In the Ancient Witch Country Palace, the magnificent palace failed to capture Mu Lianrong’s interest in the slightest.

Having entered this palace for nearly a quarter of an hour, she simply stared at Mu Qingge’s profile, sighing repeatedly.

"Sister Lian, have some tea first." Xue Qiao brought a cup of hot tea, approached Mu Lianrong, and spoke softly.

However, Mu Lianrong pushed it aside, stood up, and said to Mu Qingge, "Qingge, come with me."

Mu Qingge raised her head, looking at her aunt with some surprise in her eyes. Seeing the seriousness on her aunt’s face, she didn’t say much, obediently stood up, and walked over to her aunt.

Shang Zisu also stood up, looking at Mu Qingge with a complicated expression, but didn’t follow, just silently watching her.

Mu Lianrong glanced at her, then turned and walked towards a room inside the palace.

Mu Qingge followed closely behind. After just two steps, Mu Lianrong stopped again and instructed Mo Yang, "Mo, watch over this place, don’t let anyone near, even if the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country comes, it’s not allowed."

Mo Yang’s eyes flickered, looking at Mu Qingge. Seeing the latter nod almost imperceptibly, he led the Dragon Tooth Guards to guard the surroundings.

Xue Qiao seemed a bit worried, wanting to follow, but was coldly blocked by Mo Yang. "Young Hero Xue, the young miss and little lord have important matters to discuss, please stay here."

Xue Qiao shifted his gaze to Mo Yang, seeing that he seemed unlikely to make an exception, he returned.

The Dragon Tooth Guards were unfriendly to strangers, making it difficult for Xue Qiao to find out anything. He wanted to ask Shang Zisu, but found her even colder, so he gave up and returned to his seat.

On the other hand, Mu Qingge had already followed Mu Lianrong into the inner chamber.

After ensuring no one was eavesdropping, Mu Lianrong asked Mu Qingge, "Qingge, why did you agree to enter the palace with that Empress? You clearly know you... sigh, you can’t possibly marry her."

Mu Lianrong’s tone carried a hint of urgency, some confusion, and some annoyance.

It seemed she felt it was her fault for bringing trouble, implicating her niece.

"Of course, I won’t marry her," Mu Qingge said calmly.

"Then why did you still..." Mu Lianrong was really confused about what Mu Qingge intended to do.

"Aunt, don’t worry, I will handle this matter," Mu Qingge smiled, comforting Mu Lianrong.

But how could Mu Lianrong be at ease?

Seeing her expression, Mu Qingge teased, "If Aunt feels worried, why not tell me about you and Young Hero Xue? It’s obvious he is very concerned about you!"

Mu Lianrong blushed and said coquettishly, "You have no manners. There’s nothing between him and me, what he said just now was merely a temporary expedient."

"Oh?" Mu Qingge looked skeptical.

"Why would I deceive you?" Mu Lianrong said, embarrassed and annoyed, "I met him in the Ancient Witch Country, we had a good chat, so we referred to each other as brother and sister."

"Since it was just a chance encounter, why did Aunt stand up for him to refuse the marriage?" Mu Qingge asked sharply.

Mu Lianrong saw that Mu Qingge had really misunderstood, and quickly said, "That’s because it’s related to me." Then, she explained everything to Mu Qingge.

It turned out that Xue Qiao went on stage because of a bet with her.

The two of them unintentionally walked to the platform and saw someone competing in martial arts. There happened to be someone with decent skills, and Mu Lianrong praised them.

Xue Qiao, in his youthful arrogance, declared himself better than him. Seeing his childishness, Mu Lianrong deliberately remained silent. Surprisingly, Xue Qiao said that if she didn’t believe it, he would go up and compete to show her. If he lost, he would serve her tea and water for a month. If he won, Mu Lianrong would accompany him to Qin Country after leaving the Ancient Witch Country.

Qin Country was originally Mu Lianrong’s home. This was her first journey out, and she didn’t plan to stay away long. Her original plan was to return in about six months to report her safety to her father.

So, she agreed to Xue Qiao’s bet without hesitation.

Who would have thought that this platform would turn out to be the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country’s selection for a husband, and Xue Qiao really won against the person on the platform, taking the championship.

After that, the scene of refusing the marriage occurred.

Xue Qiao went on stage because of the bet, and didn’t want to marry the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country, so naturally, she couldn’t stand by idly.

Mu Qingge witnessed everything that happened afterwards firsthand.

"...So, honestly, there’s nothing between him and me, don’t misunderstand." Mu Lianrong sighed to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge stared at her, yet clearly saw a fleeting look of disappointment in her eyes.

"Aunt, I thought his words just now didn’t seem like a mere expedient. Given the circumstances where life and death were at stake, who would speak like that in the face of death?" Mu Qingge tried probing.

"Qingge! Stop talking." Mu Lianrong rose somewhat frantically and turned away from Mu Qingge’s gaze, her eyes downcast and lost: "I’m much older than him."

"It’s just five years difference." Mu Qingge said dismissively.

On the way to the Imperial Palace, Mu Qingge had already carefully investigated Xue Qiao. Unexpectedly, Xue Qiao turned out to be from a Second-class Country, Yu Country.

Moreover, he was the young master of a well-known great family there.

However, as he wasn’t the legitimate son, he didn’t need to inherit the family business, so he could roam around freely as he pleased.

Of course, Mu Qingge plans to have someone verify the truth of this information.

Anyway, according to her plan, the Thousand Fierce Army and Dragon Tooth Guards are to start training within the Second-class Country territory, so gathering some information on Xue Qiao’s background wouldn’t be difficult.

"Let’s not talk about this. At my age, I no longer ponder such matters." Mu Lianrong shook her head, rejecting further discussion on the topic.

Seeing this, Mu Qingge refrained from asking further, fearing that speaking too much might not be helpful.

Mu Lianrong turned around to face Mu Qingge, her expression somewhat solemn: "Qingge, when do you plan to return to wearing women’s clothing?"

Mu Qingge was taken aback, wondering why the conversation veered towards whether to switch back to women’s attire.

"Why does Aunt mention this? I feel there’s nothing wrong with traveling as a man; it’s much more convenient." Mu Qingge replied.

Mu Lianrong sighed and shook her head slowly: "You are truly shrouded in fog, unable to see clearly. Where have all your wit and intelligence gone?"

Mu Qingge looked confused, utterly perplexed by Mu Lianrong’s words.

Seeing her bewildered look, Mu Lianrong had to continue gently admonishing: "Having a male identity may aid in traveling outside. But, how many women have been hurt by your masculine appearance? The young lady from the Shang family outside, as well as the Empress of this Ancient Witch Country, aren’t they all? Not to mention Changle and Yong Huan, the princesses. How many women will be heartbroken because of you before you realize this? Besides, you’re bound to marry and have children sooner or later, whether you reveal your identity now or later, it has to be disclosed, right? Previously, you concealed your identity out of fear of deceiving the emperor, implicating the whole family. Now, since you’ve established your influence in the Qin Country, even if you reveal your identity, who would dare to harm you in the slightest? I don’t understand what you are worrying about."

Mu Lianrong’s speech left Mu Qingge stunned.

She hadn’t thought so much; she just seemed accustomed to dressing as a man and thus didn’t wish to change. As for marriage and having children...

For some reason, when Mu Lianrong mentioned this, images of illusions she had fallen into in the Ghost Sea automatically surfaced in her mind.

It seemed she wasn’t that resistant to the idea of marriage and childbirth.

Seeing her silent, Mu Lianrong continued: "Currently, if you defeat the Empress with your female identity, we can leave openly; she can’t force you, a woman, into marriage. But what now? You entered the palace, suggesting you accepted the marriage proposal, and if your female identity gets exposed, wouldn’t it be deceiving the emperor again?"

"Aunt, I’ve noted everything you said, allow me to think it over." Mu Qingge suddenly opened her mouth.

She indeed needed to calm down and organize her thoughts thoroughly.

Having said what needed to be said, Mu Lianrong didn’t continue to say more. She sighed and left the room, leaving Mu Qingge alone.

In the room, only Mu Qingge remained.

She walked to the window sill, where one could overlook most of Jiang City, capturing its scenery.

But now, she had no heart for enjoying the view.

Having entered the palace with Jiang Li, her intention was to disclose her identity to Jiang Li after entering, urging her to give up and let them leave.

However, being reminded by her aunt, she felt she hadn’t considered Jiang Li’s perspective.

A woman, noble as a king, being rejected twice for marriage, no matter how great her generosity, likely couldn’t endure it; moreover, if word gets out, Jiang Li’s reputation might suffer greatly.

Mu Qingge lowered her head, reaching out to rub her aching brow, and muttered with a bitter smile: "I really am not good at handling emotional matters; I messed up again this time."

She once missed a chance with Qin Yiyao, so she absolutely cannot miss a second time.

"Speaking of my identity..." Mu Qingge carefully recalled once more and then smiled bitterly again, "Not counting that old monster Si Mo, there’s also Shui Ling, Mei Zizhong, and even... Han Caicai has also been probing a lot... It seems that there are quite a few who know."

Taking a deep breath, Mu Qingge exhaled the pent-up frustration in her chest. She murmured to herself, "It seems enjoying the convenience of wearing men’s clothing will be difficult in the future. However, what needs to be said today must be said."

After making up her mind, Mu Qingge turned around and left the room with a light and determined stride.

She opened the main door, and Shang Zisu immediately stood up and walked towards her.

"Mu Junior Brother, are you alright?" Shang Zisu asked with concern.

Mu Qingge looked at her and recalled Mu Lianrong’s words.

Indeed, this cold-faced Senior Sister of hers usually speaks very few words in a day, but it seems after being with her, she has become more talkative.

"Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister, I’m fine." Mu Qingge nodded to Shang Zisu.

Shang Zisu also nodded slightly, pressing her lips together.

For some reason, she always felt that at this moment, Mu Qingge seemed a bit unfamiliar to her.

Just as the two finished speaking, Jiang Li entered the palace with new clothes, accompanied by palace maids. Her eyes seemed to have only the existence of Mu Qingge, as she joyfully said, "Qingge," and walked quickly towards Mu Qingge.

The golden mask on her face swayed with her steps, making a crisp and pleasant sound.

"You came at the right time, I have something to tell you." Mu Qingge looked at Jiang Li, her lips curving into a smile.

"You’re not thinking of emulating your uncle and breaking off the engagement, are you?" Jiang Li looked at her suspiciously.

These words caused everyone to have different expressions.

Standing next to Mu Qingge, Shang Zisu slightly furrowed her brows, Xue Qiao looked awkward, and Mu Lianrong’s cheeks turned red.

"Come with me and you’ll know," Mu Qingge said in a deep voice.

After saying that, she turned and walked once again towards the previous room.

Jiang Li instructed the accompanying maidens, "You stay here and wait for me, no one is allowed to disturb without my orders. Oh, and prepare food for them, don’t neglect my aunt and uncle."

After saying that, she ignored the awkward expressions of Mu Lianrong and Xue Qiao and quickly caught up to Mu Qingge, following her into the room.

Mu Qingge personally closed the door, and as it shut, she exchanged a glance with Mu Lianrong.

Mu Lianrong guessed what Mu Qingge wanted to say and began to worry, fearing something might happen to Mu Qingge.

...

"What do you want to tell me?" As soon as she entered the room, Jiang Li eagerly asked.

Mu Qingge turned to look at her, just about to speak, but was interrupted by Jiang Li raising her hand.

"Wait, don’t say anything yet. To prevent you from refusing the marriage again, I’ll remove my mask first." Having said that, Jiang Li turned her back to Mu Qingge and removed the golden mask on her face.

She turned around, revealing a face full of exotic charm, unparalleled in beauty.

Mu Qingge was certain that this was a face any male would drool over! Jiang Li’s beauty carried a kind of enchanting allure, with striking features that were deeply set, golden pupils, deep blue hair, and fair skin. Her beauty defied normal description but possessed a deadly appeal.

"So, am I beautiful? That Xue Qiao who refused me really doesn’t know his fortune! You don’t lack fortune, do you?" Jiang Li asked proudly upon seeing the amazement on Mu Qingge’s face.

"Of course, I also think you are very beautiful. Even compared to the people of the Ancient Witch Country, you are unrivaled. So our union will make our offsprings even more bewitching, so you must consider carefully whether you want to marry me." Jiang Li raised her graceful chin, revealing the perfect contour of her long, slender neck.

Bewitching?

That’s quite an apt description.

Mu Qingge silently laughed in her heart.

She said to Jiang Li, "I admit you are beautiful, but I still have to say something you won’t want to hear."

"Why?" A hint of annoyance appeared in Jiang Li’s eyes.

Mu Qingge said nothing more, but lifted her hand to remove an earring from her left ear.

Nothing is more convincing than seeing with one’s own eyes!

In Jiang Li’s golden pupils, Mu Qingge’s appearance began to undergo subtle changes; her lines softened, her figure became more slender and graceful, and her long legs connecting to her slim waist. Her exquisite features, though still carrying a heroic spirit, clearly now indicated she was an exceptionally beautiful woman, not a man!

"This... how could this be..." Jiang Li’s eyes widened in shock, incredulously watching Mu Qingge’s transformation.

After letting Jiang Li clearly see, Mu Qingge put the earring back on.

In an instant, she became the dashing young lord again!

"What kind of spell is this!" Jiang Li instantly teleported in front of Mu Qingge, reaching out to touch the Adam’s apple on Mu Qingge’s neck.

Mu Qingge did not evade, letting her do as she wished.

The real tactile sensation made Jiang Li even more puzzled, staring into Mu Qingge’s clear eyes in shock.

In those exotic and beautifully golden eyes, she seemed to repeatedly ask: ’Why, why, why?’

Mu Qingge slowly retreated a step, pulling the distance between them. Then she softly explained, "This is the only thing my mother left me. I don’t know why it can change my gender. When I wear it, in others’ eyes, I appear as a man."

With the illusionary artifact’s disguise, Mu Qingge’s voice carried the clear and magnetic tone of a man.

Jiang Li listened in shock without hurrying to speak.

Her current attitude was undoubtedly the best for Mu Qingge. If Jiang Li had given the order to arrest her or attacked directly, Mu Qingge wouldn’t have explained further and would have fought her way out.

"My mother left me very early, and I heard she left to find my father’s remains. I was disguised as a boy since birth, supposedly to ensure the family’s safety," Mu Qingge said calmly.

"Ensure the family’s safety?" Jiang Li questioned, furrowing her brows in confusion.

Mu Qingge turned her gaze to her and asked, "You, being the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country, even though your country doesn’t intervene in worldly affairs, should know about the Qin Country’s Mu Mansion, right?"

Jiang Li’s golden pupils suddenly shrank, and she exclaimed in disbelief, "You are the famed young lord of the Mu Mansion in Qin Country?"

Mu Qingge chuckled, "At most, I’m renowned only across the Third-class Country. My reputation hasn’t yet reached the Second-class and First-class Countries." Even though she had caused a stir in Rong Country and became their top wanted person, they didn’t know her true identity, so it wasn’t really a reputation.

"You’re quite humorous." Jiang Li gave her an annoyed glance.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and smiled, "You also surprise me. I thought after discovering my identity, you’d draw your sword against me."

Jiang Li curled her lips, saying in frustration, "Am I such an unreasonable person? I can’t even kill you. If it ends with mutual destruction, what good does it do even if I did beat you? We still can’t get married, what a lousy deal that would be!"

These words made Mu Qingge’s affection for her grow. "You’re quite special. If it were someone else rejected twice, they’d probably be angry and start a massacre by now."

"That’s why I’m the Empress and they are not!" Jiang Li stated proudly.

Mu Qingge laughed, feeling very relaxed.

She suddenly realized that chatting with Jiang Li was quite pleasant.

Jiang Li frowned in thought, "Previously, I could understand a boy was needed to stabilize military morale at the Mu Mansion, and that you effectively played the role of an idler. But afterward, you toppled the ambitious people of Qin Country, so why did you continue to hide?"

She raised her eyes to Mu Qingge, awaiting her explanation.

"It’s become a habit." Mu Qingge offered the simplest answer.

She said, "Having been a boy for over ten years, suddenly being told to wear dresses and stay home all day, you wouldn’t adapt either." In this regard, she wasn’t entirely lying. In her past life, being in the army, there was no distinction of gender. She hadn’t experienced dressing up in delicate makeup, wearing sexy dresses, high heels, and shopping with luxury bags.

"A habit?" Jiang Li repeated the word, then unexpectedly nodded, "I almost feel sorry for you."

"No need, I actually live quite comfortably. Being seen as a man spares me many restrictions and allows me to do many things I want." Mu Qingge shrugged her shoulders.

Jiang Li snorted disdainfully, giving her a jab, "Including flirting with innocent young maidens?"

"Cough, cough." Mu Qingge choked and coughed twice, looking embarrassed. She raised her hand and said seriously, "I swear, I really didn’t."

Jiang Li looked at her mournfully for a long time, then couldn’t help but laugh softly, sighing, "Perhaps it’s because you are also a woman, so you understand what women think, and tend to be particularly attentive, which makes many women fall for you. I’ve heard stories about you and the two princesses of Qin Country."

Mu Qingge gave a wry smile and didn’t refute.

At that time, there were too many restrictions, and she couldn’t explain anything. She tried to stay away, but ultimately couldn’t escape her fate, leading to the tragedy of Qin Yiyao and Qin Yilian.

She felt guilty towards these two.

Qin Yilian, she fulfilled her dream. But for Qin Yiyao, the princess she owed the most, there seemed to be no news of her for a long time.

"Did you know, Qin Yiyao once came to the Ancient Witch Country," Jiang Li suddenly said.

Mu Qingge abruptly raised her eyes to look at her. "When?"

Jiang Li thought for a moment and said, "About more than a year ago. She seemed to have come with someone, but had a quarrel with a female companion. During the argument, the other party revealed her identity. After that, she left alone."

Mu Qingge frowned as she listened, "There hasn’t been any news of her since then?"

Jiang Li shook her head, "I also heard the lady-in-waiting report this matter at that time. After all, since the former princess of Qin Country appeared suddenly, I naturally paid more attention. Anyway, she’s certainly not in the Ancient Witch Country now. I just don’t know if she went to another country or crossed the sea."

"Crossed the sea?" Mu Qingge was a bit surprised.

Jiang Li nodded, walked to the window, and gazed out at the far coastline. She said to Mu Qingge, "The Ancient Witch Country is mysterious and has remained unexplored precisely because of this ocean. Half of our bloodline comes from that ocean, and that ocean is said to connect to another, more advanced continent."

Mu Qingge walked to her side, looking out at the sea as well.

"There’s a saying ’Turn back and you’ll be safe from the boundless ocean of bitterness,’ which is inscribed at the crossing point as a warning. Yet, for hundreds of years, countless people have forged ahead, hoping to achieve a higher cultivation realm or catch a glimpse of another continent. I can’t count how many people have entered the Bitter Sea, but I do know that those who truly reach the other side are probably less than one in ten thousand." Jiang Li spoke of a terrifying fact.

She was actually telling Mu Qingge, if Qin Yiyao only went to another country, it would be nothing. But if she crossed the sea...

Suddenly, a huge wave rose in the distance, crashing fiercely onto the sea.

It seemed to confirm the terror of the Bitter Sea in Jiang Li’s words.

That immense, unstoppable force of nature was deeply frightening!

Mu Qingge pursed her lips and fell silent, worried for Qin Yiyao.

After a long time, her expression finally softened, and she said calmly, "It’s her choice, let her be."

Jiang Li turned her eyes to look at her, gazed seriously for a moment, and then said, "Has anyone ever told you that you’re cold-blooded and heartless?"

Mu Qingge smiled wryly, "Quite a few have said so." Of course, they’re all her enemies, who have since died at her hands.

Jiang Li fell silent. She seemed to understand the emotion behind Mu Qingge’s words.

Some choices aren’t the best, but they have to be made. How many things in the world go exactly as one wishes?

Perhaps both of them were reminded of their own thoughts, leading them to a mutual silence.

After a long while, Jiang Li finally asked, "Do you plan to keep living as a man? If that’s your choice, I suggest you wear an ugly mask whenever you go out and avoid speaking or interacting with women."

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, catching the sarcasm in her words. She looked down and said, "Someone just reprimanded me for this, so please spare me."

What does it mean to feel an instant connection?

That’s what it was like between Mu Qingge and Jiang Li. Even though they were meeting for the first time, they felt like there was nothing they couldn’t talk about. There was no hint of unfamiliarity or a wall between them, as if they’d known each other for a long time.

The inexplicable trust between them was something neither could explain.

And being people who follow their hearts, they simply let it be.

"When do you plan to reveal this? You must notify me in advance—I want to watch the show." Jiang Li said excitedly, her face full of anticipation, "I’m really looking forward to seeing the expression on everyone’s faces when the whole world finds out the little lord from the Mu Mansion in Qin Country is actually a woman!"

"You really do have a wicked sense of humor," Mu Qingge said speechlessly.

Jiang Li’s mentality was indeed different from ordinary people.

"Hurry, tell me!" Jiang Li grasped Mu Qingge’s hand, shaking it excitedly.

Mu Qingge thought for a moment, then said, "Let’s wait a bit more. I want to see one person first before I consider this matter." She planned to find Si Mo and resolve the matter between them.

"How long will that take?" Jiang Li pouted.

"..." Mu Qingge was at a loss for words. See, she mentioned Jiang Li’s focus was different from ordinary people. When others heard this, they’d care about who she wants to see, but Jiang Li was concerned about how long she’d have to wait.

"Why did you publicly choose a husband?" Mu Qingge suddenly asked.

Jiang Li answered without thinking, "Because I’m of marriageable age, so I need to pick a satisfactory husband for myself."

"So what now? Are you going to choose again?" Mu Qingge asked.

After all, this was something she had disrupted, so she had to take some responsibility, right?

"What else could I do? Unless you have a brother or sister who looks exactly like you and is just as formidable, you could introduce them to me," Jiang Li looked at her with a hint of complaint.

"Cough, cough, even if I had one, I wouldn’t be a little lord," Mu Qingge faked a cough awkwardly.

"Sigh!" Jiang Li lowered her head in disappointment.

"How do you plan to explain this to the public? For your reputation, I wouldn’t mind if you slandered me!" Mu Qingge said earnestly.

Jiang Li’s golden eyes turned, revealing an evil smile, "I’ll say that you’ve already married a wife once, and although she’s dead now, it’s not possible for me, the dignified empress, to become your second wife. Besides, losing a wife at such a young age, the empress suspects you’re ill-fated for your spouse, so the empress dismissed you!"

Mu Qingge thought for a moment, then nodded, "That works."

"You’re actually serious about it!" Jiang Li looked at Mu Qingge in shock.

Seeing her uncomprehending look, Jiang Li started laughing, "I was just joking with you. I’m the empress, who would dare to refute my words in the Ancient Witch Country? If I don’t want to marry, I won’t. Do I need to explain to anyone?"

This bold declaration made Mu Qingge admire her even more. She nodded heavily, giving Jiang Li a thumbs up.

"Alright, since everything’s out in the open. Tonight’s banquet will proceed as usual, but let’s change the engagement banquet to a welcoming one!" Jiang Li exhaled a breath, stretched lazily, looking alluring.

Mu Qingge nodded with a smile, not rejecting her kind gesture.

"By the way. While you’re in the Ancient Witch Country, you should stay in the Imperial Palace, it’s much better than staying outside." Jiang Li invited.

"Then I’ll take you up on that." Mu Qingge smiled.

Jiang Li shook her head with disdain, "You’re being overly polite."

Suddenly, she turned her eyes and thought, saying to Mu Qingge, "The wedding arrangements are actually prepared. Anyway, it’s a waste to let them sit there, we might as well send those two into the new house!"

Mu Qingge definitely knew who she meant.

However, she couldn’t agree immediately, so she just smiled and said, "Shouldn’t we first ask the intentions of the groom and bride?"

Jiang Li asked puzzledly, "Didn’t that Xue fellow propose in the square before?"

"But my aunt hasn’t replied yet! Besides, for such a major event as marriage, my aunt probably wants to inform my grandfather too." Mu Qingge spread her hands.

Jiang Li frowned as she listened, dissatisfied, "You people are really troublesome! Not like in the Ancient Witch Country, where as long as both parties agree, they can hold the ceremony and become husband and wife."

Mu Qingge smiled without saying a word.

She still needed to verify Xue Qiao’s background and confirm her aunt’s intentions. This matter must not be rushed.

"Anyway, thank you." Mu Qingge said.

Jiang Li snorted in disappointment.

Her attitude made Mu Qingge suspect whether being this empress made her too idle.

The two of them stayed in the room for more than an hour.

During this period, the most anxious people were Mu Lianrong and Shang Zisu.

The former was worried about whether there would be any danger after Mu Qingge reveals the truth. However, the room remained quiet and didn’t sound like there was any fighting. She was so conflicted that she couldn’t sit still.

Shang Zisu was lost in thought, wondering what irreversible events might occur with a man and woman alone in a room, especially in the Ancient Witch Country, where customs are so open.

Several times, she was tempted to storm in.

But each time, she restrained herself.

Finally, the tightly closed door slowly opened. Mu Qingge and the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country walked out calmly.

Jiang Li put back on her golden mask, and upon emerging, she told the waiting female officials, "Announce the cancellation of the wedding. However, the banquet tonight will proceed as scheduled."

Upon hearing the cancellation of the wedding, Shang Zisu inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief.

The heart of Mu Lianrong also returned to its original place. She looked at Mu Qingge with questioning eyes, but the latter subtly shook her head with a smile.

As for the female officials of the Ancient Witch Country, they looked at each other, bewildered.

It seemed they couldn’t understand why the Empress made such a decision.

But Jiang Li seemed accustomed to being domineering.

No one refuted her words, and the female officials complied and went to prepare everything.

...

The banquet was held in the Ancient Witch Country Palace.

During the banquet, Mu Qingge and the others tasted the peculiar delicacies of the Ancient Witch Country. They saw the country’s unique songs and dances and appreciated its distinctive customs.

Only until late at night did they return to their residing palace, slightly drunk.

In the palace, hot water was already prepared for them to wash and rest.

"Please wait, Lord Mu." However, just as they returned to the palace, Xue Qiao called out to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge stopped, turned to look at him, eyes carrying inquiry.

Mu Lianrong walked over and said, "Xue Qiao, what do you need Qingge for?"

Xue Qiao waved her off, merely looking at Mu Qingge and said, "I call your aunt Rong Sister, and thus I presumptuously take the liberty to be an elder to you, may I call you Qingge?"

Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered, she nodded lightly, "As you wish."

"Xue Qiao, you’re drunk, go rest first." Mu Lianrong’s heart inexplicably wavered, quickly stopping him.

Xue Qiao looked at her, seriously said, "Rong Sister, I’m not drunk. I’m just using the boldness from drink to speak the words I’ve long wanted to say. I know, the words I said on the square today, you thought I was just trying to escape the predicament and lied. But now I want to tell you, I didn’t, my words were all true!"

Mu Lianrong was frozen in place, her mind blankly looking at Xue Qiao. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Mu Qingge’s gaze lowered slightly, guessing what Xue Qiao wanted to say to her. Thus she told Mo Yang and the Dragon Tooth Guards, as well as Shang Zisu, "Mo Yang, Senior Sister Shang, you should go rest first."

This matter counts as Mu Qingge’s family affair, and it was reasonable for them to leave.

And so, without much delay, the crowd quickly left, leaving just the three of them standing in the palace.

Xue Qiao’s gaze shifted from Mu Lianrong’s to Mu Qingge’s, sincerely saying, "I’ve been at the borders of the Third-class Country for some time now, and Lord Mu’s reputation from the Mu Mansion in Qin Country resounds in my ears. Actually, I also wanted to personally see if the Lord Mu from the Mu Mansion truly lived up to the tales. That’s why I decided, after leaving the Ancient Witch Country, to visit Qin Country. But I didn’t expect, in the Ancient Witch Country, to meet Rong Sister, who turned out to be the eldest Miss from Mu Mansion. What’s more, I didn’t expect to meet you here. From seeing you today, indeed, the reputation is well-deserved. You are surely the leading figure among the younger generation!"

Saying this, he looked at the stunned Mu Lianrong, deeply saying, "Rong Sister, remember our agreement? Actually, regardless of winning or losing, I gain an advantage. If I lost, I could stay beside you openly for a month, and if I won, I could go to Qin Country with you, propose in front of Grand Duke and Qin Country’s people."

"You... you..." Mu Lianrong was completely dazed.

It was unclear whether she was shocked by Xue Qiao’s words or by his feelings for her.

"Rong Sister, throughout our time together, I believe you have feelings for me. What you mind is merely that I’m a few years younger than you. But what does it matter? Where are we? Ancient Witch Country, here even if there’s an age gap of several years, decades, as long as there’s love, they can be together, so why should we be reserved? Besides, I’ve never thought of you as older. In my heart, you’re like a pure little girl, needing love, needing protection, needing care." Xue Qiao’s breath, carrying a scent of liquor, caused Mu Lianrong to feel slightly drunk.

He continued, "Tonight, I stopped Qingge just to have him witness my declaration: I, Xue Qiao, in this life, am determined to marry Mu Lianrong as my wife!"

"My aunt cannot tolerate concubines, cannot tolerate equal wives nor husband’s infidelity!" Mu Qingge suddenly said.

Xue Qiao turned his eyes to her and suddenly laughed, cutting his palm with his hand and raising it high above his head, loudly declaring, "I, Xue Qiao, swear, in this lifetime to love only Mu Lianrong, willing to be with her forever as one, if this oath is broken, let the people my fate, be abandoned by gods and demons, let a thousand arrows pierce my heart and die!"

Boom——!

The clear night suddenly echoed a clap of thunder.

The blood from Xue Qiao’s palm suddenly transformed into a red light, flying into his body.

This strange scene caused Mu Qingge’s eyes to contract.

"Who swore in the Ancient Witch Country!" Jiang Li’s voice suddenly interjected, appearing alongside Mu Qingge.

"Why are you here?" Mu Qingge frowned.

Jiang Li ignored her, her keen gaze on Xue Qiao’s palm, making clicking sounds. "The mystery of the Ancient Witch Country lies in that anyone who swears here will be validated. In other words, if he really violates his oath, his fate will be as he said, even more miserable!"

"Xue Qiao, why are you so foolish!" Mu Lianrong woke from shock, grabbing Xue Qiao’s hand crying out.

Mu Qingge, having just arrived in the Ancient Witch Country, heard this explanation for the first time.

She looked at Jiang Li and asked, "Is it really that miraculous?"

Jiang Li proudly raised her chin, nodding slightly and enticingly saying, "Don’t believe me, try it?"

Mu Qingge twitched her mouth corner, but did not plan to personally test the law.

However, Jiang Li continued seriously explaining to her, "Remember, when swearing, use palm blood. Because a person’s fate lies within the palms, using palm blood to swear directly affects fate."

"Rong Sister, no, Lianrong, I’m serious, I will never regret it!" Xue Qiao slowly shook his head.

Mu Lianrong felt a sourness in her nose, having never dreamed she could have such a strong emotion.

Suddenly, she quickly cut open her own palm, raised it high, declaring, "I, Mu Lianrong, swear, to be with Xue Qiao in life and death, together forever, if this oath is broken, let there be heavenly punishment, to die a dishonorable death!"

"Aunt!" Mu Qingge wanted to stop her, but it was already a step too late.

Helplessly witnessing the red light formed by her blood enter Mu Lianrong’s body.

Jiang Li smiled brightly at her, "Looks like all those wedding preparations I painstakingly made are going to be used!"

Mu Qingge sighed inwardly, looking at Mu Lianrong and Xue Qiao’s affectionate appearance, what more could she say? She couldn’t possibly criticize her aunt for being too impulsive, could she?

"Do you have an intelligence network in Yu Country? I need to get information about the Xue Family and Xue Qiao in Yu Country as soon as possible." Mu Qingge communicated with Jiang Li using a secret voice transmission.

Originally, she planned to let her people investigate slowly after entering Yu Country, after all seeing Mu Lianrong didn’t seem anxious. But who would have expected such an unexpected event tonight?

Even though Xue Qiao had sworn, she had to understand the situation of the Xue Family from Yu Country!

She didn’t wish her aunt to suffer grievances after marrying there.

Jiang Li blinked, understood Mu Qingge’s concerns, and immediately promised, "You’ll have it in three days!"

"Thank you." Mu Qingge sincerely said.

...

That night, two claps of thunder struck the skies over Ancient Witch Country.

And at another place within Ancient Witch Country, an intelligence report entered the Refining Tower Branch.

"What? That guy wielding the Silver Divine Spear has appeared?!" The Director of the Refining Tower Branch slammed the table, standing up abruptly!

A wanted poster from Rong Country concerning Mu Qingge lay spread out on the desk before him.