Yes, I miss her voice!
"I simply wish to host another grand banquet for the Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess, to fulfill my duty as host!" Yi Yun Shangcheng smiled, looking into her eyes. "After all, this is a matter of good relations between our two countries, and both sides must show sincerity! Fourth Princess, don't you agree?" His tone was questioning, yet it carried more of a pressure. Good relations between two countries are possible, but things could change due to unforeseen circumstances; this has been the case since ancient times.
Ji Wushang smiled, "Yes, the King of the Western Regions is right! My wife and I represent our Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, so we have come with great sincerity!" As he spoke, Ji Wushang immediately turned to look at Nan Xuzong, who smiled and said, "The King of the Western Regions is too kind to refuse, so my wife and I will respectfully accept and stay. We are going to disturb the King of the Western Regions!"
"What disturbance? This is the hospitality I, the King, should receive! Bring wine!" Yi Yun Shangcheng's words carried a hint of warmth, but were mostly tinged with icy coldness. Now that they'd entered this Western Regions royal palace, did they really think they held the reins?
A slight smile appeared on Yiyun Shangcheng's lips. The maids filed in through the side door, presenting fine wine, and then respectfully poured it into Nan Xuzong's cup first. Nan Xuzong smiled slightly and placed the poured wine in front of Ji Wushang, "My beloved consort," he called softly.
Ji Wushang was taken aback. This was a call he had never tried before. Ji Wushang smiled and greeted Nan Xuzong, "Thank you, Your Highness." Nan Xuzong smiled and naturally pulled Ji Wushang into his arms, letting her lean against him.
The two's unbridled intimacy made those around them red-eyed or angry, but dared not speak out. Yi Yun Shangcheng watched as he suppressed his anger, his hand gripping the woman in front of him. The coldness emanating from him terrified the two women serving him, who also had to endure his violence.
The maid who poured the wine looked a little embarrassed, but quickly poured more wine for Nan Xuzong.
Nan Xuzong's words clearly indicated that he considered Ji Wushang more important than himself, and that he was merely a protector behind her!
Ji Wushang smiled; he knew his own doting nature. But doing it in front of so many people was enough to drive others mad with jealousy! Yi Yun Shangcheng pushed aside the two women beside him, picked up a glass of wine from her table, and walked down to Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang. "The Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess are truly a perfect match, their love is the envy of all! This glass of wine is a toast to you both!" She raised her glass in a gesture of respect, then drank it all in one gulp.
Nan Xuzong helped Ji Wushang up, then took a cup of wine for himself. Just as Ji Wushang was about to pick up the cup, Nan Xuzong smiled and snatched it from her hand. "My beloved consort is not a good drinker and is afraid that she will be impolite if she gets drunk, so I will drink it on her behalf. Please forgive me, Your Majesty of the Western Regions!" With that, he raised the cup and drank two cups of wine in a row.
Ji Wushang looked at him, her eyes flickering.
Yiyun Shangcheng smiled and said, "Good, Fourth Prince, you are indeed straightforward! I like you as a friend!"
Friend? Nan Xuzong sneered. They fought to the death just a few days ago, and now this guy calls himself a friend? This man's skin is truly thick! But Nan Xuzong smiled, "I dare not presume to be worthy of the Western Regions King! Thank you for your kind offer, Western Regions King!"
"Hehe!" Yi Yun Shangcheng chuckled twice, then walked back to his seat. "Today, we won't leave until we're drunk!" His powerful voice resounded throughout the entire hall.
The surrounding ministers watched cautiously as they began to eat or drink. Sitting to one side were Hao Yueyi and Murs, both looking at Nan Xuzong, their thoughts unreadable. Hao Yueyi gestured to Murs, who nodded.
“Your Majesty, dancing and music alone are hardly enough to entertain you. A few days ago, I met a man at the market who loves swordsmanship. I asked him why he loved swordsmanship, and he said that he wanted to one day perform a sword routine for Your Majesty! After hearing this, I arranged for him to stay at the General's Mansion! Now, this is an opportunity. I wonder if Your Majesty would allow me to summon this man and have him perform a sword routine for Your Majesty? It would also be good for the Fourth Prince and the Fourth Princess to give him some pointers!”
Yiyun Shangcheng smiled and said, "Granted."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Murs winked at a lieutenant standing to the side, who immediately ran out.
Nan Xuzong's lips curled up. He placed one hand on Ji Wushang's waist and let the other hand hang down, closing his sleeve. He used his internal force to force out the wine he had just drunk, letting the wine seep into his sleeve.
Ji Wushang was feeling a little nervous; this was probably a trap!
Just then, Yiyun Shangcheng waved away the dancers, and a man walked in from outside, holding a shield in one hand and a long sword in the other. This man was over eight feet tall, with a burly build and a full beard, looking like a rough mountain man.
Nan Xuzong smiled slightly and looked up gently, "I'm sure the sword dance will be a spectacular sight. Our Great Xia Zhou Dynasty has never tried sword dancing for entertainment before."
“Then let the Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess enjoy it!” Yiyun Shangcheng said, waving her hand. Muers gestured with his eyes.
The man stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and then began to wield his sword.
---Aside---
The previous chapter, Chapter 243, Part 243: "You promised not to do anything reckless, but you did again! (Spoiling)" (For the full version...)
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☆、245 Ji Wushang, you will come begging to me!
The swordsmanship was incredibly exquisite! The man, wielding his longsword, began to wield it on the stage, drawing applause and praise from the assembled ministers. Murs, handsome as ever, watched the man, his eyes subtly shifting, signaling him to act. The man immediately moved towards Nan Xuzong's direction.
Ji Wushang turned to look at the group of people, then at Nan Xuzong. She stepped forward slightly, but Nan Xuzong immediately lowered his eyes. "What's wrong?"
Ji Wushang remained silent, her gaze turning coldly towards the swordsman approaching. Nan Xuzong understood her meaning, but setting her aside, he thought, "This little woman, is she trying to shield me? What a fool."
He affectionately pinched the bridge of her nose. "Don't worry." Her starry eyes looked at Ji Wushang, her smile crinkling. How could he bear to let her stand in front of him?
At this moment, the man stepped forward, brandishing his sword with a loud thud, and swung it towards Nan Xuzong.
Ji Wushang felt nervous, her palms sweating. In a moment of quick thinking, she immediately leaned into his arms. "Cong..." she whispered, her jade hand supporting her forehead. "I, I have a bit of a headache."
"Wu Shang, what's wrong?" Nan Xuzong looked surprised, his face full of tension. He immediately grabbed her wrist. Ji Wu Shang nestled in his arms and winked. Nan Xuzong immediately understood and hugged Ji Wu Shang tightly. This little woman could actually come up with such a method.
"What's wrong with the Fourth Princess Consort?" Yi Yun Shangcheng stood up and looked at them, not walking down herself. "Someone, summon the witch doctor!"
Nan Xuzong immediately waved his hand, "No need."
Ji Wushang's face was a little pale. He tugged at Nan Xuzong's sleeve and said, "I feel suffocated. Take me out, okay?"
Nan Xuzong listened, looking up at Yiyun Shangcheng, while the swordsman could only leap away under Yiyun Shangcheng's gaze. Nan Xuzong said, "Wu Shang is unwell, so we must take our leave! Please forgive us, King of the Western Regions!"
"The witch doctor has arrived. Let him examine the Fourth Princess! Otherwise, if word gets out, it will be said that I, the King, hosted a banquet that made the Fourth Princess unwell! Witch doctor!" Yiyun Shangcheng immediately gave the order, and the person had already come down.
At this moment, the man dressed in the unique shamanic attire of the Western Regions stepped forward. His face was covered with ancient patterns. Upon hearing Yiyun Shangcheng's words, he immediately stepped forward, "Fourth Prince..." His voice was like the sound of death from hell. His gaze then shifted to Ji Wushang, meeting Ji Wushang's eyes, but Ji Wushang simply nestled in Nan Xuzong's arms.
However, it was precisely at an angle that one could see the back of Ji Wushang's neck. The alluring blood lotus was now faintly visible through the gauze robe. The witch doctor was startled.
Nan Xuzong picked her up and stood up. "No need! To be honest, Your Majesty of the Western Regions, although I, Huangfu Zong, am not very talented, I have studied medicine! I already knew about Wushang's relapse! It's an old ailment! He just needs some fresh air! I'll take my leave now!" With that, he immediately turned and left.
But when they reached the palace gate, they were stopped by several guards.
Yi Yun Shangcheng's eyes were cold as he listened to what the man had just said—that it was an old ailment! This damned man had actually made Wu Shang suffer from some kind of old ailment! He had just seen Ji Wu Shang's face turn pale, as if he were in great pain! He didn't cherish Ji Wu Shang at all, so why did he still hold onto Ji Wu Shang's life so tightly! Such a man was utterly despicable!
Nan Xuzong's tone was icy, his murderous aura suffocating everyone present. "Get out of the way!" His lips moved, his sinister eyes fixed on those blocking his path. Anyone who dared to obstruct him further would regret ever being born!
Seeing the stalemate, the guard looked towards Yiyun Shangcheng, who had already walked up to Nan Xuzong. He desperately wanted to know what was wrong with Ji Wushang. "Stay here and let the witch doctor examine her!" His tone was extremely cold, as if he were trying to snatch Ji Wushang from Nan Xuzong.
Nestled in Nan Xuzong's arms, Ji Wushang wondered if he had overacted a bit. He had only come up with this method because he didn't want anyone to perform a sword dance with Nan Xuzong.
"Please forgive me for taking her out of the palace!" Nan Xuzong said coldly, turning slightly to look at Yi Yun Shangcheng. Yi Yun Shangcheng was now standing only five steps away from him. Nan Xuzong met those sinister red eyes, those eyes that changed so quickly!
"I suppose the King of the Western Regions won't make things difficult for my wife and me!" Nan Xuzong spat out these words through gritted teeth during the tense standoff.
"Witch doctor, examine the Fourth Princess's illness!" Yi Yun Shangcheng glared at Nan Xu Cong, her entire body radiating murderous intent. "The Fourth Prince should know the gravity of the situation. He should start treatment as soon as possible! What old ailment or new ailment? If anything happens, it should be dealt with promptly!" She was determined to snatch Ji Wushang away. He wouldn't take care of Ji Wushang at all. How could such a man be worthy of Ji Wushang?!
Ji Wushang popped his head out slightly, while Nan Xuzong had already stretched out a hand, his powerful inner strength concentrated in his hand. "It seems that the King of the Western Regions intends to forcibly detain my wife and me!" The surrounding ministers stood up as they watched this scene, but seeing the tense atmosphere between the two, they dared not step forward.
Murs and Hao Yueyi exchanged a glance. Hao Yueyi stepped forward and said, "Fourth Prince, you must have misunderstood. The King meant well by having the witch doctor treat the Fourth Princess. There's no question of forcing her to stay."
Ji Wushang whispered, "I want to go back..." Her voice was very soft, but enough for Nan Xuzong and Yiyun Shangcheng to hear. "Thank you for the kindness of the King of the Western Regions. Wushang is fine. She just feels a bit stuffy in her chest. She just needs some fresh air!"
Yi Yun Shangcheng's face showed displeasure. He could tell that if Ji Wushang hadn't spoken, Nan Xuzong would definitely have fought him again! But Ji Wushang's words had changed everything. Given this, could he still force him to stay? He stepped forward, his gaze intensely fixed on Ji Wushang, "Are you really alright?"
Ji Wushang sighed helplessly and said softly, "Thank you for your kindness, King of the Western Regions, but I'm fine."
Hearing the voice and meeting Nan Xuzong's murderous gaze, Yiyun Shangcheng could only wave the witch doctor away. "In that case, send the Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess out of the palace!" With that, she walked back to her throne, her whole being icy cold, and no one dared to approach her.
Nan Xuzong's chill subsided slightly, but his eyes flashed with murderous intent as he looked at the people in front of him. The guards dared not stop him any longer and immediately stepped aside. The eunuch standing in the hall immediately stepped forward, "Fourth Prince, Fourth Princess, please leave this way."
Nan Xuzong remained silent, expressionless, and followed the eunuch immediately out of the palace. However, he was extremely vigilant. Seeing the eunuch lead them down a different path as they turned the corner, Nan Xuzong immediately questioned coldly, "Eunuch, what refined taste you have! Where are you taking my wife and me for a banquet?"
"This servant knows there are many paths leading out of the palace, so I thought I'd lead the Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess out along a new route, and perhaps you can enjoy the scenery along the way," the eunuch explained, his eyes gleaming with a cunning, fox-like light. The King had instructed him to lead them astray as possible; this man was indeed quite astute. Fortunately, the King had said it was merely a test…
Nan Xuzong snorted coldly, "No need, just follow the original path! My beloved concubine is ill, how could she be in the mood to appreciate any scenery!"
"It was this servant's foolishness, please forgive me, Fourth Prince," the eunuch immediately said, then quickly led Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang back to their original path. He muttered to himself, "So vigilant! They've only been here once, yet they remember the palace layout. This one might be difficult to deal with!"
However, there are still many things waiting for them outside the palace, so it won't make a difference if they wait a little longer!
When Nan Xuzong carried Ji Wushang out of the palace, Gong Shu, Hong Fei, and Cui Wu looked on in surprise. They immediately stepped forward, "Your Highness, what happened to the Fourth Imperial Consort?"
"Get in the car! Go back!" Nan Xuzong coldly ordered.
The eunuch looked at them and bowed. "Now that you have been safely escorted out of the palace, please take care, Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess. This servant will return to report."
"Hmph!" Nan Xuzong snorted coldly, picked up Ji Wushang, and immediately put him into the carriage. He quickly lowered the curtain, "Gong Shu, let's go!"
Gong Shu, Hong Feicuiwu, and the other two immediately split into two groups. Gong Shu brandished his whip and drove the carriage away.
The man in black standing atop the high-rise stared coldly into the direction of the departing carriage, his eyes flickering with unreadable thoughts. Only after the black dot disappeared from sight did he turn around, only to see Murles standing not far away.
Yi Yun Shangcheng's eyes darkened. "What is it?"
Hao Yueyi and the five elders also came up at this time.
All seven men were kneeling at the feet of Yiyun Shangcheng. Yiyun Shangcheng's face was cold, but he still asked, "Speak your mind! I don't have much patience!"
“Your Majesty, we have come to ask you to consider something,” Murs said.
"Get to the point!" Yi Yun Shangcheng glanced at them. Damn it, she should have gone to see her sometime! She was so worried about leaving her with Nan Xu Cong!
"Your Majesty, since ancient times, emperors have always had three thousand concubines in their harems. However, since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have not taken any concubines or established an empress. We are worried for Your Majesty. Please consider whether Your Majesty should announce to the world that nobles or court officials should select some women of suitable age to be sent into the harem?" Murs was a rough man who only knew how to train soldiers and how to lead troops into battle. Therefore, he did not pay attention to the wording of his words.
But everyone around him nodded. Yi Yun Shangcheng understood that these seven people had come to force him to take some concubines. A smirk played on Yi Yun Shangcheng's lips. Were they worried about not having any offspring? Worried that the Western Regions would have no heir? Heh!
At this moment, Yiyun Shangcheng stepped forward, his right hand gathering enormous energy, and slowly raised it. His smile was sinister. Mulls, Hao Yueyi, and the others were so intimidated by his powerful aura that they felt their livers and gallbladders tremble, but there was no way to retreat!
“I once said that no one is allowed to mention my marriage to a concubine or the establishment of an empress. Now, you are knowingly violating this rule!” Yi Yun stepped forward, her crimson eyes fixed on them.
Hao Yueyi felt his body trembling slightly. This young emperor's temper was getting worse, and his martial arts skills were becoming even more terrifying! However, this concerned the future of the Western Regions. The fact that they were kneeling here meant that Yiyun Shangcheng might be furious! But now that they were already standing here, they could only continue!
"Your Majesty, please consider the well-being of your descendants. Moreover, if you could marry some noble daughters as concubines, you could leverage their power to strengthen our Western Regions Dynasty!" Hao Yueyi bravely spoke out in her heart. "If Your Majesty has any wishes, you can rely on these forces to fulfill them!"
As Yiyun Shangcheng listened, his eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of light flashing within them. The power in his hand slowly dissipated. He turned to look at the sky, his tone changing, "As you said, Murs."
"Your subject is here." Murs immediately knelt down to obey. It had been too dangerous! He thought he was about to die at his hands! Unexpectedly, the king actually listened to him!
“Make a list of eligible young women from noble families and ministers. Those who wish to enter the palace to serve me will be selected,” Yiyun said as she ascended the city wall, before leaving. “Don’t forget what I instructed you to do!”
His meaning was clear: how those women performed after entering the palace was up to them; whether they became concubines or queens was entirely up to their own abilities! And that last sentence was clearly telling him not to forget what he needed to do! If he put the cart before the horse, he would be doomed!
Moore and the others immediately kowtowed, "Yes!"
Yiyun Shangcheng went straight into his study. Seeing a person kneeling and waiting in the darkness, Yiyun Shangcheng stepped forward. "Witch doctor, what is it?"
After Mulls spoke with Hao Yueyi, the five elders split up and took action.
Once Ji Wushang was out of sight of those people in the carriage, she opened her eyes, and Nan Xuzong's handsome eyes came into view.
"Where are we going now?" Ji Wushang asked.
"Let's return to the capital." Nan Xuzong glanced outside and said, "We used the 'golden cicada shedding its shell' strategy, so you don't need to worry!"
"Did they really send someone to assassinate us?" Ji Wushang stood up. Did he really want to kill him and Nan Xuzong?
Nan Xuzong embraced her, then lifted one side of the curtain. "Yes, but we've already left. They can't catch up. Look, we've reached the border of Qingzhao."
Qingzhao, I heard that word again. It must be a beautiful place! Ji Wushang breathed a sigh of relief. As long as everything is alright!
Looking outside, all he saw were lush green meadows, with the occasional grazing cattle and sheep. Ji Wushang felt quite pleased. "Cong, how come I've never heard of the country of Qingzhao before?"
"This country is too small, so it is not recorded in the annals of the various states of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty. However, in recent years, Qingzhao has grown stronger in a short period of time because of the new king's hard work and efforts. Moreover, although their army is small, it is well-trained. The new king's abilities should not be underestimated."
"Hmm, I see. Then I wonder, will this one day lead to war?" Ji Wushang looked at Nan Xuzong.