Chapter 641: Clear Thoughts
After finishing a cup of tea, Helian Luoli stood up. “Sixth Brother, the Emperor and our brothers have been very concerned about you. You’ve been away for a while now; it’s time to return.”
Liu Liang stood silently beside Mu Yunyao, never uttering a word.
Mu Yunyao placed the teacup down, gently taking out a handkerchief to wipe her lips. “Princess, if you ever need clothes, Niyun Workshop is always ready to serve you. But if you’re here for something else, I’m afraid I’m of no help.”
Helian Luoli curled her lips into a smile. “Miss Mu, one cannot be too greedy. Your marriage is already settled. Why must you continue to linger around other men?”
Jin Lan’s expression changed. “You…” This Beijiang princess was too much, implying that the young lady was fickle. Was she attempting to ruin Mu Yunyao’s reputation?
Mu Yunyao silently motioned for Jin Lan to stop, still smiling gently, without the slightest change in her expression. “It seems the princess has no further business. Farewell.”
Helian Luoli glanced at Liu Liang. “Sixth Brother, don’t forget that you have a marriage contract with Nanling. She’s still waiting for you in Beijiang. Don’t let the girl’s sincere heart go to waste.”
After staying silent for so long, Liu Liang suddenly raised his head to look at Mu Yunyao. His eyes trembled slightly at the sight of her. Upon noticing his reaction, Helian Luoli narrowed her eyes slightly, her lips curling upward as she turned to leave. However, her heart was unsettled. What charm did Mu Yunyao have that could make the cold-hearted Yue Wang soften for her? Even her Sixth Brother, a sword used to killing, had developed feelings for her.
“Master, I don’t have a marriage contract with anyone. What Helian Luoli said earlier...” Liu Liang hastened to explain, but when he met Mu Yunyao’s clear, penetrating gaze, the rest of his words caught in his throat. He shouldn’t have these feelings for the young girl before him because he simply wasn’t worthy of her.
Mu Yunyao lowered her eyes, her thoughts complicated. Seeing Liu Liang’s clear feelings, if she still couldn’t understand his intentions, it would be too slow on her part. “Liu Liang, what are your plans for the future?”
“I wish to stay by the master’s side.”
“The Beijiang princess has clearly investigated your identity and, judging from her words, seems to want you to return to Beijiang. It seems you can’t stay with me any longer.”
“Master, I’d rather die in the Da Li Dynasty than live in Beijiang.” The Beijiang territories were his nightmare and shame. Standing on its land, he felt suffocated. It was only after following Mu Yunyao that he truly felt alive. Mu Yunyao’s heart trembled. After a moment of silence, she spoke again. “Liu Liang, you must understand that I’m about to get married, and I only have affection for Yue Wang.” Since she had already realized his feelings, it was better to clarify things now so that he wouldn’t become entangled in them. She had Yue Wang, and she was about to marry him; she couldn’t return Liu Liang’s feelings.
“Master, I would never harbor foolish thoughts. I only wish to stay by your side and serve you faithfully.” Liu Liang lowered his head, his posture respectful and even tinged with humility.
“Why do you torment yourself like this?” Mu Yunyao felt her heart twist. After being with Yue Wang, she knew the value of love. Even if she could not accept him, she didn’t want to hurt him. Liu Liang lifted his eyes, and the emptiness in his gaze softened as it reflected Mu Yunyao’s shadow. “Master, the name Liu Liang was given to me by you. The moment I received that name, I was born anew because of it. If the position of Liu Liang is no longer needed by you, then the person who lives because of it no longer has a reason to exist.”
“You…” Mu Yunyao frowned, looking at the determination in his eyes. She sighed, “I understand. You… go to Yue Wang’s residence for now. I will arrange it. The Beijiang princess knows your identity, and she may come looking for trouble at Niyun Workshop. Stay at Yue Wang’s residence for now, where she won’t bother you. As for the rest, we’ll figure it out.”
“Yes, thank you, Master.”
Mu Yunyao sent the prepared wedding gown to the palace and then went to Yue Wang’s residence with Liu Liang.
Yue Wang already knew that Mu Yunyao would come today. After the court session, he had been waiting in the residence. When he saw her walk in, he hurried to take her hand. “Yao’er, why did you come so late?”
“Steward Cheng, please have Liu Liang rest for now. I have something I want to discuss with Yue Wang alone.”
Steward Cheng nodded quickly, his face filled with joyful smiles. “Yes, I’ll arrange for Liu Liang immediately.”
Yue Wang led Mu Yunyao to the study. Seeing her distracted expression, his heart sank. “Yao’er, what’s wrong?”
“Yue Wang, there’s something I need to tell you… It’s about Liu Liang’s identity… He… He seems to be the son of the former King of Beijiang, that is, from the royal family of Beijiang.”
Yue Wang’s gaze flickered, then he nodded. “I had suspected as much. But since the matter is so serious, I didn’t want to jump to conclusions without verifying it. Did the Beijiang envoy find out about his identity?”
He had once crossed paths with the royal family of Beijiang. Liu Liang and those people bore some resemblance to each other in appearance. At first, it had been only a suspicion, but after seeing Liu Liang develop feelings for Mu Yunyao, Yue Wang had intentionally sent someone to investigate. However, the results had not yet arrived.
“The Beijiang princess came with two maids and hoped I would return Liu Liang to Beijiang, but he refuses to leave.” Yue Wang frowned. Beijiang is currently in a complicated situation. After the new king ascended the throne, unrest spread across various regions. The new Beijiang King, Helian Ye, attaches great importance to the rituals and etiquette of the Da Li Dynasty, even envying the power His Majesty holds. He’s been imitating the Da Li Dynasty’s practices, but it only makes things worse for the Beijiang people. No wonder Liu Liang doesn’t want to return. It’s understandable.”
Mu Yunyao didn’t mention Liu Liang’s birth mother. After all, the dead should be respected. “Yue Wang, what should we do with Liu Liang?”
“Leaving his identity aside, he’s been loyal and capable. He has been a great help to you. He should stay here. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of things with the Beijiang envoy.” Yue Wang was clear about Liu Liang’s feelings for Mu Yunyao. However, Liu Liang knew his place and never overstepped his bounds, so Yue Wang tolerated him. But since Liu Liang was his rival, he would have to deal with him properly. However, he wouldn’t use underhanded methods. He would deal with his rival openly.
Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but bite her lip. “Yue Wang, the closer the wedding approaches, the more uneasy I feel. I keep thinking something will happen. Do you think everything will go smoothly?”
Yue Wang pulled her into his embrace. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
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