Zhao Mian spent the better part of an hour taking a bath, long enough that Zhou Huairang thought something had happened to him. Ignoring Shen Buqi’s attempts to stop him, he nearly broke down the door before reluctantly stopping.

The next morning, bright and early, Zhao Mian, who had only slept for two hours the night before, ordered them to continue onward towards the capital of Dongling.

In less than half a month the poison of the male and female Gu worms would take effect. He didn’t have much time to obtain the antidote on his own.

But he knew that someone was definitely more anxious than him.

Before getting into the carriage, Zhao Mian noticed that the village seemed more lively than usual.

The villagers were gathered in groups of three or five, each with a woven rattan basket behind them, filled with various melons, fruits, and grains. Some were leading their own cattle and sheep, or carrying cages filled with chickens and ducks. It looked like they were going to the market.

When the villagers saw Zhao Mian, they all kept their distance, wanting to steal a few more glances at a rarely seen nobleman, but also feeling overwhelmed by his aura, unable to look him directly in the eye. Zhou Huairang, on the other hand, had a pleasing demeanor and lacked any arrogance or pretension, so the villagers were happy to chat and gossip with him.

In Dongling, the villagers usually went to the market on the first and fifteenth of each month, but today was not a traditional market day.

Zhao Mian sat in the carriage, pondering briefly. He didn’t rush to leave, but instead ordered Zhou Huairang to inquire about the situation.

Before long, Zhou Huairang returned to report: “Your Highness, Chen Family Village’s market days were indeed originally the first and fifteenth of each month. However, their last trip to the county market was very successful. They met several big buyers who quickly bought all their goods at much higher prices than normal. Demand was still strong so the villagers arranged with these buyers to return in a few days with the rest of their goods.”

Zhao Mian felt suspicious: “There aren’t any festivals these past few days, so why would there be such a sudden run on supplies?”

Zhou Huairang said, “Perhaps someone is hosting a feast?”

“Even if they’re hosting a feast, there’s no need to buy these things at such high prices. Unless they need them urgently and don’t care about the cost,” Zhao Mian pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhou Huairang. “Tell me, what kind of people would do that?”

Zhou Huairang stammered for a long time before saying, “A wealthy family suddenly having a wedding or a funeral?”

Zhao Mian was silent for a moment, then said calmly, “You were very brave yesterday so I won’t scold you for being foolish.”

Shen Buqi asked, “Does Your Highness suspect this has something to do with the missing Liu family?”

Previously, after Zhao Mian learned about the Miss Liu’s suicide and the disappearance of the entire Liu family he had sent people to investigate, but unfortunately no useful clues had been found.

Everyone said that Wan Huameng was behind it, intending to show the people of Dongling the consequences of defying him. Zhao Mian disagreed with this. Given Wan Huameng’s status and prestige in Dongling, there was no need for him to do such a thing. If the matter blew up, it would not benefit him or Dongling.

Moreover, the disappearance of over a hundred members of the Liu family occurred silently and without a trace, suggesting it wasn’t forced abduction with resistance but rather a voluntary departure.

They had only been missing for a few days, and traveling with their families, they couldn’t have gone far. They were likely still within Dongling’s borders. The food, clothing, and supplies consumed along the way would be significant, but the Liu family could afford it.

“Buqi, send people to thoroughly investigate the nearby villages,” Zhao Mian then changed his mind. “No, go investigate yourself.”

“Old Shen going by himself?” Zhou Huairang said worriedly, “What if that Li Er comes to assassinate us again? What about Your Highness’s safety?”

“Li Er should be preoccupied with how to get the antidote for the Gu on his own. He won’t have time to trouble us for now. The shadow guards are enough,” Zhao Mian turned to Shen Buqi. “Depart immediately. I will await you in the capital.”

After Zhao Mian left Chen Family Village, he traveled for another half a day and finally arrived in the capital of Dongling.

Nanjing, Beiyuan, Dongling, and the former Western Xia, all shared a common ancestor hundreds of years ago. Later, through repeated struggles and wars, they were divided into three, gradually developing their own unique cultures and traditions, but the original written language and spoken language remained the same.

Of the three kingdoms’ capitals, Beiyuan’s Shengjing was the largest in terms of territory, Nanjing’s Shangjing was the second largest, and Dongling’s Jingdu was the smallest. But no matter how small, Jingdu was still the Emperor’s seat. Horse-drawn carriages raced, pedestrians thronged, and the calls of street vendors were incessant.

Zhao Mian and Zhou Huairang were both visiting Jingdu for the first time. They walked through the bustling streets, sightseeing and criticizing Dongling.

Zhou Huairang: “The roads in are too narrow. A few more carriages and everything will be blocked.”

Zhao Mian: “Indeed, it’s a world apart from Shangjing.”

Zhao Mian: “Along the way, I’ve seen at least ten beggars on the streets.”

Zhou Huairang: “That’s right, the people of Jingdu must be living in misery.”

Zhou Huairang: “Young master, young master, look quickly! There are people gathering to fight over there in broad daylight!”

Zhao Mian scoffed, “Hmph, such scandalous things would absolutely never happen in Shangjing.”

…

While enjoying a stroll in Jingdu, the two didn’t forget to praise Shangjing in passing. They harmonized, one echoing the other, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The prince and his subject hadn’t had such an engaging conversation in a long time.

Afterward, the two settled down to rest in a private residence in the west of the city.

The residence belonged to a merchant named Zhu Guangshen. On the surface, Zhu Guangshen was a native of Dongling, doing business in Jingdu buying and selling medicinal herbs. In reality, he was a genuine Nanjinger, with not a drop of foreign blood in him.

Fifteen years ago, the Prime Minister, intending to expand Nanjing’s intelligence network, personally selected a batch of hidden agents from the Qianji Institute and sent them to Dongling, Western Xia, and other places. Zhu Guangshen was one of them.

Zhao Mian naturally trusted the people the Prime Minister had chosen, and had long ago instructed someone to inform Zhu Guangshen that he would be coming to Jingdu for a temporary stay. Zhu Guangshen dared not to neglect this and had been preparing ever since receiving the news.

Zhao Mian accepted Zhu Guangshen’s grand greeting and cut straight to the chase: “Spare me the other formalities. I ask you, where is Bai Yu, and why hasn’t she come to greet me? Also, has anything unusual happened in Jingdu recently?”

The secret agents who came from the Qianji Institute each had their own strengths. While not necessarily the most brilliant, they were certainly not at Zhou Huairang’s level. Faced with the Crown Prince’s question, Zhu Guangshen remained calm and spoke with measured words: “Divine Physician Bai said she has not yet found what Your Highness seeks, but she has gained some clues and needs to stay in the Nangong Palace for a few more days. She cannot meet with Your Highness for the time being, and hopes Your Highness will forgive her.”

“It’s fine,” Zhao Mian said. “Having clues is enough.”

It would be best if Bai Yu could obtain the antidote to the Gu all by herself, without alarming other forces. He had the patience to wait a few days.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Zhu Guangshen thanked him on Bai Yu’s behalf. “As for what Your Highness asked about Jingdu… I wonder if Your Highness knows about the case of the Liu family of Chongzhou disappearing entirely?”

Zhao Mian nodded. “I know.”

The whole affair was not complicated.

In Dongling, the Imperial Advisor, Wan Huameng, held sway over the court, second only to one person and above all others. He abused his position as the Empress Dowager’s shidi, disregarding all civil and military officials, which had long caused resentment among many powerful Dongling nobles, who dared not speak out due to his power.

The Liu family case was merely the tipping point. The Imperial Advisor’s strange habit of matchmaking led a well-known young lady from a scholarly family to hang herself. He later blamed the entire Liu family for this, exterminating them all.

Even if Miss Liu “disobeyed the imperial decree,” it was not a crime punishable by death. The Imperial Advisor’s actions were a matter of personal gain, disregarding public duty and human ethics.

If the Empress Dowager continued to stand idly by and let him do as he pleased, given Wan Huameng’s unpredictable and eccentric nature, who knows what he else might do to endanger the country.

“After the Liu family tragedy, the Dongling Censorate jointly submitted a memorial impeaching Wan Huameng, imploring the Empress Dowager to thoroughly investigate this case and severely punish the Imperial Advisor to appease the resentment of the people and quell the anger of the officials,” Zhu Guangshen said. “This subordinate heard that not only the censorate, but also several veteran military generals such as the Duke of Yingguo were very dissatisfied with Wan Huameng. They complained to the Empress Dowager, and on one occasion even clamored to lead troops to besiege the Nangong Palace. The Empress Dowager severely reprimanded them before they desisted.”

Zhao Mian sneered. It was exactly as he had anticipated: “So, the current Jingdu is a chaotic mess, which is precisely what some people want.”

Zhou Huairang couldn’t help but ask, “Did the Empress Dowager of Dongling ultimately intervene?”

Zhu Guangshen replied, “This subordinate only knows that the Empress Dowager once had a private discussion with the Imperial Advisor. The content of that discussion is beyond my reach. But to this day, the Imperial Advisor and Nangong Palace are still doing well. No one dares to question him, and no one dares to do anything to Nangong Palace. Next month, the two chosen by the Imperial Advisor must still be married at Xuyuan Garden according to his decree…”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Huairang coughed violently twice and signaled Zhu Guangshen with his eyes: Enough, enough, you don’t need to say anymore.

Zhu Guangshen was a bit confused, but he wisely shut his mouth.

Zhao Mian, a victim of Wan Huameng’s special proclivities, took a sip of tea as if nothing had happened and inquired about another matter, “Speaking of which, how is Bai Yu doing in Nangong Palace ? She’s from Nanjing, and Wan Huameng might not trust her.”

“Your Highness is wise,” Zhu Guangshen said with a bitter smile. “This subordinate has heard from Divine Physician Bai that Wan Huameng sees no value in the common people. Regardless of background or status, he sees them all as ants. It was the Empress Dowager of Dongling who reminded him several times to be careful of those around him. I don’t know if Wan Huameng took the Empress Dowager’s words to heart.”

Zhao Mian played with the teacup in his hand, pondering for a long time, and said, “Send someone to pass a message from me to Bai Yu. In the coming days, someone might try to sneak into Nangong, looking for the same thing she is. Tell her to be vigilant and try to capture the person if possible, then interrogate them thoroughly. There might be a pleasant surprise – let it be her gift of loyalty to Wan Huameng.”

Zhao Mian had traveled a long distance from Chongzhou to Jingdu and was exhausted, so he stayed in Zhu’s residence to recuperate for the next two days. He wasn’t idle, however. He took the opportunity to review the Nanjing’s intelligence network in Dongling with Zhou Huairang, and they gained a lot of information.

Among the documents, the two focused on reviewing secret files about Wan Huameng of Nangong, giving Zhao Mian a deeper understanding of this neighboring country’s Imperial Advisor.

For example, Wan Huameng is a short man who hated others mentioning his height the most. If you carelessly uttered the word “short” in his presence, especially if he was in a bad mood, your family would be tending your grave a year later.

Another example is Wan Huameng’s skill in crafting poisons and and concocting medicines. From normal, harmful poisons and healing medicines, to slightly abnormal fertility drugs and disguise techniques, to the outrageous male and female love Gu poisons and the plague Gu… his “masterpieces” are countless.

Zhao Mian’s gaze lingered on the words “fertility drugs” for a long time, and he felt an indescribable sense of strangeness.

From a certain perspective, if it weren’t for Wan Huameng, he wouldn’t have been born into this world.

Zhao Mian shook his head, telling himself not to overthink things. He called Zhu Guangshen and asked, “This disguise technique, is there a way to undo it?”

Zhu Guangshen ran a medicinal herb business in Kyoto and had some knowledge of these Nangong secret arts: “Replying to Your Highness, different disguise techniques have different solutions. This subordinate can prepare antidote potions for several of the commonly used ones.”

“Then prepare some in advance,” Zhao Mian said. “We might need them in the future.”

Zhu Guangshen replied, “Yes. Your Highness, it’s time for your meal.”

Zhu Guangshen was worried that His Highness might not be used to Dongling food, so he had chefs from Nanjing prepare authentic hometown dishes every day. Both the presentation and the taste were almost identical to those in Shangjing.

After eating a few meals, Zhou Huairang suggested to His Highness, “Your Highness, would you care to comment on the cuisine of Jingdu?”

Zhao Mian thought that it had been quite a while since he had badmouthed Dongling, so he said with restraint, “I might.”

And so, under the covert protection of the shadow guards, the two arrived at a renowned restaurant in the capital.

Zhou Huai allowed ordered a premium private room and ordered all of the restaurant’s signature dishes.

Dongling is near the sea, and seafood is a staple. Facing a table laden with seafood delicacies, Zhao Mian frowned and first took a small taste of the steamed sea bass.

The moment it entered his mouth, Zhao Mian immediately felt a sense of foreboding.

The taste and texture of this sea bass were actually quite good; he couldn’t seem to find any fault with it.

…Damn it.

Zhou Huai let observed His Highness’s reaction and asked, “Your Highness, how is it?”

Zhao Mian’s reaction was indifferent: “Barely palatable. You try it.”

So Zhou Huai also picked up a small piece of sea bass and slowly chewed it, his expression becoming increasingly subtle as he chewed. After finishing it, he had no idea how to evaluate it, so he echoed His Highness, “Your Highness is right, barely palatable.”

Then the prince and his subject tacitly stopped talking and quietly continued their meal.

Halfway through the meal, the sound of swords being drawn suddenly echoed outside the private room. Zhao Mian paused his movements and looked towards the door.

Zhou Huai let was startled—he actually jumped up: “Who’s there!”

But then there was no further sound, only an unsettling silence.

Zhao Mian narrowed his eyes and saw two figures reflected in the window. One of them was holding a long sword, pressed against the other’s neck.

The person holding the long sword was one of Zhao Mian’s shadow guards: “Young Master, it’s Li Er.”

Zhao Mian’s grip on his soup spoon tightened abruptly. He tried to maintain his composure, averted his gaze, and continued to drink his soup at a leisurely pace.

“Li Er?!” Zhou Huai was incredulous, his eyes wide as saucers. “He dares to come back?!”

Li Er’s voice came from outside the door: “I dare.” Even with a shadow guard’s sword pressed against his neck, his voice still held a hint of laughter. “Little brother, please pass a message to your Young Master: the fishmonger requests an audience.”

Zhou Huai said to Zhao Mian, “Young Master, the fishmonger wishes to see you.”

Zhao Mian said calmly, “I can hear him.”

“So should we…” Zhou Huai let made a throat-slitting motion with his hand.

Zhao Mian appeared calm, but in reality, his fingertips were actually turning white from gripping his spoon too tightly: “That would be too easy on him.”

Li Er spoke again: “Don’t worry, I promise not to talk nonsense this time.”

Zhou Huai let turned back and relayed, “Young Master, he also says he promises not to talk nonsense this time.”

Zhao Mian: “…I said I can hear him.”

“But Your Highness, how did Li Er know we were here?” Zhou Huai let thought carefully, a cold feeling creeping up his spine. “Could he be following us?”

“Shen Buqi didn’t say anything, so probably not. Li Er knows we’re coming to the capital, and this is the most expensive restaurant in the capital. It’s not surprising that he predicted I’d come here.” Zhao Mian wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin. “Since he has the nerve to come looking for me, why shouldn’t I see him? Let him in.”

Upon receiving the order, the shadow guard escorted Li Er into the private room.

It had only been a few days, but Li Er was finally not wearing his fishmonger’s uniform. He had changed into a tight-fitting outfit that allowed for easy movement. Clean and crisp, highlighting his broad shoulders, long legs, and slender, upright frame.

Zhao Mian was quite pleased to see that the cut on the corner of Li Er’s mouth had not yet healed.

If you didn’t look at his face, Li Er could even be considered to have some redeeming qualities. But one look at his face ruined everything.

Zhao Mian coldly watched him: “Kneel when you speak.”

Li Er raised his eyebrows: “Again?”

The shadow guard’s blade was another inch closer to Li Er’s neck: “The Young Master tells you to kneel.”

With his life in someone else’s hands, Li Er couldn’t resist and didn’t bother to try. He sighed, lifted the hem of his robe, and knelt before Zhao Mian once again.

The anger that had been burning in Zhao Mian’s chest for days finally subsided a little, but he was still furious.

Sy Li Er has a backbone, he’d kneel so readily without the slightest hint of humiliation on his face. Say he has no backbone, and he doesn’t hesitate to retaliate when given the chance.

Zhao Mian stood before Li Er, looking down at him: “You’re alive.”

“Alive,” Li Er said. “But Yun Yong and Hua Ju suffered some injuries and need to recuperate for a while. It’s good for those two silly girls to learn a lesson for acting on their own.”

So only those two girls were injured, and Li Er was still here talking to him, safe and sound.

What a pity.

Zhao Mian asked in a calm voice: “Oh? How did they get hurt?”

Li Er laughed at him: “Don’t pretend. Besides my own people, you’re the only one who knows what I wanted to do. Yun Yong told me that Nangong Palace was well-prepared, as if waiting for them to walk into a trap. Who would have thought your hand could reach so far into Nangong.”

Zhao Mian sneered: “The losers eat dust. You have nothing to complain about.”

“I’m not here to complain, I’m here to negotiate peace.” Li Er straightened his back, his tone becoming more serious. “Wan Huameng is our common enemy. If we want to snatch the antidote from him, an alliance between you and me gives us the best chance of success. I’ll say it again, if you kill me, and can’t find the antidote, you’re doomed. Stop fighting with me, Young Master. Let’s work together for the greater good, shall we?”

Zhao Mian only found it laughable: “You dare to propose an alliance with me after the way you humiliated me? If the Empress Dowager knew you were so fearless, she’d bestow upon you the title of ‘First-Rank Fearless Marquis.'”

It was unclear which of those words tickled Li Er’s funny bone, but he chuckled softly, then quickly realizing that now was not the time to laugh. He put on a sincere expression and said, “Even if we are not friends, we are not necessarily enemies. Young Master, why not talk to me openly and honestly?”

“Openly and honestly? With you?” Zhao Mian didn’t hide his disdain and mockery. Li Er was full of mysteries from head to toe, not a single hair was real. Talking openly and honestly with such a person was undoubtedly asking for death. “I dare not. I won’t. I don’t want to.”

Kneeling on the ground, Li Er was both helpless and impatient: “When I was obedient, you looked down on me and wouldn’t even give me a second glance. When I’m ruthless, you feel like I’m humiliating you… You’re difficult to please.”

Zhao Mian scoffed: “You call that ‘obedient’? You must have a misunderstanding of what that word means.”

It was no use arguing like this. Li Er lost all patience and simply said: “Give me a straight answer. We can talk or we can just forget about it. We’ll each rely on our own abilities to find the antidote, and leave each other alone.”

Zhao Mian was well aware of what Li Er was saying. He admitted that Wan Huameng was powerful and that Bai Yu alone might not be able to find the antidote in Nangong Palace. And Li Er did have abilities that were no less than his own.

When facing a formidable enemy, the best strategy was to turn them into a friend.

But how could he possibly swallow this humiliation?

Zhao Mian stared at Li Er, wanting to find a flaw in his eyes: “You just said you wanted to talk to me openly and honestly.”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Zhao Mian sat back behind the table, adopting the posture as if interrogating a prisoner. “I’m asking you, have we met before?”

Li Er didn’t expect Zhao Mian to bring up this question first. He was stunned for a moment, then slowly said, “I don’t think so.”

Zhao Mian didn’t believe him: “If not, then why were you so lost in thought when you first saw me?”

Li Er said, “Because you look different from what I imagined, quite good-looking.”

Zhao Mian was slightly taken aback, inexplicably faltering.

Li Er’s answer was so unhesitating, so matter-of-fact, and even complimented him. This… there must be a trick.

Zhao Mian quickly recovered, maintaining his imposing manner: “Nonsense! I’m not that good-looking.”

Li Er hesitated, “Well…”

Zhou Huairang hesitated too, “Young Master… are you not aware of how you look?”

Zhao Mian continued, “Furthermore, if you didn’t know me, why are you suddenly so willing to obediently seek peace now? Where were you earlier?”

Li Er said, “I didn’t know you brought so many experts with you before. Now that I know, of course I want to make the best use of them.”

Although Li Er’s answer was logical, Zhao Mian didn’t believe a word of it: “If you want to continue to ally with me, you can, but you must listen to me from now on.”

Li Er didn’t agree immediately: “That depends on what you want me to do.”

Zhao Mian said, “Wash your face first.”

Li Er was puzzled: “What does that have to do with anything?”

“It does,” Zhao Mian said domineeringly, “I lose my appetite when I see a dark face.”

The disguise-dissolving potion that Zhu Guangshen had prepared for Zhao Mian finally came in handy.

The author has something to say:
Li Er: Sincerity is always the ultimate weapon.