Luo Du, North City Gate.

  The main street connecting the city gate is wide and flat. Shops line both sides of the street, with teahouses and wine shops stretching on without end. The cries of hawkers and the noise of commotion rise and fall in an extraordinary bustle.

  A two-story wine house with a elegant room, the window facing the street was slightly ajar, and it seemed like someone was peeking out.

  "Princess, it's already the third day we've been here. The young master doesn't know when he'll arrive, are you going to wait another day?" A palace maid walked up behind the woman sitting on the bed with a veil over her face and asked softly.

  With a tone of resentment for the injustice done to women.

  "If you don't want to be here, then leave." Qin Yiyao's cold voice came over, like the wind blowing from a snowy mountain.

  The palace maid hastily knelt down under her blue skirt to apologize: "This servant was wrong, Your Highness please forgive. This servant is only worried about Your Highness, why not let this servant send someone to the Mu residence to inquire about the specific time of Young Master's return?"

  "No need." Qin Yiyao quickly refused, her tone carrying a hint of fluster.

  It seems that everything she did was not meant for Qing Ge to know.

  Gong Bi bit her lip and knelt on the ground, looking up at Qin Yiyao's stunningly beautiful and icy profile, her eyes filled with heartache. She really couldn't understand why the young master wanted to break off the engagement when their princess was so good, the best woman under heaven?

  The divorce is fine, but it's been so long and the princess still can't let go.

  These days, the princess was like a person wrapped in ice, no one dared to approach her.

  It seems that only when it comes to Young Master, can a hint of obscure emotions be seen on her face.

  The princess is like this, and the noble concubine in the palace and King Rui also don't care.

  The more she thought about it, the more Palace Maid felt wronged on behalf of her master, and her eyes suddenly became slightly red and moist.

  Suddenly, Qin Yiyao's voice came again, seemingly asking and yet not asking: "The envoy of the Butcher Country arrived three days ago. It is said that they have already proposed a marriage to the Emperor."

  The palace maid raised her head and looked at her master with a shocked expression.

  She understood what was being said. But it's precisely because she understood that she felt afraid.

  Propose marriage?

  Is it going to marry a princess of Qin State to Tūguó?

  However, among the princesses eligible for marriage in Qin State, there is only one princess from a noble family.

  Isn't that sending Princess Changle far away to marry a barbarian country?

  "Princess, I've heard that the climate of Tūguó is harsh and the people are fierce, just like uncivilized savages. Moreover, most of the land is barren and poor, and the common people are suffering. Even among the noble families, many are uneducated and lack manners. You are a daughter of heaven, how can you go to such a place? Why don't we ask Her Majesty the Empress or Prince Ruì instead... they are your mother's brother and sister, surely they won't let you suffer." The palace maid said anxiously.

  "What about them?" Qin Yiyao muttered bitterly.

  I'm afraid that at this moment, they are eager to be taken away by the Huns. In this way, the troops and horses that my imperial brother has been longing for will not be available.

  The struggle between the emperor's brother and the crown prince has become increasingly fierce. If they have the strong army of a powerful country to help them, their chances of winning will not increase by just one or two points.

  Moreover, if she really marries into the Tūguó and becomes the consort of the crown prince. After the emperor of Tūguó passes away after a hundred years, she will be able to ascend to the position of empress, at which time she will be a deterrent to the entire state of Qin, and her mother's brothers will be able to sit more stably in their positions.

  Qin Yiyao's mind was crystal clear, although she didn't participate in these struggles, she saw everything clearly.

  I am just a chess piece after all.

  For her brother and mother's desire for power, her role was just a sacrifice for their great cause.

  The royal family is ruthless; she had understood these four words since she was very young.

  It was because she understood that she wrapped herself in indifference and froze her heart. She thought it would always be this way, but unexpectedly, he quietly pried open her heart, and when she began to tentatively experience the seven emotions and six desires, he calmly walked away without any lingering attachment, not even leaving behind a shadow of his back.

  She should hate him, shouldn't she?

  But she couldn't bring herself to hate him. Instead, he became the softest and most untouchable part of her heart, her only warmth.

  Qin Yiyao lowered her eyes, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly.

  She just wanted to take another look at him secretly.

  Chirp!

  The horse neighs and suddenly rises.

  Qin Yiyao withdrew from her thoughts, her body slightly leaning forward, peering out through the gap in the window.

  Before she could see the scene on the street clearly, she heard the neat and powerful sound of horseshoes. Immediately afterwards, there were cries of surprise from among the common people.

  The common people seem to have become chaotic.

  Qin Yiyao's eyes fell on the panicked people rushing around, emptying out the main street, and she slightly furrowed her brow.

  "Heavens! What is that? It seems like a spiritual beast!"

  "It's too rare and unheard of, it's a Yanma, a very powerful spiritual beast."

  "Someone actually uses a Wyrm as a mount? That's too cool!"

  "Handsome? I think it's better to stay away from him, Flame Horse is a spiritual beast. Spiritual beasts can eat humans!"

  The whispers followed the wind and drifted into Qin Yiyao's ears. She raised her eyes to look, and saw a team of uniformed soldiers marching into the city with a majestic momentum like flames.

  This wine house was specially selected by her. It's for the location of this second-floor elegant room, which can take in the whole view from the city gate to the main street.

  At this moment, a team of hundreds of people, riding on dark horses with shiny black coats, slowly entered the city.

  Each of them wore exquisite black copper armor, red battle robes, and a black cloak draped over their shoulders. Their helmets obscured their faces, but made their eyes appear even more resolute and bright.

  On the armor, a golden mysterious flower pattern is faintly visible, like an incantation, and also like a totem...

  The team in, only horseshoes sound, like a drumbeat.

  The silence of the warriors spread to the surrounding onlookers, and they too closed their mouths, not daring to make a sound.

  At the forefront of the team, there were two female generals in tight robes. They wore exquisite soft armor, one was capable and elegant, gentle and generous. The other was charming and sentimental, with enchanting eyes like silk.

  And before them was a handsome and unparalleled young general.

  Her appearance is stunning and unforgettable, a breathtaking beauty. On her left ear, a purple earring emits an enchanting and mysterious glow. Her raven-black hair cascades down her back, giving off a carefree and unrestrained air. She too wears a red battle robe, but hers has silver armor with enigmatic floral patterns embroidered on it. Behind her, her cloak flows like molten lava, as radiant as the dawn clouds, as vibrant as blood...

  On her right hand, the index finger was covered with a uniquely-shaped yet exquisitely beautiful ring sleeve. The upper end of the ring sleeve was sharp and emitted a cold glow. At the lower end of the ring sleeve, there were gemstones inlaid, connected by a silver chain to a bracelet that was worn on her wrist, faintly visible.

  The flame horse under her, with a beautiful and tall physique, naturally curled long mane made it distinctly different from other people's flame horses. That kind of royal demeanor made other flame horses bow their heads in submission.

  This man and horse, one red and one black, complement each other perfectly, stunning countless eyes.

  Such a dazzling person, almost as soon as he appeared, he rushed into Qin Yiyao's eyes. Afterwards, her eyes could no longer hold anything else, as if the entire world had quieted down, leaving only that tall and majestic young man in red clothes shining brightly like the sun.

  October did not see him, he was even more handsome and majestic. He seemed to have already transformed from that dashing young man in bright clothes and angry horses into a young general who could ride the battlefield and strategize in the tent. That suit of armor made him even more extraordinary and stunning. In front of him, I felt like a pearl covered in dust, losing its luster... Qin Yiyao stared blankly, her eyes gradually dimming.

  "Hey? That seems to be Young Master Mu!"

  "It's really Young Master!"

  "Hurray for Little Master! Hurray for Little Master!"

  The people in the crowd recognized Mu Qingge, and the previous panic turned into a chorus of cheers and shouts.

  In October, Mu Qing's street beheading of Han Sheng had already spread among the people, completely overturning her noble image and making her an instant hero in the hearts of the people.

  Although she disappeared in Luodu for ten months, she has not been forgotten by people yet.

  Still the same street, the more dazzling young master, evoked the hot-blooded memories in people's hearts.

  The enthusiastic cheers of the people made the soldiers guarding the city gate somewhat flustered, worried that the excited people would cause trouble and surprised by Mu Qing's reputation among the people.

  The cheers of the crowd reached Mu Qing's ears.

  She remained calm and composed, neither arrogant nor flustered. Her clear and cold gaze swept lightly over the excited crowd, and wherever she looked, everyone became quiet without exception, but their hearts were still turbulent.

  "This is the prestige of the Mu family in Qin State? Indeed, it's truly eye-opening! When I was in Chu State, I heard that the heir of the Mu family was a useless and idle young master. But unexpectedly, even such an idle young master can gain the love and admiration of the people to this extent. The folk customs of Qin State are indeed simple and honest!"

  From among a group of people who had not come forward, and were dressed in an unusual manner, came a voice with a strange tone.

  Their clothing was clearly different from that of the Qin people, with tight sleeves and trousers, no intricate decorations, and totemic patterns related to animals embroidered on the front of their belts. They also wore felt hats on their heads. Their facial features were more three-dimensional and deeper than those of the Qin people.

  The speaker's status should not be low, being surrounded by a crowd of people in the middle.

  By his side, dressed in casual attire, were the Crown Prince of Qin and Rui Wang. Today, they were secretly visiting the common people with the Butcher Country's delegation under imperial orders.

  But unexpectedly, passing by here is coincidentally running into Mu Qingge returning home.

  Mu Qingge's dazzling appearance also stunned Qin Jinyu and Qin Jinhao.

  However, after Namin Zan's veiled sarcasm, Qin Jinxiu's face suddenly turned dark, and his eyes towards Mu Qingge were filled with both jealousy and murderous intent.

  It was Qin Jinghuan who looked at that dazzling red figure, his eyes moving slightly, wondering what he was thinking.

  After the minister finished speaking, he smiled slightly and said with an unclear meaning: "The news of the barbarian king is a bit old. Our Qin country's Mu Xiao Jie, is no longer a useless young master. He is not only a skilled martial artist, but also beheaded the main culprit, Han Guo Shu, on the street to avenge the soldiers who died in Yu City."

  "Oh? There's actually something like this?" The whiskers of the ambassador from the butcher country twitched, and he looked at the dark-faced prince with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

  Qin Jingxu let out a cold snort, no longer able to maintain his gentle demeanor. He suppressed the anger in his heart and asked, "Isn't the Barbarian King eager to see the beautiful scenery of Peach Forest? Why waste time on irrelevant people?"

  "The prince said, let's go and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Peach Garden. Hahaha..."

  Zhang Kuang's loud laughter almost made Qin Jinxiu angry.

  Qin Jinhao remained silent beside her, a faint smile playing on his lips.

  A figure left without startling anyone. Everyone's attention was focused on Mu Qing and the Dragon Tooth Guard behind her.

  Mu Qing walked at the forefront and suddenly felt two extremely complicated gazes falling on her body.

  She raised her eyes and chased after him, accurately capturing the window on the second floor of a certain wine building that was slightly closed, meeting a pair of clear and cold eyes with complex emotions.

  Almost without a pause, Mu Qing Ge had already identified the owner of those eyes.

  She gazed at those eyes, the clear bottom of her eyes without any emotional fluctuations. In the end, under the other's gaze, she slowly withdrew her eyes, walked past the wine building as if nothing had happened, leaving a straight back shadow.

  Never to see that person again, Qin Yiyao withdrew her gaze, turned around and leaned against the window, the distress in her heart spreading.

  He saw himself, but remained unmoved...

  "Mu Qingge, is your heart made of stone? Don't you really have anything to say to me? Do you know that maybe after a while, we won't meet again in this life." Qin Yiyao slightly tilted her head, trying to hold back the tears from falling.

  But still failed, the clear tears in her eyes fell from the eye socket and left two tear marks on her busy cheek.

  The palace maid waiting in the house saw her master's painful appearance, and her heart was also twisted in pain. She sympathized with her master and hated Mu Qing's ruthlessness.

  But she could do nothing but accompany her master silently with tears streaming down her face.

  Mu Qingge had no interest in anything and circled around Luo Du, announcing that he was back. Along Beidajie Street, she walked towards the Mu residence.

  This time when she came back, she didn't send someone to inform the Mu residence of her exact return date. She just didn't want Grandfather and Aunt to go through a lot of trouble waiting for her. She knew the way home, so they could just wait for her at home.

  Returning to Mu Fu, Mu Qingge dismounted from Hei Yan and stood outside the gate of the mansion. The guards immediately knelt down on one knee, respectfully welcoming her return.

  Mu Qingge walked up the steps and looked up at the three plaques hanging under the high eaves.

  This time, it was completely different from the first time she entered the mansion. It seemed that she had really integrated into this other world and become the real Mu Qing Ge.

  "Singer!"

  Muxiong's voice came over.

  Mu Qingge withdrew her gaze and saw Mu Xiong and Mu Lianrong walking quickly towards her in their casual clothes.

  And behind them, there was also a white-clad Bai Suoyue following closely.

  After such a long time, when she saw Mu Qing again, she would occasionally steal glances at him, and the calculation in her eyes had not decreased.

  Mu Qingge smiled coldly in her heart and then grasped the hands of Grandfather and Aunt, smiling with a raised lip: "Grandfather, Aunt, I'm back!"

  "Come back safely, just be safe!" Mu Xiong's eyes welled up with tears as he tightly grasped Mu Qing Ge's hand.

  This is his precious granddaughter. How can he truly feel at ease with her in a foreign city? Now that his granddaughter has returned safely, his hanging heart can finally be put to rest.

  "Really getting more and more beautiful, just like your mother." Mu Lianrong carefully sized up Mu Qingge for a moment before sighing.

  As for the concept of "niang", Mu Qing's curiosity outweighs her nostalgia.

  So, regarding Mu Lianrong's words, she did not express any opinion.

  The three members of the Mu family walked hand in hand, a harmonious scene, as they strolled through the imperial palace. Bai Suoyue, who followed behind them, seemed like an outsider, superfluous and out of place.

  After everyone left, Bai Taixue's smile that had been hanging on her face finally cooled down, and her expression turned gloomy.

  "Miss, Young Master has returned. Should this matter be reported to His Highness?" Green Branch reminded cautiously.

  When mentioning Qin Jinhuang, Bai Suoyue's face turned pale.

  At first, Qin Jinhao let her destroy the relationship between Mocheng and Mochong Ge, causing a rift between them. However, she didn't achieve anything. Every time she made a move, it was easily resolved by Mochong Ge, and instead, she became the subject of gossip among the servants in the Mo household.

  This matter has made Qin Jinghuan somewhat dissatisfied with herself, and for the future, she indeed needs to do something to consolidate her position.

  She pursed her lips and Bai Suoyue turned around and walked towards her own courtyard.

  ……

  On the other hand, Mu Xiong brought Mu Lianrong and Mu Qingge to the ancestral hall of the Mu family.

  Inside are worshipped the ancestors of the Mu family, including Mu Xiong's wife and the spirit tablets of his two sons. They all died for the honor of the Mu family and have the qualifications to enter the ancestral hall of the Mu family.

  Next to her father's memorial tablet in Mulian City, Mu Qingge also saw a memorial tablet for her mother. This was also the first time she knew what her mother's name was.

  Sang Lanruo, a gentle and virtuous name.

  After leading the way to offer incense, Mu Xiong turned to Mu Lianrong and Mu Qingge and said: "According to tradition, women are not allowed to enter the ancestral hall. But now that our Mu family only has the three of us left, we don't need to be too particular about those old rules. Come, you two pay your respects to our ancestors."

  Mu Qingge and Mu Lianrong knelt down on the couch, each knocking their heads three times before standing up with Mu Xiong's nod.

  Then the three of them talked about their experiences over the past few days. Most of it was Mu Qing singing, and the other two listened.

  However, Mu Qingge also omitted some links, including Mengmeng's affairs.

  However, she did not hide the matter of Linglong's divine gun.

  In front of the two, Mu Qingge's wrist shook slightly, and the finger sleeve connected to the bracelet emitted a dazzling white light. In an instant, it transformed into a Linglong spear, which was grasped in Mu Qingge's hand.

  Mu Xiong's eyes narrowed, and he exclaimed in surprise: "I never thought that in my lifetime, I would actually see a divine artifact with my own eyes. And to make matters even more astonishing, this divine artifact belongs to the descendants of my Mu family."

  "Qīng gē, your luck is against the heavens, making even Auntie envious and jealous!" Mù Lián Róng murmured, her face filled with admiration as she gazed at the exquisite gun in Mù Qīng Gē's hand.

  Qing Ge smiled faintly and transformed the Linglong spear into a finger sleeve with a flick of her hand. She said, "Auntie doesn't need to envy me. If in the future Qing Ge is lucky enough to encounter another divine artifact, I'll definitely get one for Auntie. Of course, Grandfather won't be left out either." When she spoke these words, she was extremely confident. Because she believed that if Momo could take out a divine artifact as a gift for their meeting, he could also take out a second, third... or even more. Once she broke through her cultivation and deciphered the secrets of that spatial realm, wouldn't any divine artifact be within her grasp?

  But she was not convinced, and Mu Xiong chuckled and shook his head. Mu Lianrong even laughed and scolded: "Do you think the divine artifact is a common cabbage? It's everywhere. Our Mu family only needs one of these heaven-defying little guys, I'm not greedy."

  "Not bad, the more ways you have to save your life, the more at ease I and your aunt will be. Grandfather has seen that this granddaughter of his is not a fish in a small pond, this Qin country is too small, it's not enough for you to stir up trouble! Haha ha——!" Mu Xiong laughed with relish.

  After laughing, he said seriously: "Song Er, you have to keep the matter of the divine instrument confidential. If it gets out, your troubles will only get bigger."

  Grandfather, rest assured. I know that without sufficient strength, a divine artifact is just a hot potato. I won't use the Linglong Gun lightly, and once I do, no one will be left alive.

  Hearing her assurance, Mu Xiong finally nodded in relief.

  The three of them chatted for a while longer before Mu Qingge turned to Mu Lianrong and asked, "Aunt, did you investigate whether Bai Suoyue had any eavesdropping devices on her?"

  Mentioning this, Mu Lianrong hastily collected her smile and nodded solemnly: "This girl is hiding very deeply. My grandfather and I also designed a plan to find out that she has a powerful treasure in her hand. Divide it into two parts, as long as one part is placed anywhere, even if you leave far away, you can hear everything through the remaining half on your body."

  Miao Xiong sighed: "Such a treasure is rare in the world. She doesn't have the ability to obtain it."

  "The only possibility is that Rui Wang gave it to her." Mu Qing Ge said what Grandfather didn't want to say.

  Among the three of them, the one with the most complicated feelings towards Bai Suoyue is probably Grandfather Mu Xiong. After all, Bai Suoyue's father died in battle to save him. Having brought Bai Suoyue into the Mu household for many years, he has always treated her as his own granddaughter, without any neglect or debt.

  Unfortunately, Bai Suo's thoughts were too deep, ignoring the kindness of the Mu family, and instead relied on Rui Wang.

  This fact made Mu Xiong hard to accept, but had no choice but to accept it.

  Upon hearing her grandfather's sigh, Mu Qingge comforted him saying: "Grandfather, she is no longer a child. From the time she started hiding things from us, her heart was no longer with the Mu family. Everything now is her own choice. The only reason I can tolerate her is because of Grandfather's feelings towards the Bai family and also because she hasn't really done anything to harm the Mu family yet. But if she becomes infatuated and does something that harms the Mu family, I will not show any mercy. Her own choices, whatever the consequences are, should be borne by herself."

  Muxiong nodded in understanding and did not oppose Muxing's idea.

  Mu Lianrong opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to plead. But seeing Mu Qingge's cold and stern face, she couldn't say anything, and it only turned into a sigh.

  She admitted that Mu Qing's words were right, but it was hard for her to watch the girl she had brought up from childhood step by step into the abyss, and she felt very distressed and tortured in her heart.

  However, she has been hinting several times that Bai Suoyue should not get too deeply involved, but he still does his own thing.

  Perhaps, as Mu Qing Ge said, one must bear the consequences of any choice they make.

  Having said that, Mu Xiong said to Mu Qing Ge: "Qing Ge, you will have to go to the palace later and explain your return to His Majesty. In three days, it will be your coronation ceremony, and everything is ready for you and your aunt. It's just... I'm sorry to trouble you."

  After finishing speaking, he patted Mu Qingge's shoulder with a guilty conscience.

  "Grandpa, it's nothing. Just a formality." Mu Qingge said indifferently.

  The capping ceremony is a major event for a man's coming of age. Guests should be invited, the ancestral temple should be informed, and it should be recorded in the family genealogy. But she was born with a woman's body, so she should have undergone the hair-pinning ceremony instead. What she should have worn on her head is a hairpin, not a cap. However, now that she has taken on a man's identity, she can only follow the rituals for men.

  In silence, Mu Qingge was deprived of everything he should have had. How could Mu Xiong and Mu Lianrong not feel guilty?

  "Eldest Aunt knows you don't like trouble, so the ceremony won't be too complicated. On that day, just bear with it and get through the formalities, then it'll all be over."

  Mo Qingge nodded slightly.

  When Mu Qingge returned to Chi Yunyuan from the ancestral temple, Yuhe and Huayue, the two maidservants, had already tidied up the rooms that had been vacant for a long time. The luggage she brought back was all arranged properly, and everything seemed as if Mu Qingge had never left.

  After resting for a while in the mansion, Mu Qingyu rode the black smoke towards the direction of the imperial palace.

  At first, the extra Yūmǎ was sent to Mù Xióng's place. To avoid trouble, Mù Xióng also deliberately selected five Yūmǎ and sent them into the palace, presenting them to Qín Cāng.

  So, the guards watching the palace gate saw Mu Qing's proud horse and were envious but not surprised.

  Just by quietly comparing this divine steed with the five horses raised in the palace, the conclusion drawn was that the one Mu Qing sang rode was even more majestic and beautiful.

  The last palace gate, could not ride in on horseback, Mu Qingge had to abandon his horse and walk on foot to see Qin Cang.

  For this suspicious and selfish emperor, Mu Qingge really didn't have a good impression. After meeting in the imperial study, they chatted for a few sentences of meaningless words before she was dismissed by Qin Cang.

  She turned and headed towards the inner courtyard of the imperial palace.

  In the palace, there was one more person she had to go and pay her respects to - the Empress Dowager!

  Too polite, it's really hard to like!

  Thinking of her grandfather's words, Mu Qingge could only head towards the Cixiang Palace where the Empress Dowager lived. This was so as not to give others a handle to use against her and not leave any opportunities for those with ill intentions to attack.

  Unexpectedly, Mu Qing didn't think that after patiently waiting until he arrived at Cixiang Palace, he was met with a closed door.

  The people in the palace came out to pass on a message, saying that the empress dowager was taking a nap. Let her come out of the palace by herself and wait for the empress dowager to summon her another day. The meaning is: The empress dowager is not someone you can see whenever you want, just because you want to see her doesn't mean you can. Go home obediently and wait, when the empress dowager remembers you and wants to see you, she'll call for you again.

  Brushing off her sleeves, she hummed a soft tune and turned to leave.

  Not seen? Just as she wished!

  She didn't forget that the two people she met in the palace today were both involved in sending assassins to kill her back then.

  Just now she didn't take the life of a certain emperor in the imperial study, it's already considered that she had to endure for the greater good, isn't it?

  Mu Qingge quickened her pace as she walked in the direction of the exit from the palace.

  The air in this palace is so thin it's suffocating her.

  Suddenly, she felt someone approaching from behind her, but without any malice.

  In the blink of an eye, she abandoned her defense and let the person behind her pounce on her.

  Suddenly, her eyes went dark as a pair of soft hands with a faint fragrance covered her eyes.

  "Guess who I am!" A deliberately lowered voice came from behind, with an irrepressible joy that was hard to conceal.

  Even if the owner of this voice deliberately concealed it, Mu Qingge immediately identified the identity of the person. The corner of her mouth slightly raised, and she said motionlessly: "Princess Yongle."

  "Ah! Little brother is really no fun, actually being recognized by you so quickly." The hands in front of me suddenly loosened, and the refreshing fragrance wrapped around my nose also drifted away.

  Mukuro regained his vision and turned around to face a girl who was only as tall as his shoulder.

  The girl was even more slender than when they met a year ago. However, her round face hadn't changed much, with features that were even more delicate and refined, carrying an unadulterated pure beauty.

  The high-waisted corseted skirt made her look even more lovely, and the loose hem added a few points of agility and elegance.

  Long hair is no longer braided into two pigtails, but simply tied into one braid that falls down the shoulder. In black hair, there are only some simple decorations, fresh and elegant.

  "Little brother, you've finally come back. Are you here to see Lianlian?" Qin Yilian asked with her big eyes blinking cutely.

  The expectant look in his eyes was too compelling to deny.

  However, Mu Qing Ge still told the truth: "I have come to see your father, the Emperor, and also the Empress Dowager."

  Actually, Qin Yilian pouted and said discontentedly: "Brother doesn't come to see me, is it because you don't miss me? Besides, I wrote many letters to brother, but brother didn't reply even one."

  Mu Qing's mouth twitched, and suddenly, he didn't know how to explain this matter to the little princess.

  Those letters, she didn't just not reply, but also didn't even read them.

  "Little brother, congratulations on your return! To welcome you back, Lian Lian is treating you to candy!" Fortunately, Qin Yilian didn't plan to investigate further and handed over a piece of candy to Mu Qingge.

  The sugar in front of her eyes made Mu Qing Song think of their second meeting.

  The naive little princess also said she wanted to treat her to candy, but was ignored by her. Since then, she hasn't mentioned treating herself to candy again.

  Perhaps in Little Princess's heart, candy is her favorite thing. Sharing something she loves with someone shows that she has a good feeling towards that person.

  But this kind of favor made Mu Qingge feel resistant.

  There was a Qin Yiyao before, now she can only pretend not to see, and cannot afford to provoke any more peach blossom debts.

  So Mu Qing Ge took a step back and did not reach out to take the candy from Qin Yi Lian's hand, but instead shook her head lightly and said: "I don't particularly like eating sweets, thank you for your kind intentions, Princess."

  "Really? Okay then." Qin Yileng understood and didn't force the issue, but simply put away the candy with a somewhat disappointed expression.

  Just then, she seemed to be back to normal, and with a bright smile, she said: "In the days when little brother is not around, Lian'er hasn't been idle either. I've learned many dances, want to dance for little brother? I heard Mother say that little brother's dancing is great."

  "Maybe some other time." Mu Qingge smiled and politely declined.

  "Does little brother have no time?" Qin Yileng's shoulders suddenly slumped, and a thick disappointment appeared on Baobao's face.

  "Hmm, indeed there are some things that need to be taken care of." Mu Qing Ge said in agreement with her.

  "Alright then, let's wait till next time when little brother is free to watch Yilian dance." Qin Yilian nodded obediently despite feeling disappointed.

  "Mm." Mu Qingge responded casually.

  At that moment, it made Qin Yilian's eyes shine again. She stretched out her small hand and curled up, leaning in front of Mu Qingge, and coquettishly said: "Make a pinky promise, otherwise little brother will forget again."

  Mo Qing's mouth twitched, and she stared at her own small hand in front of her, then looked at Qin Yiliang's expectant face. Helplessly, she stretched out her own hand and lightly hooked it with hers.

  "Alright! Now that we've made a promise, little brother won't deceive me. I'll head back first, little brother hurry up and get busy. When you're free, come find me to chat!"

  After finishing speaking, she waved her hand at Mu Qing Ge and ran towards the imperial palace with her skirt lifted.

  Watching Qin Yilian leave, Mu Qingge was about to turn and leave, but suddenly heard a calm voice say: "Why must you refuse Yilian? She's not like Chang Le, with such complicated thoughts, competing for power with her mother and brother. She likes you."

  Mo Qing's song was faint and gentle as she turned around, meeting a pair of calm eyes that were as still as stagnant water, with clear distinction between black and white.

  "Is the wise king boasting about himself?" Mu Qing Ge said lightly.

  Qin Jincheng pursed his lips and nodded, turning around to walk forward, as if he was going to escort Mu Qingge out of the palace.

  Mu Qing's eyes sparkled for a moment, and she followed him without refusing.

  "What's wrong, Lianlian?" The two walked side by side, as if strolling in the garden. Suddenly, Qin Jincheng asked.

  Mu Qing's footsteps paused for a moment, but then immediately resumed. He hooked his lips into a shallow smile: "Princess Yongle is very good, it's just that I'm not worthy of her."

  These words stopped Qin Jincheng in his tracks, and he turned to look at her. His piercing gaze fell on her, and he said slowly: "The usually arrogant young master has actually become humble."

  Arrogant?

  Mu Qingge's mouth twitched, and he sneered: "I didn't expect that the wise king, who has always ignored worldly affairs, would actually take on the role of a matchmaker."

  "Because it's Lianlian." Qin Jincheng slightly tilted his head, his tone calm, yet leaving no room for refusal.

  Mù Qīng Gē coldly smiled: "The wise king is indeed amusing. What, do you want to impose your preferences on others?"

  Qin Jincheng lowered his eyes, unable to discern his true emotions.

  He finally said: "I just want to know the reason."

  "Does the wise king think that I am the only one who can bring happiness to Princess Yonghuan?" asked Mu Qingge with a smile.

  Qin Jincheng's eyelashes trembled slightly as he spoke his reason: "She likes you, and you're not a heartless scoundrel."

  Mu Qingge laughed and teased: "To be evaluated by the wise king, this marquis is truly fortunate for three lifetimes. However, hasn't the king forgotten the lesson of Princess Chang Le? This marquis isn't someone who is foolishly devoted to one person."

  However, Qin Jincheng said calmly: "Chang Le and Lianlian are different. My mother is not Concubine Jiang either."

  "What about King Xian? Is he also different from King Rui? Was this the reason you secretly sent someone to escort him ten months ago?" Mu Qingge's eyes narrowed into a line, with a dangerous glint flashing in the gap between her eyelids, pressing in all directions.

  Qin Jincheng's calm eyes flashed, but he didn't respond.

  Murong Qingge smiled and said: "Xian Wang is probably a bit strange, how did I know it was you?"

  Qin Jincheng raised her eyes, those calm yet clear black and white eyes looked at her, as if exploring the answer.

  "It's actually quite simple, I just didn't think of it at first. Using the process of elimination, the least likely person would be you. Because you're low-key, harmless, like a ghost, not drawing any attention, making people forget your existence. But who would have thought that you could manipulate a group of extremely powerful dead soldiers? Who would believe that you don't have any ambition? I'm afraid that during the struggle between the Crown Prince and King Rui, they both forgot that among the grown sons of the Qin Emperor, there is also a wise king." Mu Qing Ge said with a hint of playfulness.

  When he came to this conclusion, Mu Qing also had some doubts.

  Who would have thought that the usually unobtrusive wise king was secretly cultivating his power?

  And hidden so deeply.

  Finally, if it wasn't for Mu Qing's gaze being fixed on Qin Jincheng, letting Guan Ya personally run once and see with her own eyes the master who helped her block the assassination that time, appearing by Xian Wang's side, she would have found it hard to believe.

  Qin Jincheng stared tightly at Mu Qingge, and after a long time, he calmly said: "I'm not interested in that position, my mother also doesn't want me to be blinded by power." It seemed that he didn't mind his secret being known by Mu Qingge.

  But Mu Qing Ge didn't believe it at all.

  A prince who had been treated coldly for so many years, secretly cultivating his powerful forces, actually told her that he didn't have the intention to seize the throne?

  Mo Qing's undisguised cold smile seemed to pierce Qin Jincheng's eyes, causing him to lower his gaze and avoid that scorching line of sight.

  He didn't say anything when he saw him, so Mu Qingge prepared to leave.

  But she had only taken two steps. That cold and desolate voice came again: "It seems that you really have forgotten what happened in the past."

  What past event? What past event could it be? Could it be that Mu Qingge, that girl, still has some unavoidable relationship with this wise king?

  Mu Qing's heart was shocked, but her face remained calm as she turned around, her clear eyes coldly looking at him.

  Under her gaze, Qin Jincheng took out an object from his bosom and spread it on his palm, showing it to Mu Qingge: "Do you still remember it?"

  Mo Qing's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze falling on Qin Jinchen's palm, specifically on the small bamboo tube.

  She is not an authentic goods, it's really unclear what this bamboo whistle represents!

  She slowly raised her eyes and looked at Qin Jincheng.

  Qin Jincheng slowly clenched his fist and withdrew his hand, saying: "I remember that it was when I was ten years old. At that time, you were probably only seven years old. You were the grandson of Qin Guo's war god Mu Xiong, enjoying the glory of the Mu family. And I was just an ill-fated weak prince. In the palace, not only could my brothers bully me, but even the palace maids and eunuchs could bully me. Because they knew that no one would ever come to investigate. That time, I was surrounded by several eunuchs in a corner of the imperial garden, beaten and kicked until I felt like I was going to die at any moment. In desperation, you appeared and chased away those cowardly eunuchs."

  Qin Jincheng said with a smile, as if lost in thought: "Actually, your fists and feet didn't even land on those eunuchs' bodies, they dodged them all. But instead, they begged for mercy desperately and left with their tails between their legs."

  His calm and peaceful eyes looked over at her for the first time with emotion. Mu Qing Ge, however, felt extremely awkward because she knew that the person Qin Jin Chen was talking about wasn't her.

  "After they left, you laughed at me for not being able to stand up for myself. Such a big person, yet still bullied by a servant. At the time, I was quite resentful that you didn't know what was going on. But then, you suddenly handed me this bamboo whistle and told me that if anyone dared to bully me in the future, I should blow it loudly, and when you heard it, you would rush over to help me beat them up." Qin Jincheng said, gripping the bamboo whistle even tighter.

  "You can't be serious." Mu Qing Ge said with a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. This kind of talk is obviously used to deceive children, isn't it!

  Qin Jincheng nodded calmly and said firmly: "I believe. After that, every time I was beaten, I would blow the bamboo whistle. But you never showed up."

  "You still say you believe?" Now it was Mu Qing's turn to be surprised.

  Qin Jincheng looked at her: "Later, I realized that the palace was too big and the sound of the bamboo whistle couldn't reach outside. You didn't live in the palace either, so how could you have heard it? If you hadn't heard it, you naturally wouldn't appear. If you had been able to hear it, I believe you would definitely have appeared."

  "...Muke's song was speechless. She wasn't the real thing, she wouldn't know what the real Muke thought. But if it were her, she had indeed made a promise, and she would fulfill it."

  "You sent someone to secretly escort me, isn't it just repaying the kindness from when I was a child?" Mu Qing Ge suddenly guessed.

  Qin Jincheng did not deny it, but said to himself: "Gushi and others recognized me as the master, everything was a coincidence. And so, I also have the ability to protect those who want to be protected. The throne, I don't care about it."

  Having said that, he walked towards the outside of the palace, as if indicating the end of their conversation.

  Mù Qīng Gē walked out of the imperial palace, parting ways with Qín Jǐn Chén. Behind her was the gradually disappearing carriage of Xiàn Wáng Fǔ. She turned around, looking at that carriage, and couldn't help but think: If Mù Qīng Gē had been like Qín Jǐn Chén back then, still remembering a childhood promise... would today's outcome have been different?

  Digression

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