[Fantasy] The Harem is in Chaos (Complete) - 33

page views:1 Publication date:2023-08-20

Seeking only peace of mind

, as night fell, Li Yue and Qu Liushang had just returned to their camp when Miao Haoyan rushed up to report, "Lord City Lord, a young lady surnamed Yu and a young master surnamed Yan have come to see you."

A young lady surnamed Yu? Yu Lianqiu?

A young master surnamed Yan? Could it be Yan Huang?

Why would these two… come looking for her?

Thinking of her recent tryst with Qu Liushang, if it really was Yan Huang, she was in deep trouble.

Turning to look at Qu Liushang, he was clearly also somewhat uneasy. Although he had obtained Yan Huang's permission before coming, after actually having taken advantage of Li Yue, their next meeting would likely be awkward.

Li Yue cleared her throat, first sending Qu Liushang back to his tent, then said, "Let's go see that Miss Yu first."

Following Miao Haoyan into the newly erected tent, she immediately saw Yu Lianqiu sitting on the edge of the bed, her slightly pale face contrasting with the soft downy hair at her collar, giving her a rather pitiful appearance.

She lowered her eyes, silent and motionless, lost in thought, so engrossed that she didn't even notice Li Yue entering.

"Why are you here?" Although Li Yue and Yu Lianqiu weren't complete strangers, they hadn't had much interaction, so Li Yue was quite surprised by her sudden visit.

Yu Lianqiu suddenly snapped out of her reverie, looked up at Li Yue, her eyes flickering, and hesitated before saying, "The people from Yuexiao Manor are hunting me down. I… can I hide here for a few days?"

Li Yue frowned and asked, "Do they know you're Ye Qianxun's sister?"

Yu Lianqiu lowered her head, and after a moment, nodded slightly.

Li Yue hesitated for a moment, then said, "Then you can stay here for now. I'll send someone to fetch Ye Qianxun to pick you up immediately." She was about to leave when

Yu Lianqiu stopped her, saying, "Could you wait a couple of days before calling him?"

Li Yue asked, puzzled, "Why?"

Yu Lianqiu replied, "If he comes now, he'll inevitably run into the people of Yuexiao Manor. I... don't want to see them fighting over me."

Li Yue thought that although she wasn't a member of the Yu family, they had raised her for over ten years, so her request was understandable. She agreed.

Returning to her tent, she saw Yan Huang's personal guards in plain clothes standing outside, bowing respectfully. Lifting the tent flap, she saw Yan Huang reclining on her bed, a book in his hand, his gentle face radiant in the candlelight.

Li Yue inwardly groaned, but outwardly smiled and said, "Huang Huang, what brings you here?"

Yan Huang looked up at her, a gentle smile curving his lips. He put his book aside, extended his hand to her, and said, "Come here."

Seeing that his expression was normal and he showed no sign of jealousy, Li Yue felt slightly relieved. She quickly walked to him, and just as she reached out to touch his slender fingers, he suddenly pulled her onto the bed and pressed her down beneath him, saying, "Didn't you say you'd be right back? Why are you here helping another man conquer the world?"

Li Yue looked into the man's bright eyes above her and chuckled awkwardly, "This, this is an unexpected event. Oh, Huang Huang, I did this for you. As long as Huangfu Jue can ascend the throne, I guarantee that Xiwu and Dongyi will be at peace forever."

"Xiwu and Dongyi have always been at peace," Yan Huang said, stroking her cheek and exposing her excuse.

Li Yue choked on her words, then threw a tantrum: "I'm going to help him, I'm going to help him, what are you going to do about it?"

"Just help him? By the way, you don't happen to have taken a liking to him, do you? Hmm, just the other day Huangfu Zaichun personally wrote to me, asking me to send troops to help him quell the rebellion for the sake of our friendly nation. Tell me... should I agree or not?" Yan Huang's gentle and upright face, coupled with that ambiguous smile, inexplicably made people feel uneasy.

Li Yue's eyes darted around a few times, then she wrapped her arms around Yan Huang's neck and said sweetly, "If you agree, wouldn't that mean you have to kill your Empress with your own hands? That's not a good idea, is it? We haven't been married long..."

"You know we haven't been married long?" Yan Huang suddenly gritted his teeth. "On the third day, on the third day you ran away! Am I really that bad in your eyes? Do you know how much I had to say to convince the Empress Dowager that you didn't run away because I angered you? How many schemes I used to convince the officials that you were just recovering from a sudden illness in the palace?"

"Oh, I know I was wrong, don't be angry. You never get angry in front of me," Li Yue coaxed him, trying to soothe him.

"That's why I spoiled you like this!" Seeing her pouting little mouth and wide, dark eyes, looking like she was deliberately trying to please him, Yan Huang was both amused and annoyed. He took off her shoes, tucked her into the quilt, and squeezed in himself, asking, "Tell the truth, have you missed me after not seeing me for several months?"

Li Yue's heart pounded at his posture. She'd been exhausted by Liu Shang that evening, her bones still aching. Was she going to be tormented by Yan Huang again in less than an hour?

But they were husband and wife, and absence makes the heart grow fonder. Running away after only three days of marriage was indeed unkind, so… she clearly had no reason to refuse.

Right, what did he just ask? Had she missed him? Brother, she didn't have time! These few creatures around her were enough to give her headaches; how could she have time to think about him, thousands of miles away?

However, it was best not to say such a blunt truth…

"Of course I missed you! I think of you all the time when there's no war," Li Yue lied without batting an eye.

Yan Huang's lips curved into a smile as he gently brushed his finger against her rosy lips, saying, "This little mouth of yours really doesn't know how to talk, it just says whatever doesn't believe you. But, it's not bad for a kiss." With that, he lowered his head and kissed her.

Today, Su Yingge was dead drunk, and Li Yue and Qu Liushang were nowhere to be seen. It was easy to guess where they had gone. Thinking about how she had run away just three days after her wedding, while Su Yingge and Qu Liushang had stayed by her side for months… he couldn't help but feel resentful.

But as the emperor, he couldn't follow her around like they did. This visit was a stolen moment, a quick look before leaving. How could he not cherish her for a while after all the months of longing he had endured?

And so…

Li Yue’s suppressed moans echoed intermittently from the first watch of the night until the latter half of the night before finally subsiding. The guards outside the tent blushed deeply, thinking, “The Emperor is truly something else! They’ve rushed here without stopping, they’re all exhausted, yet he still has the energy to fight the Empress so fiercely. We can only admire him.

” Inside the tent, Li Yue, drenched in sweat, her face flushed, was pressed beneath Yan Huang, still trembling involuntarily. The intense thrusts and continuous thrusts had left her already weary body aching and numb. At this moment, she felt as if her whole body had fallen apart; her waist, legs, and even her fingers were completely powerless.

Yan Huang buried his face in her neck, panting for a while before finally calming down and looking up at Li Yue.

Seeing Li Yue's weak expression, he reached out and smoothed the hair at her temples, asking softly, "Are you alright?"

Li Yue mumbled sleepily, "It's good that you're not moving..."

Yan Huang, seeing her charming and adorable demeanor, couldn't resist giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. Knowing he had exhausted her, he rolled off her, tidied them both up, and then held her as they lay down to sleep.

Although somewhat tired, the excitement of their long-awaited reunion kept Yan Huang awake for a while. Holding Li Yue, he said, "The New Year is almost here. Come back to the Dongyi Palace with me this time. It wouldn't be right if you didn't attend the palace banquet."

Li Yue: "Mmm..."

Yan Huang was delighted to see her agree and added, "My mother has been asking about you a lot these past few months. When we go back, make sure you explain to her that you ran away on your own, it wasn't because I was mean to you."

Li Yue: "Mmm..."

“Who knows when this war will end? It’s not good for a woman like you to always be in the army. Why don’t you leave it to Murong Juan and the others, and you can command remotely?” Yan Huang kept nagging.

Li Yue: “Hmm…”

Seeing that she agreed, Yan Huang was puzzled and asked, “What’s wrong with you today? Why are you so agreeable?”

Li Yue: “Hmm…”

Yan Huang turned her over, only to find that she had already fallen asleep.

*

In the Longhua Hall of the Eastern Palace of the Southern Buddha, the dragon robe was finished, and Jin Lu was trying it on.

The first time he wore the robe, which fit perfectly, his tall and strong figure was immediately revealed. Under the brocade and splendid silk, his proportions and strength were clearly displayed to the world. Even without seeing his face, his figure alone was enough to seduce countless women, let alone the dragon robe covering that figure.

Jinlu looked at himself in the mirror, quite satisfied. After a moment, he asked Li Shi, who was standing beside him, "What expression do you think I should use when I ascend the throne?" His tone was as if he were asking him what ring he should wear that day.

Li Shi broke out in a cold sweat. He had countless expressions to choose from; how could he possibly know which one to use?

Jinlu winked and made faces in front of the mirror, finally settling on a slightly enigmatic smile. He asked Li Shi how he felt seeing this expression.

Li Shi truthfully replied, "Your Highness, I feel a little uneasy."

Jinlu paused, then burst into laughter, saying, "That's the effect I wanted."

Just then, someone outside announced that news had come back from Xiwu.

Jinlu took off his dragon robe, casually tossed it into Li Shi's hand, picked up the secret report handed to him by his subordinate, unfolded it, glanced at it, and narrowed his eyes slightly.

That day at the Shuchun Pavilion in Yuexiao Manor, the servant who slipped past Liyue's room confessed that he was ordered by Yu Lianqiu, the third young lady of Yuexiao Manor, to monitor Liyue. He became suspicious and chose a highly skilled martial artist to infiltrate Yuexiao Manor and keep an eye on the Yu family. Sure enough, he caught a big fish.

That poor Yu Wuchen was actually Ye Qianxun's half-brother! He had worked so hard for Yuexiao Manor and Blood Shadow Palace for so many years; if he were told the truth, would he die of grief?

Yu Jiuxiao was secretly plotting to make Ye Qianxun and Yu Wuchen kill each other to eliminate these two threats. If successful, he would eliminate two major rivals without lifting a finger, and this wouldn't involve him at all; Liyue wouldn't even know he knew beforehand. It seemed like a perfect, effortless scheme.

But… why did he feel so uneasy?

If Yu Wuchen and Ye Qianxun died, how heartbroken would Liyue be…

He wanted his rivals to disappear, but he also didn't want Liyue to be sad.

Sigh, what should I do? This is the first time I've felt such a headache over something like this.

Just then, a eunuch rushed in from outside, kneeling before Jinlu, breathless, and reported, "Your Highness, the Emperor... the Emperor has passed away!"

*

Yancheng, only 300 kilometers from Bajia City, is currently where Huangfu Jue's 130,000-strong main force (including the 70,000 who surrendered, having lost over 40,000 along the way) is stationed. With

a major battle imminent, Huangfu Jue, Guandu, and the generals are discussing how to attack Bajia City. If the Phoenix City Army and the Royal Army could encircle them from the rear, launching a pincer attack, the chances of victory would greatly increase. However, judging from the current situation, if the Imperial Guards in Linying City don't move, the Phoenix City Army could potentially complete the encirclement, while their Royal Army is still far behind.

After news of the massacre in Baoyi Town reached Liyue, the generals had considerable disagreement about it. However, as it turned out, those who felt superior for not massacring the city had actually killed or killed far more than just 30,000 to 40,000 people along the way.

From the perspective of equality for all living beings, Li Yue's actions actually protected more people. It's just that few dared to disregard their reputation and defy the world's condemnation.

Halfway through the meeting, Lin Jiu entered and whispered a few words in Guan Du's ear. Guan Du then got up and left.

In another room, Guan Du stood opposite a man in black. Guan Du asked, "Is the news true?"

"Reporting to Father, it is absolutely true. After Yun Qian went there, Pei Qingyao disappeared. At this moment, the Dongyi Imperial Palace is in complete chaos. Yan Huang has come to Xiwu. When I returned, the palace had just sent a flying cavalry to inform him," the man in black said.

Since learning that Pei Qingyao was the mother of Li Yue, Guan Du had paid extra attention to any movement in the Dongyi Imperial Palace, so he could usually get firsthand information about any changes. This time, however, he was in a difficult position.

With the Southern Buddha Emperor having just passed away and Jinlu ascending the throne, it's likely that the first target will be the Heavenly Saint Palace. Yun Qian's abduction of Pei Qingyao at this time, if he doesn't know Pei Qingyao is Liyue's biological mother, is likely a ploy to coerce Yan Huang into helping the Heavenly Saint Palace deal with Jinlu. If he knows Pei Qingyao is Liyue's mother, he will definitely send someone to Liyue, using her against Jinlu—in some ways, more effective than coercing Yan Huang.

If he can use Pei Qingyao to capture Liyue, he can deal with far more than just Jinlu.

His Xiwang Mansion is likely to be the first to receive the news. If they can rescue Pei Qingyao from the Heavenly Saint Palace before Liyue, it would be a tremendous favor to Liyue. However, with a major battle imminent, neither he nor Huangfu Jue can leave. Who can shoulder this responsibility? The Heavenly Saint Palace is no ordinary place; ordinary people probably can't even get in, let alone rescue anyone.

But if they missed this opportunity, Huangfu Jue and Li Yue... might never have a chance again in this lifetime.

Moreover, Li Yue had repeatedly contributed to his Xi Wang Mansion, and it wouldn't be right for Guan Du to remain indifferent now that he knew her mother was in trouble.

The only question was, who should be sent?

Worried, Guan Du waved for the spies to leave. The spies turned and opened the door, saying, "Your Highness

, I greet you." Guan Du turned to see Huangfu Jue standing outside.

Huangfu Jue entered, closed the door, and said, "Father, let me go."

Guan Du said, "You should indeed go, but the current situation dictates that you cannot. A great battle is imminent, and as the backbone, you must remain in the army."

"I must go." Huangfu Jue seemed not to have listened to Guan Du.

"I understand your feelings, but at this critical juncture, you cannot act on emotion," Guan Du said patiently.

Over this period of time, Huangfu Jue had become much thinner, and his complexion had darkened from the marches. He had lost some of his youthful innocence and gained more maturity. Perhaps the only thing that remained unchanged was his dark eyes, which were now fixed on Guan Du's face.

"Father, do you think I'm trying to take this opportunity to show that I'm getting back together with her? No, you're wrong." Huangfu Jue turned to look at the closed window.

“You’re right. Some things and some people, once missed, are missed for a lifetime.” He paused, a slight sadness settling in his voice, before continuing, “I know she never needed my feelings, not before, and certainly not now. Father, you’re right. I’m utterly unworthy of her. Everything she has wasn’t given to me. She already has everything I could give her, but I owe her. Regardless of success or failure, regardless of how long I live, regardless of whether I wear the imperial robes or am utterly disgraced, this might be the only chance in my life for me to find some peace of mind. I no longer ask for anything more from her; I only hope that when I think of her again in my lifetime, I can find peace of mind.”

Guan Du looked at him. To be honest, although he knew Huangfu Jue had grown rapidly recently, he still hadn’t expected him to say such things. He used to be so arrogant, so extreme, but now he could face reality and speak of seeking peace of mind.

“The Heavenly Saint Palace is exceptionally powerful. Have you considered that if you go, you might not come back?” Guan Du asked.

Huangfu Jue nodded and said, "I know. I also know that Huangfu Zaichun has been tyrannical and oppressive for years, which has alienated the people. Overthrowing his rule should be the will of the people. If we win this battle but I don't return, I hope that my father can support my sixteenth brother, Prince Qi, to succeed to the throne. Compared to his other brothers, he is the most unassuming and benevolent. Still relying on your own hands? How can you enjoy it? Forum reputation guaranteed! High-grade silicone video Fan Bingbing's lower body real state molded into a highly realistic vulva shape, soft and delicate skin! Built-in large particle protrusions, close to the female physiological structure, experience a more realistic feeling... swallowing and spitting, irresistible! Click to enter"

Guan Du stared at him, and after a while, turned his head and said, "Since you have made up your mind, then you can choose some people to go yourself."

Huangfu Jue was silent for a moment, then lifted the hem of his robe and knelt down in front of Guan Du.

Guan Du was stunned, turned around and said, "What are you doing?" He took a step forward to help him up.

"Over the years, I have been deeply grateful for your support, Father. You have risked your life and toiled tirelessly for me. I have no way to repay you except with this bow." He then kowtowed to Guan Du.

Tears welled in Guan Du's eyes. He recalled how, years ago, when he was living in seclusion in the mountains, his sworn brother, facing hardship, sent for him to come out of seclusion and help his nephew. When he first saw Huangfu Jue, this eleven-year-old boy seemed like an immature, willful child, incapable of shouldering great responsibility.

Seven or eight years had passed in a flash, and now, looking at Huangfu Jue, he seemed like the child he had raised himself. Seeing him mature overnight filled him with both joy and sorrow.

He reached out and helped him up, saying, "I don't need your repayment. To be honest, I didn't want you to go personally. You're gambling your life for a life without regrets. However, I can't find a reason to stop you. Go. Today you've shown this courage; in the afterlife, I'll have the face to face your uncle."

...

After Huangfu Jue left, Guan Du paced back and forth in the room. After a moment, he summoned the spy from before and said, "After the prince departs, follow closely behind. Once he enters the Holy Realm, find a way to send a message to Jin Lu, telling him that Empress Dowager Dongyi is Qin Liyue's birth mother."

The spy accepted the order and left.

Guan Du opened the window, looking out with his hands behind his back.

If Jin Lu didn't know that Empress Dowager Dongyi was Liyue's mother, he might not have cared about this matter in order to complete the coronation ceremony. But once he learned that Empress Dowager Dongyi was Liyue's mother, if he truly loved Liyue, he would not stand idly by.

As long as he could act in time, Huangfu Jue might be able to escape unscathed.

*

Nanfo is currently holding a national mourning period. Jinlu, busy all day, returned to her palace and learned that Yun Qian had kidnapped the Empress Dowager of Dongyi. She sneered and said, "Is she trying to use Yan Huang against me? Li Shi, go and summon Li Yi'an to see me."

The next day, General Li Yi'an of the Nanfo Tao Kingdom led 50,000 soldiers to the border between Nanfo and the Holy Realm.

The main text describes the moonlit night pursuit of

Yan Huang, which was a hasty affair. He set off early the next morning to return to Dongyi. Li Yue naturally did not go back with him, but promised to go to Yong'an to spend time with him once things were settled here.

Niu Hong and his group, having nothing to do, went to the mountains to hunt a roe deer. That evening, the group sat around the campfire, roasting meat and drinking.

Li Yue was enjoying Niu Hong and his group's bawdy jokes when she looked up and saw Yu Lianqiu standing outside the tent, looking shy and hesitant to come over. Considering that she was an old acquaintance of Yu Lianqiu, and since she wanted to come over, she felt it wouldn't be right not to invite her, so she invited her to come and chat.

Surrounded by grown men, Yu Lianqiu, an unmarried young lady, had no choice but to sit next to Li Yue. Li Yue cut off a fragrant piece of leg meat for her and continued chatting and laughing with Niu Hong and the others.

Qu Liushang and Su Yingge were unaware of Yu Lianqiu's relationship with Ye Qianxun. Seeing Li Yue's behavior, they assumed it was out of affection for Yu Wuchen. Su Yingge, who had suffered at Yu Wuchen's hands, was particularly indignant. She imagined the bone in her hand to be Yu Wuchen and bit down hard, hitting her teeth and wincing in pain, which earned her a good laugh from Qu Liushang.

After a while, the group started discussing the current battle. Li Yue was listening intently when suddenly she felt a strong poke in her waist.

Before she could react, Qu Liushang swung a bone at her, knocking Yu Lianqiu to the ground with a "smack." Su Yingge, Niu Hong, and the others also jumped up, their faces tense.

Li Yue looked down and saw a dagger lying on the ground. Her thick animal-hide vest and cotton-padded coat had been pierced, but because she was wearing the national treasure soft armor given to her by Jin Lu underneath, the dagger hadn't penetrated her body. Otherwise, at that angle, it would have been enough to cause her severe pain.

Yu Lianqiu didn't know martial arts, and her attack lacked the usual killing intent of a martial artist. Li Yue had never imagined Yu Lianqiu would try to kill her and hadn't taken any precautions, so she almost succeeded.

"You ungrateful wretch! The City Lord treated her with courtesy, and you came to assassinate her! I'll finish you off with one strike!" Niu Hong roared, grabbing a large sword that was propped up beside him and slashing at Yu Lianqiu.

"Stop!" Li Yue quickly stopped him, looking down at Yu Lianqiu lying on the ground, blood trickling from her lips. Qu Liushang's bone hadn't hit a vital spot, but with his strength, even a blow to any part of her body would have been unbearable for a weak woman like Yu Lianqiu.

"Why did you want to kill me?" Li Yue asked, unable to understand.

Yu Lianqiu barely wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, her heart filled with unbearable resentment. She had almost succeeded, but the dagger had struck something that wouldn't penetrate. Having failed this time, she knew she had no more chances. She immediately cursed, "Qin Liyue, you fickle, promiscuous slut! Why does he like you and not me? Don't be so smug, what I can't have, you won't have either!"

She had always thought she was Ye Qianxun's sister, but she hated the cruel twist of fate that had made her fall in love with her own brother. But that night, Yu Jiuxiao told her that her surname was Yu, not Ye; Yu Wuchen should be surnamed Ye. She was filled with despair then and there. If she weren't Ye Qianxun's sister, she was certain Ye Qianxun would never speak to her again.

All of this was because of Qin Liyue. If Qin Liyue hadn't stolen Ye Qianxun's heart so early, she believed Ye Qianxun wouldn't have been completely indifferent to her. It was all Qin Liyue's fault!

Li Yue froze. Did the "he" she mentioned refer to Ye Qianxun? She... liked her half-brother Ye Qianxun?

Niu Hong and the others, angered by her insults, became even more agitated. Li Yue stopped them, shaking off the goosebumps from the chill, and turned to Qu Liushang beside her, saying, "Liushang, please take this perverted woman to Ye Qianxun."

"I won't go!...Why should I take her to Ye Qianxun?" Qu Liushang had just jumped up when he remembered a crucial question.

"She's Ye Qianxun's sister." At this point, there was no point in hiding it, and Li Yue blurted out.

Qu Liushang hesitated for a moment, then said, "Then I won't go either!"

"She actually tried to assassinate me! Go tell Ye Qianxun that I told you to beat him up to vent my anger, and he's not allowed to fight back." The reason for sending Qu Liushang was to avoid encountering the Yuexiao Manor people on the way. Sending someone else would inevitably increase casualties; only sending Qu Liushang would be clean, efficient, and twice as effective.

This suggestion tempted Qu Liushang. He had disliked Ye Qianxun for a long time, but their martial arts were evenly matched, and every fight ended in a draw. If he could legitimately beat him up… just thinking about it was exhilarating!

However…

seeing his hesitation, Li Yue said, "Don't worry, judging from the current situation, there won't be any fighting for ten days to half a month. With your martial arts, that's enough time for you to travel back and forth."

Qu Liushang thought it made sense and readily accepted the order.

After Qu Liushang left, Su Yingge sneaked into her room again in the middle of the night. Li Yue, whose body hadn't fully recovered from being tormented by Qu Liushang and Yan Huang the previous two days, kicked him off the bed. As the two were struggling, suddenly there was a soft whooshing sound, and something "thudded" into the pillar supporting the tent.

The two got up, and Su Yingge chased after it. Li Yue lit the oil lamp and found it was a dart with a note attached.

She took the document and unfolded it, her eyes widening in surprise. Then, she gritted her teeth and cursed, "Damn it!"

Yun Qian had indeed kidnapped Pei Qingyao while Yan Huang was away and even invited her to visit her mother at Tian Sheng Palace.

She didn't know how he knew this secret, but she had to go.

That night, she entrusted the affairs of the army to Niu Hong, and she and Su Yingge rode towards Nanfo.

After learning that Qu Liushang's Moon Gu was given to him by the Empress Dowager Dongyi, Su Yingge also suspected Yun Qian. Therefore, he didn't tell Yun Qian when he obtained the antidote.

He assumed Li Yue was in such a hurry because the Empress Dowager Dongyi was Yan Huang's mother. Considering Yun Qian was no ordinary person, and that he himself didn't know martial arts, he sent someone to inform Qu Liushang before leaving.

*

At the end of November, the Nanfo Sacred Realm also experienced its first snowfall of the winter.

Tian Sheng Palace was a massive circular building, surrounded by various ingenious formations. These formations could trap not only a few people, but even an army. Therefore, although Empress Dowager Dongyi had been abducted, the palace remained calm and orderly, without any panic.

Yun Qian entered the hall where Pei Qingyao was being held captive, took off her cloak and tossed it to the accompanying maid. She glanced at the untouched food on the table, dismissed the servants, and looked at Pei Qingyao, who sat by the window with a cold expression. She said, "What's wrong? Don't you like it? This was made by the imperial chef in your palace. In case you don't like the food, I invited him along."

"What exactly do you want?" Pei Qingyao asked, her cold gaze fixed straight ahead, devoid of any emotion.

Yun Qian swayed in front of her, placing his hands on either side of the armrests of the chair, leaning down to look at her with a half-smile, and said, "What do you think of me as your son-in-law?"

Pei Qingyao suddenly looked up, staring at him incredulously, and asked, "What did you say?"

"You're quite good, but right now it seems your daughter is more to my liking..." Before he could finish speaking, Pei Qingyao slapped him across the face, her face turning pale with anger, and she shouted, "Shameless!"

Yun Qian straightened up, touched his right cheek where a red mark had appeared, smiled faintly, and said, "It's okay to be slapped a few times by your mother-in-law. But I advise you to eat something, otherwise, what if your daughter thinks I've mistreated you and comes after me?" He chuckled and turned to leave.

As long as he could get the antidote for the Moon Gu, he wouldn't be afraid even if Jin Lu ascended the throne. At worst, he could just quit being the Palace Master of the Heavenly Saint Palace. The world was vast, where couldn't he go? In the present world, if there was anyone who could threaten Jin Lu, it was probably only Qin Liyue.

He had intended to capture Qin Liyue himself, but Qu Liushang and Su Yingge were always by his side, making it difficult for him to find an opportunity. Fortunately, by chance, his informant, who had been lurking around Pei Qingyao, overheard that Pei Qingyao and Qin Liyue were actually mother and daughter.

With the mother in hand, how could he not lure the daughter?

Just as he stepped out of the palace gate, a subordinate rushed in to report that the Jinlu Sect's general from Tao Kingdom was stationed with troops on the border between Nanfo and Shengjing, and it seemed like they might attack at any moment.

Yun Qian narrowed his eyes. It was currently a period of national mourning, and launching a military campaign during this time was a major taboo. He didn't believe that Jinlu would be so eager as to attack Shengjing at this time.

Judging by the time, Qin Liyue should arrive in the next couple of days if nothing unexpected happened. Hmm, let's wait and see.

...

As night fell, Pei Qingyao paced restlessly in the empty palace. She had initially thought that Yun Qian had risked everything to abduct her from the Dongyi Palace only to get something from Yan Huang, but unexpectedly, his target was Liyue.

The person she felt most sorry for in her life was her own daughter, Li Yue. This time, she absolutely could not let her risk her life again because of her.

She had to find a way to save herself.

She knew there weren't many guards outside, but what she was really worried about were the strange formations surrounding the Heavenly Saint Palace. She didn't understand formations, and even if she managed to escape, she would inevitably get trapped in them and be caught by Yun Qian again.

If it weren't for those strange formations as a barrier, Yun Qian wouldn't be so carefree.

What should she do? It was too embarrassing for her, a mother, to make her children worry. She had to find a way to get out...

Just as she was getting anxious, she heard faint conversations outside the palace gate:

"Hey? Why is someone else bringing the food tonight? Where's Qiu Ming?"

"I don't know. I came from the kitchen. The Palace Master asked me to ask the Empress Dowager what she wants to eat tomorrow."

"You look unfamiliar. Are you new here? Do you have a token?"

"Yes."

"Alright, go in."

The palace gate opened, and a male servant carrying a food box entered with his head bowed.

Pei Qingyao stared at him, her mind racing: Why not kill him, disguise herself as him, and sneak out? They'd all be strangers anyway, and in the dark, the guards outside wouldn't be able to see her. If they did notice, she could kill them too.

While she wasn't a match for Yun Qian, she didn't care about ordinary henchmen.

Thinking this, she subtly approached, intending to strike him on the back of the neck, when suddenly the man turned around, lowered his voice, and bowed to Pei Qingyao, saying, "This junior greets Aunt."

Pei Qingyao was surprised and asked, "Who are you?"

The man looked up; it was Huangfu Jue. Seeing Pei Qingyao's question, he seemed somewhat embarrassed and said, "This junior is a… friend of Li Yue."

Pei Qingyao saw his sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and his extraordinary bearing, which indeed didn't seem like an ordinary servant. But hearing him say he was a friend of Li Yue, she became wary again, circled him, and said, "Tell me your name." "

This junior's name is Huangfu Jue," Huangfu Jue didn't hide anything.

Pei Qingyao frowned and said, "Huangfu Jue?" Wasn't he fighting Huangfu Zaichun in Xiwu? Li Yue was there too. How could he be here?

"If you are Huangfu Jue, you shouldn't be here." Pei Qingyao's tone turned cold.

Huangfu Jue lowered his head and said, "When my mother was in trouble, Li Yue traveled thousands of miles to rescue her. Now, I'm just doing what I should do for her. Please, Aunt, don't hesitate, leave with me quickly."

"You know the art of Qimen Dunjia?" Pei Qingyao asked.

Huangfu Jue shook his head. Seeing the doubt in Pei Qingyao's eyes, he quickly added, "I read books often, and I've read some on this subject. There are eighteen formations outside Tiansheng Palace. I only managed to solve one of them in three days. I can help Aunt escape from that formation." As

Pei Qingyao listened, she suddenly struck his neck with a palm strike. Huangfu Jue instinctively dodged to the side.

Pei Qingyao shook her head, saying, "No, you're no match for Yun Qian. This is suicide."

"Aunt, before coming here, I learned that Yun Qian is afflicted with the Moon Gu, which flares up on the fifteenth night of every month. Tonight happens to be the fifteenth," Huangfu Jue said.

Pei Qingyao's eyes lit up.

...

Huangfu Jue had indeed done thorough research beforehand, even knowing when and where the Tian Sheng Palace's patrol guards changed shifts. The two killed the guards on night watch and took advantage of the shift change to scale the Tian Sheng Palace.

Despite Pei Qingyao's pampered life in the palace, her agility and skill in leaping and dodging were exceptionally smooth, no less than Huangfu Jue's.

After scaling the Tian Sheng Palace walls, what appeared before them under the moonlight was an ordinary grove of trees; an ordinary person wouldn't recognize it as a formation.

Huangfu Jue tucked his sword into his waistband and turned to Pei Qingyao, saying, "Auntie, this formation is called 'The Wizard of Oz.' If you take the wrong step, a hail of arrows will be fired, and no one who enters the formation will survive. Therefore, please forgive my boldness, Auntie..."

Before Huangfu Jue could finish speaking, Pei Qingyao patted his shoulder and said, "Squat down. If you keep nagging like this, the pursuers will be here."

Huangfu Jue was speechless. The moment he hoisted Pei Qingyao onto his back, an inopportune thought popped into his mind: "Like mother, like daughter."

The entire escape went surprisingly smoothly. Huangfu Jue did three things well: First, his bookish nature proved useful. In the Xi Wang Mansion, he spent all his time in his study, reading books on military strategy and warfare, including those on divination and strategy. If he couldn't break the array outside the Tian Sheng Palace, he wouldn't have been able to even get in, let alone rescue anyone. Second, when Jin Lü framed Huangfu Jue with the key to the Tian Qin Treasure Box, the woman possessed a token from the Tian Sheng Palace, which Huangfu Jue took. This token came in handy now. Third, the timing was perfect. It was exactly the fifteenth; Yun Qian's poison flared up, preventing immediate pursuit.

After emerging from the unexpected formation, the hundred or so experts from the Xi Wang Mansion brought by Huangfu Jue were already waiting outside. Huangfu Jue knew that Yan Huang had led his troops to the border between the Holy Realm and Dongyi, but fearing that a rash attack would endanger Pei Qingyao, he was still negotiating with the Tian Sheng Palace.

He immediately led Pei Qingyao to the Dongyi border.

The Tian Sheng Palace reacted quickly. Yun Qian did not appear, but the Tian Sheng Palace disciples poured out of the palace gates like a tide, chasing in all directions.

In less than an hour, a group of Tian Sheng Palace disciples spotted Huangfu Jue and his group. They attacked while firing signal flares. The bright blue flames were particularly dazzling in the night sky, clearly visible for dozens of kilometers around.

A chaotic battle inevitably ensued under the moonlight.

Although she hadn't personally engaged in combat for seven or eight years, Pei Qingyao's prowess remained undiminished. At the start of the battle, she snatched a sword and unleashed a forty-nine-move Pear Blossom Swordplay, her movements fluid and impenetrable, leaving no room for anyone to get close.

Huangfu Jue knew he couldn't linger in this situation. Once his men had gradually contained the Tian Sheng Palace followers, he grabbed Pei Qingyao and fled.

Having learned that Yan Huang was on the border between Tian Sheng Palace and Dongyi, he had sent someone to inform him to send reinforcements that night, but he didn't know if the message had reached him.

Regardless, he had to rescue Pei Qingyao. Although the situation was dire, Pei Qingyao was agile and capable of protecting herself, not a hindrance, making their movements much easier.

Along the way, they encountered three groups of Tian Sheng Palace followers. After escaping the third time, Huangfu Jue was left with only a dozen or so men, sensing the danger.

It seemed that Tian Sheng Palace knew their destination was Dong Yi and had undoubtedly sent men to intercept them. Their only option now was to change course and head towards Nan Fo, where perhaps a sliver of hope remained.

However, less than half an hour after changing direction, they encountered their fourth wave of interceptors that night.

Looking at the Tian Sheng Palace's forces, which outnumbered their own, Huangfu Jue and Pei Qingyao knew they had no choice but to slaughter them all.

Swords clashed, blood and flesh flew everywhere. Huangfu Jue and his group understood that their only hope of survival lay in this battle. Driven by the instinct for survival, everyone's eyes turned red. They numbly raised their gleaming swords with stiff arms, hacking down at their opponents' heads and necks, hoping that a surge of blood would ignite their will to live.

At this point, tactics were irrelevant; it was pure combat and slaughter. The splattering blood melted the thin layer of snow on the ground. The enemy's corpses, mangled and bloodied, fell to the ground, finally falling silent. The survivors, however, continued their carnage, treading on the blood and gore beneath their feet.

A howling wind, carrying the pungent stench of blood, swept across the wasteland, spreading the scent of death into the distance. In the chaotic melee, no one emerged unscathed. Pei Qingyao, Huangfu Jue, and the Xi Wang Mansion experts surrounding them all suffered injuries of varying degrees. However, seeing their opponents wounded more severely and with more fallen, none of them had time to heed their own bleeding wounds. They only knew to seize every opportunity to plunge their swords deep into their opponents' bodies. The sound of cold weapons piercing flesh seemed to be the most effective painkiller at that moment.

Amidst the flashing blades, Huangfu Jue remained constantly by Pei Qingyao's side. Although Pei Qingyao's martial arts were not weak, the Tian Sheng Palace disciples were simply too numerous. Having him by her side could help him eliminate some of the enemies and reduce his danger.

In the chaos, a lithe man suddenly leaped into the air, brandishing a gleaming sword aimed at Pei Qingyao's back, who was already slaying countless Tian Sheng Palace followers. Pei Qingyao, focused on dealing with the horde of enemies before her, was completely unprepared for the silent attack from behind.

Huangfu Jue, who was closest to her, saw it and, without hesitation, spun around, shielding Pei Qingyao from behind. The shift in his stance slowed the attack, and just as the sword pierced his side, Huangfu Jue swung his saber, decapitating the man.

Pei Qingyao, bewildered by Huangfu Jue's sudden appearance on her back, heard him. Huangfu Jue, enduring the excruciating pain in his wound, whispered, "Auntie, don't linger. I'll cover your escape. Leave this to us." Without waiting for Pei Qingyao's reply, he and the few remaining guards fought their way through the enemy lines, pushing Pei Qingyao out of the fray.

"Your Highness, you must go too!" A subordinate, having witnessed Huangfu Jue's injury, desperately pushed him out of the battle, shouting as he fought to stop the pursuing Tian Sheng Palace followers. His hoarse voice sounded strained and strained in the cold wind.

Huangfu Jue's blood-stained hands gripped the slippery hilt of his sword. Looking at his men fighting to the death, he knew they would all perish on this cold, foreign snowfield.

Tears welled in his eyes. He understood that if he didn't leave, they would die with their eyes wide open in disbelief.

Hardening his heart, he turned and, with Pei Qingyao, raced towards Nanfo without stopping. Tears blurred his vision, making it difficult to see the road, so he wiped them away violently with his sleeve and quickened his pace. Perhaps

because

their target was greatly reduced, Huangfu Jue and Pei Qingyao escaped for the fourth time without encountering any further resistance until dawn.

The east was beginning to lighten, but in the dense, high mountains and forests, the light was still very dim.

Huangfu Jue felt his steps growing heavier and his head spinning. He stopped, leaning against a tree, and pointed due north, saying, "Auntie, if you keep going north from here, you'll reach Crescent Bay. I have a boat moored there. My men and I have arranged to meet here. You should go first."

Pei Qingyao turned to look at him and said, "If it's not your men but pursuers, aren't you just walking into a trap?"

Huangfu Jue forced a smile and said, "That's why I told you to go first, Auntie. If it's pursuers, I'll cover your retreat."

Pei Qingyao hesitated.

"Auntie, please go quickly. I know what I'm doing. The farther you go, the less time I can cover your retreat. If you're safe, I can escape without worry," Huangfu Jue said.

Seeing that he had put it this way, Pei Qingyao no longer hesitated, turned around, and swiftly disappeared into the depths of the dense forest in the direction he pointed.

Seeing her disappear from sight, Huangfu Jue finally gave up trying to hold on. He slid slowly to the ground, his robes soaked with blood, now stiffened by the winter wind. Only his all-black attire and the darkness prevented Pei Qingyao from noticing.

He gasped for breath, wondering if Pei Qingyao could escape. Li Yue must have faced even greater hardship to save his mother that day. His mother was frail, far inferior to Pei Qingyao. If Pei Qingyao had also been unable to move easily, he wouldn't have been able to carry her all the way here.

He couldn't go on, he knew. Yet, he still felt regret, for he hadn't been able to personally bring Pei Qingyao to Li Yue. If she were ultimately captured by the Heavenly Saint Palace, his efforts would have been in vain.

If he hadn't intended to act on the night of the full moon, he could have waited until his men who had contacted Yan Huang returned… But there was no point in dwelling on it now.

He was ultimately not strong enough; even with his utmost effort, he still couldn't fulfill his wish. He wondered how his adoptive father and the others were doing. In that instant, he suddenly felt regret—regret for rebelling against Huangfu Zaichun, simply because he felt Huangfu Zaichun was unworthy to be emperor. So many people had died…wounded…

how painful! So many people had endured the same suffering he was experiencing now for him.

Hanyu, the selfish and willful Hanyu who had given up everything for him—he had truly wronged her. If he died, he wondered if she could recover. He already felt deeply guilty for ruining her youth; if he were to ruin her life as well, how could he face her in the afterlife? Neither gratitude nor guilt could transform into love.

And then there was Qin Liyue, that unconventional and unorthodox woman. From the beginning, he couldn't get along with her. He rejected her, even hated her unconventional ways, but he hadn't taken the time to truly consider why he cared so much.

He had wounded her deeply, yet he kept his love for her hidden in his own heart. For the rest of her life, she would likely only remember that he had hurt her, never knowing that he had once loved her.

He felt regret, but no remorse.

It was better for her than for him to die—a bastard who had hurt her and yet loved her.

He had so desperately wanted to make it up to her, and when he finally had a chance, he failed because of his limited abilities, even sacrificing his life. It didn't

matter anymore. In her heart, he was useless anyway; she had said he was neither good at literature nor martial arts…

His body gradually went numb, his mind became dizzy, and even his vision blurred.

He frowned painfully a few times, finally collapsing against a tree root and losing consciousness.

A short while later, a figure rushed out from the depths of the forest. Reaching him, Pei Qingyao stopped abruptly, crouched down, and felt Huangfu Jue's pulse. After examining him thoroughly, she finally discovered a sword wound and a hardened mass of congealed blood on his waist.

"You brat, is your friend's mother worth risking your life for? You really can't lie!" Pei Qingyao looked at his bloodless face, feeling both heartache and anxiety. He seemed to be about the same age as Li Yue. How could she, as a mother, bear to let a boy roughly the same age as her daughter die trying to save her? She immediately and laboriously carried the unconscious boy on her back, continuing northward.

She had originally planned to leave alone, but then she remembered that their trip to Nanfo was a last-minute decision. Why would Huangfu Jue arrange to meet his subordinates here? It was clearly a lie. Since entering this dense forest, they hadn't found any pursuers behind them. There was no reason for him to lie and stay behind alone now, so she turned back to investigate.

Sure enough, he was too injured to continue and didn't want to burden her, so he lied. Unfortunately, it didn't stand up to scrutiny. He

couldn't even lie properly; he was clearly an honest child.

Pei Qingyao carried him for a while, clearly feeling her strength waning.

Lately, she had been troubled and hadn't eaten for two days. Last night's battle had left her utterly exhausted. With dawn approaching, if Yun Qian caught up with her now, she would at most be captured again, but Huangfu Jue would be doomed.

After resting for a while, she was about to set off again when she caught sight of two figures darting through the woods like arrows in the distance. Startled, she realized the two figures had also noticed her and turned to charge at her.

Pei Qingyao took a few steps back, her long sword held horizontally in a fighting stance. As the two drew closer, her grip on the sword loosened.

It was Li Yue and Su Yingge.

Li Yue stopped, looking at Pei Qingyao, who was covered in blood, and asked after a moment, "Are you alright?"

Pei Qingyao's eyes darkened; she still refused to call her "mother."

She shook her head, then turned to Huangfu Jue, whom she had hidden behind a tree root, and said, "Quickly save him, he's dying."

Only then did Li Yue notice Huangfu Jue beside her.

She and Su Yingge arrived outside Tiansheng Palace last night and found it in disarray, with the disciples searching everywhere and firing signal flares. They knew something must have happened, so they followed the trail and vaguely heard that Pei Qingyao had been kidnapped.

They had been curious who could break through the mysterious formations outside Tiansheng Palace to rescue her, but it turned out to be Huangfu Jue.

Before Li Yue could speak, Su Yingge had already gone to check on Huangfu Jue's condition. After examining him, she looked up at Li Yue and said, "He's not seriously injured, but he's lost too much blood. His condition is very critical and he needs immediate treatment."

"Take him and my mother away first," Li Yue said.

Su Yingge and Pei Qingyao were both stunned.

"What are you going to do?" Su Yingge asked.

"Just take them away. If you keep arguing, he'll die." When they arrived, they saw the disciples of Tiansheng Palace closing in. Since Yun Qian's target was her, as long as she stayed, Pei Qingyao and Huangfu Jue would be meaningless to her, and she could escape danger.

"I'll wait for you at the inn in Crescent Bay. If you don't come within two days, I'll kill him." Su Yingge carried Huangfu Jue on her back, said this, and turned to leave.

After running a few steps, not seeing Pei Qingyao following, she stopped and turned back.

Pei Qingyao looked at her and said, "Go. You must save him."

Su Yingge looked at Li Yue, who turned to the side and waved.

Knowing that she couldn't do more for Li Yue than save him, Su Yingge gritted her teeth and left with Huangfu Jue.

Only the mother and daughter remained in the forest. In their ears, the rustling sound of a large group of people trampling on fallen leaves grew closer.

"Why don't you leave?" Li Yue looked in the direction the sound came from and asked emotionlessly.

“Last time, I left you alone, and I regretted it for eighteen years. This time, if I leave you alone again, I fear I will die with my eyes open in disgrace.” Pei Qingyao and she looked together at the other side of the dense forest. Countless figures began to gradually become clear in their sight. They heard someone shout, “They’re over there!”

Li Yue’s heart ached. She raised her hand, and her true energy transformed into a long sword. She silently charged forward.

She had to buy Su Yingge some time to escape. Her affairs should not be paid for with someone else’s life. She couldn’t afford to owe such a debt.

Beside her, Pei Qingyao followed her steps silently, charging forward.

The mother and daughter were like two sharp knives, instantly cleaving open two gaps in the onrushing Tian Sheng Palace crowd.

A fierce battle ensued, blood splattering everywhere. It was a life-or-death struggle. Fortunately, this was the vanguard, and Yun Qian was not among them.

Filled with resentment and pain, Li Yue, relying on her superior martial arts, slaughtered through the crowd with unparalleled ease, like a demon reborn, terrifying her forces into retreating and redeploying their strength to attack Pei Qingyao.

Fighting alongside her daughter for the first time, Pei Qingyao refused to be humiliated. Even though she was exhausted, the thought of her daughter behind her made all her weaknesses, even physical fragility, vanish. At this moment, she was less a person and more a machine. Even when occasionally struck by swords, she was almost numb, her mind focused on one thought: as long as her daughter was safe, she could not stop, and she could not fall.

In the midst of the battle, Li Yue turned and inadvertently glanced at Pei Qingyao, only to see a long sword slicing across her right arm. Seemingly oblivious, she retaliated with a swift stroke, ending the man's life.

Her heart ached terribly, as if she were dying. She slashed down the dozen or so people blocking her path, grabbed Pei Qingyao, and leaped into the air, running away from the battle.

The disciples of Tian Sheng Palace gave chase, but they were gradually left behind.

Lost in their haste, they coincidentally found themselves on the cliff where Ye Qianxun had abandoned them last time.

The mother and daughter sat behind a clump of bushes. Li Yue, her eyes lowered, expressionless, skillfully bandaged Pei Qingyao's arm wound.

Throughout the entire process, Pei Qingyao kept her eyes on her.

She had truly grown up, so strong yet so beautiful. She was highly skilled in martial arts, resilient and unyielding, independent yet resourceful, loved and cared for, and she... truly didn't need a mother anymore.

The disciples of Tian Sheng Palace would find this place soon; she knew that escaping would be effortless for Li Yue, and as for herself, life and death were no longer important. However, if she couldn't hear her call her "Mother" in this life, she would truly die with regrets.

Seeing that Li Yue had finished bandaging her wounds, she sat silently beside her without speaking. She slowly began, "In this life, as your mother, I have truly wronged you too much. What's done is done, there's no point in saying more." She paused, gazing at the beautiful sunrise shining on the distant mountains, and sighed. She continued, "If we are destined to be mother and daughter again in the next life, no matter the hardships, the rich or the poor, the fame or the status, even if I have to live groveling at someone else's feet, I will absolutely, absolutely never hand you over to someone else again, I will never lose you again… I truly didn't mean to lose you…" Her throat tightened, and she couldn't continue.

Li Yue lowered her head, a single tear silently splashing onto the back of her hand. She clenched her fist.

“If there is an afterlife, I don’t want to be my daughter again. As a mother, Qin Susu is so much better than me. I am so grateful to her, and I feel ashamed of myself. It’s better to raise someone than to give birth to them. Li Yue, you are right, she is the one who deserves to be called ‘Mother’

by you.” Pei Qingyao turned her face away and quickly wiped away her tears. “I’m already very happy that you came here for me this time. But I don’t want you to stay here for me. Don’t worry about me, go on your own. I’m at ease knowing that Yan Huang is by your side in the future.” She said.

Li Yue raised her head and said quietly, “How can I abandon my mother and go alone?”

Pei Qingyao was stunned.

Li Yue sighed deeply, turned to look at her, tears streaming down her cheeks, and said, word by word, "Ever since I learned about my true identity, I've hated you. I hate that you abandoned me for your own wealth and glory, I hate that you left me to wander the world, to taste all the bitterness and sweetness of life, to suffer the coldness and scorn of others. I forgot to think that if it weren't for that, where would your wealth and glory come from? You probably wouldn't even have been able to save your life.

You became the Empress Dowager of Dongyi, Yan Huang became the Emperor of Dongyi, my uncle became the Prince of Chen... You are all my family. But if my suffering can be exchanged for so many of you living and being happy, why wouldn't I be happy? What is there to hate? Besides, I've met so many people who are truly good to me outside." "Compared to you, who feel guilty, I live a carefree and unburdened life.

If I were in the palace, I would be nothing more than a useless princess, while Yan Huang could become a promising young emperor. This trade is a win-win situation no matter how you look at it.

I should have realized this sooner, but because of my youthful selfishness and naivety, I only understand it now. Mother, I don't hate you anymore, really."

Pei Qingyao was already in tears, unable to contain her emotions. She hugged Li Yue tightly, choking back sobs, "Eighteen years, and this is the first time I've held my daughter in my arms... I'm so grateful to be able to recognize you in my lifetime. Heaven has mercy on me. I, Pei Qingyao, have

no regrets even in death." Li Yue nestled in her arms, crying uncontrollably.

She didn't know what she was regretting or reminiscing about; in any case, she just wanted to cry. The tears she had held back for eighteen years finally found an outlet, as if they were about to burst forth all at once, flowing endlessly.

After a long while, the mother and daughter, finally reconciled and recognized each other, managed to suppress their emotions, wipe away their tears, and then realized that there had been no movement at all down the mountain for so long. What was going on?

"Mother, wait here for a moment, I'll go out and see what's happening," Li Yue said.

"No, I'll go with you." Pei Qingyao struggled to her feet. Li Yue was about to persuade her when a voice called out.

"Mother! Li Yue!" Yan Huang's voice.

"Sister Yue, where are you?" a small, pink voice asked.

"Li Yue—" Qu Liushang's voice.

Li Yue was stunned. Pei Qingyao smiled slightly and said, "It seems someone has already taken care of things."

The two of them stood up from the bushes, walked to the cliff, and looked down. Sure enough, the forest below was densely packed with people, but they weren't from the Heavenly Saint Palace.

As soon as the two of them appeared, a certain demon with keen eyes and ears spotted them and exclaimed in surprise, "There!" He then took off running.

Yan Huang and Qu Liushang hurriedly followed.

Jinlu, initially unaware that Pei Qingyao was Liyue's mother, didn't act first despite being closest to Tiansheng Palace. He only rushed over after receiving news from Xiwang Mansion, but was still too late. Worried about Liyue's wrath, he fawned over her as soon as he reached the cliff top, asking with concern, "Mother-in-law, are you alright?"

His words, though unintentional, were taken to heart. The two who followed him were stunned, especially Yan Huang.

Liyue's mind went blank. Looking at Jinlu, who had clearly caused trouble yet looked completely innocent, she wanted nothing more than to kick him off the cliff.

What should she do now?

(The following text is from the Empress Dowager's perspective

.) Given that both she and Liyue were injured to varying degrees, and Jinlu had uttered such a shocking statement, Pei Qingyao suggested resting in the nearest town. Thus, the group arrived in Xuancheng and stayed at an inn.

Pei Qingyao, enduring her injuries, talked with Yan Huang in their room. Inside Li Yue's room, Qu Liushang was carefully tending to a sword wound on her arm, his brow furrowed.

"Hey, why are you here so fast? Did you hand Yu Lianqiu over to Ye Qianxun?" Li Yue asked, trying to distract him with a stern expression.

"No," Qu Liushang replied, clearly in a bad mood.

"Then where did you put her?" Li Yue asked.

"I left her halfway," Qu Liushang said.

"What? You just left her halfway?" Li Yue exclaimed in surprise.

"I heard you were in trouble, who cares about her? Let her go wherever she wants. If it weren't for you, I would have killed her long ago for stabbing you," Qu Liushang said irritably.

"Why are you arguing with a naive little girl like her?" Li Yue playfully punched him.

"Don't move, the wound is bleeding again. She's injured and still so restless," Qu Liushang said anxiously.

Seeing his concern, Li Yue couldn't help but smile, then suddenly asked, "How is Tian Sheng Palace?"

"Jin Lu and Yan Huang's armies are cleaning up the battlefield. It's a pity Yun Qian escaped," Qu Liushang said regretfully.

"Yun Qian escaped?" Li Yue frowned. How could this scourge escape?

"The formations outside Tian Sheng Palace slowed the army's advance, and by the time they stormed in, he was already gone," Qu Liushang said.

Li Yue lowered her eyes, remaining silent in a sullen mood.

Seeing her like that, Qu Liushang comforted her, "Don't worry, we have people everywhere. Unless he doesn't show up, we'll definitely find him."

Li Yue sighed and said, "I'm not afraid of anything else, I'm only afraid he'll cause trouble on Tianyi Island. If Uncle Su's infection with the Moon Gu is related to him, and now that Uncle Su has the antidote, he might hold Uncle Su hostage and force Su Yingge to get him the antidote." At this point, she suddenly looked up at Qu Liushang and said, "Su Yingge and Huangfu Jue are at the inn over at Moon Bay right now. Go check on them for me, and tell Su Yingge about Yun Qian's escape."

"And what about you?" Qu Liushang asked.

"I'll go back to Xiwu after I finish things here," Li Yue said.

Qu Liushang looked at her, his eyes flashing, and asked, "Is the Empress Dowager really your mother?"

...

Inside the inn's courtyard, Jinlu wandered aimlessly like an abandoned stray dog, glancing up at Yan Huang's room and then at Li Yue's, both rooms lit and closed.

He'd only called her "Mother-in-law," so why was he treated like this?

Thinking this, he felt a surge of resentment. They were both men, yet the treatment was so different.

Look at Yan Huang—not only did he get a free mother, but he also easily became emperor, and then, taking advantage of his proximity, he made her daughter empress. And he didn't even seem happy about it!

And what about him? No matter how hard he tried, he could never have a mother. He'd fought tooth and nail for the throne, and for Li Yue, he'd just finished his coronation ceremony the day before and rushed over, only to be refused entry. He

looked up, his eyes filled with sorrow and indignation, speechless with grief. Was he destined to be this miserable person, unloved by his father, mother, and wife? Where is happiness? Where is happiness?

After sighing 108 times in a melancholy tone, he slowly walked towards his room.

Li Shi rushed over, wanting to say something, but seeing Jinlu's listless state, he choked back his words.

"What bad news is it now?" Jinlu asked lazily.

"Your Majesty, I just received news that Ye Qianxun and Yu Wuchen really fought, and both were severely injured," Li Shi reported.

Jinlu's clear eyes darted to the side, and she asked, "Didn't we send people to stop them? How could they still be severely injured?"

Li Shi said, "They don't seem to be following Yu Jiuxiao and her son's plan, but they still fought. If our people hadn't arrived in time, one of them would have died."

"How is it now?" Jinlu asked.

Li Shi said, "The Blood Shadow Palace is attacking Jiuhua Mountain. Ye Qianxun can walk again, but Yu Wuchen seems to be more seriously injured. His subordinates reported that he was still unconscious when they sent word back."

Jinlu jumped up, rubbing her hands together, and said, "It's good that he's not dead! I've done a great service! I've done a great service!" She excitedly rushed out of the room and went to knock on Liyue's door.

Qu Liushang had just left, and Liyue was about to rest when Jinlu came running over to tell her this shocking news. After she finished speaking, Jinlu stood aside, blinking her big eyes at her, thinking: At least I should be rewarded with a kiss, right?

But Liyue just lowered her eyes and calmly asked, "Little pinkie, are you free lately?"

Jinlu quickly leaned closer, "As long as Sister Yue needs me, I'm free anytime."

"Then I want you to take some men and use your most cruel methods to raze Jiuhua Mountain to the ground!" Liyue said hatefully.

Yu Wuchen valued his parents and brothers so much, cherished his family ties so much, even risking his own life to protect them. In the end, it turned out it was all a conspiracy orchestrated by Madam Yu; they all knew, but kept it from Yu Wuchen alone. How could he bear such a blow?

She even worried that even if he recovered, he would never recover.

She was switched at birth, but at least her adoptive mother, Qin Susu, genuinely loved her, and this true love would forever warm her heart. Yu Wuchen, however, was clearly not as fortunate. His fate was plunged into that woman's vicious conspiracy from the very beginning. For so many years, he had desperately protected his enemies, and fought bitterly against his own brothers.

Thinking of this… she felt heartbroken for him.

Jinlu, having gained nothing but was now burdened with the troubles of those two, pouted and said, "Sister Yue, I'm kind; I wouldn't resort to cruel methods."

Liyue kicked her, cursing, "Go to hell! Do you think I don't know Pei Yanxi was raped to death by your men!"

*

Concerned about Yu Wuchen and Ye Qianxun's injuries, and wondering about Huangfu Jue's current condition, coupled with the Xiwu war, Liyue couldn't sleep.

The next morning, she went to Pei Qingyao's room to ask how her conversation with Yan Huang had gone the previous night. Unexpectedly, she encountered Yan Huang personally bringing her medicine in the corridor outside the room.

Seeing that he was alright except for a slight redness in his eyes, and that he was personally bringing medicine to Pei Qingyao, Liyue understood. But she still felt somewhat embarrassed, feeling that she and her mother had schemed against him, even though he hadn't suffered any real loss.

“Li Yue, do whatever you want. I’ll take care of things here.” Li Yue scratched her head, unsure how to begin, when Yan Huang smiled slightly.

Li Yue was taken aback.

Yan Huang approached, looking down at her from his height, and said, “Compared to you, I am far more fortunate. Since you can forgive me, why can’t I? The most important thing is…” He paused, handing the tray to Li Yue, his eyes deep, and said, “I believe you all love me, and I love you all too.”

…

When Li Yue brought the medicine into the room, Pei Qingyao was already up, sitting in front of the mirror having her maids do her hair and makeup.

“Mother, why didn’t you sleep a little longer with your injuries?” Li Yue put down the medicine and asked.

“I’m used to it.” Pei Qingyao looked at Li Yue’s reflection in the mirror, her smile lacking the maternal authority of an empress dowager but showing more maternal love. She looked around and said, “You may all leave now.”

The maids agreed and withdrew.

Li Yue brought the medicine over and gave it to her first. Then she sat down beside her, thinking about how she should excuse herself since they had only just recognized each other yesterday and Li Yue was injured.

"What? Thinking of leaving?" Just as she was fretting, Pei Qingyao asked with a smile.

Li Yue: "..." She thought to herself that although she and Yan Huang were not biologically related, they were indeed mother and son, both able to read minds.

"Hey, tell your mother, Huangfu Jue and you, you're not just friends, are you?" Pei Qingyao had heard of Su Yingge's medical skills, so seeing Huangfu Jue being taken away by her, she wasn't too worried about his injuries, but rather more interested in her daughter's romantic gossip.

"Uh... him and I... cough, actually we're really just friends." Li Yue said awkwardly.

"Really just friends? That's such a pity. I think that young man is quite good. He's handsome, honest, and has a rare, sincere heart that knows how to repay kindness and is willing to sacrifice for others. Since you can't be devoted to Yan Huang alone, why not just take Huangfu Jue? Why should such a good man be given to someone else?" Pei Qingyao said matter-of-factly.

Li Yue was dumbfounded. She thought that she was already defying the world by being unwilling to let go of so many men, but she didn't expect that her mother's thinking... seemed even more open-minded than hers. Could it be that her philandering wasn't something she developed later in life, but rather something she inherited? Cough, it seems she's overthinking things.

"Um, Mother, you might have misunderstood. He and I don't love each other, and it's impossible for us to be together," Li Yue cleared her throat and explained.

"Then it must be that you don't like him. He must love you," Pei Qingyao said.

Li Yue was stunned again, and stammered, "Mother, why are you so sure?"

"It's simple. He risked his life to save me. There can only be two reasons why he would do something like that: first, he's stupid; second, he loves you. Breaking the magic array proves he's not stupid, so it can only be the other reason: he loves you." Pei Qingyao's reasoning was clear and incisive.

Li Yue opened her mouth, speechless for a long time.

Although somewhat incredulous, her mother's analysis seemed to make sense.

But regardless, Huangfu Jue still had his childhood sweetheart Jiang Hanyu. It wasn't that she was afraid she couldn't win against her; she just felt it was unnecessary. First, Huangfu Jue wasn't cute enough to warrant her fighting for him; second, the few others around her were already keeping her busy enough.

“Ahem, Mother, actually what I wanted to say was that I…” At this point, Li Yue glanced at Pei Qingyao somewhat embarrassedly, and continued, “I… now have six people around me.”

Pei Qingyao was taken aback, but quickly recovered, putting on a knowing expression, and nodded, “Hmm, that’s indeed a bit too many. Then let’s kick that Jinlu out. I hate men who cry the most and men who know how to flatter. He has both. I don’t like Huangfu Jue at all. Let him make room for Huangfu Jue.”

“That’s not a good idea, Mother,” Li Yue said with a bitter face.

“Huangfu Jue almost lost his life for Mother. You should at least show some appreciation, right?” Pei Qingyao raised an eyebrow when she saw that her persuasion was ineffective.

Li Yue jumped up and said, "I'll help him conquer the world right now! Nothing beats giving a man a throne, right? Hmm, he'll definitely like this gift." Afraid of Pei Qingyao's nagging, she turned and ran to the door, then stopped abruptly, turning back to say, "Mother, take good care of your injuries. Once things are settled in Xiwu, I'll come to Yong'an to see you."

She slipped to the door, hearing Pei Qingyao say behind her, "Bring Huangfu Jue along."

Li Yue felt a chill, rubbed her arms, and slipped away.

*

In Xiwu, the most brutal and protracted battle since the Xiwu civil war was raging in Bajia City. The Dragon Tiger Army general, Luan Chenghao, was extremely skilled in both tactics and strategy. Furthermore, the Dragon Tiger Army was one of the most formidable armies in Xiwu, outnumbering the main force of the Xiwang Mansion. Therefore, for over a month, the two sides had fought five or six battles on the Ximao Plain south of Bajia City. The Xiwang Mansion's army had suffered nearly ten thousand casualties, yet still could not advance an inch.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix City army and the Royal Palace army, attempting a pincer attack from both flanks, were intercepted by the Lin Ying City garrison. Huangfu Zaichun finally decided to fight to the death.

In mid-December, Li Yue returned to the Phoenix City army, where they were engaged in battle, and learned two things along the way.

First, Huangfu Jue had survived and was currently recuperating on Tianyi Island. He would likely need about half a month to return to Xiwu, and Su Yingge and Qu Liushang were on their way.

Second, the reason why Ye Qianxun and Yu Wuchen had fought each other and suffered heavy losses was also clarified. In early November, Ye Qianxun had mobilized over 20,000 followers of the Blood Shadow Palace, intending to help Li Yue, but on the way, he encountered Yu Lianqiu, who had a knife stuck in her chest. Yu Lianqiu only uttered the three words "Yu Wuchen" before dying in his arms. Just then, Yu Wuchen arrived with his men. Both men believed Yu Lianqiu was their sister and that the other had killed her. Thus, a sudden yet inevitable battle ensued.

By the time Jinlu's men arrived, both were already severely wounded. An examination later determined that Yu Lianqiu's chest wound, pierced by a dagger, was likely a suicide.

This woman, seeking revenge against Liyue and Ye Qianxun, was willing to sacrifice her own life.

Upon learning the truth, Liyue was furious and sent a message to Jinlu, who had arrived near Jiuhua Mountain: leave no one of the Yu family alive!

After a sleepless night at the camp, deeply worried about the injured Ye Qianxun and Yu Wuchen, and also concerned for Yu Wuchen's emotional distress, she decided to set off for the Blood Shadow Palace the next day to visit them.

Early the next morning, just as she finished packing, an uninvited guest arrived at the camp—Huangfu Shuhua.

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