Chapter Twenty: A Seal Hidden in an Unknown Place

“Would Your Highness be willing to help me retrieve something?” Qin Wanru ventured cautiously. Given his status, he was surely accompanied by many guards. Though only a few appeared to be here, she knew these were just those in plain sight; there must be even more protecting their master in secret.

“What is it?” Chu Liuchen raised his brows, smiling gently, exuding such refinement that one could hardly believe he was the same bewitching man who, moments before, had been so exasperating.

“A seal.” In truth, Qin Wanru did not know what use the seal had. She only knew that, back then, Qin Yuru had gained the favor of the Lady Dowager of the State Duke’s Mansion because of it, and was even brought into the State Duke’s Mansion and treated as the legitimate young lady for a time.

With this support, Qin Yuru had become emboldened, suppressing not only herself, but even their grandmother.

Qin Wanru could not understand why this seal held such power, yet it seemed to have something to do with her. She had seen it once—later, when she, in her fury, had confronted Qin Yuru, only to be pushed to the ground and forced to watch as Qin Yuru flaunted the seal before her.

“Qin Wanru, do you know what this is? It’s a seal. I heard it was yours, but now it’s mine. The Lady Dowager favors me because of this seal! No matter how desperately you struggle, what can you do? With the State Duke’s Mansion behind me, even Grandmother cannot touch me!”

Amid those vicious, wanton words, the seal struck her face. Qin Wanru saw it clearly, but then her head was pressed hard to the ground, her hair yanked, and her forehead slammed several times. Blood clouded her vision, pain dragged her into endless darkness.

That searing pain seemed to return before her eyes. Her hands clenched tightly as she tried to focus on the present—

But all that suffering was in the past. She had been reborn!

“What kind of seal is it, and whose hands is it in?” Chu Liuchen asked with a hint of amusement.

“It’s a seal engraved with an orchid motif, in my mother’s possession, though I don’t know where she hid it. I beg Your Highness for your help!” Qin Wanru drew a deep breath, suppressing the turbulent bitterness in her heart, and bowed respectfully.

She had planned to retrieve the seal slowly, but since Prince Chen had promised her a favor, she felt this would be the most suitable request. For him, sending someone to find an object would hardly be difficult.

She must obtain the seal first, severing Qin Yuru’s ties to the State Duke’s Mansion. Without that backing, neither her grandmother nor herself would be so oppressed and bullied.

The sooner, the better!

“An orchid seal! That is rare. It must be a private seal. Is there any inscription on it?” Chu Liuchen’s voice was languid, yet gentle, and he smiled.

Was there an inscription? She thought so, but her face had been bloodied then, and she hadn’t seen clearly.

“Your Highness, I believe there is, but the main design is the orchid motif,” Qin Wanru replied with certainty.

“I can help you search for it, but remember, Qin Wanru, you will owe me a favor,” Chu Liuchen remarked carelessly.

He had said he would grant her a benefit, yet now it seemed the favor was hers to repay.

Qin Wanru felt helpless, but could only acquiesce. That seal was too important; it was worth owing Prince Chen a favor.

Besides, considering his status, she doubted she could ever truly repay him, so the so-called favor was likely just a formality.

“Very well, I will owe Your Highness this favor,” Qin Wanru agreed.

“Remember, I expect to be repaid!” Chu Liuchen glanced at her sideways with a languid smile. His voice was soft but carried an undercurrent of authority and chill. Qin Wanru suddenly realized this agreement might not be as simple as she had thought.

An uneasy feeling crept over her, but she forced down her panic, replying with renewed determination, “Yes, Your Highness. I will certainly repay you.”

Having said so much, she had no way to go back now.

“Good. Come here and sketch the orchid motif for me,” Chu Liuchen said, gesturing toward the writing desk by the window with a smile.