Chapter 40: Ancient Palace BL (XIII)

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Chapter 40: Ancient Palace BL (XIII)

When Luo Qinglan arrived at the battlefield, the Xuanyuan and Vermillion Bird Empires had already fought two battles, seemingly locked in a stalemate with no clear victor. But anyone with a smidgen of sense knew that neither side was giving their all, as if waiting for something. Compared to the dusty soldiers of his entourage, Luo Qinglan looked extremely comfortable. Not only did he have a beautiful woman by his side, he was also riding in a meticulously designed carriage.

Xuanyuan Zihao personally came out of the military camp to greet Luo Qinglan. The two were representing their respective countries, so they still had to maintain a degree of decorum. Xuanyuan Zihao was no longer dressed in comfortable embroidered clothes. He wore a suit of silver-white armor that enhanced his imposing side while reducing the delicate charm of his handsome face. But he was just as attractive as always.

Luo Qinglan raised the carriage curtain and nodded a greeting to Xuanyuan Zihao, then turned back to pull a sleeping Miao Lichen into his arms, letting his cheek rest against his chest, then got ready to get off. Although Miao Lichen’s disguise was flawless and neither of them thought anything could go wrong, Luo Qinglan still found himself doing so instinctively.

Could Miao Lichen actually be asleep? Of course not. Although Luo Qinglan had tried to not disturb him and take him out of the carriage quietly, the bit of noise was enough for someone who wasn’t actually asleep. If not for this body’s “weakness,” Luo Qinglan wouldn’t have needed to touch him at all. He pushed Luo Qinglan away with a disdainful look, raised his skirt and jumped off the carriage.

If he were dressed as a man, it would have been an extremely handsome move. But he was currently cross-dressing as a woman. But the ethereal, flowing gauze of the skirt did not detract from his charm.

“Prince Lan really knows how to enjoy life, to bring a beauty with you to a battlefield. I wonder what kind of stunning beauty would make the Prince so unwilling to leave her behind.” Xuanyuan Zihao raised the curtain of his own carriage and stepped down. They were not far from where the Vermillion Bird Empire was mobilizing their troops according to their intelligence.

“It’s just an ordinary woman. She can’t compare to your Consort, the greatest beauty in the Xuanyuan Empire.” Luo Qinglan stood in front of Miao Lichen to block Xuanyuan Zihao’s view as he replied with a smile. “We heard quite a few stories about Prince Ming’s bravery and skill on our way here. Compared to me, a mediocre and lecherous prince, Prince Ming is obviously more popular with women.”

“I don’t dare to accept such praise. The banquet has been prepared, so please, follow me. This young lady… looks a little familiar.” Xuanyuan Zihao shifted his gaze to the partially hidden Miao Lichen, his eyes narrowed in thought.

“How about I take care of this young lady? Your Highnesses and the generals will be discussing military matters at the banquet, so we won’t get involved.” Nangong Qingyue suggested with a smile, but his usually clear and bright eyes were a bit dark.

‘Why is A’chen here?’

Although Miao Lichen was disguised as a woman, Nangong Qingyue could still discern his identity from his bone structure. How could he be here? Aside from the orders of the one on the throne, he could think of no one else. Xuanyuan Ziying was still a member of the Xuanyuan Family. How was he any different from Xuanyuan Zihao? He could allow Xuanyuan Ziying to use him as a pawn or even a sacrifice, but he wouldn’t allow him to touch Miao Lichen.

“No need, how could I trouble you? The generals are tired as well. There’s no need to discuss military matters right away.” Luo Qinglan stroked Miao Lichen’s hair. His hair had been dyed a pure black. Although it was dyed with heavy ink, it didn’t leave a pungent smell, but a light, faint fragrance. He didn’t want to ruin white hair he loved so much, even though the black hair Miao Lichen was equally captivating.

“It looks like Prince Lan isn’t willing to let this beauty out of your sight for even a second.” Xuanyuan Zihao turned and walked toward a tent first. The central tent was adorned with the banner of the Xuanyuan Empire, its golden patterns exuding luxury and grandeur. He looked at it for a long moment before finally lifting the tent flap.

As he had said, food and wine had already been laid out in the spacious tent, still warm and emitting a tempting fragrance. Although it couldn’t be compared to luxurious meals enjoyed in the palace, it was definitely a delicacy for Luo Qinglan who had eaten too much barbecue and desserts the past few days.

“Then I thank you for your hospitality.” Luo Qinglan pulled up a chair for Miao Lichen to sit beside him. Although Miao Lichen shouldn’t be able to sit at the table with his status, the reputation of a lecherous prince still had its uses. Knowing his reputation, no one raised any objections. Amidst the clinking of cups, Miao Lichen rubbed the rim of his wine cup and showed no intention of removing his veil.

Luo Qinglan paused for a moment, then tipped back a cup of wine to hide his somewhat remorseful expression. He had actually forgotten that Miao Lichen was not suitable to dine in front of others while hiding his face. He had selfishly assumed that Miao Lichen was at least safe by his side. But Miao Lichen was not weak, and he did not need his self-righteous protection.

Had he already placed himself in the position of a protector in just a few days? This was bad; Miao Lichen was a dying man. Becoming too emotionally invested in him would be cruel to himself. An example was the Xuanyuan Zihao in front of him, who was staring at Miao Lichen with a hint of scrutiny; and the Consort beside him, whose smile was becoming increasingly unnatural.

“What’s wrong, is the food we prepared not to your liking, Miss? You don’t look like you have any appetite.” Xuanyuan Zihao seemed to have discovered something as he spoke with a slightly flirtatious tone, but not an annoying one. He gave off the air of a dashing and carefree person. The imposing aloofness lent to him by the armor softened somewhat.

Miao Lichen did not answer as a hint of mocking amusement flashed through his eyes. He picked up the wine cup, poured it on the ground and walked out the tent. He had no intention of hiding his identity from Xuanyuan Zihao. Since Xuanyuan Zihao was able to seize the throne from Xuanyuan Ziying in the original story, he wouldn’t be an easy opponent. If he couldn’t even recognize his ex, he wouldn’t be Xuanyuan Zihao. He came here dressed as a woman simply to hitch a ride with Luo Qinglan.

While this world could enhance the Qixiu internal energy, he didn’t know what the next world would bring him. So he had to seize this opportunity. Compared to going to the front lines alone, traveling along with the Azure Dragon Empire entourage gave him more time to train. But all good things must come to an end. He should be content with what he had gained.

Beneath the red robes, his skin was deathly pale and even the veins could be made out. The cold demeanor he put on couldn’t conceal the weakness emanating from his pale lips no matter how cold he acted. He looked every bit like someone at death’s door. Though not frightening, he certainly wasn’t a pleasant sight.

The atmosphere in the tent was somewhat somber. Miao Lichen stepped out and walked further and further away from the camp. Leaning against a tree, he pulled off the cumbersome long dress, leaving only his white undergarment. With a flick of his sleeve, a red robe draped over his shoulders. He removed the red veil from his face. His slightly made-up features hid his overly pale complexion. His black hair also made him less conspicuous.

Nangong Qingyue reached over and removed the overly feminine hairpin from his hair and ran his fingers through his hair to straighten the black hair. Using a strip of red gauze, he tied back the front section of Miao Lichen’s hair, leaving the rest loose down his back. “A’chen, why are you here?” Why did you show up here? Nangong Qingyue narrowed his eyes as he asked a fruitless question.

“It was His Majesty’s order. Instead of worrying about me, you should worry about yourself. My martial arts are far better than yours.” Miao Lichen did not turn around as he replied as casually as always.

“It really is him.” Nangong Qingyue sighed, a small smile returning to his face to hide the slight gloom in his eyes. Truly, the Emperor was capable of using anything. So-called promises are utterly worthless. He gripped the pendant hanging around his neck, the slightly cool touch bringing him a sense of peace. Since he was a member of the Vermillion Bird royal family, there was still room for negotiation.

Looks like this pendant has to be given to Xuanyuan Zihao, because he didn’t want to be separate from Miao Lichen. He wanted them to stay together. The pendant would also give Xuanyuan Zihao a reason to revolt.

He only hoped that Xuanyuan Ziying wouldn’t break his promise and disturb them again. He played with Miao Lichen’s hair again; he always believed that Miao Lichen with black hair was the real Miao Lichen; a 21st century doctor and not someone whose hair turned white overnight for Xuanyuan Zihao.

“In this world, only his orders would make me willingly carry them out.” Miao Lichen smiled. “Xuanyuan Ziying would be a good Emperor, and so would Luo Qinglan.”

“I naturally believe your judgment. But Luo Qinglan looks much more dangerous than His Majesty.” Nangong Qingyue leaned near Miao Lichen, his eyes filled with joy, as if the topic they were discussing was not about someone’s danger level.

“Is that so?” Miao Lichen looked toward the setting sun. The crimson evening clouds were especially beautiful. “I thought you would say His Majesty is more dangerous.”

“I already know how dangerous Xuanyuan Ziying is, so I will be on guard. But Luo Qinglan, whether it was when he was Xu Lan or the current him, I have never been able to see through him. The more unknown something is, the more frightening it is, is it not?” Nangong Qingyue had almost leaned entirely against Miao Lichen at some point.

“Indeed… the less you know, the more you fear it.” Miao Lichen gently curled his lips and took two steps forward. Nangong Qingyue, who had wanted to close the distance between them, clenched his hands.

Luo Qinglan’s mother came from a martial arts family; he was arguably the strongest person in the original novel. From his point of view, Xuanyuan Zihao’s conquest of the empire was due at least as much to Luo Qinglan as to himself. That line of his—”A male confidant is only a confidant”—was certainly open to interpretation.

“A’chen, why are you willing to obey Xuanyuan Ziying?” Nangong Qingyue had wanted to ask this for a long time. Both of them were transmigrators. They should have had nothing tying them down. So why did he value Xuanyuan Ziying so much?

“There aren’t so many whys. I just thought of it and did it.” Miao Lichen’s voice became emptier as he turned around and walked back to the tent.

A hint of displeasure flashed through Nangong Qingyue’s eyes behind him. It was not at Miao Lichen, but at the Emperor. Shouldn’t the two of them be the closest people in this world?

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