novelraw Chapter 529 - 173: Enough for a Full Mahjong Table!
Chapter 529 - 173: Enough for a Full Mahjong Table!
"Why can they ride over here while we have to walk?"
"Because you’re from a lowly Third-class Country!"
Before Feng Yufei’s words had faded, and before Qiu Gao could speak, a domineering and arrogant voice floated out from the first carriage.
Along with it came mocking laughter from others!
Mu Qingge’s eyes cooled, and a thin layer of anger colored both Feng Yufei’s and Zhao Nanxing’s gaze.
The laughter grew louder and more reckless.
Mu Qingge and her companions’ faces grew increasingly unpleasant.
This was the Imperial Palace of the Holy Yuan Empire. Which Second-class Country dared to be so arrogant here? Mu Qingge really wanted to see.
"Such noise! Your laughter is so unpleasant, it’s torturing the ears of this Empress!" Suddenly, a haughty female voice stopped the mockery abruptly.
Upon hearing this voice, some of the chill in Mu Qingge’s furrowed brows dissipated, and even a thin layer of smile colored her eyes.
At this point, people began to step down from all four carriages.
From the first three, only men emerged, each exuding an air of wealth and arrogance. Even the guards following them seemed far from ordinary.
From the last carriage, stepped only one person, her face hidden by a layer of gold veil, revealing only enigmatic golden eyes.
Her figure was graceful and tall, every movement infused with exotic allure, drawing frequent glances from others.
The three men from the first carriage walked boldly toward her.
This scene made Mu Qingge narrow her eyes slightly and shuffle her feet.
As she was about to walk over, Jiang Li gave her a subtle look, telling her to ’be patient.’ After thinking it over, Mu Qingge halted her steps.
Yet, her eyes remained fixed in that direction, seemingly captivated by the charm of the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country.
However, Zhao Nanxing, knowing she was a woman, naturally had no other thoughts towards women.
Thus, he sidled up to Mu Qingge, whispering in her ear, "Do you know the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country?"
A faint, elusive smile flickered at Mu Qingge’s lips as she replied lightly, "Does senior brother also know who she is?"
Zhao Nanxing’s lips curled, "It’s not hard to guess. Appearing with people from Second-class Countries, she’s so unique. Who else could it be but the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country?"
Mu Qingge’s smile became more apparent, yet she refrained from explaining.
It’s not that she was intentionally being coy, but the story of her acquaintance with Jiang Li was quite... well... unique and complex, not easily told here.
At this moment, the three men who had spoken arrogantly to Mu Qingge and her companions had reached Jiang Li. The man in front regarded Jiang Li with displeasure, asking, "Empress Jiang, what do you mean?"
It seemed this man also understood the special status of the Ancient Witch Country, so while his tone wasn’t friendly, he wasn’t as rude as he was to Mu Qingge and the others.
Jiang Li cast him a disdainful glance, speaking loftily, "Wasn’t what I said clear enough? Or are those from Rong Country so hard of hearing and sight?"
"You!" The slightly younger man standing to the right of the leader turned furious upon hearing Jiang Li’s words, seemingly ready to act at the least provocation.
Perhaps sensing the fierce energy from his right, the leader of Rong Country raised a hand to stop his rash actions.
’So, they’re from Rong Country.’ Mu Qingge thought to herself.
She had a vague feeling this information was deliberately leaked by Jiang Li, at least allowing her to understand which country had offended her.
She hadn’t expected these arrogant people to be from Rong Country.
It seemed her connection to Rong Country was indeed profound!
"Ah, so they’re from Rong Country. No wonder they’re so arrogant." Zhao Nanxing whispered in Mu Qingge’s ear. Hearing ’Rong Country,’ his face showed a look of sudden realization.
Feng Yufei’s expression grew serious as well, quietly approaching Mu Qingge, whispering beside her, "My father told me that among the Second-class Countries, Rong Country is particularly arrogant due to the Refining Tower and Myriad Beasts Sect. They always lead the charge among Second-class Countries."
Mu Qingge’s eyebrows raised slightly, understanding more or less.
"Is Empress Jiang planning to speak on behalf of those lowly people from Third-class Countries?" The leader from Rong Country swept an eye full of disdain and indifference over Mu Qingge and her companions.
It was night, light was insufficient, and although palace lanterns provided illumination, the scattered light caused overlapping shadows.
The place where Mu Qingge and her companions stood was the darkest spot, so with a glance, he saw only some figures standing there, appearing pitifully weak and easy to bully.
Thus, the contempt in his expression grew, punctuated by a cold snort.
"Third-class Country? Lowly people?" This light query did not come from Jiang Li but from Mu Qingge.
Her voice successfully drew the attention of the three from Rong Country, and even the representatives from Di Country and Yu Country, standing aside watching, turned to her.
Jiang Li raised her eyebrows, her gaze hinting at playful amusement.
She had originally intended to help Mu Qingge with some troubles since this was the Imperial Palace of the Holy Yuan Empire. People from Third-class Countries truly had no standing here. She hadn’t expected the people of Rong Country to be so tactless, nor Mu Qingge to lose patience.
Mu Qingge leisurely stepped out from the shadows, the glow of surrounding palace lanterns falling upon her, dispelling those shadows and highlighting her.
Her blood-red robe, tall and erect figure, exceedingly beautiful and androgynous appearance, like a pearl in the night, suddenly illuminated the hearts of everyone, as if she were the only light source here.
Her presence caused a momentary stillness in the space, everyone holding their breath, stunned by her stunning appearance.
Among them, only Jiang Li, already acquainted with her, could retain a degree of clarity in her gaze.
"To think there’s someone of such enchanting appearance in this world!" A praiseful remark floated from the direction of the Di Country representative. He did not mention the inherent nobility, sharpness, and dignity on Mu Qingge.
Before her, it seemed these Second-class Country aristocrats were the lowly ones, and she was the one held in high regard!
But, he didn’t say so, though the feeling was palpable among everyone.
This feeling was so distinct; it stirred a sense of inadequacy in their hearts.
Such a feeling made the faces of the three from Rong Country darken.
To be defeated without resistance by one’s own demeanor and appearance was something they’d never encountered before.
Mu Qingge’s cold gaze landed on the three from Rong Country.
With just one look, she made them feel as though they’d fallen into an ice cellar, a chill rising in their spines.
As the situation suddenly escalated, Qiu Gao, along with the official responsible for escorting the Second-class Countries and the Ancient Witch Country into the palace, found their backs drenched with cold sweat.
Regardless of who it was, if a fight broke out here, they were the ones to lose their heads first!
Almost without discussion, Qiu Gao and the official sprang into action, stepping respectively in front of Mu Qingge and Rong Country’s leader, blocking their lines of sight.
"Lord Mu, this is no place for impulsive actions. No matter what, please calm down, the future is long," Qiu Gao’s advice was very tactful.
He neither belittled Mu Qingge nor painted an undefeatable picture of Rong Country. He merely reminded Mu Qingge of the significance of this place and that any grievance could be settled in the future.
Mu Qingge glanced at him, gaining some interest in him.
Qiu Gao was startled by her glance.
He realized Mu Qingge had no real intention of acting, merely giving Rong Country a warning.
Besides, even if she did want to kill here, she probably wouldn’t be given the opportunity.
Just as Qiu Gao finished speaking, while Rong Country’s side was still trying to dissuade, a formidable pressure suddenly descended from the sky like a mountain, trapping everyone beneath it.
"Ugh!" Zhao Nanxing, with only Green Realm Peak cultivation, under this warning-infused pressure, was shaken so violently his blood surged, nearly spilling from his throat.
Fortunately, unwilling to disgrace himself before the Second-class Country, he gritted his teeth tightly, forcing the blood back down.
This sudden oppressive force quickly made everyone break out in a cold sweat, including Mu Qingge, who found herself sweating profusely.
’So strong! Far stronger than her by a considerable amount.’ Mu Qingge quickly calculated in her mind.
She realized that if she were to confront this person face-to-face, she likely couldn’t withstand a hundred moves from them.
This outcome did not discourage Mu Qingge, but instead further ignited her inner determination to become stronger!
Currently at the Purple Realm Peak, someone who could suppress her so completely must be the Spiritual Movement Stage expert that Mengmeng mentioned.
A brilliant light flashed in Mu Qingge’s eyes, and she didn’t feel scared or afraid!
The oppressive force came quickly and left just as fast.
Though it was just a moment, that instant felt like an eternity to those enveloped by the pressure.
After the force was lifted, both people from the Third-class Country and Second-class Country had pale faces, damp undergarments, and sweaty palms.
This was a warning, which anyone with sense could understand.
Both Qiu Gao and the official responsible for leading the Second-class Country’s people into the palace quietly sighed in relief after the oppressive force disappeared.
With tacit understanding, they refrained from discussing what had just happened and instead reminded everyone that the time for the palace banquet was fast approaching, urging everyone to hurry into the palace and not delay.
After that warning, even those from the Rong Country, despite their discomfort, entered the palace with a cold hum, feeling a lingering fear.
Mu Qingge hadn’t intended to argue over the path with people from the Second-class Country, as it didn’t matter who went first or last.
Once the people from Rong Country walked inside, the people from Di Country and Yu Country followed suit, but they all glanced specifically at Mu Qingge when passing by.
The meanings in their eyes were different.
When the Yu Country people walked by Mu Qingge, she suddenly noticed that one of them looked familiar. But just as she was about to unravel this thought, the person walked inside the palace gates.
After the Second-class Country’s people entered, only the Third-class Country people and those from the Ancient Witch Country remained outside.
Jiang Li approached Mu Qingge, playfully bumping her shoulder, saying, "Not going in yet?"
This familiar manner made Feng Yufei’s eyes widen. Even Zhao Nanxing, who knew a bit more, was taken aback by her behavior.
He had known Mu Qingge for a long time, yet never seen anyone behave so casually... well... naturally in her presence...
’It seems the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country has a close personal connection with Qingge!’ Zhao Nanxing thought to himself.
Mu Qingge turned to glance at her and nodded.
Then, the two walked side by side, entering the palace gates together. The attendants from the Ancient Witch Country naturally blended with the Third-class Country’s group.
Mu Qingge and Jiang Li led the way, appearing to have something to discuss. Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei followed quietly, not interrupting them.
Beyond the palace gates was a corridor leading inside.
According to Qiu Gao, this was the last palace gate, and once past the corridor, they’d truly enter the Imperial Palace. The banquet hall further required bypassing the Imperial Garden and a short walk to reach.
"The Rong Country people have always been arrogant and domineering; there’s no need to pay attention to them. Their arrogance is partly due to the Refining Tower and Myriad Beasts Sect being within their borders. In Linchuan Village, they submit to no one but the Holy Yuan Empire." Jiang Li said to Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge’s lips curled slightly; she neither affirmed nor disagreed with her words.
Jiang Li’s golden eyes suddenly turned cunning. She drew closer to Mu Qingge, appearing intimately close like a couple.
Whispering in her ear, "If they knew the Refining Tower branch was completely destroyed by you, wonder what their reaction would be."
"Are you planning to disclose it?" Mu Qingge looked at her playfully.
Jiang Li straightened, her eyes full of disdain, "Am I that kind of petty person? How could you think of me like that! Humph~!"
Mu Qingge chuckled; she knew Jiang Li’s words were merely jest.
"However, there’s really no need for me to report them. The people from the Refining Tower Branch have already sent someone to Ancient Witch Country to investigate, and they’ve even come to inquire from me. I suspect they’ve guessed it was you, but since they don’t know your identity, they have no idea where to find you. Tonight at the palace banquet, representatives from the Refining Tower and the Myriad Beasts Sect will be present, what are you planning?" Jiang Li reminded.
Mu Qingge remained unfazed and said, "What planning? The matter between me and the Refining Tower, the Myriad Beasts Sect, belongs to the grievances of the martial world. When it needs solving, it will naturally be solved. In any case, when soldiers come, the generals resist; when water comes, the earth absorbs."
Jiang Li blinked, seeing her really without a trace of tension, she helplessly said, "You truly are calm. Since that’s the case, let me give you another piece of information: the person coming from the Refining Tower this time is their dean. That old man is said to have reached the Purple Realm Peak in cultivation. The person from the Myriad Beasts Sect is their Young Sect Master Taishi Gao, along with the Great Elder Hei Mu. Taishi Gao isn’t worth worrying about, just a mere Blue Realm level. However, that Great Elder Hei Mu is also a master at the Purple Realm Peak."
Jiang Li didn’t know that Mu Qingge had already crossed paths with Hei Mu, carefully introducing the figures like Hei Mu.
Mu Qingge’s eyebrows faintly raised when she heard Taishi Gao had come.
A person who should have died at her hands somehow came back to life. Regardless of the reason, she must take back that life.
"...Anyway, be careful tonight." After sharing what she knew, Jiang Li looked seriously at Mu Qingge.
At this time, they had already passed through the corridor and entered the Imperial Garden.
The garden was deep, with winding paths leading to secluded places. Ahead, around a corner, the people from the Second-class Country were no longer visible. However, the Forbidden Guards from the Holy Yuan Empire Palace were scattered everywhere, along with palace maids holding palace lanterns, illuminating the way for those entering the palace.
"Don’t worry. Tonight is just a palace banquet, they can’t do anything." Mu Qingge reassured Jiang Li.
Listening to Jiang Li’s summary, she realized she truly had many enemies. The worst part was, they were all gathered tonight!
Jiang Li nodded, "The news I received is that the person hosting tonight’s palace banquet is the Crown Prince Huangfu Huan. The Emperor of the Holy Yuan Empire will also appear, but may not stay until the end. It’s said that Huangfu Huan managed to stand out among many princes only because his name was personally granted by His Majesty the Holy King. So, the Emperor of the Holy Yuan Empire feels this prince is favored by His Majesty the Holy King and gave him the position of Crown Prince."
"Is that so?" Mu Qingge’s heart skipped a beat suddenly hearing news about that man. Absentmindedly, she responded.
Thankfully, Jiang Li did not notice Mu Qingge’s unease and continued, "Ah~! His Majesty the Holy King! I wonder if we will be able to see His Majesty the Holy King on this visit to the Holy Yuan Empire!"
When she finished speaking, her eyes showed a yearning.
Mu Qingge turned her gaze towards her, casually saying, "Won’t His Majesty the Holy King appear at the palace banquet tonight?"
Jiang Li immediately dispelled her doubts. "You! Can’t you have some common sense? His Majesty the Holy King is the title of respect used throughout Linchuan for that figure. Actually, everyone knows he’s the true ruler of Linchuan. How could someone like him attend the palace banquet tonight? However, perhaps after the banquet, arrangements might be made for us to visit his residence and pay homage. If lucky, with enough opportunity, we might meet His Majesty the Holy King. If we could receive even a single piece of advice, it would be very beneficial to us."
So...it’s like this?
Mu Qingge listened to Jiang Li’s explanation and realized Si Mo wouldn’t appear tonight, feeling a faint disappointment yet simultaneously relieved.
The emotions she’d been struggling with were thoroughly cleared away at this moment.
She only heard Jiang Li mention Si Mo wouldn’t appear, as for the rest about homage and advice, she didn’t hear at all. Otherwise, she would definitely ask for more information about this man.
"By the way! Has that simple-minded egghead from the Xue Family in Yu Country already been married into your Mu Family?" Suddenly, Jiang Li seemed to recall something and asked.
Regarding Jiang Li’s use of the word ’married’, Mu Qingge’s mouth slightly twitched. "Mm, he’s already married my aunt in Qin Country."
Jiang Li had an expression of ’I knew it’, then said to Mu Qingge, "Did you know among the three people from Yu Country this time, who one of them is?"
Mu Qingge looked at her, initially thinking she didn’t know, but she suddenly connected Jiang Li’s previous words and the familiar face she saw earlier.
Suddenly, she had a breakthrough and realized why that face was familiar. "Someone from the Xue Family came?"
Jiang Li’s eyes curved like crescents as she nodded. "The one that came is Xue Qiao’s second brother, who currently holds the position of Civil Minister in the Yu Country court. His position is truly one below the top, thousands above others."
"Civil Minister." Mu Qingge murmured to herself. In Yu Country’s court structure, the Prime Minister position is divided into Civil and Military Ministers. She knew this.
She simply hadn’t expected Xue Qiao’s second brother, despite his young age, to have risen to such a high position.
’I wonder if the Xue Family knows about the affair between my aunt and Xue Qiao? How did they react? Xue Qiao took my aunt on travels around, are they back at the Xue Family now?’ Mu Qingge suddenly felt like an old mother, worrying about her aunt Mu Lianrong.
Thinking about this, she couldn’t help but smile wryly and shake her head.
Her worried demeanor fell into Jiang Li’s eyes. Having personally experienced Mu Qingge’s worrying nature, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Then she added, "Xue Qiong was promoted to Civil Minister right before setting off for the Holy Yuan Empire. Besides the influence of the Xue Family on the Yu Country Imperial Family, it also heavily relies on his personal excellence. His cultivation is at the Green Realm Peak, but apart from Xue Qiao’s unusual case, the Xue Family doesn’t place much emphasis on Combat Power. They focus on strategy and governance. Xue Qiong is a leader among the young generation of the Xue Family and was known as a prodigy since he was a child. At age seven, he could recite thousands of scriptures and discuss national affairs with the Xue Family’s elders, often proposing refreshing insights. By age twelve, he started working in the court, progressing step by step, and even though he’s not yet thirty, he became the Civil Minister. Furthermore, this was under the intentional restraint by the Xue Family. Otherwise, he might have assumed this position several years earlier."
"How do you know so much?" Mu Qingge looked at Jiang Li in surprise.
Which resulted in Jiang Li rolling her eyes and complaining, "Isn’t it all because of you?" She spoke truly; she had little interest in the secrets of noble families. If she hadn’t known Mu Qingge was in a Third-class Country, finding information on a Second-class Country was inconvenient, and the Xue Family now had a marital connection with the Mu Family, she wouldn’t have cared about the Xue Family’s news.
Even matters of the Refining Tower and the Myriad Beasts Sect, it’s because she knows the Mu Family has enmity with them, so how could she pay attention to the movements of these powers?
Mu Qingge smiled slightly at Jiang Li and said, "Thank you."
These two words dispelled the resentment in Jiang Li’s eyes, and she smiled brightly, "That’s more like it."
Their appearance of talking and laughing fell into the eyes of Zhao Nanxing behind them, but it made him feel apprehensive.
Because, he was uncertain whether the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country knew the true identity of this "Brother Mu". If she didn’t know, would such attentiveness turn into resentment?
If it became like that, then their third-class country would tread even more cautiously in the Holy Yuan Empire.
He wanted to ask, but the timing wasn’t right.
At this time, Feng Yufei playfully remarked, "It seems that even the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country is quite fond of the little lord."
Feng Yufei did not know Mu Qingge’s true identity, so in her view, Mu Qingge and Jiang Li’s relationship seemed like lovers pouring out their hearts to each other.
However, this remark frightened Zhao Nanxing quite a bit, making him look at the two in front with a grimace.
Finally, after passing through the Imperial Garden and walking a long way, they stopped outside a magnificent palace.
Not only were they there, but people from the second-class countries were also present.
Qiu Gao turned around and said to Mu Qingge and the others, "The banquet is about to begin, please wait here for the announcement."
Mu Qingge stopped her conversation with Jiang Li and looked up.
In her line of sight, there was a palace built on a high platform. The steps were layered, numbering over ninety. Paved with white jade, with intricately carved emerald railings, flags fluttering. The palace was amidst a profusion of flowers, the scenery was charming. Even in the night, it could evoke a feeling of subtle fragrance, enchanting one’s soul.
Glazed with golden tiles, it exuded a noble aura, like a celestial palace in the sky.
At this moment, celestial-like music was faintly wafting from the high palace, melodious and captivating, yet grand and solemn.
Countless palace maids were coming and going, seemingly making final preparations.
After waiting for a short while, a large bell hanging outside the palace was struck by a eunuch.
The bell tolled three times, startling the birds in the forest, and reverberated throughout the Imperial Palace.
With the bell ringing, Mu Qingge saw Qiu Gao straighten his back, solemnly adjust his attire.
Soon, someone came out, standing outside the palace, shouting from above, "Announce the audience of the envoys of Rong Country, Yu Country, and Di Country from the second-class countries—!"
This voice was imbued with spiritual power, so it was clear and loud, as if shouted right next to the ear.
Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes, marveling in her heart: ’Just a eunuch, but already has the initial rank of the Green Realm!’ After entering the Imperial Palace, while talking with Jiang Li, she occasionally paid attention to the strength of the palace guards, she found that even the ordinary guards were of the initial rank of the Green Realm or higher in cultivation.
What does this mean?
The initial rank of the Green Realm is already considered a rare expert in a third-class country.
However, in the first-class Holy Yuan Empire, it’s only enough to become an ordinary court guard.
And just now, beyond the third palace gate, there was only a momentary pressure...
Upon entering the Holy Yuan Empire Palace for a short time, Mu Qingge already clearly felt the gap between a first-class and a third-class country.
This gap is not only measured by individuals but also by national strength.
"How do you feel? Do you think that the gap between a third-class and a first-class country is no longer vague, becoming clear? But this clarity makes one feel like it’s an insurmountable chasm, impossible to cross?" Jiang Li said softly.
She seemed to sense Mu Qingge’s mood at the moment, voicing what she was thinking in her heart.
Mu Qingge did not deny it but corrected, "The gap does indeed exist, but it’s not unconquerable!"
Jiang Li raised an eyebrow, looking at her with interest, her golden eyes shimmering with radiant light.
"You really make me find you more and more interesting. I truly want to know what gives you such confidence, to stand tall without being knocked down even after understanding the gap between each other!" Jiang Li said.
Mu Qingge shifted her gaze to her, the curve of her smile becoming more pronounced. "If it were you, would you be knocked down?"
Jiang Li was stunned, the reflection of Mu Qingge’s smiling face mirrored in her golden eyes. The corners of her mouth beneath the veil slightly lifted, without answering.
But in reality, she knew that even if she did not say it, Mu Qingge still knew the answer!
She wouldn’t!
Perhaps, it is because there are some things between the two that are extraordinarily similar, which is why there is this feeling of being old friends at first sight.
No need for trials, no need for time to prove, nor together to experience anything unforgettable. Yet somehow trusting each other, confiding in each other.
Jiang Li was silent for a while, then chuckled, "Birds of a feather flock together, the ancients do not deceive me!"
This ambiguous remark, others might not understand, but Mu Qingge understood it.
She nodded, agreeing, "Indeed."
While they were talking, the envoys of Rong Country, Yu Country, and Di Country, along with their attendants, followed the officials leading them and ascended the white jade steps, heading towards the towering palace at the top.
Due to Xue Qiong’s presence, Mu Qingge deliberately looked a few more times at the team from Yu Country.
She found that Xue Qiong and Xue Qiao indeed had a resemblance of about sixty to seventy percent, except that Xue Qiong’s facial features were more delicate, while Xue Qiao’s features were more resolute.
The people from the second-class countries finally entered the palace.
After a while, that announcing eunuch loudly proclaimed again, "Announce the audience of Empress Jiang of the Ancient Witch Country—!"
"It’s my turn," Jiang Li glanced at Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge nodded, raising her chin slightly, "Go ahead."
"I’ll go ahead and pave the way for you." Jiang Li blinked, showing a hint of playfulness.
Afterward, bidding farewell to Mu Qingge, she restrained her casual demeanor, revealing the noble majesty of an Empress, leading the people of the Ancient Witch Country up the steps.
This transformation, making those standing below the steps unaware of the truth, look at Mu Qingge with eyes of admiration.
To be able to turn the eminent Empress of the Ancient Witch Country into a docile kitten, is also a man’s capability!
When Jiang Li was halfway up, Zhao Nanxing finally shuffled closer to Mu Qingge and quietly said, "Qingge, does this Empress Jiang know that you are..."
Mu Qingge nodded, "She knows."
With this answer, the sweat that Zhao Nanxing had been holding finally released, his heart settling.
Mu Qingge, however, unawarely turned her gaze to him and asked, "What is Senior Brother Zhao worried about?"
Zhao Nanxing’s mouth twitched, grumbling internally: ’Isn’t it because I’m worried that you have too many admirers, which might become a calamity of romance?’
"Announce the audience of Qin Country, Li Country, and Yu Country from the third-class countries—!"
The eunuch’s voice came again.
"Finally, it’s our turn." Feng Yufei straightened her chest, exhaling a breath of turbid air.
Her expression became slightly solemn, as if about to face a great battle.
Mu Qingge looked at her and smiled, "Relax. We’re going to a banquet, not a duel."
Her words brought a helpless but charming smile to Feng Yufei’s face. "I can’t help it, ever since entering this Holy Yuan Empire, I constantly feel like there are traps at every step, danger everywhere."
She is the Crown Princess, with an irrefutable responsibility on her shoulders. This responsibility is what makes her feel immense pressure. It was alright in Li Country, as it was her own domain. But after arriving in the Holy Yuan Empire, she felt vaguely overwhelmed. Were it not for Mu Qingge’s presence here to stabilize her, she feared she wouldn’t be able to withstand the pressure the Holy Yuan Empire placed upon her.
"Rest assured, you have me." Mu Qingge walked in front of her, raised his hand, and lightly patted her shoulder, giving his assurance.
Everything has me...
These four words made Feng Yufei’s heart relax as she seriously looked at Mu Qingge and nodded.
"Let’s go. We, the little lord, the Crown Princess, and the Prince from a third-class country, are about to meet the power figures of Linchuan, the largest country here!" Zhao Nanxing smiled brightly at the two women and took the lead ahead.
He wasn’t trying to steal Mu Qingge’s thunder; he simply felt that, at this moment, as a man, he must take action to reassure the others.
Feng Yufei smiled at Mu Qingge and followed in Zhao Nanxing’s footsteps.
Mu Qingge also flicked her robe sleeves and followed.
As they ascended the steps, Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei already tacitly fell behind to her left and right, with her at the lead.
’...Ninety-nine steps.’ Upon ascending the steps, Mu Qingge started counting silently in her heart. When she stepped onto the final step and stood on the platform, it was precisely ninety-nine steps.
Mu Qingge did not delve deeply into the intricacies of palace construction within the Holy Yuan Empire Palace.
Once everyone stood on the platform, the eunuch who announced their presence saw Mu Qingge, observed them all with eyes like water, and let out a very faint, disdainful snort from his nose. "Let’s go."
With these words, he flicked the dust in his hand, leading the way like shooing away flies.
His attitude made Zhao Nanxing frown as he gently said, "This eunuch is quite rude!"
Mu Qingge, however, was careless, saying, "If a dog barks at you a couple of times, and you bark back seriously, what’s the difference between you and the dog? Ignoring is the best scorn."
Zhao Nanxing’s brow relaxed, his lips curved into a smile, and he opened his folding fan and fanned it a few times before closing it, exuding the elegant charm of a noble gentleman.
Led by the eunuch, Mu Qingge and the others stepped into the palace doors.
Bright light flooded in instantly; inside the palace, it was like broad daylight, dazzling with brilliance.
Now, she realized that this palace is actually divided into two layers.
The outermost layer was filled with the officials of the Holy Yuan Empire. In the middle, a red carpet stretched straight, connecting the palace door with the steps to the second layer.
And sitting upon the second layer was where the true dignitaries were!
The second layer and the first layer had a three-zhang height difference. The view above was elusive to those sitting on the first layer.
Upon appearing at the door, Mu Qingge and the others immediately felt the unified gaze of the crowd.
The eyes of the officials of the Holy Yuan Empire fell on them one after another.
Carrying curiosity, scrutiny, and also disdain and contempt.
Yet, when they clearly saw Mu Qingge’s appearance, they couldn’t help but be shocked, their eyes filled with amazement.
It seemed they couldn’t imagine that someone from such a barren place as a third-class country could be so beautiful and have such an outstanding temperament.
Unanimously, the first layer quieted down.
This quietness from the first layer also caught the attention of some on the second layer.
They couldn’t help but cast their gaze towards the entrance of the second layer, eagerly anticipating the arrival of those about to appear.
Under the gaze of all, Mu Qingge calmly stepped forward, walking on the red carpet without showing any sign of embarrassment or fear.
Her composure seemed to influence the people accompanying her.
They all set aside their inner tension and followed Mu Qingge’s steps onto the stairway of the second layer.
The sounds of footsteps ascending the stairs echoed.
Neither rushed nor slow, calm and collected.
Gradually, the second layer also turned silent. Even the esteemed members of the Holy Yuan Empire Imperial Family, sitting high like atop a pyramid, paused their conversations, turning their gaze to the entrance of the second layer.
Soon, a striking figure in red appeared in everyone’s vision.
The vibrant red was still particularly eye-catching in this majestic golden palace, making it impossible for anyone to ignore.
Upon seeing the person clearly, the dignitaries seated on the second layer seemed to finally understand why the first-layer officials suddenly became silent.
Simply because the newcomer was too stunning.
Making it hard to tear away one’s gaze!
Having ascended the second layer’s stairs, Mu Qingge finally looked upon what was on this elevated second layer.
Compared to the first layer, the second layer did not have many people.
Facing her were golden steps of three layers, filled with people. The first layer was adorned by gracefully charming palace ladies.
The second layer housed several highly noble men in python robes. It seemed they must be the Princes of the Holy Yuan Empire.
And at the highest third layer, sat only one person, perched on the Dragon Chair, overlooking their group.
To Mu Qingge’s left and right were guest seats; those on her right were ignored, her attention drawn to those on the left. There, seats for second-class countries and the Ancient Witch Country were almost all filled, leaving only a corner at the farthest end vacant.
Needless to say, that was undoubtedly prepared for the third-class country’s seats.
The farthest distance, the most secluded, the least noticeable corner.
Mu Qingge’s gaze lightly scanned over the empty seats, a faintly cold smile curling at the corners of her lips.
The distinction of status, the division of levels, was clearly delineated at this welcoming banquet. From entering the palace, it constantly reminded them of their ranking differences, as if endlessly warning them to recognize their boundaries, to know their own place!
From the seats to the left, among the second-class country’s seats, the people of Rong Country shot Mu Qingge sneering looks. Although the other two countries were less overt, the difference in level was still apparent in their eyes.
Among them, Xue Qiong caught Mu Qingge’s attention more.
Because, from Xue Qiong’s eyes, she did not see the same gaze as others, only a bit of curiosity.
Curious about what?
Mu Qingge thought about it and understood. Xue Qiao’s family letter had probably arrived at the Xue Family, and they knew that their Martial Fool had married the eldest daughter of the Mu Family of Qin Country from a third-class country, hence their curiosity about her as a Mu little lord.
As for Jiang Li, naturally, she cast a friendly yet somewhat schadenfreude gaze towards her.
Retracting her gaze, Mu Qingge lowered her eyes, and performed a salute to the Holy Yuan Empire’s majesty: "Mu Qingge of the Qin Country from the third-class nations, pays respect to His Majesty the Holy Yuan Empire Emperor, Your Majesty, long live, long live, long, long live!"
"Feng Yufei of Li Country from third-class nations, pays respect to His Majesty the Holy Yuan Empire Emperor, Your Majesty, long live, long live, long, long live!"
"Zhao Nanxing of Yu Country from third-class nations, pays respect to His Majesty the Holy Yuan Empire Emperor, Your Majesty, long live, long live, long, long live!"
Feng Yufei and Zhao Nanxing quickly followed with their salutes.
"It’s you!"
"You thief!"
The Emperor of the Holy Yuan Empire hadn’t spoken yet when an angrily resentful shout came from the right-side seats.
Mu Qingge looked up and identified the people in the right seats, raising her eyebrows slightly.
Hehe, Hei Mu recognized her; it was no surprise at all. She just hadn’t expected that Jing Tian, whom she had grievances with at the Medicine Tower Headquarters, would also appear here. And judging by his seat, it seemed his position was not low.
Mu Qingge’s gaze lightly swept over—
She didn’t recognize many of the people in the right seats. Unexpectedly, even the old head elder of the Medicine Tower Headquarters came, and at this moment, he was watching her, with a smile on the lips.
Refining Tower, Myriad Beasts Sect, Jing Tian...
This palace banquet surprisingly gathered all those who had disputes and entanglements with Mu Qingge!