Jun Wu Xie sat there quietly with a pair of downcast eyes, without putting anyone in her sight as she sat there detached as if the commotion had nothing to do with her. She was austere and alone in a world of her own.

Elegant, pure and transcendent beauty were words that immediately appeared in their minds.

Those words which were initially tailored for Bai Yun Xian now seemed to fit her better.

Her reserved demeanor made her unapproachable but made one’s heart long to keep looking at her.

Although they hate to admit it but truthfully, the quiet Jun Wu Xie no matter in terms of demeanour or charm had risen significantly.

She had been very low-key, too low in fact that people had almost forgotten all about her but after placing her in sight and noticing her subtle changes, they could not help but be attracted to her.

Sneaking a peek at Jun Wu Xie and shifting their gazes to Bai Yun Xian…

Bai Yun Xian didn’t seem to be as elegant as they had previously thought.

It looks like the real ice cold elegant goddess position would be given to Jun Wu Xie. It was time for Bai Yun Xian to step down.

“Qian Yuan, you are drunk.” The Emperor frowned, he did not understand why the usually silent Crown Prince would suddenly speak up for Jun Wu Xie. He clearly remembered that this was only the second time they had met and previously when they met, Mo Qian Yuan did not have a good impression of her.

“Ah, yes, I’m drunk. Your son had drank too many cups of wine, I’ve let Imperial Father seen something funny. Please allow me to go back and rest first.” Mo Qian Yuan straightened himself up as he let out a faint smile.

“Go.” The Emperor bellowed.

Mo Qian Yuan no longer hesitated and immediately got up, raising his hand and waving away the servants who wanted to assist him. He narrowed his eyes as he hissed: “I still can walk myself, no one is to allowed to touch me!”

The manner which the Crown Prince left had instilled discontent in many.

Jun Wu Xie looked at his departing back as she pondered for a while amidst the toasts that were going on around, she spoke to her Uncle in a soft tone: “Uncle, I want to go out for some fresh air.”

Jun Qing was surprised for a moment, thinking back on how this niece of his was devoted to Mo Xuan Fei and looking at how lovey dovey he was with Bai Yun Xian now, she must be feeling miserable. He sighed loudly and said: “Go have a walk around but do not leave this Palace Wing. Don’t stay out too long.”

“Alright.”

“Wu Xie.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t be so sad over Mo Xuan Fei. He does not deserve you.”

“…………..” Jun Wu Xie’s steps froze midway.

How did he come to that conclusion? Which eye did he use and see that she was upset over that scum Mo Xuan Fei?

The moonlight streamed into the garden and brightly illuminated the pavilion which Mo Qian Yuan was as he chugged down wine straight from the jug. He was sitting on the stone chair as he smiled bitterly by himself.

“If you want to die early, go ahead and drink more!” A tender voice with a coldness broke the tranquility of the still night.

Mo Qian Yuan was very surprised. Under the moonlight, a beautiful young maiden dressed in a lovely yellow silk brocade holding a little black cat in her arms stood there. Surrounded by flowers and with the moonlight gently shining on her body, her delicate features against the surreal background, she looked like a fairy that had descended into the mortal realm.

“Jun Wu Xie?” Mo Qian Yuan’s lips curved upwards as he looked at her in a drunken stupor.

“I was still wondering who had the audacity to curse me, the Crown Prince to die early?”

Jun Wu Xie walked towards the pavilion, as the stench of alcohol assaulted her. She stopped just before entering the pavilion.

“Even if I don’t mention it, you will also die…moreover…how long more will you be able to stay as the Crown Prince?” She replied icily.

 

Mo Qian Yuan’s expression suddenly changed. His blurred eyes immediately turned sharp as the silence swept through and the air became stifled. He seemed to have transformed into a panther that was waiting in the dark ready to pounce onto it’s prey.

“What are you talking about?” His eyes had a dangerous glint in them.

Jun Wu Xie casually stroked the fur of the little black cat, without even looking up, she said icily: “Some people do not want you to continue being the Crown Prince and are hoping for you to have an early demise. If you also think the same way and want to find an earlier release, just hit your head here against the stone table, no need to waste everybody’s time.”

Mo Qian Yuan’s mouth twitched slightly. He had always thought that she was a little outrageous but he just realised he had thoroughly underestimated her after experiencing her poison tongue first hand.

This little girl, couldn’t she say things properly? Did she need to say it in such a manner?

“This kind of words can’t be said so carelessly, I’ll just take it as I didn’t hear this.” He rubbed his wrinkled brows.

“Careless words? Well, since I’m already saying it I might as well continue. If you want to avenge your Mother and your maternal family, you have to live and keep your position as Crown Prince.” She slowly looked up with eyes that were filled with intensity looked at him straight which startled him.

“What do you know?” His eyes had a trace of panic in them.

“I know that you are a coward and a waste.” Jun Wu Xie raised her eyebrows.

“You!” Mo Qian Yuan was infuriated, he should not have spoken up for her just now!

“If you are not willing, then find all means and ways to survive. If not just raise your hands and surrender.” She retorted.

Mo Qian Yuan sucked in a deep breath, this little girl really knew where to stab where it hurts the most! As he had been drinking wine prior to this, he was light headed when he felt a sudden rush to his head. He stood up and flung his jug of wine into the floor.

It shattered into pieces as the strong smell of wine permeated the surroundings.

“You think I want this? Huh? Do you think I asked for it? So what about the title of Crown Prince? Hah! I don’t even want anything! My life, my position, they all don’t belong to me! Even my own father wants me dead! Everyone thinks that I’m an incompetent Prince! Who else in this world can save me? So what if I’m not willing? What can I do about it?”

He yelled with bloodshot eyes as he unravelled everything that had been plaguing him deep within. All the years of bottled up emotions came forth like a gushing spring.

“You’re right! I’m going to die soon! Going to die! What else can I do about it? I’m almost as good as dead! Tell me, what can I do?!!!”

Jun Wu Xie looked at him coldly as he flung about and wallowed.

“What if you do not need to die?”

“What?” He looked at her wide eyed. It was as though a sudden jolt of lightning had struck him.

“Well, to be more precise, not only do you not die, in fact you won’t die in the next few years or decades.” She corrected her own words.

“You…you…what do you mean?” He swallowed his saliva as he asked nervously, not daring to hear what he had wished for most.

Jun Wu Xie did not bother answering him as she impatiently said: “You’ve been poisoned right?”

“How did you know?” What was this little girl?! He was very surprised.

She furrowed her brows. She really wasn’t very good at explanations, might as well spend the time proving it instead.

“Little Black, hold him down.” She said as she suddenly threw the little black cat in her arms out.

Under the bright moonlight, the little black cat which was the size of her hand suddenly transformed – It’s body grew bigger in an instant and it became huge and strong panther as it pounced onto Mo Qian Yuan.

The unsuspecting Mo Qian Yuan who was standing there just moments before was now pinned onto the ground by a huge black panther. He was petrified as he stared with his mouth and eyes agape at the black panther on him, trying to digest what had just happened.

 

In an instant, a little black cat actually turned into a huge black panther?

The panther’s huge body kept Mo Qian Yuan pinned down as Jun Wu Xie walked over to its side.

“I’m not used to speaking rubbish so if you are not stupid, you will soon find out what’s going on.” Jun Wu Xie bent down as one of her slender white hand gripped on firmly to his chin. Although her fingers looked so delicate, who knew they mustered such strength! In a very practiced and swift manner, she opened his mouth and shoved a pill in as she closed his mouth and hit his chest. It happened in seconds, it was simply fast and accurate.

Before he could even react, he had swallowed whatever she had thrown in.

“Wha…What are you up to….?” He looked at her with bloodshot eyes as he felt his heart palpitating quickly. He didn’t know what she was planning and it made him fear her a little.

“Little Black, keep an eye on him.” She didn’t bother replying him as she walked over to the stone chairs in the pavilion and casually sat on one of them.

Mo Qing Yuan still tried to break free as he struggled. The huge panther opened its mouth wide as it gave a warning growl and lowered its head as it positioned Mo Qing Yuan’s neck between it’s sharp teeth.

“If he utters a single word, feel free to bite him.” She said emotionlessly as she gave the panther the order.

The black panther stood there motionless as it stared at the man beneath it.

Mo Qing Yuan’s mind was distraught as he thought to himself. This was the worst birthday ever. Tonight must be one of the most depressing nights he ever had, to think that he actually let a little girl pull a fast one over him!

Under the threat of the panther, he slowly closed his eyes, as he reluctantly began to accept his own fate.

Sure enough, he really is a good for nothing. He gave up so easily. He did not dare move a single muscle.

Time ticked by slowly, Mo Qian Yuan felt that the discomfort he had, all the prickly sensations, all that disgusting feeling of ants crawling all over him for all these years seemed to be subsiding.

He flung his eyes wide open as he looked at Jun Wu Xie with a shocked expression.

“You….”

“ROAR!” The panther issued another warning as it tightened it’s grip on his neck.

Jun Wu Xie glanced over and said: “Little Black, let him go.”

As soon as she uttered those words, Mo Qian Yuan felt the pressure on him suddenly released as the huge figure swooped towards Jun Wu Xie and a cute little black cat once again appeared in her arms.

“Meow.”

[Ugh, his whole body reeks! It stinks of alcohol! The stench is killing me!]

Jun Wu Xie gently stroked it’s fur lovingly.

“It..no…You…What did you feed me with? Why am I…? Mo Qing Yuan had not felt so clear headed for such a long time. With this sudden soberness, it had happened too suddenly that he did not know what to ask.

“Something that can save your life.” Jun Wu Xie felt that this approach was much simpler as results could be seen quickly.

Mo Qian Yuan looked deeply at her, his fingers slightly as he asked in a low voice: “Why do you want to help me”

Jun Wu Xie replied very matter of factly: “I want you to fight against your father and Mo Xuan Fei. I want you to ascend the throne so that you can keep my Jun Family safe.”

The position of the Emperor should have been changed long ago as the current Emperor will die, Mo Xuan Fei too. Since the country needs a ruler, she will choose one that would protect her family.

“You want me to usurp the throne?!” Mo Qing Yuan was completely shocked. Never had he expected such an outrageous matter to be discussed so lightly moreover it was Jun Wu Xie who had initiated it. Such treacherous words coming out from her mouth shocked him silly.

Jun Wu Xie raised her eyebrows: “You do not want to?”

 

Mo Qian Yuan looked at Jun Wu Xie as his shocked expression gradually changed into a smile. He started laughing crazily.

“Hahahah! If you want, why not? Since they want to kill me, why can’t I do the same to them?Tell me, can you really save my life?” He stared intently at her, henow looked at her in a different light, she was no longer the outrageous superfluous young girl he had in mind.

“Of course.” Jun Wu Xie answered simply as her eyes showed determination.

“But it’s not enough.” He frowned. “There is no faction that will support me in the fight for the throne. Even if I’ve fully recovered, I have no way to wrest the throne from him. If he’s really intent on killing me, he has his ways.”

“There will be.” She replied blandly.

“Lin Palace will be your backing. Rui Lin Army will support you for this fight for the throne. But you do have to remember this one fact clearly – I can save your life, similarly, I can also take your life away. Our Lin Palace can support you to get the throne but we also have the power to drag you off it.”

When the crown changed, she needed someone with the Royal Bloodline to be the next in line, Lin Palace just needed to be in the shadows.

“Rui Lin Army…But…” He gave her a conflicted look. Jun Qing’s own situation was more precarious than his own. Who will lead them when he’s gone? Were they able to maintain the same might?

“You do not need to worry about these things. Just mind your own problems. If you want to live and exact your revenge, you have to accept the condition. If you want to die, I will not force you. That pill you ate just now can only relieve your discomfort temporarily, there’s too much toxins accumulated in your blood stream so we need more time to completely clear it.” She explained.

Mo Qing Yuan took a deep breath, he knew he had no choice as he’s been backed into a corner by his own family already. He still had to avenge this blood feud! Who cares what condition she threw at him, even if he had to brave through fire and hell he’d do it!

“I agree.” He made this life changing decision instantly.

“Very good, next time you’ll have to find some reason to meet up with me, I will slowly get rid of all the poison.” She looked at him in the eye before turning around as she softly said: “Mo Qian Yuan, you won’t regret this choice you made today.”

She carried the little black cat in her arms as she went back towards the banquet hall.

Looking to her fading back, he clenched his fist tightly trying to suppress all the emotions that he was feeling now. Over the years, he had felt that his soul and mind had slowly breaking down into many pieces and he even considered giving up. Never had he thought that this day was possible. He felt that today he had finally found back a small piece of himself and was determined to recover back all that he had lost.

Jun Wu Xie, no matter what you want, as long as you help me accomplish what I want to do, this life of mine belongs to you!

In Jun Wu Xie’s arm, Little Black was swishing its tail excitedly.

“Meow.”

[Its been such a long time since I’ve transformed… I’m still not really used to it. Say, Master, how did you know that the Emperor was the one behind the Queen’s death? How did you also know that it was the Emperor that destroyed her family?]

Little Black was certain that it did not hear such news from Jun Xian and Jun Qing, so how did she acquire such privileged information?

“I did not know.”

[What?]

“I said it casually.” She answered calmly.

She slipped back into the banquet as she sat there quietly.

The Emperor sat on his throne as he was enjoying himself as he talked and laughed loudly among the various ministers. The banquet was heating up as the music and dance carried on through the night.

As the main star of the party, Mo Qian Yuan had actually left in the midst of it, giving Mo Xuan Fei a chance to perform his perfect king candidate role. He and Bai Yun Xian entertained the various ministers and was every bit the golden couple everyone was talking about. They had completely ignored Jun Wu Xie, on the other hand, the one who kept sneaking glances to see if she was alright was Jun Qing who was worried that she was heartbroken.

However, the facts proved that Jun Qing’s theory was all wrong.

Throughout the rest of the banquet, Jun Wu Xie did not even bother to look at the couple.