Chapter 1: Fratricide

The young girl clearly had not yet fully recovered from the shock she had just experienced. I offered her a gentle smile and said, "I still do not know your name"

Yan Ping was also taken aback upon seeing Cai Xue. I whispered, "She is a servant I just sold; let her stay here temporarily"

Qingyue Palace is located in the northwest corner of the imperial city, adjacent to Shude Palace and Yizheng Palace. When heading to my residence, I will first pass through the road between Shude Palace and Yizheng Palace

Yan Ping hurriedly said outside the car, "This humble servant was unaware of Your Highness the Prince's arrival. I hope you will forgive any disrespect shown!"

The loyal subjects gently clapped their hands, and the sound of silk and bamboo instruments resonated softly within the hall. A group of nearly one hundred beautiful dancers, with their hair styled in elegant swallow-tailed buns and dressed in various translucent, lightweight long gowns, gracefully danced into the palace, singing and performing, striking various enchanting poses that captivated the onlookers.

"Xiao Anzi! How did you come here!" The voice of Aunt Yanping echoed from outside.

I nodded slightly: "I do not remember saving you!"

The young girl bit her lower lip with determination and finally made a decision. She helped me drag King Mu's body to the side of the well, and it was evident that she was extremely frightened, her delicate body trembling incessantly.

The young girl's delicate face turned pale, as if she might faint at any moment. I wrapped my arms around her slender body, providing her with invisible support: "Remember! Nothing has happened!" My voice was unusually cold. The girl trembled and nodded slightly. I gently patted her shoulder: "Go back!"

The old man glanced at me somewhat awkwardly and explained apologetically: "My husband has a peculiar temperament, please do not take offense, young sir."

"Your Highness! Have you seen King Mu?" Zhongfu came specifically to find King Mu. I quickly calmed down and said, "He went to the restroom."

Cai Xue nodded gratefully; this delicate woman had completely regarded me as her support in such circumstances

Upon hearing this couplet, I was left utterly astonished.

Cai Xue held the ancient painting, her delicate body still trembling, this time from the cold. I took off my cloak and draped it over her shoulders. Cai Xue lowered her head but did not refuse.

I bit my lower lip hard, watching that despicable bastard sway unsteadily as he chased forward

The primary reason I chose to seek out Yanping is that I do not know how to arrange for Caixue. When I killed King Mu, I did not anticipate that things would become so complicated. Killing King Mu was purely an accident; had it not been for his malicious curses against me, I would not have been provoked to kill. I would not take such a great risk for a song and dance girl, even though I have begun to sense that Caixue is extraordinary.

I am certain that no one else will appear around us. Calmly, I helped the young girl put on the clothes and shoes of Zhongfu, leading her out of the garden while carefully erasing the footprints we had just made.

Blood rushed to my head; after all, we share the same father, yet he dared to curse me with such venomous words

I too cannot help but immerse myself in this ocean of joy

I said to Yi Andao: "Go to Dongtiao Street!"

"Who is it?" Someone shouted loudly from the direction of the garden gate, causing both of us to tremble simultaneously

Yan Ping left the palace on the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, and I granted her a seven-day leave to visit her mother

The wine is the finest "Yuyao Spring," and the dishes are the royal banquet of eighteen courses personally prepared by the first imperial chef of the court. The forty-nine princes and grandsons of the Great Kang Kingdom are seated in order, and I am positioned thirteenth on the left, precisely in a transitional position. To my left is the eldest grandson, Long Qizheng, who is thirty-nine years old this year, with a hint of gray at his temples. To my right is my twenty-fourth royal brother, Long Yinxiang, who is eighteen years old and has just been conferred the title of Prince An by the Emperor of the Great Kang Kingdom, my father, Emperor Xinde.

It seems that Qin Wang has also become intoxicated, leading the laughter with a hearty chuckle: "One of you is drunk, and the other is not drinking; perhaps it is best for you to return first..."

I smiled and said, "Please go ahead, sir!"

Upon meeting my gaze, she hurriedly lowered her head and said: "This servant thanks the prince for saving me from the snow..."

She immediately detected the undertone in my words, her pale lips trembling with fear and the thought of the picture book, which made her appear even more alluring, evoking a natural instinct to protect and cherish her

The old man patted his shoulder and exclaimed, "Mr. Cao, the first line has already been matched!"

I exerted all my strength to lift King Mu's body and stuffed it into the well. Upon hearing the sound of splashing water, I finally let out a long sigh of relief. Strangely enough, after killing King Mu, I felt no fear whatsoever.

Cai Xue! Do you have any relatives in this capital city?

Upon arriving at the horse-drawn carriage, I saw the troupe of dancers and singers boarding the carriage. They belong to the royal palace's music troupe, and this time they were specially invited by the loyalists to entertain us

I said with a smile: "Mr. Cao, please feel free to speak your mind."

At one corner of the bridge, there was a divination stall. Due to its location behind the lantern stall, it was not easily visible to passersby. Furthermore, with the biting cold wind by the river, there were hardly any visitors to that place

I raised a branch as thick as my wrist with both hands and struck it forcefully on King Mu's head. King Mu's body convulsed for a moment, then he collapsed weakly onto the girl.

The elder said, "Young master, your talent in solving problems is remarkable. I wonder if you have any interest in couplets?"

Prince An actively defended my position: "Dear brothers! Yinkong is still quite young, and moreover, our father has previously stated that we are not to drink alcohol before the age of eighteen. Let him have tea instead!"

Your Majesty! I truly did not mean to..." The one weeping was Concubine Zhen, the most favored consort of the Emperor last year. Among all the consorts, her beauty was the most outstanding. Since entering the palace, she had not borne any children. Later, she was reported by other consorts for secretly consulting a shaman to perform rituals.

The sound of the music gradually faded, and the hundred beautiful women gracefully gathered in the center. A haunting melody from a flute rose gently, as the ladies danced with flowing sleeves, countless delicate petals fluttering softly between heaven and earth, the intoxicating fragrance of flowers captivating all. The hundred beauties resembled blooming flower buds, spreading outwards, amidst the rain of petals, a girl in white, as beautiful as a celestial being, appeared like an orchid in a secluded valley. With her light and graceful, ethereal dance, her wide sleeves opened and closed, further accentuating her stunning and graceful demeanor. The hundred beauties resembled blooming flower buds, spreading outwards, amidst the rain of petals, a girl in white, as beautiful as a celestial being, appeared like an orchid in a secluded valley. With her light and graceful, ethereal dance, her wide sleeves opened and closed, further accentuating her stunning and graceful demeanor. The crowd watched her enchanting dance, almost forgetting to breathe. The girl's beautiful eyes sparkled, causing every person present to have their hearts racing, each thinking that she was gazing at them.

Snow began to fall gently outside, though I could not tell when it started. King Mu staggered ahead of me, chasing after the dancer in front. The lead dancer, a girl in white, seemed to sense something and hurried her pace.

I forcefully embraced King Mu's upper body and dragged him towards the well in the southeast corner, while the girl looked at me in confusion

Cai Xue softly remarked: "Thousands of years of history weigh upon my heart. Raising a cup to the void, I sigh, where have the great heroes gone? I think of: the Han dynasty's pleasure boats; the Tang dynasty's iron pillars; the Song dynasty's jade axes; the Yuan dynasty's leather pouches. Great and glorious achievements, exhausting efforts to move mountains. The jeweled curtains and painted beams cannot compete with the evening rain and morning clouds. Even the broken steles and remnants of inscriptions are surrendered to the blue smoke and setting sun. All that remains are: a few distant chimes; half a river of fishing lights; two lines of autumn geese; a pillow of clear frost.

The reason I killed Zhongfu is that he witnessed me and Caixue standing by the well. As soon as King Mu's body is discovered, it would be easy for people to associate me as the true murderer of King Mu, leaving me with no choice.

The young girl cried out while desperately trying to break free, as King Mu, like a beast, tore at her long skirt. He was consumed by lust and completely unaware of my silent presence behind him

As I was leaving, Cai Xue approached the car holding the neatly folded great coat she had prepared for me. I smiled as I took it from her, but was unexpectedly drawn to a scroll hidden within the coat. It turned out that Cai Xue had gifted me that ancient painting. I nodded to her and slowly lowered the car curtain.

My answer is concise and clear

A faint smile appeared at the corners of my lips; within the entire palace, only those two showed me such respect

King Mu let out a hearty laugh and reached out to grasp the girl's sleeve: "Little darling! Your ancestors have accumulated virtue, and I have taken a liking to you!"

The old man said, "Mr. Cao, the one who just matched the couplets is this young lady!"

You will stay here for a while, and once the situation calms down, I will send someone to take you away from Kandu

I nodded slightly; the seemingly peaceful and prosperous Great Kang Kingdom was far from tranquil, as the ongoing wars among the surrounding seven nations persisted, and girls like Cai Xue, who faced such circumstances, were everywhere.

King Mu suddenly lunged at the young girl's delicate body, his corpulent form pressing down upon her

Cai Xue and I got out of the car and walked into Yan Ping's ancient courtyard. Yan Ping was once from an official family, but her ancestors fell out of favor with the court and were punished with exile. It was not until she entered the palace to become a maid that my mother helped redeem this old residence for her and arranged for her mother to live here.

The lantern by the roadside was filled with various riddles. I paused with great interest to take a look, only to see a lotus lantern inscribed with "Sorrowful thoughts create the离骚 (Li Sao)"—guess a seven-character Tang poem. Two young scholars nearby were deep in thought, and I smiled lightly, saying, "It seems to express a lifetime of unfulfilled aspirations!" Suddenly, an elderly man in a yellowish garment turned around.

The old man straightened his back and recited aloud: "Five hundred miles of heavenly pool, rushing into view. With my robe open and my cap askew, I rejoice in the vast and boundless sky. Look: the eastern steed is divine; the western bird is graceful; the northern path winds; the southern flight is pure and white. As for the accomplished and refined, why not choose a splendid place to ascend? Taking advantage of Crab Islet and Snail State, I comb my hair in the wind and mist. Moreover, the heavenly reeds and earthly grasses frequently adorn the scene with some emerald feathers and rosy clouds. Do not let down: the fragrant rice all around; the vast sunny sands; the summer lotuses; the willows of early spring."

Mr. Cezi smiled and said, "My surname is Cao, and my given name is Rui. I have idled away forty-three years." His gaze remained fixed on my face from beginning to end, and after a long while, he finally sighed and said, "The appearance of the young master is truly beyond my ability to judge"

Everyone remembers this saying of the Father Emperor, but the original words should be: "No drinking before being conferred a title of king." According to the laws of the Great Kang, princes are only entitled to be conferred a title of king upon reaching the age of eighteen, which is why Prince An would make such a statement

The young girl struggled to move backward, her beautiful eyes already glistening with tears

He extended his withered fingers to dip into the ink, writing a large character '囚' on the paper

I shook my head: "Yi An, you drive around from Fusheng Alley and wait for me at the end of the street. I'll take the opportunity to stroll through the lantern market!"

I hurriedly arranged my clothes and got out of the car. In front of Shude Palace, dozens of young eunuchs and palace maids stood in two rows, with my father's imperial carriage in the middle

The young girl was not familiar with the terrain of the Loyal King’s Mansion. In her panic, she lost her way and became lost in the back garden. Hearing the relentless laughter of King Mu behind her only heightened her fear. She stumbled, twisting her ankle, and fell into the snow. Attempting to rise from the ground was excruciating, and she found herself utterly unable to stand.

Cai Xue has already guessed my identity and is behaving exceptionally respectfully in front of me

He fixed his gaze on me and said, "How did the young master come to think of the lute song of the hermit of Xiangshan to resolve this enigma?"

I gazed at him in confusion

I have just returned to reality: "Fifth Brother... I cannot drink..."

The old man laughed and said: "As the saying goes, 'Women are no less than men'; Miss, feel free to give it a try!"

The snow on her delicate face made her cheeks blush, further enhancing her exquisite beauty beyond compare

A divination master dressed in tattered robes lay sprawled over his stall, seemingly fast asleep

Cai Xue softly said: "Indeed, the old gentleman is well-versed in knowledge. My young master once taught me some techniques of parallelism. May I attempt to demonstrate it on behalf of my young master?"

I suddenly clutched my stomach: "Ouch! It hurts so much!"

Prince Longyin of the Qinqiang Dynasty sat in the central position, raising his wine cup and proclaiming loudly: "Esteemed brothers and nephews, today is the Lantern Festival. Under the leadership of our Father Emperor, our Great Kang enjoys peace and prosperity, with songs and dances filling the air, and a scene of harmony everywhere. Let us wish our Father Emperor boundless blessings and longevity, and may he soon unify the realm!"

Yi An was taken aback for a moment and immediately asked, "Does His Highness the Prince want to find Yan Ping?"

I nodded: "I will take you away!"

"Forget it! Just carry me over..." I feigned an expression of extreme pain

The loyal minister could not help but exclaim: "This dance should only exist in the heavens, how rare it is to hear it in the mortal world!" King Mu chuckled a couple of times, swaying as he stood up: "In this moment and scene, my royal brother is inspired to compose poetry... I, a mere commoner, am instead... overwhelmed by the urge to relieve myself... I shall go to the restroom..."

I recited aloud: "As the ancients have said, the answer lies beneath, which is the essence of riddles. This riddle evidently draws from the 'Records of the Grand Historian,' specifically referring to the statesman Qu Yuan of the Chu state, who repeatedly faced defeat against Qin. During the reign of King Huai, his indecisiveness allowed pro-Qin factions to gain strength within Chu, and his anti-Qin stance was not adopted. Upon hearing King Huai's sentiments, he lamented, 'Thus I am troubled and pensive, leading to the creation of 'Li Sao'!" The 'Pipa Xing' by the recluse of Xiangshan speaks of a pipa player who, through the music of 'each string concealing and each sound expressing thoughts,' recounts her own unfulfilled life experiences, which bear some resemblance to Qu Yuan's circumstances in his time.

I whispered, "Hurry and help me, or we will both die"

The old man brought over a wooden stool, and I sat down opposite the diviner: "May I ask your esteemed surname and name, sir?"

Yi An responded with a sound and pulled the reins, while I held onto Cai Xue's small hand and descended from the carriage one after another

I, along with Yi An, was temporarily warming ourselves by the fire in the living room. When Cai Xue approached us, she had already changed back into her feminine attire, standing gracefully and charmingly.

Suddenly, a cry echoed from ahead. Yi An abruptly pulled on the reins, halting the carriage's progress, and said with some alarm: "Young Master! Ahead is the Emperor's royal carriage!"

How strange! I did not find him there!" Zhongfu turned around and was about to leave

Yi An pulled the carriage to the side, and I knelt properly in the snow beside it, waiting for the passage of His Majesty the Emperor.

However, I am more aware than anyone else that it is difficult for me to ever ascend to the throne. My mother, Consort Ping, was just one step away from becoming Empress, but she was suddenly cast into the cold palace and died in despair. I remember the year she passed away; I was only eight years old, and in the blink of an eye, eight years have gone by. I do not know the true cause of my mother's death, and my father, the Emperor, would naturally not tell me. By common reasoning, she must have been a victim of the palace intrigues. After my mother died, I grew up in the cold palace, and during those long eight years, the only companions I had were my mother's maid, Yan Ping, and the eunuch, Yi An. In those eight years, I saw my father three times, all during the ancestral and heavenly sacrifices, and each time I had no opportunity to speak with him. Perhaps he does not even remember that he has a son like me.

Concubine Zhen cried as she fell onto the snow, while Father Emperor did not even glance at her, striding towards my direction.

The recent interlude quickly came to an end, and everyone soon forgot my presence, each one indulging in a frenzied exchange of toasts and drinks, while I alone slowly savored the already cooled herbal tea.

Cao Rui said: "I will give you a word, my lord!"

Yi An sat at the front of the carriage, dozing off with his hands tucked into his cotton jacket. I gently cleared my throat, and he hurriedly opened his eyes: "Your Highness..." He immediately noticed the young girl beside me, his gaze filled with surprise and suspicion

Cao Rui said: "Please take good care of this character, as it will surely be of use in the future." I carefully folded the paper and placed it in my bosom

"Yin Kong! Why are you not drinking?" The diligent Wang noticed that I was lost in thought.

Since I have spoken, Yan Ping naturally did not dare to ask further. She took Cai Xue's delicate hand and led her into the inner hall

I stepped forward to help King Mu up: "Your Majesty, you are drunk. How about I escort you back home?"

I reside in the Qingyue Palace, commonly referred to as the Cold Palace. Along with inheriting my mother's bloodline, I have also inherited this desolate palace.

The garden is quiet, with no one else present, which allows me to relax a little.

He handed the ancient painting to Cai Xue, then turned and gracefully departed with the old man, not casting another glance at the fortune-telling booth.

King Mu approached her with a lewd smile: "Little darling, it seems you wish to engage in a fierce battle with this king in the snow!"

Cao Rui nodded: "It seems that I, Cao, can also misjudge at times." He took an ancient painting from the divination stall: "I was once entrusted by a friend to give this painting to a fated person who could come up with this couplet. Since this young lady has successfully matched the couplet, this painting rightfully belongs to you."

I was also filled with curiosity about the old man, and together with Cai Xue, we followed him to the bridge ahead

The crowd ahead was dense, and the carriage could no longer proceed. Yi An said in front of the carriage: "Your Highness, would you like to take a detour through Fusheng Alley?"

A servant carrying a lantern approached us; he was Zhongfu, the chief steward of the loyalist forces.

Cai Xue shook her head gently and said, "I only have one older brother, who has been missing for many years due to the war!"

The young girl was so frightened that her complexion turned pale: "Your Highness... please... spare me and the *illustrated* maidservant..."

I furrowed my brows slightly, not expecting that amidst this bustling city, there were hidden talents. This seemingly ordinary old man actually possessed such profound knowledge. I paced back and forth a few steps; this first line, consisting of ninety characters, was grand in its momentum and filled with heroic spirit. In such a moment, how could I possibly match it with such precision.

Cai Xue let out a soft sigh, immediately realizing her lapse in composure, and lowered her head.

Cai Xue and I arrived at the end of the street, where Yi An had been waiting for quite some time. When we boarded the carriage again, Cai Xue's emotions had calmed down significantly.

Closing the car curtains, this silent and enclosed space makes me unable to help but recall the King Mu whom I just killed. I feel no fear within me; if given the choice again, I would still kill him without hesitation. I will not allow anyone to insult my mother, no matter who they are

I lifted the car curtain, and the night was deep. The snow fell gently, and without wind, the jade-like flakes descended. On both sides of the road, there were crowds of people enjoying the night, mixed with the shouts of various vendors. It was truly a scene of extraordinary liveliness, and the entire capital was filled with a sense of peace. I, residing in the deep palace, had not witnessed such a scene for a long time

King Mu hurriedly caught up, stepping on the young girl's white long dress, causing her to let out a delicate cry and nearly fall. The other dancers, witnessing the scene, were so frightened that they scattered in all directions, completely ignoring her.

King Mu laughed again: "At sixteen! When I was your age, I could drink three sheng of wine, and after drinking, I could still enjoy the company of five women..."

King Mu roughly pushed me away: "What do you think you are? An identity... an unknown bastard! How dare you meddle in my affairs!"

Yi An raised a crackling whip in the air, as two old horses pulled an old carriage, trudging through the snow. No one would have thought that inside this carriage sat the youngest son of Emperor Xinde. This was the highest treatment I could enjoy. The carriage was left by my mother, and despite the passage of time, the interior still reflected the splendor of the past. This carriage was originally meant to be drawn by four horses, but the Grand Steward only assigned Yi An these two old horses. Naturally, it was much more laborious for the old horses to pull a carriage meant for four.

A jolt ran through me, and the slight resentment I had towards him instantly vanished without a trace

At this moment, the sound of the flute suddenly intensified. The young girl pivoted on the tip of her right foot, gracefully unfurling her long sleeves as her delicate figure began to spin, faster and faster. Suddenly, she soared gracefully from the ground. A hundred beautiful women formed a circle, their jade-like hands waving as dozens of blue silk ribbons fluttered out, creating the illusion of blue waves rising in the hall. The girl flew into the air, landing lightly on the ribbons, her delicate feet barely touching them, her garments billowing like a celestial being gliding over the waves. Applause erupted throughout the grand hall, and the sounds of astonished praise filled the air as the dancers exited one by one amidst the admiration of the crowd.

Leave here immediately! I took the girl's cold little hand and led her into the car

I did not stay at Yanping's house for a late-night meal, as the palace has its own rules. I must return to the palace before midnight, and the desire to freely stay outside will likely have to wait until two years later

I watched her with a demeanor of confidence and composure, and my heart stirred. Could it be that she, with both beauty and intelligence, stands out among her peers?

However, everyone else knows that King Mu is pursuing me, the young girl reminded me

The face of the loyal king inevitably revealed a look of pride, his chin slightly raised, indeed exuding a semblance of the crown prince's authority: "Yun Kong! How old are you this year?"

Zhongfu turned around and crouched down. I struck him hard on the side of his neck with a punch, and Zhongfu fell silent, collapsing into the snow. Carrying Zhongfu was much easier than carrying King Mu. I instructed the girl to remove Zhongfu's shoes and outer clothing, and then I threw him into the well

Zhongfu hurriedly came before me: "Your Highness, what is the matter? I will go fetch a doctor!"

Sixteen! I humbly replied

Ean replied with a smile, "Not only am I here, but the young master has also arrived"

The fortune teller's gaze suddenly became exceptionally bright as he said: "Young master, with the left assisting and the right supporting, it is evidently the decree of the emperor"

The old man praised, "Indeed, young master, you are extraordinary!" He personally plucked the lotus lantern and handed it to Cai Xue, smiling as he said, "Giving a lantern to a beautiful person is also a matter of elegance." This old man had remarkable eyesight and had already discerned that Cai Xue was disguised as a man.

The fortune teller stretched lazily, his pair of narrow eyes lazily glanced at me: "What’s so surprising about that!"

Passersby walk with lanterns through the snow, and from a distance, the entire long street resembles a flowing galaxy. I walk side by side with Cai Xue, and perhaps the peaceful atmosphere around us has influenced her; her mood gradually relaxes.

The old man said: "On the first day of this year, I happened to come across a couplet. After much contemplation, I have been unable to create a matching line. I kindly ask you, young sir, for your guidance."

Upon seeing his clumsy demeanor, everyone burst into laughter. King Mu stumbled over to my table, and suddenly his legs gave way, causing him to lose his balance and lean against my wine table, knocking over the dishes and drinks, creating a complete mess. I was unable to dodge in time and ended up getting splashed with wine and soup.

Cao Rui then looked at Cai Xue: "This young lady's eyes were filled with a look of panic, clearly having just experienced some shocking event."

The young girl witnessed me kill two people in quick succession, and even her teeth began to chatter.

The old man's astonishment was no less than mine. After a long while, he finally bowed and fell to the ground, saying: "Miss, your extraordinary talent makes this old man feel ashamed." In truth, it was not only he who should feel ashamed.

A chorus of cheers erupted within the Qunwang Mansion, and everyone appeared exceptionally excited. From their eyes, I saw hope. This scene inevitably reminded me of last year when we were drinking at the residence of Prince Zhong, Longyin. Prince Zhong's voice was as bold as that of Qunwang today, filled with hope. At the age of fifty-two, he had finally outlasted his three elder brothers, becoming the eldest among the princes. However, his body did not manage to endure until now; he passed away last summer due to a sudden stroke. Prince Zhong's voice was as bold as that of Qunwang today, filled with hope. At the age of fifty-two, he had finally outlasted his three elder brothers, becoming the eldest among the princes. However, his body did not manage to endure until now; he passed away last summer due to a sudden stroke.

Upon hearing this, the other princes and princesses burst into fits of ambiguous laughter. When discussing such topics, the atmosphere among us easily becomes harmonious

In a flurry, Cai Xue hurriedly helped the old man up, saying: "Old sir, you flatter me excessively. I was merely speaking casually; how could I possess such extraordinary talent? Please, do rise!"

As we arrived at the corner corridor outside the garden, the flow of people gradually increased. The young girl deliberately bent down to hide beside me, and fortunately, in the darkness, no one paid attention to her appearance

Yan Ping made an excuse to prepare a late-night snack and went to the kitchen with Yi An, leaving me alone with Cai Xue

Sitting beside King Qunwang, Prince Longyin of the Mu family laughed heartily: "Still calling him Fifth Brother? We are about to be called Crown Prince!" The people around echoed in unison.

When he saw clearly that she and I were embracing each other, he couldn't help but reveal a hint of an ambiguous smile, surely thinking that the youngest prince was secretly engaging in the act of stealing fragrance and jade behind the backs of his royal brothers

The commotion here attracted the attention of many passersby, so the old man simply abandoned his lantern stall and grabbed my arm, saying, "Young sir, please allow me to have a word with you!"

King Mu grasped her sleeve and forcefully pulled her into his embrace. The young girl, with all her strength, managed to break free, and her sleeve was torn away by King Mu, revealing an arm as fair as frost and snow. King Mu suddenly found himself pulling at nothing, and his body involuntarily stumbled backward, landing on the ground. Taking advantage of this moment, the young girl fled forward.

The Lantern Festival each year is a day when I can gather with the other princes; as long as none of us ascends to the throne on that day, this tradition will continue.

If I remember correctly, Qin Wang is already forty-nine years old this year, which coincidentally matches the number of people present here today. His health has always been excellent; drawing a bow to shoot an eagle and wrestling a lion with bare hands are also easy for him. Perhaps he really will be able to wait until the day he ascends to the throne

In fact, at that time, I even considered killing both Cai Xue and myself, but for some unknown reason, I ultimately gave up.

Only after they left one by one did I bring the young girl to my carriage. This carriage was the most shabby among all the vehicles; the colorful paint on the outside had peeled off in many places, revealing the old wooden yoke, and the once bright yellow curtains had faded to a dull gray-brown.

I am indeed of this intention, and I hurriedly rise to take my leave

The Emperor believed that she harbored delusions of harming him, and in a fit of anger, he cast her into the cold palace. Today, perhaps recalling old feelings, he specially came to visit her, yet he was unaware that Concubine Zhen had once again done something to provoke his anger

With my assistance, the young girl pushed aside the corpulent body of King Mu. Her long dress was torn in several places, revealing her flawless, radiant skin. I took off my cloak and draped it over her shoulders