155. A Cat's Flaw

Chapter 155

Le Qianxue feigned mystery, blinked, and said, "You'll know when the time comes. It's definitely a good thing."

Yin Susu was dressed in red, looking exceptionally charming at the moment. She chuckled and said, "Alright then. I'd actually like to see those copper coins right now. Can I take a look?"

"They were meant for you in the first place. Zhan Lianjing, go get them," Le Qianxue said.

Since those items had been stored away by Zhan Lianjing, Le Qianxue called out to him naturally.

However, Zhan Lianjing glanced at her and said, "Come with me."

Le Qianxue felt a little puzzled, but since he had asked, she naturally followed him.

Shortly after, Zhan Lianjing went to his room. After taking out the six copper coins, his hand suddenly paused.

Le Qianxue asked, "What's wrong with you? You look a bit strange."

Zhan Lianjing asked, "How is it that cat is so close to you?"

"You mean Susu's cat?" Le Qianxue touched her chin. It was a snow-white cat that looked rather regal.

She never expected that cat would take a liking to her.

She said, "I have no idea. But this cat got close to me the very first time we met. It seems quite temperamental and doesn't cozy up to anyone else. Susu is one exception, and I am the other."

Even Zhan Lianjing couldn't win a single glance from that cat—talk about attitude.

Zhan Lianjing's gaze darkened slightly. He said, "These copper coins won't be given to Yin Susu just yet."

Le Qianxue asked, "Why?"

She was also perplexed as to why Zhan Lianjing had made such a decision.

"She is a bit strange," Zhan Lianjing did not hide it from her. "You should be on guard against her too. Once I observe her for a while and make sure she is fine, I will naturally give her these copper coins."

Le Qianxue frowned. "Does that mean you suspect her? Don't you know Susu?"

Zhan Lianjing replied, "There is indeed nothing strange about her itself. The only strange thing is that cat of hers."

"The cat?" Le Qianxue was even more puzzled.

Zhan Lianjing nodded. "I don't know if I'm mistaken, but it's always better to be cautious."

Le Qianxue then asked, "Mistaken about what?"

"That cat was kept by Yu Yao for a few days in the past. But back then, the cat was still very small, and I'm not sure if I recognized it correctly," Zhan Lianjing said.

Le Qianxue turned pale with shock and said, "What? Yu Yao? You don't know who the person behind Yu Yao is. But now that cat has appeared again—do you suspect that Susu is..."

"This is just my guess," Zhan Lianjing said. "I'm not certain either. But I figured these copper coins are extremely important, which is why I want you to be careful."

After all, Yin Susu was Le Qianxue's friend. Zhan Lianjing was always cautious, so he originally hadn't planned to mention this.

Yet, upon second thought, since he and Le Qianxue were now husband and wife, he couldn't just make arbitrary decisions on his own; he ought to inform her.

He had expected Le Qianxue to blindly defend Yin Susu, but to his surprise, Le Qianxue said, "Since that's the case, let's just observe her for now."

He was stunned and said, "I thought you would defend her."

"Defend what?" Le Qianxue said calmly. "Is there any need to defend her? This coincidence is indeed a bit much, and we haven't done anything to her yet, just observing. If there's no problem, the copper coins will be given to her eventually. But Susu came back this time bringing such a powerful cat; even I find it somewhat peculiar."

Zhan Lianjing had always been perceptive, so Le Qianxue didn't doubt him.

Besides, if Yin Susu and Yu Yao shared the same mastermind behind the scenes, it would spell disaster. That person had remained completely hidden for years, and Yu Yao had even betrayed Zhan Lianjing for them and poisoned him. Such a person could not be ignored.

Zhan Lianjing said, "So you noticed it too. I thought you would be so happy to see Yin Susu back that you'd forget everything else."

Le Qianxue glared at him. "I remain quite sober when it's time to be sober. Stop talking and let's go out quickly, lest she gets suspicious."

Zhan Lianjing put the copper coins down and walked out with Le Qianxue.

Seeing the two of them return empty-handed, Yin Susu grew suspicious. "Did you two go off to be lovey-dovey and forget to get them for me?"

Zhan Lianjing's expression didn't change as he said, "The copper coins are gone."

Yin Susu reacted strongly. "What?! How could they be gone?!"

She stood up so abruptly that even the cat was startled.

Le Qianxue said, "Susu, don't panic. Since they vanished within the Zhan King's Manor, they can definitely be found. Calm down now; he has already sent people to search for them. However, we shouldn't make a fuss about this—it was likely done by someone within the estate."

Yin Susu furrowed her brows, looking displeased. To dare snatch something from under her nose was simply courting death.

She snorted, "If I find out who did it, I will never let them off. Those are my family's heirlooms."

Zhan Lianjing glanced at her coldly and said, "Xue'er paid for those out of her own pocket. Did you pay a single cent?"

Yin Susu's expression stiffened, and her gaze toward Zhan Lianjing turned somewhat peculiar. However, she quickly recovered and gave a light smile. "The Prince is right. It's just that I care about those copper coins too much; they are truly vital."

Zhan Lianjing nodded and said indifferently, "I know. They will definitely be found, it just takes a little time."

Yin Susu had no other choice. She never imagined such important items would simply vanish, and she had no clue what was going on.

Yet, since they were lost here, Zhan Lianjing would surely investigate and uncover something.

If she wanted to meddle, it wouldn't be an easy task.

After settling Yin Susu into her quarters, Le Qianxue returned to her room.

Seeing Zhan Lianjing flipping through the six copper coins, she asked, "Well? Can you even do fortune-telling?"

Zhan Lianjing replied, "My master knew a little bit of everything, and he had some attainments in divination. But I never paid much attention to it."

Le Qianxue rested her chin on her hand and asked, "I often hear you mention your master. I wonder what kind of person he is."

Zhan Lianjing pondered for a moment and said, "My master is extremely strict, and he treated Yu Yao and me equally. His martial arts skills can be said to be the best in the world; comparable to Master Wenzhi, perhaps even slightly superior."

Le Qianxue said, "Then your master must be a truly formidable figure."

"Indeed," Zhan Lianjing said. "My parents died early. A teacher for one day is a father for life. When the time comes, I will take you to pay your respects to him."

Le Qianxue smiled and nodded. "That's wonderful. But you must tell me in advance so I can prepare a gift."

Zhan Lianjing said, "His elderly self has never cared for worldly trinkets. Rest assured, he will definitely like a woman like you."

Le Qianxue smiled bashfully, packed up, and went to bed.

After planning for two days, she had secretly met with Qingyang several times. The plan to rescue Yan Luoyu from the imperial palace was already fully prepared.

Upon learning of her plan, Zhan Lianjing was surprised. "I had no idea you possessed such plotting skills. Who told you Yan Luoyu was imprisoned there?"

"I figured it out myself," Le Qianxue said. "However, I've investigated thoroughly, and there should be no mistake."

Zhan Lianjing nodded. "Since you're only telling me today, you probably don't need my help with anything."

Le Qianxue said, "I don't. I want precisely this effect, so that the people in the imperial palace won't be on high alert. Moreover, the Emperor and Yu Zhiyang don't know that my General's Manor has secret guards; they would never suspect my people."

"That's good. Yan Chuan can probably rest easy this time," Zhan Lianjing said. "The Yan family is extremely united. With Yan Luoyu holding them in check, the Yan family will not rebel."

"Then wait for my good news," Le Qianxue said. "I've already asked Susu to help trap Yu Zhiyang. I'm entering the palace in the next couple of days."

"You're entering the palace? Won't that be extremely dangerous?" Zhan Lianjing grew worried once more. By now, he couldn't bear to let Le Qianxue leave his sight even for a moment, and this heart-pounding sensation was far from pleasant.

Le Qianxue shook her head gently. "It will be fine."

Seeing her so confident, Zhan Lianjing had no choice but to yield.

Zhan Lianjing instructed, "If anything happens to you, fire a signal flare. I will charge into the palace to save you without fail."

Le Qianxue chuckled and pinched his cheek. "I told you it will be fine. I've planned this for so long, nothing will go wrong."

He sighed, truly finding nothing more to say.

Disguising herself as a palace maid, Le Qianxue entered the palace using the identity of one of the maids. Donning a human-skin mask, blending in was effortless.

Huafeng Palace was normally completely sealed off, with no one allowed in or out.

Qingyang had already mentioned that there was a kitchen inside Huafeng Palace, and the maids stationed there year-round were never permitted to leave.

Therefore, the guards were heavily fortified, and getting inside was no simple task.

Le Qianxue had previously seen Yan Luoyu; though she didn't recall every detail, she remembered her general appearance, which was why she had fashioned a human-skin mask matching Yan Luoyu's likeness beforehand.

Her plan was simple: a classic switcheroo.

Le Qianxue observed secretly for half a day and planted small items in various locations.

Imperial Guards constantly patrolled the surrounding area, so she needed to time her move precisely.

Yet, just as she was about to act today, she had the terrible misfortune of running into Yang Ning'er.

Yang Ning'er had originally been the crown princess-to-be. Now that Yu Guohan was dead, she had become a prospective widow, and she harbored a burning hatred for Le Qianxue in her heart.

"Damn Le Qianxue... Aunt is simply going too far. Not only did she refuse to uphold justice for me, but now she even comes to mock me," Yang Ning'er muttered angrily.

Clearly having just emerged from the Phoenix Palace full of grievances, she had wandered around grumbling the whole way.

Consumed by her anger, she realized she had taken a wrong turn.

This was a rather secluded section of the palace. Yang Ning'er looked around and snapped furiously, "How are you leading the way, you wretched slave?!"

The young maid started in fright, lowered her head, and said, "Milady, this servant warned you just now, but you wouldn't listen..."

Yang Ning'er arched her brows, growing even angrier. "How dare you talk back?! You must have a death wish—even you dare to bully me now?!"