Chapter 36: The Disappearance Case

Jiang Ning’s words carried considerable weight, instilling a strong sense of deterrence. The maids and older women dared neither offend Jiang Ning nor the Crown Prince. After much deliberation, they knelt on the ground, pleading with Jiang Zhaozhao, “Princess Anle, please calm down. Miss Zhou is a friend of the Eldest Princess; we mustn’t lay hands on her…”

No one else knew how Zheng Kehui had behaved in Ling Xiaoxiao’s household, but Lan Tianqi and Shangguan Ruoyu were well aware. Even without special tools for casting lots, a few copper coins and some hastily drawn trigrams could be used to create an illusion of support.

Sure enough, Bai Yuan had already emerged, escorted by several Dark Qilin Guards, and he was searching for her figure.

One of the inner rooms served as the kitchen, fully equipped with utensils and appliances — more than sufficient to prepare the recipes in Shanhe’s possession.

“I’m not angry!” Ji Shushu said through gritted teeth, the most insincere words she had ever spoken in her life.

An Qing and Xiao Changyi admired Qi Jiaoqiao, thinking that although her temperament was a bit sharp, like a chili pepper, she was full of spirit and courage.

Countless speculations flashed through her mind in an instant, and she even gripped Bai Yuan’s hand tighter. According to the pace of Lu Guozhong’s last negotiation, money came first, power second, and beauty would follow third.

“I understand. Ye Jushi, go,” Bawu Xixian nodded, thinking to herself that she would have to wait a while before speaking to Sui Naiyu.

“Yes, Young Master,” Zhan Xiong replied, stepping toward Hua Fei with a sinister glint. His muscles bulged like coiled dragons, his bones cracked audibly, and his eyes widened, gleaming with a bloodthirsty hunger.

Zhang Ming was so certain the other party would step forward to apologize that when the usually stern Lao Zhuo actually did so, even at the cost of a poor impression, it meant something—he had apologized.

After a long while, he recalled that the Sword Riding Technique included a passage about a strange artifact, one that resembled fire in shape and spirit, yet emanated a chilling cold. Among the world’s rare wonders, it was both fiery and icy.

Chang Si’s poem was followed by several exclamation marks, emphasizing her profound anger.

Zhao Yu sneered coldly at Ye Wuya’s actions, thinking, “If you call Lei, then let Lei come. Who do you think you are?”

She narrowed her eyes, watching the man who seemed almost mad, yet appeared to be punishing her so that she would remember.

With delicate, enchanting fingers, Bai Mei gently brushed her cheek. Wearing a sheer red gown embroidered with lotus flowers, she glided gracefully to the edge of the eaves.

“Hmph, so arrogant. Do you think just because you have a few lousy coins, you’re untouchable?” Li Tao said angrily.

The Corpse Demon broke free from the binding ropes and leapt before Zhang Tingting, clutching her neck fiercely.

Qiao Ke’er’s heart slowly sank, overwhelmed by helplessness, unease, fear, and terror as if a smoky demon was gradually devouring her.

Gazing at Lin Ming, if it had been before, she might have angrily struck him down with a palm, but now she thought differently. Such a prodigy in cultivation would surely become a master of the Dragon Clan with time.

“Today, you belong to me,” the slender, beautiful eyes flashed with desire, speaking arrogantly and willfully.

“Tired? Do you want me to help you bathe?” He genuinely wanted to help. He did not want her to be weary, but without a bath, she would be uncomfortable sleeping at night. She had been nervous during the fashion show today and had sweated; not washing would surely lead to restless sleep.

He no longer wished to straighten his back and face everything. Relaxing his whole body, he leaned against the cold, solid Dragon Throne.

The carriage grew even quieter. Song Ruyu realized she had touched a sore spot and quickly changed the subject.

Deep in his heart, Liu Mu wished that Silla and the Wa people would split Tsushima Island evenly and fight bitterly every day, yet he still refused to relinquish control of the northern part of Tsushima. He never wanted Silla to station troops there.