Chapter 93: Century-Old Engagement Promise

is over!" the Seventh Princess said firmly.“Very well! Tianyi, please draft the imperial decree!” The old emperor waved at Ye Tianyi and ordered solemnly, “The Seventh Princess is kind, graceful, know...Chapter 93: A Hundred-Year Engagement

Yun Qianyue's eyes narrowed slightly, and with a flick of her wrist, the Crimson Beauty Brocade flew out from within her sleeve. Just as the Crimson Beauty Brocade floated out of her sleeves, her wrist was suddenly seized by someone. She turned her head to see Rong Jing give her an imperceptible shake of his head.

"He has a connection with my mother; I can't just sit back and watch him get into trouble!" Yun Qianyue used voice transmission to speak to Rong Jing.

"As the Southern Liang Imperial Tutor, he won’t come to any harm." Rong Jing also used voice transmission, his tone soothing and gentle.

"That’s a Drifting Fragrance Leaf!" Yun Qianyue pursed her lips. She recognized that projectile as one of the three Drifting Fragrance Leaves shot at them by someone from the shadows when they were ambushed by a hundred covert assassins earlier that month. Although it was only one projectile, it would split into three near its target. This weapon was silent and sneaky, making it hard to guard against.

"I know!" Rong Jing nodded, reminding Yun Qianyue with voice transmission, "This great hall isn’t just hiding a single Drifting Fragrance Leaf. Don’t rush to act; let’s observe the situation first."

Yun Qianyue was startled. Not only one Drifting Fragrance Leaf—when she lifted her eyes to look at the roof beam, there was nothing there. She recalled that Ye Qian had positioned a mirror in such a way that it could reflect the projectile from an angle where Yun Qianyue couldn’t see. She looked back at Ye Qian and saw that she had already put away her mirror and was watching Wen Ruyan walk up to the great hall with interest.

Yun Qianyue turned her attention to Wen Ruyan as well. After stepping onto the dais, she respectfully greeted the old emperor in praise before beginning a dance. Although her face was hidden behind a veil, it had to be admitted that this woman’s dancing skills were excellent despite her questionable character. Her waist movements, arm gestures, and gaze all showed great skill. Recalling that she favored Rong Feng, Yun Qianyue looked over at him.

Rong Feng wasn’t looking at Wen Ruyan; instead, he was savoring his wine. It seemed he had noticed Yun Qianyue’s gaze and suddenly lifted his eyes to meet hers directly. He appeared momentarily stunned before smiling at her and raising a cup of wine as a sign.

Seeing Rong Feng’s warm smile, Yun Qianyue felt some of the tension in her heart dissipate, and she raised her own glass in return.

The two of them drank from their glasses across several tables.

Rong Jing glanced at Rong Feng with a lifted gaze and then briefly looked at Yun Qianyue’s upturned lips, but said nothing.

When Wen Ruyan finished her dance, the old emperor clapped his hands in approval. "Brilliant dancing! I’ll reward Miss Wen with a pair of white jade rings!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Wen Ruyan knelt on the ground to show gratitude, drenched in sweat from exerting herself.

The old emperor turned to Ye Qian and smiled. "Princess Ye, didn’t you promise me a dance Miss Wen’s dancing captures the essence of the Heavenly Holy Dance; I’d also like to see how dances from Southern Frontier compare"

"Of course! His Majesty’s interest is a high honor. Princess Ye dares not refuse!" Ye Qian stood up and walked towards the center of the great hall. Once she had settled, she suddenly looked at Yun Qianyue and said to the emperor with a smile, "However, dancing without music is rather dull. I wish to invite Yun Qianyue to play the zither for my performance; may His Majesty grant permission"

"That would be wonderful! These past few years, Moon Girl has kept her talents hidden from everyone; I’ve just heard her play today as well. She should perform a few more pieces." The old emperor nodded in agreement and looked at Yun Qianyue. "Moon Girl, since Princess Ye has appointed Cloud Muhan as her consort, she is no longer an outsider to you. You must assist her."

"Very well!" Yun Qianyue agreed with a nod; it was merely one piece of music.

"Earlier I heard that Miss Qin from the Chancellor’s Manor said Prince Seventh loves the sound of the flute. Having heard Young Lord Jing play earlier, I would also like to hear Prince Seventh play for me. Would His Highness do this favor" Ye Qian then turned her attention towards Night Tianyi.

Yun Qianyue’s expression darkened slightly; what was Ye Qian planning by asking her to play the zither and now asking Night Tianyi to play the flute

Night Tianyi didn’t look at Ye Qian, nor did he speak—he merely continued savoring his wine.

"Prince Seventh isn’t granting this favor to me" Ye Qian raised her eyebrows as she looked at Night Tianyi.

"Tianyi! Among my princes, you are the most talented in music. Especially when it comes to playing the flute; your skills are unparalleled. Since Princess Ye has invited you, why don’t you and Moon Girl perform a duet" The old emperor also looked at Night Tianyi, his aged eyes flashing with interest.

"My flute is broken! Now I have no flute," Ye Tianyi said.

"Are you saying the flute your mother left for you has broken" The old emperor was surprised.

"Yes, it broke when I accidentally dropped it!" Ye Tianyi glanced at Yun Qianmo with a very deep gaze.

When Yun Qianmo met Ye Tianyi's profound gaze, she felt as if darkness had suddenly enveloped her. She remembered how he had risked himself to save her earlier. Although Rong Jing eventually took the poisonous needles away, it was still a fact that Ye Tianyi had saved her by stepping in front of her. This was an undeniable truth.

"Your mother's flute might have been around for many years! It has broken now," said the old emperor suddenly as he looked at Yun Qianmo with meaningful eyes, and then turned to Ye Tianyi: "I have a green jade flute which was left by Cloud Princess Consort in the palace. I'll give it to you today!"

Yun Qianmo was startled and immediately turned her gaze toward the old emperor.

"Thank you, Father Emperor!" Ye Tianyi stood up and knelt before him to thank him.

"Wen Lai, go fetch from the Imperial Study a green jade flute for Seventh Prince!" The old emperor instructed Wen Lai.

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Wen Lai replied with a prompt nod and ran off immediately.

"Uncle Emperor, you said that you have my mother's... green jade flute" Yun Qianmo suddenly stood up to look at the old emperor.

"Look! When I mentioned a green jade flute just now, it shocked Moonlet so much!" The old emperor looked at Yun Qianmo and nodded with a smile. "The imperial family and Cloud Manor have been connected by marriage since our founding ancestor Emperor. Every generation of the Cloud Manor's legitimate daughters marries into the royal family as empresses. An object is exchanged between the imperial family and the Cloud Manor when each legitimate daughter is born to confirm their betrothal. When you were born, the imperial family used a dragon-and-phoenix jade pendant as an object while your mother gave away her green jade flute which she had carried with her all along to the royal family as a token of engagement between you and me."

Yun Qianmo's face changed slightly.

"What Little miss still doesn't believe it You can ask your aunt!" The old emperor turned his gaze towards the queen when he saw Yun Qianmo’s expression change. He smiled at her and said, "Our founding ancestor Emperor had a custom that every generation of the Cloud Manor's legitimate daughters must exchange an object with the imperial family upon birth to confirm their betrothal. It was indeed your aunt who gave my wife, your mother-in-law, a green jade flute when she was born as a token of engagement."

The queen’s face also changed slightly; her eyes filled with sorrow as she looked at Yun Qianmo and nodded in agreement, "The Emperor is right! The Cloud Manor exchanges objects with the imperial family when every generation's legitimate daughter is born. When Moonlet was born, indeed it was a green jade flute given by your aunt that was used for the engagement."

Yun Qianmo recalled what had happened during her birth. At that time, she only remembered seeing her father and mother, elder brother, maidservants, and midwives but did not see the old emperor or anyone else. Later on, she fell asleep out of sheer exhaustion until shortly before her full moon celebration. She pulled at a corner of her lips as she smiled and said, "So it is like that. But during my misfortune, I smashed the South Sea blue sapphire bracelet your aunt gave me. Since Uncle Emperor has already abolished our ancestors’ rules, it seems we have no fate with the imperial family."

"Moonlet, do you know why Your Majesty didn't agree to Rong Jing's proposal" The old emperor suddenly asked.

Yun Qianmo felt a jolt in her heart. This was the first time the old emperor had directly talked about the betrothal with her. She sat down and said leisurely, "That must be because Uncle Emperor doesn’t want Cloud Manor to marry into the Glory Manor! I know that you’re afraid that Cloud Manor might grow powerful due to the marriage and pose a threat to your throne!"

Everyone was stunned by this statement. But after what Yun Qianmo had done earlier—breaking the emperor’s sword—they thought her words were merely a minor offense compared to the greater one, and they saw them as commonplace.

"Moonlet! What you are saying is somewhat reasonable. As an emperor who oversees a vast country and ensures peace for its people, I must ensure no power grows too large. But also because of an unwritten rule set by our founding ancestor Emperor when he first established the four manors, none of them can be connected through marriage. This is only part of the reason," the old emperor looked at Yun Qianmo and shifted his tone to say, "The main reason is that even if I were to abolish my ancestors’ rules, your betrothal with the imperial family has never been annulled; you are still a member of the royal family. Whether or not you marry the Crown Prince and become empress, you have always been destined as my future daughter-in-law. There's no way for you to marry someone else."

Yun Qianmo’s hand in her sleeve suddenly clenched tightly; she had never known there was such an arrangement.

"Queen, being Moonlet's aunt, you should be the most aware of this matter from beginning to end. I remember that your hands were involved in exchanging the betrothal gifts back then, right" The old emperor looked at the queen.

The queen nodded with a seemingly reluctant look on her face and said, "Yes, we exchanged the objects at that time."

"Do you still remember what I said back then" the old emperor asked again.

The Empress Consort pondered for a moment, glanced at Yun Qianyue, and nodded lightly, saying, "I remember that the Emperor said this was a betrothal gift. You gave it not as an emperor but as a father to your son. Regarding the ancestral precept, if Moon prefers the Crown Prince, that's wonderful; if she doesn't like him, in the future... no matter which of your sons Moon likes, you will make it happen."

"Mm, the Empress Consort has good memory!" The old emperor smiled and nodded. He then looked at Yun Wang, asking, "Wang Yun, do you remember"

Yun Wang shook his head in confusion, replying, "Your Majesty, it seems I don't recall."

"Oh, I remember now. It was when Moon was three days old, and you were bedridden at the time. So this matter was decided by Old Wang, Yun Wangfei, the Empress Consort, and me." The old emperor seemed to recall the situation and said with realization.

Yun Wang wiped his sweat and nodded, saying, "Yes, such a long time ago, I've forgotten."

"Compared to the Empress Consort and me, Yun Wang really does have poor memory. But it's not your fault; you suffered from an old illness because of rescuing me, which hurt your brain. That's why for so many years... ah, this always makes me feel guilty." The old emperor sighed.

"It's a small matter and nothing to worry about. This old minister is loyal to the Emperor; as long as you're fine, I'm content," Yun Wang hurriedly said.

"Moon liked my Crown Prince for ten years, and I believed she would be his empress consort. This little girl has a stubborn temper; since the Crown Prince doesn't know how to give her an inch, honestly speaking, these past few years, I've been very worried. Later on, it turned out that the Crown Prince liked Miss Qin from Chancellor's Mansion, but Moon actually didn't like him at all and was pretending. When I saw they weren’t meant for each other, I followed her wishes and repealed the first emperor’s ancestral precept. Then I found out this little girl had been acquainted with my seventh prince since childhood and corresponded for several years, which made me very happy. But now it turns out that there must have been some misunderstanding between them, because she insists on marrying only Jing Shizi. This is causing great headaches for me." The old emperor nodded as he said this, rubbing his forehead in apparent frustration.

Yun Wang didn’t know what to say and remained silent.

With her lips pursed slightly, Yun Qianyue also kept quiet. She wanted to see what the old emperor would come up with next.

"Moon is right! I am indeed getting old! Moon has grown up under my watch; you aren’t afraid of me, and neither can I frighten you. There’s nothing I can do about it. So I’ve decided to let you young folks decide your own matters!" After the old emperor finished speaking, he put down his hand and said to Ye Tianyi, "Tianyi, I know you like Moon; no matter what misunderstanding arose between you two, I’m sending you Qingyu Flute as a betrothal gift from Yun Wangfei. This means that back then, I and Yun Wangfei had already arranged your marriage with Moon. From now on, do whatever you see fit! Whether it’s breaking off the engagement or marrying Moon, I don’t care!"

Yun Qianyue thought to herself, _This old emperor is clever; he doesn’t force a match anymore but uses this trick instead_. This move seemed gentle yet tied her mutual affection for Rong Jing with Ye Tianyi’s childhood engagement to her. It left no room for retreat.

"Yes! I will handle my marriage to Moon with utmost seriousness!" After glancing at Yun Qianyue, Ye Tianyi replied respectfully.

"Good! I believe in my sons and also trust that Moon didn’t know about this engagement being arranged by Yun Wangfei; if she did, she wouldn’t have been jokingly saying marriage was a trivial matter—either marrying my Crown Prince or Rong Feng or Jing Shizi." The old emperor chuckled. "The spirit of Yun Wangfei in heaven wouldn’t be pleased!"

"My mother’s wish is to see me happy," Yun Qianyue smiled faintly. "Uncle Emperor worries too much."

"You, this little girl—whether you’re happy depends on fate; your destiny is tied with Tianyi! When you first met him, you dragged him out to play and got yourselves muddy. Later on at my birthday banquet ten years ago, Tianyi drew a ticket for the mansion next to Yun王府, and you were often playing in the wall there—don’t think I didn’t know. The only time I wasn’t aware was when he left the capital for Beijiang five years ago; now that I know you two kept in touch all along, this long-standing entanglement makes it murky whether you’re clear or not. Who can untangle you" After speaking, the old emperor looked at Rong Jing and smiled again. "I remember Jing Shizi also had a betrothal."

Yun Qianyue was startled and turned to look at Rong Jing. She saw him with his head lowered slightly; she could only see one side of his face, which seemed serene beyond measure. It was hard for her to believe that Rong Jing also had a betrothal—whom

"A hundred years ago when the first emperor founded the dynasty and married Zhenjing Empress, she suffered from an unknown curse during their campaign in Southern Borderland but only realized it when the poison of the curse hit her on her wedding day. Prince Rong was skilled at medicine and diagnosed that it was a life-and-death curse from the Southern Borderland. This sort of curse had no cure," the old emperor began slowly, suddenly looking at Ye Qian. "Princess Ye, you’re the princess of the Southern Borderland; shouldn’t you be most knowledgeable about their secret arts Is there such a life-and-death curse"

Ye Qian was still standing in the center of the hall and nodded when she heard this. "Yes! There is indeed a life-and-death curse, but it’s long extinct now!"

"Mm," said the old emperor, nodding again as he continued, "Back then, news about Zhenjing Empress suffering from the life-and-death curse was kept secret by the first emperor; only the four princes and Emperor knew. The Emperor sent people to invite the Southern Borderland King to Tiansheng. Although he couldn’t resolve the curse, he provided a glimmer of hope: there’s something that can counter the life-and-death curse in Donghai Country on the east side of the East Sea according to ancient legend; the East Sea has an Evil Spirit Pearl which can restrain the life-and-death curse. Princess Ye should be aware"

"Yes! I know," said Ye Qian, nodding.

The first emperor loved Zhenjing Empress and naturally wouldn’t let go of this hope. So he ordered Prince Rong to search for Donghai Country; it was a six-month journey before Prince Rong returned with an Evil Spirit Pearl but also another woman: the princess of Donghai Country," said the old emperor, continuing his story. "That lady used the Evil Spirit Pearl to save Prince Rong and was in love with him, wanting to marry him despite knowing he had no interest. She was a fiery character who didn’t糾纏and instead asked for one condition from Prince Rong—that their future children be betrothed."

Yun Qianyue still looked at Rong Jing; when she saw his long eyelashes blink, she knew the old emperor’s words were true. She’d never heard of such secrets before.

"At that time, there was another clause in the agreement which stated that if their respective children were of the same gender and could not marry, they would continue to bear offspring. As long as someone came with a token to fulfill the promise, the Rong王府 must agree to it. Of course, every generation of Rong王府 descendants waited for the day of coming-of-age; if no one from Donghai Kingdom arrived on that day, then after that the Rong王府 would begin discussions about marriage, and this agreement would be passed down to the next generation. After King Rong agreed, Princess Donghai left Tiansheng with King Rong's promise. Until King Rong's death, Donghai Kingdom had never sent anyone. Although a hundred years have passed, this agreement has always been in existence." The old emperor spoke and then said, "This matter was witnessed by Prince Deying, Cloud King, and Nanyang King back then. Along with the promise token, Princess Donghai also took away a letter which bore Grand Ancestor's jade seal and the seals of Prince Deying, Cloud King, and King Rong; in total, five copies were stamped identically on that letter. One copy was left in the imperial palace, another one taken by Southern Sea Princess, while the other three were kept separately by House of Deying, House of Rong, and House of Yun."

"That's right! The House of Deying still has a copy of that letter!" Prince Deying nodded in agreement.

"Princess Ye, I assume Nanyang also kept the letter" The old emperor turned to look at Ye Qian.

Ye Qian glanced at Rong Jing and Yun Qianyue before nodding. "That's right! Nanyang has a copy as well!"

"Brother Yun, I assume Cloud王府 also has one" The old emperor turned to look at the Cloud King.

"This… I'm not sure, but if it truly exists, it should be there. It's probably with my father," the Cloud King shook his head and said.

"Hmm, the old王爺 is still alive, so that letter must have been well-kept in Cloud王府!" The old emperor nodded before looking at Rong Jing again. "I possess the copy of that letter from the imperial palace. If Eldest Grand王爺 Rong did not hand over the one from House of Rong to you, then it should still be with the old王爺."

Rong Jing lifted his head and smiled faintly. "It's probably in my grandfather's hands! I've never seen it before!"

The old emperor nodded. "That is why I disagreed with marrying Lady Yue to you, as both of you are bound by pre-existing engagements. How could I possibly arrange a marriage for the two of you Would that not be betraying my word and disrupting your fated union"

Yun Qianyue felt a chill run through her heart.

"Although this matter is already a hundred years old, if someone from Donghai Kingdom comes with the token and letter to make Rong王府 fulfill its promise, then Rong王府 must adhere to it. If they do so, there is no doubt that such person would be Prince Jing." The old emperor looked at Yun Qianyue and sighed. "Lady Yue, should you now understand You are not fated to marry Prince Jing."

Yun Qianyue suppressed the chill in her heart and suddenly smiled without making a comment.

"Emperor, this is the Jade Green Flute!" Wen Lai walked in carrying an embroidered box恭敬地遞給皇上。

The old emperor收回視線 from Yun Qianyue and reached out to take the box. Upon opening it, he saw a jade flute inside with a light green hue. After glancing at it, he handed the box back to Wen Lai. "Give this Jade Green Flute to Seventh Prince."

"Yes!" Wen Lai took the box over to Night Tianyi.

Night Tianyi reached out and accepted it, holding the jade flute in his hand. He then thanked the old emperor before glancing at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue's gaze fell on the Jade Green Flute in Night Tianyi’s hand; there was a line of characters written on it, though extremely small. But because she had inner strength, her eyesight was exceptionally good, so she could clearly see that the jade flute read: ‘Jade Qingqing gives to beloved daughter Yun Qianyue’. It was indeed her mother's handwriting. The words were not written with ink but rather inscribed using inner strength.

Jade Qingqing was her mother’s name.

The Jade surname did not exist in Tiansheng, so the old emperor had searched across the land and could never find where her mother originated from. Southern Liang hid it very well, so the old emperor didn't think that she was actually a princess of Southern Liang. However, except for not growing up there, no one knew where her mother came from.

As Yun Qianyue thought about this, she suddenly looked at the Grand Tutor of Southern Liang; he too was looking at the Jade Green Flute. His gaze remained detached as always, but there was a hint of warmth in his eyes. She didn't react and silently planned to visit the residence of the envoy from Southern Liang after the banquet because she felt that he probably knew many things about her mother.

"Lady Ye has waited so long! Tianyi, use this Jade Green Flute to play with Yue’s zither now!" The old emperor spoke again and looked at Yun Qianyue. "Yue, will you still be playing the piece ‘The Phoenix Seeking Its Mate’"

Suppressing all her thoughts, Yun Qianyue shook her head and smiled. "Earlier, Uncle Emperor said that my performance was a licentious tune; how could I dare to play it again I'm afraid he will draw his sword on me!"

"I knew you were petty!" The old emperor laughed heartily before turning to Night Tianyi. “Tianyi, I’ve heard you often blow the flute from the wall of Yun王府; what tune is it" Why don't you play this one today"

"I wonder which dance Princess Ye will perform" Night Tianyi looked at Ye Qian.

"Whatever tune the Seventh Prince and Yun Qianyue play, that's what I'll dance to," Ye Qian smiled. "I've been standing here for so long my legs are getting numb. Let's start already!"

With a nod, Night Tianyi turned his eyes on Yun Qianyue, and his gaze was soft. "Moonie, shall we play the melody 'Spring River Moonlit Night' together"

"Sure!" Yun Qianyue readily agreed without showing any displeasure.

Seeing her agree so easily, everyone looked curiously at Rong Jing. However, his handsome face was calm and showed no signs of displeasure. Everyone thought to themselves that with both the Young Nobleman Jing and Miss Qian Yue engaged, they truly had no chance. Sitting together, he was elegant and refined while she was clear and extraordinary. What a beautiful story! Yet it seemed fate was cruel. Everyone sighed secretly.

"Let's start then!" Night Tianyi sat down with his green jade flute in hand.

Yun Qianyue took Rong Jing’s zither, her fingertips lightly touching the strings, and a melody of 'Spring River Moonlit Night' flowed from her fingertips. As soon as Yun Qianyue's music began, so did Night Tianyi's flute sound. At the same time, Ye Qian focused and listened for a moment, then she lightly tapped her toes on the jade table that Qin Yuning had left behind earlier and started to dance.

The thousands of thoughts in people’s minds were instantly drawn by Yun Qianyue’s music, Night Tianyi's flute sound, and Ye Qian's dancing. The atmosphere inside the hall changed instantly.

After barely a moment, Yun Qianyue suddenly handed Rong Jing her zither. "I'm tired, you play!"

Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue with raised eyes and accepted the zither without saying anything. His jade-like fingertips lightly stroked over the strings of the zither. As they switched places, the music continued seamlessly.

There was a brief pause in Night Tianyi’s flute sound as he watched Rong Jing playing the zither, his eyes dark and solemn but still he did not stop.

This small incident only a few people noticed. Everyone else had already been drawn into Yun Qianyue's music, Night Tianyi’s flute sounds, and Ye Qian's dance.

The music of the zither and flute was enchanting like that of fairies, yet with just one dancer—Ye Qian—it was as if all colors in the world dimmed. She instantly surpassed Wen Ruyan’s previous dancing. Everyone watched as she moved about gracefully under her red dress, listening to 'Spring River Moonlit Night', completely immersed.

Yun Qianyue looked at Ye Qian in the hall with a calm gaze. Thinking from a woman's perspective, Ye Qian was undoubtedly a very feminine and talented lady. She possessed not only beauty but also wit and cunning. It made one wonder which direction her heart lay.

The music ended; the old emperor exclaimed loudly, "Great!"

Rong Jing stopped playing the zither while Night Tianyi stopped his flute sound. The two of them looked at each other. One was cool and calm, while the other was deep and cold.

Ye Qian jumped down from the jade table—she hadn't even sweated despite her dance.

The old emperor clapped his hands sharply, then praised Ye Qian, "Princess Ye truly is... "

At that moment, countless cold lights shot out in every direction from within the hall.

Yun Qianyue was startled; she saw about twenty or thirty hidden weapons shoot out from various directions. The weapons were Three Leaf Fragrance, without any pattern, silent and extremely fast. Before Yun Qianyue could even make out which direction they were headed towards, a few of them shot at her and Rong Jing. She immediately drew Crimson Beauty.

At that moment, Rong Jing suddenly pulled her arm to shield her in his embrace, activating his Inner Strength, instantly forming a protective barrier around both of them. As the Three Leaf Fragrance flew towards them, they were blocked by Rong Jing's True Qi and sent back along their original path.

At the same time, screams and cries of pain erupted from all over the hall.

"Quickly protect His Majesty!

"There are throwing weapons!"

...

Yun Qianyue raised her eyes to look and saw chaos in the grand hall. Throwing weapons had been shot at each corner tower. Night Tianyi and Night Qingran were guarding the old emperor, while the Southern Liang Nation's Scholar-Official and Nan Lingrui were dodging throwing weapons. There were also throwing weapons hitting Tianyu, Yun Muhuan, Ye Qian, et al., as well as several officials' family members had already been hit by throwing weapons.

"Father!" While Yun Qianyue was observing the scene, Night Tianyi suddenly shouted.

"Uncle Emperor!" Night Qingran also shouted.

Yun Qianyue turned her eyes to look and saw that the old emperor's body had fallen into Night Tianyi's arms. She frowned; how could the old emperor still be hit by throwing weapons even with Night Tianyi and Night Qingran guarding him Right when she was wondering, Rong Jing suddenly let out a stifled groan. The true energy protecting her instantly withdrew, and his body fell backward.

Yun Qianyue was alarmed and quickly caught Rong Jing as she shouted, "Rong Jing!"

At the same time, Nan Lingrui also anxiously shouted, "Scholar-Official!"

Yun Qianyue paused in her grip of Rong Jing's hand and turned to look. She saw that Southern Liang Nation's Scholar-Official had fallen into Nan Lingrui's arms as well. When she looked back at Rong Jing's face, she saw his complexion was pale. She helped him turn around and saw a throwing weapon embedded in his back; only the tail of the weapon was visible. Her heart chilled as she quickly reached to pull out the throwing weapon.

Rong Jing suddenly grabbed Yun Qianyue's hand.

Yun Qianyue paused, looking at him. Rong Jing also looked at her but didn't speak; soon, he turned his head to look at the old emperor, and she followed suit. She saw that the grand hall was still chaotic, but no more throwing weapons were being shot. The old emperor seemed to have fainted in Night Tianyi's arms, clearly hit by a throwing weapon on his back. Southern Liang Nation's Scholar-Official, supported by Nan Lingrui, had also been struck in the back with a throwing weapon. All three people's throwing weapons landed at the same spot; her eyes narrowed.

"Emperor! Imperial Physician! Quickly come over!" Mingfei's voice suddenly rang out, clearly frightened and trembling.

"Grandmother Eunuch!" Empress' voice also rose, somewhat mournful.

Yun Qianyue looked at the empress and Mingfei; she saw that Mingfei was unharmed while Grandmother Eunuch had throwing weapons embedded in her chest and between her eyebrows. From this vantage point, it seemed the one in her chest hadn't hit a vital spot, but the one between her brows was deadly and already fatal. She diverted her gaze to see that everyone else in the grand hall was still shouting in chaos, but none of those she knew had been injured further. Recalling her attention back to Rong Jing, she said, "I'll take you home to remove this throwing weapon!"

"Alright." Rong Jing nodded and closed his eyes.

Yun Qianyue wrapped her arms around Rong Jing's waist to avoid the throwing weapon in his back. She glanced inside the grand hall, then lightly touched her feet to the ground to carry Rong Jing out of the Golden Hall. Just as she reached the door, Nan Lingrui was seen bringing Southern Liang Nation's Scholar-Official to the doorway; they exchanged glances and left the Golden Hall together.

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Jing Mei Ren and Yue Er are finally getting equal treatment this time! O(^_^)O~

Remember, this volume is "Gentleman's Strategy", don't forget! O(^_^)O~

The peach blossoms and pear flowers have bloomed everywhere. Sadly, I couldn't even catch a glimpse of the tail end of the holiday period; argh, votes...

I saw all the monthly tickets you lovely readers sent me—I love you!

Big thanks to those below who sent diamond gifts and flowers! Kissing!

juypjj (20 diamonds), kikilovejie (20 diamonds), 13030701999 (20 diamonds), Lu Grandma (10 diamonds), Meng Xuaner (5 diamonds), Wei Leye Smiling (18 flowers), Lei Xiaoxi Yaya (29 flowers), Luo Yuyan Yun (1 diamond and 10 flowers), Yuanruo19 (10 flowers), Yi Jinjinyinjin (3 flowers), yiyiy7547 (1 diamond and 1 flower), Cool Sunset (9 flowers), king0071218 (1 diamond), russiameimei (1 diamond), Feng Yun Thirty (1 flower), tongfj300 (1 flower), 15921863136 (1 flower). Kissing O(^_^)O~t on bended knee, and he must also pass through the Dragon Pit Tiger Den Formation that intruded into our family. If he can successfully complete this task, we will agree to marry our daughter to him;...