In the silence, Consort De suddenly burst into tears: "No, it can't be! Your Highness, please think of something to save our child!"
Driven by maternal instinct, she practically snatched the unconscious child from Xuan Yuan Che's arms and held him tightly.
"Murong Wei, you're talking nonsense! You're all talking nonsense! Qi'er is perfectly fine, how could he be beyond saving?"
"Your Highness, please save Qi'er! Your Highness, let's find another doctor, okay! Your Highness!"
Xuan Yuan Che's handsome face remained gloomy as he said indifferently, "Imperial Physician Lin, is there really no other way?"
Imperial Physician Lin shook his head and said, "We can only try applying ice to see if it can bring down the fever, but... the hope is slim!"
Xuan Yuan Che didn't speak, but looked at Murong Wei, who simply nodded apologetically without saying a word.
"Someone, bring ice!" Empress Dowager Xi
immediately ordered. Consort De held Xuan Yuan Mingqi and cried incessantly, her soaked veil slowly falling down without her noticing.
Facing the child who had just framed her and caused her to be punished a few days ago, and his venomous mother, Murong Wei's heart was still heavy. Putting everything else aside, as a mother, she could understand Consort De's grief more than anyone else. She was stunned, bewildered, and lost in thought, and then she thought of Ye Bao.
Fortunately, she had been ruthless enough to send Ye Bao away back then.
It had always been a legend that Prince Qi's children never lived past ten years old, but today, she had witnessed it with her own eyes.
Soon, a palace maid brought ice, and Imperial Physician Lin helped to apply ice to Xuan Yuanmingqi, while Prince Qi stood up and coldly asked, "Who is Imperial Physician Li?"
"Your Highness... this subordinate deserves to die! Your Highness!"
Suddenly, one of the imperial physicians kneeling on the ground looked up and shouted, then kowtowed repeatedly, "Your Highness, this humble subject deserves to die, I cannot escape the blame, this humble subject knows his crime!"
Now that things had come to this, and after such a mistake, the imperial physician did not dare to beg for mercy, seemingly resigned to death.
"Guards, drag him out and behead him." Xuan Yuanche's voice was so cold that Murong Wei couldn't help but look up at him, but even her sharpest eyes couldn't see through the secrets hidden in his deep eyes.
"Your Highness, this sinful subject knows his crime, please, Your Highness, have mercy!
Please, Your Highness, have mercy!" "Your Majesty, have mercy!"
Physician Li hurriedly knelt down and moved to Xuan Yuanlie's front, grabbing his legs and pleading repeatedly.
"Useless thing!" Xuan Yuanlie was furious, kicking him away hard and shouting, "Drag him out!"
Two burly slaves immediately stepped forward and dragged Physician Li out of the tent. In the heavy atmosphere, only Physician Lin sighed repeatedly and Consort De wept softly.
"Who applied the medicine to the Prince yesterday? Step forward!" Suddenly, Xuan Yuanlie said coldly.
The kneeling physicians didn't move, all bowing their heads, trembling with fear.
"Who?!" Xuan Yuanlie roared, slamming his fist on the table!
Murong Wei was so shocked she almost suffocated; her heart pounded not just faster, but nearly stopped!
Who had applied the medicine to Xuan Yuan Mingqi yesterday?
Thankfully, she hadn't!
"Weiwei, that was close...that was close!" Xuan Yuan Li whispered beside her, only now realizing that if Murong Wei had drugged Xuan Yuan Mingqi that day, let alone murdering the Prince, she wouldn't even have enough heads to gobble down for the consequences!
"Who was it?!" Xuan Yuan Lie's voice suddenly turned cold.
"No one applied the medicine to Qi'er yesterday; I applied it myself." Xuan Yuan Che spoke calmly, his clear voice tinged with sadness, but without the overwhelming grief of Consort De.
Murong Wei suddenly looked at him, completely stunned!
Because of this, that's why he punished her with ten strokes of the cane that day?
Because of this, that's why he allowed her and Princess Qi Xi to be falsely accused?
He actually knew something would happen?
Was that it?
Xuanyuan Lie frowned, then simply turned and sat down with a helpless expression.
"Alas, it's all that useless servant's fault. He was so careless, raising such a grown child... Sigh... Che'er, Consort De, please accept my condolences." The Eastern Empress Dowager sighed repeatedly, gently patted Xuanyuan Che's back, and turned to leave.
The Western Empress Dowager also sat down. Everyone watched as Imperial Physician Lin tirelessly applied ice to Xuanyuan Mingqi's skin, took his pulse, and checked his temperature. His brows furrowed deeper and deeper, his hands trembled more and more violently, and everyone remained silent...
The final effort ended with a heart-wrenching cry from Consort De.
The nearly five-year-old, pampered child couldn't withstand such torment.
In the silence, Imperial Physician Lin slowly knelt down, prostrating himself and saying, "Empress Dowager, Prince Qi, Consort De... please accept my condolences."
"No! I don't want it! Qi'er can still be saved! You're lying! Qi'er can still be saved!"
"Your Highness, our child can still be saved, right? Please save him, Your Highness!"
"Empress Dowager, please save Qi'er! You loved Qi'er the most! Empress Dowager!"
...
Consort De went mad, pleading with everyone she met, her voice hoarse from crying.
The child lay quietly on the warm couch, his face, flushed from a high fever, gradually turning pale, and finally, he breathed his last.
"Empress Dowager, Seventh Brother, please accept my condolences..." Xuan Yuanlie said calmly, rising to order, "Guards, the Fifth Prince of Qi's residence, Xuan Yuanmingqi, has unfortunately passed away. A coffin made of golden nanmu wood is hereby granted. After the autumn hunt, a date will be chosen for his burial in the imperial mausoleum!"
As soon as he finished speaking, eunuchs and maids rushed in to prepare for the funeral.
Death is so merciless, and the hierarchy is so cruel. After all, he was only a prince, not a prince. Xuan Yuanmingqi's death could not delay the autumn hunt, and Prince Qi and Consort De could not withdraw. They had to choose a day after the hunt to bury him.
Murong Wei was pulled out of the tent by Xuan Yuanli. The two looked at each other, understanding each other without words, and returned to the tent in silence.
"Murong Wei, Seventh Brother protected you that day!" Xuan Yuanli said calmly.
"You think so too?" Murong Wei slumped down.
"Or... maybe it was a coincidence." Xuan Yuanli said.
Just then, someone rushed in without announcing.
"You brat, who let you in!" Xuan Yuanli roared. It was Xuan Yuanqi!
"Xuan Yuanmingqi died young, how could this happen?" Xuan Yuanqi asked anxiously.
"Physician Li used the wrong medicine, causing the wound to become infected. I warned you about that wound yesterday, to stay away from that brat, but you wouldn't listen! If it were a prince today, he would definitely hold you responsible!" Xuan Yuanli warned.
"Thank goodness, Murong Wei, you didn't apply the medicine that day, or you would surely be dead today!" Xuan Yuan Qixi said seriously, then suddenly sat down, only to jump up in pain!
"Princess, here's some medicine for you, it's quite effective." Murong Wei handed her a bottle of medicine, saying nothing more, her face grave, and turned to go into the inner room…
They should have been busy preparing for tomorrow's battle, but many were delayed by the sudden death of the young prince. After all, he was the son of Prince Qi, and comfort and care were essential. Even Yelü Lingrong went to Consort De's tent.
Murong Wei remained in the inner room, facing the family tree on the wall, her brows furrowed, seemingly deep in thought or lost in thought.
"That brat is so annoying, and she's only leaving now," Xuan Yuanli complained as he entered.
Murong Wei ignored him, staring intently at the family tree.
Xuan Yuanli glanced at the pen in her hand and frowned. "What is this?"
"A pen," Murong Wei said calmly.
"A pen?" Xuan Yuanli asked suspiciously. "This is a pen?"
"Are all those words written with this?"
"No wonder they're so fine. Where did you get this?"
Despite Xuan Yuanli's various questions, Murong Wei remained focused, her brows furrowed, and she didn't answer.
"Hey, are you really scared? Actually, it was bound to happen sooner or later, but I didn't expect you to almost get involved this time!" Xuan Yuanli said, still shaken by Xuan Yuanmingqi's untimely death. The young princes of the Qi Prince's mansion always died in the mansion; Xuan Yuanmingqi was the first to die outside, and in the hunting grounds no less.
"Shh, I'm thinking! Don't make a sound!" Murong Wei frowned and pushed him aside, her eyes fixed on the relationship chart. She lightly circled three names on the paper with her pen: Gu Xizhi, Ren Fan, and Minister Li of the Military Affairs Department.
"What...what does this mean?" Xuan Yuanli couldn't help but ask again.
"You must do your best tomorrow, you must win. I'll handle Chen Zui in our group. Prime Minister Gu definitely won't give Yelü Lingrong a hard time. Yelü Lingrong will be the one truly putting in the effort. In your group, it's good enough that Consort De is even showing up after losing her son; she'll definitely be lacking in motivation. I'll send Ren Fan to find out the truth. You go talk to Lord Li later, use both kindness and firmness, understand? You must make him do his best
," Murong Wei said. "What about Prince Qi's group? You need to know, in a four-person relay race, one Prince Qi is equivalent to two people. Gu Xizhi will definitely put in the effort for her sister. Lord Xiao has resented Prince Qi for so many years, so we can ignore him. There aren't many capable people in their group. Even if we ignore the fourth person, just Prince Qi and Gu Xizhi alone, this battle will be very difficult!" Xuan Yuanli said.
"What if I take down Gu Xizhi?" Murong Wei asked.
Xuan Yuanli immediately burst into laughter, saying, "Impossible! Gu Xizhi and Prime Minister Gu will definitely take this opportunity to curry favor with Prince Qi!"
"Want to bet?" Murong Wei's serious little face finally broke into a smile.
"What are your plans?" Xuan Yuanli looked at her suspiciously. Having known her for so long, he naturally understood that Murong Wei wouldn't speak lightly unless she was confident.
"Let's settle these two first. As for Gu Xizhi, you'll find out tomorrow!" Murong Wei smiled gently, circling the names of Ren Fan and Minister Li of the Military Affairs Department with her pen.
"Minister Li of the Military Affairs Department is fine, but Ren Fan is probably just here for fun. We tricked him at the last auction; aren't you worried he'll hold a grudge?" Xuan Yuanli asked.
"Big merchants don't hold grudges like that. The kind of person he is, if he needs something, he'll definitely do you a favor first. We might as well owe him a favor first." Murong Wei said with a smile.
"He contacted you?" Xuan Yuanli asked anxiously.
"Trying to poach our talent. Should we let him poach us?" Murong Wei laughed happily.
"Just accept his favor; I have no intention of repaying it!" Xuan Yuanli said earnestly.
"Then I'll owe it to you for now!" Murong Wei said, about to leave, but Xuan Yuanli still spoke up calmly, "Weiwei, what do you think about Xuan Yuanmingqi's matter?"
"It's his fate. It's just that his mother could have avoided it, but she insisted on squeezing into the imperial family." Murong Wei said with a faint sigh. Whether it was Consort De, Xuan Yuanmingqi, or even Xuan Yuanche, none of them really had anything to do with her. Whether Prince Qi intentionally or unintentionally protected her and helped her escape a calamity, she wouldn't feel much gratitude.
Because this matter had nothing to do with her, and those ten strokes of the cane were all for nothing.
What truly concerned her was tomorrow's competition, her face and her reputation, Ye Bao, Lao Bai, Xuan Yuanli, Xuan Yuanbingshu, her own strength, and her silent protection of Ye Bao.
If she manages to kill the deer and obtain the "disguise" from Nanzhao to restore her appearance, will her precious son not recognize her?
Her son has never even seen his mother's true face.
"Murong Wei, why are you acting so strangely today?" Xuan Yuanli didn't quite understand her words.
"Let's go, see you later!" Murong Wei smiled.
"Where did you get that pen?" Xuan Yuanli pressed, but Murong Wei had already left.
She didn't go directly to Ren Fan's tent, but circled around before arriving. Tomorrow was the competition; those who could manipulate things were various traitors, and those who could bribe and buy off were even more likely to succeed. The former would result in losing the competition, the latter in disqualification. Every step she took had to be carefully considered!
At this moment, Ren Fan was sitting upright at the table, sipping tea. Dressed in a greyish-white long robe, he exuded no air of wealth, but rather the appearance of a down-on-his-luck scholar. Seeing her enter, he quickly rose, very politely, “Doctor Murong has arrived! Hurry up, this is some newly arrived autumn Pu'er tea, please try it.”
“Young Master Ren, you seem to be in high spirits. The competition is tomorrow, and you seem quite confident,” Murong Wei said with a smile, quickly steer the conversation to the topic.
“Or perhaps you’re like those young ladies, cramming at the last minute?” Ren Fan laughed, not trying to hide his thoughts.
“Young Master Ren is indeed confident. Just as the Thirteenth Master said, you are destined to win tomorrow!” Murong Wei laughed.
“Come, have a taste. It’s sweet and fragrant. Just smelling this tea makes me feel as if I’m in a Bai ethnic village in Nanzhao, surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, peaceful and serene.” Ren Fan held the teacup, closed his eyes, and gently inhaled the aroma, completely at ease.
Murong Wei glanced at the color of the tea, then smelled its aroma, and frowned. Although it was new tea, it wasn't anything special; at best, it was made from leftover scraps from the third processing step. The taste was impure, the color incorrect, and even she, with her discerning palate, didn't want to drink it—it would surely be bitter and astringent.
Even the palace eunuchs wouldn't drink this kind of tea; it was mostly given to servants or slaves doing hard labor.
This wealthy merchant, even if he was stingy, shouldn't he at least have some limits?
Heaven knows how much he'd been cheated out of gold at the auction last time; how many days must his heart have ached? How much resentment would he hold towards her!
He was suffering so much, and he didn't seem to have a family; did he really intend to donate all those gold and silver treasuries to the court officials for their own enjoyment after his death?
"Try it," Ren Fanzhi said respectfully.
Murong Wei had no choice but to take a small sip and smiled, "Not bad."
"I still have some..." Ren Fan was about to continue his enthusiastic invitation when Murong Wei quickly interrupted, saying, "Young Master Ren, why don't we go for a ride and get familiar with the horses? I heard tomorrow's horses are randomly selected."
"Doctor Murong Wei... really wants to win?" Ren Fan asked with a smile. He was indeed a businessman, very perceptive; perhaps he had guessed it the moment Murong Wei entered.
"A competition, isn't it all about winning? Doesn't Young Master Ren want to?" Murong Wei asked calmly.
"Hehe, of course I do, but wanting to is one thing, winning every time isn't guaranteed." Ren Fan smiled, sipping his hot tea, a shrewd glint in his eyes.
"Young Master Ren wants to win every time?" Murong Wei asked again.
"Doesn't... Doctor Murong want to?" Ren Fan countered. The two were exchanging pleasantries, staying on the same point, neither willing to reveal their true intentions.
“As Young Master Ren said, one can only think about things, and many things are uncertain.” Murong Wei said, rising to her feet. “Young Master Ren, I’ve come to return the medicine. This medicine isn’t even needed; my injury has healed on its own. I appreciate your kindness.” With that, she took out a bottle of ointment, pushed it onto the table, and smiled as she took her leave.
What was she trying to express with this action?
“Murong Wei, come to me, and I can give you a piece of my business!” Ren Fan suddenly said. Based on their conversation and her final actions, it was clear that this woman was not only a master of social interaction but also a master of outmaneuvering. Even her words were subtle, without any hint of flattery, bribery, or threats, leaving no evidence to support her claims, yet conveying her meaning perfectly.
“Young Master Ren, wouldn’t it be more interesting if this competition ended in a draw?” Murong Wei finally sat down.
“How would you describe a draw?” Ren Fan asked.
“Consort De is heartbroken over the loss of her son. Winning the first round would be some consolation,” Murong Wei remarked.
“Indeed, indeed.” "Without needing to say more, Ren Fan understood everything and said, 'What I just said, Doctor Murong, please consider it carefully.'"
"Certainly!" Murong Wei smiled happily and turned to leave.
"Murong Wei!" Ren Fan called out hurriedly, seemingly calling her name for the first time.
"Is there anything else you need to ask, Young Master Ren?" Murong Wei asked.
"Take this with you, it's good stuff. You're bound to get bumps and bruises during the autumn hunt, it'll come in handy!" Ren Fan said, tossing her the ointment on the table.
"Thank you very much." Murong Wei accepted the gift, bowed, and left.
Talking to smart people is so easy; no need for so much nonsense, no need to be so direct. A nod is enough, everyone understands, and there's always a way out—it's great.
She had originally thought she'd be there until evening, but it was all over so quickly. Next stop, naturally, was Chen Zui. Remembering Chen Zui's sweet words that day, Murong Wei couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine. However, it seemed she would have to say sweet words herself this time.
Just as she was wryly mocking herself, she suddenly bumped into Xuan Yuanche coming towards her.
She instinctively… She hid, not even knowing why she was hiding. This person was too dangerous, with too many unpredictable behaviors and too many secrets. It was best to observe from afar.
Xuan Yuanche walked hurriedly, his face somber but showing no grief. He seemed busy handling Xuan Yuanmingqi's funeral arrangements; the child had to be sent back to the capital before dark.
Murong Wei watched his figure disappear into the distance before heading towards Chenzui's tent, only to be told that Chenzui hadn't returned yet. Could it be that he'd also gone horseback riding? Did he really want to win all three matches?!
...
Murong Wei waited for a long time, but Shen Zui didn't come. She had no choice but to return to camp for dinner. Xuan Yuan Li, having persuaded Military Advisor Li, was in a great mood and prepared a lavish banquet. Sitting three steps away from him was the uninvited Xuan Yuan Qi Xi.
As soon as Murong Wei entered, she saw a table laden with delicacies, including the roasted lamb leg she hadn't yet tasted.
"Hehe, she's back! Can we start eating now?" Xuan Yuan Qi Xi asked cheerfully. These past few days, she had been frequently summoned by the Empress Dowager to dine with her, and being so proper had been quite stifling. Before Xuan Yuan Li could even speak, she began to eat heartily.
"How is it?" Xuan Yuan Li asked eagerly.
Murong Wei glanced at Xuan Yuan Qi Xi and changed the subject, "The Thirteenth Prince seems to be in a good mood today."
"What did Ren Fan say?" Xuan Yuan Li asked again, disregarding Xuan Yuan Qi Xi's presence.
"You all talk, I'll eat mine," Xuan Yuan Qi Xi said with a smile.
Murong Wei looked at him suspiciously, her guard still high.
“That brat’s mouth is actually the tightest, don’t worry, she’s on my side!” Xuan Yuanli said.
Xuan Yuanqi didn’t mind, and ate on her own. She was clearly hungry, and her delicate little face was soon covered in rice and tea stains, just like a little child.
“He agreed,” Murong Wei said.
“Hehe, I knew you could handle it. Here, I specially had the kitchen make this for you. Tomorrow is the big battle, so we must eat and drink our fill tonight!” Xuan Yuanli was very excited; he hadn’t felt this energetic during the autumn hunt for several years.
Murong Wei smiled, clinked glasses with him, and said, “Celebrating like this so soon after the battle starts, if we win, won’t you treat me to a feast for three days and three nights?”
“It’s a deal!” Xuan Yuanli said, holding up his little finger.
“Haha, Thirteenth Master, how childish of you, still drawing a bow!” Xuan Yuanqi laughed.
“Eat yours!” Xuan Yuanli rolled his eyes at her, stubbornly insisting on pinky swearing with Murong Wei.
"Didn't you only ever make pinkies with your mother and your emperor brother?" Xuan Yuan Qi Xi asked with a smile, sucking on a chicken wing.
"Forget it, no more pinkies! Pinkies never come true!" Xuan Yuan Li withdrew his hand in disappointment, his previously high spirits seemingly plummeting. Xuan Yuan Qi Xi, with her carefree nature, didn't notice. Murong Wei, seeing this, more or less guessed the reason but didn't ask further. She smiled and said, "Thirteenth Prince, do you know how I persuaded Ren Fan?"
"It's just poaching," Xuan Yuan Li said casually.
Murong Wei smiled mysteriously and recounted the whole story, adding embellishments and jokes, making Xuan Yuan Li and Xuan Yuan Qi Xi laugh heartily.
After a satisfying meal, Xuan Yuan Qi Xi was so drunk she was unconscious and had to be helped away by a maid. Xuan Yuan Li, still relatively sober, pulled Murong Wei to go see the horses.
"Thirteenth Prince, sleep well until dawn. Weiwei will wake you on time tomorrow," Murong Wei said softly, helping him to the warm couch.
"I'm not drunk! Murong Wei, do you know how long it's been since I've felt this real fighting spirit? How long it's been since I've been this excited at the hunting grounds!" He lay sprawled on the couch, muttering drunkenly, "Murong Wei, come on, pinky promise! You can't lie to me after you've promised. If we beat them, you'll eat and drink with me for three days and three nights! You can't lie to me like Mother and Brother did!" He
actually reached out and hooked his little finger with hers, but before Murong Wei could even make the pinky promise, his hand fell limply to the ground.
"Sleep well, sleep well, I'll definitely be with you," Murong Wei said softly, a hint of heartache flashing in her eyes. The royal family, indeed, is a place that devours people. Some are never found, and some... their souls are either tainted or broken.
She tucked the blankets around Xuan Yuanli, then changed into a black veil and turned to leave…
The night was deep… Only the lamp in Consort De's tent was still lit. Murong Wei went around to the back of the tent, her figure appearing and disappearing in the darkness. In a short while, she arrived at Gu Xizhi's tent. This tent was not large, right next to Prime Minister Gu's large tent. Two guards stood at the door.
Murong Wei carefully reached the window and saw that it was completely silent inside. By the moonlight, she could vaguely see that this tent was simply a bedroom. Behind the screen in front of the door was a heated couch, and on it, a man was fast asleep, lying on his back. It was none other than Gu Xizhi!
Murong Wei hesitated. It had been a very long time since she had made a move. Seduction and murder—this time she had to achieve seduction without killing. Over the years, her appearance had been ruined, and she had never had the chance. But today, she had to try. This was the only way to deal with young masters like Ren Fan without leaving any evidence.
She pulled at her black veil, cautiously slipped through the window, and rolled silently to the floor like a cat. She rose and went to Gu Xizhi's warm bed.
She approached carefully, took out a nearly empty spray bottle, and sprayed it around him a couple of times. Soon, a light fragrance filled the air—a scent called aphrodisiac, capable of inducing hallucinations.
Nearly six years had passed, she had a child, and now, to touch a strange man, she had truly lost the cold-blooded killer's mentality she once possessed. She hesitated, but ultimately hardened her heart and acted.
She slowly climbed onto the bed, moving with the languid grace of a cat, only her eyes remaining cold and unwavering.
As the fragrance in the air grew stronger, the half-asleep Gu Xizhi gradually sensed a graceful, exquisite body approaching, a pair of long, shapely legs slowly wrapping around his waist.
He desperately wanted to wake up, yet he couldn't fully regain consciousness. Half-asleep, he instinctively reached out and touched a delicate, alluring body. Suddenly, he opened his eyes, flipped over, and pinned the woman beneath him. Even with his eyes open, his consciousness remained clouded; his body and mind were completely dominated by an uncontrollable lust.
"Who are you?" His voice was low and hoarse, brimming with desire.
"Guess," Murong Wei replied sweetly, her voice a seductive softness that melted one's bones.
"No matter who you are, you will be mine!" Gu Xizhi was domineering, but powerless. He desperately wanted it, yet couldn't muster the strength. His moist lips lingered on Murong Wei's neck, but that was all.
“No, I only exist in your dreams. When dawn breaks, you won’t see me anymore.” Murong Wei spoke softly, gently embracing his waist and pressing herself against him, her body exuding allure. Only her slightly cold eyes remained, as cool as an autumn night.
“Tell me, who are you!” Gu Xizhi cried out urgently, pulling her closer and unexpectedly sealing her lips with a kiss.
“Mmm…mmm…” Murong Wei pouted, subtly pushing him away. She gently cupped Gu Xizhi’s face in her small hands, her cool eyes turning alluring, gazing at him with a bewitching intensity.
Gu Xizhi’s dark eyes deepened, reaching their peak, but the confusion and emptiness Murong Wei had anticipated did not appear… Her heart pounded…
The scent of the aphrodisiac grew stronger and stronger.
Murong Wei, lying on the bed, had to hold her breath. She hadn't been exposed to it for so long, and even she found the intense fragrance overwhelming. This scent could affect the central nervous system, acting as an aphrodisiac while simultaneously weakening the limbs.
Even as she began to feel weak, she forced herself to endure. She couldn't be wrong; Gu Xizhi was extremely susceptible to suggestion, and hypnosis would work on him.
Her alluring eyes remained fixed on his dark, deep gaze, but the weight on her body grew heavier and heavier. Her brow furrowed slightly, and finally, in that moment of releasing her breath, after enduring for so long, she finally saw a dazed emptiness in Gu Xizhi's eyes, much like unfocused pupils.
Murong Wei was overjoyed, then whispered softly, "Young Master, if Prince Qi loses tomorrow, I will come back to you and tell you... who I am, tell you... who I belong to."
In her soft voice, Gu Xizhi seemed lost, his mind blank, still murmuring, "Who are you... who are you... don't go... don't go..."
His murmurings faded and became indistinct, and he finally fell asleep.
Murong Wei then carefully got up, still silently escaping through the window, but forgetting to leave. Instead, she collapsed onto the grass, leaning against the camp, completely stunned.
Her clothes were disheveled, her collar wide open, her skirt torn at one corner. It seemed nothing had happened just moments before, but Gu Xizhi's hands had been restless.
Her breathing was heavy, and after a long, long time, she finally raised her head, a helpless self-mockery playing on her lips.
Perhaps she really had changed. Seduction was once her profession, her most skillful trick. Each time she completed a mission, she was relaxed and carefree, humming a tune while taking a hot bath, oblivious to her own feelings, without any psychological burden. But now, things were different.
She actually cared, cared deeply! So much so that tears welled in her eyes.
She composed herself; she couldn't remain lost in thought any longer. Seeing the night patrol guards slowly passing by in the distance, she rose and left, not returning to the Prince's tent, but heading towards the back mountain.
The one thing she urgently needed to do now was take a bath. Whether it was a habit left over from before her transmigration or a mental block, she had to jump into the water immediately.
There was a pool in the back mountain where she practiced her sword; although it was open-air, the surroundings were relatively secluded, and no one would come in the dead of night.
Upon reaching the pool, Murong Wei, disregarding the cold water, quickly stripped off her clothes and plunged into the water. Her graceful figure and snow-white skin were breathtakingly beautiful under the tranquil moonlight.
The water was so cold that goosebumps rose on her skin, but she gritted her teeth and endured it, taking a deep breath and submerging herself completely. A moment later, she surfaced, arms outstretched, swimming in the pool. She quickly adapted to the water temperature; over the past five years, Murong Zi's body had been tempered to tolerate both cold and heat.
She didn't know how much time had passed before her heart finally calmed. As before, she lazily swam on her back, bathed in the afterglow of the moonlight, and then ripped off the thin membrane covering her lips!
The late autumn night, if there were no wind, would be the quietest.
Murong Wei swam to the other side, resting her head against the bank, her eyes slightly narrowed. After a while, she slowly began to peel off the almost imperceptible, faintly fragrant membrane covering her body—she had several bundles of this stuff in her backpack!
This was probably the most heavily guarded of all her actions. She finally managed to tear off the last layer of membrane from her thigh, letting out a huge sigh of relief. A smile played on her lips as she
muttered to herself, "Getting old, getting old, so exhausting." She turned slowly, but her smile froze instantly! Her heart skipped a beat!
A familiar figure was approaching, only ten steps or so from her clothes on the shore!
It was him!
Xuan Yuanmingqi's matter had been resolved yesterday evening. Shouldn't Xuan Yuanche be with the heartbroken Consort De at this time? Why was he here?
He seemed to have just returned from evening sword practice. His usually casually tied black hair was pulled back, making his handsome features even more clear. He was holding a silver-white longsword as he approached from afar.
As she drew nearer, Murong Wei was immediately drawn to the long sword. It bore a striking resemblance to the icy blue sword in Bai Wushang's hand; the blade was silver-white, while the hilt was carved from a piece of crystal-clear white jade, gleaming beautifully in the moonlight.
Murong Wei didn't even have time to sink into the water; her clothes were also eye-catching. She simply didn't try to hide, letting the water reach her neck. After all, she liked swimming in the middle of the night, so what?
"So it's you?" Xuan Yuanche stopped, and from the other side of the bank, he could clearly see Murong Wei's face.
"Please forgive me, Prince Qi, but I cannot bow to you. Men and women should not touch each other. Please excuse me, Prince Qi." Murong Wei was direct; half of her disfigured face was exposed in the moonlight. She didn't even know when she had stopped caring about her appearance in front of this man.
Women dress up for those they love, but what about the other way around?
"Why are you here so late?" Xuan Yuanche didn't retreat, his voice calm yet cold.
Despite being at a complete disadvantage, Murong Wei remained calmer than him, replying, "There are no bathhouses in the camp. I couldn't bear the stench, so I secretly came here to bathe at night when no one was around."
"There are hot springs at the southern palace. You can ask the Empress Dowager for her token to bathe there," Xuan Yuanche said calmly. Though he appeared to be a cool and aloof gentleman, his gaze remained fixed on her without any attempt to conceal it.
"Thank you, Prince Qi. I remember now. Please excuse me, Your Highness," Murong Wei insisted.
Xuan Yuanche nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave.
Murong Wei waited for a long time, making sure no one was around, before hurriedly getting ashore and dressing. She hadn't felt anything in the water, but once ashore, she realized how cold it was. She hugged herself tightly, put on a veil, and quickly left.
Then, just as she emerged from the grove of trees she had to pass through, she saw that tall and slender figure standing alone in front of her. He had one hand behind his back and the other holding a long sword. His high-tied black hair blocked the howling north wind, and his black hair and white clothes fluttered in the wind, making him seem like a solitary figure in the vast world. Although he was only a few steps away, she felt that he was like a celestial being from the heavens, who could ride the wind and go away at any time.
Undeniably, his mere presence—standing still, silent, without even turning around—was enough to steal the souls of countless women, and she was perhaps one of them. Although she knew she couldn't judge a book by its cover, couldn't believe in love at first sight, and knew this man wasn't simple, that he was dangerous to her, and even more so to Ye Bao, she still couldn't control her heartbeat. Not for anything else, but for that silhouette…
Reason always needs time to overcome feeling. She gave a self-deprecating smile, strode over, and without asking any questions, said calmly, "Your Highness, I shall take my leave."
"There were wolves in the back mountains; I'll accompany you back," Xuan Yuanche said calmly, following behind her.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Murong Wei bowed slightly, not turning around, until Xuan Yuanche had walked ahead, then she straightened up and followed.
Such long periods of solitude seemed rare. Before, when she hadn't seen him and hadn't had a chance to approach him, Murong Wei had so many questions and doubts. The journey back would take several cups of tea, yet she remained silent, as did Xuan Yuanche.
Only when they were almost at the camp area did he say calmly, "Wolves roam the north and west at night. Avoid going there alone. You can practice your swordsmanship in the southern forest when there's no hunting."
"Yes. This humble subject just plays around; I don't really study," Murong Wei explained.
Xuan Yuanche didn't say anything more, turning right back to his own tent. Murong Wei gently patted her chest before heading towards the Li Wang camp, still somewhat frightened. This guy, like Bai Wushang, always appeared and disappeared without a trace.
Just as she was thinking this, she was startled again after only a few steps when a dark figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere from behind the Li Wang camp, landing in front of her!
[A captivating sight!]
"Weiwei, where have you been? I've been waiting for so long!" Shen Zui asked anxiously, his concern even more exaggerated this time.
"Shen...Young Master Shen, is something wrong?" Murong Wei asked without thinking.
"I heard from the servants that you came looking for me twice, so I was afraid you had something urgent to attend to, so I came to wait for you! You'll see me as soon as you wake up and go outside," Shen Zui said softly.
Murong Wei wasn't overwhelmed with emotion, but her heart trembled. Fortunately, she had heard countless sweet words, even more exaggerated ones, so she remained calm. She gazed at Shen Zui, her eyes quickly filling with tears of emotion, and said, "Young Master Shen, Weiwei doesn't deserve this treatment. There are many people better than Weiwei. Why are you so persistent?"
"I only wish to be with you for life, hand in hand, wandering the world together. Murong Wei, I, Shen Zui, am serious," Shen Zui said, taking Murong Wei's cold hand and gazing at her affectionately.
“Young Master Shen… I…” Murong Wei was almost in tears, but she still subtly pushed his hand away.
“Weiwei, don’t cry. From today onwards, I will definitely win these three matches for you! As long as you smile, I will do anything.” Shen Zui said confidently.
“Young Master, are you serious?” Murong Wei was almost laughing.
“I am serious.” Shen Zui said.
“Consort De is heartbroken from the loss of her son and has no choice but to participate. In today’s match, shall we let her win?” Murong Wei said kindly.
“Let her win?” Shen Zui frowned.
“Hmm, perhaps, if we win, Consort De will be happier.” Murong Wei said calmly.
“It’s up to you. As long as you’re happy.” Shen Zui was very generous.
"Then it's a deal, thank you, Young Master Shen." Murong Wei was about to bow when Shen Zui quickly helped her up, saying ambiguously
, "I've never seen you in riding attire before; you'll surely be in for a treat today." "See you later then." Murong Wei smiled, a smile that suddenly gave Shen Zui a feeling of being used, but he was just happy to accept it. He refused to believe that such a gentle approach wouldn't win her heart!
When he married her and brought her back to the Shen family, he would show her what true manipulation was!
...
As dawn broke, the resounding bugle calls echoed continuously.
The excitement of the autumn hunt was about to officially begin.
Several miles from the main camp, on the open plains, hunting flags fluttered in the wind. Whether they were participants, spectators, or even the emperor and empress dowagers seated on the platform, everyone was dressed in riding attire, with flowing ribbons in their hair and leather riding boots.
All preparations were underway. Slaves brought their racehorses one after another, lining them up in front of the high platform.
Three pairs of riders stood behind their horses, their flowing ribbons the ones they had drawn that day.
Murong Wei, in her bright red riding attire, and Xuan Yuanli, in his gold-trimmed white brocade riding attire, attracted countless eyes as they arrived from the main camp.
There is a kind of woman whose beauty lies not in her physical features, but in her temperament. Her appearance may fade with age, but her temperament will mature with time and experience, developing into a unique charm.
There is another type of woman whose beauty lies not in her appearance or features, nor in her demeanor, but in her aura. She can make all the women around her pale in comparison simply by standing there.
Perhaps Murong Wei is neither of these, or perhaps she is all of them.
Amidst the admiring gazes of the crowd, she remained as composed as she was amidst their disdainful stares.
"Weiwei, the color I chose suits you, doesn't it? Look at those people in their bright red riding outfits, not one of them brings out your style!" Xuan Yuanli whispered.
Many women present were dressed in bright red or purple, while Xuan Yuanche, Xuan Yuanli, and Chen Zui were all dressed in brocade white with gold trim. Ren Fan, however, was dressed in a dull gray; if you didn't see his face, he looked exactly like a soldier!
"Shh… listen to the rules!" Murong Wei whispered, pushing him back into the ranks. She casually glanced at Gu Xizhi in the Qi King's team, and seeing his uneasy expression, Murong Wei knew what was going on.
Consort De, standing to the side, attended as scheduled, dressed in a magnificent purple. Having played the role of Murong Zi for many years, she frequently wore purple, a color that undoubtedly served as a constant reminder of her true identity.
Like Consort De, she wore a veil, but her large eyes were red and swollen from crying, her gaze lifeless, her head bowed, completely devoid of her usual arrogant demeanor. Xuan Yuanche, in his riding attire, displayed a ruggedness rarely seen in him. His hands were behind his back, gripping a long black whip with a small barb, its purpose unknown. His son's departure seemed commonplace to him; his eyes remained calm and composed, his expression serene and collected.
Murong Wei glanced at Ren Fan again, smiling helplessly. Ren Fan, who happened to be looking at her, gave her a faint smile, as if to reassure her.
"Weiwei, you look beautiful today," Chen Zui whispered unexpectedly in her ear from behind.
"Thank you for the compliment, Young Master Shen. Are you ready?" Murong Wei reminded him, stepping aside.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Shen Zui smiled, retreating again.
The old eunuch was solemnly explaining the rules and procedures of the competition. This time, the horse race was a relay race, with each team selecting four riders, each choosing their own order and positions.
The race distance was forty li, and the first team to reach the finish line would win.
Along the forty-li course, there was a flat section at the beginning and end, two hills in the middle, a forest, and an obstacle course near the finish line consisting of huge wooden stakes of varying heights. The horses had to cross these obstacles to reach the finish line.
The horses were selected randomly on the spot, four out of twenty.
This horse relay race not only tested riding skills but also the ability to get along with the horses and the skill in selecting them.
The twenty horses were all specially trained racehorses from the hunting grounds, but they were from different years and had varying load-bearing capacities. Some could gallop continuously for a hundred miles, while others could only manage a short obstacle course. Some were gentle and docile, while others were extremely irritable and impossible to control.
Each horse could only be chosen once, and changing horses midway was not allowed, making this first step of horse selection extremely important.
After the old eunuch explained the competition rules, the emperor, as was customary, would come out and give a long speech. Murong Wei ignored him, focusing instead on observing the twenty horses.
After a long wait, Xuan Yuanlie bestowed a sacred meaning upon the competition with a series of grand words. Then, amidst the traditional sound of suona horns, the leaders of the three groups finally began selecting their horses.
Prince Qi led the way, followed by Xuan Yuanli and Yelü Lingrong. There were also rules for choosing horses: from the first horse to the last, one had to be chosen, and there was no going back.
The twenty horses were of various colors—black, white, and red—all purebreds. Prince Qi walked very slowly, showing his seriousness. Murong Wei frowned, watching with growing concern. Even if Gu Xizhi and Minister Xiao of the Ministry of Personnel were slow and inattentive, Prince Qi might still outrun Xuan Yuanli's group.
"I want this one," he said, stopping and gently stroking the head of a white horse. Murong Wei didn't know much about horse selection, only that the horse was quite docile.
Yelü Lingrong, an expert in this area, quickly chose a handsome black horse. Xuan Yuanli, on the other hand, was a procrastinator, touching almost every horse from start to finish, finally having to choose the last one, much to Murong Wei's frustration, who kept rolling her eyes at him.
After choosing their horses, the three groups gathered to assign tasks. The forty-mile journey consisted of four routes: flat land, small hills, forests, more small hills, and obstacle courses.
"Prime Minister Gu, you run the first lane to the foot of the mountain. Young Master Shen will run the second lane, responsible for the two small hills and the woods. Doctor Murong will run from the foot of the mountain to the obstacle course. The rest is up to me." Yelü Lingrong's words were polite, but her tone was very commanding, leaving no
room for discussion. However, it seemed that no matter how she arranged things, no one would object. Murong Wei and
Shen Zui nodded happily. Nearby, the other two groups of people, Qi Wang and Xuan Yuanli, were already prepared. Qi Wang's group had Gu Xizhi running the first lane! Xuan Yuanli's group had the easiest flat area to run the first lane for Consort De.
"It's actually Gu Xizhi..." Shen Zui whispered.
"The easiest one is being run by Gu Xizhi! What is he trying to do?" Murong Wei frowned. Xuan Yuanche, leading Minister Xiao of the Ministry of Personnel and a lady from an official's family, passed by without even glancing at them.
"What a waste of talent! You didn't bribe Gu Xizhi and get caught by Prince Qi, did you?" Chen Zui asked with a smile.
"You're overthinking it!" Murong Wei rolled her eyes at him and strode away. They had to get to the track to prepare!
Within the time it takes to drink three cups of tea, all three groups were ready. No one could change positions arbitrarily. A loud horn blared in the distance; the race was about to begin!
Murong Wei peered at the obstacle course from the second bare hilltop, but couldn't see a single member of Prince Qi's group. Could they all be gathered behind this hill?
What was Prince Qi planning? She had a strong premonition that Xuan Yuanche seemed determined to win this race!
At the starting line, three fine horses rode side by side, with Gu Xizhi and his son, Prime Minister Gu, competing together. Adding to the spectacle was the grief-stricken Consort De, making the first race particularly exciting.
Xuan Yuanlie, the two empress dowagers, Princess Qixi, and others had also mounted their horses, intending to walk along the flat road to observe the race.
Prime Minister Gu gave Gu Xizhi a wink, seemingly wanting to say something, but with Consort De in between, he had to refrain.
"Your Majesty, the auspicious hour has arrived," the old eunuch said respectfully.
Xuan Yuanlie glanced at the three, a cold smile playing on his lips, and slowly raised a bright yellow hunting flag.
Instantly, the entire arena fell silent. Gu Xizhi and Prime Minister Gu both looked towards the flag, while Consort De remained with her head bowed, showing no sign of morale.
"Three…two…" Xuan Yuanlie counted down, and by the time he reached one, the bright yellow flag was already high in the air.
"Qi Xi, your thirteenth brother is doomed to lose." Xuan Yuanlie chuckled softly, and as he spoke, he suddenly flung the hunting flag down from front to back!
"Whoosh...whoosh...whoosh!"
"Clatter...clatter...clatter!"
The sound of whips cracking and hooves thundering filled the air as Prime Minister Gu and his son Gu Xizhi dashed off like arrows, immediately earning applause. The Emperor and his ministers lowered their eyes, naturally determined to fight to the death.
Their figures had long since disappeared from sight, but Consort De remained head bowed, lost in a daze.
No one paid her any attention, all following Prime Minister Gu and Gu Xizhi. However, before they even reached the foot of the first mountain, Gu Xizhi dismounted!
Minister Xiao from the Ministry of Personnel and the young lady from the official's family, along with Prince Qi, were all waiting there. What was going on?! Minister
Xiao was the second to mount, but after only a few steps, he dismounted again, taking the reins from the young lady. She, too, only ran a few steps before pulling the reins to a stop.
Xuan Yuanlie frowned, while the onlookers whispered amongst themselves. It seemed Prince Qi intended to run the entire race alone!
This method, though extremely risky, completely prevented anyone in the group from deliberately stalling for time. Undoubtedly, Prince Qi was determined to win this race!
Xuan Yuanche remained calm, ignoring the surrounding onlookers and whispers. He gently stroked his horse, then mounted and galloped away.
Gu Xizhi watched his retreating figure with a frown, lost in thought… At this moment, not far behind, Consort De arrived late.
“Your Majesty, has Prime Minister Gu defeated Prince Qi? Let’s go to the finish line. There’s nothing interesting to see today,” the Empress Dowager said with a cold laugh.
"No, this time, with Chen Zui and Ren Fan, I refuse to believe he can still take first place!" Xuan Yuan Lie, brimming with confidence, caught up with the hill ahead…
Murong Wei waited anxiously on the second hill, her heart pounding even harder than if she were actually about to win.
Her spot was the only way down the second hill; the first person to pass through here was highly likely to win the competition.
Therefore, for Xuan Yuan Li to win, the Grand Councilor Li, after Consort De, had to arrive first!
She looked back ahead and could see Yelü Lingrong and Xuan Yuan Li waiting side-by-side at the obstacle course. Both groups had similar strategies, placing their strongest members last.
The wait was agonizing. Murong Wei paced back and forth, her greatest fear being that the first person she would see would be that familiar, silent face. She was wary of him above all else!
However, a long, long time passed, and he was nowhere to be seen.
Even at the slowest pace, he should have arrived by now. What was going on?
She frowned, stopped, and immediately jumped up after sitting on a large rock!
Who did she see?! On the bare hillside, a man in white riding a fine horse... slowly... approached! It
was Chen Zui!
Wasn't it agreed that he would lose? How could he break his promise!
"What's going on?" she rushed up, frowning as she asked.
"Too slow, I can't stand it anymore, you take over!" Chen Zui, covered in sweat, dismounted and handed the reins to Murong Wei.
"Slow?" Murong Wei was puzzled.
"Consort De is too slow, which is causing Minister Li of the Military Affairs Department to be late in mounting his horse. If I wait any longer, it will seem fake, you take over!" Chen Zui said helplessly.
"What about Prince Qi and the others?" Murong Wei asked anxiously.
"I didn't notice, have they passed by?" Chen Zui asked again.
"No! All their men are stationed before this mountain, including Prince Qi, they can't be this slow!" Murong Wei said, having no choice but to mount her horse; she couldn't stop halfway.
They were almost down the hill, and if they kept going like this, their group would win!
"Could it be that Prince Qi, like you, is determined to lose?" Chen Zui asked, raising an eyebrow.
Murong Wei ignored him, carefully reining in her horse. Many eyes were watching from afar; she had to ensure the horse moved forward while maintaining a slow pace.
Even as she began to descend the hill, no one was chasing after her.
"Come on, come on, you can win this round if you want," Chen Zui urged.
Murong Wei remained silent, constantly looking back. If she won this time, Ren Fan and Xuan Yuanli might not be able to handle Prince Qi in the next round.
Chen Zui trotted alongside her, showing no annoyance at her indifference, her temper unusually good.
Suddenly!
The clatter of hooves came from afar behind her. Murong Wei turned her head hastily, her heart pounding, silently chanting, "Ren Fan, Ren Fan, Ren Fan, Ren Fan..."
However, when that leisurely and calm white figure appeared, her heart almost stopped pounding!
It was him!
Xuan Yuanche!
He rode a tall white horse, like a cold and lonely immortal, slowly approaching her. It should have been an extremely intense and tense horse race, yet there was no sense of urgency whatsoever!
Only her heart was tense; she couldn't figure out what this guy was up to, why he was so slow. Had she guessed wrong? He had arranged for everyone to be in front, not giving anyone a chance to stall, not to win, but to lose, was that it?
He was getting closer and closer, and Murong Wei awkwardly turned her head. He was expressionless, staring straight ahead, one hand lightly holding the reins, the other behind his back, playing with the barbed whip, seemingly utterly relaxed, yet also ready for battle at any moment!
He didn't pass by her, but walked beside her at
a leisurely pace. With his skill, crossing the obstacle course from the top of the mountain to the bottom would only take him the time it takes to brew a cup of tea. The atmosphere was extremely awkward. Even Chen Zui didn't speak. In the ensuing silence, the clatter of hooves finally returned. Murong Wei excitedly turned around to see Ren Fan galloping towards her, panting heavily!
At the same time, without turning around, Xuan Yuanche's lips curled into a playful smile. He let out a soft sigh, and amidst Murong Wei's joy, he shouted sharply, "Giddy up!"
Instantly, his figure shot off like an arrow!
How could this be?
Before Chen Zui and Murong Wei could even recover, Ren Fan had already whipped his horse and given chase, his figure whistling away like the wind!
"Damn it!" Murong Wei couldn't help but curse, whipping her horse to catch up. She finally understood what Xuan Yuanche meant! He had seen through her lack of desire to win, which was why he dared to dawdle so leisurely until Ren Fan caught up!
This was the path down the mountain. All the trees on the hill had been cleared away for easier viewing. The mountain road was a winding, circular route, circling the entire mountain three times from the summit to the foot. It had many sharp bends and steep slopes; one wrong step and you'd plunge straight down!
However, all of this seemed unable to stop Xuan Yuanche and Ren Fan's speed. The rapid clatter of hooves, like the drumbeats of a charge, echoed throughout the small hill. Murong Wei's long, black hair billowed wildly behind her. She leaned forward, one hand holding the reins, the other constantly cracking the whip, her legs occasionally spurring at the horse's belly. Her eyes were fixed straight ahead, completely focused. Although her speed wasn't as fast as the white and gray figures ahead, which moved like the wind, it was still extremely fast. Her fiery red riding attire made her look like a streak of fire flying through the mountains. The whistling wind constantly blew past her ears, blurring the sound of the clattering hooves ahead...
She gritted her teeth and chased desperately, finally seeing Ren Fan's slowed figure ahead. It was a sharp bend after a downhill slope. From here, there was only a cliff with no road ahead. She couldn't see what the road looked like after the bend. This kind of place was the most dangerous. If the horse couldn't stop its hooves, even by just one more step, it would surely plunge into the cliff. So she had to slow down.
Xuan Yuanche was nowhere to be seen; only Ren Fan slowed down his descent.
"Young Master Ren! Move aside!" Murong Wei suddenly shouted.
Ren Fan turned around and saw her rushing down the steep slope at high speed, "Giddy up...giddy up...giddy up!"
She charged down rapidly, the howling wind whipping at her, growing stronger and stronger, making her clothes rustle. Her eyes were filled with tears, almost blinding her. It felt like she was recklessly charging towards a precipice, heading towards death.
"Murong Wei! Are you crazy!" Ren Fan shouted, but he could only retreat. This was a steep slope, with a cliff below; he couldn't stop her!
Soon, Murong Wei whizzed past him, followed closely by Chen Zui, his clear eyes darkening. Was this woman courting death?
It was just a competition; was it necessary to be so reckless with Xuan Yuanche?
He was about to leap into the air when Ren Fan lashed out with his whip, stopping him.
"What do you mean?" Chen Zui asked coldly.
“Respect her choice. If she dares to do it, let her do it.” Ren Fan said,
then whipped his horse and continued chasing. Murong Wei was almost at the bottom of the steep slope, the cliff drawing ever closer, only ten steps away. It was a real cliff, and the right turn was a sharp right angle with no curve at all. She stared intently at the path, clearly sensing the horse's fear, and knowing she had to stop at the sharp turn—a difficult stop at that moment!
But she knew even more clearly that if she turned this way, she could catch up with Prince Qi! Even if
Xuan Yuanli couldn't win, she couldn't let Prince Qi win, otherwise the next two rounds would be even more difficult.
“Clatter, clatter, clatter!” Only ten steps left, and she still didn't pull the reins. Her small, white hands, already swollen and red from three loops of the reins, were preparing. She silently counted her steps, intending to pull the reins within three steps, giving herself three steps away from the cliff! Seven steps
! Six steps! Five steps! Clatter! Clatter! Clatter!
Four steps! "
Murong Wei! Reinforce the reins!" Ren Fan stopped and roared.
*Clang!* Three steps!
"Hurry..." Finally, she jerked the reins, leaning back, attempting to turn right as the horse reared up.
However, it seemed she had used too much force; the horse neighed in terror, rearing up wildly, veering left and right as if trying to throw her off!
At the crucial moment, the horse was enraged!
Murong Wei frowned, not only needing to stabilize the horse on the edge of the cliff but also buying time. Three bloody welts appeared on her hands, the blood blurring the reins, showing the force she had used!
The horse still wouldn't come down, forcing her to whip it fiercely. "Whoosh..."
Suddenly, the horse neighed sharply, unexpectedly rearing up and charging forward!
Murong Wei's heart skipped a beat; she lost control and plunged down, crashing heavily onto the horse's back. The horse lost its footing and plunged off the cliff!
"Murong Wei!"
Ren Fan shouted in panic from the steep slope. Chen Zui flew straight towards her, but Murong Wei was still in a state of fear and panic. As her horse buckled, her body sank, but she managed to keep herself from being thrown off the cliff!
The horse didn't dare to move, obediently lying down to await rescue. Murong Wei turned her head to the right and immediately saw the cold, white-clad figure of Prince Qi so close, so close that if she and her horse stood up, they could catch up!
"Murong Wei, don't move!" Chen Zui shouted.
But it was too late. Murong Wei gently patted the horse's head, her eyes lowered, and carefully dismounted. Dismounting was easy; it was just a matter of getting up. But if the horse was startled again at this moment, it would be unexpected!
Chen Zui landed beside her, one foot on the ground, the other already ready to step up, holding his breath nervously, not daring to disturb her any further.
Murong Wei was completely focused, yet her movements were anything but slow. She'd barely straightened one leg before the other slammed off the horse!
Before she could even catch her breath, her bloodied hand suddenly gripped the reins. With a "whoosh," she pulled the terrified horse to its feet with a strength she didn't know she possessed.
The horse stood, but its temper flared, wildly turning its head and desperately trying to break free of the saddle and reins. Murong Wei ignored it completely, swiftly pulling it to a corner, leaping back onto the horse, one hand tightly gripping the reins to control the direction, the other lashing the whip mercilessly. Without even glancing at Chen Zui, she continued on her way, her gaze sharp and unwavering.
The horse initially struggled as it ran, but it was quickly tamed, growing faster and faster until it was as swift as the wind!
Murong Wei felt neither relief nor joy; her nerves were taut, her heart pounding. Her eyes, red from the wind, were fixed on the approaching figure. Ren Fan was lagging behind; she had to overtake him, and she had to buy Yelü Lingrong more time. The obstacle course led to the finish line, and everyone was watching. Yelü Lingrong had put herself last; she was determined to give it her all in front of everyone!
She finally heard the clatter of Xuan Yuanche's hooves again. The distance was closing, getting closer and closer—twenty steps away…ten steps away!
She was about to catch up! Murong Wei felt her blood boil, her face flushed crimson!
"Clatter! Clatter! Clatter!"
In her mind, before her eyes, there was only that figure ahead, that figure within reach!
She was catching up; she was about to catch up; she was right behind him!
She had to overtake him!
Murong Wei couldn't see the expression on Xuan Yuanche's face, nor did she have the energy to pay attention. She chased after him with all her might, her gaze fixed on the spot in front of his horse. That was the spot she wanted.
The obstacle course was just ahead, with three tracks. Xuan Yuanli and Yelü Lingrong were anxiously waiting there, while the third track was empty; Prince Qi could cross it without needing to change riders.
This meant Murong Wei had to buy time for a change.
The clatter of hooves almost overlapped, shaking the very earth. Chen Zui and Ren Fan chased after them, the distance widening completely, making it impossible to catch up. Chen Zui suddenly stopped, looking at Murong's seemingly effortless speed, his handsome brows furrowed. A sense of familiarity washed over him; he felt he had seen this figure somewhere before.
Compared to Murong Wei, Prince Qi's figure appeared so relaxed. He effortlessly kept her behind no matter how hard she chased, never giving her a chance to overtake.
"Giddy up!" Murong Wei's voice was hoarse. Blood spread from the back of her hand from the constantly rising and falling whip. She was right behind him, just a step away, but that very step—the obstacle course was almost there—and she still couldn't catch up. No matter what she did, she couldn't catch up.
This was the difference!
Murong Wei's delicate brows furrowed tightly, her eyes narrowed, and she finally turned to look at Xuan Yuanche beside her. He was unmoved, as if no one else was there, urging his horse forward. Even at his maximum speed, his cold face remained as indifferent as ever, calm and serene.
Murong Wei frowned, panting, completely forgetting one thing: she could see his face now; she was riding alongside him!
At this moment, she had only one thought in her mind: she wanted to break the calm on Xuan Yuanche's face, she desperately wanted to.
Just then, he also turned around. At such a fast speed, he turned around as if it were a casual turn, so natural, so leisurely and indifferent.
"Why waste your energy? Do you think Consort Rong has won against me?" he asked casually, not waiting for her reply before suddenly galloping away with a "Giddy up!" He had already created another gap between them!
"I'll try!" Murong Wei said coldly, continuing her pursuit. She quickly caught up with him again, but this time, she didn't try to overtake him. Instead… she smiled coldly, sharply pulling on the reins. Instantly, her horse veered off course, crashing directly into the rump of Xuan Yuanche's horse. Her horse reared up in alarm, and the horse in front of her also froze, its hind legs kicking out.
Murong Wei gripped the reins tightly, expertly turning her horse's head again, whipping it to force its front hooves to the ground, and continued galloping forward!
Xuan Yuanche wasn't so lucky. His horse reared up, making it easy to throw a rider off. Being an unfamiliar horse, it took him a great deal of effort to tame it. He chased after Murong Wei, his calm demeanor masking not panic, but a faint sense of helplessness.
By the time she caught up, Murong Wei had already dismounted, handing the horse to Yelü Lingrong. She was sitting on the ground, panting, drenched in sweat, her long hair disheveled, her hands covered in blood, looking utterly wretched. Xuan Yuanli squatted beside her, his face full of worry, trying to speak to her, but she was too busy breathing to utter a word.
As Xuan Yuanche passed by, she looked up sharply, only to see that he hadn't even glanced at her, his cold, unwavering gaze fixed on Yelü Lingrong!
The obstacle course consisted of five sections, all blocked by huge hollow wooden stakes. This was the most difficult part; if a horse knocked over even one stake, it would fail.
All the spectators rode their horses along the shortcut, standing on a high platform near the finish line to watch the race. Xuan Yuanlie wore a cold smile, his gaze fixed on Yelü Lingrong, who was slowly clearing the first obstacle.
Whether Xuan Yuanche won against a woman, his principal wife, or lost to a woman, his principal wife, it seemed like a spectacle that would be talked about for a long time, not only in the palace but also in the streets and alleys.
It should be noted that Prince Qi had never lost a race; since the late emperor's time, whenever the autumn hunt and horse racing were mentioned, Xuan Yuanche's name was always brought up.
"Your Majesty, this year, someone has actually cleared the obstacle course ahead of Prince Qi! Consort Rong, this child, truly is a princess of the iron-clad people!" the Empress Dowager said with a smile, ignoring Murong Wei, who was being helped over.
"Hehe, indeed, Consort Rong needs proper nurturing." Xuan Yuanlie chuckled, glancing at Murong Wei. He smiled and added, "Doctor Murong comes from Han Kingdom and has little experience with horses, has she? She only rode down the mountain for a short distance, and she's already so tired? What happened to her hand? Is it injured?"
"Brother, it's from the reins! That Chen Zui is a fool. It was Weiwei who bought Consort Rong some time, okay!" Xuan Yuan Qixi, dragging the imperial physician, charged in, her impulsive words silencing the ministers who were about to echo Xuan Yuanlie.
"Hehe, Che'er actually lost to Doctor Murong. How interesting!" The Empress Dowager always spoke at the perfect moment.
"Indeed!" Xuan Yuan Qixi hurriedly helped bandage Murong Wei's wounds while replying.
Murong Wei remained silent, letting the imperial physician tend to the wound on the back of her hand, her eyes fixed on the obstacle course ahead. Yelü Lingrong had already successfully crossed the first obstacle and was heading towards the second.
"Thirteenth, shouldn't you go back and wait?" the Empress Dowager asked, displeased.
"We're already doomed, I'm forfeiting!" Xuan
Yuanli said coldly. "What are you saying! Forfeiting? Aren't you ashamed enough at the very end?" the Empress Dowager roared. Xuan
Yuanli ignored her, whispering to Murong Wei, "Things aren't good. We underestimated Seventh Brother and overestimated Consort De."
Murong Wei seemed not to hear him at all, abruptly standing up. Just then, Xuan Yuanche's handsome figure appeared in the distance ahead of the obstacle course!
Xuan Yuanli was startled and fell silent. The entire city immediately fell silent, all attention focused on Xuan Yuanche.
It was well known that Xuan Yuanche's forte was crossing obstacle courses!
Even though Yelü Lingrong had already safely crossed two obstacles, she still wasn't entirely confident!
Murong Wei's body tensed, almost holding her breath, as she watched the white-clad figure grow clearer and clearer, finally stopping ten paces from the first obstacle!
He actually stopped! What was he planning to do?
Murong Wei held her breath, her hands clenched so tightly her nails dug into her flesh, her delicate brows furrowed. She saw Yelü Lingrong successfully cross another obstacle—the third one!
Only two more to go, and Xuan Yuanche was still standing still, not making a move. She couldn't care less about him; she silently cheered for Yelü Lingrong.
The fourth obstacle had arrived. She pulled on the reins, the horse reared up, leaped over, and lifted its hind legs—a beautiful movement, conquering another obstacle. At this moment, Murong Wei had to admit that Yelü Lingrong's horsemanship was truly impressive! If they were looking at each other at eye
level, everyone would have already burst into applause, but alas, everyone's attention was still on the Prince of Qi!
"The last one!" Xuan Yuanli, equally excited, exclaimed joyfully.
At the same time, Qi Xi exclaimed, "Seventh Brother has moved!"
Before she finished speaking, a sharp crack of a whip rang out, and Xuan Yuanche's figure sped off like the wind; only the word "whoosh" could describe his speed!
The five obstacles were rendered meaningless before him. The white figure leaped and landed in rapid succession, and before anyone could even get a good look, both man and horse had already reached the finish line.
"As expected of Prince Qi!"
"Hehe, it's been many years since I've witnessed Prince Qi's horsemanship. Seeing it again today is enough to make this old man die happy!"
"Prince Qi is mighty!"
...
Amidst the applause and praise, he remained calm and composed, unmoved by honor or disgrace, leaving Yelü Lingrong, who was fully prepared and about to cross the final hurdle, utterly astonished.
He flipped down, slowly ascended the stage, and passed by Murong Wei without saying a word, as if the fierce competition and her little act of cunning had never happened.
He bowed to Xuan Yuanlie and then sat down beside the Empress Dowager. The first match was over, and they awaited the announcement of the already known result.
"Sigh... He won!" Xuan Yuanli sat down somewhat dejectedly.
Murong Wei lowered her head, seemingly lost in thought, and also stepped aside. After a long while, everyone had gathered, and Xuan Yuanlie announced the result of the first match and informed them of tomorrow's events before everyone dispersed.
Murong Wei walked alone towards the tent, her delicate brows furrowed, still feeling sullen.
"Weiwei, what's wrong? I'll win it back for you tomorrow," Chen Zui said confidently.
Tomorrow's event was archery, with two people selected from each of the three groups, much easier than today's relay horse race.
Murong Wei then raised her head and smiled, saying, "Alright, go ask Consort Rong who she plans to send out tomorrow."
"Do you want to?" Chen Zui asked softly.
Murong Wei shook her head, and Shen Zui shrugged, saying, "Then wait for this young master to turn the tables on you!"
"Thank you, Young Master Shen." Murong Wei bowed slightly.
"Just tell me not to frown, smile!" Shen Zui teased her.
"Young Master Shen is joking. Even if I smile, you won't see it." Murong Wei said calmly.
Shen Zui was stunned, unable to recover for a long time, while Murong Wei had already walked far away.
Murong Wei turned to look at a pair of people on her right. She saw Prince Qi riding high on his horse, looking ahead, still so calm, without any joy of victory.
Gu Xizhi's efforts were in vain. What if, what if she went to him directly tonight?
The moment he reached the finish line, she had started thinking about this question. She was not discouraged; she had already entered the preparation state for the second round!
Although the Emperor and Empress Dowager praised Yelü Lingrong, everyone believed that Chen Zui had created distance between himself and Xuan Yuanche midway, giving Murong Wei an opportunity.
Few people paid attention to Murong Wei's horsemanship; those who truly understood were probably Ren Fan and Chen Zui, who witnessed her charging down the steep slope.
Night was deep. In the Prince Li's tent, Ren Fan, Chen Zui, Xuan Yuanli, and Xuan Yuanqi Xi (who wasn't participating in the battle) were all present, except for Murong Wei.
Xuan Yuanli, growing impatient, said directly, "No matter what, I must win tomorrow's match, otherwise, winning the third archery duel will be even more difficult!"
"Where is Weiwei?" Chen Zui asked calmly.
"Tomorrow is archery; does the Thirteenth Prince intend to participate personally?" Ren Fan asked.
"Are you confident?" Xuan Yuanli countered.
"Where is Weiwei?" Chen Zui asked again, but still no one paid him any attention.
"I'm confident of beating the others, but I'm not confident of beating Seventh Brother," Xuan Yuanli said honestly.
"Why don't we ask Lord Li of the Military Affairs Department?" Ren Fan suggested. He wasn't good at archery or horseback riding; his expertise lay in trading.
"That's Seventh Brother's man," Xuan Yuanli said bluntly, rolling his eyes at him.
"Where did Murong Wei go?" Chen Zui's voice suddenly grew louder, finally drawing everyone's attention.
"Yeah, where's Murong Wei? We haven't seen her all night," Xuan Yuan Qi Xi asked curiously.
"She said she was in a bad mood and went to the back mountain to clear her head," Xuan Yuanli replied. It was getting late, and he didn't know why Chen Zui and Ren Fan had suddenly come, but Xuan Yuan Qi Xi's sudden appearance was quite normal.
"Still feeling down?" Ren Fan asked with a smile.
"I'll go find her," Chen Zui said, turning to leave.
"I'll go too. I heard there are often wolf packs in the back mountain, and it's dangerous after nightfall. Let's find her as soon as possible," Ren Fan said.
"Are you sure Yelü Lingrong will act on her own tomorrow?" Xuan Yuanli asked.
"Yes!" Chen Zui replied impatiently.
"I'm going too!" Xuan Yuan Qi Xi joined in, following behind Chen Zui, her eyes slightly uneasy.
"What are women doing going to the back mountain? Go back to your camp, lest Mother can't find you and blames me again!" Xuan Yuan Li ordered.
"You're going too?" Chen Zui raised an eyebrow at Xuan Yuan Li.
"Of course!" Xuan Yuan Li replied matter-of-factly. Chen Zui was overjoyed.
None of the three men paid any attention to Xuan Yuan Qi Xi, and they all went their separate ways as soon as they left, none of them taking the path to the back mountain. This left Xuan Yuan Qi Xi unsure of who to side with, and she was so anxious that she stomped her feet.
Soon, the three of them met up at the back mountain in tacit agreement. Ren Fan carried a lantern in front to light the way, while Chen Zui and Xuan Yuan Li walked behind, three steps apart.
"Thirteenth Master, we've all come here on our own initiative. Can you tell me why Murong Wei is so determined to win the competition? Is she trying to kill a deer and ask the Emperor for something?" Chen Zui whispered.
"I don't know." Xuan Yuanli blurted out without thinking. Perhaps this was a kind of backbone in Murong Wei's heart, a secret she wouldn't reveal.
"Thirteenth Prince, didn't Doctor Murong save Prince Qi? If she really wanted something, she could ask Prince Qi for a favor. Prince Qi wouldn't necessarily refuse. Why does she insist on risking her life like this?" Ren Fan turned and asked.
"I don't know. She has her reasons. Once you find her, you can ask her yourselves!" Xuan Yuanli's voice turned cold. He snatched the lantern from Ren Fan's hand and strode forward...
While everyone was searching for her, she had already secretly hidden behind Xuan Yuanche's camp, holding a spray bottle, her brows furrowed, patiently waiting.
It was so late, but the camp lights were still on. Consort De, who had been listless during the day, was still inside, her low sobs drifting over, but there was no sound of Prince Qi comforting her.
She hadn't fallen asleep yet, and her martial arts were so unfathomable. Murong Wei dared not make any rash moves and could only wait and listen outside the window.
Inside the main camp, Xuan Yuanche sat lazily on the luxurious tiger-skin couch in the center, intently reading a bamboo scroll. He wore loose white robes, his dark hair flowing freely, exuding a relaxed and carefree air that naturally calmed anyone who saw him, making one want to quietly share a cup of tea with him.
Consort De knelt before the couch, sobbing softly. Since returning from the competition, she had remained kneeling there, pleading for only one thing: that Xuan Yuanche request the Emperor to allow them to return to the capital together so that their son could be buried as soon as possible.
Xuan Yuanche simply said "No" and remained silent.
It was already past midnight, but Xuan Yuanche showed no signs of sleepiness, and Consort De showed no intention of leaving; the situation seemed to be at a stalemate.
Murong Wei waited and waited outside the tent until she could no longer hear Consort De's voice. Only then did she dare to cautiously peek through the curtain, and from that direction, she saw him.
Reclining languidly, her loose white robes subtly revealing her well-defined chest, exuding sexiness, her long, dark hair cascading freely, her languid and leisurely demeanor revealing a captivating allure. It
took Murong Wei a long while to shift her gaze, finally seeing Consort De kneeling beside her. A sudden shock ran through her; this stalemate might not end until dawn, and she might miss her chance.
What to do?
She panicked, her eyes fixed intently on Consort De, her furrowed brows deepening the wrinkles on her forehead.
Just then, a pair of large hands suddenly covered her mouth, another arm encircling her waist, causing her to slam into a familiar embrace!
It was him!
Murong Wei struggled fiercely, using her legs to break free, only to hear his familiar breath on her ear, "Weiwei, we're still doing this, can't you behave?"
Murong Wei struggled fiercely. He smiled, saying helplessly, "It's the middle of the night, and instead of sleeping, you're spying on other men's tents. I don't like that."
"Waaah..." Murong Wei finally made a sound, but after only two, the large hand behind her tightened its grip, pulling her along and heading towards the back mountain.
However, just as they reached the back mountain, a light appeared in their path. Seeing who it was, Murong Wei was overjoyed and struggled even more fiercely. The person behind her simply carried her into the dark grass, rolled over to protect her, and pinned her firmly beneath him!
He easily dodged at the last second; such speed was rare in the world.
Murong Wei lay on the ground, bearing his weight, watching helplessly as the bright light stopped before her eyes. Xuan Yuanli, Chen Zui, and Ren Fan—weren't they asleep in the middle of the night? Had they come to the back mountain specifically for a long talk? Now, all they were talking about was her!
"I have already proposed to Weiwei, and I will continue to do so regardless of the consequences," Shen Zui said smugly.
"Hehe, Young Master Shen, it seems you were reprimanded by Doctor Murong the other day," Ren Fan chuckled.
Xuan Yuanli snorted coldly, utterly disdainful.
"Whether you believe it or not, I am devoted to Weiwei, and I guarantee that I will eventually marry her into my Shen family!"
"Young Master Shen, Doctor Murong doesn't seem like the type to be a devoted wife and mother. She has a child, so she lacks a bit of ruthlessness, but she is definitely the best candidate for my mother-in-law," Ren Fan said with a smile.
"What do you mean?" Xuan Yuanli raised an eyebrow...
The three men seemed determined to argue on the spot. Murong Wei heard everything, but didn't have the energy to think about it. She only felt that the person bullying her seemed to be in a bad mood, and the weight was gradually increasing!
As the saying goes, three women make a drama, but three men can also make one. Xuan Yuanli, Chen Zui, and Ren Fan chatted until almost dawn before leaving. Murong Wei was already numb and weak all over.
Only then did the person behind her slowly release his hand from her mouth and get up.
She breathed a sigh of relief, too lazy to move.
"Weiwei, you seem to be quite popular lately," a sarcastic voice came from behind.
Murong Wei remained lying down, too lazy to respond, her eyes closed as if she hadn't heard anything.
The person behind her wasn't annoyed. He moved aside, picked her up, and let her rest her head on his lap, looking up at him. Murong Wei obediently let him do as he pleased, refusing to open her eyes.
He carefully took her hand, his fingertips gently tracing the wound, frowning as he looked at it, and said softly, "It's just a 'disguise,' do you have to go to such lengths?"
Murong Wei still didn't answer, her face quiet, as if asleep.
"Don't want that thing anymore, okay?" he coaxed patiently.
Murong Wei remained unresponsive.
"The medicine from Nanzhao will still be available, it's just a matter of time. Let's not insist on getting the one from that dog of an emperor, okay?" he said calmly, quite patiently.
"It hurts." Finally, Murong Wei spoke.
"Where does it hurt?" he asked, somewhat anxiously. His expression was unclear in the dim light, and it was impossible to tell if he had that handsome, roguish smile of Lord Wushang.
"My whole body hurts, let me go." Murong Wei said, suddenly opening her eyes, her expression angry. Without even looking, one could tell who this guy was from his first words!
"Haha, my lord, I really didn't mean to." Bai Wushang laughed, releasing her.
Murong Wei stood up, stretching her shins for a while before saying calmly, "You dare come to the forbidden hunting grounds?"
"For me, there's no forbidden place in this world." Bai Wushang's tone remained arrogant and confident.
"Heh." Murong Wei gave a forced smile, getting up to leave, pretending not to hear his earlier advice.
"Hey!" Bai Wushang suddenly grabbed her hand.
"It's almost dawn. If Thirteenth Master really can't find me, he'll cause a huge uproar in the entire camp," Murong Wei said helplessly.
"Don't push yourself so hard. Take good care of your injuries. Hands are a woman's second face. Don't ruin such beautiful hands," Bai Wushang said, somewhat seriously.
"When have you ever seen me push myself?" Murong Wei asked.
"To catch up with Prince Qi, we have to dive down that steep cliff section. If you keep pushing yourself to the limit, then go for it!" Bai Wushang was completely serious.
"When did you get here?" Murong Wei was slightly surprised.
"My lord, I've been here the whole time," Bai Wushang said with a smile, a gentle glint in his narrow eyes.
"How's the matter with Chen Zui? Did you see the treasure box?" Murong Wei asked anxiously.
"It's fake. The real one is in the forbidden area of the Chen family in Nanzhao," Bai Wushang said.
"Then let's go to Nanzhao!" Murong Wei was immediately excited. Would going to Nanzhao mean she could see Ye Bao?
“There are some hidden reasons for this matter; we need to discuss it with the Thirteenth Prince,” Bai Wushang said.
“Won’t I be able to see Ye Bao when I go to Nanzhao?” Murong Wei asked impatiently.
“You won’t be participating in tomorrow’s archery competition. And can the backstage archery practice be a little quieter?” Bai Wushang’s voice was deep.
“That’s my own business,” Murong Wei said calmly.
Bai Wushang frowned, staring at her. Murong Wei met his unusual displeasure without flinching, and both remained silent.
After a long while, Bai Wushang finally spoke first, his voice earnest: “Weiwei, seeing you like this, it breaks my heart.”
Murong Wei laughed, taking it as a joke.
“Weiwei, I’m serious,” Bai Wushang added, his tone helpless, though serious, it sounded increasingly like a joke.
“Alright, alright, it’s getting late; I have to go back.” Murong Wei was still thinking about Prince Qi; if she went now, Consort De would probably be gone.
"Murong Wei, my lord, I've given you my whole heart, and you really don't care?" Bai Wushang asked pitifully.
"A reason? Give me a reason not to fight for it." Murong Wei stopped and asked calmly.
"I'm heartbroken." Bai Wushang answered without thinking.
Murong Wei shook her head helplessly and said seriously, "Bai Wushang, do you know why I would fight for it?"
Bai Wushang didn't speak. Murong Wei smiled and said, "Because my face was ruined by Consort De, it's that simple."
After saying that, she subtly pulled away from Bai Wushang's hand and left without looking back.
Bai Wushang stood there for a long time, and even after he could no longer see Murong Wei's back, he still didn't move. His smiling eyes returned to calm, and when his face with the beauty mark was not smiling, there was always a faint sadness, very faint...
Murong Wei returned to the Prince of Qi's tent. Seeing that it was dark, she was overjoyed. She first used aphrodisiac spray, and after a while, she climbed in through the window.
A dim oil lamp illuminated the tent, faintly revealing a white-clad figure sleeping peacefully on the warm couch.
Murong Wei didn't act immediately, continuing to use her aphrodisiac. Her task was simple: to ensure
he couldn't catch her when he awoke. Only when the fog in the tent became unbearably thick did Murong Wei cautiously approach the bed. In the dim light, she saw the Prince Qi's quiet and aloof face. It was him, no doubt!
“Your Highness… Prince Qi…” she called softly a few times, nudging his body. Seeing he didn't move, Mei Jing’s eyes immediately turned cold. She glanced back at the escape route, simultaneously drawing a sharp dagger from her sleeve.
“Prince Qi…” she called again, her voice turning cold, “I’m sorry!”
As soon as she finished speaking, the hand holding the dagger suddenly rose from below, a spray of blood immediately flying with the arc of the dagger. With a cold glint, Murong Wei had vanished into thin air.
The person on the warm couch suddenly sprang up, and at the same time, Murong Wei appeared at the window behind her, glanced at his back, broke through the window, and escaped without leaving a trace.
As soon as she left the tent, she fled towards Xuan Yuanli’s camp, without pausing for breath, completely disregarding the uproar caused by Prince Qi. After all, an assassin appearing in the forbidden hunting grounds and injuring Prince Qi was a matter of utmost importance!
However, things didn't go as she expected.
In the dimly lit camp, the man in white sat languidly on the couch, embroidering the fading fragrance that filled the room. He was filled with curiosity. "What kind of fragrance is this? You could easily fall for
it if you're not careful." "Master, could you perhaps find someone else for this kind of stand-in job next time?" The man beside him, his eyes narrowed as he tried to stop his bleeding, said displeasedly.
"Heh, I have a whole bunch of stand-ins, but I had to hide from Jin Chan, so I didn't bring any!" Bai Wushang said with a laugh, still trying to inhale the lingering fragrance.
"No need to smell it anymore, it's an aphrodisiac. If I hadn't held my breath, I wouldn't have been able to resist either. I've never encountered this stuff before," the man said calmly.
"An aphrodisiac…" Bai Wushang's eyes instantly turned cold. He remembered smelling the same scent in Gu Xizhi's tent that night!