Chapter 3, Listening to the Qin (Middle)

Liao Qiyuan had a profound understanding of Xiao Nihan's temperament. The more amiable he was towards others, the more it indicated that he had matters weighing on his mind. Liao Qiyuan could not help but hesitate, pondering whether he should disclose the events that transpired at Xichun Tower tonight.

A tall figure emerged from behind the screen, revealing his eldest son, Xiao Muyuan. At the age of twenty-one, Xiao Muyuan currently serves as the commander of the light cavalry in Kangdu, while also being responsible for the defense of the nine gates of Kangdu City. He is known for his bravery and exceptional martial skills, being one of the top swordsmen in the Great Kang.

Long Yuan nodded in satisfaction, turned around, and saw Qiu Fuhai stamping his feet in the snow to keep warm. He smiled and said, "Director Qiu, do you still need to return to report to the Empress Dowager?"

Xiao Nihan said lazily: "I did not come to blame you. If tonight's events were to spread, it would surely damage the sanctity of our reputation, and it would not benefit you either"

Liao Qiyuan repeatedly bowed his head, not daring to utter a word

Liao Qiyuan blinked his eyes and immediately understood Xiao Nihan's thoughts, whispering: "I understand, my subordinate..."

Xiao Nihan smiled faintly and said, "It's nothing much, I just suddenly felt a bit restless tonight and wanted to find someone to drink with and chat a little."

Liao Qiyuan could not help but shiver, realizing that Xiao Nihan was already well aware of the events that had transpired tonight. It seemed that there were certainly spies around the Emperor, and his heart filled with increasing fear as he trembled and said: "I, a humble servant, acknowledge my guilt"

You said ... ...

Xiao Mu Yuan, filled with self-reproach, said: "It is all because I am useless, unable to share the burden for my father"

When Qianruo's heart sank, could it be that he wants to...

Qian Ruo did not speak, slowly stood up, walked in front of Long Yuan, and respectfully knelt down. Long Yuan did not extend his hand to help her up, but asked in a low voice: "Do you know everything?"

Xiao Mu Yuan nodded with tears in his eyes

Long Yuan slowly nodded, at this moment he had already understood that the beautiful young girl before him was far from being as simple as she appeared on the surface

Xiao Nihan slowly set down the tea cup and said, "A place like Xichun Tower, which is detrimental to moral standards, should long have ceased to exist under the feet of the Son of Heaven"

Xiao Mu Yuan said tearfully: "The child understands!"

Young Master

Your Majesty, rest assured, I know what to do

Qian Ruo lowered her head, her gaze not daring to meet Long Yuan's, and she said softly: "Qian Ruo knows nothing!"

Some matters cannot be delayed; a moment's hesitation tonight could cost countless lives! Xiao Nihan's gaze shifted, revealing a sharp intensity: If you had left the Xichun Building a moment earlier tonight, those two subordinates would not have lost their lives in vain

When Longyuan returned to the palace, it was already deep into the night. It was the first time in his life that he had come back so late. After getting off the carriage, he called Fu Zishan to the side and whispered, "I do not want anyone to know about tonight's events!"

Xiao Mu Yuan stood up and walked out the door, ensuring that there was no one outside before closing the door. He then returned to kneel before his father and said: "Father, I do not wish to be an emperor; I only want our family to live safely and peacefully together."

Xiao Nihan said with a calm smile, "My child, in my lifetime, I have no regrets. What I worry about the most is still you all!" He paused for a moment and continued, "On the surface, the officials of the court show me great deference, but there are many who secretly hate me to the core. If one day I were to pass away, those with ulterior motives will surely turn their hostility towards our Xiao family. Mu Yuan, if you cannot control them, you will be controlled by them. At that time, who will take care of your mother and your siblings?"

Longyuan calmly said, "What does Miss Qianru want me to do?" Yet, in his heart, he already understood that the reason Qianru spoke these words was due to her fear that after he left, Liao Qiyuan would intensify his actions against them. She was seeking his help to stand up for Xichun Tower and completely dispel Liao Qiyuan's malicious intentions

Xiao Nihan patted his son's large hand and smiled, saying, "Mu Yuan, your father can still hold on!"

Long Yuan lifted the wine cup from the table, tilted his head back to drink the fine wine in the cup, gently set the cup down, and suddenly stood up.

Xiao Nihan said: "Have a seat!"

Xiao Nihan smiled and said: "A graceful and virtuous woman is the ideal match for a gentleman. When faced with beauty, any normal man would be moved. I do not blame you, but tonight you encountered the Emperor and did not report this matter to me in a timely manner. Do you have other plans in mind?"

Xiao Nihan said: "If heaven grants me three more years, I will surely be able to pave the way for you with ease. Unfortunately, my time is running out..." He looked at his son with eyes full of affection: "Mu Yuan, you are broad-minded and compassionate, which is both your strength and your weakness. A true man must not be too soft-hearted in the world; at critical moments, one must decisively take action."

Xiao Mu Yuan nodded with tears in his eyes, and suddenly knelt before Xiao Ni Han: "Father, there is something I have kept in my heart for a long time, and I cannot bear to keep it silent any longer"

The child does not believe that in this vast world, there must be someone capable of curing father's illness

Liao Qiyuan respectfully took his leave, and Xiao Nihan watched his retreating figure, a trace of cold murderous intent flashing in his eyes. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his chest, as if being cut by a knife, and he pressed his right hand against his chest, his expression filled with extreme agony

Xiao Nihan gently patted his shoulder and said: "What I entrust to you is not a position of honor, but a responsibility, a heavy burden"

Longyuan gently set down the wine cup, and since Qianru recognized Liao Qiyuan as the Minister of War, it is highly likely that she has already guessed his identity

Liao Qiyuan wept and said: "I seek guidance from the Grand Master!"

Long Yuan slowly unsheathed the dagger encrusted with jewels and gently placed it on the table: "Seeing this dagger is akin to seeing me in person!" He turned around, opened the door, and strode away.

Longyuan looked up at the swirling snow in the sky and softly said, "I hope tomorrow will be a sunny day"

Qian Ruo's heart raced uncontrollably. In fact, from the moment Long Yuan frightened away the Minister of War, Liao Qiyuan, she had already vaguely guessed his identity. There are not many people in the world who can make Liao Qiyuan yield, and even fewer are the young men who can kill two people without changing their expression. Apart from the current Emperor, who else possesses such courage? When Long Yuan just revealed that his surname was Huang, Qian Ruo deliberately tested him, and from the subtle changes in Long Yuan's expression, she became even more certain that Long Yuan was undoubtedly the current Emperor.

Father, how can one easily trust the words of a wandering sorcerer!" Xiao Mu Yuan exclaimed excitedly

Liao Qiyuan, feeling anxious, respectfully greeted Xiao Nihan, saying: "I, a humble servant, have come to pay my respects to the Grand Master. May I ask what matters have prompted you to summon me at such a late hour?"

Xiao Nihan stared at his son's face, remaining silent for a long time. He slowly stood up and suddenly raised his right foot to kick Xiao Muyuan hard in the chest, sending Xiao Muyuan crashing to the ground. He shouted angrily, "You insolent brat, what did you say?" Another wave of sharp pain surged through his chest, his face turned pale, and he sat down while clutching his chest.

Xiao Nihan sighed, reached out to stroke his son's head, and said softly: "Father has not much time left..."

Father! Xiao Mu Yuan stepped forward to support his father's arm, filled with concern

Qian Ruo sighed softly and said, "The Spring Appreciation Pavilion is merely an ordinary establishment for song and dance. Thanks to my mother's favor, we are fortunate to maintain our purity amidst the dust of the world. However, it is unfortunate that I encountered that Lord Liao, who wishes to take me into his household as a concubine, but my mother rejected him. Lord Liao, humiliated and angry, has sent people to disturb us time and again, and tonight he even came personally to harass me. If it were not for meeting you..." Qian Ruo's beautiful eyes were filled with tears, her head bowed slightly as she quietly wiped away the tears on her face.

Xiao Nihan shook his head: "Master Huiyuan is indeed a transcendent figure, and his words will naturally not be mistaken for any diagrams or books. Moreover, I have sought the help of countless doctors for my stubborn ailment, and there is already no hope for a cure"

Xiao Nihan waved his hand and said, "It's nothing serious, just take a break for a while..." Xiao Nihan's face was pale, and fine beads of cold sweat had formed on his forehead

Xiao Mu Yuan got up from the ground and knelt before his father again, weeping as he said: "Father, please do not be angry, and be sure to take care of your health"

Qiu Fu said: "The servant naturally has to go, otherwise the Empress Dowager will be so worried that she won't be able to sleep."

Long Yuan lifted his long robe, his right hand grasping the dagger concealed at his waist

Liao Qiyuan's forehead was dripping with cold sweat as he trembled and said, "My loyalty to the Grand Master is as clear as day, and I can attest to it before heaven. I originally intended to report this matter to the Grand Master, but it is already too late tonight, and I feared it would disturb the Grand Master's rest, which is why I delayed it."

Xiao Nihan leisurely picked up the teacup on the table, gently sipped a mouthful, allowing the faint aroma of tea to slowly spread in his throat. He contentedly exhaled and said: "Qiyuan, do you know where you went wrong?"

Liao Qiyuan stood there without moving, his mind racing through several ideas in an instant. Finally, he made up his mind, his knees buckled as he knelt before Xiao Nihan, trembling as he said: "Your Excellency, I deserve to die; I have offended His Majesty tonight"

Qian Ruo steadied her emotions and said: "Young Master, your righteous intervention for us tonight will surely not sit well with Liao Qiyuan. I fear that in the future, he may resort to some malicious means to deal with Xichun Tower. Qian Ruo can only sacrifice herself to preserve her innocence, but I am worried that it will implicate my mother and these innocent sisters."

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