Chapter 76: The Tiger's Poison Devours Its Father

  After a while, Mr. Zhou couldn't help but turn his head and say: "It's broad daylight, yet he's holding an umbrella; this man is really quite strange!"

  "The world is so big, there's nothing strange that doesn't exist. What more can be said about an extremely handsome man?" Yu Ran said languidly.

  "That man is wearing a butterfly mask, I really can't tell if he's good-looking or not?" Mr. Zhou muttered to himself.

  "A person's beauty can be seen from the temperament that is revealed throughout their entire body."

  Mr. Zhou turned his head and looked back, his eyes gazed at the man's elegant figure walking on the rugged mountain path as if he was walking on flat ground, with a gentle and elegant demeanor, like an extraordinary figure in an ancient painting!

  Mr. Zhou turned around and looked at Yu Ran, "By the way, Mr. Yu, you said that Wen Ren would probably have trouble recently, what's going on?"

  Yu Ran slowly raised her head, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes as she smiled lightly and said: "This person isn't really the true Fifth Prince. He and the current Emperor are actually brothers. Wen Renyi's status is both noble and humble, and now he holds great power over the Dongling Guard, controlling a group of formidable individuals. The current Emperor probably thinks that he has become too powerful, as all rulers throughout history have been extremely suspicious."

  Mr. Zhou took a cold breath and said: "Is this really the case? It seems that the current emperor has been plotting for a long time to eliminate Wen Renyi!"

  Yu Ran smiled and said, "Exactly! It's just that Yu Yi rarely came back in the past, but now that he's back, of course, they won't let go of this opportunity to get rid of this thorn in their side."

  Mr. Zhou took a light breath and couldn't help but shake his head.

  Although he was very familiar with Wen Ren Gongzi, he did not expect that his identity would be so complicated.

  He couldn't help but sigh and say, "It's ironic that Master Wen deliberately avoided bringing a single Dongling guard back with him this time in order to get married as soon as possible. He's really fighting alone!"

  Yu Ran smiled and said, "The current Emperor of Qi is very skilled at controlling power, monopolizing authority, and has a good grasp of the situation. However, it was precisely because he usurped the throne from his father that he sits in this position today. He can be described as 'tiger poison eating father'. Because he himself set a 'good example', now he even guards against each of his own biological sons, let alone Yun Ruoye, who is of the bloodline of the previous emperor. Since he allowed Yun Ruoye to marry a woman, but Yun Ruoye refused, this time it's likely that the other party is taking advantage of this to provoke him!"

  Yes! Going against the will of the gods is a great sin.

  Mr. Zhou was walking with a thoughtful expression when suddenly the sound of horseshoes came from not far away.

  Two horses are coming one after another, even regardless of whether it is suitable for riding or not.

  But ahead of them was a young man dressed in yellow, noble attire, who glanced sideways at Yu Ran and the others with narrowed eyes. He didn't slow down, but instead urged his horse on, causing it to gallop past them quickly, splashing mud everywhere, almost landing on Yu Ran's body. However, this person reined in his horse at a nearby fork in the road and turned back to ask haughtily: "Have you two seen a man carrying an umbrella?"

  Yu Yan filled his ears but didn't hear, pretending he hadn't heard, his gaze lingering on the mountains and waters.

  "Didn't you two hear? His Highness is speaking to you!" said a eunuch beside them in a shrill voice.

  "Oh? So you were talking to me. I thought you hadn't noticed us." Yu Ran intentionally added a hint of sarcasm to her tone.

  "I asked you, have you seen a man holding an umbrella?"

  "I did see it just now." Yu Ran smiled lightly.

  "Which way did he go?" The man's tone was devoid of courtesy.

  "I don't remember." Yu Ran glanced at him sideways, who made him not in a good mood now, but the other party happened to bump into this iron plate.

  "How dare you, a mere commoner, respond in such a manner to the Third Prince's inquiry!" The eunuch again shrilly and thinly accused Yu Ran.

  "Unfortunately, I've always been quite bold." Yu Ran stroked the flower branch beside her, gazing at the two of them with a nonchalant expression.

  "Dare..." The eunuch was about to speak when he was stopped by a man beside him who stretched out his hand.

  "This young master, I am the third prince of the state of Qi. We are looking for a man who is good at playing the pipa. This matter is of great importance, so please give me some face and tell me where he is." The refined-looking man spoke politely, but Mr. Zhou noticed that although this person looked elegant and refined, his temperament lacked a bit of elegance and had a somewhat pretentious air about him, which showed that he had always been pampered and was used to being treated as superior.

  Yu Ran usually paid great attention to his attire, but he was in a hurry to find Su Mo and arrived dusty and disheveled. The Third Prince's gaze swept over Yu Ran, and with just one glance, he thought that the other party was just an ordinary noble son and didn't pay much attention to him. Although his tone was polite, his eyes were still extremely arrogant, and he even introduced himself as the Third Prince, letting the other person know of his own esteemed status.

  "I remembered, that man went that way." Yu Ran casually pointed in a wrong direction.

  "Cough..." Mr. Zhou knew that the young master was up to no good again.

  "Thank you." The third prince and the eunuch immediately galloped away quickly.

  "Say, why is Lord Dye dissatisfied with the Third Prince?" Mr. Zhou couldn't help but ask.

  "It's because of Yaoni." Yu Ran said calmly.

  "Miss Yao? Why?"

  "You don't know, but before the Evil Island, there were rumors that this man was the Youji of the Youji girl, and later she was sent to the Evil Island by the Empress."

  "Ah! So fierce? She actually escaped!" Mr. Zhou didn't expect Su Mo to have such a move.

  "In short, that woman is really restless. However, as long as a man has had an affair with the enchantress, I will not let him off lightly." Yu Ran suddenly snapped off the most charming flower branch in front of her and said coldly.

  Mr. Zhou hastily wiped his sweat and asked, "However, the Third Prince was just looking for that handsome man with an umbrella, I wonder who he is?"

  Yu Ran furrowed her brow, "If I'm not mistaken, it should be Shi Yun."

  "What's a Shī Yuàn? Never heard of it!"

  "I recall an elder once mentioning the legend of Shi Jian, the greatest genius in the world. This story probably took place about a hundred years ago, during a time of great turmoil, when he built a mechanical city to protect his people. It's said that he always carried an umbrella with him, but there is no record of this in historical accounts."

  "I thought he looked like someone in his twenties? How could he be a figure from over a hundred years ago?"

  "In short, isn't this person an extraordinary being?"

  Mr. Zhou scratched his head, showing extreme puzzlement.

  ……

  In the grand and majestic side hall, the light shines on the twelve giant pillars, making everyone seem so small and insignificant.

  The Emperor stormed into the grand hall from the imperial study, his eyes scanning the princes.

  His gaze was piercing, and in an instant, the grand hall fell silent, with no sound of even a crow or sparrow.

  "All of you kneel down, you're all useless things, a bunch of useless things."

  All the princes immediately knelt down in fear, their eyes not daring to look at Emperor Qi.

  Many eunuchs had followed Emperor Qi for many years and rarely saw Emperor Qi's anger shift to the numerous imperial princes.

  "Yesterday, the national teacher observed the celestial phenomena at night and now the whole state of Qi is in a state of emergency. Do you understand?" said Zidi, gritting his teeth.

  Everyone looked at each other in confusion, unsure of what had just happened.

  The Emperor of Qi angrily said: "You ignorant brats, my country of Qi was actually the first place where the demons descended. You are all my good princes on the surface, but behind my back you associate with your fox friends and dog friends, indulging in music and dance, keeping song girls and actors in other courtyards. Now, not even one of you can produce a single thief or robber."

  The princes were frightened and silent like cicadas in winter, never expecting that Emperor Qi would know such details.

  They were originally masters with a city in their chest, taking advantage of this time of great chaos, they also wanted to compete with each other for the emperor's power, wanting to show off their "loyalty" in front of Emperor Qi, and trample on other princes, letting them fall into a desperate situation. However, now that they have discovered that this matter is too big, they are afraid that even the country where they reside will be destroyed overnight. Therefore, at this time, it is not the time for intrigue and deception, nor is it the time to show off oneself, but rather, for the sake of the overall situation, one cannot help but put aside their own interests and power, etc.

  "You people are really disappointing." Zidi swept his gaze over the crowd and also gave San Huangzi a cold stare.

  The third prince also had a gloomy face, he finally got news of the whereabouts of his teacher, but it was a missed encounter.

  He thought of that blue-clad handsome man and his heart was filled with indignation.

  Not bad, it must be that man's doing something behind the scenes.

  Next time I see him, I will definitely not let him off easily.

  At this time, Emperor Qi fiercely asked: "Right, isn't Wen Renyi already in the Imperial Capital? Why hasn't he been seen?"

  A eunuch beside him said cautiously: "The fifth prince has recently gotten married, so he didn't come."

  The Emperor angrily said: "He actually married in private, didn't I find him a daughter of a vassal king?"

  Eunuch said: "It is said that he himself brought back a woman, and Lady Fang has already arranged the marriage for him."

  Upon hearing this, all the princes were even more stunned and couldn't believe that the Iceberg, Wen Renyi, was actually getting married!

  Hmph, what kind of woman can melt this iceberg?

  The eighth prince gave the third prince a cold glance, with a hint of mockery on his lips.

  The third prince looked at the eighth prince with some incomprehension.

  Emperor Qi's face turned blue with rage as he sat on the dragon throne, after a while, he slapped the armrest and shouted loudly: "What a good Mrs. Fang, what a good Wen Renyi, I am the emperor, I am the one who has the power to decide everything, do they still have me, this Son of Heaven, in their eyes?"

  The eunuch hastily said: "Right, right."

  Zidi furrowed his brow, "I've heard that Yan Yi is in a precarious situation. At a time when the world is in great chaos, I still need him."

  Eunuch said: "At present, Your Majesty should come out and take office."

  "Anyway, he must come over, even if it's just to raise a dog and wag its tail for me."

  Unfortunately, it was his own younger brother.

  A prince originally indifferent to the matter, knowing that Emperor Qi was increasingly dissatisfied with Wen Renyu, couldn't help but speak out: "Your Majesty, Wen Renyu is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Since he refuses to make an effort now, it must be intentional. Why not take Lady Fang as a hostage? She's an unlucky person anyway. Who knows if this great chaos was caused by her? After all, the national teacher said 'when a demon appears, chaos comes'. She is indeed a demonic concubine."

  "What did you say?" Zidi immediately couldn't bear it and stepped forward to slap him hard.

  The prince fell to the ground like a dog, "Bang!" The crown beam was broken into two segments, and the pearls and precious jade on the crown were scattered all over the place.

  More than a dozen palace maids and eunuchs were frightened out of their wits, standing there trembling like sieves.

  Inside the grand hall was a moment of silence, the third prince gave him a cold glance. This prince was indeed foolish, Lady Fang had always been Emperor Qi's thorn in the side.

  After a while, Emperor Qi's anger finally subsided slowly. He immediately ordered, "Quickly go and summon Wen Renyi to see me."

  "Yes!" The eunuch immediately responded with one voice.

  "Wait, bring that new wife over too, I want to see what kind of woman she is."

  At the same time, Emperor Qi also prepared to give some color to the woman who had married Wen Renyi, killing a chicken to scare the monkey.

  The eighth prince couldn't help but sneer and stepped forward slowly, saying: "Your Majesty, I heard that the ships of the Golden Jade Hall have arrived in recent days."

  Everyone naturally has also heard of it, this Jinyutang is just a play, what's the big deal.

  "Alright, alright, invite the people from Jinyutang as well."

  Everyone looked at each other in dismay, and even this Jin Yutang was invited.

  Qidi's gaze swept across the crowd, his voice cold and detached: "You are all members of the imperial family, dragon sons and grandsons. Don't you understand a simple truth? One person cannot conquer a kingdom alone, nor can one person stabilize it alone. As members of the imperial family, shouldn't you be eager to seek out talent? Do you know what that attitude is?"

  "I know, I know." The crowd nodded in agreement.

  Qidi said, "What do you know? You're just a group of ignorant people. The seas of Qi are now in chaos, and sea monsters have appeared. Recently, fishermen near the coast dare not go out to sea, and many who went out have gone missing. Only the ships of Jinyu Hall are unaffected. Do you know that their strength is already worthy of attention? That one mechanical ship must be extraordinary, perhaps related to Shiling."

  Everyone hastily said: "Understood, understood. I will go find the capable and virtuous scholars right away. I believe that this time we can definitely protect all places."

  The emperor's expression slightly cleared, "And that traitor, he must be found. Now all the docks and ships are not allowed to leave the state of Qi, and the entire city gate of Qi will be sealed off, only allowing entry, not exit."

  ……

  In the house, the big red character "囍" was reflected in the candlelight, Su Mo had already coiled up his wife's hair bun and lay on the couch.

  She wore a dark red cloak outside, with a gentle expression, looking like a warm and beautiful young woman. But if you look closely, a pair of smooth jade legs are faintly visible inside the skirt, and there are no socks on her jade feet.

  "Alright, Mo Er, put on your shoes and socks, it's cold here." Wen Ren Yi's deep eyes had already reflected a glass-like glow.

  He then turned around and gently placed the medicine bottle on the table.

  Su Mo cast a bewitching glance over, her lips curled up in a faint, cold smile, accompanied by an air of nonchalant charm.

  "When will you wear your lower garment?"

  Wen Renyi took a slight breath, "Wait for a moment, let the medicine penetrate first."

  Just now he had already applied golden wound medicine for her, but found that it was actually testing his own cultivation willpower.

  However, the effect of the medicine was immediate and he felt a slight relief instantly.

  "We have to wait a bit longer!" Su Mo, however, lazily lay back down on the couch, and it was indeed not used to this!

  "Right, Mo Er, I have something to talk to you about."

  "What's wrong?"

  Wen Renyi lowered his eyelids, rubbed the tips of his fingers, and said softly: "From now on, we must cultivate well." His voice was low and calm, with a tone of determination and certainty, as if he was persuading himself not to be too indulgent in beauty from now on. After all, after witnessing the sword tomb of the immortal realm, he felt that the top priority was to improve his strength, and then ascend to the heavenly realm together with Su Mo.

  As for matters between men and women, they are indeed important, but there is still a long time ahead.

  Moreover, all sword cultivators of Mount Kunlun are those who can restrain their five desires, and only then will their strength increase faster.

  Just thinking of this, Wen Renyu couldn't help but think of Ji Bai.

  He had always admired this person in his younger years, and even more so for his swordsmanship, to the point where he considered him as his next goal to achieve.

  It's just a pity that nowadays I have fallen in love with a woman and am no longer purely masculine.

  So he can no longer walk the sword cultivator path devoid of emotions and desires again.

  Although it's a pity, he doesn't regret it.

  On the other hand, Su Mo heard this and couldn't help but glance at him slowly, with a bewildering light flashing in his starry eyes. He smiled slightly and said: "It seems that you think that if two people are together for a long time, they will inevitably become like gods? Are you thinking of becoming a divine couple with me in the future?"

  "What Moer said is right."

  "What's your plan next?" Su Mo asked with a light smile.

  "Although you are my wife, Kunlun Mountain is still very strict and not just anyone can enter at will. Unfortunately, your current cultivation method is not suitable for going to Kunlun Mountain, as it's full of male sword cultivators and women are often bound by emotions, so female sword cultivators are rare." He gazed deeply at Su Mo, his expression filled with a dense concern and love, also with some reluctance, "However, you can first enter the Hidden Gate through the Ink Gate, then from the Hidden Gate to Kunlun Mountain. But I'm afraid for a long time, you'll have to disguise yourself as a man."

  Of course he would rather Su Mo wear men's clothing in public, at least he felt very secure.

  Su Mo's back straightened as he raised his eyes and said, "Dressing up as a man is fine, but are you sure we want to be estranged for some days? As long as we focus on our cultivation, that's all that matters?"

  Wen Renyi said: "This is natural."

  "Are you sure?" Her eyes were filled with a hint of laziness, and she suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing the nape of his neck, then moving to kiss his earlobe.

  Wen Ren Yi immediately took a cold breath, "Mo Er."

  She smiled with ill intent and continued to provoke: "And from now on, I won't wear that white dance dress again."

  "No." His black sword-like eyebrows slowly rose, and he took a deep breath of cold air. He lowered his head to kiss her, feeling the warmth gradually rising until his arms were wrapped around her body with a deep red mark. Only then did he slowly lift his head, his handsome face elegant as jade in the candlelight. A pair of dark eyes deeply gazed at her. Even though Su Mo was used to men's cold and handsome faces, she extremely liked another passionate side of him on the bed. At this moment, her heart slightly lost its senses.

  Looking at the woman in front of him with her beautiful hair and fragrant cheeks, as well as those bright and clear eyes staring at him, Wen Renyao couldn't help but hold her tightly again, stroking her temples, his lips brushing against hers as he said, "What I said earlier was just a joke."

  "A gentleman's word is like a speeding horse, difficult to catch up with. Are you just saying that you want to cultivate yourself well?"

  "However, you look stunning in that white dress."

  As he spoke, he stood up and pulled up the curtain, the wind blew through, and the red candle swayed gently.

  The heavy curtains fluttered with the two people's dancing postures, and she was naturally more convenient for him because of the medicine. After that, Wen Renyao looked at her with an undisguised joyful expression in his eyes. If he hadn't seen that her body could no longer withstand the wind and rain, he would have really wanted to love her again. However, wouldn't the medicine need to be reapplied? After the other party's request, Su Mo was somewhat shy and uncomfortable.

  "It seems that I was completely wrong when I first chose the path of sword cultivation." Wen Renyi couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

  "By the way, I'm a pure yin body, do you feel like there's anything special today?" Su Mo asked in a soft and gentle voice.

  She thought of her past life with only one man, but that man would turn around and leave whenever something happened.

  Su Mo had no idea whether the Pure Yin Body was as extraordinary as the legends said.

  Of course, it's just that I often feel powerless all over.

  Wen Renyi rubbed his nose thoughtfully and said, "That one didn't seem particularly special."

  "Could it be that there's really nothing? Are you certain you didn't make a mistake?" Su Mo asked, straightening up.

  "Of course, nothing special." Wen Renyi nodded.

  Just then, someone outside was panting and running over.

  The clear and crisp voice of the maid sounded outside, hastily saying: "Young master, young madam, a eunuch from the palace has just arrived, bringing an imperial edict. He says that by order of His Majesty, you are to take the young madam to the palace for a banquet, all the princes will be accompanied by their consorts, even those who are not yet married will bring their fiancées, and some eligible noblewomen will also pay their respects to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."

  Su Mo was taken aback, this is an imperial summons for her to pay respects to the Empress!

  I didn't expect her to appear in the palace again so soon.

  I wonder how the empress would react if she knew that she herself was the wicked witch who had been banished to the Isle of Evil?

  Wei Renyi furrowed his brow deeply and asked, "Why are we suddenly allowed into the palace?"

  "Really going?" Su Mo raised his eyes to look at him.

  "After all, it's the prince's grand wedding, and not attending would be unreasonable." Wen Renyao said.

  "It doesn't matter, since you're here, then stay." Su Mo had already put on a prepared veil.

  "In short, being careful is everything." Wen Renyi had gently grasped her hand.

  At this time, the lanterns outside lit up, and it was Mrs. Fang, dressed in thick clothes, who came over with a smile: "Mo Er, I already know about it. It's just that the palace banquet didn't work out, but those women are all suspicious and jealous, looking at you sideways. But don't worry."

  Su Mo glanced at his mother-in-law and couldn't help but smile, "Nothing's wrong, I'm not nervous."

  Madam Fang continued: "I have already prepared the palace attire for you, those people like to pick faults, you currently do not have a royal title, as long as you dress similarly to the new bride it will be fine, no need to wear the official madam's rank clothing, if you receive cold words and cold treatment don't pay attention to them."

  Su Mo was deeply moved and said in a low voice: "Thank you, Mother."

  Mrs. Fang then instructed a few words, asking Wen Renyi to take good care of Su Mo and not let her suffer any grievances. After that, Su Mo got on the carriage with Wen Renyi and headed towards the imperial palace. Along the way, they saw that both sides of the road outside the palace were already filled with all kinds of luxurious carriages, and the outside of the palace was crowded with horses and carriages, blocking the waterways.

  The lanterns in the palace are bright and beautiful, and there are countless flower beds in the imperial garden, filled with precious flowers and grasses.

  Wen Renyi and Su Mo followed Xu Bu as he walked in, with the eunuch leading the way for the two of them.

  Inside the garden came wafting elegant music, and joyful laughter occasionally drifted out.

  Wen Renyi didn't like the atmosphere of the imperial palace. Under this unpleasant atmosphere, he was naturally very cold.

  Su Mo's eyes were gentle, she was already accustomed to this atmosphere in her previous life, and the Qi State Palace was also very familiar to her.

  She knew that most of the women in the palace were lonely, so the women in the palace would not be more reserved than those outside. They also liked to gossip and comment on the women who came from outside.

  In the blink of an eye, Su Mo heard a woman's voice with his divine sense: "The fifth prince actually married a woman so casually. Now it's all about imperial marriage, and it should be arranged by parents and matchmakers. That woman just married into the royal family on her own, which doesn't make sense! The unmarried women here are all famous ladies of Qi State... they are proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Just now, the empress said that we would give that woman a warning, whoever does well will be rewarded."

  "Hmm, now all the princes have to follow the arrangements of the Holy Will, only the Fifth Prince is an exception."

  Another woman said, "That's right. Just like the Third Prince now finds a good-looking and talented beauty. That year, that demon girl was sent to Evil Island and there has been no news from her. He is indeed a clever person. The Emperor and Empress Dowager arranged another woman for him, and he naturally accepted."

  "It's said that this time, the Empress only intends to give some color to the woman brought in for the Fifth Prince, and as long as she can make her lose face in front of the palace, she'll be driven out of the Qi state on the spot. In the end, this marriage will also not be able to be carried out." Some women said with a hint of excitement that they couldn't hide on their faces.

  Upon hearing this, Wen Ren's eyes sank and he tightened his grip on Su Mo's hand.

  Su Mo thought to himself: It turns out that the other side brought me here to kill a chicken and scare the monkeys.

  But isn't the other party's goal just to give Wen Renyi some color?

  However, she will not let the other party get away with it.

  Someone else said: "However, today seems a bit special, and some cultivators from outside have also been invited to the imperial palace."

  "I heard that even Jin Yutang's Dye Master has been invited."

  "It's actually Jin Yutang." Upon hearing this, the women couldn't help but become even more excited.

  At the same time, the eunuch had brought Su Mo to stand before Emperor Qi and the Empress, bowing respectfully as he said: "Your Majesty, the Fifth Prince has arrived, and this young lady is his new bride."

  His voice was not loud, but it was sharp and piercing, drawing everyone's attention.

  However, when the ladies saw Su Mo, they couldn't help but be stunned. Although her face was covered with a veil, her temperament and figure were far from being comparable to those of ordinary noblewomen, leaving some aristocratic women momentarily stunned. Weren't they saying that she was just a carelessly married woman? Why did she have such an outstanding temperament and figure? Even the imperial ladies who were usually full of themselves felt a little inferior for an instant.

  But then I saw the empress sitting at the top, her skin was delicate and well-maintained.

  However, the queen frowned, "Why wear a veil?"

  "Because she's sick." Wen Renyi had already answered on Su Mo's behalf.

  "Are you ill? I suppose you can't see people then? I've heard that some women from the countryside like to cover themselves up." The queen replied coldly.