The carriage passed through the imperial avenue and soon arrived at the Eastern Palace.

Huangfu Wushuang had already vented enough in the carriage. Once he reached the Eastern Palace sleeping quarters and touched the bedding, he immediately fell into a deep sleep.

Hua Zhuyu happened to be off duty tonight, so she took her leave and returned to her own room. Hua Zhuyu shared quarters with Ji Xiang, but tonight Ji Xiang was on duty, leaving the room empty and quiet. She sat in the room for about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense before slowly walking out and leaping onto the roof.

Standing on the rooftop, Hua Zhuyu felt the cold penetrating through the night wind, seeping bit by bit into her bones.

After the third watch drum sounded, she looked left and right, confirming no one was around, then leaped forward, continuously flying across the continuous palace buildings. She had already secretly familiarized herself with the palace’s pavilions, halls, and even the hidden and visible guard posts, knowing them well. Her journey was unobstructed.

After leaving the imperial palace, Hua Zhuyu gathered her energy and proceeded directly, gracefully skimming over buildings and alleys with ease.

She took a room at an inn not far from the imperial palace. Soon, she quietly climbed out through the room’s window, having changed into flowing white robes with a silver mask covering her face.

At the banquet, she had learned from other officials that the military officer who sang was named Liu Mo. After inquiring about his residence on the street, she used her qinggong and soon arrived outside Liu Mo’s residence gates.

Hua Zhuyu went around to the rear courtyard and leaped over the low wall.

She followed the long corridor to the front courtyard, saw a large tree in the yard, leaped up into it, and through the tree branches, looked into the half-open window.

This sight immediately shocked her. Her toes touched the tree branch as she leaped through the half-open window.

Liu Mo, who had sung at tonight’s banquet, was lying face-down on the ground with a large pool of fresh blood winding far along the floor tiles. A short dagger was embedded in his back. Beside Liu Mo, his two sword-bearing guards also lay sprawled on the ground, their deaths gruesome. The killer’s blade work was fierce – from the looks of it, they had been struck down within just a few moves.

However, Liu Mo still had a breath left. Seeing Hua Zhuyu enter and recognizing the mask on her face, his dark pupils immediately widened as he gasped, “Young General, is that you? Young General…”

Hua Zhuyu crouched beside him, saying in a deep voice, “That’s right. I ask you, are you a general under Marquis Pingxi’s command?”

Liu Mo’s gaze focused, he spat blood, and said quietly, “The Marquis had me infiltrate the Tiger Wing Army… please take this to the Young General!” As he spoke, he handed Hua Zhuyu a crumpled, blood-soaked white handkerchief.

Hua Zhuyu tucked the handkerchief into her robes, asking quietly, “Who killed you? Do you know?”

However, Liu Mo could no longer answer. His gaze was already becoming unfocused, and he stopped breathing in an instant. Footsteps approached from the courtyard. Hua Zhuyu’s dark eyes focused as she leaped out the window and back up the large tree.

She saw a guard at the door saying quietly, “General, the Left Prime Minister has come to visit!”

The guard repeated this twice at the door. Hearing no response from inside, he pushed open the door in confusion. Upon seeing the scene inside, he couldn’t help but cry out.

At this point, Hua Zhuyu could no longer leave. If she departed now, she would certainly be discovered. Moreover, she didn’t intend to leave – she was very curious whether this incident was related to Ji Fengli.

At the banquet, she had seen Liu Mo gazing toward the burned ruins of the Hua residence, reading the desolation in his eyes that suggested he might have known her father. That was why she had come late at night to ask for clarification. But why had Ji Fengli come here so late at night?

Hua Zhuyu held her breath and remained motionless, hidden in the tree branches. The tree’s dense foliage concealed her completely.

Soon, footsteps echoed from the front corridor as several people passed through the moon’s shadows, hurrying toward them. The leader was none other than the current Left Prime Minister Ji Fengli, still wearing those wide robes that billowed in the night wind with indescribable allure. Behind him followed three to five guards, including a burly man whom Hua Zhuyu recognized as the one who had tested her martial arts on the pleasure boat that night – Tong Shou, one of Ji Fengli’s two renowned subordinates.

Knowing this man’s martial arts were formidable, Hua Zhuyu became even more cautious perched in the tree branches.

Liu Mo’s study was now in chaos, with all the lamps lit and intermittent crying coming from within – utterly tragic.

“We arrived too late!” Hearing the crying, Ji Fengli stopped, lightly tapping his folding fan against his palm with some regret.

“Prime Minister, the scene inside is bloody. You shouldn’t go in – let this subordinate take a look!” Tong Shou said quietly, then hurried into the room.

The night grew deeper, moonlight streaming down, spilling clear radiance across the ground.

Ji Fengli stood with hands behind his back not far from the large tree where Hua Zhuyu was hidden, his elegant figure casting a tall shadow on the ground. At this moment, Tong Shou, his most skilled subordinate, was inside the room, and Hua Zhuyu found it difficult to control herself. Every time she saw Ji Fengli, she felt her blood boiling, always unable to resist striking out.

After all, her current identity was Yinmian Xiuluo, already bearing the crime of treason. Adding another charge of assassinating the Left Prime Minister wouldn’t be much more.

With this thought, the sword in Hua Zhuyu’s hand seemed to sense her mood, emitting a clear ring. Hua Zhuyu leaped down in one bound, sharp sword light striking downward toward Ji Fengli.

This sword strike was unexpected, coming from above to below, emphasizing swift speed. Since Ji Fengli was supposedly without martial arts, he naturally couldn’t carry weapons openly, as that would arouse suspicion. However, Hua Zhuyu was wrong this time – Ji Fengli not only carried a weapon but held it in his hand.

In a flash, accompanied by a soft swoosh, the folding fan in Ji Fengli’s hand suddenly opened, like a udumbara flower blooming in the dark night, instantly releasing intoxicating fragrance. The pure white fan surface was painted with several smoke-like, mist-like udumbara flowers, carrying indescribable seductive charm and mysterious allure.

Hua Zhuyu’s sword struck the fan surface, the long blade immediately bending, unable to penetrate even a fraction further. Hua Zhuyu adjusted her technique and exerted force again. Her pure white robes billowed with surging true energy in the night wind, and with the cold silver mask on her face, she looked like a bloodthirsty asura.

She seemed like a floating white cloud, her sword light continuously striking down like lightning toward Ji Fengli. The folding fan in Ji Fengli’s hands sometimes folded to become a short sword, sometimes opened to become a shield, blocking Hua Zhuyu’s sword moves.

The two went back and forth, and in just moments had already exchanged over fifty moves. Hearing the sounds of combat, Tong Shou had already rushed out from the room. Seeing an opening, his blade flashed as he struck toward Hua Zhuyu.

“Stop!” Ji Fengli’s cold shout rang out, his voice clear and crisp like a lotus blooming from water.

Knowing that with Tong Shou’s emergence, adding to Ji Fengli, she could no longer succeed, Hua Zhuyu’s figure leaped up to the tree branches, like light smoke flipping onto the front rooftop, soon disappearing into the night.

Speaking of it, Hua Zhuyu had gained something today – she now knew Ji Fengli’s weapon was the folding fan in his hands.

Tong Shou wanted to pursue but was stopped by Ji Fengli, “Let him go! Even if you caught up, you probably wouldn’t be his match!”

“Prime Minister… are you alright?” Tong Shou asked roughly. This was the first time he had seen someone force the Prime Minister to take action personally.

Ji Fengli stood tall in the wind, lightly waving his folding fan, his lips curved in a faint smile. The sharpness from the recent battle was completely withdrawn – he was entirely an elegant gentleman.

When Hua Zhuyu returned to the palace, it was already past the fourth watch, when dawn was approaching but not yet arrived. She removed her outer garments and rested briefly on the bed. However, she couldn’t fall asleep no matter what. She couldn’t understand who wanted to kill Liu Mo, and with such speed!

She unfolded the white handkerchief Liu Mo had given her and saw nothing but blood. She tried placing the handkerchief in water, and gradually lines of tiny characters appeared on the white cloth. Written there were all names – besides people from the Tiger Wing Army, there were several people from the palace. After reading, she memorized these names and burned the handkerchief over a candle flame. She had never known that her father had people in both the Tiger Wing Army and the palace.

As dawn approached, Hua Zhuyu rose to wash and dress, then waited outside Huangfu Wushuang’s sleeping quarters. Soon she saw Ji Xiang emerge from the room carrying a duster. Seeing her, he smiled and said, “Yuan Bao, His Highness wants you to attend to him!”

Hua Zhuyu acknowledged and lifted the curtain to enter. Passing the magnificent nine-curved screen toward Huangfu Wushuang’s inner chamber, she saw high-hanging bed curtains but no sign of Huangfu Wushuang.

“Is that Little Bao’er? This Crown Prince is here!” The youth’s rough voice came from a vermillion door on the right.

Hua Zhuyu’s steps immediately halted. She knew the room on the right was where Huangfu Wushuang bathed – she had never been there before. Perhaps previously Huangfu Wushuang still harbored suspicion toward her, never allowing her such intimate service. Now asking her to come – did this represent complete trust? This should be a good thing.

Hua Zhuyu hesitated for a moment before moving, slowly walking to the bathhouse.

In the center of the room was a large pool of clear water. The south-facing wall had a small window through which morning sunlight streamed, making the pool water shimmer like dancing fish scales.

A figure seemed to be standing by the pool. Hua Zhuyu lowered her eyes without looking, standing by the poolside with downcast head, “Your Highness, what matter requires Yuan Bao’s presence?” Her clear gaze swept around but saw no attending palace maids or eunuchs, making her feel somewhat uneasy.

Indeed, Huangfu Wushuang’s slightly lazy, comfortable voice drifted from the pool water, “Little Bao’er, when did you become so slow? This Crown Prince called you here naturally to attend my bathing. What else could it be?”

Hua Zhuyu frowned slightly, then looked up with a calm expression at Huangfu Wushuang, “Yes!”

Before her in the pool water stood Huangfu Wushuang with his back to her, completely unclothed.

Hua Zhuyu had always thought Huangfu Wushuang was a child, but at this moment, she could no longer consider him a child. His previously somewhat slight frame now appeared quite robust.

Sunlight kissed his shoulders – the shoulder lines were smooth and supple. Sunlight kissed his back – that back had not an ounce of excess flesh, smooth as silk. She had to admit, this bathing scene was quite beautiful.

Hua Zhuyu closed her eyes briefly, then walked calmly behind Huangfu Wushuang, reaching for a brocade cloth from the clothing rack beside the pool and beginning to wash him.

Huangfu Wushuang turned around, his wet black hair casually tied behind his head but not tightly, with several strands sliding down to rest against his cheeks. On his somewhat childish yet handsome face, his lips, more vivid from contact with water, curved slightly. His originally somewhat fierce black eyes were now misty with water vapor, looking at her sideways with crystalline gaze.

When awake, this little tyrant was a demon, but when sleeping, lost in thought, or now – oh, when bathing – how could he appear as pure as a celestial being?

Did everyone perhaps have two souls – one demonic, one angelic?

Huangfu Wushuang suddenly widened his clear black and white eyes, asking rather strangely, “Little Bao’er, why has your face turned red?”

Hua Zhuyu touched her somewhat heated cheeks, a trace of faint embarrassment flashing across her face. Her expression focused as she smiled with narrowed eyes, “Probably because of the hot weather!” The brocade cloth slowly wiped across Huangfu Wushuang’s back as she thought – he wasn’t afraid of being naked, so why should she be embarrassed for him?

Huangfu Wushuang had been accustomed to being served since childhood. This body had been seen by countless people, so he thought nothing of it. Therefore, he had no idea why Hua Zhuyu was blushing. However, seeing that faint blush on her snow-white cheeks was quite pleasing to the eye and enticingly beautiful. He truly wanted to kiss her once to taste what kind of soul-stirring flavor it would be.

As this thought arose, Huangfu Wushuang’s heart trembled violently, then he thoroughly despised himself. What was wrong with him, having improper thoughts about a eunuch? Had he truly reached the age for taking consorts and begun having romantic yearnings?

“Little Bao’er, your sword dance yesterday was truly spectacular. You didn’t see how everyone’s eyes went straight. Where did you learn this sword dancing?” Huangfu Wushuang deliberately shifted the topic.

“This slave has wandered everywhere since childhood. Having traveled to many places, I learned various things – a little of everything. These are all trivial skills. Perhaps because the distinguished lords hadn’t seen such things before, but there are many who dance better than this slave,” Hua Zhuyu said softly.

“In the future, when only you and I are together, you needn’t call yourself ‘slave.’ This Crown Prince knows that being a slave wrongs someone of your talent. However, you have been castrated. Outside these nine palace gates, you would be nothing. This Crown Prince promises you – if I ever ascend the throne, I absolutely won’t mistreat you!” Huangfu Wushuang stepped out of the pool, wrapped himself in a white bathing towel, and slowly walked outside.

Hua Zhuyu had no interest in his high positions and generous rewards, so she followed him outside with a calm expression.

“This Crown Prince must see Father Emperor shortly. Help me choose an outfit!” Huangfu Wushuang said, staring with round black eyes.

Hua Zhuyu had to go to the wardrobe to select clothing for him, asking, “Will this do?”

“Black?” Huangfu Wushuang’s brows furrowed together.

Hua Zhuyu smiled, “Your Highness should try it on!”

Huangfu Wushuang put on the garment and walked around before Hua Zhuyu. The youth’s figure was upright and elegant, his complexion like jade. Paired with the black robe trimmed with gold thread, he appeared more mature than usual.

Huangfu Wushuang looked in the mirror and was quite satisfied, then left the room to see the Emperor. Half an hour later, he returned with a gloomy expression.

Hua Zhuyu quietly asked the little eunuch who had accompanied Huangfu Wushuang, learning that Prince Kang Huangfu Wushang had also come of age, and Huangfu Wushuang was no longer young. Emperor Yan had decided to select consorts for both next month.

“This is good news – why is His Highness unhappy?” Hua Zhuyu asked with a smile.

“You and I still don’t understand His Highness’s thoughts? Unfortunately, Miss Wen isn’t participating in the selection,” the little eunuch named You Fu whispered.

“Why not? Aren’t all unmarried daughters of appropriate age from court officials and fifth-rank and above local officials required to participate?” Before Hua Zhuyu finished speaking, her expression grew serious, “Could it be that Miss Wen is already engaged?”

“That’s right. They say she became engaged to Prime Minister Ji just last month,” You Fu said carefully.

“I see!” Hua Zhuyu’s eyes narrowed coldly.

However, something seemed off. If they had become engaged last month, wouldn’t Huangfu Wushuang know? He constantly watched Wen Wan. Moreover, if Ji Fengli and Wen Wan were happily united, would Yu Capital’s citizens be so calm? The city would surely be in uproar!

When she had married Ji Fengli, it had caused tremendous waves with discussions everywhere about that marriage. This time, such calm could only mean one thing – Ji Fengli and Wen Wan hadn’t become engaged, or they had hastily engaged only after the Emperor’s edict was issued. Every year during palace consort selection, women unwilling to enter the palace would hurriedly find someone to marry. Wen Wan certainly didn’t like Huangfu Wushuang – this was evident from when Huangfu Wushuang had invited her out and she had made excuses to decline.

This time, could it also be an excuse to avoid becoming Huangfu Wushuang’s consort?

If this were truly the case, then Ji Fengli was taking exceptional care of Wen Wan.

Last time, to prevent Wen Wan from marrying into the Northern Dynasty and becoming a sacrificial pawn in that scheme, he had let her go to die in Wen Wan’s place. Now, to prevent Wen Wan from entering the palace, he had become engaged to her.

Ji Fengli and Wen Wan might truly have feelings for each other, and the engagement might be real, but becoming engaged at this crucial moment instantly stirred up Hua Zhuyu’s old and new grudges. Not to mention those soldiers who died on the execution ground, just speaking of Jin Se – she had purely lost her flower-like life for Wen Wan’s sake, and before death, had suffered unspeakable humiliation.

Though she was buried in snow and hadn’t witnessed it personally, Jin Se’s scream had reached her ears and pained her heart. The harm from mere swords absolutely wouldn’t have made Jin Se so terrified, unless it was…

Hua Zhuyu dared not think further. Every time she did, her chest ached unbearably.

Was Wen Wan’s life necessarily more precious than Jin Se’s and her own?

Jin Se was already buried in the wilderness, while Ji Fengli was riding high, about to marry into the Wen family!

Hua Zhuyu smiled coldly, flames of anger burning in her clear eyes. She would never let Ji Fengli be so triumphant!

Anyone could guess that Huangfu Wushuang was in a bad mood. Two little eunuchs, usually terrified by Huangfu Wushuang’s brutality, stood at the door with tea cups, each deferring to the other, neither daring to enter. Seeing Hua Zhuyu approach, one little eunuch hurriedly handed her his tea cup, saying with an ingratiating smile, “Yuan Bao, His Highness favors you most – you’re most suitable to go in! I have other duties to attend to!” After speaking, both little eunuchs vanished like smoke, running faster than rabbits.

When had she become most favored? Hua Zhuyu frowned slightly, carrying the tea cup inside. She had originally intended to find Huangfu Wushuang anyway, and besides, she wasn’t afraid of his anger!

However, the situation wasn’t as she had imagined.

Passing the nine-curved screen and seeing the figure curled on the cool couch, Hua Zhuyu was shocked.

Huangfu Wushuang was crying.

This rather surprised Hua Zhuyu. Given Huangfu Wushuang’s temperament, she had expected earth-shaking chaos this time! She still remembered how angry he had been on the pleasure boat last time, learning that Wen Wan had deliberately avoided the appointment, beating everyone on the boat to vent his anger. Today, perhaps finally knowing the situation was hopeless, he had actually started crying.

He was obviously extremely heartbroken, sitting there desolately with his clothes spread across the couch, several strands of black hair drifting before his forehead, appearing somewhat decadent. He made no sound, only his shoulders slightly trembling, tears continuously flowing from his black eyes hidden beneath long, dense lashes.

Hua Zhuyu had never seen anyone cry so unrestrainedly, so thoroughly, like a child.

She was almost stunned. If only she could also cry so completely once – at this moment, she actually envied him somewhat.

Hua Zhuyu looked around and found no other attendants in the room. She wanted to slip away, but if Huangfu Wushuang knew she had seen him crying, his wounded male pride might later lead him to have her executed. But just as Hua Zhuyu was about to move, Huangfu Wushuang spotted her.

He raised his wet lashes, revealing tear-filled black eyes, saying roughly, “It’s Little Bao’er – come here!”

Hua Zhuyu quickly lowered her head, pretending she hadn’t seen anything, slowly walking over and placing the tea cup on the table beside the cool couch, saying with a smile, “The weather is too hot. Would Your Highness like some cool tea?”

“Little Bao’er, Wen Wan is already engaged to Prime Minister Ji. Tell me, what method could make her enter the palace for consort selection?” Huangfu Wushuang didn’t answer Hua Zhuyu’s question, asking anxiously instead.

Hua Zhuyu looked up to see that Huangfu Wushuang had quickly wiped away the tears from his face. His handsome young face was stern with a solemn expression. Except for slightly wet lashes, one couldn’t tell he had just been crying. Still a face-conscious child! She secretly smiled, saying slowly, “Why doesn’t Your Highness ask Empress Mother for help? If Empress Mother intervened, she might be able to make Wen Wan and Prime Minister Ji break their engagement!”

Hearing Hua Zhuyu’s words, Huangfu Wushuang’s face showed no joy whatsoever. His sword-like brows moved, his eyes narrowed, his gaze condensing like frost.

“Don’t bother with that idea. That woman has never cared about this Crown Prince’s affairs. This Crown Prince asks you – do you have any methods?” Huangfu Wushuang said coldly, his gaze sharp as he looked at Hua Zhuyu.

Being stared at by his cold gaze, Hua Zhuyu felt uncomfortable all over. This child was indeed more adorable when crying.

However, he actually referred to his mother empress as “that woman,” his tone unable to hide his resentment. This truly surprised Hua Zhuyu.

The Southern Dynasty’s Empress was the sister of Right Prime Minister Nie Yuanqiao. The Nie family wasn’t from a distinguished noble lineage – Nie Yuanqiao only became Prime Minister after Empress Nie entered the palace. It was said that Empress Nie was extremely beautiful. Upon entering the palace, she was immediately granted the title of Noble Lady. In less than a year, she was elevated to Noble Consort, nearly monopolizing imperial favor. Later, when former Empress Xie died of illness, Noble Consort Nie achieved her wish and successfully took control of the phoenix seal, wielding power throughout the rear palace.

Empress Nie’s brother, Nie Yuanqiao, was well-versed in official affairs and within a few years had established roots throughout the court. At Huangfu Wushang’s night banquet, Nie Yuanqiao hadn’t attended, so Hua Zhuyu hadn’t met this Right Prime Minister Nie.

From Huangfu Wushuang’s words, it seemed Empress Nie didn’t particularly dote on him – rather, she seemed quite cold toward him.

His father was the Emperor, who dealt with countless affairs daily and was extremely demanding of him, naturally lacking in paternal love. If his mother also neglected him, he was truly pitiable. Could it be that Huangfu Wushuang’s tyranny wasn’t from being spoiled, but resulted from lacking parental love?

This was possible! As imperial family, he lacked nothing in fine clothes, precious food, wealth and honor – only genuine affection was extremely difficult to obtain. However, Empress Nie only had this one son – how could she bear to neglect him? Hua Zhuyu couldn’t understand!

“The one engaged to Wen Wan is Ji Fengli – Mother Empress wouldn’t want to offend him. Even if Mother Empress were willing, it wouldn’t be proper to use an imperial decree to force him to break the engagement. What should be done about this matter? You’re the cleverest – help this Crown Prince think of a solution!” Huangfu Wushuang felt increasingly dependent on Hua Zhuyu. This little eunuch was more useful than his advisors.

Hua Zhuyu’s thoughts raced. In this case, they could only make Wen Wan or Ji Fengli voluntarily break the engagement. Making Wen Wan voluntarily break the engagement was naturally impossible. Making Ji Fengli voluntarily break the engagement was naturally also impossible. After thinking for a moment, Hua Zhuyu suddenly had an inspiration, “This slave has truly thought of a method that could make Ji Fengli not dare marry Wen Wan!”

Since the Emperor issued the consort selection edict, daughters of court officials and fifth-rank and above local officials who were unmarried couldn’t freely appear in public. The Southern Dynasty’s customs were relatively open – normally, the streets were never lacking beautiful women traveling in groups of two or three.

Because Wen Wan was engaged to Ji Fengli, she wasn’t bound by this restriction. One day out of three she would leave the residence to play – sometimes going to Drunken Immortal Tower for tea, sometimes going to the countryside for outings. However, each time she was accompanied by several skilled martial arts guards.

On this day, Hua Zhuyu arrived early at Drunken Immortal Tower to wait. She sat at a window-side table in a second-floor private room, her face covered with thin gauze, hazy and indistinct, making her features unclear.

“I’ve already investigated clearly. Soon, Miss Wen will come to Drunken Immortal Tower for tea. This time, I must trouble the Daoist master,” Hua Zhuyu said, holding her wine cup to a Daoist sitting across from her.

This was a middle-aged Daoist in blue robes with a clean face, eyes that were always slightly narrowed, several long whiskers, and a horsetail whisk.

Hearing Hua Zhuyu’s words, he sighed leisurely, “This poor Daoist has never done such things before. If you weren’t an old friend of the Marquis, and if the Marquis hadn’t shown kindness to this poor Daoist, I would absolutely never do such a thing!”

Hua Zhuyu smiled, “This isn’t really lying – perhaps this matter will actually come true!”

The Daoist slowly shook his head, his narrowed eyes suddenly opening to focus on Hua Zhuyu, a gleam flashing in his eyes as he said leisurely, “This time, this poor Daoist’s reputation as the world’s greatest fortune-teller will be ruined!”

Hua Zhuyu drank her wine and smiled, “After this matter, please leave Yu Capital quickly. I’ll send people to protect your departure. From now on, I hope you’ll never appear here again. Is that acceptable?”

The Daoist sighed, “That’s natural – this poor Daoist would have no face to remain in the capital.”

Commotion arose downstairs. Hua Zhuyu lifted the window curtain to look below and saw Wen Wan arriving at Drunken Immortal Tower with her personal maid Ying’er and several personal guards.

She smiled with narrowed eyes, “Daoist master, please!”

The Daoist nodded, took his whisk, and slowly walked out.

Today Wen Wan wore a white gauze dress with pearl and jade collar. Her clothing shimmered with faint radiance in the pale sunlight, making her appear even more dignified, gentle, and fresh as moonlight. As soon as she entered Drunken Immortal Tower, she drew the attention of all patrons. However, Wen Wan paid no attention to others’ amazed or envious gazes, maintaining a composed expression of calm indifference.

Just as she was about to step upstairs to a private room, she was suddenly blocked by a blue-robed Daoist.

“What do you want, old Daoist?” Wen Wan’s maid Ying’er asked coldly.

The Daoist, with his bright, narrowed eyes, looked Wen Wan up and down.

“You lecherous Daoist, move aside quickly! Otherwise we’ll have someone throw you out!” Ying’er scolded delicately.

The Daoist stroked his beard and sighed, “Miss, don’t rush to have me beaten. This poor Daoist truly didn’t intend to block both of you. I only stopped because I saw this young lady’s noble bearing. This young lady has dragon bearing and phoenix countenance – she will surely be mother to the nation in the future. She possesses the phoenix fate! Destined for extraordinary nobility… hahaha…”

The Daoist’s voice was loud, seemingly imbued with internal energy, even drowning out the singing in the establishment. After speaking, he carried his whisk and laughed as he slowly walked out of Drunken Immortal Tower.

His words were undoubtedly like a stone stirring up waves – the entire Drunken Immortal Tower immediately buzzed with excitement.

Wen Wan’s face alternated between red and white – whether from anger, shyness, or surprise was unclear.

Actually, which woman in the world who desired wealth and honor wouldn’t hope to possess phoenix fate? However, she was unwilling to marry Huangfu Wushuang and was now engaged to Prime Minister Ji. Yet now she was declared to have phoenix fate by the old Daoist.

If these words reached the Emperor’s ears, it would bring disaster, not fortune.

Wen Wan’s expression immediately grew serious as she said coldly, “What nonsense Daoist, spouting gibberish! This young lady has never believed in such fortune-telling.”

“Miss Wen, that person was the world’s greatest fortune-teller! Every divination he’s made has proven accurate! Miss Wen, will you be entering the palace for consort selection? Congratulations, congratulations!” someone in the first floor hall called out loudly.

Wen Wan frowned, lifted her skirts, and slowly went upstairs to a private room.

Sitting by the curtain, Hua Zhuyu watched the commotion below through the pearl curtain, a sharp gleam flashing in her clear eyes. She turned the wine cup in her hand and drained the fragrant wine in one gulp.

Perhaps because she had been on battlefields, she differed from ordinary women in enjoying drinking alone. However, since Ji Fengli had poisoned her, she instinctively avoided alcohol. She usually deliberately avoided drinking, but today she suddenly wanted to drink deeply.

However, now wasn’t the time to get drunk – she needed to remain alert at all times.

Regarding matters like heavenly fate, even if those in power didn’t believe in destiny, they would rather believe it existed than not. Consider this: as someone with phoenix bearing destined to be future empress, how could Wen Wan marry Ji Fengli? If this truly happened, wouldn’t the people believe the Southern Dynasty would be overthrown by Ji Fengli, and he and Wen Wan would become the future emperor and empress?

Therefore, Emperor Yan would absolutely never allow such a thing to happen. And Ji Fengli, no matter how he was Left Prime Minister, remained below one person and above ten thousand others – how would he dare marry Wen Wan?

Wen Wan didn’t stay long at Drunken Immortal Tower before hurrying out.

Hua Zhuyu filled her wine cup with the remaining wine from the pot and drained it. The matter was completed – she should return to the palace. Huangfu Wushuang was still waiting for news. She removed her face veil, quickly changed from blue robes to eunuch clothing, climbed through this private room’s window to the adjacent room, straightened her clothing, and opened the door. Outside stood guards who had come with her. Hua Zhuyu led several guards downstairs hurriedly.

She hadn’t expected that while going downstairs, she would encounter Wen Wan returning, accompanied by Ji Fengli.

This was perhaps what they called enemies meeting on a narrow path!

Perhaps Wen Wan had originally arranged to meet Ji Fengli at Drunken Immortal Tower today, or perhaps Ji Fengli had learned of Wen Wan’s situation and rushed over. Regardless, they had encountered each other.

“Oh, aren’t you… aren’t you the person who solved Prime Minister’s riddle?” Wen Wan’s maid Ying’er pointed at Hua Zhuyu with wide eyes. Ying’er hadn’t accompanied Wen Wan to Prince Kang’s night banquet, so she didn’t know Hua Zhuyu was a eunuch. She recognized Hua Zhuyu as the person who had solved Ji Fengli’s riddle and was startled seeing her now in eunuch clothing.

“Oh my! Isn’t this Prime Minister and Miss Wen? How do you have leisure to visit Drunken Immortal Tower today?” Hua Zhuyu’s clear eyes curved as she said with a beaming smile.

Ji Fengli’s lips curved in a smile as he looked around Drunken Immortal Tower’s main hall, his gaze not lingering on anyone. However, everyone in the hall felt Ji Fengli had seen them. Though his gaze was gentle and pleasant like spring breeze, everyone still felt heavy pressure. The noisy discussions about Wen Wan having phoenix bearing gradually quieted and eventually ceased.

Ji Fengli still smiled, nodding slightly to Hua Zhuyu, “What wind brought Eunuch Bao to Drunken Immortal Tower today?”

Hua Zhuyu pointed to the pastries carried by guards behind her, “Prime Minister, you don’t know – today His Highness suddenly wanted pastries from Drunken Immortal Tower. He wasn’t confident sending just guards to buy them, so this humble one had to make the trip. I must hurry back to report!”

Standing nearby, Wen Wan suddenly frowned, saying lightly, “Pastries? I’ve never heard His Highness liked pastries from here!”

Hua Zhuyu glanced calmly at Wen Wan, her serene smile slightly freezing, “Miss Wen naturally wouldn’t know what pastries His Highness likes. However, our Highness knows clearly which pastries Miss Wen enjoys, which tea she prefers, and which jewelry she favors!” Speaking of Huangfu Wushuang’s devotion to Wen Wan, even Hua Zhuyu felt somewhat heartbroken – this young man was too infatuated.

Wen Wan’s originally pale face darkened upon hearing this, her lips slightly twitching, “His Highness certainly cares about me greatly!” Suddenly her smile froze as she said icily, “Eunuch Bao’s presence at Drunken Immortal Tower today is quite coincidental. I wonder if Eunuch Bao knows a certain Daoist?”

“What does Miss Wen mean? We servants spend our days in the palace – how would we know any Daoists? However, Miss Wen seems acquainted with one. I just saw a Daoist speaking with Miss Wen. I wonder what interesting matters were discussed?” Hua Zhuyu asked lightly.

Ji Fengli stepped forward with a smile, “Eunuch Bao, since we’ve met today by chance, would you care to chat upstairs? This isn’t the place for conversation!”

Hua Zhuyu’s eyes sparkled with laughter as she smiled, “Not to be ungrateful, but though Prime Minister’s invitation is an honor, His Highness awaits the pastries’ return. Prime Minister knows His Highness’s temperament – if I’m late, I’ll surely face punishment.”

“In that case, how about having my guards escort your guards back with the pastries first?” Ji Fengli said unhurriedly.

Ji Fengli clearly insisted on speaking with Hua Zhuyu upstairs. Hua Zhuyu’s heart surged with anger, though she showed nothing on her face, still smiling sweetly, “Since Prime Minister shows such courtesy, this humble one can only respectfully comply.” Obviously, Ji Fengli had guessed that the world’s greatest fortune-teller’s prophecy was her doing. Though he couldn’t do anything to her in public, the feud between them was now established.

“Eunuch Bao is too kind!” Ji Fengli said politely, then turned to Wen Wan beside him, “Wan’er, please return home first. I need to discuss some matters with Eunuch Bao!”

Wen Wan’s previously serious expression immediately brightened upon hearing Ji Fengli’s words, saying softly, “Then Wan’er will leave first. Prime Minister, take care!” After speaking, she glanced coldly at Hua Zhuyu before turning to leave.

Led by a server, Hua Zhuyu and Ji Fengli went to the third floor, where a man in his thirties hurried forward, bowing with a smile, “Prime Minister, it’s been days since your last visit! Please, come inside!”

Hua Zhuyu recognized this man as Drunken Immortal Tower’s proprietor. The Left Prime Minister’s influence was indeed substantial – even the proprietor personally greeted him. Hua Zhuyu had worked as a qin teacher for several days and had seen this person from afar. However, the proprietor didn’t recognize Hua Zhuyu – after all, she had only worked a few days. Whether he recognized her or not didn’t matter. Wen Wan had seen her playing qin at Drunken Immortal Tower, so her past as a qin teacher probably couldn’t be hidden from Ji Fengli. But perhaps not – her qin skills surpassed Wen Wan’s, so Wen Wan probably wouldn’t tell Ji Fengli about this.

The proprietor led them to a private room and departed.

Hua Zhuyu quickly surveyed the room’s furnishings – screens, tables, and chairs were all exquisite and elegant, with antique charm. Several landscape paintings hung on the walls, painted with light ink and rich colors, grand yet elegant. The room also contained several pots of orchids, all precious varieties. She walked gracefully to the window, glanced outside casually, then turned back with rippling light in her clear eyes like reflected pearls.

Ji Fengli slowly walked to the table with hands behind his back, his lips curved in an ambiguous smile.

Both wore faint smiles, but what emotions lay behind those smiles perhaps only they themselves knew. Inwardly, they were calculating against each other.

However, who could ultimately outmaneuver whom, and who would laugh last?

After a long moment, Hua Zhuyu smiled gracefully and sat in a chair beside the table, saying clearly, “What matters does Prime Minister wish to discuss?”

Ji Fengli lightly adjusted his robes and sat across from Hua Zhuyu, his voice clear and gentle, “Eunuch Bao’s sword dance at Prince Kang’s night banquet remains unforgettable for Fengli. Meeting today, how could I not chat longer?”

“Prime Minister flatters me. How could that sword dance compare to Miss Wen’s dance – that was truly a stunning performance!” Hua Zhuyu raised her dark brows, speaking melodiously.

Ji Fengli’s handsome face showed increasing mirth, “How could Wan’er’s dance compare to even one ten-thousandth of Eunuch Bao’s sword dance? I wonder how someone of Eunuch Bao’s talent came to become a eunuch?”

“This humble one merely knows one sword dance – hardly talent! Speaking of it, I was truly a frog in a well, not knowing heaven’s height or earth’s depth, thinking myself talented yet bitter about having no place to display abilities. So I had no choice but to mutilate myself, hoping to enter the palace for opportunities. Truly regrettable – if I could have met a discerning patron like Prime Minister earlier and received your advancement, I wouldn’t have fallen to this state.” Hua Zhuyu deliberately portrayed herself as someone with lofty aspirations, preventing Ji Fengli from suspecting other motives.

Ji Fengli lazily waved his folding fan, chuckling, “Eunuch Bao is truly modest. How many could perform such sword dancing?”

Being closer now, Hua Zhuyu could clearly see Ji Fengli’s fan wasn’t paper but made from cold silk – fabric woven from ice silkworm thread, naturally cool. The udumbara flowers on the fan surface were embroidered with fine, lifelike needlework.

The fan appeared extremely elegant, but this delicate-seeming fan was actually a weapon – difficult to imagine without truly seeing it.

“I wonder if Eunuch Bao plays chess?” Ji Fengli asked with a curved smile.

Hua Zhuyu smiled, “I can play chess, but only barely – I wouldn’t dare play against Prime Minister. His Highness often praises Prime Minister’s chess skills.” Hua Zhuyu didn’t fear Ji Fengli; she simply didn’t want to display too many talents before him.

“Oh? Even Eunuch Bao has things she doesn’t dare do?” Ji Fengli’s smile bloomed brilliantly, involuntarily reminding Hua Zhuyu of white lotus flowers on snowy mountains.

“Yuan Bao is merely a servant – there are many things I don’t dare do. Left Prime Minister, this humble one should return to the palace. I take my leave!”

“Very well, Eunuch Bao, take care!” Ji Fengli didn’t try to stop her, smiling as he stood and courteously escorted Hua Zhuyu to the private room door, “However, Eunuch Bao, since this game has begun, you cannot choose not to play.”

Hearing this, Hua Zhuyu’s heart jolted. Looking back, she saw Ji Fengli leaning against the doorframe, his thin lips quietly curved in an enticing arc.