[Wuxia] Wandering Freely in the Tang Dynasty (Complete) - 8

Chapter 24 Savior Heroes
Suddenly, strangers leaped down from the beam, drawing the attention of Yuwen Huaji and his brothers. Wang Shichong's two servants and Yuwen Huaji's four black-gold warriors, who were engaged in combat, were momentarily distracted, forcing their opponents back several feet.
"Who are you? You seem to have some background!"
Wang Shichong narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the four graceful, alluring women who had leaped from the beam. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he looked at their ugly faces, and he slowly spoke.
"We are His Majesty's secret envoys, known as the 'Flower Guards.' We are late in rescuing His Majesty; you traitors, prepare to be captured!"
the leading woman said, her voice as melodious as a nightingale's.
The four women who had leaped down were: Shan Meixian, Yun Yuzhen, Fu Junyu, and Fu Junqiang.
This was Shan Meixian's idea, as only these four women had real combat experience. "Having superb martial arts skills is useless; it's different from killing someone with your own hands."
"Heh! You're quite the joker, aren't you? Do you think I'm so easily fooled? I sensed your presence the moment I entered this hall!"
Wang Shichong's expression returned to its coldness as he spoke indifferently.
Shan Meixian was also startled upon hearing this. From the beginning, she had noticed that Wang Shichong had indeed been watching the rooftop where they were hiding. He hadn't attacked Yuwen Huaji yet, seemingly because he was hesitant to confirm the intentions of the men on the roof.
Before Shan Meixian could speak again, Wang Shichong cupped his hands and said, "May I ask what brings you here? Now that the tyrant is dead, if there's nothing important, I have personal grudges to settle, so I won't keep you company!"
"We have no interest in your personal grudges, but they must be kept here!"
Yun Yuzhen pointed to the four burly men in black armor.
"Very well, then I won't bother you any longer. Farewell!"
For some reason, Wang Shichong surprisingly decided against continuing to kill Yuwen Huaji and his brothers, instead showing weakness.
"Then please!"
Fu Junyu said.
Wang Shichong said goodbye, then gave a signal to his two servants before quickly leaving.
"Yuwen Huaji, do you want to fight, or surrender?"
Shan Meixian asked calmly.
Yuwen Huaji thought to himself: This is bad!
The seemingly weak women before him possessed an unusually powerful aura. The moment they landed, they locked their energy onto Yuwen Huaji and his brother, something that Yuwen Huaji and his brothers, along with the dozens of soldiers before them, could not possibly withstand. Yuwen Huaji could only turn his gaze to his younger brother, Yuwen Zhiji, the 'think tank' of the Yuwen Clan.
Yuwen Zhiji was extremely troubled, having no idea when he had offended these women of unknown origin!
After Wang Shichong and his two servants disappeared into the distance, Shan Meixian nodded slightly to the other three women. The four acted simultaneously, striking with lightning speed before Yuwen Zhiji could even speak!
The Yuwen brothers, exhausted and disoriented, hadn't even grasped the changes before their vital points were sealed, rendering them immobile! The four black-gold warriors were no ordinary fighters; they seemed even stronger than the ten who had ambushed Yun Yuzhen that day. With the help of the remaining dozens of Yuwen clan guards, they managed to withstand dozens of moves from the four women before being captured!
Unfortunately, Fu Junqiang lacked real combat experience. The black-gold warrior she was targeting feigned weakness, taking advantage of Fu Junqiang's carelessness to flick a black powder from his sleeve, aiming directly at Fu Junqiang's face. The black-gold warrior also seemed exceptionally familiar with the Linjiang Palace's layout, leaping out of the window in just two bounds!
The powder appeared to be non-toxic, merely a smokescreen, but in the brief moment Fu Junqiang lost focus, the fat sheep she had almost caught escaped. The little girl was furious, stomped her foot, and leaped after it.
Yuwen Huaji and his brothers, seeing several of their men captured and the rest of their personal guards dead, and realizing their opponents weren't some kind of "flower guard" under the tyrannical emperor, were now completely immobilized, their speech acupoints sealed, Yuwen Huaji could only sigh helplessly. He had thought that after killing the tyrannical emperor, Wang Shichong would be the one to stalk the cicada, but these strange women who appeared out of nowhere were the ones to do it.
"So be it! We'll accept our fate !"
Yuwen Huaji and his brothers thought to themselves. Just as
Fu Junqiang was careless and allowed the Wujin warrior to escape, Yuan Yueze on the roof cried out in alarm! He couldn't let any of the Yuwen clan's lackeys escape today, otherwise their backers would not rest.
He forcibly pulled out the other women, briefly explained the situation, put on masks, and together they leaped into the main hall.
"Keep an eye on these people. Make sure to capture the one who escaped; we can't let him get away! Split up and search the palace and surrounding area. That man is injured; he can't have gone far!"
Yuan Yueze gave the order, then took the lead in chasing after Fu Junqiang.
"Search carefully; that man is no pushover! Meet him at the City God Temple in the northern suburbs of the city no later than tomorrow before sunrise!"
Shan Meixian, along with Shan Ruyin (who had almost no experience in the martial world) and Susu, escorted Yuwen Huaji and the other five. She ordered the other women to pursue them in different directions.
Outside Yangzhou City, a simple carriage sped along a small road.
"Your Excellency, why did you let that dog Yuwen go? Those five women are indeed somewhat capable, but not to the point where we should be afraid!"
A sarcastic voice came from inside the carriage.
“Rongxuan, I know you two have also noticed those highly concealed auras on the beam. Although we could fight them, it wouldn't be a wise move. Just look at the eyes of those women; they seem to harbor a deep hatred for that traitor Yuwen. That traitor Yuwen must die, but who kills him isn't that important. We shouldn't reveal too much; for now, controlling Luoyang is our top priority!”
Another voice came from inside the carriage.
“Rongxuan understands, but the identities of those women and the two auras that haven't yet revealed themselves are quite intriguing!”
After a long silence, the sarcastic voice from inside the carriage sounded again.
“What kind of bullshit ‘Flower Guards’ are they! Do they think we're children who would believe them?”
The burly man driving the carriage also spoke up.
“Regardless of their background, if they also have a heart for the world, we will naturally meet again in the future!”
The next day, at sunrise.
Except for Shan Wanjing and Shang Xiuxun, the entire Yuan Yueze family had reunited, though their faces showed some dejection.
After a sigh, Shan Meixian comforted everyone, saying, "None of you have much experience in the martial world, so don't be discouraged that person escaped. As for Wanjing and Xiuxun, they probably won't amount to anything; they're probably just playing around somewhere. Let's eat something and wait for them."
Everyone nodded, and Yun Yuzhen suggested taking Yuwen Hua and the other five back to the Giant Kun Gang for Bu Tianzhi to deal with. Since carrying them around was inconvenient, Yuan Yueze put them in his bracelet. With
everything taken care of, they waited for Shang Xiuxun and the other two to return while starting a campfire to roast meat.
Shan Meixian then recounted her encounter with Fu Junzhuo in the dilapidated temple. Su Su, unaware of this, listened with great interest.
After eating the roasted meat, the sun had risen, but Shan Wanjing and Shang Xiuxun still hadn't arrived. Yuan Yueze had no choice but to continue waiting with the women.
As everyone chatted idly, Yuan Yueze recounted how he had caught up with Fu Junqiang the previous night, but after searching everywhere without finding any clues about the escapee, he had angrily returned to the Imperial Garden of Linjiang Palace and looted all the flowers, plants, and rocks made of gold and silver jewels. A rough estimate puts his earnings at over ten million taels of silver! One can only imagine the immense expense of the entire Imperial Garden of Linjiang Palace!
While everyone was still sighing and lamenting, the sun was already high in the sky. The people of Yangzhou were likely up and busy with their day's work. But what would they think when they heard the news of the tyrannical emperor's death? Many impoverished people believed that with the emperor's death, their suffering was over. With Yuwen Huaji and his brothers of the Yuwen clan also missing, how would Yuwen Shang and his associates govern Yangzhou?
At the beginning of the morning, people began to emerge from the direction of Yangzhou, some with their families, their faces showing a hurried expression.
Only Shan Meixian and Song Yuzhi remained with Yuan Yueze; the others had gone to rest.
"Old man, may I ask what happened in Yangzhou? Why are people fleeing?"
Yuan Yueze, seeing people constantly escaping from Yangzhou, walked out of the temple with the two women and stopped an old man carrying a simple backpack, asking.
"Young master, you don't know yet! The tyrannical Emperor Yang Guang was assassinated yesterday! The Sui Dynasty has fallen!"
The old man, captivated by the charm of Shan Meixian and Song Yuzhi, hesitated before answering. His tone lacked genuine joy.
"The death of the tyrannical emperor should be a good thing, so why are people fleeing Yangzhou?"
Song Yuzhi asked.
"Young lady, you don't know, but I, a commoner, was indeed very happy to hear of the emperor's death. But before I could even rejoice, soldiers broke into my house and forcibly took away my meager possessions. I couldn't live there any longer, so I had to flee. I suppose those people are in the same boat as me!"
The old man sighed, pointing to the scattered fleeing people around him.
Yuan Yueze hadn't expected Yangzhou to descend into such chaos after Yang Guang's death. He took out a hundred taels of silver and gave it to the old man, saying, "Old man, your plight is truly pitiful. You are old; don't tire yourself out. Take this money and find a peaceful place to retire."
The old man accepted the silver, kneeling and kowtowing in gratitude. Shan Meixian quickly helped him up. The old man wiped away his tears, bowed deeply, and hurriedly fled towards Jiangnan.
Yuan Yueze had collected ten million taels of silver in the Imperial Garden the day before, and now he was using it to provide relief to the people.
Thus, Yuan Yueze and his two wives seemed to have established a fixed relief point at the entrance of the dilapidated temple, distributing tens of thousands of taels of silver in just one morning.
By the afternoon, very few people were walking out of Yangzhou. The streets were gradually becoming deserted again. Shang Xiuxun and her two wives still hadn't come to meet them.
Song Yuzhi woke the women up, and they went out to start a fire to cook some food for a meal.
The group chatted and laughed around the fire, while Yuan Yueze and Wei Zhenzhen busied themselves.
Suddenly, Yuan Yueze sensed a powerful aura approaching the temple entrance. The women stopped talking and their eyes all turned towards the door.
There stood a man and a woman.
The man appeared to be in his thirties, over seven feet tall, with a robust and muscular build, striking good looks, and an extremely imposing expression. Most notably, he had a head of fiery red curly hair and a short beard. The woman beside him was equally tall, dressed in red, with delicate, fair skin, exquisite features, and a hint of heroic spirit in her beautiful phoenix eyes. The red whisk in her right hand was particularly eye-catching.
The two at the entrance seemed somewhat dazed, captivated by the dozen or so people inside the temple.
The red-haired man was momentarily stunned before bowing to Yuan Yueze and saying, "I was just passing by; please forgive any disturbance."
His voice was loud and clear, revealing his profound internal martial arts cultivation.
"Friend, you're too kind. This is unclaimed land; anyone can enter."
"However, this place was reserved by my wife and me to start a fire. If you two don't mind, you are welcome to join us for a meal."
Yuan Yueze looked around and addressed the two at the door.
"Then we won't stand on ceremony!"
The red-haired man and the woman in red were extremely forthright. After laughing heartily, they greeted the women and sat by the fire, watching Yuan Yueze and Wei Zhenzhen prepare food using their strange cooking utensils.
"May I ask your names?"
Yuan Yueze had a rough idea of the woman in red's identity, but he didn't know who the forthright red-haired man was.
"I am Zhang Zhongjian, and this is my sworn sister, Zhang Chuchen,"
the red-haired man introduced generously.
Yuan Yueze sighed inwardly, "Just as I thought!"
"And what is your relationship with the Song Clan of Lingnan?"
the red-haired man asked Song Yuzhi after glancing at her.
"I am Song Yuzhi, daughter of Song Que,"
Song Yuzhi replied frankly. The man and woman before her didn't seem like bad people at all. Even if they had ulterior motives, they were no match for the Yuan Yueze family in the temple. However, Song Yuzhi was quite impressed with the red-haired man's discerning eye.
"How did you recognize my connection with the Song Clan, Mr. Zhang?"
Song Yuzhi asked again. Yuan Yueze and the others beside her also looked on with curiosity.
"Because your belt was made by 'Jade Satin Shop' in the Song Family Mountain City of Lingnan. As far as I know, 'Jade Satin Shop' belongs to the Song Clan and never provides clothing to outsiders,"
the red-haired man said with a smile.
"Sir, you have excellent eyesight!"
Song Yuzhi praised. On one hand, they admired the other's keen observation skills, and on the other hand, they were impressed by his intelligence network, because "Jade Satin Shop" had very little reputation in Lingnan, yet this person knew about it, indicating he must have quite a background.
"Then this young master must be the world-renowned Brother Yuan Yueze!"
The red-haired man turned his gaze to Yuan Yueze and smiled without a trace of surprise.
"You must be Qiu Ran Ke, and your sister must be Hong Fu Nu!"
Yuan Yueze did not answer, but looked at the two and asked in return.
"Haha!"
Neither of them answered each other, but after looking at each other, they laughed loudly.
The other women seemed to be attracted by the boldness between the two, and couldn't help but smile. Hong Fu Nu's eyes flashed with a strange light as she looked at Yuan Yueze. She carefully looked him up and down.
"Brother Zhang and Miss Zhang, why are you here?"
Yuan Yueze asked first.
"I arrived in Yangzhou at dawn today, intending to attend to some business, but upon entering the city, I heard that Yang Guang had died yesterday. Why are you and your wife here, Brother Yuan?"
the bearded man asked.
"To be honest, Brother Zhang, my wife and I witnessed Yang Guang's death firsthand yesterday at the Linjiang Palace,"
Yuan Yueze replied frankly. He knew the bearded man was a chivalrous and righteous hero.
"Oh? Then could you explain what happened to me, Brother Yuan?"
the bearded man asked with a smile, equally unconvinced by Yuan Yueze's words. Hong Fu, standing to the side, looked slightly surprised, seemingly unconvinced that Yuan Yueze could freely enter and leave the palace.
Yuan Yueze busied himself grilling meat, and after introducing the women to the bearded man and his wife, Shan Meixian recounted the events.
"I'm sure what Wang Shichong said about the heads of Li Yuan and Li Jiancheng is not true. He was probably just trying to appease Yang Guang!"
The bearded man frowned and thought for a long time after hearing what had happened, then looked up and said.
“I have had many dealings with the Li family of Taiyuan before, and I knew they were fakes the moment I saw those two heads last night,”
Shan Meixian nodded in agreement.
“Alright, the food is ready. Let’s eat and talk,”
Yuan Yueze said to Qiu Ran Ke and Hong Fu Nu after Wei Zhenzhen gestured.
After everyone was seated, red wine and other wines were poured for them. Yuan Yueze raised his glass and said, “It’s fate that I’ve met Brother Zhang and Miss Zhang today. Please drink this.”
Qiu Ran Ke and Hong Fu Nu also drank in one gulp. The women enjoyed their food while chatting and laughing. Yuan Yueze and Qiu Ran Ke drank several glasses in succession.
“Brother Zhang, do you know Li Jing?”
Yuan Yueze suddenly asked.
"Li Jing?"
the bearded man asked, puzzled. "I've never even heard of him, how could I
possibly know him?" Yuan Yueze remained silent, nodding, wondering what had happened. The Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust had become the Two Heroes of the Wind and Dust. Where had Li Jing gone? Had he been secretly killed by Du Fuwei's men? And how did the bearded man and Hong Fu Nu meet?"
"Mr. Zhang, could you explain to us the situation in Yangzhou City today? Why are people fleeing?"
Shan Meixian picked up a piece of food for Hong Fu Nu and asked the bearded man.
"When we entered the city today, we noticed the atmosphere was strange; everyone seemed to be wearing a joyful expression." "Upon further inquiry, I learned that Yang Guang had been assassinated the previous day, but power within the city was now in the hands of the Grand Commander, Yuchi Sheng. Yuchi Sheng's orders seemed to have been issued several hours late, and during those hours, the city's soldiers had been looting the people like bandits. I, Zhang, also tried to punish them, but with little effect. Around noon, the Grand Commander's orders finally arrived, and a large number of troops were deployed to guard the city. The soldiers who had been looting were beheaded on the spot, and the people's panic subsided; there should be very few who fled,"
the bearded man replied.
"But when we left the city, we found that the guards at the city gates were at least three times more numerous than when we entered, and they were carefully checking everyone entering and leaving. We also overheard soldiers chatting that the assassins had been hiding in the city after killing Yang Guang the previous day, and this was their way of preventing escape." "
Hong Fu glanced at Yuan Yueze before speaking. Her voice, though not weak, was pleasant to the ear.
"Yu Chi Sheng and the Yuwen Clan are in cahoots, birds of a feather. This approach is indeed killing several birds with one stone,"
the Bearded Guest laughed.
"Firstly, Yu Chi Sheng's actions are merely a smokescreen. The disappearance of Yuwen Huaji and his brothers has made him afraid of being targeted, as he was also one of the plotters to kill Yang Guang. He believes that those who captured the Yuwen Clan will certainly not let him go.
Secondly, this approach can exonerate him. It should be noted that Yuwen Huaji and his brothers are the pillars of the younger generation of the Yuwen Clan. Their silent disappearance will not be tolerated by Yuwen Shang, Yuwen Shu, and others. As the closest force in Yangzhou to the Yuwen Clan, Yu Chi Sheng is also implicated in their disappearance."
Thirdly, with Yang Guang's death, Yangzhou will inevitably descend into chaos. The surrounding rebel armies will certainly not let this opportunity pass. Just the Jianghuai Army in Danyang alone is enough to terrify Yuchi Sheng half to death. Strengthening the city's defenses can prevent spies from infiltrating,"
Shan Meixian analyzed carefully.
The bearded man nodded approvingly after listening: "I once heard that Lady Dongming single-handedly raised the banner of Dongming. Seeing her today, I can see that she is indeed a woman who is no less capable than men!"
Shan Meixian repeatedly said that she dared
not accept such praise. "I observe that Brother Zhang's martial arts cultivation is extremely high, and there seems to be an unparalleled Taoist energy flowing through his meridians. I suppose Brother Zhang's skills are definitely among the best in the world,"
Yuan Yueze said after examining the bearded man for a while.
"A mere worldly reputation is not worth my attention!"
The bearded man took a sip of wine and laughed loudly.
"Then Brother Zhang must have ambitions for the world!" “
Yuan Yueze recalled the bearded man recorded in historical materials and smiled.
The bearded man was also taken aback, but did not answer Yuan Yueze, instead picking at his food and drinking wine.
“Young Master Yuan seems quite similar to the legend. With such miraculous abilities, why don’t you make a name for yourself?”
Hong Fu asked. She saw Yuan Yueze conjuring things out of thin air, and having so many strange containers, wines, and foods, almost as varied as the rumors suggested.
“Miss Zhang thinks too highly of me. I’m not cut out for that!”
Yuan Yueze glanced at Hong Fu and sighed.
“I’ve been watching Brother Yuan and your wife rescuing the fleeing people from afar. They must have distributed quite a bit of silver!”
the bearded man asked.
Yuan Yueze was somewhat surprised, thinking that the bearded man must have been watching them rescue the people from a distance.
“In two hours, they distributed about thirteen thousand taels of silver.” "
Yuan Yueze replied.
Hearing that such a large amount of wealth was easily distributed to the people, Hong Fu also inwardly praised Yuan Yueze's actions. Qiu Ran Ke remained silent, only slightly frowning.
"Mr. Zhang, please speak frankly, there's no need to be polite,"
Song Yuzhi said, seeing Qiu Ran Ke's attitude. She sensed a feeling in Qiu Ran Ke that was very similar to her father, 'Heavenly Blade.'
"I believe that now that Yang Guang is dead, heroes have risen up across the land, each claiming their own territory and declaring themselves kings, and they will fight to the death for the right to rule as emperor. Today is the true beginning of chaos, and the lives of the people will be even more difficult than when Yang Guang was in power."
"Brother Yuan's abilities are definitely superior to mine, so why don't you stand up and help the suffering people? Your act of distributing wealth to help the people today is certainly respectable, but how many people in the world are suffering? Can you save them all?" "
The bearded man spoke in a deep voice.
"Conquering the world is easy, but maintaining it is difficult!"
Yuan Yueze sighed, seemingly unrelated to the question.
"In the past, I, Zhang, also studied Taoist arts and martial arts with people from beyond the borders. But only after traveling to various places and witnessing the lives of ordinary people did I realize that cultivating Taoism can only benefit oneself, and learning martial arts is merely the courage of a brute. Neither can truly save the people from suffering, especially in this era of war."
The bearded man and Yuan Yueze seemed to be talking to themselves.
"Brother Zhang's ambition for the world is a good thing. Judging from your character, if you were to become an emperor, you could be remembered for eternity."
Yuan Yueze did not want to discuss deeper topics with him, because the bearded man did not understand his suffering. The bearded man only saw his abilities, not his character.
"Brother Yuan, you are mistaken. I, Zhang, have no desire for the throne. I simply cannot stand the current system in which the rulers treat the people." "
The Bearded Guest sighed.
"My husband prefers a carefree life and dislikes being tainted by worldly affairs. Moreover, he is kind and honest, not suited for officialdom. And the world is not decided by force alone,"
Shan Meixian explained.
The Bearded Guest nodded thoughtfully.
"Brother Zhang, how do you think the world should be governed after it is pacified?"
Historical records state that the Bearded Guest established a kingdom overseas, becoming its ruler and realizing his ideal of saving the world outside the Central Plains. He was indeed a wise and courageous man who cared for all people and was dedicated to saving the common people. Thinking of this, Yuan Yueze asked.
"The defeat of the Sui dynasty under Yang was due to its policies that harassed the people and disrupted their livelihoods. It involved numerous constructions of ponds and temples, the pursuit of rare treasures, and exhausting military campaigns, preventing the people from cultivating the land and women from weaving. Fields lay fallow, industries were abandoned, and the people suffered greatly. Now, north of the Yellow River, a thousand miles are devoid of smoke; between the Yangtze and Huai rivers, weeds grow thick and abundant. East of the Yi and Luo rivers, not a sound can be heard, roads are desolate, and progress is difficult. All this is because the rulers saw the people's hunger and cold but did not help them, saw their suffering but did not feel compassion. Such rulers who torment the people are not rulers who govern them. Whether great chaos should be followed by great order is a matter of debate. Is it difficult to govern after such chaos?"
the bearded man sighed.
"After the great chaos, when the world is initially at peace, the people will surely be exhausted, overworked. Brother Zhang, how do you think we should allow the people to rest and recuperate?"
Yuan Yueze asked, staring at the bearded man.
"Abolish the oppressive policies of the old Sui Dynasty, streamline the government, simplify all matters, reduce taxes and corvée labor to alleviate the suffering of the people,"
the bearded man replied naturally. This was a method of recuperation and development passed down since ancient times, something almost anyone who had read a book could recite.
"How to replenish the national treasury? How to restore finances? How to rebuild local military preparedness? How to deal with the surrounding tribes that are eyeing us with predatory intent?"
"Reorganize the tax system, strengthen national power, reform the military system, integrate military and agricultural work, increase military pay at the border, and increase training."
"What kind of administrative system should be used for the newly established state?"
"The old Sui Dynasty's Three Departments and Six Ministries system needs improvement. It could be structured as Three Departments, Six Ministries, One Censorate, Five Directorates, and Nine Courts.
The heads of the Three Departments would all be prime ministers, jointly discussing state affairs. However, because the power of the former Grand Secretary was too great, the new system must weaken its authority. Two Vice Ministers could be appointed to share power.
One Censorate would be responsible for supervising central and local officials and participating in trials of major cases. The Five Directorates would be the Imperial Academy (responsible for education), the Imperial Household Department (responsible for royal handicrafts), the Imperial Workshops (responsible for civil engineering), the Arsenal (responsible for manufacturing military equipment), and the Water Conservancy Bureau (responsible for water conservancy). The Capital Water Conservancy Bureau. The Nine Temples are: the Court of Imperial Sacrifices (Taichang Temple), in charge of rites and sacrifices; the Court of Imperial Banquets (Guanglu Temple), in charge of imperial wine, food, and provisions; the Court of the Imperial Guards (Weiwei Temple), in charge of weapons and ceremonial regalia; the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs (Zongzheng Temple), in charge of imperial family genealogy; the Court of Imperial Stud (Taipu Temple), in charge of imperial carriages and state pastures; the Court of Judicial Review (Dali Temple), in charge of criminal law and adjudication
; the Court of State Ceremonies (Honglu Temple), in charge of state guests and rites; the Court of Agriculture (Sinong Temple), in charge of state granaries and reserves; and the Court of Treasury (Taifu Temple
), in charge of finances and trade. Locally, a two-tiered system of prefectures and counties is implemented. An additional
secret supervisory office, subordinate to the emperor, is established to secretly monitor local officials. Hearing this, the women around him nodded in agreement. Those women, well-versed in later historical records, showed little reaction. Yuan Yueze didn't ask further, because the bearded man's answer was arguably the most suitable policy for the newly established empire. But how far this was from Yuan Yueze's goals and ideals!
The bearded man thought his answer was the most suitable, yet he saw no joy on Yuan Yueze's face. He couldn't help but ask, "Brother Yuan, what kind of system do you envision?"
"Based on the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, establish legislative, executive, and judicial powers, with equal status, independent of each other, and mutually checking and balancing. Use the law of 'equality for all' to bind all people, including the emperor, supported by benevolence and righteousness. Finally, and most importantly, the military and government organs should be independent of each other, not subject to each other's control. Leadership should not fall into the hands of one person."
Yuan Yueze briefly considered some knowledge from later generations, casually extracting some practical theories.
"Limiting imperial power" was the core of Yuan Yueze's statement. Qiu Ran Ke was surprised and pondered deeply.
Qiu Ran Ke's theory would only be most effective when the emperor fully focused on the well-being of the people. Yuan Yueze's theory, however, completely overturned the deeply ingrained ancient idea that "the monarch is supreme."
"Brother Yuan, your method has its advantages and disadvantages, but it is truly unprecedented! Since you possess such great talent, why not put it to use?"
the Bearded Man said after a long pause, slamming his hand on the table.
"Brother Zhang, you don't know much about me. I can only talk the talk. If this system were to be implemented, it would be far more difficult than just 'difficult'!"
Yuan Yueze explained.
The scene was rather strange: neither of the two men were emperors or powerful warlords, yet they were discussing the principles of governance at length. However, none of the women showed any disdain, especially Hong Fu, who seemed extremely interested in Yuan Yueze's theories.
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore, let's continue drinking!"
Yuan Yueze said with a smile when he saw the Bearded Man put down his chopsticks.
The Bearded Man also came to his senses and gave Yuan Yueze a thumbs up. After that, the group stopped discussing these matters and simply chatted about various things. The bearded man recounted his travels throughout Persia, India, and the Western Regions, describing the customs and traditions of each place, which amazed everyone.
As the banquet drew to a close, Shan Meixian suddenly looked towards the door and announced, "Wanjing and Xiuxun are back."
No sooner had she spoken than the two women slowly entered the dilapidated temple. Following behind Shang Xiuxun was a woman dressed as a noblewoman, with a shapely and voluptuous figure.
Yuan Yueze and the others hurried to greet them, while Shang Xiuxun and Shan Wanjing rushed into Yuan Yueze's arms, acting coquettishly.
The bearded man, initially captivated by Shang Xiuxun's charm, instantly regained his composure, demonstrating his high level of self-cultivation.
Hongfu, on the other hand, was completely drawn to Shang Xiuxun's elegance and allure. When she first saw the women in the temple, she felt that their existence in the mortal realm was already a great blessing from heaven. Now, seeing a fairy who shouldn't even exist in the mortal realm enter the temple and throw herself into Yuan Yueze's arms, how could she not be extremely surprised!
"It is truly my honor to meet Brother Yuan and your ladies today. Since your wife has returned, I, Zhang Hongfu, must take my leave!"
The bearded man said, seeing Yuan Yueze's family reunited.
"It is a great regret in my life that I did not have the honor of sparring with Brother Zhang today. Brother Zhang and Miss Zhang, please take care. See you another day!"
Yuan Yueze said with a smile.
"If Mr. Zhang and your sister have time, why not come to Song Family Mountain City when we get married? I'm sure my father would also like to befriend a hero like you."
Song Yuzhi said.
"In that case, I will not stand on ceremony. If I am not busy, I will definitely pay my respects on time!"
The bearded man laughed loudly, cupped his hands, and left.
"I am deeply grateful for the hospitality shown to me today by Young Master Yuan and all the ladies. Please take care, and I hope we meet again!"
Hongfu had become quite familiar with the women over the meal. She glanced at Yuan Yueze one last time, and when he smiled and nodded at her, she smiled back, bowed, and followed the bearded man away.
After watching the two leave, Shang Xiuxun and Shan Wanjing ignored the questions from the people around them and pounced on the table, wolfing down their food without a trace of the demeanor of ancient ladies. Even the noblewoman who had returned with them looked on in astonishment.
"Husband, we don't want leftovers. Can you grill some more meat for us?"
Shan Wanjing said sweetly.
"Yes, yes!"
Yuan Yueze doted on his wives to the extreme.
Wei Zhenzhen busied herself lighting a fire and getting things ready. Yuan Yueze glanced at the noblewoman who had returned with the two women and asked, "May I ask who this...madam is?"
The noblewoman was dignified and polite, and after entering the dilapidated temple, she didn't say a word, simply standing silently to the side. As soon as Yuan Yueze spoke, the others in the temple also began to sized up the noblewoman: she appeared to be about thirty years old, with a stunningly beautiful face, graceful figure, and an elegant and noble demeanor, exuding the air of a refined lady.
"My surname is Xiao, and my given name is Bei (Note: a name the author made up). Thanks to the two ladies' rescue, I was able to escape the fire. Please accept my bow,"
the noblewoman said politely, gracefully performing a curtsy.
With her twenty-plus years of experience, Shan Meixian naturally sensed that the noblewoman before her was no ordinary person. She quickly went to help her up, saying, "Young lady, please don't be so polite. Let's have some food first before we talk."
The woman surnamed Xiao looked at the young woman who had helped her up, puzzled as to why she was called "young lady." "Does Madam find it strange that I call you 'young lady'?"
Shan Meixian asked with a smile, noticing her odd expression.
"Then, Madam, do you know my age?"
Shan Meixian asked again.
"Madam should be around twenty!" The woman
surnamed Xiao looked Shan Meixian up and down carefully before answering confidently.
"Sister Xiao, you're mistaken! My mother is over forty!"
Shan Wanjing ran over laughing after causing trouble for Wei Zhenzhen for a while.
"!"
The woman surnamed Xiao was clearly confused. These fairies all looked to be under twenty. How could the little fairy who saved her last night call this woman "mother"?
Seeing her shifting gaze, Yun Yuzhen pulled her to sit at the table and began to explain.
Yuan Yueze also noticed something amiss with this woman surnamed Xiao. Clearly, she was no ordinary person. A clue even flashed through Yuan Yueze's mind, but he quickly calmed down and approached Shang Xiuxun, who was assisting Wei Zhenzhen, and quietly inquired about the woman's background.
“Last night, Wanjing and I chased after him all the way to the far north but found no clues, so we had to return to the palace to check the situation. We encountered the injured man healing himself. After a short fight, seeing no hope of escape, he severed his own meridians and died! Then we encountered many soldiers looting the palace, so Wanjing and I had to sneak away. But in the barren Imperial Garden, we saw Sister Xiao crying alone. We didn't intend to approach her, but several soldiers rushed in, captivated by her beauty, and tried to assault her. Wanjing and I went down to rescue her. Afterwards, Sister Xiao wanted to come out with us, saying she had no relatives in the palace. We felt sorry for her and had no choice but to take her out. Husband, blame me if you must.”
Shang Xiuxun explained, thinking Yuan Yueze was worried that the woman surnamed Xiao was a burden and was blaming her.
“Did she reveal her identity? Her clothing in the palace was unusual; her identity must be extraordinary,”
Yuan Yueze asked tentatively, his thoughts gradually becoming clearer.
"We didn't have time to ask! Sister Xiao is very kind and doesn't seem like a bad person. She's probably just a palace maid,"
Shang Xiuxun replied abruptly.
Yuan Yueze glanced at the woman surnamed Xiao chatting and laughing with the other women at the table not far away, then exchanged a look with Shan Meixian. He was already seven or eight tenths certain of the woman's identity.

Chapter 025 Encountering the King of Qin
April 16th, Yangzhou Riverbank.
The moon is fullest on the 16th.
It was almost the end of the day, the sky was starry and cloudless, and a full moon hung in the sky, its bright light spreading across the calm, still river surface. Against the backdrop of the faint twilight, it was incredibly peaceful, hazy, tranquil, and elegant. It gave people an indescribable sense of transcendence and freshness.
A strangely shaped 'small' boat was slowly moving on the river. What makes it strange is its unusual size; the boat is so wide it seems to float sideways across the river like a normal small boat.
Its design is also very simple, lacking even a canopy. From a distance, only a dozen or so people can be seen scattered on it, but the occasional bursts of women's laughter suggest there are quite a few on board, and even the sound of their laughter is enough to stir one's heart.
At the bow, facing the gentle breeze, sit two women, one on each side. One has a guzheng (a traditional Chinese zither) in front of her, while the other holds a pipa (a
traditional Chinese stringed instrument). A clear, melodious guzheng note, like the gentle flow of flowing water, drifts from the boat, echoing across the river and creating ripples. Suddenly, a penetrating, yet melodious and mellow pipa note, like pearls falling onto a jade plate, rises up.
The sounds of two different instruments intertwined, clear and high notes rising and falling. The people on the boat gazed at the calm river under the night sky, as if they could hear the gentle murmur of waves lapping against the shore. The night was tranquil, the river as
blue as orchids. The long, resonant notes of the zither gradually quickened, like the rising tide and the bright moon. The soft moonlight quietly spilled onto the vast river, the dark water shimmering with emerald waves. In the distance, mountains rose and fell, verdant and layered, their peaks like flowing clouds, stretching endlessly. The pipa's accompaniment was slightly more subdued, like fine rain falling on the vast sea. The tide rose and fell, waves crashing against the rugged rocks, carrying sand back to the shore.
Suddenly, both sounds deepened simultaneously, after "The Moon Rises Over the Eastern Hills" and "The Wind Returns to the Winding Stream," appearing as a gentle river breeze, swaying flowers and grasses, and reflections in the water, layered and hazy. Then the rhythm shifted again, the pipa's sound quickened once more, while the zheng's accompaniment became more subdued. The rapid, sweeping, robust, and mellow pipa notes were like white sails dotting the
water, the distant sound of fishermen's songs rising and falling. At this moment, the zheng's sound surged again, accompanying the pipa's high notes with the force of "a silver bottle suddenly shatters, water gushing forth; iron cavalry charges forth, swords and spears clashing," like a fishing boat breaking through the water, creating waves crashing against the shore, spray flying, and the sound of oars echoing.
The zheng's notes shifted several times, like a raging sea gradually calming down, while the pipa's notes also shifted, gradually becoming gentler, like a vast ocean, its turbulent waves subsiding, the clouds parting to reveal the moon, a beam of moonlight shining on the sea, a few flying fish leaping from the surface, reflecting the pale silver light of the moon, the night sky clear, the bright moon shining on the vast blue waves.
This zheng and pipa duet lasted a full quarter of an hour. The dozen or so people on the small boat were completely immersed in the music, which resembled a meticulously crafted, softly colored, and elegantly refined landscape painting. Many fishermen on the shore were also not resting; people had gathered on the numerous fishing boats scattered along the bank, seemingly captivated by the melody, gazing intently at the two women at the bow.
Yuan Yueze inwardly exclaimed, "What a beautiful 'Spring River Flower Moon Night'! What a pair of beautiful women playing it with such passion!"
Just now, watching "Sister Xiao" skillfully employ various techniques such as plucking, picking, pinching, rolling, flicking, stroking, flying, gathering, hooking, and wiping, completely immersed in playing the pipa, lost in the world she created, especially when playing long notes, her eyes slightly closed, her head and body swaying gently unconsciously, Yuan Yueze sighed inwardly: "No matter who it is, when they are immersed in the world deep within their hearts, they are the most captivating and the most genuine."
Looking at Shan Meixian on the other side, her body also trembling slightly, immersed in playing the guzheng, her beautiful eyes slightly open, her entire process showing mastery of various techniques such as supporting, chopping, picking, wiping, flicking, hooking, shaking, pinching, sliding, kneading, and trembling,
Yuan Yueze couldn't help but recall the events of March 10th at the City God Temple in the northern suburbs of Yangzhou.
That day, from Shan Meixian's gaze, Yuan Yueze was almost certain of the identity of the middle-aged noblewoman sitting at the table not far away, and Yuan Yueze's head began to ache. He pulled Shang Xiuxun, who was still helping Wei Zhenzhen, into his arms, gently pinched her smooth, delicate face, and whispered in her ear, "My little aunt, do you know how much trouble you've caused? Do you know who that noblewoman is?"
"Hehe, it tickles."
Shang Xiuxun shrank back and laughed when he breathed on her ear.
"Is Sister Xiao's identity that scary? At most, she's just an Empress Dowager or an Empress! Now that Yang Guang is dead, what's there to be afraid of?"
Shang Xiuxun added.
What Shang Xiuxun said made a lot of sense.
Yuan Yueze thought for a moment and decided to confirm it first.
As expected, this noblewoman surnamed Xiao was indeed Empress Xiao, the first wife of Emperor Yang Guang of Sui. Empress Xiao seemed to have roughly learned about Yuan Yueze's identity from her conversation with Shan Meixian, Yun Yuzhen, and the other women, and her curiosity immediately intensified.
Having personally verified Empress Xiao's identity, Yuan Yueze was stunned and speechless, only able to stare blankly at her.
Who was Empress Xiao?
Historically, there have been dozens of empresses with the surname Xiao, the most famous being Empress Xiao, from the 'Lanling Xiao Clan'.
According to official history, Empress Xiao, wife of Emperor Yang Guang, was the daughter of Emperor Xiaoming of Western Liang, Xiao Kui, and Empress Zhang. Born in February, a month considered unlucky in Jiangnan, she was adopted by Xiao Kui's cousin, Xiao Ji. After her adoptive father Xiao Ji passed away, she was adopted by her maternal uncle, Zhang Ke. Due to Zhang Ke's poverty, the princess Xiao also had to work in the fields. After Emperor Wen of
Sui ascended the throne, he made his eldest son Yang Yong crown prince and his second son Yang Guang the Prince of Jin. Emperor Wen then wished to select a princess from the Western Liang Kingdom, with whom he had always maintained good relations, to be the Prince of Jin's consort. Upon learning of this, Xiao Kui began to consult divination, but all the daughters he kept by his side were deemed unsuitable. Finally, he had no choice but to bring back Xiao Shi. A divination there yielded a very auspicious result, and Xiao Shi became Yang Guang's wife, becoming the Princess of Jin.
Historical records state that Xiao Shi was gentle and studious, favored by Emperor Wen and Empress Dugu, and had a harmonious relationship with her husband, Yang Guang. Later, when Yang Guang ascended the throne, Xiao Shi, as his principal wife, was made Empress. Although Emperor Yang had many concubines after his ascension, he always treated Empress Xiao with great respect. Emperor Yang made several trips to the south, and Empress Xiao always accompanied him; historical records also document many of Emperor Yang's conversations with Empress Xiao. Empress Xiao, out of fear, dared not directly criticize Emperor Yang's tyranny, but instead composed a "Declaration of My Aspirations" as a subtle admonition.
Later official histories record that after Emperor Yang was assassinated by the rebel Yuwen Huaji while in the Jiangdu Palace, Empress Xiao was taken to Liaocheng by the rebel army. Afterwards, Dou Jiande led his troops to attack the city and welcome back the Empress, temporarily settling her in Wuqiang County. At that time, Princess Yicheng, the wife of the Turkic Khan Chuluo, was Empress Xiao's aunt. Because of this relationship, Chuluo Khan sent envoys to respectfully welcome the Empress. Dou Jiande dared not refuse, so Empress Xiao accompanied the envoys to the Turkic
Khaganate. Later, in the fourth year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Taizong defeated the Turks and welcomed Empress Xiao back to the capital. Upon her return, Empress Xiao received great respect from Emperor Taizong. In the twenty-first year of the Zhenguan era, Empress Xiao passed away at approximately eighty years of age. After her death, Emperor Taizong buried her with the rites due to an Empress in the mausoleum of Emperor Yang, posthumously
granting her the title of Empress Min. However, these are not the reasons why
Empress Xiao is remembered for generations. She is still widely discussed and studied in later generations, largely due to accounts in unofficial histories.
In these unofficial histories, Empress Xiao is portrayed as one of the most prominent "beauties who could topple kingdoms," enjoying the favor of five emperors throughout her life. In ancient times, it was extremely rare for a woman to remain by the side of a monarch through dynastic changes.
Yuan Yueze had certainly read both official and unofficial histories.
What is official history? For example, the accounts of Yuan Yueze's life by Song Que, Fu Cailin, and Lu Miaozi, who are now familiar with her background, would be considered official history.
Unofficial history, on the other hand, refers to the gossip among the idle diners at the "Fulai Restaurant" in Yangzhou on the ninth day of the third month, such as the claim that "Yuan Yueze is Ning Daoqi's illegitimate son."
Regardless of the truth of the official and unofficial accounts, Empress Xiao's fate had changed. Although it's unknown whether her life would have been like the unofficial accounts if she hadn't met Yuan Yueze, now that she had been rescued, at least she could live a peaceful, tranquil, and carefree life.
Her talent and intellect were no less than many men of this era; only because she was a woman could she rely on her beauty and body. How tragic! While some envy her life, who sympathizes with her plight? Is her heart truly filled with the joy and contentment she appears to have?
Having figured this out, Yuan Yueze snapped out of his reverie, his gaze shifting from surprise to a mixture of respect and pity.
Empress Xiao, equally bewildered, stared at Yuan Yueze, wondering why he was staring at her so intently. Logically, the beauty and allure of the women in the temple should have made the usually self-assured Empress Xiao feel inferior, yet this man, whose reputation was legendary, was simply staring at her blankly. Empress Xiao had intended to take a good look at Yuan Yueze, but under his intense gaze, her face flushed, and she lowered her head, her eyes darting away. After a while, she secretly glanced at Yuan Yueze, only to find no trace of lust in his eyes. Empress Xiao cursed herself inwardly: how could she have such wild thoughts? But she was also somewhat confused: at this moment, she had lost everything, especially her status. The Sui Dynasty had already fallen, so why did Yuan Yueze still look at her with such respect? The hint of pity in his eyes stirred a sense of kinship within Empress Xiao.
"Empress Xiao... what are your plans for the future?"
Yuan Yueze asked after a moment's hesitation, unsure how to address her.
"Young master, you needn't call me 'Empress' anymore. The Sui Dynasty is gone. I was saved from disaster by the two ladies. I don't know what the future holds..."
Empress Xiao said with a sorrowful expression. It would be good to stay with Yuan Yueze's family, but she feared she would be a burden. Her tone was filled with uncertainty.
"If the Empress doesn't mind, I can choose a peaceful town for her and prepare everything for her. She can then simply enjoy her life in peace. What do you think?"
Yuan Yueze suggested.
"This... how can I accept such a great favor from you, young master..."
Empress Xiao felt a pang of sadness, thinking to herself: So, they really see me as a burden.
Seeing a hint of sadness in Empress Xiao's eyes, Shan Meixian smiled and said, "My husband means well, but his idea is flawed. If a beauty like you, Xiao, were to suddenly move to a town, some lecherous men would inevitably harass you. And since you're defenseless, your fate would be tragic."
From their earlier conversation, Shan Meixian knew Empress Xiao was a year younger than her, hence the address of "sister. "
Yuan Yueze nodded in agreement; he was always slow-witted, often "doing more harm than good." Empress Xiao felt grateful for Shan Meixian's understanding.
"Sister, don't make wild guesses. My husband doesn't consider you a burden. If you don't mind, you can live with us in the future, how about that?"
Shan Meixian added.
For some reason, Empress Xiao's face flushed red again, clearly misunderstanding Shan Meixian's meaning. She softly thanked him, saying, "This concubine thanks you, young master and madam, for your hospitality."
Shan Meixian, of course, saw that Empress Xiao had misunderstood, and quickly gave Yuan Yueze a meaningful look. The couple, understanding each other perfectly, Yuan Yueze smiled faintly, "Empress, there's no need to be so formal. Although I am not a gentleman, I only have respect for you, and absolutely no improper intentions. Please treat us as family; there's no need to be so polite."
Hearing Yuan Yueze's words, Empress Xiao's face, which had just recovered, flushed again. She lowered her head and nodded slightly. She cursed herself inwardly: shameless.
At this time, Wei Zhenzhen had already prepared the meal again, so Shang Xiuxun and Shan Wanjing pulled the still slightly shy Empress Xiao to eat together.
Empress Xiao, of course, displayed the demeanor of a well-bred lady, her eating posture quite dignified. Looking at Shang Xiuxun and Shan Wanjing, their eating habits clearly showed they had inherited Yuan Yueze's 'true teachings'. They were both completely open-hearted people, so Yuan Yueze didn't find anything annoying about their actions at all. On the contrary, he felt that they were completely unpretentious and genuine.
Watching the three of them eat and drink, Yuan Yueze chatted with the other women. Yuan Yueze looked at Shang Xiuxun, shook his head slightly, and sighed, "The book originally described Xiuxun's eating habits as one of the most beautiful 'scenes' of this era, but look at her eating habits now..."
Shang Xiuxun, who was listening nearby, continued to shovel food into her mouth, then turned back and made a face at Yuan Yueze.
Everyone couldn't help but smile.
After the meal, everyone began to rest. Shan Meixian, being close in age to Empress Xiao and quite similar in mentality, pulled the astonished Empress Xiao around and showed her everything inside her bracelet. That night, Shan Meixian even stayed with Empress Xiao in bed, talking to her late into the night, afraid that she would be lonely, which deeply moved Empress Xiao.
Meanwhile, Yuan Yueze's side was as absurd as ever. After a long period of activity, the women, exhausted, had all fallen into a deep sleep.
Yuan Yueze took advantage of Fu Junyu, who was in his arms, groping her all over. After several rounds of ecstasy, Fu Junyu was sore all over and hurriedly pressed down on Yuan Yueze's large hands, panting, "Husband, no more, I can't take it anymore. Go find the other sisters."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Yueze turned his gaze to the other wives who were still awake, but he saw that Yun Yuzhen, Song Yuzhi, and Susu all hurriedly waved their hands and begged for mercy.
Yuan Yueze chuckled and pulled Susu into his arms, saying, "I was just teasing you. There are more than one thing men and women can do in bed."
"My husband really knows how to take care of me. We originally came here for the whereabouts of those two bastards, Kou Zhong, but we didn't expect to witness the death of the tyrannical Emperor Yang Guang and capture the two pillars of the Yuwen Clan. We've gained a lot."
Fu Junyu squirmed in Yuan Yueze's arms a few times, found a comfortable position, and then spoke.
“Those two boys are lucky, they should be fine. It's Junzhuo and Zhenzhen who are worried about them, but there's no point in me saying anything. Let's keep looking,”
Yuan Yueze said.
“Sister Yuzhen said that people would have been very close to them, like siblings, but why has Susu never even heard of them?”
Susu asked from the other side.
“Originally, things in this era were destined to develop along a certain path, but my husband suddenly arrived and unintentionally did some things, resulting in a series of reactions. Many things and people have been changed by my appearance,”
Yuan Yueze laughed.
“There are still more than two months until our wedding. Where should we go for some fun?”
Song Yuzhi asked, tilting her head.
“Yuzhen, do you have any ideas?”
Yuan Yueze didn't answer Song Yuzhi, but instead asked Yun Yuzhen.
“Now that Yang Guang is dead, the world is in chaos, and our intelligence network isn’t fully operational yet, so our intelligence might not be very reliable for a while. What we do next doesn’t matter. Since Sister Junzhuo and Zhenzhen are worried about those two boys, let’s continue our search,”
Yun Yuzhen said after a moment’s thought.
“Then let’s continue exploring the Yangzhou area. The scenery on the river is quite nice. There are also many picturesque valleys in the countryside; we can go there and live freely anytime,”
Yuan Yueze said.
The group whispered some sweet nothings and gradually fell asleep.
The next day, the whole family sat around the table for breakfast. Empress Xiao looked very haggard and had no appetite, her head bowed as if lost in thought. Later, Yuan Yueze asked Shan Meixian about her family, and she told Empress Xiao everything about them. No wonder Empress Xiao was like that; she had clearly suffered a great emotional shock.
After a few more days of rest and sightseeing, Empress Xiao finally relaxed. However, Yuan Yueze's constant, respectful address of her as "Empress" made her extremely uncomfortable.
Leaving aside the fact that the Sui Dynasty was gone, she shouldn't even exist as Empress. Yuan Yueze's expression and tone alone gave Empress Xiao an indescribable sense of estrangement. He repeatedly told her to treat this place as her home, yet he always treated her like an outsider. While his attitude seemed friendly to Empress Xiao, it was a sense of distance emanating from his heart.
Therefore, a thick wall remained in Empress Xiao's heart. Over the past few days, she had gradually come to understand Yuan Yueze's character; indeed, he was as devoted to his wife as he had been a year ago, with his "earnest roar" that shook the world. Empress Xiao herself even felt a slight romantic attraction to Yuan Yueze. Whenever she thought of this, Empress Xiao forced herself to calm down: Yuan Yueze's dozen or so wives were all like fairies; standing among them, Empress Xiao would become the most inconspicuous one. Of course, she wasn't arrogant enough to believe that Yuan Yueze would have feelings for her. But the longer they spent together, the more Xiao Hou couldn't suppress her feelings. Adding to this, she was harassed by the "demonic sounds" from
nearby for over two hours every night—how could Xiao Hou, at her age and "like a wolf in sheep's clothing," endure it? After Yang Guang's death, she naturally worried about her future. But once basic needs were met, she began to consider deeper pursuits. This was human nature, and no one could blame her. After
a few days of rest, seeing that Xiao Hou's emotions were almost stable, Yuan Yueze discussed with the other women the possibility of searching for the Twin Dragons near Yangzhou.
Xiao Hou had never learned martial arts and was physically weak, so Shan Meixian voluntarily stayed in the bracelet to keep her company.
After searching for several days without any clues, Yuan Yueze went to a beautiful little valley that Shan Ruyin had stumbled upon, intending to stay there for a while.
He ended up staying in the valley for over half a month, enjoying a tranquil and carefree life, easily forgetting the outside world. During this time, at Shan Meixian's suggestion, Yuan Yueze became much more affectionate towards Empress Xiao. He abandoned his previous respectful attitude and treated her with the same care he showed the other women. Empress Xiao was flattered but unsure of Yuan Yueze's true feelings.
Seeing Empress Xiao's increasingly anxious expression, Shan Meixian didn't mind, but she understood that Yuan Yueze had no improper thoughts towards Empress Xiao at this time. Moreover, Empress Xiao's status was rather special; they were to hold their grand wedding in Lingnan in June, and if Yuan Yueze and Empress Xiao's relationship wasn't handled well, it would naturally cause some inconvenience. Yuan Yueze's family didn't care about what outsiders said, but they also had to consider the families of the women who were about to become brides. After some consideration, Shan Meixian suggested that Empress Xiao and Yuan Yueze address each other as brother and sister for the time being. Both agreed.
Once they started addressing each other as brother and sister, Yuan Yueze immediately became more affectionate. He had previously experienced a bit of sisterly affection from Shan Meixian, but Shan Meixian had primarily appeared before Yuan Yueze as a wife. Now that he had a sister, how could Yuan Yueze not be happy? Their relationship deepened, though it became a familial bond not originally intended for Empress Xiao. Nevertheless, it brought her great comfort: to have such a younger brother in this life was truly a blessing.
Empress Xiao temporarily set aside her feelings for Yuan Yueze and threw herself into her new life. Yuan Yueze went to great lengths to help her open her meridians and teach her martial arts. Afterwards, Empress Xiao sang and danced with the other women, enjoying a carefree life like that of immortals.
Fu Junzhuo finally returned after more than a month and found her family. After clinging to Yuan Yueze for a long time, they discussed establishing a communication base between the Central Plains and Goryeo. The family then began searching for Shuanglong again, like headless flies.
On this night of the full moon, Yuan Yueze suggested they all go boating on the Yangtze River to admire the moonlight.
The group enjoyed the gentle breeze and the spring air on their makeshift boat. Shan Meixian, in high spirits, asked Yuan Yueze to bring out his musical instruments so she and Empress Xiao could play a duet on the zither and lute.
The two women had an exceptionally harmonious relationship, perhaps due to their similar psychological ages. Over the past month, they had frequently studied Yuan Yueze's later musical scores together and played them. Shan Meixian was already a skilled zither player, and in the past year or so, she had immersed herself in the scores collected by Yun Jizi, her zither skills reaching a near-divine level. Yuan Yueze's family had only just learned that Empress Xiao was also a skilled pipa player.
Today, the rendition of "Spring River Flower Moon Night" carried far and wide, captivating all who heard it. Especially in this setting, it was easy to become completely absorbed in the music.
"Who are these great artists playing such beautiful music ahead? I am Li Shimin, may I have the honor of meeting these two masters?"
While everyone was still enchanted, three warships, almost comparable in size to "five-toothed warships," appeared about a hundred feet ahead of the small boat. The loud voice just now came from the middle ship.
“They are from the Li clan. Should we avoid them, my husband?”
Shan Meixian asked, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. Empress Xiao, who was standing to the side, knew of the Li clan, but she didn’t react much and continued to gently stroke her pipa.
"Why should we avoid them? Who do they think they are? I'd like to see for myself this man whose talent will be remembered for eternity!"
Yuan Yueze laughed.
"Does anyone want to come with me to see Li Shimin?"
Yuan Yueze turned back to ask the women around him.
None of the women were very interested. Empress Xiao was also afraid that her appearance would cause trouble for Yuan Yueze, so she and the other women went to rest in the bracelet. Only Shan Meixian and Shang Xiuxun remained by Yuan Yueze's side.
As the eldest of the women, Shan Meixian's presence made everyone feel at ease. Shang Xiuxun wanted to see her old friend, but she didn't know if her friend was on Li's ship.
"Please wait a moment, we're coming!"
Yuan Yueze responded from afar, and he and Shan Meixian flew through the air, lightly touching the water's surface. In a few leaps, they covered more than ten feet and landed on the bow of the large ship in the middle.
The three men arrived too quickly, and the members of the Li clan instinctively formed a protective barrier in front of Li Shimin.
"Step back. I invited you distinguished guests; please don't be so rude!"
Li Shimin said after a slight pause.
The Li clan guards responded and stepped back, while Li Shimin stepped forward, followed by a woman.
"I am Li Shimin, and my father is Li Yuan. I have just heard the performances of several masters and am filled with admiration. The music, with its gentle melody and tranquil mood, depicts the beautiful scenery of the world: as the evening drum bids farewell to the setting sun and the flute welcomes the full moon, people set out in light boats, drifting on the calm spring river. The green mountains on both banks are layered, and the flowers cast shadows; the moon ripples on the water, and the oars add to the sound. The music, with its gentle and simple melody, smooth and varied rhythm, ingenious and delicate instrumentation, and meticulous performance, vividly depicts the enchanting scenery of the moonlit night and the spring river, and fully praises the unique charm of the Jiangnan water towns. As far as I know, it seems that only the qin master Shang's skill can reach such a level. Today, to hear the music of two zheng masters and pipa masters is truly an honor of a lifetime!"
Li Shimin said, bowing with his hands clasped, his tone full of heroic spirit.
“I didn’t expect Brother Li to be such a kindred spirit. But does Brother Li wish to speak with us here?”
Yuan Yueze pointed to the deck at the bow of the ship.
“It was presumptuous of Shimin.
Please, the three of you!” Li Shimin gestured for them to enter.
It was dark outside, and the people on the deck still couldn’t make out each other’s features.
Led by Li Shimin, Yuan Yueze and the two women entered the luxurious reception cabin. The guards outside were naturally wary of letting three people of unknown origin in so easily, but Li Shimin stopped the others from following in, saying only, “How could someone who can compose such beautiful music be an evil person? You may leave!”
This was a very tactful remark, subtly flattering Yuan Yueze and the other two while also demonstrating his generosity.
Yuan Yueze remained silent, and after entering the cabin with Li Shimin and the woman, they sat down and began to sized each other up.
Li Shimin appeared to be around twenty years old, tall and imposing, with a square face and large ears. His imposing presence and bright, piercing eyes, combined with his composed and dignified demeanor, captivated all who beheld him. The
woman beside him was also exceptionally beautiful, dressed in elegant, light-colored robes. Her figure was slender and graceful, her bearing refined and elegant—a sight to behold. Li Shimin
and the woman similarly sized up the man and two women before them, clearly stunned by their beauty and charm. Even Li Shimin, accustomed to seeing countless beauties, was momentarily taken aback when his gaze fell upon Shang Xiuxun. However, a fleeting look of astonishment crossed his face, revealing his resolute will.
Li Shimin and the woman's gazes lingered on Shan Meixian and Shang Xiuxun, their expressions growing increasingly strange. A moment later, the woman exclaimed, "Aunt Meixian, Xiuxun!"
"Xiuning doesn't even recognize me? We met a few years ago, didn't we?"
Shan Meixian smiled slightly, her tone teasing.
Shang Xiuxun also nodded with a charming smile.
"So it really is Aunt Meixian and Sister Xiuxun! Shimin, you're too kind! This must be the renowned Young Master Yuan, right?"
Li Shimin's eyes flashed with only a hint of surprise before he smiled naturally.
Yuan Yueze didn't answer, but smiled and nodded. He then glanced at the woman beside Li Shimin a few more times before looking away from her.
"This is my younger sister, Xiuning."
Li Shimin, seeing Yuan Yueze's impolite behavior, didn't stand on ceremony, as rumors in the martial arts world suggested that Yuan Yueze was a very casual person.
Li Xiuning, however, stared at Yuan Yueze with a complicated expression.
Although Li Shimin's expression remained unchanged, his mind immediately began to calculate: the spy clearly said that Xiu Xun had gone out for a trip, but did not mention that she was with Yuan Yueze.
The Flying Horse Ranch was a place coveted by any major power in this chaotic world, and Shang Xiu Xun, as the only daughter of the ranch owner Shang Qingya, was naturally extremely pampered. In this era that valued marriage alliances, if someone could marry Shang Xiu Xun, their power would immediately increase several times. With Shang Xiu Xun's beauty, which could rank among the top five in the world, it was definitely a deal that would bring both wealth and beauty!
But now it seemed that Shang Xiu Xun was already Yuan Yueze's woman, and Yuan Yueze had a marriage relationship with the Song Clan, so wouldn't the Song Clan be...?
Li Shimin could only think of these things, and he couldn't help but feel anxious: in just this short period of deliberation, he knew that many things had already exceeded his expectations!
Li Xiuning, on the other hand, seemed to be thinking about something else, not so complicated. She just went over and hugged the jade-like arm of the ethereal Shang Xiu Xun with an envious look, and chatted excitedly.
Li Shimin's mind was in turmoil, so he casually asked about the moving piece of music he had just heard. Shan Meixian replied that she had played the zither, while Yuan Yueze's sister played the pipa in harmony. This piece, "Spring River Flower Moon Night," wouldn't have appeared until the Ming and Qing dynasties, and a more mature score didn't emerge until the 19th century, so Li Shimin obviously couldn't have heard of it. However, upon hearing that Shan Meixian said it was Yuan Yueze's sister playing the pipa, he became somewhat interested in her identity, because in his knowledge, no woman in the world seemed to possess such pipa skills.
Yuan Yueze remained silent; he disliked such hypocritical occasions and was not good at dealing with such situations. He simply lowered his head and tasted pastries and fine tea. Many of Li Shimin's well-hidden questions were answered by Shan Meixian.
Seeing that Yuan Yueze showed no interest in speaking, focusing only on eating and drinking, while Shan Meixian answered all questions, Li Shimin guessed that Yuan Yueze might be henpecked, hence needing Shan Meixian to make all the decisions. This was because Shan Meixian was a top-tier figure in terms of life experience and worldly wisdom.
Meanwhile, Li Xiuning was trying to elicit information about Shang Xiuxun through conversation, while Li Shimin and Shan Meixian were engaged in a "battle of wits," which Yuan Yueze listened to attentively, his eyelids drooping.
Li Xiuning and Shang Xiuxun's conversation was relatively mild, without much hidden agenda. However, Li Shimin and Shan Meixian's conversation was like a game of chess, or perhaps a battle, with hidden meanings and veiled implications in their words. Li Shimin's implication was that he wanted to know Yuan Yueze's background and goals; after all, no one wanted to make such an enemy, even though Yuan Yueze appeared simple and honest. Shan Meixian, however, avoided direct answers, her meaning clear: if you want to know, just ask the Song Clan Chief. They directly passed all of Li Shimin's questions to Song Que. Shan Meixian also subtly inquired about Li Shimin's presence on the Yangtze River, to which Li Shimin's answer remained equally evasive.
"Where are Aunt Meixian and Sister Xiuxun staying? If you don't mind, why don't you stay the night on our boat?"
Seeing that he hadn't gotten any answers after asking for so long, Li Shimin grew impatient and offered this invitation, hoping to devise a plan for the night and inquire again the next day.
"We won't stay here. We appreciate your kindness, Shimin, but remember to give my regards to your father when you return."
Without hesitation, Shan Meixian answered.
"But it's already quite late, and we're not close to any town. Aunt Meixian, are you planning to stay in the wilderness?"
Li Xiuning quickly tried to persuade them to stay when she heard they were about to leave.
"We're used to staying wherever we end up! Xiuning and Brother Li, please take care!"
Shang Xiuxun smiled at Li Xiuning.
"Then I won't keep you three any longer. On your wedding day, I will definitely visit Songjia Mountain City to offer my congratulations!"
Li Shimin reluctantly agreed.
"Then we'll wait for Brother Li's arrival!"
Shang Xiuxun nodded.
"Husband, we should go."
Seeing there was nothing more to say, Shan Meixian prepared to leave.
Her gaze turned to Yuan Yueze beside her, but she noticed he didn't move at all, simply leaning against the round table with his head down.
The other four people in the room looked puzzled, and several of them leaned closer.
When Li Shimin and his sister saw clearly, their expressions were incredibly complex.
It turned out that Yuan Yueze had his eyes closed, a trickle of drool at the corner of his mouth, and his breathing was long and even; he had fallen asleep without anyone noticing!

Chapter 26 Yin Gui Yan Mei
Li Shimin and his sister, seeing Yuan Yueze's sleeping posture, found it hard to compliment, and their expressions became awkward.
However, Shan Meixian showed no sign of discomfort. She gently nudged Yuan Yueze a few times, turned her head to Li Shimin and his sister, and smiled, "My husband is just like that, don't laugh at him. He only came to see Shimin today." While
Li Shimin was still pondering the deeper meaning behind Shan Meixian's words, Yuan Yueze was already groggily awakened.
The first thing he saw was Shang Xiuxun, gently wiping Yuan Yueze's drool with a fragrant handkerchief.
Looking around sleepily, Yuan Yueze cupped his hands to Li Shimin and said, "Have you finished talking? Then I'll take my leave."
Li Shimin and his sister quickly returned the gesture and watched the three of them leave.
"Second Brother, what do you think of this Young Master Yuan compared to the rumors?"
After sitting in the cabin for a while, Li Xiuning asked.
"I can't really explain it. At first glance, he seems very simple, like a child of a few years old. But upon closer inspection, he seems like a learned sage. In short, the more you look at him, the more you notice his unique characteristics and his extremely strange temperament."
Li Shimin frowned and said, even finding suitable words to describe Yuan Yueze was not easy.
However, he was quite capable. Yuan Yueze had only spoken a few times in the cabin, and his eyes had only shifted twice. Yet Li Shimin was able to see through Yuan Yueze. He was indeed not comparable to the disciples of ordinary aristocratic families.
"But many things in the rumors seem to be true! Look at Aunt Meixian, now she looks like someone else's sister no matter how you look at her! And Xiuxun, the change is too great! It seems that person really does know some magic!"
Li Xiuning sighed.
At this moment, her attention was entirely focused on the changes in Shan Meixian and the other two women. Everyone has a love for beauty. Women, in particular, are extremely competitive.
But Li Shimin had no time to consider these issues; his focus was on matters of interest.
"Who cares if they have magic! Our spies have made a huge mistake this time! The news we received about the Pegasus Ranch over a year ago seems to have been false! Sigh..."
Li Shimin's head ached at the thought.
"Second Brother, your worries are unnecessary. Based on Aunt Meixian's words, Xiuning has noticed that they seem to rarely interact with outsiders, meaning they prefer to live in their own little world. This kind of personality is unrestrained and detached from worldly affairs. That's why no one has been able to find their whereabouts for over a year. Such people have no interest in the struggle for power or the conflicts of the world,"
Li Xiuning replied after a moment's thought. Indeed, coming from a political family, once she regained her composure, her analysis was crystal clear.
"I hope so, but as long as there's even the slightest potential crisis, it's hard for us to feel at ease!"
Li Shimin sighed.
“Anyway, we’ll be sending congratulatory gifts when they get married in Lingnan. If I’m not mistaken, many powerful forces will come to offer their congratulations, which will increase the chances of them revealing their secrets,”
Li Shimin added.
Li Xiuning remained silent and nodded quietly.
Yuan Yueze and the other two left the Li clan’s ship and traveled to the small valley where they had rested a few days earlier. They ate some snacks with the women and chatted about all sorts of things before resting.
After a few moments of passion, Yuan Yueze held Song Yuzhi, who was as limp as mud in his arms, and his hands greedily continued to grope her body, as if searching for treasure on her curvaceous figure. Song Yuzhi hadn’t recovered from the ecstasy she had just experienced and was panting heavily. Seeing Yuan Yueze like this, she quickly used all her strength to press down on his strange hands and whimpered, “Husband, no… no more, I can’t go on…”
Yuan Yueze smiled and stopped, about to reply, when he heard a faint sigh coming from not far away.
The house in the bracelet was indeed very large. But in the quiet night, even the slightest sound could travel far, let alone the cultivation level of Yuan Yueze's family!
"It must be Sister Xiao!"
Shan Meixian chuckled softly from Yuan Yueze's other side.
"Sister, are you still awake so late? Are you thinking about your unhappy past again?"
Yuan Yueze asked curiously.
"No way! It's just that you, you rascal, have disturbed my peace of mind!"
Yun Yuzhen also had a knowing look on her face.
"You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want!"
Yuan Yueze gently pinched her smooth cheek and laughed.
"My husband is like a block of wood, of course he can't understand many things, let alone the delicate feelings of a young lady!"
Yun Yuzhen retorted unconvinced.
Yuan Yueze began to frown, thinking to himself: I haven't done anything, so how could I have disturbed my sister's peace of mind!
This blockhead is stupid to death, just as Yun Yuzhen said. Over the past month, Empress Xiao had almost fully integrated into the family, but her status was that of Yuan Yueze's 'family member,' quite different from the other women.
Yuan Yueze, though not entirely foolish, wasn't completely oblivious. When arranging a room for Empress Xiao in this large house, he worried that the deafening noise of the women's revelry would reach her ears, so he arranged a room quite far from Yuan Yueze's and the other women's rooms. Empress Xiao, however, insisted on being closer to them, otherwise she would easily be afraid of being alone at night. This reason was quite perfect.
The result was that Empress Xiao no longer felt 'afraid' at night, but she couldn't sleep soundly for a single night! The lewd and seductive sounds kept her awake! During the day, she often appeared absent-minded, causing quite a bit of amusement.
The perceptive women around Yuan Yueze, of course, understood what was going on, but they kept it to themselves.
"Sister Xiao's status is special; it would be best to make plans regarding her marriage after the wedding!"
Shan Meixian said from the side.
"What do you mean by 'matters with me'?"
Yuan Yueze said unhappily.
"My good man, do you know how charming you are? Sister Xiao is already completely infatuated with you! And every night she's harassed by our voices; even a cultivator couldn't maintain her composure!"
Song Yuzhi, having regained some strength, chuckled.
Yuan Yueze, upon hearing this, felt a headache coming on. His only family member since childhood was Yun Jizi. But everyone longs for the love and care of parents and siblings during childhood; this bond of blood is irreplaceable by any other relationship. Now, having recognized Empress Xiao as his sister, he felt immensely satisfied and personally experienced the feeling of being cared for by family.
Over the past month, Yuan Yueze had noticed that Empress Xiao was becoming increasingly awkward around him. Although she seemed like a block of wood, she wasn't completely inanimate. Yuan Yueze could only try his best to suppress his feelings. Today's casual conversation left him somewhat at a loss.
"Forget it, I won't think about it anymore. I'll talk to my sister tomorrow. What needs to be faced must be faced,"
Yuan Yueze sighed.
The remaining girls, still lucid, naturally giggled.
“We’ve been searching like this, but we haven’t found any news about those two bastards, Kou Zhong and Zhenzhen. Junzhuo and Zhenzhen are still worried. Let’s all split up tomorrow and gather information. It’s been over a month; our bases should be operational by now, right?”
Yuan Yueze glanced at Fu Junzhuo, who was whispering with Yun Yuzhen, and asked.
“They should be operational by now. Let’s split up and gather information tomorrow, and then we can discuss the next steps,”
Yun Yuzhen replied quickly.
After a few more unrelated words, everyone fell into a deep sleep.
The next day, in the afternoon,
after the family had eaten, Yun Yuzhen, Song Yuzhi, and Fu Junzhuo laid out the information they had gathered before everyone. Wei Zhenzhen read it aloud to everyone one by one.
The three information gathering bases of the Giant Kun Gang, the Song Clan, and Goryeo were indeed impressive. They could find out almost everything, big or small, happening throughout the Central Plains and surrounding areas.
Among these slips of paper, some of the messages were quite intriguing.
Firstly, a gang called the "Double Dragons Society" suddenly rose to prominence in Yuyao County more than ten days ago, and its leader was none other than Shuanglong. According to news from the Giant Kun Gang's Yuhang base, the "Double Dragons Society" consisted of local idlers with some skills. Shuanglong had witnessed the "Water Dragons Gang" oppressing the local people in Yuyao that day, and he had bravely intervened, killing the "Water Dragons Gang" troublemakers. He was subsequently promoted to leader by some shrewd local thugs.
Fu Junzhuo and Wei Zhenzhen finally felt relieved. They weren't worried about Shuanglong's future; their only concern was their own safety.
Secondly, in the month following Yang Guang's death, the political landscape of the country had changed dramatically, with various forces establishing their own kingdoms and waging war against each other. The lives of the common people were far more difficult than during Yang Guang's reign.
In the north, Liu Wuzhou and Liang Shidu maintained close ties with the Turks and coveted the vast and beautiful lands of the Central Plains.
Eight days after Yang Guang's death, Li Yuan of Taiyuan led his army to capture Chang'an, installing Yang You as a puppet king and declaring himself Grand General. He appointed his eldest son, Li Jiancheng, and second son, Li Shimin, as commanders-in-chief and deputy commanders-in-chief, respectively. Starting from Taiyuan, after occupying Chang'an, they dominated Guanzhong. Rumors circulated that they also had secret dealings with the Turks. Their power grew rapidly, making them a formidable force capable of both offense and defense, and arguably the most powerful to dominate the world!
After the inexplicable loss of Yuwen Huaji and Yuwen Zhiji, the Yuwen clan leader, Yuwen Shang, initially intended to divide his forces to occupy Yangzhou and Chang'an respectively. However, the Li clan, once they launched their attack, swept through Chang'an with overwhelming force. The weakened and divided Yuwen clan could not withstand the Li clan's fierce offensive and was forced to abandon Chang'an to focus their efforts on Yangzhou.
Du Fuwei, who had already captured Danyang, would not abandon the valuable territory of Yangzhou! Five days after Yang Guang's death, Du Fuwei ordered Li Zitong to lead the main force of the Jianghuai Army to seize Yangzhou. The city's defenders consisted only of Yuchi Sheng's troops and a small contingent of Yuwen Clan's personal guards, who easily captured Yangzhou. The Yuwen Clan, who had hoped to have their cake and eat it too, ended up with nothing and had to return to Liangdu.
In Luoyang, the eastern capital, the powerful families of Wang Shichong and the Dugu Clan jointly held all power, installing Yang Tong as a puppet king. Their influence rapidly spread to a vast area of thousands of miles around the Yellow River bend.
Meanwhile, Li Mi, the leader of the Wagang Army, had already usurped the throne from Zhai Rang through a conspiracy, commanding numerous skilled warriors. He seized Wagang, captured Xingyang, then Luokou Granary, and advanced on Luoyang, gaining immense power.
Dou Jiande, who controlled Hebei, possessed keen insight and acted decisively, earning him the title of a contemporary hero. He declared himself "King of Great Xia," establishing the state of "Xia" with its capital at Leshou. The same fervor for expansion
prevailed. South of the Yangtze River, Emperor Lin Shihong of Chu, having lost his powerful ally Ren Shaoming, was increasingly weakened, while Emperor Xiao Xian of Liang seized the opportunity to expand aggressively from Baling, gradually consolidating his power and showing signs of rivaling the Song clan of Lingnan.
Lin Shihong, a true warlord of troubled times, quickly stabilized his position, taking over a portion of the leaderless Iron Cavalry Society and focusing on rebuilding his military strength, waiting for an opportunity to make a comeback.
These were merely internal struggles within the Central Plains; what was truly chilling were the surrounding major foreign tribes. The Turks, Tiele, and Tuyuhun, three great foreign tribes, had long coveted the fertile Central Plains. Their people were fierce and brave, natural soldiers, with countless skilled warriors among them. Now that Yang Guang was dead, these foreign tribes were plotting to take advantage of the situation and trample the land underfoot.
The news Fu Junzhuo brought back from Goryeo was equally worrying: Fu Cailin had been in seclusion for a long time, and when he finally emerged, it was only to witness his beloved disciple's wedding at the Song Dynasty in Lingnan. During this past year, under the instigation of the ambitious Gaisuwen, the Goryeo people's 'deification' of Fu Cailin had faded considerably. Gaisuwen was overjoyed when news of Yang Guang's death reached Goryeo, and then mysteriously disappeared for half a month; no one knew where he went. It's unlikely he was doing anything honorable.
"If I'm not mistaken, Gaisuwen must have gone to unite with other forces to jointly seize the Central Plains,"
Yuan Yueze said after a long silence, having listened to Wei Zhenzhen's recitation.
"Emperor Yang Guang was manipulated by treacherous ministers, launching three campaigns against Goguryeo, which angered the Goguryeo people and led them to turn their wrath upon the people of the Central Plains. It's all the rulers who harm the poor! The people know nothing; they are merely pawns being manipulated,"
Empress Xiao sighed.
"The puppet kings supported by Wang Shichong and Li Yuan must be your grandsons, right?"
Yuan Yueze asked.
Empress Xiao nodded silently, her face expressionless. "I haven't seen them in recent years. We are related by blood, yet we are more like strangers."
"As the saying goes, 'Once you enter the gates of a noble family, it's like entering a deep sea; the most ruthless is the imperial family!' Sister, there's no need to lament. Now, isn't there a warmer home?"
Yuan Yueze comforted her.
This guy was quite 'talented'; he managed to twist two seemingly unrelated lines of poetry together, making them rhyme.
Empress Xiao smiled gratefully at Yuan Yueze.
"Judging from the current situation, the Li clan is the most capable of winning the throne,"
Shan Meixian said after a moment of contemplation.
"And Wang Shichong, we must not underestimate him,"
Empress Xiao reminded her from the side.
"That's right! Wang Shichong already knew where we were hiding in the Golden Palace that day, and he even used fake heads of Li Yuan and his son to reassure Yang Guang, clearly having also taken Yuwen Huaji into his scheme. And those two servants of his are no pushovers either,"
Yun Yuzhen added.
"Wang Shichong is definitely not simple. He was Yang Guang's secret envoy that day. Everyone thought Yang Guang was incompetent and deceived by treacherous officials, but that's not the case. This time, Yang Guang's death wasn't at the hands of the Yuwen clan, but rather due to Wang Shichong's machinations," Empress
Xiao added.
"Sister, you are truly remarkable, living up to your title of 'talented woman,' and your intelligence network is also impressive!"
Yuan Yueze praised.
"Wang Shichong is not only exceptionally cunning, but his martial arts skills are also unfathomable,"
Empress Xiao said, blushing at the praise.
Thinking back to the chaotic battle in the palace, Yuan Yueze had no chance to test Wang Shichong's abilities and inwardly sighed in regret.
"These are just the visible forces; there are hidden forces we may not even know about!"
Song Yuzhi said.
"Sigh! I hate this kind of thing the most, yet I've unknowingly been drawn into the vortex of power struggles!"
Yuan Yueze sighed deeply.
"Husband, this isn't being dragged in! We're just learning about the current state of the world. The real power struggles are a thousand times more terrifying! Besides, we're doing this to find the true 'Emperor's Star'!"
Shan Meixian laughed.
"Meixian is absolutely right, I still need to adapt slowly,"
Yuan Yueze said with a wry smile.
"What should we do next?"
Yuan Yueze asked, seemingly oblivious to the situation.
"Let's go check on those two boys first! That way Junzhuo and Zhenzhen can rest assured,"
Shan Meixian said, glancing at Wei Zhenzhen.
"Alright, we'll set off for Yuyao tomorrow,"
Yuan Yueze nodded, patting Wei Zhenzhen's soft hand.
Everyone agreed and went off to find their own fun, leaving only Yuan Yueze and Empress Xiao sitting at the round table.
Seeing the teasing looks from Shan Meixian and the other girls before they left, Empress Xiao's heart pounded, and she didn't dare to look Yuan Yueze in the eye. But she could feel the two burning gazes on her.
"Sister, we unintentionally changed your original life trajectory. Have you ever blamed us?"
Yuan Yueze asked. Empress
Xiao hadn't expected him to ask such a question. For the past month or so, Empress Xiao and Shan Meixian had often read and played music together, and she had also read a lot of historical materials from later generations. Although she didn't completely believe what was recorded in those books, Empress Xiao believed that meeting Yuan Yueze's family made her the luckiest person in the world. Therefore, she never harbored any resentment towards them.
"Young brother, there's no need to be so formal. I've received your and my sisters' love and care, it's like a dream. How could I blame you?"
Empress Xiao said calmly after a moment, raising her head.
Yuan Yueze had always treated Empress Xiao as family, so he had never looked at her with the eyes of a woman. Today, he took the opportunity to thoroughly feast his eyes on her beauty.
Empress Xiao indeed couldn't compare to Yuan Yueze's other wives, because they simply didn't belong to the same category. To an ordinary person, Empress Xiao's beauty and charm could indeed be described as breathtaking. Leaving aside her stunning face and exquisite curves, her charm alone was incredibly alluring. However, a hint of melancholy lingered on her smooth face.
Yuan Yueze never bothered to conceal his feelings, nor did he know the meaning of shame. He simply stared at Empress Xiao, becoming increasingly infatuated.
Empress Xiao felt her body heat rising under Yuan Yueze's gaze, her face flushed red. Feeling his burning gaze, she felt as if two intangible hands were caressing her. Wherever Yuan Yueze's eyes fell, Empress Xiao felt a tingling, numb sensation throughout her body. Her beautiful eyes, which had been fixed on Yuan Yueze, were now misty and gradually became hazy.
"Mmm!"
After the two of them had experienced such intense pleasure simply through eye contact, Empress Xiao unconsciously let out a soft moan.
Immediately, her eyes cleared, her face turning a deep red, as if it could drip water, and her head drooped so low it seemed to touch her breasts, too ashamed to lift it again.
"Oh dear! What's wrong with me? How could I lose my composure in front of my little brother? And make such shameful sounds! He's always treated me with such respect and affection, but now he must think I'm a slut and will look down on me!"
Empress Xiao thought to herself, her head bowed, growing increasingly distressed. Two strings of tears, like broken pearls, involuntarily streamed down her face.
Yuan Yueze hadn't noticed Empress Xiao's voice, preoccupied with admiring her beauty, when he was suddenly startled by the soft sobbing. Coming to his senses, he saw Empress Xiao weeping, and Yuan Yueze didn't know what had happened. He quickly stepped forward to wipe her tears and apologized, "Sister, I was wrong. I shouldn't have looked at you like that."
"Do you think I'm a bad woman?"
Empress Xiao, as if possessed, looked up after hearing Yuan Yueze's explanation and asked, her face streaked with tears.
“Sister, you were just forced into this situation! In this era, how many women from official families have the right to pursue their own happiness? Most of them sacrifice themselves for their families! Take you, sister, for example. When you married Yang Guang, was he really the man of your dreams?”
Yuan Yueze pulled her hand and asked.
Empress Xiao didn’t speak, but shook her head sadly.
“That’s why I think you deserve even more pity and sympathy. You are indeed the Empress, but so what? You are trapped in the cage-like palace like a little bird every day. Is there any joy in life?”
Yuan Yueze continued.
Although this simpleton hadn’t experienced much, his title of ‘King of Theory’ was well-deserved. He was more than capable of giving advice.
“To be honest, I don’t know what kind of feelings I have for you, sister. There is familial affection, romantic love, and many other complex emotions mixed in.”
Yuan Yueze turned his gaze into the distance and sighed.
Hearing such blunt words, Empress Xiao’s face, which had calmed down, flushed again, and her heart pounded wildly.
"In short, sister, just enjoy life. I'll give you an explanation after the Lingnan wedding."
Seeing Empress Xiao staring at him blankly, Yuan Yueze leaned forward and gently kissed her soft, fragrant lips before getting up and leaving. Empress Xiao
watched Yuan Yueze's figure disappear into the distance.
"Ah!"
Coming back to her senses, Empress Xiao realized she had just been "ambushed" by Yuan Yueze. She immediately pressed her lips to hers, as if savoring the memory. Thinking of Yuan Yueze's gentle words, her face flushed red as she looked around shyly. She stood up abruptly, dragging her weak body, and quickly ran back to her room.
The next day at dawn, Yuan Yueze and his family arrived in the outskirts of Yuyao, accompanied only by Fu Junzhuo and Wei Zhenzhen.
"Young man, may I ask where the 'Double Dragons Society's' residence is?"
Yuan Yueze asked a passing young man as he entered the city.
"Young Master, are you going to the 'Twin Dragons Society'? They were attacked by someone a few days ago! It's a complete mess now!"
The young man pointed out the route and reminded him.
"Thank you very much."
Yuan Yueze didn't say much and turned to leave with the two veiled women.
A short while later, the three of them finally arrived at the location of the 'Twin Dragons Society'. It turned out to be a very large manor. However, it seemed lifeless, giving off a desolate feeling.
"Let's sneak over and take a look first. I wonder how much Xiao Zhong and Xiao Ling have changed!"
Fu Junzhuo suggested.
Yuan Yueze and Wei Zhenzhen nodded in agreement, and the three of them entered the manor like ghosts.
"There are several powerful auras ahead!"
Wei Zhenzhen said.
"Let's hide and see!"
Yuan Yueze pulled the two women up and leaped into the dense bushes within the mansion. He looked around.
Ahead was a training ground about a hundred feet in diameter, where more than a dozen people stood. The two leading figures were the Twin Dragons. Looking closely, the Twin Dragons, whom he hadn't seen for nearly two years, had become much more robust and mature. Kou Zhong exuded an even more arrogant and domineering air, while Xu Ziling had the air of a refined scholar, handsome and dashing. Their eyes flashed with a sharp light,
and the powerful true energy within them was truly admirable. Yuan Yueze and Wei Zhenzhen nodded in approval.
However, the atmosphere in the courtyard was very somber, and everyone's arms were wrapped in black gauze, as if they were mourning someone.
"Four auras are approaching!"
Fu Junzhuo spoke in a focused voice.
Yuan Yueze and Wei Zhenzhen sensed it as well and turned to look.
Atop a large tree about ten feet ahead, a slender and alluring figure stood gracefully, like an elf from the deepest darkness. Her light gauze robes fluttered softly in the wind, her white palace dress revealing bare jade feet. The eerie and bewitching allure, the captivating charm, should have been intoxicating, yet it also sent a chill down one's spine.
Yuan Yueze and the two women had a vague idea of the woman's identity; if they were right, she was undoubtedly Wanwan, the successor of the Yin Queen and the Holy Maiden of the Demonic Sect.
However, what concerned the three of them even more were the three powerful auras hidden not far behind Wanwan.
"You actually dare to stay here? Have you chosen this place, quiet yet prosperous, as an ideal burial ground, intending to die here with your brothers? But have you made all the necessary preparations for your deaths?"
Wanwan smiled sweetly, her starry eyes sparkling with affection, her voice soft and melodious, yet the murderous intent in her tone sent chills down one's spine. The scene was extremely eerie.
"Wanwan, you witch! We haven't even come looking for you yet, and you dare to provoke us again! Very well!"
Kou Zhong sneered, his voice filled with hatred.
Yuan Yueze and Wei Zhenzhen were also completely bewildered; it seemed the Twin Dragons and the Yin Gui Sect had some deep-seated blood feud.
"How about we make a deal? As long as you tell me the location of the 'Yang Gong Treasure,' our grudges will be wiped clean, and from now on, we'll keep to ourselves,"
Wanwan landed on the treetop, giving Kou Zhong a flirtatious wink, and said sweetly.
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were only momentarily stunned by Wanwan's "Heavenly Demonic Appearance," while their subordinates behind them were clearly bewitched, staring blankly at her.
"Fuck your delusions! You killed over a hundred of my men! Such a deep-seated hatred! If I, Kou Zhong, let this go, who will respect us brothers in the future?"
Kou Zhong roared in fury.
"Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, if you two cooperate with my Holy Sect, the world will be yours! A hero achieves great things; why be so petty about sacrificing a few lives?"
Wanwan ignored Kou Zhong's insults and continued to persuade him.
"That's your opinion! The lives of my brothers are invaluable. You've been relentlessly pressuring me to find the treasure's location; a grudge has been formed!"
Kou Zhong continued angrily.
"So what if we've formed an alliance? Last time, didn't you two almost get played to death by me? You should thank me for your survival today!"
Wanwan said with a charming smile.
The two dragons didn't answer, but instead exchanged glances, their figures flashing forward, ready to capture Wanwan without another word!
"Oh dear! You two really do keep fighting despite repeated defeats! But that's not bravery, that's foolishness!"
Wanwan's expression turned serious, her voice turning icy.
At the same time, she took a step back, channeling her inner strength, pulling the surrounding air to form a concave space, which rolled back and pressed down on the two dragons.
"This must be the 'Heavenly Demon Field' in the 'Heavenly Demon Great Art'!"
Yuan Yueze sighed.
"Should we go down and help Xiao Zhong and the other two?"
Wei Zhenzhen asked anxiously.
"No rush, let's see how their martial arts have improved over the past six months."
Fu Junzhuo comforted Wei Zhenzhen.
Their bodies were involuntarily drawn into the intense demonic energy of the 'Heavenly Demon Field.' The two dragons, however, did not panic; they surprisingly released their weapons.
Wanwan was bewildered by their strange fighting style. In that brief moment of surprise, the two dragons launched a full-scale attack on Wanwan's lower ribs from both sides!
The two spinning vortexes were highly concentrated, swift as lightning and heavy as thunder. Wanwan was secretly startled and rapidly contracted the 'Heavenly Demon Field' to resist!
In the fierce clash, the two spinning vortexes on the left and right were actually tightly sucked into the compressed 'Heavenly Demon Field,' then vanished without a trace.
The two dragons were forcibly pulled by the strange 'Heavenly Demon Field,' unable to advance or retreat, feeling as if their internal energy was about to be sucked away by Wanwan! The two were terrified. They mustered all their strength to forcibly recover the spinning top's vortex. The two spiraling energies rotated at different speeds, and Wanwan was momentarily unable to adapt, leaving her helpless and forced to retreat repeatedly.
"Witch, give me back my brother's life!"
Xu Ziling roared, his already powerful aura exploding once more, aiming straight for Wanwan's crown, who was being relentlessly entangled by Kou Zhong!
Wanwan had never encountered such a disadvantage since her debut. Xu Ziling's lightning-like attack was about to crash down, and Wanwan, who should have been on the verge of death, inexplicably showed a strange smile on her face.
"Boom!"
With a loud bang, Xu Ziling's thunderous strike was blocked by a black giant sword that appeared out of nowhere.
The two dragons sighed inwardly, realizing that the witch's fate was not yet over and she had prepared a backup plan!
Composing themselves, the two dragons noticed that a tall, thin, middle-aged man dressed as a scholar was standing to Wanwan's right. This man was fair-skinned and beardless, handsome and dashing, exuding the charm of a mature man. His eyes flashed with lightning as he opened and closed them. Standing with his hands behind his back, he possessed a self-admiring and aloof air. His appearance was very similar to Shan Wanjing's.
To Wanwan's left stood two women.
One was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a full head of silver hair. She wore a wide golden robe and had a beautiful profile, but her expression was wooden, her face pale and lifeless. Her eyes flashed with a strange and sinister light, making her look like a beautiful ghost who had slipped out of the underworld to claim lives.
The other woman was over five and a half feet tall, which was quite tall for a woman. Her long hair hung down her back, reaching her hips, and was extremely black and shiny. Her beauty was comparable to Wanwan's; her skin was as white as snow, her eyebrows were dark and emerald, and her cheeks were rosy. She looked no older than twenty-five. Those clear, bright eyes seemed to ripple with boundless affection, captivating and alluring with every glance.
Both dragons' eyes were filled with infatuation, but a closer look revealed a clear glint in their gazes—clearly a ploy to lure an enemy.
"Wan'er, how are you? Your Uncle-Master will help you sit down and rest,"
the middle-aged man said gently, helping Wanwan to her feet.
"Hmph, you two brats, learn from Uncle-Master Bian! A man should know how to cherish a woman!"
Wanwan ignored the middle-aged man, turning instead to scold the two dragons.
Wanwan's mention of "Uncle-Master Bian" reached the ears of Yuan Yueze, who was hiding nearby, frowning and intently watching the middle-aged man. Instantly, everything became clear!
Yuan Yueze, consumed by rage, let out a cold snort and appeared like a ghost three feet in front of the middle-aged man, seemingly delivering a simple, diagonal strike to his neck.
The middle-aged man, who had lived a life of constant danger and was a seasoned warrior, suddenly felt a powerful aura erupt and lock onto him, as if a towering mountain had descended upon him. His heart clenched, and he felt an overwhelming sense of unease. Sensing the immense, sharp force emanating from above, seemingly overwhelming and irresistible, he knew he had no time to resist. He could only clench his right fist and use his forearm to block the attack.
"Ah!"
A bloodcurdling scream rang out, and the middle-aged man staggered back several steps.
His forearm had blocked Yuan Yueze's wrist. Yuan Yueze's palm strike, seemingly slow but actually fast, seemingly soft but actually hard, continued its downward strike the instant their arms met.
However, Yuan Yueze's attack was sudden and lacked sufficient power, and the man's head moved with his arm, so Yuan Yueze only managed to land a fraction of his force on his ear.
Touching his left ear and gazing at the blood, the middle-aged man's eyes turned icy, exuding an eerie aura as he glared at Yuan Yueze.
Yuan Yueze's sneak attack had occurred in the blink of an eye, leaving the surrounding people no time to react.
Coming to their senses, Wanwan and two other alluring women quickly shielded the middle-aged man.
"Brother Yuan!"
Kou Zhong exclaimed excitedly upon recognizing the newcomer.
Yuan Yueze turned and nodded to the two women before focusing all his energy on the middle-aged man.
"You two brats, is your only memory of your Brother Yuan?"
Fu Junzhuo and Wei Zhenzhen arrived with giggles.
"Mother! Sister Zhen!"
The two dragons, like two immature children, rushed into the women's arms.
"You, are you Bian Bufu?"
Yuan Yueze stared at the middle-aged man, his face expressionless.
"Not bad! You pretty boy, you dare to ambush me!" Bian Bufeng
said coldly, all traces of his former refined demeanor gone. The three women beside him glared at Yuan Yueze with hostility, while Wanwan's face showed only a fleeting shock upon first seeing Yuan Yueze, quickly replaced by intense resentment.
Yuan Yueze remained silent, simply raising his right hand and, under the strange gazes of Wanwan and the others, counting on his fingers one by one.
"You should have died in October of the year before last! But my negligence allowed you to live an extra year and a half, alas..."
Yuan Yueze shook his head and sighed.
"Who are you? How dare you speak so arrogantly! How dare you interfere in the affairs of my Holy Sect?"
Wanwan looked at Wei Zhenzhen and the other woman behind Yuan Yueze, already vaguely guessing his identity, but still shouting angrily.
"I have no interest in talking to you anymore, Bian Bufeng must die today!"
Yuan Yueze glanced deeply at Wanwan and said calmly.
"However, let the most suitable person to kill you kill you."
Yuan Yueze seemed to remember something, then closed his eyes and continued.
Shan Meixian was enjoying Su Su's cooking with the other women when she was suddenly pulled out. She looked around, and when her gaze landed on Bian Bufeng, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, a faint smile on her lips.
Wanwan and the other three were naturally surprised to see Yuan Yueze suddenly appear out of nowhere, but what surprised them most was that the person who emerged from the bracelet was none other than the former Holy Maiden of the Demonic Sect!
Only the upper echelons of the Yin Gui Sect and a very few others, such as Song Que, Lu Miaozi, Shi Zhixuan, and Shi Qingxuan, knew about Shan Meixian's relationship with the Empress Yin.
Bian Bufeng, of course, remembered the Shan Meixian before him, especially the Shan Meixian when she was eighteen or nineteen, in the prime of her youth.
At this moment, Bian Bufeng seemed to have forgotten the crimes he had committed, only staring blankly at Shan Meixian.
Although Wanwan didn't have a good impression of Bian Bufeng, she still coughed lightly, her tone slightly sarcastic: "Uncle Bian, your eyes are about to pop out!"
"Mei...Meixian, is it really you?"
Bian Bufeng ignored Wanwan and asked.
"Shut up! How dare you, a beast, call someone Meixian?"
Shan Meixian's voice turned cold.
"My mistake caused me to become addicted to this intoxicating life and forget my promise to Meixian. I should have brought him to you two years ago."
Yuan Yueze said apologetically.
"Husband, there's no need for that. I had long forgotten about it. Now that we've met, it's time to settle the score!"
Shan Meixian chuckled and took Yuan Yueze's arm.
"You're that Yuan guy? What do you want?"
Bian Bufeng and Wanwan realized that the handsome young man before them was the elusive Yuan Yueze who had been the talk of the town for the past two years. Wanwan's gaze towards Yuan Yueze grew increasingly strange.
Although Bian Bufeng was lecherous, he was also incredibly shrewd and calculating. At this moment, he was worried about his survival, not about indulging in the beauty before him! The man and woman before him clearly harbored deep hatred for him. Furthermore, given the selfishness of the Demonic Sect members, it was uncertain whether Wanwan and the other two women would come to his aid if a fight broke out. Even if the other three women did help, Yuan Yueze's side had no shortage of experts.
"Husband, please watch from the side; I will personally take his head!"
Shan Meixian smiled at Yuan Yueze, as if Bian Bufeng were already dead!
Yuan Yueze nodded and stepped back to stand beside Wei Zhenzhen and the two dragons.
Bian Bufeng had just been worried about how to deal with Yuan Yueze and Shan Meixian. Yuan Yueze's abilities had been rumored to be invincible, and although Bian Bufeng didn't believe it, a huge shadow loomed over him. Seeing that Yuan Yueze had no intention of continuing his attack, he became smug, thinking that Shan Meixian's strength was unlikely to be as formidable as Yuan Yueze's.
Relieved, Bian Bufeng resumed his refined demeanor, standing two zhang in front of Shan Meixian.
Bian Bufeng practiced a self-created technique called "Demon Heart Linked Rings," modeled after the "Heavenly Heart Lotus Rings" of another master of the Demonic Sect, "Fat Jia" Anlong.
"Demon Heart Linked Rings" was an extremely vicious martial art. When circulating qi, it gathered true qi within the meridians, forming rings that linked one after another, each ring interconnected. Bizarre and unpredictable, it allowed the user to borrow force to launch attacks, continuously striking while the opponent's old strength was waning and new strength had not yet been generated, using its all-pervasive ring technique to directly shatter the opponent's eight extraordinary meridians.
"If you survive today, I'll let you go, and our feud will be wiped clean!"
Shan Meixian said expressionlessly after glancing at Bian Bufeng.
Bian Bufeng smiled slightly and said, "What saintess? I played with her first!"
'Demon Hidden' had roamed the martial world for decades; he was no ordinary person. With just this one sentence, it was clear he understood the principles of combat.
He could clearly sense the high cultivation levels of Yuan Yueze and Shan Meixian. In this situation, if he could strike at his opponent's mentality with words, causing them to reveal a weakness they shouldn't have, he would gain the upper hand and seize the initiative. Yuan Yueze
behind him was completely enraged. He had drawn his transparent longsword, and his clothes and long hair danced against the wind again, a truly terrifying sight.
Hearing the insulting words, Shan Meixian's face turned cold. Before Yuan Yueze could attack, she shouted and transformed her left hand into a palm, leaping into the air and delivering a simple palm strike straight at Bian Bufeng's head!
According to the rules of the martial arts world, Yuan Yueze had just indicated that Shan Meixian and Bian Bufeng would fight one-on-one. Bian Bufeng thought he could dampen his opponent's spirits with words, but seeing Yuan Yueze's frenzied state and remembering the rumors that Yuan Yueze always scoffed at worldly etiquette, he felt a tremor in his heart, and his own momentum weakened.
It was a classic case of trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice instead.
However, Wei Zhenzhen whispered something in Yuan Yueze's ear, and he immediately calmed down, ignoring Bian Bufeng and Shan Meixian, and instead focusing his energy on the three women, Wanwan and the others.
Seeing that Yuan Yueze had returned to normal, and facing Shan Meixian's unpredictable, seemingly aimless yet fiercely powerful palm strike, Bian Bufeng remained unfazed. He composed himself and gracefully swung his right hand to meet the attack. His wide robe sleeves slid down, revealing a gleaming silver iron ring about a foot and a half long, which completely blocked Shan Meixian's attack route.
In recent years, Shan Meixian had resumed her martial arts training, and later, she had used Yuan Yueze's strange techniques to temper her spiritual energy. Her current cultivation level was comparable to her former self.
"Clang!"
Their palms clashed, Shan Meixian dodged a step, while Bian Bufeng retreated three steps.
Bian Bufeng's expression was cold. As he retreated, the silver ring in his hand spun once, neutralizing seventy percent of Shan Meixian's palm force while simultaneously using the force to launch a counterattack. Taking advantage of Shan Meixian's weakened strength and lack of new power, he swiftly counterattacked, regaining the initiative.
At the same time, Wanwan and the other two women simultaneously attacked Shan Meixian, who had shifted a step to the side, forming a sword shape with her fingers, gathering her strength to meet Bian Bufeng's attack head-on!
The Yuan Yueze family were not fools.
Without time to ponder why Wanwan and the other two women were not afraid of angering Yuan Yueze and instead attacked Shan Meixian, Yuan Yueze, Wei Zhenzhen, and Fu Junzhuo, as if by telepathy, transformed into ghosts, each pouncing on the three women.
They struck first despite being late!
With the siege broken, Shan Meixian finally understood why Wanwan and the other two women had rushed to attack – they were certain Bian Bufeng's move would capture her.
The instant Shan Meixian broke Bian Bufeng's right-hand iron ring, his hidden left-hand ring materialized into countless shadowy rings, spreading like mercury across the ground, relentlessly attacking Shan Meixian's heart.
Shan Meixian smiled coldly, stepping back with her lotus-like feet. Her body seemed boneless and supple, drifting like fallen leaves and drifting catkins through the gaps in the sea of rings. Her right fist clenched, a small pink fist imbued with immense energy, thrusting straight in, aiming for the strongest point of the ring's power.
Every move has its strongest point; if that point is broken, all subsequent attacks will be cut off, unable to continue.
Shan Meixian understood this perfectly well. Bian Bufeng,
who had just been flawless in every move, instantly changed his expression.
Yuan Yueze was furious that Wanwan had interfered, and his sword strike was utterly merciless from the start.
Wanwan inwardly groaned, resentful that her two senior uncles had forced her to intervene. The pressure Yuan Yueze exerted was immense; she couldn't gauge his strength even with all her might. She could only forcefully unleash her highest-level 'Heavenly Demon Field,' distorting the surrounding space by a foot, attempting to resist Yuan Yueze's seemingly simple yet powerful sword strike, capable of shattering the air, its sound like muffled thunder, revealing the subtle changes of heaven and earth.
"Ah!"
Wanwan cried out softly, a blush flashing across her face, quickly disappearing as she retreated several feet before stopping.
Yuan Yueze didn't pursue further.
The battle, though seemingly long, was actually over in a mere instant.
Looking around, she saw that Fu and Wei had already repelled the other two demonic sect women; those two women were cunning and had already escaped.
Shan and Bian stood motionless. Shan Meixian's slender arm was pierced through the iron ring on Bian Bufu's left hand, her delicate fist still imprinted on his chest.
"I thought I had forgotten the sins you committed against me, but seeing you today, I realize that if I don't kill you, my heart will always be clouded."
Shan Meixian slowly withdrew her arm, turning her head nonchalantly as she gracefully walked towards Yuan Yueze. Suddenly,
blood gushed from Bian Bufu's chest; he had been pierced through by Shan Meixian's fist.
Wanwan, her delicate body trembling slightly, seemed unaffected by Bian Bufu's death, only staring at Yuan Yueze with a complex expression, sometimes tender and affectionate, sometimes filled with deep hatred.
Yuan Yueze felt Wanwan's strange gaze. Although he hated her for her sneak attack, he was also curious why she didn't take advantage of the chaos to escape. He turned to meet her gaze and asked, "Why didn't you run away like those two? And why did you attack Meixian?"
Wanwan had come full of confidence today, but unexpectedly, Yuan Yueze and his group completely ruined her plans, and she even lost Bian Bufu, the third strongest expert of the Yin Gui Sect. Furthermore, she was forced by her martial uncle to attack Shan Meixian, and now she had truly provoked Yuan Yueze, this wicked star. Wanwan couldn't help but feel uneasy. Just from that one sword strike, Wanwan knew how powerful the man before her was.
But faced with Yuan Yueze's question, Wanwan didn't know how to answer for a moment.
"Miss Wanwan, don't you plan to avenge your lover?"
Xu Ziling, seeing that Wanwan didn't speak, recalled Bian Bufu's ambiguous attitude towards Wanwan earlier and immediately teased her.
"Hehe!"
To everyone's surprise, Wanwan showed no anger at Xu Ziling's words. Instead, she giggled, her expression becoming even more charming and alluring.
"You little brat, you're not even fully grown yet, what do you know about love? Who said Uncle Bian is someone's lover? Even if I were to find a lover, I'd want someone as young, handsome, and heroic as Young Master Yuan!"
Wanwan's demeanor and voice were incredibly seductive as she gave Yuan Yueze a flirtatious wink.
"Or you two little devils could have a passionate love affair with me, how about that? I'm very obedient, you can do whatever you want..."
Wanwan truly lived up to her reputation as a rare talent in the Demonic Sect. Despite being at a disadvantage, she defused the situation with just a few words, while simultaneously using language to sow discord within Yuan Yueze's family and erode the Twin Dragons' trust in him. As she became more and more explicit, Yuan Yueze, who hadn't yet shown any signs of aggression, was starting to lose control once the Twin Dragons' crisis was over.
Shan Meixian, Fu Junzhuo, and Wei Zhenzhen remained silent, only staring at Wanwan with smiles on their faces.
Yuan Yueze, seeing the lecherous looks on Shuanglong's face, couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Shuanglong suddenly snapped out of it, realizing they had fallen for Wanwan's trick again.
Kou Zhong's temper flared up again: "Miss Wanwan, you flatter me too much! I don't want to be holding a beauty every night while living in fear!"
"Giggle!"
Wanwan giggled again, but her eyes remained fixed on Yuan Yueze. Her smile was incredibly tender and sweet, but Shuanglong felt increasingly uneasy!
"Young Master Yuan, I know you cherish women, but this mission was ordered by my master. Your appearance with my senior sister has made it impossible for me to go back and report. What do you suggest we do?"
Wanwan looked at Yuan Yueze with a pitiful expression, seemingly forgetting about her earlier ambush of Shan Meixian.
"Why do I feel that you harbor a deep hatred for me, young lady?"
Yuan Yueze asked curiously, looking at Wanwan.
"Of course I hate you! I'm so jealous of my senior sister and those two older sisters. Why can't I receive your favor, young master?"
Wanwan continued, her face full of sorrow.
The more sorrowful she spoke, the more convincing her performance, which only served to highlight her inner peace.
"Don't do this anymore, young lady. I'm tired for you even if you're not. Tell me, what do you want to stop?"
Yuan Yueze said helplessly. This Wanwan truly lived up to her title of 'little witch.' Yuan Yueze was already dizzy after just a few words with her. Not only did she shirk all responsibility, but she also subtly attacked him, turning the tables on him.
"Wait! Brother Yuan, this vixen killed over a hundred of our men, how can we let her go?"
Kou Zhong interjected.
"Oh! You're accusing me first? What about the matter of you killing my Holy Sect's spies in the 'Water Dragon Gang'?"
Wanwan said solemnly.
"..."
The two dragons were speechless.
"Let's leave it at that for today, but I still need to report to Master regarding Uncle Bian's matter. Senior Sister, Young Master, good luck to you! Master has already reached the highest level of the 'Heavenly Demon Secret,' far beyond Wanwan's reach!"
After Wanwan finished speaking, she didn't even glance at Bian Bufu's corpse on the ground, and flew over the wall.

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