Chapter 52: The Crown Prince in a Quandary

Le Qianxue said, “Then the two noble houses of Mu Manor will surely speak up for you. Tsk, Prince Zhan, you truly are cunning.”

Zhan Lianjing’s face remained impassive; he said nothing. With just this, he could not yet bring down the two noble houses; indeed, his power was still limited. That man in black was right—he seemed truly useless.

Unexpectedly, Le Qianxue continued, “Still, Prince Zhan, you are quite formidable. Eight years ago, you emerged out of nowhere and became the third prince of a foreign surname, all through your own strength. Now you’ve grasped evidence against the two noble houses of Mu Manor—that’s no small feat. Unlike my father, who only knows how to serve the nation with absolute loyalty and devotion to the emperor. Yet should the monarch become heartless one day, ending his life would be all too easy.”

This was what Le Qianxue feared most. Le Yongcheng refused to join any faction; while that might seem honorable, for the General’s Manor, it was a dangerous stance.

She sighed, uncertain how to change Le Yongcheng’s mind.

Zhan Lianjing fixed his gaze on her. “Do you truly think I’m not entirely useless?”

“How could that be?” Le Qianxue replied, a touch helpless. “If even you are useless, most in the world would have no choice but to end themselves. Sometimes, one shouldn’t demand so much of oneself—it only makes life harder.”

“But if you wish to accomplish something and there isn’t enough time, shouldn’t you hurry?”

“What good is haste? More speed, less progress!” Le Qianxue said. “Prince Zhan, you have many strengths. If you take things a little slower, make your preparations more meticulous, success will surely be yours.”

Knowing time was short, she took out some pills. “These are from Master Tianzi for you. Since you can’t get your medicine here, your body won’t endure much longer if you go without for another two days. Take two of these pills each day.”

Zhan Lianjing accepted the pills. Everything Le Qianxue said was true—he had been too impatient before. Now, he must be more careful in his preparations, only then could he see the whole picture.

At this moment, he needed to cherish his life all the more.

Outside, the commander was already shouting, “Are you done? Hurry up!”

Le Qianxue stood and said to Zhan Lianjing, “Prince Zhan, take care. I’ll see to the matter you just entrusted to me.”

Zhan Lianjing nodded. He didn’t speak, only formed two words with his lips. But Le Qianxue, in her haste, didn’t catch them and left as well.

Once she exited the cell, she put on a human-skin mask and, turning a corner, joined the commander to leave together.

Zhan Lianjing was being held in strict isolation—no one was allowed to visit. But today, as luck would have it, Yu Guhan had arrived.

Yu Guhan, dressed in simple attire, seemed to want to see Zhan Lianjing but was stopped outside.

Catching sight of the commander, Yu Guhan’s face darkened. “Commander! Is it true that even I am forbidden from visiting Prince Zhan?”

The commander hurried to salute and replied respectfully, “Your Highness, it is His Majesty’s decree—no one is permitted to visit.”

Yu Guhan snorted, his temper flaring, “Useless dog! I will go in regardless!”

Le Qianxue, head bowed, watched Yu Guhan’s outburst in silence. Usually, in her presence, Yu Guhan was as meek as a lamb—never had she seen him so furious. This, it seemed, was his true nature.

The commander remained firm. “Your Highness, I am powerless. Perhaps you could request a written order from His Majesty.”

Yu Guhan grew angrier. “You would have me go back and forth? You! Go and seek permission from my father at once!”

Everyone turned to look at her; the commander, too, was visibly shocked, sweat trickling down his forehead.

Le Qianxue cursed Yu Guhan several times in her heart, but the commander quickly said, “Erdogzi, go and seek His Majesty’s instructions.”

Yu Guhan frowned. “What? I told him to go, and you defy me? You think being commander of the Scarlet Guard makes you special? You dare disregard my orders?”

Le Qianxue gritted her teeth. Yu Guhan truly was troublesome!

The commander hurriedly knelt. “Your Highness, please calm your anger. This young man is new to the palace and unfamiliar with its layout. I only wished to spare you the wait.”

Yu Guhan’s anger lessened slightly, though his expression remained sour. The Yang family’s contempt was one thing; he would not let a mere commander overrule him.

He turned his gaze on Le Qianxue, his brows still furrowed. “A new recruit, is it? Nonsense. Even a new member of the Scarlet Guard should know the palace well enough. Otherwise, how could they be qualified? And just look at you—do you appear capable? Hardly fit for the Scarlet Guard. Men, give him fifty strokes and throw him out of the palace!”

Le Qianxue was stunned. She nearly rushed forward to slap Yu Guhan—how dare he! But currently disguised as a Scarlet Guard, she could not afford to reveal herself.

She must endure.

The commander, alarmed, hastened to pull Le Qianxue down in a kneel. “Your Highness, please, perhaps simply expel him from the palace.”

Yu Guhan was looking for an outlet for his anger today and was determined to see the punishment through.

He waved his hand. “What are you waiting for?!”

Several Scarlet Guards hesitated but began to move forward—no one dared disobey the crown prince, who might one day be emperor.

Le Qianxue clenched her fists, debating whether to act.

Just then, a voice rang out from inside the prison. “The crown prince is making too much fuss. Let him go.”

Le Qianxue’s heart skipped—wasn’t that Zhan Lianjing’s voice? He was using his inner strength, so those outside could hear him clearly.

The Scarlet Guards stopped. Though Zhan Lianjing was imprisoned, his authority still lingered.

Yu Guhan called out, “Prince Zhan! Are you alright? I came to see you, but these useless dogs won’t let me through!”

“No need to worry, Your Highness. This is the emperor’s order. Please return,” Zhan Lianjing replied unhurriedly, gently but firmly urging Yu Guhan to leave.

Yu Guhan, hearing this, grew a little dejected, but as long as Zhan Lianjing knew he had come, that was enough. It would show Zhan Lianjing that he was loyal and compassionate.

He was unwilling to oppose the emperor. Since Zhan Lianjing dismissed him, he did not linger further, nor did he pursue the matter with Le Qianxue.

The commander let out a long sigh, nearly collapsing to the ground.

Le Qianxue remained composed—she had little cause for fear.

The commander escorted her out of the palace. His heart had been pounding all day, and he feared he might develop palpitations if this continued.

He patted his chest. “I’ve done all I can. Ghost Doctor, you must keep your promise.”

He had risked his life today for a few precious pills.

Le Qianxue replied, “Of course. In three days, I will have them delivered.”

The commander trusted the Ghost Doctor—she was famed for keeping her word.

Le Qianxue changed clothes in a side alley, then made her way to the House of Blossoms.

Previously, she had caused quite a commotion there; everyone recognized her. Entering would now require more effort.

She paused, then went to a cloth shop and bought a set of men’s clothing to disguise herself.

To avoid suspicion, she chose to go to the House of Blossoms at night.

The old madam approached to greet her, glancing at Le Qianxue’s somewhat delicate features, thinking this young man must be weak.

Nonetheless, she smiled and welcomed her. “Good evening, young sir. I don’t believe I’ve seen you before. Is there someone in particular you wish to spend time with?”

“I’ve heard your Miss Qingqing is the most beautiful. I want her,” Le Qianxue replied, masking her identity so well that no one would suspect she was a woman.

The madam smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, but Miss Qingqing is booked for the evening. Perhaps you’d care to choose someone else? We have Hongyue, Qingshui…”

Le Qianxue took out a stack of banknotes. “I want her.”

At the sight of the silver notes, the madam’s eyes lit up. She immediately accepted them. “Certainly! Please wait a moment, young sir. I’ll arrange it at once.”

In the end, Le Qianxue got her wish and met with Miss Qingqing.

The room was filled with exotic incense, creating an ambiguous and indescribable atmosphere.

Qingqing wore a violet gauze dress, her fragrance-draped shoulders exposed. Though not the most beautiful woman in the world, she was brimming with allure—enough to make any man lose himself.

But Le Qianxue was a woman, and a self-possessed one at that.

Qingqing poured wine for her, her voice soft. “May I ask your name, young sir? I don’t believe I’ve seen you here before. Is it not your habit to visit such places?”

Le Qianxue observed her closely. She was the very image of a courtesan, with not a hint of anything amiss.

That Zhan Lianjing had placed someone here showed his cunning, and the choice was a good one. Had Le Qianxue not known in advance that Qingqing was Zhan Lianjing’s agent, she would never have suspected her of being anything more than a simple informant.

Seeing Le Qianxue’s silence, Qingqing smiled. “No need to be nervous, young sir. Consider this your own home. Tonight, Qingqing is yours.”

Le Qianxue smiled faintly. “I’m hardly nervous. I’m here only to deliver a message.”

“What does young sir wish to tell me? Qingqing is happy to chat about anything with you,” Qingqing replied sweetly, her smile shy and demure.

Le Qianxue said, “Prince Zhan asks you to mobilize one hundred thousand troops at the border.”

Qingqing’s expression did not change, but there was a subtle shift in her eyes.

“Young sir, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.”

What a performance!

Le Qianxue marveled inwardly, but watching Qingqing’s eyes, she knew she was only pretending.