"Brother Emperor, do you not remember Yun Xiao? Do you not remember all our love."
"Perhaps so."
Mu Rong Ying Xue was half joyous and half worried. She had always detested Yun Xiao for monopolizing her brother Mu Rong's affection.
She never expected such a turn of events. Brother Mu Rong had forgotten that woman. However, if he were to remember that love one day, this cultivation technique would cause his blood to flow in reverse, leading to death by bleeding from all seven orifices.
She truly feared the latter outcome.
"My heavens, can such a thing happen?"
Exclamations of disbelief filled the hall. Yun Mo's face darkened, as if covered by thick clouds, his heart feeling an unbearable ache. His daughter had been willing to give up her life for this man, yet now he had forgotten her. He felt a bitterness he could not express.
Shang Guan Yao and Yi Yu Xuan also found it hard to accept. They recalled Yun Xiao's struggles and schemes within the palace, her willingness to risk her life for Mu Rong, yet now he had forgotten her.
"What if we tell him he once loved a woman and try to make him remember?"
Yi Yu Xuan could not help but speak.
Upon hearing this, Mu Rong Ying Xue's face changed drastically, and she cried out, "No! If he remembers the past, he will only bleed from all seven orifices and die. Do not harm him."
At this, the floral hall fell into a deathly silence. They believed Mu Rong Ying Xue would not jest about such a matter, and that Mu Rong had indeed forgotten Yun Xiao was something they had witnessed firsthand.
The joy of Mu Rong's recovery of his martial arts was now replaced by profound sorrow. No one could speak.
This 'Six Meridians Divine Heart' internal cultivation technique originally originated from a temple in the Savage Lands. By chance, the old master of Yun Shui Mountain Villa obtained it and kept it within the villa.
Unexpectedly, Mu Rong learned it by chance. Although he had recovered his internal energy and his martial arts were even more formidable than before, he had forgotten the most important person in his life: Yun Xiao.
Within Yun Shui Mountain Villa, despite the birdsong, fragrant flowers, and inviting scenery, everyone, from servants to masters to guests, was steeped in silence.
Mu Rong slept until evening, feeling refreshed. After a thorough cleansing, he appeared even more intelligent and aloof. He sat in the floral hall, drinking tea, as the green tea leaves unfurled slowly in the rising steam.
His chest felt like an empty space, as if something was missing, yet when he thought about it carefully, nothing seemed different from before.
He took a slow sip, raising his eyebrows slightly, his demeanor languid yet imbued with arrogance.
"Zhui Feng, what do you think I've forgotten?"
Zhui Feng and Zhui Yue exchanged glances. How would they dare to speak casually about their master's affairs?
They were at a loss for words. Just then, someone entered from outside – it was Shang Guan Lin.
The moment Mu Rong saw him, he beckoned him to sit.
"Lin, come, keep me company."
At this moment, consumed by his inner thoughts, his demeanor had softened somewhat. However, a chilling aura still permeated him, making the surrounding air cold. His eyes were dark and stern as he gazed at Shang Guan Lin, and once he sat down, a servant brought tea.
Zhui Feng and Zhui Yue retreated. They were truly afraid their master would question them. They did not want to lie, yet they dared not say anything reckless. Fortunately, Prince Shang Guan had arrived.
In the hall, Shang Guan Lin took a sip of tea, feeling his brother's probing gaze fixed upon him. He couldn't help but pretend to be calm and look up.
"Brother Emperor, what is it?"
"Lin, for some reason, I feel as though I've forgotten something. When I try to recall it, this place hurts."
As he spoke, he gently pressed a hand to his chest, his fair, jade-like fingers. A trace of annoyance overlaid the coldness on his handsome face, his eyes filled with a predatory glint.
Shang Guan Lin could tell that his brother was not truly well. Even though he had forgotten Yun Xiao, Yun Xiao still remained in the depths of his heart subconsciously.
He truly wished to tell him about his love with Yun Xiao. However, remembering Mu Rong Ying Xue's words, he became fearful. If his brother remembered Yun Xiao, he would bleed from all seven orifices. In that case, he would rather his brother remember nothing.
Even if Yun Xiao returned, her choice would surely be the same as his.
"Brother Emperor, what are you thinking about? Don't dwell on it. We should head to the capital quickly; reclaiming the throne is the priority. I've already considered that Lan Qing Lun might fall victim to the Emperor's treachery. The last time I saw him, when you went to the imperial mausoleum, the Emperor had only issued an order to dispatch troops. It was initially to apprehend assassins within the palace, and he genuinely believed it was a search for assassins, not realizing it was meant to capture you."
"Mm, then we shall discuss it later. We will enter the capital tomorrow, and that fellow will surely meet a terrible end."
Mu Rong Chong spoke abruptly, his gaze sharp and cold, filled with a chilling ruthlessness.
Shang Guan Lin had successfully diverted his attention, preventing him from dwelling on his inner turmoil.
The two stood up and walked out.
The moonlight was like water, and the night wind was biting. Although the temperature in Yun Shui Mountain Villa was milder, it was winter, and the surroundings still appeared somewhat bleak.
In the main hall of Yun Shui Mountain Villa, several people sat around a large carved round table, quietly partaking in dinner. No one spoke, and the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive. Several servants were stationed around the hall, periodically coming forward to serve dishes.
Only the clinking of bowls and spoons could be heard.
Mu Rong seemed different from before, becoming very cold. His face, unmasked, was so ethereal that a single glance could leave one utterly captivated.
Even they, as men, sometimes found themselves lost in his presence, yet he was also incredibly cold. Every movement and gesture carried an innate chill.
His deep, frigid pupils were filled with ice, and there was not a trace of warmth about him.
In this state, he appeared both familiar and unfamiliar to everyone. Familiar in his appearance, which remained as stunningly beautiful as before, but unfamiliar in his newfound coldness.
He sat in the hall, dining at ease, as if he were the only person in that small space. His every action was unrestrained and natural, while others, in contrast, displayed a hint of trepidation, unease, and heartbreak, carrying a multitude of emotions.
The meal concluded in this peculiar atmosphere, and after dinner, everyone moved to the study in Feng Ge.
Mu Rong Ying Xue returned to her own Ying Xue Courtyard to rest.
She dared not provoke Mu Rong in this state. It was like when she first saw him four years ago, which had filled her with fear. Although she loved him, this man seemed to come from hell, exuding no warmth.
His affections, it seemed, were buried deep within his heart along with that past, along with Yun Xiao.
No one could see it, and he himself was unaware of it.
In the study.
Mu Rong leaned languidly against a soft chair, gently swirling a cup of Hong Tang fine wine. Through the candlelight, it reflected a rosy hue. He took a slow sip before finally speaking.