Chapter 73: Revealing One's True Identity

Jiang Yuyan took a deep breath, calming the surge within her heart, and spoke directly, cutting straight to the point, “I have come here under orders from the Blackstone leader to temporarily command Blackstone and handle a matter. I wish to meet with all available senior members of Blackstone tonight. Is there any problem with that?”

Fat Chen’s face showed suspicion, instinctively wanting to retort, but years of life as an assassin had instilled caution in him. He squinted, looking at Jiang Yuyan, and said, “You claim the leader sent you? Show me your proof.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yuyan nearly choked with frustration, tempted to kill Fat Chen on the spot. Fortunately, her years in the imperial harem had trained her not only in martial arts but also in patience. She forced herself to suppress the impulse and replied irritably, “Proof? What kind of proof do you want? I showed one token, you said I was here to stir trouble. I brought a second, and you still refused to recognize it. What do you expect me to do? Do you really think I’m someone to be trifled with?”

With each word, Jiang Yuyan’s anger grew. By the time she spoke her last sentence, she released her control over her inner energy, the aura of a grandmaster radiating unmistakably. She glared fiercely at Fat Chen, thinking maliciously that once the Emperor's business was done, she would make sure to deal with him properly.

Fat Chen was immediately cowed by Jiang Yuyan’s undisguised grandmaster’s aura. The use of “this palace” in her speech lent further credibility. Yet, the problem persisted: though he was beginning to believe her, how could he explain it to the other members of Blackstone? These were his own conjectures, after all. Moreover, she technically could present credentials, but as a commoner, he couldn’t possibly recognize tokens from the palace. He realized his earlier actions had likely earned her resentment.

Just as Fat Chen was at a loss for how to continue, a knock sounded from outside.

“Fat Chen? Is anyone there?” A melodious female voice called from beyond the door.

At the sound, Fat Chen’s eyes lit up, as if he’d found a savior. He quickly turned to Jiang Yuyan, changing the subject. “The person knocking is another member of Blackstone. She’s not a senior yet, but she’s gifted, progressing rapidly in martial arts, and will soon join the upper ranks. She attends every internal meeting as an observer. Would you like to meet her?”

Jiang Yuyan nodded indifferently. She would have to meet them sooner or later, and since the visitor was already at the door, there was no reason to send her away.

Seeing Jiang Yuyan’s assent, Fat Chen grinned and shouted toward the door, “Why are you so impatient, rushing me like a spirit? Wait a moment.”

With that, Fat Chen briskly went to open the door.

The latch clicked, followed by the soft sound of the hinges turning.

“Fat Chen, what are you doing in there? That’s not like you, lazing about in broad daylight instead of running your shop. Are you hiding someone inside? I never thought you’d sprout so soon, not even through winter. Look at me—my figure, my looks—since we’re acquainted, I’ll give you a discount: a thousand taels of gold for one night. How about it?”

“Get lost, stop flattering yourself. Are you coming in or not?” Fat Chen retorted.

Though there was no further speech, the woman’s laughter grew closer.

When she entered the inner room and came face-to-face with Jiang Yuyan, her smile froze, her entire person as if caught in a spell.

Jiang Yuyan was surprised but also relieved; she had encountered someone she knew and would not have to explain herself to that insufferable fat man any longer. The newcomer was Ye Zhanqing, whom Jiang Yuyan had previously met in the palace.

Fat Chen’s voice approached: “Zhanqing, let me introduce you, this is…”

As he drew near, Fat Chen stopped mid-sentence, sensing a peculiar atmosphere between the two women. Before he could inquire, Jiang Yuyan spoke first.

“Sister, it’s been so long. You’ve done me a great favor today. Fat Chen, if you have questions, ask her. I’ve no patience to waste words with you.”

The first part was said with a smile, as if she’d truly met family, but the latter half revealed her unfiltered irritation.

“You two know each other?” Fat Chen was incredulous; in his mind, Ye Zhanqing had never known the true identity of the leader.

Fat Chen looked at Ye Zhanqing inquisitively.

Ye Zhanqing sensed his gaze, and nodded slightly.

“Don’t just nod, speak! I’m still puzzled about her identity. If you know who she is, hurry up and say it,” Fat Chen urged, anxious now, unwilling to question Jiang Yuyan any further after her earlier words.

Even if Jiang Yuyan’s identity remained unclear to him, the intimidation of a grandmaster was considerable.

“I’ve seen her in the palace—not familiar, but she should be one of the imperial consorts,” Ye Zhanqing replied, her gaze lingering on Jiang Yuyan, with a trace of fear in her eyes.

That settled Jiang Yuyan’s identity once and for all. Yet Fat Chen’s mind kept replaying his previous reckless behavior, a cold sweat breaking out on his brow.

He forced a smile and hurried to greet Jiang Yuyan. “Ah, forgive me, Your Grace, for my ignorance. Please have a seat, have some water, would you prefer tea? I even have wine, Your Grace…”

“Enough. Let’s get to the point,” Jiang Yuyan interrupted, unable to bear his incessant, useless chatter. His greasy, round face filled her vision, following her every move, driving her to the brink of fury. She longed to slap him dead, but restrained herself and cut him off.

“Right, yes. Your Grace wishes to convene Blackstone’s senior members tonight?”

“Yes. The Emperor mentioned there are few senior members. How many can attend tonight?” With business at hand, Jiang Yuyan hid her earlier displeasure.

Fat Chen thought for a moment. “Tonight, counting myself and Zhanqing, only Lei Bin remains. The Master of Spectacles and Drizzle are out of town. It depends on the urgency of Your Grace’s matter—does it require a result today or tomorrow? If not, the Master of Spectacles and Drizzle can return by midday tomorrow.”

Jiang Yuyan considered briefly and decided, “Very well, midday tomorrow, same place.”

Having said her piece, Jiang Yuyan could not bear to linger another moment. Without so much as a farewell, she summoned her inner energy and departed like the wind.