Chapter 77: The annihilation of King Yunjiang
(If you like this book, please support it and give it five-star reviews! Today I updated to this chapter. I am not feeling well today. Sorry! I work hard every day to write articles! I will work harder tomorrow! Thank you!)
The echo of Emperor Nangong Yu's words "dismiss court" with ice chips still echoed in the magnificent Taiji Hall. He was like a biting cold wind, and was instantly swept into the shadow of the back hall.
The hall was filled with a deathly silence. All the civil and military officials seemed to be under a collective spell, their expressions completely failing them.
Shock? Yes! Rage? Full-on! But mostly... the excruciating pain that made his entire internal organs convulse crazily, on the verge of exploding!
The threat of "mutual destruction" and the "bargaining" between Fuxing Princess Dongfang Yuning and her "system" who quickly gave in and called herself a "slave" were all part of the story.
It is simply the most exciting, outrageous, and heartfelt radio drama since the founding of this dynasty, no, in all history!
All the gazes, as complicated as an overturned dye vat, were filled with surprise, horror, unbearable laughter, and disbelief... Finally, they all focused on the center of the storm -
The girl who was still standing there, seemingly unaware of the huge storm she had caused, secretly clenched her fists in self-satisfaction, with a sly smile on her face like a little fox who had finished her job.
[Done! Got the pill! Hehe, Tongzi may be a bit of a wimp, but he'll stick together when it counts! Next... watch how I'll kill you, this father and daughter who are desperate for a taste of swan flesh! I'll give you a gift you'll never forget!]
Her inner voice was brisk yet filled with excitement, echoing clearly in the hall.
However, this voice, like an invisible silk thread, was precisely entangled in the ears and hearts of only a very few people - Emperor Nangong Yu, who had not yet completely left the throne, Prince Yong Nangong Ye, who was standing at the steps like a pine tree and a deep pool, Crown Prince Nangong Chengqian, and the three people, Dongfang Yanru, Dongfang Liezheng, and Dongfang Qichen.
They manage their expressions far better than others, but only they themselves know the turbulent waves and cold murderous intent surging deep in their eyes.
Before the emperor left, a gaze as cold as ten-thousand-year-old black ice, powerful enough to freeze a soul, silently swept over the men. An invisible, secret decree had already been issued: What you have heard today is top secret! If even a single word is leaked, all nine generations of your clan will be executed!
"cough!"
A deliberate cough broke the strange and suffocating atmosphere. Prince Yong, Nangong Ye, had already walked to Dongfang Yuning's side.
The black python robe made his figure stand tall and straight like a pine tree standing proudly on a snowy peak. On his handsome face, the usual coldness melted away quietly when he faced her, revealing an imperceptible warmth.
He stretched out his hand very naturally, and his slender and powerful fingers, with distinct joints, gently touched Dongfang Yuning's sleeve with a reassuring warmth. His voice was low and steady, with a gentleness that belonged only to her:
"Ning'er, follow me. My brother has spoken. The Empress has been disturbed and is feeling uneasy. I want you to go to Fengyi Palace immediately to accompany her and comfort her."
He paused, then turned his gaze towards Dongfang Yanru and his son, his tone becoming calm and businesslike, "Grand Tutor, Marquis, and Minister, His Majesty has also ordered that the three of you go to Fengyi Palace together to visit the Empress."
"Your Majesty, I obey your command!"
Dongfang Yanru and his son immediately bowed and accepted the order, knowing full well that this visit to the Empress was a pretense, a pretext to discuss secrets and counter the monstrous conspiracy!
When Dongfang Yuning heard that her sister was frightened, she immediately put away her pride. A look of genuine worry appeared on her face, and her clear eyes were filled with anxiety.
"Is my sister okay? Brother Aye, let's go!"
She subconsciously wanted to grab Nangong Ye's hand for support, but suddenly remembered that this was a solemn court. Her little hand paused in the air, and instead tightly grasped the corner of his sleeve, which was the magic needle that could stabilize the sea.
[Sister, please don't be in any trouble! ]
Nangong Ye clearly felt the slight tremor coming from her sleeves, and listening to the undisguised worry and anger in her heart, the warmth in his deep eyes became even stronger, like a cold pond being immersed in the warm sun.
He calmly adjusted his pace to allow her to hold on more securely, his deep voice carrying soothing power:
"Don't panic, the imperial physician has arrived. My sister is just a little frightened. With you here to comfort her, she will be fine."
He stood guard by her side, his tall figure shielding her from the inquiring and complicated gazes from the surroundings. The group quickly left the hall, leaving behind officials in the court who were still trying to digest the aftereffects of the radio drama, guessing the emperor's intentions, and trembling with fear because of the secret decree to execute the nine clans.
Inside the warm chamber of Fengyi Palace, the air lingered with incense, yet it couldn't dispel the invisible atmosphere of solemnity. Empress Dongfang Qiwu sat reclining on a satin-covered chaise longue, her face slightly pale, a lingering worry etched between her brows, her delicate fingers unconsciously twisting the brocade handkerchief in her grasp.
This worry instantly turned into solemn and cold anger when he saw his younger sister, father, brother, brother-in-law and the prince come in and all the palace servants were dismissed.
Emperor Nangong Yu stood in front of the window with his hands behind his back, his back to the crowd. Even his bright yellow dragon robe could not hide the chilling murderous intent emanating from him, which was even more biting than the cold wind outside the palace.
The air in the entire warm room seemed to be frozen.
"Did you hear everything?"
Nangong Yu did not turn around, his voice was extremely low, but every word he spoke was like ice beads falling on a jade plate, bringing with it a chill that penetrated the bone marrow.
"Yes, Your Majesty (Father)!"
Several people responded in unison, their voices equally low and suppressed, like a taut bowstring.
"Yunjiang King Jin Mochen and his daughter Jinse,"
Nangong Yu slowly turned around, his hawk-like eyes sweeping over the crowd. The icy coldness in them was enough to freeze hell. "He brought the Heart-Eating Gu into the capital, targeting the Empress and the Crown Prince. His heart is so poisonous that his entire clan must be killed! His deeds must be destroyed!"
He pointed out the core conspiracy revealed in Dongfang Yuning's thoughts, and every word was soaked in blood.
Queen Dongfang Qiwu sucked in a breath of cold air, and her body trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly. This time, she felt a genuine fear rising from the bottom of her heart, but what followed was a surge of rage!
She suddenly grasped the emperor's outstretched hand, her nails almost digging into his palm. How dare he murder her and her child!
"Ning'er..."
Dongfang Yanru looked at his little daughter who was being protected by Nangong Ye and was looking at her sister worriedly, seemingly unaware of the real topic of the secret discussion.
Her clear eyes showed only concern for her sister, and she was completely unaware that she was the source of the storm and the key to breaking the deadlock.
"She doesn't know we can hear."
Nangong Yu interrupted the Taifu's words and looked at Dongfang Yuning with a complicated look. There was scrutiny, relief, and an indescribable touch in his eyes.
"She and the 'system' both believe their inner voices are secret. This is a heaven-sent opportunity, and it's a top secret! Whatever you say today, once you leave this door, stay within your heart! If anyone leaks it, no matter who it is, no matter who they are, I will exterminate their entire clan! No mercy!"
The last sentence was like a heavy hammer hitting everyone's heart. The cold warning instantly dropped the temperature in the warm room to freezing point.
"I (your son) will obey the imperial edict! I will never reveal the secret even if I die!"
Everyone's hearts trembled as they responded in unison, their foreheads dripping with cold sweat. "Execute all nine generations of your clan!" This was the most severe gag order His Majesty had ever issued regarding a single incident since his ascension to the throne! It clearly demonstrated the importance he attached to the situation and the seriousness of the situation.
"Ning'er said she already has a plan to deal with it. The All-Poison Immunity Pill..."
Crown Prince Nangong Chengqian was the calmest and looked at Dongfang Yuning sharply. This was the most urgent amulet at the moment.
With telepathic thoughts, Dongfang Yuning carefully took out several small and exquisite white jade bottles with a warm touch from his wide sleeve pocket (actually the system space).
She held it before the Queen like a treasure, her face full of seriousness and eagerness:
"Sister! Take one quickly! And my brother-in-law, the Queen Mother, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Brother Aye, Daddy, Big Brother, and Second Brother!"
She passed the jade bottles to everyone one by one, her movements quick and her tone full of urgency.
"This is the Hundred Herb Detoxification Pill that Yu Ning finally managed to obtain. It's said to be made from thousand-year-old snow lotus, ten-thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum, and dozens of rare medicinal herbs. It can detoxify all kinds of poisons and protect against miasma and poisonous insects!
"I've heard Yunjiang is a very strange place, full of malaria and poisonous insects. You have to be extra careful with the things they bring! Everyone, eat it quickly! Don't complain about the bitterness! Good medicine tastes bitter but it's good for the disease!"
Naturally, what she said was a temporary excuse of "Baicaodan" just to make everyone take the crucial Wandubujin Pill with a legitimate reason.
The serious look on her face as she emphasized the preciousness of the medicinal herbs, coupled with her innocent and anxious eyes, would have been almost flawless if she hadn't known the inside story.
[Eat it quickly! What are you waiting for?! Tongzi's products must be top-notch! Once you eat this, you won't be afraid of those damn poisonous insects anymore! This is life-saving stuff!]
Her inner voice, with its undisguised eagerness and blind trust in her "Tongzi", clearly struck the heartstrings of those who knew the situation in the silent warm room.
Emperor Nangong Yu was the first to open the jade bottle and pour out a longan-sized, crystal-white pill that exuded a strange fragrance.
The aroma wasn't overpowering, but it instantly lifted his spirits, as if even the air itself had been freshened. Without hesitation, he tilted his head back and swallowed the pill, his movements quick and decisive, displaying the decisiveness of an emperor.
The pill melted in his mouth, and a gentle yet abundant warm current instantly flowed through his limbs and bones, dispelling the last trace of haze caused by conspiracy in his heart.
The Queen, the Crown Prince, Nangong Ye, and the Dongfang father and son followed closely behind, swallowing the pills without hesitation.
Old man Dongfang Yanru looked at the priceless white jade bottle and the pill emitting a refreshing aura in his hand, and then thought that this was the life-saving pill that his youngest daughter had obtained with great difficulty. He felt mixed emotions, including surprise at his daughter's ability, as well as pride and fear as a father.
He swallowed the pill solemnly, and the warm current flowed through him, as if injecting vitality into his aging body.
"The rest,"
Dongfang Yuning stuffed the remaining jade bottles into his father Dongfang Yanru's hands. His face was serious and almost stiff, and his tone was firm and decisive, with an implication that no one could refute.
"Dad, you must personally watch Mom take this pill immediately! And Third Brother! No matter what huge business deal he's discussing at the ends of the earth, immediately! Right now! Send a pigeon!
"Eight hundred miles, hurry! Catch him and eat him! Tell him that this is what Yuning said. If he doesn't eat me, he will never recognize me as his sister again, and he will never enter the Dongfang family again! This is a life-saving thing! It is ten thousand times more important than his mountains of gold and silver!"
She even waved her fist to emphasize the seriousness of the matter.
Dongfang Yanru felt the jade bottle in his hand weigh over a thousand pounds. Looking at the undeniable seriousness and hidden fear in his little daughter's eyes, the last shred of doubt in his heart vanished.
He gripped the jade bottle tightly, his gray beard trembling slightly with excitement, and said in a deep voice:
"Ning'er, don't worry! Your father won't have to worry! This concerns your mother and your third brother's life. Even if I have to tie him up, your father will definitely bring him back to take the medicine!"
A fierce look flashed in the old man's eyes. At this moment, the family business and business ambitions all took a back seat in front of the lives of his entire family!
Seeing that all the core members had taken the pills, Dongfang Yuning's tense shoulders finally relaxed. He let out a long, silent sigh, and a relieved smile appeared on his little face.
[All members' protection buffs are maxed out! Done! Safe!]
Her voice was filled with the relief of having accomplished a great task.
[Next, it's time for this princess to show off her skills! Hey, Jinse, right? Watch how this princess uses 'holy water' to give you a gorgeous 'apparition'! You'll know why the flowers are so red! If you dare to have any ideas about my sister, this princess will turn you into a 'saint' (leftover woman)!]
The eagerness to try and the mischievous excitement in the voices made those who knew about it laugh and feel nervous at the same time.
Emperor Nangong Yu heard her plan clearly, and a cold light flashed in his eyes, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath: "Issue an order to hold a banquet in Linde Hall tomorrow to entertain Prince Yunjiang and Princess Jinse! The Ministry of Rites will start immediately, and it must be 'grand'!" The word "grand" was emphasized with a cold irony.
"Prince Yong!" Nangong Yu turned his gaze to Nangong Ye.
"Your younger brother is here!" Nangong Ye took a step forward, his dark python robe making his figure look even taller and more upright, like a sharp blade about to go into battle.
"You are fully responsible for the guarding of Fengyi Palace and the Eastern Palace. Immediately mobilize the most elite forces of the Shadow Guards, secretly deploy defenses, and make sure there are no leaks! Make sure the Queen, the Crown Prince, and Princess Fuxing are safe! If anything goes wrong..." The emperor's order was iron-blooded and ruthless, and the unfinished words were filled with cold murderous intent.
"As ordered! Don't worry, my royal brother," Nangong Ye's voice was as steady as a rock, with absolute confidence and strength. When his eyes fell on Dongfang Yuning beside him, his will to protect her was indestructible, like the most majestic mountain. "With your humble servant here, no one can hurt Ning'er... and the Empress Dowager and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in the slightest." He paused deliberately, putting "Ning'er" first, and his intentions were obvious.
"Dongfang Qing!" Nangong Yu's gaze turned to Dongfang Yanru again.
"I'm here!" Dongfang Yanru bowed.
"Contact all our hidden contacts in Yunjiang and mobilize all our resources to begin collecting evidence of Jin Mochen's crimes over the years: collusion with foreign nations, oppression of border residents, embezzlement of military funds... All evidence must be compiled! This will allow us to announce our actions to the world and justify our actions!"
The emperor was well versed in the art of eradicating the problem at its roots. He not only killed the people, but also destroyed their hearts and families to prevent future troubles.
"Yes! I'll do it immediately!" Dongfang Yanru's eyes flashed, and he took the order and left. At this moment, the heart of this great scholar no longer had any elegance, only cold calculations against the enemy.
The secret meeting ended, and a heavy, solemn atmosphere permeated the air. Dongfang Yuning was left behind to "accompany" the Queen, but in reality, she was being protected in the safest core of Fengyi Palace.
Nangong Ye acted decisively, immediately deploying guards and dispatching shadow guards. Invisible iron walls were quietly erected within the palace.
Emperor Nangong Yu secretly summoned his trusted secret guard commander, and issued orders like an invisible spider web outside the palace:
"Retrieve Princess Nangong Yue (Yueji Pavilion) immediately!"
"Find the Fifth Prince, Nangong Yijun (Women's College Supervisor's Office)!"
"Find the Sixth Prince Nangong Lintian (New Hospital Construction Site Supervisor Office)!"
"Bring him into the palace secretly. Do not alert anyone, especially Princess Fuxing! Bring him directly to the side hall of Zichen Palace!"
Emergency Recall Outside the Palace
On the bustling Suzaku Street, inside Yueji Pavilion, the most prestigious women's club in the capital, Princess Nangong Yue, dressed in a neat outfit, was arguing with the shopkeeper over the new season's merchandise list, her face flushed.
"We need to increase the production of this Drunken Hibiscus by another 30%! Didn't you see how fiercely those ladies were fighting over it? This is the recipe personally concocted by my aunt... uh, Princess Fuxing! It's her signature product!"
Nangong Yue slammed the table, her eyes wide open.
"Your Highness, it's not that I don't want to, it's just that those main ingredients are really..."
The shopkeeper explained with a bitter face.
At this moment, a man dressed in ordinary guard uniform, but with a deep and solemn aura, appeared silently beside Nangong Yue and whispered a few words.
The expression of dispute on Nangong Yue's face froze instantly, turning into surprise, and then solemnity. Without saying a word, she slapped the list into the shopkeeper's arms:
"Do as I say! I have urgent business to return to the palace!"
Before he finished speaking, he rushed out of Yueji Pavilion like a gust of wind, and his bright red riding clothes were particularly eye-catching in the crowd.
Meanwhile, at a corner of the Women's Medical College construction site, the Fifth Prince, Nangong Yijun, though only sixteen years old, had already begun to develop a calm demeanor.
He was wearing a dark blue brocade robe that was easy to move in and was slightly covered in dust. He was reviewing the blueprints with the person in charge and a female medical officer sent by the Ministry of Works, carefully checking the lighting and ventilation design of the ward area.
"...The angle of the window here needs to be adjusted half an inch to ensure that the winter sunlight can directly reach the bed, which will benefit the patient's recovery. The slope of the drainage ditch also needs to be rechecked to ensure it is unobstructed..."
Nangong Yijun pointed at the drawings, clearly and logically.
"Your Highness is absolutely right. I will immediately..."
Before the head of the Ministry of Works could finish his words, an equally reserved guard quickly approached and reported in a low voice. Nangong Yijun's gentle face suddenly became stern, and a hint of sternness flashed in his eyes.
He immediately said to the head of the Ministry of Works and the female medical officer:
"We will proceed as agreed upon earlier. Any changes will be recorded and handled upon my return. If there is any emergency, please proceed first."
He moved cleanly and decisively, turning and leaving without a second thought, leaving behind a respectful figure.
At another, even larger construction site, the Renxin General Hospital, where bricks, stones, and timber piled high like mountains, the Sixth Prince, Nangong Lintian, was standing on a high scaffolding, frowning as he watched the pouring of a foundation below.
He was wearing short tights that were convenient for climbing, and he had a nimble figure. Between his brows was the sharpness unique to young people and a hint of ruthlessness that was hard to detect.
"Your Highness, the depth of the foundation here seems to be half a foot shallower than the blueprint requires. I'm afraid it will affect the load-bearing capacity..."
An experienced old craftsman nearby said worriedly.
Nangong Lintian narrowed his eyes, estimated it, and said coldly:
"Stop! Stop work immediately! Where is the supervisor? Check for me! Is there a mistake in the drawings or is someone cutting corners? Find out and punish them severely!"
His voice was quiet, but it carried an undeniable pressure. The supervisory official below shuddered with fear and quickly responded.
At this moment, a guard climbed up the scaffolding as nimbly as a civet cat and whispered a few words in his ear.
Nangong Lintian's pupils shrank slightly, and he clenched his fists violently, his knuckles turning white. He took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent emotions, and said to the old craftsman and the supervisor:
"Follow the rules! No more construction is allowed here until I return!"
After saying that, he grabbed the rope beside him, slid to the ground with a few quick steps, jumped onto the horse led by the guards, and galloped towards the palace, his movements as swift as a leopard.
The Second Core Batch of the Purple Palace Side Hall
In the side hall of the Purple Palace, the atmosphere was even more oppressive than in the warm room of the Phoenix Palace. Emperor Nangong Yu sat in the main seat, while Nangong Ye stood beside him, like a silent blade.
Nangong Yue, Nangong Yijun and Nangong Lintian were quickly brought in, their faces still showing the haste and confusion of having rushed back from outside the palace.
"Father? Uncle? What happened? Why are you so anxious..."
Nangong Yue was the most impatient and spoke first.
Nangong Yu raised his hand to stop her from speaking. His eyes were like lightning as he swept over his three children. His voice was as solemn as iron:
"Calling you back is a matter of national security, the lives of the Queen and the Crown Prince, and even the lives of the entire Nangong royal family and the Dongfang family!"
This sentence exploded like thunder in the ears of the three people! Even Nangong Yijun and Nangong Lintian, who had initially appeared calm, changed their expressions in an instant. Nangong Yue even covered her mouth, her eyes wide open.
The emperor spoke succinctly, omitting the most bizarre source of "inner voice" and only conveying the core information:
"Yunjiang Prince Jin Mochen brought his daughter Jinse to the capital with ulterior motives. They carried the highly poisonous 'Heart-Eating Gu' with them, intending to murder the Empress and Crown Prince and overthrow our dynasty! The evidence is irrefutable!"
"What?!"
Nangong Yue's eyebrows instantly turned upside down, and she was furious.
“They dare!”
She suddenly looked at Nangong Ye,
"Uncle! Why don't you just capture that thief father and daughter and chop them into pieces?!"
A terrifying cold light flashed in Nangong Yijun and Nangong Lintian's eyes, their fists clenched tightly, and murderous intent filled their eyes. Anyone who dared to touch their mother and brother would seek death!
"The time has not come yet."
Nangong Ye spoke in a cold voice, his voice like the friction of metal.
"We need to catch the perpetrators red-handed, and we must also eradicate the root of the problem and prevent future troubles! Tomorrow's banquet at Linde Hall will be the time to close the net."
"Then the Queen Mother and the Crown Prince..."
Nangong Yijun said anxiously.
"We have a foolproof plan."
Nangong Yu interrupted him and picked up three white jade bottles from the imperial table that were exactly the same as the ones Dongfang Yuning had used before.
"This is the 'Hundred Herbs Poison Avoidance Pill' that Fuxing Princess Dongfang Yuning painstakingly found. It can cure all poisons and specifically defeat poisonous insects. Take it immediately, without any mistakes! This is a life-saving drug!"
The emperor's tone left no room for doubt, and he directly attributed the pill to Dongfang Yuning's credit, which not only protected the secret of Xin Sheng but also emphasized the preciousness and necessity of this item.
The three of them looked at the white pill and thought of their aunt Dongfang Yuning's endless wonderful ideas and good things. Although they were still worried, they did not have too many doubts about the efficacy of the pill.
Especially when my father and uncle are so serious about it.
"Thank you, Father! Thank you, Aunt!"
Without hesitation, the three of them took the jade bottle, uncorked it, and swallowed the pill. As the medicine took effect, a gentle yet powerful warmth flowed through their bodies, bringing an inexplicable sense of security.
At this moment, all their business ambitions and the college hospital project were thrown out of their minds! Now, they had only one identity—descendants of the Nangong royal family! They stood united against the outside world!
Want to kill their loved ones? Then be prepared to be torn to pieces and pulverized into ashes!
"Today's matter is top secret!"
Nangong Yu reiterated, his cold eyes swept over the three of them,
"Everything you know about the source of this elixir, including everything you know about it, will rot in your stomach if you let it out! If you leak even a little bit, it will be considered treason and you will be executed!"
"Your Highness, I will obey His Majesty's command! I will never reveal the secret even if I die!"
The three of them were startled and responded in unison, their voices firm and resolute. They knew full well the weight of the word "punishment" spoken by their father.
The next day, the lights came on. The Linde Hall, symbolizing the highest level of imperial banquets, was now splendid and brightly lit.
Towering golden pillars adorned with coiled dragons and suspended glazed palace lanterns illuminated the hall as bright as day. The melodious sounds of stringed instruments flowed through the air, while palace maids in vibrant garments flitted about, offering delicacies and fine wines. Inside, the hall was filled with the hustle and bustle of wine, creating a scene of prosperity and joy, with both host and guests reveling in the merriment of singing and dancing.
Emperor Nangong Yu sat high atop the throne, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, his presence imbued with natural majesty. Empress Dongfang Qiwu sat beside him in her lavish attire, wearing a bright red peony-themed palace gown and a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin. She was dignified and gentle, her smile fitting, showing no trace of yesterday's disturbance, save for a subtle hint of coldness deep in her eyes.
The Empress Dowager did not attend, citing her poor health and needing to rest and worship Buddha. Crown Prince Nangong Chengqian sat below the Emperor, the young heir apparent possessing a composed demeanor and a calm gaze.
The eldest princess, Nangong Yue, sat below the queen, dressed in a crimson palace dress, looking radiant and gorgeous. She only occasionally glanced across the center of the hall with an undisguised look of disgust.
Prince Yong, Nangong Ye, sat opposite the Crown Prince. His dark dragon robe made him look even more stern, like a dormant beast. Dongfang Yanru, Dongfang Liezheng, and Dongfang Qichen, father and son, along with several trusted ministers and elders, flanked him on either side.
The fifth prince Nangong Yijun and the sixth prince Nangong Lintian, although only sixteen years old, have already shed their boyish innocence. They are dressed in the prince's regular clothes and sit slightly below the crown prince.
The two men had calm expressions and eyes as sharp as hawks as they observed the entire scene calmly. They no longer looked like the gentle or stern teenagers who supervised the construction site yesterday. At this moment, they exuded the pressure and cold scrutiny of the royal family.
They knew that this banquet was a Hongmen Banquet and a Shura battlefield!
Everyone's gaze, whether they were aware of the situation or not, was focused with subtle scrutiny and cold anticipation on the father and daughter who had just stood up after performing the ceremony in the center of the hall.
Jin Mochen, the King of Yunjiang, was about forty years old, with a burly build and a dark and rough complexion, which was obviously caused by the long-term wind and sand at the border.
He was wearing a gorgeous royal robe with an exotic Yunjiang style, embroidered with totems of ferocious beasts in gold thread, a thick gold collar around his neck, a hooked nose, and sharp eyes with a hint of arrogance and wildness that was hard to conceal, like a tiger breaking into a magnificent palace.
The woman next to him is the key to this journey - Princess Jinse.
Princess Jinse was indeed extremely charming and alluring. She wore a fiery red, exotic dance dress, intricately patterned with gold and silver threads, which tightly wrapped around her graceful and exquisite figure, revealing her shoulders as white as snow and a small part of her slender waist.
Her eyebrows and eyes are picturesque, and her eyes seem to carry invisible hooks that can easily tug at one's heartstrings. Her red lips are plump and slightly upturned, with a faint, alluring smile.
Her whole body exudes a strong and aggressive charm, like a poppy blooming in the dark night with fatal temptation.
As soon as she appeared, the gazes of many young officials and royal family members who were unaware of the inside story were involuntarily drawn to her. Even the melodious sound of stringed instruments seemed to pause for a moment because of her stunning beauty.
However, in the eyes of the emperor, Nangong Ye, the Dongfang family and others who knew the inside story, this breathtaking beauty was like arsenic wrapped in honey, carrying a disgusting and deadly danger!
"Your Majesty, your servant Jin Mochen (your servant Jinse) bows and thanks you for your grace! Long live Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!" King Yunjiang's voice was loud and rough, with the unique heroism (or rudeness) of the frontier.
Princess Jinse bowed gracefully, her posture graceful, her voice soft and charming, with a little hook:
"Jinse pays respect to His Majesty, the Empress. May His Majesty and the Empress enjoy a long and healthy life, and may their holy bodies rest in peace forever."
She raised her stunningly beautiful face and swept her gaze boldly and passionately over the emperor on the throne. Her eyes were filled with undisguised admiration and an ambition to win.
[Here we come! The protagonist of the melon field has finally appeared! Tongzi! Quick! Start digging! This princess's forty-meter-long sword... oh no, this princess's 'holy water' is thirsty for it!]
Dongfang Yuning sat not far below Nangong Ye, in an excellent position with a wide view. She suppressed her inner excitement, picked up the fruit wine in front of her and pretended to sip it, but in fact her eyes were shining like searchlights, and she was frantically @system118 in her mind.
[Ding! Host, host! Big melon! Guaranteed to be cooked and authentic! A melon so big it will shake the heavens and make the gods weep!]
The electronic sound of System 118 instantly became excited, as if it had been injected with chicken blood.
[Deep scan of Yunjiang Wang Jinmochen's core secrets loaded! Host, please hold on tight and fasten your seatbelts—this old Deng, he! Has! No! Reproductive! A! Genuine! Eunuch! A mere decoration! All good for show but no use! His thing is just a decorative item!]
The system never stops talking until it shocks people, and the first sentence is the king bomb!
"puff--!"
“Cough cough cough…”
Several suppressed coughs and spurting sounds instantly rang out in the hall! These were the sounds of several unaware old ministers and royal family members. They were caught off guard by this sudden and bizarre "voice" (which they had simply dismissed as their own imagination or hallucinations)!
Dongfang Liezheng pinched his thigh hard to stop himself from laughing, his face flushing red. The emperor remained expressionless, only tightening his grip on the wine glass slightly.
Nangong Ye lowered his eyes and played with the jade cup in his hand, a trace of extremely cold mockery on the corner of his mouth. Princess Nangong Yue rolled her eyes elegantly, covered her mouth with her sleeve, and shrugged her shoulders suspiciously.
The fifth prince Nangong Yijun and the sixth prince Nangong Lintian held up their wine glasses expressionlessly to cover up their emotions, but the muscles at the corners of their mouths twitched uncontrollably.
【What?! Eunuch?!】
Dongfang Yuning's voice rose an octave, filled with incredible excitement, as if he had discovered a new world.
[Then...then what about this enchanting looking Princess Jinse...?]
Her eyes looking at Jinse were instantly filled with "curiosity for knowledge".
[Good question, host! More explosive, more shocking, and more green is coming!]
System 118's voice was filled with extreme contempt and excitement of having eaten a big melon.
[This Princess Jinse is not! At all! The child of that old cuckold Jin Mochen! She is the product of a secret affair between his seemingly dignified and virtuous but actually flirtatious princess and the head of his most trusted and most powerful secret guards!]
Jin Mochen has been wearing this green hat so tightly, it's been glittering for over a decade! He's still been kept in the dark, treated like a precious child! Hahaha! He's the undisputed Cuckold King of the Year! I'm dying of laughter!
The system's electronic sound trembled with laughter, full of gloating.
[Holy crap! This is the most outrageous ethical drama of the year!]
Dongfang Yuning's eyes lit up when he heard this, and his soul of gossip burned fiercely.
What about Jinse? She walks like a water snake, and her eyes are like hooks. She's not a good person, is she? She seems even more sinister than her 'fake dad'!
She grasped the point sharply.
[She's not just a bad bird! She's a complete scum among birds! She's like mud in a pond! Even the maggots in a stinking sewer are cleaner than her!]
System 118's disdain was almost overwhelming.
[This Princess Jinse grew up in a twisted environment with that adulterous couple and her eunuch 'father'. Her psychology has long been perverted beyond measure!
Relying on her beauty and her unorthodox witchcraft, she played with all sorts of extravagance! She had the pleasure of having sex with almost every one of the young, strong, and attractive secret guards in the Yunjiang Palace!
She calls it practicing the yin and yang harmony and feeding the poison with her body, but in fact it is just to satisfy her greedy, dirty and perverted desires!
Her body had long been hollowed out by the poisonous insects and promiscuity, rotten inside! Stinking! Now she looked bright and beautiful, exuding a seductive and alluring aura, but that was all because of the innate beauty poison in her body!
They force her to hold her breath, creating an illusion! In essence, she is just a rotten flesh pustule in a beautiful woman's skin!
The system revealed the bloody truth in the harshest language, which made Dongfang Yuning feel nauseous.
[As long as we destroy the core Gu King...]
Dongfang Yuning's inner voice contained a devilish whisper and a hint of expectation.
[That's right! Host, you've revealed the truth!]
System 118 responded excitedly,
"As long as the natal Gu King, the core of her power, the source of her beauty, and the support of her life, is destroyed, it will be like pulling out the only pillar of a rotten house! She will be immediately reduced to her original form!"
What about stunning beauty? What about alluring charm? All that bullshit! The enchanting insect will instantly turn against its owner, draining every last bit of her essence and blood!
She would become emaciated at a speed visible to the naked eye, her skin loosening like rotting orange peel, festering, and oozing pus! Her entire body would emit a stench a hundred times more foul than that of the corpses in a mass grave!
Worse than the dirtiest and most despicable beggar woman! Falling straight from the clouds into the swampy mud at the bottom of the Eighteen Levels of Hell! Never to be reborn!]
The description of the system is vivid and full of malicious pleasure.
[Wow! This is so exciting! The effect is comparable to biological weapons!]
Dongfang Yuning was so excited that he almost jumped up from the table.
How do I kill her? Use that All-Poison Immunity Pill from yesterday? Just stuff it in her mouth?
[No, no, no! Host, you are too simple and crude! ]
System 118 said in a tone of "You are still too young",
Feed her? She's as smart as a ghost, how could she possibly eat something of unknown origin?
Moreover, the pill was too powerful and overbearing. If she took it directly, the Gu King would dissolve instantly, but her body, which was hollowed out by the Gu worms, would not be able to withstand it and would turn into pus along with it. How boring would that be?
Death is such a joy! What we want is for her to be exposed! To be ruined! To fall from heaven to hell in public, to endure endless fear and humiliation! A life worse than death!]
The system is full of extreme evil.
[Then... use the spiritual spring water that melted the pills?]
Dongfang Yuning asked, with a cunning light flashing in his fox-like eyes.
【Bingo! Host, you are such a clever little ghost! You figured it out right away!】
System 118 emits an electronic sound of approval,
[It's that pot of spiritual spring water infused with the essence of the Myriad Poisons Immunity Pill! It's harmless to ordinary people, and can even strengthen the body and prolong life. But to this devious and insidious Benming Gu King, it's as toxic as concentrated sulfuric acid! It's a magic mirror! It's the ultimate purifying holy light!]
The system became more and more excited.
[Host, you just need to find an opportunity to pour this water on her! Not much, just one cup will be enough! The effect...
Tsk tsk tsk, it's definitely as scary as Sadako crawling out of the TV! No! It's a hundred times more exciting than that!
It's like the filthiest ghost encountering the purest holy water. Smoke sizzles, pus and blood flow, and its true form is revealed! Wahahahahaha~~~~]
The system laughed like a villainous boss.
【Splash her?】
Dongfang Yuning looked at Princess Jinse, who was twisting her slender waist and trying to toast the emperor's brother-in-law with seductive eyes in the center of the hall. A bright and extremely dangerous smile like a little devil appeared on her face.
[This idea... is simply genius! I really like it! Brother-in-law Lao Deng,]
Her thoughts turned to the emperor, full of the meaning of seeking credit.
[As your sister-in-law, I have done my best for my sister, my eldest nephew, and our country!
Please give me a chance quickly so that I can find an opportunity to take action. Give Jinse some holy water and turn her into a leftover woman (rotten leftover meat)!
If you dare to hit on my sister, I will let her know why the flowers are so red!
As if he had heard Dongfang Yuning's inner urging, or perhaps the time was ripe, Emperor Nangong Yu's deep gaze swept across the area below, lingering for a moment on Dongfang Yuning's eager face. Then he spoke loudly, his voice resounding throughout the hall:
"Prince Yunjiang and his daughter have come from afar, exhausted and tired along the way. Their loyalty is commendable. I am deeply pleased! Today, I have specially organized this banquet, firstly to welcome them and secondly to honor the grace of our Celestial Empire! My dear ministers, let us drink together!"
He raised the golden cup.
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"
All the ministers cheered and raised their glasses.
At this moment when the atmosphere seemed to have reached a small climax, Dongfang Yuning moved!
She immediately picked up the white jade wine glass filled with tea on the table in front of her (she had secretly replaced the tea with spiritual spring water mixed with the Wandu Immunity Pill) and stood up lightly.
Her face instantly transformed into the innocent, hospitable, and worldly-wise Princess Fuxing's mode. Her voice was as clear and sweet as a yellow oriole, echoing clearly throughout the hall.
"King Yunjiang, you must have come all this way! Sister Jinse is a truly divine figure. Yuning fell in love with her the moment she saw her! Sister, it's your first time in the capital. I'd like to offer you a toast! Welcome to the capital! I wish you a happy time in the capital!"
She held the wine glass in her hand and walked briskly, like a happy little deer, towards Princess Jinse. Her smile was bright and innocent, and anyone who saw it would only think it was the warm greeting of an innocent girl.
Princess Jinse was holding a wine glass, preparing to flatter the emperor, when she was interrupted by this little girl with a sweet smile who suddenly appeared. A trace of displeasure at being interrupted and deep contempt flashed across her eyes.
A little girl, still wet behind the ears, is qualified to offer her a toast? But under the watchful eyes of the crowd, especially with the emperor looking at her, she could only maintain a charming smile, pick up the cup of mellow imperial wine on her table, and said softly:
"The princess's sister is so lively and lovely, Jinse..."
She hadn't even finished her words!
"oops--!"
Dongfang Yuning seemed to be tripped by something (perhaps the folds of the carpet, perhaps the hem of the skirt, or perhaps... the air?), and her body staggered extremely realistically, and she accidentally fell towards Princess Jinse!
The white jade wine glass in her hand flew out of her hand as she panicked!
The cup of seemingly clear and harmless spiritual spring water drew a glittering arc in the air, shimmering under the illumination of the palace lanterns. It was like a rain of judgment from heaven, or like a holy light that purifies filth, impartial and precise—
“Crash!”
The clear spiritual spring water was accurately splashed on Jinse's charming face, snow-white neck and the front of her fiery red dance skirt!
[Holy crap! It hit the target! Tongzi, look! His accuracy rivals my third brother's slingshot skills!]
Dongfang Yuning was excited inside, but his face showed a look of "panic".
[Target locked! Spiritual spring water has contacted the Yan Gu core! Countdown: 3-2-1!]
The electronic sound of System 118 suddenly rose in pitch, like someone was removing the fuse of a firework.
At the moment when time froze, the sweet smile on Jinse's face suddenly disappeared.
"ah--!!!"
A shrill, inhuman howl tore through the air! Her skin, soaked by the spring water, instantly became covered in strange red marks, like silk scorched by a branding iron!
【Here it comes! Special effects are online! 】
The system excitedly refreshes the screen,
[The Yan Gu was like a cockroach being boiled in boiling water in the spiritual spring water! It was struggling! It was twitching! It was about to explode!]
[Oh my god! Why does your face look like a rotten orange?]
Dongfang Yuning's pupils trembled as he watched, but he tried hard not to vomit.
[The pus has even flowed onto the necklace! She was even showing off to me yesterday that it was a South China Pearl!]
The next second, an even more horrifying scene unfolded: Jinse's cheeks shriveled and sagged at a speed visible to the naked eye, her originally plump apple muscles collapsed into deep pits, and yellow-green blisters emerged from the layers of wrinkles, bursting at the slightest touch, splashing out a fishy-smelling liquid.
[System, please apply a soft light filter! This scene could be the sequel to The Ring!]
Dongfang Yuning squinted his eyes and took a peek, his fingers unconsciously digging into his sleeves.
[The filter function is in arrears! Host, hold on! Look at her eyes! They're almost bulging out, like an evil deity in a temple!]
The 118 system gloated over the misfortune.
[And my hair! It's as dry and yellow as dried straw. I pull it out in handfuls. It's even worse than the garbled text when my computer freezes!]
Jinse's body shrank rapidly, her once graceful curves shriveling into a withered log. Her fiery red dance dress hung empty, its hem soaked in pus and dark brown. A foul stench of rotting flesh, mold, and insect feces suddenly erupted, instantly overpowering the incense in the hall.
[Ugh—this smell is even stronger than the dregs from the last failed experiment!]
Dongfang Yuning subconsciously hid beside Nangong Ye.
[Tongzi, this spiritual spring water is a biological weapon, right? Even the smell has an offensive effect!]
[This is Yan Gu's final "fragrance" before death! ]
The system laughed so hard that the electronic sound trembled.
[It stole Jinse's rouge and powder while in the palace, and now it's all fermented into poison gas! Good deal! Buy one, get one free attack effects!]
"monster!"
A young eunuch collapsed to the ground in fear, and the hall was immediately in chaos. Jin Mochen looked at his daughter's miserable state, stunned at first, then a flash of madness flashed in his eyes—the conspiracy was exposed, and the only way was to fight to the death! He suddenly drew his scimitar from his side and roared as he lunged at the nearest Fifth Prince, Nangong Yijun:
"Die together!"
[Huh? This old eunuch wants to take the blame?]
Dongfang Yuning raised his eyebrows.
[His knife is so rusty it could be considered an antique, right? Can it possibly cut through the Fifth Prince's brocade robe?]
[Jin Mochen's force value detected: 5 (maximum value 100), weapon durability: 3% (on the verge of breaking)]
The system broadcasts in real time,
[Fifth Prince's Force Value: 85! Host, rest assured, the Fifth Prince can break his sword with his bare hands!]
However, before Nangong Yijun could make a move, a dark figure appeared before him like a ghost. Nangong Ye didn't even look at the knife, he just casually raised his hand and grasped the blade with his five fingers.
"Crack!" There was a sharp and crisp sound, and the fine steel scimitar was bent by him like noodles!
【!!! Your Highness, has this strength come from practicing Iron Sand Palm?】
Dongfang Yuning's eyes widened.
[If this person were to hold my hand...hiss, would it break?]
【What is the host thinking! 】
System complaints,
[This is a skill exclusive to protecting his wife (in the future)! Look at Jin Mochen's expression, it's like he's seen a ghost—he's probably never seen anyone bend a scimitar with their bare hands!]
Nangong Ye’s other palm was as fast as lightning and hit Jin Mochen’s chest.
"puff--"
The old eunuch flew backwards like a broken sack, hit the palace pillar hard, and fell to the ground without a sound. The clear palm print on his chest was more eye-catching than his royal robe.
【Instant kill! Clean and neat!】
Dongfang Yuning blew a silent whistle,
This move will make the headlines in Beijing! I've even thought of the title: "Prince Yong Slashes the Rebel with His Palm, So Handsome He Has No Friend!"
[Additional title: On the Eunuchs’ Path to Self-Destruction]
118 system last hit,
[Jin Mochen: I should have known better than to act tough. Now my death is so ugly...]
Jin Mochen flew backward like a broken sack! Blood, mixed with fragments of his internal organs, gushed out of his mouth, leaving a gruesome streak of blood in the air! His massive body slammed heavily onto the Panlong Golden Pillar, which was as thick as several people could hold together. A resounding thud, like a drum, rang out, and the solid golden pillar seemed to tremble!
Then, he slid to the ground like mud. The armor on his chest, along with the ribs and internal organs inside, had been deeply dented by the domineering palm, leaving a clear palm print!
Blood instantly soaked through his magnificent royal robes, leaving a glaring scarlet stain on the ground. His limbs twitched a few times before he was completely silent, breathing out but not in. It was clear he was doomed. A generation of heroes, the King of Yunjiang, was killed by a single blow from Nangong Ye!
Nangong Ye didn't even look at Jin Mochen, who was lying in a pool of blood like a dead dog. He didn't even care that when he crushed the scimitar, a few small fragments scratched his black sleeves.
He turned around slowly, and his handsome face still had that calm and cold expression, as if it was not him who had just made the thundering move and instantly destroyed a powerful king of a foreign surname.
His gaze, like precise positioning, immediately passed through the chaotic and frightened crowd and locked onto Dongfang Yuning, who was still standing there, holding the empty wine glass in his hand, with his mouth slightly open, and seemed to be a little dazed by the horrific scene of Princess Jinse's "surrection".
He stretched out his long legs, his steps steady and resolute, advancing towards her. The hem of his dark python robe brushed against the mirror-like golden brick floor, silently yet with a powerful, reassuring presence. Wherever he passed, the chaotic crowd subconsciously made way, like Moses parting the sea.
Nangong Ye paused in front of her. His eyes, as deep as a cold pond, now clearly reflected her dazed face. He pulled out a snow-white, extremely soft, high-quality silk handkerchief from his arms. It had a faint, cool pine scent.
Then, under the gazes of people in the hall who were still in shock, screaming in fear, trembling in awe, or vomiting, he took Dongfang Yuning's little hand which had just been splashed with holy water and was still stained with a little crystal water stain.
His movements formed an extreme and trance-inducing contrast with the thunderous and decisive palm strike just now.
Extremely gentle, slender, strong and bony fingers used the white silk handkerchief to carefully, meticulously and gently wipe each of her slender jade-like fingers.
From the round fingertips, to the slender knuckles, to the warm palms, even the delicate spaces between the fingers were not left out.
His eyes were focused and gentle, his thick eyelashes drooping down cast a faint shadow on his perfect cheeks like cold jade, and his concentrated expression was to wipe this little hand clean.
[Aye's hands...are so warm. My heartbeat...is so fast...]
Dongfang Yuning's heartbeat suddenly felt like a rabbit in his chest, pounding.
[Tongzi! Are my hands a little sweaty? Is that embarrassing?]
[Host's heart rate detected: 150 beats/minute, cheek temperature: 38°C (slightly hot)]
118 system smirked,
[Don't worry, the prince only saw your hands and didn't see your face, which was as red as a ripe cherry! He wiped them carefully, even more carefully than he wiped his sword!]
He raised his hand and naturally tidied up a strand of her hair that was slightly messy due to her stumbling just now. His fingertips, which were covered with light calluses, gently stroked her smooth and delicate cheek, bringing a subtle, heart-pounding tremor.
The voice was low and pleasant, like the sound of the finest guqin, with a soothing magic that reached her ears clearly:
"Ning'er, you did a great job."
The tone was so gentle, as if praising a child who had just learned to walk and bravely took the first step, full of undisguised pampering and pride.
However, just as his gentle voice fell, when his gaze, which was enough to melt the ice and was fixed on Dongfang Yuning, moved away from her pretty face and turned to the "thing" (Princess Jinse) on the ground that was emitting a strong stench and was still twitching and wailing, and Jin Mochen who was lying like a dead dog in a pool of blood——
That look instantly transformed from the warm sunshine of spring to the cold ice of the underworld!
Sharp! Cold! Merciless!
Filled with the indifference of looking down on ants and a chilling murderous intent! Like a high and mighty god, overlooking the filth and garbage that urgently needs to be cleaned up!
He didn't even take a second look, as if the filthy and disgusting scene would be a blasphemy to his eyes if he looked at it any longer.
He took Dongfang Yuning's slightly cold little hand again, wrapped it tightly with his warm and dry big palm, protected her in the shadow of his tall figure beside him, and used his body and breath to isolate her from the disgusting stench and horrific sight.
Then, he raised his eyes, which were tempered by ten thousand years of ice and without a trace of human emotion, and looked at his brother, the emperor, who was sitting on the throne. His face was as gloomy as water and his eyes were filled with cold murderous intent.
His voice had returned to its usual cold and steady tone, yet it carried the clang of metal and iron, and an undeniable iron-blooded tone. It resounded clearly throughout the Linde Hall, where silence reigned, with only the faint wails of Princess Jinse audible:
"Royal brother, Prince Jin Mochen of Yunjiang and his daughter Jinse used sorcery and poison to enter the palace, plotting to murder the Empress and the Crown Prince, and to overthrow the country! Now their shameful deeds have been exposed, and the evidence is irrefutable. They must be executed! Their entire clan... must be exterminated! As a warning to others! I request your permission to immediately dispatch troops to Yunjiang, confiscate the Prince's residence, and exterminate any remaining criminals! No one of the Jin clan's bloodline or their followers... shall be spared!"
[Great! Keeping this kind of family alive is a waste of food!]
Dongfang Yuning patted her chest.
[Tongzi, what other dirty laundry is there about the Yunjiang Palace? Reveal it all at once and let me have some fun!]
【Just found! 】
The system pulls out the records.
Jin Mochen secretly hid a box of fake pearls under his bed, hoping to pass them off as tribute and defraud the emperor of his reward. Jinse's pet snake once stole bird's nest from the palace and defecated in Jinse's rouge box—no wonder her rouge always had a strange smell!
【Ha ha ha ha! 】
Dongfang Yuning's shoulders were shaking from trying to hold back his laughter.
[Wouldn't a lot of junk be found during a house search? It's hilarious just thinking about it!]
Emperor Nangong Yu approved the request in a deep voice: "Approved! Execute immediately! Kill without mercy!"
The hall was dead silent, with only Jinse's faint wails and the pervasive stench.
Dongfang Yuning was protected by Nangong Ye. As he watched the farce come to an end, he suddenly poked the system: "Tongzi, next time there is a mission like this, can you give me a discount? The things inside you are very valuable!"
【Host, rest assured! 】
The 118 system patted its chest,
[Next promotion! Buy the Bug Killer Gift Pack and get a free trial of the Unlucky Charm! Guaranteed to let you use the least points to defeat the most ruthless villains!]
【That’s more like it! 】
Dongfang Yuning secretly raised his eyes and looked at Nangong Ye who was standing tall beside him. The little abacus in his heart was crackling.
[Next time I try to cheat someone, I'll have to drag Brother Aye along—he's great at fighting, and he can even help me wipe my hands!]
System: [...Host, is your focus off?]
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