"Where is Lingshan?"
ng Qianqian asked.
Lu Yuan replied, "You are from You State, yet you don’t know about Lingshan?"
ng Qianqian froze for a mont. "Lingshan is in You State?"
Lu Yuan said, "Not exactly. It’s just that the fastest water route from the Capital City to Lingshan starts at the docks in You State."
The Miao King tossed a token to Chen Long. "Lingshan is in the Southwest, not far from Miaojiang. If you encounter trouble, you can seek aid in Miaojiang."
Chen Long cupped his hands toward the Miao King. "Thank you, Senior Miao King."
The Miao King sighed, "Ah, the Shang family was so loyal and valiant for generations. It’s a sha I never had the chance to et them, nor did I lend a hand when the Shang family faced extinction. Now that there are descendants of the Shang family alive, how can I sit idly by?"
Chen Long bowed deeply. "Senior’s great kindness—Shang Xu will rember it for a lifeti!"
ng Qianqian was stunned.
Shang Xu...
Since the annihilation of the Shang family, her brother had never used that na again.
The Miao King said to Chen Long, "The journey is perilous. Exercise caution. Those two children have so value to Thousand chanism Pavilion, so they won’t kill them outright. If it’s absolutely necessary, don’t take unnecessary risks."
Chen Long did not respond.
ng Qianqian understood—once her brother made a decision, not even ten oxen could drag him back.
He would rather die than fail in rescuing their second uncle’s and second aunt’s children from the hands of Thousand chanism Pavilion.
"Ah, you child..."
The Miao King saw his resolve and knew any further persuasion would be aningless. He could only hand him additional gu worms for self-protection.
Lu Yuan gave Chen Long a human skin mask. "If the situation becos dire, impersonate that assassin in the secret passage. And take Yu Zichuan with you."
"Why take him?"
Chen Long asked.
Lu Yuan replied, "He grew up in the Southwest and is very familiar with the terrain. You’re always rushing headlong, and with Lingshan being that vast, by the ti you find Thousand chanism Pavilion’s location, the flowers would have withered."
ng Qianqian said, "So Yu Zichuan is from the Southwest. But I’m curious, how do you know the second aunt’s children are in Lingshan?"
Lu Yuan explained, "A hunting eagle brought back a fruit, a wild fruit that only grows in the Southwest region of Lingshan. Yu Zichuan used to forage for that fruit frequently when he was a child. With him along, finding Thousand chanism Pavilion’s hiding spot shouldn’t be too hard."
ng Qianqian suddenly realized, "So that’s how it is."
Chen Long hesitated, "It’s too dangerous—I don’t want to involve others."
Lu Yuan cast him an arrogant sidelong glance and said nonchalantly, "Once you’re in the Southwest, who’s involving whom is still up for debate."
"Brother, just take Yu Zichuan with you."
Although Lu Yuan and Yu Zichuan appeared to have a master-servant relationship, after so ti observing them, ng Qianqian discovered they were more like her and Tan’er. Lu Yuan deeply cared for Yu Zichuan and would never recklessly put him in danger.
Letting Yu Zichuan go signified that Lu Yuan was confident—at least confident that both of them could return safely.
Chen Long was still soone who would listen to ng Qianqian’s words.
After a mont of consideration, Chen Long said to Lu Yuan, "I hate owing favors. Take this."
Lu Yuan casually caught the item Chen Long tossed over.
When he realized it was a sachet, Lu Yuan rolled his eyes in disgust. "Chen Long! This Governor has zero interest in n!"
Chen Long frowned, wanting to shut this man up, but considering he had just given him the location of the twins, he grudgingly held back. "Little Chen Long is about to enter the Capital City—you might find this useful."
With that, he truly left.
Lu Yuan disdainfully weighed the sachet in his hand. "Completely nonsensical."
"Take care, Brother!"
ng Qianqian waved goodbye to Chen Long and said to Lu Yuan, "Let see."
Lu Yuan handed the sachet to her.
ng Qianqian sniffed it. "It slls wonderful. It’s packed with several types of dried flowers—no wonder you misunderstood."
Lu Yuan said coldly, "Is he out of his mind?"
"Didn’t he say it has sothing to do with Little Chen Long? You should keep it."
ng Qianqian returned the sachet to Lu Yuan.
Lu Yuan thought about giving it to ng Qianqian, but uncertain of its potential danger, he decided to hold onto it himself for now.
ng Qianqian smiled lightly. "Husband, you’re actually just a bit sharp-tongued but kind at heart."
Lu Yuan: "Who’s sharp-tongued?"
ng Qianqian instantly caved. "My bad."
The Miao King slapped the back of Lu Yuan’s head. "You brat! Who taught you to talk to your wife like that?"
Not even appreciating his blessings!
If Xian’er were here, let alone calling him sharp-tongued, she’d probably poison him without hesitation!
"Brat! Brat!"
The more the Miao King thought about it, the angrier he beca. He landed a flurry of slaps, his movents swift and precise.
"Hit again, and I’ll get mad!"
"Go ahead! See if I care!"
The old and the young started a brawl in the courtyard.
"Grandson-in-law, watch closely! This move is called Scorpion’s Tail Swing!"
The Miao King spun, his leg swift as lightning, delivering a kick toward Lu Yuan’s lower body.
But just as his leg was about to sweep Lu Yuan’s legs out, it suddenly twisted mid-air, the toe pointing upward, aiming for Lu Yuan’s jaw.
Lu Yuan quickly changed his fist into a palm to block the Miao King’s strike.
However, his inner strength was focused on his lower body, so his palm lacked force. After countering the move, his arm was left numb.
"How is this Scorpion’s Tail Swing?"
The Miao King stood proudly with arms akimbo. "Because I say so!"
ng Qianqian clapped her hands in delight. "No deception in war, Grandpa, you’re amazing!"
The Miao King, pleased by the praise, was in a fine mood.
"The best is yet to co—keep watching, granddaughter-in-law! My second move, Great Vajra Finger—poke!"
While others would aim for the eyes, the Miao King targeted the waist instead.
Lu Yuan dodged, cold sweat breaking out.
The old man showed no restraint—he intended to incapacitate him permanently.
If it weren’t for his earlier experiences, knowing the old man’s disposition, he’d likely already have significant trouble.
ng Qianqian had never seen Lu Yuan suffer such losses before. She couldn’t help herself and burst into laughter, clutching the table for support.
"Great."
Lu Yuan clenched his fingers, ntally jotting this indignity down for later retribution.
Initially, the Miao King had the upper hand, but gradually, Lu Yuan caught onto so tricks.
"Oh, you’re keeping up—well done, boy."
The Miao King, proud as ever, said, "Truly worthy to be my own grandson."
ng Qianqian noticed that while the Miao King seed to be sparring with Lu Yuan, he was actually using the changing techniques to unblock his stagnant and clotted ridians.
This made her think of Chu Nan.
Chu Nan was born with blocked ridians and a frail body, making him unfit for martial arts.
Lu Yuan, as a descendant of the Miao King and the Miaojiang Goddess, possessed incredible talent, yet the inhuman tornt he endured at the Pri Minister’s Mansion left him riddled with ailnts.
Forced martial arts training could shorten his lifespan—the more skilled he beca, the greater price he’d pay.
Fortunately, he had been raised under the Miaojiang Goddess, consuming many heavenly treasures in his youth, and in recent years, Liu Qingyun had continuously sent him dicine.
Now, with the Miao King clearing his ridians daily, a longer life was within reach.
"Had enough?"
The Miao King pressed down on Lu Yuan.
Lu Yuan, unwilling to admit defeat, said, "Again!"
The Miao King rebuked, "Again for what? You may want to continue fighting, but I don’t wish for my granddaughter-in-law to stand around in the cold! Don’t you know how to care for your wife? You’re all sweaty—disgusting! What if you stink up my granddaughter-in-law? Get out of here and take a bath!"
With a kick, the Miao King sent Lu Yuan stumbling forward.
Lu Yuan staggered several steps, glaring as he clenched his fists, muttering, "Blood relative, but I can’t kill."
ng Qianqian found the entire scene satisfying to watch.
The Miao King turned to her, saying, "Granddaughter-in-law, are you feeling cold? Hurry back and have so ginger tea to warm up. Tomorrow I’ll teach you martial arts!"
"Alright!"
ng Qianqian eagerly nodded.
She had vengeance to exact.
The enemies she faced included both Pri Minister Xun and the skilled agents of Thousand chanism Pavilion.
While intelligence was essential, strength could often crush ten tis the scheming.
"Husband."
She approached Lu Yuan.
Lu Yuan scoffed, "You were quite amused earlier, weren’t you? Did you enjoy watching this Governor get beaten up?"
"How could it be called getting beaten? That was clearly familial affection!"
ng Qianqian quickly took the initiative to hold his hand.
As expected, this move worked.
His expression softened considerably.
ng Qianqian looked back at the Miao King and winked. "Grandpa, we’re leaving."
The Miao King cheerfully waved. "Go on, now! Quickly, don’t catch a chill!"
The two exited the courtyard.
The Miao King craned his neck to confirm the youngsters had walked far off, then clutched his aching back, hissing in pain.
"That brat is really strong... Xian’er, if you don’t co to the Capital City soon, I’ll be beaten to death by that brat..."
-
Back at the main residence, ng Qianqian suddenly rembered sothing. "Right, did you inform the Supre Emperor and Chief of Staff Xing about the secret tunnel in the Pri Minister’s Mansion?"
"I did."
Lu Yuan replied.
There was no need to keep the secret tunnel hidden; however, knowing it was filled with nurous traps, Lu Yuan warned them to avoid entering unnecessarily.
ng Qianqian fiddled with her fingers. "What about the gold and jewels inside..."
Lu Yuan looked at her sternly. "The Pri Minister’s Mansion’s fortune is ant to be confiscated and turned over to the state—only half can be taken."
ng Qianqian twitched the corner of her mouth. "You’re surprisingly principled."
As they spoke, they entered the house.
A chubby, round little bundle was sprawled inside the wardrobe, bum sticking out, rummaging through his father’s chest.
Lu Yuan swiftly hoisted the little rascal up, his tone icy. "I knew it—why has the gold been dwindling lately? Spit it out."
Bao Shu blinked innocently, grabbed Lu Yuan’s other hand, and spat half a piece of a sugar-coated hawthorn onto his palm.
Lu Yuan: "..."
-
After lunch, Eunuch Fu arrived.
He ca to deliver the Lady Dowager’s stipend and the charcoal for the New Year.
Additionally, he brought two invitations—one for the Miao King and the other for the Governor Mansion.
"Wedding invitations."
ng Qianqian was surprised.
But when she saw the nas on them, her reaction went far beyond surprise.
"Princess Wanping’s wedding? And the Prince Consort is—"
Eunuch Fu smiled. "One of the Twelve Guards, Rooster."
ng Qianqian’s body shook. "Ji Li?"
She glanced again at the wedding date and sucked in a cold breath.
Goodness, it’s at the end of the month!
"Isn’t this a bit rushed?"
Does the Princess even know?
Does Ji Li know?
They disappeared for a while, ca back, and now they’re suddenly married?
ng Qianqian said hesitantly, "Isn’t this a bit too hasty?"
Eunuch Fu smiled, his teeth on full display. "The Supre Emperor said, given their extended absence, it’s likely a done deal."
ng Qianqian: If they were gone for so long, shouldn’t you send troops to find them? Supre Emperor, is your focus slightly... off?
"Is it possible they weren’t eloping... just got lost?"
Eunuch Fu chuckled. "It certainly wasn’t an elopent—the Supre Emperor said Princess Wanping and the Rooster Guard were on an imperial mission."
ng Qianqian: "... Experience counts—it seems the older you are, the craftier you get."
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