Huangfu Lan shook his head violently and retreated, only to find that there was no way to escape!
"It's these Gu worms. To achieve great things, there must be sacrifices. How could a lowly person like you understand?!" Yi Yun Shangcheng said coldly, then asked, "Do you know what I hate most?"
"Waaah, ugh..." Huangfu Lan shook her head violently, trying to break free from his hold, but Yi Yun Shangcheng's arms were like steel, not giving her a chance to move. "What I hate most is betrayal and deception. I read lies in your eyes, Huangfu Lan, do you understand?!" His cold words whispered in her ear, making her tremble all over!
"Haha!" Yi Yun Shangcheng laughed twice and shoved the Gu worm into her mouth. Instantly, the Gu worm burrowed into her esophagus and entered her bone marrow!
He threw the woman in front of him onto the bed. "Huangfu Lan, what I'm giving you today is the Heart-Eating Gu. You have to do whatever I tell you. If you can't complete the task I've given you, or if you tell others about this, your Heart-Eating Gu will definitely take effect. When that happens, don't blame me if you're stuck between life and death!" He said casually and then sat down on the chair next to him.
"The Heart-Eating Gu will slowly erode everything about you. In the end, you will be nothing but a walking corpse! This is the price you pay for loving the Lone King, do you understand?" Yi Yun Shangcheng poured himself a cup of tea and drank it.
Huangfu Lan trembled all over, trying to vomit out the Gu worm, but nothing she did helped!
"Don't try anything funny with me! Don't you like me? Don't you want to be my woman? My queen? I can grant your wish, hehe!" Yi Yun Shangcheng sneered, standing before her again, head bowed. "Want to be? Remember, be obedient." Her voice, sweet as orchids, was like a ghost's.
Huangfu Lan was somewhat dazed, and didn't react much to his words. Yi Yun Shangcheng's crimson eyes returned to their cold purple. He took out a medicine bottle from his body and threw it to her, "Wipe away those marks. I don't want to see even a trace on them!" Huangfu Lan came to her senses and obediently used the medicine he gave her to apply to his kiss marks and scratches. Then she put on her clothes and tightened her belt.
After watching her finish tidying up, Yi Yun Shangcheng immediately pressed her sleep acupoint from a distance, and Huangfu Lan fell onto the bed.
He stepped out to the window, raised his hand, and instantly, a black eagle swooped down from the sky!
With a flapping motion, the black eagle immediately landed on Yiyun Shangcheng's arm. Yiyun Shangcheng said, "Tell Beigong Jueshi not to kill Huangfu Lan yet! He has a use for me."
Yi Yun Shangcheng glanced back at Huangfu Lan on the bed, snorted coldly, and was about to leave when she saw Nan Xu Cong and Ji Wu Shang standing opposite her! Nan Xu Cong and Ji Wu Shang were walking downstairs.
Yi Yun Shangcheng was about to push the door open immediately, but then she heard footsteps outside. Judging from the voice, it should be Huangfu Ting! Yi Yun Shangcheng immediately jumped out of the window and instantly stood at the corner of the corridor on the first floor.
Approaching them were Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong. Ji Wushang was startled when he saw Yiyun Shangcheng in front of him, but quickly calmed down and said, "Greetings, King of the Western Regions."
Nan Xuzong looked at Yiyun Shangcheng and cupped his hands, saying, "Greetings, King of the Western Regions!" He hadn't expected that Huangfu Ting's schemes would fail him! It seemed a fierce battle between them was inevitable!
Yi Yun Shangcheng, with her icy purple eyes, looked at the two people in front of her and suddenly smiled, "What a coincidence that you two met here? How about having a drink?" Were these two here to see if she had been tricked? She had seen them before, but they disappeared in the blink of an eye. Now, they suddenly appeared. Were they with Huangfu Ting?
Yiyun Shangcheng coldly watched them, her gaze finally landing on Ji Wushang. His long hair, blown by the wind in the corridor, had a somewhat sinister and ethereal feel to it.
Ji Wushang felt a little nervous under his gaze, but then he thought that he didn't really have anything to be nervous about. He was just a human being. Ji Wushang looked at him seriously. He had heard that Nan Xuzong said he wanted to watch his show. He wondered what had happened.
"In that case, I shall respectfully comply." Nan Xuzong looked at Yiyun Shangcheng. He couldn't refuse Yiyun Shangcheng's request to drink with him and Wushang, otherwise he would have any excuse to tell Emperor Zhou about his and Wushang's faults!
Ji Wushang nodded, and Nan Xuzong placed his hand on her jade-like hand. Ji Wushang tightly grasped his large hand.
“I know a quiet room here. Please come with us, Your Majesty of the Western Regions.” Nan Xuzong smiled at him, but his large hand gripped Ji Wushang’s hand even tighter.
Yiyun Shangcheng looked at the two of them, taking in everything, but her eyes remained cold and unchanged. "Thank you."
Huangfu Ting gently knocked on the door from the outside, but heard no sound from inside. After thinking for a moment, he immediately pushed the door open and went in.
As for the medicinal properties, it should have been used at least once, yet there wasn't a single sound, which was strange. Huangfu Ting went inside and, finding the air devoid of any alluring scent, immediately understood. He rushed into the inner room and saw Huangfu Lan lying unconscious on the bed. Yi Yun Shangcheng had vanished without a trace.
Huangfu Ting stepped forward and helped Huangfu Lan up, channeling his inner energy into her back. After a short while, Huangfu Lan finally woke up.
"What happened? Where is the King of the Western Regions?" Huangfu Ting asked immediately.
"Him?" A sense of horror flashed through Huangfu Lan's mind, but she quickly suppressed it. "He's gone."
"He didn't do 'that' to you?" Huangfu Ting finally voiced his true feelings. "How could that be? Didn't you drug him with 'Lotus Flower Intoxication'?"
"How should I know!" Huangfu Lan was furious. She was almost dead, and he was still doing things for her! He hadn't shown any concern for his younger sister, but was only thinking about how the King of the Western Regions was doing! She had been poisoned by his Heart-Eating Gu! She didn't even know how she was going to die!
"Tell me, what exactly happened?" Huangfu Ting sensed something was wrong, but the important thing was to get her to tell him the truth.
Huangfu Lan looked at him and sneered, "Give up your plan. He can't be controlled by anyone. I failed, and I won't listen to you to tempt him anymore. You have no idea how powerful he is. He's not even human. Do you understand?!" Huangfu Lan shouted louder and louder at the end.
Huangfu Ting was taken aback. "Not human? What do you mean by that? If not human, then is it a ghost? How ridiculous!" His voice rose, and his cold aura made Huangfu Lan's heart skip a beat. She decided it was best not to provoke him.
Huangfu Lan looked at him and said, "I don't know, don't ask me." With that, she got out of bed and walked out.
Huangfu Ting squinted at her figure. Her walking posture and every move she made were like those of a virgin. There was no blood on the bed, which meant that Yiyun Shangcheng really had not touched Huangfu Lan!
Could it be that he's not human? Otherwise, if he were a person, and this happened twice in a row, he should need at least one or two women to detoxify him! But if he's not human, then what is he? It's truly laughable!
Huangfu Lan's reaction suggests he has been frightened or threatened. Yiyun Shangcheng, what kind of person are you? Isn't the great title of King of the Western Regions enough?
Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong entered a private room, with Yiyun Shangcheng following behind them.
Yi Yun Shangcheng had been watching their intimacy closely. Looking at the two of them, Yi Yun Shangcheng wished he could burn a hole in them, but he couldn't.
Yiyun Shangcheng recalled the day of Nan Xuzong's birthday banquet, all the things she had done for him, and how her love for Nan Xuzong drove her mad with jealousy! Why, after giving so much, could she not give him even a tiny bit of love?
"Please have a seat," Nan Xuzong said, having already entered the private room.
Ji Wushang stood next to Nan Xuzong. Yi Yunshang's status was higher than theirs, so he naturally did not dare to sit first.
"Thank you!" Yi Yun smiled and sat down. "Please sit down, Princess Consort of the Southern Prince."
"Thank you," Ji Wushang said, then sat down in the chair. Looking at them, he didn't know what to say, but finally said, "I'll go ask the waiter to bring some wine and dishes." Ji Wushang immediately ran off.
Nan Xuzong and Yi Yunshangcheng sat facing each other in silence. After a while, Yi Yunshangcheng raised her lips, poured wine into Nan Xuzong's cup, and then poured it into her own. "I've heard that although Prince Nan is not agile, he is quite skilled in martial arts and is deeply favored by the Empress Dowager. I wonder who would win if we were to have a martial arts competition in the future?"
His tone carried a hint of provocation, but Nan Xuzong was not annoyed. Instead, he smiled and said, "What outsiders say is not to be believed. I personally learned that the King of the Western Regions drove the King of Bohai's army out of the Western Regions in just a few days and even killed the Bohai prince. It is truly admirable."
"Heh, the King of Bohai is thinking of encroaching on my Western Regions. I absolutely cannot tolerate this! Anyone who encroaches on my Western Regions will surely pay the price! War is inherently ruthless. The Prince of Bohai deserves his punishment. Don't blame me for being heartless!" Yiyun Shangcheng snorted coldly, then changed his expression and picked up his wine cup. "Please."
"Please." Nan Xuzong smiled. What he said was true. Anyone who occupies someone else's land will have to pay a price. War is bound to be cruel. Life and death are not something you can decide for yourself. If you want to live, you have to let others die!
Nan Xuzong and his companion finished their drinks and then put the glass down.
Nan Xuzong said, “The Western Regions are vast, with lush grasses, abundant cattle and sheep, and breathtaking scenery. The King of the Western Regions and Princess Muchen have been in my Great Xia Zhou Dynasty for some time now. I wonder if the King of the Western Regions feels any difference between our people and yours? I wonder if our people have caused any inconvenience to the King of the Western Regions and Princess Muchen?”
Yiyun Shangcheng listened to what he said and smiled. Why was he asking her these questions?
"I do not understand what Prince Nan is saying," Yi Yun Shangcheng said with a wicked smile.
"I was just curious, nothing more," Nan Xuzong said, looking at him with a smile in his eyes. Yiyun Shangcheng hadn't explored the entire imperial city, and didn't know what the people of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty desired. As for the Western Regions, he had led troops to guard the border long ago, but he still didn't have a deep understanding of the people within the country… How could he possibly satisfy his ambitions under such circumstances?
Or is it that he is so confident that he disdains things like inspecting the people's conditions?
"Yes." Yi Yun Shangcheng nodded. "Your Majesty and Princess Muchen are doing well at the post station!"
"That's good." Nan Xuzong smiled and filled the glass. "Please."
"There are some questions I'm not sure if I should ask." Yi Yun Shangcheng sipped her wine, then put it down, her purple eyes looking at Nan Xu Cong with a slight smile.
Nan Xuzong looked into his eyes, all the way to his heart, and asked, "Excuse me."
"I wonder how Prince Nan and Princess Nan met?" Yi Yun asked from the city.
Nan Xuzong paused slightly. When did they meet? During the Falling Flowers season, perhaps, at the Falling Petals Garden. Could he really tell him? Heh! "Wu Shang and I met during the Falling Flowers season. I was invited to the Princess Consort of Zhenbei's birthday banquet, and so was she. It was our first time seeing each other from afar, and we didn't exchange many words. I just don't know why the King of the Western Regions is asking?" A hint of mockery played on Nan Xuzong's lips. Didn't he want to know? He'd just tell him, and let him give up! They almost came to blows before, and now he's politely asking me about my acquaintance with Wu Shang! How laughable!
Ji Wushang carefully walked in from outside, but couldn't help but stop listening to their conversation.
Yiyun Shangcheng smiled slightly, "What a beautiful day."
"Thank you for your praise, King of the Western Regions!" Nan Xuzong said in a clear voice.
Yiyun Shangcheng looked him up and down, scrutinizing him from head to toe, making Nan Xuzong wonder if he was crazy to be looking at him like that! But he definitely wasn't.
Yiyun Shangcheng shook her head.
"Why is the King of the Western Regions shaking his head?" Nan Xuzong looked at him.
Ji Wushang thought for a moment outside, then went in and smiled, "The wine and snacks are here. I'm so sorry to have kept you both waiting."
"To have the Princess Consort of the Southern Prince personally bring me dessert, my life has not been in vain." Yi Yun Shangcheng looked at Ji Wushang, her eyes scanning her entire body.
"The King of the Western Regions is so pampered; I, a commoner, am merely benefiting from his favor!" Ji Wushang laughed, sitting down beside Nan Xuzong. Nan Xuzong readily took her delicate hand in his, saying with a gentle smile, "Thank you for your hard work."
Ji Wushang nodded slightly, "It wasn't too hard."
Yiyun Shangcheng watched the two of them being so affectionate, completely ignoring her. She felt a surge of anger, but she couldn't show it, so she just drank a few glasses of wine.
Ji Wushang just turned her head and saw him down several cups in a row. She thought of stopping him, but Nan Xuzong had already pulled her hand over and placed both of her hands in his own. "The King of the Western Regions has drunk too much. He might get drunk."
"It's alright. I'm so happy to meet you two today! It's fine to drink too much!" Yi Yun Shangcheng said, pouring another cup of wine and swallowing it down.
Ji Wushang ultimately did not try to stop it.
He doesn't cherish himself, let him go on his own!
Ji Wushang tugged at Nan Xuzong, signaling with his eyes that it was time for him to go back. Nan Xuzong nodded, looked at Yiyun Shangcheng who was still drinking, glanced at Ji Wushang, and then turned to look at Yiyun Shangcheng, "King of the Western Regions, it's getting late. Wushang and I will go back first. If the King of the Western Regions needs anything, I will ask some people to escort you back."
"No need." Yi Yun shook her head, her gaze drifting towards Ji Wushang. "You should go back!" So what if she's another man's wife? So what if she's lying in another man's arms? Do you think this will last? Wishful thinking! Heh, let you enjoy yourselves for a while! When the time comes, Ji Wushang, you will lose him forever. Be good and stay by my side!
Seeing the hint of resentment and desolation in his purple eyes, Ji Wushang immediately turned around and walked out.
"Then I'll take my leave!" Nan Xuzong immediately followed Ji Wushang, who was already walking ahead.
Yi Yun turned back at the city gate, looked at Ji Wushang's figure, and gave a cold smile. She turned her head, raised the wine jug in front of her, and poured it over her head. The wine splashed down with a loud thud.
Ji Wushang turned around and saw Nan Xuzong following. He immediately went behind Nan Xuzong and pushed his wheelchair for him.
“You’re not happy,” Nan Xuzong said, looking into the distance.
“Not really,” Ji Wushang shook his head. The two walked out the door together.
"How did you meet the King of the Western Regions?" Nan Xuzong asked.
The two were already seated in the carriage, and Gong Shu drove it slowly toward the Marquis's residence.
"How did we meet? My mother and I were returning home when we encountered villains who tried to kill us. Fortunately, he saved us. At that time, he was a prince from the Western Regions. I am very grateful to him for saving my mother and me." Ji Wushang's face showed little expression, as if he were stating an ordinary matter. However, he noticed a glimmer in his eyes, but he couldn't see any romantic feelings in them, only gratitude.
Nan Xuzong felt a little relieved and held her in his arms. "I really wish you had met me back then. I wish I could have saved you from that dire situation at that critical moment."
“You have redeemed me.” Ji Wushang looked at him. “Nan Xuzong, you are my salvation in this life.”
Nan Xuzong looked at her, then held her quietly in his arms. "Aren't you my salvation too?"
Ji Wushang rested her head against his chest, silently counting his heartbeats. After a long while, Ji Wushang suddenly asked, "Cong, if one day my appearance changes, will you still love me?"
"Yes, I will always love you. I love your heart, not your appearance." Nan Xuzong pulled her up, looking into her eyes. "We will grow old together, and our appearances will change then. Will you still love me then?"
“Of course,” Ji Wushang smiled.
Nan Xuzong gently covered her cherry lips with his own. "No matter what you become, I will always love you, always... without stopping." He kissed her softness, his large hands slowly stroking her back, his heat constantly penetrating her nerves.
He was somewhat agitated. During his conversation with Yiyun Shangcheng, he had sensed the man's ill intentions! They were not only rivals on the battlefield, but also formidable rivals in love! Ji Wushang could only be his! He was merely a passerby in Ji Wushang's life!
I will never lose! Two people in love cannot be separated, unless death comes between them!
Nan Xuzong kissed every inch of her skin, as if he were sucking on the most beautiful and precious thing. He originally wanted to be gentle, but as soon as he closed his eyes, he remembered the look in Yiyun Shangcheng's eyes when she looked at Ji Wushang!
He had to intensify his verbal attacks, his strength almost as if he wanted to meld her into his own body, fiercely nibbling at her skin, at all her beauty.
Ji Wushang felt a surge of heat from his teasing. Having made love many times, he had found her sensitive spots and knew her vulnerabilities. He longed to take this opportunity to be tender with her. After her period, she should be able to conceive, right? If not… oh well, she'd try harder… three months, three months! She still had time!
Ji Wushang looked at him with hazy eyes, letting out suppressed moans. He kissed her neck, then moved to her delicate collarbone… touching everything. His burning hands ignited a fire, moving downwards. When they touched her jade-like skin, Ji Wushang was terrified by his intense heat. Her heart pounded. Coming to her senses, she grabbed his hand to stop him from moving. “No, not here…” They were in the carriage, and Gong Shu was outside! There were also guards on both sides. If she and he did such a thing here, how could she face anyone in the world?
Looking at her half-frightened face and the blush that hadn't faded, Nan Xuzong thought for a moment, then pulled his large hand out from under her skirt. "I'm sorry, I... I couldn't control myself a little..." Nan Xuzong said awkwardly, his eyes full of desire. Looking at her, he kissed her hard again before stopping.