Li Muzhan spent two days with Dugu Jinghua; the two were inseparable, deeply engrossed in each other, paying no mind to the outside world. However, he had not yet made it to the final step, stopping only at embraces and the satisfying of their mutual desire, never truly getting serious.

Though Dugu Jinghua was astute and capable, she was utterly inexperienced in matters of romance, knowing next to nothing, and was entirely lost in the tender web of Li Muzhan’s affections. Li Muzhan did not return to the Cloud-Soaring Sect, staying at the manor by night and spending his days out with her until they happily returned; Dugu Jue had not yet appeared.

Though Li Muzhan refrained from direct management, he was far from idle, constantly observing the situation in Tianjing City; his Void Eye operated freely outside the city walls. One evening, as Li Muzhan and Dugu Jinghua were dining in the main hall after returning to the estate, Dugu Jue appeared—clad in a deep purple robe, radiating heavy majesty, his expression grim.

“Big Brother?” Dugu Jinghua rose, moving toward him with a hint of shyness. Li Muzhan set down his wine cup and nodded.

Dugu Jue walked directly to the table and sat opposite Li Muzhan, letting out a long sigh. Dugu Jinghua personally poured him a cup of wine: “Big Brother, what is it?” Dugu Jue took the cup and drained it in one gulp, shaking his head and sighing, “I fear Mr.

Li was right!” Li Muzhan’s brow twitched slightly; he silently drank his wine, not uttering a word. He held no affection for this Dugu Jue, whom he found heartless and disloyal; though he hadn't committed any great evil, he was certainly no good man.

Li Muzhan had no desire to engage, and only spoke out of deference to Dugu Jinghua. “Is there truly an issue with the Zhu family?” Dugu Jinghua asked.

Dugu Jue nodded slightly, glancing at Li Muzhan: “I conferred with Old Tang and Old Zhao; the Zhu family is absolutely determined to pledge allegiance to the Emperor.” “What then should be done?” Dugu Jinghua frowned. “Once we lose the Zhu family, we can no longer restrain the Emperor; our fate will rest entirely on his whim!” “Matters have reached this point; it seems we can only risk everything,” Dugu Jue sighed.

Dugu Jinghua asked, “How shall we risk it?” Dugu Jue replied, “We plan to first assassinate Zhu Lang, and then decide on the rest.” “Assassinating Zhu Lang is less effective than assassinating Consort Zhu,” Dugu Jinghua shook her delicate head, sighing. “Since Zhu Jun’s death, the one with true say in the Zhu family is Consort Zhu.

Otherwise, the Zhu family wouldn't defect to the Emperor; all of this is for her own security!” “Truly a foolish woman!” Dugu Jue sneered. “Does she really think bearing the Emperor a son gives her security?

Not until the child grows up does he count!” “Big Brother, surely not?” Dugu Jinghua frowned. “Even a vicious tiger doesn't eat its own cubs.” Dugu Jue scoffed, “For the sake of imperial power, how many instances of father-son conflict have there been throughout history?” Dugu Jinghua fell silent, letting out a faint, wistful sigh.

Li Muzhan continued drinking quietly by the side. After two cups, Dugu Jue swallowed his pride and addressed him, “Mr.

Li, the Zhu family has indeed betrayed us; what is the best course of action now?” Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled faintly: “I am an outsider; it is truly inappropriate for me to become involved in this matter.” “Mr. Li, saying that makes us feel distant!” Dugu Jue quickly interjected.

Li Muzhan continued, “Since you press me, I will be bold enough to say a few words: the Zhu family must be eliminated sooner or later, or they will become a massive problem. In my view, the best strategy is to strike first.” “Strike first?” Dugu Jue mused over the words.

Li Muzhan smiled: “It is not that I look down on you, but in terms of deep calculation and far-reaching strategy, the three of you family heads combined are no match for the current Emperor.” Dugu Jue’s expression shifted, yet he ultimately offered no rebuttal. Though Li Muzhan’s words were harsh, they were the truth.

The current Emperor’s scheming was extraordinary and his intellect profound, truly beyond that of ordinary men—a natural gift. Even the three of them, who prided themselves on being old foxes, had never gained an advantage over him, constantly being suppressed.

Li Muzhan went on, “Since he has won over the Zhu family, the other Four Great Families will eventually be defeated one by one. Rather than waiting to be slaughtered, it is better to fight back fiercely.

Even if you fail, you will still have the Phoenix Seal of Loyalty.” “At a critical juncture, the Phoenix Seal might prove useless,” Dugu Jue admitted with a bitter smile. Li Muzhan countered, “Then you absolutely cannot place your hopes on the Emperor showing mercy.

Eliminating the Zhu family first will serve as a deterrent, proving your resolve to fight to the death.” Dugu Jue pondered in silence, his face alternating between shade and light. Once this action was taken, the Four Great Families would truly cease to exist, leading them down a path of no return.

Dugu Jinghua spoke softly, “Big Brother, perhaps we should exercise more caution.” Li Muzhan sighed, recognizing the difficulty of the decision. “Then there is only the second path.” “Which path?” Dugu Jue eagerly asked.

Li Muzhan stated, “Excluding Consort Zhu.” “This…” Dugu Jue frowned, slowly shaking his head. Li Muzhan smiled, “Is it because she is a woman that she cannot be killed?” “That’s not it,” Dugu Jue shook his head.

“The key is that she is an Imperial Consort. If we truly kill her, it means tearing off all pretenses.” Li Muzhan countered, “We are only one step away from that.

It is time to make the Emperor hesitate. Killing Consort Zhu serves two purposes: first, it removes the lingering hope of the Zhu family, and second, it serves as a warning to the Emperor.” “...Hmm, that has merit,” Dugu Jue slowly nodded.

“It seems this is the only way forward.” Dugu Jinghua considered it and did not intervene. For the sake of the Dugu family, Consort Zhu had to die; furthermore, Consort Zhu had always been opposed to the Dugu family, making her a true mortal enemy.

Li Muzhan inquired, “With the foundation of your Four Great Families, killing Consort Zhu shouldn't be difficult, right?” Dugu Jue shook his head. “Although the Zhu family and the Emperor will be on guard, killing her is not difficult; we already planted hidden contingencies long ago.” His attitude toward Li Muzhan had changed.

If he truly married his sister, Li Muzhan would effectively be his brother-in-law, part of the Dugu family; acting too formally would be inappropriate. On the morning of the third day, Li Muzhan and Dugu Jinghua were practicing their martial arts in the manor, mixing training with playful interaction, when Dugu Heng suddenly arrived.

News came from the palace: Consort Zhu had accidentally drowned during a garden excursion. The young prince was fortunately spared, but without his mother, he would inevitably be transferred to the care of another consort.

Li Muzhan shook his head. It seemed the Four Great Families indeed possessed deep foundations and omnipresent reach; taking out a mere Consort was achieved with such ease.

This was undoubtedly a warning, but it would certainly enrage the Emperor. He wondered what fierce moves the Emperor might make—immediate retribution or calculated patience?

Li Muzhan was deep in thought when Dugu Heng sighed, “Aunt, was it Father and the others who did this?” Dressed in a green scholar’s robe, his face was ashen as he stared fixedly at Dugu Jinghua. Dugu Jinghua, wearing a moon-white silk martial tunic, shook her head.

“Xiao Heng, why are you asking such a thing? ...

If you truly want to know, ask your father.” “Father won't say,” Dugu Heng shook his head, still staring intently at her. “Aunt, it was Father and them who struck, wasn't it?” “Yes,” Dugu Jinghua nodded.

Dugu Heng stamped his foot suddenly, a muffled bang sounding as his stomp cracked the bluestone floor. His face pale with rage, he coldly sneered, “Father is truly unscrupulous, resorting to attacking women and children!” Dugu Jinghua said calmly, “Why, are you feeling sympathy for Consort Zhu?” “She was a frail woman; why did you have to kill her?!” Dugu Heng hissed coldly.

“Aunt, you are also a woman, didn't you try to stop Father?!” Dugu Jinghua retorted impatiently, “You know Big Brother’s temperament; how could I stop him?! ...

Besides, Consort Zhu was hardly a frail woman!” “She has no martial arts; how is she not frail?” Dugu Heng grumbled. Dugu Jinghua frowned.

“I think you are becoming increasingly muddled. Though she possesses no martial arts, killing someone was merely a matter of a word from her!

The number of people who died by her hand is surely no less than Big Brother’s count!” “If you kill her, what about her child?” Dugu Heng asked, his face taut and cold. Dugu Jinghua replied, “As an Imperial Prince, he will naturally be cared for by others.

There are countless pitiful souls in this world; stop wasting your compassion!” Dugu Heng shook his head. “Father is truly unscrupulous!” Li Muzhan coughed lightly and spoke in a gentle voice, “Brother Dugu, with Consort Zhu dead, many lives will be saved.

She was a root of trouble. Regardless of gender, she had to die.” Dugu Heng insisted, “I cannot bring myself to strike a woman!” Li Muzhan smiled.

“You underestimate the women of the world far too much! ...

Not to look back too far, even Jinghua can subdue you with effortless ease! ...

Furthermore, look at Cloud-Floating Palace, look at the Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect—are they not sects ruled by women?” Dugu Heng quickly said, “Brother Li, it's not that I underestimate women; I just feel that killing a woman lacks grace; it is not the action of a true man.” Li Muzhan smiled. “If you don't kill her, the Four Great Families will splinter and collapse.

What do you suggest then?” “The Four Great Families are destined to fall sooner or later,” Dugu Heng stated. Li Muzhan paused, looked at him, and then shook his head with a slight smile.

“I never expected Brother Dugu to possess such clarity of realization. Very good, you truly make me see you in a new light!” Dugu Heng asked, “Is that not so?

Dynasties rise and fall; why should the Four Great Families remain eternally?” Li Muzhan turned to Dugu Jinghua with a smile: “See that? He sees through things so clearly!” Dugu Jinghua snorted.

“He is too naive right now; enough talk!” Dugu Heng replied, “In any case, Aunt, if I were the family head, I would not have agreed to this action!” Dugu Jinghua snapped, “You are a fool. Given your current state, the position of family head won't fall to you.

Get lost!” Dugu Heng looked from Li Muzhan to Dugu Jinghua. “Am I interrupting you two?” Dugu Jinghua’s fair face flushed, and she scolded playfully, “Xiao Heng, are you tired of living?” Dugu Heng’s expression immediately changed, and he waved his hands rapidly before running off.

Dugu Jinghua frowned, watching the direction he left, and sighed, “Xiao Heng is a true gentleman, but regrettably, he is not suited to be family head.” “He is still young; a little tempering will do,” Li Muzhan said with a smile. “People always change.

Perhaps in the future, he will be even better than you.” “I hope so; then I can leave without worry,” Dugu Jinghua murmured. Li Muzhan laughed.

“Leave—? Where to?” Dugu Jinghua shot him a sidelong glance.

“Naturally, to go with you. Do you expect me to stay in the Dugu family my entire life?” Li Muzhan chuckled heartily.

“That’s not out of the question, either... However, the Four Great Families have now courted massive trouble.

How do you think the Emperor will react?” “He is a master of endurance; he might remain quiet for a while,” Dugu Jinghua replied. Li Muzhan pondered, then shook his head.

“I doubt it. You don't understand men’s hearts.

They can tolerate many things, but they cannot tolerate their women being wronged! ...

Now that Consort Zhu is dead, he absolutely will not endure it.” “Then what will he do?” Dugu Jinghua asked. Li Muzhan stated his assessment: “In my view, retribution will come immediately, like a storm.

I only hope the Dugu family masters are prepared.” “Big Brother and the others must have preparations,” Dugu Jinghua nodded. Li Muzhan also nodded.

This was basic common sense, but the Emperor’s assassins would surely exceed their expectations and not follow predictable patterns. “The sun is beautiful today; let’s go fishing!” Dugu Jinghua suggested.

Li Muzhan agreed. The two quickly changed clothes, ate breakfast, and left the manor, heading to the bank of a large river behind the estate to sit and fish leisurely.

A gentle breeze drifted by; the wide river, spanning dozens of feet, glittered with light. The breeze caressed their faces, refreshing and pleasant.

Though it was winter, the sunlight was bright, warming them pleasantly. The two chatted softly, their eyes fixed on the river surface, enjoying an indescribable relaxation.

Li Muzhan smiled. “The fish you cooked yesterday were exquisite; I’ll catch two more today!” Dugu Jinghua pursed her lips and smiled.

“Then I’ll prepare them using a different method.” Li Muzhan’s eyes lit up. “Jinghua, how many methods do you know?” Dugu Jinghua laughed.

“Over ten, perhaps. I have gained some insight into culinary arts.” Li Muzhan nodded in admiration.

“Excellent. I shall look forward to savoring them; I intend to taste all ten-plus ways you prepare fish!” Dugu Jinghua smiled faintly.

“I only fear you won’t stay long enough.” As a high-ranking steward in the Dugu noble house, her access to information was incredibly acute, far surpassing that of ordinary people. She naturally knew Li Muzhan’s background clearly, even knowing about Fu Feihong pressuring him to marry Hai Yulan.

Li Muzhan laughed drily. “How could I not stay?

I will certainly stay a good long while.” “Aren’t you afraid of Miss Hai?” Dugu Jinghua cast him a knowing glance. Li Muzhan gave a wry smile.

“It seems Jinghua knows everything; and yet, you still favor me?” Dugu Jinghua chuckled softly and shook her head. “Who wouldn't like something good?

It’s inevitable that a man as outstanding as you attracts attention... Besides, things usually follow an order of arrival.” Li Muzhan let out a breath of relief; it seemed Dugu Jinghua was understanding and would not cause a scene.

Suddenly, his expression changed drastically, and he violently yanked Dugu Jinghua, vanishing in an instant. Dugu Jinghua was startled; the scenery shifted, and they were suddenly back inside the manor.

“Sir?!” Her face changed color instantly. She saw Li Muzhan, his face ashen, wearing a bitter smile; a black crossbow bolt was embedded in his chest, appearing utterly dark and lusterless, more like iron than not.

Li Muzhan waved his hand. “Is there a secret passage?” “Yes!” Dugu Jinghua nodded quickly.

Li Muzhan sighed. “We need to hide first.” “Good.” Dugu Jinghua hurried to support him.

Li Muzhan raised a hand and shook his head. “I’m fine; hurry to the secret passage!” Dugu Jinghua dared not delay; anyone capable of wounding Li Muzhan must be an extraordinary master; pausing might mean they could not escape.

She led him into her private chamber, where an entrance lay beneath the couch. They squeezed in, instantly emerging into a mountain path.

“Where is this?” Li Muzhan asked, clutching the black crossbow bolt. “This is a tunnel leading into the mountains,” Dugu Jinghua replied.

“Once we reach the mountain, no one can find us. Sir, are you alright?” Li Muzhan sighed.

“The Emperor was aiming for us!” PS: Only one update today; I will write more tomorrow to make up for it.