"Heh, I'm just a second son of a king, how could I presume to guess the esteemed King of the Western Regions' intentions! I was just joking!" Bei Gong Jue Shi said coldly, while Bei Gong Min Hao said, "We're curious to see the King of the Western Regions, but why isn't Princess Mu Chen here?"
"I've heard that Princess Muchen is incredibly beautiful. To be honest, and I'm not afraid of being laughed at by Your Majesty, I'd really like to meet her." Bei Gongminhao looked at the group of people. These were all his good brothers and friends, so naturally he wouldn't spread what he said. It was better to be direct than to play games with the King of the Western Regions!
"Oh? Hehe, my sister will be very happy to hear this. When the late king was alive, he did want to marry my sister to his second son, hehe! But now, we still need to discuss this with my sister!" Yiyun Shangcheng smiled, showing no restraint whatsoever.
Upon hearing this, the four of them exchanged glances. If asked, Yi Yun Muchen would definitely choose Bei Gong Jue Shi. If he chose someone else, it would be because he was being controlled by this King of the Western Regions!
The fact that he so casually mentioned discussing it with Yi Yunmu Chen suggests there's definitely something wrong with him!
"Where is the princess?" Bei Gong Jue Shi couldn't contain himself any longer and asked.
"Hehe, they must have gone to the front yard!" Yiyun Shangcheng smiled.
Just then, a eunuch came over. The five of them looked over together, and the eunuch stepped forward and knelt down to pay his respects. "Greetings to the King of the Western Regions, greetings to the Crown Prince of Zhenbei, the Second Prince of Zhenbei, the Crown Prince of Jinnan, and General Ji."
"Rise!" The King of the Western Regions, being the most honored among the five, spoke.
"Please accompany me, Prince Nan, to pay homage to His Majesty." The eunuch bowed obsequiously.
Nan Xuzong nodded. This meant that he definitely intended to marry Yiyun Muchen to him. Now, he needed to ask for his opinion—was he afraid of his relationship with his maternal grandmother, or did he know...?
Alright, let's see what happens!
I will absolutely never marry another woman!
Nan Xuzong cupped his hands in farewell, saying, "You all chat first, I'll be right back."
"Farewell, Prince Nan!" Yi Yun Shangcheng smiled slightly.
Bei Gong Jue Shi watched nervously, but remained silent, only able to watch as Nan Xu Cong and the eunuch walked away together.
However, since Yiyun Muchen is said to be in the front yard, I might as well go and take a look! Looking around now, there don't seem to be many people coming and going... I'm not good at talking to these kinds of people anyway, so I might as well leave as soon as possible...
"I'll just wander around." Bei Gong Jue Shi picked up his wine glass, drank it all in one gulp, and smiled. "Brother."
"Hmm, King of the Western Regions, if you have time, I'd like to have a few drinks with you." Bei Gongminhao looked at Yiyun Shangcheng, whose smile remained unchanged. "Alright."
Ji Tiankui looked at the group of people, wondering whether he should stay.
"Peerless, let's take a walk together. We haven't talked in a long time!" Ji Tiankui immediately stood up, realizing the situation was turning sour, and decided to walk away as soon as possible!
Bei Gong Jue Shi nodded, "Okay."
The two immediately turned and headed towards the front yard.
"So obvious... so obvious you want to go to the front yard to see that Princess Mu Chen?" Ji Tiankui's thin lips moved slightly.
"Even if we walk around this imperial garden, we'll eventually end up in the front yard. And the King of the Western Regions certainly knows I'll do that, so why should I waste my time going in circles with him?" Bei Gong Jue Shi quickened his pace, eager to see her!
Ji Tiankui thought about it and agreed.
"Tell me what exactly happened. I've guessed some of it, but there are still some things I don't quite understand." Ji Tiankui took a few steps forward to catch up with Beigong Jueshi. "As far as I know, Yiyun Shangcheng wasn't like that. When he was still a prince, he was very gentle. If you and Princess Muchen were in love, I think any brother would have given his sister their blessing."
Bei Gong's peerless heterochromatic eyes fell on Ji Tiankui, and he stopped to look at him for a few seconds. "When you come to the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion, you will know everything."
"Okay." Time is limited, I understand. Ji Tiankui asked, "Need my help?"
“Not needed for now.” Bei Gong Jue Shi continued to step forward.
As Yiyun Shangcheng watched them leave, she picked up her wine glass, about to drink, when she heard Beigong Minhao say, "What are you trying to do? One plan after another, don't you think it's all unnecessary?"
Yiyun Shangcheng remained unmoved, continued drinking, and then put down her drink. "Don't you think it's fun?"
"What did you do to Princess Muchen!" Bei Gongminhao clenched his fists slightly. "Did you control her?" His anger was barely contained, yet it was about to explode.
"Control? Would I be that kind of person?"
"You are despicable! If you want to conquer the world, why don't you fight for it yourself? Why do you have to use your own sister like this? What has she done to deserve being manipulated by you?"
"I was born for only two things. The empire is nothing more than a grain of rice!" Yi Yun Shangcheng sneered. "I didn't control her; she chose to be herself. Don't blame me!"
"She made a choice? You must have forced her!" Bei Gongminhao looked at the people around him. If it weren't for the presence of the surrounding royalty and nobles, he would definitely have stepped forward to question him!
So what if he's the King of the Western Regions!
"I didn't force her." Yiyun Shangcheng smiled. "I didn't even hold it against you for breaking into my inn at night, so why are you so angry!"
"You didn't hold it against me? You sent two Black Guards to kill me, and you say you didn't hold it against me?"
"If I wanted to kill you, you wouldn't be here now!" Yi Yun Shangcheng poured another glass of wine. "That night, I just wanted to see how you were doing. But who Mu Chen wants to marry isn't up to me, hahaha!" Yi Yun Shangcheng laughed wildly, becoming even more alluring. He left his seat. "Tell me, what do you think will happen when Nan Xu Cong enters the palace to meet the Emperor?"
"I don't know!" Bei Gongminhao said coldly. "Don't pretend with me! Mu Chen is definitely going to marry Jue Shi! She's already given herself to Jue Shi, who else do you want her to marry!"
"Oh? We'll see. If you're thinking of destroying Mu Chen, then go ahead and do as you please!" Yi Yun Shangcheng said no more and walked out.
Beigong Minhao clenched his fists, forced to suppress his anger. His words might make sense... but why did he do this?
Ji Wushang sat down in front of Yi Yun Muchen, smiling as he took the black box. Unexpectedly, the moment he touched it, a scene flashed through his mind: many paths were constantly turning! It was like a maze, somewhat dazzling. But then, in an instant, a beam of light flashed, rushing forward until it reached the center of the maze and struck the central point!
Ji Wushang paused for a moment, weighed the black box in his hand, and smiled, "Princess Muchen, as I said before, if I can open this black box, please grant me one request."
"The box hasn't even been opened yet, how can you start negotiating terms, sister-in-law?" Ji Yinxue said sneer.
Ji Wushang glanced at her; she needed to be taught a lesson!
Yi Yun Muchen didn't quite understand, but she felt that the Princess Consort of the Southern Kingdom was quite friendly, and said, "I agree." Since the two countries were friendly, they should take good care of this relationship! Otherwise, her brother might be sad, and it wouldn't be good if she couldn't complete the task he assigned her!
"Princess Consort of the Southern Prince, please." Huangfu Lan was slightly impatient.
Ji Wushang nodded, his gaze drifting to the square black box. Although it did indeed have protruding dots, just as Ji Yinxue had seen, that wasn't the key point.
Ji Wushang traced the patterns on the skin, gradually increasing the pressure in his hand. He watched, and finally, his fingernail struck a single point!
Those around him watched with slight surprise, anticipating Ji Wushang's next move.
Ji Wushang pulled the phoenix jade hairpin from his hair, surprising everyone.
"Princess Consort of the Southern Kingdom, what do you want to do? This is the national treasure of the Western Regions. You must be careful with your every move! If you damage it, you won't be able to pay for it!" Looking over, it was Bai Yulan. Ji Wushang was slightly surprised. He had killed Aunt Bai, but he didn't expect Bai Yulan to come!
However, this white magnolia... will die sooner or later, right?
Why bother arguing with a dead person!
Because of Bai Yulan's words, the people around were whispering among themselves about whether Ji Wushang could open the black box!
Ji Wushang laughed and said, "If I were to damage Princess Muchen's treasure, I would be willing to pay with my life."
Yi Yun Muchen was taken aback for a moment, but then said, "This thing is called the Nine-Bend Heavenly Palace. Princess Consort Nan may have it."
"Thank you, Princess Mu Chen!" Ji Wushang glanced coldly at Bai Yulan, then, holding the phoenix jade hairpin, he thrust it into the spot.
This must be where the key goes in... Ji Wushang closed his eyes, never expecting that he could push the phoenix jade hairpin in!
Immediately, Ji Wushang placed the black box on the table.
Ji Yinxue stared wide-eyed. This couldn't possibly lead to anything, could it? She absolutely couldn't open this black box!
Ji Wushang felt a little nervous.
If it doesn't work...
At that moment, the black box emitted a bright light! So bright that no one dared to open their eyes! Huangfu Lan, Ji Wushang, and the others immediately left their seats. In that instant, with a "bang," the black box opened instantly! Suddenly, a beam of light shot straight into the sky!
At that moment, everyone around was stunned!
The women in the backyard were all shocked and came forward!
In the front yard.
Upon hearing the piercing sound and the beam of light shooting into the sky, Bei Gongminhao immediately stood up and looked sharply into the backyard.
The people in the front yard were also eager to see what was so powerful that it could make such a noise!
Yiyun Shangcheng was taken aback. "Nine-Bend Heavenly Palace!" she exclaimed. Then, she ran towards the backyard at an extremely fast speed.
Inside the golden palace, Nan Xuzong and the Emperor gazed at each other in silence. The Emperor looked at Nan Xuzong and asked, "Are you alright?"
Nan Xuzong was stunned. What did he mean by that? Asking if he was alright? What did that mean? Did he mean he knew he was his son? How ridiculous, how hateful!
No, he absolutely wouldn't! The world ridicules him, his father is ashamed of him, and even the people in the manor won't give him a second glance! If it weren't for their fear of his golden silk and martial arts skills, no one would treat him and Ji Wushang well!
It's just their fear!
"I don't understand what Your Majesty is saying!" Nan Xuzong said coldly, his words carrying a heavy weight.
"Hmm, I know you're not doing so well. I intend to bestow Princess Muchen upon you in marriage. What do you say?" A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Emperor Zhou's eyes. He sat majestically on his golden dragon throne, looking at Nan Xuzong with an air of authority. Although his mind was racing, he would not reveal the slightest thought on his face!
"Nan Xuzong humbly begs Your Majesty to reconsider! I, Nan Xuzong, am crippled in both legs and have difficulty moving around. If Princess Muchen were bestowed upon me, it would be an insult to Princess Muchen! Moreover, Xuzong has just married Ji Wushang, the legitimate daughter of General Ji. If I were to marry another princess in such a short time, where would that leave Ji Wushang? General Ji would not agree! Furthermore, Nan Xuzong is of humble status, merely the heir of a marquis's family. What ability do I have to marry Princess Muchen!" Nan Xuzong's words were tinged with anger as he looked at Emperor Zhou, showing no sign of backing down.
"did you mean?"
"I will not marry any other woman besides Ji Wushang!" Nan Xuzong's lips twitched.
"Insolence!" Emperor Zhou slammed his hand on the table. "How dare you speak to me like that!"
Nan Xuzong remained silent, but showed no intention of compromising.
Emperor Zhou left his golden dragon throne and stepped forward. "The eldest princess once told me to take good care of you. I have been so busy that I have neglected to discipline you. I never expected that you would be so stubborn and unrepentant! You are the heir apparent, but as for me to say a word, your status will be different!"
"Then Your Majesty would be better off not speaking!" Nan Xuzong said sarcastically, but then immediately added, "Princess Mu Chen is of noble birth. When the former King of the Western Regions was alive, he intended to marry Princess Mu Chen to Bei Gong Jue Shi, the second son of the Prince of Zhenbei, as his second son's consort. Why doesn't Your Majesty consider this?"
“But the King of the Western Regions intends to marry Princess Muchen to you, not to Beigong Jueshi.” Emperor Zhou was somewhat calm at this point. “The eldest brother is like a father. Now that the former King of the Western Regions has passed away, it is natural for the new King of the Western Regions to have the final say!”
"Hehe!" Nan Xuzong said, "If Princess Muchen were to marry me, she would be of noble birth and would undoubtedly be my principal wife, while Wushang would have to become either a secondary wife or a concubine. I would absolutely not do that!"
"That's what I was thinking too...that's why I brought you in to talk." Emperor Zhou nodded. "This matter can be postponed, there's no rush. The second son of the king is a cursed lone star. If we were to bestow Princess Muchen upon him in marriage, the King of the Western Regions might not agree."
Nan Xuzong sneered. Back when he wanted to use Beigong Jueshi, Yiyun Shangcheng had sent Princess Muchen to his bed. Now that he had changed his target, he was giving her to another man. How could he be a father and brother?
Just then, a loud noise was heard. Nan Xuzong instantly turned his wheelchair around, and immediately, the two saw a bright light shoot into the sky! Nan Xuzong looked on in surprise, "Your Majesty, I must go and see! Please forgive me!" He then walked away extremely quickly!
Emperor Zhou's eyes were deep, and he did not stop Nan Xuzong. However, his murderous aura deepened.
Finally, is Taiping gone?
After the light faded, Ji Wushang stared at the black box, while the people around him were completely stunned.
Ji Wushang stepped forward and saw that there was nothing inside, which was truly strange! Yi Yun Muchen was also surprised, and looked at him as he stepped forward, "I didn't expect this to be the case, but why is there nothing inside?"
Ji Wushang remained silent, picking up the phoenix jade hairpin from the side. The cold jade hairpin was not damaged at all despite being near the black box! Ji Wushang held it in her hand and then inserted it into her hair.
There must be some other secret here. There's nothing in this black box right now, but maybe there's some hidden compartment or something.
Huangfu Lan stepped forward, her eyes falling on the black box. She reached out to touch it, but Yi Yun Muchen snatched it away first. "There's nothing in here!"
Huangfu Lan withdrew her hand. "I didn't expect there to be nothing inside. The national treasure of the Western Regions is truly an eye-opener!"
"I don't know what happened either." Yi Yun Muchen seemed oblivious to Huangfu Lan's displeasure as she walked in front of Ji Wushang. "You're the one who opened the Nine Turns Heavenly Palace, so I'm giving it to you!" With that, she closed the black box and handed it to Ji Wushang.