xymnovel Chapter 8 Could he actually be a wise ruler?
Chapter 8 Could he actually be a wise ruler?
Could it be... that this damned emperor really found out?
Has the plan been exposed?
Xu Longxiang...
Jiang Qingxue dug her fingertips into her palm, using the pain to force herself to calm down.
But her voice still trembled uncontrollably:
"Your Majesty...I know my crime..."
"Oh?" Qin Mu raised an eyebrow. "Then tell me, what crime have you committed?"
Jiang Qingxue's mind raced.
Unauthorized use of force? A disturbance of the imperial carriage?
These charges could be serious or minor, but they certainly wouldn't warrant him using this tone.
Did he really find out...?
No, it's impossible.
The plan had only just begun; she had only been in the palace for two days and hadn't done anything yet.
He couldn't possibly know.
What did he mean?
A test?
Jiang Qingxue gritted her teeth and lowered herself even further:
"Your Majesty, I should not have practiced swordsmanship in the palace, and I should not have been so disrespectful in front of you, almost injuring you... This is a grave offense of disrespect, and I... I am at Your Majesty's mercy."
She spoke sincerely, her voice trembling with tears, and anyone who heard her would feel pity for her.
But Qin Mu smiled.
The clear laughter echoed through the quiet courtyard.
He reached out and used his fingertips to lift Jiang Qingxue's chin, forcing her to raise her head.
Eyes facing each other.
Jiang Qingxue's eyes were still misty with tears, her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she looked pitiful.
But Qin Mu could see clearly that deep in those eyes, there was a hint of panic and... disgust that was being desperately concealed.
Although it was fleeting, he caught a glimpse of it.
interesting.
Qin Mu chuckled inwardly, but his expression remained gentle.
"My beloved concubine is wrong." He shook his head, loosened her chin with his fingers, and instead stroked her cheek.
Warm to the fingertips, with a delicate touch.
Jiang Qingxue's body stiffened, but she dared not dodge.
"Your crime is not in practicing swordsmanship in the palace, nor in offending me."
Qin Mu paused, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.
"But it lies in—"
He deliberately dragged out his words, watching the growing fear in Jiang Qingxue's eyes.
"You wield such a beautiful sword, yet you didn't perform for me right away."
Jiang Qingxue was stunned.
She blinked, tears still clinging to her long eyelashes.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."
She didn't react for a moment, or rather, she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Qin Mu stood up and helped her up.
"What, my beloved concubine is unwilling to perform a sword dance for me?" He feigned displeasure.
Jiang Qingxue then came to her senses and quickly shook her head:
"No, no... I just... just..."
She stammered for a long time but couldn't come up with a coherent explanation.
The turn of events was so sudden that it caught her off guard.
From the initial panic of thinking her plan had been exposed, to the astonishment of discovering he only wanted to watch her sword dance...
My emotions were like a rollercoaster ride.
Qin Mu chuckled inwardly as he looked at her bewildered expression.
This young girl is still too young; she can't keep things to herself.
But that's good, that's what makes it interesting.
He handed the Frost Flowing Sword back to her.
"Since my beloved concubine has admitted her mistake, then I will punish you... Now, perform a complete sword dance for me."
He stepped back a few paces, sat down on a stone bench in the courtyard, and looked at her with a leisurely air.
"Let me enjoy my beloved concubine's sword dance."
Jiang Qingxue gripped the sword, her fingers turning slightly white.
She looked at Qin Mu sitting on the stone bench.
The morning light fell on him; he was languid, one hand supporting his chin, a smile in his eyes, like a spectator eagerly awaiting the start of a good show.
But she knew that beneath this seemingly casual appearance lay unfathomable depths.
The skill he just displayed was definitely not that of an ordinary person.
What exactly is he...?
"My beloved concubine, what are we waiting for?" Qin Mu urged.
Jiang Qingxue took a deep breath, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in her mind.
Whether he is truly incompetent or feigning ignorance, whether he is hiding his true abilities or not...
At this moment, she had no choice but to continue acting.
"Your Majesty... I obey."
She bowed with her sword in hand, then retreated into the courtyard.
Starting stance again.
This time, she was distracted, and her swordplay was far less fluid than before.
Knowing that there was a pair of eyes watching them, they became extremely cautious in every movement.
Qin Mu watched for a while, then suddenly spoke:
"Raise your wrist another three points."
Jiang Qingxue paused, then adjusted as instructed.
"The key to this move, 'The Cold Buds Suddenly Bloom,' lies in the word 'suddenly.' It must be sudden and sharp; you're too gentle."
"Leaving no trace in the snow" emphasizes the word "light," but your landing was too heavy.
......
He pointed out the shortcomings in her swordsmanship one by one.
Moreover, every point hits the nail on the head.
Jiang Qingxue became increasingly alarmed as she practiced.
This is something that someone who doesn't understand swordsmanship could not say!
He not only understands it, but he is also extremely knowledgeable about it!
She recalled what Xu Longxiang had said when evaluating this sword technique, which was seven or eight parts similar to what Qin Mu had said.
No, Qin Mu's words were even more insightful.
How is that possible?
How could a tyrannical ruler who indulges in wine and women all day long have such profound swordsmanship skills?
"stop."
Qin Mu suddenly spoke.
Jiang Qingxue sheathed her sword and stood there, her breathing slightly disordered.
It wasn't just because of sword practice, but also because of the turbulent waves in my heart.
Qin Mu stood up and walked up to her.
"My dear consort, who taught you this swordsmanship?" he asked casually.
Jiang Qingxue's heart tightened, but she replied respectfully:
"Your Majesty, it was taught by a martial arts instructor hired by my family when I was young. I am of dull talent and have only learned a little bit, so please forgive me."
"A martial arts master?" Qin Mu raised an eyebrow. "To be able to teach such swordsmanship, this martial arts master must be no ordinary person."
He reached out and grasped Jiang Qingxue's hand holding the sword.
Jiang Qingxue froze.
"This move should be done like this."
He took her hand and slowly swung his sword.
The movements were slow, but Jiang Qingxue could clearly feel the trajectory of the sword cutting through the air and the path of the internal energy flowing through it.
This sword strike, seemingly the same as the one she had practiced before, was actually far more refined.
"Did you understand?" Qin Mu asked in her ear.
The warm breath brushed against her earlobe, and Jiang Qingxue's ear tips turned red.
"I see... I understand."
"Let's do it one more time."
He released his grip and took a step back.
Jiang Qingxue practiced that move again as instructed.
Sure enough, its power increased greatly.
She was even more shocked.
This emperor not only possessed unfathomable skill in swordsmanship, but was also extremely adept at teaching.
With just a few words of guidance, she was able to break through the bottleneck that had been troubling her for a long time.
If he truly wanted to be a wise ruler...
No, it's impossible.
Jiang Qingxue shook off the thought.
Even if he was truly talented, he was still a foolish ruler.
It is a fact that he neglected state affairs for six months after ascending the throne.
Xu Longxiang's plan is correct.
......
After practicing a set of sword techniques, Jiang Qingxue's forehead was covered in a fine layer of sweat.
Qin Mu clapped his hands: "This time it's much better."
He walked up to her and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead with the corner of his sleeve.
His movements were gentle, and his gaze was focused.
Jiang Qingxue lowered her eyes, not daring to meet his gaze.
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty."
"My dear consort, there's no need for you to be so polite." Qin Mu withdrew his hand and placed it behind his back.
"I see some stiffness in your swordsmanship, which should be due to an incompatibility with your internal energy cultivation method. Here's what I'll do: I'll have someone send you a book of internal energy cultivation methods suitable for women. Practice it accordingly, and it will greatly benefit your swordsmanship."
Jiang Qingxue was startled and immediately knelt down:
"Your Majesty, I am unworthy of such a generous gift..."
"I said you have virtue and ability, so you do."
Qin Mu interrupted her, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Get up.
Jiang Qingxue had no choice but to get up, but her heart grew increasingly uneasy.
Why is he so good to me?
Is it because of her beauty?
Or... is there another motive?
"Alright, I still have official business to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."
Qin Mu turned around, took two steps, then looked back:
"By the way, if my beloved consort wishes to practice swordsmanship in the future, she need not do so secretly. This Yuxiu Palace is secluded, so you may practice as you please. If there is anything you do not understand, you may come to the Yangxin Hall to ask me at any time."
After saying that, he walked away.
The hem of his dark robe fluttered in the morning breeze and quickly disappeared outside the moon gate.
Jiang Qingxue stood still for a long time.
The Frost-Flowing Sword in her hand was icy cold, but her heart was even colder.
This emperor...
It's too deep to fathom.
She must quickly relay what she had seen and heard that day to Xu Longxiang.
And then there's the internal energy cultivation method he mentioned...
Is it a real reward, or a test?
Jiang Qingxue gripped the hilt of her sword tightly, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
This deep palace was more dangerous than she had imagined.
......