"The First Prince seeks me?"
Feng Ninghe's expression was icy, her voice devoid of any emotion as she spoke.
Immortal Xu, being perceptive, stepped aside, creating an opening for Baili Ye to speak.
Thinking of Feng Tongtong's incompetence, Baili Ye was filled with regret. That woman was no match for Feng Ninghe in any aspect, yet she managed to mess up even simple tasks.
After a moment, he composed himself and gazed at Feng Ninghe with affection. "Ninghe, I know you've held resentment in your heart. After your incident back then, I was forced to betroth myself to Feng Tongtong under pressure. But that was merely a temporary measure. My heart has always been with you! You are the only one I wish to marry!"
However, under his expectant gaze, Feng Ninghe raised her delicate eyebrows, a flicker of annoyance crossing her beautiful face.
"Your Highness, you should save these words for the Third Miss. Immortal Xu is waiting for me, so I will not linger."
With that, she strode away, giving Baili Ye no further opportunity to speak.
Mindful of Immortal Xu's presence nearby, Baili Ye did not dare to press further. His gaze, however, remained fixed on Feng Ninghe's retreating figure, his expression darkening. He had thought that by saying all the right things, he could win Feng Ninghe back. But now, nothing he said seemed to make any difference. Why had this woman changed so drastically? He needed to quickly figure out what had happened today. With this thought, he quickly strode off in a certain direction.
Inside his dantian, Xiao Zhao could no longer contain itself and scurried out. It stared at its surroundings with its bright blue eyes, whimpering. "Master, there's something good here."
Anything that could attract Xiao Zhao was undoubtedly extraordinary, and Feng Ninghe's curiosity was piqued. "What good thing?"
Xiao Zhao shook its head, its gaze fixed intently in one direction. "I don't know what it is, but I can feel it's useful to me. If we could go and see it, we would know what it is that's attracting me."
Feng Ninghe gently stroked Xiao Zhao's incredibly soft fur and made a decision. "Since something is attracting you, let's go and see what it is."
Seeing her set off immediately, Immortal Xu hurried to follow.
Soon, they stopped behind a rockery not far from the First Prince's treasury. A contingent of elite guards stood watch outside the treasury. Xiao Zhao excitedly pointed its claws at the treasury, appearing exceptionally eager, and chirped intermittently. "Master, I can feel something inside the treasury calling to me!" Xiao Zhao puffed out its round body and stared intently at the treasury.
"There are too many people here, and it's the First Prince's birthday banquet today. Many guests are coming and going. It's not suitable to act now." Sensing Xiao Zhao's intentions, Old Man Xu stroked his long beard and gently reminded, "Even if we act, it must be when the night is deep and silent."
Feng Ninghe nodded with slight approval. "Indeed. When the night is deep and silent, we will infiltrate the First Prince's mansion."
Xiao Zhao understood that now was not the time to break into the treasury, so it nodded repeatedly, its two eyes fixed on the treasury.
In an inn.
Mo Zisang's face was grim. Two beautiful women attended him. Thinking about what had just happened, he was filled with anger. He didn't care about his reputation; he only cared about why the person lying beside him had turned out to be bald.
"Elder Mo."
A maidservant entered from outside and approached him respectfully. "The First Prince has arrived."
Mentioning the First Prince, Mo Zisang's expression darkened further. He grunted, "Let him come."
Led by the maidservant, Baili Ye appeared before Mo Zisang immediately. "Elder Mo, I have delivered the person as agreed. What exactly happened?" Baili Ye was completely bewildered and voiced his confusion.
Mo Zisang narrowed his eyes, a hint of danger flickering in his pupils. "It's strange. I don't know who knocked me out. When I woke up, I saw a large group of people storming in, with a bald man lying beside me." At the time, he had been busy undressing and didn't even know who had knocked him out.
Baili Ye frowned, his gaze darkening. "Could it be that Feng Ninghe has helpers? Waiting in the shadows to plot against us?" The truth of the matter was unknown to anyone.
Mo Zisang's effeminate face was filled with displeasure. "A mere woman with no cultivation foundation. I refuse to believe I can't get my hands on her!" His determined demeanor prompted Baili Ye to quickly smile obsequiously. "Elder Mo is right, but she is, after all, a disciple of Immortal Xu. Dealing with her will be somewhat difficult. We need to plan this carefully." If they were in the Immortal Sect, Mo Zisang would naturally not fear Immortal Xu. However, within the territory of Li Country, this Immortal Xu held some deterrent power.
Mo Zisang's well-defined fingers toyed with a grape, his sharp eyes glinting with coldness. "It is indeed difficult to act with Immortal Xu around. However, since she is a woman I desire, I will have her, no matter what." Even if he couldn't have her immediately, he didn't mind waiting for the right moment.
"Elder Mo, I have several beauties in my mansion, as beautiful as flowers, all of top quality. Why don't you come to my mansion tonight, and let the beauties serve you well?" Baili Ye was still concerned about the matter of the quota for entering the Immortal Sect. He had already delivered the person to Mo Zisang's room. By all rights, he had fulfilled his promise; it was Mo Zisang himself who lacked the ability to keep the person. However, Mo Zisang had not enjoyed the beauties. Only after Mo Zisang was happy and comfortable could he bring up the matter.
Upon hearing about beauties, Mo Zisang's eyes lit up involuntarily, and he nodded without hesitation. "The First Prince's kind invitation, I cannot refuse. As for the quota for entering the Immortal Sect, we will discuss it tonight." These simple words made Baili Ye beam with joy. He quickly agreed, "Then I shall await Elder Mo at my mansion!"
In front of the Zhenguo Duke's mansion.
A carriage was parked quietly there. Inside the carriage sat Feng Tongtong and Madam Zhang.
"Mother, I remember very clearly. Someone hit me from behind, and then I fell unconscious. When I woke up, I saw you standing in front of the house." Feng Tongtong recounted her ordeal tearfully. She had put on her black robe again, her bald head looking exceptionally conspicuous.
Madam Zhang naturally believed her daughter's words. "It seems all of this is Feng Ninghe's doing behind the scenes. She is not what she used to be. We must be extremely cautious."
"Mother, what if the First Prince dislikes me because of this and refuses to marry me?" Tears welled up in Feng Tongtong's eyes. She was worried that the First Prince would be disgusted with her.
Understanding her concerns, Madam Zhang patted her back comfortingly and whispered, "You were schemed against, but you did not lose your chastity. As long as you explain things properly to the First Prince, and considering our Feng family's standing, he will not refuse to marry you." The First Prince needed the Feng family's support to become Crown Prince. This marriage was something the First Prince would not easily cancel. As long as Feng Tongtong did not cause too much trouble, this marriage would not be called off.
Only then did Feng Tongtong feel slightly relieved, a trace of ruthlessness flashing fiercely in her eyes. "Mother, Feng Ninghe must die. It's all her fault!"