The moon resembles a hook in the sixth month

For the next few nights, he held me while sleeping. Every morning, I could sense his unfulfilled desires, yet he did not touch me again

When I awoke, Xi Ri Chang was sitting beside my bed. He gazed at me silently, still that handsome face, still those eyes that were sometimes gentle and sometimes cold, but with just a hint of warmth, though this warmth was fleeting

Tu Qianshou has come by, and he said that self-healing can aid in your cultivation. Xi Richang gently wiped the porridge stains from the corner of my mouth, saying, "Why didn't you speak up if you couldn't bear it? Aside from a few cries on the boat that day, I haven't heard you make a sound since."

Chen Feng returned the courtesy of a guard and said, "Family background, all stem from various powerful figures."

This is the first time I have seen him angry, blending gloom and malice with his handsome features into a breathtaking beauty, the breathlessness caused by his hand gripping my neck

I came to my senses, released the gun in my hand, and with a bang, the surroundings fell silent. The entire barrel of the gun was embedded in the floor tiles, leaving only an unsightly tassel exposed on the ground

The indoor charcoal fire blazes brightly, roasting my body, yet it cannot warm my heart. As I quietly breathe in and out like a dead fish, the setting sun offers me "gentle streams".

Li ... ... Shu. ... ... ... Shu ... ... Li ... ...

I close my eyes, unwilling to speak and even less willing to look at him

What do you take this king for

Chen Feng said: "Chen Feng is merely a commoner, and I cannot remember all the names of those esteemed gentlemen."

I stand in the armory, as if poised on the edge of a blade. Each of these cold instruments, whether ancient or brand new, sharp or blunt, exudes an air of menace. In the past, I regarded them with indifference, yet now they resonate with the murderous desire that clamors within me. However, it is not they that kill, but rather humans, the hearts of humans. It is not only they that kill, but also countless methods that can be conceived and executed.

In the evening, personnel finally arrived at the armory. Chen Feng announced expressionlessly: "The Emperor is suffering from an incurable illness, and the Prince has become the regent. Tonight, he will remain in the palace. Ladies, please return home!"

I looked at each face one by one, and not a single person dared to meet my gaze. I sighed, "In the end, it is your master who is formidable. I will spare your lives, but the subordinates you brought today, let them end their own lives! This is the armory, choose for yourselves!" I finally understood that the so-called reshuffling was not about taking the lives of these side consorts, but rather about eliminating their informants.

I weakly responded, "I am fine." Then I fell into a deep sleep, and this sleep lasted for a whole day

He is hardly seen during the day, and I do not wish to know what he is busy with. The conspiracy he previously set in motion has already begun, and the news of my pregnancy is being circulated in secret throughout the entire royal residence. Since I fell ill and have been bedridden, I have not stepped out of the Changhua Courtyard, perfectly aligning with his scheme

I endured, endured, and endured again, until I was awakened by a slap from him

I listened quietly, as if they had rehearsed; I felt that they were all very wise, yet not a single person took the lead.

Lady Liu sent Qing'er to inquire, when will the Sword Master next visit the armory

Ah! Someone screamed, and then someone shouted, "Help! Come quickly! Shuli has rebelled!"

I appreciate you, and I forgive your betrayal. I have spared you from further humiliation because you have been hurt and I did not treat you as a pawn. I have favored you and tolerated you, is this how you repay me?

Previously, the indiscriminate actions of Xi Richang had already led me to receive a slap in the face, and now, the nonexistent young lord or young princess within me will undoubtedly bear even greater resentment. The question of when the Sword Supervisor will be reinstated has already become a dangerous signal. The Changhua Courtyard is so tightly sealed that not even a fly can enter; only when I go to the armory does a situation arise. Therefore, I have deferred the timing of my reinstatement to Xi Richang, as he is the one who set the net, and when to reel in the catch is naturally up to him.

I was split in two, collapsing onto the bed, the blood flowing from my mouth staining the sheets red, the dark red blood pooling and blurring my vision. The man on top of me exclaimed in shock: "Shuli!"

I curled my lips, and indeed, everything was within his scheme. Indeed, he did not care about any of those chips.

I must do it even if I cannot, because I must survive

After all, she is carrying the bloodline of the master, a lesson is all that is needed

I have thought carefully, and it seems that Xirichang has underestimated his women, yet it is evident that Xirichang is not unaware of these women's backgrounds and capabilities

"Shuli." He caressed my back and said, "Take it with you tomorrow and kill all those who provoke you, except for Lady Qian. Some things are not as they appear on the surface"

Xi Richang gave me a martial arts manual he practiced in his early years—"Speed of Hand"—which, like the concealed energy technique he passed on to me, belongs to the secret arts of the mysterious gates. In fact, when a martial artist reaches a certain level of cultivation and masters their skills to a significant degree, the speed of their movements can become extraordinary. However, what is unique about "Speed of Hand" is that after achieving mastery, the speed will appear to "slow down"; it becomes so fast that the eyes cannot keep up, and thus it seems to slow down. This was the reason I was first captured by Xi Richang and had my wrist broken.

"Long pain is better than short suffering." As Xirichang tightened his grip, a sharp pain surged through my throat. In that moment of life and death, I suddenly released his hand, gently caressing his face, and then smiled. Xirichang paused, and the pressure on my neck momentarily eased. My hand glided along the perfect curve of his cheek to his chin, lightly brushing over his Adam's apple, circling around his collarbone, and resting against his chest. This series of actions was not only playing with fire but also with life. He knew how sharp my hand could be, and I knew his hand was still on my neck. My hand glided along the perfect curve of his cheek to his chin, lightly brushing over his Adam's apple, circling around his collarbone, and resting against his chest. This series of actions was not only playing with fire but also with life. He knew how sharp my hand could be, and I knew his hand was still on my neck

Madam, do not waste your breath on her; such a wretched person should be dealt with decisively.

Chen Feng replied steadily: "It is nothing much, the worst that can happen is to be cut into a thousand pieces."

Ultimately, it is merely a change of position; I am still a piece on his chessboard, just a facade of false benevolence bestowed by the one in power

Changhua Courtyard is a significant location of the Changwang Mansion, and without authorization, no one is allowed to enter easily. Therefore, Liu Fei's maid, Qing'er, could only ask Chen Feng to convey a message to me from outside the courtyard

No one is speaking, which makes me want to play a piece of "The Heartbroken Wanderer in the Horizon". By now, they must have come to their senses, or rather, a small portion of them has always been clear-headed, yet even the most lucid mind cannot withstand the schemes of Xi Ri Chang.

Lady Liu and the other three concubines fainted, leaving only Qian, Qiu, and Bai, who paled and held on, though their legs were trembling

First, there was a crimson jadeite step shake, followed by several shades of purple and red. Surprisingly, all the concubines were gathered behind Consort Qian, indicating that the royal relatives had grasped the essence of the principle that punishment should not befall the many.

What crime should you be charged with? Do not think that just because I indulge you, you can act without restraint

This sword has accompanied me for over ten years, and today I pass it on to you. I hope you understand the significance of our connection.

It felt as if my entire body was pierced by a sharp sword, as if my waist could be broken at any moment. Flakes of snow appeared before me, dancing in the air, while the pure white snow enveloped the world, creating a deathly stillness of beauty. Then the sky turned dark, and the spirits and souls began to call to me

The gloomy expression on Xiri Chang's face began to ease as he exerted himself, and I responded with a wild ferocity. This time, I finally understood another interpretation of sex and love; the desire to survive, intertwined with boundless hatred, can also unleash tumultuous waves. What is referred to as passionate entanglement can also embody a desperate struggle for life and death.

My hand slipped from under his armpit to his back, and his hand also released me

A collective gasp arose, with various expressions on the faces of the onlookers. I sighed softly, realizing that it had finally come to pass! The regent... Even without today's events, the fates of these women were already in his hands. They and their families could at most cause a little trouble for Xi Richang or even turn against him, but even such minor troubles had already been accounted for by Xi Richang.

Time passes minute by minute, and some of the fainted concubines regain consciousness only to faint again, as no one has entered the armory again, leaving the ground littered with corpses that have not been removed. Those who can remain awake sit upright, straining to maintain the demeanor expected of a concubine.

Madam is asking you a question! Si Jian! Why are you not responding?

Let us wait here! I lifted my foot to pull a chair, "Sit!"

Looking at the several maidservants rushing towards the door, I said softly: "Do not blame me!"

Could you please elaborate further

This is a game within a game, using my feigned pregnancy to attract their attention. At the same time, Xi Richang is cleansing the forces outside the Wangfu, and today is the time for settling accounts. Consort Qian and several alert side consorts have gathered everyone, and I will wield the knife to reap the rewards. The charges are ample and palace-related, perfectly in line with Xi Richang's meticulous nature. The only unknown is whether Xi Richang can succeed. I curse his conspiracy to fail, to be condemned to death after a litany of charges, yet I also secretly hope that this ambitious man can achieve great things. The charges are ample and palace-related, perfectly in line with Xi Richang's meticulous nature. The only unknown is whether Xi Richang can succeed. I curse his conspiracy to fail, to be condemned to death after a litany of charges, yet I also secretly hope that this ambitious man can achieve great things. My mindset is one of wanting chaos in the world, although I know this attitude is not good. However, as someone so weak, I truly do not know when I will be able to take revenge with my own strength.

Lady Qian did not bring Zhi Yun, the maid I most wanted to kill, which indicates that Zhi Yun is very important to Lady Qian. Each concubine has important confidants who maintain connections with their maternal families, and any clandestine dealings are typically conducted through these individuals. Eliminating them is equivalent to severing the arms of the concubines that reach into and out of the household.

The setting sun still sleeps beside me, no longer fierce like a wolf or tiger, but his gentleness and charm only increase my aversion. Being with a man whom I do not love and even hate, day and night, is the most torturous punishment in the world. More than half a year after leaving the Qincheng Garden, I once again recall my mother's words: a courtesan has no right to be choosy; one should only care for the gold and silver treasures in the pockets of clients.

I casually picked up a long spear, the sparse tassels unable to conceal the stained old blood. Outside the storeroom, the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard; someone was coming.

I walked out of the armory, a bright moon illuminating the vast road ahead, while behind me lay nineteen female corpses that I could not bear to look back at

Xi Ri Chang called for congee and vegetables, and he personally fed me a small bowl of rice porridge. I felt no emotion whatsoever, for there was still an empty bowl on the table, which I referred to as my medicine

Indeed, after returning home tired from the western sun at night and listening to my report, he patted my head and said, "Very good"

"That is not how the matter is stated, how many days has grandfather spent in Changhua Courtyard..."

"Shuli is here." I scanned the group of women, each concubine accompanied by two or three maidservants

A thin stream of water glimmered, crossing the air, leaving behind trails of blood, followed by the sound of bodies hitting the ground. Nineteen maidservants, in the blink of an eye, perished. Among them, three had reached the initial stage of solidifying their energy, with the strongest among them running the farthest, collapsing at the entrance of the armory.

That night, he kissed me, just before I was about to fall asleep, cautiously yet lingeringly, just as he had kissed me for the first time in the carriage. I drifted off to sleep amidst that barely perceptible sigh. I knew he was not sighing for me. His wives, no, his concubines, were merely pawns of power in his eyes; he was about to reshuffle, and the pawns would be in danger. I concluded that there was not a single woman in his eyes, nor was there me; I was merely a bit more forceful than the rest. His wives, no, his concubines, were merely pawns of power in his eyes; he was about to reshuffle, and the pawns would be in danger. I concluded that there was not a single woman in his eyes, nor was there me; I was merely a bit more forceful than the rest.

Winter has arrived in the blink of an eye, and I have added more layers to my clothing. If one were to overlook my face, anyone who sees me would think I have gained a circle of weight since entering the mansion. I have not visited the armory; I have been immersed in my cultivation, while Xiri Chang has yet to cast his net. I do not understand what the several concubines of the Wangfu are scheming, but I am well aware that Xiri Chang would not engage in futile actions.

This time, a total of 19 people were killed in one go, yet I felt no discomfort whatsoever. My blood has always been cold, and now it is completely frozen. The blood flows onto the ground, and the "Fine Water" truly lives up to its name, shining as bright as ever after the killings, not a drop of blood staining it. I retract the "Fine Water" and bow to the awake third woman.

"Are you awake? You have slept for a whole day and night," he said softly. "You look truly beautiful while you are asleep."

"Shuli!" Qianfei was the first to call out

In the end, I still asked Chen Feng to return to Qing'er, but it was at the command of the prince

Xi Ri Chang informed me that his original plan was to make me suffer a bit more, impose restrictions on me, and then have me beaten up, after which he would use this opportunity to eliminate obstacles. However, my escape nearly ruined his plan, and my injuries spared me from further humiliation. This is what he meant by "I care about your injury and did not treat you as a pawn, thus sparing you from further disgrace"

To view a leopard through a tube, this part of the conspiracy does not carry much weight in Xi Richang's entire plan. If I am not mistaken, what he is truly plotting is the court.

Tu Qianshou was not wrong; after I healed myself, my cultivation advanced another level. If severe injuries, desperate situations, and near-death experiences cannot take a warrior's life, then it is akin to a miraculous elixir that significantly enhances a warrior's cultivation. Therefore, when I recovered, I reached the mid-stage of Qingyuan. This is the distinction of realms that Xiri Chang taught me: in the Solid Qi stage, there is only one type of internal energy, while in Qingyuan, it can reach three types. Now I can feel that there are two different pathways of energy within me.

Teach me ... ... " I shouted hoarsely, " everything you know! "

Xi Richang began to stay overnight at Changhua Courtyard every night, solidifying the accusation of my seductive manipulation of the master. I truthfully devoted my body, recklessly paying the price, which has indeed left me plagued by injuries and ailments. A youthful body cannot withstand the endless demands made day and night; had I not been a martial artist, I would have likely perished early under the debauchery of Xi Richang.

I cast a glance at Chen Feng's eternally expressionless wooden face and casually retorted, "What would happen if I accidentally strangled a few ladies?"

I fell silent

Is it the stern father? Is it the gentle mother? Or is it the elder brother who has never been able to handle me? They are calling me, they are summoning me, they are extending their hands and opening their arms, hoping for my return

I reached out with my weak and powerless hand to touch my cheek, where the scar had already formed. In a few days, it would disappear, but the wounds in my heart will never fade without being washed away by blood

I am unable to breathe, let alone speak; I grasp his hand with both of mine, my nails digging into his skin.

Shuli, I had already reminded you before you entered the residence that as a maid, you must be well-behaved

But I cannot do it

Bold and shameless servant, do you still have us in your eyes? Even now, you refuse to kneel, stubbornly remaining silent like a dead duck!

I gazed at him for a long time, then bowed and asked: "I am a commoner from the Western Qin, completely unaware of the intrigues of the Great Gao Kingdom. May I inquire, Sir Chen, where are the esteemed ladies?"

"How about this, Shuli, you kneel in front of the family rules for half a day to admit your mistake! We will not make it difficult for you," Lady Liu said finally

It should be said that this manual is very suitable for me

Xi Richang actually has both sons and daughters, but they are not many. Only Bai Fei has given birth to two sons, and Qiu Fei has one daughter. Xi Richang has been slow to establish a formal consort, which has given hope to the families of the various concubines, so he has naturally not appointed an heir. As the full-blooded brother of Emperor Da Gao, Xi Richang holds a position just below the emperor, and his children, even if born out of wedlock, are certain to be granted titles and ranks in the future.