So, Changsun Yin, catering to his preference, sent over the current Flower Queen of the competition. Truly a thoughtful gesture.
Qingyao’s lips curled into a cold smile, though it was hidden beneath her veil, unseen by Changsun Yin.
“Thank you for your favor, Prince Yin. I fear I may not catch the eye of His Highness the Crown Prince.”
If there was anyone she detested in this world, it would be Shangguan Hao. Ruthless, employing any means necessary, with not a shred of principle. The mere thought of him brought her to the brink of disgust.
“Miss Qiao Xue, you are too kind. The Crown Prince is also a connoisseur of beauty, and with your talent and looks, you are sure to outshine everyone.”
Changsun Yin’s words were carefully chosen, always selecting the most flattering remarks.
Had she been an ordinary woman today, she would likely have been ecstatic. But Qingyao was no ordinary woman. The reason she was here was because she intended to kill.
Now, she had a general understanding of Changsun Yin’s objective: to collude with Shangguan Hao of Wanhe Kingdom, and then together, confront Changsun Zhu.
What concern were the schemes of these petty individuals to her? Her expression turned cold, and her voice, like flowing water, spoke.
“Prince Yin, please be seated. It is rare for you to grace me with your presence. Today, Qiao Xue will play you a tune, ‘Butterfly Loves Flowers.’”
Upon hearing the lady’s words, Changsun Yin could not refuse. To be honest, Miss Qiao Xue’s zither playing was truly exceptional. Today, at the Xiuhua Tower, he had willingly offered his highest endorsement, first to see who this woman truly was, and second, because her zither skills were superb, captivating to the ear.
Shangguan Hao of Wanhe Kingdom had a particular fondness for music. Thus, such a peerlessly beautiful woman, possessing such outstanding musical talent, was bound to capture his attention.
As long as he was pleased, their alliance would grow stronger. This time, when he made a move against Changsun Zhu, it had cost him many soldiers. If not for his mother’s pleading with the Emperor, he would have met a grim end. Therefore, he had to be even more cautious in the future.
As long as Shangguan Hao genuinely assisted him, he would surely ascend to the throne.
It was rumored that Shangguan Hao was a shrewd individual, a disciple of the Elder Chixia, possessing profound wisdom and astonishing strategy. These minor royal disputes should not be beyond him. The key question was, did he intend to help?
The mention of Shangguan Hao brought Changsun Yin’s thoughts to Lian Yin.
She was originally Shangguan Hao’s concubine, but because Shangguan Hao detested her, he had handed her over to him to deal with.
Lian Yin was originally a princess of Xianyue. At first, he was merely curious about how a dignified princess would differ from the women who typically sought his favor. Unexpectedly, the woman, consumed by grief, had become detached, presenting a listless and robotic demeanor both in and out of bed.
Yet, it was precisely in this state that she brought him much pleasure, something he found lacking in other women. Changsun Yin often couldn't fathom why this was the case.
“Good.”
Changsun Yin plopped down. Mo Chou swiftly entered, offered tea, and then retreated, guarding the door with utmost vigilance.
The guards outside were no match for her and Mo You. As long as they couldn't enter the room, Changsun Yin would surely perish today.
Within the room, the zither music had begun.
The melodious zither notes seemed to come alive, ethereal and clear, jubilant, as if an instrument with a soul were guiding one into a beautiful realm.
The scenery was bright and beautiful, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. A blue sky, white clouds, green mountains, and silver rivers – a magnificent and picturesque landscape.
Changsun Yin slightly closed his eyes, listening with ease, utterly absorbed. However, he soon sensed something amiss. Why did his body feel weak, as if silver needles were pricking his chest, causing immense pain? He desperately tried to shake his head and wake up, but he had no control, as if the zither music were manipulating his very thoughts.
No, this zither was peculiar!
His expression changed drastically. The zither music intensified, soaring towards the heavens.
His heart felt as if it were stretched into a single thread, ready to snap with the slightest movement. He struggled to breathe.
This woman was indeed problematic. Who was she? Why could she control the zither? He could no longer break free. Unless someone from outside used their internal energy to shatter the strings, he was doomed. Could it be that Changsun Yin was fated to die here today?
The murderous intent within the zither music grew stronger, the pitch rising ever higher.
The room was filled with a chilling, deadly aura.
Just then, a group of people entered the entrance of Chunfeng Tower. The man leading them was refined and gentle, clad in a jade-colored robe, his hair bound with a silver coronet, exuding an air of nobility and distinction. The moment he entered Chunfeng Tower, his brow furrowed, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, and he swiftly moved, like a great roc, directly towards the second floor, the source of the zither music.
Within this zither music, a potent killing intent was contained. Those who heard it were likely already ensnared in a trance.
In front of the door on the second floor, Mo Chou raised an eyebrow upon seeing the newcomer, her expression growing cold and grim, her silence profound. However, several guards under Prince Yin respectfully addressed him.
“Greetings, Crown Prince Shangguan.”
The newcomer was none other than Shangguan Hao, the Crown Prince of Wanhe Kingdom, who had been invited by Changsun Yin to attend the Flower Queen competition in Qingluo Kingdom.
Who would have thought that due to some unforeseen circumstances, he would miss the competition’s scheduled time.
Upon arriving at Xiuhua Tower, the staff there informed him that the Prince had gone to Chunfeng Tower to see Miss Qiao Xue. He too wished to meet this renowned courtesan, but who would have imagined that this Flower Queen harbored malicious intent, attempting to kill Changsun Yin?
Shangguan Hao’s face darkened, and he spoke with a cold tone.
“Idiot, your master is about to die inside, and you are all standing here doing nothing?”
Unless one possessed profound martial arts skills, or deep understanding of such matters, it was impossible to discern the true nature of this music. Outsiders only perceived the melodious tune, unaware of the hidden danger and lurking malice within.
As Shangguan Hao’s voice fell, the guards’ faces changed drastically. They quickly turned and engaged Mo Chou and Mo You in combat.
Shangguan Hao himself dared not delay. With a flick of his body, he leaped into the air, striking the intricately carved round table inside with a palm strike, his internal energy powerful and vigorous.
The table shattered upon impact with a loud crash, and Changsun Yin was finally pulled back from the brink, though he felt an unbearable pain throughout his internal organs, as if his blood had instantly frozen. xxs
Seeing her efforts thwarted, Qingyao’s expression turned icy. She sprang forward, and the silver darts in her hand flew out, carrying a fierce and domineering aura, directly aimed at Changsun Yin. Shangguan Hao, outside the room, saw the incoming projectiles. At this moment, Changsun Yin’s consciousness was still unclear, and being hit by the darts would still be fatal.
Although Changsun Yin’s fate was of no consequence to him, this man could not die.
If he could assist this man in ascending the throne, he would surely be grateful and owe him his utmost allegiance. In this way, with the alliance of two powerful nations, why should he fear the unification of the seven kingdoms?
Shangguan Hao, contemplating his grand design, was determined not to let Changsun Yin die. Seeing the silver projectiles about to strike Changsun Yin, a sense of urgency overtook him. He leaped into the air once more, his palm strike once again directed forward, deflecting the projectile.