Qin Shi: I went astray in the Heavenly Sect

Chapter 97 A Storm Rises in the Imperial Harem: Telling a Story to Lady Mingzhu (Combined Chapter)
"Miss Nongyu, this way please."

In the Han Palace, Nongyu, led by her maid, slowly left the courtyard where Consort Hu resided. Looking at the quiet road ahead, she couldn't help but frown slightly.

When she came to see Consort Hu today, she had a strange feeling that something was about to happen. Consort Hu seemed to have noticed that she was preoccupied, so she did not try to keep her. Since it was still early, she sent someone to escort her out of the palace.

“Miss Nongyu, thanks to you these past few days, Hu Meiren is in a much better mood. You have no idea how haggard Hu Meiren looked a few days ago; it was heartbreaking to see her like that.”

On the way, the maid chatted with Nongyu, and when they talked about Hu Meiren, the maid's words were full of emotion.

A hint of sadness appeared in Nongyu's eyes. In a way, she and Consort Hu were similar. They didn't have many relatives in the world, and Consort Hu was one of them. Consort Hu's departure was not good news for either of them.

In other words, the two of them were just pitiful people who shared the same fate. Her coming to the palace to see Consort Hu was a comfort to Consort Hu, and it was also a comfort to her.

"Everything will pass. There is no banquet in life that does not end. Time is the best medicine. It can relieve longing and heal sorrow. Those who are alive must continue to move forward."

Hearing Nongyu's words, the maid was slightly taken aback. After entering the palace, she had been by Consort Hu's side, and no one had ever tried to reason with her. Even Consort Hu rarely said such things.

"Good insight."

Suddenly a voice reached their ears. The maid instinctively looked up, but suddenly felt a pain in the back of her neck and fainted.

As for Nongyu, the situation was similar; she didn't even have time to cry out for help before she lost consciousness.

The last rays of the setting sun bathed the palace in a golden glow. A fleeting shadow disappeared into the shadows of the high walls, vanishing completely from the palace in a few flashes.

The palace road was quiet, and this scene that happened in the blink of an eye went unnoticed by anyone until Consort Hu realized that the maid had not returned and sent someone out to check what had happened. Only then did they find the little maid who had fainted.

"How is Xiaolian?"

When the physician approached, Lady Hu hurriedly asked.

The physician bowed and replied, "Miss Xiaolian was knocked unconscious by an external force striking the back of her neck, but the person who struck her used very measured force. She should wake up soon."

Upon hearing this, Hu Meiren's face darkened.

She had just sent someone to the palace gate to inquire, but the guards had not seen Nongyu leave. Now that Xiaolian was unconscious and Nongyu was missing, she suspected that Nongyu had been kidnapped.

When she received the news, she originally planned to go see King Han An. However, she thought that King Han An probably wouldn't believe the guard's words alone. So she found the physician and Xiao Lian, the person involved, to make it more convincing.

Inside the main hall, King Han's face darkened considerably upon hearing the testimonies of the physician and the maid. It was no big deal for a girl to disappear, but as Consort Hu had said, for a girl to be kidnapped in broad daylight showed just how audacious the thieves were. If they could kidnap a girl today, their knife might be on his neck tomorrow.

"Rest assured, my beauty, I will definitely give you an explanation for this matter!!"

Hearing Han Wang'an's words, Consort Hu nodded and withdrew. Many things are best left unsaid, and since Han Wang was already angry, there was no need for her to add fuel to the fire.

"Xiao Lian, when Xiu Yuan comes to the palace tomorrow, have him come to see me."

Back in the courtyard, Hu Meiren's pretty eyes flashed with a hint of coldness. After all, Nongyu was her sister's daughter, and by virtue of that, the other party called her aunt. Now that Nongyu was missing in the palace, how could she remain indifferent?
On the other side, Xiu Yuan returned to Zi Lan Xuan from the palace as usual. As soon as he entered the room, he saw Zi Nu. Compared to the past, this girl had a more flustered look on her face, as well as a more chilly one.

Xiu Yuan paused, then asked, "What's wrong?"

When Zi Nu saw Chen Xiuyuan, she said in a somewhat gloomy tone, "Nongyu has disappeared."

Upon hearing this, Xiu Yuan narrowed his eyes.

Nongyu's disappearance was something he hadn't expected. There hadn't been anything unusual in the past few days, so how could a girl just disappear for no reason?
Any further news?

Almost immediately, Chen Xiuyuan calmed down. He believed that Zi Nu would investigate the matter as soon as she received the news, instead of just sitting there anxiously.

“In the morning, Nongyu was still in Zilan Pavilion and there was nothing unusual about her. In the afternoon, the palace sent people to pick her up, but she has not returned yet. I sent people to inquire with the palace guards, and they all said they had not seen her come out.”

"I heard from those people that Consort Hu also sent someone to inquire."

That's why I concluded that Nongyu had disappeared.

Chen Xiuyuan's eyes flickered slightly. According to the information that Zi Nu had investigated, Nongyu disappeared in the palace. He was very curious about who would have the audacity to kidnap her, given that she had a connection with Consort Hu.

What's the situation at the palace?

Zi Nu shook her head.

"This matter involves the inner palace, and the current situation is still unclear. However, I suspect that Nongyu's disappearance is related to the Tide Demoness. With Consort Hu's connection, the only one in the inner palace who would dare to target her is probably one of the hidden Nightfall Four Fiends."

Upon hearing this, a faint chill flashed across Chen Xiuyuan's eyes.

"Xiuyuan, do you still remember the vulture incident?"

Zi Nu thought for a moment and then spoke up about another matter.

Chen Xiuyuan nodded.

"The vulture attacked Zilan Pavilion that day, possibly because there were clues on Nongyu that he was interested in. If outsiders find out about this, Nongyu is very likely to be targeted."

“But I know her specific situation better. I adopted her when she was a child, and apart from that Fire Rain Agate, she has no other connection with Baiyue.”

"The Ninth Prince has already examined that Fire Rain Agate. It is just an ordinary Fire Rain Agate, with no hidden secrets."

"I have already sent someone to inform the Ninth Prince about this matter, as well as Wei Zhuang, who has also gone out. However, this matter involves the Han King's harem, so I'm afraid the two of them will be involved."

After standing there for a while, Chen Xiuyuan's gaze sharpened. Zi Nu was right. Even if Han Fei and Wei Zhuang wanted to help in this matter, they would probably have to ask King Han An for permission. But would King Han An allow Han Fei to investigate his own harem?

He had a feeling that this was most likely the work of Nightfall.

He's been in Xinzheng for almost two months now, and it seems he hasn't even greeted the local tyrant yet. Tonight seems like the perfect time.

"I'm going out."

"Madam, His Majesty says he will not be coming tonight."

In the Han King's palace, Eunuch Xu respectfully reported to Lady Mingzhu.

"Oh!"

"Eunuch Xu, is His Majesty unwell?"

Upon hearing Lady Mingzhu's words, Eunuch Xu's eyes darted around uncertainly. As an old man, he was well aware of the complexities of the inner palace, but since this matter was arranged by the King of Han himself, he could not refuse.

"This"

After hesitating for a moment, Eunuch Xu spoke again: "It's not a big deal. I heard that the young girl that Consort Hu recruited to play the zither seems to have gone missing. Consort Hu went to the King to complain, and the King was a little angry and won't be coming to the harem tonight."

Upon hearing this, a strange glint flashed in Lady Mingzhu's beautiful eyes. Crying, being angry, and refusing to come to the harem seemed to make no difference, but she had some guesses about the girl's disappearance. Whether King Han An was refusing to come to the harem because he was angry or because he was afraid, she couldn't say for sure.

Then she smiled and said, "Lost? I remember that girl wasn't young either! It's interesting that someone so old got lost in the palace."

Eunuch Xu sensed Lady Mingzhu's suspicion, but King Han An had already made the decision. As a servant, if he didn't have any discernment, he should have disappeared from the palace.

Therefore, Eunuch Xu did not answer this question, nor could he.

"If there is nothing else for you, Madam, this old servant will take his leave!"

Watching Eunuch Xu's departing figure, Lady Mingzhu gave a cold smile.

"She's gone missing" is indeed a nice way of putting it. The king is probably also concerned about his reputation. After all, someone kidnapped a girl from the palace in broad daylight. If word got out, he would lose face.

Lady Mingzhu casually picked up the wooden comb in front of her and gently combed her hair. Looking at herself in the bronze mirror, she fell into deep thought.

Judging from the current situation, the girl's disappearance is very likely the work of her cousin, Bai Yifei. After all, he was already interested in the girl, and with the help of the quicksand, he probably couldn't wait any longer.

Hesitation leads to trouble, and this time, Bai Yifei is even more resolute than he imagined.

Another point is that Bai Yifei did not discuss this with her this time, nor did he even inform her. Perhaps he had his concerns, thinking that even if something happened, it wouldn't implicate him. But he forgot that they were already in the same boat. If they were really discovered, would the King of Han spare his cousin?

As for the King of Han's reaction, it was within her expectations. Before this matter was resolved, she estimated that the king would not set foot in the harem. Compared to beauty, he valued his life more.

Just then, Lady Mingzhu suddenly noticed a figure reflected in her bronze mirror.

Seeing this, Madam Mingzhu's expression changed slightly. There were people guarding the door, and the door had been closed long ago, but that person still came to her side without saying a word.

"What brings this young master here so late at night?"

Without turning around, Madam Mingzhu spoke softly, using the reflection in the bronze mirror as a guide.

"The Bloodstained Marquis, the Emerald Tiger on the Stone, the Sea Fairy, and the Raincoat-Clad Swordsman Under the Moon—these four villains of the night have long been deeply ingrained in the hearts of the Korean people. But ordinary people would probably never have imagined that the most favored lady in the Korean King's harem would be an assassin from the night?"

The voice wasn't loud, but it caused Madam Mingzhu's expression to change drastically; the newcomer seemed to know her identity.

However, her identity was also a top secret in the darkness of night. Apart from a few people, no one knew it. After all, the most important thing about being an undercover agent is keeping secrets.

She then slowly turned around and looked behind her. The next moment, Lady Mingzhu's eyes suddenly widened in surprise. The person standing before her was not an adult, but a child, and she recognized the child.

"It's you?"

Madam Mingzhu narrowed her eyes and glanced at the doorway again, but there was nothing unusual there.

Her turbulent thoughts suddenly calmed down. Looking at the person before her, Madam Mingzhu continued with a smile, "Young master, are you here to tell me a story?"

The visitor looked at Madam Mingzhu and said calmly, "If Madam wishes to hear it, I do have a story to tell."

Madam Mingzhu smiled, her right hand slightly raised and resting on her chin, a bewitching smile playing on her lips. Her long, slender right leg was casually crossed over her left, her long, white legs so alluring that it was impossible to look away.

"Oh, well, I'd like to hear that."

The newcomer kept his eyes straight ahead and spoke softly.

"The story takes place today. There is a concubine named Hu in the palace who is very sad because of her sister's death. A girl named Nongyu came to the palace to play the zither for Concubine Hu to relieve her sorrow. But strangely, after Nongyu came to the palace this afternoon, she mysteriously disappeared."

"Upon receiving this news, Consort Hu reported the situation to the King. The King was furious and ordered a thorough investigation. However, the person behind the scenes was not worried at all, because she knew that this matter involved the inner palace. King Han would not allow his ministers to investigate. At most, he would only send eunuchs or confidants to investigate. And most of these people were incompetent and could not find anything at all."

A hint of amusement flashed in Madam Mingzhu's eyes. Although she had heard about her plans from an outsider, the matter itself was an indisputable fact.

Then she smiled and said, "So, young master, you've come tonight? To tell me this story?"

The visitor glanced at Madam Mingzhu and continued, "Later that night, a young man came to the palace and told the person behind the scenes a story. The story had two endings. In the first, the person behind the scenes cooperated and returned Miss Nongyu to her safe and sound, and everyone was well."

Lady Mingzhu's gaze sharpened, revealing a hint of coldness. At this point, she naturally understood what the other party meant; this little fellow was threatening her. However, she was somewhat curious about the second possible outcome. In this heavily guarded inner palace, what could the other party possibly do to her?

"Oh, what about the second ending?"

The young man was silent for a moment, then continued, "In the second scenario, the person behind the scenes refused to cooperate. The young man didn't see Miss Nongyu, so he was furious. The following night, he returned to the palace, only to be met with layers upon layers of guards, and the Blood-Clad Marquis Bai Yifei lurking in the shadows. But these people were of no use to the young man. That night, many people died in the palace, including the Blood-Clad Marquis Bai Yifei. The young man stripped the lady naked, and then, the next morning, hung her completely naked at the palace gate."

"Whoosh!!"

A whooshing sound rang out as a hairpin hurtled through the air, but the boy swayed slightly and dodged it.

Madam Mingzhu's face turned very ugly. Although she didn't care how many people would die, this young man had successfully angered her.

You are very good.

"I remember your name is Xiu Yuan, right??"

The young man nodded and spoke again: "Nice to meet you. My name is Xiu Yuan. I have met Madam Mingzhu, or rather, Miss Tide Fairy of the Night."

Madam Mingzhu gave a cold smile.

"Little one, you're proud of yourself for sneaking past the guards and coming into my room, aren't you?"

The woman's anger was like a volcano about to erupt, making people tremble with fear. Beneath the seemingly calm surface of this woman who dominated the Han King's harem, a fire was burning, threatening to turn the person in front of her into ashes.

"Believe it or not, with just one word from me, you won't be able to leave this harem tonight!!"

Looking at the person before her, Madam Mingzhu's voice was like a knife, as if she wanted to tear the newcomer to pieces.

The expected scene of panic never materialized. The little guy standing before her was calm and composed, his eyes clear and unwavering, showing no tension, no anger, and not even a flicker of emotion.

For some reason, seeing the other party's behavior made her feel annoyed. She hated that kind of look. Even assassins in the dark of night wouldn't have such an annoying look.

Faced with Madam Mingzhu's threat, Xiu Yuan remained unmoved and spoke softly after a moment of silence.

"Madam, you can give it a try."

Seeing that the little fellow was unmoved by reason, Madam Mingzhu suddenly smiled.

"Young master, what are you saying? I was just joking. But the disappearance of Nongyu was definitely not my doing. If you don't believe me, you can search my room. If you can find any clues, I will let you do whatever you want with me."

As she spoke, Madam Mingzhu casually tossed her long hair, and a fragrance wafted over. This fragrance was peculiar; it resembled a flower but wasn't quite, and it wasn't quite a natural body scent either, yet it brought a sense of comfort and tranquility.

Chen Xiuyuan already knew that Madam Mingzhu was a master of raising Gu poison, and he was even more aware of her purpose in making such a show of affection.

However, he remained standing in the same spot, without moving an inch. Perhaps only by completely crushing the concept of luck can people stop relying on it.

Time passed by, and in the blink of an eye, a cup of tea's time had elapsed. Looking at the young man before her, whose eyes remained clear, Madam Mingzhu's hands clenched together without her noticing.

Her room already contained a strange fragrance created using Gu techniques, which was extremely effective at bewitching people's minds. Her actions just now, though seemingly normal, had actually secretly spread the trigger.

Normally, Han Wang'an would have been unconscious within a few dozen breaths in her room, but now he had been unconscious for the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, and he was still calm and composed. This made her realize that the young man in front of her was no ordinary person.

The next moment, Madam Mingzhu's figure flickered and disappeared from the spot. As one of the four fierce generals of the night, she was not a useless vase.

Looking at the boy who remained standing still, a hint of hesitation flashed in Madam Mingzhu's eyes. However, the boy's words echoed in her mind the next moment, and she no longer hesitated.

"Bang!!"

A long, straight leg appeared before Xiu Yuan, its target being his head. It was clear that the Lady Mingzhu, whom he had threatened, hated him to the extreme.

But Madam Mingzhu's expression suddenly changed at that moment.

Because she felt that her kick hadn't hit anything solid; in other words, this attack hadn't yielded any substantial results.

She glanced at the other person out of the corner of her eye, and her foot stopped a hand's width away from the other person's head. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't move forward an inch.

"Is this internal energy?"

Madam Mingzhu's eyelids twitched suddenly. She released her internal energy, forming a protective aura around herself. This was an extremely skillful technique that only someone with profound internal strength could perform.

Even his cousin Bai Yifei has only managed to achieve this much so far.

Without a second thought, Madam Mingzhu withdrew her leg and kicked the boy in the back of the head. She couldn't believe that such a young boy would have such profound internal strength.

There are indeed extremely rare geniuses in the world, but internal strength is different from other things. It requires accumulation over time. Compared to the other party possessing unparalleled internal strength, she believed that the other party must have used other methods to achieve this.

But this kick was the same as always. Beneath the long black lace dress, an alluring view was faintly visible, but no one appreciated this scene. Chen Xiuyuan remained standing there, without making any further moves.

Seeing this, Madam Mingzhu changed her posture again, trying almost every possible spot, including her neck, chest, lower back, and groin. But unfortunately, it was no use. Looking at the boy standing there, she pulled two hairpins off her head and charged over again.

This time, however, Chen Xiuyuan made a move.

Have you ever seen death?

As the world fell silent, Madam Mingzhu's eyes twitched violently, and a great terror surged into her heart. She tried to retreat, but felt that her limbs were no longer under her control, as if all her strength had been drained away. The next moment, she collapsed to the ground.

When she came to her senses, she felt numbness in her limbs and couldn't stand up at all.

As she watched the young man slowly approach, a sense of fear rose in her heart. What method had he used to make her body so out of control?

"Does Madam still think I'm joking?"

Xiu Yuan slowly squatted down, looking at Madam Mingzhu who was struggling to get up from the ground. His calm pupils reflected her alluring face, but Madam Mingzhu saw a hint of coldness in it.

She was about to shout when she suddenly heard the other person's voice again.

"Madam, it's best not to alert anyone else. If the guards see you completely naked, what do you think the Prince of Han will think?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Mingzhu's face turned pale instantly.

Before, she wouldn't have believed that the boy would do such a thing, but now she dared not gamble.

"I'll give you a day to think it over. I'll come again tomorrow night. I hope you won't disappoint me, otherwise I will disappoint you too."

A mocking smile suddenly flashed across Madam Mingzhu's lips.

"How can you be so sure that Nongyu's disappearance is definitely related to me? What if her disappearance has nothing to do with me?"

Xiu Yuan paused, then replied softly, "I wasn't sure, so I gave Madam an extra day."

Upon hearing this, Madam Mingzhu was first taken aback, then burst into a tirade of curses.

"You bastard, what if Ji Wuye had someone kidnap him?!"

Xiu Yuan's eyes flashed, and then he spoke again.

"This is Madam's matter, and of course, Madam would prefer that she be unharmed."

After saying this, Chen Xiuyuan strode away. Watching the other's body disappear into the void halfway through his journey, while the other half remained in place, Madam Mingzhu's heart trembled. Was this young man a human or a ghost?
“Who are you??”

(End of this chapter)