Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 73 Singing Nursery Rhymes

The capital city, the red-light district.

As dusk falls, the lanterns of Beili Nanqu light up one after another, making the entire long street brightly lit.

Since the appearance of the "Heavenly Craft Scroll" in the Mechanized City, people from the martial arts world have gradually dispersed. Changyin Pavilion's business was greatly affected by Murong Ning's death, but Yixiang Garden gradually returned to its former liveliness due to the frequent visits of martial arts disciples, and even seemed to surpass them. From the past two stars shining together, it gradually became the only one standing out.

At this moment, the sounds of string and wind instruments drifted from the pavilions, mixed with the chanting and laughter of literati, creating a lively atmosphere.

Private room on the second floor.

Wu Chengsi sat in the main seat, leaning against the soft couch, with a Hu woman on each side, and was drinking heartily.

Several martial arts disciples beside him were also laughing and chatting, enjoying the Hu Xuan dance on stage with hazy, drunken eyes.

The current leaders of the Wu family are naturally the brothers Wu Chengsi and Wu Sansi, but there are several others who also wield great power and hold positions in the central government.

For example, Wu Youning, Prince of Jianchang and Minister of Winter Affairs; Wu Youyi, Prince of Anping, General of the Right Wuwei Guard and concurrently General of the Thousand Cavalry; Wu Yizong, Prince of Henan and General of the Right Yulin Guard; and Wu Chonggui, Prince of Gaoping and Minister of the Imperial Household.

When the wine is at its best.

Wu Youning suddenly remembered something and turned to Wu Chengsi: "Brother, the Luoshui Festival is coming soon. Can't Youji come out of seclusion yet? Isn't the cultivation technique he practices supposed to increase his internal strength while lying down? This matter is of great importance. It is a symbol of our Wu clan's imperial power. It is not good for him to be absent because of cultivation."

"that is!"

Wu Youyi's face darkened: "Having not shown his face for several days, the Princess's residence has probably forgotten that there is even a consort, only that son of a bitch of a gigolo! I've heard that he frequently enters and leaves the Taiping Palace as if it were his own home, this is simply an outrageous disgrace!"

Emperor Wu Yizong looked strange as he slowly drank his wine, thinking to himself that when Wu Youji first appeared, few people in Taiping Prefecture regarded him as the emperor's son-in-law.

Wu Chengsi nodded: "It shouldn't be a problem. Baichuan, how's the progress in Youji? Is the mother Gu safe?"

“...Uh, Your Highness.”

Qu Baichuan choked, then clasped his hands and said, "It's still a little unstable... The Prince Consort... is 'benevolent'... and can't be subdued... We still need to temper the Mother Gu's temperament... It'll be soon."

What benevolence? It's clearly just weakness!

Wu Chengsi remained silent for a long time before letting out a sigh.

Everyone else shook their heads helplessly, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Seeing the awkward situation, Wu Zhonggui changed the subject: "Third thought about taking the auspicious omen, it should be back soon."

Wu Chengsi nodded: "We've already escorted Xiangrui back from Bingzhou, there won't be any delays! Alright, let's not talk about that. We've got some rare free time today, and we also have Western Region dancers from Xinjin to entertain us, everyone—"

Before he could finish speaking, the carved window frame suddenly shattered!
A dark shadow cut through the air and entered.

The martial arts disciples present suddenly rose up, and the sound of swords being drawn was deafening.

Wu Chengsi frowned, and with a flick of his sleeves, a surge of powerful true energy rose like a giant wave, sweeping away all the weapons of the crowd.

"Why panic!"

The sandalwood box landed with a thud in the center of the table.

Wu Chengsi remained calm, his fingertips lightly flicking the lid, and the box opened with a click—

Wu Huagu's ferocious face was suddenly revealed!

His bulging blood vessels covered his bluish-gray face like a spider web, and the torn corners of his mouth held a frozen, maniacal laugh before his death. Most terrifying of all were his eyes—the pupils were dilated, yet they were still staring intently at Wu Chengsi, as if trying to drag him into the depths of hell.

Qu Baichuan's expression changed drastically, and his killing intent surged uncontrollably.

"How brave!"

Wu Youyi slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly. The sword at his waist was drawn three inches from its sheath with a clang, its blade reflecting a blood-red glint in the candlelight. He flashed to the window, his hawk-like eyes scanning the night. "Men! Call in a thousand cavalry to seal off the streets!"

Emperor Wu Yizong calmly put down his wine cup, his right hand already resting on the hilt of his sword, a cruel smile appearing on his face: "Interesting... It's been a long time since I've personally skinned a person."

Wu Youning was the most composed, but the killing intent in his eyes was almost tangible. He scanned the night and said coldly, "You dare to offer yourselves as casualties? You're really tired of living!"

"Don't be impatient."

Wu Chengsi raised his hand, and everyone immediately fell silent.

He gently closed the wooden box and said calmly, "To be able to deliver this box to the room under the noses of so many retainers and guards, one must be at the peak of the fifth realm! What's the point of arresting them? If they dared to deliver it, they would have already run away."

He looked at Wu Huagu's head and suddenly chuckled, but the laughter was colder than ice.

"This is a challenge to me!"

……

Night falls.

Lu Chenyuan returned to the princess's residence with the goddess. Lin Hanyi went ahead to report the situation to Li Lingyue.

During this time, Lu Chenyuan went to the Lingni Palace, played the zither for the golden lion for a while, and chatted with his master for a few words. Soon, Yuan Qingshuang came to summon him personally, as the princess was summoning him.

"I hope he didn't say anything bad..."

Lu Chenyuan thought about it carefully and had a feeling that things were about to end.

Chu Heng and Dongfang Mingyi's performance was probably a huge letdown in the eyes of Lin Hanyi, this shrewd and experienced "aunt." But he was helpless; he had already held back and remained well-behaved throughout. It was just that the atmosphere in the Tang Dynasty was relatively open, and women were more willing to express themselves.

"Lingxi, you stay here and play with Jinni. I'll go check on things first, and if things don't look good, I'll come back to take you home."

"Ok!"

The goddess nodded and sat obediently beside the golden lion.

Jin Ni felt that her aura was familiar, and he did not reject it, but even felt a sense of closeness to her, so he lay down beside her.

on the road.

Lu Chenyuan was unusually nervous and asked Yuan Qingshuang, "Is Your Highness still angry?"

Yuan Qingshuang found it amusing but shook her head expressionlessly: "I don't know, I haven't been serving you for the past half day."

"..."

Lu Chenyuan followed Yuan Qingshuang to the front of the bedchamber. Yuan Qingshuang bowed and said, "Princess, the person has been brought."

"Come in."

His voice remained cold and indifferent, revealing no emotion.

"Yes."

Yuan Qingshuang gestured, "Young Master Lu, please."

"Thank you for your trouble, Manager Yuan."

After saying this, Lu Chenyuan suddenly realized that this scene was so similar to the day he first met Li Lingyue, only the location and his mood were different. Back then, he entered Xiaoxiang Pavilion with ease and stride, but today he was a little uneasy. It seems that not only she has changed, but he has also changed.

Lu Chenyuan sighed softly, stepped forward slowly, and pushed open the door.

A voice came from behind the curtain: "Close the door."

Lu Chenyuan did as he was told, and when he turned around again, his eyes lit up.

Li Lingyue stood in front of him with a shy expression, wearing a very "unconventional" outfit, which was the apricot-yellow robe, or rather, nightgown, that he had made yesterday and was giving to her today.

The overall design resembles a modern bathrobe, but to avoid looking out of place, many cartoon elements were removed and more Tang Dynasty designs were added—his intentions were malicious, and his original intention was to gradually erode Li Lingyue's psychological defenses, so that one day he could make her wear black stockings!
But what I didn't expect was that even a simple nightgown could be so dazzling. This nightgown is made primarily of apricot-colored Shu brocade, with a lion motif as its theme.

The collar and cuffs are indigo, exuding a calm and mysterious aura. The inner lining is made of vermilion red gauze, creating distinct layers. The front and back feature simplified lion patterns, which are both majestic and cute. The patterns are filled with lotus flowers and scrolling grass, and the hem reveals a diamond pattern, resembling the texture of a lion's mane, making it exquisite and delicate.

In addition, the lion-shaped hood was also his meticulous design. The silk cotton filling on the top of the hood forms a pair of adorable lion ears that can be adjusted at any angle. The brim is trimmed to resemble the mane of a lion, and it feels soft and smooth to the touch. The lion face pattern on the front is embroidered using the gold leaf technique, and the eyes made of glass beads shimmer with a lively light. The nose made of mother-of-pearl is lifelike.

The narrow sleeves are also unique, with white rabbit fur trim turned outwards at the narrowing point, which is soft and warm, like the paw pads of a lion. The gradient apricot-yellow satin ribbon at the back waist is like the tail of a lion.

At this moment, Li Lingyue, dressed in this robe, stood gracefully before us, her figure elegant, the hem of her robe fluttering like a lion stepping on clouds, exuding both cuteness and majesty, making one's heart flutter.

Lu Chenyuan couldn't help but become somewhat captivated.

This is much more dangerous than I expected...

Looking at his expression, Li Lingyue felt a slight sense of relief. At this moment, she finally understood what it meant to "dress up for the one who appreciates you." Although the robe covered her completely, the image was still...

—Lu Chenyuan is so unserious! With the "Heavenly Craft Scroll" in hand, all he does is study this nonsense!

Li Lingyue suppressed her shyness, looked into his eyes, and said softly, "Is there anything you want to say?"

Lu Chenyuan replied without hesitation, "This humble servant deserves to die!"

"puff……"

Li Lingyue almost burst out laughing, her expression betraying her unease. She turned her head away, saying, "...How pathetic! I've thought about it. I misunderstood you, but this is also your fault!"

Lu Chenyuan said without any principles, "Yes, it's all my fault. Let me touch this fabric..."

Li Lingyue immediately pulled her hand away and scolded, "Don't touch me! I haven't finished speaking yet."

Lu Chenyuan had no choice but to stand properly with his hands at his sides and urged, "Your Highness, please speak quickly."

"you--"

Li Lingyue bit her lower lip, blushed, glared at him, took a deep breath, and said seriously, "It was wrong of me to misunderstand you today, but you shouldn't have turned around and left! You're so smart, don't you know why I'm angry? You did it on purpose! You deliberately scared me! You... can't you even say a kind word?"

As she spoke, her eyes reddened, and her gaze was filled with grievance and accusation.

"It is my stupidity that is the fault..."

Lu Chenyuan carefully wrapped his arms around the person, the fluffy fur of the Suanni hat brushing against his chin. "Actually, I regretted it as soon as I left the house. I had so many nursery rhymes in my head to apologize..."

"Nursery rhymes?"

Li Lingyue was stunned for a moment, then realized what she meant. Her ears turned bright red, and she said with embarrassment and anger, "Who wants to hear this! It makes me so angry! Do you really think I'm some child?"

Lu Chenyuan chuckled softly, his fingers gently twirling the lion ears on her hat: "What would Your Highness like to hear? 'Midnight Song'? 'Changgan Ballad'?"

Li Lingyue was both embarrassed and annoyed by his teasing, but her fluffy lion ears trembled with his movements, which, combined with her blushing cheeks, made her even more charming.

She bit her lip and reached out to push him away: "Stop talking nonsense!"

Lu Chenyuan said, "How about I sing you 'The Song of the Yue People'?"

"The Song of the Yue Boatman?"

Li Lingyue slightly raised her head, her gaze dangerous: "The mountain has trees, but the trees have no branches; I love you, but you do not know? Hmm?"

Lu Chenyuan nodded seriously: "It's indeed inappropriate. This is something you and I both know."

"Lu Chenyuan!!!"

Li Lingyue was extremely embarrassed and raised her hand to hit him, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms.

"Haha."

Lu Chenyuan pulled her down onto the soft couch, put his arm around her waist, and smiled, "Then I'll change a word."

He hesitated for a moment, then immediately had a draft in mind and began to sing:
"There are pines in the mountains and pines with branches,

Water has duckweed, and duckweed has silk threads.

My heart is set on you, do you know?
Night after night, I gaze at the moon and pour out my longing.

Using pine branches as a brush to write the Milky Way,
The water lilies are strummed into strings to compose love songs.

Suddenly the mountain wind stopped and then rose again.
I secretly spread my longing throughout the hillside.

Today I saw your smiling face as you turned around.
It surpasses all the good things in the world.

I wish to transform into a green vine entwining an old pine tree.
Time cannot diminish the beauty of the heart.

Lu Chenyuan's voice was deep and warm, flowing like a clear spring among the pines.

This poem is easy to understand.

The imagery of "using pine branches as pens" and "using duckweed as strings" is extremely beautiful, and the last line, "I wish to transform into green vines to entwine the old pine," is even more deeply affectionate and enduring.

This is a song, and also a confession.

Li Lingyue held her breath, her eyes shimmering with tears. She felt as if every word he spoke was like a pebble thrown into water, creating ripples in her heart, making her feel as sweet as if she were filled with honey.

What should I do about this wretched guy...?

I was originally thinking of bringing up the ghost market, but suddenly I felt it was unnecessary. He is just that kind of person. He has no shortage of talent, intelligence, or temperament. As long as he has the opportunity to show his abilities, others will naturally develop a liking for him. Everyone loves beauty. Talent is also a kind of beauty, and temperament is also a kind of beauty. Besides, he is already very beautiful.

Li Lingyue gazed at his profile as he sang softly, and suddenly thought of the blue-throated robin that had been presented as tribute from the Western Regions—its clear and moving voice should have been locked in a golden cage, singing only for her every day.

Just like the person in front of me.

With features as beautiful as a painting and talent as intoxicating as fine wine, she insists on being a flamboyant peacock, causing others' hearts to flutter.

hateful……

Lu Chenyuan suddenly felt something was wrong, a chill creeping over him for no apparent reason. He looked down and saw that Li Lingyue's expression was normal, with nothing but tenderness in her eyes. He wondered if Wu Chengsi had come to kill him out of anger.
"How is it?" Lu Chenyuan rubbed the lion ears on the top of her hat.

Li Lingyue was moved, but she deliberately kept a straight face and said, "What an ignorant and incompetent Lord Lu! Even his word-changing is so crude..." Before she finished speaking, she couldn't help but smile, her dimples appearing and disappearing on her cheeks.

Seeing her like this, Lu Chenyuan's heart stirred slightly, and he said in a low voice, "Then this subordinate will revise it again?"

"Who wants to listen to you..." Li Lingyue's words were cut short as she suddenly felt a warmth on her ear. Lu Chenyuan had moved closer without her noticing, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe, his voice as soft as a feather:

"There are pines on the mountain, and the pines are evergreen."

Water has duckweed, and duckweed always lingers.

My heart is pleased with you, and my heart is the same as yours.
We share the same moon, morning and evening.

The last word transformed into a light kiss, gently landing on her brow.

Li Lingyue felt drunk; her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she subconsciously gripped his clothes tightly.

A gust of wind blew past the window, and as the candlelight flickered, the two figures overlapped on the screen, like a watercolor painting spreading out.

The candle wick popped and burst into a spark.

Li Lingyue suddenly felt her cheeks burning, her fingertips unconsciously twisting the sash of her clothes, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible: "How about... you stay tonight..." The words caught in her throat, and she buried her burning face in his shoulder, before finally muttering, "...stay."

(End of this chapter)