neither taut nor nervous in his first time at court, not bad indeed!


    The corner of his lips curved up slightly into an unnoticeable arc. ¡°Zhen deeplyments Zi Haotian¡¯s death, but zhen is still very grateful to him. He has left two people of talent as pirs for zhen. One is General Zi Haoran who¡¯s ced far on the border, his bravery and excellent fighting capability proves him as a talentedmander. There¡¯s also his second son, Zi Moyan. He is wise and farsighted, disying his extraordinariness since little. He had also help solved a few major issues of our country several times. Zhen believes that he is more than suitable to seed his father¡¯s Prime Minister position!¡±


    Wo Buren and Zi Moyan stood apart from each other in the very forefront, one left and one right. Wo Buren nced at Zi Moyan with disdain before signaling Li Congrong with a look.


    Once Li Congrong received his discreet hint, he stepped forward from his rank and gave gesture of respect to the Emperor as he said: ¡°Your Majesty, this Subject thinks that the newly-appointed Prime Minister is young, and adding onto to the inexperience in regards to the Prime Minister¡¯s duties, this Subject is only afraid that it would be difficult for him to handle the country¡¯s military affairs as of this moment. It would be better to arrange for a high official of virtue and prestige toe provide a.s.sistance for Prime Minister Zi¡¯s duties. This way, it wouldn¡¯t dy the state affairs and it would also allow Prime Minister Zi adapt faster into his position.¡±


    Murong Tianchen spared Li Congrong a nce, his face still expressionless. ¡°Then who does Beloved Subject think is qualified for the task?¡±


    Li Congrong nced at Wo Buren and continued, ¡°This Subject believes that Left Prime Minister is extremely suitable to aid with Prime Minister Zi¡¯s work. First is because Left Prime Minister is very experienced in the duties of a Prime Minister. Although the Right and Left Prime Minister¡¯s work is different to some extend, but because Left Prime Minister had worked under the previous Prime Minister Zi for a period of time when he is young, he is also rather familiar with the Right Prime Minister¡¯s responsibilities. Second, Prime Minister Wo belongs to one of the senior officials, has a definite prestige. With this, this Subject thinks that he could even better help Prime Minister Zi manage his subordinates¡¯ work.¡±


    ¡°Beloved Subject Wo, what do you think?¡± Murong Tianchen looked towards Wo Buren as he inquired.


    Hearing this, Wo Buren stepped out and cupped his hands in respect as he replied: ¡°Your Majesty, in this Subject¡¯s opinion, this Subject¡¯s capabilities are limited. This Subject is afraid that there will be many ces that he could not be attended to. It would be better to have Minister Zhu Yi to a.s.sist with Prime Minister Zi¡¯s responsibilities. Minister Zhu Yi has worked under the previous Prime Minister for as long as four years. This Subject believes that he is the most suitable to help.¡±


    Murong Tianchen nced at Zi Moyan, who seemed to be but an outside observer while standing below. These topics all revolved around him, but he sure was something. Up till now, he hasn¡¯t even uttered a word. Instead, he was so indifferent that there were no other expressions, it was as if all of this had nothing to do with him.


    He was helpless, his Yan¡¯er was still the same as before. In regards with facing anything that urred before him, thetter has always been so cold that it was scary. Murong Tianchen was really curious, could it be that Yan¡¯er never had something he would care about? Something that was enough to fraught him over?


    Murong Tianchen pulled out from his thoughts and inquired towards Zi Moyan. ¡°What opinions does Beloved Subject Zi have on this?¡±


    Even Murong Tianchen didn¡¯t notice that whenever he spoke to others, his tone was so cold that it cold freeze people to death, but it was only to Zi Moyan that his voice was gentle and soft as the spring wind. When other officials notice the Emperor¡¯s such difference in treatment, theirplexions were extremely unnatural.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27 ¨C Wo Buren Deliberately Making Things Difficult, How to Manage a Flood?


    Zi Moyan lightly spoke: ¡°Since Prime Minister Wo has thoroughly thought over it, then just do it ording to Prime Minister Wo.¡±


    Even if she opposed, it would only be weak point for Wo Buren to target against in the end. Since it was like this, she might as well agree to it. A little Zhu Yi was still not enough to be much of a threat to her.


    It¡¯s still not certain as to who will suppress who in the end yet!


    Since Yan¡¯er didn¡¯t have any objections, Murong Tianchen obviously wouldn¡¯t oppose either; hence, he agreed soon afterwards. ¡°Good. Zhu Yi, you need to properly aid Prime Minister Zi in his duties from now on, let him adapt quickly and smoothly.¡±


    ¡°This Subject is at Your Majesty¡¯smand.¡± Li Congrong and Zhu Yi returned back to their lines in ordance to their ranks.


    When Wo Buren saw that Zi Moyan had so easily agreed to this matter, he thought in his heart that this little infant was only so-so. With Zhu Yi around, Zi Moyan would be but an empty sh.e.l.l, nothing more. Haha, seems like this was effortless!


    However, he certainly wouldn¡¯t let Zi Moyan off that gently, so he continued: ¡°This Subject received a report from below. Recently, there appears to be a flood in a city within the area of our country¡¯s border ¡ª Yan Yang City, leaving themon people dest.i.tute and homeless.¡±


    He had an expression of watching a good y as he asked towards Zi Moyan: ¡°Prime Minister Zi, how would you handle this kind of situation?¡±


    Zi Moyan mulled it over for a bit, then calmly answered, ¡°Yan Yang City has our country¡¯s most abundant water source. The reason why it had led to a flood might be because of the nonstop heavy rainstorms urring recently. In my opinion, we should first have themon people of Yan Yang City settled into the rtively higher and safer parts of its suburban terrains. The government could temporarily pacify the people by giving provisions of rice and water. Next, send people to have all the dams that have been built in the past destroyed.¡±


    ¡°What? You must be joking, right Prime Minister Zi? To destroy the dams, wouldn¡¯t this not only let more water overflow into the city? Perhaps it will even affect other cities in the end!¡± Wo Buren was even more disdainful of Zi Moyan in his heart when he heard thetter¡¯s solution. As expected, he was only a little child, proven in regards to handling the water disaster this recklessly. Although the task mentioned in the first part was necessary, but the method after that was simply unheard of!¡±


    Hearing this kind of proposal, Murong Tianchen also frowned slightly. However, he didn¡¯t speak a word while it was as if a bomb was ced among the officials, having exploded in a sh!


    ¡°How could this be possible? This Prime Minister Zi is just too ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right! Wouldn¡¯t this be graver the more it¡¯s handled this way?!¡±


    ¡°This is absolutely not practical, not practical!¡±


    ¡°It looks like this Prime Minister Zi is only just so and so.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡°


    Murong Tianchen watched the ruckus happening below and thosements also went into his hears, but he felt it was extremely ear-piercing. There was ayer of frost appearing on his face as his cold voice berated: ¡°Every one of you, this isn¡¯t a street market so please be quiet!¡±


    Every officials present felt the Emperor¡¯s indistinct anger and oppressing aura, which make them all tactfully shut their mouths and simultaneously lowered their heads.


    Seeing that the fuss had settled down, Murong Tianchen¡¯s deep eyes stared fixedly at Zi Moyan as in inquired, ¡°Why would you say such a thing, Beloved Subject? Zhen rather wants to hear what kind of brilliant ideas you have.¡±


    Regarding those ignorantments that the officials made, Zi Moyanpletely didn¡¯t put it in her heart as she continued her exnation. ¡°With my understanding of Yan Yang City¡¯s terrains as well as the distribution of rivers, I noticed that many of the rivers¡¯s previous geographicalyout were changed artificially. They changed so much that they became a crooked and twisted mess with some even having their currents obstructed. Yan Yang City was originally a city of much rainfall, it isn¡¯t rational to have them artificially remodeled in this way. It would not only damage the rivers previousyout but also allowing the rainwater to .u.mte more and more, eventually leading to the appearance of a flood. If we have dig out an artificial channel to unblock the rivers, then it could only resolve the problem temporarily. In the end, it will only damage the natural geographicalyout even more, leading to even more frequent flooding. This doesn¡¯t have any use whatsoever as far as curing the flood problem from the roots is concerned.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, we should break the artificial rivers¡¯syouts and the constructed dams must be torn down to restore the originalyout. Only this method will permanently cutoff any repercussion afterwards.¡± All officials were bbergasted after Zi Moyan finished. They had never thought of using this kind of method to deal with a flood problem.


    After everyone heard Zi Moyan¡¯s exnation, each and every official felt that it indeed made sense.


    Some of the rtively older officials fell into taciturn silence. They thought back, there indeed hadn¡¯t been flooding before. It was only when they started building dams and changed the river flows that the water problems gradually increase in numbers. Why didn¡¯t they notice this was fundamental problem before?¡±


    The gaze they looked towards Zi Moyan waspletely different from before. There was no longer contempt and disdain, but more of admiration and astonishment.


    Murong Tianchen was also extremely shocked. He knew that his Yan¡¯er was not ordinary, but he didn¡¯t that thetter would offer this kind of understanding at only eighteen years old!


    To possess this kind of insight, his Yan¡¯er really left people in shock!


    Murong Tianchen felt that he seemed to have dug out a precious gem.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28 ¨C Setting Down a Military Order


    Wo Buren was surprised as well. A newborn who had only just turned into a full-fledged eighteen year old could actually speak out these kind of words. However, it''s one thing to speak it, but another to do it.


    To destroy all dams could indeed restore the rivers to their originalyout, but destroying the dams at a time like this could also bring a huge disaster!


    Once the dams are destroyed, all obstructions hindering the river flows will disappear. Thus, giving rise to huge tidal waves and this kind of tidal waves will most likely swallow everything within sight.


    That was, the city would''ve already beenpletely drowned before the restoration could ur. There was also the possibility of the tidal waves spreading and affecting neighboring areas such that the gains would not make up for the losses.


    Wo Buren sneered. "What Prime Minister Zi is not without reason. However, you''re still inexperienced and do not understand the actual situation in the end. If the dams were to be destroyed, then the entire city could submergepletely in water and would even affect the neighboring cities. This will lead to heavy casualties and tremendous property damage. Can you shoulder such a responsibility?"


    Regarding this question as well as the possible oues, Zi Moyan had already predicted it. She also thought of a concrete n that will guarantee absolute surefire!


    "You Majesty," Zi Moyan offered up a suggestion to Murong Tianchen. "The handling of the flooding this time was originally this Subject''s responsibility. This Subject is willing to go handle the problem. Your Majesty please grant approval!"


    Murong Tianchen naturally believed that Yan''er possessed these kind of capabilities and he was equally curious of what thetter will do. Therefore, he naturally agreed to letting Zi Moyan handle this matter. "Since Minister Zi understands what is going on, then you will be given full authority on and take full responsibility of this."


    "You Majesty! If we really follow Zi Moyan''s method, if it doesn''t work, it will lead to an even worse disaster! This Subject asks Your Majesty to reconsider!" Wo Buren immediately kneeled down with an expression as if he was against this till death


    Most of the officials also knelt, chorusing loudly: "Your Majesty please reconsider!"


    Upon seeing this situation, Murong Tianchen''s expression sunk as he responded coldly, "What are you all doing? Do you all want to revolt?''


    "We wouldn''t dare!" The officials were all in fear and trepidation.


    Zi Moyan could be considered to be the most calmed. She waspletely unaffected by this atmosphere as if she was but an outsider observer.


    "If Your Majesty insists to follow through with it, then in that case, this Subject will keep kneeling here until death!" Wo Buren''s face was mournful as if he was not afraid of dying.


    Murong Tianchen was so troubled that he was somewhat gloomy but just as he was simply about to end court and leave, Zi Moyan slightly opened her mouth. Her words, though, let everyone jumped in start and even Murong Tianchen had also raised his heart in rm.


    "If I cannot sessfully cure the water disaster, and make the situation even worse instead, then I am willing to resign from this Prime Minister¡¯s position and yield it to someone who is even more capable than me. Moreover, I will ept Your Majesty''s punishment and the people''s inquisition!" Once the words left Zi Moyan''s mouth, everyone fell into taciturn silence. The entire hall was so quiet that even the sound of a pin dropping onto the ground could be heard clearly.


    Murong Tianchen''s heart tightened, he naturally knew that the words Yan''er spoke was no different from setting down the militarymand.


    If the flooding cannot be managed properly, then Zi Moyan only be left with a dead end. On the surface, Zi Moyan will have no means and reasons to be saved.


    However, if she does seed, then it will virtually shut the mouths of those officials who wanted to thwart her or was not satisfied with her while at the same time, consolidating her ce in court.


    Regardless of which oue, they all undoubtedly required Zi Moyan to risk her life!


    Murong Tianchen suddenly regretted it. If he knew early on that letting Zi Moyan be Prime Minister will be a threat to thetter''s life, then he would rather she stay quietly and healthily by his side and he will protect her throughout his life!


    Zi Moyan calmly spared Wo Buren a nce, sneering coldly in her heart. Wasn''t this one sentence what he wanted? Then since it was like this, then what''s the harm in giving it to him!


    Sure enough, Wo Buren didn''t protest again. Instead, he stood up, smiling. "Since Prime Minister Zi is so certain of himself, then this Subject will also be at ease. I believe Prime Minister Zi will definitely handle the flood problem properly."


    "That''s right, that''s right! We also support Prime Minister in going to resolve the flood problem!" Upon seeing this, the other officials immediately stood up as well. Those who were previously desperately against Zi Moyan were now all standing on her side, in favor of her to go handle the flood problem.


    This quick of a change left one speechless!

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29 ¨C A Fierce Battle


    Murong Tianchen''splexion was extremely unsightly. It was also apparent to him that they were thinking of any means necessary to send Yan''er to his death! He absolutely would not allow them to have the opportunity to harm Yan''er one bit. "Zhen will not approve of Prime Minister Zi handling the flood problem. He has only just lost his father and with in this mourning period, just let Minister Zi rest properly. The matter of the flood problem should be given to Minister Wo to handle instead."


    Wo Buren was clear in his mind that this Emperor was obviously protecting Zi Moyan. However, it wasn''t easy for him to create this situation, how could he easily leave it as it was? "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Zi came up with this method. This Subject believes that the results would be even better if he were to personally conduct it!"


    "Your Majesty," Zi Moyan bend her knees down, kneeling towards Murong Tianchen for the first time. "Please allow this Subject to go handle the flood problem."


    "You!" Murong Tianchen saw that calm and untroubled expression of his, wondering if Zi Moyan knew what kind of punishment he would have to receive if he fails. It wasn''t just a matter of losing his position or being thrown into jail when he had set down the military order ¡ª this was a matter of his life!


    "Your Majesty please consent." Zi Moyan iterated.


    "Alright! Fine! Since you want to go resolve the problem, then zhen will not stop you. The matter of handling the flood problem will be your responsibility, is that enough?! Hmph!" Murong Tianchen was angered to the extreme and with a fling of his sleeve, he left the hall.


    When Liu De saw the Emperor''s fury, his little heart trembled before quickly announcing to the people below: "Morning court has ended!" He then hurriedly chased in the direction that Murong Tianchen had left towards.


    When Murong Tianchen returned to the Diligent Hall, he angrily had all the pce maids and eunuchs leave, leaving only himself within the hall.


    After waiting for himself to calm down, he instantly regretted his action. Even if he did get angry, he shouldn''t have relented and agreed to this matter. This won''t do, he better gopose an Imperial Decree to change the person who was to handle the flood problem.


    When this Imperial Decree is set, then Yan''er won''t have anything else to say.


    Murong Tianchen walked towards the desk, picked up a brush, and started drafting the Imperial Decree.


    Outside of the hall, when Liu De, who had just rushed to Diligent Hall, saw that the pce maids and eunuchs were shooed out, he anxiously questioned: "What''s going on? Where''s His Majesty?"


    "Head Eunuch, His Majesty is within the hall," A little pce maid answered in fear and trepidation. "His Majesty''s mood seemed to be extremely bad."


    The corner of Liu De''s mouth twitched, he could now already feel the dark clouds looming over the Diligent Hall as it was.


    He waved his hand. "Alright, you all should go attend your matters first. It''s fine with me here."


    "Yes!" The pce maids and eunuchs all left as if they were running for their own lives.


    Watching them, Liu De inwardly sighed. When this Emperor was in a bad mood, then this head of his was like being fasten to his waist, no one will have it easy.


    "Liu De, is the Emperor inside?" A clear-cold voice sounded from behind him, causing Liu De to think fast.


    He turned around, startled as he saw the youth dressed in purple official''s uniform with a faint halo enveloping her body. It was as if Wen Quxing[1] as descended upon the secr world. This was the first time Liu De saw a person could wear the official''s uniform this beautifully.


    "Liu De?" Zi Moyan was somewhat puzzled when she saw Liu De staring at her in a daze. What''s wrong with him?


    When Liu De returned to his senses, he was secretly berating himself. How could he be lost in his thoughts looking at Young Master Zi? If he was caught by the Emperor, then he''ll have to suffer the consequences. He straightened out his thoughts, answering, "His Majesty is indeed inside."


    "Okay, then I''m going to go see him." Zi Moyan walked in the direction of the hall.


    Liu De, however, halted her and kindheartedly reminded: "His Majesty is in a fit of anger, you should yield to him a bit."


    "En, I know."She lightly pushed open the door, entering the hall and could see from afar that Murong Tianchen was currently moving his brush swiftly, writing something.


    She went closer to have a look and as expected, he was writing the Imperial Decree. It was a Decree that wanted to authorize Zhi Yu to handle the water problem and have her stay at home to mourn!


    Seeing that he wouldn''t be willing to let her go, Zi Moyan just knew he might pull this move.


    Therefore, as soon as she left court, she came to the Diligent Hall. One was to prevent this kind of situation to happen, and two was to give him an exnation in pa.s.sing.


    She didn¡¯t think that she would run into it just in time.


    Footnote:


    [1]ÎÄÇúÐÇ: A Chinese constetion formed by the Big Dipper and two a.s.sistant stars. In mythology, the nine stars represent the Nine Emperor G.o.ds with Wen Quxing being one them.

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30 ¨C The New Prime Minister''s Residence


    "Your Majesty, what are you doing?" When Zi Moyan saw a certain person writing rapidly, her forehead was covered with three vertical ck lines.


    Murong Tianchen was given a start when he heard her voice. He then promptly hid the yet to be finished Imperial Decree behind his back, his expression somewhat frantic. "Yan''er, why are you here?"


    "You''ve already determined that I''m not the most suitable person to handle the flood problem before even listening to my exnation?" Zi Moyan helplessly replied.


    Murong Tianchen knew that she already saw it, so hiding would also be useless. He put the Imperial Decree back on the table, and resumed writing the unfinished Decree. "Yan''er, since when you were little until now, zhen will agree no matter what kind of request you have. However, this time, zhen will not allow you to throw your life away!"


    Zi Moyan came to his side, taking the brush from his hand and looked at him earnestly. "So you won''t listen what I have to say? The reason why I must go resolve the flood problem?"


    Standing by her side, Murong Tianchen lowered his gaze and fixing them on Zi Moyan''s matchless appearance. "No matter what kind of reason it is, zhen will not allow it!"


    That''s right. No matter how many reasons there were, once Zi Moyan epted this task, then there will only be the possibility of failure and sess. Equivalently, there will be a chance that Zi Moyan will be harmed.


    No! Even if he were to lose thisnd under Heaven, he would not allow it! He would not let Zi Moyan be in the position of danger nor would he let other people have the reason and the chance to get rid of Zi Moyan!


    "Have you heard of Spirit Tool in Yan Yang City?"


    "So what?" Murong Tianchen replied in a deep voice, there wasn''t have trace of surprise or doubt on his face.


    Seeing his reaction, Zi Moyan knew that Murong Tianchen was already aware of the reason behind all of this. "I think you should''ve also known the reason, so why wouldn''t you let me go? If Zhu Yi were to go, the Spirit Tool will fall into Wo Buren''s hands. At that time, Long Lin will be in danger."


    Murong Tianchen grabbed onto her hand tightly, and due to the amount of strength, Zi Moyan couldn¡¯t help but crease her brows. "Yan''er, I only want you to stay safe."


    She didn''t understand how much he wanted to hug her right now, but he couldn''t, because he was afraid that he might scare her.


    Zi Moyan stared nkly before suddenly curved her lips up confidently and making the world lose all of its colors for a moment. "I will live well, Wo Buren still doesn''t have the ability to take away my life yet! Could it be that you don''t have faith in me?"


    Murong Tianchen was dumbfounded because this was the first time he saw this side of Yan''er. Her self-confidence was like that of an empress overlooking all living beings. In the past, Zi Moyan had always been cold and detached with no concerns for anything. No matter how Murong Tianchen tried to make Zi Moyan happy, thetter had never smiled before. He didn''t think that Zi Moyan''s smile would actually be so beautiful, as to move a person''s soul, making people couldn''t help but fall in with no way of freeing themselves.


    "Yan''er, you''re so beautiful¡­¡­"


    "¡­¡­" When Zi Moyan heard him, a trace of awkwardness came across her face. Her smile disappeared, immediately returning to her normal state as if what happened just now was but an illusion. "Let me go, I won''t disappoint you."


    Seeing her insistence, Murong Tianchen sighed. As far as Yan''er''s soft offensives were concerned, he had always been unable to resist ¡ª only able to admit defeat. "Fine, then you should take care to protect yourself properly."


    He secretly decided that no matter what the oue would be, he will protect her entirety.


    "En."


    "Zhen rebuilt another Prime Minister''s residence for you, it''s close to the Imperial Pce and convenient for Morning Court. Zhen will have Liu De take you there in a while." Murong Tianchen had spend a lot of thoughts in regards to this new residence so when he saw a seemingly unwilling Zi Moyan, he pulled down his face and said: "If you don''t go, then zhen won''t agree to you handling the flood problem."


    "¡­¡­" Zi Moyan had seen devious, but she hadn''t seen this kind of devious before.


    After leaving the Pce, Zi Moyan followed Liu De to her new residence. This imposing grandeur, other than the Imperial Pce, she was only afraid that this residence was the best one out of the entire capital''s residences.


    Liu De chuckled. "Zi gongzi, this Servant will only see you off here."


    "En."


    Once Zi Moyan replied, Liu De released a breath and he immediately slipped away with a push against the sole of his shoes, vanishing.


    There was a trace of suspicion that came across Zi Moyan''s handsome face. What was he hiding from?


    It was after she entered and strolled the entire residence did she noticed that the entire residence were filled with pce eunuchs! There was not a man nor woman, they were all neither man or woman!


    "¡­¡­" Zi Moyan''s face darkened. "Why did you all leave the Pce and came to serve me?" This was the first time seeing the eunuchs from the Pce alle out only for the reason for serving a Prime Minister.


    A little eunuch answered: "This is His Majesty''s decree, we Servants don''t dare to go against it."


    "Why is there not a single female in the entire residence?" Zi Moyan raised a brow.


    "This is also His Majesty''s decree. His Majesty is afraid that Prime Minister Zi would be enticed by female charms, dying political affairs."


    "¡­¡­"

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    Chapter 31 ¨C Yue Ran


    From then on, one Liu Xuanya remained in the original Prime Minister¡¯s residence, spending her days guarding Zi Haotian¡¯s memorial tablet.


    Meanwhile, Zi Moyan has spent everyday preparing for the trip to Yan Yang City in three days. She looked through the reports in her hands ¨C ones delivered by middle rank officials ¨C in the study and learned some useful information from it.


    A trace of curiosity grew in her heart. Regarding her being a person who grew up in the twenty-first century, she didn¡¯t believe in this ¡®Spirit Tool¡¯. However, she was rather expectant of what this so-called Spirit Tool looked like.


    There was a sh of ck shadow, and a dark-clothed person suddenly appeared in Zi Moyan¡¯s study, kneeling towards her. ¡°Master.¡±


    Zi Moyan didn¡¯t even lift her head. ¡°How is the investigationing along?¡±


    The ck-clothed person respectfully responded: ¡°The poison which Zi Haotian died from wasmonly referred as ¡®One Day Safflower¡¯. This kind of poison didn¡¯t exist in the Long Lin empire, but a extremely rarely seen poison in the Yue empire. I heard that that only the Imperial Pce of the Yue empire has this type of poison and they called it ¡®Saffron¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Saffron?¡± Zi Moyan pondered slightly. Only Yue empire¡¯s Imperial Pce has the poison? Could it me that Father¡¯s death is rted to Yue empire¡¯s Imperial Family?


    ¡°Yes, this type of poison is very hard to detect because it¡¯s colorless and odorless. Only when it¡¯s been a year after it¡¯s been used, on thest month, that it will suddenly take effect. Once the victim died, it will look as though the death was caused by serious illness with no trace of the victim being killed by poison. It¡¯s a very mystical type of poison.¡±


    ¡°En, and?¡±


    The ck-d person nced up at their emotionless Master once before continuing. ¡°This subordinate also heard that in the recent year, there were sessive people in the capital purchasing Saffron from Yan Yang City¡¯s merchants. The merchants smuggled the Saffron into the capital, with the transaction taking ce in the capital¡¯s Lingering Fragrance Pavilion.¡±


    ¡°Lingering Fragrance Pavilion?¡± Zi Moyan rather admired this person. Using a brothel as the ce of transaction was indeed not a bad choice. However, the brothel has numerous people and many eyes. To be able to use it as the transaction spot, then this brothel perhaps may have some profound mystery.


    ¡°Did you investigate that person¡¯s ident.i.ty?¡± Zi Moyan inquired lightly.


    ¡°That merchant is called w.a.n.g Xin. When this subordinate went there, that merchant has already been killed.¡±


    [Knock, knock, knock!] There was the sound of knocking of the door from outside. Zi Moyan nced at the ck-clothed person, sending a look. The ck-clothed person received the order and disappeared from the study in a flicker of ck shadow.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Zi Moyan asked.


    The voice of an eunuch sounded from outside. ¡°Prime Minister, your elder brother has returned. He¡¯s currently waiting for you in the main hall. He said that he has an important matter to discuss.¡±


    ¡°Un, got it. You go attend him for a bit, I¡¯ll be out in a moment.¡±


    Zi Moyan counted the date. He should¡¯ve received the news and rushed back to the capital, so it should be the time of arrival by now. But he came to find her the moment he came back? Could it be that he discerned some suspicious points about their father¡¯s d


    eath?


    ¡°Yes!¡± The little eunuch responded and left soon after.


    When Zi Moyan arrived in the main hall, she saw one Zi Haoran dressed in a long blue robe. The two of them haven¡¯t seen each other for four years, yet Zi Moyan didn¡¯t expect that the current Zi Haoran has already grown from a youth into a man of indomitable spirit.


    Because of the long term post on the border, the previously fair skin turned a bronze color, the outline of his figure became more steadfast.


    There was also a white-robed man standing by Zi Haoran¡¯s side. There was an strong contrast between the two of them when standing together. If she said her elder brother was a sharp treasured sword, then this white-robed man was like a white plum tree standing proud among the snow ¡ª stainless without even a speck of dust!


    His beauty let people not dare to look eye to eye with him. He doesn¡¯t have a woman¡¯s femininity nor a man¡¯s masculinity, giving people a feeling of pure spirit and above themon popce!


    A thread of white headband dexterously bind a part of his hair behind his head, arge part of the fine ck hair scattering loose down until his waist. His countenance was picturesque, his posture was as if an immortal¡¯s!


    When Zi Haoran saw Zi Moyan, he went to give a bear-hug while his eyes were turning slightly red. ¡°Little brother Mo, long time no see!¡±


    ¡°Big brother, you¡¯re back.¡± Zi Moyan didn¡¯t reject this bear-hug.


    Zi Haoran released Zi Moyan and sized thetter up and down, then he sighed inwardly with regret. This little brother Mo grew to be a bit too good-looking. Why was it that the men by his side had these kind of good looks that it wounds his pride?


    ¡°Little brother Mo, howe you¡¯re growing more and more like a woman?¡±


    When Zi Moyan heard this, her heart tightened, but her face didn¡¯t reveal anything. ¡°A man is a man, how could one resemble a woman?¡±


    Of course, no matter who it was, no man would be happy when they were told to resemble a woman. So when Zi Haoran saw that Zi Moyan seemed not very happy about it, he hurriedly raised a ttering smile, saying: ¡°I have someone to introduce to you. This person¡¯s appearance could bepared with even you.¡±


    He pulled over the white-robed male at the side, introducing him to Zi Moyan. ¡°This is a good friend I was acquainted with at the border. His family a trading business, his name Yue Ran ¡ª the same ¡®Ran¡¯ in your older brother¡¯s name. Don¡¯t you think this is fate?¡±

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32 ¨C Lingering Fragrance Pavilion


    When Zi Moyan heard this name, she was startled for a second before mumbling: "Yue Ran?" He''s actually surnamed Yue?


    Zi Haoran continued to introduce towards Yue Ran. "This is my second young brother, called Zi Moyan. He''s currently Long Lin''s Right Prime Minister!"


    Yue Ran smiled faintly, but it was as the spring wind. "h.e.l.lo, can I call you Little Brother Mo?"


    "Whatever you want." Zi Moyan never paid attention to what other people called her by, it was fine as long as she liked it.


    After Zi Haoran finished with the introduction, he suddenly remembered one important thing. "Little Brother Mo, I came back just in time for Father''s burial. Yue Ran and I saw Father''s corpse and Brother Yue felt that Father''s death isn''t that simple. He said Father died by a poison called ''Saffron'' instead of from illness. Regarding this matter, what do you think, little Brother Mo?"


    Zi Moyan sized this white-robed man up, he actually knew this type of poison?


    Yue Ran felt her gaze and smiled faintly as he exined: "I have learned a bit of medicine before and also felt very interested in this field so I would frequently flip through medical books ¡ª that''s where I saw this type of poison before."


    "So it turns out Brother Yue was interested in medicine. That''s right Father''s death was indeed caused by Saffron. I''ve already sent people to investigate before. The capital does have someone who previously had sold Saffron. The transaction spot is at Lingering Fragrance Pavilion." Zi Moyan didn''t hide it. She called Zi Haoran back was exactly because she wanted to find out who was the culprit who killed their father.


    "Lingering Fragrance Pavilion? Little brother Mo, are you really sure it''s there? There isn''t a mistake?" Zi Haoran was extremely shocked, his face filled with disbelief.


    When Zi Moyan saw that incredulous expression of his, she said calmly: "What? Although hearing that the transaction spot is Lingering Fragrance Pavilion is indeed rather shocking, but isn''t your reaction a bit excessive?"


    Zi Haoran restrained his emotions, calming down. "Little Brother Mo may not know, but this Lingering Fragrance Pavilion is a ce Father used to collect intelligence. It''s actually one of Father''s subordinate''s forces."


    "A force that belonged to Father?" Zi Moyan had continuously sent no few people to investigate Lingering Fragrance Pavilion. Only because the person behind it never revealed themselves, she never got a lead. She didn''t think that it was actually Zi Haotian''s subordinate¡¯s forces.


    Since it was like this, then shouldn''t it be very dangerous for the culprit to pick Lingering Fragrance Pavilion to do business?


    It was all Father''s eyes and ears so he could''ve discovered them at any time. In this kind of situation, they still want to use Lingering Fragrance Pavilion to do business? Could it be that there''s a it-must-be-that-ce kind of reason?


    "Do you know who''s the biggest manager in this Lingering Fragrance Pavilion other than Father?"


    Zi Haoran pondered for a moment. "The biggest manager? I''m not too clear in Lingering France Pavilion''s managements and Father doesn''t usually go there so he also doesn''t mention it often. If not for that one time I was outside eavesdropping, I wouldn''t have known that Lingering Fragrance Pavilion belonged to Father''s forces."


    Zi Moyan actually rather wanted to go have a look around in this Lingering Fragrance Pavilion. After all, she currently only had Lingering Fragrance Pavilion this one lead. She nced at Zi Haoran. "Big Brother, have you been to Lingering Fragrance Pavilion?"


    Zi Haoran spat out the tea that he just drank when he heard Zi Moyan''s question. "Little Brother Mo, what are you saying?! How could I dare to go to that kind of ce? If Father knew, he would''ve no doubt broke off both of my legs!"


    "Don''t all men like going to there?" Zi Moyan responded matter-of-factly.


    When Yue Ran heard Zi Moyan''s words, he pursed his lips and chuckled. "Then Little Brother Mo should''ve went there often?"


    Zi Haoran''s face was filled with disbelief as he said: "Big Brother doesn''t believe that Little Brother Mo would go there!" He was still pretty clear on this Zi Moyan''s apathetic nature.


    "I n to go there now."


    Zi Haoran jumped up in response, extremely angry. "Little Brother Mo, how could a Prime Minister like you go to a ce of prost.i.tutes? It''ll be a scandal if this gets out!"


    Yue Ran restrained the somewhat ruffled Zi Haoran, pacifying him. "I think Little Brother Mo wanted to go there because he wants to find some clues that rtes to Uncle Zi''s death. Brother Zi should calm down a bit."


    Under Yue Ran''s persuasion, Zi Haoran calmed down, both eyes staring tightly at Zi Moyan as he spoke in a serious tone. "Is that true? You only want to go find clues on Father''s death? Not to spend your time in drinking and pleasure?"


    "It''s as Brother Yue said, it''s indeed my motive. I thought that Lingering Fragrance Pavilion might give us some information."


    Only when Zi Haoran understood Zi Moyan''s intention that he realized his seemed to have been somewhat rash. He hadn''t even asked clearly of the circ.u.mstances before he med Little Brother Mo like this, hence, he was apologetic as he said: "Little Brother Mo, Big Brother had wrongly med you." Perhaps he also didn''t wish for his little brother to go to that kind of ce from the bottom of his heart.


    "It''s fine, Big Brother. We should hurry and get going now."


    "En." The group of three reached an unanimous decision and rushed towards Lingering Fragrance Pavilion soon after.

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33 ¨C Visiting a Brothel


    Lingering Fragrance Pavilion was thergest brothel in the Capital, but it wasn''t the best nor the most luxurious. The best brothel is located in the northern outskirt of the Capital ¡ª the Plucking Stars and Moon House.


    The Plucking Stars and Moon House started its business only half a year ago, but it had developed and expanded rapidly. Now there weren''t any brothels that couldpete with the Plucking Stars and Moon House other than the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion. However, all of this was credited to the pavilion''s background and its four famous Miss Beauties.


    If not for these, the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion wouldn''t have the capital topete with the Plucking Stars and Moon House.


    The Lingering Pavilion was particrly lively today, as if it was conducting some kind of banquet. The people crowded both outside and inside, so much that the pavilion''s entrance was now imprable. Hence, when Zi Moyan and herpanions arrived at the pavilion''s entrance, they had to expend arge amount of strength just to push through the crowd and enter the building.


    Regarding the sudden appearance of three peerlessly handsome studs, they attracted everyone''s attention once they entered. As long as it was a female, hearts would take shape in their eyes.


    They have seen no few men, but they haven''t seen heartthrobs of this kind of unmatched temperament enhanced with an air of n.o.bility around them! The women were willing to pay instead of being paid just solely because of such good-looking faces of theirs.


    Once these three people appeared, all the women seemed to have became crazy as they flocked towards the three and forced their delicate bodies onto the three people profusely. There were still some even crazy enough to pull the three, grabbing tightly onto any possibility of taking advantage of Zi Moyan and herpanions.


    "Where did the three Young Masters hail from? How could you all look so handsome? We''re all jealous just looking at you three!"


    "Right, right!" A woman who had applied thick amount of makeup threw a flirty wink towards Zi Haoran as she spoke. "Young Master, this ve really likes your type of manliness. As long as Young Master likes it, this ve is willing to pay instead of being paid!"


    "Young Master, Young Master, please look at this ve!"


    "Young Master, you''re too beautiful¡­¡­"


    "So it turns out that men could also be this beautiful¡­¡­"


    ¡­¡­


    The women surrounding Yue Ran and Zi Moyan stared at the two''s exquisite and absolutely beautiful countenance, their mouths watering nonstop. One was like the plum flowers growing among the snow, the other was like the n.o.bleman among the flowers.


    Too beautiful! Heavens, they have never seen such beautiful men before! How are they, as women, going to continue living¡­¡­


    When the female brothel keep who was greeting the customers saw that the girls that she trained weren''t receiving the customers, but had gathered into a circle, her anger rocketed.


    It looks like she had treated them too well, she must teach them a lesson today or else!


    The brothel keeper pulled away these girls and was about to started scolding when she saw the three beautiful men within the encirclement. With no exception, hearts floated up in her eyes¡­¡­ and almost fainted on the spot.


    Zi Haoran became extremely irritated after being pulled so much. He hadn''t have any good impression of this ce in the first ce, and now? He had been pulled left and right by these heavy made-up women the moment he stepped foot into this ce.


    What was even hateful was that their hands actually wandered here and there on his body! No matter how he tried suppressed his anger, he couldn¡¯t suppress in any longer!


    His face ckened like charcoal as he ruthlessly shoved away those women who stuck to his body and coldly reproached: "If any of you don''t wish to court death, then immediately scram for me!"


    This angry cry scared all the girls on the spot, even the brothel keeper were startled awake. She then dispersed the girls and hurriedly went to please the Zi Moyan andpany, enthusiastically inquiring: "I''m terribly sorry, my three guests. My girls doesn''t know any better in this regard so let Mama apologize to you all right here. It must be your first time here at Lingering Fragrance Pavilion today, right? Come,e,e! You three came right on the nick of time, our Lingering Fragrance Pavilion is just about to hold a splendid pageant between the four Miss Beauties! Mama, I, will take you to the best private room so you three can view as much as you like and enjoy to your heart''s content!"


    The brothel keeper''s sharp eyes immediately knew, by the luxurious clothes that these three beautiful men wore, that they were definitely very rich.


    These three people most definitely cannot be offended!


    She lowered her head, nning to carefully serve them. She didn''t dare to be like just moments prior, staring tantly at them.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    Chapter 34: Dance Compet.i.tion Between the Four Miss Beauties


    This private room, located at the utmost middle of the pavilion, was indeed the best one. From here, one can get a very clear view of the stage below. Excluding the private rooms, there were still a mult.i.tude of people in other areas. Even the street outside were filled with people standing, making these ces more lively than usual.


    Zi Haoran saw that Zi Moyan sat down calmly in spite of everything and even Yue Ran was casual as the wind and tranquil as the cloud. What¡¯s more was that they were both neat and tidy, unlike him, looking battered and exhausted with no few tears in his clothes. With such disparities, he depressingly spoke: ¡°Little Brother Mo, Brother Yue, there were no fewer people surrounding you, why the h.e.l.l am I in the most sorry state?¡±


    Yue Ran lightlyughed but didn¡¯t speak.


    Zi Moyan thought for a bit and answered with a deadly earnest face. ¡°Big Brother, maybe you¡¯re just more popr.¡±


    Hearing that, Zi Haoran¡¯s depression changed to indignation. It was them that took him here, but it was sure something now. He was the one who suffered the most! Looking at such heartless people as these two, his anger blew over his head. Hmph, he won¡¯t bother with these two anymore! They truly infuriate him to death.


    The reason Zi Moyan could evade those th.o.r.n.y attacks was because of her profound martial skills and exceptional qinggong[1]. Only when she was constantly dodging during the entire course of events did she prevent those women from touching a single hair on her body.


    Turning her head and ncing at a faintly smiling Yue Ran watching somewhere in the distance, a harsh glint flickered across her eyes. This man was not simple at all!


    With music sounding on the the the humongous, circr stage, the brothel keeper walked up with a cajoling smile and announced loudly: ¡°Wee one and all to thepet.i.tion between our four famous beauties! First, we will showcase a short dance to help liven things up for everyone!¡±


    There was a roar ofmotion from below. ¡°Brothel keeper, don¡¯t be like that. Hurry up and invite the four beauties toe out. We have already been impatient from waiting!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Brothel keeper, aren¡¯t you making it too troublesome? Hurry up and invite the little beauties out! What I don¡¯tck is money!¡±


    The brothel keepughed gently. ¡°These beauties now, fellow guests, are beautiful enough for you all to wish to always have them pressed under you and shaft, right?¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright! Hurry up and start already!¡± There were many people who were starting to be impatient.


    The Brothel Keeper smiled servilely as she nodded her head. ¡°Alright then, I hereby announce that thepet.i.tion will officially begin! We will first wee our Lingering Fragrance Pavilion¡¯s Miss Beauty numbered fourth ¡ª Feng Ying to provide us with her performance, Windy Ring Dance!


    The light on the stage started to darken and a woman donned in clothing decorated with golden goose feathers slowly rise. She gracefully started to dance, appearing to be like the fluttering b.u.t.terflies among the flowers, both beautiful and stirring people¡¯s affection.


    Evidently, Zi Haoran hadn¡¯t seen a woman dance so beautifully before. Usually, with him being stationed at the border, he would see the lonesome bright moon when he raised his head and a dested border city with no signs of human activities when he lowered his head.


    He didn¡¯t know how many days and nights he had spent in this kind of life, but he had spent enough that he was numbed to it. It was only now did he realized that things like singing and da


    ncing was actually so enthralling, enough to let people enter a soul-inducing trance.


    Compared to Zi Haoran with regards to these theatrical performances, Zi Moyan did not have much of a reaction. In her past life, she had seen no few dance performances on modern television. Hence, her reaction wasn¡¯t as exaggerated as her half-sibling.


    And Yue Ran was even more so, with not so much as a nce towards the stage below. Both of his eyes were closed, with a bit of the implication that he was resting his mind.


    Once the dance was over, the entire audience boiled in fervor. There were no few people shouting crazily: ¡°Miss Feng, Miss Feng¡­¡­¡± The voices were like tidal waves, surging again and again one after the other.


    Yue Ran pried over his eyes, his gentle voice resounded: ¡°There famous beauties are rather interesting.¡±


    ¡°What does Brother Yue mean by this?¡± Zi Haoran inquired strangely after hearing Yue Ran¡¯sment.


    Yue Ran didn¡¯t respond to Zi Haroan, choosing to continue to close his eyes and rest.


    After the Miss Beauty ced third ¡ª Hua Xiangrong, and the second ranked Miss Beauty ¡ª Xue Jie both gave their corresponding dances, the Brothel Keeper hurriedly came out and smiled mysteriously. ¡°Fellow guests, to express our grat.i.tude to everyone¡¯s constant support up until now, the first ced Miss Beauty ¨C Yue Lengxin decided to give you all a showcase of her talent.¡±


    Upon hearing the Miss Beauty ranked first was about to perform, everyone was riled up. She was someone who never greet anyone, but of the people who once caught a glimpse of the first ranked Miss Beauty, they henceforth spellbound to the point of being senseless ¡ª so much so that theypletely depleted their family wealth!


    Every month, the number one Miss Beauty will greet one person, handpicked that person as the guest of honor. However, the people who saw her were all mesmerized stupidly by her. Their mouths would speak nothing but the kinds of words like: ¡°So beautiful¡­¡­ immortal fairies were only so-so¡­¡­¡±


    The final oue for these people was that they were all infatuated until their deaths.


    Now that this Miss Beauty was willing to disy her skills, everyone all had simr thoughts of how big this opportunity was. To be able to see this Miss Beauty, they would have no remorse even if they were to die¡­¡­


    Yue Ran chuckled lightly, an obscure light flickered through his eyes. ¡°Number one Miss Beauty? I have heard that this Miss Beauty possessed a peculiar charm. Those who had seen her before all fell in love with her, even to the point of insanity. I¡¯m curious to see if she is really as beautiful as they say.¡±


    Footnote:


    [1]ÇṦ:Martial arts technique (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qinggong)

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Chapter 35 ¨C Number One Miss Beauty ¡ª Yue Lengxin


    After the brothel keeper left the stage, snowkes started to fall everywhere. The stage dimmed slightly, just like the falling snow on a winter night, bringing about a trace of loneliness.


    Right at this moment, music started to y as a white robed woman descended from the air. With her cotton white clothing dancing beautifully with the wind, it was as though a fairy had descended. Snowkes fell around the woman and they had yet tond on the ground before they thereupon started to dance.


    Following that, the woman¡¯s slender, lily-white hands started to fabricate into different kinds of beautiful shapes and forms such as the proud yet beautiful peac.o.c.k and the sky-soaring phoenix!


    She moved her slender waist and legs, dancing elegantly. This dance brought a light sense of quiet solitude, resembling the imprisonment of Change¡¯e[1] in that vast cold pce. Every movement brought along a thick longing and destion.


    This wasn¡¯t a secr dance, but one that only existed in the Heavens ¡ª its every movement was able to stun the hearts of the people! Even the Jing Hong dance[2] was not enough of a use to describe the beauty of this dance!


    Everyone all watched to the point of being dazed. The woman¡¯s faze was being hidden by a white veil, yet just based on that captivating figure and those dance steps that arouse one¡¯s soul alone were sufficient for the audience to go crazy!


    The Number One Miss Beauty¡¯s reputation was indeed well-deserved!


    After the dance was finished, the entire room fell into an unusual silence. All people present were dumbfounded, staring nkly at the white robed woman on stage. They hadpletely forgotten to react, because their senses have yet to wake up from her performance.


    The brothel keeper came up with a smile, ¡°Next, our Miss Yue Lengxin will handpick a young master to be her privileged guest. I wonder who will have this kind of honor?¡±


    ¡°Miss Yue will be mine tonight!¡± A young master donned in luxurious clothing eximed, his eyes were of disdain as he looked towards other people. ¡°I¡¯m the son of the Left Prime Minister, Wo Buyi! If any of you dare topete with me, my father will let you die a painful death!¡±


    When they heard this name, everyone restrained back to the point their faces were red. They wanted tough, but couldn¡¯t. They all had this thought through their heads: To think I, Malevolence¡¯s son is, in fact, Injustice! [3]


    At longst, they finally understood that, as it turns out, malevolence and injustice belong to the same family!


    Zi Moyan stared at that arrogant and despotic young man and coldly inquired: ¡°He¡¯s Wo Buren¡¯s son?¡±


    Zi Haoran nodded his head, answering, ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯ve seen Wo Buyi before. He is indeed the person himself. I have only heard that this Wo Buren¡¯s character is lecherous and avaricious. Moreover, he considers everyone else to be beneath him. Sure enough, it¡¯s indeed so from the looks of it.¡±


    After Zi Haoran came to, they seemed to havee here to conduct formal business, so why were they watching this dance performance?


    ¡°Little Brother Mo, we have already wasted enough time. What are we supposed to do next?¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Zi Moyan answered impa.s.sively.


    ¡°Ah? Why the heck do we have to wait?¡± Zi Haoran didn¡¯t understand. Just what does this lil¡¯ bro of his want to do?


    Yue Ran waved the fan back and forth in his hand, his expression carrying a trace of praise. ¡°This Number One Miss Beauty¡¯s t.i.tle is indeed well-deserved!¡±


    Although he hadplimented this Yue Lengxin, yet his gentle eyes were ice-cold with its depth a bottomless pit.


    Yue Lengxin didn¡¯t bother with Wo Buyi, who was currently making a fuss out of nothing. She slightly raised her head, looking towards the private room where Zi Moyan and co. were in. She raised her jade-like hand and pointed, ¡°I want him to be my privileged guest!¡±


    Everyone¡¯s gazed followed the direction where Yue Lenxin¡¯s finger had pointed and saw one beautiful youth wearing a face of indifference.


    This youth¡¯s beauty, that had emitted from the depth of ¡®his¡¯ soul, were not in the least bit inferior to Yue Lengxin. With a cold temperament from head to toe expressing ¡®his¡¯ grace and dignity, that exceedingly refined countenance, both peerless physique and appearance (respectively) that left the world in its wake were imprinted into people¡¯s memories after a nce, making them hard to forget.


    Zi Haoran was looking to where Yue Lengxin was pointed as well, but this seemed to be referring to Little Brother Mo! What was going on? Why did the Miss Beauty took a fancy to ¡®him¡¯?!


    Seeing this scene, Yue Ran¡¯s expression didn¡¯t falter, though the eyes he used to look at Zi Moyan added a hint of scrutiny and curiosity.


    Footnote:


    [1]æ϶ð: Chinese mythology ¨C G.o.ddess of the Moon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang%27e)


    [2]Ò»Î辪ºè (or ¾ªºèÎè) : A traditional Chinese long sleeve dance of the Tang Dynasty named after the Jinghong bird (I don¡¯t think it¡¯s the peac.o.c.k but that¡¯s what was being shown when I searched on google)


    [3]ûÏëµ½ÕâÎÒ²»ÈʵĶù×Ó¾ÍÊÇÎÒ²»Òå: A pun on the Left Prime Minister and his son name because their pinyin p.r.o.nunciations are simr to malevolence (or not benevolent if directly tranted) and injustice respectively. Father: Wo Buren (ÎÖ²¼ÈÊ) ¡ú I Am Malevolent (ÎÒ²»ÈÊ) , Son: Wo Buyi¡¯s (ÎÖ²¼Òå) ¡ú I Am Unjust(ÎÒ²»Òå)

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    Chapter 36 ¨C The Guest of Honor


    On stage, Yue Lengxin curtsied towards Zi Moyan. ¡°Will the young master please follow this humble girl to the third floor. This humble girl wants to show the young master her specialized talent.¡±


    Zi Moyan slowly got up, leisurely heading up towards the third floor.


    Zi Haoran wanted to chase after her, to stop Zi Moyan from going to the third floor, but he was halted by Yue Ran. Zi Haoran anxiously told him, ¡°Brother Yue, Little Brother Mo is still young. If he was to go see that Miss Beauty just like that and be bewitched by chance, then that¡¯s going to be dangerous!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry, Brother Zi,¡± Yue gently consoled with a smile that reached his phoenix eyes. ¡°I believe in Little Brother Mo. He isn¡¯t someone who can be easily bewitched by a little girl.¡±


    ¡°This¡­¡­¡± Zi Haoran faltered. He did actually believe in Little Brother Mo¡¯s character. Except, he was still somewhat worried that Zi Moyan would be like those people who had once seen the First Miss Beauty ¡ª losing the family¡¯s fortune because of her!


    Yue Ran found afortable spot to continue to rx and drink tea. ¡°Brother Zi should just be at ease and wait for Little Brother Mo toe back down. Who knows, Little Brother Mo might bring us some useful information in no time soon.¡±


    Wo Buyi saw that he, the awe-inspiring young master of the Prime Minister¡¯s residence, actually lost to a pretty face, so he was utterly furious! ¡°Yue Lengxin, you d.a.m.n wh.o.r.e. Just you wait, I¡¯ll let you regret this! Hmph¡­¡­¡±


    Hearing his remark, Yue Lengxin¡¯s admirers¡¯ faces all ckened. They sent Wo Buyi a cutthroat re with a look that said they wanted to go up and skin Wo Buyi alive.


    Just when Wo Buyi was about to swagger out, his face smug, he was tripped by a foot that extended out all of a sudden. He tumbled to the ground, falling t on his face. He then immediately picked himself up, and with his face all twisted, he cursed loudly. ¡°Which b.a.s.t.a.r.d tripped this Young Master?! Come out, I¡¯m going to give you a piece of my mind!¡±


    A moment¡¯s silenceter, the entire Linger Fragrance Pavilion erupted in a burst ofughter. ¡°HAHAHAHA!¡±


    Each and every one of them were all looking at this hedonistic son of the rich withplete disdain.


    Listening to these people that actually dared to jeer at him, Wo Buyi¡¯splexion turned a dark redish-purple. He fiercely locked his gaze on the surrounding people and threatened: ¡°Just you all wait, I will let you all regret your actions very soon!¡± He then spat in contempt, leaving with his face covered in dirt.


    Other people left as well, but with disappointment. Since the four Miss Beauties all have picked their respective honored guests, what was the point of them staying her? It would be better for them to go back and save money toe next time.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the brothel keeper? After the First Miss Beauty disappeared, this brothel disappeared as well?¡± It was only now that Zi Haoran realized that that sycophant of a brothel keeper was nowhere to be seen. At a time like this, where did she run off to if she didn¡¯te out to control the situation?


    ¡­¡­


    On the third floor of Lingering Fragrance Pavilion, it was entirely silent. It wasn¡¯t in the least bit affected by the ruckus below.


    Zi Moyan reached the First Mist Beauty¡¯s room on the third floor. On the outside, it looked to be garnished with the utmost care, unusual but it doesn¡¯t lose any of its refined tastes. She pushed open the door and entered, seeing Yue Lengxin donned in her snow white cotton garments, making her beautiful figure faintly discernible. She rested on the chaise longue, observing the entering Zo Moyan with a faint chill in her eyes.


    ¡°What has brought the great Prime Minister to the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion?¡± Yue inquired coldly.


    ¡°You guys are the force under Father¡¯s subordinate?¡± Zi Moyan coolly replied with a question.


    ¡°No!¡± Yue Lengxin denied tly. ¡°Our Master is already dead, so this force naturally belongs to I, Yue Lengxin.¡±


    ¡°I only want to ask you one question. Who¡¯s the one that bought ¡®Saffron¡¯?¡±


    Yue Lengxin¡¯s beautiful eyes turned frosty as she sneered, ¡°And why should I tell you?¡±

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37 ¨C A Lead


    Zi Moyan fished out a piece of perfectly pure white jade, a very small ''Zhou'' character was carved on it. "Just based on this jade, you need to tell me the truth!"


    When Yue Lengxin saw that piece of jade, she immediately bolted up with her charming face in rm. The gaze that she used to looked at Zi Moyan was of zeal and reverence. She fixed up her clothes for a bit, then came to kneel by Zi Moyan''s side. "Moon Spirit Pce ''s Pce Lord Yue Lengxin pays her respect to Master."


    She absolutely did not expect that the Master that she had only met once four years ago, the Master that she looked up to, would suddenly appear in front of her.


    Originally, the upper echelon had said that during the Miss Beauty pageant, she was to select the young Prime Minister of the portrait that the upper echelon had given her to be the privileged guest.


    Yet, shepletely did not think that it was the Master himself who''d wanted toe, leading to her currentck of manners with clothes not covering her body properly. It was really embarra.s.sing her to death!


    Once she saw through Yue Lengxin''s apprehension, Zi Moyan walked through the muslin curtains and sat on the chair that was ced outside, her voice cold as she spoke. "Come out after you change into more suitable clothes."


    "Yes¡­¡­"


    After Yue Lengxin tidied the clothes she wore, there was less charm and more dignity therein.


    She came to Zi Moyan''s front, kneeling down at thetter''s feet in respect. "Master, may you punish Lengxin''s imprudent behavior just now!"


    "It wasn''t your fault for not being in the light of my real ident.i.ty. You did not know any better, therefore, you cannot be held responsible." Zi Moyan put the jade back and replied indifferently. "Lengxin, can you now tell me what I want to know?"


    "Yes!"


    ¡­¡­


    An hour pa.s.sed.


    Zi Haoran was burning in anxiousness from waiting. It''s been an hour since Little Brother Mo went upstairs ¡ª could there be a problem?


    "No good, I need to go up and have a look!"


    Compared to Zi Haoran, Yue Ran was naturally more rxed. He didn''t appeared the least bit worried as he sat there sipping tea and eating pastries.


    Seeing Zi Haoran''s edgy expression, Yue Ran couldn''t help but tease: "If Yue Lengxin really did take to Little Brother Mo''s liking, and a fire were to be lit aze between the two of them, then even an hour might not necessarily be enough time."


    When Zi Haoran heard Yue Ran''sment, the stimting image of Zi Moyan and Yue Lengxin floated up in his mind. His handsome face reddened through and through. "Little Brother isn''t like that!"


    Just as Zi Haoran was conflicted as whether to go look for Zi Moyan, there came the sound of the door to third floor opening up. Zi Haoran promptly charged up right on time to see Zi Moyaning out from the room. It was only when he saw thetter''s neat clothes and hair not in disarray did he released the breath he''d held.


    It seemed that nothing had happened between the two.


    As Zi Moyan gazed at the out of breath Zi Haoran, she asked strangely. "Big Brother? Why aren''t you waiting downstairs?''


    Zi Haoran blushed instantly, feeling somewhat awkward. Thinking back to the indecent thoughts in his mind just now, his face reddened even more. "Isn''t it because I''m worried about you?"


    Sensing Zi Moyan''s gaze, Zi Haoran felt as if he was being seen through, making him diffident inside. "Alright, Little Brother Mo. We should hurry back. If the Emperor were to know that you came to this kind of pleasure-seeking ce, you would definitely be scolded."


    After the three of them returned to the Prime Minsiter''s residence and sitting in the main hall, Zi Haoran asked impatiently: "Little Brother Mo, is there a lead to Father''s death?"


    "Correct," Zi Moyan nodded. "There were some leads, but this lead might not prove anything."


    "What does that mean?"


    She briefly digested what she had came to know from Yue Lengxin''s mouth, then shared it with the other two. "Yue Lengxin only said that there was indeed someoneing to buy ''Saffron'' a year ago. Moreover, that person has periodically went to the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion to make business deals. However, this matter doesn''t necessarily have any rtion to the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion. The two people in the transaction, one was from the border city ¡ª Merchant w.a.n.g Xin''s nephew, w.a.n.g Yong. He was the one who brought ''Saffron'' with him to the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion. The other one was a woman who wore green robes, but due to the woman covering her face with a veil, her ident.i.ty is unknown."


    The implication that came from Zi Moyan''s words could not be any more clear. This w.a.n.g Xin was the seller and this green robed woman was no doubt the buyer.


    "A woman with her face veiled and wears green robes? The one who murdered Father was a woman?" Both of Zi Haoran''s hands balled into tight fists, suddenly mming down on the table ¡ª splitting the table open. His gaze was terrifying as he fixed his attention ahead. "If I were to find out who killed Father, I will definitely let her paid the blood debt back with blood!"


    Yue Ran did not react from beginning to end, his handsome face still carried that faint smile. However, when he heard the name ''w.a.n.g Xin'', a harsh light flickered across his long, narrow phoenix eyes ¡ª the atmosphere clearly dropped to match.


    Zi Moyan did not miss Yue Ran''s reaction. Sure enough, this man has secrets!


    After Zi Haoran and Yue Ran left, Zi Moyan spoke to the air. "Go investigate the merchant by the name of Yue Ran from the bordering city region for me."


    "Understood!" A man''s voice sounded from the empty s.p.a.ce as a dark shadow hidden within the main hall disappeared within a sh.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38 ¨C The Emperor Got Jealous


    Within the Diligent Hall, Murong Tianchen was currently listening to the two ck robed people reporting Wo Buren''s recent activities.


    "Master, Wo Buren have been extremely quiet recently, no signs of activities whatsoever. And other than the meeting with that green robed woman on that day, there were any other personage eventer the Wo residence."


    "Oh? Have any of you investigated the ident.i.ty of that woman?"


    "There weren''t any results. The green robe woman has a high level of martial arts that she had threw us off before we could even follow her back to her residence." The ck clothed man had just finished responding when he felt a burst of chill rising from his heart. This was the forecast of Master getting angry¡­¡­


    Seeing the two people kneeling before him, a harsh light surfaced in Murong Tianchen''s abstruse eyes. "You are all zhen''s carefully selected shadow guards, yet you even lost sight of a girl?"


    "Please punish us, Master!"


    "Go receive the punishment yourselves," Murong Tianchen responded coldly. "Next, tell zhen, what the Right Prime Minister has done today?"


    The image of that indifferent back surfaced in his mind at this moment, causing his lips to subconsciously curl up and his fathomless eyes to contain an indistinct smile.


    The two subordinates shared a look, hesitating.


    Murong Tianchen''s heart constricted. Could it be that something has happened to him?


    ¡°What''s the matter? What are you two hesitating about?"


    "The Right Prime Minister''s elder brother came looking for him today," The two reported truthfully. "There was also a white robed man with him when they visited the Right Prime Minister''s residence. Shortly after, the three of them we the the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion together. Prime Minister Zi was picked to be the First Miss Beauty''s privileged guest and has also stayed in her room for an entire hour¡­¡­"


    The honest shadow guard narrated Zi Moyan''s movements for today systematically and in full detail, not one word missing.


    Eh? As he talked on and on, why does the air feel as though it was like a rock? Its pressure was this close to prevent people from breathingpletely!


    It was only when the shadow guard lifted his head slightly did he noticed that there were already countless vertical ck lines on his Master''s face and his eyes had changed to a deep purple ¡ª a terrifying sight.


    He was just like the Asura that came from h.e.l.l, the surrounding airflow was cold enough to turn people into human-popsicles!


    It was the first time that they had seen this kind of Master. It scared the two to the point that both of their legs couldn''t restrain from trembling. If they had only felt a slight chill just earlier, then it was as if they were in an icehouse at this moment ¡ª a mortal sense of danger suffocating them.


    "Master¡­¡­ That ¡ª um,stly, Prime Minister Zi and his brother and ¡ª and that white robed man, um, went¡­¡­b-back¡­¡­"


    The two were alreadypletely unable to stand this kind of pressure, their faces were entirely pale.


    "Scram!"


    "Roger! We subordinates will withdraw now." It was as if the two of them have been relieved of a heavy weight. As they frantically scrambled for the exit, it was the first time that they felt that this ''scram'' word was this pleasant to the ear.


    Liu De, who had been standing on the side, wasn''t feeling any better. He had long since been unable to bear this pressure, his legs flimsy as he knelt. "Your Majesty, this matter has yet to be understood thoroughly! Please calm down!" Liu De has been serving by Murong Tianchen''s side day and night so he couldn''t be more clear of thetter''s thoughts.


    Hence, he knew of the reason for the Emperor''s anger.


    "How about letting this Servant go invite the Prime Minister into the Pce, to exin?"


    Murong Tianchen suppressed the hot white anger in his body with all of his might. He had always carefully guarded him until now, preventing his Yan''er from interacting with any women.


    Just fearing for the day that Zi Moyan would fall in love with other another woman. If that timees, perhaps he really would go insane, unable able to control himself from killing the one Zi Moyan fell in love with.


    If he were to really act ordingly, then maybe his Yan''er would never forgive him for the rest of their lives. When he thought up to here, his heart tightened into a ball.


    "Go instruct the Imperial Kitchen to make some of Yan''er favorite dishes. After bringing them to the Resting Hall should you go invite Yan''er into the Pce."


    "Yes!" Liu De naturally knew what to do, so he promptly went to prepare.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39 ¨C Eating Dinner Together


    It was just in time to eat, but right when Zi Moyan lifted her chopsticks to picked up a piece of meat and was about to put it in her mouth, Lui De''s sharp cry came from the door and soaring through the clouds. "Young Master Zi, have mercy on your mouth!!"


    Due to being startled, her hand shook, causing the piece of meat to fall onto the table.


    "Eunuch Liu," Zi Moyan turned her head, seeing one moring Liu De running in.. She put down her chopsticks, asking indifferently, "Are you here for business?"


    She really couldn''t find any reason other than there was something of the matter with the Emperor for Liu De toe here at dinner time ¡ª and through the trouble of rushing to find her at that.


    After Liu De told a little Pce eunuch to go to the Imperial Kitchen to convey the Emperor''s order, he immediately scrambled to run to this Prime Minister''s residence. It was just because he was afraid that after Prime Minister Zi ate, the Emperor would no longer have the means to dine together with Zi Moyan.


    With Minister Zi''s personality, he wasn''t even scared of the Emperor. If he were to really eat, then he wouldn''t pretend he hadn''t, so as to go dine with the Emperor.


    The Emperor would be even more unhappy in his heart if that happens, and the consequences would be even more severe ¡ª perhaps he might not even be able to keep his head.


    This was why he had been so emotional when he saw Zi Moyan using the chopsticks.


    He was out of breath, this trip was honestly going to cause him this pitiful life. After catching his breath, he hurriedly spoke: "Prime Minister Zi, His Majesty wish to invite you to go have dinner together with him right now."


    "Alright," Zi Moyan had wanted to decline at first, since the dishes were already prepare and it would be a waste not eating them. However, when she thought about the fact that she''d to leave for Yan Yang City tomorrow, she felt that this would be a good time to go bid him goodbye. "Then let''s go to the Pce."


    "Let''s go, let''s go," Liu De vigorously bobbed his head. "We shouldn''t let His Majesty wait too long."


    Arriving at the Resting Hall, Zi Moyan saw a table of food ¡ª and it was all of her favorites too.


    The man donned in bright golden robes had long since sat on the master seat waiting for her, but that certain person''s face was extremely unpleasant!


    Zi Moyan gave to his side, slightly bowing in greeting. "This Subject gives greeting to Your Majesty."


    Murong Tianchen didn''t kindly help her up like before, but started to interrogate coldly: "Where did you go today? What kind of things did you do?"


    Zi Moyan instantly understood that this Emperor should''ve gotten the news that she went to a brothel, and hence, the reason for him to be this furious. Since it was like so, she didn''t need to hide anything.


    Her expression did not change as she answered insipidly: "This Subject visited the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion and met with the First Miss Beauty."


    Although Murong Tianchen had prepared his heart and was also cleared about the whole sequence of events, but to hear it Moyan saying it personally was an entirely different story.


    The anger that was suppressed at first skyrocketed in the next second. "Does the Prime Minister know what kind of ce is this Lingering Fragrance Pavilion? You, as the country''s Prime Minister, did not only not set a good example, but have also went to that kind of degrading ce! Do you know of your crime?!"


    The Emperor''s thunder scared other people to the point of all kneeling down. Even Lui De had did the same, his little heart palpitating nonstop.


    However, this was also the first time he saw the Emperor this furiously shouting at Young Master Zi. Moreover, thetter was being criticized violently and it made Liu De suffer bitterly in his heart.


    Oh great Prime Minister, can you just speak a few good words? If not, then there would be no more justice in the world for this servant in the future¡­¡­


    Zi Moyan''s good-looking brows knitted. Shepletely did not expect the other to be this furious. "Your Majesty, nothing happened between this Subject and that Miss Beauty. She merely put on a performance briefly showcasing her talents for this Subject, is all."


    When Murong Tianchen heard the first half, half of his fury dissipate in an instant. What he cared about wasn''t Zi Moyan, as a Prime Minister, inaptly going to that ce.


    What he cared about even more was that he didn''t want any other person touching his irreproachable Yan''er. He also hoped that Yan''er didn''t take fancy anyone else!


    Once he thought that his Yan''er might engage in the most intimate contact with another woman, he hate not being able to destroy that Linger Fragrance and chop that woman''s body into thousands of pieces!


    He wanted to snap Yan''er wings, to lettter stay by his side forever, not letting him even half a step.


    If it was like this, then Yan''er might never ept him, would he?


    This conflicting feeling had always tormented him until he''d heard Yan''er words a moment ago. It was like the dark cloud hanging over his head had finally disperse.


    His mood immediately became better because he understood Yan''er character very clearly. If thetter said nothing happened, then nothing happened.

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40 ¨C Probing


    Liu De had followed by the Emperor''s side for many years, so when he saw that thetter had calmed down, he hurriedly prostrated and begged for leniency like the cunning old fox that he was. "Your Majesty, perhaps Prime Minister Zi might not have been too clear on what kind of ce the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion is, so he was bewitched and lured. It''s a good thing that the His Excellency had only did a bit of an exchange. Your Majesty, considering this was Minister Zi''s first offense, you should forgive His Excellency this one time."


    Seeing that Liu De was giving him a way out of the embarra.s.sing situation, Murong Tianchen would obviously following along. "There are some sense in what Liu De said. Yan''er, considering this was your first offense and not knowing things, zhen will not pursue your crimes. Just don''t go to take Lingering Fragrance Pavilion again, understand? And you''re not to see that Miss Beauty a second time!"


    His heart was beating nervously because although nothing happened between Yan''er and the First Miss Beauty, he couldn''t guarantee that Yan''er would not have any feelings towards that Miss Beauty when they meet again.


    When he thought to this point, his previous anxiety started toe back and his pitched-ck eyes sunk.


    Zi Moyan was seldom obedient as she cleverly nodded her head. "En, there won''t be a next time."


    He knew that he couldn''t be anxious and he didn''t want to scare Zi Moyan either, so Murong Tianchen forcibly suppressed the anxiety within his heart and signaled to Liu De with a look.


    Liu De instantly knew what the Emperor meant. He pulled out the chair by the Emperor''s side and smiled servilely at Zi Moyan. "Prime Minister Zi,e sit down and eat, the food will get cold."


    After Zi Moyan sat down, she and Murong Tianchen taciturnly started to eat.


    The times that the two of them ate together were few, but this was time was the most silent and most stifling one¡­


    Murong Tianchen still wore a cold face while Zi Moyan was expressionless as well. Unlike the past, Murong Tianchen didn''t considerately ce food for Zi Moyan this time. During this dinner, other than silence, there was silence.


    Seeing the situation, Liu De understood that there was still a knot in the Emperor''s heart, so thetter''s mood obviously wouldn''t be any better off. He was afraid that it might be because of that First Miss Beauty. Since it was like so, why wouldn''t he help the Emperor resolve this issue?


    This way, he would have it easy in his future days as well. If not, when this Prime Minister is absent, in addition to this knot, he could already imagine his days as adding frost on snow!


    However, there would also be risks if he does this because if Zi Moyan really does have that itsy-bitsy bit of interest towards the First Miss Beauty, then he wouldn''t be simply adding frost to ice!


    As the Emperor''s personal eunuch, he naturally put his Master first, so he was willing to be the test subject.


    Right now, he could only silently pray that this great Prime Minister, by all means, didn''t have any thoughts towards that Miss Beauty!


    "Prime Minister Zi," Liu De was dripping in sweat on the inside while he lightlyughed to break the impa.s.se. "This servant has heard of the First Miss Beauty''s name, but had no opportunity to meet her. This servant wonders if Your Excellency has any thoughts regarding this Miss Beauty?"


    Hearing Liu De, Murong Tianchen''s hands involuntarily tightened into fists. His gloomy eyes locked tightly onto the leisurely and content little person, his eyes containing ice-cold killing intent.


    If Zi Moyan did like that Miss Beauty, then perhaps he really would kill said person so as to cut off Zi Moyan''s feelings.


    Zi Moyan, on the other hand, was rather puzzled by Liu De''s question when she heard it. Why was this Liu De interested in the First Miss Beauty? He''s already a castrated man, wouldn''t it make more sense for him not to have interest towards the Miss Beauty?


    She turned her head, sparing a nce at the expressionless Murong Tianchen, and understanding flickered across her mind. Could it be that it was him that was interested in that Miss Beauty, but was inconvenient for him to bring it up?


    Since it was like this and if he likes her, what''s the harm in giving the person to him? Although this Yue Lengxin was one of her subordinates, but she was more than happy to see her find a good home.

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41 ¨C Cold-Hearted


    Zi Moyan stated insipidly, "This First Miss Beauty is, of course, beautiful like an immortal. Although she belongs to a brothel, but she possesses a fresh, simple yet elegant temperament; a natural beauty with outstanding talents ¨C she is fully deserving of being the First Miss Beauty!"


    This was, in fact, her true thoughts. Every first-rate subordinate under her were all picked from the garbage heap of beggars four years ago, at the time when they were still young.


    She had seen through the uniqueness in each and every one of them, hence she added more effort into nurturing them.


    They were her confidants, and as of today, every one of them were hegemons of their area. Yue Lengxin, for example, was the Pce Lord of Moon Spirit, who was feared by all in the Jianghu. Her every aspect caused Zi Moyan to be very satisfied.


    After listening to Zi Moyan praise someone else, Murong Tianchen''s face was getting more and more ugly. His eyes even changed to a blood-red color, it was as fearful and terrifying as the Asura arriving¡­¡­


    He likes her, he actually like someone else!


    Never mind that Zi Moyan didn''t take notice of the consideration Murong Tianchen showed, but to think ¡®he¡¯ took fancy to someone from the red-light district!


    "You like her?" His voice was as hoa.r.s.e as a devil''s, hiding restrained anger in it.


    Liu De distinctly felt the temperature drop sharply. This Emperor''s dark aura was even more ¨C uh¡­¡­ it seemed that he might die a very miserable death¡­¡­


    Once he thought of the future, he had the urge to run into the wall. Dear G.o.ds, pleasee save him!


    Zi Moyan noticed the man acting differently from normal, and his question pulled her up short. Could it be that he really does like Lengxin, hence the jealousy?


    It would be better if she clear things up.Thinking up to this point, Zi Moyan answered with a shake of her head. "No, Your Majesty. Your Subject doesn''t like her, nor do I like anyone else either."


    In regards to love, her stance was rather indifferent. Even in her previous life, she didn''t have much interest in it at all.


    In her previous life, all of her attention was on how to cure her younger sister Menghan.


    It was also because of this that she was extremely sessful in her career. She was crowned as a cold-hearted queen back then, not even having one boyfriend at thirty years of age.


    It wasn''t because she didn''t have many people chasing her, but because she''d crippled all of those who expressed good will to her! Since then, her surrounding was quieter and her admirers shrank back and only appreciated from afar.


    When Murong Tianchen heard this, his face instantly take a turn for the better. However, as long as it was someone who would catch Zi Moyan''s attention, he would need to be vignt. Who knows if his Yan''er might be swindled away just like this!


    Regarding that Miss Beauty, he still needed to gear up with one hundred and twenty percent alertness.


    "You are the Prime Minister now,so you need to set an example as one. You shouldn''t go to that kind of ce again. Just like they say, men and women shouldn''t be intimate with each other so he should maintain a distance with the other gender from now on." Murong Tianchen''s voice soften a lot as he spoke in dead earnest.


    "Yes, this Subject understands!" Zi Moyan didn''t think too much on it. In any case, she was a woman to begin with, so there wasn''t much concern whether or not she a.s.sociate with other women.


    Zi Moyan''s agreement caused Murong Tianchen''s mood to turn for the better. He considerately ced Zi Moyan''s favorite food into her bowl as he spoke: "Yan''er, eat more. This is your favorite red braised fish."


    After eating, Murong Tianchen very much wanted her to stay ¨C better yet, have her live in the Resting Pce.


    He would have opportunities to eat more tofu[1] if it was like this. However, he hadn''t even brought up the suggestion before it was immediately send into the Cold Pce.


    "Your Majesty, this Subject still has things to attend to and adding in that I need to go to Yan Yang City tomorrow, I must go back to pack. If Your Majesty doesn''t have anything for me to do, then this Subject will leave first."


    Murong Tianchen watched the back of the smart figure getting further and further, inwardly swallowing the bitterness in his heart. He hasn''t even say anything, his n hasn''t even began, before it died within the womb. His Yan''er¡­¡­ when could he obtain ¡®him¡¯?


    Why does he feel that the day he would get Zi Moyan was that far in the indefinite future¡­¡­?


    Footnote:


    [1]³Ô¶¹¸¯: Take advantage of someone (¡­ the physical contact kind.)

 Chapter 42-44

    Chapter 42


    On the road hundreds of miles away from Yan Yang City, a troop of eye-catching infantry were currently advancing in the direction of said city. Fifty or so soldiers protecting a huge, gorgeous pnquin as they slowly marched onwards..


    Within the pnquin was a young man donned in white along with three beautiful women carrying different bearings. One was wrapped in pink, flowery robes, a white shawl draped over her shoulder. Her face, though heavy with makeup, were like peach blossoms as she looked at the white robe man with tender feelings.


    The clothes that the other two wore were exactly the same as others, even their appearances were simr. One nce was enough to tell that these two were a pair of twin sisters. The younger''s palm-sized face was exquisite yet adorable. Her skin so delicate that it could tear with but a blow of breath or a flick of finger. She had a pair of the most beautiful shade of purple eyes that nothing could surpa.s.s ¡ª dazzling like gem. Adding the fluttering violet dress, she was like a fairy.


    The other one, though clearly having the exact same face, yet the feeling she gave off waspletely different. Compared to the younger sister, there was a trace of wisdom and maturity in the purple eyes of the elder sister.


    The white robed man looked rather handsome. Being an age of twenty years or so, his build was rather tall and st.u.r.dy, yet he showed off the bearing of a hooligan. He disregarded the pink robed woman''s flirtatious nces as he stared coa.r.s.ely at the two pair of beautiful sisters. "My two beauties, this Prime Minister was decreed toe solve the flooding problem. I didn''t expect to actually run into the City Lord''s three beautiful-as-flowers daughters. It''s truly fate that brings us together!"


    These three women were Yan Yang City Lord''s daughters. By name, the one in pink was called Yang Yuwei, the older twin in violet was Yang Xue while the younger twin was Yang Yue.


    The three daughters naturally heard that this time, the Imperial Court had sent the newly ascended Right Prime Minister to resolve the flood problem, but they were gued with worry, wondering if the Imperial Court would fault their father. However, never did they thought that they would run into said Prime Minister on the road.


    With protection from soldiers in addition to that luxurious pnquin, the three of them believed that this man was, without a doubt, the current Prime Minister


    Yang Yuwei, who wholeheartedly wanted to marry into a rich and powerful family, obviously would have some ideas. On the road, she gave it her all, but this young Prime Minister was still only interested in those two younger sisters of hers.


    Upon thinking this, Yang Yuwei instantly got jealous. Stealing a nce at the two''s exquisite appearances, she secretly ground her teeth.


    Keeping her dissatisfaction in check, Yang Yuwei carried a charming smile as her entire body limply fall in the direction of the white robed man. "Great Prime Minister, after all this time, we still haven''t gotten your name. If you don''t tell us your name, how are we to find youter in Yan Yang City?"


    The white robed man chuckled loudly as he caught that feeble, delicate body. Although the two beauties in violet didn''t bother with himself, this Eldest Miss of the Yang family wasn''t bad either.


    "Miss Yang, this Prime Minister''s name now, can''t be easily known to strangers. But since the Young Miss wish to know, then this Prime Minister will just tell you. I''m called Da Zhu, it''s fine if you all call me Da Zhu!"


    "Da Zhu?" Yang Yuwei''s mouth twitched, sizing the man up incredulously. She remembered that the newly-appointed Right Prime Minister seemed to be surnamed Zi. Could it be that he was called Zi Dazhu?? Yang Yuwei had heard of the Zi family before. An influential family with power to overturn the Imperial Court and the popce! Why would any of them take on this kind of name?


    Chapter 43 ¡ª The Fake Prime Minister


    When Dazhu caught onto the question in Yang Yuwei''s tone, panic briefly flickered across his eyes, but it was to no one''s notice. Intending to cover up his abnormality, he chuckled. "Beautiful, Dazhu is my nickname and I am rather fond of it. Only people who are close to me address me this way. So since I have told you, shouldn¡¯t there be a reward of a sort?"


    "Dazhu," Yang Yuwei blushed, pitifully nced at the man but her eyes were release sparks towards him. "You''re so mean!"


    As Yang Yuwei and Dazhu flirt, Yang Yue felt somewhat dissatisfied. No, she wasn''t jealous, but was speechless. She felt that eldest sister didn''t know how to keep herself in check, she was still a woman after all!


    Yang Xue, however, didn''t even spare a nce in Dazhu''s direction. Her pretty eyes were gazing out the window since the start, no one knowing what was on her mind but herself.


    At this time, the entire troope was suddenly surrounded by a group of bandits. The leader of the group had his face masked, brandishing a huge axe in his hand as he shouted: "Stop right there! If you want to pa.s.s through this road, then obediently handover the toll fee. Otherwise, you''ll need to ask whether or not my axe agrees!"


    Dazhu was not very happy right now. To think that it wasn''t easy for your father I, a bandit, to impersonate a Prime Minister for amus.e.m.e.nt, yet I still have to be robbed by bandits? If this spreads out in the future, then where will my, Dazhu''s face hang?


    Yang Yuwei''s powdered face lost its color when she heard the threat. She frankly dove into Dazhu''s arms. "Dazhu, I-I''m scared¡­.."


    Fastening his arm around Yang Yuwei, Dazhu gently consoled: "Beautiful, don''t be scared. You have me, Dazhu, here. It''ll only take me three or five kicks to take care of those clowns with their pathetic excuse of martial arts."


    Dazhu then stepped out of the pnquin, yelling at the head of the bandits. "Where did you bunche from? Do you know who I am?"


    The head bandit didn''t expect this man to keep his wits after encountering a heist, and calmly b.u.t.ting heads with them at that. He thought the man to be someone with a strong background, but as a bandit, he obviously wouldn''t be afraid of these. Though, some problems should be dealt with earlier thanter.


    He bellowed withughter, giving the man a look of disdain. "Which deity are you, good sir?"


    "The name''s Dazhu, Mt. Beiming Dazhu! Do you know who I am now?"


    This Mt. Beiming and Mt. Yan Yang outside of Yan Yang City were twin mountains that face each other, and the rtionship between the two chief of their respective bandit strongholds weren''t bad either. What was more was that Dazhu''s little sister was the other''s wife, meaning that this chief bandit was his older brother-inw. Thinking up to this point, his heart shuddered, was this for real? If his wife knew that he''d robbed her brother ¡ª wouldn''t she flip out on me?


    The head bandit immediately unmount himself from the house he was on, walked to Dazhu''s side and pulled thetter towards a more remote spot. Sizing him up with that pretty face of his, he muttered in his heart. Brother-inw didn''t look this good, does he?


    "Are you really older brother-inw? He wasn''t this good-liking in the past."


    Detecting his very own brother-inw''s misgivings in the other''s eyes, Dazhu chuckled. "This is me after changing appearances so of course you wouldn''t recognize me." He knew that the other still didn''t believe him, hence, he pulled up his sleeves, revealing his arm and the red birthmark on it. "You should at least recognize this birthmark, shouldn''t you?"


    "En, en! So you''re really Big Brother! Your Little Brother has been impudent!" He had believed Dazhu this time. Although it was brother-inw, but this Dazhu was his Big Brother as well ¡ª he would usually address him as Big Brother.


    Dazhu nodded in satisfaction, pping his his puny figure on the pack. "Liangzi, on behalf of your Big Brother''s face, you should hurry up and let us pa.s.s over."


    "Yes, of course, there''s no question about that! Only, Big Brother, why are you hanging around these military soldiers? Aren''t we bandits?"


    Dazhu didn''t see Liangzi as an outsider, so he told him all of the events that led up to now. Once Liangzi heard the entire story, he was given a start. "Big Brother, you even dare to impersonate the Prime Minister?! If you were to get caught, it''s going to cost you your head!"


    Chapter 44 ¡ª Finding the Truth


    Dazhu wasn''t afraid of some Imperial Court. If he was scared, then he wouldn''t have be a bandit in the first ce.


    "Liangzi, don''t worry about it," He consoled. "I already had people investigate this Prime Minister''s troops. They''re still a distance from here, so rx. I''ll just go scam that Yan Yang City Lord for a sum of cash, then I''ll immediately dash. He wouldn''t be able to find me anywhere with this disguising art."


    Langzi agreed that this was indeed a big deal to make, so he didn''t stop it. "Alright then, Big Brother. I''ll let you guys pa.s.s, but if an emergencyes up, remember to holler for me. This way, I camee help you."


    "En, okay!"


    After letting Dazhu pa.s.s through, Liangzi was incessantly depressed. It wasn''t easy for himself toe do his job, but he hadn''t expected that the person they caught for ughter was his older brother-inw. Not long after Dazhu''srge parade of people left, a white robed youth appeared riding his horse on the road far in the distant.


    Liangzi''s eyes were sharp, he could tell from this distance that this young master with his rich-looking clothes and imposing air, thetter was surely a son of the some rich family! Wasn''t this themb that the Heavens send him to ughter?


    Liangzi lit up in excitement, signaling to his brothers-in-arms. "Brothers, hurry and go have that white robed fe surrounded!"


    And thus, the bandits rode on their horses and had the white robed young man encircled. Because he was far away, Liangzi couldn''t see clearly, he only saw somewhat of a silhouette. It was only when the young man came closer into view did he realized that this guy was rather exceptionally handsome. Fair skin so soft that it seemed water could be squeezed from it. If not for the chill that came from his be, Liangzi would have thought him to be a cross-dressing woman!


    Liangzi had grown to be old already, but this was the first time he had seen such a pretty boy before!


    Liangzi came out from his trance and pointed at the young man with his axe and fiercely spoke his lines. "I can tell from your look that you''re from another part of the country, right? Then you must not know the rules here. If you want to cross this road, then you must ask whether or not this uncle''s axe will agree!"


    The young man spared him a frosty nce that made Liangzi feel as if he had fallen into an icy cave. The former''s expression remained wooden as he asked indifferently: "What do you guys want?"


    Liangzi actually felt fear towards this weak, scrawny youth merely because of that single nce, leading to his voice quivering involuntarily. "Y-you¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£a-ask us¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£w-what we w-want?!"


    He then forced down his jitteriness, trying tofort himself. It''s one against many, what''s there to be afraid of?! Liangzi, oh Liangzi, you''re the head of a bandit stronghold! Those minions of yours are all watching, you can''t be scared of him! Otherwise, how are you supposed to face them in the future?!


    Regaining his confidence, Liangzi viciously glowered at the young man. "What do we want? Is there even a need to ask? We obviously want money! As long as you''re smart, then you should hurry and leave anything valuable you have on you! Or else, I couldn''t mind having you sold to a brothel, you''ll probably fetch a good price with that face of yours!"


    "That''s right! Hurry up and take out your valuables!" The other bandit minions began to echo along,pletely unaware that they''d provoked someone that they couldn''t afford to provoke.


    This white robed youth was the one who''d been following after the Prime Minister imposter ¡ª Zi Moyan. She previously did not travel together with the main troop, but when she heard her subordinate reporting that there was someone impersonating her while heading to Yan Yang City before her, she felt it odd.


    As a result, she decided to follow this imposter''s troop by herself, wanting to made clear where these people popped up from. However, she didn''t expect to encounter a heist.


    "Kill them." Zi Moyan ordered coldly, she didn''t have any interest in wasting time with this bunch at all. "Remember to get the ident.i.ty of that person impersonating me from them." Although she was rather far, but she''d witnessed the interaction between the two, so she knew that these two people definitely knew each other.


    Dark shadows flickered, leading to the sudden appearances of many ck-d men and simultaneously ced the sharp swords they held in their hands onto the bandits'' necks. With a sh, all of the bandits fell from their horses, dead. They didn''t even have the time to react with how fast these ck-d men''s movements were, dead without knowing how they died.


    Zi Moyan didn''t pay them any heed, her subordinates were enough to take care of these bandits. She, instead, continued to leisurely gallop on her horse towards Yan Yang City.


    Liangzi witnessed how powerless his own people were against these ck-d men, dying in their hands, and as he saw said men, he was so scared that he fell off of his horse.


    His gaze thennded on the already disappearing white robed young man with thetter being a demon as his only thought. If he''d known that this was the result earlier, then he rather not have came in the first ce.


    Dark shadows flickered again and the few dozens of ck-d men disappeared, leaving only one behind. He was precisely the shadow guard hat was a.s.signed as the personal bodyguard to protect their master ¡ª Phantom.


    The shadow guards was in independent force that existed under their Master, specialized in protecting their Master and gathering information on their Master''s behalf, experts in a.s.sa.s.sination and poison These shadow guards were had gone through careful selection by their Master, chosen from among the young men and women based on the level of qinggong they had. They were then formed into the Umbra ¡ª one can tell just by looking at how theye and go without a trace.


    Other than this task, Umbra was a first-rate a.s.sa.s.sination bureau as it would be what outsiders would see it as. Most people wouldn''t be guaranteed to be able to hire people of Umbra for hits. As a result of that, people of Umbra has a one hundred percent sess rate in a.s.sa.s.sination, there hasn''t been a miss in the people they were hired to kill. And because of their unfailing uracy, Umbra grew to be a frightening existence in the martial arts world.


    Umbra appeared in the martial arts world three years ago, and it has grown exponentially within these three years. As of today, Umbra was already the martial arts world''s most mysterious and unparalleled existence. No one knew who the lord of the Umbra was, the only thing that they do know was that Umbra was rted to the suddenly emerged Zhou Manor.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Chapter 43 ¡ª The Fake Prime Minister


    When Dazhu caught onto the question in Yang Yuwei¡¯s tone, panic briefly flickered across his eyes, but it was to no one¡¯s notice. Intending to cover up his abnormality, he chuckled. ¡°Beautiful, Dazhu is my nickname and I am rather fond of it. Only people who are close to me address me this way. So since I have told you, shouldn¡¯t there be a reward of a sort?¡±


    ¡°Dazhu,¡± Yang Yuwei blushed, pitifully nced at the man but her eyes were release sparks towards him. ¡°You¡¯re so mean!¡±


    As Yang Yuwei and Dazhu flirt, Yang Yue felt somewhat dissatisfied. No, she wasn¡¯t jealous, but was speechless. She felt that eldest sister didn¡¯t know how to keep herself in check, she was still a woman after all!


    Yang Xue, however, didn¡¯t even spare a nce in Dazhu¡¯s direction. Her pretty eyes were gazing out the window since the start, no one knowing what was on her mind but herself.


    At this time, the entire troope was suddenly surrounded by a group of bandits. The leader of the group had his face masked, brandishing a huge axe in his hand as he shouted: ¡°Stop right there! If you want to pa.s.s through this road, then obediently handover the toll fee. Otherwise, you¡¯ll need to ask whether or not my axe agrees!¡±


    Dazhu was not very happy right now. To think that it wasn¡¯t easy for your father I, a bandit, to impersonate a Prime Minister for amus.e.m.e.nt, yet I still have to be robbed by bandits? If this spreads out in the future, then where will my, Dazhu¡¯s face hang?


    Yang Yuwei¡¯s powdered face lost its color when she heard the threat. She frankly dove into Dazhu¡¯s arms. ¡°Dazhu, I-I¡¯m scared¡­..¡±


    Fastening his arm around Yang Yuwei, Dazhu gently consoled: ¡°Beautiful, don¡¯t be scared. You have me, Dazhu, here. It¡¯ll only take me three or five kicks to take care of those clowns with their pathetic excuse of martial arts.¡±


    Dazhu then stepped out of the pnquin, yelling at the head of the bandits. ¡°Where did you bunche from? Do you know who I am?¡±


    The head bandit didn¡¯t expect this man to keep his wits after encountering a heist, and calmly b.u.t.ting heads with them at that. He thought the man to be someone with a strong background, but as a bandit, he obviously wouldn¡¯t be afraid of these. Though, some problems should be dealt with earlier thanter.


    He bellowed withughter, giving the man a look of disdain. ¡°Which deity are you, good sir?¡±


    ¡°The name¡¯s Dazhu, Mt. Beiming Dazhu! Do you know who I am now?¡±


    This Mt. Beiming and Mt. Yan Yang outside of Yan Yang City were twin mountains that face each other, and the rtionship between the two chief of their respective bandit strongholds weren¡¯t bad either. What was more was that Dazhu¡¯s little sister was the other¡¯s wife, meaning that this chief bandit was his older brother-inw. Thinking up to this point, his heart shuddered, was this for real? If his wife knew that he¡¯d robbed her brother ¡ª wouldn¡¯t she flip out on me?


    The head bandit immediately unmount himself from the house he was on, walked to Dazhu¡¯s side and pulled thetter towards a more remote spot. Sizing him up with that pretty face of his, he muttered in his heart. Brother-inw didn¡¯t look this good, does he?


    ¡°Are you really older brother-inw? He wasn¡¯t this good-liking in the past.¡±


    Detecting his very own brother-inw¡¯s misgivings in the other¡¯s eyes, Dazhu chuckled. ¡°This is me after changing appearances so of course you wouldn¡¯t recognize me.¡± He knew that the other still didn¡¯t believe him, hence, he pulled up his sleeves, revealing his arm and the red birthmark on it. ¡°You should at least recognize this birthmark, shouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°En, en! So you¡¯re really Big Brother! Your Little Brother has been impudent!¡± He had believed Dazhu this time. Although it was brother-inw, but this Dazhu was his Big Brother as well ¡ª he would usually address him as Big Brother.


    Dazhu nodded in satisfaction, pping his his puny figure on the pack. ¡°Liangzi, on behalf of your Big Brother¡¯s face, you should hurry up and let us pa.s.s over.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course, there¡¯s no question about that! Only, Big Brother, why are you hanging around these military soldiers? Aren¡¯t we bandits?¡±


    Dazhu didn¡¯t see Liangzi as an outsider, so he told him all of the events that led up to now. Once Liangzi heard the entire story, he was given a start. ¡°Big Brother, you even dare to impersonate the Prime Minister?! If you were to get caught, it¡¯s going to cost you your head!¡±

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    Chapter 44 ¡ª Finding the Truth


    Dazhu wasn¡¯t afraid of some Imperial Court. If he was scared, then he wouldn¡¯t have be a bandit in the first ce.


    ¡°Liangzi, don¡¯t worry about it,¡± He consoled. ¡°I already had people investigate this Prime Minister¡¯s troops. They¡¯re still a distance from here, so rx. I¡¯ll just go scam that Yan Yang City Lord for a sum of cash, then I¡¯ll immediately dash. He wouldn¡¯t be able to find me anywhere with this disguising art.¡±


    Langzi agreed that this was indeed a big deal to make, so he didn¡¯t stop it. ¡°Alright then, Big Brother. I¡¯ll let you guys pa.s.s, but if an emergencyes up, remember to holler for me. This way, I camee help you.¡±


    ¡°En, okay!¡±


    After letting Dazhu pa.s.s through, Liangzi was incessantly depressed. It wasn¡¯t easy for himself toe do his job, but he hadn¡¯t expected that the person they caught for ughter was his older brother-inw. Not long after Dazhu¡¯srge parade of people left, a white robed youth appeared riding his horse on the road far in the distant.


    Liangzi¡¯s eyes were sharp, he could tell from this distance that this young master with his rich-looking clothes and imposing air, thetter was surely a son of the some rich family! Wasn¡¯t this themb that the Heavens send him to ughter?


    Liangzi lit up in excitement, signaling to his brothers-in-arms. ¡°Brothers, hurry and go have that white robed fe surrounded!¡±


    And thus, the bandits rode on their horses and had the white robed young man encircled. Because he was far away, Liangzi couldn¡¯t see clearly, he only saw somewhat of a silhouette. It was only when the young man came closer into view did he realized that this guy was rather exceptionally handsome. Fair skin so soft that it seemed water could be squeezed from it. If not for the chill that came from his be, Liangzi would have thought him to be a cross-dressing woman!


    Liangzi had grown to be old already, but this was the first time he had seen such a pretty boy before!


    Liangzi came out from his trance and pointed at the young man with his axe and fiercely spoke his lines. ¡°I can tell from your look that you¡¯re from another part of the country, right? Then you must not know the rules here. If you want to cross this road, then you must ask whether or not this uncle¡¯s axe will agree!¡±


    The young man spared him a frosty nce that made Liangzi feel as if he had fallen into an icy cave. The former¡¯s expression remained wooden as he asked indifferently: ¡°What do you guys want?¡±


    Liangzi actually felt fear towards this weak, scrawny youth merely because of that single nce, leading to his voice quivering involuntarily. ¡°Y-you¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£a-ask us¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£w-what we w-want?!¡±


    He then forced down his jitteriness, trying tofort himself. It¡¯s one against many, what¡¯s there to be afraid of?! Liangzi, oh Liangzi, you¡¯re the head of a bandit stronghold! Those minions of yours are all watching, you can¡¯t be scared of him! Otherwise, how are you supposed to face them in the future?!


    Regaining his confidence, Liangzi viciously glowered at the young man. ¡°What do we want? Is there even a need to ask? We obviously want money! As long as you¡¯re smart, then you should hurry and leave anything valuable you have on you! Or else, I couldn¡¯t mind having you sold to a brothel, you¡¯ll probably fetch a good price with that face of yours!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Hurry up and take out your valuables!¡± The other bandit minions began to echo along,pletely unaware that they¡¯d provoked someone that they couldn¡¯t afford to provoke.This white robed youth was the one who¡¯d been following after the Prime Minister imposter ¡ª Zi Moyan. She previously did not travel together with the main troop, but when she heard her subordinate reporting that there was someone impersonating her while heading to Yan Yang City before her, she felt it odd.


    As a result, she decided to follow this imposter¡¯s troop by herself, wanting to made clear where these people popped up from. However, she didn¡¯t expect to encounter a heist.


    ¡°Kill them.¡± Zi Moyan ordered coldly, she didn¡¯t have any interest in wasting time with this bunch at all. ¡°Remember to get the ident.i.ty of that person impersonating me from them.¡± Although she was rather far, but she¡¯d witnessed the interaction between the two, so she knew that these two people definitely knew each other.


    Dark shadows flickered, leading to the sudden appearances of many ck-d men and simultaneously ced the sharp swords they held in their hands onto the bandits¡¯ necks. With a sh, all of the bandits fell from their horses, dead. They didn¡¯t even have the time to react with how fast these ck-d men¡¯s movements were, dead without knowing how they died.


    Zi Moyan didn¡¯t pay them any heed, her subordinates were enough to take care of these bandits. She, instead, continued to leisurely gallop on her horse towards Yan Yang City.


    Liangzi witnessed how powerless his own people were against these ck-d men, dying in their hands, and as he saw said men, he was so scared that he fell off of his horse.


    His gaze thennded on the already disappearing white robed young man with thetter being a demon as his only thought. If he¡¯d known that this was the result earlier, then he rather not have came in the first ce.


    Dark shadows flickered again and the few dozens of ck-d men disappeared, leaving only one behind. He was precisely the shadow guard hat was a.s.signed as the personal bodyguard to protect their master ¡ª Phantom.


    The shadow guards was in independent force that existed under their Master, specialized in protecting their Master and gathering information on their Master¡¯s behalf, experts in a.s.sa.s.sination and poison These shadow guards were had gone through careful selection by their Master, chosen from among the young men and women based on the level of qinggong they had. They were then formed into the Umbra ¡ª one can tell just by looking at how theye and go without a trace.


    Other than this task, Umbra was a first-rate a.s.sa.s.sination bureau as it would be what outsiders would see it as. Most people wouldn¡¯t be guaranteed to be able to hire people of Umbra for hits. As a result of that, people of Umbra has a one hundred percent sess rate in a.s.sa.s.sination, there hasn¡¯t been a miss in the people they were hired to kill. And because of their unfailing uracy, Umbra grew to be a frightening existence in the martial arts world.


    Umbra appeared in the martial arts world three years ago, and it has grown exponentially within these three years. As of today, Umbra was already the martial arts world¡¯s most mysterious and unparalleled existence. No one knew who the lord of the Umbra was, the only thing that they do know was that Umbra was rted to the suddenly emerged Zhou Manor.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45 ¡ª Arrived In Yan Yang City


    Only after hearing Phantom''s report did she know that, as it turns out, it was a bandit who had impersonated her ¡ª and it was only to scam money out of the City Lord. This time, she rather wants to see what this City Lord wants to y at, so why not let this fake Prime Minister help her investigate what was true and what was false of the City Lord!


    Over the course of several days of speeding on the road, Zi Moyan finally arrived in the vicinity of Yan Yang City. Due to the flooding, the entire city seemed to have sunk under, leading to the citizens relocating to the nearby mountain and temporarily settling down there. The first thing that Zi Moyan saw when entered this temporary settlement was many people surrounding a luxuriously dressed male while eximing loudly: "City Lord, when is the Imperial Court going to fix this flood problem? Are homes are all gone, but we still haven''t seen any movements by the Imperial Court!"


    "That''s right, can''t the Imperial Court at least give us an ount?"


    "We all can''t wait to return home too!"


    Many of Yan Yang City''s citizensined because the feeling of homelessness was just too unbearable. Now that they lived on the mountain, they couldn''t be more morose as they watched their homes being submerged below. They all wished that the Imperial Court would quickly resolve this issue so they could go back home quicker!


    The well-dressed man looked to be forty or so years old, growing a goatee on his chin. He had a good-natured appearance and a height reaching about 1.7 meters. His face was filled with gentleness as heforted these agitated citizens. "Fellow citizens, you don''t have to be anxious. The Imperial Court has already sent the Right Prime Minister over to resolve the flood problem. He''s in my residence as we speak and we''re both currently discussing the means to manage this disaster. I believe that you''ll all be able to go back home in no time!"


    The City Lord of Yan Yang City was called Yang Jing. He has always been rather decent as a person, nor had hemitted any wrongs. During the period that he was the City Lord, nothing major happened other than this time''s rtively serious water disaster ¡ª the people lived rather well too. However, it was this flooding that caused Yang Jing the greatest suffering. Not only was the Imperial Court dissatisfied with his performance, he didn''t have a proper home to return to.


    The same time that Yang Jing consoled these city citizens, he was incessantlyining of his own bitterness in his heart. However, it wasn''t appropriate for him to say that he has been thinking of various ways of serving this esteemed Prime Minister when he arrived ¡ª he didn''t know where he had thrown the matter of handling the flooding to!


    "Since the City Lord has already spoken, then we''ll just have to wait. I believe that we''ll get a result soon enough."


    "That''s right, that''s right. Let''s go."


    Seeing that the City Lord wasn''t having it easy either, the citizens didn''t bother him too excessively. Under his appeas.e.m.e.nt, they all dispersed, leaving Yang Jing''s old face to drop and sighed. What a bunch of troubles.


    Zi Moyan watched the City Lord''s distressing back. This City Lord''s outer appearance didn''t looked to be some corrupt official, then which was the actual force that Wo Buren ced in Yan Yang City? It seems that she needed to create an opening and scout out the City Lord''s residence.


    Zi Moyan came to an inn, innkeeper took but one nce from the materials of the white-d youth''s clothes that Zi Moyan was a rich, respectable person, hence, he hastily came forth to wee the other. "This must be your first time here, right Young Master? If you need anything, do not hesitate to tell me."


    Zi Moyan took out ten tael of silver, giving it to the innkeeper as she voiced coldly: "I want one of your best rooms. Prepare a few dishes and bring them to my room, afterwards, don''te disturbing me."


    "Of course!" The innkeeperughedpliantly as he epted the silver, then promptly lead this youth to the best room he had. During the entire process, he could feel the ice-cold pressure on the youth''s body that after sending him into the room, the innkeeper momentarily released a breath. It was then that he realized that the back of his clothes were all drenched in sweat. This was the first time he had seen such a handsome young man, but that face was cold enough to form ice!

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46 ¡ª To Poison


    Under the white moonlight, within the inn, a young man was donned in a snow white robe. His figure tall and slender, making his clothes flutter. His appearance was like a drawn cold sword, preventing people from approaching, yet he could easily steal people''s souls away.


    When the ck-d man by the young man''s side saw such a scene, he felt deep veneration in his heart. This was precisely their Master! He was only eighteen years old, but already possessed the ability to look down on thend under Heaven. He still remembered when Master appeared before him three years ago, his strength forced others to submit to him despite having such an obviously puny body!


    His undaunting strength caused even him, the number one a.s.sa.s.sin of the martial arts world, to concede defeat. Then in theter days that they interacted, he discovered that his Master was a genius! It only took him three years time to turn Zhou Manor from nothing into the business establishment that it was today, its stores branching all over the country!


    His Master became an existence that people looked up to. He couldn''t not yield to him.


    He didn''t want to be useless, therefore he gave his Master apletely intact Umbra. He then nurtured those orphans and little beggars into the first-rate a.s.sa.s.sins and shadow guards that they were today!


    The Master now could be said to have wealth that was equivalent to that of an entire country. Even if the Master wanted to sit on the throne and rule a country, it wouldn''t be empty talk. It was his Master after all! "He" was the target that he wanted to follow for a lifetime.


    "Master, did you call your subordinate over for something?" He kneeled before the young man''s feet, his hands cupped into fists with his respect written across his face.


    "Hei Ying," Zi Moyan started indifferently. "I called you here this time because I need you to go look for a specific ce for me. This ce is in Yan Yang City but it hasn''t been submerged in water, though its terrain is rather low."


    "Hasn''t been submerged, yet its terrain is rather low." The ck-d man by the name of Hei Ying muttered under his breath. It was the first time he had heard of such a strange ce.


    Zi Moyan pointed to the painting by her side. "You just need to search in ordance to the image of this painting."


    Hei Ying took the painting and opened the picture scroll. When he saw thendscape, shock showed in his eyes. "There''s such a beautiful ce in this area?"


    "Once you find it, guard it in my ce. Report any abnormal changes to me at all times."


    "Yes!" Hei Ying carefully put away the picture scroll and with a flicker of his shadow, he disappeared.


    After Hei Ying left, another man''s hoa.r.s.e voice sounded from the dark corner of the room. "Master, why did you have master[1] rush thousands of miles over to carry out this task instead of entrusting it to this subordinate?"


    Hidden within the dark was Phantom, the head shadow guard who constantly protected Zi Moyan. Phantom and the other shadow guards were all taught by Hei Ying, so they obviously called Hei Ying master. He had heard their conversation, but it was only when he really could not hold it in, that in the end, he opened his mouth and asked.


    Zi Moyan spared the petnt Phantom a nce before coldly reprimanding: "Since when did you lose your calm like this?"


    The shadow in the dark trembled, hastily pacifying his agitated mood before walking out of the darkness and kneeled towards the young man. "Phantom will reflect on the mistake."


    Zi Moyan didn''t make it difficult for him, her expression gradually rxed as she patiently gave an exnation. "I entrusted Hei Ying with this task because I still need you to go do other things for me."


    When Phantom heard this, he became extremely excited. What his Master meant is that Master valued him even more!


    "What''s Master''s instructions? Phantom will go immediately!"


    Zi Moyan took out a pack of medicine powder from her sleeve and pa.s.sed it over to Phantom. "Have this powder poured into the water tank in Yang Jing''s house."


    "Understood!" Phantom didn''t ask anything, because as a shadow guard, he knew that he only has to carry out his Master''s orders! He received the powder and left with a sh.


    Footnote:


    [1]ʦ¸¸: The one who taught Phantom as opposed to Ö÷ÈË, who Phantom swore fealty to. (They''re both tranted into ''Master'' so¡­ only difference I can make is the capitalizing of ''M'')

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47 ¡ª Sneak Into the Yang Residence


    On the morning of the second day, Zi Moyan arrived outside of Yang Jing''s house ¡ª Yang Jing being the City Lord of Yan Yang City. With the entire Yan Yang City being submerged, his house wasn''t any more lucky than the rest. Therefore, he acted ording the the Imperial Court''s instructions and led the city inhabitants to take shelter on this high mountain top.


    His status was higher than the other vigers, so it was obvious that the vige chief''s house was offered to Yang Jing to stay in. So albeit this was Yang Jing''s temporary home, it was, in reality, the vige chief''s house. It may not be one of thosevish mansions, but it does have a courtyard adding to it''s unique elegance.


    Two people came at of Yang Jing''s house at this time, one old and carrying a medicine box, while the other was rather young ¡ª looking no more than thirty-something years old ¡ª and wearing the clothes of a housekeeper.


    The elderly man sighed as he walked. "Housekeeper Yang, it''s the first time that I, Old Xiu, have seen the illness that City Lord Yang''s young miss was afflicted with, her pulse was extremely bizarre. Old Xiu is ipetent and I''m afraid that I''m even more powerless against the young miss''s illness. I suggest you to find someone else better qualified than me to help."


    Housekeeper Yang anxiously tried to keep the doctor, but this old chap was very obstinate. He didn''t bother with Housekeeper Yang''s urges to stay and left just like that.


    Housekeeper Yang helplessly shook his head, his heart beating with anxiety. The young miss suddenly fell in but after inviting dozens of doctors to have a look, they all gave the same answer: it''s a strange illness, they''re powerless against it! If this continues on, what was going to happen to the young miss? Oh the poor young miss.


    Zi Moyan curled her lips slightly up, confidence flickered across her eyes. This pharmaceutical drug was created personally by her, how could ordinary Jianghu doctors be able to treat it with ease?


    The medicine that she had Phantom put in Yang Jing''s house could be said to be poison, but it also isn''t. This poison was harmless to the body, but it will let the people feel dizzy, powerless from head to toe, as well as having the effect of disrupting the condition of the pulse. Most doctors would be powerless against this kind of medicine, only with her special antidote could it be cured


    Zi Moyan walked closer to Housekeeper Yang. "Did something happen? Seeing as there are doctorsing and going out of your house, is there someone sick? I just happen to have some knowledge in the medical arts, who knows, I might be able to help you guys."


    Housekeeper Yang raised his head when he heard Zi Moyan, what came into his sight was a white-d young man. This young man''s handsome appearance could bepared to that of an immortal ¡ª he has never seen such a beautiful youth before, but with his brows angled with a touch of coldness and his cold-hearted gaze, it made the Housekeeper''s heart shivered and unable to keep eye contact with the young man.


    Although the young man sounded indifferent, his words was music to Housekeeper Yang''s ears. The gloom quickly swept away from his face as he looked at the man with eyes filled with hope. "Really? That''s great! How about this, follow me to the guest room first, then I''ll call my Master toe and talk to you in detail?"


    "Alright." When Zi Moyan followed Housekeeper Yang to the guest room, it was already upied by a white-d man. He was precisely the one who was impersonating her ¡ª Dazhu. His sharp, sword-like brows wrinkled slightly, her handsome face creased up into a mess.


    Once he saw Housekeeper Yanging it, he immediately asked anxiously: "Yang Qi, have you invited a new doctor?"


    Yang Qi ¡ª which was Housekeeper Yang ¡ª heard the Prime Minister''s questioning and promptly responded. "Yes, I have. It''s this young master here."


    Yang Qi looked at the two white-d men in the room, inwardly muttered: They clearly wore the same color clothes, butpared to the esteemed Prime minister, that young man is so good-looking that one''s gaze couldn''t turn away. Clean temperament and a n.o.ble air within the cold aura. The Prime Minister, however, has a look of a hooligan. When the two of them stood together, this disparity was just too obvious!


    So much so that he was skeptical sometimes whether or not that man was really the esteemed Prime minister. Which Prime Minister would eat and drink and mingle all day and night, showing not a hint of staid but with such hooliganism instead?!


    He obviously see that this Prime Minister has different ideas towards the second and third young miss; therefore, why this Prime Minister was so desperately anxious when the third young miss fell ill this time.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48 ¡ª Subst.i.tute In As the Doctor


    It was only at Yang Qi''s reminder did Dazhu take note of the iparably handsome young man standing by Yang Qi''s side. He was too concerned just now that he hadn''t paid any attention. Only now did he notice that this young man was, perhaps, a bit too stunning ¡ª even more stunning than that third young miss. How was this going to let burly men like them continue on living?


    He only inwardly muttered for a moment before immediately remembering that his sweetheart was still sick and hastily called the young man out. "Since young master, you understand medicine, then hurry and go have a look at the third miss, Miss Yang."


    Yang Qi felt it inapt when he saw that the Prime Minister was this forthright as to drag the man straight to the young miss, so he blocked the way. "Prime Minister, sir, I haven''t reported this to Master yet."


    "Do you know what time it is now?" Seeing Yang Qi blocking him, Dazhu''s face distorted in anger. "Human life is beyond value, but you''re still ''Master''?!" He didn''t bother with Yang Qi''s obstruction, dragged Zi Moyan by the cor, and headed in the direction of the inner rooms.


    "This ¨C This¡­" Yang Qi sighed lightly, unable to stop him. Forget it, curing the young miss''s illness was the most important anyhow.


    In the ancient times, unknown men could only enter a boudoir of one''s family after getting the consent from the master of that house. Otherwise, it would be considered as impertinent. After all, this was an unmarried girl''s room, it wasn''t somewhere one can go in as one liked.


    Under Dazhu''s forceful dragging, Zi Moyan arrived inside of the third young miss''s room. This girl didn''t have many things in her room, but there were not few either ¡ª jewelry, a mirror, a wooden table, stools, and various kinds of products were all there. Because it was a temporary lodging, none of the products were properly ced. And since this was a girl''s private room, there would inevitably be a light fragrance circting the air.


    There weren''t a lot of people in the room ¡ª Yang Jing, the pink-robed Yang Yuwei, and the light purple-robed Yang Xue were all huddled in front of Yang Yue''s bed. As for the person lying on bed, her charming face was as white as paper, causing people''s hearts to squeeze up.


    Each and every person''s expression was different, Yang Jing could be said as anxious to the point of sweating. Seeing his precious daughter unconscious with no sign of waking up, how could he not be anxious? Yan Yang City had a huge pile of work that he hasn''t dealt with yet, and now there was a problem with his daughter as well. They have seen so many doctors, but it was no use. He was now so distressed that he was like a cat on a hot tin roof!


    Yang Yuwei, however, looked as though she was watching a y. Seeing the unconscious Yang Yue, there was a look of schadenfreude on her powder-filled face.In her opinion, it didn''t matter whether or not Yang Yue woke up ¡ª it would be even better that she didn''t!


    Yang Xue was rather calm, but that hint of worry lingering within her purple eyes betrayed her inner thoughts.


    Yang Jing had been depressed before, but when Yang Jing saw the Prime Minister casually bringing an unknown male and entering his daughter''s room just like this, he was even more resentful. If it was not for the man being the Prime Minister, Yang Jing might have just downright called someone to chase the man off.


    "Your esteemed Prime Minister," His tone waspletely discourteous, revealing his impatience. "What are you doing?"


    "City Lord Yang," Dazhu didn''t mind Yang Jing''s rudeness, but hastily exined instead. "This little brother knows some medicine, he might be able to cure the third miss''s illness if he was to take a look!"


    Once Yang Jing heard that the young man knew medicine, it was like he had managed to grasp onto thest strand of hope. Currently, everyone was helpless against this crisis, so they could only resort to giving medicine to a dead horse [1]. Who knows, this young man might really be able to cure Yue''er.


    Yang Jing''s dissatisfaction was swept clean, promptly gestured for this Zi Moyan toe to Yang Yue''s bed and let him have a look.


    Footnote:


    [1]ËÀÂíµ±»îÂíÒ½: Proverb, means to keep trying everything in a desperate situation ¡ª as long as there was the smallest of chance (as long as it wasn''t 0), it would be worth a try.

 Chapter 49-50

    Chapter 49 ¡ª Post-Treatment


    Zi Moyan reached out her jade-like hand, gently cing it on Yang Yue''s wrist and pretended to take her pulse.


    The others held their breath, and nervously watched Zi Moyan''s each and every move. Yang Jing was the very first who couldn''t help but ask: "Young Master, what exactly is wrong with my family''s daughter? Is it serious?"


    Zi Moyan retrieved her hand back with an indifferent response. "Miss Yang''s body is not well limatized, leading to her poor health. I''ll perform acupuncture for the young miss and after careful nourishment, she''ll be fine."


    Hearing that his daughter could be saved, the boulder in Yang Jing''s heart was put down. His face was filled with grat.i.tude as he grasped Zi Moyan''s hand, his tears fell unhindered. "Thank you, Young Master. Thank you so much!"


    ncing at the hand that was being held, Zi Moyan slightly frowned. In her previous life, she extremely disliked to be touched my others. Other than Menghan, no one else had any physical contact with her.


    Yang Jing was one who''d been mixed with the bureaucracy for many years, so he obviously noticed that this little Young Master disliked being touched by others. Hence, he promptly released his grip, but he was still grateful towards this young man that had saved his daughter.


    It was only after Zi Moyan saw that Yang Jing had released her hand did her knitted brows smoothed out, which was then followed her her indifferent voice. "You should all leave first, this acupuncture method is exclusive to my family, it cannot be divulged. Please forgive me."


    Upon seeing this, Yang Yuwei''s charming face was filled with contempt and derision. "And here I thought it was a doctor that came to cure my family''s little sister, but it turns out to be nothing but a perverted wastrel! If we were to leave you and my little sister ¡ª a man and a woman ¡ª alone, wouldn''t this ruin my family''s little sister''s name?" Her voice wasn''t big, but the person present heard it loud and clear.


    Yang Jing hesitated slightly while Yang Xue stared at Zi Moyan for a moment, a peculiar light flickering through her purple eyes.


    Seeing the doubt towards her from them, Zi Moyan''s face instantly turned cold. "If you''re still worried, then I can leave. You can go invite some other able person for this Miss Yang''s illness!"


    Knowing that his current action caused the young man''s dissatisfaction and feeling the coldness on the his body, Yang Jing''s heart shivered. He was clearly just a young man, but why did he felt afraid of him?


    Ignoring the strange feeling in his heart, Yang Jing sighed. "Don''t misunderstand, Young Master. My eldest daughter''s temper is rash and identally misspoke, I hope that you could forgive her. We all naturally respect your concealing of your secret, so we''ll leave."


    After that, the others in the room followed Yang Jing out.


    Yang Yuwei still had something to say, but she immediately mped up after her father gave her a warning nce. Her mouth deted into a pout, but she followed out nheless. Since it didn''t concern her reputation whatsoever anyways, she was toozy to bother with this, hmph!


    After everyone else had left, Zi Moyan took out a bottle of antidote from her chest. She unscrewed the cap and ced the antidote under Yang Yue''s nose, letting her absorb this medicine in sufficiently. Afterwards, she rescrewed the cap and put the bottle back into her chest.


    "En¡­" Yang Yue detected a strange fragrance and slowly pried open her heavy eyelids. What came into her sight was an exquisite and unparalleled face ¡ª clear-cut facial features and eyshes that was as pretty as a fan.


    Who was he? How could there be such a good-looking young man? Am I dreaming?


    "You''re awake." Clear cold timbre woke Yang Yue''s somewhat hazy consciousness. She immediately sat up and looking at what was only a set of thin inner clothing, her charming face instantly reddened. As this was the first time she had worn so little in front of an unknown man. Strings of questions popped up in her mind. What the h.e.l.l is going on? Who is this guy?!


    She covered her fragile body with the nket, and embarra.s.sedly look at the young man. "Who are you? Why are you in my room?"


    Chapter 50 ¡ª Dazhu''s Guilty Conscience


    "Since you''re healed, then I''ll be heading out first." Instead of answering the girl''s questions, Zi Moyan directly left.


    Yang Yue, who was sitting on her bed, wanted to say something, but hesitated. Her purple eyes dabbed on a gentle l.u.s.ter as she watched the back of the slender white figure, feeling her face burning. She had only just asked a few questions, how could he leave so quickly?


    When the people outside saw Zi Moyan opening the door anding out, they surrounded her at once.


    "Little Young Master, how is my daughter''s illness?" Yang Jing asked anxiously.


    "She''s already cured. What she needs now is to rest well for a while and she''ll recover to how she was before."


    Yang Jing was relieved after hearing Zi Moyan''s answer. His daughter''s illness was cured, so his mood obviously lifted as well. He smiled as he instructed Housekeeper Yang: "Housekeeper Yang, take the Young Master and Prime Minister to the living room and call for someone people to serve them. Then go have the kitchen prepare a few good dishes. Tonight, I want to properly thank the Young Master."


    "Yes. Will the two guests please follow me." Housekeeper Yang Jing spoke respectfully towards Zi Moyan. This time, he waspletely won over by this young man. He felt grateful, because if it wasn''t for him, then the young miss would still be in imminent peril.


    Dazhu somewhat worriedly and reluctantly stared at the slightly opened door; he hasn''t even seen his beloved yet.


    Zi Moyan nodded her head faintly before following Yang Qi to the living room with an extremely unwilling Dazhu behind her. Yang Qi gestured for her to sit down, while the little servant girl standing on the side took this signal to step forward and pour tea.


    Yang Qi smiled at Zi Moyan and asked: "May I know what the Young Master''s surname is?"


    "I am surnamed Zi."


    Hearing this surname, twinkle of surprise shed across Yang Qi''s eyes. "Young Master and the esteemed Prime Minister has the same surname!"


    Once Dazhu, who sat nearby, overheard this, slight panic appeared on his face. Yang Qi didn''t see it, but Zi Moyan''s eyes had caught itpletely ¡ª though she wasn''t in a hurry to expose him.


    Yang Qi didn''t continue with the questions, because it wasn''t in the role of a servant to overstep into the master''s business. It would be better for his master toe and understand this Young Master Zi''s situation for himself.


    "Young Master Zi, why don''t you and the esteemed Prime Minister sit here for a while. I''ll be leaving first to attend to a few things. If you need anything, you can directly order the servant girl, Xiao Qing, by your side."


    "Go, go, Young Master Zi has me here." Dazhu seemed to be especially energetic this time, hastily urging Yang Qi to leave. Once he saw Yang Qi far in the distance, he came back to Zi Moyan''s side and asked in a slight careful voice: "May I ask if you''re the Prime Minister?"


    When he had heard those few remarks of Yang Qi''s, he felt a bit afraid. The Prime Minister couldn''t be this Young Master Zi, could it? He hasn''t even obtained the person, nor the money yet! If this authentic Prime Minister were to have really arrived, wouldn''t he only have the path of death left?


    Zi Moyan calmly spared Dazhu a nce, cold sweat to roll down her bright, clean forehead. Her pretty eyes flickered, thin lips opening slightly to respond. "Aren''t you the esteemed Prime Minister?"


    Receiving this answer, the strength in Dazhu''s whole body seemed as if it had deted, leading to him staggering. Fortunately, this person wasn''t the Prime Minister. It looks like he was being overly suspicious.


    He awkwardlyughed a bit. "That''s right, the Prime Minister is me. I was just joking with you, aren''t I?"


    In the night, the entire Yang residence was lit brightly, bustling with more noise and excitement than usual. At the dining table, Yang Jing smiled happily as he sized the white-d young man up. He was clearly just an eighteen year old youth, yet he possessed a unique glow. It was like that of the shinning bright moon, his whole body suffused with a clear-cold silvery light that ¡ª a glow that was being emitted at all times, letting people unable to neglect his presence.


    This person was definitely not of themon people!

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50 ¡ª Dazhu''s Guilty Conscience


    "Since you''re healed, then I''ll be heading out first." Instead of answering the girl''s questions, Zi Moyan directly left.


    Yang Yue, who was sitting on her bed, wanted to say something, but hesitated. Her purple eyes dabbed on a gentle l.u.s.ter as she watched the back of the slender white figure, feeling her face burning. She had only just asked a few questions, how could he leave so quickly?


    When the people outside saw Zi Moyan opening the door anding out, they surrounded her at once.


    "Little Young Master, how is my daughter''s illness?" Yang Jing asked anxiously.


    "She''s already cured. What she needs now is to rest well for a while and she''ll recover to how she was before."


    Yang Jing was relieved after hearing Zi Moyan''s answer. His daughter''s illness was cured, so his mood obviously lifted as well. He smiled as he instructed Housekeeper Yang: "Housekeeper Yang, take the Young Master and Prime Minister to the living room and call for someone people to serve them. Then go have the kitchen prepare a few good dishes. Tonight, I want to properly thank the Young Master."


    "Yes. Will the two guests please follow me." Housekeeper Yang Jing spoke respectfully towards Zi Moyan. This time, he waspletely won over by this young man. He felt grateful, because if it wasn''t for him, then the young miss would still be in imminent peril.


    Dazhu somewhat worriedly and reluctantly stared at the slightly opened door; he hasn''t even seen his beloved yet.


    Zi Moyan nodded her head faintly before following Yang Qi to the living room with an extremely unwilling Dazhu behind her. Yang Qi gestured for her to sit down, while the little servant girl standing on the side took this signal to step forward and pour tea.


    Yang Qi smiled at Zi Moyan and asked: "May I know what the Young Master''s surname is?"


    "I am surnamed Zi."


    Hearing this surname, twinkle of surprise shed across Yang Qi''s eyes. "Young Master and the esteemed Prime Minister has the same surname!"


    Once Dazhu, who sat nearby, overheard this, slight panic appeared on his face. Yang Qi didn''t see it, but Zi Moyan''s eyes had caught itpletely ¡ª though she wasn''t in a hurry to expose him.


    Yang Qi didn''t continue with the questions, because it wasn''t in the role of a servant to overstep into the master''s business. It would be better for his master toe and understand this Young Master Zi''s situation for himself.


    "Young Master Zi, why don''t you and the esteemed Prime Minister sit here for a while. I''ll be leaving first to attend to a few things. If you need anything, you can directly order the servant girl, Xiao Qing, by your side."


    "Go, go, Young Master Zi has me here." Dazhu seemed to be especially energetic this time, hastily urging Yang Qi to leave. Once he saw Yang Qi far in the distance, he came back to Zi Moyan''s side and asked in a slight careful voice: "May I ask if you''re the Prime Minister?"


    When he had heard those few remarks of Yang Qi''s, he felt a bit afraid. The Prime Minister couldn''t be this Young Master Zi, could it? He hasn''t even obtained the person, nor the money yet! If this authentic Prime Minister were to have really arrived, wouldn''t he only have the path of death left?


    Zi Moyan calmly spared Dazhu a nce, cold sweat to roll down her bright, clean forehead. Her pretty eyes flickered, thin lips opening slightly to respond. "Aren''t you the esteemed Prime Minister?"


    Receiving this answer, the strength in Dazhu''s whole body seemed as if it had deted, leading to him staggering. Fortunately, this person wasn''t the Prime Minister. It looks like he was being overly suspicious.


    He awkwardlyughed a bit. "That''s right, the Prime Minister is me. I was just joking with you, aren''t I?"


    In the night, the entire Yang residence was lit brightly, bustling with more noise and excitement than usual. At the dining table, Yang Jing smiled happily as he sized the white-d young man up. He was clearly just an eighteen year old youth, yet he possessed a unique glow. It was like that of the shinning bright moon, his whole body suffused with a clear-cold silvery light that ¡ª a glow that was being emitted at all times, letting people unable to neglect his presence.


    This person was definitely not of themon people!

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51 ¡ª [No t.i.tle]


    "May I know the Young Master''s surname? What are you called?" Yang Jing asked lightly as he looked at Zi Moyan. "Where do you live?"


    "I am surnamed Zi, called Yan. I am but a wandering traveler, I don''t have a fixed ce for a home." Zi Moyan did not tell him of her real name, because she knew that as the Yan Yang CIty Lord and with the Imperial Court sending her here to deal with the flood problem, Yang Jing would naturally have heard of her name. If she said it out directly, then it would blow her cover.


    "Oh, Zi Yan, this is a good name." Yang Jingughed, he then took the opportunity when no one was paying attention to secretly throw a look at Yang Qi standing by the side. With a look of revtion, Yang Qi sneakily left after receiving the signal.


    Yang Jing picked up the wine cup, offering Zi Moyan a salute with his face filled with genuine grat.i.tude.. "Many thanks to Young Master Zi for saving my daughter, allowing her to avoid this struggle. Humble Yang is really, extremely grateful!"


    "It was just a lift of my hand, City Lord Yang needn''t be so courteous."


    After dinner, Yang Jing gave the incessantly bashful daughter of his a look. "Yue''er, you having a narrow escape from danger this time was all thanks to Young Master Zi. Quickly lead Young Master Zi to the west wing where he''ll be staying. Along the way, you can properly thank this Young Master."


    "En, okay." Yang Yue snuck a nce at the young man''s handsome side countenance, her face flushing slightly. Such a bright, quick-witted young man with his perfectly carved face and jade-white skin, any human would be captivated with a look, right?


    On the way, neither of them spoke. Yang Yue only snuck nces at the young man from time to time. Seeing the coldness at the end of his brows and ck carnelian-like eyes suffusing a clear-cold light, her young heart skipped a beat. Immediately lowering her head, a wave of disappointment washed over her, did he not like her? Otherwise, why wouldn''t he talk to her?


    "That, Young Master Zi, do you not like Yue''er?"


    Zi Moyan, who was previously mulling over an issue, had her train of thought interrupted. She couldn''t make heads or tales from Yang Yue''s question, but her face was still that of indifference. "No, you''re thinking too much, Miss."


    Seeing Zi Moyan''s expression of keeping people a distance of thousands of miles away, mist started to collect in her big, round eyes. "Then why is Young Master being so cold to me? Isn''t this called dislike?"


    "¡­" Zi Moyan didn''t expect this. She had only not spoke, but it managed to hurt someone''s feelings??


    "Miss, Zi Yan has always been like this, so please give give me"


    Yang Yue blinked, the grief on her face swept clean in an instant. She could sense it, his gazended on her body, she had managed to catch his attention. She felt happy inside, but incessantly bashful as well with her flushed red and her heartbeat couldn''t help but increase. "It''s fine."


    Her quiet voice was like that of a mosquito. If it wasn''t for Zi Moyan''s remarkable martial arts and astonishing hearing, thetter wouldn''t have even been able to hear Yang Yue''s two-word response.


    They kept walking until they arrived at the west wing, which was also the ce Zi Moyan was staying tonight. This residence was split into the east and west wings. The east side was where the womenfolk and Yang Jing reside in, while the west side was for guests ¡ª Dazhu stayed in the west side as well.


    Yang Yue lead him in a roundabout way, but they still arrived at the designated ce pretty quickly. "We''ve arrived at the west wing, you''ll be staying here temporarily. Actually, it wouldn''t be a problem if you stay a few more days."


    When she spoke up to this point, her little face flushed red again, feeling a bit embarra.s.sed. How could she say these kind of embarra.s.sing words? However, she really did hope that he could stay longer, better if he never leaves.


    "En, thank you, Miss. Please go back, Zi Yan won''t be seeing you off." Zi Moyan didn''t notice there was something wrong with her, because unmarried daughters of aristocratic families in the olden times were originally extremely bashful when interacting with males, only then would they be this awkward and reserved. Zi Moyan didn''t think too much on it as she entered her room without looking back.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52 ¡ª Investigating Zi Moyan


    Once Zi Moyan closed the door after entering her temporary room, Phantom appeared inside. He had always been following by his Master''s side, he was just hidden in a ce where other people couldn''t spot him, is all.


    Zi Moyan obviously knew that he was always by her side. After all, she could easily detect him with her current skills. "After today, is there any movement on Yang Jing''s side?"


    "Yang Jing had people investigate Master." Phantom answered softly.


    "Oh? Then how did it go?"


    "Master, I''ve already prepared ordingly to your instructions, Yang Jing won''t be able to find any holes."


    "Looks like he was suspicious of my ident.i.ty that time," Zi Moyan''s clear-cold eyes flickered with a light of wisdom. "After all, I am also surnamed Zi."


    "Master, I believe that those information about Zi Yan is currently already within his hands."


    "En, very good. Take care to monitor his activities for me. If there''s any unusual changes,e inform me immediately." Zi Moyan knew that Wo Buren''s power in Long Lin empire wasn''t small. She had been able to find out that Yan Yang City also concealed a part of his forces, and this Yang Jing was the one most worthy of suspicion.


    "Yes." With a swish of a dark shadow, Phantom disappeared from the room.


    At the other side of thepound where a room was lit brightly within, it was just as Phantom had said. Yang Jing currently held the results of the information that Yang Qi had mobilized people to collect.


    As he flipped through all of the information regarding Zi Yan, his tightly knitted brows finally rxed at the end. "This is the registry of the country''s Ministry of Revenue, it records all the information on the entire country''s poption and people so there shouldn''t be any problems. Looks like this Zi Yan is indeed as he said, only a wandering crane, a traveling doctor practicing medicine."


    That''s right, there was indeed an eighteen or so years old Zi Yan on this book of registry. The only record written on it was his birthce, lost both parents, as well as his upation. Right now, he was but a traveling doctor wandering and touring everywhere while treating diseases, nothing more.


    Yang Jing ma.s.saged his temples, alleviating his recent pressure. He gave the book to Yang Qi and instructed: "Remember to return this book to the Ministry of Revenue."


    "Yes!" Yang Qi received the book with a smile. "It seems now that this Zi Yan isn''t anything to worry about, your ns won''t be affected."


    "En, but we can''t lower our guard against him this quickly. Go, have people put him on surveince everyday, and don''t let him take half a step out of this residence ."


    "Yes, Master." Yang Qi bowed respectfully before leaving.


    A radiant light shed through Yang Jing''s abstruse eyes before mumbling to himself: "During this special period, it''s still better to be a bit more cautious. I hope that Zi man isn''t someone that he sent over. Otherwise, don''t me me for being ruthless." Even if Xue''er likes him, he could not remain in this world!


    In the early morning, Zi Moyan intended to go outside after dressing orderly. She nned to inspect Yan Yang City''s terrain properly in order to better resolve this flooding. She hasn''t forgotten about the main purpose that she had came here for after all.


    "Young Master Zi is up pretty early." Yang Qi''s voice traveled from behind her, and what she met head on was a smiling Yang Qi blocking the main doorway of the residence. "Where is Young Master nning to go? The flooding disaster haven''t been rectified, so it''s better if you stay here and rx instead of heading out impulsively."


    "I merely wanted to go stroll around."


    Yang Qi blocked Zi Moyan, who wanted to go out with a polite smile still hanging on his face. "Young Master, the Master has instructed that you need to stay within the residence. If you heedlessly head out and something happens, Yang Qi won''t be able to shoulder this responsibility."

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53 ¡ª Set Out to Resolve the Flooding


    Zi Moyan''s expression sunk, her voice cold as she spoke. "Are you imprisoning me?"


    "You''ve misunderstood Young Master Zi. Yang Qi, why haven''t you let Young Master Zi out yet?" Yang Jing appeared at this moment, coldly sparing a nce at the housekeeper.


    "Apologies, Young Master Zi," Yang Qi dutifully made way, his face sincere as he apologized to Zi Moyan. "Please forgive Yang Qi''s insolence."


    "Young Master Zi, my housekeeper really was considering your well-being, so please don''t take offense, saying it as imprisoning or whatever is too serious." Yang Jing chuckled. "You''re my daughter''s benefactor, I haven''t even the time to present you as a honored guest yet. How could we imprison you?"


    Zi Moyan coldly spared Yang Jing a nce, remaining taciturn.


    "Young Master Zi, didn''t you want to go outside? Then go, but be careful on the road."


    "En." Zi Moyan''s face returned to its previous indifference, striding out at a leisure pace.


    Seeing Yang Jing letting Zi Moyan go, Yang Qi felt it somewhat strange. "Master, didn''t you say to tightly monitor this person? Why did you still let him leave?"


    The other snorted. "We haven''t figured out his real ident.i.ty yet, so we can''t beat the gra.s.s to scare the snake[1]. Having people watch where he goes will do." His abstruse gaze tightly locked onto that white figure disappearing in the distance, looking pensive.


    "Yes, Yang Qi understands."


    Zi Moyan climbed to the highest alt.i.tude of the mountain, looking over the entireyout of Yan Yang City. Most of the houses were submerged, leaving the citizens homeless. This was indeed a problem. Looking for the Spirit Tool and countering the hidden enemies could be dyed for a bit. What she should do right now was to quickly fix the flooding problem so that the citizens could have a home to return to.


    "Phantom."


    A ck shadow flickered into form and a ck-d man appeared from the air, kneeling next to Zi Moyan. "What instructions does Master have?"


    "Have the first team of shadow guards go to the lower course of Yan Yang City''s river channels and remove the blockade, the second team will go to the upper reaches of the river and restore the damaged vegetation. Once they all finish, draw the river stream into the sea basin outside of the city. After the water level has dropped sufficiently, go destroy dams that were previously built, widen the midstream of the river channel, and let it restore itself back to its original naturalyout."


    Yan Yang City has one primary river channel that used to be called Lost Swan River. As long as this river was dredged, then the .u.mted water would naturally flow away. Once the flooding was handled, what was left would be the post-disaster reconstruction ¡ª that could be done by relying on their own strength.


    "During the work process, be sure to hide your tracks. Don''t let anyone discover you guys."


    "Understood." The ck shadow flickered again, signaling Phantom''s departure.


    Zi Moyan looked at this huge Yan Yang City, her lips self-confidently curled up. "Soon, you could all return home."


    A man was hidden behind arge tree in the distance. His long hair was draped over his shoulder while a white hairband dexterously secured the part that was draping. He wore a silver white mask that was suffused with a cold light, but the pitch-ck eyes that was revealed was tightly locked onto the young man in the far distance.


    With the slightly upturned slender brows and the pretty eyes underneath carrying a light arrogance within, this self-confidence adorning the young man''s absolutely breathtaking face prevented people from turning away their gazes even more. He was like a hegemon overlooking all living things as he stood in solitude aloft that huge boulder with his white robes flowing with the wind, left alone by the world!


    When he saw this kind of spectacle, the man''s eyes flickered with obscure emotions and seemed to be conflicted. He slightly lower his gaze, those long eyshes faintly trembled as he concealed the emotions within his eyes, returning to their gentleness. Only, it did not reach his eyes, because they were already ice-cold.


    Footnote:


    [1] ´ò²Ý¾ªÉß (Proverb): to inadvertently alert an enemy

 Chapter 54

    Publishedat 5th of June 2019 08:30:38 PMChapter 54


    Chapter 54 ¡ª Yang Xue


    When Zi Moyan returned to Yang Jing¡¯s home, she saw Dazhu and Yang Jing discussing something, their expressions grave . She wanted to go have a look, but her path was blocked by Yang Yuwei .


    Yang Yuwei circled Zi Moyan, looking here and there thinking: This man looked just like a penniless pauper, he probably just wants to stay here and freeload . Hmph!


    The disdain in her beautiful eyes be more evident at the thought . ¡°I say, you¡¯re but a penniless doctor . Don¡¯t you see my Father discussing the country¡¯s affairs with the esteemed Prime Minister? Why are you wandering around when you should be staying obediently in your room? Don¡¯t go disturbing others when you haven¡¯t even looked at yourself . ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in what they are discussing, it¡¯s you who¡¯s blocking my path . ¡± Zi Moyan¡¯s face was emotionless . She didn¡¯t even give a nce to Yang Xue as if she was nothing but empty air .


    ¡°You¡ª!¡± Yang Yuwei was enraged . Wasn¡¯t he nothing but a penniless doctor? He actually dared to treat her like this . Che, she¡¯ll have him on his knees sooner orter . Just wait until she became the Prime Minister¡¯s wife . Would pinching him then be like pinching an ant to death?


    Zi Moyan walked around Yang Yuwei, whose face was turning purple then green, heading towards the west wing . There was a girl of light purple robes standing in front of her residence . The beautiful, light purple figure standing under the ginkgo tree seemed to merge with the surrounding scenery . It was a sight to behold . Seeing the many ginkgo leaves that were sticking to her cor, one could tell that the girl had been standing there for some time .


    When the girl heard the approaching footsteps, she immediately turned . A pair of purple eyes as beautiful as crystals locked on the gradually closing in Zi Moyan . ¡°You have returned, Young Master . ¡±


    ¡°What did Miss Yang Xuee to see me for?¡± Zi Moyan asked ndly as she looked at the other .


    When Yang Xue heard Zi Moyan identify her as Yang Xue and not mistaking her for her younger sister Yang Yue, astonishment flickered through her purple eyes . ¡°You actually recognize me? You didn¡¯t confuse me with my little sister?¡±


    ¡°You and your little sister are identical in appearance, but your auras and inner hearts arepletely different from each other, so it isn¡¯t that difficult to differentiate you two . ¡±


    Hearing Zi Moyan¡¯s reply, a smile appeared in Yang Xue¡¯s purple eyes, her expression soften by a lot as well . ¡°Young Master really does have good eyesight . ¡±


    ¡°Why did Miss Yang Xuee to look for me and to even wait this long for?¡±


    ¡°I came only to tell Young Master that if you need anything, do not hesitate to tell Yang Xue . This is to thank Master Zi¡¯s kindness for saving my little sister . ¡±


    Zi Moyan had a favorable impression towards this rather steady Yang Xue, therefore, her tone softened many folds . ¡°The Miss is considerate, I¡¯ll let you know if I ever do need something . Your sister¡¯s illness isn¡¯t too much of problem anymore, so there won¡¯t be any repercussions . She¡¯ll only need to properly get rested, is all . ¡±


    ¡°En, thank you Young Master . I will be leaving first then . ¡± It was only after Yang Xue left did Zi Moyan noticed the purple handkerchief dropped on the ground . It was probably Yang Xue¡¯s ¡ª she must have dropped it when she wasn¡¯t paying attention just now .


    She picked up the handkerchief and unfold it to see a strange, circr pattern embroidered on it . On the pattern were a pair of silver white flood dragons revolving around a blue colored me at the center .


    When Zi Moyan saw this pattern, she frowned slightly . Pursing her lips, she put away the handkerchief before entering her room .


    It looks like she must find an opportunity to return the handkerchief to her .


    Without realizing it, it has been a month since she¡¯d arrived at Yan Yang City . Within this month, the most interesting thing to see was Dazhu and Yang Jing arguing every day because of the flooding problem . Just this morning, Zi Moyan was woken up by the two people¡¯s quarrelling .


    ¡°Prime Minister, sir, you have already been here for a month, how should we tackle the flooding problem? If this were to drag on, I won¡¯t be able to give a justifiable ount to Yan Yang City¡¯s people!¡±


    ¡°What are you so tied up in a knot for? This official naturally has a way to deal with the flooding . What you should be doing is to let this Prime Minister eat well, sleep well, and then have your family¡¯s third miss married to me . ¡±


    ¡°Esteemed Prime Minister, what are you joking about? This¡­¡±


    Chapter 54 ¡ª Yang Xue.


    When Zi Moyan returned to Yang Jing¡¯s home, she saw Dazhu and Yang Jing discussing something, their expressions grave . She wanted to go have a look, but her path was blocked by Yang Yuwei


    Yang Yuwei circled Zi Moyan, looking here and there thinking: This man looked just like a penniless pauper, he probably just wants to stay here and freeload . Hmph!.


    The disdain in her beautiful eyes be more evident at the thought . ¡°I say, you¡¯re but a penniless doctor . Don¡¯t you see my Father discussing the country¡¯s affairs with the esteemed Prime Minister? Why are you wandering around when you should be staying obediently in your room? Don¡¯t go disturbing others when you haven¡¯t even looked at yourself . ¡± ¡°I¡¯m not interested in what they are discussing, it¡¯s you who¡¯s blocking my path . ¡± Zi Moyan¡¯s face was emotionless . She didn¡¯t even give a nce to Yang Xue as if she was nothing but empty air . ¡°You¡ª!¡± Yang Yuwei was enraged . Wasn¡¯t he nothing but a penniless doctor? He actually dared to treat her like this . Che, she¡¯ll have him on his knees sooner orter . Just wait until she became the Prime Minister¡¯s wife . Would pinching him then be like pinching an ant to death?.


    Zi Moyan walked around Yang Yuwei, whose face was turning purple then green, heading towards the west wing . There was a girl of light purple robes standing in front of her residence . The beautiful, light purple figure standing under the ginkgo tree seemed to merge with the surrounding scenery . It was a sight to behold . Seeing the many ginkgo leaves that were sticking to her cor, one could tell that the girl had been standing there for some time


    When the girl heard the approaching footsteps, she immediately turned . A pair of purple eyes as beautiful as crystals locked on the gradually closing in Zi Moyan . ¡°You have returned, Young Master . ¡± ¡°What did Miss Yang Xuee to see me for?¡± Zi Moyan asked ndly as she looked at the other


    When Yang Xue heard Zi Moyan identify her as Yang Xue and not mistaking her for her younger sister Yang Yue, astonishment flickered through her purple eyes . ¡°You actually recognize me? You didn¡¯t confuse me with my little sister?¡±.


    ¡°You and your little sister are identical in appearance, but your auras and inner hearts arepletely different from each other, so it isn¡¯t that difficult to differentiate you two . ¡± Hearing Zi Moyan¡¯s reply, a smile appeared in Yang Xue¡¯s purple eyes, her expression soften by a lot as well . ¡°Young Master really does have good eyesight . ¡± ¡°Why did Miss Yang Xuee to look for me and to even wait this long for?¡± ¡°I came only to tell Young Master that if you need anything, do not hesitate to tell Yang Xue . This is to thank Master Zi¡¯s kindness for saving my little sister . ¡± Zi Moyan had a favorable impression towards this rather steady Yang Xue, therefore, her tone softened many folds . ¡°The Miss is considerate, I¡¯ll let you know if I ever do need something . Your sister¡¯s illness isn¡¯t too much of problem anymore, so there won¡¯t be any repercussions . She¡¯ll only need to properly get rested, is all . ¡± ¡°En, thank you Young Master . I will be leaving first then . ¡± It was only after Yang Xue left did Zi Moyan noticed the purple handkerchief dropped on the ground . It was probably Yang Xue¡¯s ¡ª she must have dropped it when she wasn¡¯t paying attention just now


    . She picked up the handkerchief and unfold it to see a strange, circr pattern embroidered on it . On the pattern were a pair of silver white flood dragons revolving around a blue colored me at the center . When Zi Moyan saw this pattern, she frowned slightly . Pursing her lips, she put away the handkerchief before entering her room . It looks like she must find an opportunity to return the handkerchief to her . Without realizing it, it has been a month since she¡¯d arrived at Yan Yang City . Within this month, the most interesting thing to see was Dazhu and Yang Jing arguing every day because of the flooding problem . Just this morning, Zi Moyan was woken up by the two people¡¯s quarrelling


    ¡°Prime Minister, sir, you have already been here for a month, how should we tackle the flooding problem? If this were to drag on, I won¡¯t be able to give a justifiable ount to Yan Yang City¡¯s people!¡± ¡°What are you so tied up in a knot for? This official naturally has a way to deal with the flooding . What you should be doing is to let this Prime Minister eat well, sleep well, and then have your family¡¯s third miss married to me . ¡± ¡°Esteemed Prime Minister, what are you joking about? This¡­¡±.

 Chapter 55

    Publishedat 5th of June 2019 08:30:38 PMChapter 55


    Chapter 55 ¡ª The Flood Recedes


    The moment she appeared, Zi Moyan saw Yang Jing looking in a rather difficult situation as he walked around in a circle in a panic while Dazhu, however, didn¡¯t seem to care at all . She couldn¡¯t help but shake her head . If this matter was to be given to Dazhu to handle, then this flooding would worsen than not .


    When Dazhu saw Zi Moyaning over, his couldn¡¯t help but be self-conscious . He didn¡¯t know why, but when he saw this young man, he would have the urge to flee . ¡°Alright, let¡¯s talk about the flooding at ater date . This Official still has a few things to do, so I¡¯ll be leaving first . ¡±


    ¡°You¡­ Sir!¡± Seeing the Prime Minister being so irresponsible as to slip away, Yang Jing was both fl.u.s.tered and exasperated . Why did the Imperial Court send someone like him?! He didn¡¯te to fix the flooding, but to cause trouble! He was virtually infuriating him to death!


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, City Lord Yang?¡± Zi Moyan¡¯s clear-cut voice instantly cooled down Yang Jing, whose anger was reaching his boiling point moments prior .


    ¡°Nothing,¡± He helplessly sighed . ¡°It¡¯s just that I¡¯m a little concerned with the flooding left unresolved, is all . ¡±


    Zi Moyan carefully scrutinized Yang Jing each and every movement and after confirming that he wasn¡¯t putting up an act at all, she gave her constion . ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry, City Lord Yang . I believe that this flooding will be resolved very soon . ¡±


    Zi Moyan hadn¡¯t been idle within this one month . She had been dealing with the blockage in Lost Swan River the entire time, alleviating the damage to the vegetation, and refilling those river channels and gorges that had been recklessly opened . ording to the time she had estimated between the time of deployment and operation, the main river should already have been cleared, .


    ¡°Oh?¡± Yang Jing looked at her skeptically, but his face copsed only after a nce . He thought that Zi Moyan was only trying tofort him, is all . What was there to be strange about? Did he think that the flood was going to be solved just like this?


    ¡°Sir ¨C SIR!!!¡± Came Yang Qi¡¯s voice from afar . The man frantically rushed over with disbelief written all over his face, looking like he had seen some strange creature of a sort . He ran to Yang Qi, but because he had suddenly came to a halt after running so fast just now, he was a bit out of breath . He panted as he slowly informed: ¡°City Lord, sir, that¡­ that flood tide¡­ It ¨C it¡­¡±


    When Yang Jing heard the phrase ¡®flood tide¡¯, he was promptly anxious . ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What about the flood tide? Did it rise again?¡±


    He also silently screamed in his mind: It can¡¯t be right? If the flood really did rise, then we wouldn¡¯t be able to stay on this mountain peak anymore, would we?


    If it was so, then wouldn¡¯t he have to throw away his ck gauze hat?


    ¡°No! It didn¡¯t rise, but fell ¨C the flood is receding! We can go back home!¡± When Yang Qi reached this point, he was unable to control the excitement on his face and his eyes couldn¡¯t help but redden . After waiting for so long, this flood was finally receding¡ªand they could all go back as well!


    When Yang Jing heard this news, his mind nked out momentarily . He hadn¡¯t misheard, right?! The water was receding? But he didn¡¯t seemed to have done anything though! It receded by itself just like that?


    ¡°Is this real? Yang Qi, you¡¯re not kidding with me, right?¡±


    Yang Qi inwardly rolled his eyes . Does he think that he was so bored as to to joke about this kind of situation? Though that was his thought, he didn¡¯t dare to really voice it out loud . He solemnly said: ¡°Master, the flood is really receding . If you don¡¯t believe it, then you can go see it for yourself . ¡±


    Yang Jing rushed out to the mound outside to have a look . It was indeed as Yang Qi said, the flood was already receding, and the houses that were damaged by the torrent was beginning to reveal themselves . The Lost Swan River that was previously acting like an out-of-control, untamed horse was already as docile as a littlemb .


    ¡°Th-this is really too unbelievable! The flood is actually receding!¡± Yang Jing said in tion .


    The other Yan Yang citizens had also followed Yang Jing over to look down in the direction of the retreating flood, they were extremely excited as they happily cheered in session: ¡°THE FLOOD IS RECEDING, THE FLOOD IS RECEDING!!¡±


    There was even some citizens running in the streets of the vige, joyfully shouting as they ran: ¡°THE FLOOD IS RECEDING, WE CAN GO HOME NOW! WE CAN FINALLY GO BACK HOME!!¡±


    Chapter 55 ¡ª The Flood Recedes.


    The moment she appeared, Zi Moyan saw Yang Jing looking in a rather difficult situation as he walked around in a circle in a panic while Dazhu, however, didn¡¯t seem to care at all . She couldn¡¯t help but shake her head . If this matter was to be given to Dazhu to handle, then this flooding would worsen than not


    When Dazhu saw Zi Moyaning over, his couldn¡¯t help but be self-conscious . He didn¡¯t know why, but when he saw this young man, he would have the urge to flee . ¡°Alright, let¡¯s talk about the flooding at ater date . This Official still has a few things to do, so I¡¯ll be leaving first . ¡± ¡°You¡­ Sir!¡± Seeing the Prime Minister being so irresponsible as to slip away, Yang Jing was both fl.u.s.tered and exasperated . Why did the Imperial Court send someone like him?! He didn¡¯te to fix the flooding, but to cause trouble! He was virtually infuriating him to death! ¡°What¡¯s the matter, City Lord Yang?¡± Zi Moyan¡¯s clear-cut voice instantly cooled down Yang Jing, whose anger was reaching his boiling point moments prior


    ¡°Nothing,¡± He helplessly sighed . ¡°It¡¯s just that I¡¯m a little concerned with the flooding left unresolved, is all . ¡± Zi Moyan carefully scrutinized Yang Jing each and every movement and after confirming that he wasn¡¯t putting up an act at all, she gave her constion . ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry, City Lord Yang . I believe that this flooding will be resolved very soon . ¡±.


    Zi Moyan hadn¡¯t been idle within this one month . She had been dealing with the blockage in Lost Swan River the entire time, alleviating the damage to the vegetation, and refilling those river channels and gorges that had been recklessly opened . ording to the time she had estimated between the time of deployment and operation, the main river should already have been cleared, . ¡°Oh?¡± Yang Jing looked at her skeptically, but his face copsed only after a nce . He thought that Zi Moyan was only trying tofort him, is all . What was there to be strange about? Did he think that the flood was going to be solved just like this? ¡°Sir ¨C SIR!!!¡± Came Yang Qi¡¯s voice from afar . The man frantically rushed over with disbelief written all over his face, looking like he had seen some strange creature of a sort . He ran to Yang Qi, but because he had suddenly came to a halt after running so fast just now, he was a bit out of breath . He panted as he slowly informed: ¡°City Lord, sir, that¡­ that flood tide¡­ It ¨C it¡­¡± When Yang Jing heard the phrase ¡®flood tide¡¯, he was promptly anxious . ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What about the flood tide? Did it rise again?¡± He also silently screamed in his mind: It can¡¯t be right? If the flood really did rise, then we wouldn¡¯t be able to stay on this mountain peak anymore, would we?.


    If it was so, then wouldn¡¯t he have to throw away his ck gauze hat? ¡°No! It didn¡¯t rise, but fell ¨C the flood is receding! We can go back home!¡± When Yang Qi reached this point, he was unable to control the excitement on his face and his eyes couldn¡¯t help but redden . After waiting for so long, this flood was finally receding¡ªand they could all go back as well! When Yang Jing heard this news, his mind nked out momentarily . He hadn¡¯t misheard, right?! The water was receding? But he didn¡¯t seemed to have done anything though! It receded by itself just like that? ¡°Is this real? Yang Qi, you¡¯re not kidding with me, right?¡± Yang Qi inwardly rolled his eyes . Does he think that he was so bored as to to joke about this kind of situation? Though that was his thought, he didn¡¯t dare to really voice it out loud . He solemnly said: ¡°Master, the flood is really receding . If you don¡¯t believe it, then you can go see it for yourself . ¡±.


    Yang Jing rushed out to the mound outside to have a look . It was indeed as Yang Qi said, the flood was already receding, and the houses that were damaged by the torrent was beginning to reveal themselves . The Lost Swan River that was previously acting like an out-of-control, untamed horse was already as docile as a littlemb


    ¡°Th-this is really too unbelievable! The flood is actually receding!¡± Yang Jing said in tion


    The other Yan Yang citizens had also followed Yang Jing over to look down in the direction of the retreating flood, they were extremely excited as they happily cheered in session: ¡°THE FLOOD IS RECEDING, THE FLOOD IS RECEDING!!¡±.


    There was even some citizens running in the streets of the vige, joyfully shouting as they ran: ¡°THE FLOOD IS RECEDING, WE CAN GO HOME NOW! WE CAN FINALLY GO BACK HOME!!¡±.

 Chapter 56

    Publishedat 5th of June 2019 08:30:38 PMChapter 56


    Chapter 56 ¡ª Dazhu Proposes To Marry Yang Yue


    The citizens of Yan Yang City that were on the mountain peak had now descended said mountain . Theirbined efforts and a few weeks of restoration, Yan Yang City returned to its once orderly state before the disaster that ruined it ¡ª The City Lord¡¯s residence returned to its former days filled with busting activities as well .


    ¡°Prime Minister, sir,¡± Yang Jing toasted in Dazhu¡¯s direction during the night banquet . ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to your efforts that this flood disaster was resolved . No wonder you weren¡¯t looking worry at all these days ¡ª it¡¯s because you¡¯d long since nned it out and even kept Yang Jing in the dark about it! That said, can you forgive my rudeness towards you for these past few days?¡±


    In Yang Jing¡¯s opinion, the flooding receding definitely had something to do with the Prime Minister . Besides him, who still has this kind of ability? Who was still taking care of this problem? The Prime Minister must have done it behind his face, and because of it, he was stressing over nothing for so long!


    ¡°No problem, it¡¯s my duty, ain¡¯t it?¡± Dazhu answered naturally, but he feltpletely baffled on the inside . What the h.e.l.l was going on? Who could give him an exnation?


    Though he was fathomed by this, his thoughts turned and found that this was absolutely a good thing for him! If he were to take the credits, then wouldn¡¯t it be easier to marry Yang Yue? Yang Yue would not only look at him in a different light, but more importantly, it would be much more convenient to raise the marriage topic with Yang Jing using this .


    ¡°City Lord Yang, this Prime Minister should be leaving after a few days since this flooding has pretty much been managed . ¡±


    ¡°Prime Minsiter needn¡¯t leave this soon,¡± Yang Jing anxiously said when he heard Dazhu . ¡°WHy don¡¯t don¡¯t you stay for a few more days?¡±


    ¡°No need, however, I have but only one wish unfulfilled . ¡± Dazhu showed a look of regret .


    ¡°Prime Minsiter should not hesitate to say whatever wish you have . If it¡¯s something that this humble Yang could aplish, then I¡¯ll definitely do my best toplete it for Prime Minister . ¡± Yang Jing vowed solemnly in response .


    Dazhu¡¯s regretful look swept away immediately, staring tantly at Yang Yue sitting in the distance as he happily said: ¡°I¡¯m just reluctant to part with Miss Yang Yue . ¡±


    With that sentence of his and his bnt gaze towards Yang Yue, even an idiot would understand . This Prime Minister seemed to have a good impression of the third Young Miss Yang, what else could this be if not reluctant?


    Yang Jingughed when he heard the response . ¡°Your esteemed Prime Minister, if you¡¯re reluctant to part with my daughter, then why don¡¯t we be inws and let Yue¡¯er marry you?¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Dazhu¡¯s eyes brightened, he didn¡¯t expect it to be this easy . Fantastic, it seemed that impersonating a Prime Minister could still marry back a beautiful woman ¡ª a rather good profit to make . The money, then was not even worth mentioning because it wasn¡¯t a crime to take what was his father-inw¡¯s .


    ¡°En, that¡¯s right . ¡± There was no reason for Yang Jing not to agree . He had heard of Prime Minister Zi ¡ª the Emperor hold him in high regards . Moreover, he would have a Prime Minister as a son-inw ¨C he was even the master of the pen and sword! He wouldn¡¯t be able to find someone like him even if he lit up anntern!


    Yang Yue panicked in that very moment, her tears waiting anxiously to fall from the corner of her eyes . She stole a nce at the cool, handsome young man, but didn¡¯t find any reactions from him . Disappointed filled her pretty eyespletely as she lowered her head, pursed her lips, and wrung her handkerchief .


    Marriage was decided by the parents, what could she do about it?


    Hearing the two men¡¯s conversation, Yang Yuwei was angry to the point that she almost stormed off . If Yang Yue was to be married off to the Prime Minister, then her position of Prime Minister¡¯s wife would dashed! No, she could not let Yang Yue get married to Dazhu! How could that s.l.u.t match the esteemed Prime Minister? Only she and the Prime Minister were a perfect match! No one else could s.n.a.t.c.h what was should be hers! Especially not Yang Yue!


    ¡°Father,¡± Yang Yuwei bolted up with an indignant look . ¡°I don¡¯t approve of Yang Yue marrying to the Prime Minister!¡±


    Chapter 56 ¡ª Dazhu Proposes To Marry Yang Yue.


    The citizens of Yan Yang City that were on the mountain peak had now descended said mountain . Theirbined efforts and a few weeks of restoration, Yan Yang City returned to its once orderly state before the disaster that ruined it ¡ª The City Lord¡¯s residence returned to its former days filled with busting activities as well


    ¡°Prime Minister, sir,¡± Yang Jing toasted in Dazhu¡¯s direction during the night banquet . ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to your efforts that this flood disaster was resolved . No wonder you weren¡¯t looking worry at all these days ¡ª it¡¯s because you¡¯d long since nned it out and even kept Yang Jing in the dark about it! That said, can you forgive my rudeness towards you for these past few days?¡±.


    In Yang Jing¡¯s opinion, the flooding receding definitely had something to do with the Prime Minister . Besides him, who still has this kind of ability? Who was still taking care of this problem? The Prime Minister must have done it behind his face, and because of it, he was stressing over nothing for so long! ¡°No problem, it¡¯s my duty, ain¡¯t it?¡± Dazhu answered naturally, but he feltpletely baffled on the inside . What the h.e.l.l was going on? Who could give him an exnation? Though he was fathomed by this, his thoughts turned and found that this was absolutely a good thing for him! If he were to take the credits, then wouldn¡¯t it be easier to marry Yang Yue? Yang Yue would not only look at him in a different light, but more importantly, it would be much more convenient to raise the marriage topic with Yang Jing using this


    ¡°City Lord Yang, this Prime Minister should be leaving after a few days since this flooding has pretty much been managed . ¡± ¡°Prime Minsiter needn¡¯t leave this soon,¡± Yang Jing anxiously said when he heard Dazhu . ¡°WHy don¡¯t don¡¯t you stay for a few more days?¡± ¡°No need, however, I have but only one wish unfulfilled . ¡± Dazhu showed a look of regret . ¡°Prime Minsiter should not hesitate to say whatever wish you have . If it¡¯s something that this humble Yang could aplish, then I¡¯ll definitely do my best toplete it for Prime Minister . ¡± Yang Jing vowed solemnly in response . Dazhu¡¯s regretful look swept away immediately, staring tantly at Yang Yue sitting in the distance as he happily said: ¡°I¡¯m just reluctant to part with Miss Yang Yue . ¡± With that sentence of his and his bnt gaze towards Yang Yue, even an idiot would understand . This Prime Minister seemed to have a good impression of the third Young Miss Yang, what else could this be if not reluctant? Yang Jingughed when he heard the response . ¡°Your esteemed Prime Minister, if you¡¯re reluctant to part with my daughter, then why don¡¯t we be inws and let Yue¡¯er marry you?¡± ¡°Really?¡± Dazhu¡¯s eyes brightened, he didn¡¯t expect it to be this easy . Fantastic, it seemed that impersonating a Prime Minister could still marry back a beautiful woman ¡ª a rather good profit to make . The money, then was not even worth mentioning because it wasn¡¯t a crime to take what was his father-inw¡¯s . ¡°En, that¡¯s right . ¡± There was no reason for Yang Jing not to agree . He had heard of Prime Minister Zi ¡ª the Emperor hold him in high regards . Moreover, he would have a Prime Minister as a son-inw ¨C he was even the master of the pen and sword! He wouldn¡¯t be able to find someone like him even if he lit up anntern! Yang Yue panicked in that very moment, her tears waiting anxiously to fall from the corner of her eyes . She stole a nce at the cool, handsome young man, but didn¡¯t find any reactions from him . Disappointed filled her pretty eyespletely as she lowered her head, pursed her lips, and wrung her handkerchief . Marriage was decided by the parents, what could she do about it? Hearing the two men¡¯s conversation, Yang Yuwei was angry to the point that she almost stormed off . If Yang Yue was to be married off to the Prime Minister, then her position of Prime Minister¡¯s wife would dashed! No, she could not let Yang Yue get married to Dazhu! How could that s.l.u.t match the esteemed Prime Minister? Only she and the Prime Minister were a perfect match! No one else could s.n.a.t.c.h what was should be hers! Especially not Yang Yue! ¡°Father,¡± Yang Yuwei bolted up with an indignant look . ¡°I don¡¯t approve of Yang Yue marrying to the Prime Minister!¡±.

 Chapter 57

    Publishedat 5th of June 2019 08:30:38 PMChapter 57


    Chapter 57 ¡ª She Only Needs His One Sentence


    Startled by his daughter¡¯s sudden roar, Yang Jing was extremely displeased with her inconsideration .


    ¡°Yuwei, the guest is still here, how can you be this thoughtless as to joke in front of your guest?¡± He reprimanded coldly . ¡°Sit down this instant!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t! You always gave the good things to my little sisters since we¡¯re young, why are you still so unfair now?! You even gave the person that I like to third sister without caring for my feelings! This time, I refuse topromise!¡± She hatefully glowered at Yang Yue, who had her head down . Hmph, what is she trying to pretend? Acting like she¡¯s all weak and delicate ¡ª I really don¡¯t know what¡¯s so good about this kind of people!


    She leveled an adamant gaze with Yang Jing, expressing her determination ¡ª she absolutely will not concede .


    There wasn¡¯t a need to mention how ugly Yang Jing¡¯s face had be . He couldn¡¯t believe that this eldest daughter of his didn¡¯t give him face at all, and even if she does have something against it, she could¡¯ve talk to him privately . How could he not be furious now that she had refuted him in front of everyone? He was furious to the point of wanting, very much, to give her a p in the face to wake her up!


    Both Young Master Zi and the Prime Minister was still here so it was not appropriate punish her in front of them . He forced down his anger, but it didn¡¯t stop his voice from shaking . ¡°You¡¯re the eldest daughter of this family, but you actually spoke such brazen words! Hmph, all these years that I have been teaching you has been for nothing! Someonee and have the eldest miss locked into the woodshed to think over her mistakes!¡±


    Two servants came and nked Yang Yue, wanting to drag her away; however, when they touched her, Yang Yue fiercely shook their hands off and said in disgust: ¡°Scram, none of you are qualified to touch me! I can walk myself!¡±


    Yang Yuwei was like an haughty peac.o.c.k . Even though she was chided by her father, she wouldn¡¯t care . Instead, she remained full of herself as she leisurely walked out .


    ¡°Sorry to have everyone see such an embarra.s.sing sight,¡± Yang Jing said sheepishly to everyone else as he gave a few hollowughs .


    ¡°No a problem,¡± Dazhuughed, not caring . ¡°The Eldest Miss has her cute sides too . ¡±


    In his eyes, all three misses of the Yang family were beautiful . However, the chances of obtaining all three was too small, so he decided to chose the one that best satisfy him ¡ª which was the sweet-tempered Yang Yue . Not only was Yang Yue pretty, she has a gentle temper and a super sweet voice . Then there was the fact that she had never paid attention to him, it was exactly the so-called ¡°the thing you can¡¯t get is always the best¡± ¡ª he wanted to obtain Yang Yue even more than the other two because of it .


    ¡°Sir, how about letting Yue¡¯er send you off ¨C¡± Yang Jing had originally wanted Yang Yue to send Dazhu off after dinner, but he hasn¡¯t finished talking before Yang Yue ran off to chase after that distinct, white figure .


    ¡°This child¡­¡± Yang Jing said helplessly .


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine! I can¡¯t go back myself . ¡± Dazhuughed, watching as the beautiful purple figure disappear in the distance . Hmph, beautiful, you¡¯re going to be mine sooner orter .


    ¡°Young Master Zi, Young Master Zi¡­!¡±


    Zi Moyan heard Yang Yue¡¯s voice from behind as she headed towards her room, causing her to stop .


    ¡°What is it, Miss Yang?¡± Zi Moyan dully asked .


    Yang Yue panted, her fair white face flushed a nice shade of red that was like that of a ripe red apple . However, such a charming sight couldn¡¯t cause any ripples in a certain person¡¯s eyes .


    She timidly lifted her head up and met directly with a pair of clear-cold eyes, causing her heart to tremble and speed up . The heart that she had managed to calm down seconds ago started to beat in chaos again .


    ¡°Young Master Zi, I ¨C I¡­¡±


    Zi Moyan frowned slightly, she was never patient with these things ¡°Miss, Moyan will leave first if there isn¡¯t anything . ¡±


    Seeing that Zi Moyan was about to leave, Yang Yue panicked . She hastily pulled on the other¡¯s sleeve, nervousness was written all over her face . ¡°Young Master, don¡¯t leave . ¡± Her pretty eyes begged Zi Moyan, it was the first time she was acting like this . She didn¡¯t want to get married to the Prime Minister, she only want the person in front of her . Even if Zi Moyan gave her only a tiny bit of attention, she would be happy for a long while . She only needed his one sentence to disobey her father . She wouldn¡¯t regret it either, because she had the courage to do so! What she wanted was his one sentence .


    Chapter 57 ¡ª She Only Needs His One Sentence.


    Startled by his daughter¡¯s sudden roar, Yang Jing was extremely displeased with her inconsideration


    ¡°Yuwei, the guest is still here, how can you be this thoughtless as to joke in front of your guest?¡± He reprimanded coldly . ¡°Sit down this instant!¡± ¡°I won¡¯t! You always gave the good things to my little sisters since we¡¯re young, why are you still so unfair now?! You even gave the person that I like to third sister without caring for my feelings! This time, I refuse topromise!¡± She hatefully glowered at Yang Yue, who had her head down . Hmph, what is she trying to pretend? Acting like she¡¯s all weak and delicate ¡ª I really don¡¯t know what¡¯s so good about this kind of people!.


    She leveled an adamant gaze with Yang Jing, expressing her determination ¡ª she absolutely will not concede . There wasn¡¯t a need to mention how ugly Yang Jing¡¯s face had be . He couldn¡¯t believe that this eldest daughter of his didn¡¯t give him face at all, and even if she does have something against it, she could¡¯ve talk to him privately . How could he not be furious now that she had refuted him in front of everyone? He was furious to the point of wanting, very much, to give her a p in the face to wake her up! Both Young Master Zi and the Prime Minister was still here so it was not appropriate punish her in front of them . He forced down his anger, but it didn¡¯t stop his voice from shaking . ¡°You¡¯re the eldest daughter of this family, but you actually spoke such brazen words! Hmph, all these years that I have been teaching you has been for nothing! Someonee and have the eldest miss locked into the woodshed to think over her mistakes!¡± Two servants came and nked Yang Yue, wanting to drag her away; however, when they touched her, Yang Yue fiercely shook their hands off and said in disgust: ¡°Scram, none of you are qualified to touch me! I can walk myself!¡± Yang Yuwei was like an haughty peac.o.c.k . Even though she was chided by her father, she wouldn¡¯t care . Instead, she remained full of herself as she leisurely walked out . ¡°Sorry to have everyone see such an embarra.s.sing sight,¡± Yang Jing said sheepishly to everyone else as he gave a few hollowughs . ¡°No a problem,¡± Dazhuughed, not caring . ¡°The Eldest Miss has her cute sides too . ¡± In his eyes, all three misses of the Yang family were beautiful . However, the chances of obtaining all three was too small, so he decided to chose the one that best satisfy him ¡ª which was the sweet-tempered Yang Yue . Not only was Yang Yue pretty, she has a gentle temper and a super sweet voice . Then there was the fact that she had never paid attention to him, it was exactly the so-called ¡°the thing you can¡¯t get is always the best¡± ¡ª he wanted to obtain Yang Yue even more than the other two because of it


    ¡°Sir, how about letting Yue¡¯er send you off ¨C¡± Yang Jing had originally wanted Yang Yue to send Dazhu off after dinner, but he hasn¡¯t finished talking before Yang Yue ran off to chase after that distinct, white figure


    ¡°This child¡­¡± Yang Jing said helplessly


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine! I can¡¯t go back myself . ¡± Dazhuughed, watching as the beautiful purple figure disappear in the distance . Hmph, beautiful, you¡¯re going to be mine sooner orter . ¡°Young Master Zi, Young Master Zi¡­!¡± Zi Moyan heard Yang Yue¡¯s voice from behind as she headed towards her room, causing her to stop


    ¡°What is it, Miss Yang?¡± Zi Moyan dully asked . Yang Yue panted, her fair white face flushed a nice shade of red that was like that of a ripe red apple . However, such a charming sight couldn¡¯t cause any ripples in a certain person¡¯s eyes . She timidly lifted her head up and met directly with a pair of clear-cold eyes, causing her heart to tremble and speed up . The heart that she had managed to calm down seconds ago started to beat in chaos again


    ¡°Young Master Zi, I ¨C I¡­¡±.


    Zi Moyan frowned slightly, she was never patient with these things ¡°Miss, Moyan will leave first if there isn¡¯t anything . ¡± Seeing that Zi Moyan was about to leave, Yang Yue panicked . She hastily pulled on the other¡¯s sleeve, nervousness was written all over her face . ¡°Young Master, don¡¯t leave . ¡± Her pretty eyes begged Zi Moyan, it was the first time she was acting like this . She didn¡¯t want to get married to the Prime Minister, she only want the person in front of her . Even if Zi Moyan gave her only a tiny bit of attention, she would be happy for a long while . She only needed his one sentence to disobey her father . She wouldn¡¯t regret it either, because she had the courage to do so! What she wanted was his one sentence

 Chapter 58

    Chapter #58


    With Zi Moyan''s nonexistent experience with love, along with a naturally cool disposition, even if he was a female, he was unable to fully understand Yang Yue''s thoughts. As he looked at Yang Yue''s look of wanting to speak but unable to get the words out, he grew impatient: "Young Miss, just say whatever you need to say."


    "I, I¡­.." Yang Yue ashamed and angry. She, a female, had to confess to the male. With this being the first time for such an event, and with her upbringing as a female in the ancient times, such a task was naturally very difficult, so how was she supposed to voice her thoughts?


    "If there is nothing, then I will first take my leave." Zi Moyan originally was not a patient person. If it wasn''t for the fact that Yang Yue was female, he would''ve already left.


    "No!" Yang Yue saw Zi Moyan turn around, about to leave, so she rushed up and hugged him. His body didn''t give off the same feeling as other men. Instead, there was a faint, delicate fragrance that was very pleasant to smell.


    She buried her head deeply in his arms, and said with a sullen voice: "Young master Zi, I like you. From the very first moment Iid my eyes on you, I started liking you. I beg you, don''t leave, stay here and apany me okay?"


    After she finished speaking, she seemed to have exhausted all of her strength and gathered courage. She wanted to have him. This past month, she had thought of him everyday. Clearly, they were in the same residence, yet nothing had urred. She wanted him to hug her more, and kiss her.


    If the instance of her father wishing to give her to the Prime Minister for marriage did not ur, perhaps she would not have dared to do this. She would have only thought about him secretly, looking from afar, but now it would no longer be allowed.


    If she didn''t say it, then perhaps she would not have any chances to do so in the future¡­


    Zi Moyan was stupefied by the sudden confession, as it was something he never would''ve thought of urring. Yang Yue had unexpectedly fell in love with him? But he actually is a female, so there is no way he can take responsibility for her!


    He gently pushed aside Yang Yue, his face alienated: "Young Miss Yang, I''m sorry, it is not possible between us."


    Rather than having been given hope only for it to end up in disappointment, it is better to not to have any hope generated in the beginning. This way, she would be able to break off her feelings earlier, moving on to find the happiness that truly belongs to her!


    Yang Yue never thought that, having gotten to this step, he would still unmoved Without a shred of hesitance, he had rejected her. Why? Why must he be so cruel?


    Her eyes swam with tears, and she violently pushed him. Using an embroidered handkerchief to m.u.f.fle her sobs, she heart-brokenly ran away.


    Zi Moyan looked at the heartbroken Yang Yue, tightly pressed his lips together, and left without saying a word.


    After the two people left, a ck shadow flickered from amidst the flowers. A person clothed in ck walked out, wearing a ck hat pulled down to the point where only the lips were visible. The lips were curved up in a small arc, and carried a dark and evil aura.


    "Zi Moyan, even though there exists a fake Prime Minister to confuse me, I still found out your true image in the end, hmph! I never thought that you truly would be able to solve the issue of flooding. It looks like you can''t be left alive after all!"


    By the time Da Zhu returned, it was already veryte at night. He crooned out songs the entire way back, his mood exceptionally good. Since he was about to marry Yang Yue, would it be possible for him to not be happy?


    The moment he entered his room, he was shocked. There was a ck clothed person in the room, sitting on the main seat. The person''s eyes were dark, gleaming with a sharp light, and fixated on him, giving him a faint feeling of oppression. "Who are you? Why are you here? Don''t you know that this is my residence?"


    Da Zhuposed himself. In any case, he has met all sorts bandits and scoundrels before. He isn''t afraid of what the ck clothed person might do to him at all!


    Zii:


    h.e.l.lo~~~ I''ll be updating this at least once every week. Hope you enjoy!


    I tried to keep names and such consistent from the previous trantor''s work, but if there are any inconsistencies you notice, pleasement below.

 Chapter 59

    Publishedat 5th of June 2019 08:30:39 PMChapter 59


    Chapter 59


    The person in ckughed with a face full of ridicule and asked: ¡°You seem to have been living pretty happily here . Your fake ident.i.ty as the Prime Minister hasn¡¯t been seen through yet?¡±


    Da Zhu heard the person in ck¡¯s words, and so shocked that his mouth fell open . His eyes were fl.u.s.tered as he wondered . How did he know? Who is this person?


    The person in ck saw Da Zhu¡¯s tense look, and patted him rea.s.suringly on the shoulder: ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so nervous, I won¡¯t tear down your ident.i.ty . I will even help you get the girl you want!¡±


    Da Zhu looked at him with vignce, and asked with a cold voice: ¡°What do you really want? There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll believe that you will help me for no reason!¡±


    ¡°Haha¡­¡­¡± The man in ckughs a little darkly . ¡°What do I want? You will know in the future . In any case, remember that our goals will not be in conflict with each other . ¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not scared of me just leaving?¡± Da Zhu asked, confused .


    The man in ck gave a sinister smile and leaned in close to Da Zhu, his dark eyes unfathomable . He stared at Da Zhu and enunciated word by word: ¡°If you leave, then not only do you lose the girl and the rewards; people from the court will also go chase you down and try to kill you . Pretending to be a prime minister, dying important court matters, deceiving and defrauding the court¨C are these charges not enough for you to swallow?¡±


    Da Zhu¡¯s face turned ugly . This was the first time in his life that someone had threatened him like so . To make it worse, it was by this strange person . Even though he was not some high up minister or someone with a great deal of power, he was still the leader of the mountain bandits! Since he does whatever he wants, of course there will be people with grievances . But even if it is the court, he is not afraid of them!


    ¡°Even if the courtes, can they not recognize all the help I have given them? I have not done that bad!¡±


    The man in ck wore a treacherous smile . He had already clearly investigated Da Zhu¡¯s ident.i.ty . He was the leader of some mountain bandits . The threat of the court may not be useful, but after days of investigating, he had long found Da Zhu¡¯s weak point . It was the Yang family¡¯s third miss, Yang Yue!


    ¡°You, as leader of the mountain bandits, may not need to be afraid of the court; however, if you are wanted by the court, will you still get the chance to marry Yang Yue? It was already hard enough for you to get this chance, are you just going to let it go to waste? Also, Yang Yue originally did have some good feeling toward you, yet perhaps it will all dissipate into nothingness!¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Da Zhu¡¯s face darkened by a shade, and he red intensely at him .


    He drew in close to Da Zhu, speaking breezily into Da Zhu¡¯s ear: ¡°If you dare leave, I won¡¯t let off Yang Yue! Are you fine with that?¡± His speech was very at ease, but it carried a clear murderous intent . It made people feel intense fear .


    Da Zhu tightly clenched his hands into fists, his eyes red . He really wanted to immediately go kill this person . ¡°You¡¯re not afraid of me just killing you right now? With you dead, wouldn¡¯t the situation be even more favorable for me?¡±


    The man in ck was not worried at all . He opened up his arms up widely, his face at ease while looking at Da Zhu: ¡°Kill me then . Once I¡¯m dead, Yang Yue will follow suit . In theherworld, I¡¯ll still be apanied by a beautifuldy . Why not?¡±


    He gambled on Da Zhu not taking any action, since Da Zhu will be worried about Yang Yue¡¯s safety, and wouldn¡¯t rashly make the decision .


    Seeing Da Zhu¡¯s look of entanglement, he knew that he had gambled sessfully!


    Da Zhu forced himself to calm down . He couldn¡¯t y around with Yang Yue¡¯s life . He coldly asked: ¡°What do you want me to do?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, this is how you should be acting . What needs to be done, I will slowly tell you, don¡¯t be anxious . ¡± In order to y with Zi Moyan, naturally he needed to find some chess pieces . This way, ying will be meaningful! Hahaha¡­¡­ .


    Chapter 59.


    The person in ckughed with a face full of ridicule and asked: ¡°You seem to have been living pretty happily here . Your fake ident.i.ty as the Prime Minister hasn¡¯t been seen through yet?¡±.


    Da Zhu heard the person in ck¡¯s words, and so shocked that his mouth fell open . His eyes were fl.u.s.tered as he wondered . How did he know? Who is this person?.


    The person in ck saw Da Zhu¡¯s tense look, and patted him rea.s.suringly on the shoulder: ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so nervous, I won¡¯t tear down your ident.i.ty . I will even help you get the girl you want!¡±.


    Da Zhu looked at him with vignce, and asked with a cold voice: ¡°What do you really want? There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll believe that you will help me for no reason!¡±.


    ¡°Haha¡­¡­¡± The man in ckughs a little darkly . ¡°What do I want? You will know in the future . In any case, remember that our goals will not be in conflict with each other . ¡±.


    ¡°You¡¯re not scared of me just leaving?¡± Da Zhu asked, confused


    The man in ck gave a sinister smile and leaned in close to Da Zhu, his dark eyes unfathomable . He stared at Da Zhu and enunciated word by word: ¡°If you leave, then not only do you lose the girl and the rewards; people from the court will also go chase you down and try to kill you . Pretending to be a prime minister, dying important court matters, deceiving and defrauding the court¨C are these charges not enough for you to swallow?¡±.


    Da Zhu¡¯s face turned ugly . This was the first time in his life that someone had threatened him like so . To make it worse, it was by this strange person . Even though he was not some high up minister or someone with a great deal of power, he was still the leader of the mountain bandits! Since he does whatever he wants, of course there will be people with grievances . But even if it is the court, he is not afraid of them!.


    ¡°Even if the courtes, can they not recognize all the help I have given them? I have not done that bad!¡±.


    The man in ck wore a treacherous smile . He had already clearly investigated Da Zhu¡¯s ident.i.ty . He was the leader of some mountain bandits . The threat of the court may not be useful, but after days of investigating, he had long found Da Zhu¡¯s weak point . It was the Yang family¡¯s third miss, Yang Yue!.


    ¡°You, as leader of the mountain bandits, may not need to be afraid of the court; however, if you are wanted by the court, will you still get the chance to marry Yang Yue? It was already hard enough for you to get this chance, are you just going to let it go to waste? Also, Yang Yue originally did have some good feeling toward you, yet perhaps it will all dissipate into nothingness!¡±.


    ¡°You!¡± Da Zhu¡¯s face darkened by a shade, and he red intensely at him


    He drew in close to Da Zhu, speaking breezily into Da Zhu¡¯s ear: ¡°If you dare leave, I won¡¯t let off Yang Yue! Are you fine with that?¡± His speech was very at ease, but it carried a clear murderous intent . It made people feel intense fear


    Da Zhu tightly clenched his hands into fists, his eyes red . He really wanted to immediately go kill this person . ¡°You¡¯re not afraid of me just killing you right now? With you dead, wouldn¡¯t the situation be even more favorable for me?¡±.


    The man in ck was not worried at all . He opened up his arms up widely, his face at ease while looking at Da Zhu: ¡°Kill me then . Once I¡¯m dead, Yang Yue will follow suit . In theherworld, I¡¯ll still be apanied by a beautifuldy . Why not?¡±.


    He gambled on Da Zhu not taking any action, since Da Zhu will be worried about Yang Yue¡¯s safety, and wouldn¡¯t rashly make the decision


    Seeing Da Zhu¡¯s look of entanglement, he knew that he had gambled sessfully!.


    Da Zhu forced himself to calm down . He couldn¡¯t y around with Yang Yue¡¯s life . He coldly asked: ¡°What do you want me to do?¡±.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, this is how you should be acting . What needs to be done, I will slowly tell you, don¡¯t be anxious . ¡± In order to y with Zi Moyan, naturally he needed to find some chess pieces . This way, ying will be meaningful! Hahaha¡­¡­

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    After Yang Yue¡¯s confession that night, she never appeared in front of Zi Moyan again. Even if they happened to encounter each other, Yang Yue would hurriedly walk away and hide.


    Actually, he didn¡¯t mind this behavior very much. After all, it is impossible for them to be together, so it is better for her to let go of her feelings.


    ¡°Master.¡± A ck shadow shed by. ck Eagle appeared in Zi Moyan¡¯s room, interrupting his train of thoughts.


    Zi Moyan exited his pondering state, his face once again bing cold and ruthless. He knew that if ck Eagle was able to appear here now, then the a.s.signed task must be close topletion, or alreadypleted With ck Eagle¡¯s proud personality, he would onlye if it was so.


    ¡°The arranged tasks have all beenpleted?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± ck Eagle said in a low voice. ¡°I have already found the ce you wanted to find.¡±


    In his heart, he was secretly d. Although he had found the ce, he had almost lost his life. However, the emperor had employed new people, allowing him to find the ce, thankfully not causing him to let down the expectations of his master!


    ¡°Take me there right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± ck Eagle was very excited, since he didn¡¯t miss the hint of approval that shed through his master¡¯s eyes. To be able to receive his master¡¯s appreciation, even if it was just a nce, was good enough!


    With ck Eagle leading the way, Zi Moyan arrived at the designated ce. Plum blossoms lined the pathway, with petals dancing in the wind. It was like a painting, its beauty unlike the human world. Clearly, it was part of the rest of the terrain, yet it waspletely unaffected by the flood, as if it was isted from the world.


    Zi Moyan looked upon the incredible beauty of nature before him, and even his icy heart couldn¡¯t help but warm up a little, his mood improving by quite a bit. He sighed, it seems like the source of the plum blossoms was this.


    The two people walked to the end, and a cave appeared in their sights. Fog was billowing out of the cave, rolling along the surface of the ground. It looked like a fairnd.


    ¡°Master, is this the ce you wanted to find?¡±


    ¡°En, correct.¡± Zi Moyan nodded his head. It seemed like the ce in the painting really did exist. The painting was copied off of Wo Buren¡¯s. When he was in the capital city, he discovered that Wo Buren had been sending people to go find the ce that the painting was modeled after. After he sent his own subordinates to investigate, he found that there was a mystical artifact located in Yanyang City. There were quite a few forces seeking the artifact. It is said that there was an artifact located in the Long Lin Empire too, allowing them to directly im and use it.


    He, as a modern twenty first century man, didn¡¯t believe in ghosts and the supernatural; however, he also won¡¯t let Wo Buren reach his intended goals!


    He had to find the ce first, to learn what exactly Wo Buren was trying to achieve!


    ¡°Go in then.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The two people neared the cave. In an instant, a white light shed by, and countless arrows were shot at the two from inside the cave.


    ck Eagle was shocked, and hurriedly, moved Zi Moyan behind him: ¡°Master, be careful!¡±


    ck Eagle pulled out his sword and did his best to block the iing feather arrows. However, since there was just too many arrows, and the speed at which they were being shot was also increasing, he ended up getting hit by one and cked out.


    ¡°ck Eagle!¡± He lowered his body and performed a check up. It turned out that each of the feathers was coated with a strong anesthetic. It looks like ck Eagle had only fainted, and that there was no danger to his life. After learning about the situation, Zi Moyan let out a sigh of relief.


    He looked coldly at the huge cave. There were numerous entrances, too many to be counted. Each entrance was blocked by locked doors, with small holes peppered throughout. The arrows had been shot through those holes!


    Zi Moyan never thought that there would be such an impressive mechanism in the cave. Looking at it, it seems like the mechanism had beenid out for a long time already. He and ck Eagle had trespa.s.sed these grounds, causing the mechanism to activate.


    Zii:


    Some little details and plot points in this chapter were mentioned earlier on in the novel, so you might have to flip through a bit if you forgot. Hope you enjoyed!

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    Zi Moyan picked up the unconscious ck Eagle, moving him to a safer ce, and then continued walking deeper into the cave. Since the feather arrows had all been shot out already, he did not receive any more damage as he progressed.


    He carefully examined the doors of each of the pathways. On them were carving that seemed simr to the zodiac. Thankfully, such things existed in the modern times as well. He had seen and learned about it from entertainment shows on TV.


    If you switched to an ancient person, they might not be able to decipher the meaning of the carvings. ording to the attributes of the artifact, it should be located in the upper left corner where the Sagittarius-like carving is located.


    He pushed open therge, heavy doors. The inside of the cave was dark, the air muddy. He carefully walked in, thinking that even though there was such an impressive mechanism outside the cave, it didn''t necessarily entail that there would also be such a mechanism inside.


    Relying on his senses, he felt that the ce his was in resembled a corridor. He continued to move forward, and once again encountered a closed door. He pushed open the door to take a look, and felt that he hade to rtively empty ce.


    Retrieving matches kept inside his clothing, he lit up the oilmp hung nearby. The yellow light instantly brightened up the entire room. The structure of the room also became clear. There was an oilmp ced in every corner of the room, with a small, round table in the middle of the room.


    A set of golden bow and arrows were ced on the table, just a few meters away from him. Zi Moyan silently neared the round table, and lightly brushed the bow and arrows. The bow and arrows had already collected a thickyer of dust, and its appearance was not that different from any other set of bow and arrows.


    The moment he picked up the bow, a burst of white smoke sprayed at him, catching him unprepared! Much of the smoke was inhaled by him through his nose.


    A wave of dizziness overcame him, and Zi Moyan felt that his entire body had gone weak, as if strength had been drained from him. It was even strenuous just carrying the bow in his hand. It felt the same as if he was carrying a several million pound boulder!


    He suddenly realized that there must''ve been an issue with the smoke. Not good! He must have encountered some sort of muscle weakening agent, as he wasn''t even able to muster up the tiniest bit of strength. He has to leave this ce immediately! With his current condition, there is no way to protect the Gold Dragon Bow!


    Zi Moyan roughly stumbled out of the cave. Every step he took had him reeling with dizziness. If it wasn''t for his strong const.i.tution and determination, he would long have lost consciousness like ck Eagle.


    "Come, hurry and surround him, don''t let him escape!" An arrogant female voice rang out, its sound permeating throughout the entire area.


    Zi Moyan strenuously raised his head, looking coldly at Yang Jing and the people surrounding him. His sharp eyes stared straight at Yang Jing, icily inquiring: "City Lord Yang, what do you think you are doing right now?"

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    Yang Jing''s current face now entirely different from his original kind old man type of countenance. Instead, he had on a deeply serious look. He nced coldly at Yan Yuwei before he turned to Zi Moyan, and remarked: "Zi Moyan, you really have a good hand."


    "You know my true ident.i.ty? You are Wo Buren''s person!" He was too careless!


    When Yang Jing heard this sentence, his eyes became abnormally gloomy. He coldly stated: "What are you guys still hesitating for? Still not going to grab him?"


    Yang Jing brought fifty government troops with him and surrounded Zi Moyan. If Zi Moyan was not affected by the muscle weakening agent, then even if Yang Jing brought army, he may not be able to bring Zi Moyan down. Now though, since he was affected by the muscle weakening agent, it was difficult enough for him to stand, let alone defend himself.


    All of the soldiers grabbed spears and rushed forward to stab Zi Moyan. All of a sudden, Zi Moyan lost consciousness and fell to the ground, thereby avoiding the danger of being killed by spears.


    Yang Jing watched him fall and was surprised. He unhurriedly and calmly walked toward the still Zi Moyan, checking to make sure that he was actually unconscious. After confirming that fact, Yang Jing finally took the golden bow away from Zi Moyan''s hands. His hands were trembling with excitement. This was the first time he came in contact with a mystical artifact!


    He carefully wrapped the Gold Dragon Bow and Arrows with the silk cloth that he brought, then ordered the soldiers: "Bring Zi Moyan. Return to the residence!"


    "Yes!" All of the soldiers returned in unison, and gathered their spears. Several of them stepped forward to carry Zi Moyan.


    "Yan''er, hurry and wake up. If you linger any longer, I won''t consider you well-behaved anymore." Amidst the darkness, Zi Moyan seemed to hear a soft and maic male voice filled with tones of pampering.


    The voice seemed very familiar, making him want to rush forward to seek where the sound came from. He wanted to hear more of the voice.


    Who are you? Who is it, really?


    He walked for a while, until a bright light started enveloping his world. He slowly opened his eyelids. With a nce, he saw that the moon was brightly hanging outside, the faint moonlight peeking through the rusty bars of the window. A cold breeze fluttered through.


    The cell was filled with a sense of decay, and the jailer''s outside were drinking and chatting. The noise drifted into the cell.


    It turned out that he was locked in a prison!


    Zi Moyan immediately realized his current situation. He tried to sit up, and found that his movements were just as difficult as before. There was no strength in his body. It seemed like the effects of muscle weakening agent that affected him would still require a few more days to subside.


    Currently, he is locked in a prison, without any strength whatsoever. This was the first time he had encountered such a predicament. If Yang Jing really was one of Wo Buren''s people, then it was to be expected that he be killed off. After all, he was a great thorn in Wo Buren''s eye. Since he was outside and currently within grasp, then it would be a great opportunity to do the deed. If he returned to the capital city, then it would be much harder.


    "Open the door, I want to see Zi Moyan." Yang Yue''s soft voice drifted in from outside the door.


    Once Yang Yue''s voice rang out, the boisterous sounds from the guards immediately receded.


    "Third Young Miss, this Zi Moyan is a criminal. Without permission from the lord, we do not dare let you meet him. Furthermore, I''m afraid that this prison is too dirty, not fit for a person of your stature to visit. You should hurry and return to your quarters." A jailer cautiously spoke up.


    Zii: Sorry for thete update! I''ve just started my summer courses, and reviewing schoolwork. I should be able to update more regrly again soon!

 Chapter 63

    <strong>Chapter 63</strong>


    ¡°I am only going to say something then leave. If you don¡¯t tell my father about this matter, then he will never know of it. However, if you choose to bar my way, I will not forget this transgression in the future.¡±


    These jailers knew that could not offend Yang Family¡¯s Young Miss. Anyways, she was just a weak woman. Since wouldn¡¯t be able to rescue the prisoner, it¡¯s fine just to let her have a look.


    ¡°This¡­ alright. Young Miss, just go inside and take a look, then immediatelye back.¡±


    ¡°En, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t create any trouble for you guys.¡±


    Zi Moyan heard footstepse closer and closer. He knew that Yang Yue had alreadye inside.


    As the distance between the two people shortened, Yang Yue¡¯s figure gradually became more clear. She was wearing a pale purple dress.


    The purple color stood out in the moonlight. As before, she was beautiful, her manner gentle, but with a calmer look in her eyepared to before. It seemed as if she had suddenly grown up. Her eyes tightly locked on the white figure before, not straying even the slightest bit.


    The jailer opened the door and reminded once again: ¡°Young Miss, whatever matters you have, hurry up and say it. Don¡¯t dy for too long.¡±


    Yang Yue softly nodded her head and replied: ¡°Yes, I know. Go.¡±


    She slowly walked closer, her eyes gentle, and gradually revealed an intense obsession that was not there before. As she hugged Zi Moyan, she warmly dered: ¡°Young Master Zi, I believe that you are not the Jiang Hu imposter that my father says you are. You didn¡¯t approach my family with ulterior motives, right?¡±


    Zi Moyan originally wanted to push Yang Yue away, but after he felt the warmth from his shoulder, he put down his hand.


    Jiang Hu imposter? What does she mean by saying this?


    ¡°Miss Yang, what do mean by this? What have I done wrong, to cause your father to act in this way toward me?¡±


    Yang Yue removed herself from Zi Moyan¡¯s arms. His face seemed slightly flushed red, and his clean cut eyebrows were furrowed tightly. His angry appearance was still incredibly good-looking.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, of course I believe in you. In the beginning, I did not know what was happening. Once I returned home, I asked my father, who said that you were a Jiang Hu imposter who approached our house will ill intentions. This must be because that Prime Minister ndered you. Since he wasn¡¯t able to win me over, he didn¡¯t want you to have a good life either. It¡¯s all my fault. I told him that I liked you, and it ended up causing this. But you must believe that my father is a good person.who is loyal to the emperor and the empire. I plead you not to me him.¡±


    Zi Moyan realized that this incident was rted to that fake Prime Minister. Da Zhu, that mountain bandit, wouldn¡¯t use such methods to take care of me. He must be under the control of someone else right now. And that person¡¯s goal must be the Gold Dragon Bow!


    Zi Moyan¡¯s face eased up a lot. He calmly look at the slightly worried Yang Yue, and said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I already understand now. I won¡¯t take it to heart.¡±


    Yang Yue broke into a smile, looked at him shyly, and whispered: ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She suddenly remembered that there was one more matter. She took out a small bottle of medicine from her sleeve and gave it to Zi Moyan: ¡°Young Master Zi, this is a life-saving detoxification pill. If you ever encounter any dangerous circumstances in the future, you can use it.¡±


    Zi Moyan picked up the small white bottle. The cool touch of the jade caused him to feel a bit moved in his heart. When he spoke, it was obvious his voice was much more gentle than before. ¡°Thank you Miss, for your good intentions. I ept them. If I do get released, I will be sure to thank you well.¡± He pulled out an embroidered handkerchief, and presented it to Yang Yue. ¡°This is your sister¡¯s handkerchief. She had identally dropped it. Can you return it for me in my stead?¡±


    Yang Yue took the embroidered handkerchief, nodded, and obediently replied: ¡°I got it, rest assured. I will absolutely give it to her.¡±


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