Chapter 03: Nangong

Hmph! Qi Huailian was so angry that she almost fainted, "Go on!"

When the short sword fell to the ground, Qiu Yanli, rubbing her slightly numb right hand, could not believe that she had been defeated in just one move

Oh... have you promised someone yet? Qi Huilian, seeing her young age and the way she spoke so timidly and delicately, felt her earlier anger dissipate and a sense of affection arose in her heart. She thought that such a beautiful girl, if she were to be with her son, who was known for his flirtatious nature, would surely be wasted.

Nangong Qing returned to Yangzhou, and just as he stepped through the door, before he had the chance to indulge in some tender moments with his beautiful wife and concubines, he was caught red-handed by his father.

The "Imperial Phoenix Decree," which has been lost for nearly twenty-five years, has unexpectedly reemerged in the Nangong family. If this were to spread, would it bring about glory or disaster?

This is indeed ... ...

Apart from her, the other five concubines of Nangong Qing all come from prominent families in the martial world, each possessing martial arts skills and not to be underestimated. However, when it comes to cunning and strategy, none can compare to Du Qianzi. Therefore, whenever an issue arises or a decision needs to be made, the sisters all look to her for guidance.

"Miss Li, please take a seat!" After inviting Li Yue to sit down, Qi Huilian carefully scrutinized her once more. The delicate and youthful figure only made her seem increasingly beautiful, yet she was still quite young, with an air of innocence that subtly hinted at her naivety about the world.

Where is Miss Li from? How old is she this year?

"Qing'er, you tell me, how are we, the Nangong family, supposed to establish ourselves in the martial world in the future? Hey, you little brat, are you even listening to me?" As Nangong Baisheng spoke passionately, he suddenly noticed that his son was not paying attention at all, his eyes fixed on the girl beside him without blinking.

She was unwell and unable to speak, yet her delicate demeanor became increasingly pronounced. Qi Huilian felt a surge of compassion in her heart, unable to bear seeing her suffer such indignity. She then angrily reproached Qiu Yanli, saying: "How unbecoming! Were you not the one who snatched someone else's husband? Now you have the audacity to criticize others!"

"Whose girl is this?" The son often brings different girls home, and he was originally unfazed by it. However, upon closer inspection this time, he suddenly realized that the young lady before him was not only striking in appearance but also possessed an astonishing demeanor

Father, Mother, I would like to introduce you to this young lady, Miss Li Yue; this is my father, Nangong Baisheng, and my mother, Qi Huilian. They are the renowned "Twin Heroes of the Extraordinary Sword" in the martial world

Nangong Baisheng observed her haughty demeanor, completely disregarding her elders, which infuriated him to the point of blowing his beard and glaring. Even the highly cultivated Qi Huilian could not help but feel secretly angry. Since becoming famous, in the span of two to three decades, he had not seen anyone dare to treat her and her husband in such a manner, let alone a mere young girl

As they approached, the women, upon seeing Li Yue's appearance, all displayed a fleeting glimmer of jealousy in their eyes. The tall woman raised her eyebrows and said in a delicate voice: "Mother-in-law, what brings you to the Yibi Courtyard today?"

Not bad, not bad... she knows the "Imperial Phoenix Technique"...

What a beautiful patch of peonies, it is a pity that they are planted too chaotically

She also knew that her mother-in-law disapproved of her background; no matter what she did, her mother-in-law would always find fault. Although Du Qianzi came from a humble background, she was a proud and strong-willed person. Had it not been for her unwavering love for Nangong Qing back then, she would not have entered the Nangong family and endured this humiliation

Madam Liu, née Cheng, had a father who was an official in Chang'an. Due to his dissatisfaction with the tyranny of Empress Wu, he was executed. With the sudden collapse of the family pillar, Madam Cheng, in desperation, had no choice but to take her entire family to Yangzhou to seek refuge with her son-in-law. However, Liu Zhitong, valuing wealth over poverty and fearing any repercussions, drove the Cheng family out of Yangzhou, leaving them in uncertainty about their fate. In a fit of anger, Madam Liu scolded Liu Zhitong a few times, only to be met with a divorce decree from him. Feeling both humiliated and enraged, on the day Liu Zhitong married his new love, Madam Cheng hanged herself from a white silk cord in the new house.

Is this really true? Did I not misjudge?

Suddenly, a flash of white light appeared before her, and she abruptly fell silent. Her figure rose and spun in mid-air, her dress billowing in the wind, resembling a vividly rendered peony. She slightly raised her arms, and with some unknown clever technique, even Qi Huilian, a top-tier expert, could not discern her method. Then, the sound of clinking filled the air, as countless hidden weapons rained down like a shower from her fluttering garments.

It does not matter who she is; what is most important is that she knows the "Imperial Phoenix Technique"

They are unaware that Li Yue is the most favored Princess of the Phoenix under the current Empress Wu Zetian. With her noble status, she is usually only worshipped by others, and apart from her parents and brothers, when has she ever bowed her head to anyone? Today, being able to nod amicably to the couple Nan Gong Baisheng is, in her view, a remarkably humble and approachable act of deference.

I... I... she said, choked with emotion, unable to speak, pouting her lips, and ran away with tears in her eyes

She has encountered countless individuals in the brothel and can tell at a glance that Li Yue comes from an extraordinary background, possessing an elegant demeanor. The sudden appearance of this rival, coupled with her mother-in-law's special affection for her, could very well lead to this young girl becoming the mistress of the Nangong family, surpassing all the other women.

Liu Zhitong, feeling that he had encountered bad luck, hastily buried Cheng's remains in a desolate area, without even a gravestone. Little did he know that within a month, the Liu residence began to experience hauntings. Terrified, Liu Zhitong had no choice but to spend money to hire a group of highly skilled guards, among whom were two renowned disciples from the prestigious Nangong family. Just three days after feeling secure, the Liu residence was once again disturbed by the sound of a female ghost crying in the middle of the night, with a large crowd shouting and calling out in the courtyard, yet the ghost was never found. Infuriated, Liu Zhitong berated the guards for only knowing how to take money without being able to accomplish anything, which caused the Nangong family to feel embarrassed as well.

It is not difficult; as long as Miss Li's embroidery surpasses that of He Lian, her poetry and couplets exceed those of Chu Yun, her singing and musical skills outshine mine, her chess skills can match those of Mei Ling, and her martial arts can defeat Yan Li

Oh dear, grandmother, look at what you are saying. If you cannot come, then will all of us sisters have to move out of the Yibi Courtyard and sleep on the streets? The tall woman was originally the famous courtesan Bichui from Yangzhou. After entering the Nangong family, she resumed her original name, Du Qianzi, and became the fourth concubine of Nangong Qing.

The figure in purple dances gracefully in the air, her toes lightly tapping on the petals of flowers, resembling both the art of lightness and the elegance of dance, enchanting and breathtaking to behold

As Li Yue's toes just touched the ground, the sword's edge was already approaching her chest. In a moment of desperation, she straightened her body and leaned back, but her toes had already kicked the acupoint on Qiu Yanli's wrist.

Is it not possible? Then let us take a step back. As long as Miss Li has two things that can prevail, we will consider that we have all lost.

Qi Huilian hurriedly rushed over, and before she reached her husband, she was already so excited that her voice trembled: "Baisheng, it is... the 'Imperial Phoenix Secret'!"

This is Li Yue. I am in a good mood today, so I brought her to the garden to stroll around and enjoy the scenery

"What did you say?" Du Qianzi had never been so belittled by anyone, and anger surged within her, while the others were also infuriated.

"Mother-in-law, you need not put us sisters in such a difficult position." Du Qianzi's expression turned cold, "What you mean is quite clear without needing to say it. However, if this Miss Li wishes to achieve greatness, she must demonstrate the capabilities to earn our respect and admiration."

Li Yue lowered her head, contemplating that if she were still lingering in the Qifeng Pavilion, her mother would surely have arranged a suitable husband for her. Reflecting on this, she became even more resolute in her decision to leave. However, she could not help but feel a twinge of guilt when she occasionally recalled her mother's usual kindness towards her.

Is Qing Ge going to take another concubine again? I won't agree! He said I was his last wife. Qiu Yanli is the youngest daughter of Qiu Zhirong, the leader of the Huashan Sect. She has a bold and willful personality and is the sixth concubine of Nangong Qing. "Where did this shameless woman come from, daring to come and steal someone else's husband..."

"How is that possible? Am I still not allowed to come?" Qi Huilian responded with a cold smile, her attitude showing no signs of warmth

Seeing that she remained silent, Qi Huilian mistakenly thought that the girl was shy and embarrassed to express her feelings for her son. Unable to help herself, she sighed and said: "In that case, let me take you to meet a few of my daughters-in-law first!" She hoped that after meeting the many concubines of Nangong Qing, the young girl would change her mind.

Li Yue had already turned to leave, but upon hearing her question, she paused her steps: "Did you not hear clearly? I said..."

Li Yue's face was pale, her expression a mix of anger and joy, making it difficult for others to discern her thoughts. Qi Huilian, Du Qianzi, and the others were stunned, unable to react, when they suddenly heard Li Yue let out a cold sneer. In an instant, she gathered her energy and swept through the peony garden like a celestial maiden casting her shuttle.

In my memory, several years ago, I had the pleasure of admiring the meticulously cultivated purebred exquisite peonies at the residence of Li Xian. The patch before me, in comparison, is clearly much inferior.

Before she could steady herself, a sharp reprimand was heard. Qiu Yanli, who had returned, brandished a short sword and fiercely thrust it towards her heart. The sword technique was fierce, embodying the Huashan Sect's ultimate skill for subduing enemies

As a mother-in-law, Qi Huilian certainly understands the reasoning behind this, hoping that her authority as a mother-in-law can suppress Du Qianzi, so that in the future, when Li Yue enters the family, she will not be too bullied

Li Yue followed Qi Huilian in confusion, exiting the hall through a side door. Turning down a long corridor, she was suddenly greeted by a vast peony garden. It was early spring, not the season for peonies to bloom, yet in Jiangnan, the weather warmed early, and about sixty percent of the peonies in the garden had already blossomed, with the gentle spring breeze carrying waves of floral fragrance

Oh... Du Qianzi is such a shrewd person, immediately catching the hidden meaning in the words, her cold gaze sweeping over Li Yue

She aggressively insulted Li Yue, completely disregarding the presence of her mother-in-law. Just as Li Yue was about to retort, she suddenly found herself breathless, a tightness in her chest rendering her speechless. All she could do was to turn pale, bite her lower lip, and watch as Qiu Yanli vented her frustrations at her.

"Who is so bold as to say that the peonies I have planted are not good?" As soon as the words were spoken, three or four women swayed over from the archway opposite, and the one speaking was a tall woman in red.

Nangong Qing displayed a proud expression while introducing his parents. However, Li Yue did not show any signs of astonishment; she merely nodded lightly at the Nangong Baisheng couple.

Recently, a strange incident occurred in Yangzhou City, where the prominent wealthy gentry Liu Zhitong's home has been frequently haunted. The people of Yangzhou are abuzz with speculation, claiming that it is the vengeful spirit of his first wife, Cheng, who was driven to death by Liu Zhitong, returning to seek revenge for her unjust fate

"Qing'er, come with me to the study!" Nangong Baisheng flung his sleeves and angrily left the hall

Aren't you deliberately making things difficult for me

Nangong Qing hesitated to respond, yet he did not move a single step, his gaze lingering on Li Yue, his face filled with reluctance.

"It is sixteen." She cautiously avoided the first question

No one knows a child better than their mother, Qi Huailian said helplessly: "Qing'er, you go with your father for now, Miss Li will take care of you as your mother."

Is this... the "Imperial Phoenix Decree"?" Nangong Baisheng murmured to himself, his expression changing dramatically, and he exclaimed excitedly, "Huilian! Huilian!"

Qi Huilian held her breath and turned to look at Li Yue, hoping to hear her thoughts. To her surprise, Li Yue didn't even lift her eyelids and firmly rejected her: "I am not interested!"

Nangong Baisheng grasped his wife's arm tightly, a greedy look appearing in his eyes: "Who exactly is that girl?"

Thank you, mother!" Nangong Qing was overjoyed, and immediately bowed to his mother before excitedly following his father.

The father and son of Nangong Baisheng, who arrived upon hearing the news, happened to witness this extraordinary scene. From a distance, Li Yue resembled a purple butterfly, gracefully dancing among the peonies, her movements light and ethereal, as if a celestial being had descended to the mortal realm