lcionline Chapter 278 What happened in Qu Kingdom?
Chapter 278 What happened in Qu Kingdom?
The door was gently pushed open, and a servant dressed in a blue robe came in carrying a tea tray.
Murong Xuewei noticed that when Nangong Yifeng saw Liuli, a hint of tenderness flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.
"Young master, this is freshly brewed Longjing tea." The servant placed the tea tray on the table.
Nangong Yifeng took the teacup, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over Liuli standing behind Murong Xuewei, recalling their encounter at the border of Taichu. Back then, Liuli risked her life to take an arrow for him, and it was from that moment that he realized his feelings for Murong Xuewei were merely admiration.
"It's been many years, and Xuewei is still as intelligent as ever." Nangong Yifeng smiled gently, this familiarity stemming from their business friendship in their youth.
Murong Xuewei picked up her teacup, a faint smile playing on her lips: "Brother Nangong, you jest. It's you, however, who went from being a prisoner to becoming the ruler of a nation; that's quite unexpected."
Liuli stood to the side, recalling her encounter at the border of the Primordial Beginning, and unconsciously clenched her sleeves. Nangong Yifeng noticed her tension, and his gaze softened.
"To be honest, the reason I came to Daqi this time is to seek the help of General Gu, oh no, I mean the Emperor of Daqi," Nangong Yifeng said solemnly, abandoning his usual carefree attitude.
"Oh?" Murong Xuewei raised an eyebrow. "Could something have happened in the Kingdom of Qu?"
Nangong Yifeng gave a bitter smile: "My elder brother fled with the Imperial Seal after failing to seize the throne, making me, the emperor, extremely uneasy. Many court officials criticize me, believing that without the Imperial Seal, my reign is illegitimate."
Upon hearing this, Liuli couldn't help but worry for him. Nangong Yifeng seemed to sense her emotions, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before quickly looking away.
Murong Xuewei took in all these details and said calmly, "So you want to cooperate with Gu Ye?"
Nangong Yifeng nodded: "That's right." His gaze towards Murong Xuewei held a pleading look, no longer the flippant one of the past. "I hope Xuewei can put in a good word for me with the Emperor of Daqi."
“Let’s discuss this further when we meet Gu Ye,” Murong Xuewei stood up. “It’s getting late; let’s talk another day.”
Before leaving, Nangong Yifeng's gaze fell on Liuli once more, carrying a hint of hidden concern: "Miss Liuli, take care."
Liuli lowered her head and quickly followed Murong Xuewei, a blush creeping onto her face. Murong Xuewei's eyes flashed with understanding upon seeing this. She recalled Nangong Yifeng's feelings for her when they were young, and looking at the way he looked at Liuli now, she understood somewhat.
Back at the inn, Murong Xuewei looked at the crescent moon in the sky and said to Liuli, "Do you remember what happened at the border of the Primordial Beginning?"
Liuli paused slightly, then whispered, "I remember... if it weren't for your rescue, young master, I'm afraid I would have already..."
"Do you have any other thoughts about him?" Murong Xuewei suddenly asked.
Liuli hurriedly shook her head, a blush rising to her cheeks: "This servant wouldn't dare..."
Murong Xuewei sighed softly, "He is no longer the sixth prince he once was, and you don't have to be a maid forever."
Liuli looked up in shock, only to see her mistress had already turned and walked to the desk, taking out a letter and dipping her brush in ink. This night was destined to be a sleepless one. Nangong Yifeng's appearance would not only bring changes to the situation, but might also create some new opportunities.
The night was slightly cool. Murong Xuewei finished writing the letter by candlelight and carefully checked every word.
"Your Majesty, what do you think His Majesty will do when he learns about Young Master Nangong's affair?" Liuli asked softly as she ground ink for Murong Xuewei.
Murong Xuewei looked up at her, a smile playing on her lips: "What, are you very concerned about Nangong Yifeng's matter?"
"I...I didn't..." Liuli blushed instantly, her hand trembled, and she almost spilled the ink.
"How's the investigation at Xiaoyao Tower going?" Murong Xuewei stopped teasing her and turned to ask about serious matters.
Liuli gathered her thoughts: "We did find traces of Nanzhao. Those courtesans only appeared recently, and..." she lowered her voice, "they seem to be gathering intelligence on military matters in various regions."
Murong Xuewei carefully sealed the letter: "Now that the matter has been investigated, we should set off for Jiangnan. Give the order to depart first thing tomorrow morning."
The journey was smooth and calm until they approached the Jiangnan region.
"Your Majesty, there's a town ahead. Shall we rest here for a while?" Xiao Cui asked, pointing to the buildings in front of her.
Murong Xuewei nodded: "Let's stay at the Yuelai Inn."
However, the atmosphere changed as soon as they entered the inn. The innkeeper was deathly pale and his hands and feet were trembling.
"Distinguished guests... Our humble establishment has superior guest rooms..." the innkeeper stammered.
A waiter brought over a cup of tea, his hands trembling so much the tea spilled. "Sir...sir, please have some tea."
"Why is this tea cold?" Xiao Cui asked, frowning as she took a sip.
"Ah! I'm so sorry, I'll go change it right away!" Xiao Si hurriedly ran towards the kitchen.
“No need,” Murong Xuewei called out to him. “Liuli, let’s go to another inn.”
Just as he was about to turn around, several burly men came down from upstairs and blocked the stairwell. With a "bang," the door slammed shut.
The shopkeeper knelt on the ground with a thud: "Gentlemen, spare my life! I...I was forced into this..."
"Shut up!" the burly man at the head of the group shouted, then turned to Murong Xuewei with a cold smile. "Miss Murong, forgive me. If you cooperate, we won't make things difficult for you."
Liuli stood protectively in front of Murong Xuewei: "Who are you people?"
"Little girl, you don't need to worry about that," another burly man laughed. "But you are quite pretty; if..."
"Enough!" Murong Xuewei interrupted coldly. "Since you've been waiting for us specifically, you must know who we are. Have you thought carefully about the consequences of harming us?"
The burly man at the head of the group sneered, "Miss Murong truly lives up to her reputation, so composed. However..." He gestured, and more men surged forth from all directions, "Today, this place is probably not yours to command."
"Your Majesty..." Xiao Cui nervously tugged at Murong Xuewei's sleeve.
Murong Xuewei gently patted her hand: "Don't be afraid." She looked around, "Since this is a trap, let's see if your plan is more ingenious, or if our skills are superior."
Liuli had already quietly grasped the soft sword at her waist, and Xiaocui had opened the sachet she carried. Several guards were on high alert.
"Miss Murong, are you about to make a move?" The burly man at the head of the group stepped forward. "Do you think these few people can..."
Before he could finish speaking, a cold light flew out from Murong Xuewei's sleeve, heading straight for his face!
"Protect the young lady!" the guards shouted as they rushed forward.
A chaotic battle was imminent, and the inn was instantly filled with the glint of swords. While directing the defense, Murong Xuewei mentally calculated: these people were of unknown origin, but their skills were exceptional, clearly specially trained. Most importantly, they seemed to have known all along that she would be here...