Chapter 90
“Zhao Xiru’s performance of Nightmare Melody that day was not merely a song but a secret self-defense technique of the Zhao Kingdom,” Murong Qiufeng explained. “This technique isn’t recorded in standard zither compositions; it’s a form of soul-capturing art. To master such an ability, there are stringent restrictions. The practitioner must begin training as a five-year-old girl, with heightened sensitivity and perception beyond that of ordinary individuals, and must achieve complete harmony between herself and the music.”
“To cultivate such a person is exceedingly difficult. Records indicate that no one has truly reached the state of complete soul-capturing mastery.”
“So, has Zhao Xiru mastered it or not?” Shangguan Ye asked.
“While Zhao Xiru is talented, she has not fully mastered the technique. At most, she has reached the level of inducing hypnosis. Additionally, this technique has been lost for a long time. It is said to have fallen into the hands of a ruler during the Ten Kingdoms War, and it seems that ruler was of the Zhao Kingdom. Since Zhao Xiru has been carefully trained in this lost art, someone of her significance wouldn’t be discarded so easily,” Murong Qiufeng explained.
Commander Wang nodded thoughtfully, admiration flashing in his eyes as he glanced at Murong Qiufeng. He silently marveled at the caliber of individuals around Prince Shangguan.
Shangguan Ye also looked at Murong Qiufeng with evident appreciation. “In that case, where do you think Zhao Xiru might be hiding now? What do you suspect she plans to do next?”
Murong Qiufeng turned to Shangguan Ye with raised eyebrows, his tone slightly exasperated. “Haven’t you already guessed it? Why ask me?” His words carried a faintly petulant tone, as if he were still annoyed about Shangguan Ye’s earlier anger. He had only been trying to help, after all.
“Hmm, I’d like to hear your thoughts and see if we’ve reached the same conclusion,” Shangguan Ye said with a knowing smile, stroking his chin.
Commander Wang glanced between the two, puzzled. Something about their interaction seemed unusual, though he couldn’t pinpoint why. Their cryptic exchange was even more frustrating. He thought to himself, You both understand, but I’m completely lost!
Murong Qiufeng sighed. “This is just a bold assumption of mine. If the Zhao Kingdom harbors ulterior motives, then Zhao Xiru’s arrival and prolonged stay here are no coincidence but a deliberate act.”
“Given her unique identity and value, her presence must serve a greater purpose than simply inciting war between two nations. If war were the sole aim, they could have sent another princess instead of risking someone as skilled as Zhao Xiru. This suggests that Zhao Xiru has another role to play.”
“Soul-capturing?” Commander Wang asked, catching on quickly. “Does she intend to control someone?”
Murong Qiufeng nodded. “One thing has been clear from the beginning—her target has always been the prince. She initially sought to control him but later realized it wouldn’t be easy. When the Zhao Kingdom’s schemes were uncovered, they had to shift tactics. By creating chaos to divert attention, they planned to strike amidst the turmoil.”
“Then who’s her next target? Surely it’s not the emperor?”
“No,” Shangguan Ye interjected firmly.
Murong Qiufeng nodded in agreement.
Commander Wang looked at them, exasperated. He wanted to shout, Can you just explain it all at once?! But he didn’t dare. “Why not?” he asked instead.
“If her target were the emperor, she would have acted long ago,” Shangguan Ye explained. “Her next target isn’t the emperor, but it will be someone influential—someone with power and authority who can sway events significantly.”
Commander Wang frowned, glancing at Shangguan Ye thoughtfully.
Shangguan Ye waved dismissively at the corpse with a look of distaste. “Maintain a low profile. Keep the inn under surveillance, but do not reveal Zhao Xiru’s death. Notify only the emperor.”
Commander Wang was momentarily stunned. He couldn’t understand why they needed to conceal the death of someone who wasn’t Zhao Xiru in the first place.
But Shangguan Ye had already turned to leave. Left with no choice, Commander Wang looked to Murong Qiufeng.
Murong Qiufeng nodded reassuringly.
Sighing, Commander Wang signaled the soldiers—who had been holding their breath to the limit—to carry away the corpse. They quickly complied, relieved to escape the foul stench.
Once everyone had left, Murong Qiufeng retrieved a pill and placed it in the incense burner in the hall. A peculiar, pleasant aroma quickly spread through the room, replacing the foul stench.
Yang Bo had already run out earlier, leaving the hall eerily quiet with just the two of them remaining. After the earlier events, the silence felt somewhat awkward.
Shangguan Ye, however, shamelessly propped his chin on his hand and openly stared at Murong Qiufeng, his expression unreadable.
Murong Qiufeng grew increasingly uncomfortable under the scrutiny. He cleared his throat and mumbled a few words, preparing to leave.
Naturally, Shangguan Ye wasn’t about to let such a rare moment of privacy slip away. He motioned for Murong Qiufeng to sit down and asked, “Who do you think is the most likely next target?”
“You’ve already figured it out, haven’t you?” Murong Qiufeng raised an eyebrow, his earlier discomfort giving way to a hint of concern. He, too, had a strong suspicion about who it might be.
In the current court, there weren’t many individuals with both influence and power, but there were a few key figures. The emperor was, of course, above reproach, followed by Prince Ye himself, and then the prime minister and the general defending the nation. Narrowing it down, only the prime minister and general were realistic options.
Although the general held a high rank and had been granted a marquis title, his authority was ultimately overshadowed by Shangguan Ye. On the civil side, the prime minister’s dominance was absolute, making him a more likely target.
“Don’t worry. The prime minister isn’t someone who can be controlled so easily,” Shangguan Ye said, patting Murong Qiufeng gently on the shoulder.
Murong Qiufeng thought for a moment before replying, “I want to return to the Prime Minister’s residence for a while. I’m still not entirely at ease.”
This time, Shangguan Ye didn’t refuse. After considering for a moment, he nodded. “Take Youxiang with you, and bring along a few shadow guards as well. If anything happens, notify me immediately. Don’t act recklessly again. Otherwise…” His voice darkened, carrying a hint of warning. “I’ll make sure to keep you locked up tight.”
Remembering Shangguan Ye’s earlier remarks, Murong Qiufeng’s face flushed slightly. He turned his head awkwardly and nodded. “I’ll go make preparations.” With that, he got up and left.
Watching Murong Qiufeng’s hurried retreat, Shangguan Ye rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowing slightly. A faint, mischievous smile played on his lips.
Murong Qiufeng made a point to wrap his arm in bandages, claiming he had been burned while saving someone and was returning to the Prime Minister’s residence to recuperate. This explanation made his return appear less sudden and deliberate.
As soon as the Prime Minister’s wife heard that her son had been injured, she burst into tears, and the entire household descended into chaos. Doctors were summoned one after another, though all were promptly dismissed by Youxiang, who declared that if their medical skills were inferior to hers, they were unqualified to treat Murong Qiufeng.
Youxiang’s status had undergone a dramatic elevation—she was no longer merely a maid but had become the apprentice of the royal physician serving Prince Ye. Tasked with caring for Murong Qiufeng, she took her duties seriously.
The Prime Minister’s wife, impressed by Youxiang’s medical expertise, couldn’t hide her delight. Moreover, Youxiang’s cheerful demeanor and sweet tongue, coupled with her apparent closeness to her son, led the lady to eye her with the fondness one might have for a future daughter-in-law. Her enthusiasm left Youxiang both amused and exasperated. Inwardly, she thought, Madam, I still have my youth ahead of me. Please don’t ruin it for me!
