BSI Chapter 212 The Bullied Empress of Liyang
Chapter 212 The Bullied Empress of Liyang
Morning light pierced through the thin mist and shone on the bluestone path in front of the inn.
Qin Mu stood beside the carriage, his moon-white robe fluttering slightly in the morning breeze.
He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the gradually brightening sky in the distance, his expression so relaxed that it seemed he wasn't on a journey, but rather enjoying the sunrise in his own backyard.
Xiao Yu stood beside him, still with her head down, her face flushed.
She changed into a clean blue cloth dress, which the landlady had found overnight. Although the material was ordinary, it was clean and tidy, and it fit her well.
However, her posture was a bit strange. Her legs were slightly together, and her weight kept shifting from her left foot to her right foot. Her brows would occasionally furrow, but then quickly relax.
Qin Mu glanced at her sideways, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Does it still hurt?" he asked softly.
Xiao Yu's face turned bright red instantly, and even her ears burned.
She shook her head frantically, her lips pressed tightly together, not daring to utter a single word.
Qin Mu smiled and didn't press the matter.
Not far away, the proprietress was frantically stuffing things into the back of the carriage.
She changed into a neat short outfit, replacing her pomegranate red ruqun with a dark brown fitted dress, and her hair was neatly tied up. She looked much more capable than the night before.
As she stuffed things into her food, she secretly glanced in Qin Mu's direction, her eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.
She still finds last night's events unbelievable!
She, the owner of a shady shop, actually took down Empress Li Yang!
What does this mean?
This means that as long as she can please His Majesty, her future will be much easier!
The proprietress became increasingly pleased with herself, and her hands moved with increasing speed and dexterity.
She stuffed the last bundle into the carriage, clapped her hands, and turned to jog towards Qin Mu.
"Your Majesty, everything is ready!" She stopped three steps in front of Qin Mu, bowed her head respectfully, and said in a voice filled with barely suppressed excitement.
Qin Mu nodded.
"Let's go," he said.
The proprietress quickly turned around, about to beckon everyone to get into the car—
Just then, a gray figure slowly walked out of the inn.
Willow White.
He was still wearing that faded gray old Taoist robe, with the sword box wrapped in old cloth on his back.
The morning light shone on his aged face, making the wrinkles etched by time exceptionally clear.
His steps were slow and steady, each step firm and solid.
He stopped in front of Qin Mu.
The two exchanged a glance.
Liu Bai's gaze fell on the two fine horses pulling the carriage.
"This horse is fine," he said. "I'll drive the carriage for you."
Qin Mu smiled and then nodded slightly.
"Alright," he said. "Then I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Liu."
Liu Bai waved his hand, walked to the carriage, and sat down on the carriage shaft.
He reached out and gently patted the necks of the two horses.
The horse snorted and flicked its tail, showing no sign of impatience.
"What a fine horse," Liu Bai exclaimed.
Qin Mu turned around and looked at the three women behind him.
"Get in the car," he said.
Xiao Yu was the first to move.
She lowered her head, carefully climbed onto the carriage, crawled into the compartment, and curled up in a corner.
Yunluan followed closely behind.
She was still dressed in a black outfit, with a thin sword at her waist, and she walked steadily into the carriage.
The proprietress stood beside the carriage, her gaze fixed on the last figure.
Zhao Qingxue.
She remained standing motionless on the stone steps at the entrance of the inn.
Her moon-white dress shimmered softly in the morning light, and her long hair was loosely tied up with a single white jade hairpin, the rest cascading down to her waist like a waterfall.
Her face was expressionless, as calm as a stagnant pool.
Only those deep purple phoenix eyes were gazing into the distance.
Looking eastward.
That's the direction away from the sun.
The proprietress felt an indescribable excitement when she saw her like this.
This woman, the once high and mighty Empress Li Yang, whom she dared not even raise her head to—
He's standing here right now, waiting to be "disciplined" by her.
His Majesty the Emperor was watching from the side.
This is her chance to shine!
The proprietress took a deep breath and walked towards Zhao Qingxue.
She deliberately slowed her pace, making each step firm and solid, producing a clear "tap-tap" sound on the bluestone pavement.
She stopped in front of Zhao Qingxue.
The two were no more than three feet apart.
The proprietress tilted her head slightly, her gaze unabashedly sweeping over Zhao Qingxue.
From her stunningly beautiful face to her slender neck, to the moon-white hem of her skirt, to the embroidered shoes on her feet that were slightly dusty.
Then she spoke.
"What are you still standing there for?" Her voice carried a deliberate arrogance and impatience. "Didn't you see everyone's on the bus?"
Zhao Qingxue turned her gaze from the distance and landed on the proprietress's face.
His gaze was calm, so calm that it was completely undisturbed.
But the proprietress's heart skipped a beat when she saw that gaze.
Those eyes were so deep.
Although there was no real threat, it sent chills down her spine.
The proprietress instinctively took a half step back.
But then she remembered that Qin Mu was watching from the side.
Her courage returned.
What are you afraid of?
She now has the emperor backing her up!
No matter how powerful this woman is, she's still just a prisoner!
The proprietress put on a stern face, stepped forward, and grabbed Zhao Qingxue's arm directly.
"Come on!" she yanked hard. "What are you dawdling for!"
Zhao Qingxue stumbled and nearly fell as she was pulled along.
Her brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
The proprietress pulled her along, leading her all the way to the carriage.
The back of the carriage had been opened, revealing thick brocade cushions and a fairly spacious interior.
Yunluan sat at the innermost part of the room, by the window, her hand on the hilt of her sword, her gaze cold and stern.
Xiao Yu curled up in the corner, shrinking herself into a tiny ball.
The proprietress's gaze swept across the carriage, finally settling on the area near the door.
That's the closest spot to the car door, and also the most uncomfortable.
When the carriage is moving, cold air will seep in through the gaps in the doors, and the bumps are most severe when the wheels roll over potholes.
"You," the proprietress pointed to the spot, "sit there."
Zhao Qingxue looked at that spot without saying a word.
She stepped forward, ready to get into the car.
"Wait a minute," the proprietress suddenly said.