Upon hearing the news, Xue Shengnan felt a surge of joy and bowed to Cheng Wei. "Congratulations, Lord Cheng. You’ll soon return to your holand in glory."
Cheng Wei’s smile faded gradually. He imdiately composed a letter, instructing his spies to send it back to Qi Nation, informing the Emperor of this developnt. Discovering the whereabouts of the Fifth Prince was already a significant achievent, but bringing him back to Qi Nation would be an even greater accomplishnt.
He then ordered his trusted aide to brew a pot of pre-rain Longjing tea to properly thank Xue Shengnan. "It’s all thanks to Miss Xue’s information."
Cheng Wei’s opinion of her had changed. He had left Qi Nation years ago and had infiltrated Mu Nation, accumulating rit but not necessarily the respect of his family. After such a long absence, he was sowhat unfamiliar with Qi Nation and needed capable people around him to secure the Emperor’s favor and quickly establish himself.
He courteously poured tea for Xue Shengnan, who accepted it with a composed smile, maintaining the deanor of a high-born lady.
Shuang’er swallowed nervously, her face showing excitent. Finally, they had received recognition! Their future looked bright.
Xue Shengnan remained poised, her smile subtle but confident. "It was Lord Cheng’s trust in that earned us this rit."
Cheng Wei appreciated her words. "Miss Xue, a woman like you, should not be wasted in the confines of the ho. However, I am curious--how did you know that Chu the Fifth is indeed the Emperor’s younger brother?"
Xue Shengnan took a sip of tea before speaking slowly, "Once, when Xue Yan’er was drunk outside, I went to fetch her and happened to encounter Chu the Second, who was also heavily drunk. He complained to his friends about how his elder brother treated an adopted son better than him. His friends told him not to speak recklessly, but when I saw Chu the Fifth, I realized Chu the Second’s words were not without truth."
Cheng Wei refilled her tea and gestured for her to continue.
Xue Shengnan continued, "Chu the Fifth’s appearance is quite exceptional. Even if he doesn’t beco an emperor, he would certainly rise to prominence. He also carries an aura of imperial grandeur, which indicates he’s of royal blood. Since Mu Nation doesn’t have any illegitimate royal children, I learned from the black market that the current Emperor Qi is offering a large reward for his brother. Knowing the age of the Emperor’s younger brother, it matched Chu Yan’s age, so I dared to make this guess."
Cheng Wei was internally astonished. Xue Shengnan not only had talent but also remarkable intelligence and strategy. He nodded in agreent, "I’ve arranged a eting with Chu the Fifth. Are you sure that Xiao Wanyi will give birth on that day?"
Xue Shengnan’s expression turned serious and determined. "I’ve consulted her birthdate and fortune. She will definitely give birth that day. Lord Cheng need not worry about anything else; just proceed according to plan."
Cheng Wei sighed, "How can I not worry? Previously, the young master of Fla Sect kidnapped Chu the Fourth and staged a fake death scenario, which was exposed by the Ninth Princess. Chu Yan is the Fifth Master of the Chu family, and to abduct him, we must first deal with the Ninth Princess."
Xue Shengnan sneered dismissively at the ntion of Nanli. "Others may think Chu Nanli is formidable, but she isn’t omnipotent. Even if she’s managing Xiao Wanyi’s childbirth, how can she oversee Chu Yan’s disappearance? By the ti she reacts, we’ll already be far away with the Teleportation Talisman. Even if she can track Chu Yan’s location, she won’t be able to catch up once we reach Qi Nation."
Cheng Wei’s eyes widened in astonishnt. "Miss Xue has mastered the Teleportation Talisman?"
Xue Shengnan smiled with a hint of pride. "Indeed."
The Teleportation Talisman was sothing Nanli could draw with ease, accomplishing many significant tasks. Xue Shengnan had studied the talisman from books, practiced for several days, and finally managed to draw it herself.
She wasn’t the only one with extraordinary talent in this world. Xue Shengnan had taught herself, and she intended to make her na known throughout the world, proving that she, too, could achieve greatness.
"With Miss Xue’s Teleportation Talisman, our plan will surely succeed!" Cheng Wei was delighted but then voiced a concern. "What about Chu Ye and Xiao Wanyi..."
He worried that Xue Shengnan might be hindered by emotional attachnts at the last mont.
Xue Shengnan reassured him, "Lord Cheng need not worry. I understand the importance of priorities and won’t let personal feelings disrupt our plan."
Seeing her resolute expression, Cheng Wei relaxed slightly and continued discussing the detailed plan with her. The opportunity was a once-in-a-lifeti chance; missing it would be disastrous.
Xue Shengnan then asked, "Are you sure you don’t want to bring anyone from your family?"
Not even your own children?
Cheng Wei was indifferent. "What use would they be? They’re children of Mu Nation won and would only be a burden. Given the danger of our mission, it’s better not to carry anyone who might be a hindrance."
Xue Shengnan’s heart sneered coldly. It seed Cheng Wei had married and had children rely for better infiltration. He was inherently cold and unfeeling. Once she reached Qi Nation, she would need to find a more reliable ally. Cheng Wei might betray her at any mont.
She then glanced at Shuang’er, whose legs felt weak, and she hurriedly grasped Xue Shengnan’s hand. "Miss, you can’t leave behind."
Xue Shengnan patted her hand reassuringly. "I won’t abandon you. However, before we leave, I need you to do sothing for ."
Shuang’er looked at Xue Shengnan’s deep eyes, shivering. "What is it?"
Xue Shengnan’s lips curled into a smile. "I need you to kill soone."
Shuang’er was stunned.
She opened her mouth to refuse.
But Xue Shengnan lifted Shuang’er’s chin, her voice gentle yet nacing. "Shuang’er, if you wish to continue serving , you must prove yourself capable. I no longer need a maid rely serving tea and water."
Shuang’er had no choice. Refusing ant not only being abandoned but also facing imdiate death for knowing their plan.
"Miss, I will do my best to fulfill your orders," Shuang’er said with a trembling voice.
Xue Shengnan smiled with satisfaction. "Good. Then you will..."
She whispered a few words into Shuang’er’s ear.
Shuang’er’s eyes widened in horror, and she shook her head frantically. "Miss, no! How can you... How can you want to kill everyone in the Xue family? They are your blood relatives!"
In truth, she felt overwheld by the number of people she was asked to kill. The entire Xue family... would number over a hundred!
Taking so many lives would an she would be condemned to the lowest depths of hell.
Xue Shengnan’s face darkened. "What are they to ? Shuang’er, if you refuse, I’ll deal with you first!"
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