Senior brother is so awesome!

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Inside the cramped cave, the two embraced. Qin Muhan gently kissed away the tears on her face, his hands behind her back clenched into fists. He wished he could kill those two old bastards right now, but the most important thing right now was the little woman in his arms. Her usual charming demeanor was nowhere to be seen at this moment, and she huddled in his arms like a frightened child.

He gently stroked her back and coaxed her softly, "I'm here, don't cry." He wondered if his soldiers would be terrified if they saw him like this! Sigh, this was his first woman, the woman who made him want to seize power, just so he could stand by her side legitimately and openly.

Qin Yuechan's eyes were misty with tears. After being comforted, the bloody horror from before seemed far away. She never expected that the old scoundrel Prime Minister Feng would be so heartless as to hire assassins. It seemed that if she didn't take action soon, she would surely be killed by the next round of schemes or assassinations! And the man in front of her seemed to be the most suitable person.

"Mu Han..." This was the first time she had called him that, her soft voice hoarse from crying.

"Hmm?" He looked down into those beautiful eyes and saw that she had finally calmed down. He felt relieved, and his expression became much better.

"Take me back, otherwise the Emperor might get jealous if he finds us alone together," she said gloomily, her long eyelashes glistening with water, making her look especially endearing.

Qin Muhan's arms tightened around her suddenly, and he lowered his head to kiss her lips fiercely, like a hungry wolf pouncing on its prey. Her small hands were clenched into half fists and pressed against his chest, weakly letting him take what he wanted. Her delicate and frail appearance made him want to take her right then and there, but the situation did not allow it.

He gently stroked her slightly swollen lips, his expression softening slightly. "You're so considerate of the Emperor's feelings? When will you ever consider mine?"

At this moment, Qin Muhan was no longer the handsome and imposing General Chongyuan, but a jealous man. Qin Yuechan smiled and found a more comfortable position in his arms, saying, "Isn't this all for you? What if the Emperor finds out and harms you? Don't forget, who is the master of Xuanwu Kingdom?"

"Then I'll have Xuanwu Kingdom change its master."

She suddenly looked up, quickly covered his mouth, glanced outside the cave, and then said angrily, "General, how dare you say such treasonous things! Have you no time to live?"

His eyes, slightly glaring at her, held a hint of anger. He patted her little bottom. "In your eyes, am I such a coward?"

"Hehe, you're really good in bed." She giggled and snuggled into his arms.

He gently stroked her long hair, his gaze fixed on the increasingly cold darkness outside the cave. "I will witness it for you."

I carried her all the way to the scene of the incident. Everything looked just as it did when I left. No one should have found this place yet.

Qin Yuechan saw the corpses scattered on the ground and her chestnut pony, its head severed from its body. The stench of blood assaulted her senses. She covered her nose, turned around, and said through a sniffle, "I don't want to be here."

Qin Muhan hesitated for a moment, then picked her up and mounted the horse he had come on, while he walked and led the horse for her. She understood that this was to avoid suspicion. His tall and strong body was wrapped in luxurious black brocade, and even his walking posture was incredibly handsome.

Why does the general always like to wear black clothes?

He turned his head slightly, his face stern: "You are not allowed to call me General, you must call me Mu Han."

A smile played on her lips. "Okay, Mu Han, why do you like black clothes?"

Qin Muhan then replied, "I just like black."

"..." She was speechless; saying anything was pointless.

But suddenly another man appeared in his mind, just as domineering, only more handsome. That man, the regent known throughout the land for his cruelty and ruthlessness, was also dressed in his usual dark purple python robe. As he swept across the mountain, he arrogantly declared, after all his coercive demands, "You are mine, and you will be mine for all eternity."

Despite repeatedly having secret rendezvous with her second senior brother and being discovered by him time and time again, she was forgiven each time, simply because of his words, "I want more than just your body; I want your heart too."

Looking back now, he doesn't seem so bad. It's just that the man who always had that sour face, is he probably married to the Left Prime Minister's daughter by now? Maybe they even have a child together...

A loud shout pulled her out of the cycle of memories. Looking up, she saw many Imperial Guards searching on the hillside not far away, with shouts of "Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine" echoing all around.

Inside the makeshift tent, when she finally saw Liu Tingpei anxiously waiting in the hunting grounds, her little face was already streaked with tears. Like a butterfly fluttering, she rushed into his arms, covering her mouth and sobbing incessantly, "Your Majesty, I almost lost you forever... Waaah..."

The Imperial Guards who investigated the assassination scene have returned and reported back, but Liu Tingpei is not interested in this matter. Instead, he is comforting her while wondering why it is Qin Muhan again. According to the report, many Imperial Guards present saw General Chongyuan leading the Imperial Concubine on horseback and there was nothing out of line.

Born into an imperial family, one could say that from the time they were old enough to understand, they had brushed shoulders with all sorts of conspiracies and intrigues. What the public saw was often not the truth. And what did the two of them do when they were alone?

The little one in my arms cried harder and harder, trembling with fear, which successfully drew his attention.

Liu Tingpei frowned, his tiger-like eyes filled with deep pity. "Poor little thing, it's all my fault for not protecting you. Do you know who wanted to harm you?"

Qin Yuechan sniffled and wiped away her tears. "Then, that assassin leader said, said..." Her gaze darted out of the tent, and she fearfully returned to his embrace. "He said it was that... minister who is second only to the emperor."

The Prime Minister was second only to the Emperor. His brows furrowed deeper and deeper, and he unconsciously exuded a strong murderous aura. How dare they kill the concubine he cherished so dearly! It seems that if they don't eliminate her, the next step will be his throne!

He slammed his fist on the small table beside him, and the wooden table instantly shattered into pieces.

After this incident, he lost all interest in hunting and ordered his men to break camp and return to the palace.

After coaxing the frightened little one to sleep, he got up and went to the study.

Qin Muhan had been waiting for a long time. When the emperor entered, he immediately knelt on one knee and said in a loud voice, "Long live the emperor! Long live the emperor! Long live the emperor!"

Liu Tingpei remained silent, his half-closed dark eyes thoughtfully observing Mu Han's respectful back. After a long while, he smiled and helped Mu Han up, saying, "Mu Han, there's no need for such formality. I owe you a lot for today's events; otherwise, my Imperial Concubine would have been in serious trouble."

"Your Majesty flatters me. I merely happened to be chasing a deer when I was able to save Consort Chen." He stood upright, neither humble nor arrogant, and his gaze was clear and honest.

Could he have guessed wrong? Yue'er had no connection with Qin Muhan, and he had only saved her twice by chance? Everything seemed too coincidental, but he didn't have time to think about it too much right now; finding that old bastard was the most important thing.

Two days later, Qin Yuechan was already lying comfortably on the bed of the magnificent Fengchen Palace in the capital. After being in the dilapidated Qinglin Garden for so long, she felt that the splendor in front of her was somewhat unreal. However, there was no gentle breeze and bright moon, no bamboo shadows to accompany her, only magnificent palaces and towers everywhere, and those women staring at Fengchen Palace with red eyes.

She didn't know what ruthless methods Liu Tingpei had used, but less than a day after returning to the palace, news came that the Feng family had fallen, that Prime Minister Feng had colluded with Grand Commandant Rong to seduce foreign powers, and that he and the Empress had been confined to the palace, intending to murder Consort Chen!

If one charge can't bring down this veteran official of two dynasties, then what about treason? In short, this time, the Feng family, a century-old clan, was almost completely wiped out. The men were executed along with their entire families, the women were forced into prostitution, and the children were enslaved. Qin Yuechan felt that she was too cruel, but then she thought that she hadn't done anything heinous. If anyone was to blame, it was Prime Minister Feng who first sent people to kill her!

As for the Empress, Liu Tingpei, out of concern for his reputation and fearing rumors that he had abandoned his wife for lust, did not do anything to her. However, she was implicated by her father and deposed as Empress, demoted to Consort Yun. From then on, Qin Yuechan became the most powerful woman in the harem, ruling over the six palaces.

As for why she wasn't elevated to the position of empress, she didn't care. Wasn't there a saying that a concubine was better than a wife? She was quite content being a seductive concubine who bewitched the emperor, at least without all those annoying rules.

Grand Commandant Rong was once the Minister of War, the top official in the Ministry of War. Although he had been suppressed by Prime Minister Feng and General Chongyuan for many years, he still managed to cultivate a group of loyal followers. Unfortunately, before he could escape, he was suppressed by the General's men and was accused of rebelling. In just a few days, these corrupt officials were completely wiped out.

General Chongyuan was also awarded the title of Loyal and Brave King for his meritorious service in suppressing the rebels. He was the first non-royal king since the founding of Xuanwu Kingdom, and for a time he was in the limelight. The court was reshuffled. Qin Muhan also placed many of his own people in his place at her behest. From then on, Qin Yuechan's life became much better. There were no more gossiping flies and no more annoying empress. She was extremely comfortable.

The Emperor's exclusive favor every night made her feel like she was in hell. What she hated most was sleeping with someone she didn't love, and what she hated most was that this person she didn't love was also particularly vigorous! After dealing with state affairs for a day, she was not tired at all, and they would come two or three times every night. This time it lasted for half an hour. Poor little body, it was almost crushed.

Two months passed in this way, and it was now late autumn. The increasingly cold weather made her, who was already sensitive to the cold, even less willing to go out. She huddled in the Phoenix Palace, using a brazier early in the morning to learn needlework from Qing'er. However, under her long-term influence, Qing'er had long since lost her initial indifference and numbness. Gradually, she could smile and gradually develop emotions. She didn't know what this meant, but in any case, her days were going smoothly, and she was extremely pleased with herself. She even considered abandoning that plan at one point, but his persistent entanglement every night ultimately made her give up the idea and continue.

The letter Qin Muhan had brought in made her scoff. It simply told her to go to the national temple to pray for blessings whenever she had free time. Why was that? It was because that scoundrel was always driven by lust and, taking advantage of her leaving the palace, used the excuse of listening to the master preach Buddhism to have his way with her in the meditation room behind the temple.

Only then did she realize that the people in the National Temple were all his people. Thinking of the people who came to deliver messages to the palace each time, she couldn't help but gasp. Just how many spies had this treacherous minister infiltrated?

A few days later, she heard that an envoy from the Xuanyuan Kingdom had arrived. When Qin Yuechan heard the words "Xuanyuan Kingdom," she naturally thought of that domineering yet tender and awkward man. She couldn't ask the jealous Liu Tingpei about this, so she could only take advantage of the blessing to subtly ask Qin Muhan.

He didn't know her background. Although he had investigated her extensively, the Emperor had kept her background a closely guarded secret. Moreover, the people involved in the kidnapping were the Emperor's secret guards. So, he said without thinking, "It is said that the Regent of Xuanyuan Kingdom came in person to discuss some political matters."

Upon hearing the words "Regent," Qin Yuechan's mind went completely blank. Zhong Zhichen, he's coming here? Could he be here specifically to arrest her? Although she felt a little resentful thinking about his infidelity, she was secretly thrilled to see him again. But then she thought, maybe he's just on a normal overseas visit, and I'm just having a bad time. Don't forget he has a family!

Unaware of the situation, Qin Muhan still wanted to pounce on the beauty, but the beauty seemed listless and unresponsive, and wouldn't answer his questions. He then guessed that it might be related to the regent.

When the envoy from Xuanyuan Kingdom arrived, Emperor Liu Tingpei personally went to greet him. This was because Xuanyuan Kingdom was the most powerful among the five kingdoms, and also because the envoy, the regent, was his senior brother from his time cultivating at Sanqing Mountain. His personal greeting showed both enthusiasm and courtesy.

She, secluded in the inner palace, had no idea what they were discussing in the court, but the fact that the Xuanyuan Kingdom had presented four beauties to the palace caused a huge uproar. Most were just watching the spectacle, while some pitied her. After all, men, once they've had their fill of one dish, always crave something new. Many of the concubines she had suppressed for so long sat back and munched on melon seeds, waiting for her to fall out of favor.

They had a very pleasant conversation, and that very evening Liu Tingpei hosted a banquet at the Qionghua Palace in Xuanwu Kingdom to welcome the envoy from Xuanyuan Kingdom. He even made an unprecedented exception and allowed imperial concubines of the rank of concubine or above to attend!

Qin Yuechan was somewhat at a loss, her expression a complex mix of emotions. Almost a year had passed; had he changed? How was his relationship with her? What would he say to her…? Would he grab her and give her a good beating? Uh… that was impossible, after all, she was now the Emperor's favored concubine…

Feeling a mix of nervousness and longing for home, she asked Qing'er to style her hair into a high bun, adorned with a gold hairpin at the top and pearl and jade ornaments on either side. Qing'er also skillfully picked a crabapple blossom from the greenhouse and tucked it to one side. She added a line of gold powder behind her eyeliner, making her eyes sparkle with charm and grace.

She specially chose a moon-white strapless top paired with a rose-red silk skirt. The skirt was embroidered with a scene of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix. The rose-red color made her skin look even whiter, not to mention her snow-white skin. Her breasts were full without her having to push them up, and the deep cleavage made people want to fall into them and never come out again.

Qing'er stood to one side, stunned for a moment as she gazed at her mistress's stunning appearance. Usually, she wore loose white clothes in the palace, and her long hair was simply tied up with a white jade hairpin. Even in that unkempt state, she was not particularly attractive. But now, with her elaborate attire, she made everything else in the world pale in comparison.

Although she was only the Imperial Consort, all her food, clothing, daily necessities, and ceremonial regalia were in accordance with the standards of the Empress. After all, no one dared to question what she did now. Riding in the Empress's special phoenix palanquin, the entourage proceeded in a grand procession to Qionghua Palace. Along the way, they encountered several late-arriving concubines who dismounted and bowed. She was too lazy to pay attention to their insincere flattery, simply waving her hand and continuing on her way without stopping. Who told her to be so arrogant?

Qin Yuechan arrived late, but the Qionghua Palace was already filled with music and dance. A eunuch outside the palace announced loudly, "The Imperial Concubine has arrived!"

Suddenly, the music in the hall stopped, and the dancers wisely stepped aside. She suppressed her wildly beating heart, her face dignified and poised, and walked in with graceful steps, trying to keep her gaze on Liu Tingpei in the high position. However, she couldn't help but glance at the dark purple figure to the side. She couldn't see his face clearly in her peripheral vision, but she could feel his burning gaze.

Liu Tingpei was in a very good mood. With a faint smile, he beckoned her to sit down beside him. His smile was gentle as he lifted his skirt and sat down. His large hand, as was his habit, encircled her, and he whispered in her ear, "My beloved consort has truly amazed me today."

Meanwhile, the ministers who were stunned by the stunning beauty of the Imperial Concubine lowered their eyes in a fluster, not daring to let the Emperor see the greed in their eyes. Any normal man would want to conquer and possess such a woman!

Liu Tingpei's gaze fell on the man dressed in a dark purple python robe. "Your Highness, this is my most beloved Imperial Consort Chen."

She was horrified. Was she being introduced as a stranger, or as an acquaintance showing off?

Before she could react, Zhong Zhichen picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, saying, "The Imperial Concubine is indeed a beauty that could topple kingdoms."

The voice was so familiar, and that handsome face he'd dreamt of countless times—a year had passed, yet he hadn't changed a bit. He was still as dashing as ever, exuding a strong masculine charm and domineering presence that seemed innate and perfectly natural. But his gaze was too cold—no, not just cold, but utterly unfamiliar! His eyes were met with the polite formality of someone looking at a stranger, devoid of any other emotion, before he quickly lowered them and looked away.

Her heart, which had been pounding with excitement, fell silent when she met his gaze. Her mind went blank, with only one question echoing in her ears: He didn't recognize her? He'd forgotten her…

Everything from Sanqing Mountain, including the wedding news I overheard behind the big rock when I ran away, all of it has solidified into the reality before my eyes. She really was just a toy, played with by the six of them in turn. After they were done, she went home and married a wife. Who still remembers this former beauty?

A smile spilled from her lips; her smile was so beautiful that everyone present gasped. Like a fleeting ephemera, her bloom was brief, yet it astonished the world. Only she herself knew the bitterness hidden within that smile…