Chapter 216: Arrival of the Prince, Undercurrents Surge
“A few more days?!”
The young girl’s face was filled with undisguised frustration.
She glared at Cheng Yishi. “Are you lying to us?!”
Cheng Yishi’s expression remained calm. “There’s no need for me to lie. Master Lin didn’t say when he would return. It could be any day now, or perhaps in a few weeks.”
“How dare you speak to me like that—”
The young girl clenched her fists, ready to lash out.
But the handsome young man beside her chuckled and stopped her with a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Don’t be so harsh, Xueyang. A renowned scholar like Master Lin is surely busy with important matters. It’s normal for him to be away. There’s no need to get angry or take it out on Miss Cheng.”
“What Master Lin? He’s just a charlatan, a fraud, taking advantage of gullible people! He’s probably out there swindling others with his tricks!”
The young girl clicked her tongue impatiently. “I don’t understand why you’re so interested in him, Brother. He’s just a fortune teller! There are plenty of those in every temple and shrine!”
“Young Lady, please calm down.”
A middle-aged man standing beside them spoke in a low voice, his stern face commanding respect. “We’re not at home. Control your temper.”
“You forced me to come here!” The young girl glared back at him. “I have no interest in talking to these lowly—”
“Xueyang, that’s enough.”
The young man’s smile vanished, and he looked at her calmly.
But his simple words silenced her. She froze, her face paling as if she had seen something terrifying. She lowered her head and trembled slightly.
“My apologies, Miss Cheng. My younger sister is spoiled and pampered. This is her first time traveling outside the capital, and she’s been quite… uncomfortable. She’s been frustrated and irritable, and she took it out on you.”
The young man’s smile returned, and he bowed slightly. “I’ll teach her some manners later and have her apologize properly—”
“There’s no need for apologies.”
Cheng Yishi smiled politely, interrupting him. “Your sister is still young and has been raised in a privileged environment. It’s understandable for her to be a bit spoiled. She’ll learn eventually. There’s no need for punishment.”
The young man raised an eyebrow, impressed. “You’re truly a remarkable woman, Miss Cheng, your generosity and understanding far beyond that of most.”
“You flatter me, Sir. Anyone would have said the same.”
Cheng Yishi smiled calmly. “Even children from other wealthy families would have shown more restraint.”
“No.”
The young man clasped his hands behind his back, his eyes sparkling with interest. “You’re the most… intriguing person I’ve met in Changling, even in the entire Xima Prefecture.
I’ve met many children from wealthy families, but they’re all either nervous or obsequious in my presence. Even those so-called talented and aloof beauties can’t hide their excitement when they learn my identity.”
“But you’re different.”
“You haven’t even bothered to pay your respects, as if you have no interest in associating with the powerful and wealthy.”
He narrowed his eyes, a playful smile on his lips. “I’m truly curious, Miss Cheng. What are you thinking?”
Cheng Yishi’s expression remained calm, her gaze steady. “So you came here for two reasons, Sir. One, to meet Master Lin. And two, to meet me.”
“Indeed.”
The young man nodded frankly and walked towards her, his smile widening. “I’ve heard many stories about your beauty, Miss Cheng. And now, seeing you in person, I have to say, the rumors are true. You’re truly captivating. But there’s also a certain mystery about you.
It makes me want to… unravel your secrets, to understand your hidden thoughts.”
As he approached, Cheng Yishi’s eyes flickered, and she waved her hand dismissively.
“Hmm?!”
The young man was startled, as if he had been pushed back by an invisible force. He stumbled slightly.
Seeing this, his bodyguards immediately drew their swords, their auras surging, a wave of killing intent directed at Cheng Yishi.
But a gentle breeze swept through the courtyard, neutralizing their combined power.
A flash of blood-red light flickered in Cheng Yishi’s brown eyes as she looked at the middle-aged man, her expression cold and unreadable.
“…”
The middle-aged man’s eyes narrowed, sensing something amiss.
“You’re not an ordinary mortal, Miss Cheng.”
The young man regained his composure, his smile returning. “It seems my bodyguards are no match for you.”
“There’s no need for further tests, Sir. I have no interest in power struggles.”
Cheng Yishi bowed respectfully. “And please retract your previous remarks. I already have someone I love, and our relationship is strong. I won’t tolerate any disrespect or flirtation, even from a prince.”
This young man was Pei Yan, the eldest son of Prince Pei.
“How dare you!”
The middle-aged man roared, his eyebrows furrowed in anger. “For the prince to condescend to speak with you is a blessing for your entire family! And yet you speak such disrespectful words!”
“Now, now, Uncle Li, there’s no need to be so upset. A woman should be virtuous and chaste. Miss Cheng’s words are perfectly reasonable.”
The young man chuckled, stopping the middle-aged man from attacking. “I apologize for my earlier remarks, Miss Cheng. I was too forward. I was simply impressed by your beauty and couldn’t resist teasing you.”
“I’m honored, Your Highness.”
Cheng Yishi lowered her eyes and curtsied slightly. “But my household consists only of widows and young girls. Please forgive me for not inviting you inside. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“It seems you’re a virtuous woman, Miss Cheng. I admire that.”
Pei Yan chuckled self-deprecatingly. “Then I won’t disturb you any longer. I hope to meet Master Lin when he returns. Perhaps you could introduce us, Miss Cheng.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Your Highness.”
“Please rest well, Miss Cheng. I’ll visit again in a few days.” Pei Yan bowed politely, and his bodyguards sheathed their swords and followed suit. They were clearly well-trained.
“Farewell, Your Highness.”
Pei Yan and his entourage turned to leave.
But the young girl, who had been silent since her earlier outburst, glanced back at Cheng Yishi, her previous hostility and annoyance replaced by a flicker of curiosity.
…
“M-Miss, what happened just now? Why was there such a cold and eerie wind at the gate?”
The maid rushed over, her face filled with concern. “And those men with the prince…”
“The rumors are not entirely accurate.”
Cheng Yishi crossed her arms, her face cold and aloof. “This prince is not as gentle and refined as they say.”
“Eh?”
The maid was surprised. “What do you mean, Miss? He seemed quite polite.”
“Appearances can be deceiving. Remember that.”
Cheng Yishi tapped her forehead lightly, her voice serious. “He might maintain a gentle smile, and his appearance and demeanor are certainly charming, making it easy to mistake him for a gentleman. But I sensed something… sinister.”
“Shh!” The maid’s face paled, and she quickly covered Cheng Yishi’s mouth. “Miss! Be careful! Someone might hear you! If those words reach the prince’s ears, our family will be in grave danger!”
Cheng Yishi chuckled helplessly. “You’re always so cautious.”
“Better safe than sorry! I don’t want to lose you, Miss!”
“…Alright, let’s go back inside.” Cheng Yishi sighed and said softly, “Although this Prince Pei seems to have some ulterior motives, he wouldn’t dare to do anything too drastic, not with his status and reputation. Just focus on your work and stop sneaking into my room to nap.”
“Eh! How did you know, Miss?!”
“I was the one who covered you with the blanket. How do you think I knew?”
“…”
“Alright, don’t just stand there. Be careful and don’t wander around alone these next few days. Other than that, there’s no need to worry.”
After the maid left, Cheng Yishi paused.
She looked towards the distance, a wistful look in her eyes.
“I wonder when they’ll be back.”
Just half a month, yet it felt like a lifetime.
…
On a bustling street…
Pei Yan examined the wooden ornaments at a stall, a smile on his face.
“Uncle Li, what do you think of that Miss Cheng?”
“Her background is clean. She’s a local, and her age is accurate.” The middle-aged man’s face was expressionless. “But her aura is strange, like a ghost practitioner, but different. Her cultivation is probably comparable to a Crimson Demon, perhaps even higher.”
“Excellent.”
Pei Yan’s smile widened as he examined a wooden hairpin. “I’ve never encountered such a ‘gem’ in all my travels.”
The middle-aged man’s eyes flickered. “Your Highness, are you planning to—”
“I heard that Master Lin is already involved with a woman. Scholars are usually sentimental and value loyalty and tradition.” Pei Yan’s voice was meaningful. “But not everyone can handle the blessings of two beauties.”
“Do you intend to antagonize this Master Lin, Your Highness?”
“No, no, Uncle Li. Your thinking is too rigid.”
Pei Yan chuckled and tapped his forehead. “If I can become his friend, it will solve everything. And if he’s truly as talented and resourceful as the rumors say, he could be a valuable ally. It’s a win-win situation.”
“Are you confident, Your Highness?”
“I’ve learned about his interests. I’ll simply appeal to them. If he doesn’t care about fame or fortune, then I’ll offer him my sincere friendship. That should be enough to win him over.”
“And what if he’s just a charlatan, a fraud, as the young lady said?”
Pei Yan smiled faintly.
“Then I’ll kill him.”
He tossed the hairpin back onto the stall and turned to leave. “A mere commoner, trying to enjoy the company of two beauties, possessing such treasures… such greed will only lead to his demise.”
“Understood, Your Highness.”
“Brother, this baked cake is delicious!”
The young girl ran towards him, her face beaming with joy.
Pei Yan’s cold and menacing aura vanished, replaced by a gentle smile. “Then eat as much as you like, Xueyang.
And I apologize for being so harsh earlier. If you’re still upset, indulge yourself these next few days.”
“You’re the best, Brother!”
The young girl cheered, her face lit up with happiness.
But as she glanced back at the stall, a shadow of sadness crossed her eyes.
…
However, Pei Yan and his entourage didn’t notice…
A figure, holding an umbrella, stood on the roof of a distant building, watching them leave, her expression calm.
“—With the world on the verge of change, even these mortals are starting to stir.”
Her robes billowed in the wind, her figure graceful and alluring, yet no one in Changling could see her.
Yang Chanzhen’s purple eyes narrowed, and she sighed softly. “They’re truly… courting disaster.”
Her figure shimmered and vanished like a mirage, disappearing without a trace.
…
As the sun began to set…
After a long journey, Lin Tianlu and his companions had left Shilin County and were now traveling through the central region of Xima Prefecture, arriving at a small town called Anshi County.
“Welcome, travelers! What can I get for you?”
A young waiter approached them with a cheerful smile. “Our specialty is the braised pork. It’s delicious! Would you like to try it?”
Lin Tianlu smiled and nodded. “We’ll have some snacks—”
Bang!
A loud noise suddenly came from outside the restaurant.