The Imperial Carriage drove slowly, its wheels rolling over the bluestone pavement with a low, rumbling sound.
Chu Yunlan leaned against the wall of the carriage, his eyes closed as if he were dozing.
Gu Qingwan sat opposite him, her head still lowered. Her jade-like hands clutched the edges of her sleeves, never letting go.
Before long, Chu Yunlan heard another Sound Transmission from his scout:
[Young Master, the location of the mine has been found!]
Chu Yunlan’s brow twitched slightly.
[Speak!]
The scout reported:
[Yes! The City Lord led his team directly toward Qingmang Mountain, 30 miles north of the city.]
Chu Yunlan asked:
[I heard you mention before that Chu Yuan made a bet with the Crown Prince, correct?]
The scout replied:
[Exactly! They used 1,000,000 Spirit Stones as stakes, betting on whether the City Lord can successfully break the formation before dusk. I have arranged for my men to continue monitoring Qingmang Mountain.]
Chu Yunlan nodded.
[If that is the case, we still have time to make arrangements. Keep a close eye on them. If the City Lord prepares to seal the mountain, you must delay him as much as possible.]
The scout answered:
[Yes! If there is any movement, I will report it immediately.]
After the Sound Transmission ended, Chu Yunlan leaned back against the carriage wall, feeling smug.
‘That trash dares to trade privately with the Successor of the Immortal Dynasty behind the Chu Clan’s back… I can certainly make good use of this.’
“Young Master, we have arrived at the Opera House!”
As the words fell, the Imperial Carriage came to a halt in front of the building.
Chu Yunlan lifted the curtain and spoke comfortingly to the beauty behind him. “Fairy Gu, I heard that today’s play is a comedy. We should enjoy it properly to ease your mood.”
Gu Qingwan was distracted, but she still gave Chu Yunlan a polite bow. “Very well. You are most thoughtful.”
She stepped out of the carriage. Just as her feet touched the ground, she heard a voice calling from ahead and to the side.
“Qingwan!”
The voice carried an irrepressible sense of pleasant surprise and sycophancy.
Gu Qingwan looked up.
A young man was walking quickly toward her from the corner of the street. He wore a brand-new brocade robe, a brilliant smile plastered on his face.
Gu Qingwan sighed inwardly.
‘Chu Linfeng.’
He was the legitimate grandson of the Third Elder of the Chu Clan’s branch family, and also the Licking Dog who was always stuck to her side.
For as long as she could remember, Chu Linfeng had been circling around her. When they were young, he would steal her candy; as they grew older, his behavior turned into various “accidental encounters.”
When she went to buy medicine, he was there.
When she went to gather herbs, he was there.
Even when she went to deliver Osmanthus Cakes to Chu Yuan, he was there too.
Every time, he would approach her with a beaming smile, calling her “Qingwan” this and “Qingwan” that, impossible to drive away.
Gu Qingwan knew exactly what he was thinking. But she had no way to respond. Her heart already belonged to someone.
And that person was not him.
Chu Linfeng ran up to her, his eyes squinting from his wide grin. “Qingwan! You’re back! I heard you went for an outing. Why are you back so soon? You aren’t hurt, are you? Here! I have…”
As he spoke, he began reaching into the breast of his robe.
Gu Qingwan took a step back, turning slightly to avoid his hand. “I am fine. Thank you for your concern.”
Chu Linfeng’s hand froze in midair, and his smile faltered for a moment. Then he laughed again, pulling his hand back to scratch his head.
“It’s good that you’re fine, it’s good. Um… I — I stewed the Silver Ear Soup you like. I’m keeping it warm at the nearby tea house. Would you like to try some?”
Gu Qingwan looked at him, feeling nothing but exhaustion. Just as she was about to refuse, a voice came from behind her.
“Qingwan, who is this?”
Chu Yunlan had stepped down from the carriage at some point, a smile on his face. That smile was gentle and appropriate, but it somehow made Chu Linfeng feel incredibly uncomfortable.
Chu Linfeng puffed out his chest. “I am Chu Linfeng, the legitimate grandson of the Third Elder of the Chu Clan’s branch family. And you are?”
Chu Yunlan gave a slight nod, his expression remaining warm. “So it is Brother Linfeng. I am Chu Yunlan. I have heard much about you.”
Chu Linfeng froze.
‘Chu Yunlan? The only son of the Holy Lord?’
‘How could he be with Qingwan?’
Chu Linfeng’s gaze shifted between the two of them, his expression changing. “Qingwan, why are you with him?”
Gu Qingwan frowned. “That has nothing to do with you, does it?”
Chu Linfeng’s face turned even grimmer. He glared at Chu Yunlan with eyes full of hostility.
Chu Yunlan merely smiled, acting as if he hadn’t noticed the animosity at all. “Brother Linfeng, please do not misunderstand. Miss Gu and I are merely casual acquaintances.”
As he spoke, he glanced at Gu Qingwan, his smile carrying just the right amount of concern. To Chu Linfeng, that concern looked like blatant boasting.
He clenched his fists. “Is it really just as simple as being casual acquaintances?”
Chu Yunlan arched an eyebrow, the curve of his lips deepening. He didn’t speak, but his posture and tone already radiated an air of superiority.
Chu Linfeng gripped his fists so hard that his nails dug into his palms. Watching this scene, Gu Qingwan felt even more drained. She didn’t want to be involved in this mess.
“Young Master Chu, I am going inside first,” she said.
Without looking back, she walked into the Opera House.
Chu Linfeng opened his mouth to call after her, but the voice got stuck in his throat. He wanted to chase her, but Chu Yunlan stepped in front of him, lightly patting his shoulder with a sigh.
“Brother Linfeng, some things cannot be forced.”
Chu Linfeng snapped his head around to glare at him.
Chu Yunlan’s smile now held a hint of pity. “Brother Linfeng, have you mistaken something? The person in Qingwan’s heart is not me. Surely you know this as well?”
Chu Linfeng was stunned. “You mean… that trash? Chu Yuan?”
Chu Yunlan nodded. “Exactly!”
As he spoke, he sent a secret Sound Transmission:
[If Brother Linfeng is willing, why don’t we cooperate?]
Cooperate?
Psh!
Chu Linfeng was no fool; he knew immediately that the other man wanted to use him.
[Heh! If I am not mistaken, you want to use me to take down that trash, then tell Wan’er about it so you can kick me aside as well… You have quite the scheme, Brother Yunlan!]
Chu Yunlan scoffed.
[Brother Linfeng, are you underestimating me? Do you think someone of my status would set his sights on a daughter of the lowly Gu Family?]
The arrogance in his voice caused Chu Linfeng to calm down slightly. Unlike his own status as a member of a branch family, the man before him was the future Holy Lord. His status was so noble that with a single wave of his hand, countless peerless fairies would flock to him. Why would he fixate on Gu Qingwan alone?
In comparison, Chu Yuan was indeed his long-standing love rival. If he could tear those two apart, he would have an opportunity to step in.
A sharp glint appeared in Chu Linfeng’s dull eyes, and he cupped his hands respectfully.
[What brilliant plan do you have, Brother Yunlan?]
Chu Yunlan immediately informed him about Chu Yuan’s private trade regarding the mine’s location.
Chu Linfeng’s pupils shrank violently.
[Is that true?]
Chu Yunlan smiled and patted his shoulder.
[Believe it or not, that is up to you. I simply feel that Brother Linfeng’s sincere heart for Miss Gu shouldn’t be wasted like this. As for what to do… you are a direct descendant of the branch family. Some things are more convenient for you to handle than for me. I shall invite Fairy Gu for an outing outside the city later; Brother Linfeng must seize the opportunity!]
With that, he turned and entered the Opera House.
Watching the figure disappear into the building, Chu Linfeng stood frozen on the spot, his expression flickering between shadow and light.
After a long time, he turned and headed straight for the Chu Clan estate, thinking to himself:
‘Chu Yuan! Just wait and see if I don’t crush you to death this time!!!’