The emperor’s hair was also long and straight, unlike Lu Fenying’s curls which added to the latter’s charm.

  “Father, do you also think that I should trade Mo Qian’er for a city?” Lu Fenying gave the emperor a lazy and unperturbed look.

  But the emperor sensed the great threat in his words.

  The emperor understood his current situation. He actually didn’t have any real power now, and had become a mere figurehead. The people who served him were all Lu Fenying’s men.

  Even so, he couldn’t let Lu Fenying mess around and break the rules.

  “It’s a good deal to trade a servant for a city. If you won’t do it, could it be as my subjects have reported, that you have feelings for a lowly slave?” The emperor frowned.

  Actually, he was hoping that the matter would blow up and cause Lu Fenying’s influence to collapse, so that he would be able to regain power.

  “If that’s really what you think, don’t blame me if anything happens after the trade,” said Lu Fenying confidently. He looked at the woman in his arms. “This is the slave you want to exchange for a city.”

  The nobles looked at each other and felt that the crown prince was implying something.

  They weren’t stupid; there had to be a reason why the crown prince was so confident.

  The emperor was unhappy. Why was he taking the blame?

  “Then tell me, is a slave more important than a city?” The emperor wasn’t the only one who was against it. If someone had to take the blame, it should be the nobles and ministers who were strongly opposed in this matter.

  “Then if I don’t say anything, does that mean you want me to trade her for a city?” Lu Fenying mocked.

  The emperor frowned and looked at the ministers kneeling below. “That is what the crown prince has said. Do you still have any more protests?”

  “Your Highness, you can’t fool us with a random reason. We are not against your decision to not trade your slave for a city, but we are against the fact that you dote on her too much. We hear that you treat her especially well, like the mistress of the residence, and that you sleep with her every night.”

  One of the nobles immediately spoke up.

  Another noble promptly chimed in, “That’s right. Before, we didn’t think that it was a big deal for the crown prince to dote on a female slave, but a slave is still a slave. No matter how much the crown prince dotes on her, she can’t be worth more than a city. If other female slaves learn of this, will they still serve their masters? Will they still know their place?”

  “The crown prince has truly overstepped this time.”

  Lu Fenying smiled. It was because of this pressure back then that he had been sent to the wolves, because of the possibility that his birth had ruined the noble bloodline.

  At that moment, a eunuch rushed in and reported cautiously, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, there are guests from Southern Glory Empire outside……”

  He really hadn’t wanted to come in at this time.

  But that Prince Zi couldn’t be provoked. If he didn’t come in, he was afraid that even his mother outside the capital might be killed.

  So, he risked the dangerous looks he got when he entered.

  The emperor asked in surprise, “Honored guests from Southern Glory Empire?”

  “It’s Prince Zi and Princess Zi.” The eunuch quickly revealed their identities.

  Such dignitaries had to be seen!

  “Hurry and invite them in.”

  When Gu Bailu and Feng Qingtian entered the study, they saw that the atmosphere was oppressive. Lu Fenying was sitting in a chair with Qian’er in his arms, facing the fury of the crowd.

  652 Lu Fenying, That Old Fox

  Although they were kneeling, they put on a united front.

  This was probably the first time in many years that Lu Fenying had faced such vehement opposition, so he didn’t look too good.

  Feng Qingtian pulled Gu Bailu along with him to pay their respects.

  The emperor hurriedly had them sit and said in embarrassment, “We’re discussing some important matters today, but I couldn’t let you feel slighted. I can only let you see this……”

  “No, it was I who came at the wrong time,” Feng Qingtian said modestly.

  Gu Bailu looked at Lu Fenying, who was looking at Feng Qingtian mockingly.

  Came at the wrong time? Didn’t you deliberately choose to come at this time?

  Qian’er had actually regained consciousness earlier on, but in the face of such a stifling atmosphere, she feigned sleep.

  Now that she heard Feng Qingtian and Gu Bailu’s voices, she felt that she was saved, and slowly opened her eyes.

  “However, the princess and I are here because of Qian’er. Qian’er is my princess’s disciple, who saved her life before, so I want to take her away, and am willing to trade a city for her. I didn’t expect the matter to blow up to this extent.”

  The emperor said hesitantly, “So it turns out this slave is the princess’s disciple.”

  “Your Majesty, whatever her identity is, she is of lowly blood,” one of the nobles said.

  Even though she was the crown prince’s slave now, that didn’t change the fact that she was a slave.

  The kneeling ministers nodded in agreement.

  Bloodlines couldn’t be mixed – that had always been the way.

  “I know what the situation is like in Heavenly Wind Empire, which is why I want to bring Qian’er back to Southern Glory Empire.”

  Lu Fenying smiled. “Is that so? Are you trading for her because you truly care about her? Why don’t you tell us how Qian’er saved Princess Zi?”

  Hearing his words, Gu Bailu yelled “Not good!” in her heart.

  She hurriedly said, “But if the crown prince feels that the slave is from his residence and is bound to him, we will also support him.”

  Damn it. Gu Bailu suddenly wondered if Lu Fenying had intentionally lured them into the palace to speak on his behalf.

  “Exactly. The princess and I also think that the crown prince is right. She may be a slave, but she can’t be given away so easily. After all, she belongs to someone.”

  Feng Qingtian spoke considerately.

  The emperor felt that these two seemed to have a close relationship with Lu Fenying.

  It was said that Prince Zi had been staying at the crown prince’s residence since arriving in Heavenly Wind Empire.

  Now, the two of them were speaking up for Lu Fenying.

  Holding Feng Qingtian’s hand, Gu Bailu cursed Lu Fenying in her heart. This cunning man had indeed lured them to the royal palace.

  “Prince Zi is a sensible man, while the ministers of our country are truly disappointing,” Lu Fenying remarked.

  The people kneeling were confused.

  So, Prince Zi and his wife, who wanted to trade Qian’er for a city, decided not to do so because they felt that it wasn’t good to snatch someone else’s belongings?

  So, the crown prince felt that Qian’er was his slave and also his possession, and had to resolutely protect his dignity and remain firm in front of the city?

  In other words, the crown prince wouldn’t do the exchange, not because he was in love with the female slave, but because he would lose his dignity by agreeing to the deal with Prince Zi?

  Prince Zi and Princess Zi themselves also felt that they were wrong.

  Then what were the officials and nobles opposing?

  Holding Prince Zi’s hand, Gu Bailu was furious. Lu Fenying this fox had calculated that they wouldn’t let the matter of Qian’er’s Dragon Spirit Blood be exposed.

  653 Want to Fight?

  Actually, when they were standing outside the hall, they had heard what Lu Fenying said to the ministers.

  Whether it was his question to the master of the Su family or firing back at the emperor, they carried the same meaning: If he truly had no choice, he would reveal the fact that Qian’er had Dragon Spirit Blood.

  People with Dragon Spirit Blood were hard to come by. Forget one city, ten cities would be worth the bare minimum.

  Lu Fenying had openly taken Qian’er out of the residence to make Gu Bailu and Feng Qingtian nervous and follow him to the palace.

  He had deliberately said those words for them to hear so that they would help him.

  If he really wanted to reveal Qian’er’s identity, he would’ve said it directly instead of speaking so much nonsense.

  Although Gu Bailu and Feng Qingtian knew what he was plotting, they had no choice but to go along with it.

  That was because…… Lu Fenying was truly ruthless. If his plan didn’t work, he really would spread the word about Qian’er’s Dragon Spirit Blood.

  And Qian’er would never live in peace after that.

  If the fact that Qian’er had Dragon Spirit Blood was exposed, people would come to steal from or even beg her, no matter where she went……

  Even if Gu Bailu and Feng Qingtian took Qian’er away, she would never be at ease.

  Once word of the Dragon Spirit Blood got out, all her escape routes might even be blocked.

  Even though Gu Bailu knew that this was a trap, she could only jump in with Feng Qingtian.

  Damn it. She had planned to force Lu Fenying to give up Qian’er, but she now had to clean up after him.

  Gu Bailu felt wronged and aggrieved.

  Qian’er’s eyelashes trembled. She might be weak and timid, but she was smart enough to pick up on Lu Fenying’s hint as well as Gu Bailu and Feng Qingtian’s helplessness.

  She clenched her fists tightly.

  It was all because of her Dragon Spirit Blood that she had ended up like this.

  In this way, the furor ended with the appearance of Prince Zi and Princess Zi.

  The emperor specially arranged for a dinner banquet in Prince Zi and Princess Zi’s honor.

  Carrying Qian’er, Lu Fenying came over to specially thank them. “Thank you for thinking it through. It is only right that Mo Qian’er follows me.”

  Gu Bailu sniffed. “You’re good, you schemer. It’s only because of how fond we are of Qian’er that we’re willing to do this. But don’t forget that you have someone you’re fond of as well.”

  “You better not get any other ideas. If anything happens to Muwei, I guarantee that you won’t be able to return to Southern Glory Empire.”

  Lu Fenying’s face turned cold, and his eyes darkened.

  Feng Qingtian stepped forward and blocked Gu Bailu behind him. He glared at Lu Fenying. “Your Highness, it seems you’ve forgotten that you’re only the crown prince. What do you think will happen if I’m willing to help the emperor of Heavenly Wind Empire?”

  Lu Fenying dared to threaten his Lulu – Feng Qingtian, the wife-protecting demon, started to get nasty.

  He had dared come to Heavenly Wind Empire because he was fully intent on withdrawing with Gu Bailu. Otherwise, he would be laughed at if he couldn’t bring his woman back.

  “If the two of you are willing to fight to the death for Mo Qian’er, I’m willing to accompany you.”

  With that, Lu Fenying turned around with Qian’er in his arms and was about to leave.

  Gu Bailu chased after him. “Lu Fenying, Qian’er is my disciple, and she saved my life, so we’re willing to fight for her. But…… why are you?”

  “What do you think?” Lu Fenying replied casually without looking back. He then walked down the stairs and left the royal palace with Qian’er.

  654 I“m Different From Lu Fenying

  Gu Bailu frowned. She really didn’t understand Lu Fenying.

  He was much harder to understand than Feng Qingtian.

  Either he loved Qian’er or he didn’t – there were no two ways about it.

  Feng Qingtian grabbed her hand and said, “Let’s go in. It’s cold outside, and your hands are already freezing.”

  He held her hands in his.

  “Qingqing, do you think Qian’er is worth him fighting to the death over?” This was the crux of the matter.

  “The only thing I can think of is her Dragon Spirit Blood. Maybe he’s afraid that Su Muwei will relapse in the future?” Feng Qingtian also couldn’t understand it. For someone as vicious as Lu Fenying, he wouldn’t go all out unless the other party had something truly priceless to offer.

  It had to be said that if Feng Qingtian really cooperated with the emperor of Heavenly Wind Empire, it could shake Lu Fenying’s years of operation.

  Nobody would be dumb enough to risk this for a worthless person.

  Feng Qingtian had thought at first that it was just Lu Fenying’s sense of possessiveness, but nobody would be so possessive that they would rather destroy themselves than let go.

  Unless that person was more important than their own life.

  However, he couldn’t detect any love from Lu Fenying, and abuse absolutely wasn’t love!

  “No, that’s definitely not the reason. Once Su Muwei recovers, she won’t relapse. Also, Lu Fenying said that Qian’er was his in life and death. He doesn’t plan to let her go for the rest of his life. This clearly has nothing to do with Su Muwei’s health.”

  “Then it’s possible that he likes Qian’er to some extent. After all, Lu Fenying has never touched any other woman except Qian’er.”

  It was possible for feelings to grow out of sex.

  But it was also because this was the case that the feelings weren’t deep.

  Gu Bailu frowned. “Then, is it because you can touch only me……”

  Feng Qingtian pinched her face. “What are you thinking? I’m different from Lu Fenying.”

  “That’s hard to say. I’m the only person you can touch both in the past and now. If you could touch another woman, things might be different.”

  “I’m not the Heavenly Emperor now. I’m a normal person. Do you really think I can’t touch other women?” Feng Qingtian pulled a long face. “It’s just that I don’t like other women so I don’t touch them.”

  Gu Bailu smiled. “Then, are you saying that’s the case with Lu Fenying? He’s also a normal man; it’s not like he can’t touch other women.”

  “Maybe. It’s very hard to understand what he’s thinking.”

  Feng Qingtian didn’t care about Lu Fenying’s feelings for Qian’er. He only wanted Gu Bailu to get the Sky Splitting Mirror and leave as soon as possible.

  Since they were In someone else’s territory, they had to refrain from being too intimate.

  Gu Bailu didn’t dwell on it. She had already decided to take Qian’er away first.

  As for the slave mark, she would think of another way.

  It was already late at night when Feng Qingtian and Gu Bailu returned to the crown prince’s residence. When they returned to the western courtyard, a maid came over with a thank you gift from Su Muwei.

  It was a handkerchief which Su Muwei had personally embroidered.

  Gu Bailu accepted the gift and examined it carefully in the light of a candle. There was indeed a line of words in one corner of the handkerchief.

  Su Muwei agreed for Gu Bailu to treat her the next day and cure her.

  It seemed that Lu Fenying taking Qian’er to the royal palace today and calmly resolving the matter without planning to let Mo Qian’er go had made Su Muwei anxious.

  655 Blood Swap? Really?

  Frankly speaking, she would be anxious too if she were Su Muwei.

  Although Lu Fenying wasn’t nice to Qian’er and often punished or bullied her, he was nevertheless willing to touch her and wouldn’t let her go no matter what – how could Su Muwei bear that?

  “What are you looking at?” After cleaning up, Feng Qingtian saw Gu Bailu looking at a handkerchief in the light of the candle.

  “News from Su Muwei; she wants to start her recovery tomorrow.”

  “Then let’s get it over with quickly.”

  “Mm, I’ll meet with Lu Fenying tomorrow.”

  “Alright, it’s getting late. Time to sleep.” Feng Qingtian picked her up and put her on the bed.

  Spooning her, he complained, “This bed isn’t as big as ours. It’s hard to use.”

  “Sleep!” Gu Bailu turned her back to him, in case the man got bored again and wanted to do something fun.

  But Feng Qingtian was mindful of how exhausted she was today. A royal banquet was always boring and tiring.

  He embraced her and said, “Yes, sleep.”

  The next day, Gu Bailu woke up early. Lu Fenying would be at morning court, and she had to take advantage of that period to meet with Qian’er.

  Qian’er was still lying in bed, but she was already awake.

  A maid had already combed her hair neatly.

  “Master, why are you here so early? What happened yesterday made things difficult for you……” Qian’er smiled apologetically when she saw her.

  “It’s fine. I’m here to tell you that Su Muwei wants to start her treatment today. You have to be prepared. Your blood will be needed.”

  “Yes, feel free to use it. Actually, I thought of something yesterday. If I can replace all the Dragon Spirit Blood in my body, wouldn’t I become worthless to Lu Fenying?” Qian’er’s round eyes glowed expectantly.

  Gu Bailu’s eyes widened. “Don’t be silly. Dragon Spirit Blood is so rare. Also, the witch said that you’re a descendant of the dragon race. I don’t know how you became a servant in the crown prince’s residence, but you might be able to return to the dragon race. Without the Dragon Spirit Blood, it’ll be very difficult for you……”

  “Master, I thought about it last night. All these years, my Dragon Spirit Blood hasn’t brought me any benefits, and instead made me want to die. I may be useless without it, but I don’t want it anymore…… The real tragedy is that I can’t protect it even though I have it.”

  Qian’er had made up her mind. To her mind, Dragon Spirit Blood wasn’t something to be proud of, nor was it anything majestic, and there were no advantages to it at all.

  Those who possessed divine weapons and swords generally had the capability to wield them.

  Given her own capability, she didn’t deserve to have Dragon Spirit Blood.

  Gu Bailu actually agreed with her.

  It wasn’t a good thing for her, but a disaster.

  However much a person had depended on how capable they were.

  To possess something that was beyond their capability to use would only make them miserable.

  “But Dragon Spirit Blood is too rare. If you give it up, you won’t be able to turn back. More importantly, even if you replace all the blood in your body, your body will still continue to produce Dragon Spirit Blood…… So……”

  “Master, please tell me if it’s possible to swap all the blood in my body with someone else’s blood. Even if I still have Dragon Spirit Blood after that, it won’t be pure anymore.”

  What use could impure Dragon Spirit Blood have?

  Gu Bailu thought for a moment. “I can try, but are you sure that Lu Fenying will let you go if you give up your Dragon Spirit Blood?”


  656 Are You Satisfied?

  “As long as Su Muwei recovers and there’s no use for me, he’ll definitely let me go,” Qian’er said confidently.

  Looking at her determined face, Gu Bailu wanted to tell her that Lu Fenying might not……

  But she couldn’t say it.

  “Then I’ll give it a go. Are you sure you want to do that?”

  To be honest, Gu Bailu found it a shame to give up the Dragon Spirit Blood.

  However, she also knew that the Dragon Spirit Blood was a burden to Qian’er.

  “I’m sure. Thank you, master.” Qian’er didn’t hesitate at all. She felt relieved.

  “Then, are you willing to give your Dragon Spirit Blood to Su Muwei?”

  Qian’er had proposed a blood swap, which meant that Gu Bailu’s plan had changed. She had planned for the treatment to take a few days, and when Su Muwei thought she was cured, she would help Gu Bailu and Qian’er escape.

  But Qian’er wanted to swap out her blood. For now, they wouldn’t be able to find anyone in the crown prince’s residence for the swap, nor have the time to carry it out.

  Gu Bailu could only do the blood swap when she was treating Su Muwei.

  That way, Su Muwei would definitely be cured and would have Dragon Spirit Blood.

  But Gu Bailu was really unwilling to give Su Muwei such a benefit!

  “Alright, then give it to her. At least the blood won’t be wasted, and can save someone.”

  Gu Bailu sighed. “Aren’t you bothered by those people who set you up?”

  Still thinking that people could be saved with the Dragon Spirit Blood – it was really unusual that the girl was still so kind even after the life of torture she had experienced.

  “Master, I’m very calculative. I don’t want her to live well at all, but I don’t think it’s worth dragging myself into it just for that.”

  Gu Bailu thought for a moment before she said, “Get ready. I’ll have the maid deliver something later for you to eat to replenish your blood. Lu Fenying should have already come back from court. I’ll go see him.”

  Actually, she would prefer to treat Su Muwei without telling Lu Fenying about it.

  However, she still had to make Lu Fenying take out the Sky Splitting Mirror.

  Gu Bailu went to the study. Sure enough, Lu Fenying had already come back from court and was busy with work.

  Gu Bailu reported her presence and was granted entry. She got straight to the point. “Your Highness, my husband is here to pick me up. I’m planning to go back in two days. If you’re not willing to let Qian’er go, we won’t stay any longer.”

  Lu Fenying’s expression turned ugly. “Are you really not going to make Muwei any more medicine?”

  Gu Bailu smiled and said firmly, “That’s right!”

  “Do you think I’ll let you go if you won’t make the medicine for Muwei?” Lu Fenying leaned back in his chair and stared at her coldly.

  “Of course not, so I’ve thought of a way to quickly cure Miss Su.”

  Lu Fenying frowned, looking even more displeased.

  Gu Bailu found that odd. He was so worried about Su Muwei’s condition. Now that there was a way for her to instantly get better, why was he still unhappy……

  “Are you sure that your method can help Muwei recover quickly?” Lu Fenying asked suspiciously.

  “I’m sure. My husband and I are both in your residence, and I have to think of our safety. How would I dare do anything that I’m not sure of?”

  “I’m just worried that you might be too confident, and bring disaster on yourself and Muwei.” Lu Fenying was still doubtful.

  He couldn’t be blamed for his doubts. Su Muwei had been ill for five or six years. Even Mr. Xiao had said that with Dragon Spirit Blood, Su Muwei had to be nursed slowly back to health, which would take several years.

  Nobody dared to say that she would recover quickly.

  Why was Princess Zi so confident?

  Gu Bailu wasn’t angry at all. She said confidently, “Your Highness, why don’t you ask around and see if I have any tricks up my sleeve? As long as you are willing to use the Sky Splitting Mirror and Qian’er’s life, I can cure Miss Su.”


  657 Are They Still Them?

  “The Sky Splitting Mirror? Mo Qian’er’s life?” Lu Fenying’s face turned even colder. What did that mean?

  “Yes. The Sky Splitting Mirror has mystical powers. I can swap Qian’er’s and Miss Su’s blood.”

  Lu Fenying frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Qian’er’s Dragon Spirit Blood will be completely transferred to Miss Su.”

  Lu Fenying immediately asked, “What about Mo Qian’er?”

  “Qian’er will get Miss Su’s blood. Qian’er’s Dragon Spirit Blood is completely able to suppress the counter-flow in Miss Su’s body, and Miss Su will naturally recover,” Gu Bailu explained clearly.

  Lu Fenying looked at her suspiciously. “You can do that? Their blood can be swapped?”

  It sounded outrageous.

  A person would die if they lost too much blood. If all their blood was replaced, would they still be able to survive?

  “It shouldn’t be possible, but it can be done with the power of the Sky Splitting Mirror.”

  “Why have I never heard that the Sky Splitting Mirror has such a power?” Lu Fenying was suspicious.

  “If you don’t believe me, you can give it a try. The Sky Splitting Mirror is in your residence. Don’t tell me you’re afraid that we’ll take it away?” Gu Bailu said confidently.

  Of course Lu Fenying wasn’t scared. Not even a housefly could fly out of his residence.

  He just couldn’t accept the idea of the blood swap.

  If Mo Qian’er and Muwei swapped blood, would they still be the same?

  Their blood would no longer be the same.

  Lu Fenying didn’t know how he would face the two of them.

  “Your Highness?” The crown prince didn’t speak and seemed lost in thought. Gu Bailu hurried forward and waved her hand. “What’s there to think about? This is a good way for Your Highness to treat Miss Su. Furthermore, Qian’er is willing to give up all her Dragon Spirit Blood.”

  “After the blood swap, will they still be them?” Lu Fenying couldn’t help but ask.

  Gu Bailu chuckled. “A person’s appearance won’t change just because their blood has changed. Whether a person’s personality will change or not, however, is hard to say, since it seems that a person’s personality is related to their blood.”

  Otherwise, there wouldn’t be any distinction between blood and nobility.

  “Muwei has noble blood,” said Lu Fenying gloomily.

  Gu Bailu smiled. “Your Highness, don’t think that just because Qian’er is a slave that she is of lowly blood. Dragon Spirit Blood is the purest blood of the dragon race; only nobles of the dragon race have it. It can’t be worse than Miss Su’s blood. Furthermore…… it can cure her illness. Don’t tell me you don’t want Miss Su to be cured just because her blood may or may not be noble after that.”

  Lu Fenying’s eyes were complicated. He certainly wanted to cure Su Muwei, but he had never thought of using such a method.

  He was very uncomfortable with it.

  If they went through with this, would Su Muwei really not be the same Su Muwei that he knew?

  “Let me think about it.” Lu Fenying didn’t decide immediately.

  “Your Highness, there are still things I have to do in my husband’s nation. I can’t stay here for long. I’m already making a concession by being willing to help Miss Su. Qian’er is also risking her life to help her. You better think this through carefully, or you won’t get this chance again.”

  Gu Bailu turned around and left the study.

  Actually, she hadn’t thought about it: Would Qian’er still be Qian’er after swapping blood with Su Muwei?

  Would she become as cold and vicious as Su Muwei?

  It seemed that a person’s personality had a lot to do with blood.

  No, she had to talk to Qian’er first. She didn’t want to save Su Muwei, only for Qian’er to turn into another Su Muwei.