Mu Yunhe said with a deep gaze, "Indeed, a woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea. Have I married a poisonous woman?"
"You all need to know," Luo Zhiheng said with a sinister look. "What, regretting it? You still have a chance if you regret it. Don't worry, I won't stop you."
Mu Yunhe glared: "I'm afraid you'll regret it!"
"Hmph, we need to find a way to send Luo Ningshuang back to the Southern Dynasty. I've noticed she's getting arrogant again lately. It's just because the Empress Dowager said something to her, but look how arrogant she's become. She dares to act so recklessly while we're still here in the General's Mansion. Once we leave in a few days, who knows how chaotic this General's Mansion will become under her control? It might even turn into a den of thieves." With a cold snort, she glanced sideways at the chaotic scene in the room below and sighed inwardly, "Why isn't Luo Ningshuang dead yet?"
"I'll think of a way, mainly because it's your Empress Dowager. She's the one who brought her back, so we should at least consider her feelings." Mu Yunhe had a very unpleasant relationship with the Empress before. Although the two of them still don't like each other, Luo Zhiheng is someone they both care about. Since the Empress is willing to let bygones be bygones, he is naturally willing to respect the Empress for the sake of Luo Zhiheng.
"I'll talk to Grandmother tomorrow. Let's go back, it's quite cold." Luo Zhiheng shivered. Mu Yunhe burrowed into the space between her large hands, letting the cold air blow against her skin, making her feel a bit chilly.
Mu Yunhe was naturally delighted. He held her on the wall and with a few leaps, they disappeared into the vast night.
Luo Zhiheng wondered to herself, "How did he become so powerful? I wonder how good his martial arts are?"
Luo Zhiheng didn't get up until very late the next morning. She had been completely exhausted by Mu Yunhe the night before. The bed had been shaking for most of the night, and Mu Yunhe, full of energy, had been using all sorts of tricks on her, never stopping. Although she enjoyed it, she was really tired.
Luo Zhiheng felt like crying. She knew she couldn't agree to Mu Yunhe's requests so easily next time. She had said she would let him do whatever he wanted, but now the price was high. She shakily got out of bed, holding onto the edge of the bed. The soreness between her legs made her gasp.
"That damned man, can't he be a little gentler?" With a low curse, Luo Zhiheng was dragged off to take a bath by Xiao Mimi's wet nurse. Before she could even come out feeling comfortable, Qi Wan reported that Miss Sun Yunyun from the Duke's family had come to visit.
Luo Zhiheng plunged into the water and refused to come up. She was truly at her wit's end. How could she have forgotten about Sun Yunyun?
The wet nurse teased, "Master, you'd better come out quickly. This Miss Sun isn't some kind of demon, what are you afraid of?"
With a splash, Luo Zhiheng emerged from the water and shouted, "I'm not scared! Let's change!"
Sooner or later, she had to face it; whether she faced it or not, it was all the same. Indeed, one shouldn't lie or do anything against their conscience, or they'd always be in trouble. She had lied to Sun Yunyun for the sake of the competition, but who knew this girl would be so devoted, truly 'devoted' to her? She really couldn't afford to lose weight because of this beauty's kindness.
Dressed impeccably, Luo Zhiheng was prepared to have a serious talk with Sun Yunyun today. Mentally prepared, she remained elegant and composed as she entered the living room. There, she saw a woman in white sitting with a cold expression, refined and noble, her gaze subtly tinged with arrogance. The more arrogant a woman is, the more difficult she is to deal with. Luo Zhiheng feared she might accidentally hurt Sun Yunyun.
As Luo Zhiheng hesitated, Sun Yunyun seemed to sense her presence and abruptly turned around. The moment she saw Luo Zhiheng, her expression was one of surprise and delight, and she stood up abruptly. Luo Zhiheng, not wanting to back down, quickly walked over and smiled, "Miss Sun, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
"It's alright, are you feeling better?" Sun Yunyun's voice warmed up as she spoke to Luo Zhiheng, truly like an iceberg melting and spring flowers blooming. She also seemed quite shy.
Luo Zhiheng seemed oblivious to her shyness, and took her hand affectionately, saying, "You're much better now. I've been saying I'd invite you over, but I never expected so many things to happen in a row, and you even got into danger along with me. It's really my fault, Aheng. I was thinking of going to your residence to visit you today even if you hadn't come."
Luo Zhiheng's words were impeccable, but Sun Yunyun said quietly, "Do you think we're on the same wavelength?"
Luo Zhiheng felt as if ten thousand flies had swarmed in from her pink world, choking her delicate throat. She felt nauseous, chilled, and utterly bewildered. (12022125)
Swallowing those empty words, Luo Zhiheng's throat bobbed, and she said in a sweet, smiling voice, "Miss Sun is right. We're close friends, aren't we? True friends are naturally kindred spirits."
Luo Zhiheng's deception and feigned ignorance were so obvious, but Sun Yunyun didn't want to wait any longer or be ignored. Her eyes reddened, and disregarding her reserve, she gripped Luo Zhiheng's hand tightly, looking directly into her eyes and whispering, "Are we confidants? Am I your soulmate?"
For the first time, Luo Zhiheng felt like she had shot herself in the foot. That feeling was incredibly painful! How could she have been so stupid as to think of using the absurd lie that she was a man to deceive this stubborn girl? But this girl was just too stubborn.
Seeing Luo Zhiheng's beautiful brows furrow slightly, Sun Yunyun thought her words had displeased Luo Zhiheng. She felt both panicked and sad, and even hesitated for a moment. In a daze, Sun Yunyun put on a weak smile, a smile that was extremely stubborn and strong: "I know I shouldn't have taken those words seriously back then, but I don't know why, how could I be so unable to let go of a lecher like you? I only ask one question, Young Master Luo, have you ever had even the slightest bit of affection for me? Even just the slightest bit, would make me, Sun Yunyun, not lose too much face."
"I..." Luo Zhiheng was sharp-tongued, but at this moment she didn't know what to say.
Sun Yunyun slowly released Luo Zhiheng's hand, concealing her affection and expectation. Tears welled in her eyes, yet she smiled at Luo Zhiheng, her face calm and composed, her strength heartbreaking: "Young Master Luo, rest assured, I, Sun Yunyun, am not the kind of person who can't let go, nor am I the kind of person who clings on. Just tell me today, have you ever truly considered revealing your true gender? Have you ever considered that when you travel the world as a man, I, Sun Yunyun, will have a place by your side?"
Luo Zhiheng smiled and said unhurriedly, "What if I have it? What if I don't?"
Sun Yunyun's gaze was firm, and she said resolutely, "If there is a reason, even if I, Sun Yunyun, am branded as an unfilial daughter, I will wait for you, even if that wait is uncertain. If there is no reason, I, Sun Yunyun, will leave immediately and never bother Young Master Luo again."
Luo Zhiheng's mind raced, and she gained a new understanding of this woman she had only met a few times but had repeatedly teased, and even developed a sense of admiration for her. Sun Yunyun's decisive and straightforward nature impressed Luo Zhiheng.
Second update! That's all for today. I'll keep working hard tomorrow! Ugh, please vote, leave comments, and give me monthly tickets! I'm begging you! Hua Sha is about to break down. Rebooting needs your support and encouragement! Keep going, I'll kill Luo Ning Shuang as soon as possible!
437 They argued until their faces turned red! Qianxue was being mischievous! She tried to persuade Yu'er!
Updated: 2013-11-13 12:26:38 Word Count: 7543
The hall fell silent. Luo Zhiheng pondered how to answer Sun Yunyun. She truly felt indebted to Sun Yunyun. She had tricked Sun Yunyun with a joke back then. If Sun Yunyun had gone all out in that match, she might not have won. Now that Mu Yunhe was safe and sound, Sun Yunyun's concession in that match had been a contribution.
But she was a woman, and facing Sun Yunyun's intense and persistent feelings, Luo Zhiheng felt immense pressure. She didn't love women, okay? Lies were definitely not something to be told. Luo Zhiheng couldn't help but think that when the King of the World disguised herself as a man, it was enough to make all the women scream. It was clear that the women of their Silver Moon Kingdom shared a common attraction to both men and women. If only the King of the World were here now.
Seeing Luo Zhiheng's silence, Sun Yunyun's heart was truly in turmoil. The more silent Luo Zhiheng was, the more frightened Sun Yunyun became. Suddenly, she couldn't bear the silence any longer and forced a smile, saying, "I understand. It was my fault for making things difficult for Young Master Luo. Don't worry, I will never bother or entangle Young Master Luo again from now on."
Sun Yunyun was quite responsible; she didn't force things she couldn't have. Although she was heartbroken, she never clung to him. Luo Zhiheng was her first love, and first love is hard to forget. Besides, Sun Yunyun had never met a man like Luo Zhiheng before—so carefree and with a touch of roguish charm. That kind of man instantly captivated Sun Yunyun's heart, making her flutter and causing her to yearn for him day and night.
It was nothing more than being held and danced by Luo Zhiheng, nothing more than a few sweet words, nothing more than unrestrained and indecent behavior, yet Sun Yunyun reportedly fell hopelessly in love.
When Luo Zhiheng left, she was filled with sorrow and anxiety; when Luo Zhiheng returned, she was overjoyed; when Luo Zhiheng was injured, she was terrified; when Luo Zhiheng rejected her, what was left for her besides despair and sadness? Perhaps only that pitiful bit of pride and self-respect remained.
What an absurd relationship! A man disguised as a woman, perhaps destined to spend his entire life cross-dressing, has fallen in love with such a man, and given her personality, she'll likely love him for life, even after she marries.
Luo Zhiheng's eyelids twitched. Sun Yunyun's departing figure stood straight, as if taut, ready to shatter at the slightest touch. She felt agitated and guilty. The words "I am a woman" swirled around her lips, but she couldn't bring herself to say them. If she were to utter those words, it wouldn't just be a matter of being hated by Sun Yunyun; it might leave Sun Yunyun with a lifelong shadow, wounding her pride.
Therefore, we cannot tell Sun Yunyun the truth yet.
"Miss Sun, please wait a moment. I have something I'd like to say to you." Luo Zhiheng called out to Sun Yunyun. Seeing the light in Sun Yunyun's eyes as she turned around, Luo Zhiheng slightly avoided her gaze and smiled, "Miss Sun is also a good friend of mine. I just happen to be looking for Murong Qianxue, who is also a good friend of mine. We're also friends from this year's Talent Competition, so why don't we chat together?"
Sun Yunyun's eyes flickered, a glimmer of hope wavering between hope and doubt. Did the fact that Murong Qianxue had called out to her mean that she wasn't entirely indifferent to him? But the mention of Murong Qianxue made Sun Yunyun feel uneasy. She stiffly asked, "Then, Miss Murong… is she also your confidante?"
She wanted to ask: Do you care about her?
Luo Zhiheng smiled and quickly walked up to her. Her steps were large but extremely elegant. Because Luo Zhiheng's clothes were always clean and neat, and somewhat androgynous, they accentuated the heroic spirit in her body. In this way, she was androgynous, possessing both the beauty of a woman and the neatness of a man. Sun Yunyun looked at her with infatuation and blushed slightly.
Luo Zhiheng was feeling guilty and didn't dare to look at Sun Yunjun, so she didn't notice her unusual behavior. She laughed and said, "What confidante? We're just friends who eat, drink and fool around together. But that guy is indeed my confidante. I also like your personality. The three of us together will definitely be like-minded and get along well."
Sun Yunyun felt nervous. Young Master Luo was so close to her that she could even smell his faint fragrance. As if she were mesmerized by the scent, Sun Yunyun nodded uncontrollably.
Luo Zhiheng brought Sun Yunyun to Murong Qianxue's house. As soon as they entered the front hall, Sun Yunyun swung a whip through the air, aiming directly at Luo Zhiheng.
Luo Zhiheng was startled. Her vision blurred, and she instinctively pushed Sun Yunyun away. However, she was a step too late when she tried to dodge, and the tip of the whip struck her wrist. A burning pain spread, and Luo Zhiheng gasped. She quickly took a step back and glared angrily ahead. She saw Murong Qianxue also staring blankly at her wrist with the whip in her hand.
After regaining her balance, Sun Yunyun turned around abruptly and saw that Luo Zhiheng's hand was bleeding. The usually calm and aloof beauty turned pale and cried out in alarm as she rushed over. Feeling both heartache and self-reproach, she grabbed Luo Zhiheng's hand and pulled it away to wrap it around hers. With red eyes and trembling, she asked, "Why did you push me away? How could you be so foolish? Does it hurt?"
Murong Qianxue was equally shocked and furious. Her face turned pale with anger, and she shouted, "Are you an idiot! Why didn't you dodge when you could have?" As she spoke, she threw down the whip and rushed forward, pushing Sun Yunyun aside and grabbing Luo Zhiheng's hand, becoming even more enraged: "Why didn't I beat you to death, you wicked devil!"
Sun Yunyun stumbled from the impact, her anger flashing across her face for a moment, but seeing their intimate behavior, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, and her expression turned completely cold.
Luo Zhiheng winced in pain, but she never pretended to be strong in front of Murong Qianxue. She snapped, "What's wrong with you?! If you want to practice martial arts in broad daylight, go to the courtyard! What are you doing making a ruckus in the hall?"
Murong Qianxue abruptly threw away Luo Zhiheng's hand and sneered, "You still have the nerve to say that? Look at what you and your in-laws have done to Yu'er! Luo Zhiheng, I really wish I could whip your clever little heart to pieces! You dare to say you didn't know what that scumbag Mu Yunjin's initial purpose was? You just watched that silly girl Yu'er stupidly jump into the pit, and now look what happened? Yu'er is hurt, and the silly girl is crying and refusing to eat or drink. Is she trying to make our Murong family hold a funeral?"
Luo Zhiheng was speechless, feeling more helpless and heartbroken: "I really didn't know at first. Mu Yunjin was very discreet. By the time I found out, it was too late. I tried to get Yu'er back to the Southern Dynasty, but the little girl went to see Mu Yunjin again. Men really are good at sweet talk. I didn't expect Yu'er to be deceived again, and even tricked me. Although I know about Mu Yunjin's scheme, I'm afraid Yu'er won't believe me if I don't expose him to her face."
"So you just exposed me like that? Where do you think Yu'er's face and feelings are going?" Murong Qianxue shouted, her temper flaring up.
Luo Zhiheng was even more irritable than her, laughing angrily: "Do you think you're the only one who cares about Yu'er? Don't I worry that Yu'er will be deceived? If I don't cut this messy relationship off quickly, do you think Yu'er won't suffer in the future? The longer it drags on, the bigger the problem will be. Feelings can't be delayed. Time will only breed affection. Right now, Yu'er may only have a vague feeling for Mu Yunjin. What kind of gentle approach can we use to resolve this? As time goes on, do you think Yu'er, with her naive nature, won't fall deeper and deeper into Mu Yunjin?"
"No matter what, it's you! You're always right!" Murong Qianxue angrily kicked over a stool, swearing as she spoke. It's no surprise that Murong Qianxue, from a family of martial artists, had a wild streak.
Luo Zhiheng sneered: "You son of a bitch, you whipped me for this? You think you're so cool?"
Murong Qianxue's eyes widened, her pupils seemingly blazing with anger: "Who told you to come so late today? Are you really concerned about why Yu'er didn't come yesterday?"
"You didn't even try to cut me with a knife when I came yesterday?" Luo Zhiheng sneered sarcastically. 7.
The two exchanged barbs, creating a tense atmosphere. Neither of them expected that the two, who used to be such good friends, would turn on each other so fiercely, ruthlessly stabbing each other in the face.
Sun Yunyun was also stunned, watching them argue with a mixture of panic and smugness. She wondered why these two were arguing, since they seemed to be getting along so well. Could it be that Luo Zhiheng didn't like Murong Qianxue? Well, that made sense; with Murong Qianxue's stubborn and unpleasant personality, it was normal for Luo Zhiheng not to like her.
The two argued until their faces turned red and their necks were thick with anger. Luo Zhiheng roared, "Where are they? They're all dead! Give me a cup of tea!"
Murong Qianxue snorted angrily and shouted back, "Give this old lady a cup of tea too, and make it cold."
The two exchanged a glance, both feeling a mutual dislike, and with another cold snort, turned their faces away. Luo Zhiheng turned her head and saw Sun Yunyun standing beside her, her face pale. She immediately softened her expression and smiled, "I'm sorry you had to see this. Did I scare you?"
Sun Yunyun shook her head, her face unable to hide her heartache. She looked at her still bleeding hand with concern and asked, "Does it still hurt? Why don't we hurry up and find a doctor to check if this injury is serious?"
Murong Qianxue watched coldly from the side, and something seemed off no matter how she looked at it. Sun Yunyun's gaze was so pitiful.
"It's alright, have a seat and I'll have someone bring you tea." Luo Zhiheng looked at Murong Qianxue, and when she saw that Murong Qianxue immediately turned her head to the side, she kicked Murong Qianxue's shin.
"What are you doing!" Murong Qianxue angrily kicked back, her anger undiminished.
Luo Zhiheng glared at him: "Are you still not done yet? You're so hot-tempered, are you blind? Don't you see we have guests? Hurry up and have someone serve tea."
"Are you blind?" Murong Qianxue retorted viciously, then said unwillingly, "My family doesn't have any good tea, just Da Hong Pao. Don't blame me if it's too bitter. Serve the tea."
Luo Zhiheng raised an eyebrow, her expression infuriating: "I just love drinking bitter tea to cool down."
The two engaged in another round of heated debate when the bitter tea was served. Luo Zhiheng took a sip and her face scrunched up in disgust. She thought to herself, "General Murong's family must be so poor. Why is he drinking such bitter stuff?" She threw down the teacup, grabbed a maid, and headed for the back hall: "Take me to see Princess Yu'er."
Murong Qianxue didn't stop her, only grumbling behind her, as if by unspoken agreement. She stayed behind to attend to Sun Yunyun. Once Luo Zhiheng was out of sight, Murong Qianxue angrily roared at the maids who were standing there in fear, "Are you all dead? Are you all blind? Why didn't you stop me? If you really beat her, you'd all be in serious trouble. You idiots, hurry up and fetch a doctor, and send her to Princess Yu'er."
The maids were so frustrated! Once your temper flares up, nothing can stop you. Anyone who dares to stop you is asking for trouble. They wouldn't dare to go against you. Now that you've beaten her, your anger has subsided, and you're suddenly feeling sorry for the little princess. What's wrong with you?
Seeing Murong Qianxue's frustrated expression, Sun Yunyun's heart sank. Murong Qianxue didn't seem to be that much at odds with Luo Zhiheng, and her concern for Luo Zhiheng didn't seem fake. So why were the two of them arguing so fiercely just now?
Murong Qianxue sat down to calm herself down and looked at Sun Yunyun. She knew Sun Yunyun and was aware of Sun Yunyun's little feelings for Luo Zhiheng. She knew very well that this was a misunderstanding. She was quite sympathetic to Luo Zhiheng, but now she rolled her eyes and smiled sweetly at Sun Yunyun, saying, "Miss Sun, why did you come with Heng'er today?"
"It was Princess Luo... who brought me here to talk about my conversation with Miss Murong." Sun Yunyun spoke coldly to Murong Qianxue.
Murong Qianxue was furious with Luo Zhiheng. Although she knew that Yu'er was deceived and it wasn't Luo Zhiheng's fault, Luo Zhiheng was her good friend, and good friends are for venting your frustrations on. So Murong Qianxue said seemingly casually, "What little princess? What a tomboy! Isn't it ridiculous for her to be a princess?"
Sun Yunyun's eyes lit up. What did Murong Qianxue mean? Did Murong Qianxue also know that Luo Zhiheng was a man? She suddenly became expectant: "Why do you say that, Miss Murong? The little princess is the little prince's lawfully wedded wife."
Murong Qianxue wanted to see Luo Zhiheng in a state of panic, so she sneered and said mysteriously, "Don't pretend with me, you already know, don't you? That guy is two-faced, Miss Sun, you'd better be careful. She and I are buddies, but she may not treat you like a buddy. Didn't you see how that guy was aggressive towards me but gentle and considerate towards you?"
This is absolutely a blatant distortion of the truth. Murong Qianxue is smearing Luo Zhiheng and pushing her into an even deeper predicament. She's thinking, if Sun Yunyun ever gets the idea that she has to marry no one but him and forces Luo Zhiheng to marry her, hahaha, I wonder how good Luo Zhiheng's face will look at that time?
Just thinking about Yu'er's distraught appearance made Murong Qianxue feel like she was suffocating. The Murong family members were all protective of their own, and according to their personalities, they would definitely want to torture Mu Yunjin to the point of being worthless. However, the most hot-tempered of them all, the old general Murong, stopped everyone in the family.
General Murong said that Luo Zhiheng's failure to come immediately proved that she had some concerns. She wanted her family to calm down. He assured them that Luo Zhiheng would definitely come, but if she came tomorrow, she would likely be protecting Mu Yunjin. The Murong family was naturally furious upon hearing this. Luo Zhiheng was their good friend; they had repeatedly stood up for her and protected her. At this crucial moment, Luo Zhiheng had betrayed them, ignoring them and instead protecting the person who had injured their little princess. How could they not be angry?
But General Murong had his own thoughts. He said that Mu Yunjin was, after all, Mu Yunhe's brother and a hero on the battlefield, and they should give him a certain respect. Moreover, the fact that Mu Yunjin could say such heartless words to Yu'er, and that the more heartless he was, the more Yu'er would forget him, proved that Mu Yunjin wasn't completely rotten to the core and could still be saved. It wasn't incomprehensible that Luo Zhiheng wanted to help Mu Yunjin.
The Murong family refrained from confronting Mu Yunjin out of respect for Luo Zhiheng, but they couldn't swallow their anger. Now, Murong Qianxue had impulsively injured Luo Zhiheng's hand, and she was filled with regret and worry. But the thought of feeling guilty and worried about Luo Zhiheng after hitting her made her feel like an idiot. She was resentful and felt that since she hadn't truly tormented Luo Zhiheng, she should at least make her suffer a little too.
To make matters worse, Murong Qianxue decided to stir things up with Sun Yunyun, making Luo Zhiheng suffer as well. Seeing Sun Yunyun's delighted expression, Murong Qianxue instantly felt satisfied, finally able to vent her frustration.
"What 'proper marriage'? It's all just unspoken suffering. Miss Sun, I see you're really devoted to Luo Zhiheng. You should seize the opportunity! Although Luo Zhiheng is a bit roguish, she's a good person, responsible, and loyal. Most importantly, her looks are absolutely stunning—she's every girl's dream girl. If she dressed as a man, she'd be the talk of the town. People in the capital would only remember Luo Zhiheng's unparalleled beauty; who would remember that rubbish Mu Yunjin, the one who's famous throughout the capital?" Murong Qianxue maliciously misled Sun Yunyun, while also smearing that scumbag Mu Yunjin.
Sun Yunyun's face turned red, and she was no longer as cold as before. She said shyly, "Then Miss Murong and Young Master Luo, don't you... I see that you two are behaving quite intimately."
Grandma doesn't like women!
Murong Qianxue felt a chill run down her spine, and quickly laughed, "In some ways, I'm even more manly than Luo Zhiheng. There's no way we could be together, hahaha."
Her smile was guilty and awkward, but Sun Yunyun didn't notice. Finally, after confirming with the second person that Luo Zhiheng was a man, Sun Yunyun was undoubtedly given a huge boost, making her even more eager to be with Young Master Luo. So, in the following conversation, she kept asking questions about Luo Zhiheng and became much more talkative. Murong Qianxue tried her best to answer every question, but the more she spoke, the more frightened she became. She wondered if Luo Zhiheng discovered her mischief and would chase her with a kitchen knife?