PFC Chapter 214 You can kill this woman as long as you submit to His Majesty.
Chapter 214 You can kill this woman as long as you submit to His Majesty.
The carriage traveled on the official road for about an hour before the outline of a town finally appeared ahead.
It was a county town of moderate size, with its gray-blue city walls gleaming faintly in the afternoon sun.
The banners on the city wall fluttered in the wind, and the words "Qinghe" could be vaguely seen.
Outside the city was a fairly bustling street, lined with shops on both sides, bustling with pedestrians, and filled with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, a stark contrast to the deserted official road.
The carriage gradually slowed down.
Sister Hong lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, glanced outside, and then her eyes lit up. She turned to Qin Mu and said solicitously:
"Your Majesty, Qinghe County is just ahead. I know this place very well; I've been here several times before. The best restaurant in town is called Zuixianju, located in the busiest part of East Street. Their braised pork knuckle, steamed perch, and aged bamboo leaf green tea are absolutely superb!"
As she spoke, her smile grew even brighter, her eyes gleaming with a desire for recognition.
Qin Mu leaned against the carriage wall, raised his eyebrows slightly upon hearing this, and looked through the gap in the curtain at the town that was getting closer and closer, giving a soft "hmm".
Hongjie was overjoyed to see that he had agreed, and quickly continued, "Your Majesty, please wait a moment, I will make the arrangements right away! I guarantee you will be satisfied with your meal!"
Before Qin Mu could speak again, she lifted the carriage curtain and called out to Liu Bai, who was driving the carriage:
"Mr. Liu, please stop at the street corner ahead. I'll go down and make arrangements!"
Liu Bai glanced back at her, then looked around the carriage and nodded slightly.
Qin Mu said calmly, "I will go with you."
Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed in Sister Hong's eyes, and she nodded repeatedly.
The carriage stopped at the street corner.
Sister Hong nimbly jumped off the car, glanced back into the carriage, her gaze lingering on Zhao Qingxue for a moment, and a smug smile appeared on her lips.
She then turned around, swaying her hips as she disappeared into the crowd.
Qin Mu then got out of the car.
Silence returned to the carriage.
The carriage continued its slow journey, heading towards East Street.
Yunluan's gaze fell on Zhao Qingxue.
That once-stunning face was still pale, her long hair was disheveled, and she wore a pair of small, thin old shoes.
She sat by the car door, her back ramrod straight, her gaze fixed on the rapidly receding street scene outside the window, empty and bewildered.
Yunluan looked at her and suddenly spoke.
"Don't you want to kill that Sister Hong?"
Zhao Qingxue's body stiffened slightly.
Her eyelashes fluttered, and her gaze shifted from the window to Yunluan's face.
A flicker of emotion finally appeared in those deep purple phoenix eyes.
Yunluan looked at her, her gaze calm and devoid of any extraneous emotion.
She was simply stating the facts.
Zhao Qingxue did not speak.
She simply watched Yunluan quietly, waiting for her to continue.
Yunluan continued, her voice still very soft:
"As long as you show submission to His Majesty, His Majesty will naturally help you kill Sister Hong."
She paused, then spoke slowly and deliberately:
"To avenge you."
There was a moment of silence inside the carriage.
The only sounds were the rumble of wheels rolling over the cobblestones and the faint calls of vendors from afar.
Zhao Qingxue's eyes flickered slightly.
The change was so subtle that it was almost imperceptible.
But she did move.
Seeing her reaction, Yunluan continued, her voice carrying a hint of persuasion:
"Given your status, His Majesty will not mistreat you."
She paused, her gaze falling on Zhao Qingxue's face, and spoke slowly and deliberately:
"Now that I've said all that, the rest is up to you."
After saying that, she looked away and gazed out the window again.
It was as if what he had just said was just a casual remark.
Silence fell over the carriage.
Zhao Qingxue sat in the same spot, motionless.
Her gaze fell on a spot on the carriage floor, empty and deep.
Yunluan's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples in her heart.
Kill Sister Hong.
To avenge her.
As long as she shows submission.
Submission...
These two words were like a thorn stuck in her heart.
She, Zhao Qingxue, the Empress of Liyang, purged the eight kings in five years, her power shook the Eastern Continent, and countless heroes bowed down to her.
When have I ever submitted to anyone?
But at this moment—
She looked down at the small, thin old shoes on her feet.
Looking at my empty waist.
The jade belt that once belonged to the Li Yang royal family was now tied around the waist of that vulgar woman and paraded through the streets.
She raised her hand and touched her long, loose hair.
The white jade phoenix hairpin that her mother had left her was originally stuck there, but now that woman had also stuck it in her hair, looking very pleased with herself.
humiliation.
Naked humiliation.
All these humiliations were inflicted on her by that woman named Sister Hong.
Does she hate Sister Hong?
Of course I hate it.
He wished he could kill her with his own hands and tear her to pieces.
But can she actually kill him?
No.
With her cultivation sealed, she was now just an ordinary woman. Sister Hong, on the other hand, was at least a second-rank martial artist.
She had no chance to resist.
The only way is to use Qin Mu's help.
But why should Qin Mu help her?
Because she is the Empress of Li Yang?
joke.
If Qin Mu cared about her identity, he wouldn't have kidnapped her here, nor would he have allowed Sister Hong to humiliate her like this.
He will only use her identity.
Just like how he used Xu Fenghua, used Jiang Qingxue, and used everyone else.
Before she could still be of use to him, she was just prey that needed to be tamed.
The methods of taming can be gentle or cruel.
It all depends on whether she cooperates or not.
Yunluan's words just now were clearly telling her—
As long as she cooperates and shows submission, she can gain benefits.
At least, I won't have to suffer the same humiliation as Sister Hong anymore.
Zhao Qingxue's fingers slowly tightened inside her sleeve.
My fingernails dug deep into my palm, sending a sharp pain through me.
But the pain was nothing compared to the complex emotions churning within her.
Submission...
These two words are too heavy.
It was so heavy that she could barely bear it.
But if they do not submit...
How much longer can she hold on?
I stood all night last night, and my legs are still weak.
In the morning, Sister Hong took away her jade belt and hairpin, leaving her no room to resist.
When Sister Hong comes back later, I wonder what kind of trouble she'll cause her.
If this continues...
Zhao Qingxue closed her eyes.
Countless images flashed through my mind.
There was the gentle smile of her mother as she placed the hairpin in her hair.
It evokes the boundless pride and joy felt when all the officials paid homage on the day of his ascension to the throne.
It had a glorious five-year period of purging the eight princes and dominating the Eastern Continent.
There was also the humiliation of last night, the helplessness when the jade belt and hairpin were taken away this morning, and the embarrassment of sitting in the carriage now, being bossed around by a vulgar woman.
Those glorious moments seem to be very, very far away from her now.
But those humiliations were slowly eroding her dignity, her pride, her...
all.
Zhao Qingxue opened her eyes.
My gaze fell on the street scene rushing past the car window, empty and profound.
No one knows what she's thinking.
Even she herself didn't know what she was thinking.
All she knew was that Yunluan's words, like a seed, had quietly taken root in the deepest part of her heart.
She won't make a choice immediately.
But she knew she had to start considering this option.
Time is running out.
Silence returned to the carriage.
The only sounds were the rumble of wheels rolling over the cobblestones and the faint calls of vendors from afar.
Yunluan leaned against the window, gazing out, a barely perceptible smile curving her lips.
She knew that her words had an effect.
The Empress of Liyang has begun to waver.
Next, all you need to do is wait.
Waiting for that seed to sprout from the soil.
.......
About fifteen minutes later, the carriage stopped at the entrance of Zuixianju.
This is a three-story restaurant with flying eaves and bracket sets, carved beams and painted rafters. Two large red lanterns hang in front of the door, bearing the three gilded characters "Zui Xian Ju" (Drunken Immortal Abode). People come and go at the entrance, and the business is indeed booming.
Sister Hong stood at the door, her face beaming with a solicitous smile, introducing Qin Mu to her.
"Young master! Everything's arranged! A private room on the third floor, the best spot, with a view of the entire street from the window!"
She knew Qin Mu didn't want to be disturbed, so she didn't call for His Majesty.
That's also where her intelligence lies.
Qin Mu stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over his surroundings, and nodded slightly.
Seeing that he was satisfied, Sister Hong was overjoyed and quickly led the way.
After taking a couple of steps, she suddenly remembered something, turned back, and called out into the carriage:
"What are you standing there for? The young master is ready to eat. As a servant, why aren't you getting down here to serve him?"
Her voice was loud and carried an undisguised air of arrogance, drawing the attention of passersby.
Inside the carriage, Zhao Qingxue sat motionless in her original spot.
Sister Hong waited for a moment, but there was no movement, so she frowned.
She turned around, strode back to the carriage, lifted the curtain, grabbed Zhao Qingxue's arm, and pulled her out forcefully.
"What are you dawdling about!"
She grumbled and cursed, "What a useless piece of trash! If any of the girls I used to work for dared to dawdle like this, I would have beaten them to death!"
Zhao Qingxue was pulled off the carriage by her and staggered, almost falling.
She steadied herself and raised her head.
The afternoon sun was dazzling, causing her to squint slightly.
She stood at the entrance of Zuixianju, on the bustling street.
Her long, loose hair, pale face, and small, thin old shoes clashed with her moon-white casual clothes.
Passersby cast their gazes, some with curiosity, some with amazement, and some with pity.
Hongjie, however, was completely oblivious. She simply grabbed her arm and led her into the restaurant, all the while cursing under her breath.
"Hurry up! Don't keep the young master waiting!"
"What a useless piece of trash! It looks nice, but it's completely useless!"
"Serve His Majesty well later. If you dare to neglect him, I'll give you a good beating!"
Zhao Qingxue was dragged along by her, staggering up the stairs.
Her gaze fell on Sister Hong's back.
It landed on the jade belt tied around her waist.
It landed on the white jade phoenix hairpin that was tucked in her hair.
A cold, sharp light, like a blade, flashed deep within those deep purple phoenix eyes.
The light flashed by in an instant.
It happened so fast that almost no one noticed.
But it did exist.
Like a sharp blade hidden in its sheath, it finally revealed its cold, sharp edge.
Sister Hong seemed to sense something and subconsciously turned around to look.
Zhao Qingxue had already lowered her eyes, her face expressionless.
Sister Hong frowned, muttered something, and continued to pull her upstairs.
Private room on the third floor.
By the window, there was a round table made of rosewood, on which were set several delicate cold dishes and a pot of warm wine.
Qin Mu took his seat in the main position, his posture languid.
Hongjie pulled Zhao Qingxue to the table and made her stand next to Qin Mu.
"Stand here," she said, "and serve His Majesty his meal properly."
Zhao Qingxue stood there, motionless.
Her gaze fell on Qin Mu's face.
Qin Mu leaned back in his chair, propping his chin up with one hand, looking at her with a half-smile.
In that gaze, there was appreciation, amusement, and a complex emotion that she couldn't understand.
Zhao Qingxue lowered her eyes.
She did not speak.
He just stood there quietly.
Like a silent statue.
Hongjie stood aside, looking at Zhao Qingxue's dull appearance, feeling a little impatient.
But in front of Qin Mu, she dared not curse anymore. She just glared at Zhao Qingxue, then turned around and served Qin Mu wine and food attentively.
"Your Majesty, please try this, braised pork knuckle, this restaurant's specialty!"
"And this steamed sea bass is incredibly fresh!"
"This Zhuyeqing liquor is thirty years old, please have a taste!"
Qin Mu picked up his wine cup and took a small sip.
His gaze, however, remained fixed on Zhao Qingxue.
That gaze was meaningful.
It was as if they were admiring a precious prey that was finally beginning to loosen up.
Hongjie stood beside Qin Mu, having just poured him his third glass of wine.
Her gaze fell on Zhao Qingxue, and looking at that pale, downcast face, an indescribable sense of pleasure welled up in her heart.
This woman, the once high and mighty Empress Li Yang who dared not even look up at her, now stood by the table like a silent statue, at her beck and call.
But her dull and unresponsive demeanor really annoyed Sister Hong.
How can you serve His Majesty like this?
Hongjie's eyes darted around, then she glanced at Qin Mu. Although His Majesty didn't speak, his gaze remained fixed on Zhao Qingxue, carrying a meaningful meaning.
She got it.
His Majesty wants to punish her again.