kvmb Chapter 107: Prince Murong Che Makes His Debut
Chapter 107: Prince Murong Che Makes His Debut
Five days later, as dawn broke, the soft sunlight gently bathed the ancient city walls, gilding the mottled bricks with a faint golden glow. The fresh air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and grass; a gentle breeze stirred, and the weeping willows along the street swayed gracefully, as if whispering secrets to the early birds. The streets and alleys gradually came alive, the cries of vendors rising and falling like a cheerful morning melody.
Shen Wanqing, dressed in an elegant white dress, moved gracefully through the bustling market. Her delicate features and gentle demeanor stood out in the crowd. Just as she was focused on selecting items, several shady-looking thugs suddenly surrounded her. They wore their hats askew, their eyes filled with ill intent, and uttered lewd remarks: "Oh, this young lady is quite pretty!"
Shen Wanqing was startled, and her face instantly turned pale. She subconsciously took a few steps back, her eyes filled with fear and unease, like a frightened fawn.
Just then, Murong Feng happened to pass by. His brows furrowed, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes, and he shouted without hesitation, "Insolence! How dare you harass a respectable woman in broad daylight!"
Having said that, he moved with lightning speed, swiftly blocking Shen Wanqing's path. The thugs, enraged that someone had ruined their "good deed," lunged at Murong Feng, fists flailing. Murong Feng, agile and nimble, easily dispatched the thugs, who, realizing the danger, scrambled away in a panic.
Shen Wanqing's body was still trembling slightly, her eyes filled with fear and lingering dread, as if the vicious words and deeds of those thugs were still haunting her.
Seeing this, Murong Feng quickly walked to her side, his eyes full of concern and tenderness. He said softly, "Miss Shen, don't be afraid. Those villains have been driven away by me. You are safe now."
Shen Wanqing raised her head and looked at Murong Feng, her voice trembling slightly: "Thank you for saving me, Your Highness. Just now I truly thought..."
Murong Feng gently shook his head, interrupting her, "With me here, I won't let you get hurt. Don't worry, there are many people and suspicious eyes in this market, let me take you back to the restaurant first."
Shen Wanqing nodded slightly and said gratefully, "In that case, I will trouble Your Highness. However, what happened today has left me with lingering fear."
Murong Feng extended his arm, gesturing for her to take his, and walked slowly alongside her, saying, "Miss Shen has been frightened. If you need to go out again in the future, you might as well bring more servants with you, so that you can have someone to look after you."
"Hmm~" Shen Wanqing pursed her lips, lowered her head, and responded.
Murong Feng and Shen Wanqing walked side by side on the way back to the restaurant. He glanced at her slightly and asked with a hint of expectation, "Miss Shen, do you have any news about your brother? I have been thinking about him and hope to find his whereabouts."
Upon hearing this, Shen Wanqing's slightly calmed mood instantly plummeted as if she had fallen into an ice cave. Her brows furrowed tightly, and her eyes reddened slightly. She bit her lower lip, trying to suppress the surging emotions within her, but the heartache overwhelmed her like a tidal wave. She remained silent for a moment, her voice slightly choked: "Your Highness, I have inquired everywhere, but there is still no news. My brother and I depend on each other for survival, and now that he is missing, my heart... feels like a piece is missing, empty and desolate. Every time I think of this, it feels like a thousand arrows piercing my heart."
Just as Murong Feng was lost in thought, his gaze was inadvertently locked onto a figure. Not far away, the Fourth Prince, Murong Che, stood alone at a street corner. He was slightly thin, his blue robe fluttering gently in the breeze, yet unable to conceal the aura of desolation emanating from him. His face was still handsome, but haggard, his eyes empty and lifeless, revealing endless sorrow and weariness. His former spiritedness had vanished, replaced by a deep-seated despondency.
You see, ever since his wife was cruelly taken by illness a year ago, Murong Che seemed to have lost his pillar of support, becoming utterly despondent. He no longer participated in the lively court banquets or important state affairs of the past, confining himself to his cold mansion like a wounded beast licking its wounds alone, oblivious to everything around him. But now, this man, seemingly forgotten by time, appeared in this bustling marketplace, how could Murong Feng not be utterly astonished?
Filled with doubt, Murong Feng quickly whispered a few words to Shen Wanqing before slowly walking towards Murong Che. His eyes were filled with surprise and concern as he softly asked, "Fourth Brother, what are you doing here?"