Lan Ying frowned slightly, seemingly surprised by this sudden turn of events.
She sized up Shao Yue a few times and said coldly, "I'm here on orders to handle important matters. What's it to you?"
Shao Yue was not offended, but instead showed a gentle smile: "Please calm down, sir. I am the son of the city lord and am in charge of receiving distinguished guests. I just heard that there was a dispute at the city gate, so I came to check. Is there any misunderstanding?"
Upon hearing this, Lan Ying remained silent for a moment before finally speaking, "In that case, Young Master Shao, please explain why your guards were so rude?"
Upon hearing this, Shao Yue's face showed an apologetic expression: "I am truly sorry, it was our poor hospitality. I suppose the guards were unaware of your identity and thus offended you. Please forgive us, sir."
With that, he turned to the guard with the missing arm and shouted sternly, "Hurry up and apologize to Lady Lan Ying!"
Although the guard was in excruciating pain and his face was deathly pale, he dared not disobey. He immediately prostrated himself on the ground and said in a trembling voice, "I was blind and offended you, sir. Please forgive me!"
Seeing this, Shao Yue turned to Lan Ying, cupped his hands, and said, "Lord Lan Ying, please calm down. We were negligent in our hospitality, and I apologize on behalf of the city lord. Would you be so kind as to give us a chance to properly entertain you?"
"In that case, let it be." Lan Ying sheathed her blood-stained sword.
Upon hearing this, Shao Yue smiled with relief. He turned to Lan Ying and said respectfully, "Lord Lan Ying is magnanimous and truly admirable. Please follow me into the city; I have prepared a banquet to welcome you."
Lan Ying nodded, then turned to her followers: "Sheathe your swords."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Feng and the others quickly put away their weapons.
As Lan Ying and her group entered the city, Xiao Feng couldn't help but marvel. The scene inside Centipede City was vastly different from what they had seen before. Magnificent buildings lined both sides of the streets, pedestrians thronged, and the market was bustling with activity—a scene clearly characteristic of a prosperous metropolis.
Shao Yue led the group to a luxurious restaurant.
"Please take your seats, everyone." He said with a smile, "Let us welcome Lord Lan Ying with a feast."
Xiao Feng, Zhao Yuwei, and Sima Yan, as Lan Ying's attendants, naturally followed suit and took their seats. They were seated on the side, so they could keep an eye on their master without disturbing the conversation at the main table.
Just then, Xiao Feng noticed that Sima Yan's behavior was somewhat unusual.
Without any hesitation, he picked up the fine wine and delicacies on the table and began to eat heartily, completely disregarding the fact that he was in a place of resentment.
Xiao Feng and Zhao Yuwei exchanged a helpless look. This guy can really eat!
"Brother Sima," Xiao Feng whispered a reminder, "Don't forget our identities. It's best to be careful."
Upon hearing this, Sima Yan merely gave a vague response and continued to feast.
Zhao Yuwei shook her head helplessly and whispered to Xiao Feng, "Forget it, let him be. Anyway, this is the Realm of Resentment, so eating here is pointless."
Xiao Feng nodded thoughtfully.
His gaze was involuntarily drawn to the blue tassel on the main table.
She was seen elegantly sipping her wine, chatting and laughing with Shao Yue, showing no trace of the fierce demeanor she had displayed at the city gate.
Suddenly, Xiao Feng noticed that Shao Yue seemed to whisper a few words in Lan Ying's ear.
Lan Ying's expression changed slightly, and then she stood up.
Shao Yue also got up, and the two left the hall one after the other.
Xiao Feng's heart stirred. He turned to Zhao Yuwei and Sima Yan and said in a low voice, "You two stay here. I'll go check the situation. Since this is Lan Ying's resentment realm, as long as we break through the resentment realm, we can leave this place."
After saying that, he quietly got up and followed.
After passing through several corridors, Xiao Feng arrived at a quiet garden.
He carefully hid behind a large tree and listened intently.
Lan Ying and Shao Yue were standing in a small pavilion.
"Lan Ying," Shao Yue's voice was gentle, "I have something to tell you."
Lan Ying frowned slightly: "What is it?"
Shao Yue took a deep breath: "I...I was forced to marry the daughter of the city lord of the neighboring city."
These words struck Lan Ying's heart like a heavy hammer blow.
Her face turned pale instantly, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Congratulations," she said coldly, her voice devoid of any emotion.
Shao Yue seemed to have not expected Lan Ying to react this way.
He said urgently, "Lan Ying, let me explain..."
“No need,” Lan Ying interrupted him. “This is your family matter, it has nothing to do with me.”
Just as Lan Ying was about to turn and leave, Shao Yue suddenly grabbed her hand: "Wait!"
His voice was urgent: "Lan Ying, I love you!"
This sudden confession shocked Lan Ying. She stared wide-eyed at Shao Yue, unsure how to react.
Shao Yue continued, "I know this sounds absurd, but I have to tell you. This marriage was forced upon me, and you are the only one in my heart."
His gaze was intense, as if he wanted to pour all his sincerity into it.
Lan Ying's expression became complicated. Shock, confusion, and doubt intertwined on her face. She opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.
Just then, a gust of wind blew by, and the petals fluttered down.
Lan Ying calmed her inner turmoil. She looked up at Shao Yue and asked coldly, "When did you start liking me?"
Upon hearing this, a glimmer of joy flashed in Shao Yue's eyes, as if he had grasped at a straw of hope. He answered eagerly, "It was when we first met. That day you were wearing a light blue dress, standing on the city wall of Mogan City. The wind was blowing your hair, and your eyes were resolute. Your temperament was aloof. I was captivated at that moment."
Lan Ying frowned slightly after hearing this, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes. Her expression remained indifferent, even carrying a touch of mockery. "Then you are truly shallow," she said calmly, her tone filled with aloofness.
Shao Yue's smile froze. He looked at Lan Ying in confusion, wanting to say something, but Lan Ying raised her hand to interrupt him.
"It's impossible between us," Lan Ying said firmly. "Your father is the city lord of Centipede City, and Centipede City has been bullying my Mogan City for many years. Although we have to submit to Centipede City now because of its strength, the relationship between the two sides is still irreconcilable."
Her eyes sharpened: "Do you know that a hundred years ago, the Centipede City massacred three thousand innocent people of my Mogan City? Fifty years ago, you seized our mines, forcing the people of Mogan City to starve. How can these hatreds be erased by personal feelings?"
Shao Yue's face turned pale after hearing this. He said in a low voice, "I know there are conflicts between the two cities, but I thought..."
"What do you think?" Lan Ying sneered. "Mogan City is a small city, and Youyan City is a big city. Even if we have feelings for each other, we can't be together."
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