Chapter 74
Murong Qiufeng frowned unwittingly. Song Lige’s approach was far too reckless. This left him unable to help even if he wanted to. If he acted on behalf of his senior brother and defeated her, it would only bring trouble to his senior. If his senior harbored feelings for her, it might have been different, but he knew his senior brother’s heart already belonged to another.
He could only hope no one could surpass her.
Below, the sound of the guqin began to resonate, enchanting the audience. The first piece was performed by Song Lige, and the next round would depend on whether anyone could surpass her melody.
Murong Qiufeng silently praised her skill. Song Lige’s guqin performance was indeed impressive, imbued with deep longing—a song clearly played for a cherished one.
“Your Highness,” a shadowy figure suddenly appeared from the window, moving directly to Shangguan Ye and whispering something in his ear.
Murong Qiufeng realized this must be one of Shangguan Ye’s shadow guards. It was well known that his shadow guards were divided into two groups: the “Dark Shadows” and the “Bright Shadows,” who always remained by his side. For one to suddenly appear now, something urgent must have occurred.
Noticing Shangguan Ye’s furrowed brow, Murong Qiufeng quickly offered, “If it’s an urgent matter, you should go. I can manage here alone. I need to return to the Xiang Residence shortly as well.”
Though displeased, Shangguan Ye did not insist. He stood and gave a nod. “Take care of yourself. Don’t linger too long. And most importantly, don’t meddle out of soft-heartedness.”
Murong Qiufeng chuckled lightly. “I’m not a child. I know what I can and cannot do.”
Shangguan Ye raised an eyebrow skeptically but left quickly through the window, leaving one shadow guard behind.
Murong Qiufeng felt a twinge of exasperation. Shangguan Ye truly treated him as a frail scholar, but the care was nonetheless heartwarming. “You can sit down,” he offered.
The shadow guard, however, stood motionless like a wooden statue behind him.
Having seen Yun Feiyang’s training of death soldiers and shadow guards, Murong Qiufeng understood their disciplined nature and said no more. Resting his chin on his hand, he focused on the music below.
After some time, he shook his head with an amused smile. Yet, inwardly, he was relieved. It seemed unlikely that Song Lige would lose today.
Just as he was thinking this, a melody of unparalleled beauty floated into the air.
Startled, Murong Qiufeng turned his gaze toward the stage but saw only Song Lige. The music, however, came from elsewhere. He quickly looked up at a private pavilion on the right, where the melody was originating.
Few could pinpoint the location, most looking around in awe or congratulating Song Lige for finally drawing out her beloved.
But Murong Qiufeng knew better. The music was not his senior brother’s; although skilled in music, his senior specialized in the flute and zither.
As for this guqin performance…
Murong Qiufeng couldn’t help but admire it. Anyone with a discerning ear could hear its brilliance. Even a single note revealed the player’s extraordinary skill, far surpassing Song Lige’s.
Oddly, Song Lige appeared calm, though her eyes shone with excitement. She wasn’t thrilled for the supposed white-robed man but because she recognized the player: Leyin. This was no coincidence but part of a plan—to lure Murong Qiufeng.
Murong Qiufeng, initially entranced, gradually frowned. The crowd below, however, descended into chaos. Many clutched their ears, some fainted, others fled, and a few even foamed at the mouth. Song Lige herself collapsed onto her guqin, gasping for breath.
Though the melody remained exquisite, it was imbued with internal force, creating waves of sound unbearable for the untrained ears of the mostly weak scholars and noble youths below.
Murong Qiufeng’s expression darkened. Who would be so ruthless as to harm others with music?
Seeing the pandemonium and Song Lige’s dire state, Murong Qiufeng didn’t hesitate. With a light leap, he descended gracefully to her side, steadying her by the shoulder. “Miss Song?”
Her face was pale, lips tinged blue and trembling. Her eyes remained shut, and she could only let out faint groans of pain.
Curiously, the music ceased the moment Murong Qiufeng leaped down. The hall lay in disarray.
Without further thought, Murong Qiufeng quickly applied pressure to a few of Song Lige’s acupuncture points.
She groaned softly and opened her eyes. Upon seeing Murong Qiufeng, however, she raised her hand and slapped him. Grabbing his arm, she struggled, shouting furiously, “You scoundrel! I’ve fled all the way here, and you still won’t leave me alone? How dare you harm these innocent people, you monster!”
Murong Qiufeng was stunned by the slap, and before he could respond, Song Lige leaned closer, whispering tearfully, “Sir, someone wants to kill me. Please, save me. Take me to Mingyan Pavilion. My two maids are still there. Help us escape!”
Her words left his face burning, but with her struggling and crying, he had no time to ponder. He agreed quietly, apologized for the impropriety, and wrapped an arm around her waist, leaping up to Mingyan Pavilion.
The hall erupted again as those who could still move scrambled to be the hero.
The shadow guard left by Shangguan Ye sensed something amiss and rushed toward Mingyan Pavilion as well.
Inside the pavilion, Murong Qiufeng set Song Lige down but froze as his pressure points were suddenly sealed. Behind him, the door closed with a click.
Murong Qiufeng’s expression darkened. Song Lige had slipped free, now facing him with a sly, triumphant smirk. Gone was the helpless damsel; she now exuded a cold malice. “Murong Qiufeng, you’ve finally fallen into my hands.”
“Why?” he asked, frowning deeply. “Is this over that misunderstanding on the boat?”
Song Lige sneered but didn’t answer. Hearing the commotion outside, she ripped her dress and threw herself against Murong Qiufeng, crying out in despair, “Murong Qiufeng, you beast! What are you doing? Let me go! Help! Help!”
At that moment, the door burst open. The crowd’s eyes fell on the scene: Murong Qiufeng, pressing against the disheveled Song Lige near the window.
Song Lige cried out as she shoved him away, hurriedly covering herself while sobbing pitifully. Her teary, disheveled appearance instantly sparked indignation and disdain from the onlookers.
Murong Qiufeng knew he had fallen into a trap. Any explanation would fall on deaf ears, and he couldn’t fathom why Song Lige would go to such lengths to frame him.
A gray shadow suddenly appeared beside him, whispering to retreat. With no other choice, the shadow guard whisked Murong Qiufeng away through the window.
From another pavilion, Leyin watched their hurried escape with a sinister grin. “This isn’t over. Enjoy the gift I’ve prepared for you.”
