Chapter 4
“The little girl is up to no good again.” The mischievous smirk on the little girl’s face, reminiscent of a fox stealing a chicken, didn’t escape Murong Qiufeng’s gaze. He couldn’t help but chuckle as he lightly tapped her head.
Murong Qiuyun didn’t mind at all. With her hands holding her head, she went from suppressing a laugh to now seemingly lost in thought, unable to contain her amusement, her laughter ringing out like tinkling silver bells.
Watching his mischievous and adorable little sister laughing uncontrollably, Murong Qiufeng couldn’t help but show a face of helplessness, yet his eyes were filled with indulgent amusement.
Murong Qiuyun laughed for quite some time before finally catching her breath, still smiling mischievously as she looked at her seemingly clueless brother and said, “Brother, have you found a bride for me during your time away? With your outstanding charm, I imagine many would admire you like a rare gem.”
“Little sister, you should worry about yourself. You’re already eighteen, turning nineteen in a few months. I suspect Father will marry you off this year.” Although Mother didn’t finish her sentence before being pulled away, the implication was clear. The Emperor had intervened, likely at Aunt’s behest. It seemed inevitable.
He was worried. He didn’t want his beloved sister to be forced into a political marriage and ruin her chance at happiness. “Qiuyun, if…”
“Brother.” Murong Qiuyun gently interrupted him, her expression turning somewhat serious. She wasn’t just a playful pampered young lady. Being part of the family, she understood many things even clearer than Murong Qiufeng.
She knew what she would face. Her previous rebelliousness wasn’t defiance, but acceptance. Acting haughty and indulging in revelry was just her way of enjoying herself before the inevitable end. Talk of finding someone she truly liked was just talk. In a large family like theirs, no one had true freedom.
Even her brother. His return home this time might seem coincidental, but it wasn’t entirely so. She knew Father had been busy with social engagements lately, even having Mother invite various ladies and noblewomen over for gatherings. Now, these gatherings were either for her marriage or for her brother’s.
With this realization, she sighed softly. “Brother, let’s not talk about this for now. Life should be enjoyed in leisure. We’ll worry about tomorrow’s troubles tomorrow. Whatever is meant to happen will happen.”
Seeing her sister trying to put on a brave face, Murong Qiufeng felt both heartache and helplessness. They weren’t from an ordinary family, where they could do as they pleased. Despite their appearance of nobility and honor, they had no real freedom. In their world, familial love, romantic love, and friendship could never be pure. It was a lamentable reality.
For a moment, the atmosphere grew heavy. Fortunately, there was no one around in the alley, or they might have mistaken them for a couple having an argument.
“Alright, brother, let’s not be so gloomy. Today, you must accompany me and have fun. Come on, Lu City has changed a lot. You need to get familiar with it…” Murong Qiuyun’s smile returned, dispelling the previous gloom as she cheerfully grabbed Murong Qiufeng’s hand and ran off.
But Murong Qiufeng had no interest in merrymaking now; his mind was troubled. Unbeknownst to him as she pulled him forward, he didn’t notice any sounds until it was too late.
As the hooves of a horse raised high, he swiftly pulled the shocked Murong Qiuyun into his arms, covering her eyes, then drew his sword. With a flash, the horse let out a loud neigh as a spray of blood filled the air, and he leaped several meters away in the ensuing chaos.
The black stallion crashed to the ground, its rider leaping off, followed by a synchronized unsheathing of blades by others, each emanating a murderous intent, seemingly intent on taking Murong Qiufeng’s life.
Murong Qiufeng’s eyes brimmed with anger. He had encountered such arrogant behavior before in the streets, usually from bullies taking advantage of their power.
Normally, he might have just sighed and ignored it, but today, they had almost harmed his sister. How could he not be enraged?
Pulling Murong Qiuyun behind him, he glared coldly at the black-clad figures, surrounded by a tense atmosphere.
The onlookers had scattered like birds and beasts, such a bloody scene being rare in Lu City, especially under the Emperor’s gaze, where no one dared to act recklessly.
Just as tensions peaked, a deep, somewhat lazy voice broke the tension. “Stop.”
Just two simple words shattered the tense atmosphere. Another crisp sound followed as all blades were sheathed simultaneously. Those who had exuded a fierce aura moments ago now restrained themselves, then simultaneously retreated on their horses, making way for someone.
From that path, a jet-black stallion slowly trotted forth, its pace steady, neither hurried nor sluggish, akin to a king surveying his domain.
Upon it sat a man with ruggedly handsome features, clad in black robes, a golden crown adorning his head, his slightly tanned skin contrasting sharply with his sharp black eyes. His form-fitting attire revealed a muscular physique, exuding boundless strength, like a leopard ready to pounce at any moment. His entire being emanated an aura of dominance and dignity, suffused with an oppressive force that made it hard to breathe.
However, upon seeing Murong Qiufeng, his sharp eyes briefly flickered with surprise and delight, but then darkened, his complexion turning slightly grim. Clearly, his mood was not good, likely due to Murong Qiufeng’s protective embrace of his sister.
As the man appeared, Murong Qiufeng only then noticed the group of horsemen behind them, akin to an army returning victorious, their banners proudly displaying a single character: “Ye.”
This character was well-known in Yan Kingdom, associated with none other than one of the Four Great Warlords, the War God himself, Shangguan Ye, the third prince of Yan Kingdom and the only one holding military power. He was the Emperor’s half-brother and had played a significant role in shaping the current state of Yan Kingdom.
Seeing this banner and realizing the man’s identity, Murong Qiufeng’s heart sank. Shangguan Ye’s status in Yan Kingdom was nearly unparalleled; he was essentially above ten thousand others but not necessarily beneath one. Yan Kingdom’s current prosperity owed much to him; with him in command, no other nation dared to invade lightly.
Today’s events were going to be difficult to resolve.
Murong Qiufeng’s mind raced, unable to come up with a good idea at the moment. If he were to confront this prince head-on, it might endanger the family in the end. Indeed, the atmosphere became strangely tense once again.
Shangguan Ye appeared as if he were waiting for Murong Qiufeng to speak first. However, in reality, he was contemplating how to create a good impression and strengthen their relationship.
Although he had ordered an investigation into this person, it would take time. But now, the person had appeared before him again unexpectedly. This was an excellent opportunity. If he didn’t seize it, he would be remiss.
As for the woman beside him, no matter how deeply infatuated they might seem, he had dozens of ways to separate them cleanly. If he set his sights on someone, unless he let go himself, there was no chance of them slipping away from him.
