These were all people who had shared joys and sorrows with her, and they spoke to her with sincerity and without reservation. Besides, Luo Zhiheng was very straightforward. General Murong loved her personality and immediately laughed and said, "Girl, go and do your work. You must have a lot to do since you just got back. We old folks are shamelessly bothering you for a few days. When you have some free time, come and have a few drinks with us."
General Murong's few words brought them even closer, and Luo Zhiheng and the elderly men seemed to have developed a friendship that transcended age.
"That's for sure. Yu'er, stay at the General's Mansion. I'll come find you to play when I have time. I don't know where Luo Erduo has gone to find food these past few days. When she comes back, let her play with you. In the next few days, let Qianxue accompany you to go out and about. Buy whatever you like. Consider it a gift from me as your older sister." Luo Zhiheng was very straightforward and considerate.
It's not that she doesn't understand interpersonal relationships; on the contrary, she's quite perceptive about them. Everything depends on whether she's willing or not.
Yu'er pouted a little unhappily, and pulled her hand, saying in a slightly coquettish manner, "Can't Sister Heng'er play with me? Mother said that Yu'er should spend more time with Sister Heng'er."
"Stop messing around, Heng'er doesn't have time to deal with you right now." Murong Qianxue couldn't stand Yu'er's idiotic attitude anymore. Everyone came to visit because they were worried that Luo Zhiheng couldn't handle such great pressure.
Her father-in-law is back. She was the one who personally oversaw the execution of his favorite concubine, so he will surely be furious with her. Mu Yunhe is under just as much pressure; he heard that the princess fell into the water and is now in critical condition, his situation extremely dire. Luo Zhiheng has only just returned and already has to face the difficulties posed by her powerful father-in-law, take care of her mother-in-law, and appease Mu Yunhe. It's almost unimaginable whether her frail shoulders can bear such immense pressure and burden.
Today, they came silently, seemingly without a word, but each of them carried a heart full of warm sentiment. At this moment, everyone understood Luo Zhiheng's difficulties. If Luo Zhiheng only needed to say a word, without even asking, these powerful Pharaohs would handle even the most difficult matters for her. They would willingly come to her aid.
Do they really think the supremely noble pharaohs have nothing better to do? Are they really just here eating, drinking, and having fun? They stayed the moment Luo Zhiheng spoke, without even blinking an eye; they're here to support Luo Zhiheng! 1.
The grand general's mansion belonged to a third-rank noble family. In the eyes of ordinary people, it was a noble existence, but in the eyes of Prince Mu, it could be destroyed in the blink of an eye.
There is no male master in the General's Mansion, so Mu Yunhe cannot be considered the master at all. General Luo Ge is not at home, and Luo Zhiheng's brother Luo Zhiwu is not at home. If an enemy were to come to the General's Mansion, who could withstand it? Who would hold them off?
Even though Mu Yunhe is formidable and Luo Zhiheng is no ordinary woman, guarding this vast general's mansion would still be beyond the capabilities of two young people facing internal and external troubles. Therefore, it's illogical for the Pharaohs to arrive, and while it's acceptable for the Chess Saint to come, there's no reason for him to stay here.
Old Master Tong is different. He is Mu Yunhe's maternal grandfather, the patriarch of his maternal family. No one can say anything if he stays at his granddaughter-in-law's house for a few days. Besides, the princess is critically ill; it's only natural for the patriarch to visit. As for General Murong, he's a ruthless and unruly character. He doesn't care about rules; he only cares about his mood. No one can stop him if he wants to. If you push him too far, he might just glare at you and threaten to dig up your ancestral graves.
Their presence at the General's Mansion was both subtle and awe-inspiring. With these two powerful figures in charge, even Prince Mu could only watch helplessly. Even if you wanted to cause trouble, seek revenge, or do anything else, you wouldn't dare to do anything to the General's Mansion, not even if you dared. 17623102
King Shi is also a god here, but he is not a native king after all. Prince Mu's fear doesn't mean he wouldn't dare to act. On the contrary, he is not as intimidating as the pharaohs who watched Prince Mu and the emperor grow up.
Murong Qianxue saw through it all. She watched as Luo Zhiheng, despite facing such a huge crisis and pressure, was still able to chat and laugh with them so calmly and composedly. The smile and composure in her eyes and brows were genuine. She truly possessed the aura of a mountain that remained unmoved no matter how fiercely the winds from all directions bombarded her.
I'm very curious about how Luo Zhiheng became so close to these eccentric old men. Their relationship was akin to kinship, yet also resembled friendship, like two heroes admiring each other. It's complex and ultimately hard to understand. However, the Pharaohs genuinely liked Luo Zhiheng. Their respect and awe for Mu Yunhe were profound, but their affection for Luo Zhiheng was heartfelt.
"What's up, Sister Heng'er? Let me help you." Yu'er didn't understand the danger involved; she just wanted to spend more time playing with Luo Zhiheng.
"It won't work these next few days, but I'll definitely find some time to play with you properly. I'll have Qiwan keep you company; that girl is really fun. If you have any leftovers, just give them to her, and she'll eat them all," Luo Zhiheng said with a smile.
"I'm afraid the consequences will outweigh the benefits." "Really? That amazing? Where is she? I want to see her right now." Yu'er's interest was piqued, and she asked impatiently.
Luo Zhiheng smiled and told someone to take Yu'er to find Qi Wan. Only then was she free.
"If you have any difficulties, just say so. We won't leave. We'll leave when you say you're alright." Murong Qianxue held Luo Zhiheng's hand and whispered in her ear. There was always a hint of smirk between the girls, and the old men watched with smiles on their faces.
Luo Zhiheng patted her hand and smiled nonchalantly, "It's okay, it will pass. You can stay if you want. I'm a little rich woman, I can afford to support you. It'll be more lively here if you come, otherwise it'll be too boring."
"You... let me take care of the princess for you. You should rest well; you don't look well." Murong Qianxue was annoyed that Luo Zhiheng didn't speak. She wanted to say something, but ultimately didn't. She just wanted to help share some of the burden with her out of concern.
Luo Zhiheng felt a warmth spread through her heart. True friendship is revealed in times of trouble. When she was in trouble, these people were willing to lend a hand; a single word, a warm glance—all of this moved Luo Zhiheng deeply. She had no family in her life; a younger sister had schemed and plotted to frame and kill her; her father and brothers loved her, but they were too far away to intervene. Yet, in this crucial moment, it was her friends who stood by her side, offering support.
“No need, it’s nothing difficult. What I don’t care about can’t hurt me. I care about him, so I’m willing to be filial with him. A person’s life is just about filial piety and righteousness, affection and virtue. Even if the old woman has made mistakes, I’m not so petty as to refuse to forgive. No matter how bad she is, she’s still Mu Yunhe’s mother. Mu Yunhe loves her, so I love her too. When a person lives to the last moment, isn’t the only wish to see their children around them and their family reunited before they close their eyes? She won’t be able to see Mu Qingya in this life, but Mu Yunhe and I will make her feel even warmer. Maybe she will have regrets, but those regrets will definitely not be caused by Mu Yunhe and me.” Luo Zhiheng’s heartfelt words had been bottled up for too long, and speaking them out now made her feel much better. This is the benefit of having a true friend.
Murong Qianxue suddenly didn't know how to describe Luo Zhiheng. She was a contradiction: fierce, domineering, and decisive, yet also gentle, kind, and magnanimous enough to tolerate much evil and ugliness. Someone who hated evil so much could also be so gentle and tolerant.
Mu Yunhe is indeed the darling of the gods, who bestowed such a wonderful Luo Zhiheng upon him.
378 Digging up graves and exhuming coffins to force King Mu to surrender!
Updated: 2013-10-09 12:13:43 Word Count: 7596
After arranging for the pharaohs, Luo Zhiheng hurried to the backyard to find Mu Yunhe. The matter was urgent, and it was better for her to tell him than for Prince Mu to embellish and distort the facts.
Given Mu Yunhe's temperament, anger was inevitable, but not to the point of being uncontrollably furious. It was just a matter of choosing the right moment—though now was certainly not a good time.
To Luo Zhiheng's surprise, Mu Yunhe wasn't in his room. She went to the Princess's quarters, but the servant said he had only come to take a quick look and left. What made Luo Zhiheng even more uneasy was that the Princess's condition had worsened!
The princess was now in a deep coma, completely unconscious. She was in a precarious situation, her life hanging by a thread. Yet, Mu Yunhe left only after seeing her in this state. This was utterly unusual. Given how much Mu Yunhe cared for the princess, he would never leave her side in a moment of crisis.
Where did he go? What did he do?
Luo Zhiheng stood at the doorway, her heart pounding wildly. Her small face was filled with unpredictable emotions. Knowing Mu Yunhe as she did, she could easily guess what he was up to. However, she couldn't be sure where he was. Mu Yunhe was definitely going to do something detrimental to Prince Mu, but what could it be? 17623091
"Nanny, find Mu Yunhe as soon as possible!" Luo Zhiheng sensed something was wrong and hurried along, but unfortunately, her keen sense of hearing was not there.
Seeing that Luo Zhiheng's face was really ugly, the wet nurse didn't dare to delay and quickly arranged for people to search for her, and she also joined in.
The entire General's Mansion was in an uproar. Luo Zhiheng's unease grew. An hour later, there was still no news of Mu Yunhe. By this time, the Pharaohs and the World King had been alerted.
"What exactly happened? Did you two have a fight?" Old Tong asked.
Luo Zhiheng shook her head, her face a little pale, but she remained relatively calm: "No, I just went out this morning. When I came back to look for him, he was gone. The Princess's condition is very serious. Madam Huoyun is doing everything she can to keep her alive. I can't leave the General's Mansion. The Princess could pass away at any moment, and she can't be left alone at this time. But Mu Yunhe..."
"Go find General Tong and tell him to use the Slaughter Squad. Find the young prince as quickly as possible. Remember, be fast," Tong Lao Er immediately instructed his attendants without saying another word.
General Murong also immediately sent people to find him, asking for help in finding Mu Yunhe. In a short time, the most elite and important troops of the entire Mu Dynasty were mobilized to search for Mu Yunhe.
The pharaohs left Luo Zhiheng to guard the front hall and await news from outside. Although Luo Zhiheng was anxious, there was nothing she could do but protect the princess. She absolutely could not let the princess leave this world before Mu Yunhe returned, as that would be Mu Yunhe's greatest regret.
In the streets and alleys, the keen-eyed people had already noticed the unusual atmosphere. The soldiers galloped away on horseback, sweeping through the streets and raising dust. Pairs of soldiers seemed to be searching for something, and the people hurriedly took cover.
Half an hour later, someone brought news. It was the deputy general of General Tong's killing squad. His cold voice was filled with lingering shock: "We've found the young prince, but he's currently at the execution ground with a coffin. It looks like it was just dug out of the ground..."
hiss!
Everyone in the room, from the oldest to the youngest, gasped in shock, their faces filled with astonishment.
No one could believe that Mu Yunhe would do something as simple as digging up someone's grave, yet the story wasn't entirely baseless. The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, a chill running down their spines as they gasped in astonishment and horror.
It looks like a coffin that was just dug out of the ground...
If it's true, then besides Consort Li's coffin, which was buried less than a day and a night ago, whose coffin could it be?
"Qianxue, you keep an eye on the house for me. As for the Princess, tell Lady Huoyun that no matter what method she uses, she must keep an eye on her. The Princess absolutely cannot leave first; she must wait for us to return." Luo Zhiheng could no longer sit still. After grabbing Murong Qianxue and giving her a series of instructions, she hurriedly ran out: "Quickly, prepare my horse!"
"How could this happen?" Murong Qianxue murmured, her face pale, and then grabbed Yu'er, who looked completely bewildered, and ran to the backyard.
"Go and take a look. I'll guard this place," General Murong said solemnly to Elder Tong. After all, this was Elder Tong's family matter, so it was more appropriate for Elder Tong to handle it.
Old Master Tong clasped his hands in a fist salute to General Murong and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, brother."
Old Master Tong and his men quickly departed. As he left, Old Master Tong's hands trembled, his shock coming in waves. Mu Yunhe had actually dug up someone's grave in a fit of rage; clearly, his anger was no small matter. It was said that Prince Mu himself had buried Consort Li's coffin. Wasn't Mu Yunhe's action tantamount to openly challenging Prince Mu?
Luo Zhiheng galloped at breakneck speed, the jolting on her back making her tremble almost to her very soul. She wasn't afraid, but she was uneasy because of Mu Yunhe's sudden and ruthless act.
Clearly, Prince Mu's cold-bloodedness and cruelty, coupled with the Princess's serious illness, had driven Mu Yunhe to madness. Mu Yunhe was truly enraged, and his attack was ruthless, specifically targeting Prince Mu's weaknesses. Mu Yunhe's strike was no less powerful than Luo Zhiheng's; on the contrary, Mu Yunhe was even more vicious, seeking revenge and coercion without reservation.
Luo Zhiheng could guess that Mu Yunhe was doing this because he was genuinely angered or truly desperate. He was using this method to force Prince Mu to see his mother.
Did he really not want Prince Mu to come? Of course not. Despite his hatred, he still hoped Prince Mu would come, just to see his mother one last time. He gave Prince Mu so many days, but Prince Mu remained unmoved. Finally, Mu Yunhe was provoked and angered, and he made his move.
Mu Yunhe wanted to see if Prince Mu had really bought Consort Li. He wanted to see if this was exposed so that Prince Mu would also suffer.
It has to be said that these two men are strikingly similar in their ruthlessness. They both bite into the bone, slicing away at the very bones, deliberately targeting places that cause excruciating pain and leave the victim helpless.
But is Mu Yunhe truly happy doing this? He probably isn't. He wants to see his own father, yet he resorts to such a crazy and extreme method. Mu Yunhe is unwilling to lower his pride and dignity to beg Prince Mu, so he uses this means to force Prince Mu to appear. The bitterness, the cause and effect, the entanglements involved—who is truly to blame?
Yun He must have acted out of jealousy and helplessness, something unacceptable to ordinary people. How heartbroken must Yun He have been at that time? He certainly wouldn't sympathize with Consort Li, but he must have been tormented by the father-son relationship between him and Prince Mu, right? Last night, Yun He drank for the first time, got completely drunk for the first time, and murmured bitter and melancholic words about his inability to make a decision.
Luo Zhiheng wished she could rush to Mu Yunhe's side immediately. With their destination in sight, but the crowd of onlookers blocking the street was too large, Luo Zhiheng shouted sharply, "Make way!"
The common people hurriedly made way, and Luo Zhiheng spurred her horse and rushed in. She saw the dazzling red-clad Lu Zhan team and a row of warriors in black armor guarding Mu Yunhe, protecting him in the middle, while General Tong and General Murong stood on either side of Mu Yunhe.
Mu Yunhe was well. He stood with his hands behind his back in the sunlight on the execution platform. His purple robe was luxurious and his black hair was flying wildly. His expression was cold and his eyes were sharp. Anyone who lingered under his gaze would be in danger of having their soul scattered.
Standing there, he exuded a sharp and cold aura, a kind of brilliance that was undeniable. This was the first time Luo Zhiheng had seen Mu Yunhe like this, as if he were a spear that had been tempered and soaked in a sea of corpses and blood, standing straight and unyielding to the death!
Right at Mu Yunhe's feet, a very magnificent coffin lay there quietly, still bearing traces of soil.
Upon seeing this scene, Luo Zhiheng suddenly closed her eyes tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't quite describe the feeling; she only felt that even the warm, scorching sun couldn't warm Mu Yunhe. He stood there, under the blazing sun, yet he was like a frozen wasteland, his gaze cold, his body cold, and even his heart cold.
Prince Mu's ruthlessness and decisiveness severed Mu Yunhe's passion, buried his kindness, and destroyed his last shred of compassion.
Prince Mu killed Mu Yunhe, a man of flesh and blood!
At that moment, Luo Zhiheng felt such hatred for that hypocritical, blind Prince Mu. Mu Yunhe, whom she had so painstakingly rescued, that warm and loving Mu Yunhe, was now utterly dead! The warmth and life she had so painstakingly obtained—life was still there, breath was still there—but his heart had become utterly cold because of kinship and blood ties. What method, how much effort, and how much time would it take for her to warm that heart again?
Mu Yunhe seemed to sense something. He stiffly turned his face to look at Luo Zhiheng, slowly raised his head, and faced the sunlight. In his dark pupils, Luo Zhiheng's face was clearly imprinted. The corners of his mouth were slightly curved, seemingly smiling, but there was no warmth in his eyes.
Luo Zhiheng's face turned pale. She gritted her teeth, dismounted, rushed onto the execution platform, and threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly, but felt only ice-cold all over her body.
"Mother...is leaving." The hoarse voice and sarcastic tone conveyed an attitude of indifference, yet no one could hear the helplessness, hatred, and sorrow beneath his words.
“We can still try. She’s just unconscious. Lady Huoyun can find a way, and the Emperor has sent a royal physician. Prince Shi said he will find a way to find that renowned doctor. We just need to keep the Princess alive. We just need time. It’s not the final step yet. Nobody knows what will happen. As long as we don’t give up, Yunhe, let’s go home. The Princess must really want you by her side all the time.” Luo Zhiheng’s face was almost buried in his chest. Her voice, though seemingly relaxed, was nasal.
Mu Yunhe lowered his head slightly, his large hand, stained with blood and dirt, slowly rising, but ultimately hovering above Luo Zhiheng's hair, not falling. A glimmer of light flashed in his eyes like a shooting star, so dim, filled with bitterness and hatred that only she could understand.
"Once he arrives, we'll go home. Back to see Mother one last time. This is my last chance for him. If he still insists on his ways, then... I'll make him experience the agony of unbearable pain, of wanting to die but being unable to!" These chilling words were a final act of mercy and forbearance. Mu Yunhe's bottom line was only today, only at this moment. If Prince Mu had truly disappointed him completely, then from this day forward, Mu Yunhe's revenge would begin—a fight to the death!
"Okay! I just want you to be well, and I'm sure the Princess thinks the same way. In the Princess's heart, he is definitely not as important as you." Luo Zhiheng nodded haphazardly.
The two stood there under the scorching sun, nestled together amidst the whispers and pointing fingers of passersby, awaiting Prince Mu's final answer.
It was incredibly fast; Prince Mu arrived, galloping all the way on horseback, his hooves pounding the ground with a loud thud. Prince Mu stopped his horse opposite them, separated by a platform a meter high. They stared at each other, their gazes cold and frozen. As for kinship, given the existence of that coffin, there was no possibility of any kinship between Mu Yunhe and Prince Mu.
"How dare you! What do you think you're doing? Are you being disobedient and unfilial!" Prince Mu immediately rebuked and shouted angrily. Clearly, Mu Yunhe's digging up Consort Li's coffin had enraged Prince Mu.
Mu Yunhe coldly stared at his so-called father. The more the father cared about Consort Li, the angrier and more resentful Mu Yunhe became. Compared to Prince Mu's rage and questioning, Mu Yunhe was surprisingly calm. His voice was not angry at all, as if he were talking to a stranger: "Except for my mother, I have no need to be filial to anyone."
Isn't this clearly telling Prince Mu that he cares about his mother and wants him to be filial, then he needs to make his mother happy? To put it bluntly, it also means that Prince Mu should take the initiative to see his mother.
Luo Zhiheng understood. How could a clever old fox like Prince Mu not understand? Unfortunately, Prince Mu's answer was disappointing once again.
"Isn't Consort Li your mother? Logically speaking, you've always been taken care of by her. She's taken very good care of you, hasn't she? She takes care of everything for you—food, drink, daily necessities, and even when you got married, she was the one who busied herself choosing a wife for you. Isn't it all thanks to Consort Li that Luo Zhiheng is standing by your side today, and that you're where you are today?"
"She's practically your second mother. She even entered the family before your own mother. Do you have the slightest filial piety or respect for her? Digging up her grave? How dare you speak after treating her like this today?" Prince Mu rebuked angrily.
Prince Mu and Mu Yunhe shared the same temperament; the more defiant and stubborn they were, the less willing they were to admit defeat. Prince Mu, instead of offering a kind word, deliberately said things that Mu Yunhe found offensive, which only fueled the fire. The two practically skipped the warm-up phase and went straight into a heated argument. 1.
"Doesn't Your Highness think your words are utterly laughable? So Consort Li's ability to distort the truth wasn't learned from anyone else, but from you." An aged voice came from behind the crowd, which parted to reveal a low-key carriage that slowly approached and stopped.
Old Master Tong emerged from inside, his face weathered and worn. His sharp gaze fixed on Prince Mu, he sternly demanded, "What has my daughter, Tong, done to offend you, Prince Mu? Why can't you speak with a clear conscience and say something fair? Please, Prince Mu, refrain from distorting the facts; I, an old man, would be furious to death if I heard it. Furthermore, does a prince of my dynasty need a mere concubine to care for him? If you say that, where will you, Prince Mu, put your face? Where will my Tong family's face be?"
Prince Mu was taken aback by Elder Tong's arrival. He dismounted, his attitude neither arrogant nor particularly humble, but rather respectful: "Elder Tong, what brings you here?"
Prince Mu was not blinded by emotion and still knew to respect the Pharaoh.
Old Master Tong, however, showed him no respect whatsoever, saying in a sarcastic tone, "If that old codger hadn't come soon, wouldn't we have had to prepare two coffins to collect the bodies of my poor grandson and granddaughter-in-law? What a misfortune for our family! Are we really going to be driven to our deaths by our own father and father-in-law? No, not two coffins, but three! And there's still that little brat in the family who's about to die. It seems that the bloodline of our Tong family is indeed disliked by Prince Mu. He'd rather watch them die than show them the slightest pity. Indeed, our Tong family has failed you, Prince Mu, and the Mu Dynasty!"