116 A Wonderful Tale

My body stiffened abruptly, and my eyes dimmed the moment I caught sight of Yun Rong chasing after me from not far away. It was as if the countless stars in the sky had been blotted out; in an instant, the world seemed to lose its luster.

"Li Yexuan, Regent of the Yuehua Kingdom, pays his respects to the Master of the Fantian Pavilion."

I stood my ground, unmoving.

"So it is the Prince of Xuan. I have long heard of your esteemed name."

Dongfang Qingyu and Zijun took their places at my sides.

"Might the Pavilion Master spare a moment for a detailed conversation with this Prince?"

I feigned hesitation.

"What is wrong with you? The Prince is speaking to you!"

"And what kind of creature are you?" With a single, placid glance, I silenced Yun Rong, who had come running up from afar.

"To think that the backyard of the dignified Prince of Xuan is filled with such ill-bred people."

"You!"

Yun Rong was just about to lash out at Dongfang Qingyu when Li Yexuan held her back.

"Pavilion Master, there are still quite a few trivial matters at the Fantian Pavilion that require your personal attention."

"Pavilion Master, I also find what Yuntian says to be perfectly reasonable." Zijun spoke up as well, and I felt a sense of relief to see the wariness toward outsiders in his eyes.

"Very well. Since the Prince of Xuan lacks sincerity, there is no need to meet." I flicked my sleeve and turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Li Yexuan had actually reached my side, his hand gripping my shoulder.

"Who exactly are you?"

No sooner had Li Yexuan finished speaking than Dongfang Qingyu struck. Zijun moved to join in, but he stopped upon hearing Dongfang Qingyu command, "Zitian, protect the Pavilion Master."

Xu Chang and Xu Xun also quickly appeared by my side. If the world were to learn that the Master of the Fantian Pavilion possessed no martial arts, it would be disastrous. Thus, we had to cultivate the rumor that the Pavilion Master never acted lightly, but when she did, it would result in earth-shattering chaos. When I first heard Dongfang Qingyu say this, I had spat out my tea and spent two days holding my forehead in deep contemplation. When Zijun asked me what I was doing, I told him I was "acting profound."

The two men were evenly matched; their movements were so swift they were nearly impossible to track, and they were soon locked in an intense scuffle. Li Yexuan, seeing Dongfang Qingyu standing in his way, fought with vicious intent, venting the resentment in his heart. Dongfang Qingyu, unable to tolerate the way Li Yexuan had betrayed me, used this as an outlet for his own anger, refusing to yield an inch.

The Maple Leaf Auction had just concluded, and many spectators had not yet wandered far; they now gathered around to watch. Seeing a young maid nearby holding a tea tray, I walked over, snatched a cup, and smashed it against the ground.

"All of you, stop this at once!"

Did these two men have any regard for their status? Both represented nations; was this not shameful?

They both halted. Li Yexuan was still clutching Dongfang Qingyu’s collar, while Dongfang Qingyu’s fist remained poised before Li Yexuan. With two huffs, they both withdrew.

"Your Highness, are you alright?" Yun Rong, Shi Mo, and Shi Yan rushed over to attend to Li Yexuan.

Dongfang Qingyu, however, merely straightened his clothes and came to stand beside me.

"I never imagined that the Heir of Bei'an would be content to serve as a mere Master of the Yuntian Pavilion."

As soon as Li Yexuan’s words fell, a wave of murmurs erupted.

*So he is the Heir of Bei'an...*
*This man is the Heir of Bei'an...*
*He is so handsome...*

The countless voices flooded my ears. I hadn't expected Li Yexuan to expose him in front of so many people, so I looked at Dongfang Qingyu, leaving him to handle it himself.

"I, Dongfang Qingyu of Bei'an, am indeed the Master of the Yuntian Pavilion. And what of it? The Fantian Pavilion has the strength; why should I not hold a position of importance?"

*That sounds reasonable...*
*Yes, indeed...*

I secretly gave Dongfang Qingyu a thumbs-up. I cleared my throat.

"My Fantian Pavilion welcomes talent, regardless of your family background or your past experiences. As long as you have the heart and the capability, there is no reason not to accept you."

My words brought a sudden quiet to the crowd. I signaled to Zijun with my eyes.

"Today, the Prince of Xuan intended to discuss matters with our Pavilion Master, but the insults hurled by the woman in his company caused a scene. This is the fault of the Fantian Pavilion. To make amends, we shall host a banquet for everyone at the First Floor of Maple Leaf. I hope you will all forgive us."

I had to admit, Zijun did a fine job. Winning hearts and minds—this fellow truly had the makings of an emperor. As for the banquet arrangements, I left them to Xu Chang.

Back at the Maple Leaf Wine City, Zijun slipped away under the pretext of being exhausted. I went to fetch the medical kit, my face grim.

"Zijun." Dongfang Qingyu gripped my hand as I was busy preparing the medicine.

"Let go."

"Don't be angry."

"How am I supposed to apply the medicine if you don't let go?"

"Hiss..."

"Don't move."

"It hurts."

"How come you didn't feel the pain when you were fighting?"

"Isn't that why you're here to apply the medicine for me?"

My hand paused. He, too, had someone to apply medicine for him now.

"Hiss, be gentle."

"My apologies, I was a bit heavy-handed."

"..."

"Zijun." Dongfang Qingyu gripped my hand once more.

"What are you doing?"

"Will you ever return to his side?"

"Let go first."

Dongfang Qingyu released my hand, and I put away the medical kit.

"Qingyu, I have my own path to follow. I am doing well now—better than before. The baby is doing well, and life is peaceful. I do not wish to shatter that."

I took the medical kit away without saying another word. Li Yexuan must have become suspicious; after all, they certainly hadn't found my body after I fell off the cliff. Neither Dongfang Qingyu nor Zijun knew that I *wanted* Li Yexuan to find out. I had to ensure he would not help Murong Lan, even if he refused to help me and Zijun reclaim the throne.

If not for the baby, there would be nothing more to say. The moment I jumped off that cliff, I had severed all ties with Li Yexuan. But the existence of our child changed everything.

However, before I could even put the medical kit down, Dongfang Qingyu came running toward me.

"Zijun, the baby has a fever."

The medical kit slipped from my hands.

"What?"

"Don't panic. We will return immediately."

Dongfang Qingyu quickly arranged for swift horses. He and I rode ahead, while Zijun remained behind to make arrangements before following. I was uneasy about Zijun, so I sent word for Guteng to return and assist him so they could finish up and head back together.

Throughout the journey, I pushed onward without rest. When the baby was three, he had fallen into the water and developed a fever, barely surviving. I hadn't taken good enough care of him while he was in my womb, and his constitution was weaker than others.

"Huangfu Zijun, please, get some rest."

I ignored Dongfang Qingyu’s pleas from behind. Suddenly, a pair of arms pulled me into an embrace.

"Zijun, your body won't hold up like this. Do not forget your condition."

"Qingyu, if anything happens to Mufeng, I won't be able to go on living."

"And what about me?"

Dongfang Qingyu’s words left me feeling guilty. He struck my acupuncture point, and I fell into a deep sleep. When I woke again, we had reached the foot of the mountain.

"You're awake? Let's go up quickly."

"Qingyu, you..."

Dongfang Qingyu’s steps were unsteady. He had sealed my sleep point, yet he had traveled day and night himself...

"You rest here. I will go up alone."

"What are you saying? The child won't be happy if he doesn't see me. I can still manage this much."

I supported Dongfang Qingyu, and we walked together. Upon reaching the gates of the Fantian Pavilion, I could no longer restrain myself and rushed inside. I pushed open the door to the baby’s room to find Afu standing there, holding a bowl of water.

"Princess, why have you returned?"

"How is the child?"

"The fever has broken. He is sleeping inside."

"I will go look."

I ran to the bedside. The child was asleep, his face still flushed. I gently placed my hand on his forehead; fortunately, it was no longer burning hot. I let out a breath of relief.

"Mother..."

A groggy voice sounded, and small hands rubbed his eyes as he looked at me.

"Mother is here. I have been here all along. There, there, go back to sleep."

"Godfather. Not handsome."

I turned to see Dongfang Qingyu, who had entered at some point. He certainly didn't look very handsome at the moment.

"You little rascal, and here I rushed back to see you." Dongfang Qingyu chuckled.

"Alright, go back to sleep."

"Okay."

I tucked the quilt around the child and left with Dongfang Qingyu.

"You should go get some rest."

"As should you. Mind your health. Remember to take the medicine Guteng prepared for you, and do not lose your temper."

"I will."

Dongfang Qingyu went to rest. I took out the small jade vial from my person and swallowed a pill. It was a formula Guteng had asked a master physician in the Great Desert to replicate, based on the Ningxiang Pill. It lacked a few precious ingredients and wasn't quite as effective, but it still served its purpose.

In the main hall of the Fantian Pavilion, I stood with my back to the others. Afu, Aling, and the rest were all kneeling on the ground.

"Speak! Why did the young master develop such a high fever!"

No one dared to speak. I turned around.

"Afu, you tell me!"

"That night, the maid on duty did not close the window properly."

"Is that all? Afu, since when did you learn to cover for people?"

"The maid on duty fell asleep herself."

"Who was on duty? Step forward."

A trembling girl began pleading for mercy.

"Look up. What is your name?"

"This servant is Xiaoqin."

"You are quite pretty." I smiled, only to turn cold the next moment. "Whose subordinate are you?"

"I am a subordinate of Lord White Tiger."

"Very well. Kneel right there until your Lord White Tiger comes to deal with you."

"Pavilion Master, spare me! Pavilion Master, spare me!"

I frowned, and maids immediately came forward to gag her. I waved my hand, and everyone else was dismissed.

The Twelve Assassins knelt before me on one knee.

"It was merely a child’s fever. I suppose you twelve grown men wouldn't understand such things, so it is understandable that you didn't notice. By the way, remember to summon the Four Envoys back immediately."

The Four Envoys had been sent out by Dongfang Qingyu; they should have completed their tasks by now. Hearing this, the Twelve Assassins collectively sighed in relief. They were about to say "The Pavilion Master is wise," but I cut them off.

"The young master is still very small. You cannot remain so ignorant about childcare. I intend for you all to marry and have children of your own one day. From now on, you will go down the mountain every day to help families with children, learning how to care for them. You will gain a skill, and it will earn the Fantian Pavilion a good reputation. Remember to hand in a summary of your experiences every day. Whoever fails to complete this task will be expelled from the Killing Force."

From that day on, for quite some time, the men of the Fantian Pavilion could always be seen at the foot of the mountain assisting the villagers, especially those with children... It became a story told with admiration.