[Fantasy] The Harem is in Chaos (Complete) - 22

Chapter 85, Seeking Help from All Sides...

Xi Wu Zhu Wu Gate, Xi Wang Mansion.

Huangfu Jue, Guan Du Yan Ji, and a group of advisors were discussing matters in the study when a knock came at the door.

"Come in." Guan Du looked up at the door, and the others stopped as well.

A knock at this time meant there was something important to report.

Lin Jiu entered, his face beaming with barely suppressed joy, and loudly announced, "Reporting to Your Highness, reporting to my father, Miss Qin has returned."

Huangfu Jue's expression stiffened.

Guan Du, however, only paused for a moment before calmly saying, "Alright, I understand, you may leave."

After Lin Jiu left, the meeting continued, but Huangfu Jue was clearly distracted. Guan Du noticed this but remained silent. After the meeting, he and Yan Ji went to find Lin Jiu.

After learning that Li Yue and Su Yingge had gone to Yi Qing Ju together, the two old men began to ponder.

"Could it be that she came at this time because she heard something?" Yan Ji speculated.

Guan Du shook his head: "Unlikely. This matter was handled with great secrecy. Unless she was specifically monitoring it, she couldn't have gotten the news so quickly."

Yan Ji was silent for a moment, then asked, "Should we tell her about this? We can't hide it forever. If she finds out herself in the future, it might even create animosity."

Guan Du considered carefully: "We only have a vague understanding of this matter. Although we have guesses, we have no concrete evidence. How can we tell her? Besides, I'm afraid she herself might not even want to know." He paused, then said, "In any case, prepare some gifts. I'll go to Yi Qing Ju to check on the situation."

*

When Guan Du arrived at Yi Qing Ju, Li Yue and Su Yingge were sitting on a round platform by the pond, arguing over a roast duck. Seeing his sudden arrival, Li Yue wasn't surprised and smiled.

Su Yingge, however, took the opportunity to snatch a duck leg from her hand.

Li Yue sucked her fingers, stood up, glanced at the servants behind Guan Du carrying large and small brocade boxes, and said in a melodious voice, "A-Du, you're here, why be so polite? I don't have time for such formalities."

Guan Du nodded calmly and said gently, "This gift is not a gift, no need to return it."

Su Yingge seemed to choke on her words.

Li Yue stretched out her hand and said, "Please come in."

After entering the room and dismissing the servants, Guan Du asked, "Where is Tan Lang?"

Li Yue poured herself and him a cup of tea and said, "You know, he gets dizzy from horses."

"In that case, Miss Qin's trip must not be sightseeing." Guan Du took the teacup and nodded his thanks.

"Indeed not." Li Yue did not deny it, took a sip of water, put down the cup, and looked up at Guan Du, saying, "I don't lie to a true person, I have a deal for you to consider."

"What deal?" Guan Du's expression became serious.

“You should be very clear about the current situation in Nanfo. I choose to support Jinlu. I wonder if your Xiwang Mansion is willing to take the gamble,” Liyue said.

Guandu pondered for a moment, then looked up and said, “Alright.”

Liyue smiled and said, “This matter is of utmost importance. Shouldn’t you go back and discuss it with the others?”

Guandu looked at Liyue calmly and said, “I trust your choice.” “Jinwei has the assistance of Tiansheng Palace and the Cao Gang, and he holds nearly half of Nanfo’s military power. As for Jinlu, we know almost nothing about him.” In the study of Xiwang Mansion, Huangfu Jue frowned and expressed his thoughts when he heard Guandu say that he wanted to mobilize troops to help Jinlu launch a coup.

“Someone who has no backing, is unknown to the public, yet has been confronting Jinwei, who has the support of Tiansheng Palace and the Cao Gang, and holds half of Nanfo’s military power, for so long. Don’t we have reason to believe that he is the one who is hiding his true strength?” Guandu said calmly.

Huangfu Jue’s thick eyebrows furrowed, and he remained silent.

Yan Ji stroked his beard and said, "I told you, stop with the cryptic talk that makes His Highness uncomfortable. The reason you made such a quick decision is because you heard Qin Liyue supports Jinlu, right? Since that girl Liyue came to us, she's clearly going all out for this. Besides us, Ye Qianxun of the Blood Shadow Palace and Murong Juan of the Murong family would be willing to go through fire and water for her with just a word. These two groups alone could easily sweep through half of Sheng Yang overnight.

If Jinwei dies, the only one who can inherit the throne will be..." With Jinlu alone, it would be pointless and futile for the armies outside to seek revenge for Jinwei. Furthermore, even if some loyal troops defied the world to avenge Jinwei, Jinlu, having dared to act, must have been prepared. If Yu Wuchen were to cut off his extensive trade network in Nanfo, refusing to provide supplies and transportation to these rebels, one could imagine how little chance they had of winning.

Guan Du looked at Yan Ji, quite dissatisfied, and said, "I insist you say it." He actually wanted Huangfu Jue to analyze and weigh the options himself.

Yan Ji disagreed, saying, "I'm just worried it might affect Your Highness's mood."

Hearing this, Huangfu Jue looked up at the two men, finding them both looking at him, and said somewhat awkwardly, "I understand, you may leave now."

Undeniably, he was indeed in a bad mood, especially after hearing that Li Yue could mobilize so many people.

He didn't know why, but he knew it wasn't a figment of his imagination.

Ever since hearing the news of her arrival at Zhuwu Gate today, he had been restless and distracted.

After so much time had passed, he had long since come to understand. His mother's death was indeed not her fault, and disposing of the body was for his own good. Putting himself in her shoes, if he were Li Yue and Li Yue were him, perhaps he would have done the same. And the only reason he chose to do so could be to protect her.

Afterwards, he was astonished, astonished that in his extreme grief, he could have said such things to her? How could he have hurt her like that? She wasn't his enemy. He wouldn't have acted that way with anyone else, so why was it that with her, he couldn't control his emotions?

Was she different from him?

But… knowing he was wrong, he didn't have the courage to say "sorry" to her. He was afraid to see her eyes. Every time he recalled the look in her eyes before she left, his heart was filled with unbearable coldness and pain. That day, the grief of losing his mother had overshadowed it; if he saw that look again now, he thought he would feel utterly ashamed.

If she could truly mobilize so many forces, how could he willingly remain second to her? Even if it's for atonement, one should be at the forefront.

*

In October, the nights in Xiwu are already quite chilly.

Tonight, the crescent moon is like a knife. Li Yue lies on her back on the cold rooftop, quietly watching the lonely crescent moon.

Su Yingge peeks out from under the eaves, and he knows she hasn't recovered so quickly.

Apart from being slightly out of sorts on the day of Fu Hongsha's burial, she has eaten, slept, and laughed as usual throughout the journey, as if nothing had happened, and she hasn't suppressed any pain in her heart.

To endure is like pressing hard on a wound; if the force is strong enough, it might temporarily stop the bleeding, but in the long run, it will inevitably hinder the wound's healing.

He climbs onto the rooftop and sits down beside Li Yue, following her gaze to the deep blue night sky.

"Su Yingge, don't you think that the older people get, the lonelier they become?" Li Yue murmurs, staring at the moon.

Su Yingge's voice was like the wind, a soft sigh: "And whose life isn't lonely?"

"Does a womanizer also feel lonely?" Li Yue turned to look at him.

"I think anyone who knows how to think will feel lonely." Su Yingge lowered his eyes to meet her gaze.

Li Yue's lips curled slightly, and she said, "I thought you wouldn't be lonely."

"Because I have parents, friends, and a seemingly well-defined life?" Su Yingge replied.

Li Yue nodded.

Su Yingge looked at her, a perfunctory smile playing on his right lip, then looked up at the night sky again without speaking.

"Why are you lonely?" Li Yue seemed unwilling to let the conversation end there, stubbornly asking.

Su Yingge lowered his eyes and sighed. A moment later, he reached out and took her hand, pressing it to his heart, saying, "Ask it."

His serious expression made Li Yue feel somewhat uneasy, so she twisted her small hand, grabbing a strand of hair from his chest, and laughed, "Have you chosen yet? Find a woman you love and cherish, settle down, have a child, and then you won't have time to be lonely."

Su Yingge also laughed, saying, "It's hard to find one, why don't you settle for me?"

"If you don't mind that I can't have children, I might reluctantly consider it," Li Yue raised an eyebrow.

Su Yingge breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I thought you were going to bring up the silkworms again."

"Oh right, I forgot about that." Li Yue laughed.

"You said it again!" Su Yingge glared and reached out to cover her mouth.

"What do you mean I said it again? You're just admitting it yourself, aren't you?" Li Yue rolled to the side.

Su Yingge chased after her, and the two of them started arguing on the rooftop.

*

After a year and a half away, Li Yue found that the Free and Unfettered Avenue was exactly the same as before, including the expressions of the people.

As she walked with Su Yingge, everyone who saw her greeted her as before, as if she had just left yesterday and returned today, without the slightest awkwardness or unnaturalness.

Li Yue sighed inwardly: Like master, like subordinates. Look at these people, how much they fear and guard against them, yet they show no trace of it on the surface.

She was sure that Yu Wuchen had already received news of her return.

Arriving at Ban Hua Mian's room,

Su Yingge looked around and, just as Yu Wuchen had said, nothing had been touched; everything was exactly as it had been. "You used to live in places like this?" Having been bothered by prostitutes the whole way up, Su Yingge was in a bad mood and frowned as she asked the woman rummaging through the drawers.

"What's wrong? Is it bad?" Li Yue scurried around the drawers like a groundhog, constantly pulling things out.

"Of course it's bad! The lewd noises and the pungent smell of perfume—it's practically uninhabitable!" Su Yingge said with disgust.

"Yes, I know you have good taste. That 'Chrysanthemum Red' place has a quiet and pleasant atmosphere, no lewd noises or pungent perfume, just fresh and elegant chrysanthemums… Oh, here it is." After searching for a while, Li Yue finally dragged a dusty, old, and worn-out box from under the drawer, placed it on the table, opened the lid, and dumped it onto the table, scattering pearls, agates, gems, and jade all over the surface.

Li Yue rummaged through the contents for a moment, finding six inconspicuous prismatic black gemstones mixed in. She handed them to Su Yingge, asking, "Is this the key to the Heavenly Treasure Box?"

Su Yingge took it, examined it carefully, and said, "It should be."

Upon hearing this, Li Yue, without a word, packed all the miscellaneous treasures on the table into the box. She then ran to her dressing table and stuffed her entire drawer full of jewelry into the box as well, before handing it to Su Yingge, saying, "Take them all with me. You can keep them for now."

"Are you kidding me? It's so dirty, is it appropriate for me to carry it?" Su Yingge exclaimed incredulously.

Li Yue looked at his elegant and neat brocade robe, frowned, thought for a moment, picked up the box, and rubbed it against him. Then, amidst his exclamation, she chuckled and said, "Now it's appropriate."

*

After seeing off the resentful Su Yingge, Li Yue went alone to the Yuanming Pavilion at the end of the Carefree Avenue, ordered a private room with a view of Yuanming Pool, and drank tea.

Leaning against the windowpane, Li Yue gazed at the still, mirror-like Yuanming Pool, at the yellowing willows along its banks, and a wave of melancholy washed over her.

How long ago it had been…

in the drizzling spring, she and Yu Wuchen had fished, rowed, and drunk here together… in

the blazing summer, she and Yu Wuchen had played chess, dived, and picked lotus flowers here… in

the chrysanthemum-filled autumn, she and Yu Wuchen had played the zither, composed poems, and set pieces here…

in the snow-covered winter, she and Yu Wuchen had walked through the snow, searched for plum blossoms, and painted here…

those days of fine clothes, elegant bearing, singing, and swordplay were vivid and unforgettable, yet she never wanted to recall them.

Autumn, indeed, was a season that stirred up sorrow.

A knock came from behind, the rhythm slow yet firm.

“Come in,” she said, quickly composing herself and turning around.

When Li Yue saw Yu Wuchen, dressed in his usual spotless white robes, appear at the door, her heart skipped a beat.

She had just snapped out of her reverie about him, and seeing him now brought a strange feeling to her.

Months had passed, and he seemed much thinner, his face almost translucent with paleness.

Yu Wuchen entered, a warm, gentle smile playing on his lips. "Would I disturb you?" he said politely.

She had been waiting for him, but he had left Dongyi wounded, and she hadn't known if he would come this time. Seeing him, she naturally had no objection and smiled slightly, "Of course not."

Their eyes met, and Li Yue felt a little uncomfortable. She was used to seeing no emotion in his eyes, but now, his unfathomable eyes clearly held a dark undercurrent of melancholy.

Meeting her gaze, he walked to the window, looking silently at the desolate autumn scenery of Yuanming Pool.

As he drew closer, Li Yue caught a faint scent of Du Ruo emanating from him again, a scent she hadn't smelled in a long time, yet still felt familiar.

"You're so good, just leaving," he suddenly said after a long pause.

Li Yue remained silent, so he continued, "This feels like a city of memories, and I'm trapped within it."

Li Yue turned away, saying softly, "This place ultimately belongs to you, not me. If you were willing to leave, you wouldn't be so trapped here."

"After my parents pass away, I think I won't linger here either," Yu Wuchen composed himself, his voice becoming calm.

"I came here only to remind you that the political situation in Nanfo is about to become turbulent. Your caravan had better prepare to avoid being caught in the crossfire." Li Yue suddenly realized she couldn't bear to see him like this, especially the melancholy darkness in his eyes. She hastily uttered these words and turned to leave. Still relying on her hands? How could that be satisfying? Forum reputation guaranteed! High-grade silicone video of Fan Bingbing's genitals, molded to a highly realistic shape, soft and delicate skin! Built-in large protrusions closely resemble female anatomy, providing a more realistic experience... The sensation is irresistible! Click to enter.

"Li Yue." He suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand. "Are you doing well?" After a moment of stiffness, he asked.

His hand was icy cold.

Li Yue, with her back to him, raised her head and said, "I'm fine, thank you for your concern." She then withdrew her hand and walked away.

Just as she opened the door, a soft sound came from behind her.

Li Yue paused, turned around, and found Yu Wuchen collapsed under the window, startled.

What happened? Was he faking his death like Ye Qianxun?

No, no, given his personality, he wouldn't do something so shameless.

She bit her lip, ultimately unable to leave, turned back to help him up, and called out twice, "Yu Wuchen, Yu Wuchen?"

He didn't respond. Li Yue had no choice but to go find the manager of Yuanming Pavilion. Arriving downstairs, she found Chu Xiu in the hall and said to him, "Chu Xiu, Yu Wuchen has fainted. Go and see him."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiu's expression changed, and he immediately rushed upstairs.

To avoid unnecessary commotion, Chu Xiu didn't carry the unconscious Yu Wuchen back to the manor, but instead settled him in a guest room at Yuanming Pavilion.

After a flurry of activity, Li Yue looked at Yu Wuchen lying on the bed and asked Chu Xiu, "What happened? Is he sick?"

Chu Xiu shook his head, pursing his lips, as if he had something difficult to say.

"If it's inconvenient to say, then forget it."

Li Yue turned to leave.

"Miss Qin, please don't go. Please, for the sake of our past relationship, save the young master! He's ruining himself!" Chu Xiu suddenly knelt down, pleading with Li Yue.

Li Yue turned around, frowning, and said, "Speak up."

Having lived for five years, Chu Xiu knew a little about Li Yue's personality and knew that being persistent would only drive her away. So she stood up, tears welling in her eyes, and said, "Four months ago, the young master returned from Dongyi in a very bad mood. He couldn't eat or sleep, and had no energy for anything. As time went on, his condition worsened, and everyone in the manor was anxious but helpless.

Two months ago, the young master suddenly remembered a hallucinogenic drug he had developed, 'Xiaoyao San,' and took it several times a day. As a result, he was never lucid. Every time he took the drug, I heard him mumble incoherently, 'Li Yue, you're back,' and then he would smile for several hours until the effects wore off, at which point he would take the drug again."

"While the 'Carefree Powder' can temporarily make one forget pain and immerse oneself in a fabricated world of joy, it is extremely harmful to the body. In just over a month, the young master became too weak to get out of bed. Today, he heard that Miss Qin had come, and knowing you couldn't visit him at Linfeng Pavilion, he mustered his strength to come see you."

Li Yue was stunned. She had never imagined that Yu Wuchen could do something so extreme, and from Chu Xiu's account, it seemed it was all for her sake.

"Miss Qin, I know you resent the young master because of what happened a year ago, but actually, it wasn't his idea; it was the eldest young master who acted on his own. The young master was afraid that if you knew the truth, he would seek revenge on the eldest young master. If he helped you deal with the eldest young master, it would surely hurt the master and mistress's feelings, so he took the blame himself. Although I don't know what happened between you and the young master afterward, his suffering is certainly not a good thing. Miss Qin, if it's just because of what happened a year ago, can you forgive the young master? He was also caught in a dilemma." Chu Xiu looked at Li Yue expectantly.

Yu Jiuxiao, it's Yu Jiuxiao again?! Doesn't he feel better if he doesn't court death?

Li Yue turned to look at Yu Wuchen. She had always known that family, at least his parents, held a very important place in his heart, at least more important than her. Therefore, he would rather let her suffer excruciating pain than hurt his parents.

This was exactly what she had told him: what she could do for him, he could never do for her.

She had once been willing to give everything for him, but he couldn't, at least not his parents.

But, he had tormented himself like this; didn't his parents feel heartbroken?

Li Yue had originally planned to go to the Blood Shadow Palace to find Ye Qianxun immediately after seeing him, but now, she couldn't move.

She didn't know what she was thinking. Or perhaps she wasn't thinking anything at all, just sitting quietly to the side, not wanting to go anywhere.

Unconsciously, it got dark.

Li Yue, feeling hungry, finally came to her senses. Looking at the dark room, she said to Chu Xiu, "Light the lamp."

In the darkness, Chu Xiu replied, "Miss Qin, you don't know how much the young master has changed lately. He won't look in the mirror or see anyone during the day, and he won't sleep without a lamp at night. If he wakes up and sees the light on, he'll throw a tantrum."

"Don't his parents care?" Li Yue asked.

Chu Xiu lowered her voice and said, "Master and Madam value martial arts over literature; they've always cared more about the eldest young master than the second."

Li Yue was speechless.

A moment later, she heard Yu Wuchen's slightly rapid breathing and heard his hoarse voice call, "Chu Xiu."

Chu Xiu quickly walked to the bedside and said, "Young Master, I'm here."

"Did she come today?" Yu Wuchen asked.

Chu Xiu said, "Miss Qin did indeed come."

Yu Wuchen remained silent for a long time, then sighed, "I thought it was another dream... It's better to be a dream..."

"Whoosh!" A tinderbox flashed in the darkness, then the lamp came on.

Yu Wuchen was startled, turned his head and saw Li Yue standing by the table. He froze for a moment, then suddenly pulled the blanket over his face.

Chu Xiu turned to look at Li Yue.

Li Yue looked at the man who was burying his head in the sand and said, word by word, "Yu Wuchen, I waited for you to wake up just to say one thing to you: don't make me regret ever loving you. If that happens, there will truly be nothing left between us."

Chapter 86: Controlling Men...

Blood Shadow Palace, Ye Qianxun had just returned from her trip and hadn't even had time to catch her breath when a maid rushed in to report, "Reporting to the Palace Master, Miss hasn't eaten for two days. Please go and see her."

Ye Qianxun frowned, and just as she was about to leave, seeing her own cold and hard attire, she said, "You go and serve her first, I'll come back in a bit."

After changing into a loose, silver-black brocade robe, Ye Qianxun walked to the three-story pavilion in the back courtyard of the palace, which resembled a jade carving. Parting the beaded curtain, she saw the delicate woman lying on the bed.

While instructing the maids attending him to prepare food, Ye Qianxun leaned down to look at Yu Lianqiu, who was pretending to be asleep with her eyes closed. Her face was pale, her figure thin, and her once lustrous lips had lost their luster. She lay there motionless, her head slightly turned to the side.

He sighed, sat down on the edge of the bed, and after a moment, said, "Lianqiu, I've told you before, you are my half-sister, we share the same father's blood. I cannot marry you."

Yu Lianqiu did not react, but her eyes welled up slightly.

"If you really want to get married, what kind of person do you want to marry? Your brother will definitely find one for you, okay?" Ye Qianxun was not good at coaxing women. If it were Li Yue, perhaps he could be more natural, but with this sister he didn't really know, he felt truly uneasy.

"I only want to marry you!" Yu Lianqiu, who had been holding back for a long time, finally broke down, opened her eyes, and cried.

Ye Qianxun stared wide-eyed, and after a long while, he stammered, "I...I really am your biological brother..."

"No, you're not. I have a brother. My brother's name is Yu Jiuxiao, and his name is Yu Wuchen. It's not you..." Yu Lianqiu turned to the side, curled up, and sobbed, "What's the difference between a brother I haven't seen for over ten years and a stranger? Why did you come looking for me? I don't want you to be my brother..."

Ye Qianxun sat helplessly on the edge of the bed. He hadn't expected Yu Lianqiu to fall in love with him at first sight. He thought that after explaining their relationship to her, she would give up this idea. However, it only got worse. First, she ran away from home at Yuexiao Manor, causing him to search for her for a long time. After coming to Xueying Palace, she was constantly being difficult. Now she's even gone on a hunger strike. He doesn't know what will happen in the future.

After a moment of silence, he calmly said, "Lianqiu, I am your brother. Whether you admit it or not, it is a fact. Therefore, I only have brotherly and sisterly feelings for you, nothing more. To put it another way, even if we are not siblings and I am mistaken, I will not marry you because I already have someone I love. If I am to marry in this life, it will be her. Give up on me."

Yu Lianqiu's sobs paused. He had said he already had someone he loved, and this sudden news was too much for her to accept. Lost in thought, she heard a guard's report, "Palace Master, a woman has trespassed into the snow mountain and is fighting with the patrol guards. She's been cursing and calling your name."

"A woman? What kind of woman?" Ye Qianxun stood up.

The guard gave a rough description of the woman's height and appearance, but before he could finish, Ye Qianxun's eyes lit up, and she rushed out impatiently.

On the southeastern slope of the Mirage Snow Mountain, Li Yue's legs were mired in snow that reached above her thighs, making her unable to move like a carrot stuck in the snow. She was panting heavily, puffing out white breaths. Looking at the dozen or so people in white surrounding her, she angrily shouted, "Tell Ye Qianxun to get out here right now, do you hear me?"

She had never been to a snow mountain before, and her impression was that it was just cold. So she had specially bought thick cotton-padded coats and trousers at the foot of the mountain. She hadn't expected the snow on the mountain to be so deep; at the snow line where it met the pine forest below, it was only ankle-deep. Finding walking difficult, she had run all the way, only stopping when she encountered these patrol guards. She hadn't expected to sink so deeply as soon as she landed.

Watching them move swiftly through the snow, each wearing long skateboards and using two long poles for support, she felt both curious and furious.

That damned Ye Qianxun! He made his home in this godforsaken place, and back in Dongyi he even boasted to her how wonderful it was here, trying to trick her into coming back with him. Luckily, she didn't agree.

Damn it, it's freezing to death here! Why isn't that bastard coming to her rescue? Does he want to die? Li Yue cursed inwardly.

Just as she finished cursing, a long shout rang in her ears: "Li Yue!"

Li Yue looked up and saw a silver-clad figure rushing towards her like a whirlwind against the backdrop of snow-covered landscape. The white-clad guards beside her bowed in salute.

In no time, the figure was in front of her, grabbed Li Yue's shoulders, and pulled her up from the deep snow like a radish. As he embraced her, he flicked his sleeves, and the white-clad guards wisely skied away, disappearing into the depths of the snow-capped mountains in the blink of an eye.

"Liyue, you came to see me? I'm so happy!" Liyue thought this guy would take her away, but unexpectedly, he spun around and tackled her to the soft snowdrift. Seeing her face, splattered with snow and looking incredibly comical, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Liyue was about to get angry, but seeing his radiant smile, she was momentarily stunned. Come to think of it, he had never laughed so heartily in front of her before, so carefree like a child.

Was her initiative really that making him so happy?

Seeing her silence, Ye Qianxun's smile faded. He reached out and wiped the snow dust from her cheek, asking, "Are you angry?"

Li Yue snapped out of her daze, looked at his energetic face, and punched him in the chest, cursing, "Take me away from here! It's freezing!"

Seeing her curse, Ye Qianxun smiled again, taking advantage of the situation, saying, "I want a kiss."

Seeing him using this as leverage, Li Yue gritted her teeth, uttering each word with fury, "Ye! Qian! Xun!"

She thought a stern face would scare him away, but the man remained unmoved, instead looking shameless, saying, "I don't care, I'll only leave after a kiss."

Li Yue stared at this thick-skinned man, sadly realizing that the innocent man who used to blush like a ripe shrimp at her kiss was gone forever. In just over a year, how could one person change so much? Was it all her doing? No way. …

Grinning, Li Yue wrapped her arms around his neck with a fierce expression, then bit his lip. Instantly, the man's scream echoed through the sky…

*

In the tall and spacious pavilion in the front courtyard of Blood Shadow Palace, Li Yue stood on the easternmost circular balcony. Looking back, she saw magnificent buildings and snow-white eaves behind her. Looking up, she saw mountains dancing like silver snakes in the azure sky. A cold wind, untouched by the dust of the world, blew, and she felt her heart become clear and transparent like a mirror.

Although it was a bit cold, it was indeed a good place. At least, standing here and gazing into the distance was enough to make one forget one's worries.

A thick, warm cloak was draped over her shoulders, and then a pair of strong, masculine arms embraced her from behind. "Li Yue, do you like it here?" Ye Qianxun's voice rang in her ears.

"It's too monotonous," Li Yue said insincerely.

Ye Qianxun stiffened, then suddenly turned her around, his expression one of seeking favor, and said, "I'll take you to see the Blue Crystal Snow Lotus."

Li Yue stopped the man who was about to leave, looking at the tiny wound on his lips, and smiled slightly, saying, "I didn't come here to play."

Ye Qianxun looked at her and asked, "Then why did you come?"

"I need someone." Li Yue was straightforward.

...

In the evening, because it was cold, Li Yue went to bed early after dinner, only peeking out to look at the man standing like a statue at the window.

It was the first time she had seen Ye Qianxun in a long robe; he had a good figure, but that short hair...it still looked better with his black, tight-fitting battle robe.

After a while, she turned over, her back to him, and said, "You don't need to make things difficult; I'll leave tomorrow."

"I thought you came specifically to see me, but it turns out you came to use me for another man." The man's voice came with endless grievance.

Li Yue closed her eyes, ignoring him, but her nose caught his faint, soapy scent.

After a long pause, the man seemed to calm down a bit, his voice tinged with compromise and helplessness, "I agree."

Li Yue opened her eyes; she could tell he was reluctant. In the past, she would have refused outright, but she was different now.

A-Sha's death taught her a lesson: never be complacent just because you think you can do something, until you've truly achieved it. If you want to be worry-free, you must first achieve it, even if it means resorting to unscrupulous means.

She had always thought she could protect A-Sha, that Yuan Qi and the others would dare not touch A-Sha if they cared about her own life. She was wrong, terribly wrong. Her belief in her ability didn't mean others believed in her. Some people, unless killed, will always take risks out of a sense of luck.

If she had killed Yuan Qi earlier without hesitation, A-Sha might have been in pain, might have hated her, but at least she wouldn't have died…

She paid a heavy price for her overconfidence and soft heart. From now on, she would never do that again, even though there was no longer someone in her heart whom she longed to protect.

Having gone through this ordeal, she understood that in this world, besides being true to one's instincts and life, all persistence is meaningless, including pride.

She had once been proud, but her pride brought her nothing but more separation and death, not any joy. So, from the moment A-Sha died, she abandoned her pride. To achieve her goals, she could seek help from all sides, and accept seemingly reluctant assistance from others.

As long as she let go of her worries, nothing else mattered.

A long time passed, and there was no sound in the room. She thought Ye Qianxun had left, so she turned around, only to find him still standing by the window, silently watching her. Outside, it was already dark.

“Why haven’t you left yet?” Li Yue asked.

Ye Qianxun stammered, "Are you cold?"

Li Yue, seeing his shifty eyes, knew without a doubt what this lecherous fellow was up to, so she replied, "No, I'm not cold."

Ye Qianxun looked dejected, paused, and then walked towards the door. Reaching the door, he turned back and added, "If you're cold, I'm next door."

"Okay," Li Yue replied indifferently, not thinking his words held any meaning.

Two hours later, Li Yue finally understood the true meaning of those words.

Awakened by the cold, she found the entire room, including her bed, ice-cold. The chill of the snow-capped mountains had undeniably conquered both the magnificent white marble building and her, a newcomer to the mountains.

She wrapped herself in the blankets and got out of bed, cursing as she shakily made her way to the next room. Pushing open the unlocked, massive stone door, she used the flickering firelight from the fireplace to reach his bedside and slipped inside like a fish.

As if an ice cube had fallen into a furnace, Li Yue was instantly melted by his warmth.

Taking it upon herself to embrace the man's warm body, clad only in a bathrobe, from behind, clinging to him from head to toe, greedily absorbing his heat.

After several shivers of alternating chills and warmth, Li Yue felt a refreshing coolness wash over her. Just as she relaxed her tense nerves, she noticed something strange.

From the moment she reached the bed until she embraced him, the man hadn't reacted at all. This wasn't like him!

"Ye Qianxun?" Unable to get used to his feigned death, she tentatively called his name.

"Liyue, you like men with stunningly beautiful faces, don't you?" His voice was deep and clear, without a trace of the languor of someone just awakened; it was obvious he hadn't been asleep at all.

Liyue stiffened, understanding what he meant.

In terms of looks, Huangfu Jue was cold and aloof, while Jinlu was beautiful, indeed slightly better than him, but overall, they were completely different styles. His delicate features, combined with his cold and bloodthirsty aura, created a captivating and alluring beauty that no one could rival.

But this feeling he gave her, she thought she would never tell him.

"I like men who are good to me," she said quietly.

Upon hearing this, Ye Qianxun suddenly turned over and asked urgently, "Am I not good to you?"

In the dim light, his eyes shone like stars.

Liyue shook her head and said, "What I mean by good is unconditional goodness."

Ye Qianxun was stunned for a moment, then asked, "Can you give me an example?"

"Jinlu, I only saved his life by chance when I was a child. That's all in the past now; I never expected him to repay me, and he never spoke of repaying me. But whenever I go to Sheng Yang, whatever I want to do or desire, he never asks why and always agrees unconditionally. That's one example.

And then there's Su Yingge. I've never done anything for him, never shown him any kindness, yet he has saved and helped me time and time again. When I'm with him, whatever I want, as long as he can do it, he always..." "You did it for me without saying a word.

You think you like me, but you don't understand me at all. Many times, I don't ask why or look at the process; I only look at the result. If the result is good, then it's good in my eyes.

You're not as good to me as these two people, not even as good as Guan Du. Before coming here, I went to Zhu Wumen and said I wanted to help Jin Lu. He agreed to help without hesitation. And you?

I didn't want to say, but since you asked, I can only say that I regret coming to find you." Li Yue said, turning to get out of bed.

"Li Yue!" He suddenly reached out and hugged her tightly.

Li Yue looked at the flickering firelight in the fireplace opposite her, letting his hot breath blow against her ear, remaining silent.

"Li Yue, I just like you. I'm jealous that you care about other men more than me... I was wrong. I will definitely try to be unconditionally good to you in the future. Give me a chance." Ye Qianxun pressed his face against her shoulder, almost pleading. Because he knew that if he let her leave in a huff this time, she would never come back to him again.

Li Yue struggled for a moment, then remained silent.

He quickly hugged her tighter, saying urgently, "Give me a chance to prove myself. I will change, really, I would do anything for you. I want to be the best person for you."

As he anxiously awaited her reply, the woman with her back to him silently curved her lips into a smile.

A few words, half-true and half-false, had earned the man such repentance and pleading—expected yet unexpected.

Li Yue suddenly realized that perhaps she could give men their first definition: Men should be a weapon that can be controlled by emotions. Controlled well, they kill; controlled poorly, they commit suicide.

She seemed to have already begun to control her first weapon, a weapon named—the Lord of Blood Shadow Palace, Night Demon, Ye Qianxun.

Chapter 87, Jealousy...

Li Yue turned around, looking at the man's pitiful, puppy-dog eyes. She thought of him, the dignified Lord of Blood Shadow Palace, being tamed by her into such a gentleman, and felt a mixture of sweetness and reluctance.

This man's willingness to compromise so much in front of her showed his genuine affection.

This thought had barely formed when she couldn't help but wonder, what if she hadn't used Jinlu and Su Yingge as examples to compare him to and make him jealous? Would he still be acting this way?

It seemed her initial decision was right: never give your whole heart to one man. Back then, she had given her whole heart to Yu Wuchen, and thus began to feel insecure and anxious. But now, look, she had made the man feel insecure and anxious for her.

She liked this feeling. Selfish? Perhaps a little. But was it wrong? She didn't think so.

These were all lessons men had taught her.

Nestled quietly in the man's broad, warm embrace, Li Yue asked, "Ye Qianxun, your palace is as clean and pristine as snow, so why is it named 'Blood Shadow Palace'?"

Ye Qianxun, still reeling from her sudden intimacy, cleared his throat and replied, "Actually, our ancestors named it 'Snow Concealment Palace,' the 'Snow' of white snow and the 'Concealment' of hiding. People in the martial world mispronounced it, and now it's 'Blood Shadow Palace.'" As he spoke, his two wolf-like paws silently and gently encircled the fragrant, soft body in his arms, his heart beginning to flutter.

"Oh—" Li Yue yawned, feeling warm all over. His scent made her feel safe, so she rubbed her face against his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"Sleepy?" Ye Qianxun asked, his body tense.

"Mmm…" Li Yue hummed.

"Then… sleep." The man's voice seemed to suppress something, and then Li Yue felt a warm kiss on her forehead.

As it turns out, even someone as worldly-wise as Li Yue can be quite naive and foolish at times. One example is that, lying in the arms of this man who used to pounce on her like a hungry tiger upon first meeting, but whom she hadn't slept with for over a year, she actually believed she could get a good night's sleep. Half-asleep

, Li Yue felt two soft yet burning lips sneakily attacking her, kissing her forehead, then her cheek, then the tip of her nose, then her eyelashes—light touches, quick withdrawals, yet enough to keep her awake.

Even stranger, Li Yue, who was initially very sleepy, was stirred by his antics, especially by his hot breath, slightly hurried, brushing against her skin, which felt incredibly sensual.

She had eaten a large dinner and was now warm all over; as the saying goes, "a full stomach makes one think of sex," who came up with that? It was so damn accurate!

As he launched his fifth sneak attack, Li Yue's lips curled into a smile. Without opening her eyes, she asked, "Want it?"

"Li Yue..." The man didn't hide anything, his strong arms holding her tightly, making her feel her throbbing desire.

"Then... come on." Li Yue opened her eyes, the alluring and hazy look in her pupils instantly draining the man's remaining willpower.

Unexpectedly, she readily agreed to his advances. Ye Qianxun felt as if a meteorite had struck him from the heavens, leaving him dizzy and unable to process it. Overwhelmed by ecstasy, he couldn't think straight and could only follow his instincts. He flipped her over and pinned her beneath him, his heart pounding with excitement as he lowered his head and kissed her lips.

Unlike Jinlu's soft, sweet kisses, his was always hot and forceful, carrying an irresistible strength and an unmistakable possessive intent. The moment his lips touched Liyue's, her whole body burned.

Sometimes she found it strange. She liked Jinlu's gentle and skillful flirting techniques, but Ye Qianxun's forceful invasion sometimes aroused her deepest animalistic instincts and desires. She didn't know if this stemmed from a woman's nature—enjoying being so eagerly needed by a man, feeling a sense of pride welling up inside her when she saw his desire for her almost uncontrollably strong.

If Jinlu is included, she's had three men so far. Of these three, Ye Qianxun was undoubtedly the fastest at undressing her. Look, she was only distracted for a moment, and when she came back to her senses, she found herself naked like a baby, being kissed and touched by this lecherous wolf.

Physically, she was undoubtedly the sensitive type; the simplest skin-to-skin contact could ignite her passion. Feeling the kisses on her neck and chest, she defiantly tore at his robe, revealing a strong arm, and then bit down on it.

The beast-like entanglement brought a slight pain, yet it seemed to stimulate the man on the verge of collapse. He let out a low, rough breath, parted Li Yue's slender legs, and positioned himself between her. Just as he pressed against her moist, tender flesh, intending to thrust in, Li Yue suddenly struggled, twisting her waist to dodge away, while pushing against his chest, saying, "Wait a minute."

Seeing the fat meat in his mouth about to fly away, Ye Qianxun was so anxious he almost cursed. His forehead was covered with a layer of barely suppressed sweat, and his muscles were so tense they were about to explode. If she changed her mind now, he would truly suffocate from suffocation. With a trembling heart, he asked anxiously and cautiously, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Li Yue, meeting his burning gaze, slowly sat up from beneath him, alluringly smoothing the strands of hair cascading over her snow-white shoulders, and said, "Didn't you say that as long as I forgive you, you'll let me have my way?"

Ye Qianxun's handsome face stiffened. Before, in a moment of utter helplessness, he seemed to have...did say that...

but now, he really couldn't hold back any longer...

So, with a shameless grin, he said softly in a pleading tone, "Li Yue, I'll do the first half, and you can have the second half..."

Before he could finish, Li Yue had already flung him onto the bed.

Like a queen, Li Yue sat on his firm, narrow abdomen, pressing him down, saying, "Who said you'd have a first half or a second half? Hmph, you broke your promise, see how I deal with you!" Saying this, she lowered her head and took his right nipple into her mouth, licking and sucking it with abandon.

"Heavens, just kill him!"

Ye Qianxun lay on his back on the bed, watching the woman lick and bite him. He could even feel the softness and warmth of her private parts on his lower abdomen...

He couldn't take it anymore; he was already aching from the throbbing!

Taking advantage of the woman's apparent enjoyment of playing on him, he secretly grabbed her slender waist with his wolfish claws, pressing her body little by little towards his lower abdomen. At the same time, his burning weapon pressed against him, eager to return to the long-lost paradise he had missed so much.

"What are you doing? Behave yourself!" Before his scheme could succeed, Li Yue had already turned her head and bit his arm hard.

"Ouch, Li Yue..." The man's pitiful cry of pain came through.

Li Yue looked up, and in the dim light, his eyes were more mournful than a lover seeing a pork hock but not being able to eat it.

"What's wrong? Don't want to be fucked?" Li Yue deliberately misinterpreted his meaning with a straight face.

"No, I... I can't hold back anymore." The man did indeed look like he was desperate.

Li Yue's eyes darted around mischievously, her slender fingers tracing circles on his chest as she asked, "So what do you want?"

Ye Qianxun's wolfish claws caressed her smooth, warm skin, his Adam's apple bobbing almost thirstily. "I want you."

"Beg me." Li Yue looked down at him.

"Please." The man didn't hesitate for a second.

Li Yue's lips curled into a smile as she asked: Are there any creatures in this world who would obey her every word like Tan Lang?

Answer: Yes, it's him, Palace Master Ye.

Feeling she had teased him to his limit, Li Yue finally took pity on him and straightened up, moving towards his lower abdomen. Under his eager gaze, she reached out and grasped his massive member, sliding it against her private parts a couple of times before slowly lowering herself inside.

"Uh..." So big, so hard! However, compared to Jin Lü's, this size was already a relief for Li Yue.

"Mmm..." As soon as he entered her warm, moist body, Ye Qianxun felt the deadly sensation and her instinctive sucking. The intoxicating feeling sent a tingling sensation through his spine, almost instantly triggering an urge to ejaculate. He quickly took a deep breath to hold it in.

After a moment, Li Yue adjusted to the swelling sensation he brought. She twisted her waist slightly, searching for her sensitive spots, and then pressed against that particularly tingling spot, moving up and down.

"Mmm... mmm, so comfortable..." Her smooth, slender legs straddled the man's body, and she moved on top of him like a horse, making no attempt to hide the pleasure she was experiencing.

Ye Qianxun was panting heavily, not for any other reason than the near-death pleasure he was experiencing. He had never imagined that the same act of intercourse could feel so different depending on whether he or she initiated it! Look, she had only moved a few times on top of him, and the intense pleasure was already making him want to surrender.

It was so comfortable; it seemed that only after meeting her did he truly understand the meaning of the word "comfortable."

Thinking this, his love deepened, and he looked up at her.

Her long, black hair flowed like a stream over her snow-white, beautiful body, revealing glimpses of her curves. In the dim light, he couldn't see her eyes clearly, only a faint glimmer of moisture within them.

She moaned softly with each movement, her chin slightly raised, one hand caressing her neck and breasts, the other finger probing her lips, which he had swollen from kissing, gently sucking. Her alluring, seductive manner almost made him bleed from his nose!

This enchantress, he would be captivated by her sooner or later!

Li Yue opened her eyes and saw the man looking at her with a dazed expression. She stopped caressing herself, leaned forward, one hand on his chest, her movements continuing, the other reaching for his face.

She stroked his handsome eyebrows, high nose, and soft lips, finally settling on his neck. She gently gripped his neck, but he didn't react, his face still showing a mixture of longing and suppressed pleasure.

In this position, she could kill him at any moment.

Inwardly marveling at the man's vulnerability in lust, she changed her grip, her small hand lightly tracing his neck before suddenly pulling him in completely, drawing him in tightly.

"Oh..." Ye Qianxun felt a jolt, immediately gripping her waist, his handsome face stiff, his body rigid as he gasped, "Don't move!"

"What's wrong?" Li Yue asked breathlessly, looking at his barely suppressed expression, knowing the answer but mischievously twisting her waist twice in the deeper position.

Little did she know, those two twists would truly kill Ye Qianxun.

He let out a heavy gasp, his hands pressing on Li Yue's waist as he thrust upwards twice, then held his breath, his body stiffening, trembling a few times before collapsing onto the bed like a corpse, his face a mask of ecstasy. Only his long and short breaths filled the room.

The climax came quickly and suddenly. In the instant of his release, he truly felt as if he had died, died beneath her. A long while later, he plummeted back to earth from the heights of pleasure, opening his eyes to find Li Yue watching him with a half-smile.

He froze, his handsome face, still flushed, turning a deep purplish-red.

He... he had ejaculated prematurely!

"Li Yue, I held back for too long..." he stammered, his eyes darting away.

"I know, it's alright." Li Yue lowered her gaze, got off him, and lay down beside him with her back to him.

Li Yue didn't blame him, but he felt incredibly bad. Since their intimate encounter, this was the first time he had failed to give her the ultimate pleasure.

But he really couldn't hold back, especially that final, seductive twist of hers... even an iron man couldn't withstand that!

Feeling both annoyed and ashamed, and unsure what to do, he suddenly felt the bed vibrate. Turning his head, he saw the woman with her back to him trembling uncontrollably, and he could faintly hear suppressed hissing sounds.

He paused, then suddenly reached out and rolled her over.

"Hahaha..." Li Yue couldn't help but burst into laughter, grabbing the blanket.

Seeing her like that, Ye Qianxun's face darkened. He asked, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

"Wh-what on purpose? Haha..." Li Yue tried to deny it. "When I told you to stop, you deliberately didn't stop, didn't you?" Ye Qianxun grabbed her and pressed her for answers.

"Get lost. You're useless yourself, stop shirking responsibility." Li Yue suppressed her laughter and turned her back to him again.

"Useless?!" The man's voice suddenly rose an octave.

Li Yue smiled and closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep and ignoring him.

Unexpectedly, she was dragged into the darkness of the bed the next second. She screamed, and a man's angry voice rang out above her head: "Let me show you whether I'm any good or not!" He'd been holding back for over a year; once wasn't enough. Although he hadn't fully recovered yet, a little foreplay should be fine.

"Ah! Ye Qianxun, what are you doing? Want to die? Don't kiss me there! Your hand… um… you bastard… you cheat…" As the intimate, smacking sounds gradually rose through the blankets, the woman's screams grew softer, turning into coquettish murmurs, while the unidentified object writhing and rolling around under the covers moved with increasing intensity…

From this ordeal, Li Yue learned two bloody lessons from men based on her own experience: First, if you're not extremely horny yourself, it's best not to mess with a man who's been holding back for too long. Second, if your back and legs aren't made of iron, it's best not to tell a man he's "useless" in bed.

Because he might actually try to kill you with those two things!

*

Ye Qianxun was filled with hatred.

Since finalizing the plan to aid the Jinlu coup, he had followed Liyue down the mountain first, ordering his chosen elite Blood Shadow Palace subordinates to infiltrate Nanfo in several groups, waiting for their chance to strike. He

felt guilty for tormenting Liyue that night, so he took meticulous care of her, refraining from touching her despite his own nightly desires.

Now that they had reached Nanfo territory, and Liyue's body and spirit had almost recovered, he was looking for an opportunity to rekindle their romance when that annoying Su Yingge appeared! At that moment

, he and Liyue were having lunch in the main hall of a restaurant in a small town on the banks of the Jiaye River in Nanfo when Su Yingge suddenly stood by the table, looking at Liyue and saying, "Hey, woman, I've been waiting for you for ages. Why are you only arriving now?" Her expression and tone completely ignored him, who was sitting right next to her.

Seducing his woman right in front of him, and treating him like he was invisible? Ye Qianxun was about to explode in anger and strike him, but Li Yue glared at him, saying, "What? Trying to rebel? He's my friend."

Before Ye Qianxun could speak, Su Yingge raised an eyebrow and said coolly, "So that's why you left your lover there unattended. Turns out you found someone who can only walk on two legs."

Ye Qianxun's anger, which Li Yue had just suppressed, instantly flared up again. He drew his Sun and Moon Scimitar and slashed at Su Yingge.

Li Yue caught it and threw it back at Ye Qianxun, looking at the two of them and saying, "I said, you two either coexist peacefully or go outside and fight one-on-one. Don't dawdle in front of me and annoy me!"

Ye Qianxun held the Sun and Moon Scimitar, tilted his head towards Su Yingge, and said, "Let's go!"

"Once you go, don't ever come back to see me again," Li Yue added while eating.

Ye Qianxun froze, but Su Yingge pulled out a long bench, sat down without asking, and called out, "Waiter, bring me another bowl and chopsticks."

"Li Yue..." Ye Qianxun frowned at Li Yue, looking at Su Yingge with great displeasure, and called out softly.

Li Yue glanced at him and said, "He's here to help me too. If you really don't like him, you can go to Sheng Yang first."

Ye Qianxun choked on his words, and after a long while, he sat down again resentfully.

Go to Sheng Yang first? Leave this kid alone with Li Yue? He's not stupid!

During the meal, the two men ate while exchanging glances, both finding the food rather bland. Only Li Yue seemed unaffected. After finishing her meal, she didn't care how many grains of rice the two men had eaten, and with a shout, she spurred her horse and rode off.

Behind her, the two men followed closely, vying to get ahead.

For the next few days, the three of them got along very well. However, at night, Li Yue often heard noises coming from either Su Yingge's or Ye Qianxun's room next door. It always started with a loud bang of a door being kicked down, followed by the muffled thuds of fighting and the faint groans of men being hit. Then came the chaos of chairs and tables overturned. This situation usually lasted until late into the night, night after night.

During the day, both men were unharmed. Only occasionally, when the wind picked up, could Li Yue see the bruises on Su Yingge's arms through his rolled-up sleeves. She dared not even imagine the gruesome state his body must be in.

Ye Qianxun was clearly not in much better shape; for several mornings, his lips were purple, yet he still grinned at her.

Under these circumstances, what did Li Yue do?

She did nothing. Sometimes, she would even fall asleep with a smile to her ears, lulled by the sounds of their fighting.

Yes, that was it.

Chapter 88, Palace Banquet and Dance...

When they arrived in Sheng Yang City, Bei Chu, there were still three days until New Year's Eve. The Blood Shadow Palace disciples and the people from the Xi Wang Mansion had already disguised themselves and infiltrated the nearby towns and villages.

Yan Ji from the Xi Wang Mansion came to meet Li Yue. After their meeting, Li Yue intended to go to Sheng Yang to meet Jin Lü.

Ye Qianxun was famous, and going to Sheng Yang so close to the end of the year would probably attract unnecessary attention and be followed by some people. Therefore, Li Yue asked him to stay in Bei Chu, while she went to Sheng Yang with Su Yingge.

When she saw the two off, Ye Qianxun's resentful eyes made Li Yue unable to bear turning back.

Su Yingge, on the other hand, showed the happiest smile she had shown in more than half a month, which made Ye Qianxun so angry that he almost chased after her and beat her up, disregarding Li Yue's tyrannical power. What

was most frustrating was that since Su Yingge, this troublesome guy, came, he hadn't even managed to steal a kiss, let alone sleep with her. He could have kept it all bottled up, but he'd recently tasted that intoxicating pleasure again. For over a month, Li Yue had been constantly in his sight, unattainable, like a cat eyeing a fish hanging in mid-air, its hunger churning unbearably.

So he secretly vowed: Su Yingge, you have the guts to stay by Li Yue's side forever. Once you leave, hmph! I'll make sure you're dead, or I'm not a Ye!

When he returned to Sheng Yang, there were only two days left until New Year's Eve. Li Yue first went to the East Palace to meet with Jin Lu and they discussed a detailed plan of action. The people from the Blood Shadow Palace and the Xi Wang Mansion were mainly responsible for assisting Jin Lu's people in dealing with Jin Wei's guards and collaborators within the city, as well as the Imperial Guards in the city who might arrive upon hearing the news.

The palace was entirely managed by Jinlu's own people.

The only remaining issue was the timing of the operation. Liyue proposed that Jinlu find a way to infiltrate the ranks of the dancers, using the assassination of Jinwei in the palace as the starting point.

Once she acted, the spies lurking inside and outside the palace would act simultaneously. Killing Jinwei first might simplify things considerably.

After agreeing with Jinlu, Liyue went to Fenghui Tower to find Su Yingge.

At that time, Sheng Yang had just experienced several heavy snowfalls, a world of white. She ran all the way to Fenghui Tower, kicked open Su Yingge's door, and jumped around inside, shouting, "It's so cold! It's so cold!"

Su Yingge was sitting by the fireplace fiddling with a human skin mask. Seeing this, he raised an eyebrow and asked with a smirk, "Want a hug?"

Seeing his provocative yet feigned expression, Liyue didn't care. She jumped over and sat on his lap, shivered, and then fell silent.

She had expected him to revert to his old ways, throw her off, and begin their usual argument. But instead, he didn't. Instead, he naturally pulled her into his arms, his arms slipping under hers as he continued to manipulate the gossamer-thin mask.

This position brought them incredibly close; his face was against her cheek, his warm breath brushing against the fine hairs behind her ear, a soft, ticklish touch against her skin. The fireplace beside them was warm, and his embrace was just as comforting. In moments, Li Yue escaped the chilling oppressive atmosphere.

Watching his long, slender, pale hands working on the crystal-clear mask before her eyes, Li Yue felt a soft, tingling sensation, as if a fuzzy weed had secretly crept into her heart.

When had she become so accustomed to being with him like this? Whether it was a heated argument or a silent embrace, everything felt so intimate and natural.

Hadn't she used to hate him? Seeing his smug, wicked smile always made her want to stomp on his face, but now… seeing him like this, she was actually in a good mood? Had she

taken too much of his medicine after her recent injury and damaged her brain?

She turned her head and deliberately looked at his face.

Hmm? Up close, this guy really did have delicate features and fair skin, a genuine handsome man. However, his eyes were long and narrow, and his dark pupils rolled within them, revealing a fox-like cunning yet always shooting out a contemptuous light. In certain situations, this expression could infuriate someone.

His lips were thin, yet sharply defined, with a pale color that, compared to Jinlu's soft red lips, carried a hint of coldness and aloofness that made him seem unapproachable.

Back in the brothel, she often heard the prostitutes say that men with thin lips were mostly heartless. She didn't know if this was true or not, but men with thick lips weren't necessarily affectionate either, and not all the customers who frequented the brothel had thin lips.

After being stared at quietly for a moment, Su Yingge suddenly asked without raising her eyes, "Have you noticed that I'm prettier than Ye Qianxun?"

Li Yue was taken aback and asked, "Why compare yourself to him?"

Su Yingge rolled her eyes, her dark gaze locking onto her face, a half-smile on her lips: "In my eyes, you've never been a woman who likes to play dumb."

Li Yue looked away, and after a moment, the corners of her mouth curved slightly as she asked, "What makes you think we're suitable to be together?"

"I don't need you to take responsibility. If you do, I can take responsibility for you." Su Yingge said seriously, her expression calm.

"Then aren't you at a disadvantage?" Li Yue teased.

"As Buddha said: If I don't go to hell, who will?" Su Yingge blurted out a nonsensical sentence with a straight face.

Li Yue stiffened, then suddenly reached out and pinched his cheek, scolding, "Hell? Am I hell? Even if I am, who asked you to go to hell?"

"You damn woman, let go! It hurts!" Su Yingge struggled and retorted.

"Nonsense, why would I pinch you if it didn't hurt?" Li Yue turned and straddled him, trying to make her pig-face reappear.

"I'll lose it if you don't let go!" Su Yingge frowned and yelled when he saw the woman clinging to him like an octopus.

"You think I'm afraid of you!" Li Yue tried to cup his face, her thumb about to touch his nose, when suddenly her waist tightened, and she lost her balance and fell into his arms. At the same time, his lips met hers.

Li Yue was initially a little resistant, but after Su Yingge pried open her teeth, she stopped resisting.

Li Yue felt that she must have been a man with three wives and four concubines in her past life. It was a habit, so even though she was reborn as a woman in this life, she still wanted three husbands and four lovers. One sign of this was that she felt no guilt at all when accepting a new man.

Ye Qianxun's kiss was a slightly savage invasion, the tender pink kiss was a careful appeasement, Huangfu Jue... never mind, she didn't want to think about him, but Su Yingge's kiss was different. At this moment, she felt neither the one being violated nor the one being flattered, but rather the other half sharing the pleasurable experience with him—relaxed and harmonious.

The cold wind howled outside the window, but inside it was warm as spring; the couple, lost in their passionate kiss, felt their hearts burning like summer.

It was undoubtedly an unforgettable kiss; even when Li Yue returned to the East Palace and lay in bed that night, her lips seemed to still carry his touch and scent.

Su Yingge… she knew he liked her, but when it started, she didn't know.

She had never seriously considered their relationship; firstly, she was too busy to have time, and secondly… because of his friendship with Murong Juan, she always felt awkward.

If she were with Su Yingge, aside from everything else, wouldn't it be awkward to meet Murong Juan in the future?

But Murong Juan was her cousin, and judging from his behavior after learning about this in Yong'an, he seemed to be struggling to distance himself from her…

Thinking of him, Li Yue felt a pang of sadness. Sure enough, even the strongest friendships in this world can't withstand the sharp blade of love. One strike, and it's wounded, painful, frightening, and escaped.

So be it, it's better to end it sooner rather than later. In this life, she could never love only one man. She'd fallen in love with the feeling of controlling men, both in and out of bed.

She didn't need men to be responsible for her, nor did she want to be responsible for any man. When they were together, having fun was enough. Life was short; there was no need to waste it pursuing unseen and intangible true feelings.

Like Sister A-Sha, she believed, she persisted, she held fast, but what did fate ultimately give her? And who could give her a second chance?

She turned over, closed her eyes.

Tomorrow, just tomorrow, Sister A-Sha, I can avenge you.

Yuan Qi, this man clinging to a sliver of hope, thought the danger was over after two months of peaceful life and had returned to the Ying Prince's residence with his family half a month ago.

Jinlu told her as soon as she returned.

As the Prince of Ying, he would undoubtedly attend the palace banquet tomorrow.

Very good, very good indeed.

Unconsciously, she clenched her fists, then realized that even in her fury, her hair would turn white, and slowly relaxed them.

She let out a long sigh, and before going to sleep, she remembered Su Yingge's words before leaving the inn: "Be careful tomorrow, don't do too many spinning movements when you dance, don't get dizzy and embarrass yourself."

A slight smile appeared on her lips, and she muttered to herself, "You stinking man, nothing good comes out of your mouth."

*

The next evening, Chong'a Hall of the Sheng Yang Imperial Palace.

Winter nights come early, and outside, fine snow fell and water froze instantly, but inside the hall, which had an underfloor heating system, it was warm as spring. Hundreds of lotus-shaped silver lamps on the four walls cast a snowy silver light, illuminating the spacious and solemn hall as bright as day. A row of plum blossom vases lined the walls on both sides of the hall, and the faint fragrance of plum blossoms filled the entire hall.

The banquet was already laid out, and civil and military officials were seated according to their rank. Although Yuan Qi was the Prince of Ying, he could only sit on a low table in the hall like the other officials. The dragon throne on the steps was empty, with Jin Wei and Jin Lü sitting on either side of it, each with a row of guards behind them.

The emperor was in poor health and had not attended last year's New Year's Eve banquet. This year, he was unable to rise, and it seemed that next year, the new emperor would have to sit on the dragon throne to preside over the banquet.

Thinking of the new emperor, the officials couldn't help but turn their gazes to the two princes who were most likely to compete for the throne.

To be honest, in terms of personal qualities, Jin Wei undoubtedly possessed a more dignified and composed imperial aura, while Jin Lü… looking at his delicate, flower-like face and fragile, youthful expression… well, undeniably, many officials, after seeing him, completely lost interest in their wives and concubines. Therefore, many officials expressed their inability to accept him as the emperor.

If one were to see such a handsome ruler every day at court, and then return to find one's own woman pale in comparison, it might lead to impotence over time.

Many ministers joined Jinwei's camp for this very reason.

Of course, strength was also an indispensable factor. Jinwei's strength was undeniable, while Jinlu remained shrouded in mystery, a mixture of truth and falsehood. However, this air of mystery, this elusive power, seemed even more intimidating than his outward display of strength. This was why Jinwei had never dared to act rashly against him. Another reason was the Grand Secretary, Bao Liangxu, a powerful minister who had served three emperors. This old man wielded considerable influence in court and was extremely stubborn. Jinwei had repeatedly sent people to persuade him, but he only said one thing: "I do not support any faction; I am loyal to my court."

Therefore, Jinwei decided to launch a palace coup upon the emperor's death, sending this old man and Jinlu to their deaths together.

Palace banquets not attended by the emperor were always dull and uninteresting, because the ministers below either supported Jinwei or Jinlu. If they were to speak at this time, they would have nothing to say except for superficial praise and flattery. But how many occasions in a year could they possibly have enough to write about at length?

Thus, watching the song and dance performances became a convenient cover for these cunning old foxes who harbored their own agendas but feared being seen through.

The banquet was halfway through, and several song and dance performances had been held. The ministers in the hall were all somewhat tipsy.

Jinwei looked up at Jinlu opposite him and saw him leaning against the armrest, one hand supporting his cheek, dozing off. A glistening dot, like saliva, appeared at the corner of his red lips.

He frowned in disdain, then began to feel sorry for himself.

He, the fifth prince, was not lacking in wisdom in both literature and martial arts, and with the powerful support of his mother's family, he had been unable to compete with this seemingly mentally challenged person for so many years.

He just couldn't understand whether the old Palace Master of the Heavenly Palace was blind back then, actually choosing him as the Crown Prince?! And his father even agreed, his mother's tears couldn't change his mind, forcing him to remain subservient to others for so many years.

In recent years, his mother had even risked taking action once, thinking it was foolproof, but unexpectedly, this idiot survived being stabbed in the chest. Since then, his mother had adopted a conservative policy, saying that Jinlu's fate might not be over yet, and that he shouldn't rush to act, but wait until the old emperor passed away.

If it weren't for his mother's interference, he would have already sent

this idiot to his death.

Feeling frustrated, Jinwei angrily drank a cup of wine, then turned to look into the hall.

Just then, a song and dance ended, and after a short pause, the sound of silk and bamboo instruments rose exceptionally melodiously. A group of women in white, carrying a huge flower bud, gracefully filed into the hall from outside, and after setting down the bud, began to dance around it.

The waist-high flower buds instantly attracted everyone's attention. And, with the women's dance, the buds began to unfurl layer by layer.

Jinwei and the guards behind Jinlu became alert, ready to pounce at any moment.

Jinlu was still asleep, while Jinwei squinted slightly, leaning back in his chair to watch the unfolding flowers.

As a giant silk peony gradually revealed itself, a girl curled up in its heart appeared before everyone. She wore a red silk bodice with tassels draped over her hips, barely covering her body. Her alabaster back, tender arms, and long, shapely, fair legs were all laid bare before them.

In an instant, the hall was filled with the sound of swallowing. Even Jinwei involuntarily shifted his position, for the girl's body, with its exquisite curves and flawless skin, was truly breathtaking. The sight of her instantly stirred the heart, though one wondered what her face looked like.

Since she was chosen by the Imperial Household Department to perform a dance, she must be quite beautiful.

As the petals scattered, the candlelight in the hall shone on her. She seemed startled, raising her head blankly. Her small face, while not quite a beauty that could topple kingdoms, was certainly stunning.

This woman was none other than Li Yue, and the gossamer-thin human skin mask on her face was the work of Su Yingge's skillful hands, cleverly concealing her original appearance while still revealing her beautiful face.

She had even applied makeup to this human skin mask.

As the dancers gracefully moved around her, she also stood up, and instantly, the hall was filled with spring-like beauty. Her

waist was slender and her curves graceful, her skin as white as snow, and her long hair cascading down. Three inches behind her right shoulder, a vibrant, lustrous rose tattoo accentuated her willow-like shoulder and her smooth, creamy back, making her infinitely alluring.

The hall was filled with learned ministers and officials, well-versed in poetry and etiquette, yet none of them knew the meaning of "do not look at what is improper." Their eyes were fixed intently on the stunningly beautiful young woman in the hall, her clothes disheveled , their gazes

unblinking. Li Yue showed no shame, her innocent and naive face dancing with the dancers, like a flower spirit newly introduced to the world. Her alluring curves, coupled with her ethereal expression, were truly unique and captivating.

Jin Wei, aroused, remembered Jin Lü's lustful nature and glanced at him.

Sure enough, the Crown Prince, who had been dozing, was now awake, not only awake but also intently staring at the elfin beauty in the hall, his eyes burning with desire.

Seeing this, Jin Wei immediately felt a surge of ambition, yet simultaneously, he was wary. Could this woman be a spy he had deliberately planted to infiltrate his inner circle?

Thinking of this, he calmed down, observing the situation silently. Jinlu looked at Liyue, his face showing longing, but inwardly he was grinding his teeth in anger.

He had agreed to let her perform today, but he hadn't expected her to dress like this. Admittedly, this attire would help lower people's guard against her, but... looking at those lecherous men staring at her with burning eyes, he wished he could gouge their eyes out!

Liyue, of course, had no idea what Jinlu was thinking. Her mind was entirely focused on how to approach Jinwei, who sat above, in the most natural way. So she deliberately jumped down the steps, looking at the two noble princes on her left and right with a flattering gaze.

Her dark eyes were bright, her pink lips slightly pursed, and her breasts, wrapped in red silk, revealed a deep slit and half of her snow-white, full, rounded breasts, making one want to reach in and caress them.

Jin Lutian shamelessly stretched out his hand, beckoning to Li Yue with a seductive expression, and softly called, "Little beauty, come here."

Li Yue chuckled inwardly, thinking: This guy is quite the actor; looking at his eager expression, it's really hard to tell if he's being genuine.

Thinking this, she coquettishly turned her body and looked at Jin Wei.

Jin Wei smiled slightly, the corners of his mouth curling up. Who doesn't like beautiful women, especially beautiful and tender young girls? Judging from her skillful and seductive hip movements, she must be a temptress in bed.

Seeing him smile, Li Yue seized the opportunity and took a step up the steps. Seeing that no one stopped her, she swayed her waist and moved towards Jin Wei's desk with a shy and adoring expression. But as soon as she got close, Jin Wei suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms, using her reclining position to reach out and caress her smooth thigh.

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