It sounded terrifying, but whether it was true or not, hadn't everyone seen it? The Prime Minister had praised her as the most extraordinary person in the world, but now it seemed she was nothing special.
She was merely a woman as beautiful as a celestial being, with a pure aura and a sharp glint in her eyes. Perhaps she possessed some intelligence, but that didn't mean she would become the foremost figure of the current era.
"Shangguan Hao greets Her Majesty the Empress."
As Shangguan Hao sized her up, Mu Qingyao also observed Shangguan Hao, seeing the disbelief in his eyes. This Prince Xiang had likely heard the embellished account from the Prime Minister of Wanhe Kingdom and disagreed with the old man's assessment, hence his attitude.
"Prince Xiang, you are too kind. Rise, please be seated. Guests are welcome."
Mu Qingyao spoke calmly, neither pleased nor displeased, gesturing for Shangguan Hao to sit. She then turned and walked towards the high seat.
Shangguan Hao looked at the presence she exuded and admitted that this woman was indeed remarkable, likely possessing some intelligence.
However, a mere woman was hardly a threat, so the unease in his heart subsided considerably. But why had Emperor Xian sent for him to come to Xianyue for a secret discussion? What could it be?
"Emperor Xian specially sent for me to come to Xianyue, stating there were important matters to discuss. May I ask what these matters are?"
Mu Rong Liu Zun looked at Mu Qingyao as she sat beside him, reaching out to take her hand. They appeared to be quite affectionate.
In fact, Mu Rong Liu Zun truly missed her. These past few days, he had been occupied with state affairs, as well as the wedding arrangements for the Princess and the King of Beijin.
He had also sent for Prince Xiang, and thus had forgotten to visit her. Normally, being busy wouldn't be an issue, but upon seeing her now, the yearning in his heart surged forth, almost overflowing.
He realized that, at some point, her delicate and aloof image had taken root in his heart. He only hoped that Yao'er would eventually come to like him and stay by his side.
"I've heard that the Emperor of Wanhe Kingdom is advanced in age, and you only have two sons, Prince Xiang and Prince Wu, yet why haven't you established a Crown Prince?"
Emperor Xian's words, laden with hidden meaning, resonated throughout the great hall.
Prince Xiang, Shangguan Hao, raised an eyebrow in surprise. He had thought Emperor Xian had summoned him to discuss an alliance, but unexpectedly, Emperor Xian was inquiring about his family matters. His expression darkened slightly, and he responded coldly:
"Did Emperor Xian specifically invite me here to concern himself with my family affairs?"
Mu Rong Liu Zun's fair and clear cheeks showed an even more pronounced smile, but Mu Qingyao, sitting beside him, could sense the undeniable cold ruthlessness that emanated from him, even as he smiled.
"No, I am here to let you meet someone."
After saying this, Mu Rong Liu Zun made a subtle movement with his fingers. Mu Qingyao understood his intention immediately, giving him a cold glare before slowly turning her gaze towards the confused, raised-eyebrowed Shangguan Hao.
"Prince Xiang, do you know that Wanhe Kingdom has another prince? That person seems to be the heir the Emperor favors."
Shangguan Hao didn't understand their words at all. A fleeting cold smile crossed his face, and he abruptly stood up, his voice low and menacing:
"If you two wish to sow discord within my Shangguan family, there's no need to go to such lengths."
Mu Qingyao watched his reaction and let out a cold laugh, seizing the opportunity to pull her hand from Mu Rong Liu Zun's grasp and glare contemptuously at Shangguan Hao.
"Prince Xiang, you are truly laughable. Does our Xianyue Kingdom stoop to such petty tactics? We said we would let you meet someone, are you accusing us of lying? He is likely your brother who disappeared years ago, and also the Crown Prince candidate your father favors. Otherwise, why would you and Shangguan Jie both be titled Princes and not Crown Prince? If Wanhe Kingdom has no Crown Prince, who will succeed the throne then?"
Mu Qingyao's aggressive tone did not anger Shangguan Hao. Instead, her words sent a chill down his spine.
This was the throne he and Prince Wu had been fiercely competing for. Now, someone was telling him that his father favored neither of them, but another person.
Indeed, what the Empress of Xianyue said was not wrong. If Wanhe Kingdom truly had only two princes, why were they both made princes and not Crown Prince?
They did indeed have another brother who was supposedly eaten by a fierce tiger during a hunt. Could that have been a deception, and his father had hidden him away? If that were the case, then he would be his father's favored Crown Prince candidate.
Prince Xiang collapsed back onto his chair, murmuring several times, "How is this possible? How is this possible?"
"Why is it impossible? He will arrive shortly. Take a good look, you should recognize him."
Mu Qingyao felt no sympathy for him. She assumed Prince Xiang, Shangguan Hao, was also consumed by the desire for the throne.
If he weren't obsessed with the throne, he should have been happy to see his brother. Instead, he was shocked, and a fierce glint appeared in his eyes.
As soon as the Empress finished speaking, a eunuch's voice announced from outside the hall, "Reporting to His Majesty, Young Master Liu has arrived."
Mu Qingyao glanced sideways at Shangguan Hao and said calmly, "Your brother has arrived. Let's see if Xianyue has lied to you."
Mu Rong Liu Zun's dark eyes, deep and profound, instructed Ah Jiu, "Announce him."
His tone was cold and indifferent, as if he didn't know Liu Qianmu at all. Since Liu Qianmu had deceived him, their brotherhood had long since turned to dust.
Ah Jiu immediately stepped out and led Young Master Liu in. Liu Qianmu was dressed in white, with a gentle and refined appearance and courteous demeanor, easily garnering favor from others.
However, all eyes in the hall were fixed on him at this moment, making his scalp tingle. He bowed respectfully.
"Greetings to His Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress."
"Rise. Senior Brother, have you met Prince Xiang?" The Emperor Xian spoke steadily. Prince Xiang, Shangguan Hao, who had been seated below, had not taken his eyes off Liu Qianmu since he entered the hall.
By now, he had stood up, and a somber aura emanated from his eyes. So Shangguan Hao really hadn't died. This was all a cunning scheme by his father.
It was laughable that he and Prince Wu had been fighting tooth and nail for the throne, unaware that since his father had conferred titles of Prince Xiang and Prince Wu upon them, the throne had already become unattainable for them.
It turned out to be because of Shangguan Hao; the throne was reserved for him. Prince Xiang chuckled. What had he done to deserve the throne of Wanhe Kingdom?
"Shangguan Hao, I never expected you to be alive."
Although they hadn't seen each other for over ten years, their features were still recognizable. He never imagined their reunion would be under such circumstances.
Prince Xiang chuckled, his gaze chillingly fixed on Liu Qianmu. No, his true identity was Prince Shangguan Hao of Wanhe Kingdom. xxs壹贰
At this moment, silence reigned. His dark, shadowed gaze passed over Shangguan Hao and landed on the Emperor above, his junior brother Mu Rong Liu Zun.
"So, Junior Brother knows everything. The Emperor of Xian, as seen by the world, is indeed astute."
Shangguan Hao laughed. The laughter stripped away his previous elegance, appearing utterly shameless.
Mu Qingyao's eyes were about to ignite with rage. She was now one hundred percent certain that this man was the one who had tried to ruin her chastity that night.