A Shocking Dream

"I know she hates me." Qin Rongchen's voice was low and hoarse, filled with endless pain and helplessness. It was more than hatred. If she was willing to kill him, Qin Rongchen would never resist, but she kept avoiding him. This unreachable distance was like a thousand sharp blades, constantly piercing his heart.

Su Yijing sighed softly, knowing full well the pain Qin Rongchen was feeling. "Fine, I can't persuade you anyway. It's the Crown Prince who has been secretly investigating your relationship with her several times." Su Yijing's tone was tinged with worry. He understood that the Crown Prince's investigation might bring more trouble to Qin Rongchen.

Qin Rongchen frowned slightly. He didn't care about the Crown Prince's investigation; his heart was focused on the woman who had been avoiding him. "Let him be. What happened between her and me is no secret. It's the current Emperor who still doesn't trust me after all these years." Qin Rongchen's tone was filled with a hint of helplessness and desolation. He had long lost interest in the power struggle, but the Emperor still harbored doubts about him.

"Maybe your existence is already a threat to him, forcing him to be on guard." Su Yijing frowned slightly. He understood the emperor's concerns, but he also felt unfair for Qin Rongchen.

Qin Rongchen shook his head gently, no longer dwelling on the matter. "If I wanted to be in this cage, it wouldn't have been him five years ago. Today, I heard that the Holy Maiden of the Yun Nation came to the capital, causing quite a stir." A hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes, and he was also full of doubts about this mysterious Holy Maiden of the Yun Nation.

"The Holy Lady of Yun Country knows some unorthodox techniques. If we don't create some sensation, how can we feel at ease with her?" Su Yijing said slowly, with a hint of vigilance in his eyes.

"Unorthodox teachings? Could the legend of the Yun Kingdom Saint Maiden be true?" Qin Rongchen frowned slightly, his heart filled with doubts. He had always been skeptical about the rumors about the Yun Kingdom Saint Maiden, and now hearing what Qin Rongchen said, he was even more suspicious.

"Since it's just a legend, whether it's true or not is unknown. But I think it might be because of this that the late emperor couldn't conquer the Yun Kingdom for so long. It's not a bad thing that the Holy Maiden of the Yun Kingdom is coming to the capital this time. She will appear at the birthday banquet tomorrow, and then you and I will know the truth after seeing it." Su Yijing analyzed the situation calmly. He knew that the arrival of the Holy Maiden of the Yun Kingdom was no accident, and there must be some hidden purpose behind it.

Qin Rongchen didn't respond, holding the jade pendant in his hand, lost in thought. His heart was filled with the woman who had been avoiding him, and he wasn't particularly interested in the affairs of the Yun Nation Saint.

Su Yijing sighed inwardly as he watched Qin Rongchen's silence. He knew Qin Rongchen's thoughts were all on that woman, but he also hoped that Qin Rongchen would pay attention to the current situation. After all, they were in the vortex of power, and if they were not careful, they could fall into an irretrievable situation.

Youshi.

The sunset glow on the horizon was like a gorgeous painting, tinting the entire capital with a warm hue. Ministers and officials, along with their wives, made their way to the palace one after another, and the streets were bustling with the sound of horse-drawn carriages.

Upon hearing that the Sage King would be in attendance, many women dressed up in their finest attire, their hearts brimming with anticipation. They carefully selected gorgeous garments and wore precious jewelry, hoping to catch the Sage King's eye in that fleeting moment.

Beautifully decorated carriages pulled up before the palace gates, and the women gracefully disembarked, their faces a mixture of shyness and excitement. Some gently adjusted their skirts, their eyes constantly glancing toward the palace entrance, as if waiting for that alluring figure to appear.

The ministers all had different expressions on their faces. Some were discussing state affairs, while others were plotting how to gain more benefits from the banquet. But no matter what they were thinking, they were all captivated by the lively atmosphere.

In this moment of anticipation and tension, the palace was festooned with lights and bustling with activity. Everyone awaited the start of the birthday banquet, and the surprises and stories that mysterious night would bring. The appearance of the Sage King undoubtedly became the greatest suspense in everyone's minds.

Jinyuyuan.

The soldiers and horses who were going to welcome the saint into the palace were neatly lined up outside the courtyard waiting. The scene was grand and attracted many people to watch and talk.

"I saw the saint yesterday. She was more than five feet tall." One person said excitedly.

"So tall? Could it be a man pretending to be him?" Another person said with a look of suspicion on his face.

"Look, look, look." With a shout, everyone's eyes turned to the yard.

Six masked women emerged first, standing on either side. Following them, a woman dressed in a green robe and a conical hat emerged, her steps graceful and slender. Every movement was elegant, unlike the man they had described as a disguise. Under everyone's gaze, the mysterious figure slowly approached the carriage. A gentle breeze blew the corners of her clothes, adding to her mysterious aura.

In this lively atmosphere, the Saint's carriage slowly started and drove towards the palace. The onlookers were still immersed in curiosity and speculation about the Saint.

At six o'clock in the evening, in Qiongyu Palace.

An incense stick had already passed since the birthday banquet began, and the hall was bustling with activity, laughter and joy echoing throughout the magnificent hall. When the last minister presented his gift, the atmosphere in the hall paused slightly, and then everyone's eyes turned to the hall door.

Qin Rongchen walked into the hall, dressed in a water-blue robe, tall and graceful, his figure elegant and graceful. The water-blue robe seemed to blend into him, flowing naturally like water, highlighting his extraordinary and otherworldly appearance. His appearance immediately attracted the attention of everyone present, and even amazed the women and surprised the men.

His face was as white as jade, his eyes as bright as stars, his nose like a hanging gallbladder, his lips as white as painted rouge, and he stood tall and graceful, like a banished immortal untouched by the mundane world. Every movement he made was graceful, every look as profound as the abyss. He stood there quietly, as if the entire world had become serene because of him.

This was the Sage King, the legendary most handsome man in Daqi. After just one glance, Qin Rongchen had already captivated many of the women present. Their eyes flickered with shyness and admiration, but due to their status, they could only bury these feelings deep within their hearts, planting the seeds of love. The men, on the other hand, watched Qin Rongchen with either envy or admiration, secretly admiring his demeanor.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. Long live the Emperor, and a thousand years of life to the Empress." Qin Rongchen knelt and saluted, his gentle voice echoing through the hall. It was like the gurgling of water, carrying a unique charm, the voice of a modest gentleman, gentle as jade.

"Sage King, please stand up. Today is a birthday banquet, so there's no need for formalities." Qin Ronghuan's tone was calm, but a hint of jealousy quietly ignited in his heart. Qin Rongchen's demeanor was so outstanding that even as an emperor, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Qin Rongchen stood up and said, "I am late because of drunkenness. I hope Your Majesty will understand. This is a birthday gift from me to Your Majesty. I wish Your Majesty a long life, good health, and prosperity for our country." Qin Rongchen bowed slightly and presented the carefully prepared birthday gift with both hands. His eyes were full of sincerity and blessing, and he did not feel panic at all for being late.

Qin Ronghuan looked at Qin Rongchen, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He admired Qin Rongchen's talent and temperament, but also felt uneasy about his presence. But at this birthday banquet, he couldn't show his true thoughts and could only smile and accept Qin Rongchen's blessings and birthday gifts.

Everyone in the hall watched this scene, each with their own emotions. Qin Rongchen's appearance made the birthday banquet even more eye-catching, and also filled Daqi's future with more uncertainties. However, Qin Rongchen himself paid no attention to the others' gazes. His heart was filled with the woman he always cared about and his deepest wishes for Daqi.

Eunuch Li stepped down, accepted the birthday gift from Qin Rongchen, and presented it carefully. Qin Ronghuan then personally opened the wooden box, and a bright light emanated from it, instantly illuminating the surrounding area. Qin Ronghuan took a look and was shocked. Could this be the lost glazed night-shining pearl from the Snow Country? The pearl radiated a brilliant light, as if imbued with endless mystical power. Qin Ronghuan was secretly shocked; he hadn't expected Qin Rongchen to offer such a precious treasure as a birthday gift.

Qin Ronghuan gestured, and Steward Li quickly closed the box and accepted the gift. "Sage King, you are so thoughtful. Please take a seat." Qin Ronghuan's tone was filled with a subtle sense of complexity.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Qin Rongchen bowed slightly and walked towards his seat with a calm expression. There was no emotion in his heart. To him, this glass night-shining pearl was just an ordinary gift. He simply wanted to use it to express his respect and blessing to the emperor.

Everyone in the hall was shocked by this sudden scene, whispering among themselves, discussing the precious glass night-shining pearl. Qin Rongchen's actions also made them look at the sage king with even greater respect. At this lively birthday banquet, Qin Rongchen's appearance and his birthday gift undoubtedly became the focus of everyone's attention.

The highest seats in the hall held the Emperor and Empress, adorned in magnificent attire, embodying the majesty of the royal family. Below them, on the left, sat the Emperor's children, some dignified and elegant, others lively and agile, each with their own unique charm. To the right sat the Sage King and the Crown Prince. Qin Rongchen, with his calm demeanor and distinguished demeanor, while the Crown Prince, Qin Ruoyu, was composed and dignified. Sitting side by side, the two exuded a unique charm.

To the left and right of the lower hall sat the ministers, each of them solemn and respectful. Behind them sat their wives. The wives chatted in low voices or quietly surveyed the crowds within, creating a lively yet solemn atmosphere.

The most dazzling female figure was Kou Yurou, daughter of the Empress Dowager and Grand Tutor Kou. Her delicate makeup, beautiful face, and vibrant attire were truly dazzling. Her eyes held a hint of pride and confidence, as if the entire palace's light was focused on her. With her chin slightly raised, she sat gracefully, awaiting the gazes and admiration of the crowd.

"Your Majesty, the Holy Maiden of Yun Kingdom has arrived." The eunuch's voice sounded in the hall.

"Quick, please come in." Emperor Qin Ronghuan said hurriedly with an expectant look on his face.

Everyone was curious about the Holy Maiden of the Yun Nation, and all looked toward the palace gate, their hearts filled with curiosity and anticipation. Only Qin Rongchen drank alone, seemingly indifferent to everything around him.

A masked woman in green stepped into the hall, her light steps seeming to tread upon clouds. Her figure was slender, like a bamboo swaying in the wind, her waist thin as a willow, barely slender enough to be grasped, as if it could be snapped at any moment. Her curved eyebrows were slightly furrowed, as if a thousand thoughts were hidden within them. Her eyes were like water, like a clear spring, so clear and bright that one could be drawn into them at a glance, yet their expression was profoundly cold, like a thousand-year-old ice, keeping one at a distance.

She wore no ornaments, spurning the world's bustle and bustle. Her long black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, soft and lustrous, shimmering with a mysterious light under the light. Her hair was bare, save for a single cyan headband tied behind her head. That touch of cyan, like a gentle breeze, added a touch of elegance and mystery to her.

She stood there quietly, the air around her seeming to freeze because of her presence. Everyone's eyes were fixed on her, attracted by her unique temperament.

The Holy Maiden of the Cloud Nation possessed such a remarkable stature, surprising and intriguing everyone present. They speculated about the beauty beneath the veil, befitting such stunning eyes. A mysterious aura enveloped the entire hall, drawing a compelling urge to explore.

"Uncle, drink less." Qin Ruoyu sat on the right side of Qin Rongchen. Seeing him drinking, he couldn't help but frowned slightly and persuaded him.

Drink less? Qin Rongchen chuckled inwardly as he finished his glass. In this kind of situation, it would be a waste of time if he didn't drink. Qin Rongchen put down his glass and caught a glimpse of an approaching figure. Qin Rongchen didn't want to look, but her cyan figure attracted him. He looked up and met her eyes. Qin Rongchen was startled, his heartbeat accelerated instantly. Looking at the figure approaching, her eyes looked very much like someone else. He even suspected that this was her. No, this was not her. Qin Rongchen shook his head. He must have drunk too much and had an illusion.