Chapter 214: Definitely Go Support the Scene

The eunuch proclaimed the imperial decree, bestowing the title of princess upon Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanjing.

Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanjing remained silent, lost in thought.

Though Dali was a small state, the rank of princess was exceedingly noble; moreover, having spent considerable time in Dali, they knew Emperor Duan Zhengming had already considered abdicating, and that their father, Duan Zhengchun, would soon ascend the throne—after which they too would become princesses.

Both bore the Mingyu Gong, their strength having grown formidable; such honors brought them no awe or fear, only a certain unease.

"Accept it."

Gu Qing said from beside them: "Inside the Tianlong Temple, I not only secured your princess titles, but also obtained your marriage contracts."

Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanjing turned to Gu Qing, seeing the bright red marriage contract in his hand; they leaned closer and saw the names of Duan Zhengming, Duan Zhengchun, and others—indeed, they had both been betrothed to Gu Qing.

"Did you earn this by cultivating Duan Yu?"

Wang Yuyan's beautiful eyes flickered, considering this possibility.

I traded the Yijin Jing for it!

Gu Qing thought inwardly: Inside the Tianlong Temple, after he put on a show, Master Kurong and Duan Zhengming had both sought his advice on internal cultivation, implying they wished for Duan Yu's inner art to be passed down within the Duan family.

As Kumogaki once said, such an act "benefits the Duan clan and extends grace even to their ancestors, causing no harm to oneself"; moved by this virtue, Gu Qing agreed—and seized the opportunity to secure the marriage contracts for Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanjing.

For the Duan family of Dali, an alliance with Gu Qing was a great joy, and both sides were delighted.

Mu Wanjing studied Gu Qing's expression, understood his tacit consent, and her lips curved into a sweet smile, her face radiant and lovely: "So you cultivated Duan Yu so diligently just for me."

…And Dao Baifeng's efforts couldn't be ignored either…

Gu Qing reached out and drew both Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanjing into his arms.

"Ah…"

Wang Lady and Qin Hongmian watched, sighing in regret. Though they were children of the Jianghu, they were traditional; now Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanjing had been granted princess titles by the Duan family, received marriage contracts from them, and were clearly in love with Gu Qing—Wang Lady and Qin Hongmian, even if they wished to stop it, had no grounds to act.

"Sister…"

Duan Yu also looked desolate. Wang Yuyan's every feature aligned perfectly with Duan Yu's aesthetic, yet their sibling bond made it impossible—now he could only watch as Gu Qing and Wang Yuyan became a couple.

"Infuriating."

Duan Zhengchun lightly slapped his palm and growled.

Dao Baifeng and Duan Yu both turned to look at Duan Zhengchun.

As a man of the Jianghu with internal cultivation and the Nanzhao Prince's miraculous pills, Duan Zhengchun's injuries had healed rapidly; his face now bore only faint bruising, and he moved as usual.

Previously, Duan Zhengchun had secluded himself at home after the Wanjie Valley incident—until Duan Yu displayed his divine prowess and Gu Qing proposed for Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanjing, reviving old Duan completely… Everyone says I'm lustful and lecherous, but isn't the Duan family of Dali now relying entirely on my children?

Should this be changed?

This deserves even greater effort!

Duan Zhengchun, seeing Dao Baifeng and Duan Yu staring at him, whispered: "Before the marriage contract was signed, Gu Qing already took Wang Yuyan."

What?

Dao Baifeng and Duan Yu fixed their gazes on Wang Yuyan—her eyes shimmered with dewy grace, her smile radiated celestial fragrance; unlike before, when she had been like a flower yet in bud or a pearl newly formed, now her feminine allure had fully bloomed.

Both mother and son felt subtle shifts in their hearts.

"Prince Duan, we must take our leave."

Gu Qing, having obtained what he wanted, bowed to Duan Zhengchun in farewell.

Duan Zhengchun nodded to Wang Lady; though he feared her persistent affection, parting brought him sorrow.

"I'm going to Suzhou too."

Qin Hongmian hardened her heart and said coldly. Mu Wanjing had been completely won over by Gu Qing; Qin Hongmian must follow to see her daughter truly happy before she could rest easy. Moreover, after Duan Zhengchun visited Gan Baobao, the tension between Qin Hongmian and Wang Lady had eased; now, when they met, they occasionally exchanged a few words.

Duan Zhengchun could only bid farewell with tears in his eyes.

The journey from Dali to Jiangsu had taken over a month earlier, as Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanjing needed time to cultivate the Mingyu Gong; now, returning, there were no such constraints. Zhong Ling also practiced the Mingyu Gong, but with Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanjing guiding her, Gu Qing need not worry.

In little more than twenty days, the air grew moist and rich, and Gu Qing returned to Pingjiang Prefecture. As he neared Taihu, the Murong family had already come to greet him; at the forefront stood Murong Fu, holding a folding fan, elegant and poised.

"Cousin."

Wang Yuyan greeted Murong Fu.

In the past, Wang Yuyan's vision had been narrow, knowing only Murong Fu and a few others; but after traveling the Jianghu and being pushed by Gu Qing into the eighth level of Yin-Yang Harmony in the Mingyu Gong, her horizons had broadened—now she viewed Murong Fu and the others with a kind of "disenchantment," no longer filled with her former fervor.

Moreover, her body had already been taken by Gu Qing—what more was there to say?

"Great Hero Gu."

With matters at hand, Murong Fu ignored Wang Yuyan and bowed to Gu Qing: "Long time no see."

!

"Cousin Murong's grace remains undimmed."

Gu Qing smiled and returned the bow, noting Murong Fu had brought only the Four Family Generals—no A Zhu or A Bi—his heart sank slightly.

"Auntie."

Murong Fu bowed to Wang Lady: "I shall escort you along this water route."

Since Murong Fu had prepared in advance, Wang Lady readily acquiesced; the Murong household immediately brought forth an array of pastries.

"Great Hero Gu."

Murong Fu looked at Gu Qing and said: "You promised to help me kill Yan Longyuan—do you still remember?"

On Taihu, Yan Longyuan had humiliated Murong Bo; for Murong Fu, this was a bone-deep hatred, and he had never ceased his pursuit of Yan Longyuan.

"Of course I remember."

Gu Qing nodded.

"This Yan Longyuan is no obscure figure."

Murong Fu said coldly: "He has long been active in the Two Huai regions, trafficking silver and gold, and has cultivated ties with many in the Jianghu. When we inquired about him, every one of them praised him—some even…"

Murong Fu took a deep breath.

Some even claimed Yan Longyuan had begun flying black banners bearing the character "Yan"!

To Murong Fu, this was a grave threat.

Power cannot be shared; upon seeing the black "Yan" banners, Murong Fu did not consider the absurd notion that his father was feigning death—he assumed Yan Longyuan was the Murong family's archenemy, plotting to overthrow him and seize control.

"Cousin Murong, rest assured."

Gu Qing said: "If you go to kill Yan Longyuan, I will surely come to aid you!"

Murong Fu, hearing Gu Qing's promise, felt immense relief.

(End of Chapter)