Her demeanor was natural and casual, friendly yet not intimate. Although it was pleasing to the eye, this was in front of civil and military officials, in the Celestial Empire, in front of the Emperor. How could she be so impolite, leaning so limply against a man? What kind of behavior was this? What kind of decorum was this! In an instant, everyone's impression of this barbaric female leader worsened.
As expected of a woman, what great things could she possibly accomplish? Even if she becomes the female leader, so what? From her acting on her own initiative to bring people to the Celestial Empire, to her indulgence of her subordinates' behavior in the Celestial Empire these past two days, and then to her disrespectful behavior in front of the palace today, it is clear that this woman is utterly useless, all looks and no brains, and not worth fearing!
The emperor's anger was understandable, but considering that these people came from the barbarians, including their supreme leader, he naturally had to display the demeanor of a celestial monarch. Why bother arguing with a woman? However, the leader's words put him in a dilemma. He couldn't very well say that the barbarians weren't his subjects, could he? Wouldn't that push the barbarians away? Those barbarians were a valuable fighting force. Although he couldn't use them for the time being, if he let them go, they might be used against him, which would be a huge loss.
But if we say that the barbarians are also his beloved people, wouldn't this seemingly unruly female leader take advantage of the situation to ask for benefits? After all, the emperor and his men have studied this for several days and are certain that the female leader's purpose in coming to the Mu Dynasty is probably still the scarce food.
Suppressing his anger, the young emperor said in a deep voice, "The Barbarian Lands are naturally allies of the Mu Dynasty. It is the Mu Dynasty's duty to protect the people of the Barbarian Lands. Friendly exchanges between the two countries have been a long-standing tradition. Although the Barbarian Lands have been sending less and less tribute each year, the Mu Dynasty has always accepted it with joy. Your Majesty's personal visit this time must be to personally escort the tribute supplies, right? Your Majesty's dedication to serving the Celestial Dynasty is truly gratifying to me."
The emperor's move was a masterful maneuver, effectively thwarting Luo Zhiheng's intentions without offending anyone. It was a brilliant strategy, a preemptive strike. If Luo Zhiheng were to ask for grain instead of offering it as tribute, the Mu Dynasty would have something to say.
Luo Zhiheng's smile remained unchanged; she truly understood the emperor's power. However, she wasn't stupid; instead of responding to the emperor's words, she lazily changed the subject, saying, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but may I sit down? My health is really not very good; I get tired after standing for a while."
The emperor's eyes flashed, and his gaze towards Luo Zhiheng deepened. He shared the same thoughts as his officials, believing that this female leader was using her body to threaten them. The emperor smiled faintly and said, "It was my oversight. Quickly, please lead the leader to her seat."
Luo Zhiheng's seat was arranged as the second from the top right. The seat closest to the emperor was occupied by Prince Mu and several important pharaohs, while the person sitting at the head of the table opposite Luo Zhiheng was none other than Mu Yunhe!
This time, Luo Zhiheng was not wearing a veil and finally saw Mu Yunhe clearly. She stared blankly at his face, which was even colder and more mature than before. He sat there expressionless and looked even thinner. He seemed to have isolated himself from everyone, exuding loneliness and coldness.
Perhaps sensing that someone was watching him, he suddenly looked up, and his cold gaze met Luo Zhiheng's. In that instant, Luo Zhiheng clearly saw Mu Yunhe's slightly narrowed eyes and tightly pursed lips.
Luo Zhiheng subtly shifted her gaze, appearing so nonchalant, but only she knew how much pain she was in.
He was so close; if she just spoke, everything would be revealed. But how could she do something so absurd? How could she prove it to everyone? Her face was ruined; the very face that could best prove she was Luo Zhiheng had become her greatest scar. The red mole on her chest might be proof, but if a face could be fake, why couldn't a mole be? There was no way to make people think she was talking nonsense, or to treat her like a madwoman or someone with ulterior motives.
Besides, even if someone believed her if she spoke, there would be no way to prove her identity. In that case, Luo Ningshuang would only be dead. How could she let Luo Ningshuang die so easily and completely? How could Luo Ningshuang die without first experiencing pain, despair, and endless torment? For that despicable person, death would be a blessing.
Therefore, she cannot speak!
But the moment she sees Mu Yunhe, her emotions fluctuate wildly and uncontrollably. Despite her seemingly calm exterior, she is actually tense and impatient.
A large, cold hand reached out and enveloped hers, so gently, as if afraid of crushing her. Luo Zhiheng's almost out-of-control gaze suddenly cleared. She glanced coldly at the hand and then pulled it away.
The Wolf King slowly lowered his hand, clenched it into a fist, and suddenly shot a sinister gaze at Mu Yunhe opposite him. That gaze was truly as cold, ruthless, and cruel as a gray wolf, full of brutal killing intent.
Mu Yunhe, however, gave a nonchalant glance over the wolf king and then landed on Luo Zhiheng. His mind was still hazy with the image of the man holding the woman's hand. He frowned imperceptibly, gripped the wine cup tightly, and quickly downed the wine in one gulp.
Zhiyi's departure was a great relief. He felt inexplicably irritated. From the moment that woman appeared in the hall, his gaze and nerves had involuntarily followed her. In just a short while, she was leaning against one man's chest, and then having her hand held by another. Flirtatious, casual, and wanton—these words harshly appeared in Mu Yunhe's mind, making him feel suffocated and disgusted.
He couldn't help but think of the person who had been lying in bed for three years, like a fragile doll. His eyes dimmed, and he had no interest in looking at anyone else.
They all say it's Ah Heng, they all say Ah Heng will never come back to life, they all say he's still alive, but what's with his current state of being like a walking corpse? His mind is filled only with Ah Heng's voice and smile, only with Ah Heng's name. When he woke up, he was like a newborn baby, seemingly remembering everything, yet also forgetting everything. Only those two words engraved in his heart deeply reminded him that he was alive.
Later, as the years went by, he realized that he had forgotten how to love. He could no longer find any trace of the feeling of loving Aheng. He had once truly cherished Aheng as his life, but now, when facing the increasingly frail Aheng, he felt only powerlessness and helplessness.
Ah Heng has been asleep for three years and remains in a coma. He has guarded her for three years, his heart filled with fear and disgust. He can't find the deep love he once felt for Ah Heng, the Ah Heng he remembers. He even felt a pang of self-loathing, wondering how he could be so despicable and shameless as to stop loving her just because she's become a living dead. Otherwise, why is he becoming increasingly impatient with Ah Heng?
Was his love really so fragile and false? Would it fade away with time? He was even afraid that Ah Heng would actually wake up, but he still hadn't found the feeling of love he had lost. What if Ah Heng saw his expression of no longer being able to love? Would she look at him with the eyes of someone looking at a heartless man? Or would she completely despair of him? 17.
When he felt he didn't want Ah Heng to wake up, or didn't want to face Ah Heng, he was always filled with self-blame and fear. He would even doubt his past feelings. Did he really love this woman? If he truly loved her, how could his love have faded so quickly?
In a daze, I heard the leader's delicate and charming laughter: "I have long heard of the fame of the dynasty's divine priests, but seeing them today... they are nothing special!"
Provocation! Absolutely blatant provocation and sarcasm! 17902301
Everyone was stunned. Was this female leader out of her mind? And a complete idiot at that! She had offended the emperor as soon as she arrived, and now she had provoked the priest? Perhaps they were all wrong. This woman wasn't here to ask for benefits; she was here to die.
Mu Yunhe looked up, a fleeting, barely concealed sorrow flashing in his eyes, which Luo Zhiheng caught on. Luo Zhiheng stiffened as if struck by lightning, while Mu Yunhe had already composed himself, giving Luo Zhiheng a cold glance, yet miraculously not looking away.
The coldness in his eyes brought Luo Zhiheng back to her senses. She gave a self-deprecating smile. What could he possibly feel? He could be guarding an imposter, so devotedly trying every means to wake that bastard. She was right in front of him, yet he felt nothing. Could he feel pain? Did he feel as much pain as she did?
Hatred surged within her, and her fighting spirit naturally intensified. Luo Zhiheng smiled lazily and said, "The priest seems to dislike me quite a bit. Did I do something to offend him?"
Mu Yunhe remained silent, pursing his lips, while everyone else watched with anticipation. They were certain that Mu Yunhe wouldn't speak. After all, Mu Yunhe had rarely spoken since waking up three years ago; in those three years, he could count the number of words he uttered on two hands. How could he possibly pay any attention to this female leader who was looking for trouble?
Unexpectedly, after a long silence, Mu Yunhe slowly spoke, his voice cold and direct: "I don't like women who are too casual and frivolous!"
In other words, your frivolity, sir, disgusts me!
Luo Zhiheng had only asked casually; if he hadn't spoken or given any other answer, the matter would have been over. But Mu Yunhe had answered, directly accusing Luo Zhiheng of being frivolous and dissolute—essentially a direct insult to Luo Zhiheng! The two seemed to be at odds, one deliberately picking a fight, the other intentionally provoking, their back-and-forth creating a tense atmosphere in the hall.
Luo Zhiheng was also enraged by Mu Yunhe's words. Her usual unbridled anger suddenly surged to her head. Her ruby-like eyes were bright and fiery red as she gripped the wine cup tightly and suddenly raised it at Mu Yunhe. The people around her were shocked and exclaimed in surprise at her amazing action!
456 Rampant favoritism! Similar! Awake?
Updated: 2013-11-23 14:35:28 Word Count: 7653
Luo Zhiheng's actions clearly indicated she intended to hit Mu Yunhe with the wine vessel. Her sudden and obvious move startled everyone, followed by gasps and shouts. Everyone stood up simultaneously, watching Luo Zhiheng warily. The Wolf King and his men beside her also rose, their cold gazes sweeping across the surroundings as they tightly protected her.
Mu Yunhe merely stared coldly at Luo Zhiheng. He was right across from her, their gazes separated by several meters, one icy and the other fiery and passionate, their meeting brief. Mu Yunhe's nonchalant attitude only made Luo Zhiheng appear less assertive and less capable of controlling the situation.
Luo Zhiheng's eyes flickered several times. Just when everyone was certain that she was about to turn hostile, she held out the wine cup to Mu Yunhe and said with a smile, "The diviner of the Mu Dynasty is indeed extraordinary, speaking so frankly! However, I've always been unrestrained, and I treat my subordinates like brothers, so I'm naturally at ease. Did I mean to offend the diviner? Well then, I'm sorry, please close your eyes, because I really can't help but be close to them. Please forgive me if I've wronged you. This cup of wine is for you."
After saying that, she finished her drink in one gulp, her movements graceful and decisive, displaying a masculine style and straightforwardness.
Everyone was puzzled by her strange change in attitude, but they all breathed a sigh of relief. As long as she didn't cause trouble, it was fine. However, this leader had a rather unpredictable temper.
Mu Yunhe, however, showed no respect and ignored Luo Zhiheng, not even drinking a single drop of wine.
Luo Zhiheng gripped the corner of the table tightly, a smile playing on her lips, but her heart was in turmoil. One sentence kept echoing in her mind, almost driving her mad!
He insulted me! He insulted me! He insulted me!! He actually called me frivolous and promiscuous?!
God knows how much strength and effort she used to suppress the raging anger in her heart and prevent herself from overturning the table, questioning him, and cursing him! Three years later, their two meetings were both so unpleasant!
"The chief is indeed generous! What a capacity for alcohol! Our priests are not fond of talking, so please don't mind. Today is a special occasion to welcome the chief and wash away the dust of his journey, so let's not talk about anything else. Why don't you tell us about the customs and culture of the wilderness? The chief may not be familiar with the customs and culture of the Mu Dynasty, right? Is this the chief's first time visiting the Mu Dynasty?" A voice, clearly meant to lighten the mood, rang out from the side. It was the Minister of Rites.
Luo Zhiheng knew that this was the highest-ranking official in charge of etiquette and reception. She had come to negotiate for grain, which meant she needed something from him. Therefore, she couldn't be too arrogant or have too fiery a temper.
Thinking about it this way, she softened her tone and said, "Of course it's my first time here. I just didn't expect to meet someone who doesn't like me so soon after arriving in the Celestial Empire. I'm known to be loved by everyone in the Wilderness. It was my rudeness. Who can truly be loved by everyone?"
Luo Zhiheng made a self-deprecating joke, instantly easing the tension. Everyone then began chatting animatedly.
Mu Yunhe couldn't help but glance at Luo Zhiheng again. Her words, "everyone loves her," somehow made his heart race. These were words that Aheng had said in his memory. People from the Mu Dynasty rarely used such witty and fresh words, but his memory of Aheng was blurred, and things about Aheng were also blurred. He only felt a strange familiarity. The female leader's words had touched those blurred memories in his heart.
Even without being told, he knew that the life he had chosen was incomplete. He had lost the most important thing in a person: his soul and feelings. His soul was incomplete, his emotions were incomplete, and even his memories were fragmented. Yet, he still remembered Luo Zhiheng and that he deeply loved her, but he had forgotten what love felt like.
Mu Yunhe suddenly lowered his head, a ripple appearing in his usually calm eyes. What was wrong with him? He had managed to live three years in undisturbed peace, so why had his mind been so frequently disturbed these past few days? And it was all because of the woman opposite him. Seeing that woman made him think of Luo Zhiheng even more, so involuntarily.
Mu Yunhe began to feel inexplicably irritated; he no longer wanted to continue this meaningless banquet. Just then, he heard someone raise their voice: "Chief, your uninvited arrival has truly surprised us all. Doesn't Your Majesty know that you are the lord of a vassal state of the Mu Dynasty? To act on your own initiative without the Emperor's permission is truly inappropriate."
The person who said this was a middle-aged man with a serious appearance and a somewhat sinister look in his eyes, clearly a provocation.
As soon as he said this, the hall fell silent again.
Luo Zhiheng remained silent, casually savoring the wine. Yao Niang, however, stood up with captivating charm and said sweetly, "My lord, you are mistaken. Our chief has traveled a great distance to the Celestial Empire, merely to pay homage to the Emperor out of reverence. The Wildlands are far from the Celestial Empire. If we were to send a message here, wait for the Emperor to approve it, and then send it back before we could come again, it would take three to five months. Our chief reveres the Emperor and is eager to see him, which is why he has rushed here."
"Is it wrong for our leader to come to see the Emperor? We're not here to cause trouble. The Emperor is so dignified and benevolent; he hasn't even questioned us yet. It's clear that the Emperor understands our leader's good intentions and is sure to appreciate and like our feelings. Yet you, sir, question our master like that. The way you asked it, even I, a mere woman, find it chilling. It sounds as if you're implying that our master has ulterior motives. Are you trying to be a troublemaker, stirring up discord?"
The enchantress's series of questions, delivered in a delicate and coquettish tone, made the breathing in the hall somewhat heavy. The men's eyes visibly widened, and the adult's face turned noticeably pale and stiffened.
At best, the witch's words were just ignorant ramblings; at worst, they were an attempt to sow discord between the two nations and easily cause unnecessary conflict. To put it bluntly, it was the act of a despicable person, and he was the one with malicious intentions!
The official knelt down abruptly and said anxiously to the emperor, "Your Majesty, please understand! I had no such intention! I was just momentarily confused and blurted it out. Please forgive me, Your Majesty, and please grant the chief's pardon."
"Hmph! The etiquette of the Celestial Empire is truly strange. Even the people of the barbaric lands you call 'barbaric' know that they cannot be disrespectful to their lord. Although our leader is not your lord, he is still the ruler of a country. You must still bow before him. How dare you question him? I see you have absolutely no respect for our master!" The Wolf King slammed his fist on the table, his voice booming, coldly and angrily.
Everyone's expression changed.
The emperor's face also appeared somewhat gloomy, his dark gaze sweeping over Luo Zhiheng and the Wolf King, his thin lips pressed tightly together.
"Lord Liang, you were indeed rude, but considering that you didn't mean it, I'll let it go this time. However, you must apologize to the leader." The emperor naturally wouldn't really punish his own people.
"Yes, yes, please forgive me, Chief. I was rash," Lord Liang hurriedly replied. However, he then feigned curiosity and said, "But I have a question. Since you have come to the Celestial Empire, why do you not restrain your men? Why do you allow them to run rampant in the streets and bully the innocent? The people of our Mu Dynasty are simple and honest, and their physical strength is inferior to that of the barbarians. These past few days, these officials around you have frightened the people quite a bit."
A hint of a smile flashed in the emperor's eyes, but he feigned surprise and asked, "What do you mean by that? Tell me."
Lord Liang hurriedly recounted, in exaggerated detail, the arrogant and domineering behavior of the Wolf King and his men in the streets over the past few days. He then said, "I truly don't understand. Since you came with reverence, why did you so arrogantly bully the people of the Celestial Empire? You must know that those people are all subjects of the Emperor. The Emperor is a benevolent ruler and naturally loves his people. Unexpectedly, this once peaceful and harmonious land has become filled with fear because of your arrival." (17902224)
"Chief, is this really true?" the emperor asked with a slightly gloomy expression after hearing the news.
While some of these accusations are true, others are exaggerated and incomplete, suggesting a deliberate attempt to discredit them.
The Bear King was straightforward and could not tolerate the other party's blatant provocation and trouble-making, especially their false accusations. He suddenly stood up, and his nearly 1.9-meter-tall frame made the seated officials look like dwarfs and giants.
The emperor was also struck by his size, and his gaze darkened.
"That guy isn't telling the whole truth! We're just business people who sometimes don't pay when we eat out, it's not like we do it all the time. Besides, I didn't intentionally not pay. They wouldn't take it even if we did, it's just that you don't recognize our money here. And how have we bullied your people? We just raise our voices a little when we're out in the street, so what? Never seen a loud voice before? I just like to shout, is that illegal?" Xiong Wang had the appearance of a tough nut to crack, but he was so handsome, his憨憨 (simple and honest) appearance was quite cute, which made him less repulsive. However, he was so tall and strong, standing there like a small mountain, which was quite intimidating.
The attitude of the Xiong King was unacceptable to these hypocritical officials. Lord Liang immediately retorted, "Who are you to talk to? You've come to the Celestial Empire, so you should behave yourselves and stay obediently in the post station, waiting for the Emperor's summons. How dare you go out on the streets to commit evil? And you still have the nerve to be polite?"
"Wrongdoing? What wrong have we done? Have we robbed and plundered or murdered and set fires? You better explain yourself! If you dare to smear me, I'll eat you alive!" The Bear King roared furiously, his roar echoing throughout the hall, so loud that it hurt people's ears.
Lord Liang was also startled, but after glancing at the crowd above, he regained his courage, straightened his posture, and said righteously, "You beat one of our innocent citizens so badly in the middle of the street! What kind of behavior is this? Do you think our Celestial Empire has no one left? How dare you act so recklessly and unrestrainedly! And you still dare to say you are innocent? You are simply utterly foolish!"
"You dare to curse me? I'll tear you apart!" The Bear King had a temper that flared up easily, and immediately rolled up his sleeves, ready to beat someone up.
Soldiers rushed in quickly, swords drawn, watching the Bear King warily. The Wolf Queen immediately stood up, glaring at them with hostile expressions.
With a loud bang, everyone's nerves jolted as Luo Zhiheng slammed the wine cup onto the table, and their expressions changed.
The hall fell silent once again. The emperor at the head of the table looked at Luo Zhiheng with great interest. He wanted to know what other skills this female leader had and what else she could say. He didn't believe that even after the two families had fallen out, she would still have the courage and audacity to bring up the matter of demanding grain!
She's just a woman, and he can't handle her? What a joke!
Luo Zhiheng's body seemed to have no bones, so she slumped softly on the table, propping her head up with one hand. Her gaze was hazy as she looked at the group of guards who were about to draw their swords, and then fell on the adult who was jumping around. The mysterious mask concealed some of the glitter in her eyes, but it could not hide her radiant aura.
"No matter who you are, if you insult me, you're dead." Her words were soft and weak, just like her spineless nature, accompanied by a languid smile. Yet, those words sent a chill down one's spine.
The emperor was furious: "Is the chief threatening my officials? It's just a minor friction between subordinates. It's best if the chief doesn't get involved."
Upon hearing this, Luo Zhiheng laughed heartily, a hint of sharpness mixed with her charm. She stood up, using the table for support, and the demoness beside her immediately reached out to help her up, as did the Bear King. Luo Zhiheng had originally intended to lean on the demoness's embrace; her body was weary, her heart ached, and she had drunk some wine, leaving her weak and needing support. That person who had once been her strongest and most trusted ally was right across from her, yet now she could only rely on others.
It was as if a wildfire suddenly ignited in her heart, stirring up all the anger she had felt before. She forced herself to move closer to the Bear King's embrace. What should have been a habitual and natural action turned into a deliberately coquettish and alluring one. She softly nestled into the Bear King's broad arms, and the Bear King naturally embraced her in return, in such a harmonious and natural way.
In that instant, Mu Yunhe's scalp tightened abruptly, as if someone had suddenly touched a string he couldn't tolerate most. His whole body tensed, and like an enraged leopard, he stood on high alert, his calm gaze sharper than ever before, shooting directly at the Bear King. But the next moment, he felt utterly bewildered. Why did he have that feeling?
Luo Zhiheng smiled charmingly, not looking at the emperor, and said to Lord Liang: "You may live if you insult me or bully me, but those who bully and insult me, I'm sorry, even if you are the emperor himself, you will have to pay for it!"
Arrogant! Utterly arrogant!
She said such things so recklessly in front of everyone. If Lord Liang were to encounter any danger or misfortune, she would be the prime suspect! Didn't she know that? Yet she dared to say it. People didn't know whether to call her clever or foolish.
Lord Liang's face darkened; he saw murderous intent in Luo Zhiheng's eyes. At that moment, he suddenly felt a sense of impending doom. But he had only been following the Emperor's orders.
Luo Zhiheng did not turn around, but led the people out directly. Her steps were somewhat unsteady and slow, and her lazy voice came, not as a plea, but as a statement: "I am not good at drinking. If I stay any longer, I am afraid I will be even more impolite. I will go back first. Thank you for Your Majesty's warm hospitality. I, Ruilin, will remember this scene today."