WBSGVS Chapter 153 V2

There was no use provoking Mu Qingli—she had always been difficult to deal with. Besides, with an impotent husband and the need to take concubines just to prove she wasn’t infertile, she was already unlucky enough.

Qingli noticed the sympathetic looks people were giving her. But since she had orchestrated this situation herself, she wasn’t embarrassed in the slightest. She calmly found a quiet corner to sit down.

She had no interest in socializing—it was too much trouble. She just wanted to be an enviable widow.

The only reason she was here was for the Sixth Prince.

But why hadn’t he shown up yet?

Of course, she wasn’t expecting to see the Sixth Prince directly, but since he was here to celebrate with the Nie family, his wife, who was also distantly related to them, should have been here too. Qingli had planned to drop her a subtle warning.

The banquet soon began, and the Nie family served a grand feast. In the lively atmosphere, the Nie family’s young madam even brought out the newborn heir for everyone to see.

Since the original Mu Qingli had a good relationship with her, the young madam specifically called Qingli over to touch the baby for good luck.

Qingli played along with a smile, and after the child was taken away by the wet nurse, she returned to her seat and whispered to her maid, “Has the Sixth Prince arrived? Why haven’t I heard anything?”

The maid smiled and replied, “The Sixth Prince has arrived and is in the men’s section, but the princess consort isn’t feeling well, so she didn’t come.”

Qingli: “….”

The maid asked, “Madam, do you need something?”

“Nothing!” Qingli quickly shook her head and glanced toward the men’s section.

The two areas weren’t far apart—one was in the eastern courtyard, the other in the western courtyard. Even from the women’s section, the noise from the men’s banquet was audible.

—

Midway through the banquet, worried that the Sixth Prince might leave early, Qingli quietly got up and instructed her maid to inform their hosts that she was stepping out early.

She chose a path that passed closer to the men’s section.

Peeking inside, she observed for a moment.

By now, the sky had darkened. Even with candlelight, the surroundings still appeared dim. Qingli stood there, waiting to see if any young attendants would pass by—someone she could ask to summon her older brother.

Her brother would be here tonight. She had originally hoped to avoid involving him, but with the princess consort absent, she had no choice.

Plans never keep up with changes!

Just then, a deep voice came from behind her. “What are you doing?”

Qingli turned around quickly and saw a young man standing about six feet away. Dressed entirely in black, his sharp, eagle-like eyes were locked onto her, as if she were some kind of threat.

Half of his face was concealed in shadows, but the visible side was strikingly handsome. The flickering candlelight cast soft glows on his face, adding an unexpected warmth to his otherwise cold expression.

What stood out even more was his posture—upright and disciplined, like a well-trained soldier.

Qingli was momentarily dazed but quickly composed herself. “I need to speak with my brother. I was looking for someone to pass along the message.”

The young man’s gaze flickered with hesitation, as if trying to place her.

Qingli smiled. “I’m Mu Qingli, the third miss of the Mu family.”

Recognition dawned in his eyes, and he nodded slightly before stepping past her, seemingly intending to help deliver the message.

Qingli relaxed. But just as he passed her, she suddenly remembered—wasn’t this young man from the Nie family’s second branch?

This was Nie Xiao!

Not only was he the younger brother of the Sixth Prince’s wife, but he was also the commander of the Emperor’s elite secret guards. At just thirteen, he had already made a name for himself. Since there was no military exam, he had instead joined the imperial guards, where he quickly rose through the ranks.

Within a short time, he had distinguished himself with multiple achievements and became the vice commander, directly serving under the Emperor. His success was one of the key reasons why the Emperor favored the Sixth Prince’s succession.

This man was loyal to the Sixth Prince!

In the original timeline, after the Fourth Prince ascended the throne, there were multiple assassination attempts on him. The most serious one nearly succeeded.

The assassins? The former Emperor’s imperial guards.

Escaping after assassinating an Emperor was nearly impossible. During that incident, someone stayed behind to cover the retreat of the others, sacrificing himself.

That person was Nie Xiao, the younger brother of the Sixth Prince’s wife!

Afterward, with the Emperor’s health deteriorating, Xie Rongyun was given full power as the Prime Minister Regent.

Qingli recognized him not only from her memories but also from his current demeanor—he was nothing like an ordinary nobleman.

Most of the aristocrats in the capital carried themselves with scholarly elegance, and while black wasn’t considered inauspicious, few people chose to wear it.

But Nie Xiao stood here, clad in black, exuding an aura that made it clear he wasn’t just any young master.

“Second Young Master Nie!” Qingli suddenly called out.

He turned back, puzzled. “What is it?”

Qingli gave him a bright smile. “No need to send word anymore. Instead, please pass a message to the Sixth Prince—three days from now, at the horse race, do not switch horses!”

Nie Xiao’s pupils shrank, his eyes narrowing as he stared at her intently.

“My task is complete.” Qingli offered a slight bow before turning to leave, not waiting for further questions.

“Stop!” Nie Xiao’s voice was low and commanding.

But Qingli only walked faster.

The more she said, the more mistakes she might make. Someone like him, who operated in the highest political circles, was bound to be extremely suspicious. He would take the warning seriously.

Nie Xiao took quick strides to catch up, reaching out to grab her.

But just as his hand extended, before he even touched her, she unexpectedly grabbed his wrist with a warm and soft hand.

His pupils trembled, momentarily stunned.

And in the next instant, the world spun.

Before he even realized what had happened, he was already on the ground, completely caught off guard.