Chapter 499: Chapter 143: Provoking the Wrong Person

Li Country, Huan City.

In the Imperial Palace, Feng Yufei, draped in a golden phoenix robe, wrapped her graceful figure, standing atop the palace turret, facing the night breeze.

Her long hair was tied high with a golden crown, free from any burden.

At this moment, Feng Yufei truly embodied the Heavenly Princess, noble beyond measure, completely different from the innkeeper Madame Feng in Sunset Town.

The wind gently lifted the strands of hair by her ear, as she gazed at the stars in the night sky, her enchanting and amorous eyes filled with deep longing.

“Mu Yi, where exactly have you gone? Why have you not returned in ten years? Do you still remember me?” Feng Yufei murmured to herself.

From behind, footsteps approached and then stopped, the newcomer spoke in a low voice: “Princess, a letter has arrived from over there.”

Feng Yugui restrained her yearning and turned around. On her forehead were delicate and fine patterns drawn with gold powder.

“How is it?” Feng Yufei asked deeply, her voice carrying a few notes of gravity.

In the Li Country Imperial Family, the struggles between the princes were fierce, but others were hardly worth mentioning. The most aggressive and powerful was her third brother Feng Yugui.

Now, with the father Emperor gravely ill, the fight for the position of Crown Prince had reached its final stage. Not long after returning, she needed Mu Qingge’s help.

The person handed a bamboo tube to Feng Yufei, who immediately took it and retrieved the information within, reading it carefully.

After reading, her eyes full of shock, she murmured: “Does he really possess such power?”

The hidden one in darkness thought for a moment and replied: “News came a few days ago that the young Emperor of Qin was executed by him, and his body was distributed among the people of Luodu. Such a person with such means should not speak falsehoods.”

Feng Yufei nodded, chuckling coldly: “To have provoked such a person, I truly feel saddened for my third brother.”

“Princess, what shall we do next…” the person looked up at her.

Feng Yufei’s eyes radiated a determined aura, she uttered a single word: “Wait.”

Since that person said to wait, then she would wait.

However, during this wait, she still needed to do one thing, to find a truth!

Feng Yufei walked down from the palace wall to head deep into the palace.

In the Imperial Palace, she moved unimpeded into a palace hall.

“Cough, cough…” From the hall came the sound of coughing and a thick scent of medicine.

Without any announcement, Feng Yufei walked inside and saw the elderly figure sitting on the Dragon Chair.

“Father Emperor.”

Feng Lan looked up at the approaching woman, his stern eyes softened with a faint smile: “Fei’er, you’ve come?” This daughter was his favorite child, had it not been for what happened ten years ago, she might already be the Crown Princess of Li Country.

Feng Yufei nodded, moved to the side of the Dragon Chair, picked up a cup of tea from the table, and handed it to Feng Lan.

Feng Lan took it and sipped.

Feng Yufei stood behind him, gently massaging his shoulders: “Father Emperor has not been well, it’s best to rest more.”

Feng Lan smiled gratifiedly: “The affairs of the state are heavy, resting is not just a matter of will.”

Feng Yufei remained silent, wordlessly massaging his shoulders. Feng Lan refocused on the memorials in his hand, handling the affairs of state with concentration.

After a while, he suddenly began to cough violently.

Feng Yufei immediately picked up a round box from the table, opened the lid, and took out an elixir for Feng Lan to take.

After taking the elixir, Feng Lan regained some strength, sighing: “The older one gets, the more useless one becomes.”

Feng Yufei frowned: “Third brother went to the Medicine Tower to study alchemy, why not let him make elixirs for Father Emperor to thoroughly cure the illness?”

“Him?” Feng Lan snorted angrily: “For a prince, studying at the Medicine Tower is the highest honor. Yet this unworthy son was caught stealing elixirs and was expelled. He said he would make elixirs for me, but I didn’t let him.”

“Why must Father Emperor let your own health be involved in disputes with others?” Feng Yufei frowned, disapproving.

Feng Lan shook his head, his expression complex.

The worries in his heart could not be spoken to Feng Yufei, not even if she was his most beloved daughter.

Knowing Feng Yugui’s nature as a father, he knew all too well. If Feng Yufei hadn’t returned, he might have passed the throne to Feng Yugui, but now Feng Yufei was back.

Now, he doesn’t want Feng Yugui to make elixirs for him, but he doesn’t dare to.

He knew his son’s ruthless nature, achieving his goals by any means necessary. He feared that the elixirs Feng Yugui would offer might not cure his illness, but rather take his life!

So, to avoid fraternal strife, he must decide the Crown Prince’s position while still alive and strive to clear obstacles for the future Crown Prince.

But, whom to choose as Crown Prince… he still hadn’t decided.

“Father Emperor, Father Emperor?”

Lost in thought, Feng Lan heard Feng Yufei’s voice.

Seeing her father looking at her blankly, Feng Yufei asked: “What happened just now, Father Emperor? I called many times, but there was no response.”

Feng Lan forced a smile, diverting: “Just thinking of some matters.”

Feng Yufei helped him up from the Dragon Chair. “With the heavy state affairs, Father Emperor must also take care of his health. When tired, it’s good to move around more.”

With that, she supported Feng Lan, pacing back and forth in the vast hall.

Feng Lan rarely had such an experience, so he went along with it.

After a while, Feng Lan asked: “Fei’er, how have you been all these years outside? Do you blame Father Emperor for being heartless back then?”

Feng Yufei lowered her eyes without speaking, after some time, she softly said: “Father Emperor, there’s something that’s bothered me all these years. I don’t want this misunderstanding to linger between us. Could Father Emperor tell me the truth today?”

Feng Lan’s eyes darkened, his voice colder: “You still won’t give up?”

“I just don’t understand.” Feng Yufei remained unaffected by Feng Lan’s change in tone, simply continuing: “I don’t understand why the Father Emperor, who always pampered and loved me, would fully oppose my marriage, why Father Emperor was so displeased with him, why the Father Emperor seemed so unfamiliar to me back then.”

Feng Yufei’s voice carried a faint bitterness.

Such emotion silently spread, causing a pain in Feng Lan’s heart.

“Fei’er, some things you need not know too clearly. Just understand that Father Emperor did it for your own good is enough.” Feng Lan said.

“Is it only because Mu Yi comes from the Middle Ancient Realm? Because he is the Young Master of the Mu Family?” Feng Yufei suddenly said.

Feng Lan’s body shuddered, surprised he looked at her: “You already know? What else do you know?”

Feng Yufei said calmly: “Not too much, but not too little. Precisely because of this, I want to know the truth, unwilling to let misunderstandings cause a rift between us.”

“You returned for this?” Feng Lan’s eyes were fixed tightly on her.

“Partially.” Feng Yufei honestly said: “Back then, no matter how much I pleaded, Father Emperor refused to tell me the truth. Now, ten years have passed, and Mu Yi is nowhere to be seen. I only want an answer, so I can give up.”

“You… why put yourself through this?” A trace of heartache flashed in Feng Lan’s eyes.

Of all people, his daughter had to fall for someone from outside the realm.

“Father Emperor, please give me an answer today.” Suddenly, Feng Yufei knelt down, looking up at her father.

Feng Lan struggled internally for a long time before finally nodding in compromise: “Very well, ten years have passed, you should know the truth. Stand up first.”

Feng Yufei, excited, stood and helped Feng Lan sit back on the chair. Then she sat on the footstool, resting her head on her father’s knee, just like when she was a child.

This scene seemed to evoke memories for Feng Lan. He showed a fatherly smile, lifted his hand as he used to, gently stroking Feng Yufei’s hair.

“Back then, I couldn’t tell you because your temperament is too stubborn and fierce. If you knew the truth, you might throw yourself into it without regard for consequences. You are my most precious daughter, and I cannot watch you fly into the flame like a moth! But, I am also a monarch, and I cannot push the people into peril…”

Feng Lan’s words made Feng Yufei vaguely feel her father’s helplessness at that time.

“Back then, when you told me that you had chosen a suitable Prince Consort and wanted me to bring him in as a son-in-law, I was delighted. But, that very night, someone suddenly appeared in the imperial palace and injured the Purple Realm Elder protector with one palm strike. Imagine how shocked and frightened I was. I worried that he meant harm to Li Country, that he had ulterior motives against us. However, he told me to stop at nothing to prevent your marriage to Mu Yi, even suggesting chasing Mu Yi away, or better yet, to kill him.”

Feng Yufei listened quietly, yet the light in her eyes gradually grew sharper.

“He gave me two choices. One was to ignore his words, leading to the annihilation of Li Country on your wedding day. The other was to stop you and hunt down Mu Yi. I had no other choice; between these two, I could only choose the latter!” Feng Lan finally revealed the truth of that day.

“Who was that person?” Feng Yufei raised her head and looked at her father.

In her eyes, Feng Lan saw the fire of hatred.

Feng Lan said helplessly, “He never revealed his identity, but I could feel that he acted out of hatred for Mu Yi, wanting to destroy everything Mu Yi desired. Given that the root cause was Mu Yi, I naturally hoped to use Mu Yi to resolve the crisis facing Li Country.”

Someone with hatred deep as bones for Mu Yi?

Moreover, from outside the realm…

Feng Yufei already had a rough outline of the enemy.

“Later, you and Mu Yi left. To quell his anger, I could only strip you of your princess title and send soldiers to hunt you down. Fortunately, you were never caught and managed to hide safely,” Feng Lan sighed deeply.

“What happened to that person afterwards?” Feng Yufei could never have imagined the massive threat behind her father’s desperate efforts to stop her from being with Mu Yi.

If that person truly hated Mu Yi, after she and Mu Yi escaped, he would surely vent his anger on Li Country.

However, she later never heard of any major incident happening in Li Country.

She only vaguely heard that soon after her escape, during Mu Yi’s disappearance, her father fell seriously ill.

From that time, her father’s health deteriorated.

Could it be…

Feng Yufei’s gaze sharpened as she abruptly stood, saying to Feng Lan, “What did that person do to you, father?”

Feng Lan avoided, saying, “It’s all in the past. Alright, you’ve learned what you wanted, it’s late, go rest. I still have to finish reading the remaining documents and then rest too.”

Feng Yufei was ’chased’ out.

The palace gates closed behind her.

Feng Yufei gazed deeply at the tightly closed palace gates, pondering before deciding to leave. Just as she was about to go, the Chief Eunuch who had been serving by Feng Lan’s side suddenly called out to her.

“Princess, His Majesty didn’t want to speak of what happened after you left, fearing you’d worry. But now, I have no choice but to tell you.”

Feng Yufei looked at him, her lips pursed tightly, waiting for his next words.

The Chief Eunuch clenched his teeth, suppressing the tears in his eyes, saying, “After the Princess left, that person was furious. To calm him, His Majesty had to send people to chase after the Princess and Mu Yi. Later, there was no news, so in a fit of rage, that person shattered His Majesty’s meridians, wasted his cultivation, and even threatened to massacre a city in anger. Luckily, he seemed to sense something at the crucial moment and suddenly left, allowing our Li Country to escape disaster. His Majesty, severely injured and on the brink of death, only survived thanks to the full efforts of the palace’s Purple Realm protector and Master Lou from the Medicine Tower. But from then on, his health continued to decline, impervious to medicine. Princess, please don’t blame His Majesty anymore, he had his hardships!”

Leaving Feng Lan’s palace, Feng Yufei had bitten her lip so hard it bled, blood filling her mouth, yet she was oblivious.

She never knew her father had almost died, and it was because of her!

Whoever that person is, she must find him! She must reclaim all that he has done to her father!

Feng Yufei’s gaze became more determined, the spirited Eldest Princess of that year was truly back!

…

Outside Huan City.

Feng Yugui and Feng Yufei both rode horses, accompanied by the Li Country’s Ritual Officer and the ceremonial guard.

Feng Yugui looked at Feng Yufei disdainfully, snorting, “Since you’ve left, why return? Now, I must join you here to welcome the Qin Country delegation.”

Feng Yufei, however, paid him no mind, not even granting him a glance.

This reaction caused Feng Yugui’s eyes to turn cold, his expression suddenly dropping, looking very unpleasant. “Feng Yufei, don’t think that just because Father supports you that you can be so complacent. I’m telling you, the position of Crown Prince of Li Country can only be mine! You’ll never get it!”

Feng Yufei sneered, “Where does your confidence come from?”

“You!” Feng Yugui said with hatred, “I’m telling you, this time Father invited delegations from various countries precisely to announce the succession of the Crown Prince. You’ve been gone for ten years, do you think anyone still remembers you? Not me, I am the most outstanding Prince of the Li Country Imperial Family. The delegations that come will surely see me as the most suitable candidate for Crown Prince.”

“Most outstanding?” Feng Yufei mocked coldly, “The most outstanding Prince of our country was expelled from the Medicine Tower for theft? Such outstanding qualities, our country truly cannot afford to lose face like that.”

“Don’t make things up! That was slander! Someone was jealous of me and intentionally slandered! I’ve already explained the details to Father, so stop using this matter to ridicule me!” Feng Yugui was both angry and embarrassed, almost ready to strike.

This matter could be called a lifelong disgrace for him, one he couldn’t wash away!

Feng Yugui’s words made Feng Yufei feel even more ironic in her heart. However, she didn’t argue further but smiled meaningfully and said, “Are you so sure the delegations will recommend you to Father?”

“Of course!” Feng Yugui was full of confidence.

But Feng Yufei chuckled, “Well, I know there’s one country that definitely won’t support you.”

Feng Yugui’s eyes quickly turned cold, his facial features twisted as he stared at her, “What are you saying?”

“Is my statement so hard to understand?” Feng Yufei smiled at him again.

“Which country?” Feng Yugui asked with a chilling voice.

Feng Yufei ignored him with a smile, urged her horse forward a few steps, “You will know very soon.”

’Now that Mu Qingge’s reputation is so prominent, even though the Qin Country experienced great changes, its national prestige hasn’t diminished, only increased. With the full support of Qin, the Tu Country now looks up to Qin as a role model. Even if you gain the support of Yu Country and Ba Country, at most, it’s just a tie.’ Feng Yufei sneered inwardly.

The funny thing is, Feng Yugui still believes he has everything under control.

She truly couldn’t wait to see his expression when he realized the leader of the Qin delegation was someone he had grudges with.

She didn’t have to wait long. At the end of the official road, a procession of several thousand slowly appeared.

The high-raised banner had the character ’Qin’ and also carried the ’Mu’ Character Commander Banner.

The leader of the group wore a red robe with a silver armor that wrapped around body, possessing extraordinary grace, majestic and valiant, easily standing out even before approaching.

She and the 500 Black Armor Guard behind her rode on Flame Horse Spirit Beasts.

Behind them, there was even a thousand-foot procession, two thousand cavalry, and carriages stretching far, exuding a grand momentum.

“The Qin delegation has arrived,” someone said among the welcoming Ritual Officers.

Feng Yugui immediately restrained his inner anger and raised his gaze.

When he saw the Mu Character Commander Banner, his brows furrowed slightly, feeling a deep discomfort. That ’Mu’ character reminded him of someone he hated to the core.

As the Qin team gradually approached and became clearly visible, the person of unparalleled beauty leading them caused his eyes to constrict fiercely, utterly shocked.

’How could it be him!’ That face Feng Yugui would never forget appeared before him so unexpectedly.

At this moment, he suddenly heard Feng Yufei’s mocking and derisive voice in his ears, “What? Didn’t the Third Prince ever inquire about the other party’s background before bearing grudges with them?”

This sentence made Feng Yugui whirl around in surprise, his eyes full of ferocity as he looked at Feng Yufei and asked, “Who is he?”

Feng Yufei chuckled mischievously, “Him? Third Brother doesn’t recognize the Commander Banner above? In Qin, who else could carry the Mu Character Commander Banner?”

Feng Yugui gasped sharply, “Qin’s Mu Mansion, he’s the Young Lord of Mu Mansion!” The one, who with his own strength, stirred up the Qin Country’s winds and storms, leaving few of the Qin Imperial Family untouched? The one who made the Tu Country bow submissively and not dare to defy? The one who recently, angrily slayed a Purple Realm unparalleled expert, publicly executed the Qin Emperor?

With each legend about the Young Lord of Mu Mansion running through Feng Yugui’s mind, his heart sank a little further.

He never expected that Mu Ge was Mu Qingge, the Young Lord of Qin’s Mu Mansion!

If he had known earlier, he wouldn’t have been too late to make alliances, let alone have constantly opposed her.

When Feng Yugui saw Mu Qingge’s stunningly beautiful face, indistinguishable between male or female, getting closer and closer, he suddenly felt an urge to flee.

Mu Qingge, clad in light armor, rode Black Flame up to Feng Yufei and Feng Yugui. She glanced at Feng Yugui’s pale and unpleasant face, suddenly smiled, and said playfully, “Third Prince, long time no see.”

A simple sentence shattered Feng Yugui’s illusions!

He so wished the person before him was just a stranger with the same face as Mu Ge.

Feng Yugui’s cheek muscles twitched constantly, his face darkened, unsure how to respond.

His abnormality made the Ritual Officer secretly anxious, so he could only look to the Eldest Princess Feng Yufei.

Feng Yufei maintained her composure, and with a demeanor befitting her nation, looked at Mu Qingge without arrogance or subservience: “I have long admired the name of Little Lord. Indeed, today’s encounter proves your reputation is well-deserved. Little Lord, you have had a tough journey, please follow me to the Post House to rest first.”

This scene made the Ritual Officer nod repeatedly.

Mu Qingge’s gaze shifted from Feng Yugui to Feng Yufei, also smiling lightly, saying, “I’ll trouble the Eldest Princess to lead the way.”

Successfully receiving the Qin Country delegation, the two groups merged into one and made their way to the Post House established by Li Country for all nations.

On the way, Feng Yugui couldn’t help but pull Feng Yufei’s reins and asked quietly, “You already knew about the matter between me and him?”

Feng Yufei sneered and did not answer. She only said, “Third Brother, if you’re feeling unwell, why not take a rest first? Forcing yourself to stay might neglect the guests.”

As soon as she finished speaking, before Feng Yugui could retort, the accompanying Ritual Officer said, “What the Eldest Princess says is correct. If the Third Prince is unwell, perhaps it’s best to leave first. The Qin Country is quite formidable now and not easy to offend.”

Feng Yugui’s face was gloomy and unpredictable, his blade-like gaze shifting between Feng Yufei and the Ritual Officer. Finally, he snorted heavily, turned his horse, and left.

At this moment, he really didn’t want to be in Mu Qingge’s company; better to leave first and discuss countermeasures with his advisors.

Now, Feng Yugui understood the meaning behind Feng Yufei’s earlier words. She implied that there is a country that will not support him, and that must be Qin Country!

…

As Feng Yugui went to talk with his advisors about countermeasures, Feng Yufei had already brought Mu Qingge to Qin Country’s Post House.

After dismissing everyone nearby, Feng Yufei and Mu Qingge sat together.

Feng Yufei personally poured Mu Qingge a cup of tea and spoke gently, “I really didn’t expect you to come personally.”

Mu Qingge picked up the teacup, sniffed it briefly near her nose, and smiled, “Why? I thought you should have expected it already.” She was here to collect a debt.

“Qin Country affairs are numerous, I thought…” Feng Yufei bit her lip.

Mu Qingge set down the teacup, leaned back in her chair, appearing extremely relaxed: “Qin Country’s matters are for Qin Country’s Emperor to handle, I am quite free.”

“Has Qin Country appointed a new Emperor?” Feng Yufei asked in surprise.

Mu Qingge nodded almost imperceptibly: “A country cannot go a day without a monarch. Since Qin Country lost an emperor, naturally someone must take the position.”

Hearing her casual words, Feng Yufei shook her head speechlessly, “You are the only one who can talk about a monarch like an ordinary person.”

Mu Qingge pouted. She didn’t think the Emperor was anything special, just a highly advanced worker.

“Who ascended the throne?” Feng Yufei asked curiously.

“Qin Jinchen,” Mu Qingge replied casually.

Anyway, the national letter of the new emperor’s ascension will be sent to every country soon; it’s not a secret.

“The former Regent King?” Feng Yufei was even more surprised. She pursed her lips, hesitatingly said, “But I heard the Regent King’s health had been poor.”

“He’s better now,” Mu Qingge answered succinctly.

Feng Yufei’s eyes brightened instantly. She stood up and said excitedly, “Did Little Lord step in? According to rumors, the Emperor Qin has been weak since childhood, with fragile meridians. The fact that Little Lord could heal him speaks to your miraculous skills. I have an impertinent request; please grant it, Little Lord.”

After speaking, she kneeled down.

She seemed no different from You He or Hua Yue in front of Mu Qingge, although she was the Eldest Princess of Li Country.

Mu Qingge looked up at her, asking: “What happened?”

“It’s my father,” Feng Yufei lifted her head, a layer of mist forming in her pretty eyes. She fought back the sadness in her heart and recounted the conversation with Feng Lan that day, as well as subsequent words from the Chief Eunuch.

“Father is like this because of my involvement, I cannot just do nothing. If Little Lord can intervene and help, from now on I will be at your beck and call,” Feng Yufei bowed low.

Mu Qingge glanced at her lightly and said, “Stand up.”

Feng Yufei obeyed and stood up, yet her eyes still carried a pleading look.

Mu Qingge pointed to the chair beside her, “Sit.”

Feng Yufei followed Mu Qingge’s gesture and sat down. As soon as she did, a porcelain bottle fell between her knees.

She looked down and excitement burst in her eyes.

“The elixir inside can strengthen one’s foundation and replenish vitality. You should give it to Feng Lan first, and after our affairs are settled, I will see how he’s managing,” Mu Qingge instructed.

Feng Yufei nodded and carefully placed the porcelain bottle close to her.

“What is the current situation in Li Country?” Mu Qingge asked.

Feng Yufei explained in detail the status of Li Country: “… I can sense that my father intends for me to inherit the Crown Prince position, and can also sense his dissatisfaction with Feng Yugui. But, because Feng Yugui’s influence is substantial and I have been away from the palace for so long, he needs a better reason. Or rather, I need to have bigger chips to ensure Li Country’s ministers are speechless.”

“So Feng Lan organized this grand meeting of five countries?” Mu Qingge’s eyes lightly gleamed.

Feng Yufei nodded: “Father perhaps wants to see, in the five-country meeting, under external pressure, how many people domestically support Feng Yugui. I know my father, if he appoints a Crown Prince, he will sweep away all obstacles for the Crown Prince, even if his methods are overly fierce or bear a notorious burden.”

“Alright, understood,” Mu Qingge answered lightly.

“What do you plan to do?” Feng Yufei asked.

Mu Qingge did not intend to explain: “You don’t need to worry about this; just keep doing what you need to do. However…” She suddenly shifted the topic, “Mu Yi’s matter does intrigue me somewhat.”

“Has Little Lord noticed something?” Feng Yufei asked nervously.

Mu Qingge squinted, slowly said, “You said that person originally planned to kill your father and even sack the city, yet suddenly changed his mind and left. Also, you said the timing of this, when closely calculated, coincides closely with Mu Yi’s disappearance?”

Feng Yufei nodded.

Her heart was racing; she felt as if Mu Qingge had discovered a crucial link.

“If so, we can assume that the reason the person changed their mind was Mu Yi himself. Perhaps there is some connection between them, allowing them to sense each other’s presence. So, when Mu Yi came to Linchuan Realm, that person chased after, but upon discovering Mu Yi had left, he immediately departed. However, there’s one thing I still don’t comprehend…” Mu Qingge slightly shook her head, frowned, and said.

“What is it?” Feng Yufei asked eagerly.

Mu Qingge gently rubbed her chin with her fingers, “What exactly is the connection that prevents him from waiting even a moment, altering his previous decision?”

Feng Yufei fell silent, the aura around her subtly enveloped by sorrow.

Feeling her aura, Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered; she smiled, “We’ll probably need to find Mu Yi to get this answer.”

Feng Yufei forced a smile, “Indeed. Only, who knows how long it will be until we meet him.”

“You’ve already waited ten years; what else can’t you wait?” Mu Qingge smiled.

Feng Yufei took a deep breath, nodded firmly, and said resolutely, “True. I’ve waited ten years, what’s another ten?”

Having calmed her emotions, Feng Yufei regained her noble composure as the Eldest Princess of Li Country.

She told Mu Qingge, “Within the next two days, all country delegations will arrive. Tomorrow night, Father will host a banquet at the palace to welcome the delegations. If my expectations are correct, Father will also subtly mention the assignment of the Crown Prince at the banquet.”

“Yes, early resolution is good,” Mu Qingge nodded. Though idle, her time was limited. After collecting the debt from Feng Yugui, she needed to return to Qin Country, then it’d be time to depart for Mu City and meet the Medicine Tower crowd.

“On the day you ascend the Crown Prince position, I want Feng Yugui’s life,” Mu Qingge suddenly said.

Feng Yufei laughed and said, “This was what we agreed upon. His life belongs to you, while his mother’s life belongs to me.”

Mu Qingge raised her eyes to look at her, their gazes met, and everything was understood without words.

…

For two days, Mu Qingge peacefully stayed in the Post House, refusing all visitors.

Meanwhile, Feng Yugui twice sent invitation cards, seemingly hoping to ease relations with her. However, Mu Qingge had lost interest in pretending with him, so she simply refused to meet.

During these two days, just as Feng Yufei had mentioned, delegations from other countries arrived one after another.

The Tu Country, Yu Country, and Ba Country joined the earliest arrival, the Qin Country, each staying in separate post houses, all located in the post house district but far apart from each other, without any interactions.

Soon, an invitation to the royal banquet came from the Imperial Palace.

Fiddling with the imperial edict in her hand, Mu Qingge’s eyes filled with amusement; she was somewhat looking forward to tonight’s banquet.

In Feng Yugui’s residence, his face was particularly unsightly. His advisors exchanged glances, swapping thoughts silently. After a while, one of them stepped forward and said to Feng Yugui, “Your Highness, tonight is the banquet hosted by His Majesty to welcome delegations from various countries; you must seize this opportunity to build good relationships with the leaders of these delegations.”

Annoyed, Feng Yugui said, “I know! The other countries are not a concern, but Qin Country…” As soon as he thought of Mu Qingge, he felt a headache, his eyebrows furrowing tightly.

The advisor also frowned and said, “What, so the Young Lord Mu from Qin Country is still unwilling to meet Your Highness?”

Feng Yugui said in a very displeased manner, “I previously didn’t know he was that figure from Qin Country, and had some conflict with him. I just didn’t expect him to be so narrow-minded, unwilling to meet me.”

The advisors exchanged glances discreetly and remained silent.

The advisor who spoke had some concerns and said, “Qin Country is currently in the limelight; after Tu Country’s debacle, everything revolves around Qin Country, fearing to anger this young lord and have him create havoc again at Tu Kingdom Court. If the Young Lord Mu refuses reconciliation with Your Highness, then Tu Country might…”

Suddenly losing support from two countries, what would the situation be with the remaining two countries?

The advisors had varied thoughts and kept quiet.

Even their previous regard for Feng Yugui had now become somewhat fragile and unreliable.

Agitated, Feng Yugui said, “Forget about Qin Country; I disdain bowing and scraping to that Mu. But working on other countries should be a focus. By then, if Yu Country and Ba Country stand by me, what do I have to fear? Especially Yu Country, adjacent to our Li Country, the stance of Yu Country is far more important than those countries across mountains and rivers.”

The advisors glanced at one another and nodded in agreement, saying, “Indeed, we can only strive to secure Yu Country’s position.”

“Who leads the delegation from Yu Country?” Feng Yugui suddenly asked.

A group of advisors couldn’t give an answer, and just as Feng Yugui was about to get angry, one of them said, “Yu Country arrived the latest, and after reaching Huan City, they went straight to their post house to rest. We haven’t discovered who is leading yet.”

“A bunch of useless people!” Feng Yugui said resentfully.

The advisors fell silent, focusing on observing their noses, and observing their hearts through their noses.

Witnessing them in such a state, Feng Yugui felt the urge to kill.

Yet, thinking about the important matter, he had to suppress his anger and wait for the banquet to begin that evening, prepared to adapt as needed.

The night arrived on schedule.

Mu Qingge was visiting the Imperial Palace of Li Country for the first time. In fact, besides the Qin Country Palace, she had only Roved through Tu Country’s palace during a night tour, abducting their Emperor.

The Li Country Palace was thus the third palace she entered.

The Li Country Palace seemed more exquisite when compared to the Qin Country Palace, with some sceneries arranged very ingeniously, having a feeling of discovering a new view at every corner, offering constant surprises.

Some works of art also added vitality to the otherwise tedious palace.

The waiter led Mu Qingge and others to a side hall next to the grand hall where the banquet was held, and then retreated respectfully. The side hall was filled with swaying incense burners, fruits, desserts, and tea.

It appeared to be a resting place for the delegations before the banquet began.

Inside, there was already a country present when Mu Qingge entered.

They were dressed very ruggedly, with many beast-shaped totems.

’Tu Country people.’ Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up, her gaze becoming playful.

The Tu Country envoy who was feasting noticed someone entering, raised his eyes and saw Mu Qingge’s figure. He was so terrified that he choked on the food in his mouth.

After a few violent coughs, he finally coughed out the food stuck in his throat, then hurriedly ran to Mu Qingge’s side with his people, and knelt down, “The humble servant Helian Tuotuo of Tu Country greets the Young Lord!”

Mu Qingge’s lips tilted slightly, looking down at the prostrate Tu Country delegation, she said indifferently, “Stand up.”

Having said that, she ignored him and walked past him to another delegation’s resting area.

Only when Mu Qingge had walked far did Helian Tuotuo wipe the cold sweat from his forehead and stand up.

However, he dared not return to the Tu Country’s resting area to rest, but stood quietly to the side, even his breathing became much lighter.

Such cautious and careful behavior made Mu Qingge feel like she was a Great Demon King.

She raised an eyebrow and said to Helian Tuotuo, “Do what you need to do.”

Helian Tuotuo smiled apologetically and took his people back to the Tu Country delegation’s resting area, sitting down again, but this time when he ate, he became extremely mannerly, causing Mu Qingge to laugh speechlessly.

At this moment, another delegation entered from outside.

Mu Qingge raised her eyes to look at the leader among them, her eyes revealing a faint smile.

Zhao Nanxing entered, glanced around, and when he saw Mu Qingge, he also gave a gentle smile. He was about to walk over but noticed people coming from behind, so he stopped and looked back.

This time, even before the people arrived, the sound of tinkling bells could be heard.

In no time, the delegation from Ba Country arrived.

The person leading was actually the current Great Witch of Ba Country.

The Great Witch of Ba Country held a status akin to an emperor in other countries, though not exactly the same. According to Mu Qingge’s understanding, the Great Witch was akin to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Mu Qingge stood up and walked toward the Great Witch of Ba Country.

Zhao Nanxing thought for a moment and followed suit. Helian Tuotuo kept his eyes glued to Mu Qingge’s movements, seeing her approach the Ba Country delegation, so he hurriedly led his people to follow.

“Mu Qingge greets the Great Witch.” Mu Qingge approached the Great Witch of Ba Country and nodded slightly.

The Great Witch of Ba Country sized up Mu Qingge briefly and said with a smile, “I have received Tianlong’s letter. Rest assured, Young Lord.”

“Thank you, Great Witch.” Mu Qingge smiled gratefully.

Their conversation seemed to carry hidden meanings.

However, when Mu Qingge exchanged glances with Zhao Nanxing, they both understood the implications of the dialogue.

As all four countries gathered, the royal banquet officially commenced.

When summoned for the four delegations to enter the grand hall, the four entities left the side hall, subtly led by the Qin Country.

This nuance was caught by Li Country officials upon their entrance to the grand hall, causing a flicker in the eyes of Li Country officials and even Feng Lan seated on the throne.

Feng Yufei and Feng Yugui sat on either side of Feng Lan.

Above the two of them, nearly parallel with Feng Lan’s position, were the seats assigned to the delegations from the four countries.

On both sides of the grand hall were the seats for Li Country officials.

The entire grand hall accommodated hundreds of people!

When Feng Yugui saw that the leader of the Yu Country delegation was Zhao Nanxing, his gaze instantly turned cold, and his face became extremely unsightly.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep