The Rise of the Supreme Concubine

Feng Muqing slowly opened her eyes, finding herself enveloped in a fiery red hue.

What's going on?

Did I just take a nap? Why am I dressed as a bride upon awakening?

Feng Muqing was embarrassed.

As a revered deity, she, who resembled an ancient ironwood tree, inexplicably found herself in a bridal gown.

In an instant, Feng Muqing was wide awake. However, as she tried to sit up, dizziness hit her, causing her to sit back down again.

Her head throbbed with a chaotic mess, and she shook her head, holding her forehead, gradually organizing her thoughts.

Ugh...

The corners of Feng Muqing's mouth twitched.

She never imagined that after enduring numerous years, the heavenly thunder didn't strike her dead. Instead, she died in her sleep.

Ridiculous!

Absolutely absurd!

The original owner of this body also bore the name Feng Muqing. She was the legitimate daughter of Prime Minister Feng Tianling of the Beiyi Kingdom. She was born with a natural omen, and the entire capital witnessed flashes of lightning and thunder when she was born.

Her mother, Lan Jingrou, died in childbirth. In his grief, her father sent the newborn Feng Muqing to the most remote part of the Prime Minister's Mansion, Beiyuan, where only one maidservant tended to her.

The servants in the residence took advantage of her situation and mistreated her for a full fifteen years.

But the original owner of this body, with a strong will to live, had managed to grow up in such circumstances.

Taking a deep breath, Feng Muqing pulled open the curtain of her sedan, only to be greeted by a silent wilderness, without a soul in sight.

Wasn't she supposed to be on her way to the Regent's Manor for her arranged marriage?

Why was she in this desolate forest?

And where did all those sedan bearers disappear to?

Feng Muqing was filled with questions, but there was no one to answer them.

Suddenly, a wave of hostility came rushing toward her, and Feng Muqing's heart tightened as she quickly sidestepped.

Thud!

A massive tree behind her fell to the ground.

She inhaled sharply, her eyelids twitching.

It seemed like fate was truly favoring her today, not only making her wear a wedding gown but also subjecting her to an attack.

A group of men in black wielding knives confronted her. The warm sunlight glinted coldly off their blades.

The two parties locked eyes. Feng Muqing's finger, hidden behind her sleeve, moved a little. A gust of wind passed, creating an eerie silence.

What's happening?

Why aren't my spells working?

Feng Muqing couldn't help but bitterly smile, thinking about how she, the youngest revered deity in the divine realm, was now seemingly vulnerable to harm.

"Attack!"

With a fierce shout from one of the men in black, they all charged at Feng Muqing.

Feng Muqing's heart sank, and she quickly pulled out the hairpin from her hair, making a few quick insertions into her body. Suddenly, her body felt lighter, and a warm sensation filled her Dantian.

She nimbly evaded the slashing blades. Seizing an opportunity, she grabbed the wrist of one of the men in black, wrenching the knife from his grasp.

The man was taken aback, staring at his empty hand.

Wasn't this supposed to be a useless person?

Since when could a waste like this disarm him?

But the man quickly regained his composure, angrily yelled, and lunged at her again with another blade.

Clang! Clash!

The sound of metal striking metal echoed piercingly in the quiet forest. The sparks created by the clashing weapons illuminated Feng Muqing's serious face.

The combatants moved in a chaotic dance of death, every move aimed to kill.

Blood stained her blade. Red droplets, reminiscent of fluttering butterflies, contrasted starkly against the darkness.

Bodies of the men in black littered the ground. Feng Muqing's expression remained cold, her sharp eyes focused on her attackers.

Seeing their dwindling numbers, panic set in among the remaining attackers. They contemplated retreating.

Ha!

Noticing their hesitation, Feng Muqing let out a cold laugh.

Those who dared threaten her life would surely pay with their own.

Seizing the opportunity, Feng Muqing leaped into the air, spun around, and kicked. Two men clutched their chests and fell, her blade pointed at their throats.

"Who sent you?"

"We do the bidding of whoever pays us."

"Tell me who's behind this, and I'll spare your lives."

The men remained silent.

Feng Muqing's eyes narrowed, and she casually made a slash with her knife. The two men in black widened their eyes and collapsed suddenly.

Blood flowed along the edge of the blade, dropping onto the dry grass.

She coldly glanced at the corpses before throwing the blade aside and following the cart tracks back.

Fortunately, on her path to becoming a god, she diligently studied martial arts, medicine, poison arts... she dabbled in almost every field.

Otherwise, given the situation just now, she would have already become a lost soul under the blade.

Even if she couldn't use her divine power, she could still stand proud among the masses!

She walked on and off for a long time before finally seeing the official road. Feng Muqing's heart leapt with joy. However, looking at the endless long road, she felt a dilemma.

How long would it take to reach the city like this?

The original body had never left the Prime Minister's Mansion, and there's no telling if she might end up getting further and further away from the capital by walking.

Feng Muqing sighed helplessly.

There were indeed many hardships.

As she was unsure what to do next, the sound of carriage wheels approached from behind.

Feng Muqing raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk, and she stopped the carriage.

"What's the matter?"

A voice as gentle as clear water sounded, making Feng Muqing tremble.

"Young Master, a lady... A young lady is stopping the carriage." The coachman looked somewhat at a loss, staring at the woman in front of him in wedding attire.

Feng Muqing was puzzled by the servant's gaze.

In no time, fair slender fingers lifted the carriage curtain, and then a face as exquisite as jade appeared before her eyes.

Hiss...

Feng Muqing took a deep breath, staring intently at the man in the carriage.

Beneath his arched eyebrows, his eyes were as tender as springwater, and his finely crafted thin lips under the high bridge of his nose were exceptionally delicate. The icy blue silk attire on him made him appear even more radiant and precious.

A person as exquisite as jade, unmatched in the world of gentlemen-no other way to describe it.

Seeing Feng Muqing in a daze, Yu Qingfeng smiled.

In an instant, Feng Muqing felt as if her mind had exploded, and she felt enveloped by a warm breeze.

What an elegant and jade-like young gentleman.

Feng Muqing prided herself on having seen many handsome men, but only the one before her made such an impression.

"Miss, why are you stopping the carriage?"

Feng Muqing quickly came back to her senses, avoiding his gaze, feeling a bit flushed.

"I wish to go to the capital. I'd like to ask you for a ride."

"If you don't mind, then please get in the carriage."

"Thank you!"

With those words, Feng Muqing used the carriage frame for leverage and gracefully jumped into the carriage.

Seeing this, the coachman was taken aback.

This was the first time his master had been close to a woman.

"Let's go."

Inside the carriage, at Yu Qingfeng's command, the coachman immediately came to his senses and diligently drove the carriage.

After getting in, Feng Muqing sat opposite Yu Qingfeng. Her eyes flashed with amazement, but then no longer held the same initial gaze.

Looking into her clear eyes, Yu Qingfeng found it very interesting.

What kind of person could change so quickly in such a short time?

"I am Yu Qingfeng. May I ask the your name?" Yu Qingfeng broke the silence in the carriage.

"Feng Muqing."

Feng Muqing?

Was she the Feng Muqing he knew of?

Yu Qingfeng stared intently, nodding slightly.

Indeed, she was the Feng Muqing he knew of, the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister who was not favored.

Wasn't today the joyous day of her marriage to the Regent?

Why was she alone in this desolate place?

Meeting Yu Qingfeng's gaze, Feng Muqing's brow furrowed slightly. "Young Master Yu, do you know me?"

"I've heard a bit about you."

Feng Muqing looked puzzled.

Seeing Feng Muqing looking exhausted, Yu Qingfeng spoke, "We still have a bit to travel before reaching the capital. Miss Feng, you can rest for a moment."

Feng Muqing lifted the curtain of the carriage to look at the sky and asked, "How much longer to the capital?"

She hoped there was still time.

"Roughly an hour."

Feng Muqing nodded and leaned against the carriage wall, closing her eyes to organize the jumbled memories in her mind.

This was a place called Nebula, with the Beiyi Kingdom at its center, surrounded by many other nations. During childhood, everyone would use spirit stones to test their spiritual roots, selecting the most talented among them to attend academies.

Spiritual roots are divided into five types: gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. They're further classified into seven stages: Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Soul Transformation, Tribulation Crossing, and Mahayana. Each stage has seven levels.

The spiritual energy of this continent was decent. While it couldn't compare to her original world, it was respectable for a land without gods.

For some reason, very few cultivators on this vast continent could reach the Nascent Soul Stage, let alone progress beyond the Soul Transformation Stage.

The original owner of this body had a tough life and only had a vague understanding of these matters.

I should find someone to ask about this.

Once, she was the top revered deity, but now she had to start all over again.

Feng Muqing activated her spiritual power to inspect her own spiritual vein and frowned deeply.

When the original body tested her spiritual roots, she was judged to have none and couldn't cultivate. Now, inside her, there was only a small white cluster.

What is this?

Feng Muqing's index and middle fingers quietly pressed against her pulse.

She had been poisoned!

And it's been in her body for ten years!

Feng Muqing sighed silently. The original owner of this body was merely a powerless young woman. Who could have been so ruthless?

While Feng Muqing was lost in her thoughts, Yu Qingfeng, who was sitting beside her, assessed the situation discreetly.

It seems the Regent's Manor will be lively today. Unfortunately, as a hostage prince from another country, he couldn't blatantly join in the fun.

It was said that this Feng Muqing was nothing more than a useless person, but now it seemed that her reputation might not match reality.

The capital was no longer peaceful.

The noise of the crowd woke Feng Muqing from her meditation. She took a deep breath, instantly alert.

"Can you take me to the Regent's Manor?"

The original owner didn't know where the Regent's Manor was, so she had to ask Yu Qingfeng for help, especially given the pressing time.

Yu Qingfeng, without any surprise, turned his head and ordered the carriage driver outside. "Head to East Street."

The grand gate was covered in celebratory red silk. Even the majestic stone lions outside the manor were adorned with huge red flowers.

Inside the Regent's Manor, it was festive with laughter and joy, indicating the liveliness of the event.

The master of ceremonies, with a smile on his face, enthusiastically announced to the newlyweds.

"Bow to the heavens and earth!"

"Bow to the high hall!"

"Husband and wife bow to each other!"

"Entering the..."

"Wait!"

Just as the ceremony was about to be completed, a sharp voice interrupted.

Everyone turned to see a woman dressed in a fiery red wedding gown, her hair in disarray. She seemed slightly disheveled.

The guests began to whisper among themselves.

Who was this madwoman who dared to intrude into the Regent's Manor and interrupt the ceremony?

It was Feng Muqing who had rushed over.

Thankfully, she made it in time.

Feng Muqing sighed in relief.

Jun Ruye raised his eyes to glance at the woman standing at the entrance. He noted her missing hairpin and her disorderly state, but her clear eyes were captivating.

Feng Muqing approached Jun Ruye gracefully.

The man before her was strikingly handsome, with narrow phoenix eyes that looked colder beneath his sharp eyebrows, perfectly structured nose and lips, adding to his elegance.

His vibrant red robe couldn't hide his natural dignity and cool demeanor. Unfortunately, his legs seemed disabled, making the dark wheelchair stand out.

"How dare you, intruder! You dare to break into the Regent's Manor? Surrender now!" The guards of the Regent's Manor sprung into action, emitting a hint of killing intent.

"What, the mighty Regent doesn't recognize his own princess?"

Feng Muqing remained unflustered, her fox-like eyes steadfastly staring at the man on the wheelchair.

He was the famed Regent - Jun Ruye.

No one else mattered. If she could pull the influential Jun Ruye into her camp, things would be much smoother in the future.

But she didn't have time to think about that now.

First, she had to address the immediate situation.

The sudden remark left the guests in the room shocked and bewildered, their gazes shifting between Jun Ruye and Feng Muqing.

What on earth was happening?

Did they find out some shocking secret?

Could this lead to the Regent finding a reason to execute them?

The crowd couldn't help but feel curious, and at the same time, they were filled with dread, fearing that today might be the end of their lives.

Upon hearing this, Jun Ruye raised an eyebrow.

He had never been fond of this marriage in the first place. Now that someone was causing trouble, it was just what he wanted.

But what did she mean by that?

Jun Ruye was puzzled. He looked at Feng Muqing, but neither of them spoke first.

Ahem.

Feng Muqing was the first to look away, pretending to clear her throat. "I am Feng Muqing, the legitimate daughter of Prime Minister Feng."

Whoosh.

The crowd turned their gaze to Feng Muqing, looking at her with surprise.

So, this was the rumored waste?

Seeing was better than hearing a hundred times.

Ignoring the crowd's gaze, Feng Muqing looked at the woman beside Jun Ruye who was wearing a red bridal veil, and clicked her tongue in amazement.

If she wasn't sharp-eyed, she would have thought the woman was completely indifferent.

Look at that, the cuffs of her wedding dress were crumpled from being squeezed.

"Hey, impositor bride, why don't you hurry up and lift that veil so everyone can see? Pretending to be the future Princess Regent is quite rare."

As Feng Muqing spoke, all eyes turned to the silent bride.

Moments later, a pair of delicate hands slowly lifted the red veil, revealing the face hidden underneath.

Oh.

Feng Muqing's eyebrows raised slightly, a mischievous smile curling on her lips.

It seems they were well-prepared.

Of course, it was an imperial marriage decree after all; they couldn't openly defy it.

The woman before them had an exceedingly ordinary face, one that would go unnoticed in a crowd.

Feng Muqing had never left the Prime Minister's Mansion, and it was also the first time for the crowd to see her real appearance. For a moment, they didn't know whom to believe.

Jun Ruye's pondering eyes shifted between the two brides, his gaze deep.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze brushed past, Feng Muqing's nose twitched, and her eyes instantly brightened.

"Do you have anything to say?"

The woman's eyes were downcast, and she sobbed softly. "Miss, why are you causing a scene at my wedding?"

Her gentle voice tugged at everyone's heartstrings, making them sympathize with the woman.

Even though she looked average, her figure and voice were outstanding.

"It seems you are determined to deny everything."

As the words fell, Feng Muqing channeled her internal energy and in an instant rushed toward the woman.

All the crowd saw was a fleeting shadow.

"Ah!"

The woman's scream almost shattered everyone's eardrums.

Following the sound, they saw Feng Muqing holding the woman's shoulder tightly with one hand, while swiftly sliding her other hand across the woman's face. In an instant, the woman now bore a familiar face to the crowd.

"Feng Wanwan, my half-sister, are you trying to defy the imperial decree?"

Feng Muqing toyed with the delicate mask in her hand and sneered. "Such poor quality."

She casually tossed the mask onto Jun Ruye, who was watching the drama unfold nearby.

The upcoming scene still required the cooperation of the Regent. He wanted to watch the show, not realizing he was already part of it.

In a corner where no one could see, Feng Muqing gave Jun Ruye a look.

It's up to you now.

Jun Ruye inexplicably understood the hidden meaning in Feng Muqing's gaze and she found it amusing.

Truly a witty person. Jun Ruye thought to himself.

Feng Wanwan?!

Is it the famous Feng Wanwan from the capital?

What is Prime Minister Feng planning?

The thoughts of the crowd varied, and in a short moment, the noisy wedding banquet became so silent that one could even hear a pin drop.

Feng Wanwan panicked; she covered her face as she sneaked glances at Jun Ruye.

Jun Ruye's expression was icy. His eyes narrowed as he noticed Feng Wanwan's gaze. He channeled his internal energy to generate a burst of flames that burned the mask in his hand completely.

Not even a speck of dust was left.

"Second Miss Feng, I demand an explanation."

The words that left his thin lips were icy; Feng Wanwan felt a sharp pain from his words.

Tears welled up in Feng Wanwan's eyes. She threw herself at Jun Ruye's feet, tightly grasping his robe.

"My Lord, it was all my fault. I have admired you for a long time and made a mistake because of it. Please, for the sake of my sincere heart, grant me this wish."

"That's ridiculous! Countless women in Beiyi admire me as a prince. Should I marry all of them?"

Jun Ruye laughed coldly with a sharp gaze.

"Or perhaps, did Prime Minister Feng also play a part in this?"

Feng Wanwan hesitated, then shook her head, "It was my mistake. My father had nothing to do with it."

Really?

Jun Ruye wasn't a fool. How could Feng Wanwan have orchestrated this on her own? Someone must be behind it.

But who...

He glanced at Feng Muqing.

He wondered what role she played in this.

Given the current situation, Feng Muqing wasn't on Feng Tianling's side.

"You, Feng Wanwan, don't have the capability of getting a mask that is only available in the martial world." Feng Muqing's cold words debunked her excuse.

For over a decade, Feng Wanwan had taken pleasure in bullying her. Feng Muqing, who always remembered grievances, wouldn't let go of an opportunity like this.

When she examined her own body, she found that it was poisoned. She was covered in numerous scars, both old and new ones.

Her hands were rougher than a maid's and her body marred everywhere. Even her growth was stunted, making her shorter than Feng Wanwan.

Her life as the legitimate daughter was worse than a servant's.

Thankfully, Feng Muqing had arrived.

"I..."

"Mo Ying, take her away."

Before Feng Wanwan could speak, Jun Ruye interrupted coldly.

As the words left his mouth, a shadow landed swiftly to escort Feng Wanwan away immediately.

Feng Wanwan panicked as she tried to speak, but she was speechless.

While others might be clueless, Feng Muqing saw everything clearly.

When Mo Ying was escorting Feng Wanwan, he had silenced her by hitting a specific point.

Jun Ruye's subordinates are really considerate.

Feng Muqing thought.

"Now that everything is clear, I'll make a move."

Seeing the matter concluded, Feng Muqing knew staying would be pointless. She turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Feng Muqing paused.

What was he up to?

She turned to face Jun Ruye, puzzled. "What else do you need, my Lord?"

"Were you aware of this scheme?"

Feng Muqing quickly denied, "By the time I realized what was happening, I was already in the wilderness. I don't know whether Prime Minister Feng knew or not, but I can assure you that I was kept in the dark."

Jun Ruye tapped on the armrest of his wheelchair; he was silent for a long moment.

"Since this marriage was decreed by the Emperor, do you think you can leave the Regent's Manor?"

Feng Muqing hesitated, then inquired, "You want to marry me?"

"It's the Emperor's command."

Feng Muqing's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe this man would willingly obey a command.

Although she thought of taking him as one of hers own earlier, she hadn't considered committing herself for life.

The world is so vast; isn't it more exhilarating to roam freely?

Why would she want to be confined to this small courtyard?

"Do you have any maidservants or concubines?"

"None."

"Do you have any close female friends?"

"None."

"If you marry me, you can only have me for the rest of your life."

"That suits me."

"I get jealous easily."

"That means you care about me."

"I'm ruthless."

"It means you won't be bullied. That's good."

...

Everyone looked as the two exchanged words, not knowing how to respond.

They wanted to speak but couldn't find an opportunity.

What's with this strange atmosphere?

"Look at my hands. They are rougher than a servant's hands. My hands are covered in scars; they are not like those of a noble lady."

Everyone stared at her hands full of calluses and were rendered speechless.

They knew the Eldest Young Lady of the Prime Minister's Mansion wasn't favored, but they hadn't realized it was to this extent.

Jun Ruye stared intently at those hands, a peculiar emotion welling up inside him.

It felt like pain, yet it also resembled pity.

"From now on, no one can humiliate you as I'll take care of you."

His resounding words echoed, leaving Feng Muqing speechless.

What did he mean?

Why would he keep her by his side?

Did he suspect her?

Feng Muqing was confused.

"Today's matter will not be overlooked by Prime Minister Feng. Furthermore, this is the Emperor's decree. You are the Princess Regent."

Feng Muqing pondered as she touched her chin.

Her life in the Prime Minister's Mansion wasn't good. Feng Tianling would definitely blame herfor what happened today. Having the title of Princess Regent was indeed beneficial for her.

But she wondered what Jun Ruye was truly plotting.

"I meant what I said earlier. I won't tolerate any wrongdoing. Do you understand me?"

Jun Ruye nodded without hesitation, a smile forming on his lips.

"Let's start the wedding ceremony then." Feng Muqing went to stand beside Jun Ruye.

The ritual resumed after the interruption. The master of ceremonies wiped his sweat away.

Working in the Regent's Manor was not easy.

Having witnessed the farcical wedding, everyone left in trepidation.

They weren't sure if the Regent would take any drastic measures.

The sky was adorned with a crescent moon, casting shadows of trees dancing around. The rustling of the wind played a melody in the silent night.

In the bridal chamber.

Feng Muqing looked at the peanuts and dates on the table. Without a word, she began eating voraciously.

She hadn't had a bite all day, let alone a proper meal.

She was starving.

Feng Muqing struggled to swallow the dry snacks. She grabbed a jug of wine and drank directly from it.

Pff-

As Jun Ruye entered, he caught sight of Feng Muqing's ravenous eating and couldn't help but laugh.

It was truly a rare sight for him to see such a carefree woman.

Feng Muqing paused her feasting as she heard the sound. She glared at Jun Ruye.

"Mo Ying, have the kitchen send some easily digestible food."

Feng Muqing spotted a shadow darting by, swift as a storm.

Jun Ruye slowly wheeled himself closer to Feng Muqing. He felt a sense of hunger when he saw her eating without restraint.

"Is there any more wine?"

Feng Muqing shook the jug and realized there was not a drop left.

"This was the ceremonial wine."