Chapter 30

In the dark night, the black figure moved swiftly, blending into the shadows. Despite the figure’s agility, it was still slightly inferior to Murong Qiufeng’s skills. Moreover, carrying someone added to the burden.

It became apparent that the figure was heading towards the city gate.

Murong Qiufeng gathered his energy and leaped forward. With a sharp clang, his long sword was unsheathed, its silver light like the moonlight. He swung it to block the figure’s path, forcing both of them to land. The sword was expertly positioned at the figure’s shoulder, close to the neck, compelling them to stop.

Murong Qiufeng’s voice was cold. “I don’t want to kill. Put down my sister, and I’ll spare you.”

The figure made no movement, remaining silent and still like a statue, as if defying Murong Qiufeng.

“Brother, no, don’t hurt him.” Murong Qiuyun struggled free from the man’s embrace and looked up at Murong Qiufeng with pleading, tearful eyes.

Murong Qiufeng was momentarily stunned, then furrowed his brows. “Do you know him?”

As he hesitated, the man suddenly turned, stepping back a few paces while still holding Murong Qiuyun. He faced Murong Qiufeng but was obscured by a mask, making his identity unclear.

Murong Qiufeng narrowed his eyes and instinctively swung his sword.

But Murong Qiuyun clung tightly to the man, positioning herself between him and Murong Qiufeng. She gazed at her brother with tears streaming down her face, pleading, “Brother, please, it’s not his fault. I’ve been willful tonight. I’ll come back with you right away.”

“No, Hui, don’t do anything foolish. I’ve already resigned to my fate. It’s not worth risking your life,” Murong Qiuyun said, her eyes full of sorrow and despair.

“No, I will never let you go to anyone else, not even to Ye. You are mine, and I will not allow anyone to take you away. Besides, you are no longer a virgin. I know Ye’s nature too well. If you marry him, it will only lead to your death.”

Murong Qiufeng’s mind felt like it had exploded. He was stunned, his thoughts in disarray as he stared at the pair before him, overwhelmed by disbelief. Taking a deep breath, he pointed his sword at Yu Hui. “What’s going on? Explain it to me clearly.”

“Brother.” Murong Qiuyun suddenly pushed Yu Hui away and knelt before Murong Qiufeng. “Brother, I’m sorry. I’ve been too willful. I knew it was wrong but couldn’t control my feelings. It’s not Hui’s fault. I was the one who seduced him. Please, spare Hui.”

“Qiuyun… Young Master Murong, a man must stand by his actions. Since it’s happened, I won’t avoid it. I won’t let Qiuyun return tonight. You may choose to take back two corpses instead,” Yu Hui said firmly.

Murong Qiufeng’s face turned ashen. He took a step back, his hand trembling slightly, and stared at the pair. His gaze fell on his sister’s tear-streaked face, and he felt a wave of dizziness. “When did this happen? Yu Hui, have you forgotten what you once said?”

“Yes, I did say that. But feelings are not so easily discarded. Life is full of uncontrollable emotions. Qiuyun is already mine. If you insist on marrying her to Ye, not only will she be doomed, but the Prime Minister’s residence might also face extermination. I know Ye’s methods very well.”

Murong Qiufeng stared blankly at Yu Hui. As he considered the implications, his face grew even paler. For any man, having a new wife tainted is a grave insult to his dignity, especially for someone as high-ranking as Shangguan Ye. To have such a festive occasion end in this way was unbearable, especially for someone like Shangguan Ye, who had no need to tolerate such humiliation.

Murong Qiuyun seemed to have made a decision, suddenly bowing deeply three times in front of Murong Qiufeng.

“Qiuyun…” Yu Hui reached out to help her, heartbroken.

Murong Qiuyun pushed his hand away again, tears streaming down her face as she looked at her bewildered brother. “Brother, since I was young, I’ve always caused you trouble and made you help me. Now that I’m grown, I wonder if you could help me just this last time. Hui and I truly love each other. Please, help us.”

“Help… Qiuyun, my dear sister, how can I help you? If I help you, what will happen to our parents? What will happen to the Murong family? How will I explain this to Prince Ye? How can I find him a new bride?” Murong Qiufeng grew more agitated, almost shouting. Fortunately, the area was secluded and lacked patrols.

Seeing Murong Qiufeng so enraged and losing control was shocking to Murong Qiuyun, making her forget her tears.

Yu Hui quickly picked her up and calmly addressed the furious, pained Murong Qiufeng, “Actually, if Young Master Murong is willing to help us, I have a plan. There’s an 80% chance that it can help the Prime Minister’s residence avoid this crisis.”

“What plan?” Murong Qiufeng was startled, narrowing his eyes. His disappointment in Yu Hui had turned to deep aversion. If it weren’t for his sister, he might have wanted to end Yu Hui with one strike.

“Let’s find a place to talk. This isn’t a suitable location for discussing such matters.” Yu Hui, holding Murong Qiuyun, decisively spoke and then stepped away.

Murong Qiufeng glared at Yu Hui’s retreating figure, gritting his teeth, and followed after him.