Murong Chao raised an eyebrow, suddenly recalling that there was a passage within the rockery of this small courtyard leading to Chen Qingyang’s residence.
He always arrived through this passage, which was why outsiders could never trace the identity of the mastermind behind him.
As for why Chen Qingyang was coming at this moment, she didn’t even need to guess.
“Destroy the passage after he leaves.”
Qingdai was momentarily taken aback, then smiled. “Yes.”
She had always said her mistress wasn’t someone to be trifled with. Chen Qingyang, you’re in for it.
Chen Qingyang, who had gotten his way but felt anything but pleased, returned to his residence, changed into casual attire, and headed to his study. He instructed his attendant, “Do not allow anyone to disturb me in the study.”
“Yes,” the attendant replied before stepping out to stand guard outside the study door.
Chen Qingyang glanced at the tightly shut door, then turned and walked to the antique shelf. Opening a hidden passage, he left the residence.
When he emerged again, he was outside the rockery in the small courtyard where Murong Chao lived.
As Chen Qingyang approached the study, he ran into Qingdai, who was just stepping out.
Gone was her usual respect for Chen Qingyang. Qingdai snorted coldly, not even bothering with a proper greeting. She shot him a disdainful glance before moving to stand under the eaves, ready to respond to any summons.
Qingdai seethed inwardly. Without her mistress, where would he be today? Who would have thought he was nothing but a hypocritical, faithless scoundrel?
Chen Qingyang paused, his expression darkening. He clenched his fists tightly. How dare a mere maidservant treat him with such disrespect? Glancing at the quiet study, he composed himself and walked in.
Behind the study desk, a stunning young woman in a pale purple dress lounged lazily in her chair, paying no heed to propriety. Yet, in this state, she looked utterly captivating.
Chen Qingyang’s gaze darkened. He had to admit she possessed the kind of beauty that every woman desired and every man admired, along with a sharp intellect and extraordinary skill.
Unfortunately, she lacked the two most crucial things: power and cultivation strength.
He knew he had broken his promise, but there was no other way. Those in the royal family who were too naive often met their end without even knowing why.
He had never hidden his ambitions. She should understand why he had to do this.
The once-in-a-century Continental Resource Championship was about to be held. The tournament rankings would determine how many people could enter the newly discovered Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land. The selection of the Crown Prince would undoubtedly be decided before then.
He needed to find a powerful backer. Once he became the Crown Prince, the future of Fengyun Kingdom would be his. Though he could no longer keep his promise of a lifetime of devotion to her alone, he could still reserve a place for her in his harem.
“Chaochao,” Chen Qingyang said, his voice as gentle and tender as ever.
“The Third Prince should know that from the moment you left the palace with the imperial marriage decree, that name was no longer yours to call,” Murong Chao replied lazily, not bothering to rise.
Chaochao was the name she had used for sixteen years a century ago.
When the brothel madam found her, there was a note in the bundle with the characters “Chaochao” written on it. The madam assumed it was the name given by her birth parents, found it pleasant, and thus called her Chaochao—a name she bore for sixteen years.
Murong Chao studied Chen Qingyang. He was tall and handsome, appearing gentle and refined—a veritable gentleman in appearance.
Murong Chao had entered the Xuantian Sect at the age of ten, becoming the personal disciple of Sect Master Wei Xiangyuan. She had met many people from major sects, powerful factions, and royal families across nations. They all shared one common trait: they were exceptionally skilled at concealing their true emotions.
Therefore, she saw through Chen Qingyang’s hypocrisy at a glance, and also perceived his fortune.
His good luck had all been used up in encountering Murong Chao, who had helped him for three years. If her soul had not returned from a hundred years in the future, and her past self had died, his luck would have completely changed.
The Crown Prince of Fengyun Kingdom a hundred years later, as Murong Chao knew, was indeed Chen Qingyang, and the Crown Princess was indeed Jiang Anya.
Unfortunately, she, Murong Chao, had returned, and his fate would revert to its original state.
Upon hearing Murong Chao’s words, Chen Qingyang’s eyes narrowed—this was not what he wanted to hear.
He put on a troubled expression and explained, “Chaochao, today I entered the palace to ask His Majesty for a marriage decree, but he refused to let me marry you, an orphan girl without cultivation. Instead, he betrothed Jiang Anya to me on the spot, and I couldn’t refuse. The once-in-a-century Continental Resource Championship is about to begin. The purpose of the competition is to divide the cultivation resources of the continent, and only the crown prince of a nation is eligible to participate. Not only in Fengyun Kingdom but also in other countries that have not yet designated an heir, the crown prince will be decided. You should know my feelings for you and understand my situation. All of this is for our future…”
“Would the Emperor be foolish enough to actively unite the Protector-General’s Estate, which holds two major military powers, with the Third Prince? Is he worried his throne is too secure?” Before Chen Qingyang could finish speaking, Murong Chao interrupted him.
Chen Qingyang’s words seemed affectionate, but in reality, he was telling Murong Chao that she was an orphan girl without cultivation or support, making her recognize her lowly status and accept her place by his side without demanding too much. His intentions were malicious.
However, he only saw the benefits the Protector-General’s Estate would bring him, failing to see the hidden dangers behind it.
Chen Qingyang was immediately choked by Murong Chao’s aggressive words. No wonder he had felt restless earlier—this was why.
He realized he had acted too hastily. He remembered Murong Chao’s warning before returning: keep a low profile, an even lower profile, upon returning to the Imperial City. But the deed was done, and there was no turning back.
Before Chen Qingyang could regain his composure, Murong Chao continued, “Does the Third Prince dare swear that you entered the palace to ask the Emperor to marry me? If not, may you be struck by lightning, lose all your cultivation, and have your soul scattered?”
Chen Qingyang flushed red at Murong Chao’s words. He hadn’t expected her to know everything.
Of course, she was so clever—how could she not see through it?
Would he dare make such a vicious oath? Of course not. He had entered the palace to ask for Jiang Anya’s hand. Oaths were bound by heavenly law, and punishment would follow.
Murong Chao curled her lips knowingly. Did he not understand what had brought him his current achievements? How dare he try to deceive her.
Without waiting for his reply, Murong Chao added, “Does the Third Prince remember what I said to you three years ago when you made me that promise?”
Chen Qingyang was taken aback. What had she said to him three years ago? At the time, his promises had been casual and insincere, and her words naturally hadn’t registered in his heart. Three years had passed, and he had long forgotten them completely.
“It seems the Third Prince has forgotten. No matter—you’ll remember soon enough.” Murong Chao’s voice was soft, her tone light, as if devoid of any emotion.
Indeed, his promises back then had been utterly insincere, merely empty words meant to deceive.
Murong Chao pitied her past self from a hundred years ago. Had she lost her mind? To be deceived by someone like Chen Qingyang for three years.
Then, thinking about how my future self was deceived by Wei Xiangyuan for six years a century later, ah, it’s all my own fault, so I shouldn’t laugh at anyone else.
Hearing Murong Chao’s words, Chen Qingyang, who understood her way of doing things, knew the situation was absolutely not simple. Every time she wore that expression, her opponents were bound to suffer.
What was she planning? His heart suddenly sank.