Chapter 5
Both parties were waiting for the other to speak, but the two individuals, each with their own thoughts, were pondering the best time to speak. The street was deserted, not a soul in sight, not even onlookers daring to stick around. In such a situation, it seemed like a brawl was about to break out, especially with a dead warhorse lying in the middle, its blood making the scene particularly daunting.
Finally, in this tense atmosphere, a timid voice broke the silence.
Murong Qiuyun’s voice trembled slightly as she carefully tugged at Murong Qiufeng’s sleeve. “I… I want to go home. Let’s go.”
Although Murong Qiuyun usually relied on the power of her family to dominate, when faced with such a military force, which was clearly identifiable, she didn’t dare to act recklessly. Moreover, the main reason was that she couldn’t bear it. For some reason, she felt that the suspected War God, Prince Ye, seemed to have a strong dislike for her. Ever since he appeared, she felt a constant chill creeping into her bones.
At this moment, she felt like crying. Clearly, she was the victim, and if it were someone else, she would definitely stand up for herself. But encountering this first calamity star, she neither had the strength nor the courage. Besides, she understood that if they offended this Prince Ye, they would likely become sinners of the family immediately.
However, after she spoke, she found that the icy gaze that always froze her in place was now directed entirely at her. She suddenly felt stiff all over, as if pinned in place by ice, unable to move, and trembling even more violently.
Murong Qiufeng also felt the killing intent from Shangguan Ye. His expression darkened once again, and he stepped to the side, blocking Murong Qiuyun in front of him, separating her from that gaze that seemed like it wanted to kill. He spoke calmly, “Your Highness, today’s conflict was the fault of both parties. Now, let’s put an end to it. What do you say?” Shangguan Ye, seeing Murong Qiufeng so protective of the girl, was already quite dissatisfied in his heart, but at this moment, he didn’t want to let his dislike affect him because of this.
After some thought, he spoke, “Both parties were at fault? My troops were advancing steadily.”
Murong Qiufeng pursed his lips, feeling a bit embarrassed. Now that he thought about it, indeed, they had rushed out first, scaring the horses, and only then did the conflict arise. Now they had even killed the other party’s warhorse. How could they explain this? They were indeed at fault. He wasn’t someone who couldn’t distinguish right from wrong. He spoke again, “Alright, this matter is indeed our fault. Please forgive us, Your Highness. We will compensate.”
“Compensate…” Shangguan Ye raised an eyebrow and a trace of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, imperceptible, then he smoothed it out again. He slowly walked around the two of them, and then spoke again, “Compensation is not necessary. Today, I saw blood as soon as I entered the city. How about you two act as my hosts and entertain me to ease the tension?”
His words immediately shocked not only Murong Qiufeng and Murong Qiuyun, but even his stoic guards couldn’t help but twitch their mouths, a hint of incredulity flashing in their otherwise expressionless eyes. However, they were all well-trained individuals, and soon returned to their usual demeanor.
Although Murong Qiufeng felt it was strange, he couldn’t help but feel relieved. It seemed that this Prince was not so difficult to deal with after all. He finally clasped his fists, “Of course, it is my honor. I am Murong Qiufeng, and this is my sister, Murong Qiuyun. Your Highness, would you like to proceed now?”
Shangguan Ye suddenly felt much better upon hearing their identities. His lips curved into a slight smile. Murong Qiufeng, what a good name indeed. People do live up to their names. But… Murong… So, it turns out… “Oh, so you’re from the Prime Minister’s Mansion. Heh heh,
It turns out they were siblings. Shangguan Ye’s mood improved considerably, and he even showed a hint of a smile. Murong Qiufeng felt a little strange, but he finally relaxed. It seemed that this Prince was willing to give face to the Prime Minister’s Mansion. He finally clasped his fists, “Thank you, Your Highness. We won’t bother you any further. Your Highness, please.” With that, he led Murong Qiuyun to the side.
Murong Qiuyun also felt relieved. She clearly felt that the chill on her body decreased significantly after her brother announced their names. It seemed that this Prince would still give some face to the Prime Minister’s Mansion.
Little did she know, he was only giving face to her brother and acting on her brother’s orders.
However, Shangguan Ye did not leave. Instead, he thought for a moment, dismounted, and said to his guards behind him, “You go back to the mansion first. If the Emperor asks, say that I am familiarizing myself with the terrain of Lu City and will return later.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” The guards all replied in unison, and soon, the large group departed in a mighty manner.
Shangguan Ye turned around and looked at the two people with a puzzled expression. He changed his imposing manner and smiled gently, “It’s been ten years since I’ve been back. The changes are indeed significant. I wonder if the two of you would be willing to help?”
The change came too suddenly, and neither of them had recovered from the shock.
Murong Qiufeng gently pursed his lips and looked towards Shangguan Ye to respond, but felt his arm being tightened. Turning around, he found his dear sister, Murong Qiuyun, gripping his arm tightly, her head bowed nervously. Turning back, he happened to see Shangguan Ye smiling at his sister.
Murong Qiufeng was once again stunned, and then a suspicion arose in his heart. Thinking of the drastic changes in Shangguan Ye’s attitude, a sudden realization struck him when he remembered his mother mentioning his sister’s marriage. It seemed that Prince Ye already knew.
Today, seeing Shangguan Ye, he also felt that the man was not bad. If he truly liked his sister, perhaps it would be a good choice. If he could make his sister like him too, then everything would be perfect, and he wouldn’t worry about her marriage affecting her life.
With this in mind, he clasped his fists again, “It is our honor to help Your Highness. However, I haven’t been back for many years. Today, arriving in Lu City for the first time, I am not familiar with the place. Why not let my sister accompany Your Highness to become acquainted with the environment?”
He intended to create an opportunity for the two of them, but unexpectedly, as soon as he spoke, both of their expressions changed. Murong Qiuyun suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with accusation as she looked at her brother. Meanwhile, Shangguan Ye’s expression changed instantly, his face returning to its previous state, with a tantalizing smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He then looked at Murong Qiuyun and said, “With Miss Murong’s company, it is an honor for me. But I wonder, what does Miss Murong think?”
Murong Qiuyun suddenly turned her head, feeling a chilling coldness spreading from her back again, causing her to shiver. The corners of her mouth under the veil twitched a few times, unsure of how to respond. She always felt that this prince was very scary, and she would rather not be close to him.
But for a moment, she didn’t know how to answer.
Murong Qiufeng thought his sister was shy, thinking that both sides had a good impression of each other, which was a good start. He was about to speak again, “Sis…”
However, before he could finish, Murong Qiuyun suddenly exclaimed in surprise. Then, she hurriedly stepped forward and stopped a passing team of horses. Walking up to one of the horses, she exclaimed excitedly, “Brother Zhao, you finally came to see your little sister! I’ve been thinking about you day and night. We can finally have a good chat.
Saying this, she quickly grabbed the person’s hand and said shyly, “Brother Zhao, why don’t you help me onto the horse.”
The man on the horse obviously just regained his senses, and his eyes glanced at Shangguan Ye with a strange and meaningful look. Then, he reached out and smoothly pulled Murong Qiuyun onto the horse, then turned the horse around and headed out of the city.
