Chapter 500: Chapter 144: Torment You a Thousand Times Over!

Zhao Nanxing! Zhao Nanxing!

It’s actually Zhao Nanxing!

Feng Yugui’s hand, hidden in his sleeve, clutched tightly.

He couldn’t understand why the leader of the Yu Country’s delegation was Zhao Nanxing! Wasn’t he studying at the Medicine Tower? Why did he suddenly come to Li Country?

Mu Qingge, Zhao Nanxing…

These two people were the source of Feng Yugui’s greatest humiliation!

He would never forget who framed him for stealing medicine and who caught him back then!

With his enemies right before him, Feng Yugui’s eyes reddened. Were it not for the remnants of his rationality, he would have ordered the palace guards to kill the two on the spot!

For a moment, Feng Yugui forgot his original plan, forgot about vying for the position of Crown Prince.

His eyes, tinged with red, seething with hostility and hatred, were fixed on Zhao Nanxing and Mu Qingge, as if all his misfortunes were caused by these two.

In his heart, he thought of no less than a hundred ways to torture them, to ravage them, to make them wish for life rather than death!

The intense hatred transmitted over, and naturally, Mu Qingge and Zhao Nanxing could feel it.

However, they were completely indifferent, instead sneering contemptuously at Feng Yugui.

As if in their eyes, Feng Yugui was nothing more than an insignificant figure.

This scene deeply provoked Feng Yugui, and he couldn’t care less about any plans of alliance, as he suddenly stood up from his seat.

His movement was exceptionally abrupt in the grand hall.

He even interrupted the Li Country Emperor, Feng Lan, who was about to greet the envoys from the four countries.

Feng Lan frowned and looked at Feng Yugui, disgruntledly saying, “Yugui, what are you doing?”

Feng Yufei lifted his eyes to glance at him, sneered contemptuously, and then lowered them to quietly sip his wine. ’With such an impetuous nature, he still wants to contend for the throne?’

Feng Lan’s voice was like a celestial force, shattering Feng Yugui’s rashness.

His entire aura quickly cooled down, and reason was forcibly pulled back from afar.

He saw the astonishment of the officials, felt the disapproval from his father, and did not miss the mockery in Mu Qingge and Zhao Nanxing’s expressions.

Gritting his teeth, he took a deep breath and turned to Feng Lan, saying, “Father, your son is fine.”

“If you’re fine, then sit down.” Feng Lan coldly reprimanded.

Feng Yugui sat down, but his heart was not at peace.

The originally perfect plan had now become fragmented. The fact that the Yu Country’s delegation was led by Zhao Nanxing made it completely unreliable. Only Ba Country was left… and what’s the use?

Feng Yugui quickly analyzed the situation, realizing it was extremely unfavorable for him. Yet, he had no way to reverse it!

’Everything was caused by the Zhu siblings! If it weren’t for them, I would never have become enemies with Mu Qingge, and none of the subsequent events would have happened!’ Feng Yugui blamed Zhu Mei’er and Zhu Li for everything in his heart.

Now, Zhu Li had long died under Mu Qingge’s poison, leaving Zhu Mei’er to enjoy wealth and luxury in the mansion.

However, her good days were over!

Feng Yugui’s eyes were filled with cold, devoid of any past affection.

He had already decided that after the banquet, he would return to the mansion and kill Zhu Mei’er to vent his hatred.

Once Feng Yugui calmed down, Feng Lan’s sharp gaze finally moved away from him. Turning back to the envoys from the four countries standing in the hall, Feng Lan quickly scanned them and smiled, “Thank you to the envoys from the various countries for coming to our country. After a long journey of hardships, please feel free to enjoy the evening tonight.”

“Thank you, Emperor Li.”

The envoys from the four countries nodded in thanks.

“Come, please be seated.” Feng Lan raised his hand, gesturing to the four seats near him.

The envoys from the four countries flowed in separately.

Under the guidance of the palace maids, each took their designated seats.

The closest to Feng Lan were Qin Country and Yu Country. Following Yu Country was Ba Country, and after Qin Country was Tu Country.

This arrangement seemed to be based on strength, or perhaps the proximity to Li Country.

After Mu Qingge sat down, she noticed Feng Lan looking at her.

She raised her eyes, meeting Feng Lan’s smiling gaze, and also nodded with a smile, calling, “Emperor Li.”

“Here is the young lord of the Mu Mansion from Qin Country, known in our third-class countries for his remarkable talents and impeccable reputation, is it not?” Feng Lan said, showing a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Mu Qingge modestly lowered her gaze with a smile, “Emperor Li flatters me, I am merely a frivolous wastrel.”

Feng Lan sighed and shook his head, “If such a remarkably talented young lord is considered a wastrel, who in the world would dare call themselves a genius?”

“Emperor Li overpraises.” Mu Qingge responded calmly, devoid of any pride or arrogance.

Feng Lan nodded silently, thinking to himself: At such a young age, to be so composed, without arrogance or impatience, truly an exceptional individual.

After a brief exchange with Mu Qingge, Feng Lan turned to Zhao Nanxing, who exuded a gentle and refined aura, and smiled, “It’s rumored that the Fourth Prince of Yu Country is a gifted alchemist. Now that I’ve met you today, Fourth Prince, your remarkable demeanor proves the rumor true.”

Zhao Nanxing humbly smiled, glanced at Mu Qingge, and replied, “Emperor Li overpraises, Nanxing only dabbles in the Alchemy Path. To be called a genius is truly undeserving. Compared to someone, I am far inferior.”

Mu Qingge heard this and shook her head, smiling, knowing Zhao Nanxing was deliberately teasing her.

However, Feng Lan was curious and asked, “Oh? Does the Fourth Prince mean Medicine Tower’s top talent, Young Master Mei Zizhong?”

Zhao Nanxing smiled, “It seems Emperor Li is quite knowledgeable about the Medicine Tower, but that is old news. Nowadays, our Medicine Tower has produced a young Pill Master, one younger than both me and Brother Mei, whose alchemy technique leaves us in the dust. Even our master, Grandmaster Lou, and Dean Hua cannot rival her. She is already a Spirit Level Alchemist, and I can definitively say, she is the only Spirit Level Alchemist among our third-class countries!”

“A Spirit Level Alchemist!” Feng Lan was shocked.

He wasn’t shocked that someone was stronger than Mei Zizhong but was amazed that having the first-ever Spirit Level Alchemist in the third-class countries was such a monumental achievement.

Regardless of who this person was, securing her allegiance would be invaluable both to himself and the country!

Not only was Feng Lan taken aback, but the Great Witch’s expression also remained unchanged, indicating he might have already known everything from Fu Tianlong. Because after Zhao Nanxing spoke, his wise eyes turned towards Mu Qingge.

Among the five countries, Tu Country was the most unaware of the Alchemy Dao.

However, even with scarce understanding, they knew what a Spirit Level Alchemist represented.

Even if they didn’t understand, they knew that if a country had a Spirit Level Alchemist, it would surely elevate the country’s status to become the leader among the third-class countries!

Helian Tuotuo’s eyes nearly bulged out upon hearing about the Spirit Level Alchemist.

He even thought that no matter what, this Spirit Level Alchemist must be brought to Tu Country to enhance its overall power.

However, everyone in the grand hall was curious about the identity of this sole Spirit Level Alchemist in the third-class countries.

Feng Yugui had a vague bad feeling in his heart, suspecting that this Spirit Level Alchemist Zhao Nanxing mentioned might be someone he knew, but could it be true that in such a short time, someone could advance from Advanced to Spirit Level Alchemist?

Feng Yugui dared not believe his intuition, while Feng Yufei glanced up with her beautiful eyes and chuckled disdainfully, lowering her eyes to savor her wine. She said softly, “With such an impulsive nature, does he still wish to fight for the throne?”

After the initial shock, Feng Lan disregarded his own status and asked Zhao Nanxing, “Is that Spirit Level Alchemist known to us by name, and where might she reside? Is she currently in the Medicine Tower?”

Zhao Nanxing smiled at him.

The smile made Feng Lan look at him intently.

“That smile suggests that she is here right now.” Zhao Nanxing said, teasingly.

“What!” This time, it was Feng Lan’s turn to lose his composure. As soon as Zhao Nanxing finished speaking, he stood up from the dragon chair and quickly scanned his eyes around.

Although there were hundreds of people in the hall, Feng Lan did not know who it was.

Obviously, it wasn’t any of his civil and military officials, so who could it be?

At that moment, Feng Lan almost thought Zhao Nanxing was playing a trick on him, but he still held onto a glimmer of hope and said to Zhao Nanxing, “If that Spirit Level Alchemist is in the hall, please enlighten us, Fourth Prince, to avoid any neglect.”

Zhao Nanxing looked at Mu Qingge, seeing her with a faint bitter smile on her lips, he smiled and pointed over, “Isn’t he right there.”

Following the direction of his finger, everyone saw Mu Qingge sitting in her seat, drinking wine with her eyes downcast.

Instantly, the hall was filled with the sounds of gasping.

Helian Tuotuo even heard the sound of his own heart breaking, not daring to imagine this was true!

The Great Demon God of the Mu Family had actually become a Spirit Level Alchemist? This was clearly a crushing blow for Tu Country over and over again!

Suddenly, Helian Tuotuo felt the future of Tu Country was shrouded in darkness, with not even a glimmer of hope!

“Young Lord Mu?” Feng Lan looked towards Mu Qingge in disbelief, then turned to Zhao Nanxing for confirmation, “The person the Fourth Prince mentioned is Young Lord Mu?”

“Correct.” Zhao Nanxing nodded. He smiled and said, “Speaking of which, the Third Prince of your country entered the Medicine Tower at the same time as my brother Mu here.”

The truth was out!

Feng Lan felt as if he was chewing wax, utterly uncomfortable. Not for anything else, just compare their sons… One, at a young age, broke all previous records and became the only Spirit Level Alchemist in history. And the other? Went to the Medicine Tower only to be caught stealing elixirs and was disgracefully expelled, bringing shame to the entire nation.

Truly, there is no harm without comparison. When comparing Feng Yugui to Mu Qingge, his son was nothing but a pile of excrement!

’It really is Mu Qingge!’ Feng Yugui was so jealous his eyes turned red.

He was fiercely resentful of Mu Qingge, feeling she hadn’t humiliated him enough in the Medicine Tower, and now, in his own country, in front of his father, she was still humiliating him!

The fact that Mu Qingge was a Spirit Level Alchemist was not a secret in itself.

The Medicine Tower, in order to enhance its prestige, would also spread the news.

So, Mu Qingge did not stop or mind Zhao Nanxing for his actions. On the contrary, she greatly appreciated Feng Yugui’s current look of shame and anger.

Hmm, very nice!

Mu Qingge drank another sip of wine. Putting down the goblet, she raised her eyes to look at the stunned Feng Lan and smiled, “Excuse me for amusing Emperor Li.”

“No, no, it was I who was too shocked and was rude.” Feng Lan hurriedly said.

He once again took a good look at Mu Qingge, becoming more satisfied with each glance, wishing he could recruit her as a prince consort.

But upon thinking, his most beloved daughter was Feng Yufei, and whereas Feng Yufei had a well-known past, and was nearly ten years older than Mu Qingge, it all seemed inappropriate, so he pressed this thought deep in his heart.

“Young Lord is truly surprising! Such talent, such skill, truly the pride of our third-class countries.” Feng Lan sighed.

In his heart, he once again envied Mu Xiong, tending flowers far away in Qin Country, for having such an amazing grandson.

Mu Qingge faintly smiled, not responding.

Being overly modest was not in her nature. Being overly proud… well, she preferred to keep a low profile.

The banquet had not even officially started before the news of Young Lord Mu being a Spirit Level Alchemist shocked everyone senseless, making even the food and drink before them lose their appeal.

The dancing girls performed in the hall, yet everyone watched absent-mindedly.

However, Feng Lan engaged in a rather pleasant conversation with Mu Qingge and Zhao Nanxing. Occasionally, he exchanged words with the uncommunicative Great Witch of Ba Country and Helian Tuotuo, though not as warmly as with Mu Qingge.

These different treatments were well understood by everyone.

After all, not to mention Mu Qingge’s inherent identity, just the status of a Spirit Level Alchemist was enough to make her a significant figure among the third-class countries.

Not just Feng Lan, if the banquet were held in Ba Country or Yu Country, Mu Qingge would receive the best treatment.

Halfway through the drinking tour, Feng Lan, in high spirits, waved away the dancing girls.

The musicians and dancing girls slowly withdrew, and everyone attending the palace banquet knew that the main event of the evening was finally about to unfold.

The civil and military officials of Li Country were all aware that the reason their Emperor had invited the four countries was to participate in the coronation ceremony for the Crown Prince, the time for which had been set, but the person had yet to be chosen.

Domestically, the influence of the Eldest Princess, Feng Yugui, due to her past popularity and the old ministers and foreign relatives of the Empress, had surprisingly reached a point of contention with the force of the Third Prince, Feng Yufei.

Now, the Emperor simply wanted to see which of the two had more connections outside Li Country in terms of diplomacy.

Feng Lan slowly gathered her smile, and her expression began to take on a gravity and seriousness.

Feng Yugui grew nervous, holding onto a sliver of hope in what seemed a losing battle.

What if, what if…?

In contrast, Feng Yufei appeared much calmer, seemingly indifferent to Feng Lan’s subsequent remarks or even decisions.

The grand hall fell silent as the ministers of Li Country held their breath in anticipation.

Feng Lan slowly spoke, “This time, I have invited the four countries to participate in the coronation ceremony of the Crown Prince. The ceremony is scheduled for three days from now. However, I must confess to all present, in my heart, there are two candidates worthy of ascending to this Crown Prince position. They are my Eldest Princess, Feng Yufei, and the Third Prince, Feng Yugui.”

His words made the implication clear.

Feng Lan’s gaze scrutinized the envoys from the four countries one by one, noticing their reluctance to express their stances, he slightly frowned.

The selection of a successor for Li Country essentially was none of the other countries’ business.

Now, he simply wanted to see the attitudes of the other countries, why were they all remaining silent?

In fact, Feng Lan wanted the four countries to express their positions, not only to see who was more suitable to be the Crown Prince but also to obtain a promised agreement from the four nations.

If you say this person is good as the Crown Prince, you should at least provide a reason, right?

Since you claim this person is suitable as the Crown Prince, you wouldn’t feel it appropriate to invade once he assumes the throne, would you?

Feng Lan had already planned, once the Crown Prince was established, regardless of who it was, the remaining candidate would be sent far away, and then he would cleanse the domestic forces personally. To clear the way for the future Crown Prince.

Such a large-scale purge would undoubtedly make the country unstable, affecting its national strength.

Hence, at this moment, it was crucial to ensure no external enemies invaded; otherwise, Li Country faced the risk of annihilation.

Feng Lan waited for a while, seeing no one express their stance, feeling somewhat anxious, he looked at Mu Qingge and called out, “Lord Mu?”

Mu Qingge smiled slightly, raising her eyes to look at him, “Originally, the Li Emperor’s family and state affairs are unrelated to us. But since the Li Emperor wants to know my opinion, I can only say, if the Eldest Princess becomes Crown Prince, our Qin Country is willing to sign a non-aggression pact with Li Country.”

She did not provide a reason for choosing Feng Yufei, directly promising benefits.

Simultaneously, she subtly hinted that if Feng Yufei were not to become the Crown Prince, she could not guarantee when the Qin army might spur their horses a bit faster and accidentally intrude into Li Country’s borders.

After she declared her position, Helian Tuotuo hurriedly pledged loyalty, seemingly worried that Mu Qingge would uncover his earlier schemes. “Our Tu Country is the same. In short, whatever Qin Country says, our Tu Country will echo.”

This sycophantic attitude made many secretly sneer.

But their curiosity and admiration for Mu Qingge only grew. To manage the notoriously aggressive and warlike Tu Country so submissively was indeed a rarity.

Some might wonder, since Qin Country could invade the Tu Kingdom Court, could Tu Country not also send experts to infiltrate Qin Country and capture their Emperor, fighting fire with fire? However, on further thought, Mu Qingge could kill her country’s Emperor at will; it was clear she did not care for the Emperor’s life. Even if they killed him, they would simply find another to replace him.

Besides, if such methods were so effective, all the countries would have been in chaos long ago, and the Imperial Families would all live in constant fear.

Such deeds, once sufficed.

The fear of Qin Country by Tu Country was also due to the dread of Mu Qingge employing some unforeseeable tactics. For Tu Country, her methods indeed cast long shadows.

After Helian Tuotuo expressed his position, Feng Yugui’s face looked very unpleasant.

He had previously approached Helian Tuotuo, promising that if he became Crown Prince, he would agree to send troops to jointly attack Qin Country with Tu Country. Although Helian Tuotuo had initially refused, he had shown some hesitation. Unexpectedly, today, in Mu Qingge’s presence, this fellow had made his stance so firmly!

With Qin Country and Tu Country both having declared their positions, those among the officials supporting Feng Yufei couldn’t help but sit up straight.

Zhao Nanxing also smiled faintly, saying to Feng Lan, “Our Yu Country also believes that rather than allowing a thief to become the Crown Prince of a country, it is better to let the Eldest Princess take on this mantle. Although the Eldest Princess was away from the palace for ten years, her deeds of old I have heard of, and I deeply admire. If she ascends, I believe Li Country and Yu Country are certain to form a friendly bond.”

Zhao Nanxing’s words were a veiled jab at Feng Yugui, exposing his scars before the civil and military officials and the envoys of various countries.

Feng Lan’s face looked bad due to the reference to the ’thief.’

Feng Yugui stood up, glaring angrily at Zhao Nanxing, as if he wanted to kill him.

“Sit down, you unfilial son!” Feng Lan shouted. “You’ve done such a disgraceful thing, and you’re afraid of people talking about it?”

“Father, I did not steal the elixir! It’s all a conspiracy by vile people!” Feng Yugui clenched his fists, glaring viciously at Zhao Nanxing and Mu Qingge.

However, Feng Lan refused to listen to his explanation, directly shouting, “Whether it’s true or not, you will always leave the Medicine Tower with this infamy. Even if it’s a scheme, you fell into it, which means you’re not as good as others! Sit down now!”

Feng Yugui’s eyes turned red as he exchanged a glance with Feng Lan and angrily left, completely ignoring the occasion.

Feng Lan was trembling with anger at Feng Yugui’s attitude. At this moment, the Great Witch of Ba Country, who had been silent, slowly spoke, “The Third Prince has such a temperament… It seems the Eldest Princess is more suited to be the Crown Princess.”

The four countries, without exception, stood on Feng Yufei’s side.

Feng Yufei had anticipated it mentally, yet she was still shocked. She wasn’t shocked by the current outcome, but rather by Mu Qingge’s influence.

Two years ago, he was a notorious playboy in Qin Country, but now, he had become a figure who could stir up storms even in third-class countries.

Meanwhile, he himself was so extraordinarily talented, making it impossible for people not to look up to him.

The palace banquet ended relatively satisfactorily.

The next day, with the support and promises of the delegations of four countries, plus Feng Yugui’s performance at the banquet, Feng Lan without hesitation announced Feng Yufei as the Crown Princess, and the investiture ceremony was scheduled for two days later.

When this news spread, it seemed as if Feng Yugui’s residence was shrouded in a shadow of gloom, filled with ominous energy.

In the room, his clothes were disheveled, and on the cold floor lay the naked corpse of a woman. That appearance was his favorite concubine, Zhu Mei’er.

Zhu Mei’er’s body was covered in whip marks, skin split open, with blood oozing everywhere.

In Feng Yugui’s hand, the twisted whip was also stained with blood.

He sat in the room, his face gloomy and terrifying, his aura was ominous and violent, as if he had fallen into madness.

Outside the door, there was a gentle knock.

Feng Yugui did not speak, and the person outside cautiously said, “Your Highness, His Majesty has already issued an edict, appointing the Eldest Princess as Crown Princess.”

This news further provoked Feng Yugui.

He waved his hand violently, a green light shot towards the closed door.

The door immediately shattered into pieces, exploding with a loud bang.

The person outside managed to dodge in time, thus avoiding disaster.

“Get out! All of you, get out!” From inside the room, came Feng Yugui’s violent voice.

The people outside, terrified, quickly stepped back far away.

Suddenly, someone else rushed in from outside, shouting in panic before getting close, “Your Highness, it’s not good! His Majesty has sent troops to surround the residence, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving. Many experts have also come from the palace, stationed at various parts of the residence.”

Feng Yugui’s eyes narrowed sharply, sneering coldly, “Father, oh father, such a fine move! Can’t wait to pave the way for that bitch?”

The sound of clashing weapons echoed.

A squad of the Imperial Army stepped unceremoniously into Feng Yugui’s residence, raising a decree and declaring, “Decree has arrived, Third Prince Feng Yugui, accept the decree—!”

Feng Yugui sat unmoved.

The person declaring the decree frowned and raised his voice, “Decree has arrived, Third Prince Feng Yugui, accept the decree!”

At the same time, he released a powerful pressure towards Feng Yugui.

Feng Yugui, with his Initial Rank cultivation in the Green Realm, was instantly crushed by the High Rank leader of the Imperial Army!

Feng Yugui immediately felt like a massive stone was pressing down on his shoulders, forcing him to bend his knees and fall from his chair to kneel on the ground.

Seeing him kneel, the leader of the Imperial Army ignored Feng Yugui’s hateful gaze, opened the decree, and read aloud, “By the Mandate of Heaven, His Majesty’s decree: After the Crown Princess ascends the throne, the Third Prince Feng Yugui shall leave Li Country with his family immediately, never to enter the national borders again. If this decree is violated, all within the country will be executed! Bestowed by divine grace!”

Feng Yugui suddenly looked up, incredulously at the Imperial Army soldier delivering the decree, but met only a cold gaze in return.

He cried out harshly, “Father—, you are so cruel-hearted!”

The leader of the Imperial Army replied coldly, “Third Prince, please remain in your residence for these two days. When the time comes, we will personally escort you out of the national border.”

With that, he turned and left.

Feng Yugui knelt on the ground, yelling up at the sky, “I refuse—! I refuse—! I can’t accept it, argh—!”

…

Two days later, Feng Yufei was smoothly appointed as the Crown Princess of Li Country. Upon Emperor Li’s demise, she would ascend the throne as Empress.

The decree of investiture was circulated nationwide—

Mu Qingge witnessed Feng Yufei wearing the Crown Princess tiara and did not feel that she caused today’s situation single-handedly. In her view, it was better for Li Country to fall into Feng Yufei’s hands than Feng Yugui’s.

The throne that Feng Yugui desperately wanted ultimately slipped out of his grasp. This was Mu Qingge’s revenge against him, but the retribution was far from over…

As the entire country celebrated Feng Yufei’s appointment as Crown Princess, a low-key carriage slowly exited Feng Yugui’s residence, under the explosion of fireworks, being escorted out of Huan City.

Feng Yugui, dressed in plain clothes, sat inside the carriage, his eyes tightly shut, but his hands resting on his knees were clenched into fists unwillingly.

The sound of fireworks outside, those splendid fireworks, should have belonged to him!

He could not accept this defeat after years of painstaking effort!

Fear not, he still had his mother!

As long as his mother lived, one day, he would return to Huan City and reclaim everything that was his!

In the Imperial Palace, amidst singing and dancing, Feng Lan, in his open-heartedness, became slightly intoxicated.

Feng Yufei helped Feng Lan return to his bedchamber and, after assisting him to lie down and rest, headed towards another palace hall.

That palace housed Feng Yugui’s mother.

She was also the one who concocted lies to upset her mother in times of distress, leading to her mother’s untimely demise!

Tonight, she was determined to avenge her mother!

When Feng Yufei arrived at the splendid palace, the owner of the palace was furiously raging. She had all the palace maids and eunuchs kneeling on the floor as she freely abused them.

“Stop!” Feng Yufei coldly ordered.

Lan Fei looked up at Feng Yufei and sneered, “Oh, the Crown Princess is not celebrating and drinking in the front hall, what brings her to my palace?”

Feng Yufei ignored her, merely glancing over the trembling palace maids and eunuchs, telling them, “You all may leave for now.”

The maids and eunuchs, as if granted amnesty, started to leave, but Lan Fei sternly said, “I’d like to see who dares to go! Don’t forget who your real master is!”

Instantly, the maids and eunuchs stood there crying again.

Feng Yufei, with a stern face, clearly stated, “I am the Crown Princess of Li Country, the future Empress. If I let you go, no one will dare challenge the decree or trouble you.”

The maids and eunuchs, grateful beyond words, hurriedly escaped the palace, scattering in every direction.

Lan Fei’s smile was filled with boundless hatred and malice, “Indeed, the Crown Princess. Having just earned the title, you come to my palace to flaunt your power?”

Feng Yufei didn’t argue with her, simply saying, “Feng Yugui has been exiled, and Father will also completely eradicate his forces. You should realize, your son is finished, and so are you.”

Lan Fei sneered, “Don’t be too pleased too soon. As long as His Majesty remains, everything is variable. Yugui is gone, but he will return.”

Feng Yufei smiled and shook her head.

This made Lan Fei’s expression cold and slightly twisted, “Why are you laughing?”

Feng Yufei chuckled lightly, “I’m laughing that you’re still delusional even now. You truly think Feng Yugui will return?” she turned her gaze to Lan Fei, a chilling murderous intent forming a sharp blade in her eyes.

“What… what are you going to do? I am His Majesty’s concubine; even as the Crown Princess, you can’t do anything to me!” Lan Fei, frightened by Feng Yufei’s coldly fierce demeanor, retreated repeatedly.

Feng Yufei remained unaffected, steadily approaching her, “Do you think, in my father’s eyes, who is more important, a concubine or the Crown Princess?”

Lan Fei, terrified, realized that Feng Yufei had come not just to flaunt power before her but intended to truly kill her!

“You… you stay back! If I shout loudly, someone will definitely come. By then, the crime of murdering a consort will spread, and how will you be the Crown Princess then?” Lan Fei threatened.

Feng Yufei scoffed with a mocking smile, “Do you think, after how you’ve treated those who serve you, there would still be anyone willing to risk their life for your safety? Or do you think I would fear that the crime of murdering a consort would affect my status? What I am killing is not some consort, but the enemy who caused my mother’s death!”

Lan Fei’s eyes widened suddenly, filled with terror.

Feng Yufei stepped forward, grabbed her by the neck, and lifted her up.

“Let… let go of me… help…!” Lan Fei struggled painfully, trying to save herself, but she was no match for Feng Yufei.

After the time of a burning incense stick, Feng Yufei walked out of the palace.

Kneeling on the ground beneath the palace steps were palace maids and eunuchs, all of whom served Lan Fei.

Feng Yufei glanced at them and said indifferently, “Lan Fei went mad and hanged herself.”

With that, she turned and walked away without looking back.

The palace maids and eunuchs looked at each other, sighing in their hearts: The Crown Princess killed Lan Fei and didn’t even bother to make up a decent excuse?

…

Feng Yufei walked out of the Imperial Palace and saw Mu Qingge standing on the city tower, looking at the scenery. She went over to stand alongside her.

“Aren’t you happy after taking revenge?” Mu Qingge smiled and asked.

Feng Yufei, gazing at the fireworks in the distance, said calmly, “I thought killing my enemy would make me feel delighted. But having done it, I feel an emptiness in my heart.”

Mu Qingge turned her eyes to glance at her and said, “For these ten years, you haven’t lived for yourself. You’ve lived relying on hatred and news of Mu Yi. Now that the enemy is dead, you naturally feel a loss of purpose for a while.”

“Maybe!” Feng Yufei took a deep breath, revealing a smile that belonged to Feng Niang.

Then, she turned to Mu Qingge and said, “I know you have no ambition to unify the world, but from now on, everything in Li Country will respect you.”

“Repaying me with an entire country? How grand!” Mu Qingge teased.

Feng Yufei slowly shook her head, “It’s not repayment; it’s mutual support. Five days later, Feng Yugui will leave the borders of Li Country, and by then, I will hand him over to you.”

Mu Qingge nodded slightly.

Feng Yufei nodded back and turned to leave.

Shortly after she left, Zhao Nanxing stepped out from the shadows behind and, watching her back, smiled, “Truly has the aura of an Empress.”

Mu Qingge turned to give him a sideways glance, “Eavesdropping is quite unbecoming.”

Zhao Nanxing innocently replied, “I just happened to come by. Seeing you two were talking, I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Mu Qingge chuckled, disinclined to banter with him. “How’s the Medicine Tower?”

“All is calm. The four Elders have left, and Hua Cangzhu has also quieted down. The entire Medicine Tower is preparing for dispensing medicines,” Zhao Nanxing replied.

Thinking for a moment, he added, “It has been a while since I last saw Diao Yuan.”

“He’s dead,” Mu Qingge stated plainly.

“What!” Zhao Nanxing exclaimed in surprise.

Subsequently, Mu Qingge explained to Zhao Nanxing about Diao Yuan’s ambush plot.

After listening, Zhao Nanxing pondered for a moment before furrowing his brow, “So, Diao Yuan’s actions might have been instructed by Hua Cangzhu. Even if not, he was definitely aware. Now that Diao Yuan hasn’t returned, Hua likely already suspects Diao Yuan’s death, hence why he’s laying low, waiting for a chance.”

Mu Qingge nodded, “With Hua Cangzhu’s character, he definitely won’t succumb to being meek and content. He will find an opportunity to strike back. But what exactly he intends to do, I can’t guess.”

Zhao Nanxing thought for a moment, then decided, “Once things here are concluded, I’ll rush back to the Medicine Tower to check the current situation. As we are all going to leave, I must advise Master to be cautious.”

Zhao Nanxing planned thoroughly, causing Mu Qingge to consider and then say to him, “If staying in the Tower becomes unsafe for Master, let him know he can go to the Mu Family in Qin Country.”

“Alright,” Zhao Nanxing nodded.

Among the five Third-class Countries, it seems only Qin Country gave them peace of mind.

After all, it’s practically Mu Qingge’s own domain!

“By the way, how is Zhu Ling?” Zhao Nanxing asked.

“She is well. When I return, the time will be about right; I will bring her to Mu City to await you,” Mu Qingge said.

“Then it’s settled,” Zhao Nanxing nodded with a smile.

…

Five days later, Feng Yugui’s carriage crossed the border of Li Country. He was exiled beyond Li Country, never to set foot within the nation again.

The leader of the Imperial Army responsible for escorting him said to Feng Yugui, “Third Highness, we will escort you only this far. From here on, take care of yourself, Your Highness.”

With that, he gestured for Feng Yugui to leave.

Feng Yugui was filled with hatred but had no choice but to walk towards the borders of Li Country under the watchful eyes of the Imperial Army.

It seemed, intentionally or not, that the direction in which the Imperial Army exiled him was towards Qin Country.

Once he crossed the Sunset Forest ahead, he would enter the territory of Qin Country.

However, Qin Country was the domain of his greatest foe, so could he actually go there?

Feng Yugui was torn, pondering repeatedly.

At this point, if he wanted to change his route, he would have to cross through the Sunset Forest, enter the Sunset Wilderness, and then traverse it to enter Yu Country, Ba Country, or Tu Country…

But he was unprepared for anything, so how would he enter the Sunset Forest?

’Looks like I’ll have to first follow the post road through the Sunset Forest, then resupply before deciding,’ Feng Yugui thought to himself.

Feng Yugui’s carriage gradually vanished from the Imperial Army’s view.

The leader of the Imperial Army sneered, leading the team back to Huan City in Li Country.

Feng Yugui had not taken any women along; he had secretly executed all of them when leaving Huan City. What he brought were a few death warriors, but only a dozen or so in number.

Feng Lan would never permit him to leave with a large force.

The group proceeded along the post road, as the sky gradually darkened.

Suddenly, the sound of weapons clashing came from outside the carriage. Just as Feng Yugui was about to rush out, an arrow shot into the carriage, grazing his shoulder.

His eyes narrowed with a fierce killing intent.

At that moment, countless arrows flew in, making it difficult for him to dodge in the cramped carriage. By the time he shattered the carriage and stood up, the dozen or so men he had brought were all dead on the ground.

Feng Yugui’s eyes contracted sharply; suddenly, amidst the darkness, he regained consciousness inside the blackness.

Then, amidst a haze, he awoke in darkness.

Feng Yugui found himself awakening in the darkness, disoriented.

A moment later, he heard a voice from outside, as if many people were punching and kicking the iron box. “Your Highness, the Third Prince, we have taken you as far as this. From here, you have to proceed alone.”

The voice ceased. Then, the locked compartment door opened, and a bright light spilled inside, silhouetting the figure of his enemies against the sunlight streaming in.

In desperation, Feng Yugui shouted, “Let me out! Let me out!”

But all he met was silence.

Anguished, he watched as the door closed on him, plunging him back into the darkness.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep