The Fourth Lady

"Thank you, your Highness." Qingyan kowtowed to Qilian Yuran to thank for the great honor.

To be able to become Qilian Yuran's adopted daughter and use this kind of identity to care for her was also acceptable. After all, Qilian Yuran was once her most beloved aunty.

"Since you've already become my adopted daughter, then just directly call me consort-mother." Qilian Yuran said as she still looked to Qingyan with a faint smile.

Qingyan looked into Qilian Yuran's eyes and smilingly spoke, "Consort-mother."

When Hongjia Emperor saw this scene, there was happiness all over his face too, especially under this kind of circumstance. He'd already forgotten how long it's been since he last seen the smile on Qilian Yuran's face. One year, two year, or even longer?

Today, if she's happy, then just let her be. After all, she'd never walked out from the pain of losing Qilian Qingyan all this time. And now, if this girl can make her happy again, then naturally he would also be happy too.

Qingyan's performance can already be considered as the pinnacle, so it goes without saying that Ning Yuelan's performance afterwards, no one paid any attention to even more so. Not to mention in the end, Ning Yuelan had even attracted a bunch of bees over, stinging her to beyond recognition.

Naturally Jing Marquis loved his granddaughter dearly, but unfortunately under these circumstances, it was already for the best if no one else got hurt.

Xiuran was carefully observing Su Qingyan's performance in the dark the whole time. He was also once fortunate enough to have seen 'Qing Cheng Dance' and [Thousand Beasts and Phoenix] before. But now, seeing it again, it was as if he was in a dream. Right now, he could no longer tell if standing before him was Su Qingyan or that gentle and kind Qilian Qingyan.

He still remembered meeting Qilian Qingyan for the first time that year. At that time, she was still just the Crown Princess. Although she carried on her face a tranquil smile, there was no trace of happiness in her.

At that time, he finally understood. What Crown Princess. What Empress. She simply didn't care at all. But then why did that girl care about the Empress seat that much?

Xiuran closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, coldness reflected in his eyes this time. Unexpectedly, there was even more determination and ruthlessness carried in his eyes.

He looked towards the people in the surrounding. Then he drew out his sword from his waist, and after seeing the silver light reflect from the sword, a huge wave of arrows all densely rained down upon everyone present.

Sensing this cold chilliness, Xuanyuan Yuzhen raised his voice, "There's assassins, quickly protect his Majesty and the consorts." With that said, he pulled out his sword and began dealing with the incoming arrows.

Hongjia Emperor never imagined that something like this would happen during the Dragon Gate Banquet. He quickly ran over to Qilian Yuran's side and pulled her into his embrace at once, "Ranran this Emperor will protect you." Afterwards, the site was in chaos. The various princes all took part in it. Su Yun and Luo Bing were also protecting the children by their side.

The banquet can be said to be in complete disorder. Just then, a lofty voice sounded, "We've come to avenge General Su Yun. We're going to kill that darn Emperor to avenge General Su Yun."

When Su Yun heard this, he just knew that these people weren't his subordinates, but were people someone meticulously arranged to appear here to frame his people.

That's why it's only natural they would assume that Su Yun was already dead, but Su Yun was obviously still well and alive.

"Take down the rebels. To actually dare slander our Ding General Su in such a way." Xuanyuan Yuzhen ordered at once, and a separate group of people immediately charged in. Afterwards, all the men in black were slaughtered. The entire Dragon Gate Banquet seemingly was tainted with the bloody odor, the smell not dispersing for a long while.

When Lin Yan quickly rushed over, he directly knelt before Hongjia Emperor. "This humble subject has come late to save your Majesty."

Xiuran never thought that his flawless plan would actually be seen through. And just when he wanted to turn around and escape, he instead heard a voice coming from behind.

"Xiuran, this Shizi has already been waiting here for quite some time." Murong Jingxuan appeared before Xiuran along with Fengqing and Fengshuang.

"It's you, Murong Jingxuan." Xiuran looked to Murong Jingxuan in front of him and tightly clenched his fist. He then asked in a heavy tone, "How did you know it would be me?"

"This you don't need to know. However, it'll be very difficult for you to walk out the palace gates today." Murong Jingxuan looked to Xiuran and calmly spoke, "Are you going to come with me, or do I have to bring you back?"

Xiuran knew he wasn't Murong Jingxuan's opponent, but if he goes back with him just like this, then perhaps it might even involve the entire Jing Marquis manor.

"Don't worry, since it's this Shizi taking you back, then naturally the Jing Marquis manor won't get involved." Murong Jingxuan immediately knocked away the dagger in Xiuran's hand that he was going to use to commit suicide.

Xiuran listened to Murong Jingxuan's words, and his eyes widened at once. "Murong Jingxuan, what else do you know? I don't have any relations with the Jing Marquis manor."

"Xiuran, you don't need to be that anxious. After all, the information I have on hand is still very little." Murong Jingxuan said as the corner of his lips perked up. "Since that's the case, just go back together with me."

Xiuran knew he wasn't Murong Jingxuan's opponent. When he looked to Murong Jingxuan, he had a smile on his face, "Jingxuan, we've known each other for more than five years. Can't you, for my sake, let go of the entire Jing Marquis manor?" Murong Jingxuan stared at Xiuran for quite awhile, before finally nodding. "I won't implicate the Jing Marquis manor because of you." He said as he signaled for Fengqing to take Xiuran away.

"Jingxuan, I feel Miss Su isn't a simple person. You best don't get too close with her." When Xiuran was being taken away, he softly whispered by Murong Jingxuan's ear.

When Murong Jingxuan heard his words, a smile bloomed on his lips. His little Yan'er naturally wasn't a simple person.

She was a woman, who possessed great wisdom and knowledge, that can make the entire world tremble.

After Hongjia Emperor listened to Murong Jingxuan give a report on the matter, he ordered someone to end the Dragon Gate Banquet. He'd never imagined that the mastermind behind the matter was actually Xiuran.

Thus the Dragon Gate Banquet ended in a panicked state amidst an assassination attempt. Qilian Yuran was sent back to her Guan Ju palace by Hongjia Emperor's people, and the other families were all sent out of the palace. Only Su Yun and Luo Bing, as well as the various high officials were left behind.

Qingyan sat in the horse carriage watching the palace gates gradually getting further away. A smile outlined on her lips.

Xiuran, don't worry. Soon, I'll have Qilian Qingyi be reunited with you, let the two of you be a pair of lovebirds in hell.

"Big sister, did the wound on your body split open again?" Hearing Su Qingxue's voice, Qingyan lowered her head to look at the previously bandaged area. Her chest had indeed been dyed with bits of scarlet.

Her hand slowly rested on the wound. It didn't hurt at all here, because right now, she only had a rotting heart left.

For the sake of revenge, for the sake of returning to Nanchen once again, she can pay any price. Even if this price will send her to hell, she will endure it gladly.00000000000☐☐☐☐☐