“If you want to drink tea, that’s fine. If you have a favor to ask, that’s also fine – but first, you’ll have to beat this young master!”
Ye Li looked at the flirtatious young master staring at her with provocative eyes, finding it secretly amusing. She certainly knew that Han Mingyue wasn’t in Jiangnan now; she even knew where he had gone. Although Han Mingyue and Han Mingshi were brothers, Han Mingshi was much easier to deal with. For various reasons, Ye Li didn’t want to meet with Han Mingyue. “What does Young Master Han wish to wager?”
Han Mingshi raised his eyebrows and smiled, “This young master won’t take advantage of you. Weren’t you quite impressive just now? Let’s still bet on dice, comparing high and low.”
Ye Li raised an eyebrow, not objecting. “Very well.”
Han Mingshi smiled with satisfaction. “Good, straightforward. If you can beat this young master, whatever favor you ask, I will help you accomplish it.”
Ye Li smiled, “That won’t be necessary. I don’t particularly like people who make excessive demands. Even if I have a favor to ask, I won’t let Young Master Han suffer a loss. After all… in business, mutual benefit is the key to longevity, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Interesting.” Han Mingshi smiled, “What if you lose?”
Ye Li said, “If I lose, we’ll pretend I never brought up today’s matter. Additionally, I’ll wager the two hundred and ten thousand silver notes I won at your establishment earlier.”
“One round to determine the winner?” Han Mingshi asked.
“Please,” Ye Li gestured with her hand.
Han Mingshi swept his sleeve, and the ancient zither on the table flew smoothly away to land on a cabinet nearby. Han Mingyue took out a set of dice and placed them on the table, saying arrogantly, “You can check the dice first.”
Ye Li shook her head and pushed the dice cup back, smiling, “I trust the reputation of Qingfeng Mingyue Tower and Young Master Han. Please, you first.”
Han Mingshi pursed his lips. “High or low?”
Ye Li pondered for a moment before saying, “High.”
Han Mingshi let out a light snort, grabbed the dice cup with the dice inside, and began shaking them unhurriedly. Ye Li leisurely admired Han Mingshi’s dice-shaking technique, which was undeniably pleasing to watch. The dice cup performed countless tricks in his hands as if by magic, finally ending with him slamming it heavily onto the table. Raising an eyebrow at Ye Li, Han Mingshi lifted the cup without looking. Ye Li calmly observed the dice on the table. The original three had become six, three halves cut diagonally through the middle. They formed six pyramids arranged neatly on the table surface. “Young Master Han’s internal energy is impressive – thirty-three points.”
Han Mingshi was clearly in a good mood, looking at Ye Li with smiling eyes. “It seems these can’t be used anymore. Master Chu can use new ones. I trust Master Chu won’t simply copy others?”
Ye Li remained composed as she took the new set of ivory dice Han Mingshi handed over and dropped them into the cup. Unlike Han Mingshi’s flashy shaking technique, Ye Li just held the cup and shook it methodically, not even particularly fast. The water pavilion was silent except for the sound of dice colliding as they were shaken. However, Han Mingshi’s originally relaxed and casual smile gradually became serious. Even his lazily reclined posture straightened up as his gaze fixed intently on Ye Li’s calm face. He couldn’t tell at all what numbers the dice might show! Though he wasn’t too worried about winning or losing – thirty-three points was already the highest possible score. Unless this youth copied his method, there was no way to beat him.
Bang! Ye Li slammed the dice cup back onto the table and smiled at Han Mingshi. “Would Young Master Han like to guess how many points?”
Han Mingshi shot her a disdainful look. “No matter how many points, you can’t beat this young master. Open it. Let this young master see just how impressive Master Chu is.”
Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Young Master Han is correct.”
Slowly lifting the cup revealed three intact dice on the table. However… all three dice were balanced on one corner point, with their angled faces leaning against each other. Each die showed two faces up, and these faces happened to all be fives and sixes – in other words, Ye Li also had thirty-three points.
Ye Li smiled faintly. “Thirty-three points, it seems to be a tie. What does Young Master Han think?”
Han Mingshi stared at her fixedly for a good while before finally speaking in a deep voice, “You win. Tell me what you need.” With a wave of his hand, the dice cup and three dice were sent to a display shelf nearby. Han Mingshi called out, “Bring tea!”
In the water pavilion, Ye Li contentedly savored the premium tea that had just been served. The Qingfeng Mingyue Tower truly deserved its reputation as the finest pleasure establishment in the world – even their tea could almost rival imperial tribute tea. Han Mingshi stared at Ye Li with deep eyes. “Now can Master Chu tell me exactly what business you have with the Master of Tianyi Chamber?”
Ye Li set down her teacup and smiled faintly. “It’s nothing major. I need to travel to the Southern Frontier soon, so I require some intelligence. Since Tianyi Chamber claims to be the Great Chu’s finest intelligence organization, I had no choice but to come seeking help.”
Being flattered by someone who was his equal, Han Mingshi’s expression softened slightly. He snorted lightly, “With Master Chu’s ability to know the relationship between Qingfeng Mingyue Tower and Tianyi Chamber, your intelligence network must already be quite extensive. Why would you still need Tianyi Chamber’s assistance?”
Ye Li smiled helplessly. “Knowing that… was merely coincidence. I hope Young Master Han won’t mind my presumption. Of course, since Tianyi Chamber makes its living selling intelligence, I will certainly provide compensation that will satisfy Tianyi Chamber. After all… in business, mutual benefit is necessary for long-term success, wouldn’t you agree?”
Han Mingyue narrowed his phoenix eyes, leaning back and sizing up Ye Li leisurely. “Oh? Satisfy Tianyi Chamber… it seems Master Chu is quite confident.”
Ye Li smiled slightly. “I trust that since Tianyi Chamber is in the business of commerce, they wouldn’t make unreasonable demands?”
“Hmph! Master Chu surely isn’t planning to use the money won at my Qingfeng Mingyue Tower to pay Tianyi Chamber?”
“I wouldn’t dare. I happen to have two shops in Guangling City as well. Though they opened recently, I trust they might meet Young Master Han’s approval.” Ye Li calmly drank her tea, smiling at Han Mingshi. Han Mingshi frowned slightly, his handsome face touched with a hint of devilishness unconsciously emanating an enchanting aura. Though Ye Li wasn’t affected by it, she couldn’t help but admire it inwardly. Though he looked very similar to Han Mingyue, their temperaments were vastly different.
“Master Chu wouldn’t happen to be referring to that fragrance shop called Xun Ya Chamber that opened half a year ago on Xuanwu Street?” Han Mingshi asked with obvious probing intent.
Ye Li nodded, “Indeed. Young Master Han surely knows how much profit Xun Ya Chamber can make. As long as Young Master Han can provide intelligence that satisfies me, I can give you twenty percent of Xun Ya Chamber’s annual profits.”
“Annual?” Han Mingshi raised an eyebrow. “Then may I understand this as Master Chu proposing a long-term cooperation? Xun Ya Chamber is indeed quite profitable, but it doesn’t seem to reach the level worthy of becoming Tianyi Chamber’s long-term partner.” He certainly knew about Xun Ya Chamber – in fact, the fragrances he currently used came from there. And ever since using Xun Ya Chamber’s fragrances, no other fragrances could meet his standards. Though Xun Ya Chamber had only been open in Guangling City for half a year, it was already subtly overshadowing all the established cosmetics and fragrance shops in the city. However, because their prices were more than three times higher than regular shops, they weren’t popular with ordinary households. But Han Mingshi was certain that at least seventy percent of the noble ladies and wealthy madams in all of Guangling City used Xun Ya Chamber’s fragrances. If Xun Ya Chamber were willing to lower their prices, dominating the fragrance industry would surely be just around the corner.
Ye Li smiled and shook her head. “Does Young Master Han know whose money is easiest to earn in this world?”
Han Mingshi frowned. “Rich merchants, of course.” Qingfeng Mingyue Tower’s shocking annual income all came from these wealthy merchants.
Ye Li waved her folding fan and smiled. “Wrong, it’s women.”
“Women?” Han Mingshi scoffed. Women had no source of income and completely depended on men for their livelihood. This inevitably meant they couldn’t spend money as freely as men. And few women could be as extravagant as men in throwing away thousands of silver.
Ye Li sighed lightly, casually playing with her folding fan while smiling, “In this world… there are more women than men. But… while not all men necessarily enjoy eating, drinking, gambling, and visiting brothels, it’s certain that all women like to be young and beautiful.” Even in their previous life, those female soldiers, though no less capable than men on the battlefield, would always prioritize clothing and cosmetics shops when they went shopping.
Han Mingshi’s heart stirred. He didn’t have his elder brother’s amazing talent and sharp business insight, nor did he care much about money. But that didn’t mean he was a fool – naturally, he understood some of what she meant. He gave Ye Li a look to continue and poured tea for both of them, clearly interested in this topic.
Ye Li didn’t mind and continued, “Xun Ya Chamber’s fragrance formulas are secret, not something any ordinary cosmetics shop can recreate. Honestly, I’m not very satisfied with the quality of cosmetics and fragrances currently available in Great Chu, and I believe Young Master Han is similarly dissatisfied, correct?”
Han Mingshi frowned. Originally he hadn’t felt anything special, but after Xun Ya Chamber appeared, he realized that the fragrances he used before not only had simple scents but weren’t as pleasant. Though he privately had some premium custom-made fragrances, the time and effort spent far exceeded their value. Occasionally he would give Xun Ya Chamber’s products to his female companions, and those beautiful ladies clearly showed their preference for Xun Ya Chamber’s fragrances. Han Mingshi didn’t want to admit that he might have indirectly brought many customers to Xun Ya Chamber.
Ye Li watched Han Mingshi’s contemplative expression with satisfaction and continued, “Although Xun Ya Chamber only has one location in Guangling City now, with Young Master Han’s vision, don’t you think it’s possible to open one in every major and medium-sized town in Great Chu, or even… including Xiling, North Rong, and the Southern Frontier, and perhaps even further places? After all… wherever there are women, there will be customers. Don’t you agree?”
Han Mingshi felt somewhat shocked by this youth who was not yet fifteen, believing that if his money-loving elder brother were here, they would have much to discuss. Opening a Xun Ya Chamber in every town… it seemed quite grand. Han Mingshi began to imagine if he were to open a Qingfeng Mingyue Tower in every city, then…
“Hehe, I advise Young Master Han not to think that way. Otherwise… Young Master Mingyue might get angry.” Seeing Han Mingshi cupping his chin and staring outside the water pavilion with gleaming eyes, Ye Li guessed what he was thinking and hurriedly stopped him. The reason Qingfeng Mingyue Tower could become the world’s finest establishment was because of its uniqueness. If they were to open them everywhere, it wouldn’t be so wonderful anymore. She didn’t believe Han Mingyue hadn’t opened other brothels elsewhere – they just weren’t as famous. Moreover, honestly speaking, the brothel industry didn’t require much technical expertise. One could perhaps become outstanding among them, but it would be difficult to claim complete dominance.
“Cosmetics and fragrances are consumables, while Qingfeng Mingyue Tower… ahem, that’s for entertainment. They’re completely different, aren’t they? However… I think we can cooperate on this point.”
Han Mingshi had just gotten momentarily excited; if he had to open Qingfeng Mingyue Towers all across Great Chu, he’d probably get overwhelmed and run away first. Hearing Ye Li’s words, he didn’t object and raised his eyebrows to indicate he was listening. Ye Li smiled, “For instance… the fragrances and cosmetics used by the ladies at Qingfeng Mingyue Tower could all be purchased from Xun Ya Chamber. What does Young Master Han think? As a show of sincerity for our first cooperation, I can give Young Master Han a specially made fragrance, with unlimited free supply. How about that?”
Han Mingshi pondered for a moment, then raised his eyebrows and smiled, “With Master Chu showing such sincerity, wouldn’t this young master be pushing business away if I disagreed? Very well, tell me what intelligence Master Chu needs quickly. This young master believes you’ll find it worth more than the price.”
Ye Li nodded with satisfaction. “Excellent. Then why don’t Young Master Han make preparations first, while I also need to make some arrangements? Shall we meet again in a few days to sign the contract?”
“Agreed.”
After leaving Qingfeng Mingyue Tower and returning to an inconspicuous small courtyard in Guangling City where the group of five was staying temporarily, Dark Three finally let out a sigh of relief. Facing his brothers’ strange looks, he expressionlessly pulled out a thick stack of silver notes and threw them on the table. Dark Two, responsible for managing their funds, raised his eyebrows in surprise, “Where did all these silver notes come from?” They had only brought twenty thousand taels from the capital, how did the Princess Consort go out with Little Three and return with ten times that amount?
Dark Three glanced at Ye Li, who was sitting aside drinking tea while waving her fan, and said woodenly, “Won it at the gambling house.” After speaking, he looked at Ye Li with lingering fear, “Young Master, this servant didn’t think we’d walk out of there safely today.”
Ye Li glanced at him and smiled, “Don’t worry. If Qingfeng Mingyue Tower were to cause us trouble over a mere two hundred thousand taels, they wouldn’t be worthy of their reputation.”
A mere two hundred thousand taels? Even though Qingfeng Mingyue Tower earned mountains of gold daily, two hundred thousand was still no small sum.
Qingfeng Mingyue Tower?! Dark One, Dark Two, and Dark Three twitched their mouths and unanimously decided to forget this matter. They were the Princess Consort’s guards, so they absolutely, would not tell His Highness that the Princess Consort had taken Dark Three to visit a brothel.
Ye Li wasn’t in a hurry to find Han Mingshi. To completely conceal her whereabouts while needing intelligence about the Southern Frontier, Ye Li hadn’t planned to seek out Tianyi Chamber originally. Although both Han Mingshi and Han Mingyue brothers appeared to be easy to deal with, even after meeting just once, Ye Li clearly understood that Han Mingyue, that cultured young master, was more than ten times harder to handle than his philandering brother. If she hadn’t happened to know that Han Mingyue wouldn’t be in Great Chu recently, Ye Li definitely wouldn’t have contacted Han Mingshi.
However, although Han Mingshi seemed unreliable, Tianyi Chamber’s intelligence network was quite efficient. Just as Ye Li had finished touring around Guangling City, Han Mingshi came calling early in the morning.
Watching Han Mingshi, dressed in dark red gauze robes and constantly emanating his bewitching charm, sitting leisurely in the flower hall teasing the little maid who brought tea, Ye Li waved her hand to dismiss the blushing young girl and smiled, “It’s been a few days, Young Master Han’s charm remains unchanged.”
Han Mingshi smiled, “Not at all. Rather, has Master Chu found the spring scenery of Guangling pleasing these past few days?”
Ye Li wasn’t expecting Han Mingshi not to have people monitoring her, and wasn’t angry, calmly smiling, “An ancient capital of three dynasties, with picturesque scenery – how could it not be pleasing?”
Han Mingshi smiled, “Speaking of which, Master Chu forgot something the other day. This young master happened to come by today to bring it to you. It’s also a chance to show my sincerity in cooperation.”
Ye Li raised an eyebrow in confusion, looking at Han Mingshi who was smiling with obvious mischief. Han Mingshi raised his hand and clapped lightly. Soon, a beautiful woman in purple appeared at the door, “This lowly one, Ru Mei, greets Young Master, greets Master Chu.” This woman was Ru Mei who had been the dealer at the gambling house a few days ago.
Ye Li suddenly had a bad feeling, “Young Master Han, what is this?”
Han Mingshi swiftly opened his fan, his handsome face half-hidden behind it as he smiled, “It’s Qingfeng Mingyue Tower’s rule – whoever wins against the house dealer gets to keep them. Master Chu’s gambling skills were so impressive that Ru Mei sincerely admired them. From today on, Ru Mei will no longer be listed at Qingfeng Mingyue Tower, nor will she be their person anymore. She belongs to you now, Master Chu. If you find her suitable, you can even take her as a concubine. If not, she can serve as a maid for brewing tea, serving water, washing clothes, and cooking.”
Watching Han Mingshi smile suggestively and wink at her, Ye Li felt a headache coming on. “Young Master Han is too kind. I was just lucky, and besides… I didn’t gamble against Miss Ru Mei alone, so it doesn’t count as winning against her. Therefore, please take Miss Ru Mei back.”
Han Mingshi closed his fan, carelessly tapping it against his palm, “Does Master Chu mean you don’t find Ru Mei acceptable?”
Hearing Han Mingshi’s words, Ru Mei’s beautiful face turned deathly pale. She cast a resentful glance at Ye Li before standing aside, lowering her head and silently shedding tears.
Ye Li glared at Han Mingshi in annoyance, “Young Master Han, since we both have sincerity, why tease me like this? My family’s teachings are strict; I can only thank you for your kind intentions.”
Han Mingshi heaved a long sigh, looking at Ye Li with reproach, “Your heart is like iron! Well then. Ru Mei, it seems Master Chu doesn’t want you. You may go.” Ru Mei let out a light snort, stomped her foot, glared hatefully at Ye Li, and turned to leave.
Ye Li smiled bitterly in her heart. If she brought back a brothel woman, forget how her grandfather and uncle would react – even Mo Xiuyao would probably be furious. Mo Xiuyao… thinking of that person’s eyes when she left, though he tried hard to hide it, he couldn’t completely conceal the dejection in them. Ye Li sighed softly in her heart.
“Who is Master Chu thinking about?” Han Mingshi propped his chin up, curiously watching Ye Li. If he hadn’t seen wrong, he had just caught a glimpse of something like longing or worry in this shrewd and mysterious youth’s eyes.
“Did Young Master Han come to discuss such private matters with me?” Ye Li glanced at him and asked coolly.
Han Mingshi shrugged his shoulders and wiggled his eyebrows carelessly, “There’s no harm in chatting about it now when we have nothing else to do.”
“Then perfect, why doesn’t Young Master Han also share his… romantic history? I’ve been quite interested in storytelling lately, perhaps I should write one called… ‘Chronicle of the Romance Master,’ what do you think?” Ye Li smiled sideways.
“You are no fun at all,” Han Mingshi grumbled. Since Chu Junwei knew about the relationship between Qingfeng Mingyue Tower and Tianyi Chamber, it wasn’t so strange that he would know about Mingyue Young Master’s brother, Han Mingshi, being the notorious Romance Master. However, knowing his reputation yet not showing the usual contempt and disdain, Han Mingshi found this person quite interesting. “We can be considered familiar now. Always using ‘Young Master’ this and that is too stuffy. Why don’t we use our names? I’ll call you Junwei, and you can call me Mingshi.”
Ye Li blinked slightly. Junwei? Mingshi? Why did she feel this form of address was a bit strange?
“Brother Han.” Ye Li stared at him warningly, reminding him to discuss business.
“Alright, is Junwei being shy?” Han Mingshi blinked his bewitching eyes and smiled, but before Ye Li could react, he put on a serious expression and said, “I’ve roughly found out most of what you wanted to know. But as you know, we’re in Great Chu and most of the people and matters you want to investigate are in the Southern Frontier. So this is only part of it – the rest will be delivered to you gradually after you enter the Southern Frontier. However… I’m quite curious. Junwei, you’re still young, why would you suddenly want to go to the Southern Frontier? Even if it’s for traveling… there seems to be no need to investigate both the Southern Zhao royal family and the Southern Frontier Holy Maiden so thoroughly.”
Ye Li’s expression remained unchanged as she said, “To be honest, I’m going to the Southern Frontier to search for a medicine, and this medicine seems to be inevitably connected to the Southern Zhao royal family and the Southern Frontier.”
Han Mingshi raised his eyebrows, speaking somewhat jokingly, “Junwei, you’re generous with money and big brother isn’t stingy either. Whatever medicine you want, just say the word and I’ll have someone fetch it for you. Why make the long journey yourself? You couldn’t possibly be wanting the Southern Frontier’s greatest treasure, the ‘Ghost Lotus Flower,’ could you?”
Ye Li nodded seriously, “That’s correct.”
The smile on Han Mingshi’s face froze, and he sighed helplessly, “You really… the Ghost Lotus Flower is the Southern Frontier’s greatest treasure, personally guarded by the Holy Maiden. Forget ordinary people – even the King of Southern Zhao might not be able to obtain it. Junwei, are you sure you want to go?”
Ye Li nodded firmly, “If not for this, why would I spend such a great price buying information from Tianyi Chamber? The journey to the Southern Frontier is inevitable, so I trouble Brother Han to prepare the information as thoroughly as possible. Otherwise, if your little brother doesn’t return, you’ll lose a business partner.”
“From what I know, although the Ghost Lotus Flower is said to have the power to bring the dead back to life, I don’t know of anyone who has successfully used it for that – but I do know of people who died trying to obtain it. Junwei, who are you trying to save?” Han Mingshi asked with concern, “What illness or poison is it? Perhaps I can help you inquire about other solutions.”
Seeing Han Mingshi so worried, Ye Li felt somewhat guilty and quickly said, “No need, I’m just doing what I can. If it truly isn’t possible, I won’t risk my life foolishly.”
Han Mingshi nodded, advising, “It’s good that you truly think this way. The Southern Frontier is different from our Central Plains. There’s always something sinister about it – even our Tianyi Chamber often finds ourselves restricted and unable to operate freely there.”
“I understand. Thank you, Brother Han.” Ye Li nodded in response, taking out an exquisite small crystal bottle from a box placed on the table. It was filled with light green liquid. “This is what I promised Brother Han earlier. I hope you’ll be satisfied.”
Han Mingshi curiously accepted it. As soon as he opened the crystal bottle, a subtle floral fragrance wafted out, filling the hall. Han Mingshi exclaimed delightedly, “This is… orchid fragrance…”
“Although this scent might not quite match Brother Han’s preferences, it’ll have to do for now,” Ye Li couldn’t understand why a man would want to make himself so fragrant, but still decided to respect her new business partner’s personal preferences.
Han Mingshi didn’t mind at all, holding the crystal bottle preciously, “How could that be? This is wonderful, thank you, Junwei. Let’s settle the matter of Qingfeng Mingyue Tower and Xun Ya Chamber’s cosmetics and fragrances as discussed. From now on, all fragrances and cosmetics needed by Qingfeng Mingyue Tower will be ordered from Xun Ya Chamber.”
Ye Li nodded, smiling, “Then thank you, Brother Han.”
“No need for thanks, this is mutual benefit, isn’t it? Junwei, next time could you provide something with a stronger scent? This seems much better than regular fragrances – if sold at Xun Ya Chamber, it would surely earn even more.”
Ye Li’s mouth twitched as she said, “That’s not so easy to arrange. Including the bottle in Brother Han’s hand, Xun Ya Chamber only has five bottles in total. Also… Brother Han, I’ve always had a question I wanted to ask.”
“Ask anything, big brother will tell you everything I know.” Having received something good, Han Mingshi was in an unusually good mood and waved his hand carelessly.
Ye Li looked at him and said, “For someone in your… profession… is it convenient to be so fragrant?” For ordinary households it might be fine, but if he was trying to steal flowers from well-guarded houses or those with martial artists, wouldn’t anyone with a working nose detect such a scent?
Han Mingshi was stunned, taking a while to understand what profession Ye Li was referring to. He glared at her irritably, “You’re still just a child, you don’t understand men’s refinement. You don’t know how much the beauties love this young master’s fragrance.”
Ye Li was speechless. Did he think she’d never seen men before? The five Xu brothers, Mo Xiuyao, Feng Zhiyao, and even Mo Jingli – at most they would only scent their clothes with light fragrances like dragon blood incense, musk, or sandalwood. Mo Xiuyao probably had just a faint ink scent from spending long hours in his study. She’d never seen any man use such a flamboyant fragrance – why didn’t he just turn himself into a giant incense burner?
After promising to see about creating an even better fragrance for him when she returned from the Southern Frontier, she sent away the reluctant Han Mingshi and sat down to examine what he had brought.
“Young Master, when do we depart for the Southern Frontier?” Dark Three and Dark Four were handling the items Ye Li had ordered them to buy while watching her read the documents. Without looking up from the documents in her hand, Ye Li said, “The matters in Guangling are mostly settled, we’ll leave early the day after tomorrow. You should all look at these too.” She casually tossed several papers which Dark One and Dark Two caught and sat down to read carefully.
“Also, the day after tomorrow, I’m leaving. Only one of you can accompany me on the journey.”
All four stopped what they were doing and stared in shock at Ye Li’s calm face. “Princess Consort… Young Master, this…” Dark One frowned, “The Southern Frontier is different from the Central Plains. We’re unfamiliar with the place – it’s too dangerous for you to go with just one person.”
Ye Li looked up at them with a smile, “Don’t you think five people traveling together would draw too much attention? The people of the Southern Frontier are very xenophobic – if we go as a group, we’d likely be watched as soon as we enter the region.”
“But Young Master, taking only one person is too dangerous. If something happens…” Dark Three said.
“Are you doubting me or doubting yourselves?” Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked.
The four exchanged glances, unable to argue. Ye Li smiled, “Well then, it’s decided. Dark Three will come with me. Dark Four, you stay behind and secretly watch Qingfeng Mingyue Tower. If Han Mingyue returns or if anything happens, immediately send me word. Be careful not to let him discover you. Dark One goes to Broken Snow Pass and finds a way to infiltrate the military camp. Unless I send you word, don’t concern yourself with anything else. No matter who you see from our group or the Prince’s mansion, pretend you don’t know them. Keep an eye on the situation in Ling Province. Dark Two, leave tonight, take my token, and find Big Brother in the Southern Frontier. Once you find him, just stay by his side.”
Seeing that Ye Li had planned everything, the four could only nod in agreement. Ye Li smiled at them, “Unless necessary, do not contact the capital. I think… you all know what constitutes ‘necessary,’ right?”
The four helplessly agreed. Dark Three had a bitter expression, his head hanging low, while the other three gave him sympathetic looks. He would surely be torn to pieces by His Highness.
Ye Li had no time to care about her subordinates’ feelings, focusing instead on the documents about the Southern Frontier’s Holy Maiden, deep in thought. The Holy Maiden of the Southern Frontier wasn’t as she had previously believed – a mere figurehead without real power. On the contrary, the Holy Maiden had considerable influence over Southern Zhao’s political affairs, in some aspects even surpassing the royal family. However, the Holy Maiden could not marry or have children, and when each new generation’s Holy Maiden appeared, the previous one had to enter the Southern Frontier’s sacred ground to guard the Ghost Lotus Flower, never allowed to step out or see outsiders for the rest of her life. This was why she wasn’t such a sharp threat to royal power. The current Holy Maiden was named Shu Manlin, twenty-three years old this year. According to Southern Frontier rules, the Holy Maiden must retire by age twenty-eight at the latest.
Ye Li frowned, secretly wondering if this might be the reason the Holy Maiden wanted to rebel. After all, forcing a twenty-eight-year-old woman who had enjoyed supreme honor to be confined in some unknown sacred ground, never allowed to see outsiders again – that would be quite cruel for anyone.
“Young Master, are we going to take the Ghost Lotus Flower?” Dark Three saw Ye Li staring at the Holy Maiden’s documents and couldn’t help asking curiously.
Ye Li answered carelessly, “If we can get it, naturally it would be good to take it. However, the Southern Frontier’s affairs take priority.” She would first need to find out if the Ghost Lotus Flower would be useful for Mo Xiuyao’s condition before deciding whether to obtain it.