Chapter 31: Wearing Stars and Moon

woman Not like how you treat Empress Gong or Mingfei. But rather from the bottom of your heart, wanting to give her everything good in this world, wanting her by your side, being one-minded towards he...Chapter 31: Wearing Stars and Moonlight

The biggest pleasure boat on Jade Maiden River had an accident, with water flooding the boat and causing it to sink. Everyone was in chaos.

Nan Lingrui coldly instructed people to abandon ship and go ashore. He also ordered some men to jump into the river to save others while sealing off Jade Maiden River and strictly investigating this incident. In an instant, the Prince's secret guards appeared and sealed off Jade Maiden River.

Today was a busy day; many commoners were on the riverside. Such a major change suddenly occurring caused everyone’s faces to turn pale with worry.

The sky had already turned dark by then. Even with lamps lit, it was hard for the light to reach every corner of the scene. Southern Liang had four seasons like spring all year round; naturally, Jade Maiden River hadn’t frozen in winter either. The Prince's secret guards dove into the water one after another, but the current tonight was especially swift, and the river was pitch black with no visibility—searching for people became even harder.

After half a pot of tea’s time (approximately 15 minutes), Jade Maiden River was under control. No one left.

An hour later, all the secret guards from the Prince's household returned to shore, their faces turning blue and white with cold despite their internal energy protection. The chill in the water was too heavy for them; shivering violently, they had no results to show.

Not only did Miss Chu not appear, but also General Gu Shaoqing’s whereabouts were unknown as well.

Nan Lingrui's face darkened as if a frost of ten layers had descended in winter. He stared at Jade Maiden River and listened to the secret guards who reported back with nothing found; he remained silent. The chill around him was enough to freeze everything within a radius of ten miles.

Many princes and young lords looked worried, but their eyes showed varying expressions.

Cuiwei Princess anxiously watched the water, her face pale as she repeatedly asked, "How could this happen Has something happened to Senior Sister Chu and General Gu Shaoqing" As soon as she said that, she reached out for Prince Nan Lingrui’s sleeve. “Prince Brother, send another batch of people into the river. We must find them.”

Nan Lingrui looked at Cuiwei Princess with a solemn face and suddenly got angry, "Gu Shaoqing is defying me!"

Cuiwei’s expression changed instantly. “Prince Brother”

"I had long suspected that he harbored ulterior motives towards my adopted sister; now it has come to this. He dared to act under the boat, taking her away. How could such a thing happen" Nan Lingrui's forehead veins bulged as his anger couldn't be contained.

Cuiwei’s body trembled and she hurriedly denied, "Prince Brother, General Gu Shaoqing wouldn’t do that. There must have been someone who secretly harmed him; he was trying to save Senior Sister Chu…”

Nan Lingrui shook off her hand and angrily said, “How could it be so Have you ever seen him treat any woman kindly in the past years Has there ever been a lady whom he spoke softly to”

Cuiwei Princess suddenly lost her voice.

"Given what Prince Brother has just stated, I think it's possible. Gu Shaoqing is too unreasonable; how could he dare to lay hands on Prince Brother’s adopted sister Moreover, she is the wife of Lord Chu from the main branch of the family. Even if they haven’t consummated their marriage yet, it doesn't justify forcefully taking her away." The Sixth Prince spoke up at this moment.

"Yes indeed. I had noticed that something was amiss with his expression during the feast; he must have been eyeing Miss Chu all along. So it turned out like this," The Tenth Prince suddenly understood.

"Exactly, considering his martial arts abilities, if he went into the water to save someone, there's no way he wouldn't be able to rescue them. It's clear that he took her away with him." Another prince looked at Nan Lingrui’s gloomy face and said, "Prince Brother, it's so dark now; even if Gu Shaoqing has good martial arts skills, I believe he used the water currents to take Miss Chu away. We might as well stop searching for them and wait until we go to his camp to demand her back."

"By now, they've probably left far behind!"

...

The group of princes each expressed their opinions one after another, agreeing with Nan Lingrui's thoughts that it was Gu Shaoqing who took away Miss Chu.

Cuiwei Princess initially didn’t believe this theory, but seeing everyone’s certainty and analysis about General Gu’s recent strange behavior, she couldn't refute them anymore. Frustrated, she got into a carriage and cried back to the city.

Nan Lingrui was an excellent prince who listened to others' advice. Though his face remained gloomy, he didn’t insist on sending people into the water again but instead ordered some men along Jade Maiden River downstream for searching and checking. At the same time, he angrily said, "I’ll go back to the palace to report this matter to Father King and request a token of authority to retrieve her from his camp; Gu Shaoqing must not bully my younger sister." After saying that, he got on horseback and returned to the city.

The princes looked at each other and hurriedly followed him back into the city.

Many people secretly rejoiced over Nan Lingrui's falling out with Gu Shaoqing. Some thought this incident was odd; all of Prince’s secret guards were mobilized but couldn’t find anyone who destroyed the boat, which seemed unreasonable. Although what General Gu did might have been possible and he indeed had that capability, would a general really rebel Otherwise, how could he dare to openly offend the prince Who didn't know that Prince Nan Lingrui was deeply favored by the emperor Miss Chu rescued Emperor and thus received his favor; such an incident suddenly occurring made people feel strange.

After Nan Lingrui and the princes left Jade Maiden River, a curfew was lifted. Only the secret guards from the Prince’s household continued to patrol along the riverbank.

Yun Qianmo sat on a branch of an ancient tree halfway up the hill across the river, watching as Nan Lingrui angrily led people back to the city. She blinked her eyes and thought that what Nan Lingrui did was extremely simple and naive, but sometimes, the simplest and most childish methods were the most effective. Undoubtedly, starting from today or at most tomorrow, all of Southern Liang would hear that Prince Nan Lingrui had fallen out with General Gu Shaoqing over a woman named Miss Chu who was also the wife of Lord Chu and the Red Pavilion's lady-in-waiting. She added more fuel to her already mysterious identity. Turning her head towards another tree where Gu Shaoqing sat, she raised an eyebrow: "Do you know about this act he put on"

"Knowing that one's chest isn't flat, how can one make the world level!" Gu Shaoqing withdrew his gaze and glanced at Yun Qianmo.

"You knew yet you still jumped down Is this something you agreed on with him long ago or did you do it to help him achieve something Don’t say I need saving. Even if I needed rescuing, I don’t need your help," Yun Qianmo said as she looked at him.

Gu Shaoqing looked at Yun Qianmo’s face and said, "Last time you threw me away and left without even saying goodbye. This time are you going to leave again like that"

"How do you know I was planning on leaving" Yun Qianmo asked with a roll of her eyes.

"You’re clearly thinking about Rong Jing, it’s all over your face!" Gu Shaoqing bluntly said.

Yun Qianmo suddenly laughed and leaned back against the tree trunk. "Yes, I am! If I don’t go back soon, I won’t even be able to step into the threshold of Rong王府 (Rong Prince’s Manor). I have to return early and beg for forgiveness."

Gu Shaoqing glanced at her with a sneer and said, "Not one bit feminine. How did Rong Jing, the world-renowned Viscount of Rong, take an interest in you He even defied the imperial power just for your sake."

"Is everyone in the world criticizing him now I didn’t know that," Yun Qianmo said with a look of surprise.

Gu Shaoqing snorted, "He hasn’t been criticized yet, but it’s only a matter of time."

Yun Qianmo scoffed and waved her hand. She spoke slowly, “Don’t worry! Even if the whole world criticizes me, they won’t criticize him. That person was born to be like clouds in the sky while I’m mud on the ground. The difference between us is so great that any criticism will only apply to me.”

Gu Shaoqing stared at her face and suddenly changed his tone of voice. "Yun Qianmo, I can’t see through your disguise, but the portrait sent from Southern Liang wasn’t like this. Where did you learn such advanced disguising techniques"

Yun Qianmo blinked and refused to acknowledge his statement. “I have good disguising skills, why should I tell you”

"Recently there was news from the city of Fen Shui in Southern Liang saying that you used your powers to save a prince consort of the Southern Borderland Kingdom. That technique was even more advanced than their witchcraft," Gu Shaoqing said thoughtfully.

Yun Qianmo snorted, “My abilities are quite impressive; otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to drag you back from the gates of death five years ago.”

"Brags don't turn your face red," Gu Shaoqing said slowly as he jumped down from the tree and landed on the ground. He told her, "Let's go. I'll escort you for a while."

Yun Qianmo sat up straight and asked in surprise, “You want to escort me”

"Isn’t it better if we do things thoroughly If I return on my own now, your dear brother’s play will collapse," Gu Shaoqing said.

Yun Qianmo was speechless. "I can go by myself and you can hide somewhere; you don't have to escort me."

"There is a camp of mine two hundred miles away from here, on the way back from Southern Liang to Celestial Capital. Why don’t you stop over there before leaving" Gu Shaoqing said. "Since I’ve brought you along, it’s only right that things look proper so as not to waste his efforts."

Yun Qianmo thought about this and nodded. "Alright! Let’s go to your camp for a cup of tea."

Gu Shaoqing seemed to have smiled before turning around and walking into the deep mountains.

Yun Qianmo was thinking that her life was so bitter, she had been running back and forth on mountain paths all day long.

The two of them kept a distance from each other. Gu Shaoqing occasionally glanced back at her and noticed that she was now chewing a blade of grass and muttering to herself. He said, "You don’t act like a woman!"

Yun Qianmo rolled her eyes behind him but pretended not to hear.

The mountains of Southern Liang were lush with trees and plants, as well as inhabited by insects and animals. Yun Qianmo’s aura gradually became gentle and soft.

Gu Shaoqing sensed this and turned around to stare at her for a moment, his eyes filled with thoughtfulness again. Yun Qianmo disliked it and kicked him lightly in the leg. "What kind of child doesn’t learn good things but imitates an old scholar"

Gu Shaoqing really did receive that kick and walked on without saying anything.

Yun Qianmo thought about how cute this attitude was, even though he had bitten her hand earlier. She said to him, "Mr Gu, can you sing a mountain song"

"I can’t!

"Play a tune for me!" Yun Qianyue demanded.

"I can't!"

"Then what can you do" Yun Qianyue stared at his back. The youth was slim and straight-backed.

"Nothing!"

Yun Qianyue pursed her lips, "No fun."

"You seem to be in the mood. Could it be because you're returning to Heavenly Capital Be careful; your hand might still be injured after you return. If you have time for this, why not think about how to deal with Prince Jingshi's inquiries" Gu Shaoqing didn't turn around and reminded her.

"You really know how to bring up a sore subject. Beware; I might tie you up and send you back to Heavenly Capital for him to handle." Yun Qianyue glared at him.

Gu Shaoqing seemed to consider it before nodding, "Alright!"

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes, "Then Cuiwei would cry herself to death."

Gu Shaoqing suddenly fell silent.

Yun Qianyue felt that picking at old wounds was inappropriate. Gu Shaoqing had picked at hers; she had returned the favor. Now that things were better, she wouldn't say more. If possible, she really wanted to tie up Gu Shaoqing and send him back for Rong Jing's handling, but he held a high position as a general overseeing 300 thousand troops—it would only cause more trouble—so she decided against it.

After another stretch of silence, Gu Shaoqing suddenly asked, "Yun Qianyue, what do you like about Prince Jingshi"

Yun Qianyue blinked and immediately said, "He has a black heart!"

Gu Shaoqing laughed abruptly, "Is there anything else"

Seemingly pondering it over, Yun Qianyue suddenly sighed, "Who knows! It's just that one day you find yourself liking someone without any reason. There’s a person who sneaks into your heart and gradually takes up space—like a tiny sapling you don't even notice at first. Over time, the sapling grows into a towering tree, so deeply rooted that you can’t remove it."

Gu Shaoqing remained silent.

Yun Qianyue continued, "Sometimes there's no reason to like someone, and other times there are too many reasons to count. Rong Jing is the person who has captivated my heart for years, filling it entirely with no room left."

Gu Shaoqing seemed to nod but didn’t speak.

Yun Qianyue fell silent and felt an even stronger urge to return home.

A long while later, Gu Shaoqing murmured softly, "I don't find the feelings you described on Princess Cuiwei. Perhaps that's why I dislike her. In the past, I thought a man's life should be about making achievements and leaving behind a legacy. Now hearing what you've said, I envy Prince Jingshi—emotions can truly be so beautiful."

Yun Qianyue was momentarily stunned before jokingly saying, "Gu Shaoqing, don't tell me that you like me next!"

Gu Shaoqing turned around and looked at Yun Qianyue with a look of disdain, "I see no redeeming qualities in you; why would I like you"

Yun Qianyue pretended to breathe a sigh of relief, "That's good. I'm afraid people liking me."

Gu Shaoqing gave her an unimpressed glance, his usually mature demeanor briefly giving way to childishness, "You're such an unreliable person; who would want you as a wife Prince Jingshi might have gone prematurely gray from worry during your absence."

Yun Qianyue thought about Rong Jing growing white hair and couldn't help but sigh. "Isn’t that too extreme White hair isn't beautiful!"

Seeing her distressed look, Gu Shaoqing found it amusing and walked ahead.

The two of them chatted intermittently as they continued their journey and no longer felt the initial discomfort and boredom. At dawn, they arrived at the military camp on Mount Molu, about 200 miles away.

Mount Molu was ideal for a military base with its fertile fields and rivers snaking through it along the mountains' slopes. In times of peace, soldiers farmed; in war, they armed themselves and fought. It was said that this idea came from the Imperial Tutor fifteen years ago. Since then, by combining farming with military service, Southern Liang's national power and troop strength had steadily increased.

Gu Shaoqing didn't hesitate and directly led Yun Qianyue into the main camp.

The soldiers of Southern Liang cheered loudly upon seeing their general return. A few deputy generals glanced at Gu Shaoqing and Yun Qianyue with ambiguous expressions. Before the deputy generals could joke around, Gu Shaoqing gave them a glance and introduced her: "This is Prince Yu's honorary younger sister, Madam Zhuo of the Chu Family from one of the Ten Great Families, and also the Red Pavilion Lady-in-Waiting."

The deputy generals immediately widened their eyes in surprise and fell silent.

Yun Qianyue thought that wherever she went with her identity, people would be intimidated. Whoever dared to take action against her wouldn't need to fight; just hearing her name would instantly make them back off.

Arriving at the main tent, Gu Shaoqing ordered someone to prepare a meal for them.

Without hesitation, Yun Qianyue sat down and thought that once she had eaten enough, she could travel more efficiently.

"The king intends to abdicate in favor of Prince Yu. To prevent any other princes from causing chaos, the king originally ordered Prince Yu to take action yesterday and control all other princes by placing them under house arrest. However, Prince Yu considers these people his father's flesh and blood, so he asked me to cooperate with him for a performance." Gu Shaoqing sat down and explained to Yun Qianyue.

"He plans to abdicate so early" Yun Qianyue was surprised.

"Yes. The king says he has been on the throne long enough, and Prince Yu is capable of handling it," Gu Shaoqing said.

Yun Qianyue blinked her eyes, "What benefits does this performance bring"

"I will pretend to be in conflict with Prince Yu. After the king reads out his abdication decree, anyone with ulterior motives will definitely try to incite me to rebel. I'll take advantage of that moment to capture them and thus avoid putting all other princes under house arrest while also purifying the political climate," Gu Shaoqing explained.

Yun Qianyue nodded her head, "Brother's approach is flawless!"

"It’s fine with others, but I’m worried about Aunt." Gu Shaoqing sighed. "After all, Prince Yu isn't his own son."

"You knew of this" Yun Qianyue was stunned.

Gu Shaoqing glanced at her and nodded, "The Emperor trusts me to protect Prince Yu; naturally, he would inform me."

Yun Qianyue looked at Gu Shaoqing. At fifteen years old, this young general had already proven himself on the battlefield. After Southern Lingrui ascended to the throne, he assisted him and ensured that Southern Liang was clean and upright; why wouldn't it prosper Smiling, she did not speak any further.

After eating, Yun Qianyue left the military camp. Gu Shaoqing brought her a horse, which Yun Qianyue mounted and looked at him.

"Let’s go!" Gu Shaoqing waved his hand and turned around to leave, leaving her with only his back view.

Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow and suddenly smiled. She said nothing and galloped away.

Shortly after Yun Qianyue left, a cavalry unit arrived at the camp of Devil’s Mountain, led by Southern Lingrui who dismounted angrily and rushed in. Soon, sounds of shouting and fighting echoed within the camp.

Naturally, Yun Qianyue no longer cared about the performance between Southern Lingrui and Gu Shaoqing; it had nothing to do with her anymore. With a heart set on returning home, she rode swiftly towards TianSheng capital city.

After leaving Devil’s Mountain, she arrived at CuiXiang City of Southern Liang. The area was named after its CuiXiang mountain. Without stopping, Yun Qianyue continued her journey to Wencu County. By noon when she reached Wencu County, she bought two buns and continued riding.

The next city to Wencu County was Anyang City; the one following that was LaiFeng Fort. After LaiFeng Fort came JiYin Ridge, followed by Bahuang Mountain, then QiXi City. Crossing QiXi City would lead her to TianShui Cliff and finally Fenghuang Pass.

The horse Gu Shaoqing provided for Yun Qianyue was certainly a fine steed capable of long-distance travel. She rode through the night and arrived at Bahuang Mountain.

Bahuang Mountain was another mountain range similar to Devil’s Mountain, but while Devil’s Mountain had gentle slopes, Bahuang Mountain's terrain was steep and rugged with desolate grasses surrounding it in all directions.

With her excellent skills, Yun Qianyue boldly rode through Bahuang Mountain.

Journeying halfway across the mountain range, a group of people clad in fur coats and wearing felt hats rushed towards her from the other side of the mountain. There were around one hundred or more men ranging from old to young.

Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow but continued moving forward without hesitation.

Soon, the group approached and blocked her path. Yun Qianyue reined in her horse and observed them.

The leader was a burly man with a large saber in hand. After he reined his horse to a halt, he sized up Yun Qianyue from head to toe, nodding approvingly before asking his followers, "What do you think of this young lady

"Second Brother, it's great!" A similarly sturdy man nodded.

"I also think it's great. Brothers, what do you think" The man referred to as Second Brother then asked everyone else.

"Great! Our elder brother already has delicate skin, and this young lady looks equally delicate, which matches him perfectly." Another sturdy man started teasing.

"Her petite frame is indeed too delicate, but judging from her face, she's definitely a good candidate for childbearing," Second Brother continued to observe Yun Qianyue.

Everyone nodded in agreement, "Exactly! Exactly!"

Gazing at these people, Yun Qianyue could tell they were bandits nearby. From their conversation, it seemed like they intended to take her as a captive She raised an eyebrow but didn't speak, continuing to listen to them comment on her.

About half an incense stick's time later, the group thoroughly studied her from head to toe and deemed her worthy of their elder brother. Only then did Second Brother ask Yun Qianyue, "Hey there, miss, how do you feel about coming up the mountain with us You can be our elder brother’s wife."

"Not great!" Yun Qianyue shook her head. "I already have a husband."

Second Brother immediately frowned upon hearing this. "You already have a husband"

"This young lady actually has a husband Second Brother, what should we do now" One of the men asked.

"How could her husband be better than our elder brother What can we do Just tell him to give up his wife!" Second Brother boldly declared. He then grabbed Yun Qianyue's horse’s reins and forcefully said, "Follow us; you'll have a good life with us. Our elder brother is an extraordinary man. Being chosen by us to be our elder brother’s wife is your good fortune."

Yun Qianyue suddenly laughed without resisting his pull on her horse's reins, asking, "Hearing such praise for your elder brother, what is his surname and name"

"You'll know when we get there!" The man refused to reveal it.

"Is your elder brother really as good as you say he is" Yun Qianyue asked again.

"Of course!" Seeing that she was cooperating, the man's face looked better. He then signaled his brothers to follow.

"Better than Jing Shizi from Yong王府 (Yong Noble Manor)” Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow.

The man paused in his step and turned around to look at Yun Qianyue, "You’re Jing Shizi's wife"

Yun Qianyue blinked her eyes before answering. The man immediately shook his head, “No, that can't be right; Jing Shizi hasn’t taken a wife yet. He likes Yun Qianyue from the Cloud Manor.”

"Oh" Yun Qianyue was surprised and smiled, "Cloud Manor's Yun Qianyue is your elder brother’s heartthrob Then why are you still dragging me here to be his wife"

“Our elder brother says Yun Qianyue doesn’t know good from bad, hurting his feelings. He won't think of her anymore.” The man finished speaking and seemed to realize he had said too much, hastily interrupting himself and telling Yun Qianyue, "You follow us now. You may not be as pretty as the Cloud Manor's Yun Qianyue, but you’re still passable. If our elder brother takes a fancy to you, we'll keep you; if not, don't worry, we’ll let you go home to your husband."

Yun Qianyue’s eyes flickered as she glanced at the mountain ahead and smiled while nodding her head in agreement, "Alright!"

"You're a smart young lady. I won't tie you up then," The man was satisfied with Yun Qianyue's cooperation.

“Second Brother, isn’t this wrong Our captive should be crying and fussing, but she’s smiling instead.” A sturdy man observed Yun Qianyue and reminded him.

This comment made the other men look back at Yun Qianyue too.

Thinking that there was finally someone not completely foolish among them, Yun Qianyue sniffled and wiped her eyes with her sleeve, “My husband took his eighteenth concubine; out of anger, I ran away. Now I'm worried about where to stay…”

The group understood immediately, and one man quickly patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, miss. From the way our elder brother is crazy for Cloud Manor's Yun Qianyue, he must be a sincere person. If you can catch his eye, you won’t suffer any losses."

Yun Qianyue pretended to sob slightly and nodded.

"Stinky winter melon, what are you doing leading the group" At this moment, a soft shout came from ahead of them on the mountain.

This voice sounded familiar. Yun Qianyue squinted her eyes towards the front of the mountain and saw an exquisite youth in brocade robes standing on a large rock with one foot while keeping his balance with the other on the ground, presenting a graceful appearance. Even though it was dark, there was a faint moonlight that revealed familiar features—none other than Luo Yu.

Yun Qianyue thought no wonder she hadn't heard from Luo Yao in such a long time, as he must have come here to set up his own territory. Not only that, but he had also snatched an innocent woman and become her big brother. She found it amusing; no wonder people said she was infatuated! This kind of talk wouldn’t be strange on her.

"Big Brother, aren't you sleeping Why have you come out" The man immediately put on a smile.

"What are you doing here" Luo Yu asked the man standing motionless at the hilltop.

"How do you like this young lady Is she good enough to be your wife" The man hurriedly inquired.

"So, you came down the mountain to kidnap people Didn't I tell you not to force yourself on innocent women Quickly, set her free," Luo Yu immediately shouted angrily.

"Big Brother, this young lady is willing to go with us," the man hurriedly said.

"Stinking winter melon, are you being stubborn I told you to let her go. If you don’t let her go right away, be prepared for my whip to beat you so badly that even your mother won't recognize you." Luo Yu was angry.

"Big Brother, my mother has long passed away," the man immediately said.

"Then let my whip beat you until your wife doesn’t recognize you anymore," Luo Yu changed his words.

The man wore a bitter expression. "This young lady looks good even though she isn't as beautiful as Yun Qianyue of the Yun王府, but she’s still very pretty. Since you can't defeat Prince Jing in battle or kidnap Yun Qianyue, why don’t you make do with this one"

Yun Qianyue stifled a laugh upon hearing these words.

"Who said I’m not capable of defeating him He’s just a weak and sickly person. I was planning to go to the Heavenly Capital to snatch someone away. Don’t make things difficult for me, let her go immediately. If you dare bring her back with you, I’ll teach you all a lesson," Luo Yu seemed angry as he threw out those words and went down the hill.

The man and others looked at him for a moment before looking at one another. After some time, the man released Yun Qianyue’s reins and said to her: "Young Lady, you can go now! Our big brother doesn’t like you."

"But I like him," Yun Qianyue said softly in a teasing manner.

The man was pleased at first before he became angry again. "That’s still not possible. Since our big brother doesn’t like you, even if you do like him it won’t work. You should go now!" Finished speaking, he waved his sleeves and motioned to the others: "Brothers, let's head back! Our big brother is going to compete with Prince Jing for someone so we might as well return and plan how to snatch this person."

The crowd followed him immediately.

Yun Qianyue was left alone in an instant. She found it somewhat speechless but amusing, suddenly she had a bright idea and called out to the man: "Hey, wait a moment."

"Young Lady, I told you that our big brother doesn’t like you. Why won’t you leave" The man stopped.

"I’m leaving right away. But I have some advice for you," Yun Qianyue looked at the man and said softly: "My elder sister is behind me, she looks much better than me and also more beautiful than Yun Qianyue of the Yun王府. Since your big brother doesn’t like me because he thinks I’m ugly, you can wait here to intercept my elder sister. Maybe your big brother will agree."

The man’s eyes lit up, "You have an elder sister"

"Yes, my elder sister is very beautiful and she’s afraid of causing trouble so she usually disguises herself. If you see someone walking alone, just intercept them. Tell her to report her name, if she says Yao Luo, then it must be her," Yun Qianyue said.

"Why are you willing for us to kidnap your elder sister" The man now had a brain of his own and asked with puzzlement, "Don’t you know we’re bandits"

"All of you are brave men who don't seek wealth or harm lives. How can you be bandits I think you're heroes," Yun Qianyue sincerely looked at the man and whispered: "I see that young master is very handsome, but I’m not fortunate enough to serve him so naturally it should go to my elder sister since we are close sisters. My elder sister hasn’t married yet because she’s too beautiful, now she's worried about me and followed after me. If you can make your big brother happy by marrying her, then in the future I’ll have a handsome brother-in-law, wouldn’t that be great"

"Yes! That would indeed be great. Alright, we'll listen to you and wait here," The man didn't know whether it was Yun Qianyue calling them heroes or her saying that his sister is more beautiful than Yun Qianyue of the Yun王府 that made him agree immediately.

"Then I can only go to my relatives! Goodbye, all brave men!" Yun Qianyue bowed slightly.

"This young lady travels through the rivers and lakes! Go ahead! If everything goes well we might indeed become relatives," The man also bowed immediately.

The crowd agreed one by one. They changed from being listless after being scolded earlier to becoming excited again.

Yun Qianyue smiled as she turned the reins and continued on her journey. She thought that Luo Yao left Nan Liang City yesterday morning, to avoid Prince Nan Ling Rui's pursuit he naturally hid his whereabouts and was extremely cautious. Even though Yun Qianyue started late last night, but with a fast horse traveling through the night, according to her calculations, she should be faster than him. Therefore, Luo Yao must have fallen behind. Eight Desolate Mountains is on the essential route from Nan Liang to Heavenly Capital. If he goes to Heavenly Capital then it would make sense for them to meet.

After leaving the Eight Desolate Mountains, Yun Qianyue traveled through the night and arrived at Fenghuang Pass early in the morning of the second day. She rested briefly there before continuing her journey, arriving at Lan City by noon on that same day. After eating two buns, she continued her travel and reached Cloud City when it was dark. Cloud City is very close to Heavenly Capital so naturally Yun Qianyue didn’t want to rest despite being tired both physically and mentally and with stars dancing in front of her eyes, she continued to move forward.on. She didn't move despite his attempt to stop her, while continuing her actions."She must be truly drunk and throwing a tantrum!" Rong Jing slowly stepped forward, smiling as he intercepted Yun Shan...