Backyard!

Ying Wuji was a little anxious because Luo Yan and Hua Wanqiu, he was particularly concerned about Hua Chao's emotions, afraid that if he didn't pay attention, Hua Chao's inner demons would be summoned by these two ***.

And he naturally sensed the subtle changes in Hua Chao's emotions.

At first, Hua Chao hated the so-called Hua Wanqiu, regardless of who the hatred was directed towards, she felt nauseous whenever the marriage of these two people was mentioned.

But just now, when he volunteered to be Luo Yan's father in the backyard, almost angering Luo Yan to death, Hua Wanqiu showed an extremely genuine concern and care.

Since then, Hua Chao's emotions have changed.

From hatred to gradually becoming bitter.

The reason for this, Ying Wuji guessed, was because this fake Hua Wanqiu was too much like Hua Chao's mother.

Although Hua Chao didn't say it, her actions had already indicated the situation. She believed that Luo Yan treating Hua Wanqiu as her own mother was reasonable, but she herself couldn't get over this hurdle in her heart.

But Hua Wanqiu suddenly fainted, and there has been no news until now. At this time, when the Minister's Mansion sent an invitation, it was not strange for Hua Chao's kind-hearted nature to accept the invitation.

Ying Wuji believed that Luo Yan would not harm Hua Chao, otherwise Hua Chao would not have been able to live outside so peacefully for so long.

But Hua Wanqiu...

This woman is definitely a problem!

How could such a coincidence happen in the world? Not only do the two people look exactly the same, but their temperament and speech have also deceived Luo Yan and Hua Chao.

One is someone who has shared the same bed for many years, and the other is a daughter who has grown up together since childhood!

Even if they are twins, with different living environments, their personalities would be completely different.

Even if we ignore the mismatched timeline, even if this Hua Wanqiu is the reincarnation of Hua Chao's mother, she cannot be exactly the same as in the previous life!

What kind of coincidence could make two people so alike?

Ying Wuji didn't believe in such coincidences. Since it wasn't a coincidence, it meant that this Hua Wanqiu was an extremely talented actress!

What is this person's intention lurking beside Luo Yan?

Ying Wuji hurriedly walked, and soon arrived at the backyard.

"Stop! Who goes there!"

There were two guards at the backyard, and as soon as they saw the two people, they drew their short knives from their waists.

Ying Wuji snorted coldly and directly took out the jade pendant from his waist. "This is the territory of the Zhao clan. You guys from the Minister's Mansion dare to ask who we are?"

The jade pendant of Qingjiang Palace!

The two guards were startled and quickly put away their knives. The Crown Prince was the second most important person in the Zhao clan, and they could only temporarily borrow it because of the literary meeting. How could they dare to cause trouble in front of the Crown Prince?

They had recognized Ying Wuji, but couldn't figure out when he had become associated with the Crown Prince.

However, they still didn't mean to let them pass. "Young Master Wuji! This literary meeting was organized by the Ministry, and the backyard is under the order of the Ministry. Without permission, no one can easily enter or leave. Please don't make it difficult for us!"

"What the f*** are you talking about?"

Ying Wuji's anger surged, and he cursed loudly, "The literary meeting is already over, and this place is no longer under your control! Let me through quickly, or don't blame me for being impolite!"

"This..."

The two guards looked embarrassed, but they didn't back down.

A trace of hostility flashed in Ying Wuji's eyes. Both of these guards were experts at the Embryo Transformation Realm, even if they were only at the lowest level of the seventh-grade Spirit Embryo, he was probably not their match if they joined forces.

He tugged at Zhao Ning's sleeve. "Zhao Brother, say something!"

Zhao Ning couldn't help but smile. His future brother-in-law was really good at pretending to be tough, but this favor was just a small effort, and she also wanted to see who her Prime Minister's new wife was.

She coughed lightly and was about to speak.

But then she heard Luo Yan's voice from inside the courtyard. "Since Young Master Wuji wants to come, let them in!"

"Yes!"

The two guards exchanged glances and secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then let Ying Wuji through the gate.

Ying Wuji didn't dare to delay and quickly stepped into the backyard. As soon as he entered, he saw Luo Yan, Luo Ming, and Hua Chao waiting outside the house.

Both father and daughter had worried expressions on their faces, seemingly concerned about the situation inside the house, but they stood far apart and didn't acknowledge each other.

When Luo Yan saw Ying Wuji arrive, he just raised his eyelids slightly and ignored him, but he respectfully bowed to Zhao Ning.

Ying Wuji also couldn't be bothered to pay attention to him and quickly ran to Hua Chao's side.

"Hua Chao, are you okay?"

"I'm fine!"

Hua Chao bit her lip and subconsciously glanced inside the house, but it was blocked by a window and she couldn't see anything.

Ying Wuji looked her up and down several times, making sure she wasn't injured and her emotions were fine. Only then did he slightly relax, but still lowered his voice. "If you want to do something, at least tell me in advance. This Prime Minister's new wife is a bit suspicious. What if she does something harmful to you?"

"She probably won't!"

Hua Chao sighed softly. "Although I don't like her, she shouldn't be a bad person. Besides, she suddenly fell ill just now and is still in danger, so I just wanted to come and see."

Ying Wuji: "..."

Oh no!

He already cares about her.However, he could also understand Hua Chao's state of mind. After all, she was raised by her mother with great hardship. Even though her mother had passed away, she was still her greatest spiritual support.

Now, a person who looks exactly like her mother when she was young has appeared. Even if she doesn't like Hua Wanqiu, it is difficult for her not to feel sympathy when she sees her in such a serious condition.

If it weren't for the sudden decline in Hua Wanqiu's energy just now, Ying Wuji would even think that this was a scheme arranged by Luo Yan.

Ying Wuji didn't persuade, he just asked, "How is the situation inside now?"

Hua Chao clenched her hands and said, "Just now, Luo Xiang has already invited a famous doctor to treat the new bride with acupuncture and diagnosis. We don't know the situation yet!"

"Alright!"

Ying Wuji didn't say anything more, he could only wait quietly.

On the other hand, Zhao Ning looked at Luo Yan with great interest. She had heard about this prime minister's new bride before. In her impression, Luo Yan was an extraordinary minister who only dealt with political affairs and neglected his main wife.

When has she seen him so affectionate?

Although Hua Wanqiu looks very similar to his deceased wife, Zhao Ning feels that even if they look alike, she is just a substitute. Luo Yan is an extraordinary person, how could he be lost to such an illusion?

But now it seems... it's not like that.

After a while.

After a while!

A voice came from inside the room, "Lord Xiang, you can come in now!"

It was the voice of an old woman, sounding kind and gentle.

Luo Yan bowed outside the door and said, "Thank you, Madam!"

After speaking, he carefully pushed open the door and walked in.

The others followed him in.

As soon as Ying Wuji entered the room, he saw the doctor. This person had an ordinary appearance, not much different from an ordinary wealthy old woman, except for a pair of bright eyes that were not as cloudy as an ordinary old person's.

It's not clear whether it's the result of deep cultivation.

He turned his head slightly and asked in a low voice, "Zhao Xiong, have you seen this famous doctor before?"

Zhao Ning frowned slightly and shook her head, "I haven't seen him before!"

"Oh..."

Ying Wuji responded and stopped talking.

While the two were talking, Luo Yan had hurriedly arrived at the bedside and anxiously asked, "Sir! How is Wanqiu's condition?"

The old woman wiped the sweat from her forehead and said thankfully, "Madam Luo has a congenital deficiency, and her spirit was lost due to emotional excitement, causing a severe leakage of essence and energy. Fortunately, Lord Xiang reacted quickly. If I had arrived half an hour later, Madam Luo would have..."

But now it's fine, as long as Madam Luo rests peacefully and avoids major emotional fluctuations, she can still recover. I have already prescribed several nourishing and calming prescriptions for her to take regularly!"

Luo Yan let out a long sigh of relief and deeply bowed to the old woman, "Thank you, Madam!"

"Lord Xiang is too polite!"

The old woman smiled and began to remove the needles from Hua Wanqiu's body one by one.

But during the process of removing the needles, Ying Wuji felt familiar fluctuations of true energy from the needle tips.

There was very little residual true energy, but it gave a mysterious feeling.

Mixed Yuan True Qi!

Ying Wuji's pupils suddenly contracted. If it were someone else, it would be impossible to recognize this true energy, but he had stolen the "Mixed Yuan True Qi" technique. Even though he hadn't formally cultivated it, he was quite familiar with this true energy.

Isn't Mixed Yuan True Qi the unique technique of the Yin-Yang School? Why is it so common these days?

First, there was Li Caitan, and now there is an unidentified old woman?

Wait!

It's unlikely that the unique technique of the Yin-Yang School is so common, but what if this old woman is related to Li Caitan?

Ying Wuji looked at the old woman's forehead. The Emotional Bar at the end of his mind was filled with countless skill orbs. It was reasonable for a master to master many spells and techniques, and this old woman, who was invited by Luo Yan to treat the illness, must have some ability. It's not surprising for her cultivation level to be high.

But this old woman had two blue skill orbs on her head, which means she has mastered two Earth-level spells.

For an ordinary person to master one Earth-level spell would be considered a genius, but this old woman, who looks at least sixty years old, has learned two Earth-level spells. According to reason, she should have become famous long ago, but she is just an unknown doctor, even Zhao Ning, who is knowledgeable, doesn't recognize her.

This is unreasonable!

What's more, Li Caitan also mastered two Earth-level spells!

Damn it, something big is going on!

Now he is almost certain that Li Caitan is a member of my sect, and Luo Yan has found a substitute for his sick wife, who seems to be deeply in love. Moreover, this doctor who is treating Hua Wanqiu is likely to be Li Caitan.

In other words, Hua Wanqiu is very likely to be related to my sect!

If this explanation is true, many things in the past can be explained. Luo Yan, the prime minister of a country, has been enchanted. Before, it seemed like he was under a spell, but now it seems that he was really enchanted!

Damn it!

My sect has infiltrated even the prime minister. With Hua Wanqiu as the trigger, once the enchantment is complete, my sect can control the power of the kingdom!

What a method!Ying Wuji couldn't help but feel nervous, as the situation in Kingdom Li seemed much more complicated than he had imagined.

While his thoughts were racing, the old woman had already finished her treatment.

She slowly stood up and smiled, saying, "Lord Xiang! I shall take my leave now. Lady Luo is safe and sound. If she needs further treatment, please send for me."

"Farewell, Madame!"

Luo Yan quickly took out a gold bar from his pocket and handed it to the old woman.

With a smile, the old woman accepted the gold bar and left the room without looking at anyone, as if she was just there to make money.

"Mmm..."

Hua Wanqiu, lying on the sickbed, let out a soft moan and slowly opened her eyes.

Luo Yan quickly held her in his arms and asked, "Wanqiu, how are you feeling?"

Seeing this scene, Hua Chao instinctively took a step back and said, "Lord Xiang! Since Lady Luo has awakened, I will take my leave. Goodbye!"

"Wait!"

Someone spoke up.

But it wasn't Luo Yan who spoke, it was Hua Chao, who was in Luo Yan's arms. Her voice was weak but urgent.

Find the original at "pawread.com".

Hua Chao had already been prepared to leave, but upon hearing this voice, she turned back as if compelled by some unseen force. She furrowed her brows and said in a cold voice, "Lady Luo, what do you want?"

Although she was indeed somewhat worried about Hua Wanqiu's safety, it was only because this person resembled her mother. In reality, she didn't have much fondness for Hua Wanqiu, and even if she did, she didn't want to show it.

Hua Wanqiu didn't mind her hostility at all. With a pale face, she smiled sincerely and said weakly, "The 'Peacock Flies Southeast' is beautiful and enchanting. Thank you, Miss Hua Chao, for your efforts!"

Hua Chao's face turned cold. "Oh, then I must thank Lady Luo for the appreciation!"

Luo Yan frowned in anger and said, "Hua Chao! Don't speak to your mother like that!"

Hua Chao couldn't help but retort, "You..."

"Luo Ge! There's no need to force her. Miss Hua Chao and I are of the same age, and her mother is her only support. It's too difficult for her to call me mother. Let's not do this in the future," Hua Wanqiu said with a comforting smile.

Ying Wuji raised an eyebrow. This person spoke so well, she might be able to win over Hua Chao's favor. It seems that besides manipulating the Prime Minister through her, the Wei Sect also wants to influence him through Hua Chao.

Indeed, Hua Chao was slightly moved by these words, but her voice still sounded cold. "Thank you for your kind intentions, but Hua Chao has never had any relationship with the Prime Minister. It will be even less likely in the future when I go to City Jing. There's no need for you to worry so much, Lady."

Hua Wanqiu looked at Hua Chao's face and said, "Actually, you don't need to hold such animosity towards me. I know that because of my appearance and my relationship with Luo Ge, you have some prejudice against me. But there's really no need to trouble yourself. I can tell that you don't dislike me, and I also feel a connection with you. I am quite fond of opera. Today, when I heard you play 'Peacock Flies Southeast,' I was truly amazed. If you think highly of me, we can be like sisters. If you can guide me in the field of opera, it would be my great fortune!"

Her words were incredibly sincere, and Hua Chao believed them!

"Do you really have an interest in opera?"

As soon as Hua Chao spoke, she felt that something was wrong and quickly put on a serious face. "You're going to great lengths for the Prime Minister's wish. But you don't need to join the opera. I already have a kindred spirit in the field of opera, and we talk endlessly every day. I don't have time to discuss it with you! Goodbye!"

After saying that, she bowed and hurriedly left the room.

Ying Wuji didn't delay and quickly followed her.

Zhao Ning bowed to Luo Yan and said, "Congratulations, Luo Xiang, on finding happiness. Farewell!"

"Thank you!"

Luo Yan looked at Zhao Ning for a moment, his eyes filled with confusion, but he didn't say much and just watched as they left.

...

The carriage left Wangyue Lake.

Ying Wuji couldn't help but say, "Hua Chao, this woman must have ulterior motives. You must not listen to her sweet words!"

"Mmm..."

Hua Chao let out a long sigh, and her mood seemed to have improved. "I won't pay her any attention. Luo Yan keeps coming up with one play after another. If I fall for this trick, it would be playing into his hands."

Ying Wuji smiled and said, "Exactly! We still have so much to study about opera. Once the appointment from the Zhou royal family comes next year, you can go to City Jing and live a good life there. You won't have to deal with all the troubles in Kingdom Li."

Hua Chao's heart was filled with both joy and worry upon hearing the words "City Jing."

She bit her lip and asked, "Do you really want me to go to City Jing?"

Ying Wuji nodded earnestly. "Although I don't want to part with you, City Jing's Zhou Yuefu is indeed the best place for you. It's where you can showcase your talents, and there won't be as many troubles as in Kingdom Li."

The four words "don't want to part with you" filled Hua Chao's heart with a hint of sweetness.

But holding this long-awaited opportunity in her hands also brought about an indescribable bitterness. "Then what about you..."She wanted to ask Ying Wuji if he could accompany her. After all, with his talent, it wouldn't be difficult for him to obtain a position in the Zhou royal family. Moreover, the magistrate of the Yuefu, Jiang Taiyuan, was his good elder brother.

But halfway through her sentence, she didn't want to continue.

Perhaps Luo Ming was right. He had been hiding in the Kingdom Li for many years, and it was only when Ying Wuque appeared that he was forced to reveal his talent. With his ambitions, how could he be willing to submit to a civil position in the Zhou royal family?

Ying Wuji asked, "Sister Hua Chao, what's wrong? Why did you stop halfway?"

"It's nothing..."

Hua Chao smiled and shook her head. "Let's talk about the position in the Yuefu next year. There's no rush now! I have to thank you for helping me get this job!"

Ying Wuji couldn't explain the feelings in his heart. In fact, he also wanted to work in the civil position in the Yuefu, especially if he could accompany Hua Chao and live a leisurely life there. It would be a beautiful thing.

But... could he really live a leisurely life?

During this period of time, he had realized a fact: this world was a survival of the fittest. Only strength and power were the truth. Although a life with a wife, children, and a warm bed was beautiful and achievable, their ability to withstand risks was too poor. If they were even slightly affected, their family would be destroyed.

Especially when Han Juan drew the map of the country's fortune, it was possible that there would be a great war in a few years. In this situation, who could protect themselves?

What Ying Wuji wanted was the ability to protect himself!

He had to rely on his own external support to gain enough strength or influence in order to have the power to live a life with a wife, children, and a warm bed.

But it was obviously not appropriate to say these things now.

He smiled and said, "We're all friends, why thank me? Today, you have obtained an official position, which is a great joy. Zhao Xiong is preparing to invite me for a drink. Why don't we drink together?"

"No need!"

Hua Chao waved her hand with a smile. "Zhao Ling is a rare benefactor to you. His invitation today must be for an important matter. I'm just a woman, I won't disturb your discussion. But your alcohol tolerance is not good, don't drink too much and harm your body. We've arrived at the bookstore, I'll get off first!"

She affectionately patted Ying Wuji's shoulder and jumped off the carriage, returning to the bookstore.

Zhao Ning glanced in the direction she left and couldn't help but tease, "Ying Xiong, having such a confidante is truly enviable!"

Damn it!

He was so focused on comforting his sister that he forgot about his future wife.

Ying Wuji quickly explained, "I just couldn't stand Luo Yan bullying others..."

Zhao Ning smiled and waved his hand. "Young Master doesn't need to explain. I have a good place to drink. Come with me!"

After speaking, he jumped off the carriage and leisurely walked in a direction.

Ying Wuji followed along and couldn't help but feel a bit resentful seeing her carefree appearance. Although this was a political marriage that was about to be settled, they would be husband and wife in the future. Wasn't she too carefree?

He pursed his lips and could only follow along.

Shangmo Bookstore's new store was located on the busiest street in Jiangcheng, and the wine shop Zhao Ning mentioned was also nearby. They arrived after walking a few steps.

Although it was late at night and most places in Jiangcheng had entered curfew, this street had never been under curfew. There were many elegantly dressed people sitting in both the main hall and private rooms.

But Zhao Ning clearly had privileges. After showing her jade pendant from the Qingjiang Palace, she was directly led to the top floor.

The fine wine and dishes were quickly served.

Ying Wuji smiled slightly. "Zhao Xiong! Our... I mean, our marriage... it's better to set a date early!"

Damn it!

He almost slipped up.

If he had slipped up, wouldn't it mean that he had learned how to transform into a fetus?

Zhao Ning didn't seem to notice anything wrong and just smiled as she poured a cup of wine for Ying Wuji. "Ying Xiong, there's no need to rush. This marriage is a matter of time. Why be impatient?"

Ying Wuji pursed his lips. "You haven't even reported this matter yet. How can you be sure it will happen?"

"Ah, about that..."

Zhao Ning hesitated for a moment and quickly made up for it. "Actually, not hiding it from Ying Xiong, the Crown Prince has long had the intention of a political marriage. Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed to this matter so readily."

Ying Wuji asked, "What about the princess? Will she agree?"

Zhao Ning confidently said, "The princess will definitely agree!"

Ying Wuji nodded in satisfaction. He couldn't help but have a little more favorable impression of Zhao Ning. She was indeed his future wife, daring to love and hate!

Zhao Ning smiled and said, "Ying Xiong! This matter is a big deal for the royal families of both countries. There can't be any carelessness. Give me some time, and during this time, you can discuss it with King Qian. After both sides have confirmed, I will introduce you to the princess. It's not too late to set a wedding date after cultivating some feelings!"

Indeed, she was his future wife, and she understood some romance. It was necessary to cultivate feelings before marriage.

Ying Wuji was actually looking forward to getting along with her when she changed back into women's clothing. So he nodded and said, "Very well! Zhao Xiong, I toast to you! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Zhao Ning finished her cup of wine in one gulp and felt a slight relief in her heart.It's not that she's worried the marriage won't happen. Although she hasn't ascended the throne yet, she believes that as long as she proposes a marriage alliance, her father and mother won't object.

But...

The choice of princess hasn't been decided yet!

Although she has many sisters, they are all idle and useless. She must take this opportunity to grant some of them titles or real power, at least making one of the princesses appear more prestigious.

Otherwise... what if Ying Wuji feels like he's been deceived?

But who should she choose? It's giving her a headache!

Ying Wuji took a sip of wine, "Brother Zhao! Since we're going to be family, I'll just speak my mind!"

Zhao Ning's expression became serious, "Please speak, Brother Ying!"