Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment until Luo Zhiheng led the three people to the entrance of the main hall. Only then did they recover from their shock and immediately kneel down. They were all trembling with fear and dared not look up at the emperor's face, probably because he was already furious.
What's wrong with that woman? She's just a tribal chief, yet she dares to be so insolent in front of the emperor and even dares to leave like that. Where does she put the emperor's dignity? Wasn't she here to ask for a favor? Why is she acting like she's some kind of ancestor, and everyone has to watch their step?
The emperor was indeed furious. In the three years since his ascension to the throne, no one had dared to show him such disrespect. He had fought his way to the throne through bloodshed; the remnants of the Third Prince's forces were enough for him to kill. If it weren't for Mu Yunhe and his wife having already eliminated that so-called Great Demon King, he would have been even less able to ascend the throne smoothly. Everything he had achieved today was hard-won, and he cherished it all the more, striving for perfection in everything he did, fearing any gossip or slander.
Just when things were finally getting a little better, a drought struck again, and now this unpredictable barbarian chieftain has appeared. To make matters worse, this chieftain is so clueless that daring to give him a cold shoulder is practically asking for death!
But at this moment, he couldn't touch this barbarian chieftain. After all, she had only been impolite; he couldn't kill her. He needed to be absolutely certain that when he did act, he would kill her without hesitation before he could deal with this arrogant Ruilin!
"Disperse! The two Pharaohs and their uncles, along with the priests, remain." The emperor's chilling voice echoed throughout the palace and the surrounding area.
The atmosphere in the Emperor's study was less oppressive than before. Old Master Tong and General Murong were whispering amongst themselves, their conversation unclear. Prince Mu was resting with his eyes closed, while Mu Yunhe stood silently by the window. The Emperor, meanwhile, looked around, seemingly quite helpless.
"Gentlemen, what do you think of this female leader? I find this woman rather strange, and she has no ladylike restraint whatsoever. Her words are unrestrained and her behavior is dissolute. Moreover, how can a woman lead the people of that barbarian land? I find it truly inconceivable," the emperor said.
Old Master Tong raised his eyelids and slowly said, "Don't underestimate women. Sometimes, women can be heroines."
The emperor paused for a moment, then agreed, "Indeed. But not every woman can be compared to our Lady Protector of the Nation! Although I have not personally witnessed the Lady Protector's deeds, what I have heard is enough for me to respect this lovely woman."
The emperor looked at Mu Yunhe with some concern and said in a low voice, "Does Your Majesty have any thoughts? This is the first time I've heard Your Majesty speak today."
He addressed Mu Yunhe as "Imperial Brother," much like the late Emperor addressed Prince Mu. The late Emperor and Prince Mu were truly close, but he addressed Mu Yunhe as "Prince Mu," intending to show Mu Yunhe his high regard and special treatment of him. His reign as Emperor was rather aggrieved. The throne should have rightfully belonged to him, but because of the chaos caused by the Third Prince, Mu Yunhe had to fight to the death to protect it, leaving Mu Yunhe's beloved wife still in a coma. This immense debt of gratitude sometimes made the Emperor grit his teeth with hatred when he thought of Mu Yunsheng.
The group looked at him; Mu Yunhe was indeed behaving differently than usual today. In the past three years, Mu Yunhe had only spoken a few words in the first year, and had barely uttered a sound in the following year. His opening of his mouth today shocked and delighted them all. For a normal person to live such a closed-off and lonely life was enough to inspire despair in others.
Mu Yunhe remained silent. He seemed to live in his own thoughts, and unless he wanted to, no one else could ever step into his mind.
The emperor and the others exchanged glances, and all saw disappointment in each other's eyes.
To ease the tension, General Murong chuckled, "I think that female leader today has a bit of a maid's air about her. What do you think, old man?"
Old Tong smiled upon hearing this, and said with a touch of sentimentality and sadness, "That's true, but while the girl is mischievous, she is full of righteousness. However, this female leader is full of evil, and I can sense a powerful resentment in her without her noticing. This woman is very unusual; her aura is too strong."
"Oh? Does this leader really resemble the Lady Protector of the Nation? In what ways?" the Emperor asked with interest.
General Murong couldn't help but smile broadly, saying, "That girl has a bit of arrogance about her too. You didn't see how she gets cocky; she doesn't give way to anyone. She's also very protective of her own. Anyone she considers her people can't be said a word or even hit, or she'll never stop. The Prince Shi bullied her wet nurse before, and she really got angry and gave him a hard time. Little Seven Bowls was also beaten by someone, and she got her revenge. This female leader today seems pretty arrogant to me. Didn't you see how protective she is? She's just like that girl."
"It's a pity..." Old Tong sighed sadly, "It's a pity that I haven't seen a lively girl in so long."
A moment of silence fell over the room, but this time it was a somber silence. Luo Zhiheng had been in a coma for three years; everyone had given up hope, except for Mu Yunhe and Luo Zhiheng's father and brothers, who still insisted she could come back to life. But they could clearly see that Mu Yunhe was growing more and more silent each day, and they didn't know how long he could hold on. 17.
"Your Majesty has suffered these past years, and I feel guilty about it. The newly selected ladies-in-waiting for this year have not yet been assigned. Why don't you choose a few so you can go back and serve the Lady Protector and help ease your burdens?" the Emperor tentatively suggested.
The expressions on their faces froze, each with a different reaction. The Emperor's words meant that he was offering women to Mu Yunhe. It was said that they would serve Luo Zhiheng, but in reality, they would serve Mu Yunhe. As long as Mu Yunhe agreed, countless women would immediately enter the Protectorate of the State's Palace.
Mu Yunhe has been so lonely these past few years, only having Luo Zhiheng, who's practically a living dead, by his side. No woman, no children, truly a lonely bachelor. Must he really live this lonely life forever? Although they respect Mu Yunhe and Luo Zhiheng's relationship, love can't put food on the table. How can they survive without an heir? If Luo Zhiheng never wakes up, will Mu Yunhe be a bachelor for life?
Mu Yunhe remained silent, but he did react by opening the door and walking out.
Prince Mu's expression immediately changed, and he couldn't help but say in a deep voice, "Yunhe! Stop avoiding this issue! If Luo Zhiheng wakes up, I won't say anything. Even if you two never have children, I won't interfere. But when will Luo Zhiheng wake up? You've already guarded her for three years, that's enough. Even if Luo Zhiheng wakes up, she shouldn't blame you. No man could do better. Find a companion, then even if I die, I can rest in peace."
Prince Mu had endured too much in the past three years. His perfectly healthy son had turned into this, and he finally understood the pain and regret. For three years, he hadn't dared to utter a single word against Mu Yunhe, but today he truly couldn't bear it any longer. Was his son really destined to drift through life aimlessly like this?
Mu Yunhe's face was extremely gloomy. He could no longer feel the deep love for Luo Zhiheng lying on the bed, but he could not accept that someone was giving him a woman. He felt disgusted and guilty about it, but he was too lazy to talk to them.
Just as he was about to open the door, an anxious and incredulous voice rang out from outside: "Your Majesty, the steward of the Divine Official's residence has come to report that Your Excellency must return to the residence immediately, as the Lady Protector of the Nation has awakened!"
These words were like a thunderclap, instantly stunning everyone in the room. Then, Elder Tong and General Murong both stood up abruptly, somewhat excitedly: "Is it true? Is he really awake?"
"That's what the steward of the priest's mansion said, and that he just woke up," the Grand Eunuch replied loudly.
"Let's go, hurry! To the Divine Official's Mansion." Both Elder Tong and General Murong were too excited to contain themselves. A person who had been almost abandoned suddenly woke up at this moment. It would be impossible for them not to be excited and overjoyed.
Prince Mu's expression darkened. He had just told Mu Yunhe to find another woman, and Luo Zhiheng woke up? The two of them were indeed incompatible. If Luo Zhiheng knew that he had asked his son to find another woman, he wondered if that woman would hate him even more.
The Emperor was also quite excited. He had heard about Luo Zhiheng's glorious deeds but had never seen this woman's beauty in person. He walked to Mu Yunhe's side and said, "I will go with you. My brother, I really have to congratulate you. This is a great joy! Heaven rewards those who persevere. You have finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. I will grant a general amnesty and announce to the people that their Lady of the Nation has awakened!"
Everyone in Su seemed very excited, but Mu Yunhe remained expressionless. He didn't even know how he felt when he first heard the news.
Fear? Disbelief? Hesitation? Or resistance? Didn't he deeply love Luo Zhiheng? Why did he have so many emotions? And none of them could be described as happiness.
Chapter 1 complete. There will be more updates today. Please vote, leave comments, and give monthly tickets! Group chat!
457 The Witch Doctor Comes to Heal! (Bonus Chapter for 72,000 Recommendations)
Updated: 2013-11-23 19:46:27 Word Count: 3488
Luo Zhiheng stayed at the post station for two or three days, ignoring the outside world as if she had vanished into thin air. No one came looking for her, and the emperor did not summon her.
The Wolf King and the others were also anxious. They had no complaints about Luo Zhiheng's temper and her leaving the banquet with them. On the contrary, they felt that this was the backbone and toughness of the barbarians. They were not afraid of you, no matter how bad their conditions were or how much they were starving. They could negotiate, but they would not accept humiliation and oppression.
It's been several days now, and logically speaking, whether it's making peace or punishing, the Celestial Empire should have taken some action, but there's been no movement at all, which is quite puzzling.
"Our master isn't coming out, what are we going to do? Our family is still starving. If this drags on, when will we get any food?" Xiong Wang was simple and honest, only thinking about the key issue. He cared about his people, those emaciated children who were starving to death in their parents' arms. The scene was heartbreaking.
"Why don't we storm into the palace, steal the emperor's grain, and take it back?" The bear king's stubbornness flared up again, and he wanted to act recklessly.
The demoness kicked him in exasperation and said, "Shut up! Don't you trust your master? She must have her own plans and methods. Let's wait and see."
The wolf king, who had gone out to gather information, returned with a grim expression. He stormed into Luo Zhiheng's room and angrily berated her, "What exactly do you want? How long are you going to play dead here? Our people are all waiting for you, our great, divinely appointed leader, to return with food to save their lives! And here you are, half-dead, who are you trying to fool? If you can't keep your promise, then step down and get out of here. We, the clan leaders, will take care of things in the wilderness!"
"What are you doing? Get out!" The Bear King and the Demoness fiercely protected Luo Zhiheng on the bed, pushing the Wolf King away forcefully.
"What am I supposed to do? Look at her! Ever since she came to this damned Celestial Empire, ever since she met that so-called priest, look at her, she's practically half-dead. How can she lead the barbarians to prosperity?" The Wolf King roared furiously, then suddenly sneered, "You're acting like this, it's not because of that Yun He, is it?"
Mu Yunhe—these three words were what he couldn't resist doing any longer and went out to investigate today!
The man's name was Mu Yunhe. The two characters "Yunhe" exploded in the Wolf King's mind like a thunderbolt. His clever mind uncontrollably superimposed those two seemingly unintentional but actually deeply etched into his heart.
The words "canal" that Luo Zhiheng uttered that day were strikingly similar to the two characters following Mu Yunhe's name. Furthermore, Luo Zhiheng's unusual emotional state upon seeing Mu Yunhe made it impossible for the Wolf King not to connect the two names. Thus, he inexplicably erupted in rage and mania. 17902359
Luo Zhiheng was merely cultivating her health and well-being. Faced with Mu Yunhe's insults, lack of recognition, and indifference, Luo Zhiheng's emotions were out of control. However, she knew what was more important: she had injured herself again, and she was undergoing self-repair and self-reaction. She thought she could be invulnerable because of hatred, but little did she know that just seeing Mu Yunhe would leave her wounded and utterly defeated before even engaging in battle.
This won't do! She can't be like this, so fragile and irritable. How can she take revenge?
What if Mu Yunhe develops inappropriate feelings for that vile woman after spending the last three years with her? What if Mu Yunhe becomes convinced that Luo Ningshuang is Luo Zhiheng?
She couldn't afford to lose, and she couldn't afford to lose! So she had to be strong; she couldn't be killed by the enemy before she even made a move. She came here to destroy the enemy. How could she let that bastard Luo Ningshuang be so arrogant and carefree? Didn't Luo Ningshuang care about everything she cared about? Didn't she want to take away what belonged to Luo Zhiheng? Then she would take it all back, or make Luo Ningshuang lose everything.
So, hearing Mu Yunhe's name again still caused Luo Zhiheng heartache, but she tried her best to control herself. She coldly looked at the Wolf King: "If you continue to yell at me like that, then immediately go back to the wilderness. This place doesn't need a brainless idiot!"
Enraged by Luo Zhiheng, the Wolf King's handsome face twisted in anger as he gritted his teeth and said, "Could it be that I'm right? You really have a relationship with that Mu Yunhe? But what a pity, he doesn't seem to recognize you. Right now, he's holding his beloved wife, probably weeping with joy."
Luo Zhiheng sat up abruptly, his face beneath the mask etched with a dark, almost tearing expression. His voice, as if squeezed out from between his teeth, rose sharply, sharp and agitated: "What did you say? My beloved wife? Weeping with joy?"
The Wolf King was displeased by Luo Zhiheng's intense reaction. In his view, the more agitated Luo Zhiheng was, the more unusual her relationship with that so-called priest seemed, which made him increasingly unhappy. So he coldly provoked her, saying, "Hmph, their deep love moved heaven and earth, and finally, their long-awaited happiness has come to an end. Mu Yunhe's most beloved wife woke up a few days ago. It's said that this living dead woman, who had been lying in bed for three years, is now awake. Outside, it's practically a celebration. That woman must be very, very good. The people adore her, and the joy and laughter haven't diminished for three days. The emperor is going to grant a general amnesty for that woman, and the pharaohs of this country are flocking to the priest's residence every day. It's said that Mu Yunhe has been with that woman for three days, spending every day and night together in that room..."
"Stop talking!" Luo Zhiheng suddenly interrupted the wolf king's words in a fit of rage. Her pair of crimson eyes stared intently, their light shimmering with a fragile light. Even the mask could not conceal the horrified and distorted look on her face. Her whole body trembled, and her fingers gripping the bedsheets were pale and swollen, with blood gradually flowing from them.
The demoness exclaimed, "Oh no! Heavens, get a doctor quickly!"
Seeing that Luo Zhiheng was acting strangely, the Wolf King suddenly came to his senses and regretted his loose tongue. How could he have angered her so unpleasantly? 17.
The room was in chaos for a moment, but Luo Zhiheng seemed to have no soul left in her body. She could only think about the three days and three nights they had spent together, about how that scoundrel had actually woken up, about how Mu Yunhe might hold Luo Ningshuang and rock her tenderly as he had held her countless times before, about how Mu Yunhe might kiss Luo Ningshuang, about how…
She's going crazy! She's about to break down!
How could she allow them to be together day and night! How could she let Luo Ningshuang's scheme succeed?! How could she stand by and watch Mu Yunhe be handed over to someone else, defiled by that slut Luo Ningshuang?! How could she let Luo Ningshuang enjoy everything that belonged to her so freely, unaware of the pain she was enduring?!
"What has the emperor done in the last three days?" Luo Zhiheng's voice quickly calmed down, becoming cold and devoid of any emotion.
The Wolf King's expression was complicated, a mixture of disgust and inexplicable unease. He said in a muffled voice, "It's because that woman suddenly woke up. It seems that she is extremely important and noble to the Celestial Empire, so they have been busy with her these past few days and have neglected us. However, I heard that she seems to have forgotten everything, and the doctors of the Celestial Empire are helpless. The Emperor has even issued a proclamation to summon the most famous doctors in the country to treat her."
Amnesia? Ha! Luo Ningshuang, you have quite the trick, using the most foolish and effortless method to deal with Mu Yunhe and the others? But do you think you can escape like this? She'll show you how the devil can make you suffer unbearable pain!
Luo Zhiheng sat up, watching the doctor bandage her wounds, and said with a cold smile, "Didn't we bring a great witch doctor? Let her take a look at that woman. It's our way of doing something for the Celestial Empire, letting them see our sincerity. It will also give us some leverage when we need food, since they care about this woman, don't they?"
The wolf king and his companions were stunned. The bear king opened his mouth, about to say, "Master, you must be mistaken. Where did we get a witch doctor?" But the clever demoness immediately kicked the bear king and said with a smile, "Master is absolutely right. This is our heartfelt gift. I'm sure the emperor of the Heavenly Dynasty and that priest will appreciate our kindness."
The Wolf King wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent. After all, whatever other motives Luo Zhiheng might have, the fact that she could use this incident to increase her leverage in demanding food from the barbarians was enough to prevent them from resisting. As for that so-called witch doctor, so what if he couldn't cure her? If even the doctors of your Celestial Empire couldn't cure her, it's not a crime if other doctors can't either.
——
The two realms of Zhi and the Realm of Heaven are summoned. The cold and aloof Wolf King is now even colder and his face is even more frighteningly cold. He is sitting in the priest's mansion with an old woman who is wearing a strange robe, wearing huge deer antlers, and whose face is painted with a strange black makeup. The woman's appearance is completely unreadable, but she gives people a very cold feeling.
"Is this the witch doctor from your barbaric lands?" The middle-aged woman sitting opposite looked haggard but had sharp eyes as she looked at the person who was bowing his head slightly, her voice cautious.
"Yes, our witch doctor is a highly skilled person. She can cure all kinds of difficult and complicated diseases. However, no one else is allowed to watch when the witch doctor is performing the ritual. If you want to try, then go ahead and try. Our witch doctor is not willing to perform rituals for just anyone. If it weren't for our leader feeling that he was too impolite at the banquet a few days ago, he wouldn't have condescended to ask the witch doctor to perform a ritual for a stranger." The wolf king's face was sour as if someone owed him tens of thousands of taels of silver. He seemed to be hoping that the other party would refuse and not bother their witch doctor, making the witch doctor seem very important and noble.
The woman opposite him felt less suspicious and wary. Her tone became much kinder: "Please forgive me, sir. Our master has finally woken up, but he has forgotten everything. I was very anxious, but I dared not use anyone else. Please take this old woman inside to see our master. I thank you in advance for your great kindness and the witch doctor."
The moment the witch doctor saw the woman kneel, he took a half-step forward almost imperceptibly, then abruptly moved away. His lowered eyes softened, and he murmured silently: "Nanny, I'm sorry you had to kneel before me for that slut. I'll make that slut's act end soon!"
Second update! Requesting recommendation votes, comments, and monthly tickets! Group kisses, hahaha! Tomorrow is the first time I'll deal with Luo Ningshuang. The more Aheng hates her, the more ruthless he'll be in dealing with this scoundrel tomorrow. My darlings, stay tuned!
458 The Miraculous Witch Doctor, the Brutal Healing! (Part 1)
Updated: 2013-11-24 12:26:33 Word Count: 7634
The wet nurse led the witch doctor to Luo Ningshuang's room, looking at the door with worry. She knocked cautiously, and after a while, Mu Yunhe's cold voice came from inside: "What is it?"
Luo Zhiheng's hair practically stood on end! Mu Yunhe had actually stayed by this despicable woman's side for days? One day, two days, or three days? No, every single day! During the time she was away, Mu Yunhe had been protecting Luo Ningshuang, this despicable woman, every single day!
She could almost hear her own heart breaking, a tragic yet laughable, ironic experience. She had always thought that even if Mu Yunhe had lost his soul power, he should still have the ability to judge. Although the substitution was absurd and unexpected, she always believed that she was special in Mu Yunhe's heart, irreplaceable, and someone that no one could possess or deceive.
But harsh reality told Luo Zhiheng that she was too naive and overestimated herself. No one is truly irreplaceable! Look, isn't that man she loved so passionately now with the person who caused his true love to suffer such a miserable existence?
The wet nurse respectfully explained Luo Zhiheng's purpose and pleaded with Mu Yunhe to let this witch doctor from the wilderness give her a try. The words she spoke to the imposter were genuine and heartfelt, all of which were the wet nurse's affection for Luo Zhiheng. But now, all of that had been taken by that bastard Luo Ningshuang.
Luo Zhiheng stood behind her wet nurse, watching as her once jet-black hair was now streaked with white, and her beautiful face was pale and haggard. Luo Zhiheng felt a pang of heartache. Her wet nurse still treated her with unwavering devotion, but the person she was now was no longer the same. And yet, standing beside her, she couldn't speak the truth! The truth was too bizarre and unbelievable; perhaps no one would believe her if she told them! That feeling of being unable to speak made Luo Zhiheng almost explode with rage! Her hatred for Luo Ningshuang intensified.
After a brief silence, Mu Yunhe said, "Let her in."
As soon as the door opened, a slightly arrogant yet gentle voice rang out, evoking pity in those who heard it: "Yunhe, don't go. I'm so scared. Don't treat me anymore. I'm not sick. I don't want to see a doctor. It hurts so much when they stick needles into my body."