Inside the Ministry of Justice's great prison, it is gloomy and terrifying.

  The entire prison could only make people feel a chill to the bone, and there were all sorts of mixed smells.

  It's a corrupt taste, as if watching one's own body rot away.

  Bai Shaoyue was locked up here for a night, with no one paying attention to her. The person she had been thinking of in her heart did not appear either. Despair had already filled her entire body, and with the betrayal of Lüzhī and the neglect of the Mù family, she was even more enveloped in hatred.

  Footsteps echoed from the dimly lit corridor.

  Suddenly, the iron lock on the door was opened and the jailer pushed the door in. "Ah, looking so delicate and weak, but unexpectedly having such a ruthless mind, actually wanting to frame one's own benefactor, still our Qin country's guardian deity."

  Is she talking about herself?

  The anger in Bai Suoyue's heart was like a massive wave crashing down the sky, and she silently screamed: What do you know?! The Mu family is not my benefactor, but my arch-nemesis! If it weren't for the Mu family, would I have ended up as a lonely, homeless girl living under someone else's roof?

  But she couldn't utter a word.

  Because her ability to speak was sealed before she was sent here. Moreover, her spiritual power was also sealed, and she couldn't exert any strength at all.

  Is she afraid of saying something she shouldn't? Even running away?

  Bai Shaoyue felt resentful in her heart and could only glare at the two prison guards who came in with eyes full of hatred.

  "Hmph, you're quite spirited. If it weren't for the wise king wanting to take you away, I'd have taught you a lesson and made you understand what's proper!" Another prison guard walked in just as he met White Silvery Moon's resentful gaze, and immediately raised the iron chain in his hand.

  Your Highness wants to see her! Has Your Highness finally arrived?

  This news made Bai Suoyue forget about the unreasonable prison guard and a joyful feeling rose up in her heart.

  Even she felt apologetic for having doubted Qin Jinhao before he rose to prominence.

  She shouldn't have doubted him, she should believe that he has her in his heart. He did it for a reason.

  With almost no resistance, Bai Taixue hastily followed the two prison guards out of the cell.

  She even walked faster than the prison guards.

  Two prison guards followed behind her and couldn't help but mock her anxious appearance.

  "What a coquette! As soon as she heard that King Rui wanted to see her, she hurriedly went."

  "Perhaps if she gets into Emperor Wu's bed, she might be able to save her life?"

  Bai Shaoyue's eyes flashed with murderous intent, wishing she could kill the two people behind her. However, she didn't have that ability now, and the most important thing was to go see Qin Jinhao.

  "I'll make sure he takes your dog lives when I see His Highness!" After making a silent vow in her heart, Bai Suoyue quickened her pace.

  ……

  However, in fact, it was not as easy for Bai Xueyue to see Qin Jinhao as she had thought.

  Bai Shaoyue was taken out of the Ministry of Justice's great prison, but then entered a dark secret room.

  Here, it's even worse than the Ministry of Justice's maximum-security prison.

  "Let me out! You dare to treat me like this, beware of the emperor's punishment!" Bai Tuyue stood in the secret room, her head raised and shouting. The seal on her tongue was lifted, finally allowing her to speak.

  The only source of light in the room was a small window on the top of the wall, just the size of an infant's head.

  A faint light, from a dark window, falls down, and the beam of light sprinkles in the secret room, enveloping Bai Taoyue.

  She shouted, because she knew there must be someone behind that dark window.

  And she was indeed correct.

  Behind the dark window, two people stood.

  One wore a red cloak and light armor, one wore a dark-colored python robe.

  Murong Qing's clear and transparent eyes pierced through the dark window, her mouth slightly curved up as she asked with a hint of playfulness: "What did King Rui invite me over to see?"

  Qin Jinhao turned his gaze to her, once again in such close proximity to Mu Qingge, the thread of disgust at the bottom of his heart seemed to have lightened a lot, and he didn't even find her that annoying anymore.

  The former kind of humiliating and murderous heart seems to be not so firm either.

  "Please come in, Song. I suppose you want to ask how to deal with her." Qin Jinghao's tone was as if the woman locked inside wasn't someone close to him, but a complete stranger he had never met before.

  "Does King Rui give up?" Mu Qing's smile grew even brighter.

  That enchanting smile, like a poisonous temptation, made his mind suddenly dazed, and he blurted out: "Compared to you, it's nothing."

  In Mu Qing's smiling eyes, a cold glint flashed. The red lips said coldly: "Rui Wang is really generous."

  Qin Jin's eyes flashed with understanding as he suddenly realized his earlier loss of composure.

  However, he did not hide anything, but instead turned the conversation around: "If you and I are to cooperate sincerely, how can King Wu justify himself if he doesn't show some sincerity?"

  So, Bai Suoyue is his sincerity presented with both hands?

  Mo Qingge sneered inwardly and once again saw Qin Jinhao's ruthless and unfeeling nature.

  Among thousands of men, she chose this one? Her taste is really beyond praise.

  She slightly nodded her head and smiled: "What if I want her dead?" She wouldn't show mercy to those who wanted to deal with the Mu family.

  "This is easier than anything." Qin Jinghao replied readily. Without a single shred of hesitation or reluctance.

  Mu Qingge playfully rolled her eyes and said to him, "She's still thinking about Rui Wang with all her heart."

  "Under the heavens, there are many women who adore me, but I can't respond to each and every one of them. Since she has malicious intentions and wants to harm the Mu family, she deserves her punishment. Even if Qing Ge is willing to spare her life, she won't be able to escape the laws of Qin."

  The majestic appearance made Mu Qingge feel disgusted in her heart.

  After he finished speaking, Mu Qingge smiled and said: "Then please let King Rui take action personally."

  Qin Jinhao was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Mu Qingge to suddenly make such a request.

  "Does Miss Wang want me to sing personally?" Qin Jinhao asked her for confirmation.

  Mù Qīng Gē nodded, and said with emotion: "After all, Suì Yuè sister has always been so infatuated with Rui Wang. I think dying at the hands of Rui Wang would also be a kind of best destination for her."

  Qin Jin's eyes dimmed slightly, as if guessing how much sincerity was in her words.

  After a moment, he revealed a hint of a smile: "Alright, since Qing Ge wishes it so, this king will grant your wish." With that said, he turned and left.

  Mo Qing sang a soft song to see him off, then turned around to face that dark window.

  The window's shadow fell on her stunning face, obscure and hard to discern. The only unforgettable thing was the faint smile that lifted at the corner of her mouth.

  "Shuiziyue, what punishment could be more unbearable than dying at the hands of one's beloved? I was never a good person to begin with. When I descend into hell, remember this gift I gave you."

  "Punishing someone doesn't necessarily mean punishing their body. Destroying her hope, tormenting her mind, and making it unforgettable is even more effective." Mu Qingge muttered to herself, the smile at the corner of her mouth deepening as the door to the secret chamber was opened.

  The door of the secret room was opened, and the light suddenly poured in, illuminating nearly half of the room.

  Bai Taoyue raised her eyes to take a look, and the person she had been thinking about with a bitter heart finally appeared at the door. The figure in a dark green robe was as tall and majestic as ever. His deep facial features were still so cold and noble that she couldn't help but remember them even if she wanted to forget.

  "Your Highness!" At the moment Qin Jinhao appeared, all the grievances and hatred in Bai Suoyue's heart disappeared, leaving only a belly full of longing, which made her throw herself into the arms she had been thinking of.

  She tightly wrapped her arms around Qin Jinghao's waist, her face buried in his chest, feeling his warmth and heartbeat, happily closing her eyes: "Your Highness, you've finally come. Suimeng knew that Your Highness wouldn't abandon Suimeng."

  No one blamed Qin Jinhao for suddenly changing his mind, nor did they blame him for locking himself in the big prison.

  From the moment this man appeared, she knew that as long as she could be with him for a lifetime, she would be willing to do anything, even if it meant bearing the scorn of all people.

  She was immersed in her own fantasy, but didn't notice that Qin Jinghao no longer wanted to speak softly and gently to her, be tender with her, or respond to her closeness.

  "Your Highness, I'm so scared." She tightened her arms again, and Bai Suoyue wished she could embed herself into Qin Jinhao's body.

  "Very soon, you won't be afraid anymore." Qin Jinhao finally spoke up.

  Suoyue leaned against him and smiled sweetly: "With Your Highness here, Suoyue won't be afraid again."

  "Haoyue, I want to send you somewhere," Qin Jinhao spoke again.

  Want to leave?

  With a puzzled expression, Bai Suoyue lifted her head from his embracing arms and looked up at the tall man.

  "Where does Your Highness plan to send me?" She then looked enlightened and said, "With my current identity, it's naturally inconvenient for me to continue staying in Luodu. Is Your Highness planning to send me away? It doesn't matter, as long as it won't affect Your Highness' great cause, just remember to visit me during your leisure time."

  Seeing her misunderstanding, Qin Jing's eyes flashed, and he didn't explain. He slowly raised his hand, gently stroking her beautiful white neck, rubbing back and forth, making her skin quickly turn pink and alluring.

  "Your Highness!" Bai Taixue's eyes drooped in a charmingly shy manner, looking lovely even without makeup.

  But this time, Qin Jue didn't show the slightest emotion. He slowly increased the force in his hand, his voice cold and unfeeling: "Suoyue, why have you never told me that you are a Huang realm cultivator?"

  "I... Your Highness, listen to me... uh..." Bai Suoyue hurriedly tried to explain, but found that her throat was tight and she couldn't say a word.

  She stared at Qin Jinhao in shock, her eyes reflecting the panic and confusion on his expressionless face.

  Qin Jin Huan slowly shook his head: "This king no longer needs your explanation. This king only knows that you don't trust this king and are on guard against this king."

  "No! No! I just didn't have a chance to say it!" Bai Xueyue struggled desperately, wanting to explain, but couldn't utter a single word.

  She tried to pull off Qin Jinhao's large hand on her neck with both hands, but it had no effect due to her spiritual power being sealed.

  Before long, her face turned bright red and she became increasingly dizzy.

  Qin Jinhuang lifted her slightly, and she had to use her toes to desperately touch the ground, trying to support her own body, struggling for a chance to catch her breath.

  "You're really disappointing me. Since you don't trust me, why bother coming to provoke me? You know what I hate the most is betrayal. What you're doing now, isn't it similar to betrayal?" Qin Jinhao said coldly.

  "There's a difference! Of course, there is! I love you with all my heart and won't hurt you!" Bai Suoyue's tears flowed from her eyes. She looked at Qin Jinhao with pleading, justification, grievance, and pain...

  Unfortunately, it didn't move Qin Jinhao at all.

  Mu Qingge gazed out of the dim window, and Qin Jinhao's words made her smile full of sarcasm.

  Kill a person, and also put oneself on the moral line. Push all the blame onto the woman's body, really "have responsibility"!

  "Bai Taoyue, let you see the true face of this man before you die. Next life, remember to bring eyes to recognize people. Don't be too grateful to me, I just did a good deed for the day." Murong Qingge said lightly in her heart, with an extremely lazy expression in her clear eyes.

  "Since you have betrayed me, I can only send you on your way today. Don't blame me, it was you who wronged me first." Qin Jinhao's large hand suddenly exerted force.

  Crack!

  The sound of bones shattering echoed through the sealed room.

  In Bai Suoyue's eyes, besides shock, there was also hatred and regret.

  The last drop of tears was slightly pink, as if stained with blood, falling from the eye socket, down the cheek, and dripping onto Qin Jinhao's hand.

  He loathed to let go, but Bai Xueyue's lifeless body fell to the ground. He shook off the tears on his hand with force and ordered indifferently: "Someone, drag this woman's corpse outside to feed the wild beasts."

  The guard immediately dragged Bai Taoyue's feet out of the secret room.

  After Qin Jin Huan turned around and left, he first went to wash his hands, then changed into a clean set of clothes before going to see Mu Qing Ge.

  When he saw her again, she was sitting with her legs crossed, sipping tea with downcast eyes.

  The mist rising from the teacup set off her absolutely beautiful, delicate and androgynous face, making it stunningly beautiful, so that one could hardly look away.

  At that moment, Qin Jing felt as if his heart had been struck heavily, and a voice rose up: How good it would be if this person were a daughter! I will stop at nothing to hold her in my arms, entwining day and night!

  Mu Qingge had already known that Qin Jinhao had walked in, but found him suddenly standing still.

  As soon as she raised her eyes, she saw his stunned expression.

  A chill flashed in her clear eyes, and the hand grasping the tea lid relaxed, causing it to fall off and collide with the cup rim, producing a crisp sound that also startled Qin Jinhao out of his trance.

  Qin Jin Huan regained his composure and, looking at Shang Mu Qing Ge's cold eyes, forced a smile as he walked over: "Bai Tui Yue is already dead, are you satisfied now?"

  Mo Qing smiled and put down the teacup in his hand: "When a person dies, their debts are cleared. This person has nothing to do with me anymore."

  "Qing Ge is indeed a person who distinguishes between gratitude and resentment clearly, this is something that I, the king, appreciate greatly." Qin Jin Huan nodded and said.

  "Since things are settled, I should take my leave too."

  "Wait." For some reason, Qin Jinhao didn't want Mu Qingge to leave so soon. He spoke out to stop her, and Mu Qingge turned around, her eyes inquiring. In the awkwardness, he could only say: "Now that the matter with Bai Suoyue has been settled, shouldn't we discuss how to proceed with our cooperation?"

  Mu Qingge hooked her lips and smiled shallowly: "These things, why does King Rui need to ask me? This is the business of those strategists."

  "I'd also like to hear your opinion." Qin Jinhuo said stiffly.

  Mu Qingge smiled and took two steps forward, looking at Qin Jinhao: "Isn't the Emperor already creating a rift between the Crown Prince and Your Majesty? Why not add more fuel to the fire, making the Crown Prince think that Your Majesty wants to depose him, forcing him to jump into desperation? At that time, the Emperor will lead the Mu family army into the palace to rescue you from danger. Who else can contend with you for the throne?"

  Qin Jin's eyes lit up, and Mu Qing's words stirred his ambition.

  He had only casually found an excuse to let Mu Qing stay, but he didn't expect her to come up with such a plan. Suddenly, he revealed his true smile and said: "Qing is indeed clever and resourceful, with the talent of a great strategist. She was really hiding her abilities before."

  I thought I still had to accompany the crown prince for a while, until Father Emperor's patience was exhausted and then change the position of the crown prince. But unexpectedly, Mu Qingge's method is simpler and more effective.

  If he operates properly, he might be able to skip the position of crown prince and directly become the new emperor of Qin.

  Thinking of this, Qin Jin's excitement grew even more.

  He couldn't help but continue to ponder Mu Qing's idea, he needed to hurry up and find his strategist, perfect Mu Qing's plan, and then implement it as soon as possible.

  Gazing at Qin Jinhao's hastily departing back, Mu Qingge's clear eyes flashed with a cold glint, and a faint cold smile flickered across the corner of his mouth.

  After losing sight of Qin Jingxuan's figure, she also left Rui Wangfu.

  ……

  After leaving Rui Wangfu, Mu Qingge rode Hei Yan towards the Imperial Palace.

  Behind her was a group of Dragon Tooth Guards led by Mo Yang.

  Twenty or so people rode on the backs of Lingshou Yema, moving slowly through the main streets of Luodu. They didn't disturb the civilians, but the latter still automatically gave way to let them pass.

  As they approached the palace gate, a luxurious carriage blocked their way.

  That carriage was not unfamiliar to Mu Qing Ge.

  Her eyes flashed, she pulled on Hei Yan's reins and stopped, but did not dismount.

  She stopped, and the people of Mo Yang also stopped.

  On the wide street, both sides stood there like this, neither of them speaking first.

  After a while, the palace maid standing beside the carriage moved closer to the window of the carriage and then walked towards Mu Qing Ge.

  She came to Hei Yan, looked at him with some fear, and then bowed to Mu Qing Ge: "Young master, our princess hopes to have a few words with you alone, and it won't take up too much of your time."

  Mo Qingge lowered his eyes and looked at her, thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay."

  The palace maid received the order and left, and before long, the horse carriage slowly moved forward.

  Mu Qingsong also urged his horse forward and approached the carriage.

  After both sides gathered together, the palace maid and guard on the carriage side automatically dispersed to all directions. Mu Qingge raised her hand, and Mo Yang also led the Longya Guard to retreat to a distance, with both sides' horses and men being vigilant of the surroundings, preventing anyone from intruding.

  Soon, Mu Qing Ge and Ma Che were surrounded by empty space with no one in sight.

  However, she still did not dismount and instead rode on Hei Yan's back, standing outside the carriage.

  In the carriage, Qin Yiyao's eyes flashed with a faint sadness. This compartment that wrapped around her blocked their line of sight and completely isolated them from each other.

  "Do you dislike me?" she asked softly.

  A faint voice echoed in memory, Mu Qing's song replied calmly: "Not at all."

  "If so, why cancel the engagement." This was the first time Qin Yiyao asked her.

  Mù Qīng Gē had thought that with Qin Yǐ Yāo's proud personality, perhaps for this lifetime, she would never come to ask her this question. Even more so, they would become strangers on the road.

  However, it now seems somewhat different from her previous prediction.

  "I am not your good match." Mu Qing Ge finally spoke up after a while.

  "You are not me, how can you know my heart?" Qin Yiyao really wanted to shout out these words. But in the end, they were still swallowed by her.

  Silence enveloped the two of them.

  After Qin Yiyao calmed down, she said: "Alright. The marriage was also strongly promoted by the Empress Dowager from the beginning."

  "So be it, I wish you happiness." After a while, Mu Qing Ge could only squeeze out this sentence.

  Qin Yiyao's eyes were quickly shrouded in mist, and she bit her teeth to hold back the urge to cry.

  She clutched her skirt and asked: "Do you know what is the purpose of the Tūguó envoy's visit?"

  Mo Qingge lowered her eyes: "I've heard Grandfather mention it before."

  As expected, he knew. Yet never thought of coming to find her.

  Qin Yiyao couldn't quite put into words the feeling in her heart, but she said somewhat despondently: "They are seeking to marry their crown prince to a princess of Qin and have promised that once the marriage is settled, Tuo Guo and Qin will cease hostilities for fifty years. Exchanging one princess for fifty years of peace for the people, this deal is quite worthwhile, isn't it?"

  It's as if asking questions would make Mu Qing Ge fall silent, with no words to respond.

  She despises this peace that was bought with a woman, but what can she say? Should she let Qin Yiyao boldly refuse? And then? Is she responsible for Qin Yiyao's emotional future?

  "The state of Qin, I am the only princess suitable for marriage. Compared to Yonghuan, perhaps I would be more suitable." Qin Yiyao said again.

  Mo Qingge nodded silently in her heart, acknowledging that Qin Yiyao's words were correct.

  If she must be married off, she is indeed the most suitable candidate. Her appearance, talent and temperament are all excellent.

  Mo Qing's silence caused Qin Yiyao's heart to sink to the bottom. She said, "Tonight's banquet, Father will confirm this matter."

  Mu Qingge raised her eyes and asked, "What do you want from me?" If Qin Yiyao didn't want to marry, then fine. She would help her leave this place, leave this imperial city full of exploitation.

  This sentence made Qin Yiyao fall silent.

  "In the midst of Mu Qing's silence, she finally spoke up: 'I just wanted to ask, are you willing to take me away? No matter where we go, just the two of us.'"

  This sentence seemed to have used up all her courage for this lifetime.

  She anxiously waited for Mu Qing's response.

  Mù Qīng Gē remained silent. She understood that for Qin Yī Yáo, what she wanted most was not freedom, but her. However, this was precisely something she couldn't give.

  Her silence caused the hope in Qin Yiyao's eyes to gradually fade. "I understand, you can leave." She hastily gave the order to dismiss the guest, not wanting Mu Qingge to see her disheveled side.

  Mu Qing Ge opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.

  In the end, he could only utter "take care" and left on horseback.

  After Mu Qing's departure, Qin Yiyao's lower lip, which she had bitten tightly, was already oozing blood.

  She swallowed the blood, wiped away the tears on her cheeks, called back her own palace maid, and entered the Qin State Imperial Palace from a direction opposite to Mu Qingge.

  "It seems that in the future, I need to pay attention to some boundaries between men and women." Mu Qingge rubbed her aching brow, sighing inwardly.

  She carefully recalled every scene of her interactions with Qin Yiyao, but didn't think she had done anything to make this cold princess like herself. Even when she discovered the situation, she handled the marriage contract in a timely manner and cut off the relationship between them.

  But unexpectedly, she still hasn't forgotten.

  In self-reflection, Mu Qing walked to the gate of Qin Huang Palace.

  She dismounted and walked in, bringing only Mo Yang into the imperial palace. The Dragon Tooth Guards waited outside.

  The two followed the eunuch who led the way and walked for a long time in the palace before being brought into a grand hall.

  The banquet tonight will be held in this great hall.

  Mu Qingge took a glance and found that the scale of today's banquet was far less than when they received Mr. Yao last time. After thinking about someone's status in Linchuan, she felt relieved again.

  As expected, as long as one is strong enough, wherever they go, they will be treated with respect.

  Mo Qingge pouted and whispered a sentence in her heart.

  When she arrived at the palace, there were already many people inside. Even her grandfather and aunt were already seated in the Mo family's seats.

  Mu Qingge walked directly to the Mu family's seat, and as soon as she sat down, Mu Xiong said with a bad expression: "Qinger, you must be careful tonight."

  Mo Qing's eyebrows rose slightly, and she thought to herself: Is it related to her again?

  Seeing her confused face, Mu Lianrong said: "The representative of the envoys of the Tu Guo is the barbarian king Helian Bobo. He and your grandfather are also old opponents, but he has never won once in your grandfather's hands. This time, seeing you, he can't get a good deal from your grandfather, so he will probably take it out on you. Also, don't forget that you had a marriage agreement with Princess Chang Le, and now he is representing the crown prince of Tu Guo to ask for her hand in marriage. Once the emperor confirms that Princess Chang Le will be married off, once the news gets out, people all over the world will know that the crown prince of Tu Guo has married the woman that the young master of the Mu estate didn't want, and Helian Bobo will probably vent his resentment on you."

  Mo Qingge felt slightly displeased upon hearing this.

  What is a woman who doesn't want her? If this gets out, what reputation will Qin Yiyao have left? But with the world's gossiping mouths, she has no power to stop it.

  Rumors have always been a knife that kills without shedding blood!

  "Of course, the Emperor would only say that it's because of your misbehavior and the Princess not liking you, so the engagement was called off. The Tuo Guo side wouldn't publicize this matter themselves either. They just wanted to vent their anger." Mu Lianrong saw that Mu Qingge's expression wasn't right, so she quickly explained again.

  Divorce indeed damages a woman's reputation.

  But Mu Qing's identity is already a big lie, how can it involve other innocent people? If the real intention is to marry Princess Chang Le into the Mu family, that would be a joke, extremely unfair to her. So, breaking off the engagement is also an unavoidable move. She understands Mu Qing's approach.

  She didn't know that Mu Qing Ge never thought so much at the beginning. He didn't think it was a big deal to divorce, let alone break off an engagement. In her concept, even married couples can get divorced, not to mention breaking off an engagement? However, she overlooked the fact that this wasn't the world she was familiar with, and the views on men and women weren't so open-minded.

  "Light song, light song?"

  Mu Lianrong's soft call broke Mu Qingge's train of thought.

  She raised her eyes and looked at her aunt.

  "Hey, what's wrong with you? Auntie called you several times and you didn't respond."

  "It's nothing." Mu Qingge shook her head.

  Mu Lianrong saw her like that, thinking she was feeling guilty about breaking off the engagement with Prince Chang Le, so she comforted her: "Don't think too much. Who knows if the Crown Prince of Tu Guo is the destined match for Princess Chang Le?"

  Mu Qingge smiled slightly, pulling up the corners of her mouth. What else could she say at this point?

  "Auntie has something to ask you." Mu Lianrong's face suddenly became a few shades more serious. She looked at Mu Qingge and asked with a complex expression: "I went to the Ministry of Justice prison and asked, saying that Rui Wang took away Bai Tuyue. Where is she now..."

  "He's dead." Mu Qing Ge replied bluntly, knowing what her aunt wanted to know.

  The expected answer didn't surprise Mu Lianrong, it only made her eyes dim slightly.

  After a moment, she looked at Mu Qing and opened her mouth, but the words that reached her lips didn't come out.

  "It wasn't me who moved," said Mu Qingge.

  Mu Lianrong's eyes flickered slightly, and she let out a sigh. Under the table, she grasped Mu Qingge's hand and squeezed it hard. The emotions in her heart all dissipated with that one squeeze.

  That girl she had watched grow up since childhood ultimately perished because of her own choices.

  Muxiong stood by, listening to the conversation between the two without missing a single sentence. In his heart, apart from sighing, he didn't know what to say for a while.

  The guests invited to the banquet have all arrived one after another.

  The envoys of the Xiongnu state, led by King Helian Bobo, entered the palace under the escort of Prince Qin Jingxu.

  This was the first time Mu Qing heard this aunt mention Grandfather's defeated subordinate.

  A dense beard, deep eye sockets, and a sturdy physique - the title of 'Barbarian King' is indeed fitting. Accompanying him were other high-ranking officials from the delegation, whose appearance differed somewhat from that of the Qin people, with thicker skeletons, coarser features, and deeper facial contours.

  The Butcher Country delegation wore attire from their own country, which was also vastly different from that of Qin.

  The Qin state liked the elegance of loose sleeves and robes, while the Tu state revered tight-fitting clothes with narrow cuffs. The totems embroidered on them were also mysterious and exquisite, carrying a national sentiment.

  He Lian Ba walked into the palace and his eyes scanned towards Mu Fu's seat.

  However, Mu Qing Ge could feel his gaze falling on her, not her grandfather, but herself.

  Mo Qingge lowered her eyes and remained silent, picking up the teacup in front of her and taking a light sip, as if she hadn't noticed anything. But in her heart, she thought: 'It seems Grandfather was right after all, this old dog wants to come and bother me.'

  She raised her eyes, and a hint of cold light flashed at the bottom of her eyes. Putting down the teacup, a faint smile appeared on the corner of her mouth.

  As Helian Po withdrew his gaze, Mu Qingyu felt another cold glance sweep towards her. She looked around, only to see Qin Jinxiu's profile as he turned away.

  At this moment, the smile at the corner of her mouth became more pronounced.

  It seems that tonight, there is more than one person who misses her.

  Qin Jinyu brought Helian Po to the seat of the delegation and sat down, and for convenience, the prince's seat was also arranged beside him. As soon as he sat down, Qin Jinyu smiled at Helian Po: "Barbarian king, do you still remember our agreement?"

  "How could I forget?" He Lian Ba raised an eyebrow and said thickly.

  "This is for the best. If the barbarian king can take Mu Qing's life at this banquet, not only will it wash away the shame of your country's prince, but also take half of Mu Xiong's life. For me, the crown prince, it would be a favor as well. In the future when I inherit the throne, if the barbarian king has any requests, I naturally won't refuse." Qin Jin's eyes drooped slightly as he smiled faintly. To outsiders, it seemed like he was just chatting idly with Helian Po by his side.

  "Hehe, he's just a little kid after all. I don't know why you're so afraid of him."

  Qin Jingxiu reminded: "The barbarian king can't be too careless, Mu Qingge is naturally cunning and has good luck. Do you know that she killed the national uncle in the street but didn't receive any punishment? Obviously a useless body, yet suddenly able to cultivate and become a top expert in the Green Realm. Moreover, she also managed to stand out and gain the favor of the Holy Emperor of the Sacred Yuan Empire..."

  "Wait, what did you say? The Holy King favors him?" Helián Bō's confidence suddenly wavered.

  Seeing him hesitate, Qin Jin's eyes darkened and he hastily said: "The barbarian king doesn't need to be tense. It was just a small episode when the Holy King passed through the State of Qin last time. Afterwards, there wasn't even half a connection between him and the Mu estate. I'm afraid that after finding out that Mu Qing Ge is nothing but a rotten wood, he lost interest."

  "But... you said she suddenly became able to cultivate... could this have something to do with His Majesty the Holy King?" He Lian Ba's heart was still filled with some trepidation and hesitation.

  "What is the Barbarian King afraid of?" Qin Jinxiu frowned and said: "We are having a fair competition, and we haven't used any dirty tricks. Mu Qingge's skills were inferior to others, and he died on the spot. Who can be blamed for that? The Barbarian King should think about it, how many geniuses has the Holy Emperor seen, how many worldly affairs has he experienced? How could he care about a small figure like Mu Qingge? I'm afraid that while we are anxious here, he has already forgotten about Mu Qingge."

  "He... " He Lianba seemed to be slowly persuaded by Qin Jiu's words.

  Seeing this, Qin Jinxiu added fuel to the fire: "The crown prince has a grudge against him because she killed my uncle. But overall, it's just a family feud. However, for the Mu family, it represents national hatred. If the barbarian king can take the life of Mu Xiong's only grandson and return home this time, he will immediately become a hero in the hearts of the people of Tu Guo, adding to his prestige."

  He Lian's eyes flashed with light, and Qin Jinxiu's words were like a deadly poison, making him unable to help himself, having no choice but to accept the temptation.

  After some thought, he gritted his teeth and made up his mind: "Right! Everything will go according to plan."

  "The barbarian king is indeed a remarkable person." Qin Jin reached his goal and didn't hesitate to give a word of praise.

  The two of them exchanged a knowing smile and ended their conversation without alarming anyone.

  Butchering the country's barbarian king, how to deal with himself, Mu Qingge didn't know. Even if she knew, she wouldn't care. She swept a glance around the palace. Today, the number of people attending the banquet was not many, but they were all figures with heads and faces in Qin Guo.

  But families like Shao Pongzi's were not on the invitation list.

  Ruì Wáng also came.

  A slender and tall figure in black caught Mu Qing's eye for a moment.

  It seems that after she said those words in the afternoon, this man had an unyielding determination, a kind of arrogance as if everything was under his control.

  Her eyes swept over Qin Junhao's body, but Mu Qingge did not see that familiar figure.

  Qin Jincheng didn't attend after all?

  Wasn't invited or declined?

  As Mu Qingge was lost in thought, a palace eunuch suddenly approached her and took the opportunity to drop a small bamboo tube onto her clothes while pouring wine for her.

  Mù Qīng Gē was sitting down, and the bamboo tube happened to fall on her brocade skirt between her legs.

  With an eyebrow raised, Mu Qingge quietly grasped the bamboo tube in his palm without making a sound. He applied force and pinched it, causing the bamboo tube to shatter, revealing a rolled-up piece of paper inside.

  She unfolded the paper and the contents inside made Mu Qing's eyes narrow slightly.

  Bamboo tube, sent by Qin Jianhuan's men.

  The contents of the bamboo tube said that Prince Qin Jinxiu had colluded with the King of Tuguo, and wanted to take her life at the banquet. After warning her to be careful, she also instructed her to try to use this matter to increase the conflict between the Emperor and the Crown Prince, so as to catalyze future events.

  Silently finishing reading the contents on the paper, Mu Qingge crumpled it into a ball in her palm while sneering coldly in her heart.

  Qin Jinhao is Qin Jinhao, no matter what, he must first consider what benefits this thing can bring to him.

  She opened her palm again, and that piece of paper in Mu Qing's palm had turned into a pile of white powder.

  She casually poured the white ash in her hand into the incense burner beside her, and no one noticed anything.

  "Welcome His Majesty the Emperor! Her Majesty the Empress! The Honorable Imperial Concubine! Princess Chang Le!" Outside the palace, a loud and prolonged chorus of cheers echoed.

  In the hall, officials and nobles of Qin State all stood up to welcome him.

  Only the envoys of Chu Guo remained seated in their original positions, seemingly with no intention of standing up.

  Qin Jingxiu hinted with his eyes for a while before Helian Baci reluctantly led the people to stand up.

  Qin Huang Qin Cang entered the palace with his wife and daughter, walking directly to the supreme seat on the steps. The empress and the noble consort sat on either side of him, while Qin Yi Yao sat beside her mother.

  "All of you officials take a seat." Qin Cang raised both hands, his mood seemingly not bad.

  After Mu Qingge sat down, her eyes swept over Qin Yiyao sitting beside Jiang Guifei. She was still wearing an icy blue palace dress, like a beauty made of ice and snow, making people dare not get close to her.

  Her appearance was meticulously depicted, with a delicate flower-shaped mark made of gold foil on her brow, adding to her charm and beauty. However, she had no expression on her face, like a perfect statue, without any sign of life.

  Mo Qing's eyes flashed lightly and then withdrew.

  “Today, all of you are present, I hereby announce a joyful event.” Qin Cang said. “This time, the envoy from Tūguó has come from afar, and it is to form an alliance between our two countries through marriage. The Crown Prince of Tūguó sincerely sought to marry, and after careful consideration, I have decided to betroth my beloved daughter, Princess Cháng Lè, to the Crown Prince of Tūguó, forming a marital bond. Three days later, Princess Cháng Lè will return to Tūguó with the envoy and hold a grand wedding.”

  Princess Chang Le's marriage alliance with the Tucheng State was no longer a secret in the noble circles of Luodu.

  However, the emperor's words still made many people look at Mu Qingge with ambiguous eyes. It seemed to say that your original wife was taken away by the Taizi of Tuguo, what do you think?

  Or perhaps in his heart he ridiculed the Crown Prince of Chu for marrying a princess who was already engaged.

  Those eyes, Mu Qing Ge didn't care about them at all.

  When He Lianba got up to thank her, she looked at Qin Yiyao, who still didn't have any expression on her face, as if this matter had nothing to do with her.

  Before she could even withdraw her gaze, a provocative voice sounded in her ear.

  "Your Majesty, Emperor of Qin, I and your General Mu are old friends. I heard he has a precious grandson who inherited his true legacy. Coincidentally, among the people accompanying me on this visit to Qin, there is also a young talent with exceptional gifts. He has long admired Young Master Mu, would Your Majesty grant them permission to engage in a friendly match?"

  Digression

  Finally let Bai Xiao Jian take the bento, are you all satisfied?

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