Brocade Robe Unparalleled

Chapter 170 The Schemes of Two Women
As dawn broke, the soft, dappled light filtered through the heavy brocade curtains, casting a gentle glow on the edge of the bed.

Inside the gauze curtains, the warmth lingered, and an indescribable, enchanting fragrance filled the air.

Tian Qingluan was the first to wake up. Her long eyelashes trembled a few times, and her beautiful eyes slowly opened.

What came into view was Lin Xuan's profile, which was very close to his.

His breathing was even, and his usually sharp eyebrows and eyes were completely relaxed in his sleep, revealing a rare tranquility, and even a hint of childishness.

She rested her head on his arm, while her other hand was gently held in his warm palm. A tremendous sense of happiness and security instantly filled her heart.

She didn't move, and even slowed her breathing a little. She just stared at him quietly, her gaze sweeping over his straight nose, his slightly pursed thin lips, and the stubble that had just sprouted on his chin.

The environment of the capital must be very nourishing. After being apart for two months, he has developed a new air about him that he didn't have in the southwest.

After an unknown amount of time, as if sensing her gaze, Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes. When he met her gentle, watery eyes, he didn't speak, but simply pulled her closer into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head, silently feeling her heartbeat.

He traveled day and night, covering a journey that would normally take more than ten days, but he arrived in just five days, all for this moment.

That residence in the capital was merely a mansion.

Home is where the blue phoenix is.

He raised his hand, his fingers gently running through her slightly disheveled long hair, as if to soothe her, or as if he simply couldn't bear to part with it.

Qingluan gently pinched his waist and said reproachfully, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming back beforehand..."

Although a night had passed, the two did not have much time to communicate verbally last night.

Lin Xuan smiled and said, "That way there won't be any surprises..."

Qingluan looked up at him and said softly, "But this way, I can be happy for several days..."

Lin Xuan hugged her slightly and said, "Next time, let's go back to the capital together."

Although the capital city is more prosperous, without a loved one by your side, even the most luxurious enjoyment tastes bland.

Imagine two people soaking together in a bathtub that's half the size of a room...

He had been looking forward to this scene since his very first day in the capital.

Tian Qingluan looked up at him and said with a hint of sourness, "If I go back to the capital with you, your wife, whom His Majesty has betrothed to, won't be angry, will she..."

She should have been the head wife and matriarch of the Lin family, but someone else beat her to it and took her place. It was impossible for her not to feel resentful.

Lin Xuan knew she was jealous, and he had indeed wronged her in this matter, so he didn't say anything, but just hugged her tighter.

Tian Qingluan didn't continue the topic. She breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "How long will you be staying in Sizhou this time?"

Lin Xuan calculated the time and said, "I can probably stay with you for about seven more days. After ten days, I need to rush to the capital of Nanzhao to complete a secret mission."

"Nanzhao?"

Tian Qingluan frowned slightly, looked at Lin Xuan, and asked, "What mission?"

Lin Xuan naturally had nothing to hide from Qingluan, and briefly told her about the situation in Nanzhao and the court's decision.

Tian Qingluan suddenly sat up in bed, worriedly saying, "You're going to the capital of Nanzhao to oppose the Crown Prince and the Secret Service. You've just gotten married. How could the court entrust you with such a dangerous mission..."

Lin Xuan explained, "It was my own choice to go. Otherwise, I would have had to consummate my marriage with Miss Zhao. Besides, I also wanted to come to Sizhou to see you."

Tian Qingluan said anxiously, "So what if we consummate the marriage? I won't blame you. This mission is so dangerous, why were you so foolish..."

Lin Xuan shook his head and said, "I've dealt with the Nanzhao Secret Service a lot and I know their methods. Don't worry, even if I fail to complete the mission, I have ways to protect myself..."

Tian Qingluan was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "You did this for A'Luo, didn't you?"

Lin Xuan did not deny that the love and hate between him and A Luo could not be explained in a few words, but one thing he was very clear about was that he could not stand by and watch her be in danger.

Thinking of A Luo, Tian Qingluan sighed softly.

Although she won against A Luo, a faint sense of melancholy still arises in her heart every time she thinks of her.

She didn't say anything more. After thinking for a moment, she changed the subject and said, "There are still seven days left, enough time to go back to the Xuanwu Tribe. Let's go find Sister Youmeng."

Although she longed to have Lin Xuan all to herself, she knew that Sister Youmeng must also miss him very much.

After lingering for a while longer, the two of them leisurely got up and dressed.

Lin Xuan took out a palm-sized brocade box from his bundle and handed it to Qingluan.

Tian Qingluan reached out and took it, asking in surprise, "This is..."

Lin Xuan casually said, "I received a few Qi Gathering Pills from His Majesty upon my return to the capital. I've already broken through to the fifth rank, so these pills are useless to me now. After you take them, you should be able to advance to the fifth rank quickly..."

Although he only said a few words lightly, Tian Qingluan knew very well the weight of this small brocade box.

Her heart was filled with sweetness. Although he was in the capital, he always thought of her.

Time was limited, so Lin Xuan didn't delay. After Qingluan finished arranging her business matters, he went to the Xuanwu Department with her.

One day later, the Xuanwu tribe.

Inside the wooden house.

Aya looked at Lin Xuan expectantly and asked, "Big brother, where are the delicious treats you brought me from the capital?"

Lin Xuan was slightly taken aback. He was only thinking about Qingluan and Youmeng, and had completely forgotten about Aya.

However, he wasn't flustered. He patted Aya's head and said with a smile, "The capital is too far from here. I can't bring all the delicious food from there here. I'll make it for you myself after I'm done with this business..."

Aya nodded obediently, while Lin Xuan looked at Youmeng beside him and said softly, "Let's go outside and see the scenery?"

Beneath the veil, Youmeng's pretty face flushed slightly.

"Looking at the scenery" is their secret code.

Before she could say anything, Aya immediately said, "Okay, I know a place with really beautiful scenery, big brother, I'll take you there..."

Qingluan took Aya's hand and said, "You'd better not go see any scenery. Didn't you say you wanted to learn how to do your hair? Let's go to your room, I'll teach you..."

After Aya was taken away by Qingluan, only Lin Xuan and Youmeng remained in the wooden house.

Without saying a word, Youmeng stepped out of the wooden house and took the lead towards a little-known path on the outskirts of the tribe, while Lin Xuan followed behind her at a leisurely pace.

The two walked silently, one in front of the other, until they reached the summit of a secluded peak, rarely visited by humans.

Standing before a cliff, the view suddenly opens up, with a surging sea of ​​clouds below and distant mountains as dark as ink. The setting sun is painting the sky with its last rays, a breathtaking sight.

However, at this moment, neither of them had the heart to appreciate the magnificent natural landscape.

The veil on Youmeng's face had been removed at some point.

Lin Xuan stepped forward, gently embraced her, and lowered his head to kiss her.

Youmeng's response was no longer the passive and reserved one of the past, but rather as if a seal had been broken, carrying an unprecedented wildness and passion, as if she wanted to pour out all the longing of the past two months through this kiss.

After a long kiss, Youmeng breathed softly, her beautiful face flushed with a blush that complemented the most magnificent sunset on the horizon.

Lin Xuan took her hand and led her to sit down on the soft grass. He naturally pulled her into his arms and let her lean on his shoulder.

Youmeng did not resist, but obediently snuggled up to him, feeling his steady heartbeat, and quietly listened to him recount his experiences over the past period.

When she heard that Lin Xuan was going to Nanzhao, she didn't hesitate at all and said softly, "I'll go with you." Lin Xuan gently shook his head and said, "If the High Priest finds out, he'll tear me to pieces. Don't worry, you know my strength. Even if I encounter a third-rank expert, I can escape unscathed..."

A fourth-grade mage can fly, and Lin Xuan's spiritual power is already at the late fourth grade. Even if he is no match for a third-grade martial artist, if he is determined to escape, ordinary third-grade martial artists cannot catch up with him.

Although Youmeng didn't say anything more, a certain firm light shone in her eyes.

As darkness fell, the two returned hand in hand to the Xuanwu tribe.

A moment later, in the priest's hall, You Lian stood up from the futon, looked at You Meng, and said resolutely, "No, don't forget, you have already received the ancestral spirit's inheritance. You are not the holy maiden of my Xuanwu tribe, but the holy maiden of the Jiuli tribe. If anything happens to you, how can I explain it to my tribe?"

Youmeng didn't say anything, but turned and walked outside.

You Lian felt a sudden headache coming on. What she feared most was not You Meng arguing with her, but You Meng remaining completely silent.

If she doesn't say a word, it's entirely possible that she and that boy could secretly run off to Nanzhao.

As Youmeng was about to leave the priest's hall, Youlian spoke in a deep voice: "Wait, you're only at the fifth rank of cultivation, your strength isn't even as good as that kid's. What use are you? I'll send four priests and ten elders with him, is that alright? However, our Jiuli tribe doesn't participate in external conflicts. They're only responsible for protecting that kid, they won't help the Yong Kingdom's court..."

Youmeng knew this was the greatest concession the High Priestess had made. She turned around, bowed deeply, and said respectfully, "Thank you, High Priestess..."

When she lowered her head, a sly smile appeared beneath her white veil.

Not long after, inside the small house, Lin Xuan was taken aback after hearing Youmeng's words, and asked uncertainly, "Four priests and ten elders?"

Youmeng nodded and said, "They will protect you, but the High Priest won't allow them to directly participate in the Nanzhao conflict..."

Lin Xuan pursed his lips. In the Jiuli tribe, only those with a fifth-rank cultivation level could be called elders, and only those with a fourth-rank cultivation level could be called priests.

Four priests and ten elders—this was the lineup deployed to protect the Holy Maiden. The four priests of the Jiuli tribe, working together, could fight against ordinary third-rank experts without being at a disadvantage. Nanzhao was just a small country, and the number of third-rank experts within its borders could be counted on one hand…

With them by his side, not only would his safety be greatly guaranteed, but the difficulty of the mission would also be reduced considerably.

After all, even the Dayong Dynasty, which was directly involved in this matter, only sent one fourth-rank official and three fifth-rank officials.

Even if they don't take direct action, they can still have a huge impact on the situation.

He knew very well that all of this was something Youmeng had fought for for him.

Youmeng looked at them, her face slightly flushed, and said, "It's getting late, you should rest first. I... I'll come back tomorrow..."

After Youmeng left, Qingluan curled the corners of her lips and hummed a light tune.

Lin Xuan finally realized something, looked at her, and murmured, "You expected this all along, didn't you?"

Qingluan smugly snorted and said, "I know I can't persuade you or help you, but Sister Youmeng can. She definitely won't let you take such a big risk..."

She and he came to the Xuanwu Clan to see Sister Youmeng, but not entirely to see Sister Youmeng.

If Sister Youmeng knew he was going to Nanzhao, she definitely wouldn't stand by and watch him take such a risk.

I can't help him myself, but someone else can.

Lin Xuan stared at her blankly; Qingluan's cunning was sometimes beyond even his expectations.

The reason why the Tian family's business has grown to such a large size today is not only due to him, but also inseparable from Qingluan's strategic planning.

Over the next two days, while they were in the Xuanwu Tribe, Lin Xuan had Qingluan take the two Qi Gathering Pills.

Her martial arts talent was already quite good, but it paled in comparison to her business acumen.

Although these two Qi Gathering Pills did not allow her to break through to the fifth rank, they did successfully advance her to the peak of the sixth rank. She was only one opportunity away from breaking through. Youmeng asked her to stay in the Xuanwu Tribe for the time being and focus on cultivation, and then return to Sizhou after breaking through.

In the past few months, the Tian family's business had already gotten on track, and she no longer needed to worry about everything, so Qingluan agreed.

Three days later, outside the Xuanwu tribe.

More than ten figures stood quietly behind Lin Xuan.

Qingluan straightened his collar and said, "Don't be reckless. It doesn't matter if the imperial mission fails; your own safety is the most important thing..."

Lin Xuan nodded slightly and replied softly, "I understand."

Youmeng slowly walked up to an old man, who immediately bowed his head respectfully and said, "Holy Maiden..."

Youmeng looked at him and said softly, "Elder Youli, you must protect his safety on this trip. If you encounter an enemy you cannot defeat, you may reveal your identities. If anyone dares to harm him, they will be an enemy of the Jiuli Clan. No matter who he is, our clan will capture him and subject him to the torment of being devoured by ten thousand Gu..."

Her expression was calm, and her voice was soft, but the words she spoke carried a chilling coldness.

When she turned to look at Lin Xuan, the coldness in her eyes instantly melted away...

……

Taihe City, the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom.

Inside the Eastern Palace, the lights were as bright as day, and a grand banquet was in full swing.

The grand and magnificent palace was illuminated by the pearls embedded in the walls, making it appear resplendent. The air was filled with the rich aroma of wine, mixed with the fragrance of burning precious spices, which made people feel lightheaded.

In the center of the main hall, on a spacious area covered with a gorgeous carpet, a group of graceful dancers were dancing to melodious music.

They wore light, colorful gauze dresses, their slender waists swaying constantly, the golden bells tied to their ankles making a crisp sound as they spun and jumped, and the layers of golden bracelets on their wrists colliding with each other as their snow-white arms danced, shimmering and dazzling.

The maids, dressed in uniform palace attire and carrying golden platters and jade pots, flitted around the table like butterflies among flowers, constantly refilling the guests' wine cups, while various delicacies were served in a continuous stream...

A figure leaned against a soft couch covered with a white tiger skin, toying with a golden cup in his hand. His gaze was not on the dancing girls in the hall, but on a Western envoy sitting below him, dressed in a crimson monk's robe with his right arm exposed. He said, "Envoy of Us, please drink this cup to the brim."

The envoy from the Western Regions raised his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp. The eldest prince of Nanzhao spoke again: "My father is seriously ill, but some petty people in the court are still unwilling to give up and try to stop me. However, please rest assured, envoy, as long as I live, the alliance between Nanzhao and the Western Regions will be as solid as a rock. We will only need to wait for me to inherit the throne. At that time, our two countries will join forces, and what great things will we not be able to accomplish?"

The Western Barbarian envoy laughed heartily, refilled the wine cup in front of him, and said in slightly stiff Nanzhao language: "Your Highness the Crown Prince is a man of great talent and ambition, deeply supported by the court officials, and loyal to the Secret Service. His succession to the throne is the will of the people. His Majesty the Western Barbarians also places high hopes on the Crown Prince. This cup of wine is for the Crown Prince!"

After saying that, he changed the subject and said, "However, we've heard that the Second Prince seems to have some resentment towards His Highness..."

The eldest prince of Nanzhao had a somewhat gloomy expression. He snorted coldly and said, "My second brother, relying on some merits he made on the frontier in recent years, has become somewhat unaware of his place. But rest assured, these are my family matters, and I will handle them properly..."

"Come on, come on, drink!"

"Congratulations to Your Highness, and congratulations to Nanzhao and Xifan!"

As everyone raised their glasses, the musicians on both sides played their instruments with great effort. The erhu was melodious and the pipa was urgent, almost lifting the roof of the palace, which was decorated with an intricate caisson ceiling.

Compared to the luxurious and bustling East Palace, another mansion a few streets away appeared exceptionally quiet and secluded.

In a secluded room, the candlelight flickered, illuminating only the two people sitting opposite each other.

A young figure, a hint of fatigue showing between his brows, asked in a low voice, "Teacher, how is the situation in the palace?"

Opposite him, an elderly man with a gaunt face and graying temples shook his head and said, "The situation is not optimistic. In the past three days, His Majesty has only been conscious for less than two hours. The imperial physicians said privately that even with the elixir bestowed by that person from Yong Kingdom, he probably only has a few months left..."

He sighed deeply and said, "The Crown Prince is making frequent moves. Imperial Guard generals are frequently entering and leaving the Eastern Palace, and the envoys from the Western Regions are becoming increasingly unscrupulous. Many civil officials in the court who support His Highness have been threatened by the Secret Service, and some who firmly oppose the Crown Prince have even been infected with Gu worms..."

He looked at the young man opposite him and asked, "Didn't Your Highness secretly request aid from Yong Kingdom? What did Yong Kingdom say?"

The young man breathed a sigh of relief and said slowly, "The experts from the Yong Kingdom's Night Watch are on their way. Hopefully, they can hold back the Secret Service so that we can win over more court officials..."

The old man said in a low voice, "The harm caused by the Western Barbarians is far greater than that of Yong. Given the Crown Prince's temperament, if the country falls into his hands, it will probably not be long before Nanzhao is completely annexed by the Western Barbarians. Yong is facing two powerful enemies at the same time: the northern grasslands and the southeastern Japanese pirates. It is impossible for Yong to take action against Nanzhao in the next few decades. It's a pity that the Crown Prince cannot see these things..."

Then, he looked at the young man opposite him again and asked, "Where is the Second Prince? There are some things I need to discuss with him in person."

The young man poured the old man another cup of tea and said, "Please wait a moment, teacher. The Second Prince said he'll come after he's put the Princess to sleep..."

(End of this chapter)