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墨書 Inktalez
Mei Shuang pondered quietly, if that were the case, then the only mechanism must be that statue.
Nangong Nuo was also a very astute person. Seeing the look in Mei Shuang's eyes, he realized they were thinking along the same lines. The thought that the statue of the Founding Ancestor was personally guarding this treasure made it clear that, as Mei Shuang said, it was "extraordinary." It seemed that the gains from this trip would far exceed his expectations, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement inside.
"Miss Mei Shuang, this statue of the Founding Ancestor has quite a story, doesn't it?" Nangong Nuo said casually, looking at Mei Shuang.
"If it has a story, how can you get close to it?" Mei Shuang replied dismissively, but she was carefully observing the statue's features and limbs, marveling at how lifelike it appeared and wondering why it stood there.
Nangong Nuo snorted lightly and glanced at Anriyan, who had a furrowed brow.
Mei Shuang secretly cursed Nangong Nuo for being so cunning, knowing that since Anriyan recognized this type of plant, he must have a way to deal with it.
After pondering for a moment, Anriyan put away his folding fan and took out a paper package from his bag.
Inside the package was some red powder that looked somewhat like cinnabar. He asked, "Who has water?"
One of Nangong Nuo's attendants immediately unfastened his water pouch and handed it to Anriyan.
Anriyan carefully poured some of the powder into the water pouch. After mixing it well, he opened the stopper with a serious expression. "The southwest is different from the Central Plains; it's full of uncertainties and oddities. Moreover, it's strange for this poisonous plant to grow here when it should be found there. This method I've only heard about; relying on it at this moment is risky—I can't say whether it will work or not..."
Everyone felt their hearts leap into their throats upon hearing this. On one hand, they hoped this last-minute solution would be effective; on the other hand, they doubted whether this Yamatai fellow was exaggerating. After all, how much could a small packet of powder mixed with water really do?
Anriyan poured some of the water from the pouch onto the blade of his sword. Then he aimed at the nearest "black hair thread," which was still slightly swaying, and struck down. As soon as he cut through it, green smoke billowed up, and the black hair thread recoiled in pain.
Seeing that this method worked, everyone's morale soared. Such a simple task—who couldn't do that? So each person soaked their weapons in the mixture and then wildly slashed at those "black hair threads." With each strike producing more green smoke, soon all those "black hair threads" shrank back up to the vaulted ceiling.
"Well, even if they come down again, there's no need to worry about them hurting anyone for a while; those wounds have been treated." Anriyan's unique method was simple yet remarkably effective, instantly earning the respect of those who had doubted him.
Even Nangong Nuo expressed admiration for Anriyan's approach. He clapped his hands and laughed, "I never expected that the witchcraft and sorcery from Yamataikoku would be so adeptly applied here. The Empress of the Great Qin Empire truly knows how to choose her people; it is indeed a blessing from heaven."
Seeing Nangong Nuo's smugness and recalling his scheming ways, the earlier deceptions, and his ruthless nature, Mei Shuang felt a surge of anger rise within her. She clenched her teeth and coldly retorted, "It is said that Your Majesty holds deep affection for Zhao Prince. Though it is a bond of uncle and nephew, you treat Zhao Prince as if he were your own brother. Yet, who would have thought that Zhao Prince would engage in such treasonous acts!"
Upon hearing this, Nangong Nuo's smile froze at the corners of his lips. A fleeting glint of malice crossed his once-deep gaze as he looked at Mei Shuang. It was Anriyan who held her hand from behind, signaling her not to lose her temper at this moment.
"Deep affection? A bond like brothers? Heh heh heh..." Nangong Nuo chuckled lightly, his tone turning stern. "Indeed, you speak true, Miss Mei Shuang. However, your performance today has truly surprised me. Have you forgotten what Xiao Luo said about you on your wedding day? 'Loose woman.' Heh heh, from the shame of your wedding to today, every incident has been orchestrated by Xiao Luo. Weren't you filled with hatred for him before? How is it that now you are defending him? It seems that a woman's heart is as deep as the ocean; truly unpredictable. I wonder, Miss Mei Shuang, have you forgotten your pain after healing your wounds or are you enjoying being Xiao Luo's woman so much that you've simply forgotten about me?"
His words were even more explicit than before. Damn it! They were talking about two entirely different matters!
He actually twisted them together to confuse the issue, implying she was something else entirely? He was just one step away from saying "that's exactly it." I can't believe this!
In an instant, Mei Shuang's pent-up rage flared up. Just as she was about to explode, Anriyan tightened his grip on her hand from behind, indicating that she should remain calm.
Nangong Nuo was not finished yet; the mocking tone behind his mask continued to prick at Mei Shuang. "Even if you want to express your feelings, it should be in front of Xiao Luo. Here in this dark Underground Palace, how can Xiao Luo hear you or accept your feelings?"
"......"
Mei Shuang was left utterly speechless with anger.
Seeing her wide-eyed glare and the way she struggled to contain her fury, Nangong Nuo chuckled softly. "Miss Mei Shuang, I hold deep affection for you, yet you turn a blind eye to it. My heart is truly broken. However, let us set aside personal feelings in light of greater matters."
He cast a glance at the trembling Mei Shuang with satisfaction before leisurely walking over to the statue of the Founding Ancestor. He scrutinized the statue with an inscrutable expression and after a moment of contemplation sighed deeply. "At this point, in front of the image of the Founding Ancestor, I shall speak frankly... Yes, I intend to act on behalf of heaven and replace the Xiao Clan to seize control of the world."
His tone was relaxed, yet it struck like thunder on a clear day!
Even though Mei Shuang had already vaguely sensed this layer from Xiao Luo's words and the hints given by Shijieyu when she arrived, hearing Nangong Nuo say it out loud still shocked her to the core.
What is this? It is a blatant declaration of intent to commit treason!
If it weren't for being in this desolate Underground Palace, she would have been dragged out and executed long ago!
Cong Fei was so furious that smoke seemed to be coming out of his ears. He wanted to shout "traitor" and fight back, but he was firmly held back by the previously enraged Mei Shuang.
"Traitor! Just as expected, you harbor treacherous intentions! It's a pity that the Emperor trusts you so blindly, not realizing that instead of repaying his grace, you intend to rebel..."
Unexpectedly, Nangong Nuo found it amusing. He glanced at Mei Shuang and said, "Just as expected? Ha ha, it must be that old bastard Left Chancellor! I have endured again and again, yet he keeps pressing me. But now that he has gone mad, it can be considered retribution!"
Mei Shuang was speechless; after all this time, it turned out he had a grudge against Left Chancellor. So his earlier approach towards her was not without ulterior motives.
While she was deep in thought, she suddenly heard Nangong Nuo speak again in a low tone, "I suppose you are all curious why I am the only Other Clan Prince of the Great Qin Empire?"
The Underground Palace fell silent; one could hear a pin drop.
"The Great Qin Empire has always dared to say that it is because my ancestors from the Nangong Family followed the Founding Ancestor closely, achieving great military merits and protecting the throne. Therefore, the Founding Ancestor showed special favor and conferred my father as a prince of another clan. However, they have never disclosed the real reason..."
Nangong Nuo seemed to take a deep breath; his voice was somewhat hoarse. "My grandfather led three sons to fight alongside the Founding Ancestor. Two of them died for the country, and my grandfather also perished while escorting treasures... Only one son remained, which is my father. The Founding Ancestor admired the loyalty of the Nangong family and rewarded them heavily after pacifying the world. Back then, my father took my mother to the palace to express gratitude, but misfortune began from that day..."
"The Former Emperor, son of the Founding Ancestor and also Xiao Luo's father, was still the Prince of Huainan at that time. He developed feelings for my mother..."
This statement stirred up waves like a calm lake suddenly disturbed by a storm, leaving everyone present pale with shock.
Anticipating such an effect, Nangong Nuo snorted coldly. Beneath his Silver Mask, his eyes were turbulent with emotions. "My father was unaware of the Prince of Huainan's feelings and even felt honored by his frequent visits to call him brother. My father remained in the dark until he was urgently called to Jiangnan for duty. My mother was already pregnant and facing many inconveniences due to her less than four-month pregnancy; she stayed behind waiting to give birth before reuniting with my father in Jiangnan. Little did she know that the Prince of Huainan had already arranged everything. My mother never saw my father again after that; I became an orphaned child..."
Mei Shuang, in shock, released the grip on Cong Fei. Damn it, is this for real? Nangong Nuo's background is so tragic?
However, she quickly felt a sense of relief. Since ancient times, royal families have appeared glamorous, but in reality, they are just ordinary people playing out ordinary stories, sometimes in more extreme ways. Once the glamorous facade is lifted, the truth is often bloody...
She suddenly thought that according to seniority, Nangong Nuo should be of the same generation as the Emperor. How could he be the Emperor's uncle?
Perhaps noticing Mei Shuang's confusion, Nangong Nuo sneered, "Indeed, I should be on equal footing with Current Emperor, yet I have the misfortune of being his uncle. It is truly ironic! Former Emperor took my mother by force and to cover it up, counted my birth under my grandfather's name. Thus, I became my grandfather's posthumous child. Since my grandfather has already passed away, he did as he pleased... Former Emperor knew this was inappropriate; perhaps to atone for his sins, after ascending the throne, he granted me the title of a different kind of prince. The world thinks this favor is overwhelming, yet they do not know it is a lifelong humiliation for me."
As he spoke at the end, Nangong Nuo's gaze became deep and dark, his tone chilling as if he was struggling to contain an emotion that was about to erupt.
Mei Shuang looked at Nangong Nuo, guessing that beneath that mask, his face must be extremely pale.
The Former Emperor caused his father's death and took his mother away. Although he felt deep shame, he had to endure it. In an instant, Mei Shuang's feelings were complicated; she was momentarily stunned and found that she no longer hated Nangong Nuo as she had before.
But then again, even if this were true, it was a grudge from the previous generation. What does it have to do with Current Emperor? The current Sovereign treats you like a brother! Cong Fei retorted.
What Mei Shuang thought of instead was another question: "Does Founding Ancestor know?"
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