Chapter 67
The group was momentarily stunned by the sudden turn of events, failing to react even as the man was about to sink below the water.
It wasn’t until a maid screamed that everyone snapped back to their senses. The lady’s face immediately changed, and she called out urgently, “Quick, save him!”
The guards and attendants on the boat rushed to rescue him. One of them managed to grab the man by his collar, but just as he did, his hand was struck by something, causing it to go numb. Instinctively letting go, the man dropped back into the water.
Chaos erupted on the boat. Panic-stricken, everyone’s faces grew pale. Some began muttering about the possibility of encountering a ghost. The atmosphere grew eerie, especially when they noticed Murong Qiufeng’s unusually calm and enigmatic expression.
Murong Qiufeng was initially annoyed by the commotion, but before he could act, someone else intervened. His gaze shifted to two men aboard the ship, both wearing dark expressions. A warm smile crept across his face as he watched them.
Shangguan Ye squinted, raising an eyebrow toward Yun Feiyang. “Hmph. Playing tricks to scare people.”
Although he outwardly dismissed the situation, inwardly he was annoyed at having been beaten to the punch. With a slight flicker of his body, he vanished, and in the next moment, the ship was down one passenger.
By now, the struggling man in the water was barely clinging to life as he was pulled back onto the boat. But before he could catch his breath, the rescuers inexplicably found themselves plunging into the water as well. The man, meanwhile, was somehow suspended by his collar from the second-floor railing, flailing in terror yet unable to utter a sound.
The boat began to sway precariously due to the man’s frantic movements.
“Ah! Miss, be careful!” The three women on the second floor turned pale, their faces drained of color. They were so terrified by the sight of the man dangling from the railing that they believed they’d truly encountered a ghost.
Murong Qiufeng glanced at the frightened women, feeling a twinge of guilt. After all, the fault lay with their group to begin with. With a slight movement of his fingers, the man’s collar made a soft ripping sound, and he fell back onto the deck.
“Ah…” The women screamed again, but their cries weren’t because the man had fallen. Instead, it was the sight of his torn shirt exposing his nearly bare upper body, leaving him in an embarrassingly disheveled state.
Murong Qiufeng let out an awkward cough. Although he felt slightly bad, he didn’t feel particularly apologetic. He wasn’t one to be overly kindhearted, having been influenced by Yun Feiyang’s teachings about survival in the martial world. He would repay kindness and mete out retribution when necessary, though he wasn’t excessively vengeful either.
Zhao Xiru burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as she bent over in an unladylike manner. “Hahaha! So that’s all it is—a bunch of wet dogs pretending to be people!”
The boat finally steadied after much turmoil, though everyone looked disheveled and aggrieved. At Zhao Xiru’s remark, their faces turned even darker, but they held their tongues, wary after witnessing what had happened earlier.
The young lady from the other boat spoke up first, her tone tinged with frustration. “Sirs, what is the meaning of this? If you hold any grudge against me, I beg you not to involve the innocent.”
Her words carried an air of righteousness, instantly calming those on her boat. Many looked at her with admiration and gratitude.
Murong Qiufeng silently commended her. However, his sense of guilt deepened. “Apologies. This is entirely our fault. May I invite you aboard for a meal as a gesture of apology?”
“Hah! You look decent, but you’re nothing more than a shameless scoundrel!” A maid beside the lady sneered. No sooner had she spoken than she, too, was struck, much like the man earlier.
Yun Feiyang raised an eyebrow, smirking as he looked at Shangguan Ye. “The prince, it seems, has little regard for women.”
Shangguan Ye scoffed dismissively. “There’s only one woman this prince cherishes. The rest mean nothing.”
Yun Feiyang’s eyes darkened momentarily, then he chuckled and raised his cup. “Well said, Your Highness. One person is enough to care for—why bother with the rest?”
Shangguan Ye curled his lips into a sly smile. “Brother Yun, you seem like someone who appreciates beauty. Why not take care of these women yourself?”
“Ah, I wouldn’t dare. This is the prince’s domain. How could a mere guest overstep his bounds?” Yun Feiyang countered, his tone laced with humor.
As the two engaged in their veiled verbal sparring, Murong Qiufeng felt a headache coming on. Outside, the lady’s face flushed red with anger. “Sirs, don’t you think you’re being excessive?” she demanded.
Murong Qiufeng was at a loss for words, left glaring helplessly at the two culprits, signaling them to come out and resolve the situation. The two, however, remained inside, toasting and chatting as if oblivious to the world around them.
Frustrated, the lady finally let out a cold laugh. “Gentlemen, the arrogant are always met with retribution. Do not let your insolence go unchecked. Let’s go.” She turned and left with her group, clearly unwilling to prolong the encounter.
From her earlier actions, it was evident that the two men possessed exceptional martial skills. Those on her boat, apart from a few guards with basic training, were no match for them. Unable to fight or even curse them, they had no choice but to swallow their grievances and leave.
Watching the retreating pleasure boat, Murong Qiufeng sighed helplessly. He glanced back at Zhao Xiru, who was now pretending to be thirsty as she gulped down water, as well as the two perpetrators. “You…”
“Cough, cough! Brother Feng, come over. You must be hungry too. These pastries were specially brought from Lady Yun’s palace. She even picked your favorite flavors. Come, have a taste!” Zhao Xiru quickly cut him off, deftly steering the conversation away.
Yun Feiyang and Shangguan Ye both shot her a sidelong glance. Though they found her annoying, they couldn’t help but admire her quick wit.
Meanwhile, aboard the other boat, the lady instructed her maid to pack their belongings before excusing herself to rest.
Inside her room, a man in red leaned against the window, his gaze fixed on the distant boat. His expression was dark and brooding.
Seeing him, the lady’s irritation dissipated, replaced by a softer demeanor. Her eyes shone with admiration. “Brother Le, was that white-robed gentleman the one you spoke of?”
Le Yin masked the hatred and malice in his eyes, turning to her with a look of disappointment and annoyance. “Yes, it was him. I, too, was deceived by his outward appearance and fell for his tricks, losing my family’s heirloom music score.”
“What a hypocrite! Brother Le, don’t worry. Lige will retrieve your music score and expose his true nature for all to see.”
“Thank you, Lige. But be cautious. That man is cunning and manipulative, capable of deceiving even the prince himself.”
“Don’t worry, Brother Le. I have my ways,” the lady said with a confident smile.
Despite his gratitude, Le Yin couldn’t hide his apprehension. Turning back to the window, his lips curled into a sly, calculating smile. His narrowed, alluring eyes glimmered with malice.
“Murong Qiufeng, if you must blame someone, blame yourself for taking what is mine. Shangguan Ye belongs to me, and no one else.”
Back on the boat, Murong Qiufeng instinctively glanced outside. His brows furrowed slightly. Was it just his imagination, or was someone watching them?
