ATPnovel Chapter 81 The two most important women in my life have both been taken by Qin Mu!
Chapter 81 The two most important women in my life have both been taken by Qin Mu!
Night fell as dark as ink, completely enveloping the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.
The main hall of Tingtao Garden was brightly lit.
Twelve gilded palace lanterns hung high, illuminating the entire hall as if it were daytime.
The lamplight reflected off the gleaming black jade bricks, casting a warm yet oppressive glow.
Qin Mu leaned back in the rosewood armchair in the main seat, his black casual clothes slightly open, revealing a section of his well-defined collarbone.
He rested one hand on his chin, casually holding a white jade wine cup in the other, his gaze lazily sweeping over everyone in the hall.
Jiang Qingxue remained seated beside him, dressed in a plain-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), her long, black hair loosely tied up with a jade hairpin, a few stray strands falling around her cheeks.
She lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath them, and held a jade wine pot in her hands, pouring wine for Qin Mu.
The movements were gentle, the posture respectful, yet there was an indescribable stiffness about them.
Like an exquisite doll, its movements are guided by invisible threads.
Su Wanqing and Lu Wanning sat a little further away.
Su Wanqing was dressed in a scarlet palace gown, with exquisite makeup and dignified demeanor. She gazed calmly ahead, as if she were oblivious to everything in front of her.
Lu Wanning, dressed in a pale yellow ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), timidly lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the sash of her dress. Occasionally, she would steal a glance at the person in the main seat, then quickly lower her eyes again.
Xu Longxiang stood in the hall, dressed in a black python robe with a jade belt around his waist, his face as cold and stern as iron.
His gaze was fixed on Qin Mu's hand that was resting on Jiang Qingxue's waist.
The hand was long and slender, with distinct knuckles, and it was casually caressing her waist, as if touching an inanimate object.
But Jiang Qingxue...did not dodge.
She even turned slightly to the side so that the hand could more easily embrace her.
Xu Longxiang felt as if his heart was being repeatedly cut by a dull knife.
pain.
Excruciating pain.
But he couldn't move.
Unable to speak.
They can't even show any emotion.
He could only stand there, like a stone statue, watching the cruelest punishment in the world.
Xu Longxiang frantically told himself to wait one more night.
Tomorrow, tomorrow that damned emperor is going back.
Then he will be free.
"Xu Aiqing".
Qin Mu suddenly spoke, his voice languid and tinged with a hint of drunkenness.
"I've heard that your lady, Liu Hongyan, is not only exceptionally beautiful, but also skilled in music and swordsmanship. I wonder... if we could invite her to perform a dance for me?"
These words, like a thunderclap, exploded in the silent hall!
Xu Longxiang froze!
Liu Hongyan?
Qin Mu wants to see Liu Hongyan?
During the day, in front of Tingxue Tower, he had clearly stated that Liu Hongyan was his "sister," and Qin Mu had expressed his understanding at the time.
But now...
But he insisted on having Liu Hongyan perform a sword dance at the banquet.
What does this mean?
Xu Longxiang's mind raced with thoughts.
"What's wrong?"
Qin Mu raised an eyebrow slightly, a playful smile curving his lips.
"Minister Xu is unwilling?"
Xu Longxiang felt a chill run down his spine.
He took a deep breath, forced a smile, and bowed, saying:
"Your Majesty is too kind. It is Hongyan's good fortune to have gained Your Majesty's favor. Your Majesty, I will go and summon her immediately."
After saying that, he turned around and walked out of the hall.
......
Half an incense stick later.
Liu Hongyan walked slowly into the hall.
She didn't wear the light red dress she wore during the day; instead, she changed into a more formal red dress.
The skirt was extremely long, embroidered with large peonies in gold thread, and covered with a thin gauze shawl of the same color. A white jade belt was tied around the waist, outlining the slender waist.
Her long hair was styled into a flying bun, adorned with a golden phoenix hairpin, and a fresh peony was pinned to each side, making her face look delicate and beautiful.
But deep within those spring-like eyes lay a hint of undisguised wariness and vigilance.
She walked into the hall and gracefully knelt down.
"This humble woman, Liu Hongyan, greets Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!"
Her voice was soft and charming, like spring water, yet it carried a deliberate sense of distance.
Qin Mu's gaze lingered on her for a moment, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes:
"Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Liu Hongyan stood up and stood with her hands at her sides.
"I've heard that Miss Liu is skilled in sword dancing?" Qin Mu asked.
"Your Majesty, I know a little bit about this," Liu Hongyan replied softly.
"Then perform a dance for me to see," Qin Mu waved his hand.
"Yes."
Liu Hongyan curtsied and walked to an open space in the hall.
Immediately, musicians behind the screen began playing the tune of "The Qin King's Battle Song," a majestic and stirring melody.
Liu Hongyan took a deep breath and slowly drew the sword from her waist.
It was a soft sword, its blade as thin as a cicada's wing, entirely silver-white, shimmering with a watery halo under the light.
The sword is named "Red Silk," which matches her title.
Starting stance.
The sword light was like mercury spilling onto the ground, penetrating everywhere.
Liu Hongyan's swordsmanship, like her personality, is both gentle and ruthless.
The sword moves with her, and her body moves with the sword. Her skirt flutters like a blooming peony, and the sword light flashes like a shooting star in the night sky.
Very beautiful.
It's also very dangerous.
Qin Mu watched with great interest, occasionally raising his wine glass to take a sip.
Jiang Qingxue remained kneeling beside him, pouring him wine and serving him food.
His movements were mechanical, and his eyes were vacant.
Xu Longxiang stood in the hall, his eyes fixed on Liu Hongyan.
I wasn't admiring her sword dance, but observing her every movement and every glance.
He was worried.
He was worried that Liu Hongyan would reveal a flaw, that Qin Mu would discover her cultivation level, and that... she would be targeted by Qin Mu like Jiang Qingxue.
The dance ended.
Liu Hongyan sheathed her sword and stood there, slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed, adding to her allure.
"good!"
Qin Mu was the first to applaud, his eyes full of admiration.
"Miss Liu's sword dance is indeed as renowned as it sounds. Guards, bring her some wine!"
The palace maid immediately stepped forward and offered a cup of fine wine.
Liu Hongyan accepted it and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"No need for formalities." Qin Mu smiled, then suddenly said, "Miss Liu, sit next to me and have a drink with me."
These words, like a thunderclap, once again resounded in the hall!
Liu Hongyan froze!
Xu Longxiang's face instantly turned so gloomy it could drip water!
Sit next to me?
Drinking with someone?
This is no longer just about appreciating a sword dance!
This is clearly... blatant flirting!
Liu Hongyan subconsciously looked at Xu Longxiang, a questioning look flashing in her eyes.
Xu Longxiang clenched his fist quietly inside his sleeve.
He took a deep breath, forced a smile, and nodded to Liu Hongyan.
Liu Hongyan understood.
She gritted her teeth, a charming smile returning to her face, and slowly walked to Qin Mu's side, curtsying as she said:
"This humble woman...yes."
Qin Mu nodded in satisfaction and patted the empty seat next to him:
"sit."
Liu Hongyan sat down as instructed.
The location is very close.
She was so close that she could smell the faint scent of ambergris on Qin Mu's body and feel the slight rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.
Qin Mu picked up his wine glass and handed it to her:
"Come, have a drink with me."
Liu Hongyan accepted the wine cup and forced a smile, saying, "This humble woman toasts Your Majesty."
After saying that, she drank it all in one gulp.
The liquor is spicy and goes down your throat like burning charcoal.
Qin Mu smiled, reached out, and put his arm around her shoulder.
Their movements were natural and casual, as if they were truly old friends who had known each other for many years.
Liu Hongyan's body stiffened, but she dared not dodge.
She could feel Xu Longxiang's gaze, like a red-hot branding iron, firmly imprinted on her.
The anger, pain, and humiliation in those eyes... she could clearly sense them even without turning around.
"Miss Liu is not only a skilled swordswoman, but also very beautiful."
Qin Mu's voice rang in her ears, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe.
"I wonder... if you are betrothed?"
Liu Hongyan was startled, but forced herself to remain calm and said:
"Your Majesty, I am not yet married."
"Oh?"
Qin Mu raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. "That's a pity. With Miss Liu's talent and beauty, I wonder which young man will be lucky enough to marry her."
His hand gently caressed her shoulder.
The movements were light and gentle, yet they sent a chill down Liu Hongyan's spine.
She subconsciously looked at Jiang Qingxue.
Jiang Qingxue remained kneeling on Qin Mu's other side, bowing her head to serve him food.
His movements were mechanical, and his eyes were vacant.
It was as if everything before her eyes had nothing to do with her.
A complex mix of emotions welled up in Liu Hongyan's heart.
There was sympathy, there was sorrow, and there was also a hint of... relief that she herself was unwilling to admit.
Fortunately, it wasn't her who was being held in Qin Mu's arms at that moment.
"His Majesty……"
Liu Hongyan forced a smile and said, "You flatter me. I am but a plain and unassuming woman, how could I possibly accept such praise?"
"Miss Liu, there's no need to be modest."
Qin Mu smiled, picked up the wine glass with his other hand, and brought it to her lips.
"Come on, have another drink."
Liu Hongyan looked at the wine glass in front of her, opened her mouth, and took a small sip.
The wine was slightly bitter, with a strong alcoholic aroma. As it slid down her throat, it felt like poison, burning her internal organs.
Xu Longxiang stood in the hall, watching all of this.
Seeing Qin Mu with women on his left and right.
He watched as Jiang Qingxue knelt beside him, pouring wine and serving him food.
He watched as Liu Hongyan was held in his arms and forced to drink.
Looking at the two most important women in his life, he saw that they were now serving Qin Mu wholeheartedly.
One was his childhood sweetheart whom he deeply loved, and the other was his trusted and capable advisor.
Now, however, they have all become playthings in Qin Mu's hands.
This humiliation, this pain, this sense of powerlessness...
It almost drove Xu Longxiang crazy!
He felt his Dao heart crumbling little by little.
He thought that seeing Jiang Qingxue being held in Qin Mu's arms in the kitchen last night was the limit of what he could bear.
I thought my heart was already shattered into a pile of ruins, and would never break again.
But now, seeing this scene before my eyes...
Only then did he realize what true purgatory was.
What does it mean to be worse than dead?
Xu Longxiang clenched his teeth, his gums oozing a metallic, sweet taste.
But he was completely unaware.
His gaze was fixed on Qin Mu's hand that was holding Liu Hongyan.
That hand was long, slender, fair, and with distinct knuckles.
At this moment, he was shamelessly caressing Liu Hongyan's shoulder, occasionally sliding down to her waist, gently pulling her closer.
Liu Hongyan...did not resist.
She was even forcing a smile, cooperating with Qin Mu's teasing.
Xu Longxiang watched as Qin Mu, with women on his left and right, chatted and laughed.
He watched as Jiang Qingxue and Liu Hongyan nestled beside him like two tamed pets.
Seeing the most cruel, absurd, and disgusting scenes in the world.
Fortunately, Liu Hongyan handled the situation in a very organized manner.
She always managed to cleverly sidestep just as Qin Mu's hand was about to touch her, or she could always find a suitable reason to prevent Qin Mu from gaining too much of a real advantage.
But she couldn't be too obvious, lest she anger Qin Mu.
Therefore, her rejections always carried just the right amount of shyness and coy reluctance, protecting herself without embarrassing Qin Mu.
The sense of proportion in this is extremely subtle.
Xu Longxiang breathed a slight sigh of relief upon seeing this scene.
Hongyan was, after all, one of his people, and knew her place.
After an unknown amount of time, Qin Mu seemed to have drunk quite a bit, his cheeks flushed and his eyes glazed over.
He released his arm from Jiang Qingxue, leaned back in his chair, and let out a burp.
"Good wine...good wine indeed..."
Xu Longxiang took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
Seeing that Liu Hongyan handled the situation with ease, he knew that there wouldn't be any major problems for the time being.
Then... he might take this opportunity to do something else.