Hiya everyone! This is a fanart blog for Of Princes and Paupers!
It is a Scum Villain fanfic!
The Plot? In another universe, a new System is assigned to Shen Yuan. A screw up on it's end means Shen Yuan is landed the role of a nameless but pivotal cannon fodder villain whom Luo Binghe first encounters as a child. As Shen Yuan grows attached to his new life , he does his best to hug the protagonist's thigh. Only to realize....Eh? Since when did he hug the protagonist's heart from the very start?
Meng Yao Huangdi's harem lines up to hear the edict.
Eunuch li: Meng Huangdi had enforced his authority and eliminated two internal threats.
We express our gratitude, Huangdi.
From this day forward, this shall be the structure of Huangdi's harem.
Qin Huanghou. First ranking concubines, Lan gui fei, Team Dimple and Shen guifei.
Second ranking concubines Lucun and Shi guifei.
Third ranking concubine Jiang guifei
8 concubines in all.
Huangdi has ordered the harem and everyone else not to mention the criminals.
Yao: Thank you, Eunuch li.
Minshan, who did you select to take that clan's place?
Su she: I have three clans, Huangdi.
One being Baling Ouyang. Ouyang Zizhen is Taizi's concubine. The Hedong Fu sect, led by Fu Xiaoling. He once was favored by you. Other than that, his clan has a high performance in cultivation.
Yao: Ah, I remember. Despite a middle class sect, his clan members are very talented.
Su She: Lastly is Laoling Qin respectively. Led by your son.
Yao: Sounds perfect.
I want to find some concubines to replace those Nies.
Fuying: We'll prepare a list, Huangdi.
Yao: Marvelous
Shi Mei: Thank you, Huangdi. For protecting them, and in turn executing your enemies
Yao: No problem. I should, as an emperor.
Shi Mei: Here Huangdi. This gold container holds my golden tears.
It's a gift for you and your family.
Yao: Ah, Shi mei. You're so thoughtful. Thank you very much.
And I have a surprise for you too.
Thereafter, the Yue clan members entered and greeted Huangdi.
Yao: You all are now safe, so I permit you to grow your hair as a sign of safety.
Yue Yingtao: Huangdi is incredibly gracious to us.
We now have a sense of safety.
Yao: And no one will ever take advantage of you, unless they want to receive a death sentence.
Nevertheless, Shi Mei will be the leader of the butterfly boned beauty feast people, and his alternative self will continue to lead the Guyuye sect.
Shi Mei: Huangdi.
I want to make myself the emperor.
Yao: Better yet! But you should use this time to build and restore your clans.
Shi Mei: And Mingfan will be my assasin, even though I'm upset with him.
He's so weak sometimes.
Yao: Shi Mei, this is new to him. He'll do better.
Lord Shen could never teach a coward or anything. Am I right?
Shen Jiu: Right Huangdi. I know you have me in my highest regards.
I guess I have to act like Lan Qiren and whoop him. Or maybe not.
It's best to ask him what his problem is.
Yao: Hopefully everything will be clarified.
~~~~~
Later on ~
Shi Mei: My assasin, you didn't have the balls to drug Wei wuxian? You are an assasin!
Mingfan: And he was the yiling laozu. I didn't want to turn into a fierce corpse.
Hua Binan: The guy is a housewife now.
The only terrifying thing about him is his husband.
Shi Mei: I thought I could've liked you other than that sexy Shizun, but I guess I was wrong.
Mingfan: Am I fired?
Shi Mei: No. I'm just disappointed. But I want you to stop falling in love with me.
And forget about that dreadful kiss. We can be friends though.
Mingfan: You kissed me against my will and told me to forget about it? You were sucking on my lips!
Oh well. At least I'm not fired. I don't want to let anyone down, because it's like letting Shizun down.
Shi Mei: I commend your loyalty towards him. I'm crazy for my Shizun just like that. But speaking of Shizun, I have another job for you.
Mingfan: Who do you want me to kill?
Hua Binan: No one this time. Just kidnap Chu Wanning for us, when he comes to visit Huangdi.
Mingfan: But....but Mo Ran will kill me!
Hua Binan: You have to stop being a coward. And forget about Mo Ran. Leave that part to us.
Shi Mei: All we have to do is be hot and he will malfunction.
Mingfan: You want to seduce the emperor too.
I'm kind of used to that.
Shi Mei: Is that an emperor thing I should worry about?
Mingfan: Oh, i forgot to congratulate you!
Shi Mei: Thank you so much.
I have to build myself some more and then take power.
Mingfan: Hmm. That's a tough job.
But I know you and Hua Binan are intellectual and strong.
Shi Mei: Yea. As we should be.
See you, Mingfan.
*walks off with his parallel*
Mingfan: How am I going to kidnap THE Chu Wanning. He's just like Shizun. *confused*
Shen Jiu: *confronts him*
Mingfan: SHIZUN!
Shen Jiu: I was looking from afar. *closes fan*
Mingfan: The guy is confusing. I obeyed you and tried to flirt with him, he said he wants me close to him because of his secret, he kissed me, then he hired me as an assasin and almost fired me after one day of my services.
All this happened in one week, by the way, Shizun. What does he want?
Shen Jiu: An assasin.
And I think he's afraid that his secrets fall on the wrong ears.
Yes, he's related to Huangdi but maids and servants tend to gossip, cultivators will find out and talk about it in their clans.
He wouldn't want his purpose and identity to be blown.
Remember, his clan is still targeted.
He rather be protected by Huangdi instead.
Mingfan: Understandable!
But i don't think I should flirt with someone who's not interested.
Even though he's quite attractive.
Don't kill me, ok. I tried!
Do you know Chu Wanning?
Shen Jiu: Not that much, but I'll meet him personally when he joins Huangdi's elite.
Mingfan: I've only seen him when Shi mei kissed me.
Shen Jiu: Oh dear.
He wanted to make him jealous. *laughing* Ahahahaha, Shi mei amd Hua Binan have their own motives i guess.
Don't worry, I'll find love for you somewhere else.
Mingfan: Right know, I rather immerse myself in cultivation.
I've had too much drama.
Shen Jiu: You shouldn't catch feelings.
Mingfan: You told me to, Shizun.
Shen Jiu: Could've played it safe like me,
Never make them know your inner thoughts and feelings. Do it when necessary.
That's only for relationships, ok. Speak your mind otherwise.
Mingfan: Yes Shizun.
Shen Jiu: Now do some extra training, so that you can be a proper assasin.
I can't let Yao Huangdi down. I have a standard to maintain.
Mingfan: As you wish. I have a standard to maintain too!
Shen Jiu: I must go shopping for Huangdi's little gathering with his elite friends. It's approaching, you know.
Qin Huanghou's is coming up too.
Mingfan: You're in both groups?!
Shizun, Huanghou is part of a all woman's group.
Shen Jiu: Um...I'm aware. I just love their little gossips and company. I'm one of the girls.
They're all so pretty by the way.
Mingfan: *laughing* Shizun!
But what do these two elite groups do?
Shen Jiu: Discuss things, gossip, drink wine enjoy the arts, pool together money for charity, share patronages.
All in all, they can loosen up a bit, among friends. Qin Huanghou's group members are also patrons of each other.
There are various themes too.
Mingfan: You're so popular, Shizun!
Shen Jiu: Yes, those rich people love my charm apparently.
And it's evident here. You very devoted to me and your family send me high quality tea leaves.⁵
~~~
Shi mei and his parallel were at his guest residence in Jing Manor.
Shi Mei: So. I'm an emperor now.
Hua Binan: Huangdi said later on. In my unpopular opinion, I think i should be the emperor. I'm more fit.
Shi mei: I don't agree.
Hua Binan: That's why it's an unpopular opinion.
Shi Mei: You'll be the imperial Secretary.
Hua Binan: Can I still poison people?
Shi mei: Certainly. But please do it to the ones who are actual obstacles.
Hua Binan: I'll try.
Mingjing, I wonder if Mingfan would really kidnap our Napa Cabbage.
Shi Mei: He would, if he's still in love wth me.
Ahh, Napa Cabbage. *looks at a CWN painting* You shall be mine.
Hua Binan: And two is better than one.
Hence he's also mine.
Shi Mei: Shizun.
Mobei Jun: *enters* ..........
Hua Binan: Are you lost?
Mobei Jun: Junshang is coming to meet you.
He has just returned from Beijiang Province.
Shang Qinghua: I love it when you speak.
Hey, I'm Shang Qinghua. I'm from another Jianghu too.
Sha Hualing would've been here but she's busy with the empress these days.
Shi Mei: Oh I see. Come in then.
Hua Binan: Sounds spicy.
Shang Qinghua: Yea. She dances for her.
Binghe: Guys, what did i say about gossiping with the guests.
Shi Mingjing, Hua Binan.
I was at my mansion in Beijiang, Qishan.
I'm Luo Binghe. Demon King, demon lord, Junshang, Meng Gongye. Shizun's wife. Call me anything.
Yao Huang ge advised to show some Meng hospitality and check up on you.
Shi Mei: HEY!!! What Shizun are you talking about?!
Binghe: The best Shizun ever!
Shi Mei: Well you're certainly talking about my Napa Cabbage.
Binghe: Excuse me! He's the peerless cucumber!
Shang Qinghua: And together, they make a salad!!
Who comes up with these things.
Mobei Jun: You know you're crazy when your crush is a vegetable.
Shang Qinghua: Ahahahaha good one!!!
Luo Binghe: Have respect. My Shizun is Shen Qingqiu, the Peak lord of Qing Jing peak!
Hua Binan: Mingjing, Mingfan will be upset
Shi Mei: Shut up.
Junshang, isn't he your brother's concubine?
Hua Binan: And your brother isn't ordinary. He's a powerful emperor.
How scandalous of you.
Binghe: Yea I'm fully aware. Plus Shizun split himself for me. Some say that Huangdi kept the fake Shizun.
Zhonglu (a fox spirit who took the form of Shen Jiu): Hey.
Hua Binan: Now how did you become Huangdi's brother?
Binghe: Taihou made my dad her concubine.
Shi Mei: I see.
Do you know Mingfan.
Binghe: that idiot? Yea I do.
Shi Mei: He's going to kidnap our Shizun.
Chu Wanning.
I don't know if you know this but he's one sexy man.
My parallel self and I are crazy for him.
Binghe: Ahh, I can relate. I'm just as crazy for Shizun, but a little more than you.
I agree you should kidnap him and make him your concubine. But why on earth have you asked Mingfan?!
Hua Binan: Because he's a simp too.
Binghe: pfft. And an entitled asshole.
He was always an obstacle.
Hua Binan: Took up your Shizun's attention?
Binghe: Exactly. But only for a while! I seduced Shizun with my cooking, and even added some of his own blood.
Shi Mei: Do you mean your sweat?
Binghe: Nop.
I put Shizun's blood for seasoning.
It was only a one time thing, I swear!
Hua Binan: I like you.
We're just as chaotic.
Binghe: Do you guys drink wine?
Shi mei: Yes, Junshang.
Binghe: You two should come over and chill a bit. My
treat.
Shi Mei: Thank you for the invite!
Where is Xue Meng?! Xue Meng should be here too!
Shang Qinghua: He's in Lanling.
Shi Mei: *sigh* As expected.
He's obsessed with those lavish places.
~~~~
Meanwhile. In the Jianghu of Sichuan, Song Qiutong was feeling a little bored, so she took the time to read Qin Su's letters.
The empresses had become close friends over a short period of time, by staying in touch through letters, poems and novel recommendations.
In addition, Mo Ran was still on his way back to Sichuan,
Rong Jiu: Empress? May i come in?
I brought something for you.
Song Qiutong: Oh! Rong Jiu! You're always permitted to enter.
You already m dance for me in private, whenever Huangdi isn't around.
What did you bring?
Rong Jiu: I'll show you afterwards.
How are you, Huanghou?
Song Qiutong: I'm ok. Thanks. Is there any special occasion, to give me a gift.
Rong Jiu: Huanghou, you don't need to wait on a special day to give someone a gift of appreciation.
Song Qiutong: Awww.
Rong Jiu: You're an amazing empress.
Song Qiutong: Rong Jiu! Don't make me emotional.
Rong Jiu: Never, Huanghou. Your golden tears shouldn't be wasted.
Song Qiutong: Sweetheart.
Rong Jiu: You and empress Qin are close now, it seems.
Song Qiutong: Ah yes! She's a very lovely person! We're supposed to meet up at Yao Huangdi's banquet.
Rong Jiu: I see.
Song Qiutong: Rong Jiu. Do you feel bored sometimes? Or as if something is missing?
Rong Jiu: But you have everything.
Song Qiutong: That's the point. I have a happy life, and I'm better off! But something is missing.
Rong Jiu: Appreciation, perhaps.
That's why I'm here, to tell you that you're doing great.
Song Qiutong: I wonder if Qin Huanghou feels the same.
But then, she has her family and her Yao Huangdi.
He's a very gorgeous emperor.
I think it's because of that Chu fei.
Rong Jiu: Huanghou is right.
Song Qiutong:: That's why you're my favorite.
Rong Jiu: Mhm. Here's your gift. *hands her a jade comb* A little something something from your devoted companion and biggest fan.
Song Qiutong: Awww! Thank you!
But, a comb? It's a proposal gift?!
Rong Jiu: No no, Huanghou. But feel free to interpret it however you want.
Song Qiutong: Mn. It's a thoughtful gift.
Rong Jiu: I give the best gifts. It's a gift of trust and appreciation.
Song Qiutong: You know, sometimes, I feel like I'm falling from favour.
Rong Jiu: I'll never let that happen, Huanghou.
Yes, I'm but a mere courtesan. But I'm a skilled strategist.
You're falling out of favor because Chu Fei is in your way. You're unable to get rid of him because he's the favorite.
I advise you to dress beautifully *winks* and catch his attention.
Song Qiutong: I've already tried that!
Rong Jiu: Well this time, you should put an aphrodisiac in his wine.
Song Qiutong: *laughs* Good idea!!!
You're always so resourceful.
I would like to help you in return. What do you want?
Rong Jiu: Huanghou, I can't tell you. It's a treasonous demand.
Song Qiutong: *gestures her maids to leave* I'm all ears. Do tell me.
Rong Jiu: Right now, i wish for power and influence.
Song Qiutong: Keep being Mo Huangdi's advisor then
Rong Jiu: Ah, I love being his advisor. And I love my new position as his envoy. But I want more. I want control.
Song Qiutong: We're in the same boat I guess. Craving for more and trying to survive the imperial court.
All he sees is Chu Fei and Shi Mei.
Rong Jiu: Tell me about it.
To tell you the truth, I feel a little overqualified. My parallel self is in fact an emperor. I deserve a little fun too.
Song Qiutong: You aspire to be an emperor then?
Rong Jiu: Of this Jianghu, yes.
Song Qiutong: *gasp* Rong Jiu! You dare conspire against Mo Huangdi!
Rong Jiu: Huanghou, relax. I'm not conspiring at all. Also, I'll never take away your Empire.
I believe you should overthrow that husband of yours.
And Mo Zhaoyang Dianxia will remain as your heir.
Song Qiutong: Hmm. I don't think I can do that.
I not that powerful. And I'm loyal to him
Rong Jiu: You are. My dear idol, Goddess Meng was an empress in her own right, and now she's a powerful taihou.
You should be like her.
Song Qiutong: What a marvelous thought.
But it's a bit too risky.
Rong Jiu: Nothing's risky when I'm here.
I'm your advocate.
Song Qiutong: *smiles* Your loyalty has no bounds.
But what about you?
Rong Jiu: I'm a hulijing.
And the parallel of of an emperor.
I want to be the ruler of the hulijing clans of Sichuan
Song Qiutong: You're a hulijing?
Ah! Rong Jiu! That's amazing!
~~~
Other than being a courtesan, Rong Jiu had been advising Mo Ran in his imperial work and making decisions. But on the other hand, he was taking his cultivation.
If only he had a strong and well cultivated core, he wouldn't have to.
He gradually figured out that Mo Ran only loves him because of his resemblance to Shi Mei.
Rong Jiu believes that if he wins Meng Huangdi's favour, he may give him the power he deserves. Being an envoy would help him stay close to two emperors.
He's loyal to Mo Huangdi, but Meng Huangdi is known to recognize people without using favoritism. Meng Huangdi uses factors like loyalty, talent, skill and intellect.
~ hence it's easier to get favour.
But due to Mo Ran's bad experiences with hulijings, he decides to keep it a secret.
Mo Huangdi sort of "neglects" his emperor duties in a way, because of the many "distractions" and the effects of poison.
Rong Jiu genuinely likes Song Qiutong, and appreciates everything she does. To him, she's a very underrated person who had suffered a lot.
She's in love with the emperor, but now, it feels one sided.
Mingfan: This Shi Mingjing is hot, but I should try avoiding him. The guy poisoned an emperor and tried to kill his crush, too.
I'll just explain to Shizun afterward.
Ning Yingying: But he's adorable. How can he possibly do that?
Mingfan: Don't let looks decieve you! And vengeance is on his menu.
Ning Yingying: Vengeance towards Huangdi??
Mingfan: No.
Plus, I'm sworn to secrecy.
Ning Yingying: Understood. I don't want you to be poisoned as well.
Mingfan: Yea, thank you very much.
Ning Yingying: I got to go.
I have tea with Qin Huanghou. Bye, shi xiong.
Shi Mei: *opens fan* Hey, Mingfan.
Mingfan: Shi Gongzi. How are you?
Shi Mei: I have a few things to tell you. Are you free?
Well, of course you are. You're not underneath your Shizun.
Mingfan: Have respect.
Shi Mei: Who was that girl?
I hope you didn't tell her about my secret.
Mingfan: No, not at all. She's my shimei and Dianxia's concubine.
Shi Mei: You have almost all my secrets, Mingfan. Hence, I won't let you leave that easily.
Mingfan: M...meaning? Are we together or something?
Shi Mei: *rolls eyes* No.
To safeguard my little secret, I must have you close to me before anything leaks.
Also, I need a henchman.
Mingfan: Heh! But what if I happened to tell you that I'm not interested.
Shi Mei: Then I'll have to make you forget about certain things.
But why are you so scared, bro? You literally went to a foreign Jianghu with me. We shared a kiss.
Mingfan: You are the one who kissed me!
Shi Mei: And you're the one who was trying to impress me!
Mingfan: *gasps* I could explain!
Shi Mei: *mocking him* So be it, Shi mei. I'll ambush the cultivators.
Mingfan: I was just being an idiot.
Shi Mei: It was rather amusing.
Now, will you be my secret henchman?
By the way, you don't have any other option.
Someone can die.
Mingfan: Why me???
Shi Mei: Because I trauma dumped on you!
Mingfan: *sigh* Fine. You have a point.
Also, I don't want to die.
Shi Mei: Good then! Welcome to the team. Let's go meet Yao shu.
Mingfan: So Huangdi is in on it?
Shi Mei: Duh. We're family.
Now, let me explain something to you.
My alternate self, Hua Binan, is an embodiment of my own hatred and intrusive thoughts.
He made me do what I did.
Mingfan: But why are you two so ruthless?
You're too pretty!
Shi Mei: You'll know everything, Mingfan. Don't worry.
~~
Yao Huangdi's grand study 📍
Su she: Huangdi, the butterfly boned beauty feast refugees are guarded by Moling Su. And i assure you that no one in the jianghu will know about their special properties.
Yao: Excellent. However, I want them to live their lives freely.
Shi Mei: Huang shu. Greetings.
Yao: Ah, my dear Shi Mei. I was just discussing the protection of your people.
Minshan will take care of everything.
Shi Mei: Thank you so much!
Yao: I'll declare the butterfly boned feast people the sword siblings of fox spirits. Whosoever kills them or hunts them down will get a death sentence.
Shi Mei: I love the sound of that. You know how hard it is to be vulnerable all the time and see your nation crumble. You hide your true identity because you don't want to be sold like cattle.
Yao: I can relate! What the cultivation world did was awful. They constantly spread their clasist and oppressive rhetoric despite being abolished by me.
After I visit Sisheng Peak, I'll grant you emense power and protection.
Shi mei: Will that revive the butterfly feast?
Yao: Definitely. You shall have an upper hand, as you so deserve.
Shi Mei: *kneels* I express my gratitude, Huang Shu! May you live long! Speaking of living long, I'll present you and the Mengs with my golden tears.
It's hard to obtain and can grant immortality.
I want to give it to my Huang shu.
Yao: I'm honored to receive such a valuable gift. Immortality is a serious thing. My ancestor, Meng Mengyuan, was crazy for immortality. And I named my sword hate for life.
When I achieved my goal and saw my family prosper, I seemed to fall in love with life.
Immortality is only blissful if you truly love yourself.
My Meng family and I will indeed use your gift when everything is finished.
Shi mei: So be it.
By the way, Mingfan is my henchman now.
Yao: Good job.
Mingfan is very talented.
Mingfan: I was kind of iffy, but not anymore.
I finally understand him, and I am very sorry. The Jianghu has a dark and disgusting side that no one addresses.
Yao: Every society has their dirty laundry. A-Niang, your Shizun, Xue yang, and I were victims of it.
Mingfan: Oh my goodness.
Yao: How do you think that the rich and powerful remained rich and powerful?
There must be someone on the other side of the spectrum.
I firmly believe that everyone deserves success and respect.
Shi Mei: That's why I came to you, Huang Shu.
I knew my Huang shu would hear my plea.
Yao: Definitely.
Shi Mei, there are some top enemies here who have butterfly boned blood on their hands.
But team dimple will figure out who these people are.
I told them where to look.
Shi Mei: Those bastards should pay for what they did, Huang shu.
Yao: I won't spare them. Team dimple.
Go ahead, and get back to me.
Su she: Yes, Huangdi.
Mo xuanyu: As you wish, Yoa gege!
Xue yang: On it. Should we drag them here or kill them on the spot?
Yao: Bring them to my court as prisoners, and I shall interrogate them and punish them accordingly.
~
Lanling 📍.
Xue yang: This explains why those old Jin prisoners were quiet lately.
Su She: *scoffs* Jin guangshan is now scrawny, but he still has to pay the emperors.
Mo xuanyu: Serves him right.
And that's the only reason why Yao gege kept him alive.
But what happened to madam Jin?
Su she: Huangdi has an eye on her, remember?
Xue yang: This means that he's waiting for us to strike first.
Suddenly, a cloaked person bumped into xue yang.
Xue yang: Hey!
.....Sorry....
Xue yang: Which sect is this? Are you guys a cult.
The person took off the cloak to reveal that she is a bald woman with violet eyes.
Su she: Are you a Buddhist monk?
No, Xiandu. But I'm a part of a monastery made up of 40 women. My name is Yue Yingtao, of the Lanling Yue Monastary.
We developed our own calligraphy and system. Instead of swords, we strangle our oponents with sheets.
Su she: That's quite unique.
I believe that your sect should be more prominent.
Yue Yingtao: No. We would rather stay hidden.
Are you three going to Jinlintai?
Su she: Correct.
We're on some important business.
Yue Yingtao: *trembles* Don't go there! My elders warned us about them! J...Jin guangshan..had!
Mo xuanyu: Yea, we're aware that he's a nasty person.
Yue Yingtao: Most ....most of my sect members were harassed by him!
And he kept cutting our hair to brew tea!
Mo xuanyu: WHAT?! That's absolutely horrible!
Yue Yingtao: Him and sect leader Yao!
This was before the emperor joined the Jin sect! We stopped growing our hair as a protective mechanism.
Su she: Disgusting! How dare he do that to you and your sect members! And hair tea is so bizarre.
Xue yang: Everything is bizarre about that creep.
Yue Yingtao: My sect members and I are butterfly boned beauty feasts.
It's common for us to be exploited like this.
Su she: Ah, what a coincidence. We were on our way to investigate and arrest them.
Yao Huangdi intends to give you proper justice.
Yue Yingtao: That's some good news. Convey my thanks.
There are others like us who are scattered around the Jianghu.
Mo xuanyu: Yea, we know. And Shanshan is protecting them.
Meanwhile, in Jinlintai, former Madam Jin was in her room, which resembles servant quarters. She became more and more bitter, as she's still stuck in her old scheming ways. Recently, Madam Jin was happy about Jinling becoming the Jin sect leader and getting married. But the resentment towards the Mengs is still there.
Jin guangshan, however, stayed in another dilapidated room.
Meng Shi is always proud of her effortless immortal beauty, while madam Jin has to use her qi and cultivation to stay youthful. However, there is something else that she used, which is more sinister.
Former Madam Jin: *uses a chalk like substance as blush* Jinling will become emperor one day, and his dear wife will rule by his side.
Now, it's time to make him my pawn.
Former Madam Jin: I love you, my dear grandson, but I'm hungry for control.
You'll be the emperor, surely.
All but name alone.
Those Mengs don't deserve the Jianghu. I do!
*looks at her reflection* Ahh, these crushed bones do the trick! The butterfly boned beauty feast is a valuable species.
Suddenly, she got tossed across the room by guqin waves, and then Xue yang held his sword on her neck.
Madam Jin: TEAM DIMPLE! How dare you enter my room!
Su she: The Emperor gave us full authority to enter wherever we like!
Xue yang: *grits his teeth* Do you want me to slit your throat, you old bat?!
Mo Xuanyu: Madam Jin, you're still conspiring against Yao gege! And you dare use A-Ling
Su she: Suyin. Arrest her!
And get Jin guangshan, too.
Xue yang: *pushes* Go on!
Suyin: *orders his Su troops to hold her down*
Madam Jin: You can't just arrest us without reason?!
Su she: Other than your treason, you and your husband had exploited the butterfly boned beauty feast people.
It is a serious crime!
Xue yang: But dearie, you don't need to answer to us.
Madam Jin: Those are my makeup supplies!
Mo xuanyu: Oho, who are you fooling.
Makeup smells like flowers, but this smells like stinky tofu.
Madam Jin: It's a beauty product, I swear.
Mo xuanyu: Who in their right mind would use stinky tofu on their face?!
Xue yang: And what are these pills?
Do you get high on butterfly boned feasts?
Madam Jin: That's nonsense! Now, don't touch my pills!
Jin guangshan: *being dragged out by other Su sect members* If I'm intimate jail, who would pay the rent! I'll be in debt!
Su she: I'm sure the emperors will think of something.
Take them to the Imperial prisons.
Xue yang: The jail cell will be much better, trust me.
Jin guangshan: I'll give you guys money! Do you three bandits want money?!
How about you, Su she.
Mo xuanyu: You can't bribe us, nor Su xiandu! He only listens to Yao gege!
Su she: You should be grateful to Huangdi for sparing you. But you two had chosen to remain conniving.
You've both reached your limits.
Xue yang: If you don't confess in front of our glorious emperor, we'll brand you until you do.
Su she: Oh dear. Don't scare them yet, yangyang.
Madam Jin: Zixuan and Jinling will save us!
Su she: Oh, really?
I thought you wanted to steal their place a while ago?
They will never interfere.
Mo xuanyu: Shanshan, the next place is the cloud recesses!
Xue yang: Shameful, perfect Lans. What have they done? *laughing*
Su she: I'm not surprised. I knew that they were hiding something, and Huangdi confirmed it.
This was all thanks to his hulijing undercover spies who pose as students.
Xue yang: Another way to make Lan lips fall out of favor.
Mo xuanyu: And we'll have Yao gege to ourselves!
Yes, team dimple, I chose this time to simp.
~
Gusu, cloud recesses 📍
Lan Qiren was enjoying peace and quiet while sipping on some tea. Hamguang Jun and his "sidepiece" were out night hunting, and Xichen was in Jing Manor being a concubine. Now he's alone with his true love, which is tea. Just green tea.
Qiren: *started* How did you get in!
Xue yang: Through the window.
Shanshan and Yuyu are going to burst through the door any minute.
Qiren: *sigh* First, your Emperor's hulijings, and now team dimple.
What a day.
Xue yang: *pours tea for himself*
This thing is like leaf water! Make it again!
Qiren: It wasn't for you!!!
Xue yang: You don't know how to treat Team Dimple! How dare you!
Mo xuanyu: Old man Lan, you're under arrest!
Su She: Lan Qiren.
I've never liked you, but I never expected that you had blood on your hands.
Qiren: You think you can just barge in here, Su she! Just because you're Xiandu?! You're still not welcomed!
Su she: We represent the emperor, mind you.
Qiren: What do you guys want?!
And what blood are you talking about.
Mo xuanyu: You're a part of the butterfly boned conspiracy.
Yao gege forbade exploitation in his Jianghu!
Su She: Now come with us quietly! Your sect leader to be is Jingyi, who's your Huangdi's son.
Mo xuanyu: Luckily, he's not guilty of anything
Qiren: *rubs his temples* Aiyya. Team dinple, you're getting it wrong. The butterfly boned beauty feast people are half demons already. Everything in their body has qi enhancement properties.
The hair, bones, skin, heart, nails, core, and genitals are among the common parts harvested. While the tears are rare.
I studied it for a long time and tried it with Jin guangshan, the deceased Jiang Fengmian and Sect leader yao. They were already half demons, so there's no big deal.
Su she: But aren't they living and breathing?! You all are disgusting! Yes, I have done bad, but I'll never harvest someone like that!
Xue yang: Take that sicko away.
Qiren: Wangji and Xichen! They'll bail me out!
Su she: They can beg as much as they want.
Now, you will stay in a cell with the others. Huangdi will deal with you after his trip.
~~
The next venue was Qinghe Nie. (Suprise surprise. Well, not for team dimple. They've always suspected Dage for something)
One of the undercover hulijings, Nie Youling, told team d everything.
On the other hand, Nie Mingjue was inspecting the Man eating caves, and making sure that it's heavily guarded. Nie Huaisang however sealed the supernatural activities of the cave with the help of astrology.
Mingjue: Our ancestors were butchers, they've obtained power and now they're hungry ghosts trapped in the wall and swords.
Hence we have to seal them every three years.
Huaisang: Dage, San ge had already targeted people who exploited the butterfly boned feast. What will he do if he finds out.
Mingjue: That's why we should cover it up.
Huaisang: Got it.
Mingjue: I had to be controlled by hulijings long enough. His family adopted Binghe. Now, this Huangdi is condoning another type of half demons. What will happen to us and the Jianghu.
I think I want to be chief cultivator now, and get the Jianghu back on track. I'll be able keep the secret of our ancestors gaining their power from Butterfly boned beauty feasts.
Huaisang: You're serious, dage?! I thought you told me to stop scheming, now you are??? Why don't you be thr emperor!
Mingjue: I'm not scheming. I just believe I should be in control for once. But sometimes I feel it's Baxia talking instead.
Technically, the Nie ancestors used the butterfly boned beauty feast to get their power. They have also hunted hulijings for the same reason. Thr man eating caves are filled with hungry ghosts who still want to devour the butterfly boned beauty feast.
They would indeed eat anyone, but that species is a preference. If they're fed to the cave, the Nies become stronger.
Nie Mingjue now wants to break the Jianghu away from Yao huangdi, mainly because of his ego and self righteousness
And if he becomes Xiandu, he can easily hide his dirty laundry from Yao Huangdi.
In the beginning, he feared the Mengs, and took all the manhandling from the emperor. But due to his resentful sword spirits, he had developed conflicting ideas. It made Huangdi's control unbearable at times, even though Yao isn't a tyrant.
Probably his resentful energy stemmed from jealousy towards Huangdi, as well as trust issues. They never agreed on anything.
On the other hand, Yao Huangdi continues to play the collection of turmoil for him, but it just makes the resentful energy worse.
