Wen Chengyu was seething with anger, his hands clenched into fists, then loosened, repeating this motion twice until he finally managed to suppress his rage.

  "Since the National Master has extended such a kind offer, it seems unreasonable for me to refuse," he said, forcing out the words.

  "Your Highness understands, I’m glad," Lian Muxiu said with a smile, clearly appreciative of Wen Chengyu's timely cooperation. "Since Your Highness has decided to go to the royal residence, we will depart this afternoon. I will leave Ying Yi here. Should you require anything, just give him instructions. After all, Your Highness is not familiar with Tancheng, is that right?"

  "Very well," Wen Chengyu said through clenched teeth, forcing a stiff smile. "You’ve truly been a great help, National Master. I’ll prepare a feast at the royal residence in a few days and would be honored if you could attend."

  "I will certainly attend, Your Highness," Lian Muxiu smiled and nodded. "In that case, I won’t trouble you further while you prepare your things. Ying Yi."

  "Yes, Master," Ying Yi said, bowing.

  "Make sure His Highness safely reaches the royal residence. Understood?"

  "Yes, Master. I’ll see to it. If I fail, I’ll personally come to report to you."

  "Good."

  After giving his instructions to Ying Yi, Lian Muxiu’s eyes flickered with a hint of amusement, and he turned to Wen Chengyu. "Your Highness, the life of my guard now rests in your hands. I trust you won’t allow my subordinate to lose his life due to a momentary lapse in judgment. You know, Ying Yi is my most reliable guard."

  Wen Chengyu thought to himself, "I am in Tancheng now, on Lian Muxiu’s turf... but if this were Yancheng..." He paused, realizing that even in Yancheng, he would be powerless against Lian Muxiu. After all, he was the Crown Prince, the heir to the throne. He couldn’t afford to be seen as someone who trampled on lives recklessly.

  Wen Chengyu forced a smile, "Rest assured, I’ll be in the royal residence before sunset, and I’ll send your guard back to report. I won’t delay your orders."

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  Lian Muxiu nodded, "Then I will take my leave first. Your Highness, please hurry."

  After Lian Muxiu finished speaking, he gave a nod of farewell to Wen Chengyu and turned to leave. As he stepped out of the room, he paused, turned back to Wen Chengyu, and said, "Oh, by the way, I forgot to remind Your Highness—tomorrow’s morning assembly, I hope to see Your Highness present."

  "Of course," Wen Chengyu replied through gritted teeth, barely able to contain his frustration. This despicable National Master was clearly trying to add insult to injury.

  Wen Chengyu had hoped to handle Lian Muxiu today and go about his business. He had planned to wait for the official arrival date written on the documents and meet with Emperor Lian Jingyi at a later time. But Lian Muxiu’s parting words were clearly a warning: he had better show up tomorrow morning. How irritating!

  Lian Muxiu’s Feeling of Relief

  Once he stepped out of Wen Chengyu’s room, Lian Muxiu felt a sense of relief. The Prince of Nanyu had arrived in Tancheng ahead of schedule. Lian Muxiu suspected the Prince had his own hidden motives, but he couldn’t be certain yet.

  With Ying Yi left to accompany Wen Chengyu and ensure his safety on the way to the royal residence, Lian Muxiu was left with only Xiao Jiu in his arms.

  As they descended from the third floor, Xiao Jiu remained still, her big eyes darting around, seemingly lost in thought.

  Lian Muxiu, gently stroking Xiao Jiu, called out to her, "Xiao Jiu."

  "Chi?" What is it now?

  "Did you forget to tell me something?"

  "Chi chi." No, Xiao Jiu shook her head. There was nothing she needed to say to him. Even if there was, she couldn’t say it right now. For the first time, Xiao Jiu was glad she couldn’t speak.

  "Really nothing?" Lian Muxiu asked with a playful smile, watching her shake her head so quickly, clearly trying to evade his question.

  "Chi." Xiao Jiu nodded. She couldn’t say anything.

  Xiao Jiu gave him a playful smile. Despite showing her sharp little teeth, it didn’t deter Lian Muxiu from understanding her intentions.

  "Little fox, are you playing tricks on me?" Lian Muxiu teased as he gently held her paws, making her look at him. His voice held a touch of mockery, but his eyes were full of affection. How could he possibly be mad at her?

  "Chi chi." Xiao Jiu shook her head, truly unable to speak now that she had lost all her powers. She knew exactly what Lian Muxiu wanted to ask, but there was no way to answer him with mere gestures.

  Seeing the light in Xiao Jiu’s eyes dim, Lian Muxiu sighed and gently placed her on his shoulder, letting her rest her head on his neck as he stroked her shiny, silver fur. "Xiao Jiu, since you don’t want to speak, I won’t force you. But you have to promise me one thing."

  "Chi?" Xiao Jiu immediately looked up, her dull eyes now gleaming with a spark of interest.