The serene surface of the lake in the Imperial Garden was stirred with waves. Crystal clear lake water rose from within, forming a transparent barrier between two blurred figures.

Savage impact sounds constantly echoed. Spiritual power of the same deep purple hue clashed in the air, exploding into purple floral shapes, like fireworks blooming.

Huangfu Huan stared in wide-eyed astonishment, unable to suppress the shock in his eyes.

The collisions between the two forced him several steps back, as the barrier formed by his spiritual power in front of him was scratched with sharp, harsh friction by the fierce winds.

"Purple Realm Peak!" Huangfu Huan’s face was aghast as he watched the colors of the spiritual power colliding in the sky.

Shen Bicheng being at the Purple Realm Peak, he could mentally prepare himself for. But the unexpected revelation was that Mu Qingge was also at the Purple Realm Peak!

A small lord from a third-class country, younger than Shen Bicheng, yet already a powerhouse at the Purple Realm Peak, and moreover... he is an elder at the Medicine Tower Headquarters, a bona fide Spirit Level Alchemist!

How did he achieve this?

Huangfu Huan was shocked, repeatedly asking himself in his heart.

Suddenly, he seemed to understand why His Majesty the Holy King favored Mu Qingge so much.

A talent of this caliber would incite envy, admiration, even in him. Such a peerless genius... no, a peerless demon, naturally would evoke the Holy King’s interest to take him as an apprentice!

’Must form an alliance, never an enmity!’ Huangfu Huan instantly issued himself a command that must be adhered to.

Mu Qingge’s demonstrated strength and talent were truly terrifying.

If he doesn’t fall prematurely, growing up, Huangfu Huan dare not imagine how powerful he would be. He must not leave a hidden threat for the Holy Yuan Empire.

Not just himself, he must also warn his father, his siblings, for none of them to offend Mu Qingge!

"Huan’er, what’s happening?" The commotion in the Imperial Garden was so loud that even Emperor Yuan Huangfu Haotian rushed over with the tributor from the palace.

Huangfu Huan turned around, paid homage to his father, then looked at the two fighting figures above the lake with a bitter smile and said, "Isn’t it the madman from the Shen Family breaking in, insisting on challenging the little lord Mu to a duel." After which, he apologized, "Your son is inadequate and failed to stop them."

Huangfu Haotian was equally shocked by the fierce battle, waved his hand, staring dazedly at the two figures in the duel, telling Huangfu Huan, "It’s not your fault; with your current cultivation level, you can’t possibly stop them."

"The two are already at the Purple Realm Peak." A tributor who followed took a step forward, glanced at the lake surface, and reported to Emperor Yuan.

Huangfu Haotian slightly nodded, his expression complex.

Suddenly, the domineering forces in the air clashed again, shattered spiritual power transformed into countless blades sweeping around.

"Your Majesty, watch out!" Seeing several of them about to hit Huangfu Haotian, the tributor beside him grabbed his clothes, pulling him back a few steps, and waved to shatter those air blades, snorting coldly.

"Father, it is dangerous here, please return!" Huangfu Huan was also startled, urgently advising Emperor Yuan.

However, Huangfu Haotian shook his head in refusal. His eyes were bright, fixed on the two young combatants, addressing Huangfu Huan, "Such a spectacular duel among the younger generation, how could I miss it?"

"But..."

Huangfu Huan still wanted to persuade, but was interrupted by Huangfu Haotian, "No worries, with the Seventh Tributor here, I will be fine."

The one referred to as the Seventh Tributor was precisely the person who came with Huangfu Haotian.

Having said this, Huangfu Huan refrained from continuing further.

Indeed, with the Seventh Tributor who reached the Spiritual Movement Stage here to protect his father, there’s hardly any worry about his safety.

"Huan’er, instruct the Forbidden Guard to lock down this area, let no one approach," suddenly Huangfu Haotian demanded from Huangfu Huan.

Huangfu Huan nodded in acknowledgment and withdrew.

After Huangfu Huan’s departure, Huangfu Haotian solemnly addressed the Seventh Tributor, "What do you think of these two?"

The Seventh Tributor’s gaze shifted from Emperor Yuan’s back to the periodically merging shadows in the air, the lake water continually burst open, sprinkling the ground. The surrounding picturesque scenery and the pavilion in the lake had long been full of scars due to the spiritual power radiating from the two.

Retrieving his gaze, the Seventh Tributor hung his head, truthfully stating, "They are both naturally gifted cultivation talents; give them ten more years, and for sure they will surpass us."

This was such a high praise, it prompted Huangfu Haotian to involuntarily gasp.

In the Holy Yuan Empire, the number of Purple Realm masters, even Huangfu Haotian himself might not know, but those who broke through the Purple Realm, reaching the Spiritual Movement Stage, are only seven tributors fostered by the palace for generations.

These seven have lived countless years and truly observed numerous individuals.

Now, such an evaluation from the Seventh Tributor couldn’t be doubted by Huangfu Haotian.

His expression varied, his eyes extremely complicated. Standing with his hands behind him, watching the ongoing battle, he said in a deep voice, "These two, one is a madman from the Shen Family, the other the one favored by His Majesty the Holy King."

The Seventh Tributor’s eyes suddenly contracted, raised his eyes towards Emperor Yuan, then quickly shifted his gaze to the sky above the lake.

The Shen Family’s cultivation fanatic, that madman who only knows fighting, he didn’t care. What startled him was Emperor Yuan’s latter half of the sentence... the person favored by His Majesty the Holy King!

This...

The Seventh Tributor’s calm face revealed a layer of shock. Instantly, it became remarkably serious, and he reminded Huangfu Haotian, "Your Majesty, be cautious with rumors. Should it reach the ears of His Majesty the Holy King, it might be unfavorable for the Imperial Family."

Huangfu Haotian’s lips curled into a grim smile, "Seventh Tributor, do you think I am the kind to believe in rumors? This matter is absolutely true, personally told by His Majesty the Holy King to Huan’er."

"What? His Majesty the Holy King personally initiated the conversation?" The Seventh Tributor’s eyes widened almost to the point of bulging.

Huangfu Haotian nodded, "I always hoped Huan’er would receive His Majesty the Holy King’s favor and be taken as a disciple. To achieve this goal, I shamelessly kept looking for opportunities to present Huan’er to His Majesty the Holy King. Yet, over twenty years, His Majesty never paid any attention to Huan’er. But recently, he proactively summoned Huan’er, calling him from the palace to the Li Palace, and said one sentence."

"What sentence?" the Seventh Tributor asked persistently.

Huangfu Haotian’s eyes darkened slightly, "He said, do not allow Mu Qingge to be bullied."

This time, it was the Seventh Tributor’s turn to gasp.

He was experienced, how could he not sense the weight of that sentence?

It might be more than mere favor. The Seventh Tributor’s mind whirled, this sentence almost rendered Mu Qingge a possession, engraving the ’Li Palace’ mark upon him.

With this mark, Mu Qingge could virtually walk domineering across Linchuan!

The Seventh Tributor fell silent, no longer interested in watching the aerial battle above the lake. He digested the information received in his heart, calming the shock within.

How many years had it been? His heart had never thumped so heavily as at this moment.

As the Seventh Tributor fell silent, Huangfu Haotian did not disturb him. He remained silent too, head raised watching the battle between Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng.

He seemed to be observing the battle, yet perhaps contemplating something.

After a while, the Seventh Tributor slowly raised his head, releasing a deep breath, and lowly asked, "What does Your Majesty plan to do?" Naturally, the order from His Majesty the Holy King couldn’t be disobeyed, hence the Seventh Tributor’s question didn’t pertain to how Emperor Yuan intended to deal with Mu Qingge, but rather the attitude he planned to adopt moving forward.

Having realized the distinct regard His Majesty the Holy King held for this individual, should he cultivate relations or...

That word, even in death, the Seventh Tributor dared not voice.

Thus, in his heart, he amended that word to ’maintain distance.’

Huangfu Haotian gently shook his head, honestly replied, "I haven’t decided yet." Pausing for a moment, he added enigmatically, "The Shen Family truly produced a good child."

A trace of confusion flickered in the Seventh Tributor’s eyes, puzzled as to why Huangfu Haotian shifted the topic to Shen Bicheng.

Though he has lived long, when it comes to politics, when it comes to imperial arts, ten of him couldn’t measure up to this Emperor of Linchuan Continent’s greatest nation.

As the two conversed, footsteps approached from afar behind them.

The Seventh Tributor immediately collected his expression, standing silently behind Huangfu Haotian.

In no time, Huangfu Huan returned with someone.

The person was none other than the head of the Shen Family, the smooth-talking fat man, also Shen Bicheng’s father.

"Father Emperor, the Head of the Shen Family is here," Huangfu Huan whispered as he walked to Huangfu Haotian’s side.

"Oh? The Head of the Shen Family came too!" Huangfu Haotian slowly turned around, looking at the head of the Shen Family with amusement in his eyes.

Upon hearing Emperor Yuan’s words, the Head of the Shen Family drew back his gaze from watching the battle in shock and saluted Huangfu Haotian, "Your Majesty, Bicheng is indeed too reckless. Even in a hurry to battle, he shouldn’t have dared to offend Your Majesty by barging into the Imperial Palace."

"It’s all right. The Imperial Palace hasn’t been so lively for quite a while. Just before, I found the scenery in this Imperial Garden a bit old, and I was thinking of having it demolished and redecorated. Quite unexpectedly, Third Young Master Shen along with little Lord Mu have saved me a good deal of trouble by being so attentive. Speaking of which, I should really thank them both."

Who is the Head of the Shen Family?

From Huangfu Haotian’s words, he already guessed the answer he sought.

He hurriedly said, "Your Majesty’s magnanimity truly shames Shen Yu. Since it was my son who damaged the Imperial Garden, our Shen Family wishes to fund its reconstruction, as a token of gratitude for Your Majesty’s forbearance."

"How could I possibly trouble Shen Qing with expense?" Huangfu Haotian said with a smile.

"How could it even be called an expense? My son caused the mishap, and as his father, it’s only natural to clean up after him. Besides, Your Majesty is consumed with state affairs every day for the people, confined to the palace. No matter how beautiful the scenery of the Imperial Palace is, there comes a time when one grows weary of it, and it should have been rebuilt long ago. These words have been in my heart for a long time, but I never got the chance to express them to Your Majesty. Today, I use my son’s misdeed to voice my true intentions, and I hope Your Majesty won’t postpone it further." The Head of the Shen Family spoke righteously, as if he wouldn’t rest until Emperor Yuan agreed to let him pay.

After his words, Huangfu Haotian hesitated for a while before reluctantly agreeing, "Then I’ll impose on Shen Qing for the expense."

"Your Majesty flatters us! To relieve Your Majesty of concern is the greatest honor for Shen Yu and the entire Shen Family," the Head of the Shen Family said sincerely.

Huangfu Haotian nodded contentedly and said to the Head of the Shen Family, "Since you’ve come, Shen Qing, let’s watch together. It is rare to see two evenly matched geniuses from the younger generation, such a battle is uncommon indeed!"

With that, he pointed to the silent Seventh Tributor, half-jokingly saying, "See, before you came, the Seventh Tributor was saying that Third Young Master Shen is exceptionally talented and will surely surpass him in less than ten years."

The Head of the Shen Family’s face changed with shock, exclaiming, "My son is merely a hot-headed brute, how could he be compared with the Seventh Tributor? Such praise, Shen Yu and Shen Bicheng do not dare to accept!"

"Ah, why so nervous? It’s a good thing for children to excel! Each generation must outshine the last. Come, watch the duel," Huangfu Haotian said cheerfully, not minding the Shen Family Head, who was sweating with anxiety, as he continued to watch the intense battle in the sky.

Bang—!

The fierce clash separated the two figures, who had become blurred from speed.

The crowd on the ground didn’t distract the two of them.

Mu Qingge faced Shen Bicheng, her bones cracking comfortably. She hadn’t fought so heartily in a long time.

She enjoyed such an evenly matched duel.

However, she knew she hadn’t revealed her full strength, nor had Shen Bicheng. This battle was more like a mutual probing and assessing.

The outcome no longer mattered; the process was what was important.

Mu Qingge’s eyes sparkled, and she shouted at Shen Bicheng, "Again!"

Shen Bicheng’s eyes also lit up, and without fear, he met Mu Qingge. They engaged in battle once more, their figures blurring as they exchanged hundreds of moves in an instant.

Outsiders could only see the deep purple glow flashing continuously.

However, in Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng’s eyes, there were countless fist shadows and handprints.

The lake water below had already been whipped up by their force, creating a depression on the lake surface beneath them. The water splashes flew backward into the air and fell again, seemingly forming a transparent giant bowl enclosing the two of them, making it even harder for outsiders to see clearly.

The battle lasted until nearly noon.

Because of Huangfu Haotian’s orders, the earth-shattering fight didn’t attract any onlookers.

Only the four of them witnessed the battle between these two geniuses firsthand.

Finally, the lake water that had been lifted into the air suddenly fell back into place.

The two evenly matched figures retreated to opposite sides, standing in midair.

"They fought for so long, yet their spiritual power is still enough to keep them airborne. What are these two monsters? How much spiritual power do they have?" Huangfu Huan said with a bitter smile, feeling overwhelmed.

His Blue Realm Peak cultivation seemed like nothing in front of these two!

This fact was not only surprising but also unavoidable.

Over the lake, Shen Bicheng looked calmly at Mu Qingge, showing no signs of fatigue on his face. Except for some disordered clothes, both appeared in good spirits, the excitement in their eyes not yet faded.

"You’re impressive!" Shen Bicheng suddenly spoke.

"You’re no slouch either," Mu Qingge replied with a smirk.

Shen Bicheng fell silent again and said to Mu Qingge, "There are too many people today, and the fight wasn’t satisfying. Another day, let’s find a place where no one will disturb us and determine who’s superior."

"Alright," Mu Qingge agreed with a nod.

As soon as she agreed, Shen Bicheng turned and disappeared from where he stood.

He didn’t care at all about who was standing on the shore or the state of this place they had fought in.

"Rebellious son! Rebellious son!" The Head of the Shen Family stomped in anger beside Emperor Yuan.

Watching his son run off like that, he was so furious that his whiskers bristled.

After taking a few deep breaths, the Head of the Shen Family saluted Huangfu Haotian, "Your Majesty, my son’s impudence is intolerable. When Shen Yu returns, I will properly discipline him and have him come to the palace to apologize in person. I shall not trouble Your Majesty any longer, I bid farewell."

With that, he nodded to the Seventh Tributor and Crown Prince Huangfu Huan before turning to leave briskly.

As for Mu Qingge, he wasn’t in the mood to exchange pleasantries with her, especially since she was still hovering over the lake.

After the Head of the Shen Family left, Mu Qingge slowly descended to the shore.

Glancing at the mess around, she tugged at her lips and said to the smiling Huangfu Haotian, "Emperor Yuan... I’m sorry."

Huangfu Haotian replied nonchalantly, "No matter, using my Imperial Garden to watch such an astonishingly beautiful duel is already a splendid trade-off."

Emperor Yuan’s words made Mu Qingge’s cheeks flush with embarrassment.

After all, when someone invites you as a guest to their home, demolishing the place is inexcusable.

After a moment’s hesitation, Mu Qingge begrudgingly said, "How about this, let Emperor Yuan calculate the damages, and I’ll cover the costs."

"Hahahaha... no need," Huangfu Haotian laughed heartily, waving it off. Then he instructed Huangfu Huan, "Little Lord Mu must be tired. Huan’er, escort Little Lord Mu back to the Post House to rest."

"Yes, Father Emperor." Huangfu Huan accepted the order with pleasure.

Afterward, Huangfu Haotian nodded kindly to Mu Qingge before turning to leave.

From the moment the Head of the Shen Family arrived, the Seventh Tributor who had kept silent, trying to minimize his presence, also left with them.

After watching the two leave, Mu Qingge’s smile slightly faded, and she squinted, asking, "Who was that gaunt old man walking behind His Majesty the Emperor?"

Huangfu Huan smiled faintly, not hiding it from Mu Qingge, "He’s a tributor of the palace, supported by generations of our Huangfu Family. There are a total of seven such tributors in the Huangfu Family, and they heed only the orders of the Huangfu Family head."

"Seven?" Mu Qingge was taken aback for a moment and said truthfully, "He’s very strong." At least stronger than she is now. Among the three people standing on the shore, the one she noticed most from the beginning was this Seventh Tributor. Because even though he was restraining his aura, he still gave her a feeling of unfathomability.

With seven such figures, the strength of the Holy Yuan Empire’s Imperial Family is evident.

Mu Qingge found it somewhat strange that Huangfu Huan would share such information so freely. Generally, such intelligence wouldn’t be casually disclosed.

Unless many people in Tiandu already know about the seven tributors of the Huangfu Family.

In fact, what Mu Qingge imagined was only part of the reason. Another aspect was that Huangfu Huan felt that Mu Qingge’s greatest support was the Holy King, so what did his family’s seven tributors count for? If he acted evasively, it might instead seem like he had ulterior motives.

Since he had already decided to associate with Mu Qingge, he naturally wouldn’t let small matters create a rift between them.

As he escorted Mu Qingge to the door of the Post House, Huangfu Huan said before leaving, "Oh, by the way. You don’t need to worry about the renovation of the Imperial Garden. During your fight with the ’Crazy Shen,’ the Shen Family Head has already volunteered for the job."

Mu Qingge was stunned for a moment, then laughed and said, "Thank you for letting me know."

After bidding farewell to Huangfu Huan, Mu Qingge entered the Post House; indeed, she needed a good sleep now.

Huangfu Huan returned to the Imperial Palace, and just as he reached the palace gate, he was taken away by an eunuch from Emperor Yuan’s side, who said that Emperor Yuan was waiting for him.

When he met Emperor Yuan again, Emperor Yuan had already washed and changed into his majestic Dragon Robe.

"Father Emperor." Huangfu Huan approached and saluted Huangfu Haotian.

Huangfu Haotian walked to a chair and sat down, saying to Huangfu Huan, "Rise. Has little Lord Mu been delivered?"

Huangfu Huan nodded and asked, "Did Father Emperor summon me for a discussion?"

Huangfu Haotian nodded, not hiding his thoughts from Huangfu Huan, "How did your talk with Mu Qingge go? Did you inquire why the Holy King holds him in such high regard?"

Huangfu Huan’s eyes flashed, and he lowered his gaze, saying, "I did not ask."

"You didn’t ask?" Huangfu Haotian’s voice rose slightly.

Huangfu Huan pressed his lips together and said, "I didn’t ask. I only asked him for a favor."

"What favor?" Huangfu Haotian quickly inquired.

Huangfu Huan paused for a moment and said, "I asked him to inquire in front of the Holy King if the Holy King would be willing to take me as a disciple."

"Did he agree?" Huangfu Huan’s words made Huangfu Haotian excitedly stand up from his chair.

"He agreed," Huangfu Huan said calmly.

"Good! Good! Very good." Huangfu Haotian sat back down and sighed, "If the Holy King is willing to take you as a disciple, it is worth any price. But if not..." He looked at Huangfu Huan with some concern.

Huangfu Huan smiled calmly and said, "Father Emperor, I am not so fragile. If the Holy King is unwilling, it only means I am not good enough. I will only work harder and will not degrade myself so that Father Emperor and the Holy King despise me."

"Good! That’s my good son!" Huangfu Haotian said proudly. This time he didn’t use ’We,’ but ’I,’ showing how much he liked Huangfu Huan.

Whether the Holy King would take Huangfu Huan as a disciple was a matter close to his heart.

Now that there seemed to be a resolution, his mind was much at ease.

However, he hesitated for a moment and tentatively asked Huangfu Huan, "Huan’er, in your opinion, how should the Huangfu Family treat Mu Qingge in the future?"

"Naturally, we should befriend him, not oppose him!" Huangfu Huan replied without hesitation.

Huangfu Haotian’s eyes narrowed suddenly, as if he hadn’t expected Huangfu Huan to be so resolute.

He was silent for a moment before asking, "If that’s the case, should I choose one of your imperial sisters worthy of him to marry him?"

"Absolutely not!" Huangfu Huan stood up to stop him.

With a serious expression, he said to Huangfu Haotian, "Father Emperor, from my interaction, Mu Qingge is not someone who can be won over by conventional means. An alliance through marriage or deliberate courting might only provoke his aversion and cause him to distance himself. Moreover, if our Huangfu Family pursues him too much, what would the Holy King think?"

Huangfu Haotian furrowed his eyebrows in silence. After a while, he relaxed his brows and asked, "Then what do you suggest?"

"Just genuine friendship, without too much deliberate intent." Huangfu Huan gave his answer.

"Genuine friendship..." These four words were incredibly unfamiliar to an emperor. A look of confusion flashed in Huangfu Haotian’s eyes.

After a while, he looked at Huangfu Huan and sighed, "Huan’er, it seems I have truly grown old. Almost became an old fool, doing foolish things."

"Father Emperor..." Huangfu Huan looked at Huangfu Haotian with a complex expression.

As a Crown Prince, he had been exposed to royal techniques and the art of governance since childhood. How could he not understand his father’s feelings? For a king, people are either useful or not.

Genuine feelings were discarded long ago when ascending to the supreme position.

This is the cost.

There is no right or wrong, but a necessary outcome.

When they say the emperor is emotionless, it doesn’t mean the emperor is cold-blooded, but refers to the necessity for a king ruling a nation’s land to abandon all personal feelings and interests, and prioritize the country’s well-being with fairness and justice.

Seeing such a Father Emperor saddened Huangfu Huan. Therefore, he didn’t want to ascend to that position. He didn’t know if he could be a qualified king, capable of cutting off his personal emotions.

But, responsibility compelled him not to turn away resolutely.

So he gave himself a reason.

If... if the Holy King took him as a disciple, perhaps he could escape the prison of the Imperial Palace and gain a different world. If not, he would have to hold on to his responsibility and strive to become a king like Father Emperor.

As he walked out of Emperor Yuan’s palace, the sunlight was already spilling lavishly outside.

Huangfu Huan was enveloped in it, his whole body warm, with an indescribable comfort. However, there was an indescribable fatigue.

He looked up at the sky, his jade-carved, handsome face shimmering with a layer of crystalline brilliance.

After a moment, he revived his spirits and left with big strides.

...

Tiandu, the Hua Family.

The Hua Mansion, a wondrous place in Tiandu.

The women here exuded endless gentle charm, tender and alluring. Marrying a woman from the Hua Family was the ultimate dream of all men in Tiandu.

However, the women of the Hua Family only marry extraordinary individuals!

This "extraordinary" has many meanings.

Either it represents power, or it represents money, or it represents influence, or it represents reputation, or it represents cultivation, or it represents potential...

But, the Hua Family would never provoke the Huangfu Family, and no woman from the Hua Family had ever been sent to serve any ruler inside the palace, including princes.

This is not because the Hua Mansion is aloof, but because of their wisdom.

Through their actions, they inform the most powerful people in the Holy Yuan Empire that the Hua Family harbors no ambition for regime change and does not seek to control the government.

Thus, the Hua Family continues to survive and thrive, growing ever stronger.

If the Hua Family’s sons-in-law were to join forces, who knows how significant the power they could wield. Thus, while led by women, the Hua Family stands like an indomitable stone throughout history, with a position that is difficult to shake.

The most important ability that each family head of the Hua Family must possess is the power to discern people.

It’s rumored that the Hua Family head practices a secret technique that can predict a person’s future, and then chooses husbands for Hua Family’s daughters.

For countless generations, there has never been a mistake.

But in reality, does the Hua Family truly have such abilities?

"Mother, what do you think of Mu Qingge? Your daughter is already of marriageable age, aren’t you anxious?" asked the young lady of the Hua Family, who was also the one who made eyes at Mu Qingge during the banquet, playfully nagging the Hua family head.

The Hua family head resignedly tapped her daughter’s nose and said, "You little girl, why are you so eager to get married? Aren’t you embarrassed?"

Hua Qinxin pouted and said, "Mother always taught me that if I meet an outstanding man, I shouldn’t let him slip away. Now I’ve found one, why are you hesitating? Isn’t Mu Qingge outstanding enough?"

"It’s not that he’s not outstanding, but..." Hua family head frowned slightly, appearing somewhat hesitant.

"But what?" Hua Qinxin urged.

The Hua family head patted her hand and slowly said, "You are my daughter, and in the future, you are to inherit the position of the Hua Family head, so you can only bring in a husband to join our family. Do you think Mu Qingge would agree to that?"

"Why wouldn’t he agree?" Hua Qinxin stood up from her mother’s embrace and said matter-of-factly, "He comes from such a small place like a third-class country, and if he joined our Hua Family, he would instantly become a noble in the Holy Yuan Empire, having the wind at his back and the rain at his call. Why would he refuse?"

The Hua family head sighed and shook her head, saying, "When will you learn to look beyond the surface and see the essence?"

Hua Qinxin pursed her lips, seemingly dissatisfied with her mother’s remark.

The Hua family head continued, "There’s word outside that our Hua Family possesses the art of discerning people. But where would such a mystical book be? Our Hua Family merely has an innate talent for recognizing people, enhanced by special cultivation and accumulated experience over time, allowing us to reach here today. In the ancestral temple are collections drawn by ancestors through the generations, depicting various types of people, teaching you how to perceive, yet you cannot endure to study diligently. Mu Qingge is indeed outstanding, whether it’s talent, appearance, or future potential, all are enough to make him a son-in-law of our Hua Family. However, his personality is unruly. If it’s merely a marriage alliance, it’s possible, but if you want him to be a live-in son-in-law, I’m afraid you should give up on that idea."

"Mother, I don’t want that. I just like him." Hua Qinxin whined.

The Hua family head frowned and said, "Haven’t I explained it clearly enough to you?"

"I understand. If he’s unwilling to join us, then I’ll marry into his family." Hua Qinxin replied straightforwardly.

"What are you saying? You are the future head of the Hua Family. How can you marry into an outsider’s family?" The Hua family head exclaimed in shock.

Hua Qinxin, however, hooked her arm around her mother’s, leaned on her shoulder peacefully, and said, "Mother, you mentioned I’m still some distance away from being head. I’m not the best candidate for the family head position. It should go to my sister, for she’s more talented and resembles you more. As for me, I just want to find someone I love, then stay with him all my life, bearing sons and daughters for him."

"Qinxin, are you serious?" The Hua family head looked at her eldest daughter in a daze.

Hua Qinxin nodded, "Mother, you know my standards are high. If I miss this chance, I don’t know if I’ll encounter someone I fancy again."

"You... Oh..." The Hua family head wished to convince her daughter, yet seeing her earnest stubborn look, she was unable to say anything further.

The Hua Family indeed employs daughters for marriage alliances to develop, but the Hua Family would never force any family girl to marry someone she doesn’t want.

The men chosen by the Hua Family are all the crème de la crème, where a marriage naturally garners the envy of the masses if Hua Family daughters fancy them. And these gentlemen must sincerely love Hua Family’s daughters, not only concerning whether the daughters who marry out find happiness, but also relating to whether this woven network is stable and firm.

"Since you’ve decided, then I’ll help you ask Mu Qingge what he thinks." The Hua Family head finally relented.

Seeing her mother finally agree, Hua Qinxin stood up happily and said, "Thank you, mother."

However, seeing her in that state, the Hua Family head couldn’t help but pour some cold water, saying, "Don’t be happy too soon. I see the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country and Mu Qingge share quite the close relationship. It’s possible they’ve long wished for each other and secretly determined a lifetime together. If rejected, you’ll have a time to cry."

"He’s so exceptional, having women admire him is normal. At worst, I’ll just serve him alongside the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country." Hua Qinxin was rather open-minded.

"You! How did I raise such a useless daughter?" Hearing her daughter’s words, the Hua family head was filled with rage and poked her daughter’s forehead vigorously.

...

In the Post House, Mu Qingge was awakened by the persistent knocking at the door.

She opened the door with a bit of morning grumpiness, and saw Zhao Nanxing leaning against the door frame, smiling at her mischievously.

She slumped her shoulders weakly, her face full of tiredness, and her eyes too sleepy to open. "Senior Brother Zhao, what do you want? Disturbing someone’s sweet dreams is a very immoral act and will bring retribution."

"Pah! Put away your crow’s mouth. What do you think I’m here for? Isn’t it the trouble you caused yourself?" Zhao Nanxing said fiercely.

"Hm?" Mu Qingge struggled to open her eyes, straightened her back, and said cluelessly, "Me? What trouble did I cause?" Wasn’t it just a fight with that lunatic Shen and a little tear-up of the Emperor Yuan’s Imperial Garden? Besides, the Shen family already took responsibility for it, what did it have to do with her?

Seeing Mu Qingge’s bewildered face, Zhao Nanxing shook his head and sighed, giving her a once-over. "They say beautiful women are troublemakers; I see you’ve turned into a handsome man and still attract trouble. If you want to know what mess you made, hurry up and wash up, then go to the main hall and see for yourself. People have already come knocking."

Leaving those words, Zhao Nanxing turned and left, giving Mu Qingge a ’mysterious’ view of his back.

Mu Qingge stood frozen in place as her sleepy mind began to restart. "What trouble did I cause? People have come knocking?" She muttered, turned around, and went back inside, closing the door.

When the door opened again, she appeared energetic, with not a trace of drowsiness in her clear eyes.

Flicking her sleeves, Mu Qingge walked towards the main hall.

Before even getting inside, she heard Feng Yufei’s voice saying, "Hua Family Head, please have some tea. Little Lord was chatting with Crown Prince Huan last night and just returned not long ago. Please forgive any negligence."

Hua Family Head? What’s she here for? She has nothing to do with the Hua family!

Mu Qingge slowly put her foot down, not entering immediately. Instead, she stood outside planning to listen to what was going on.

Indeed, from the main hall, the voice of the Hua Family Head could be heard. "This is my fault, for visiting so abruptly and disturbing Little Lord Mu. But my daughter was smitten with Little Lord Mu at first sight and couldn’t wait, insisting I come now to ask if Little Lord Mu is already married or has an engagement."

"This... I’m not too familiar with Little Lord’s private affairs," Feng Yufei’s troubled voice came through.

Outside, Mu Qingge felt as though she had been struck by lightning.

She seemed to understand what Zhao Nanxing meant.

Touching her cheek, Mu Qingge smiled bitterly. It seemed she truly caused this trouble unwittingly.

However, she didn’t understand why, having clearly not provoked anyone from the Hua family nor made any misleading actions, the young lady from the Hua family would take a fancy to her!

Mu Qingge stood behind the door, quite conflicted.

She didn’t know how to explain it to the Hua Family Head if she went out now.

Having just arrived in Tiandu, she didn’t want to cause trouble, yet trouble seemed determined to find her.

After much deliberation, Mu Qingge decided she couldn’t let the young lady from the Hua family continue to misunderstand. Gritting her teeth, Mu Qingge stepped into the main hall.

"Little Lord Mu, you’re here." The Hua Family Head’s eyes lit up upon seeing Mu Qingge.

Feng Yufei smiled and said to Mu Qingge, "Little Lord, the Hua Family Head is here to see you."

"I see." Mu Qingge nodded to her, then looked at the Hua Family Head and asked, pretending not to know, "What brings the Hua Family Head to visit so suddenly?"

The Hua Family Head, not one to be shy, smiled and said directly, "I came to ask if Little Lord Mu is married or has someone in mind?"

Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed, and she lowered her gaze, smiling. "I have a wife."

The Hua Family Head was taken aback, slightly shocked by Mu Qingge’s response. Forcing a smile, she said, "Is Little Lord Mu speaking the truth?"

Mu Qingge knew the Hua family’s intelligence network was formidable, so she didn’t hide anything, saying directly, "It’s true, but my wife has passed away." She didn’t believe the Hua family would let their daughter become a second wife!

"Passed away!" The Hua Family Head was initially surprised but quickly regained composure, saying to Mu Qingge, "If that’s the case, Little Lord Mu should have someone by his side to care for him!"

Mu Qingge was stunned, not expecting the Hua Family Head to be so relentless.

Just as she was about to reply, a female voice from outside the door called out, "She has me to take care of her, she doesn’t need another woman!"