Ming Xiang's Works Reborn - Blood Demon Empress Reborn - Blood Demon Empress Reborn - Blood Demon Empress Phoenix Dominates the World, Dancing Alone for You Chapter 63 Leaving Home Unlucky (First Update)
Pinzhai Garden · Third Floor Elegant Room
"Your Highness, you always refuse to see the Duke of Ming, is that proper?" Jin Hu thought for a moment, hesitated for a long time, and then spoke up, looking at the man in black sitting by the window who was not speaking.
The cold wind was blowing against the window, and the crisp "creak" sound was endless. A man in a black robe sat by the window, his long hair tied up high, leaving only two strands of hair gently brushing against his handsome but slightly pale face.
Take a closer look at his facial features, it was indeed Ling Wang Zhang Xiao, who had been silent for several days without any news.
"Sorry, Your Highness, I spoke out of turn." After a long silence without getting any response, Jintou lowered his head. He was Zhang Xiao's personal bodyguard and knew his temperament best.
At first, he was very pleased with Zhang Xiao and Leng Ziyue's marriage, the two were a perfect match, and they were meant to be together as a couple.
But little did they know, a fourth princess suddenly emerged from Beihanguo, shattering everything.
From Leng Zixue jumping off Zhuque Platform to Leng Zixue's sudden change in personality, his elegance was fully displayed. In just a few short months, he felt that the Wangye of his household had become like an old man who had experienced many hardships, becoming depressed and silent.
"This king has his own plans." Zhang Xiao did not raise his head, his cold voice was different from the warmth of the past, filled with strong discontent and unwillingness.
Only after experiencing it will you understand the change.
And how will his change be?
Who would have known?
"Yes." Jin Hu's face stiffened, and he took two steps back, quietly standing by without making another sound.
He was always dressed in a white robe, looking elegant and refined, with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, making people feel that he was very approachable and easy to get along with.
A month after leaving the Moon Capital, he had heard enough rumors to make him unable to calm down. Whether it was from ordinary people's mouths when strolling in tea houses or intelligence gathered by his own men, none of them failed to subvert all his understanding.
Leng Xueyue, her stunning transformation is both astonishing and breathtaking.
Her every move was met with adoration.
"Chang Ke, welcome back." Baili Changjian revealed a smiling face, heaven knows that for the past few days, he had been so stifled that he couldn't smile even if he wanted to.
After that assassination, Zhang Xiao had been distant from him, always closing the door and refusing to see him.
Thinking of the majestic and dignified Prince Wang, who could summon the wind and rain, yet still had to swallow his pride and eat humble pie every time he turned back, how could he not harbor a burning fire in his heart? Before his wings were fully grown, he couldn't possibly push Zhang Xiao into someone else's arms. The Empress Dowager was right, Leng Ziyue could either make Zhang Xiao become a Buddha or a demon.
As long as he is in the middle stirring up trouble, even a kind-hearted Zhang Xiao can become a devil.
Crazy for love, mad for love.
"The prince is being polite." Jing Changke's expression remained unchanged, but he understood very well that the discussions about the four princes in the imperial city had already dropped to freezing point, and only the topic of Leng Ziyue was getting hotter by the day.
It had been a while since he last saw Leng Ziyue, and the anticipation in his heart grew, along with a hint of inquiry.
What was it that could make her soul transform after nine deaths and one life, as if reborn.
"We're all family, no need to be so formal." Baili Changjian slightly furrowed his brow and stopped in front of Pinzhai Garden, pointing inside and saying, "I heard they've come out with new vegetarian dishes, let's go try some."
"Alright, I've had enough meat dishes, it's good to try some vegetarian food too." Jing Changke didn't think much of it, but Baili Changjian invited him, and usually Zhang Xiao would come along.
Thinking of good friends, they can only shake their heads and sigh, unable to help.
One wrong step leads to a series of mistakes, and he still hasn't found where the real exit is.
Pitiful, yet lamentable.
"Two gentlemen, please come in. Do you want a private room or just sit in the main hall? I'll show you the way." Before his feet even touched the stone steps, the young servant came out to greet them with enthusiasm, a plain face full of smiles.
"Is there still a room available on the third floor?" Ba Li Chang Jian tossed the reins to Xiao Er and asked casually.
The scout left at the Ling Wang Fu came to report that Zhang Xiao had been having his meals here recently and this was also the place where he stayed for the longest period of time. He only hoped that this time, he would not refuse to see him again.
The queen mother has already moved old Ling Wang Zhang Zhen, the alliance is still unchanged, but many promises have been made, and their ambitions are not small.
The little servant quickly led the horse and smiled in response: "Yes, of course, I'll take the two gentlemen upstairs."
The third floor window faces the street in front of Pinzhuangyuan Gate, where snow has been swept to both sides of the road. There are many pedestrians on the road, mostly busy buying New Year's goods and preparing for a good year.
Although it was a very joyful occasion, Zhang Xiao didn't feel even a little bit of warmth.
Gazing coldly at the two familiar figures walking into the wine house, the eyes that shone with a faint light slowly closed, and in a low voice, he ordered Jintu, "Go downstairs and invite them to come up."
Yu'er will no longer forgive him, he is like a walking corpse, without a soul, and doesn't know what to do.
Time and time again, he hesitated outside Leng Xue's chamber, unable to make up his mind whether to enter or retreat, and it was this indecisiveness that ultimately ruined the love between them.
She chose to bury him, both emotionally and rationally.
The ancestors' family precepts, his father's words, and his aunt's staring eyes before her death all told him that he should shoulder the responsibilities on his body. He is not alone; he represents the entire family.
"Yes."
Pink beads under the golden tiger's not-so-gentle movement, made a 'tingling' sound, like jade beads falling onto a plate, with an irregular rhythm amidst the chaos.
"His Highness Ming Wang, Jing Gongzi, my young master has an invitation." Jin Hu quickly descended the stairs and walked to their side, calling out in a low voice. In front of Ming Wang's Hundred Miles Long Sword, he could only address him as 'young master' instead of 'Your Majesty' as Zhang Xiao had instructed.
After all, Xing Yi Wang is obviously one level lower than the royal family's personally sealed king, and there is no comparability at all.
Taizu Emperor personally enfeoffed two meritorious ministers who had made great contributions to the country and the people as kings. One was Chu Yong, a great general who had fought bravely on the battlefield and achieved countless military merits, and was enfeoffed as King of Chu. The other was Zhang Pei, a civil official who had stabilized the former dynasty and dared to speak truth to power, and was enfeoffed as King of Ling.
King Chu had a son and a daughter, both of whom were outstanding talents in the land. The eldest son, Chu Lie, died in battle, his military achievements shining brightly. His younger sister was a beauty with exceptional talent, captivating the hearts of all who saw her, and she married the Emperor to become Empress, setting an example for the entire nation.
Status should be prominent in the court, but unexpectedly Queen Chu gave birth to an ominous son, rolling up a blood-red color that shocked people to the extreme, and was immediately given a posthumous title.
The young prince was also sent far away from the imperial city and was not allowed to be summoned back to court for all eternity.
Thus, the Chu King's mansion collapsed, and the King of Chu himself disappeared without a trace.
On the contrary, the power of the Ling Wang Fu became more and more prosperous, and its prosperity grew with the passage of time. After the younger sister of Old Ling Wang Zhang Zhen entered the palace and was appointed as the imperial concubine by the Emperor, her status became even more noble, and her prestige rivaled that of the royal princes of the imperial family.
Similarly, with the passing of Zhuang Fei, the Ling Wang Fu is now stuck in an awkward situation that is neither high nor low.
"It's better to meet by chance than to make an appointment. Xiao is also here, so the three of us are all gathered now." Jing Changke chuckled and his guess was indeed correct.
The ambition of Baili Changjian has not only failed to subside, but has instead become increasingly heavy. Everything that is beneficial to him is all taken in and stored away.
"Lead the way." His eyebrows furrowed slightly, Bai Liancheng couldn't understand what move Zhang Xiao was making now. He didn't want to see him, so why would he invite him over?
It doesn't matter, he was worried that he couldn't find a reasonable encounter scene, his initiative solved his burning anxiety.
"Please..." He made a welcoming gesture with his hand and stepped back.
In the quiet room, tea fragrance is everywhere. The difference between Pin Zhai Yuan and Man Xiang Lou lies in that you can't find a hint of wine flavor here, while there, the scent of wine wafts everywhere.
The difference of Drunken Guest House lies in the integration of tea fragrance, wine fragrance, food fragrance, and the grand discussions of literati. No matter what your birth is, as long as you can defeat the four masters of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting at Drunken Guest House, you can become famous.
If it's a girl, she might be taken a liking to by some young master from a certain family and married off into their household.
If it's a man, maybe he'll be recruited as a son-in-law by some wealthy family without even realizing it.
The three main halls of the Imperial City are indeed famous for a reason.
"Xiao, you really aren't considerate enough. You know I haven't had a good meal in ages, and you don't even bother to comfort me." Jing Changke complained as soon as he walked in the door.
His words were half true and half false, going out, wind and rain, that's a common meal.
"Long time no see, Jing Changke." Zhang Xiao turned around, stretched out his fist and lightly bumped it against Jing Changke's, a special way of greeting between friends.
"Not too long, haha." A bright laugh escaped, and Jing Changke casually picked a spot to sit down.
"Long Sword, let's sit down and talk." Seeing Zhang Xiao for the first time, he suddenly changed his face, with a smile all over his face, not revealing any flaws.
In those eyes, all that can be seen is a smile as gentle as the wind, and no other emotions can be found. It seems he has always been this way, never changing.
The former Zhang Xiao was definitely not like this now.
"You sit down too, let's have a good gathering of the three of us today." Ba Li Chang Jian was stunned for a moment, and after a while, he returned to normal. He felt that Zhang Xiao had changed somehow.
People will always change, all they need is an opportunity.
"What do you want to eat, I'll treat. Zhang Xiao instructed the waiter to bring over the menu and handed it to the two of them. "Lately, I've thought a lot and finally figured out many things. From now on, I'll be better."
A sudden change is bound to raise suspicions.
Rather than letting them guess, it's better for him to give a clue, and regardless of whether they believe it or not, at least some attention will be diverted.
"That's good, a big man should be able to take it and put it down." Baili Changjian was half-believing and half-doubting, but the expression on his face was impeccable, living in the imperial palace where people were eaten without spitting out bones, he could act better than anyone else.
"Xiao, you and Miss Leng are really...," Jing Chang Ke stared at Xiao's face carefully, intentionally pausing when mentioning Leng Ziyue. Was he truly letting go or just pretending?
Zhang Xiao's hand tightened around the teacup, his face calm as water, a hint of mockery in his light laughter: "I'm not worthy of her, she can have a better happiness."
He didn't want to let her go, but she was no longer someone he could control.
Shrewd and profound like the Empress Dowager, wasn't she still being manipulated by her between applause? The spoiled Princess Zijin was arrogant and overbearing, but wasn't she also being treated like a monkey, forced to perform a striptease dance in front of the entire court.
She doesn't need his protection at all.
"Hmph, the world is so big, what kind of woman doesn't exist? You're just too lacking in confidence." Baili Changjian took a fierce gulp of tea, and his mind couldn't help but recall the scene at the princess's manor, where Shadow King Baili protected Cold Ziyue, and Wind King Baili Hongfeng's gaze that seemed to say he had to have her.
All along, their fraternal struggle has never ceased, whether it is power or women, they all want to get the best.
Leng Xueyu, undoubtedly will be their next target of contention.
This time, however, no one has an absolute guarantee of winning.
"Never mind, I'm starving, let's eat first." Jing Changke timely shifted the topic. A woman with great charm is indeed different. Once despised by everyone, Leng Ziyue has now become a coveted treasure in everyone's eyes.
Zhang Xiao's eyes flashed, and his expression changed so quickly that it was astonishing. He pointed to a dish of assorted vegetarian chicken in front of him: "Try this dish, it's recently become Pinzhai Garden's signature dish, and the taste is very good."
"Just try it." With a stretch of chopsticks, Jing Changke felt that the flavor was extremely fresh and delicious. This vegetarian dish could bring out the original flavor of meat, and he had to admit that the chef's skills were not ordinary.
The harmonious dining atmosphere in the room was shattered by a sharp, shrill scream, wave after wave of piercing pig-killing sounds, which was simply torturing everyone's eardrums.
Isn't it great to kick that woman who keeps scolding into outer space, out of sight and out of mind.
"You're too noisy." The soft and gentle words floated in the air like feathers, carrying an irresistible force that made one's hair stand on end, a chill ran from head to toe, making one shiver.
Leng Xue dropped the chopsticks in her hand, she was out to forage for food, staying in Duan Cang Valley for two days, except for eating fish and still fish, she almost became a fish.
Although it was her fault for not killing the precious fish in the lake, she felt suffocated when asked to eat fish every day. Even if the fish were very valuable and others couldn't get a bite, could she not eat them?
It turned out that it was not allowed, and after eating two days' worth of fish with a drooping head, Leng Xue said she would not do it anymore. So, she quietly left, without taking away even a wisp of cloud.
After entering the city, he first inspected all the shops under Ming Qi's jurisdiction. Each one was doing surprisingly well, and it was time to open new shops.
The economy of Qiyue Country must be entirely in her hands.
"Let's leave quickly, madam." The man in the green shirt and fine clothes pulled on his wife's arm, making a cautious request. He had only glanced at the stunning Leng Zhiyue for an extra moment, but was caught by his wife, who wouldn't let it go.
Although he was a lecher, he also had discerning eyes. The woman sitting there, with an air of nobility emanating from her entire being, was not someone he could easily trifle with. She seemed like a queen, inspiring the desire to submit to her.
"Get out, you seductress! You're a dang woman, and I want everyone to see your true face." The woman scolded and pushed away the man beside her, then turned back to Leng Ziyue, "You fox spirit, open your dog eyes wide and take a good look. If you're lacking men, go sell yourself at the brothel, maybe you can even become the top courtesan."
Jealousy, crazy jealousy, she's also a woman, how did she grow up to be so beautiful, I'm so envious of her face, I'm so envious of her skin...
The more envious, the more jealous, anger burning in the chest, struggling to find a breakthrough.
"Do you know what a fox spirit is?" Leng Ziyue slightly curled up the corners of her mouth, and smiled sweetly. In an instant, it was as if countless pear blossoms suddenly bloomed, their beauty and fragrance dazzling to behold.
She just came up nearby to eat a meal, why did she get shot while lying down?
She can control her own eyes not to look at other men, but she can't control other men's eyes from glancing at her. If she has the leisure and inclination to look at men, it would be better for her to figure out how to deal with those personal dregs.
"It's Miss Leng, haha, we really do have fate." Jing Changke smiled warmly and greeted the still fiery red-clothed Leng Ziyue.
"This young lady doesn't seem to know you at all." Leng Ziyue replied coldly without even raising an eyebrow. Neither Baili Changjian nor Zhang Xiao were pleasing to her eyes, and their friends were also annoying by association.
She forgot to check the almanac before going out, otherwise she wouldn't have run into these scoundrels and lost her appetite.
"Cough, cough...!" Jing Changke was choked and coughed, can't you talk without being so ruthless?!
It seems like... he's being hated.
"Do you know why men all like fox spirits and not women like you?" Leng Ziyue stood up, her red dress fluttering, smiling slyly. Seeing the woman's puzzled face, she continued: "Fox spirit is a synonym for beauty, charm, tenderness, and cleverness. I'm grateful that you call me that. Men are all thinking with their lower body, they like novelty, they like to choose women who have a sense of challenge to conquer, in order to satisfy their male chauvinism. What kind of sex appeal can a homely woman bring to them? If you want your man not to be unfaithful, one way is to castrate him, the other is to work on yourself, rather than causing trouble for others, foolishly."
Cough cough, she's no expert on romantic marriages, but having watched plenty of TV dramas, she can still manage to spout some nonsense that might fool people.
"You——" trembling with rage, his face red with anger, he couldn't say a word.
"Do you think I have the qualifications to be a high-class courtesan? Then do you think you do?" With a flirtatious blink of her eyes, Qing Zhe stepped closer to her, one step at a time.
The woman unconsciously leaned into the man's arms, her legs trembling with fear. She regretted not listening to her husband's words and leaving earlier.
The woman who came face to face with her was smiling all along, but her intuition told her that danger was approaching.
"Since you have no confidence in yourself, I'll teach you for free and make sure you learn how to seduce men and stir up their desires." Leng Ziyue's eyes turned cold, her voice as sharp as a knife cutting into everyone's heart. "The brothel is not a bad place, I'll let you go there to study and learn how to seduce men and be a wanton woman."
"Don't..." The woman shook her head, turned around and was about to run away, knocking off the pearl flowers on her head and smudging the thick makeup on her face. "I don't want to... I don't want to go to the brothel..."
"Miss, I know I was wrong, please forgive me and let her go." The man trembled with fear, his head bowed low, his legs shaking uncontrollably as cold sweat dripped down.
"This young lady usually doesn't say things twice, you can leave if you want to, as long as your speed is faster than my Blood Wei, then I'll let bygones be bygones for what happened just now." The gleaming Blood Wei rotated at the tip of Leng Zhiyue's finger, its sharp blade flashing with a cold light that was intimidating.
Zhang Xiao quietly watched Leng Ziyue's every move, his eyes deep and solemn, the tightly clenched fists in his sleeves revealing his unrest and suppressed emotions.
"Electric shock, personally sent her to the most popular brothel in the imperial city, sparing no expense to teach her what it means to be a yin dang woman. A strange smell wafted from the bridge of his nose, as if he had smelled it somewhere before. Leng Ziyue's toes lightly touched the ground, and she landed lightly on the floor below, her red clothes brushing past, leaving only a faint scent floating in the air."
As soon as his voice fell, the electric soul directly broke into the window and appeared in the room.
"You... you don't come over here..." Eyes wide with fear, backing away constantly.
"You can't stop me." A strong and fierce aura burst forth, his electrically fast hand grasped the shrieking woman like a small chicken, and left Pinzhaiyuan in an instant.
Jing Chang Ke lightly patted the shoulder of Bai Li's long sword, and softly said: "Leng Ziyue, you're not simple at all. That man's martial skills can be ranked among the best in Jianghu, yet he lets her control him, interesting."
"I've lost my appetite, let's leave first." Zhang Xiao turned around and walked downstairs with big strides.
Yuer, which one is the most real?
Why is it now your appearance, little by little covering up your previous appearance, making me want to get closer to you even more.
Even if you know you are a flame that will scorch people, I still fly towards you like a moth.
"Why follow me?" The black-veiled You Gui's eyes, like a hawk's, fell straight on the red-clothed Leng Xue Yue.
That bright red dress, like blood and mist, set off her skin as white as snow, crystal clear and translucent. Her stunningly beautiful face was exposed to the air, with a natural and effortless charm.
"What do you think?" Leng Ziyue slightly curled up the corner of her mouth, and the closer she got to this man in black, the more familiar his scent became.
In Situ Wushuang's room, there was the same smell on his body. If she guessed correctly, this person might be the one who poisoned Wu Yang. What puzzled her was that apart from the fragrance on Hei Yiren's body, there was a faint scent of medicine, which seemed to be the one she had given to Situ Wushuang.
"Roll..." One word, Yu Kuang no longer spoke, his eyes gleaming like a dagger, the poisonous powder clutched in his palm within his long sleeves waiting for an opportunity to strike.
Leng Xueying furrowed her brow, she didn't like the word "get out" one bit. Even if it had to be said, it would be her saying it to others, how could anyone say it to her? It was simply unforgivable.
Situ Wushuang is indeed Situ Wushuang. The black-clad man in front of him thought he had escaped, but little did he know that he had long been locked onto by Situ Wushuang, with every move being monitored by the other party, how ridiculous.
