"Just kidding, Xiao'er is a lady. How could she possibly have any unseemly or ugly movements?"
Even if she did, they were the movements he adored. To love someone was to find their flaws endearing, but Xiao'er simply didn't know this.
Upon hearing this, the woman became even more spirited, her laughter radiating from her eyes, making her exceptionally happy.
"That's more like it. Who do you think I am?"
The two were chatting intimately in the room when a young maid's voice sounded from outside the door: "Palace Lord, Young Master Shangguan requests an audience."
Yun Xiao glanced quickly at Murong Chong. So he had indeed brought her to meet Shangguan Lin. It was good to see him; he was Murong's own brother.
The three of them would have to fight side-by-side in the future. She had to help Murong reclaim the throne. No matter what the future held, she knew that at this moment, this was what she had to do.
Murong Chong spoke coldly towards the door, "Enter."
"Yes, Palace Lord."
The young maid entered, the same one who had been assigned to attend Yun Xiao earlier. At this moment, she carefully lowered her head, awaiting orders.
Murong Chong was enveloped in a cold aura. Although his mask concealed his expression, his voice was laced with cruelty, making it impossible for the young maid to even lift her head.
"Attend to Miss Yun. Bring her to the main hall for a meal later."
"Yes, Palace Lord."
Murong Chong turned back, a charming smile gracing his lips, and walked away.
In the bedroom, the young maid waited until Murong Chong had left before looking up at Yun Xiao. She dared not say another word. Yun Xiao looked at the maid, wondering how such a timid girl could serve her master, and spoke gently.
"What is your name?"
"Xiao Zi."
Xiao Zi's voice was as faint as a mosquito's. As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly lowered her head again. Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow, feeling a touch of helplessness. This girl was truly timid as a mouse.
"Xiao Zi, how can you serve your master like this? You're so timid."
As she spoke, she walked to the dressing table. It made her think of how wonderful Wanwan was – not only bold and clever, but also capable of offering suggestions.
"Replying to Miss Yun, the Palace Lord never uses female attendants. The manor is staffed entirely by men. Xiao Zi and a few sisters have been working in the laundry room washing clothes. Today, when you arrived, the Palace Lord summoned this servant temporarily. This servant was a little frightened."
Seeing Yun Xiao's gentle demeanor, Xiao Zi's courage grew slightly. She spoke unhurriedly. Despite her timidity, her words were clear and orderly. Moreover, she was originally a low-ranking maid from the laundry room, and it was indeed commendable that she could manage this well.
"Xiao Zi, come and do my hair into a bun. A simple one will do; you won't be able to manage anything complicated."
"Yes, Miss."
Xiao Zi walked over respectfully. Although her hands were a little slow, she still managed. Soon, she had finished styling Yun Xiao's hair into the simplest of buns. Adorned with a small jade hairpin, she looked exquisitely beautiful.
Xiao Zi gazed at Yun Xiao with adoration. As Yun Xiao turned, she quickly lowered her head again.
"Xiao Zi, let's go."
Yun Xiao felt a bit powerless. She couldn't communicate effectively with this timid girl. It would be better to find Murong. She looked around the bedroom, noticing the elegant room. On the windowsill sat several potted green plants.
Bathed in the morning sun, they were fresh and captivating. The windows were draped with sheer, floor-length gauze, which billowed gracefully in the breeze.
"Xiao Zi, whose room is this?"
"It belongs to the Palace Lord."
Xiao Zi replied softly. The Palace Lord treated Miss Yun very well. Not long ago, he had bought her a wardrobe full of clothes and many accessories.
"Ah, so it's Murong's."
Yun Xiao said casually as she walked out. Behind her, Xiao Zi's face paled. This young lady had great nerve to call the Palace Lord by his name. The Palace Lord had always been cold and merciless. Even if he favored her, did he favor her enough to allow her to use his name?
Xiao Zi followed Yun Xiao, guiding her towards the main hall.
As Yun Xiao walked through the corridors, she carefully observed the manor. Everywhere was lush green foliage, and it was difficult to discern one area from another. A gentle breeze blew, rustling the leaves.
Occasionally, people passed by, and they were indeed all men. Not a single woman was in sight, confirming what Xiao Zi had said – there were very few women in this manor.
After navigating through many turns and twists, they soon arrived before a tall house with tiered red brick steps.
On either side of the door stood two round wooden pillars. The gate was guarded by Zhuiyue and Zhuifeng.
She knew these two. As she approached, they respectfully lowered their heads.
"Greetings, Miss Yun."
Yun Xiao nodded and walked in. Xiao Zi remained outside the door. Several gazes in the hall turned towards her in unison.
In the center was Murong Chong. Opposite him sat a refined and handsome man, dressed in a blue robe that accentuated his clear and elegant features. He exuded a gentle and graceful aura with every movement. As their eyes met, he offered her a subtle smile.
This person was none other than Yi Yuxuan, whom she had met in Suzhou, the current martial arts alliance leader. Yi Yuxuan's presence here surprised her. Was he also a member of the Divine Dragon Palace?
Yun Xiao marveled inwardly at Murong's prowess. She hadn't expected his subordinates to be so capable and outstanding.
Beside Murong sat a man in black, his features chiseled and sharp, exuding a resolute and stern demeanor. This was Prince Lin, Shangguan Lin. The fact that he was alive made Yun Xiao very happy. She raised her eyebrows slightly and smiled faintly.
At this moment, Murong's deep eyes showed pride. He tilted his perfectly shaped chin and said in a deep voice, "Xiao'er, come and sit. It's time for breakfast."
"Mm," Yun Xiao walked over slowly and gracefully, then sat beside Murong Chong. She nodded slightly to the other two present, as if to greet them.
Opposite them, Yi Yuxuan and Shangguan Lin already knew that Yun Xiao was Murong's woman.
However, seeing her nonchalant demeanor, her casual and lazy air, and her complete lack of fear or reservation towards Murong, they were even more surprised. It was Murong who seemed to be very nervous about this girl. They had initially assumed...
Murong had never had a woman before. Perhaps he had finally found someone he liked, but they hadn't expected the profound, bloodthirsty gaze in his eyes to show such tenderness.
Yun Xiao was feeling a little hungry and completely ignored the scrutinizing glances of the others, focusing on her own meal. After a long silence, she couldn't help but look up. A hint of amusement flickered in her eyes, and she asked lightly.
"Little Xuan Xuan, little Lin Lin, why aren't you eating?"
"Ah?"
Yi Yuxuan and Shangguan Lin were utterly stunned. The food they had just put into their mouths sputtered out in a gush. Fortunately, they quickly turned their heads, spitting it onto the floor.
Yun Xiao frowned in disgust, quickly stopped eating, and felt full anyway. She looked at the two men opposite her with a playful expression, relishing their suppressed anger. It was extremely amusing.
"What's wrong, Little Xuan Xuan? I still haven't thanked you from last time."
"You?"
Yi Yuxuan suddenly stood up. How could he hear this name without thinking it sounded like a puppy's name? This woman was actually calling the dignified, handsome, and graceful martial arts alliance leader like a little dog. How could he not be enraged?
Last time in Suzhou, he had kindly saved her. If he had known, he should have pretended not to see her back then.