131. The Seizure of the Yuan Family's Copper Coins

Chapter 131

Zhan Yun Ge had never seen Zhan Lian Jing lose his temper with her like this before. No matter how much trouble she had caused in the past, although Zhan Lian Jing was displeased, he had never spoken harshly to her.

Now, she truly understood how important Le Qian Xue was to Zhan Lian Jing.

Her shoulders trembled as she saw the expression on Zhan Lian Jing’s face and dared not speak.

Zhui Xing noticed that Zhan Lian Jing’s expression had softened slightly before he said, “Your Highness, please don’t blame Miss Yun Ge.”

Zhan Lian Jing shot Zhui Xing a cold glance, silencing him immediately. Naturally, Zhan Lian Jing understood Zhui Xing’s intentions: everyone was protecting Zhan Yun Ge, so it was as if Le Qian Xue was unimportant.

Zhan Yun Ge’s nature had been spoiled for so long; if she didn’t come now, it might be too late forever.

Hao Yue pulled Zhui Xing aside and said, “Your Highness, the urgent matter is to find Miss Le first.”

Zhan Lian Jing calmed himself and said, “Tell me everything that happened again.”

Zhan Yun Ge’s voice trembled as she glanced at Zhan Lian Jing, seeing that his expression was less dark. She then mustered the courage and said, “On the way, Sister Yu Yao pulled me aside and told me she knew you had fallen for someone else. She wanted to find a chance to explain and ask for another chance. I know you wouldn’t let her come near, so I gave her the human mask I wore.”

Hao Yue and Zhui Xing exchanged a glance. Yu Yao was indeed scheming, and Zhan Yun Ge was too soft-hearted, still believing Yu Yao was the same as before. She was easily deceived by Yu Yao’s few words.

Zhan Lian Jing asked, “Then what happened?”

Zhan Yun Ge continued, “Then Yu Yao knocked me unconscious, and I don’t remember anything after that. When I woke up, I came straight back.”

In fact, it was already late. Everyone Zhan Lian Jing had sent out had been killed—Yu Yao’s doing.

He had known something had gone wrong but didn’t expect his sister to be the accomplice.

Now, with Le Qian Xue missing, Zhan Lian Jing couldn’t bring himself to be angry at his sister.

Turning away, Zhan Lian Jing asked Hao Yue, “Has the Night City Lord been notified?”

Hao Yue nodded. “Yes, but Night City has recently gathered many people, a mix of fish and snakes. It’s uncertain if anyone can be found.”

Zhan Lian Jing didn’t want to hear that, his eyes flashing with sharpness.

Le Qian Xue’s whereabouts were unknown; she might have fallen victim to Yu Yao.

He hadn’t expected Yu Yao to target Le Qian Xue this time. Zhan Lian Jing might have tolerated Yu Yao before, but since this involved Le Qian Xue, he wouldn’t let it go easily.

Unfortunately, Yu Yao had disappeared for years without a trace. There must be a powerful force behind her; otherwise, Zhan Lian Jing wouldn’t be unable to find her.

He was eager to know who was supporting Yu Yao.

But for now, he was more worried about Le Qian Xue, and there was no sign of Yu Yao. It was truly troublesome.

After a moment of cold contemplation, Zhan Lian Jing changed his clothes, donned a silver mask, and left.

Neither Hao Yue nor Zhui Xing could stop him. They only hoped Le Qian Xue could rely on her own abilities to escape.

Seeing her brother leave, Zhan Yun Ge finally breathed out and collapsed onto the ground.

She hadn’t expected things to turn out this way; it all seemed like her fault.

Her eyes were red, and tears nearly spilled.

Zhui Xing hurried to support her. “Miss Yun Ge, the prince only spoke harshly because he’s worried about Miss Le.”

Zhan Yun Ge shook her head softly and said, “I—I really was wrong this time. It’s all my fault. I caused trouble for Sister Le.”

Zhui Xing comforted her, “It’s nothing. Miss Le always manages to get through dangers safely. She’s smart and will be fine.”

But he knew Yu Yao was even more formidable. Even though Le Qian Xue was clever, her martial arts weren’t superior to Yu Yao’s. Besides, Yu Yao had loved studying poisons since childhood. This time, Le Qian Xue had truly met a worthy opponent.

Zhan Yun Ge simply shook her head, unwilling to speak further.

Zhan Lian Jing had gone out to find Le Qian Xue, but it was hopeless.

No trace of Yu Yao was found, nor any clue.

With the auction about to begin, Night City had even more people, making the search more difficult.

Zhan Lian Jing found it inconvenient to operate in broad daylight.

He hadn’t slept all night and had no mind for the Yan family auction.

At this moment, Le Qian Xue was being led into the auction by a man in purple. The auction was an annual event, luxurious and grand. The man’s invitation was impressive—golden.

A servant led them to a private room on the second floor, the best location.

Le Qian Xue was surprised. Although Zhan Lian Jing could also acquire a golden invitation, this private room was apparently the purple-clad man’s.

After sitting down, she raised her hand, wrist tied to a stringed instrument string. “You can untie this now,” she said.

Not only was she wearing a hood, but the man also bound her wrist with a string to prevent escape.

Any movement and her life would be forfeit.

Le Qian Xue dared not move. Her life was precious, and the man had several highly skilled Le courtesans guarding him. Escape was impossible.

The man chuckled, “Good, you’re obedient.”

With a snap of his fingers, the string was undone.

Le Qian Xue pulled back her hand, sweating coldly. The man’s smile towards others was cold, but toward her, it was somewhat warm.

Why such a difference? She wondered if she had met him before.

Looking around, she saw no sign of Zhan Lian Jing.

Anxiety surged; today was her only chance. If she missed it, she might be taken somewhere by the purple man and never return.

She clenched her fist secretly but appeared calm.

The man poured her a cup of tea, brewed from fine Maojian leaves.

“Little beauty, have some tea,” he said. “I wonder what the Yan family is auctioning today. If there are musical instruments, that would be best.”

One of the courtesans immediately handed him a small notebook.

“Young master, this is the auction list.”

He glanced at it, snorted, “More boring stuff. Little beauty, see if anything catches your eye. I’ll buy it for you.”

Le Qian Xue took the list and studied it carefully. The illustrations were exquisite, with clear names and origins.

She soon chose an item. “I want this.”

He looked. “Ice Soul Needle, used by the top physician of the previous dynasty. It’s said to have special effects, far more powerful than ordinary silver needles.”

Le Qian Xue nodded. It was just a legend, and she hadn’t seen it herself. If it was truly that effective, someone buying it for her would be great.

He smiled, “Alright, we’ll buy this.”

The starting price for the Ice Soul Needle was five thousand taels—a considerable sum. The man seemed generous.

The auction was about to begin. Le Qian Xue recognized several people but none as close to her as Zhan Lian Jing.

She regretted not maintaining better relationships earlier; now, needing help, she couldn’t call anyone.

Fortunately, she soon saw Yan Chuan, who was counting people and preparing items.

Yan Chuan was a good choice—he had some rapport with Zhan Lian Jing.

But how to notify Zhan Lian Jing?

Le Qian Xue hesitated, palms sweating. The man and his courtesans watched her too closely.

A small auction bell rang—the event was starting.

The man yawned lazily, “Little beauty, your precious Zhan Lian Jing still isn’t here. Don’t bother watching.”

Le Qian Xue turned to him, “You’re not stupid. You know I’m looking for him.”

“Of course,” he laughed lightly. “I know everything you think. Planning to get Yan Chuan’s help? I advise against it. If you try, I’ll kill him first.”

Le Qian Xue was shocked. “How do you know what I’m thinking?”

Could he read minds? Impossible—such supernatural abilities didn’t exist.

The man smirked, more pleased. “You’re wrong. I do have mind-reading powers.”

Le Qian Xue was even more astonished. He was truly formidable, knowing her thoughts.

She dared not think further to avoid revealing more.

The man seemed to sense this and said, “Little beauty, stop scheming. Sit quietly, or I’ll turn this place into a bloodbath.”

Le Qian Xue dared not imagine anything else. The man was highly skilled and powerful. Asking for his help was difficult.

She composed herself. Since that was the case, she would watch the auction first.

Seeing her settle, the man turned away, no longer watching her.

“What a silly girl—so amusing.”

Yan Chuan was in charge of the auction. The event had begun.

Six rare and priceless items were up for sale.

The first item had already reached thirty thousand taels—a staggering price for a few copper coins.

Le Qian Xue was astonished...