Very well then, I shall oblige, albeit reluctantly.

Hao Yue let out a sigh of relief. As expected, how could Le Qianxue possibly be the Ghost Doctor? Otherwise, she would have helped Fu Xiao back then.

Chasing Star, however, said, “Your Highness, but Le Qianxue did save the Fourth Prince.”

Zhan Lianjing thought back to that incident. Indeed, Le Qianxue had some skill, but that was hardly proof enough.

Tonight, he had returned and witnessed such a scene, and was certain it was Le Qianxue herself—there was no more room for doubt.

Seeing Zhan Lianjing’s expression, Chasing Star knew better than to argue further. After all, since Zhan Lianjing had spoken, as a subordinate, what right had he to question?

Zhan Lianjing moved his fingers, then changed the subject. “Is there any news about Zong Juan?”

Both men lowered their heads, unable to answer.

They had searched for years without a single clue. Finding that object was like casting a stone into the sea.

General’s Manor.

The Fourth Prince’s incident had passed for more than ten days. He had recovered swiftly and had only just returned to reside in the palace a few days ago. After some days of rest in the palace, he had gone out again today.

Yu Nanfeng’s first stop after leaving the palace was the General’s Manor. Upon hearing the news, Le Linglong hurried to dress in her finest and went to greet him at the door.

Yu Nanfeng, still pale from his recent illness, nonetheless looked in good spirits. Dressed in a pale lavender robe, he seemed a bit effeminate.

He raised an eyebrow upon seeing Le Linglong at the door, but betrayed no emotion.

Le Linglong stepped forward to bow. “Greetings, Fourth Prince.”

After more than ten days, it seemed Yu Nanfeng had finally forgiven her.

Le Linglong felt a touch of pride—surely her good looks had won his forgiveness.

But Yu Nanfeng only made a faint sound of acknowledgment and walked straight in, ignoring her completely.

Le Linglong stiffened, stunned. She had made herself especially beautiful today, yet Yu Nanfeng had simply disregarded her?

Hurriedly, she caught up and forced a smile. “Fourth Prince, I have prepared some pastries. Perhaps—”

Yu Nanfeng stopped and turned to her, his eyes edged with disdain and impatience.

He said, “Le Linglong, I don’t wish to hold your previous actions against you. There’s no need to try and curry favor. And as for the things you had sent me, I’ve thrown them all away.”

In other words, everything she had sent was beneath his notice—he wouldn’t even touch it.

To say this in front of so many, Le Linglong’s face turned unspeakably ugly.

Yu Nanfeng was clearly angry with her. Now that Le Yongcheng despised her, she couldn’t afford to lose Yu Nanfeng as an ally as well!

She hurriedly said, “Fourth Prince, I was simply too frightened at the time, please let me explain. Isn’t that why you came today—to give me a chance to explain?”

Before she could finish, Yu Nanfeng brushed past her, ignoring her entirely.

Ahead, Le Qianxue and Hua Tao approached.

Yu Nanfeng’s face lit up at the sight of Le Qianxue and he walked quickly over. “Le Qianxue!”

Le Qianxue glanced up, saw Yu Nanfeng and Le Linglong, and immediately understood they were at their usual bickering again.

She simply said, “Greetings, Fourth Prince. Farewell, Fourth Prince.”

Just as before, her attitude hadn’t changed in the slightest.

But this time, Yu Nanfeng didn’t mind at all.

He kept pace with Le Qianxue, saying, “Le Qianxue, did you know that there’s a beast fighting contest in Night City these days?”

Le Qianxue nodded. “I know. I’m just on my way there.”

The capital was a bit dull for her, and she didn’t care for idleness. She wanted to get out and about.

Besides, it would keep Le Yongcheng from forcing her into marriage. Since he knew she was headed to Night City, he’d even encouraged it—after all, plenty of promising young men would attend the contest. He hoped she might meet someone worthwhile.

Yu Nanfeng’s eyes brightened. “How perfect! I wanted to invite you to join me.”

Le Qianxue said, “I have my own carriage and ticket—there’s no need, Fourth Prince.”

She found it odd—why invite her and not Le Linglong? Had Yu Nanfeng lost his mind?

But Yu Nanfeng persisted. “But my tickets were delivered personally by the City Lord of Night City himself—they’re for the best seats, with a perfect view.”

Le Qianxue paused.

Best seats?

Her own ticket was for a spot far up the mountain...

Tickets for these contests were expensive, and she couldn’t bear to spend too much.

If she didn’t use her own ticket now, she could even return it and get her money back.

Why refuse a good thing?

Le Qianxue smiled. “Very well, let’s go together.”

Yu Nanfeng was delighted. Le Qianxue had agreed—she must have some interest in him after all.

But in reality, Le Qianxue only wanted to save money... Yu Nanfeng was deluding himself.

Le Linglong, seeing Yu Nanfeng ignore her for Le Qianxue, clenched her fists, hurrying after them. “Fourth Prince, I’d like to go as well.”

Shameless as it was, she couldn’t let Le Qianxue steal Yu Nanfeng away!

Yu Nanfeng frowned. “I only have two tickets—can’t help you.”

Le Qianxue was surprised at how cold Yu Nanfeng was to Le Linglong, no doubt because of her earlier cowardice, which had made Yu Nanfeng give up on her.

Ha! This was going to be interesting.

She said, “Linglong, I have an extra ticket—fifty taels, flat price. Do you want it?”

Hua Tao nearly broke into a sweat. That ticket had only cost Le Qianxue ten taels, and now she was charging five times as much.

Ruthless! But it felt good to see Le Linglong get taken down a peg.

Le Linglong was stunned—that was two months’ allowance!

She wanted to refuse, but Le Qianxue added, “Not coming, Linglong? Then it’s just me and the Fourth Prince alone.”

At that, there was no way Le Linglong could let Le Qianxue be alone with Yu Nanfeng.

She nodded. “I want it.”

Le Qianxue was overjoyed—she’d just pocketed forty taels!

On the way to Night City, she opted for her own carriage, while Yu Nanfeng and Le Linglong rode together.

After all, Le Linglong had insisted on riding with Yu Nanfeng, and he, unwilling, had no choice but to let her join.

Night City was a good half-day’s journey from the capital. Thanks to the beast fighting contest, many were on the road today.

Hua Tao lifted the curtain to take a look, then reported, “It’s lively this time—even Prince Zhan is going.”

Le Qianxue, who had been dozing, perked up at once.

She glanced out—it was indeed the carriage of that fake cripple, all black, escorted by Hao Yue and Chasing Star, in grand style.

She snorted. “What’s he doing there? Seems like he must stick his nose into everything.”

Hua Tao, knowing how much Le Qianxue disliked Zhan Lianjing, explained, “I heard Prince Zhan is close with the City Lord of Night City—he was invited personally to attend.”

What?

Prince Zhan certainly had influence.

It was exactly because of this that Le Qianxue didn’t want her true identity revealed. Offending Zhan Lianjing could be fatal.

At that moment, a voice came from outside the carriage. “Miss Le.”

Hao Yue?

Hua Tao lifted the curtain. Hao Yue continued, “My lord invites you.”

Le Qianxue turned away. “I’m not that close with your lord. Better not.”

She hadn’t gone before—who knew if she’d return if she went now?

Hao Yue’s face darkened, as Le Qianxue had refused Zhan Lianjing’s invitation multiple times.

But Zhan Lianjing seemed prepared, having already instructed Hao Yue.

So Hao Yue continued, “Miss Le, my lord recently acquired a batch of treasures. Upon investigation, it seems they were gifts from the Fourth Prince to you. Strangely, they appeared for sale on the black market.”

Le Qianxue narrowed her eyes. Zhan Lianjing’s reach was impressive.

If Empress Yang or Consort Xian found out, trouble would follow.

She pursed her lips, finally moving outside. The carriage stopped; she alighted to find Zhan Lianjing’s imposing black carriage before her.

He’d always had extravagant tastes—the carriage was wide and no doubt comfortable within.

She boarded and found Zhan Lianjing seated opposite her. The carriage was specially designed: his seat was a small, soft couch.

She glanced at his leg. Ha, the fake cripple...

“Well, Miss Le finally arrives,” said Fu Xiao, sitting cross-legged, smiling at her.

Across from him was a middle-aged man in black, with a square face and an air of righteousness—surely the City Lord of Night City.

The carriage was so spacious that Le Qianxue could stand upright.

She paused. “Why does Prince Zhan want to see me?”

She didn’t come closer. Zhan Lianjing indicated the chessboard before him. “To play chess.”

Le Qianxue’s mouth twitched. He’d summoned her just to play chess?

Apart from alchemy, she had no interest in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting.

She said bluntly, “I don’t know how.”

Fu Xiao said gently, “Your Highness, I told you she couldn’t play. Seems you won’t beat me after all. The five thousand taels—just give me the silver notes.”

Le Qianxue’s interest was piqued.

A wager? Five thousand taels?

Last time, she’d missed out on Fu Xiao’s fifty thousand taels, and it still pained her. Now, if she didn’t have to show off her medical skills, this was perfect!

She darted over at once, startling the three men.

She smiled. “Well, I have studied chess a bit. Prince Zhan, do you need me to save the day?”

From the side, Zhan Lianjing’s profile was even more striking. His expression unchanged, he said, “It just so happens you’re the only one nearby. I’ll trouble you for now.”