Volume One, Chapter 96: Unable to Resist the Temptation

Fu Ming was like an arrow released from its bow.

It seemed as if, in the next moment, he would pierce Meng Xingyi’s face.

His gaze was sharp and cold, sending chills deep into the heart.

This meal—

No one truly wished to eat.

Shen Zhaowu was numb; it was always like this. Never once had they sat down for a proper meal.

She was hungry.

But Jing Dan was different. Given her relationship with Silver Snow, not to mention pulling out a few strands of hair—even if her skin were wounded, Silver Snow would never truly punish her. Now, with Jing Dan uttering such words, it felt truly distant.

“How else can we investigate? Quietly have someone keep an eye out, then send people to follow those spreading the rumors,” Long Xiang spoke lightly, as if unconcerned.

As for this, when the Elder Tianji tossed out three ever-changing copper coins earlier, Ye Feng had already discussed it with Ma Tiao.

As they spoke, the sound of synchronized footsteps echoed; soon, two teams of infantry in black armor appeared on both ends of the long street. These armored soldiers wore black, holding rectangular light shields in their left hands and broad-ring sabers in their right, exuding a fierce murderous aura. Behind and before them, rows upon rows of archers and crossbowmen appeared.

When Gao Jingzong’s retinue reached the main gate of the Liu family’s old residence, faint notes of silk and bamboo music could be heard from within. Gazing at the nobles and commoners kneeling across the courtyard, Gao Jingzong raised his hand slightly and proceeded toward the main hall.

“Your Majesty,” Silver Snow nestled deeply in the emperor’s arms, listening to his half-awake murmurs, feeling his burning body and heavy breathing. All of it swept Silver Snow into a whirlpool of happiness from which she could not escape.

Ye Feng’s uncle asked if it was safe to proceed with the burial now. Ye Feng replied that it was fine; no matter what, nothing else could possibly go wrong.

Lips pressed together, heartbeats exchanged; the wishing tree swayed lightly in the mountain breeze, its intertwined branches rustling, as if countless hands were applauding and celebrating these lovers.

The soldiers of the Summer Kingdom’s royal guard began to set up camp around the Law-Making Platform, establishing Gao Jingzong’s royal tent. Twelve great wooden poles formed the frame, braziers were lit, and suddenly Gao Jingzong no longer felt the chill.

The weather at the end of August was unbearably hot; the cicadas screamed endlessly. Yet, the grove that housed the tombs of human heroes and martyrs was cool and shady. The T section of the cemetery contained more than seven thousand graves—those with recognizable names. For the nameless, a single monument served as their memorial.

It was already past three in the morning, and all was quiet in the Black Robe Lane. Zhao Zhijun tiptoed through the living room.

Jing Cheng’s words were not without reason. If he did not love the identity of the wealthy young lord, why should I force it upon him?

“Lady Wang, though you angered the prince and brought this fate upon yourself, your days are not easy now. Tell me, is there anything I can do for you? I will help you,” Madam Wen’s face showed deep sympathy.

“Father, do you really think that singing a famous tune at the East Hua Gate will lead to instant success?” Wu Xi asked.

Bai Jianli said to Li Xiangyu, “The root of the illness is not here. Please show us around outside; I wish to see what kind of demon has such power.”

“What are you doing? Are you trying to overthrow me as well?” Jing Cheng was angry, yet worried for Dai Jin.

At the mourning hall, she crawled into his coffin, holding his body that had long turned cold. In truth, lying there alongside him would not be a bad choice. Yet, she could not do so; she must live well, enduring this pain for the rest of her life.

“Don’t say that! General Jiang, this has nothing to do with the commander. Let the past be past. All I can do is keep moving forward,” Attila’s gaze was resolute, but Jiang Wuming saw hatred within it.