Proud Sword Soaring Clouds

Chapter 382: Chapter 281: Lengning Palace

[The monthly tickets... and the flood of donations in the review section... Xiaodao is at a loss for words. I’m so moved! A thousand thanks can be summed up in one sentence: Thank you, everyone! On my birthday, the twelfth day of the first lunar month, I’ll definitely do a burst release. I’m going all out... I’ll give it everything I’ve got and release at least 15,000 words!!!]

Ling Xiao gave a faint nod, but inwardly he wondered, ’How did Shangguan Yutong recognize me?’ After all, the last time he’d met her while in disguise, she hadn’t recognized him.

How could Ling Xiao know that Shangguan Yutong had been thinking of him all this time? A person’s appearance could change, even the look in their eyes, but certain unconscious movements or habits could give them away. However, only someone extremely close to a person could possibly pick up on such subtle details!

And so, the perceptive Song Mingyue quickly figured out the key to the situation. Her gaze toward Shangguan Yutong grew increasingly complex. She could tolerate Ye Zi, Yisha, and even Ling Xiao’s two pretty maids, Feng Ling included. That was because she was a latecomer—despite being Ling Xiao’s first woman.

But having come from a great family, Song Mingyue also knew it wasn’t realistic to expect a man to have only one woman his entire life. The most important thing, therefore, was to secure her rightful position as quickly as possible. Besides, even though Ling Xiao always seemed indifferent about these things, she knew that a jealous woman would obviously earn a man’s displeasure.

Countless predecessors had passed down many such lessons, and Song Mingyue had no desire to repeat their mistakes.

’But this woman... First of all, she clearly knows my husband, and it’s not just a casual relationship! Otherwise, how could she have recognized Ling Xiao after seeing him only twice? To be more precise, she must have recognized him after seeing him just once at the trade conference. She just didn’t approach him then because of the crowd.’

’But from Ling Xiao’s reaction, it seems he doesn’t want to see her! In that case... it means this woman is interested in my husband, but as for my husband... he’s...’ This is why Song Mingyue was considered so clever; she had analyzed the entire situation in a flash.

Having figured all this out, a charming smile blossomed on Song Mingyue’s face. However, due to her disguise, the smile was utterly bewitching, causing many of the men who were watching them to stare, dumbfounded.

Shangguan Yutong, however, cursed inwardly, ’Seductress! Little vixen! When did a woman like this get involved with Ling Xiao? That guy... he’s getting more and more out of hand!’

The three beautiful women sitting together created a spectacle of competing charms. Although Qiuyue Yao was slightly older, she looked mature and enchanting, exuding a distinct feminine allure. Time had left no trace on her face; it would be no exaggeration to call her a beautiful woman in the prime of her life.

The only thing that revealed she was approaching middle age was Qiuyue Yao’s eyes. Though incredibly beautiful, they held a world-weariness, a depth that spoke of the passage of time.

They were unlike the eyes of young, radiant women like Shangguan Yutong and Song Mingyue, which were as pure and clear as pools of autumn water.

Inside the restaurant, patrons who had finished their meals and were about to leave suddenly caught sight of this rare "scenery" and found themselves unable to depart. Simultaneously, countless gazes of jealousy and envy fell upon Ling Xiao, making him feel immense pressure.

After forcing down a few bites, Ling Xiao stood up and said, "Let’s go."

Song Mingyue stood up obediently and followed behind Ling Xiao. After a moment, Qiuyue Yao and Shangguan Yutong also stood up and left.

The city streets were bustling with noise. Although everyone on the island was affiliated with the Qin Family, there were also many ordinary people. These commoners were no different from those on the mainland, but their quality of life was clearly much higher. After all, they belonged to a great family’s domain and weren’t burdened by heavy taxes, so no matter what business they were in, there was money to be made.

Thus, the streets presented a scene of peace and prosperity. As soon as Shangguan Yutong stepped outside, she saw Ling Xiao and Song Mingyue standing before a stall not far ahead. She gave Ling Xiao a slight nod, then headed down a secluded path with her master, Qiuyue Yao.

This area, unlike the residences for the lesser families and sects, was extremely quiet; one could hardly see anyone walking about. Lengning Palace had sent over a dozen people this time, and all of them were housed in a private courtyard. This demonstrated the importance the Qin Family placed on these more prominent families and sects.

Inside the courtyard, several young women were sitting on stone benches under a large banyan tree, eating various fresh fruits. They were startled to see Shangguan Yutong and Qiuyue Yao enter with two strangers, but they quickly stood up to greet them.

"Senior Sister!"

"Martial Aunt!"

Their voices were as pleasant as birdsong. After greeting Qiuyue Yao and Shangguan Yutong, their curious gazes fell upon Song Mingyue and Ling Xiao. When they saw the bewitchingly beautiful Song Mingyue, the young women blinked their wide eyes, unable to resist sneaking a few extra glances. Lengning Palace consisted mainly of women, but most of them were of the ethereal, untouchably pure type. There was simply no one among them as strikingly seductive as Song Mingyue.

When their eyes fell on Ling Xiao, the girls grew even more curious. They couldn’t help but secretly size up the handsome young man, wondering to themselves, ’Could he be Senior Sister’s sweetheart?’

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!