Chapter 27 Hypnotic Awakening

ows and eyes, but instead, there were glimmers of refined light between them. His eyes involuntarily narrowed slightly."Alright, don't look at me like that; it's kind of scary. I promise not to talk o...Chapter 27 Hypnotic Awakening

"Ouch," Yun Qianyue winced as she opened her eyes, only to see Nan Lingrui's fierce gaze. She frowned and wrapped her arms around his neck, softly calling out, "Brother!"

Nan Lingrui immediately relaxed his grip but quickly stiffened again, grumbling, "Why are you just now here And you were sleeping in someone else’s car You really aren’t afraid of death."

"I climbed over the mountains all night and this was as fast as I could manage. This young master feared that I couldn't enter the city gates and kindly gave me a ride." Yun Qianyue, still clinging to his neck, complained sweetly, "I’m so tired; please carry me somewhere where I can sleep."

Nan Lingrui carried Yun Qianyue out of the carriage but did not immediately enter the estate. Instead, he glanced sideways at the young man and said sarcastically, "When did our great general become such a kind soul Could it be that you’ve taken a fancy to my little sister"

The young man looked expressionless as he glanced at Yun Qianyue who was comfortably resting in Nan Lingrui’s arms with her eyes closed. He raised an eyebrow coldly, "The emperor has many princesses and even I know them all; how come Prince Taizi has such a sister Please enlighten me."

"Isn’t it possible to form a brotherhood of sworn brothers" Nan Lingrui arched his eyebrows in return, his tone harsh.

"Oh, so you formed a brotherhood. Your Highness Prince Taizi has countless women all over the world; adding another woman as your sister is nothing unusual." The young man sneered and pulled down the curtain with one hand, instructing, "Ling Mo, drive on!"

"I’m better than you, a little devil who lives off blood-sucking, despite having countless women," Nan Lingrui snorted coldly.

The young man suddenly pulled up the curtain, his eyes icy. “Nan Lingrui!” he snapped.

Nan Lingrui threw out a sentence as he carried Yun Qianyue towards the estate: "Safe travels! No need to see you off!"

The young man glared at Nan Lingrui’s back for a while before slamming down the curtain in anger, commanding, “Drive on!”

Ling Mo shrank and immediately drove away from Prince Taizi's estate without delay.

Yun Qianyue opened her eyes and asked suspiciously as Nan Lingrui carried her: "That little devil who lives off blood-sucking Is that Gu Shaosheng"

"Dead girl, did you see a handsome guy and climbed onto his carriage" Nan Lingrui pinched Yun Qianyue's ear with annoyance. "Why didn’t he suck your blood then strip your flesh"

Yun Qianyue swatted away his hand irritably, saying, "I thought he was nice; I didn’t think him as bad as you said."

Nan Lingrui glared at Yun Qianyue, "Dead girl, do you find every man good Any handsome guy is good in your eyes, and if they give you a little bit of benefit, you’ll pour out your heart for them."

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes, replying, “Are you sure it’s me”

"If not you, then who Didn't you provoke Shen Zhao just two days ago Where is that kid now Why didn’t you bring him along" Nan Lingrui asked.

Yun Qianyue flipped her eyes. “He went with Feng Jin to the Divine Capital and admires Rong Jing.”

Nan Lingrui snorted, "That foolish Rong Jing couldn’t even keep an eye on you despite sending so many people; he just lets you provoke romantic trouble."

Yun Qianyue punched Nan Lingrui and shouted angrily, “What nonsense are you spouting I’m a decent person with only eyes for him. How can I be provoking romance Shen Zhao is a gentleman who follows the rules of propriety. Gu Shaosheng was just being kind to me. What’s wrong with your mind and thoughts Utter nonsense.”

"Stinking brat! Now you’re trying to give lectures" Nan Lingrui smacked Yun Qianyue on her head, "Who else would provoke romantic trouble if not you So coincidentally they all bump into you, huh"

“I have no idea. If it happened, that’s just the way things are,” Yun Qianyue said with a white-eyed look while retorting, “And what about your countless mistresses”

Nan Lingrui suddenly chuckled, "My brother here is now reformed!"

"I think you’ve been tamed by someone who hasn’t even been born yet," Yun Qianyue snorted.

"There’s no one around to control me as of yet!" Nan Lingrui said indifferently. Seeing Yun Qianyue about to retort, he preemptively covered her mouth, saying, "I heard you used your soul arts; only here are you stubborn. Wait and see how Rong Jing will discipline you when we get back!"

Yun Qianyue pursed her lips and fell silent.

Nan Lingrui won the argument verbally but felt uncomfortable inside, “Dead girl, look at your little accomplishments. Are you my sister You’re so afraid of that boy Rong Jing; how embarrassing.”

"I recall you were paralyzed for days after he immobilized you," Yun Qianyue glanced at Nan Lingrui.

Nan Lingrui suddenly lost his voice, grinding his teeth inwardly for a while. He then angrily said: "Are you intentionally coming here to upset me If I had known that you would make me stand at the door in cold wind all night waiting for you, I wouldn’t have come!"

Qianyue Yun also felt it was not very decent and quickly scratched his neck twice. She smiled sweetly as she said: "Good brother, thank you for your hard work. If only I had known that you would endure such hardship waiting for me, why would I have walked on the road or climbed the mountains I should’ve flown here with wings."

Nan Lingrui laughed out loud and gently tapped Qianyue Yun's forehead. His anger instantly dissipated.

"What about mother" Qianyue Yun did not intend to get down and let him hold her as she asked.

"She’s in the palace looking after her brother," Nan Lingrui replied.

"How is Uncle Still unconscious" Qianyue Yun asked again.

"Yes, still unconscious," Nan Lingrui said solemnly. "Mother says that Father planted a hypnotic spell on him which she couldn’t break. Such a hypnotic spell would take forty-nine days to break."

"Have you found out who cast the hypnotic spell" Qianyue Yun asked.

"No!" Nan Lingrui shook his head.

"I know how to cast a hypnotic spell. I don’t know if it would be able to wake him up," Qianyue Yun said.

Nan Lingrui’s eyes lit up suddenly, and he held her tightly and turned around. "Come, let me take you to the palace for a try."

Qianyue Yun nodded. Since she was here anyway, it would be better to resolve the situation with Xiliang as soon as possible. Rong Jing had also said that although King Nanliang’s fainting wouldn’t affect anything at this time, if he stayed unconscious for too long, it would harm the political situation in Nanliang. Even though Chancellor Qin was dead now, Qinyu Ning was still alive and Southern Jiang was not yet stable. Nanliang had always been the support of Southern Jiang, and King Nanliang was the support of Prince Nan Lingrui.

Nan Lingrui held Qianyue Yun and returned to the main gate where he instructed his guards: "Prepare a carriage for us to go to the palace."

A guard hurriedly prepared the carriage.

Qianyue Yun then remembered Gu Shaoqing and said to Nan Lingrui, "Aren’t you at odds with Gu Shaoqing"

Nan Lingrui snorted in response.

"He was appointed as a general when he was ten years old. Now he commands the 300,000 troops of Nanliang. Shouldn’t you support him" Qianyue Yun looked at Nan Lingrui and asked, "How many people are trying to curry favor with him Only you treat him coldly. You really want to be a good prince It’s just that he bit one of your women in the Prince’s residence when he was young. Is it worth holding such a grudge"

"These two things are completely unrelated," Nan Lingrui said with an ugly expression on his face, "It's about a man’s dignity."

Qianyue Yun scolded him: "Prince Rui, you really care about your reputation!"

Nan Lingrui snorted again.

Thinking of the complicated relationships in the Nanliang royal family, Qianyue Yun knew that despite King Nanliang and Southern Jiang’s king being like brothers and having similar temperaments, their descendants were vastly different. The Southern Jiang king had only one daughter, Ye Qian, while King Nanliang had many children. Of course, it was unreasonable to expect everyone in ancient times to be as devoted as her parents, who loved each other exclusively throughout their lives. Therefore, she understood why her uncle, the emperor, didn’t have that kind of devotion either and why he had a harem full of women. As a result, his offspring were numerous—sixteen sons and fifteen daughters, not counting those who died young. Prince Nan Lingrui was the fourth son in line, born to the queen; two other brothers, the Sixth and Tenth Princes, were also from the queen, while the rest were all from concubines.

Gu Shaoqing was a maternal cousin of the royal family because he was the only child of the general who entered the palace when he was young as a daughter of General’s Residence. He addressed the queen as aunt. After his father passed away, Gu Shaoqing, well-versed in military strategy and capable in both literature and martial arts, led an army at the age of ten to pacify Nanliang, earning him high praise from Emperor Nanliang for his bravery and unusual talent. At fifteen years old, he was unprecedentedly appointed as a general, taking over his father’s position. Now, he held thirty thousand troops.

Gu Shaoqing had inherited thirty thousand troops at the tender age of fifteen before reaching adulthood—imagine how many people were trying to win him over! Any person with ambitions for that esteemed throne would be eager to curry favor with him. Five years ago, during a military campaign, he developed an illness which could only be controlled by martial arts but was malevolent in nature. He had to use the blood of women as medicine and suppress it through evil methods; otherwise, his madness would get out of control under a full moon. Legend has it that three years ago, at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, someone tampered with his prepared medicine, causing him to fall into madness and bite a woman nearby on the neck to stop it, earning him the nickname "Bloodsucking General."

The bitten woman was a beauty given by King Nanliang to Prince Nan Lingrui. From then on, they had a grudge against each other.

"Smelly girl, what are you thinking about" Seeing that Qianyue Yun hadn’t spoken for a long while, Nan Lingrui smacked her head again.

"Where did the woman who was bitten by Gu Shaoqing go" asked Qianyue Yun curiously.

“Dead!” When he saw that the carriage had been prepared, Nan Lingrui held Qianyue Yun and got into the carriage.

Qianyue Yun was taken aback. "Dead"

"Yes!" Nan Lingrui’s expression turned bad.

"Did he bite her to death" Qianyue Yun probed further. "Is his mouth poisonous or something

"It's not venomous, but since he didn't die back then and the woman bitten by him is someone this Prince can't have anymore, I naturally offered her to him out of goodwill. Who knew that he wouldn’t accept it, so she ended up hurling herself at a pillar." Nan Lingrui spoke resentfully: "A beauty like her... died just like that..."

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes and interrupted his lamentation, asking, "Where exactly did she bite the woman"

"The hand!"

Yun Qianyue was speechless. "She only bit her on the hand; why would you give her away Why would that lady throw herself at a pillar"

"Filthy brat, there were so many women he didn't bite, but he just had to go for the most beautiful one. I thought he liked her and used it as an excuse to ask me for her, so I gave her away out of convenience. Who knew that he wouldn’t appreciate it" Nan Lingrui angrily said: "What is with his pretense at innocence He will have to take a woman sooner or later anyway; this Prince can only wait until he turns monk."

Yun Qianyue gave him a dig in the ribs and was thoroughly speechless. Three years ago, Gu Shaoqing was only twelve, right And you were already giving women to him! This guy…

"Dead brat, why do you care so much about his affairs" Nan Lingrui looked at Yun Qianyue warily.

“I am worried about your empire,” Yun Qianyue closed her eyes and yawned. "You are just openly bringing me into the palace in the middle of the night, aren’t you afraid that my presence will have an adverse impact on your identity"

"If you can be so open about it, why waste words This Prince having a sister is nothing rare." Nan Lingrui rubbed his chin and said with difficulty: "However, this prince’s sister being as beautiful as she is makes me worry for the South Liang that is full of tigers and wolves!"

“I would be glad enough if I don't get into trouble. What are you worried about” Yun Qianyue mumbled.

"It's not that I'm worried about you, but rather concerned about the harm you might cause others," Nan Lingrui said.

Yun Qianyue was completely speechless. Was this her brother Definitely his real elder brother She kicked him and asked, “Where is Luo Yao”

"She's being a virtuous lady inside the palace!" Nan Lingrui replied.

Yun Qianyue chuckled at that, "Did you win her heart"

Nan Lingrui proudly raised his eyebrows. Seeing Yun Qianyue yawning endlessly, he finally acted like an elder brother and patted her shoulder. "Go to sleep. I'll wake you up when we reach the palace."

Yun Qianyue nodded and adjusted herself into a comfortable position before she fell asleep on Nan Lingrui’s leg.

Nan Lingrui looked at Yun Qianyue, pinched her cheek and grumbled: "I always say that my parents are biased. They only taught you spirit techniques but not me."

Half an hour later, the carriage arrived at the palace gate.

Nan Lingrui woke up Yun Qianyue. When she was awake, they got off the carriage.

Another carriage was parked right outside the palace gates – very familiar to her since Nan Lingrui had brought her out of it earlier that day. She raised an eyebrow and looked at Nan Lingrui. "General really has a lot of privileges. He can enter the palace even in the middle of the night"

"He has many privileges!" Nan Lingrui snorted, tugging Yun Qianyue into the gate as he passed General Ling Mo’s carriage and asked him: “To whom is General summoned”

Ling Mo was surprised to see that Nan Lingrui had brought Yun Qianyue in. He hesitated before answering: "Summoned by the Empress."

"My mother and her relatives are really close," Nan Lingrui left a comment, then walked forward.

Ling Mo did not speak any more.

At the palace gate, the leader of the guards saw that Nan Lingrui entered the palace. He hurriedly opened the gate and looked at Yun Qianyue without questioning her before respectfully allowing them to enter.

The two went in as the gate closed behind them.

Although she had visited South Liang previously, Yun Qianyue had never been inside its imperial palace. It was different from Tian Sheng’s capital which was grand and imposing, or the south borderlands that were mysterious and dark – it was instead a place of pavilions and terraces with palaces and buildings layered upon one another in a graceful manner.

Despite being at night time, the palace was brightly lit inside.

Nan Lingrui led Yun Qianyue straight to the Emperor’s quarters. They didn’t speak as they walked there and arrived at the entrance of the chamber where sounds of conversation could be faintly heard from within. Two familiar voices were in it, one belonging to Gu Shaoqing while the other was Luo Yao's.

"Princely Highness has given instructions that no one is allowed to give the king any medicine when he’s not around," said Luo Yao’s dignified and gentle voice with a hint of sternness.

"I just haven't been back to the capital for months. When did a woman start running things in the emperor's bedchamber" Gu Shaqing's voice was emotionless.

"If General Gu needs to administer medicine to His Majesty, send someone to ask Prince Consort Tai for permission!" Lu Yao seemed not to catch the implication in Gu Shaqing’s words. "In any case, without Prince Consort Tai, this medicine can’t be used on His Majesty."

"Doesn't the Empress's edict work anymore" Gu Shaqing raised an eyebrow.

“The emperor’s life is critical to the Southern Liang Dynasty. With Prince Consort Tai now managing state affairs in his stead, even the Empresses’ edicts must be approved by him.” Lu Yao replied.

"Indeed remarkable, this princess of the Donghai Kingdom. No wonder he emptied the entire palace for you." Gu Shaqing chuckled. “But do you know that another beauty came here tonight He was delighted to carry her into his residence. I wonder if she’s going to replace you tomorrow in this imperial bedchamber.”

Lu Yao fell silent.

Yun Qianyue turned and glanced at Nan Lingrui; a smile played on the corners of his lips, but he had no intention of entering.

"Whether he brings beauties or not is none of my concern. But in any case, tonight, unless Prince Consort Tai is here, General Gu cannot administer this medicine." Lu Yao said coldly.

“Haha… Prince Consort Tai has always been skilled at charming women to be devoted to him.” Gu Shaqing chuckled again and then instructed someone inside the room: "Eunuch Liu, please fetch Prince Consort Tai."

"Yes!" Eunuch Liu immediately responded and ran out. When he saw Nan Lingrui standing by the door, he was taken aback but quickly paid his respects: “Old servant greets Your Highness.”

“No need for formalities!” Only then did Nan Lingrui stride into the room with a smile on his face. He said as he walked in: "General Gu is truly loyal and hardworking, coming to see His Majesty so late at night after just returning to the capital. Even if His Majesty remains unconscious, I believe he must be delighted that he has such a devoted minister."

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes behind Nan Lingrui. Everyone else flattered him but his mouth was as sharp as a knife.

"So this girl came with Your Highness too! When you saw me working hard, did you not see the girl behind you who is so exhausted that she can barely keep her eyes open" Gu Shaqing noted Yun Qianyue standing behind Nan Lingrui and said emotionlessly: "When did Prince Consort Tai stop being a gentleman A palace maid worries for him in the palace, and now he brings another one from afar."

At this moment Lu Yao also saw Yun Qianyue. She stared at her unfamiliar face intently, her expression somewhat cold, eyes cold, and air solemn.

"We’re all family here. It’s me who worries about them when they work hard for the prince. General Gu needn’t worry." Nan Lingrui turned around and pushed Yun Qianyue towards Lu Yao: “Let you two get acquainted.”

Lu Yao's face instantly became even colder.

Yun Qianyue thought to herself, this guy really has an idea! What did he mean by "get acquainted" Although there’s nothing wrong with his words, it does have a different implication. She didn’t want to provoke Lu Yao; she had seen that she had developed some feelings for her “brother”, and this woman was no pushover. She coughed lightly and said slowly: "I am…"

"There’s no need for you to tell me who you are, I’m not interested." Lu Yao interrupted Yun Qianyue, facing Nan Lingrui coldly: “Since Prince Consort Tai is here now, my mission is completed. I’ll be returning first!”

With that said, Lu Yao skirted around Yun Qianyue and walked out in a dignified manner.

Yun Qianyue blinked and turned her head to see only the back of Lu Yao. She hadn't even had time to get a good look at her face; she looked towards Nan Lingrui.

"She’s jealous! Great!" Nan Lingrui suddenly laughed.

Yun Qianyue was speechless and whispered: "Go ahead, but be careful you don’t end up hurting yourself."

"You brat, saying such unkind things! I’ve put in so much effort with her; she’s given me so many cold shoulders. Now that I finally have a chance to turn the tables on her, naturally I want to make her jealous and teach her a lesson," Nan Lingrui scolded.

Suppressing her urge to retort, Yun Qianyue turned around only to see Gu Shaqing looking at her. She smiled at him and waved: “There’s no place we can’t meet! General Gu, we meet again.”

"You look very spirited!" Gu Shaqing raised his eyebrows.

Yun Qianyue was about to speak when Nan Lingrui cut in and pushed her towards the dragon bed: “Why waste words with him Hurry up, see if you can wake up Father.”

Yun Qianyue stumbled a bit before steadying herself; she saw a eunuch standing by the head of the bed and blinked. The eunuch’s eyes shifted, and she approached the bed.

"Prince Consort Tai, what do you mean to do" Gu Shaqing stretched out his arm to攔住Yun Qianyue, raising an eyebrow at Nan Lingrui.

“Father was hypnotized; only she can awaken him. General Gu, don’t you think I’m doing the right thing” Nan Lingrui retorted.

"Prince Consort Tai, do you not feel that your actions are a little authoritarian The emperor’s health is of great importance. Other princes and officials aren't here. Making such a decision alone and bringing anyone to treat His Majesty might not be proper," Gu Shaqing said coldly.

"Didn't you just want to give the medicine to His Majesty" Nan Lingrui glanced at the medicinal package he was holding.

"I struggled to find this medicine, and it can break His Majesty's hypnosis," Gu Shaoqing said. "My loyalty to the Emperor is evident in heaven and earth; does the Crown Prince think that I would harm His Majesty"

"How can your medicine be trusted Who knows if it might turn my father into someone like you, relying on drinking people's blood to survive," Nan Lingrui put up a clearly disbelieving expression.

Gu Shaoqing was immediately furious; his sword flashed out of its scabbard as quickly as lightning and pointed at Nan Lingrui.

Yun Qianmo suddenly reached out to grip Gu Shaoqing's sword, rubbed her forehead and said without addressing him as 'elder brother', "Nan Lingrui, leave now. Gu Shaoqing, stay here; I know a bit about hypnosis. Let me try if I can awaken him first. If I cannot, you should give your medicine to him. After all, my method is harmless to his body, while drugs usually come with side effects."

Gu Shaoqing was taken aback and looked at Yun Qianmo gripping his sword in astonishment; he narrowed his eyes and said emotionally, "So the lady's martial arts are so good."

Yun Qianmo released her grip on the sword and told him, "Since General Gu doesn’t need to remove your sword when entering the Emperor’s chamber, you should guard for me then! If it doesn't work later on, I'll take over and guard for you."

Gu Shaoqing remained silent.

"Are you not going out" Yun Qianmo looked at Nan Lingrui.

"You brat, I am your elder brother; are you forcing me away" Nan Lingrui was annoyed.

"Shall we stop saving him If you don't wish to save him, let's just both leave," Yun Qianmo said.

Nan Lingrui glared at her and flung his sleeve as he walked out. He threw back a remark, "If the two of you can’t awaken him, I will deal with it."

Yun Qianmo didn't look at him anymore but raised an eyebrow to Gu Shaoqing, "What about my proposal"

"How do I know you’re not here to harm His Majesty" Gu Shaoqing stared into Yun Qianmo's eyes.

"Do you think Nan Lingrui would harm the person lying on the Dragon Bed" Yun Qianmo looked into his eyes too and noticed he had extremely beautiful amber-colored eyes. She thought about how terrible of a hidden illness it must be that made him drink women’s blood during every full moon to suppress his wild nature, making him endure people's strange looks with such fortitude. No wonder this fifteen-year-old was so mature; there must have been some hardening of his bones after years of trials.

Gu Shaoqing pursed his lips and nodded slowly after a moment, "I will guard for you then, let’s begin."

Yun Qianmo walked to the Dragon Bed and looked at the person lying there. Although old, he still had a handsome face; probably because Nan Lingrui inherited some of his mother's looks, making him somewhat resemble him. It was said that they were fraternal twins, but clearly, he aged much faster than she did; perhaps this throne chair was too demanding, so it made one age quicker than usual. She observed for a moment and tilted her head to ask Jade Qingqing, who had disguised herself as a eunuch, "Are you sure it’s hypnosis"

Jade Qingqing nodded.

Yun Qianmo concentrated and squatted down to try using hypnosis to awaken him. Normally, hypnosis would make someone immerse in a dream unwillingly to wake up, but she had to inspire his memories and connections to people and things, so he could be pulled back from the dream because of his mind's connection.

Gu Shaoqing glanced at the eunuch, then focused on Yun Qianmo without saying anything.

Yun Qianmo tried several hypnosis techniques but all failed. She frowned and looked at Jade Qingqing; suddenly, a thread of spiritual energy condensed in her fingertips as she lightly tapped the Nan Liang King’s forehead. Using mind transmission technique, she said to him, "Uncle, I am Yun Qianmo here to see you. Please open your eyes and look at me."

The Nan Liang King didn’t respond.

Yun Qianmo silently repeated it twice but still had no effect; she lowered her hand and turned back to Gu Shaoqing, saying, "It doesn't work; you take over!"

Gu Shaoqing nodded and stepped forward.

At this moment, the Nan Liang King suddenly opened his eyes and shouted, “Who is Yun Qianmo”

Yun Qianmo was stunned; Gu Shaoqing paused in his step; Jade Qingqing looked delighted while waiting outside, Nan Lingrui rushed inside. But for a moment, no one spoke as they all watched the awakened Nan Liang King.

The Nan Liang King probably slept too long and initially only opened an eye slit before struggling to fully open them. He looked around and first saw Gu Shaoqing, with a puzzled look he asked, "Shaoqing"

"Your Majesty, you’re awake!" Gu Shaoqing hurriedly answered.

The Nan Liang King's gaze paused on Gu Shaoqing before shifting to Yun Qianmo beside him. He stared at her several times, somewhat puzzled; after a moment, he looked past her towards the rushing in Nan Lingrui and beckoned to him, "Rui, help me up!"

Nan Lingrui hurriedly walked over and helped the Nan Liang King stand up while muttering discontentedly, “You old man, you just kept sleeping endlessly; leaving all these broken state affairs on me. These days have exhausted me...

"How many days have you been sleeping alone" the King of Southern Liang asked.

"Ten days," Nan Lingrui replied.

"It's only ten days, and you're already on the verge of exhaustion from state affairs Look at your lack of accomplishment." The king seemed to want to hit Nan Lingrui. Perhaps he had lain too long and was without strength; he pointed a finger towards Yun Qianyue, "Who is she"

Nan Lingrui's gaze flickered, "She's my sworn sister who woke you up."

Upon hearing this, the King of Southern Liang froze. After a moment, an old eye gathered a bit of light. The expression on his face briefly flashed with something akin to excitement but was promptly restrained. He slowly nodded, "So it is your sworn sister then You look quite appealing."

Yun Qianyue wondered if she was merely appealing then

"Your appearance is good and you have a refined spirit, externally warm and internally virtuous; excellent!" The king looked at Yun Qianyue and said.

Yun Qianyue blinked her eyes. Was Uncle praising her Being outwardly gentle and inwardly virtuous was it Is she like that...

"Today, I just woke up and am very fatigued; there's no time to chat with the young lady right now. Lingrui, take her to rest. Hmm, from what I can see outside it is already late at night so have her stay in the Spirit Palace tonight and we'll talk tomorrow." The king instructed Nan Lingrui.

"Little girl, go to the Spirit Palace yourself! Father King has just woken up and looks weak; I need to ease his muscles for him," said Nan Lingrui as he waved at Yun Qianyue.

"Ridiculous. How can she go alone You escort her! I'm fine, there are many people attending to me; Xiao Liu, you help the king relax his muscles," said the King of Southern Liang as he pointed at Yu Qingqing.

"Yes!" said Yu Qingqing immediately, nodding frantically.

"Since Your Majesty has woken up, I am relieved. Prince Lingrui should be filial to your father king, which is only proper; let me escort this young lady to the Spirit Palace," Gu Shaoqing spoke up at that moment.

Nan Lingrui immediately refuted him, "No need for you to send her off; who knows if you’ll suddenly go berserk and drink her blood" Finished speaking, he said to Yu Qingqing, "Xiao Liu, take her."

Yu Qingqing replied with a "yes!"

The expression on Gu Shaoqing’s face darkened. “Prince Lingrui, rest assured; tonight is not the full moon.”

"That doesn't stop you from going berserk," Nan Lingrui snorted.

Gu Shaoqing was about to explode in anger when the King of Southern Liang suddenly said, "Alright then, let Shaoqing escort her. Lingrui, no more accusations against Shaoqing for this matter; back then he acquired an illness out of necessity to quell chaos and had no choice but to learn evil skills that cause him suffering during full moons – all for the sake of our Southern Liang. If you are going to be prince, act like one and stop holding a grudge against him because of some woman. You lack any backbone!"

Nan Lingrui snorted in response but fell silent.

Gu Shaoqing performed the ritual of departure for the king and glanced at Yun Qianyue before turning around to head out.

Yun Qianyue looked back at Nan Lingrui and Yu Qingqing. One sat motionless, while the other had no intention of escorting her despite standing by. Realizing that neither was fit for their roles, she turned and walked out herself.

Exiting the imperial residence, Gu Shaoqing walked ahead without looking back or speaking.

Yun Qianyue followed behind him while yawning as they walked along. She had been on a long journey and now that she had used her hypnosis technique to wake up the king, it was taking a toll on her body; she felt rather dazed.

The imperial palace was silent except for occasional patrols of the guards.

After walking some distance, Gu Shaoqing suddenly stopped. Yun Qianyue bumped into his back and winced in pain as she stepped backwards to cover her nose while glaring at him, "Why did you stop without warning"

Gu Shaoqing slowly turned around to look at Yun Qianyue with a cold gaze, “I thought Miss Yun Qianyue of the Yun王府 would never set foot in Southern Liang again after causing trouble five years ago! I should drink your blood for making me drink so many women’s blood.” He suddenly grabbed Yun Qianyue's hand and bent down to bite it.

Clearing her throat, how clever this youth is, seeing through Little Yue’s essence...

The ladies who have accumulated votes of the month, roooaaar... Kisses!

I saw everyone's monthly ticket and gem donations and flowers; I love you all! Thank you!姐，老王爺讓您過去他那裡用晚膳。睿太子今日冇有走，還在老王爺處呢！說您辛苦了半日，總也要喝一杯。”“不去！”雲淺月懶洋洋地窩在椅子上。每次孟叔來淺月閣都像是長了一雙腿似的，總是來去匆匆的，真是辛苦啊。“小姐，請您過去吧！老王爺和睿太子還冇有用晚膳，在等著您呢！”雲孟立即說道。“就告訴爺爺我累壞了，不想動。”雲淺月搖頭，非常果斷。她可冇忘記今日在文武大會上的事，恐怕那個糟老頭子正等著教訓她呢！她是瘋...