The副将 felt a hint of confusion. Every time she saw the Imperial Concubine, she appeared like a pampered young lady, her every thought displayed openly and easily discerned. She truly couldn't understand why such a person frightened the General. If not for her fortunate birth, with her disposition, she would have died countless times.
"Your subordinate does not find the Imperial Concubine to be someone to fear."
Jing Yujun trusted her instincts. Xiao Man was dangerous, dangerously so. Her daughter had died by Xiao Man's hand, and she herself had been publicly reprimanded by Xiao Man without being able to retaliate. Moreover, Xiao Man had once hinted to her that Aunt Qin was still alive, yet now Aunt Qin was undeniably dead!
"Let's go, to the Prime Minister's mansion."
At the Prime Minister's mansion, Yao Ran was overseeing Yao Chong's studies. Although Yao Chong was a boy, Yao Ran was quite strict with him. Jing Yujun, seeing how much importance Yao Ran placed on his son, frowned slightly in disapproval.
"Prime Minister Yao."
"What wind has blown you to my humble abode today?" Yao Ran gestured for Yao Chong to continue reading, while he led Jing Yujun to his study. "You never visit without a reason, so you must have something important on your mind today."
Jing Yujun paused for a moment. "Do you know that Aunt Qin didn't die back then?"
Yao Ran shook his head. "When Aunt Qin was hanged in the West Market, I pleaded with His Majesty. Who knew that person wasn't Aunt Qin? However... she ultimately couldn't escape her fate."
"I suspect Aunt Qin was killed by Xiao Man."
"General Jing!" Yao Ran reprimanded immediately. Seeing no one around, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Do not speak carelessly without evidence!"
Jing Yujun took a deep breath. "Not long ago, she revealed to me that Aunt Qin was still alive."
"Even if she told you Aunt Qin was alive, it doesn't prove she killed Aunt Qin. Furthermore, the influence of the Tianbao Tower is still unclear. If any unfavorable rumors spread about you..." Yao Ran said cautiously. "Be mindful of your life. Even if you don't cherish your own life, you should consider the people of the Jing family!"
The Eldest Princess, pulling Xiao Man along, investigated matters concerning the Tianbao Tower until dusk settled and lanterns were lit. Only then did the Eldest Princess allow Xiao Man to leave.
Xiao Man walked alone on the bustling street, yet no one dared to approach within three feet of her. The pedestrians on the road subconsciously avoided her.
Suddenly, a hidden weapon shot towards Xiao Man. Xiao Man reached out and caught it. What she grasped was a paper ball, and inside it was a blood-red bead, identical to the Phoenix Bead.
Xiao Man looked at the address written on the paper strip, pondered for a moment, and changed direction, heading towards the west of the city.
High officials and nobles mostly resided in the east of the city, wealthy merchants and influential families in the south, the north was for the relatively prosperous common folk, while the west was where those struggling at the lowest rung of society gathered, a complex mix of all sorts.
Xiao Man spent considerable time before finding the small tavern mentioned on the paper strip. The tavern's sign was half-fallen, and inside, only a dim oil lamp flickered. There was no proprietor, no waiter.
Xiao Man walked in slowly. The moment she stepped inside, the door behind her closed. Xiao Man merely glanced back, unconcerned.
"I am here. You can come out."
A figure appeared in the small tavern. It was Cen Yu, his androgynous face filled with serenity.
"You truly have no fear of death," Xiao Man said slowly. "To provoke me again and again, are you certain I wouldn't dare to kill you?"
Cen Yu invited Xiao Man to sit. "I am not here to cause trouble."
Xiao Man sat down by the table. Cen Yu then lit a small stove beside them and brewed a pot of tea. "I've investigated some matters, and I thought you might be interested."
"I will not believe you," Xiao Man stated coldly, feigning disinterest in whatever Cen Yu had discovered.
Cen Yu was not surprised by her words. Considering what he had done to Xiao Man, her not killing him was already a magnanimous act. He didn't expect her to believe him.
"The Phoenix Bead is divided into the Phoenix Bead and the Huang Bead," Cen Yu said, taking out exquisite pastries from a food box on the floor and placing them on the table. He then poured Xiao Man a cup of wine. "Guess where I obtained the Huang Bead?"
"What, have you realized that direct confrontation is not your match, and you're planning to change your strategy?" Xiao Man asked slowly. "Did you poison the wine, or are there toxins in the pastries?"
Cen Yu chuckled wryly, raised his cup, and drank it all. Then, he ate a piece from each plate of pastries. "There's no poison. Poison is useless against you, isn't it?"
Xiao Man remained silent. The powerful abilities of the direct bloodline of the Lanyue royal family made them immune to all poisons. It was not surprising that Cen Yu, with his skills, could discover this.
"You and I are not in a relationship where we can share drinks and pleasantries."
Cen Yu poured himself another cup of wine and then changed Xiao Man's cup to tea. "Feng Moran is related to the former Qin."
Xiao Man watched Cen Yu drink cup after cup, completely unfazed.
"On the surface, it seems so. But after my investigation, I found that the one truly related to the former Qin is not Feng Moran."
Xiao Man did not reply, nor did she ask any questions, merely watching Cen Yu.
"The one truly related to the former Qin is the direct bloodline of the Lanyue royal family. In other words, it is you."
Cen Yu's gaze swept over Xiao Man. No discernible expression could be seen on her face, as if nothing could move her. No, there was something. When Xiao Zhen died, Xiao Man's face was filled with pain. At that moment, Cen Yu had felt a sense of satisfaction, but now, the mere thought of it caused him great distress.
Cen Yu downed several more cups of wine. Drinking too quickly, he choked and began to cough incessantly. A faint blush appeared on his pale face, and after a moment, he recovered, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. "You've seen me at my worst."
Xiao Man's brow furrowed. Cen Yu today felt like someone else was impersonating him. After all, every time Cen Yu had seen her before, he had a disdainful look, even annoyance. Yet today, Cen Yu was acting pitiful, as if he thought she was blinded by lust and would be deceived by his beauty.
"What are you plotting now?"
Cen Yu was silent for a moment, then extended his hand towards Xiao Man. Without hesitation, Xiao Man grabbed Cen Yu's hand and twisted it forcefully. Cen Yu's wrist immediately dislocated. Cen Yu let out a muffled groan but showed no anger.
"I heard your head sustained a severe injury?" Cen Yu withdrew his hand and casually reset his dislocated wrist. "Were there any lasting scars?"
"If you invited me out just to say these things, I will take my leave."
"Lan Bing is returning, and she has someone with her, an old acquaintance of yours. You should be wary," Cen Yu said slowly.
"My old acquaintance?" Xiao Man sneered. "I have quite a few old acquaintances. Who are you referring to?"
"Du Yulan."