Chapter 470: Chapter 114: Trouble Comes Looking

’Sister’

These two words struck Mu Qingge like a divine thunder from the heavens.

Her eyes suddenly narrowed, halting the motion of pulling out her arm.

Standing behind her, Si Mo cast a deep glance over Shui Ling, his gaze holding an enigmatic meaning.

“Shui Ling, come back! Embracing and hugging unknown men in public is improper!” Fu Tianlong walked over, speaking in a muffled voice.

His dark eyes watched Mu Qingge with a look full of vigilance.

“No, I really like Mu Ge.” Shui Ling retorted, not loosening her hold on Mu Qingge’s arm, but instead hugging even tighter.

“You!” Fu Tianlong was so angry his face turned red.

Wei Guanguan, too, wore an unhappy expression as she spoke to Shui Ling: “Shui Ling, you’re not that familiar with Mu Ge, why are you hugging her like this?”

“Aren’t you also…”

“Enough.” Mu Qingge, feeling overwhelmed, withdrew both her hands, turned, and said: “I still have to enroll, let’s catch up later.”

“Mu Ge, you don’t need to queue anymore.”

As soon as Mu Qingge turned around, she was stopped by Wei Qi.

She turned back, puzzled, looking at him with confusion.

Wei Qi raised an eyebrow, boasting: “We knew you wouldn’t miss this enrollment opportunity, so we already signed you up while we were lining up!”

After speaking, he presented an air of ’Come praise me! Come commend me!’.

Mu Qingge glanced at him, her gaze falling on Wei Guanguan beside him, and she smiled: “Thank you, Guanguan.”

“Wow! Mu Ge, you’re amazing! How did you know it was me who reminded that smelly Wei Qi?” Wei Guanguan’s little face was filled with admiration, looking at Mu Qingge as though she were a Heavenly God.

Even Shui Ling on the other side was watching Mu Qingge with large, bright eyes, clearly intrigued.

Wei Qi said dejectedly, “Mu Ge, why couldn’t I have been the one to suggest it first?”

Mu Qingge found it amusing and didn’t bother explaining. She looked at everyone and said: “Since we don’t need to line up anymore, let’s leave here first.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Only Fu Tianlong looked at Mu Qingge with hostile intent.

It seemed he was not pleased with Shui Ling’s closeness to her.

“By the way, Mu Ge, have you found a place to stay yet? We have to stay in Sangzhi City for three more days before being taken to the Medicine Tower,” Wei Qi suddenly asked.

Mu Qingge nodded: “When I came, I already instructed You He to look for one.”

“It’s not easy to find now,” Wei Guanguan pursed her lips and said.

Shui Ling nodded in agreement: “Yes! The city is full of people here to enroll for the Medicine Tower, and the inns are already packed. The four of us only got to know each other because we fought over a room.”

Wei Guanguan continued: “Now Shui Ling and I share a room, smelly Wei Qi and Fu Tianlong share another. What if You He can’t find an inn? What then?” She then looked mischievously at her brother, directly saying: “Wei Qi, give your bed to Mu Ge!”

Wei Qi naturally had no objections.

However, Fu Tianlong grumbled: “I don’t want to. I don’t want to share a room with a pretty boy!”

“Fu Tianlong!” Shui Ling frowned displeasingly and warned.

Fu Tianlong snorted arrogantly, turning his head away from her.

“You! Jerk!” Shui Ling stomped her feet in anger, her eyes quickly reddening.

Mu Qingge felt speechless as she inwardly complained: Damn! Miss, I’m being seen as hostile because of your inexplicable closeness!

Even a fool could see that Fu Tianlong had some interest in Shui Ling, how could she not see it?

“Don’t worry, I trust You He will find a place to stay,” Mu Qingge said calmly, interrupting the fruitless argument.

“Indeed. Little Ge’er can stay with me, so no need to trouble everyone.” Si Mo spoke at the right time, casting an amber gaze over the group.

His little Ge’er should not stay with other men.

Si Mo’s words made the corners of Mu Qingge’s mouth twitch slightly.

Unintentionally meeting Shui Ling’s eyes, she saw the shock and curiosity in this little girl’s eyes.

Oh right! She almost forgot, this girl could see through the Illusionary Artifact’s disguise!

’Didn’t someone say that unless their cultivation was higher, no one could see through her disguise? Hmph, a total fraud!’ Mu Qingge harshly complained in her heart.

At this moment, Hua Yue walked over and said to Mu Qingge: “Lord, do we still need to queue?”

“No need. I forgot to tell you.” Mu Qingge shook her head.

Hua Yue smiled lightly, standing behind Mu Qingge.

“Hua Yue, long time no see!” Wei Guanguan waved at Hua Yue.

Hua Yue smiled softly, bowing to Wei Guanguan and Wei Qi: “Young master Wei, young lady Wei.”

“Since everyone is here, let’s stop standing around. Let’s find somewhere to eat and chat,” Wei Qi suggested.

Mu Qingge did not refuse.

After all, she considered the Wei siblings friends catching up.

However, she felt slightly uncomfortable with the monster gentleman alongside.

Helplessly, she subtly hinted with her eyes, but this man seemed oblivious, following them toward a restaurant.

Falling behind slightly, Mu Qingge couldn’t help but whisper to the man beside her: “You’re already so old, do you feel comfortable joining a young people’s gathering?”

“Little Ge’er is disdaining me?” Si Mo’s eyes sparkled like diamonds, his tone hard to discern between joy and anger.

Mu Qingge gave him a sidelong glance, her expression saying it all.

Si Mo suddenly stopped, his lips slowly parting like cherry blossoms: “Everyone…”

The people ahead stopped and turned back to look at him.

Mu Qingge’s eye twitched, uncertain of what this man intended to do.

But Si Mo’s eyes suddenly showed a faint sorrow, speaking in a regretful tone: “Little Ge’er doesn’t like me getting too close to strangers, so I shall take my leave first.”

Good grief!

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed, her heart dropped! ’Did you have to say it so ambiguously, sparking imagination?’

“Why not? Why can’t Cousin join us for a meal?” The straightforward Wei Guanguan asked directly.

But Si Mo didn’t speak further, only looked at Mu Qingge with eyes full of grievance.

It was as if she were the ultimate culprit!

Wei Guanguan immediately looked at Mu Qingge, asking confusedly: “Mu Ge, we’re friends, how can we be considered outsiders? Let Cousin come with us.”

“Yes! Mu Ge. It’s our first time meeting Cousin, how can we let him leave alone while we go eat?” Wei Qi added.

Mu Qingge’s head started to ache slightly.

Looking at Si Mo, she wasn’t surprised to see his mouth curving into a sinister smile. Facing the sincerity of the Wei siblings, she could only grit her teeth and say: “Alright, let’s all go together.”

“But will little Ge’er be unhappy?” Si Mo hesitated and asked.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched as she squinted her eyes with a smile: “Happy, how could I not be happy?”

“Great! I knew Mu Ge was the best!” Wei Guanguan jumped excitedly, walking closer to Mu Qingge and attempting to hold her arm again.

Seemingly realizing her intention, Shui Ling squeezed from the side, occupying Mu Qingge’s other side.

The two girls, across Mu Qingge, glared at each other, their eyes filled with rivalry.

Mu Qingge looked at them with a dark face, coldly saying: “Let’s go.”

After speaking, she walked right between Wei Qi and Fu Tianlong, heading to the front.

Si Mo smiled slightly, following slowly.

“Mu Ge, wait for me!” Wei Guanguan snorted at Shui Ling, quickly catching up. Wei Qi was right behind.

Shui Ling also intended to catch up, but Fu Tianlong pulled her back.

“Shui Ling, why are you getting so close to that pretty boy? Don’t forget, we are engaged. Dad and Mom said that after we return from the Medicine Tower, we’ll get married.”

Shui Ling impatiently pulled her arm away, saying to Fu Tianlong: “That’s what Dad and Mom decided, not me. I just like Mu Ge, so what?”

“Shui Ling, you! Do you believe I won’t go kill him!” Fu Tianlong threatened.

Shui Ling gave him a disdainful look, sizing him up and down before mocking, “Just you? You can’t even move a finger of Mu Ge!”

Having said that, she shook off Fu Tianlong and bounced ahead to catch up with the others.

Her pretty and lively demeanor made her seem like a mountain elf.

“Damn! That damned pretty boy!” Fu Tianlong stood in place, clenching his fists, gritting his teeth and saying.

This scene seemed to not disturb anyone. However, it was in the eyes of a group of people under a street eave.

After Shui Ling left, the person stared at Fu Tianlong, a calculating smile spreading on his lips.

Fu Tianlong stood there for a while before reluctantly shouting, “Shui Ling, wait for me!” and quickly chased after her.

Soon, under Wei Qi’s guidance, everyone arrived at a restaurant named ’You Ke Lai’.

Even before entering, the surging atmosphere inside the restaurant was palpable.

Mu Qingge glanced around and praised, “Looks like the food here is pretty good, business is booming.”

Wei Qi nodded and explained to her, “The specialty here at You Ke Lai is their herbal cuisine. It’s said the chef here used to be at the Medicine Tower. But, he was so enamored by culinary arts that, after leaving the Medicine Tower, he joined this restaurant to focus on herbal cuisine.”

“Yes! When we first arrived, we heard people saying that the herbal cuisine here makes men more handsome and women more beautiful. Regular consumption prolongs life, cures illness if you’re sick, and strengthens your body if you’re not. It’s almost mythic!” Wei Guanguan added.

“Then let’s go in and try it,” Mu Qingge nodded with interest.

Everyone followed the steps into the restaurant.

This You Ke Lai restaurant is divided into three floors. The first-floor hall was already crowded with diners. The elegant halls on the second floor were also filled. Only the private rooms on the third floor were left.

Normally, the private rooms aren’t open because the users must either have money, power, or influence.

Discovering there were no seats on the first or second floors, Mu Qingge generously threw a hundred taels of gold into the waiter’s hand, securing one of the private rooms on the third floor.

Upon entering the private room, the noise from outside seemed to fade away instantly.

“Please wait a moment, I’ll bring good tea and the menu right away,” the waiter bowed and withdrew after guiding them in.

After he left, everyone took a closer look at the private room.

“Tsk, tsk, such fine decoration. No wonder it’s for a select few!” Wei Qi looked around, clicking his tongue in wonder. Even the simplest furnishing here was more luxurious than anything in his home.

Wei Guanguan walked to the window and pushed it open, instantly letting a stream of fresh air rush into the private room.

“Wow! So beautiful!” Wei Guanguan exclaimed as she admired the scenery outside the window.

At this moment, Shui Ling also squeezed in next to her, similarly gazing at the view, genuinely admiring, “It’s really beautiful!” The view outside encompassed a vast expanse of lakes and mountains.

The lake’s surface sparkled, fish leaping about. On the sprawling lotus leaves, a few flower buds were ready to bloom, fresh and elegant, serene and distant.

“Hey! Why do you always compete with me over everything?” Wei Guanguan looked at Shui Ling in displeasure.

Shui Ling innocently shrugged, “I’m not! Everyone appreciates beauty. Why can’t I admire what you do?”

“Hmph!” Wei Guanguan couldn’t win the argument, so she snorted coldly and turned away.

Mu Qingge sat at her seat, facing the open window, able to see the beautiful view outside and the quarrel between the two girls.

Her eyes lingered on Shui Ling for a few seconds longer, lost in thought.

This was originally her surprise at Shui Ling seeing through her disguise, mixed with caution, but in Fu Tianlong’s eyes, it became her having ’ill intentions’ towards Shui Ling.

At this moment, the door to the private room was opened again.

The waiter returned, carrying a teapot and a folded booklet.

He first respectfully placed the booklet in front of Mu Qingge, then poured tea for everyone with the teapot in hand, saying, “Do any of you have familiarity with our menu? Our dishes all have health benefits, so you can choose based on your needs.”

Mu Qingge opened the booklet, which was filled with the names of various dishes.

Beside each dish, the names of the medicinal ingredients and their effects were carefully written in small print.

This made it convenient for guests to order and spared the waiter from having to explain repeatedly.

Mu Qingge ordered two mild and nourishing dishes, glanced at Si Mo, and seeing that he had no intention of ordering, tossed the booklet to Wei Qi.

Next, everyone ordered one or two dishes, and finally, the booklet returned to the waiter’s hand.

“Please wait a moment, your dishes will be served shortly.” The waiter withdrew after saying this and soon returned with some delicate snacks, then left again.

Maybe it’s because business is too good with guests coming, but the few people almost finished the snacks on the plate, and still no dishes were served.

The waiting was getting on Fu Tianlong’s nerves, so he stood up and said to everyone except Mu Qingge, “This waiter’s really slow, I’ll go check it out.”

After saying that, he got up and walked to the door, intending to step out of the private room.

However, he suddenly paused, glanced back at Shui Ling, and said, “Shui Ling, you come with me!”

“I’m not going,” Shui Ling refused without hesitation.

Fu Tianlong frowned and glanced displeasingly at Mu Qingge. In the end, he snorted coldly and slammed the door as he left.

The commotion was not small, even the usually statue-like Si Mo slightly raised an eyebrow, looking at the red-clothed youth beside him.

The private room fell silent for a moment.

Mu Qingge looked at Shui Ling, who was twisting her hair with her fingers while gazing downwards, and suddenly asked, “I wonder what the relationship is between Miss Shui Ling and Brother Fu? I see Brother Fu is very concerned about you.”

“I have nothing to do with him, we’re just from the same hometown,” Shui Ling quickly explained, though her tone lacked confidence.

“How can there be no relationship?” Wei Guanguan frowned, looking at Shui Ling in confusion, “Fu Tianlong told smelly Wei Qi that you two are engaged.”

Shui Ling’s cheeks turned red, and she angrily said to Wei Guanguan, “He said that, not me! I don’t admit to it!”

“Why don’t you admit it? I think Fu Tianlong is quite good!” Wei Guanguan said with a carefree laugh.

Shui Ling was both angry and embarrassed, coquettishly said, “If you like him, you marry him!” Then, she looked at Mu Qingge as if she had found a lifeline, “I…I like Mu Ge. I want to marry Mu Ge!”

“What did you say!” This comment sparked Wei Guanguan to leap to her feet, glaring at Shui Ling with a fierce expression.

“Guanguan, Shui Ling was joking!” Wei Qi hurriedly tried to smooth things over.

But Wei Guanguan wouldn’t listen, she pointed at Shui Ling and said, “Oh really! I haven’t even dared confess to Mu Ge and you got ahead of me! No way! Mu Ge certainly won’t like you! I knew Mu Ge first, so if anyone should be liked, it should be me! Stop daydreaming!”

“Who says being the first to meet means being liked? I bet Mu Ge likes me more than liking you!” Shui Ling wasn’t to be outdone, standing up to confront Wei Guanguan.

“Can you both stop talking for a moment?” Wei Qi felt deeply aggrieved. He also liked Mu Ge, but how could he say it?

As he thought about this, he gave Mu Qingge a resentful look.

Mu Qingge, at this time, was already feeling annoyed by the inexplicable quarrel between the two women, his eyebrows tightly knitted, without noticing Wei Qi’s thoughts.

However, all of this fell into Si Mo’s eyes.

’Little Ge’er really is irresistible, in such a short time, already attracting so many admirers?’

Suddenly, Si Mo’s voice invaded Mu Qingge’s mind.

Mu Qingge felt a twitch in his brain, and his face turned dark.

After experiencing the matters with Qin Yiyao and Qin Yilian sisters, he considered himself sensitive to these things. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have noticed the Wei siblings’ intentions in Tu City and prodded Shu Ling to strike at the heart.

However, he didn’t expect the brother and sister duo hadn’t given up. Furthermore, someone like Shui Ling, who knew her real identity, was causing such a mess?

’Shut up!’ Mu Qingge’s voice, tinged with coldness, also appeared in Si Mo’s mind.

Si Mo was slightly taken aback, then a faint smile appeared on his lips, with a hint of amusement.

The private room was filled with the sound of arguing.

Outside the door, Fu Tianlong, who went to hurry the dishes, stood by the door, hearing every word Shui Ling said inside.

His clenched fists made a ’crack’ sound, the deep-rooted anger in his eyes almost threatening to burn everything before him.

Just as he was about to kick open the door and go inside to teach that pretty boy a lesson, the door two rooms apart suddenly opened and out came someone who looked like an attendant.

“Young Hero Fu, my master invites you,” the attendant’s words halted Fu Tianlong’s kicking motion.

Fu Tianlong turned around and looked at him, his thick brows furrowed, “Who is your master? I don’t know them. What do you want with me?”

The attendant smiled slightly, gesturing towards the door, making an ’invite’ gesture to Fu Tianlong, “Young Hero Fu, you’ll know once you come in. My master is not an ordinary person. If you could befriend such a person, you’d also gain face with Miss Shui Ling.”

Upon hearing Shui Ling’s mention, Fu Tianlong immediately became alert.

He looked at the attendant with eyes as sharp as knives, but eventually walked towards the open door.

As soon as Fu Tianlong entered, the door was closed by the attendant.

Meanwhile, in the other private room, the quarrel continued.

Wei Guanguan and Shui Ling were like two children fighting over a toy, arguing about Mu Qingge as if she were an object they both dearly desired.

“Enough!” Mu Qingge looked coldly at the two women.

Instantly, the private room fell silent.

Hua Yue silently refilled the teacup in front of Mu Qingge, silently mourning for Wei Guanguan and Shui Ling in her heart.

Do they not know that acting like this will only cause the master to dislike them?

At the same time, she secretly admired. Both being women, why can’t she and You He attract the hearts of others? Their little Lord is truly charming to both men and women!

“If you want to eat, be quiet; if not, then leave.” Mu Qingge warned, with a calm yet stern expression.

Among those in the room, except for Si Mo who had a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, the others sat upright and dared not make any more trouble.

In another private room, since Fu Tianlong entered, his brow had not relaxed.

The man sitting behind the round table wore a dark red brocade robe, with a demeanor that emanated a sense of superiority, which made him very uncomfortable.

“Who are you?” Fu Tianlong asked directly.

Feng Yugui gestured to an empty seat beside him and said to Fu Tianlong, “Sit.”

Fu Tianlong glanced at the empty seat, did not speak or move.

Seeing his lack of appreciation, Feng Yugui’s eyes darkened for a moment, then he smirked and said, “It seems Brother Fu is a straightforward person. In that case, I’ll cut to the chase. To be honest, Brother Fu doesn’t like that Mu surname, and neither do I.”

Fu Tianlong, straightforward but not foolish, upon hearing this, already guessed that this person sought him for matters related to Mu Ge.

He remained silent, wanting to know what this person, who approached him proactively, planned to do.

Feng Yugui smiled and said to Fu Tianlong, “How about we teach her a lesson together?”

Fu Tianlong’s eyes flashed, and his tightly pursed lips slightly parted: “Did she offend you?”

Feng Yugui’s smile vanished immediately, with anger in his eyes he said, “Brother Fu and I are in similar situations, since you asked, I won’t hide it. Are you acquainted with Wei Guanguan from the Wei Family?”

Feng Yugui looked at Fu Tianlong with probing eyes.

Fu Tianlong was taken aback, then nodded.

At this point, Feng Yugui bitterly said, “Originally, I had a relationship with Wei Guanguan, but it was ruined due to the appearance of that Mu surname. You tell me, how can I not seek revenge for such a disgrace?”

This statement truly touched Fu Tianlong’s heart.

It seemed that the disrupted relationship Feng Yugui mentioned was between him and Shui Ling.

Seeing Fu Tianlong’s eyes turn red, Feng Yugui’s mouth quickly uplifted with a hint of a smile. Sharing his grievances with Fu Tianlong, he said, “Brother Fu, I want revenge. But I find it hard to approach them. Now, you have me as a cautionary tale; if you don’t resolve the trouble in advance, won’t you end up like me?”

Fu Tianlong’s eye twitched, his eyes filled with ferocity.

He looked at Feng Yugui and said, “How to resolve it? Do you want me to kill that Mu surname?”

’Kill? Just you?’ A disdainful look flashed in Feng Yugui’s eyes.

How strong Mu Qingge’s cultivation was, he did not know. However, someone capable of opposing him and surviving the besiege by the various forces in Zhi City would be killed by a simpleton?

“No, I just plan to embarrass her.” Feng Yugui said.

The humiliation Mu Qingge gave him, he had yet to reclaim, how could he bear to let her die?

“Embarrass?” Fu Tianlong frowned, puzzled.

Feng Yugui nodded, took out a packet of powder from his bosom, and handed it to Fu Tianlong, “As long as you find a way to pour the contents of this packet into her cup and make her drink it, there will be a show to watch.”

Fu Tianlong took the packet, sniffed it under his nose, and his pupils shrank instantly: “This is poison?”

“Brother Fu has keen insight.” Feng Yugui did not deny.

Fu Tianlong’s lips tightly pressed together as he asked in a low voice, “What will happen if she consumes it?”

Feng Yugui did not explain clearly, instead, with a meaningful gaze, he said, “Once she drinks it, Brother Fu will know.”

Recalling Feng Yugui’s earlier claim of not intending to claim Mu’s life, Fu Tianlong hesitated several times. Yet he still did not completely trust Feng Yugui, clutching the packet tightly, he asked, “Who are you really?”

“My name is Feng Yugui, from Li Country.” Feng Yugui openly announced his name.

Fu Tianlong’s eyes abruptly narrowed: “Li Country? Surname Feng! You’re from the Imperial Family of Li Country!”

Feng Yugui’s eyes flashed, and he laughed, “Brother Fu has good discernment!”

“Hmph.” Fu Tianlong placed the packet close to his body, turned, and walked out of the private room.

At the door, Fu Tianlong suddenly stopped, muffled he said, “I didn’t expect the Imperial Family of Li Country to be just as treacherous.”

Feng Yugui’s smile froze at the corner of his mouth, the guards by his side had already drawn their steel blades.

But Fu Tianlong slammed the door shut and left the room.

“Your Highness!” The guard looked at Feng Yugui.

Feng Yugui’s gaze was filled with icy killing intent, yet he remained silent.

Fu Tianlong walked out of the private room, muttering to himself, “For Shui Ling, I’ve become a bad person as well.”

He made his way to the previous private room, feigning calm as he pushed open the door.

Instantly, a wafting scent of dishes greeted him.

Fu Tianlong fixed his gaze, realizing that the round table was already filled with the dishes they had just ordered.

“Fu Tianlong, where did you run off to? Weren’t you supposed to hurry the dishes?” Shui Ling questioned upon his entry.

Mu Qingge’s indifferent eyes swept over him briefly before retracting.

“I…I had an urgent need and went to the lavatory.” Fu Tianlong casually replied.

“Oh dear! We’re all about to eat, and you talk about such things.” Shui Ling admonished angrily.

“No problem, no problem, Tianlong is just a straightforward person.” Wei Qi said hurriedly.

Seeing Shui Ling’s reproach, Fu Tianlong could only lower his head and return to his seat.

“Alright, everyone’s here. Let’s start eating, I’m starving!” Wei Guanguan drooled over the table full of delicious dishes.

Hua Yue stood up, picked up the wine jug, and began pouring wine for everyone.

When she reached Fu Tianlong, he raised his hand to stop her, grabbed the wine jug, “No need to trouble the lady, I’ll do it myself.”

Hua Yue hesitated for a moment and looked towards Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge barely perceptibly nodded.

Shui Ling said, “Don’t mind him, he does as he pleases.” With that, she gave Fu Tianlong a sideways glance.

Hua Yue returned to Mu Qingge’s side, and at the latter’s gesture, sat down.

The Wei siblings were not witnessing Mu Qingge and Hua Yue’s interaction mode for the first time; they were long accustomed to such master-servant dining together. And Shui Ling hailing from Ba Country was even less concerned about these formalities, Fu Tianlong, harboring intentions, was too distracted to notice any of this. Thus, Hua Yue sitting down did not cause any stir.

As for Si Mo… in Mu Qingge’s heart, he could be completely ignored.

“Come, come, let’s toast to our reunion this time.” Wei Qi raised his glass and stood up.

“No outsiders, everyone just sit and relax.” Mu Qingge’s gentle statement immediately halted others from standing up.

Wei Qi rubbed his head, giggling foolishly, “Yes, yes, we don’t need such formalities among us.”

With that, everyone downed their glasses of wine.

After the drinking, naturally, they refilled their glasses.

Yet earlier, the wine jug was blocked by Fu Tianlong in his hand.

Suddenly, the Wei siblings and Shui Ling all looked at him.

He picked up the wine jug, stood up, and said, “I’ll refill everyone’s glasses.” Saying so, he began pouring from his right-hand side.

His actions did not arouse anyone’s attention.

When he reached Mu Qingge’s side, Hua Yue proactively stood to receive the jug but was avoided by him. The mouth of the jug tipped, and the clear wine flowed into Mu Qingge’s glass.

After filling the glass, Fu Tianlong raised the jug and shook it, “There’s no wine left, I’ll get another jug.”

Saying this, he turned and walked towards the door.

After closing the door, his tense mood slightly eased.

Earlier, he hid the powder in his sleeve and, taking advantage of pouring wine, poured the powder and wine together into Mu Qingge’s glass.

“She shouldn’t have noticed!” Fu Tianlong muttered to himself.

“Customer, are you alright?” The waiter passed by and, seeing Fu Tianlong standing in the corridor outside the door, quickly asked.

Fu Tianlong paused, stuffed the wine pot into his hand, and said sullenly, “The wine’s finished, get me another pot.”

The waiter caught the wine pot and quickly left.

Fu Tianlong turned and pushed open the private room door, only to see Shui Ling picking up a cup full of wine from in front of Mu Qingge and placing it in front of herself.

“Shui Ling, what are you doing!” Fu Tianlong instinctively stopped her.

Shui Ling was taken aback and sat down, saying, “What’s wrong? Mu Ge said she can’t handle her alcohol, so I’m helping her drink.”

“Drink what? He’s a grown man; how could he be drunk after just one cup?” Fu Tianlong went over, snatched the cup in front of Shui Ling, and wanted to place it back in front of Mu Qingge.

However, his hand was blocked by another hand.

Fu Tianlong’s eyes flashed slightly, looking at the hand pressing against the back of his own hand.

The hand looked unremarkable apart from being aesthetically pleasing, yet he couldn’t move an inch.

Greatly startled, he looked up at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge just smiled slightly, “I really can’t handle my liquor, but I think it’s best if no one drinks this cup.”

Fu Tianlong’s hand shook, nearly spilling the wine he held. ’Could he know something?’

This subtle action was seen by Mu Qingge, whose eyebrows subtly arched.

“Oh, it’s just a cup of wine.” Shui Ling reached over, grabbed the wine cup from Fu Tianlong, and was about to drink it.

“Shui Ling!” Fu Tianlong shouted in fright.

His voice was naturally loud, and this shout made everyone’s eardrums faintly ache.

“What’s wrong!” Shui Ling rubbed her ears, looking angrily at Fu Tianlong.

Fu Tianlong’s face turned blue and white, and in panic, he said, “Mu said it, none of us should drink this cup of wine.”

Shui Ling looked at him in confusion, seemingly not understanding his unusual behavior today.

She held the wine cup, muttering, “It’s just a cup of wine, when have we from Ba Country ever been afraid of wine?”

With that, she tilted the cup towards her mouth.

“Shui Ling, don’t!” Fu Tianlong’s face went pale with fright, and he quickly grabbed the wine from Shui Ling’s hand and gulped it down himself.

Instantly, the private room fell silent.

The Wei siblings looked at him with furious energy, even Shui Ling was shocked, lightly covering her mouth with both hands.

Fu Tianlong slowly lowered his head, observing everyone’s expressions, and even with his dull mind, he noticed something off in their eyes. Especially when he saw Mu Qingge’s half-smiling expression and that godlike man’s feigned sleep. Suddenly, he felt a ’boom’ in his head, as if everything had shattered to pieces.

Inside, a voice kept telling him—

’He knows! He knows!’

“Fu Tianlong! I thought we misunderstood you, but it turns out you’re a despicable man!” Shui Ling couldn’t hold back and started cursing Fu Tianlong.

Fu Tianlong’s actions seemed to greatly disappoint her, and as she cursed, her eyes quickly reddened.

“Fu Tianlong, what did Mu Ge ever do to you to make you want to harm her!” Wei Guanguan also stood up, tightly furrowing her brows.

“I… I…” Fu Tianlong was at a loss for words, feeling guilty. But when he saw Mu Qingge’s indifferent expression, suddenly, his anger surged, “Yes! I just can’t stand that pretty boy! Just because he’s good-looking doesn’t mean he can flirt with others’ fiancées!” Shouting out his inner thoughts, he turned to Shui Ling, “We were fine before, why did you change as soon as you saw that pretty boy? Do you still remember our engagement?”

“You! When did I ever agree to marry you!” Shui Ling stomped her foot in anger.

“Enough. Instead of blaming him, why not ask who gave him the poison?” Mu Qingge suddenly interjected, cutting through the meaningless argument.

Silence fell around them as the Wei siblings and Shui Ling all looked at Fu Tianlong.

Fu Tianlong looked at Mu Qingge, his eyes flashing evasively, “How did you find out.”

Mu Qingge’s lips slightly curled, and she pointed to her nose, “Don’t forget why I came to Sangzhi City. You mixed the powder into the wine, but you couldn’t escape my nose.”

Fu Tianlong pressed his lips tightly, staying silent.

Wei Guanguan angrily said, “Shui Ling kept speaking well of you, but you did such a thing. We already poured your poisoned wine into here.” She pointed to a pot of withered plants on the side.

“How could this be! He said it wouldn’t be lethal!” Fu Tianlong, seeing the withered plant, opened his eyes wide in shock.

“It’s indeed not lethal, but it will leave a person confused and acting irrationally, causing severe internal injuries.” Mu Qingge said calmly.

“What!” Fu Tianlong was terrified by what he heard.

Letting Mu Qingge lose face was what he wanted, but seriously injuring the opponent was not his wish.

“Tianlong, aren’t you going to say who gave you the powder?” Wei Qi said anxiously. He had lived with Fu Tianlong for a few days and understood the straightforwardness of this guy’s character.

“He… he is in the next private room.” Fu Tianlong said in a daze.

Hearing this, Wei Qi immediately rushed out of the private room, heading towards the room Fu Tianlong mentioned.

Wei Guanguan also followed closely. However, just as she reached the door, she saw Wei Qi return, crestfallen: “The guest in that room, the waiter said, left a long time ago.”

Fu Tianlong’s whole body shook, standing frozen in place.

“You fool, you were tricked and don’t even know!” His dazed look made Shui Ling angry beyond measure.

“Did he say who he is?” Mu Qingge slightly raised her eyelids and asked.

Fu Tianlong’s lips moved, seeming somewhat hesitant.

“Speak quickly!” Shui Ling urged anxiously.

She seemed worried that if Fu Tianlong continued being confused, it would displease everyone.

Mu Qingge’s indifferent gaze swept over her and landed on Fu Tianlong.

Under Shui Ling’s urging, Fu Tianlong finally said: “He is from the Li Country’s Imperial Family, didn’t say his name, and I was too lazy to ask.”

“Li Country’s Imperial Family!” The Wei siblings were shocked, exchanging glances.

Instantly, Wei Guanguan reacted, slapping the table: “How outrageous! It must be that shameless Third Prince! Last time he shamelessly claimed the elixir Mu Ge refined was his own, but when exposed, he’s surely harboring evil intentions wanting to take revenge on Mu Ge.”

“What? Didn’t he say it was the Mu family who snatched it from you? He also said you and he were supposed to be engaged, but the Mu family ruined it, so he’s angry and wants the Mu family to lose face.” Fu Tianlong said in surprise.

Wei Guanguan’s cheeks reddened, angrily and embarrassedly said: “You’re talking nonsense! I wouldn’t like that insidious and despicable Third Prince! Humph!” After speaking, she sneaked a glance at Mu Qingge.

Unfortunately, Mu Qingge didn’t look at her, but was pondering Fu Tianlong’s words.

Beside her, Si Mo’s aura was somewhat obscure and indecipherable.

His eyes, pretending to be asleep, suddenly flashed coldly. The cold killing intent contained within, had he not controlled it well, might have frozen the entire tavern.

’Someone dares to treat his Ge’er like this?’

“Ahem.” Mu Qingge suddenly coughed lightly.

Si Mo slowly opened his eyes and looked at her.

“Let’s go.” Mu Qingge said softly, standing up to leave.

With such a commotion, everyone probably lost their appetite.

Si Mo stood up, his tall and slender shadow enveloping Mu Qingge, as if intending to protect her securely within his world.

“Mu Ge, aren’t we going to find that bastard Prince for revenge?” Wei Guanguan asked.

Wei Qi also nodded in agreement beside her.

Mu Qingge’s lips curled into a cold smile: “No need for haste, he will eventually come to us himself. Let’s all go back to rest first!” If Feng Yugui appears in Sangzhi City of Yu Country, there can only be one reason, and that is to enter the Medicine Tower Branch.

In the future… Will there be any lack of chances to meet?

This constant trouble with her, do they really think she has a good temper?

A cold glare flashed in Mu Qingge’s clear eyes, the smile at the corners noticeable.

…

Meeting up with You He, this girl seemed capable, unable to find an inn, she managed to procure a quaint and quiet little courtyard.

The rooms inside were neither too many nor too few, just three.

Aside from Mu Qingge and Si Mo having a room each, she shared a room with Hua Yue.

Examining the courtyard once, Mu Qingge said to You He: “This place is nice. If it can be bought, buy it to use for ourselves. Servants can’t be brought into the Medicine Tower, so it’s convenient for you to stay here and keep in touch with Mo Yang and the others.”

You He lightly nodded her head, then withdrew slowly with Hua Yue.

In the courtyard, Mu Qingge and Si Mo stood facing each other.

She looked at this ’knows-all’ man, asking seriously: “Why can Shui Ling immediately see through my disguise? Recognize my gender?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep