Chapter Seventy-Two: A Misunderstanding

In the depths of night, within Zhu Yu's imperial palace, the dragon bed was shrouded in the gradually calming sounds of two hurried breaths. As the sacred time waned, Zhu Yu glanced at the beauty still nestled in his arms, suddenly recalling the plan he had devised earlier that day, which he had yet to mention.

“Yuyan, have you advanced to Grandmaster?” Though Zhu Yu had already heard the news from Eunuch Wu, he felt it necessary to confirm it with her directly.

“Mm.” Jiang Yuyan made no effort to open her eyes, nor did she speak; her head rested on Zhu Yu’s chest, and she responded with a soft nasal sound.

Though he had long known, Zhu Yu felt a deeper reassurance upon receiving her confirmation.

“Now that you’re a Grandmaster, it’s a waste for you to remain idle in the harem. I have a task I want you to undertake.”

At this, Jiang Yuyan opened her still-languid eyes, their depths still glistening, and looked up at Zhu Yu, waiting for him to continue.

Seeing her silent, Zhu Yu was not annoyed, but went on, “You’re aware of Prince Duan and Prince Yu’s plot to rebel. I want you to gather evidence of their treason.”

“To serve Your Majesty is my greatest honor, but I have no experience in such matters. I fear I might jeopardize your designs,” Jiang Yuyan replied, a hint of worry in her voice.

“Don’t worry about that. The experts will handle the professional work. I simply don’t know what kind of masters these princes have at their sides, and I need someone to oversee things in case anything goes awry. If you feel it’s too much, you can take Hua Wuque along to guard against unforeseen events.”

Hearing mention of experts and professionals, Jiang Yuyan’s thoughts drifted in a different direction.

“Your Majesty, which of the Four Agencies are you entrusting with this matter? Each is already overseen by seasoned Grandmasters. I’ve just advanced and doubt I’ll be of much use.”

“It’s not the Four Agencies,” Zhu Yu replied.

“Not the Four Agencies? Then where are these professionals coming from?”

At first, Jiang Yuyan was surprised, but then she recalled what Yu Huatian had once hinted at and suddenly understood. Still, she maintained her look of shock.

Seeing her so taken aback, Zhu Yu smiled and patted her bare shoulder before introducing her to Blackstone.

In truth, much of this needed no introduction. Ever since Yu Huatian’s offhand comment, Jiang Yuyan had taken care to gather all available information about Blackstone. Even so, much of Blackstone’s internal workings remained a mystery to her.

But that was not the main point. At this moment, Jiang Yuyan once again felt herself wrapped in the warmth of happiness. For the emperor to trust her with such a grave secret without reservation gave her a profound sense of duty. Whatever the emperor tasked her with, she must see it done. Anyone or anything that could threaten him must not be allowed to exist in this world.

After a while, Zhu Yu, his throat parched, stopped speaking and looked down, only to find Jiang Yuyan gazing at him dreamily—the same absent look students wore in class when their minds wandered.

Annoyed, Zhu Yu shook her gently and said, “What are you thinking about? Did you remember everything I just told you?”

“Yes.” Startled by the shaking, Jiang Yuyan answered instinctively.

Gradually, her eyes regained their focus, and a trace of longing lingered in them. Once she had fully composed herself, Jiang Yuyan could no longer contain her restless energy and pounced on Zhu Yu, pinning him beneath her.

What followed, naturally, was a fierce and passionate battle—a tale as old as time, needing no further elaboration.

...

The next day, just before noon.

Holding the token Zhu Yu had given her, Jiang Yuyan walked openly out of the palace.

Following Zhu Yu’s instructions, she wound her way through several streets until she arrived at the entrance of a grain shop. Without hesitation, she stepped inside.

By chance, there were no customers at that moment. Jiang Yuyan approached the portly shopkeeper, who was busy with his accounts, and asked, “Is now a good time to talk?”

The shopkeeper gave her a strange look. “Of course, it’s fine. Take what you want, and if you buy in bulk, I’ll give you a better price.”

Jiang Yuyan rolled her eyes inwardly but kept her composure. She took out several small black stones from her bosom, placing them before the shopkeeper with a gentle smile. “Is it convenient now?”

Seeing the black stones, the shopkeeper’s eyes narrowed. He said, “Please wait a moment,” and hurried to close the shop doors.

When he returned, he held a fine iron sword. Before Jiang Yuyan could speak, his plump frame darted at her with surprising agility, the blade thrusting straight for her chest.

Jiang Yuyan showed no panic. She lifted her arm, her fingers flicking lightly. A metallic clang sounded in the room as she diverted the thrust.

But the most remarkable thing was that there was still some distance between them—she had repelled the sword from afar.

“Your martial skill is formidable; I am far inferior. But do you dare leave your name, so that I, Chen, may know what kind of person would dare trouble Blackstone?”

This shopkeeper was none other than Fatty Chen.

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking that? You were the one who struck first, after all.” Seeing Fatty Chen’s readiness for death, Jiang Yuyan felt a little exasperated.

“Hmph!” Fatty Chen snorted disdainfully. “You must think I’m a fool. These black stones are only in the hands of Blackstone’s inner circle. Anyone else who possesses one is on our kill list. And I know that list by heart—there’s no one like you on it. If you’re not here to make trouble, then what?”

Jiang Yuyan could only laugh wryly, realizing the emperor had set her up.

“Here, do you recognize this?” She produced the golden token Zhu Yu had given her.

Fatty Chen examined it for a moment. “This token is exquisitely made, pure gold, worth a fortune. But forgive me—I can’t tell where it’s from. And why are you showing it to me? Trying to bribe me, perhaps?”