Compassion

"What is she here for? Tell her to get lost!" Su Zi Yun shouted angrily.

"I never expected that after experiencing so much, your despicable nature still hasn't been erased," came a cold voice, accompanied by a breathtakingly beautiful face.

"Sue Zi Mo, how dare you show your face?" Su Zi Yun's gaze fell upon the face that evoked anger from both gods and men. As she recalled the scars on her own face inflicted by Ji Rui and the disfigurement caused by neglecting the wounds, she suddenly felt a deep sense of shame in the presence of Su Zi Mo's beauty.

"Hmph! Why wouldn't I have the face to come?" Su Zi Mo coldly snorted, while the Xie family also glared at her with malice.

Only Su Wei Chen looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"I came here considering the affection our Su family once had. I wanted to see how you were doing. The higher you climb, the harder you fall. Su Zi Yun, it seems you haven't learned your lesson!" Su Zi Mo initially intended to see if Su Zi Yun had changed, and she was willing to let go of past grievances and help them leave the capital for a peaceful life. But now it seemed she had come at the wrong time; they had no intention of repenting.

Huo Yun Ting shook his head, realizing that he had managed to save the 100,000 taels of silver notes. Sympathy could be quite costly when it overwhelmed a prodigal woman's heart.

"Hmph! Are you intentionally here to mock us? Now that we are in distress, don't bother adding insult to injury," Xie Shi said with a gloomy face. She had intended to leave the Su family with her daughter, but she and Su Wei Chen had been married for decades and couldn't bear to leave him alone in the Su residence to wait for death.

"I just wanted to come and see you all," Su Zi Mo said, casting a glance at Su Wei Chen still lying on the recliner.

"The greatest bitterness in life comes when, after being busy, you have nothing left," Su Wei Chen suddenly sat up from the recliner.

"Momo, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Observing Su Wei Chen's reaction, Su Zi Mo calmly said, "Having a leisurely heart is the greatest blessing in life. Life is never perfect; it's about gains, losses, and regrets. You were once the Grand Preceptor to the Crown Prince, well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics. In truth, you understand many of these principles deep down, but you have never faced them."

Su Zi Mo knew that Su Wei Chen understood what she was saying. One cannot fully appreciate the value of profit, happiness, and power until the end, after desiring to be touched by fate.

Su Wei Chen slowly lay back down.

He naturally understood these principles, but he also understood one thing: after a lifetime of hard work, he had ended up in his current situation. His heart was filled with even more resentment.

"Daddy, why don't you mention asking Su Zi Mo to get us closer to Mingyue Villa? Without the Su family, she wouldn't have been able to establish such a huge estate," Su Zi Yun said fiercely, her purplish-red scar looking somewhat ferocious.

She had been persuading her father for these past few days, successfully shaking his resolve and instilling a desire for revenge. But now, with Su Zi Mo's words, her father's thoughts would surely be influenced once again.

"Momo, you should go back! I will seriously consider what you said," Su Wei Chen closed his eyes, no longer intending to say much.

Su Zi Mo understood his response and exchanged a glance with He Yun Ting. The two turned around, preparing to leave.

Su Zi Yun watched their retreating figures, wishing she could tear Su Zi Mo into pieces.

"Daddy, why don't you mention asking Su Zi Mo to get us closer to Mingyue Villa? Without the Su family, she wouldn't have been able to establish such a huge estate," Su Zi Yun's heart, face, eyes, and body were filled with hatred towards Su Zi Mo. The extent of her hatred was only known to herself.

"How could Daddy have the face to bring up that matter? If she had filial piety in her heart, would Daddy need to ask?" Su Wei Chen closed his eyes, suddenly aging several years. Yes, having a leisurely heart was the greatest blessing. During this period, he had lived a relaxed life, without thinking about those conspiracies and tricks. He felt much more at ease with such days. He had calculated his whole life; it was time to stop and take a rest.

Seeing her father's indifferent expression, Su Zi Yun could only stomp her foot with gritted teeth. She would surely find other ways.

"See? All that sympathy was in vain," Huo Yun Ting said, lacking any kindness, once they were outside the Su residence's gate.

"That's why they say it's difficult to please people. You overestimated her, underestimated her, and then didn't think at all. It's lacking in cunning. Genuine feelings are valuable, but sometimes it's about compensating with sincerity. Some people become accustomed to receiving and forget gratitude."

"Isn't Su Zi Yun exactly like that? You showed mercy multiple times, but she not only lacks gratitude but also shows no remorse. You often say that suffering a loss is also a kind of blessing. Well, I don't think Su Zi Yun will ever comprehend that until her dying day."

Huo Yun Ting, full of resentment when thinking of Su Zi Yun, who had caused harm to Momo, spoke with a bitter expression.

"Let's go back," Su Zi Mo sighed inwardly. She had always believed in trading one's heart for another. If you weigh me down, I will sink. Her visit to the Su residence today was merely driven by sympathy.

In the Yuwang Manor, the sun shone pleasantly, and Murong Zeyu had spent a sleepless night. He had a recliner brought out to bask in the sun in the courtyard, constantly pondering the truth behind Su Zimo's words. Su Zimo's actions were often meant to grab attention, and her words might not necessarily be false. Perhaps the illusion of desolation really existed in the Guishan Mountains.

Chu Yourou served by the side, occasionally replenishing his tea.

"Yourou, do you want to meet Murong Shaofeng?" Murong Zeyu's words made Chu Yourou's hand, which was about to add some tea, uncontrollably tremble. She looked sharply at Murong Zeyu, who was enjoying the moment with his eyes closed. Could he be so kind as to let her meet Shaofeng?

Chu Yourou remained silent for a long time, and Murong Zeyu suddenly opened his piercing eyes and looked at her with a wicked smile.

"Yourou, I understand your thoughts very well. You shouldn't refuse my suggestion, should you?"

That sinister and playful smile felt like an endless nightmare to Chu Yourou.

"Yourou is already the lord's woman. How could she think of other men?"

After speaking, Chu Yourou slowly added some tea for herself, but her trembling hand betrayed her.

Murong Zeyu smirked, his smile chillingly seductive.

"Just remember this. Even if you become the Crown Princess in the future, you will still be my woman, a woman I have played with. If Murong Shaofeng is willing to marry you, that's even better! We can work together. But for now, I need you to be by his side. Because his heart is now tied to a woman named Su Zimo. If you, as the future Crown Princess, appear by Murong Shaofeng's side, with your looks, though inferior to Su Zimo, it will still be enough to make him forget her."

Murong Zeyu stood up, raised his rounded chin, and smiled even more wickedly. His voice was cold and heart-chilling.

Even if he claimed she was his woman, he had no intention of showing any mercy.

She was merely a tool he used for his pleasure.

But why did the Crown Prince become infatuated with Su Zimo? Was it because of the woman who already had three children and stayed in Haoyue Kingdom?

Looking at the wicked smile on Murong Zeyu's lips, Chu Yourou felt a terrifying chill in her heart. In this man's eyes, there was only the lofty throne.

"Lord, since Yourou is the lord's woman, let Yourou stay by the lord's side and serve the lord!" Chu Yourou's heart may be filled with dissatisfaction, but she knew that he wanted to use her to deal with the Crown Prince.

"Yourou having this awareness truly pleases me. When I need you, I can find you anytime. But now, your main task is to win Murong Shaofeng's heart. With Murong Shaofeng's capabilities, he probably has no idea about the relationship between our two families or the relationship between me and you. After you return this time, Father will issue a decree, making you the Crown Princess in name. So you must go to Murong Shaofeng's side."

After speaking, Murong Zeyu abruptly released his grip on Chu Yourou's chin. No matter how beautiful the woman by his side was, she couldn't compare to that stunning glimpse. That damn Su Zimo had become a goddess in every man's heart.

Feeling relieved, Chu Yourou felt a soreness and pain in her chin. Her heart became even more bitter.

"Get ready. I will send you there now."

Murong Zeyu's cold voice allowed no room for argument.

"Yes, my lord." Chu Yourou dared not hesitate. She knew well of this man's cruel methods.

Murong Zeyu coldly watched her figure and realized that even a unique woman could become tiresome. Would that be the case with Su Zimo too? Would Mu Yunxuan also lose interest in her one day? Unconsciously, Murong Zeyu found himself constantly comparing other women to Su Zimo.

Shaking off those bothersome emotions, Murong Zeyu got up and went to change his clothes.

Murong Zeyu's mansion was not far from the Mingyue Villa.

When Murong Zeyu arrived at the entrance of the Mingyue Villa with Chu Yourou, he unexpectedly encountered Su Zimo and He Yunting, who had just returned.

From a distance, Murong Zeyu caught a glimpse of that ethereal figure in purple, a woman untainted by the mortal world, and his heart couldn't help but tighten.

Meanwhile, Chu Yourou, as she looked at Su Zimo, was momentarily stunned. She never expected there to be such a breathtaking woman in the world. Every movement and gesture she made was enchanting.

Murong Zeyu's smile brightened, and he kindly greeted, "Master Mingyue, what a coincidence."

Su Zimo and He Yunting had already noticed Murong Zeyu and his companion.

"If we talk about coincidence, this is the entrance to the Mingyue Villa," Su Zimo responded calmly.

She also noticed the beautiful woman beside Murong Zeyu.

Su Zimo's words brought Chu Yourou back to reality. Her cherry lips slightly parted. In the Star Moon Kingdom, she had never seen any woman dare to speak to Murong Zeyu like this. Su Zimo was the first she had seen who displayed no fear or surprise, remaining composed.

"This is the future Crown Princess, Miss Chu Yourou. I heard that the Crown Prince has been staying at the Guishan Villa, and Miss Chu wanted to visit the Crown Prince and develop a relationship with him. So, it's troublesome for Master Mingyue."

Although Murong Zeyu was smiling, he couldn't hide the mocking undertone.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. He was also getting under Murong Shaofeng's skin. Whenever he thought of Murong Shaofeng's indifferent demeanor, he felt an impulse to kill. Murong Shaofeng didn't need to do anything to have everything, he didn't care about anything but could possess the kingdom, while he, despite giving his all, couldn't reach the position he desired.

Chu Yourou blushed when she heard this, looking down submissively, appearing shy and pitiable.

His words were not only directed at Su Zimo but also meant for Chu Yourou. He needed to let Chu Yourou know that she had a mission.

Su Zimo's body slightly stiffened as she unconsciously glanced at Chu Yourou.

He Yunting was similarly puzzled, looking at Chu Yourou with a questioning expression. Would this woman really become Shaofeng's Crown Princess? Wasn't Shaofeng's judgment better than this?

Su Zimo coldly stated, "It's already crowded here. Since you're the Crown Prince's future bride, you can cultivate your relationship when you return to the Star Moon Kingdom."

A firm, outright rejection.

Murong Zeyu's eyes momentarily froze. He didn't expect Su Zimo to reject him so decisively, and in front of everyone. For a moment, as a noble prince, his face was completely wiped clean.

Chu Yourou also didn't expect Su Zimo to refuse her accommodation, especially when the refusal was aimed at Murong Zeyu.

Murong Zeyu's expression instantly darkened. He had forgotten that Su Zimo was not like other women, not bound by conventional norms. However, he never expected her to reject him.

"Can the Mingyue Villa bear to watch the Crown Prince and Miss Chu be separated like this?" Murong Zeyu didn't give up. Only by placing someone inside the Mingyue Villa could he feel at ease. He needed to find the whereabouts of the eight mystical artifacts as soon as possible; time was running out.

"It's not an eternal separation. There will be a day of reunion," Su Zimo rejected again. If the woman came on her own, she would have felt somewhat embarrassed to refuse. After all, she was the future Crown Princess. However, since it was Murong Zeyu personally delivering her, she had to doubt his intentions.

Upon hearing Su Zimo's words, a trace of irony flashed in Murong Zeyu's eyes. It seemed that his trip was in vain, but he wouldn't give up.

"Master Mingyue, it seems that you misunderstood. I have no other intentions, nor do I want to separate Miss Chu and the Crown Prince. Since she is the future Crown Princess, it is only proper for me, as the villa master, to treat her well. However, at the moment, I have other matters to attend to and I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of the future Crown Princess adequately."

"Master, you're worrying too much. Miss Yourou hasn't seen the Crown Prince in a long time, and she came along with me this time just to accompany him. I hope Master Mingyue can accommodate her," Murong Zeyu said.

Chu Yourou's face was filled with deep affection, and her voice was incredibly pleasant to listen to, like the murmuring of flowing water, evoking a touch of tenderness in one's heart. If she didn't speak up and let herself stay, Murong Zeyu would definitely not let her off easily. Today, she must find a way to stay in Mingyue Villa. After losing her value as a tool, her fate would be even more terrifying than she could imagine. That deep affection on her face couldn't be fake. Su Zimo understood it well because she had experienced love herself, but... Su Zimo still had some hesitation in her heart.

"Villa Master, what are you afraid of?" Murong Zeyu suddenly laughed. Examining Su Zimo's exquisite beauty closely, this woman looked even more charming up close. Murong Zeyu couldn't help but envy Mu Yunxuan in his heart. Envy—it was pure envy at this moment.

Su Zimo gave Murong Zeyu a fierce glare and said in a cold voice, "Afraid? Why shouldn't I be afraid? King Yu's reputation is quite renowned." Su Zimo spoke with anger on her face. Even if the Emperor himself came, she would still refuse. If there were feelings between Miss Chu and Shao Feng, there was no way Shao Feng would avoid meeting her for so many days and wait for this woman to come personally. Su Zimo understood Shao Feng very well.

Normally, she wouldn't refuse, but her parents were in Mingyue Villa. She didn't want their identities as siblings and their connection to the Kingdom of Li Xia to be exposed until she had a foolproof plan.

Her repeated refusal filled Murong Zeyu with anger and a sense of incredulity. No, he couldn't give up so easily.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Murong Zeyu's lips. It seemed that Su Zimo had secretly been paying attention to him, huh? A hint of joy flickered in his heart. Murong Zeyu took a few steps forward, closing the distance between him and Su Zimo.

"I said you're worrying too much, Villa Master. I simply wanted to bring Miss Chu here to relieve her lovesickness. Why doesn't Villa Master want to witness a beautiful encounter?"

Su Zimo, on the other hand, took a few steps back, thinking that the time was almost right. In fact, she deliberately rejected Murong Zeyu. Murong Zeyu was not a simple-minded person, and if she easily agreed to him, he would start to suspect her. He would become more cautious in his actions, and moreover, he already knew about the Xuan Ice Cultivation Technique among the Eight Great Profound Artifacts on her. Even if she didn't allow Miss Chu Yourou to enter the Mingyue Villa today, he would find ways to infiltrate the villa.

Su Zimo lowered her gaze, seemingly oblivious to Murong Zeyu's words. Her eyes remained fixed on the ground.

After a while, when Murong Zeyu and Chu Yourou grew impatient, Su Zimo's red lips moved slightly, and her words sounded light and carefree, "Since Miss Chu has such intentions, I, as the Villa Master, can't refuse."

That natural expression on her face made it seem as if nothing had happened just now.

Murong Zeyu's eyes flickered with confusion as he squinted at Su Zimo, trying to discern her emotions. However, her clear and bright eyes only held a smile and nothing else.

He Yunting furrowed his brow but also knew what Su Zimo was thinking. At this moment, he couldn't help but secretly admire her decision. Su Zimo was indeed a clever person.

Wanting to see clearly the emotions in her eyes, He Yunting furrowed his brow but also knew what Su Zimo was thinking. "Thank you, Villa Master," Chu Yourou lowered her gaze. A woman should be smart. However, when she saw the way Murong Zeyu looked at Su Zimo, she couldn't help but be surprised. Her grip on her hand tightened unconsciously. The way King Yu looked at Su Zimo, she was all too familiar with it. Perhaps, in his arrogant and self-confident nature, he hadn't even realized his true feelings. But what surprised her even more was that Su Zimo could remain so calm under King Yu's sharp gaze. When would she be able to cultivate such composure herself? If it were her, if she encountered such a situation and someone like Murong Zeyu, she wouldn't have had this kind of determination even for a moment. She had to admit now that this Su Zimo was extraordinary. No wonder His Highness had been lingering around her.

"Go in," Su Zimo faintly felt He Yunting's gaze, but she didn't care.

"Please, Villa Master," Murong Zeyu smiled. Only by stepping in step by step could he understand Su Zimo's actions faster. Mingyue Villa was like an impregnable fortress, and the people around her were loyal and unwavering. The quickest way was to infiltrate the villa with his own people, and Chu Yourou was the best candidate.

Su Zimo didn't accompany Murong Zeyu and the others to Siyu Pavilion. Instead, she asked He Yunting to take them there.

"Mother, you're back," from a distance, Su Li walked over with Yue Tongzi.

"Mm! Li'er, Tongzi, are you going out?" Su Zimo trusted Su Li very much. He would go to inspect the shops every day, and he was a good candidate for doing business. The succession was assured, making Su Zimo overjoyed.

"Mother, Li'er wants to go to Bugui Mountain," Su Li's answer surprised Su Zimo.

"Why do you want to go to Bugui Mountain?" Su Zimo didn't understand. Su Li already had a little fox, which could change size and serve as transportation.

"Mother, Tongzi doesn't have a spirit companion that can be used for transportation yet. And recently, Tongzi's cultivation has advanced a lot. Li'er wants to take her to Bugui Mountain to make a contract with a spirit companion," Su Li explained.

"Villa Master," Yue Tongzi spoke up after entering.

"Mm! Go, but be very careful! Bugui Mountain is full of traps and demonic beasts," Su Zimo warned.

"Mother, Li'er knows," Su Li's lips curled up as he looked at the earrings his mother was wearing. They were unfamiliar to him but very beautiful. However, another thing surprised him.

"Mother, you've advanced?" Su Li asked in surprise.

Yue Tongzi also looked at Su Zimo with joy. Here, she felt as comfortable as if she were at home.

"Mm! Li'er, your mother has suddenly advanced to the seventh rank. Your mother is very happy today. You can go now. Your mother will be going out later," Su Zimo waved her hand towards the two of them and left with a smile.

Advanced to the seventh rank. In other words, his mother was now at the Divine Profound Stage. Su Li thought about this and felt extremely happy.

"Let's go, Tongzi. We're going to Bugui Mountain," Su Li called out the little fox, and the two of them flew on its back towards Bugui Mountain.

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