Who Said My Wife Is A Demon! - Chapter 46

After the rain, the sky cleared, and the morning light was beautiful.

The streets were filled with the smoke and fire of daily life, worries and troubles abounded. Yet, as a graceful figure approached, all the clamor of the world seemed to fade away.

Luo Xian’er gently brushed the soft hair from her ear, her eyes clear and bright. She wore a plain white pleated ruqun, cinched at the waist, and her shoulders were draped with a fine velvet shawl. Her elegant and noble demeanor made her a beautiful sight just standing quietly in the courtyard.

“…”

The hem of her skirt and her hair swayed in the breeze. The beauty stood with her hands folded in front of her stomach, silently watching the figure practicing martial arts in the courtyard all night, her gaze soft.

It wasn’t until Yang Shifei turned around and threw a palm strike that their eyes met.

“When did you arrive?”

Yang Shifei quickly stopped his movements and chuckled awkwardly. “I got a little absorbed in my practice, just noticed now.”

Luo Xian’er shook her head. “I haven’t been here long.”

With a gentle expression, she walked slowly over. “Young Master, you’ve worked hard in your training. Take a rest.”

“Alright.” Yang Shifei smiled, about to turn around to get a cloth to wipe his sweat, but a pink and white handkerchief was already handed to him.

Meeting his surprised gaze, Luo Xian’er softly said: “Take care of yourself, too.”

“Having Miss Luo’s concern warms my heart.” Yang Shifei took the handkerchief and wiped his forehead, smiling warmly. “You look very nice in this outfit, like a lotus fairy.”

Luo Xian’er pursed her cherry lips and her eyes deepened. “Young Master…”

Yang Shifei cleared his throat. “I also have a fondness for lotuses.”

Luo Xian’er: “…”

But she just sighed and said gently, “Tonight, we’re going to the banquet. Let me talk to you first about the recent situation in various places so that we can be prepared.”

Yang Shifei quickly agreed and followed Luo Xian’er back to the main hall to take their seats.

With just a fleeting glance, he could still see the slightly blushing earlobes of the young lady.

“Tonight’s banquet is to decide the qualifications for the weapon. There will be a martial contest on the platform, ranking by combat prowess. The one who wins the qualification token will be able to participate in obtaining the Saint Weapon later.”

“But, it’s just a qualification, right?”

“Yes.” Luo Xian’er nodded slightly. “Tonight there will be martial artists from various provincial cities, as well as many talented heirs from prominent families. However, not everyone will gather in the East City. Many will go directly to the Thousand Blade Forge, not to mention the people from various empires eyeing the situation. In the end, it depends on whose strength is greater and whose background commands more respect.”

Yang Shifei pondered for a moment. “So, this qualification is just a fancy title, and there will be further arrangements when we arrive at the Thousand Blade Forge. This martial contest is just to start things off with a bang and make a good impression?”

As he spoke, he thought of something else: “So, it’s a good opportunity to make a name for our sect?”

A smile flickered in Luo Xian’er’s eyes. “When the time comes, Young Master can pick a good opportunity to step onto the stage and have a few matches.”

“That’s easy.” Yang Shifei stroked his chin, thinking about how to make a stunning move and firmly establish the name of Fallen Moon Pavilion.

“—And besides tonight’s banquet, I also want to talk to you about what the Saint Envoy of the Thousand Blade Forge mentioned.”

Luo Xian’er’s expression became slightly serious as she slowly said, “Yesterday, I sent people to gather detailed information and indeed found many clues. Not only are there imperial guards gathering secretly in the East City, but there are also hidden movements in various towns in the northwest, all closely related to many princes.”

Yang Shifei was taken aback, “Are they planning an open rebellion?”

“Now, the prestige of Emperor Liang is still there, they wouldn’t be so foolish.” Luo Xian’er pondered, “In my opinion, it seems more like they are collaborating with several powerful sects and clans to test the emperor’s limits and remaining capabilities.”

“Sects are involved too?”

“Just as the princes vie for the throne, many sects also seek to elevate their status.”

Luo Xian’er took out a sealed letter from her sleeve. “A total of seventeen sects are secretly cooperating with the princes. During the forging of the Saint Weapon, they might stir up a considerable commotion in various regions.”

Yang Shifei took the letter and glanced at it.

Seeing the numerous intrigues within, he frowned, “Such princes are truly the tragedy of Liang.”

Luo Xian’er said softly, “It’s not just the princes; many lords and high-ranking officials also harbor ill intentions. Ultimately, it’s because the Emperor of Liang is growing old and can’t maintain control, which has led to these undercurrents.”

With a calm gaze, she looked at him. “What do you think?”

Yang Shifei thought for a moment. “If chaos arises, perhaps it will be a good opportunity for us to rise.”

Luo Xian’er’s eyes flickered slightly. “Do you want to be the emperor?”

Yang Shifei was momentarily stunned, then quickly laughed and waved his hand. “Being an emperor is exhausting. You have to be cautious every day, and any mistake could affect the lives of the entire country. What I have in mind is to strengthen our Fallen Moon Pavilion and make it a renowned righteous sect in the region. Of course—”

He then changed his tone, smiling, “If you want to be empress, I’ll strive to help you.”

Luo Xian’er shook her head with a smile in her eyes, “I have no interest in ruling a country, but thank you for your kindness.”

The two looked at each other, each with their own thoughts, but they tacitly ended the conversation without delving deeper.

Thinking about those matters now, when the sect was not yet established, seemed too distant.

“Young Master, will Miss Yue Rui be with us tonight?”

“Her?” Yang Shifei smiled. “She’s a night owl. She watched me practice martial arts all night yesterday and went back to sleep during the day. She might not even wake up when we return from the palace.”

As he spoke, he became curious. “Miss Luo, there are only two maids in your mansion. Where do you collect such secret information?”

“My mother left behind some capable people. They are quite skilled, Mo Li is the one who communicates with them.”

Luo Xian’er thought of something and said softly, “Come to think of it, Young Master has not met Mo Li yet. In a few days, it might be a good idea to let her come and meet you.”

“Okay, I also want to see what the elusive maid looks like.”

…

As night fell, the lights were bright in the Dingjiang Palace, and figures were constantly moving.

Tables and chairs covered with bright red silk were placed inside and outside the courtyard, various appetizers were served one after another, and the aroma of meat filled the air.

Servants moved back and forth amidst the lively commotion, making it feel like a grand festival.

At this moment, several passing servants paused slightly and looked towards the corridor archway.

Just a glance made all the servants secretly surprised by the strikingly handsome man.

The lady beside him, although veiled, still displayed an elegant figure. Her graceful steps seemed to carry a celestial charm, causing hearts to flutter.

“—This Duke Dingjiang’s palace is indeed grand.”

Yang Shifei had arrived early at the palace with the invitation card, and as soon as he entered the backyard, he witnessed this scene.

He originally thought that the Luo Mansion was already large enough, but he didn’t expect the Dingjiang Palace to be several times larger. It was almost like a small park, with dozens of large red dining tables spread out, yet there was no crowding at all.

Outside the palace, there were also dozens of tables set up, attracting numerous martial artists from the Jianghu.

“These mansions must cover at least a few acres of land.”

“After all, it’s the residence of a duke, naturally grand.”

Luo Xian’er’s hair was adorned with hairpins, and her loose sleeves hung down gracefully, giving her an air of elegance and luxury.

With a casual sweep of her eyes, the young lady said coldly, “There will be various martial artists coming later, and these seats may not be enough.”

Yang Shifei clicked his tongue secretly. Although he had anticipated that there would be many people at the “palace gathering”, the scale was much larger than he had imagined.

He couldn’t help but feel a little curious.

Although he had been practicing martial arts for some time and even fought with several formidable opponents, it was ultimately only in this “small place” of East City, and his experience was still shallow.

Now was the first time he was personally experiencing the taste of the Jianghu.

“Perhaps you will hear many interesting stories.”

Luo Xian’er turned around and helped him straighten his robe. “Would you like to pay a visit to the duke and the others?”

Yang Shifei said softly, “Since we’re here for the banquet, it’s natural to pay a visit.”

Luo Xian’er linked her arm with his. “I’ll accompany you.”

The two walked side by side through several mountain and water corridors and soon arrived at the magnificent main hall.

“—Miss Luo, it’s been a long time.”

A tall middle-aged man waved his hand to dismiss the servants. With a dignified expression on his face, he smiled and bowed, “Your presence at the banquet has truly added a lot of color to this heroic gathering.”

“Your Highness overpraises.”

Luo Xian’er responded calmly, “I came here with my fiancé just to listen. I won’t interfere in any matters at the banquet.”

The duke smiled, “Miss Luo dislikes trouble, and I understand that. So I have specially prepared a quiet room on the second floor for you two, so you won’t be disturbed by those martial artists.”

“Thank you.”

“This young man—”

The duke’s gaze turned to Yang Shifei with interest. “I’ve heard about your heroic deeds. You are truly talented and promising.”

Yang Shifei calmly clasped his hands in return, “I have long heard of the prestige of Duke Dingjiang. Now that I have seen you, it is indeed well-deserved.”

“I am already old and have no such prestige.” The duke waved his hand with a smile. “An old man like me is content to listen quietly.”

With that, he glanced at Luo Xian’er again. “If anything unexpected happens, I hope you can take care of this girl.”

“Naturally.”

With little exchange between them, the duke soon left to attend to his affairs.

“Miss, Young Master.”

At this moment, Tan Xiang walked over from nearby and said softly, “The servants have informed me of the guest rooms. Follow me.”

The three of them walked along the corridor to the second floor and arrived at a classical and elegant study.

A dining table had been set up by the window, and several exquisite appetizers were already prepared.

“This room is nicely decorated.”

Yang Shifei looked around the room with a sense of novelty. It seemed like the residence of a literati or a scholar.

“There are many empty rooms in the palace, and these are also used to entertain guests. There are many guest rooms around, and other distinguished guests will come later.”

Tan Xiang opened the curtain by the window, revealing the view of the backyard, which provided a panoramic view of the banquet.

Yang Shifei nodded slightly. This location was good, and there was no need to worry about attracting the attention of martial artists below.

—Knock, knock.

At this moment, there was a gentle knock on the door.

Yang Shifei turned to open the door, but the familiar face outside made him slightly surprised.

“Saint Envoy?”

“It’s me.”

Qiu Buhuan gently touched her lips and smiled charmingly, “Brother Yang, have you missed me since we last met?”

Inside the room, Luo Xian’er and Tan Xiang suddenly turned their heads, their eyes slightly narrowed.