Chapter 9 Acting His slender fingers traced the contours of her porcelain-white skin inch by inch…

Since returning from visiting his sister, Mu Meng had obtained the list of candidates for the upcoming marriage proposal and, with nothing else to do, sat in the palace and slowly reviewed it.

However, she had just come of age, so even if she looked at people, she wouldn't consider their character, family background, or abilities. All she would really care about was what these people were called, what they looked like, how many people were in their families, and what they had done.

As he looked at it, Mu Meng couldn't help but recall what his sister had said that day.

Upon closer reflection, her words actually sent shivers down one's spine.

The reason why Father, his siblings, and the elders of the Celestial Clan hate Yun Zejing so much is not only because of their treasonous acts and wolfish ambitions, but also because everyone has always known that Father had long intended to marry her off to Yun Zejing's second son, Yun Jiuyan.

That's why they and Yunze have always maintained a close relationship, like family.

If nothing unexpected had happened, her marriage to Yun Zejing's second son would have been brought into the open, but now that this has happened, who would dare to mention the name Yun Zejing?

It's terrifying to even think about. Her brother, Jiu Yan, treated her so well, almost like a biological brother. Yet he and his family wanted her dead, wanting to cut out her heart to extract the Red Heart Elixir…

If she really got married… Mu Meng shuddered slightly, immediately shook her head, and looked back at the paper on the table. After glancing at it twice, she suddenly let out a soft “Eh.”

Her expression was completely blank, her fair face showing an almost innocent look of confusion.

Since everyone knows and tacitly agrees that she and Yun Jiuyan will become husband and wife, and Yun Zejing is also well aware of this, why don't they wait until she gets married in two years before taking action?

She married Yun Zejing. If she were to die, wouldn't it be easier to tamper with her corpse than to kill her while her brother was still alive?

Could it be that they can't even wait this little bit of time?

While it's true that if they had succeeded that day, possessing the Crimson Heart Pill and the Azure Phoenix Feather, they would have had nothing to fear, it would obviously be safer to wait until she's married before making their move.

Just as he was deep in thought, Lingwei hurriedly walked in, her face full of worry: "Your Highness, I heard from the people in Changjin Palace that His Highness the Crown Prince is ill."

Mu Meng was taken aback, brushed aside the scattered papers on the table and stood up: "Brother has always been in good health, how come he suddenly fell ill?"

"This servant doesn't know either. I heard it from the guards over there. His Highness the Crown Prince coughed up blood this morning, but he won't let anyone go out and talk about it. He hasn't called a physician over yet."

It was so serious, he even coughed up blood. Mu Meng was extremely worried, and her breathing became rapid: "I'm going to see my brother."

...

Inside the Changjin Palace.

Yu Da stood respectfully by the bedside, reporting important matters as usual. After she finished reporting, she did not leave immediately.

Mu Qingheng leaned against the headboard, his smooth, dark hair cascading down, his face pale, revealing a hint of fragility.

After a few moments, he indifferently lifted his eyelids to look at Yu Da.

Yu Da hesitated for a moment, then said with a forced smile, "Master, Lord Helan heard that the Heavenly Emperor wants to arrange a marriage for Mu Meng. He believes that this matter is very beneficial to our clan's affairs. If Mu Meng has a husband she can be with day and night, she can shift the blame to another party after the matter is settled."

Mu Qingheng didn't react. He had been leaning lazily against the headboard, holding a book and reading. Upon hearing this, he lowered his eyes again and stared at the book.

"She said that someone with higher qualifications should be chosen, whether it's Yue Liutian or Sheng Yuanting. Mu Meng has always stayed in the Celestial Clan, and we can't find a perfect opportunity. If she were to marry out..."

Mu Qingheng put down the book and pinched the space between his eyebrows with his slender fingers.

Yu Da paused for a moment, noticing that Mu Qingheng seemed a little impatient. She slowed her tone and tentatively asked, "Is Master worried that if Mu Meng gets married and develops feelings for her husband, the Red Heart Pill you obtain in the future will not be pure?"

Mu Qingheng lowered his hand, his fingers lightly tapping the edge of the bed.

"It seems Lord Helan is in charge now," he suddenly spoke, his cold and fierce gaze sweeping over everyone. "After this is over, he will be the Demon Lord, and you will be the Vice-Demon Lord. What do you say?"

Yu Da broke out in a cold sweat, her knees buckled and she knelt on the ground: "Master, please calm down, I dare not, please spare my life."

"He's only so unambitious because he's done too many things to gain fame and reputation," Mu Qingheng said indifferently. "The Azure Phoenix Feather is in my hands. It's only a matter of time before I use it to extract the core and take his life, and then I'll break ties with the Heavenly Clan. Why bother building a facade for the moment, only to slap myself in the face later?"

Mu Qingheng quietly closed the book: "Go tell Helan Que that if he interferes with my plans again, I will cut out his tongue."

Yu Da knelt on the ground and nodded repeatedly: "Yes, your subordinate understands."

She was startled by Mu Qingheng's calm words and broke out in a cold sweat. Having served Mu Qingheng for so long, she had become accustomed to his upright and honest demeanor in public and his gentle and doting attitude towards Mu Meng, and had almost forgotten what kind of person he truly was.

That heart of a villain is ruthless, devoid of any conscience or kindness, and can decide life and death in a single thought.

Yu Da was filled with fear and anxiety, and was about to beg her master to calm down when she suddenly heard a clear and familiar voice: "Brother—"

Why did Mu Meng suddenly come in?

This realization startled both Mu Qingheng and Yu Da. Yu Da looked up in alarm and clearly saw a flash of murderous intent in Mu Qingheng's eyes.

It was too late; no matter how fast the owner acted, he couldn't dispose of the body at that moment.

In the blink of an eye, Mu Meng had run over and stood by Mu Qingheng's bedside, her rosy cheeks flushed with eagerness.

She bent down and carefully examined Mu Qingheng: "Brother, where do you feel unwell?"

Her voice was soft and sweet, and the heartache and worry inside were almost tangible; no one could miss it.

Yu Da couldn't help but look up at Mu Meng, then cautiously glance at Mu Qingheng, and finally blinked before lowering her head.

Mu Qingheng smiled slightly. He was already extremely handsome, but because of his pale face, his smile revealed a kind of broken beauty.

“It’s alright,” he said. “The guards at the door need to be replaced. They dared not come in to announce your arrival.”

“What announcement? I forbade them to come,” Mu Meng gently pulled Mu Qingheng’s large hand. His hand was icy cold, so she immediately covered it with her own palm and rubbed it gently. “If you had known beforehand, you would have pretended to be nonchalant to fool me. Brother, sit still and let me see.”

She examined him carefully and found that her brother was in good health and his internal energy was stable.

Perhaps my own abilities are too limited to discern the cause, and it would be more sensible to seek the help of a renowned physician.

Just as Mu Meng was about to give the order, Mu Qingheng said gently before she could speak, "Mengmeng, this physician has examined her and she is fine. There is no need to call anyone else."

Mu Meng glanced at Yu Da kneeling below the steps. If her brother hadn't said anything, she wouldn't have noticed the person kneeling there.

After observing him for a while, she turned to Mu Qingheng and asked, "Brother, this physician looks unfamiliar. Is she new?" Afraid of hurting his feelings, she quietly leaned closer and whispered, "Is her medical skill reliable?"

Mu Qingheng smiled: "It's acceptable."

My brother has always been like this, with the best temper. Mu Meng rolled her eyes and asked gently, "Is there something wrong with Your Highness's health? Why would you suddenly cough up blood? Is it a lingering illness from the battlefield that hasn't healed yet?"

She asked earnestly, still holding Mu Qingheng's hand tightly in one hand.

Mu Qingheng's gaze shifted from their clasped hands to her face.

She was charming and adorable, and the side profile she showed him added to her gentleness. From this angle, she perfectly complemented the pear blossoms in full bloom outside the window.

She had held his hand too tightly and for too long, causing a slight dampness and sweat to appear on his palm. Because of this subtle sensation, every inch of the softness of her slender white fingers was magnified infinitely.

Mu Qingheng coughed softly, listening to Yu Da reply, "His Highness the Crown Prince has been working tirelessly day and night, and his cultivation is at a crucial moment of breakthrough, which is why he has fallen ill. However, he can recover with proper care, but since His Highness doesn't want to rest, he needs someone to keep an eye on him and comfort him."

Mu Qingheng's lips curled up slightly.

Sure enough, as soon as Yu Da finished speaking, Mu Meng immediately turned her head: "Brother, why are you acting like a child?" She laughed, "Fine, from today onwards, I'm going to stay in your palace, so you're not allowed to bother me."

Mu Qingheng lightly clenched his fist and pressed it to his lips. When he lowered his hand, the corners of his lips had returned to normal: "Of course I won't get annoyed. I'm just afraid you don't have much time. I heard that Sheng Yuanting was guiding you in your cultivation the other day. Yesterday, Yue Liutian found many novel gifts for you, and you spent the whole afternoon with him."

Mu Meng felt a pang of sadness at these words. It was indeed her fault; upon closer examination, she realized she had neglected her brother: "Brother, I didn't mean to. I just know I always like to play around, and you always have to put aside your official duties to be with me, so I... Anyway, don't be sad, I will never neglect you again."

Yu Da frowned.

There was always a strange feeling between the master and Mu Meng. It was hard to explain, but everything just felt awkward.

However, now I vaguely understand the purpose of my master's actions. He is simply afraid that Mu Meng has someone else in his heart, which would make the Crimson Heart Pill impure, so he plans to add fuel to the fire.

"Actually, His Highness the Crown Prince's sudden illness was due to excessive worry; it's a heart ailment," Yu Da casually fabricated. "His Highness and the young prince have a deep sibling bond, and now, because of the young prince's marriage proposal, His Highness is heartbroken and unwilling to be separated from you..."

She became increasingly less confident as she spoke, watching helplessly as Mu Qingheng's originally gentle expression gradually turned frosty after a moment of surprise, until finally his gaze towards her could be described as sinister.

She...she didn't say anything wrong...

Although they, the demon race, do not possess a heart of flesh, they are not mindless fools. On the contrary, they have abandoned emotions and possess near-perfect rationality.

Therefore, they were always adept at knowing what to say in what situation to achieve the best effect. At this moment, her words would surely make Mu Meng feel even more sorry for his master, so there was nothing wrong with it.

Why is the master so displeased?

Mu Meng sat in front of Mu Qingheng, unaware of his expression. After hearing Yu Da's words, she turned to look at Mu Qingheng, only to see his expression harden, his thick eyelashes drooping, and he fell silent.

It seems that what this sage physician said was true.

"Why is my brother so silly?" Mu Meng couldn't help but laugh, reaching out to pinch Mu Qingheng's high nose bridge. "Not to mention that it's just a marriage proposal and there's still a long time before the wedding, if my brother is sad because of this, then I won't marry anyone and will stay with my brother forever."

She smiled, and the coaxing words that came from her rosy little mouth seemed to be coated with an extra layer of honey compared to others.

Mu Qingheng gently touched her forehead with his slender fingers, stroking her porcelain-white skin inch by inch: "Stop talking nonsense."

Despite saying this, his expression gradually softened.

Yu Da looked at her, smiled slightly, and politely withdrew.

The master's acting skills when facing this celestial princess are truly getting better and better.