Chapter 15
The Mystic Essence Sword Sect was one of the best martial arts sects within the Taiyuan nation . Disciples were also mostly from aristocratic families, and it was rather negligent of Qi Xunyi to detain the whole sect without seeking approval from the local authorities . It wasn't a surprising move, however, since this particular prince had always acted as he pleased . Everyone in the world knew that he had no restraint and behaved the most preposterous of all princes . In fact, it would be weird if he actually followed conventions .
Qi Xunyi locked up whoever he wanted to before paying the Wuji nation's advisor a visit . On behalf of the Taiyuan court, he expressed his deepest apologies to the advisor and immediately released an order to clear the latter of all suspicions .
At this point, Meng Fuyao had already infiltrated the advisor's troops and exited the sect's territory .
"Something's strange," Meng Fuyao mumbled for the umpteenth time, and finally muttered, "I had wanted to shift the blame, but it was merely to cause confusion and free myself in the process . Qi Xunyi's definitely aware that something's amiss and won't be duped so easily, but it seems now that he's determined to start from Lin Xuanyuan . Don't tell me it's because of his absurdity; from the exchange we had that night, I can tell that his so-called 'lack of restraint' is a mere pretense . "
"It's better for a woman to be of average intelligence," Yuan Zhaoxu advised with curled lips . "Isn't it good that you're free now? Why care so much?"
"Say it!" Meng Fuyao raised her voice urgently and grabbed his collar as if she was about to release a horse for battle .
"You do know that the powerful martial artists of every nation are participating in politics, and the Mystic Essence Sword Sect has always held a neutral stance . There are hints, however, that the sect is leaning toward the crown prince of Taiyuan in recent years . . . and between the crown prince and the third prince, they are only amiable on the outside . " Yuan Zhaoxu lifted his finger and regained control of his collar .
Shocked in realization, she expressed, "Ahh, so all Qi Xunyi needs is an excuse, no matter how lacking, for him to take action . No wonder you had me employ the sect's skills when invading his room . As for Lin Xuanyuan, even if he knew that I was the culprit, he wouldn't have been able to explain my whereabouts or even "death . " He's been backed into a corner . "
Her eyes fell upon the hand that Yuan Zhaoxu had reached out . On the hollow of his palm was a pale-white lotus flower mark that looked incredibly realistic . Meng Fuyao couldn't help but raise her brows and ask, "What's that? A birthmark?"
After a brief pause, Yuan Zhaoxu jerked his hand, his sleeve falling back down to cover his palm . With a faint smile, he answered, "Sort of . "
He had on his usual expression, but Meng Fuyao could sense his unhappiness and figured that she had violated his personal space . Thus, she kept on a smile and said nothing more .
Lord Yuan Bao peeked his head out of Yuan Zhaoxu's embrace and stared at the lotus flower with jealousy as if wanting to bite it off .
At this point, the troops had arrived at a stream at the bottom of the Mystic Essence Mountain and had stopped to rest and drink water . Qi Xunyi's guards were a step behind them and reached in no time as well . Qi Xunyi's carriage was ostentatiously bright and a beautiful maid and young male servant followed by the side . Because golden bells were attached to all four corners of the carriage, ringings could be heard from afar and throughout their whole journey .
An enchanting and soft singing voice, mixed with a delicate laugh, rang from inside the carriage . It sounded quite familiar, and as Meng Fuyao was trying hard to identify it, she also noticed the advisor exchanging glances with his subordinate, their expressions turning awkward immediately .
After a long time, she realized that it was "Fiddling with the Black Bamboo", a tune within the top ten erotic songs of all times . It was a tune that only the most inferior prostitute would sing to entertain her guests . Brothels with better business wouldn't resort to a tune like this .
The royal carriage that only dignified and excellent music should come out of was, at the moment, emitting a decadent and obscene tune . What a mismatch .
Even the advisor's subordinate was revealing a look of disbelief . Observing the carriage out of the corner of her eye, Meng Fuyao recalled the devilish man from the night before, who was as alert as a leopard and his sword skills as powerful as a dragon . A cold smirk flashed across her face .
'Better to stay far away from a man like him . ' Meng Fuyao walked to the upper reaches of the stream to get some water when a group of people rushed over, shouting, "Make way, make way!"
Meng Fuyao turned around to see a few male servants, each holding up a jade basin, towel, soap, and tray with a block of alum . They were preparing to draw water for Qi Xunyi to cleanse his face .
The advisor's subordinate gave a look in response to the prince's extravagant habits .
Meng Fuyao looked down at the water . It was so clean and free from contamination that they could drink straight from the stream . 'Doesn't he find it too excessive? Alum and all just for a face wash?'
Seeing that she was still in the way, a male servant reached out to push her aside . "Why are you still standing here? Don't pollute the water! Go down!" he exclaimed in annoyance .
Deep in thought and caught off guard, Meng Fuyao slipped on the pebbles that were covered in moss and toward the water stream .
"Careful," a gentle, clean yet distant voice sounded .
A white shadow leaped into the air and reached Meng Fuyao in the next second, grabbing her flailing arms in time to catch her fall .
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login