"This is my decision, and only I can resolve it. Have you forgotten my other identity? I am Leng Yue. Shangguan Yao has fewer reservations about Leng Yue, so you don't need to worry."
Her words were indeed correct. Shangguan Yao did indeed have fewer defenses against Leng Yue, making her a suitable choice for this task.
However, the thought of letting a woman take such a dangerous risk was something Murong Chong could not accept. He spoke in a deep voice, "Why don't I steal the Dragon Talisman instead?"
"Absolutely not."
Yun Xiao, Yun Mo, and Sima Qingyun all objected simultaneously. This was far too dangerous. If they failed, it would only expose them. Moreover, Shangguan Yao was no ordinary person; how could he possibly allow the Dragon Talisman to be stolen by him?
"Alright, stop arguing. Let me propose a plan."
Yun Xiao's eyes gleamed with wisdom, her gaze firm and clear. A slight smile curved her lips.
Everyone looked at her. Her face was serene, carrying an unyielding dignity. Her eyes were piercingly cold, and no one dared to doubt her strategy.
"Father is very familiar with the Dragon Talisman. We will have someone forge an identical one. I will then enter the palace and swap it with the Emperor's Dragon Talisman."
"Swap the Dragon Talisman?"
The few of them exclaimed in unison, even their eyes flashing with brilliance. This was an excellent plan. Swapping it discreetly would mean the Emperor wouldn't suspect anything, and Xiao'er would be much safer.
"Good, Xiao'er, Father agrees."
Yun Mo was the first to agree, as he had complete confidence in his daughter.
The current Xiao'er was exceptionally intelligent. If she lacked confidence, she wouldn't be so assured. They could only try this method.
"Very well, let's proceed with this."
Sima Qingyun also concurred, followed by Yun Zhen and Shangguan Lin, and finally everyone else agreed.
Only Murong Chong remained radiating a chilling aura. A layer of pale, cold light covered his delicate features. His lips were tightly pressed together, and he remained silent, his fists clenched, clearly unwilling for Yun Xiao to undertake such a task.
Yun Xiao walked over and took his hand.
Those in the study quietly withdrew. Yun Zhen pushed his father, and the others filed out.
The door was closed behind them. They knew Yun Xiao would surely be able to persuade Murong Chong.
"Murong, what is it?"
"Am I that useless, that I have to let Xiao'er risk her life?"
Murong Chong raised his eyes. His pupils, dark as gemstones, shone brilliantly, revealing an undeniable unease. His skin, bathed in the lamplight, was as smooth and white as snow. His hair, tied with a jade hairpin, exuded an elegant and dazzling aura.
Yun Xiao thought of the two women from before, and a cold smile played on her lips.
This man is mine. No one else will snatch him away.
Yun Xiao spoke softly, "How about you protect me? Stay hidden in the shadows. If I'm in danger, you'll be the first to appear. I believe your abilities can surely keep me from harm."
If she didn't find something for him to do, this man would never agree to her entering the palace. Only by involving him would he feel at ease.
"Alright, we'll do it this way. I will protect you."
In an instant, his face glowed with brilliance, a stark contrast to his earlier coldness. A warm current seemed to emanate from him. He reached out and pulled Yun Xiao onto his lap, and the two of them spoke in hushed tones.
The night air was cool, and the crescent moon hung like a hook on the branches.
The pale moonlight spilled over the entire Yunshui Villa.
Within the villa, in a certain room, there was a sudden crashing sound, followed by angry roars.
"Who is this damned woman? Why is she here?"
Mu Rongyingxue, the eldest daughter of the Mu family, was in a fit of rage. Her flailing and clawing at that moment resembled a roaring lioness ready to devour someone.
The moment she thought of her Murong brother slapping her, she wished she could kill that woman immediately.
Her Murong brother had never hit her before, yet he had struck her for that woman.
When she was done smashing things, Mu Rongyingxue squatted down and began to sob, deeply hurt and aggrieved, like a child.
Mo Ruyan, who had been standing by the door motionless, letting her vent, then walked in. She helped Mu Rongyingxue to her feet and spoke faintly.
"What's the use of crying, eldest miss? This is Yunshui Villa. There are plenty of ways to deal with an outsider. Why cry?"
Mo Ruyan's words held a hint of darkness. Mu Rongyingxue looked up at her, not moving for a long time. Mo Ruyan then lowered her head uncomfortably.
Mu Rongyingxue spoke coldly, "Don't think I'm an idiot. You like Murong brother too, don't you think I know?"
Mo Ruyan's lowered face darkened, her cold pupils flashing with a frosty glint. She frowned in thought, then raised her head. "Eldest miss, how could you forget? While Ruyan likes the master, the master does not like Ruyan. But the master likes that woman. If she is here, do you still have a chance?"
"That's true. Hearing you say that, we are indeed on the same side."
Mu Rongyingxue was not foolish. She understood the implications of Mo Ruyan's words. It was best to unite now against that woman.
Yunshui Villa was her home. There were many mechanisms within the villa, as well as many poisonous flowers and herbs cultivated by her father.
Any one of them could lead that woman to a place where she could never be reborn, and then she could simply claim she had accidentally triggered a mechanism. What could Murong brother do to her?
Mu Rongyingxue laughed at the thought of her triumphant plan, her eyes filled with ferocity and redness.
Mo Ruyan behind her couldn't help but laugh as well, her laughter insidious and cunning.
In the dark room, a gentle breeze blew through the window, casting a faint light.
The woman seated on the bed was immersed in darkness, gazing motionlessly at the moonlight outside.
Thinking of the master she had seen earlier, her heart began to burn, inch by inch.
If she had merely admired the master before, after witnessing his peerless elegance, she had become consumed by a frenzied obsession. Every time she opened or closed her eyes, his image would flood her mind.
Exquisite, arrogant, domineering.
Everything a man should possess, he displayed to the fullest extent.
However, this man was bloodthirsty. If his taboos were touched, he was a ruthless killer.
She hadn't known what his taboos were before, but now she finally knew: it was that woman. If they dared to provoke that woman, they would suffer greatly.
Fortunately, there was the eldest miss Mu Rongyingxue. She could simply offer advice and let the eldest miss take the lead. This way, even if the Palace Master became angry, he wouldn't kill Mu Rongyingxue.
In the darkness, the woman's originally charming and beautiful eyes took on a hint of ferocity due to the added malice.
Morning arrived. The breeze was gentle, the five-colored flowers bloomed, vibrant and resplendent.
Although it was already early autumn, with fallen leaves scattering elsewhere, it was still warm here, and even the flowers and plants exuded fragrance.
Xinglan Courtyard was still Yun Xiao's residence, located very close to Fengge, where Murong resided.
At this moment, Yun Xiao was sleeping soundly in her bed. The cool autumn breeze was refreshing and pleasant as it blew in through the window, passing through the crimson lotus gauze curtains and gently caressing her face, allowing her to sleep peacefully.