Chapter 66
The four were naturally drawn to the sounds coming from the distance. On the lake, a luxurious two-story pleasure boat was slowly approaching. Its elegance suggested it belonged to someone of considerable status. On the second floor, a woman sat gracefully at the bow, her hands gently caressing a zither. Surrounding her were refined scholars and beauties, their applause clearly directed at her captivating music.
Yet…
Murong Qiufeng instinctively furrowed his brow. Why hadn’t he noticed the music before? His acute sensitivity to melodies and his notable martial skill should have made it impossible to miss.
Meanwhile, Shangguan Ye and Yun Feiyang narrowed their eyes slightly but resumed their relaxed postures. One continued to drink, the other enjoyed the scenery, their brooding aura from earlier entirely gone.
As the pleasure boat neared, the voices of praise became clearer, and the notes of the zither more distinct.
Murong Qiufeng’s confused gaze suddenly lit up, an expression of admiration mixed with astonishment surfacing on his face as he looked at the woman on the boat.
Next to him, Zhao Xiru felt a surge of irritation. The sudden attention this woman was receiving irked her, and Murong Qiufeng’s fixed gaze only fanned her annoyance. He stared at this stranger with such intensity, forgetting her entirely. Men, she fumed inwardly, are all the same—easily swayed by a pretty face.
But Zhao Xiru wasn’t one to back down. She wouldn’t lose to some woman from questionable origins, especially not after having practically thrown herself at Qiufeng, only to be overshadowed by another.
Her irritation mounting, Zhao Xiru narrowed her eyes and subtly moved her left sleeve.
Suddenly, a jarring twang echoed through the air, shattering the previously enchanting melody like a thunderclap on a tranquil spring night.
The woman on the boat let out a startled cry as her maid hurried to her aid. The zither string had snapped for reasons unknown.
Shangguan Ye and Yun Feiyang raised their brows, glancing briefly at Zhao Xiru with knowing expressions before smirking, as if anticipating an amusing spectacle.
Murong Qiufeng, naturally perceptive, immediately understood. Beyond his sensitivity to sounds, the noise had originated from right beside him. His brow furrowed as he looked down at Zhao Xiru, recalling her use of a mesmerizing zither tune, “Dreammare,” to manipulate others back in the imperial palace.
Using music as a weapon had already displeased him. Though he had initially tolerated Zhao Xiru because her temperament reminded him of his sister, he now grew wary. In matters of the heart, he might have been oblivious, but in everything else, he was sharp.
Unaware of Murong Qiufeng’s displeasure, Zhao Xiru scoffed as she observed the commotion on the other boat. “Hmph. Such a pathetic performance, daring to flaunt it publicly. Laughable. And gathering these fools to cheer her on? Tsk. Lu City sure knows how to produce mediocrity.”
While Zhao Xiru could protect herself with some martial skills, her true weapon was “Dreammare.” However, her reliance on this single trick had bred arrogance and contempt for others.
“Who is it? Who dared meddle?” A man on the pleasure boat shouted, his face livid as he scanned the surroundings. Determined to impress the zither-playing woman, his gaze locked onto the nearest boat—the one carrying Murong Qiufeng and Zhao Xiru.
Zhao Xiru snorted, ready to speak, but Murong Qiufeng cut her off.
“Xiru, why did you do that?” he asked, his tone laced with reproach.
Caught off guard, Zhao Xiru quickly replaced her disdain with a pouty, innocent expression. “Brother Feng, Xiru didn’t mean to. It’s just… her playing was so dreadful, disturbing everyone’s peace. Xiru simply couldn’t help it. Please don’t be angry.”
By now, the people on the other boat had noticed Murong Qiufeng and Zhao Xiru at the bow of their vessel. Seeing their extraordinary appearances, they collectively gasped.
Zhao Xiru, the renowned beauty of Zhao Kingdom, was as breathtaking as ever—perhaps even more so than the zither-playing woman. Her noble air and lively spirit captivated onlookers.
As for Murong Qiufeng, his refined features were so striking that women felt a pang of envy, and men could only marvel in defeat. The two of them, standing together, seemed the very picture of a celestial couple.
“Hmph. All of you are nothing but shallow fools, bewitched by appearances,” scoffed a maid standing beside the zither-playing woman. Her indignation was clear as she chastised the men who had been ogling Murong Qiufeng and Zhao Xiru.
“Xiao Qi, mind your manners,” the woman admonished gently, standing up. With an air of grace, she turned toward Murong Qiufeng and Zhao Xiru, inclining her head politely. Her voice, soft yet steady, carried across the water. “May I ask what you meant by your actions? Have I somehow offended you?”
As her gaze fell on Murong Qiufeng, a flicker of intrigue crossed her eyes.
Murong Qiufeng regarded the woman. Her demeanor was calm, exuding warmth and kindness. Unlike a typical noblewoman, she had a touch of the free-spiritedness associated with wanderers of the jianghu. She was neither ostentatious nor a courtesan.
Feeling both apologetic and admiring her skill, Murong Qiufeng clasped his hands in apology. “It was merely an accident, and any offense caused is unintentional. Please forgive us. If there is any damage or loss, I am willing to take responsibility.”
From within the cabin, Shangguan Ye and Yun Feiyang exchanged glances, their brows furrowing slightly. They silently cursed his naïveté. Did he even realize the implications of offering to “take responsibility”?
Zhao Xiru’s face darkened at Murong Qiufeng’s words. Her displeasure was evident, but for now, she restrained herself.
The men on the pleasure boat, meanwhile, felt a wave of resentment. Already jealous of Murong Qiufeng’s looks and the stunning companion by his side, they were further enraged by his gall to “flirt” with yet another beauty.
“Hmph! Accident? More like a ploy to strike up conversation,” one man sneered.
“Exactly. Don’t think your pretty face will get you everywhere. You look more like a girl than a man. If you were a woman, maybe you’d—”
Slap!
Before the man could finish, an invisible force struck him across the face, sending him tumbling into the water with a loud splash. He flailed helplessly, shouting for help.
