In Moonlight Manor, there was no news of their son. Su Zimo couldn't sleep and waited in the main hall of Mingyue Pavilion for her two sons, Su Li and Su Qi. Mu Yunxuan accompanied her, observing her determination.
Suddenly, they heard a noise outside, causing Su Zimo and Mu Yunxuan to exchange a glance before quickly getting up.
"They're back," Mu Yunxuan said, lifting his gaze and looking deeply into Su Zimo's eyes.
"Mom, don't blame Qi and Li. They must be frustrated if they can't find the culprit," he said sincerely.
"Did I ever say I would do something to them? What are you worried about?" Su Zimo glanced at Mu Yunxuan, finding his concern unnecessary.
Mu Yunxuan was surprised by her response, a flicker of astonishment crossing his face. He didn't expect her to react that way. Then he smiled sincerely from the bottom of his heart and said, "Actually, Momo, you understand Qi and Li very well, don't you?"
"Mu Yunxuan, isn't that a rhetorical question? They're my own sons. How can I not understand them?" Su Zimo gave Mu Yunxuan a disdainful look.
As they turned around, the door had already been pushed open.
"Master."
"Holy Lord."
Qingfeng and Qinglian greeted them respectfully.
Su Li lowered his head, avoiding eye contact with Su Zimo.
Su Qi had a cunning smile on his face, hands behind his back. "Father, Mother, why are you still awake so late? At this rate, when will Qi have another younger brother or sister!?"
Su Qi blinked his large eyes, looking at his mother with a mischievous smile, knowing that his mother would be worried sick about them.
"How dare you say that!" Su Zimo's face reddened. "Didn't Qingfeng and Qinglian go to investigate? Why did you two follow them just for fun?" Su Zimo scolded sternly.
Su Qi pretended to be scared, shrugging his shoulders.
Mu Yunxuan's shoulders trembled. This little rascal hit the nail on the head. He also wanted to give their siblings another younger brother or sister.
He had been working so hard lately, but would it... Mu Yunxuan glanced at Su Zimo's belly.
Su Zimo glared fiercely at Mu Yunxuan. He really dared to think...!
"Hehe! Mother, we found the location of the Ghost Palace, and Little Fox even discovered a woman who looks exactly like Junyue Rong!" Su Qi exclaimed.
Upon hearing this, Su Zimo frowned. A woman who looked exactly like Junyue Rong... It seemed like her guess was correct.
"Go back and rest. We'll discuss this matter early tomorrow morning."
After saying that, Su Zimo turned and walked towards her room.
"You should wash up and sleep too!" Following Su Zimo, they left together.
Su Qi looked at Su Zimo's figure in disbelief.
"Aunt Qinglian, are you sure she's my mother?"
Qinglian nodded affirmatively, with a smile on her face. It was indeed their master, no doubt about it.
"Wow!" Su Qi exclaimed. "When did Mother become so easy to talk to? She didn't even punish us."
"Qi, were you expecting to be punished?" Su Li asked coldly.
Had he also become a mischievous child in their mother's eyes?
He wasn't as smooth-talking as Qi. Most of the time, he didn't know how to express his feelings, and he feared that their mother would be disappointed in him.
The next morning, the news of Su Zimo's overwhelming victory over Yan Zhaoxue spread throughout the capital city of Haoyue Kingdom, while the news of Princess Zisang's impending marriage to Jun Lintian caused quite a stir. Five years had passed, and Jun Lintian finally announced his intention to marry a queen. His alliance with the Zisang Kingdom surprised many people.
After a night of rest and Jun Lintian's concern for Yan Zhaoxue's identity, she was given a potent healing pill, allowing her to regain mobility. Inside the Yonghong Hall, Yan Zhaoxue lay on the spacious bed beneath the crimson embroidered canopy. From last night until now, it felt like she was in a dream. If it weren't for the pain in her arm reminding her, she would have thought it was all a dream. The real pain made Yan Zhaoxue realize that everything from last night was true. She had truly been defeated by Su Zimo.
Huiyu, the maid attending to Yan Zhaoxue, saw that she had awakened and hurriedly informed Jun Lintian. Dressed in black robes, Jun Lintian entered the Yonghong Hall with an imposing aura. He looked at Yan Zhaoxue lying on the bed, her eyes devoid of urgency.
"Princess, would you like to eat something? I have instructed the cooks in the mansion to prepare a few dishes," Jun Lintian asked.
Yan Zhaoxue took a long time before turning her head, giving Jun Lintian a cold glance. Although Jun Lintian had saved her life last night, she knew what his intentions were.
"Leave. This palace does not wish to see you," Yan Zhaoxue coldly dismissed him.
A dark shadow crossed Jun Lintian's eyes, and anger surged within him. He asked coldly, "Princess, are you already thinking of burning bridges so soon?"
Her ability to change her stance was faster than flipping through pages of a book. Yesterday evening, he had saved her from Su Zimo's clutches, and today she treated him with such a cold expression. Jun Lintian was not someone who acted based on a woman's whims, except when it came to Su Zimo.
Thinking back to last night when he proposed an alliance with the Zisang Kingdom, Su Zimo's indifferent expression had left him feeling miserable. Su Zimo truly didn't care about him anymore, not even a bit. As a man, he couldn't allow such a thing to happen...
"What do you think true affection is, in the Prince's opinion?" Yan Zhaoxue suddenly spoke up, bringing Jun Lintian's thoughts back.
Jun Lintian looked at Yan Zhaoxue, puzzled. Yan Zhaoxue sneered and sarcastically said, "Six years ago, you publicly broke off the engagement with Su Zimo. Six years later, you heartlessly abandoned Su Ziyun. And now, you're marrying me, the princess. We all know the purpose behind it; there's no need for me to spell it out. We all understand."
After saying her piece, Yan Zhaoxue continued to gaze at the ceiling. She was a woman, a proud woman. She either wanted to be cherished by a man who loved her or stand on the shoulders of giants and look down upon the world.
Jun Lintian's face turned completely cold as he looked at Yan Zhaoxue with a mocking expression. "Princess, do you think people born into the royal family are capable of affection?"
Suddenly, Yan Zhaoxue turned her head and looked at the gloomy-faced Jun Lintian. "No affection? Jun Shaochen is more capable of affection than you. One can tell by looking into his eyes. He has a kind and compassionate heart, tolerant of people's flaws, and a sense of gratitude..."
"Enough!" Jun Lintian's anger grew with every word, and thunderous fury consumed his handsome face as he yelled loudly.
"You just want to say that the Crown Prince is better than me, right?" Yan Zhaoxue retorted loudly, despite the pain in her wounded arms. But the pain in her heart was greater. She had come all the way to Haoyue Kingdom, filled with joy and anticipation, just to marry the Crown Prince, Jun Shaochen, whom she had already investigated. But things didn't go as planned. Jun Shaochen didn't become her husband, and she almost lost her life. As a princess of the royal family, her fate was either political marriage or marriage to the sons of high-ranking officials, spending her whole life in the Zisang Kingdom. It was better for her to venture out and create her own world, but now...
"Yes, he is indeed better than you!" Yan Zhaoxue shouted back, her voice filled with defiance. "And you will never become the Crown Princess. If you have any sense, you will take good care of my wounds. The 16th of next month is an auspicious day according to astrology, and it will be our wedding day."
After speaking, Jun Lintian turned around and walked away with large strides.
Tears welled up in Yan Zhaoxue's eyes as she was left alone. Huiyu stood by, trembling and afraid to say a word.
In Yuncheng, Jun Zixi also woke up early today. She hadn't been sleeping well lately.
Mu Yunhan was about to go out early and happened to run into Jun Zixi, who was taking a walk.
"Mother, you've been waking up early these past few days?" Mu Yunhan, dressed in red clothes, looked exceptionally handsome.
Jun Zixi gave Mu Yunhan a blank glance. "If I have grandchildren but can't hold them, can I stretch out my legs and sleep?"
"Hehe!" Mu Yunhan couldn't help but laugh. It seemed that his mother couldn't sleep because she was thinking about her grandchildren.
"If you want to see Lier and Qier, you can go to Mingyue Villa! They will be leaving for Lixia Kingdom with your sister-in-law in two days. These two heartless kids didn't even come to Yuncheng to accompany their grandmother."
Jun Zixi grumbled irritably. If she had her grandchildren by her side, she wouldn't be so bored. Going back and forth between Mingyue Villa was tiring.
"Mother, in a month, when my brother brings back his wife to Yuncheng, Lier and Qier will also come to live in Yuncheng. By then, you will be able to see them frequently. And in half a year, Xiner will also be able to return."
"Sigh! That's easy for you to say. I'm worried that something might happen. Your sister-in-law has news about the eight profound artifacts in her hands. I'm afraid her journey to Lixia Kingdom won't be peaceful."
A trace of worry flashed in Jun Zixi's eyes. She had grown fond of Su Zimo as she got to know her better. Despite her cold and distant appearance, she had a kind heart.
"It seems that you already consider your sister-in-law as part of the family." Mu Yunhan was delighted to hear his mother's words. He knew that as time passed, his mother would definitely accept his sister-in-law.
"What are you talking about? When did your sister-in-law become an outsider?" Jun Zixi glared at Mu Yunhan in annoyance. "If you have something to do, go and attend to it! I'll take a stroll by myself."
After speaking, Jun Zixi sighed and walked leisurely along the path filled with the colors of spring.
Mu Yunhan watched his mother's lonely figure and pursed his lips. His older brother had to bring back his wife and Lier as soon as possible. Their parents were getting older and they longed to have their grandchildren by their side. Yuncheng was currently quiet and empty, and his mother couldn't help but feel lonely.
Mu Yunhan turned around and smiled. "Yue'er."
"Second brother, are you going to Mingyue Villa?" Mu Yunyue asked sweetly. She and Third Brother had been practicing diligently recently, but today she couldn't sit still and wanted to go out for some fresh air.
"Yes! There are some business matters I need to discuss with Big Brother."
"Then let's go together with Big Brother! It's been a while since Yue'er has seen sister-in-law and Lier."
"Let's go!" Mu Yunhan smiled softly, decisively not refusing his sister's request.
Su Zimo woke up a bit late today because of her son's words. Mu Yunxuan had been pestering her several times. She was in a state of severe insomnia now.
Su Zimo held her face and looked at herself in the bronze mirror. Dark circles had appeared under her eyes.
Mu Yunxuan watched Su Zimo's actions and smiled.
"In my heart, you will always be the most beautiful."
Su Zimo raised an eyebrow and looked at Mu Yunxuan through the bronze mirror.
"You're getting better and better at sweet-talking."
Mu Yunxuan smiled gently. "Only you can make me say such things."
In this world, only she could make him break his usual patterns.
"What do you think about Jun Shaochen's marriage with Yan Zhaoxue?"
Mu Yunxuan's smile stiffened on his face, a fleeting expression of pain flashed in his heart. He cautiously asked, "Zimo, do you care if Jun Shaochen marries Yan Zhaoxue?"
Su Zimo looked at Mu Yunxuan's expression in the bronze mirror and knew that he was overthinking.
Then she turned around and pulled Mu Yunxuan into a crouch. "Yunxuan, what are you thinking?"
"Zimo, I...!" Mu Yunxuan knew that he was always sensitive when it came to matters of the heart. But seeing her concerned about Jun Shaochen, he couldn't help but feel jealous.
"I'm just asking if you care about Jun Shaochen marrying Yan Zhaoxue. What are you thinking so early in the morning?"
"I'm thinking if you still have any...?" Mu Yunxuan stopped himself. "Forget it, Zimo. I've told you many times already. I'm not the same Yunxuan as before. Why would I care about that scumbag Jun Shaochen?"
"As long as you don't care, it's fine!" Mu Yunxuan smiled, a fleeting joy passing through his dark eyes. Did she know how anxious he was in his heart? This feeling of being unsure and insecure, he understood it deeply.
"From the current situation, Yan Zhaoxue initially wanted to marry the Crown Prince, but he refused, giving Jun Shaochen an opportunity. When you tried to kill Yan Zhaoxue last night, Jun Shaochen seized the chance. Now Yan Zhaoxue and Jun Shaochen are married. Given Jun Shaochen's temperament, he will always harbor grudges. After all, Yan Zhaoxue's crush was the Crown Prince. Without absolute certainty, Jun Shaochen won't reveal his plans to Yan Zhaoxue. However, the same can't be said for Yan Ping'an, as she and Jun Shaochen share similar interests."
After speaking, a coldness flashed in Mu Yunxuan's eyes. He knew that Jun Shaochen couldn't contend with Jun Shaochen, who didn't fight for or snatch anything. Despite Jun Shaochen's calm demeanor, his thoughts were delicate and profound.
"Another thing is that there is a woman named Yafu in the Sanwang Mansion. According to the reports, Yafu is very jealous. With two more women in the Sanwang Mansion now, things are going to get lively."
"I don't quite understand the struggles between women," Mu Yunxuan shook his head.
"Yes! It's a good thing you don't understand. The battles between women are even more terrifying than those between men. However, we'll have to wait for some time to know the outcome of this matter. For now, let's resolve the matter of Yuyue and Yirong. Otherwise, those two little rascals will secretly run away at night. Even though they will be fine, I won't be able to sleep well worrying about them."
Su Zimo stood up but was pulled back by Mu Yunxuan.
Su Zimo looked at him with confusion, silently questioning him with her eyes.
"Comfort me a little," Mu Yunxuan bit his beautiful lips and looked at Su Zimo pitifully, like a child in need.
"Hehe!" Su Zimo couldn't help but laugh, then leaned down and lightly kissed Mu Yunxuan's lips like a dragonfly touching water. She was about to leave but was pulled back by Mu Yunxuan.
"Not enough, Zimo." Mu Yunxuan extended his long arm, holding Su Zimo's head, and deeply kissed her...
When the two of them came out, Qingfeng, Qinglian, Su Li, and Su Qi had already finished their breakfast.
Seeing their parents come out, Su Qi blinked his lively eyes, glanced at his parents, then quickly ran back to his seat.
Su Zimo looked at her son's actions with confusion.
Suddenly, she remembered her own lips and turned her head sharply, glaring at the culprit.
Meanwhile, the latter was smiling happily.
"Mother, here, take this Vitality Pill. It can be taken orally or applied externally, and it's absolutely genuine! After you take it, the dark circles under your eyes will disappear on their own."
Su Qi quickly jumped off the chair and handed the pill to Su Zimo.
As soon as Su Zimo heard "Vitality Pill," her face instantly turned red.
"Hmph!" Su Zimo walked quickly to Su Qi's side. "Your mother doesn't need this kind of pill."
Su Qi took a look but didn't reach out his hand, pouting unhappily.
"Mother, Qi'er is worried that your body won't be able to handle it. After all, Father is young and strong..."
"Su Qi, shut your mouth."
Su Qi puffed up his small chest and shrunk his head fearfully.
Swiftly raising his hand, a miniature silver fire snake appeared in front of Su Zimo.
Boom! As soon as she saw the snake, Su Zimo's head buzzed, instantly recalling the scene in the wardrobe. She turned pale with fright and staggered back a few steps.
Mu Yunxuan quickly reached out and supported Su Zimo.
He cast a displeased glance at his son.
Su Li stood up abruptly, his voice low, "Qi'er, have you lost your mind? You know very well that your mother is afraid of snakes."
Upon hearing Su Li's stern voice, the silver fire snake quickly retreated into Su Qi's sleeve.
Su Qi pulled out the fire snake and affectionately rubbed its head.
The fire snake happily nudged his small hand with its comfortable and contented head.
"Mother, Qi'er didn't mean it." Su Qi innocently looked at Su Zimo. He didn't intend to scare her; it just happened that the fire snake happened to coil around his hand.
"If you did it on purpose, I'll throw you out of Mingyue Villa today."
Su Zimo coldly exclaimed, her body weakened, lacking any strength.
"Now quickly put it away, or else I'll let the Fire Phoenix eat it."
Su Zimo angrily shouted, while the fire snake looked fearfully at her.
But it also wanted to scare Su Zimo a little, so it stared at her with its blood-red eyes.
Upon seeing this, Su Zimo sneered, "If you keep staring, I'll let the Fire Phoenix eat you."
The fire snake slid down Su Qi's wrist, raising its head menacingly and spitting out a pink snake letter towards Su Zimo.
Su Zimo patted her chest and stepped back.
The fire snake, thinking she was scared, grew more arrogant, gradually enlarging its body. Today, it was going to make this fierce woman afraid.
Su Qi looked at the actions of the fire snake with a bitter expression. Was the fire snake playing with fire?
Suddenly, a fiery-red phoenix appeared behind Su Zimo.
As soon as the fire snake saw it, it instantly went limp, its entire body falling to the ground. It tried to crawl up but found itself devoid of strength, unable to move. It turned to look at Su Qi, seeking help. It realized it couldn't handle the Fire Phoenix.
Su Zimo smirked triumphantly. If it didn't scare it, the fire snake would think she, Su Zimo, was easy to bully.
Qingfeng and Qinglian exchanged a glance and both smiled.
Su Zimo, who was fearless, being afraid of a snake wouldn't be believed unless seen with their own eyes.
Su Qi anxiously ran towards the fire snake. "Fire Silver, you're not scared, right?"
"Didn't expect that your mother has a Fire Phoenix divine beast. I almost lost my life today. I won't show off in front of your mother anymore."
The fire snake sounded teary-eyed. "Don't bully me like this."
Uh... Su Qi had black lines all over his face. It seemed that the fire snake was far from being mature?
Moreover, his mother didn't bully it; if anyone, it was the fire snake that bullied his mother first.
"That's enough, stop playing and put it away."
Su Li sternly shouted.
Su Qi also didn't want to play too much. Knowing when to stop wouldn't make him annoying; he had self-awareness.
"Fire Silver, go back first. Later, I'll take you to deal with the bad guys."
"Okay!" The obedient fire snake nodded and glanced at the still vigilant Fire Phoenix. The fire snake disappeared in an instant.
Su Zimo then withdrew the Fire Phoenix.
"Look at you. You don't show any fear even with a knife at your throat, but you're scared of that snake. Your face turned pale from fright."
Mu Yunxuan tenderly supported her as they walked to the chair.
"You will never understand what it feels like to be bitten by a snake and fear ropes for ten years."
Without the fire snake, Su Zimo quickly regained her composure.
"Tell me, where did you find the Ghost Palace?"
"Mother, the Ghost Palace is located beneath an ancient courtyard south of the capital city."
Momo had just walked to the door and stopped in her tracks upon hearing the words "Ghost Palace." She stood outside, listening intently.
"South of the capital city. According to what Xiaoli saw, that Yuyue Rong is likely to be there."