There are rules for dining in the Prince Lin’s Mansion. As the prince of the Prince Lin, Lin Jiangnian is naturally treated differently.
The chefs in the palace are all famous chefs invited from all over the world, so their cooking skills are naturally impeccable. Not only that, the palace also serves a variety of delicacies from land and sea every day.
But if you eat too much, that’s it!
For Lin Jiangnian, it didn't have much appeal.
The table was covered with delicious food, and the aroma of food filled the air. Lin Jiangnian looked at the food, then raised his eyes to glance at the table.
The kite stood quietly by the side, like a cold statue.
"Come and sit down!"
Lin Jiangnian waved at her.
Zhiyuan raised her eyes, then lowered them again: "I can't."
The maids in the mansion naturally could not presume to sit and eat with their masters.
Although Zhiyuan holds a very high status in Prince Lin's Mansion, he does not forget his own identity.
"If this prince says you can do it, then you can do it. Why are there so many broken rules?"
Lin Jiangnian didn't care about that and waved his hand: "Come and sit down!"
Zhiyuan raised her eyes and glanced at Lin Jiangnian, but still did not move.
"Why? Do you want me to invite you personally?"
Seeing this, Lin Jiangnian pretended to stand up and invite her.
Zhiyuan's eyes twitched slightly, and she looked at him deeply. She was silent for a while, and then she moved closer somewhat unnaturally.
He hesitated and remained silent for a moment before sitting down at the table.
His movements were gentle and his posture was elegant. He sat upright and motionless.
...as if he was extremely reluctant.
"There's no one else here, so relax and don't be nervous."
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her again, shook his head slightly and spoke.
He had already dismissed the other servants in the room. Now, only Lin Jiangnian and Zhiyuan were left in the room.
Zhiyuan's expression remained the same, showing no emotion at all.
nervous?
He had a calm expression, his eyes slightly lowered, as if some doubts were emerging in his eyes.
...What does Your Highness want to do?
"Haven't you eaten yet?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her again and asked, "Eat something?"
The kite didn't move.
"If you don't eat now, the food will get cold."
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her one last time and said nothing more.
Eat it if you like.
The purpose of today is not to treat her to a meal.
Lin Jiangnian started eating on his own.
During the time he was in the palace, he had eaten a lot of food there. Although the food tasted good, it was still not to Lin Jiangnian's taste.
There is no particular desire.
Lin Jiangnian sighed secretly. Is this like a wild boar that can't eat fine bran?
For most ordinary people in this era, being able to fill their stomachs is already a great happiness.
The Daning Dynasty had been established for a hundred years and was now at its peak. Linzhou had thrived economically over the past decade under Lin Hengzhong's governance.
But there are still countless hungry people in this world who cannot afford three meals a day, and there are still countless refugees and beggars.
For the vast majority of people, being able to fill their stomachs is already considered a prosperous age. Why would they have the right to be picky?
Now, as the crown prince of Prince Lin, Lin Jiangnian lives a life of luxury, never having to struggle for survival. This is already the pinnacle of life! If he continues to pick on this meal because it doesn't suit his taste, wouldn't it seem a bit... ungrateful?
Thinking of this, Lin Jiangnian sighed slightly.
After eating and drinking, he looked up and saw Zhiyuan sitting at the table still motionless.
The dishes and food on her table remained untouched.
"Aren't you hungry?"
Seeing her expression, Lin Jiangnian sneered, "Or is it that asking you to have a meal with this prince... is it unfair to you?"
Zhiyuan lowered her head: "I dare not."
"Then why?"
Lin Jiangnian asked back.
Zhiyuan still didn't say anything.
However, after eating and drinking his fill, Lin Jiangnian now had some free time, and he looked at the kite in front of him with a playful look.
With a cold face and a proud temperament, even as a maid, she could hardly conceal her innate aloofness.
She lowered her head slightly, staring straight ahead, wondering what she was thinking.
silence.
Finally, Lin Jiangnian shook his head and said, "You really are not a qualified maid."
Zhiyuan was slightly startled, looked up, and a hint of doubt flashed in her eyes.
"As this prince's maid, it's fine if you don't obey..."
Lin Jiangnian felt a little regretful: "You haven't shown me the flattery and fawning that I should have shown you."
Kite: “…”
"Look at the other maids and servants in the mansion. Who wouldn't be extremely respectful and attentive when seeing this prince, fearing that they might upset him?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her: "Look at you again...is this acceptable?"
“…”
How could a normal maid not be afraid and respectful when seeing her master?
Maids and servants these days were worthless. As the private property of their masters, they could be disposed of at will. If they displeased their masters, they would be beaten and punished if they were lucky, but those who were unlucky would be beaten to death and thrown out to feed the wolves.
Almost all the maids in the Prince Lin's Mansion were respectful to Lin Jiangnian. Even the stupid Xiao Zhu was extremely afraid of Lin Jiangnian.
She knew very well that offending His Royal Highness would lead to dire consequences.
But the kite in front of me is an exception!
After hearing Lin Jiangnian's words, she seemed to be stunned for a moment. She raised her eyes to meet Lin Jiangnian's, then lowered her head again after a moment.
After a while, she spoke softly, "This servant...is different from them."
"What's the difference?" Lin Jiangnian asked.
Zhiyuan was silent for a while before she calmly said, "The prince asked me to take good care of His Highness to prevent him from causing trouble again..."
"If Your Highness expects me to obey Your Highness's orders like the other maids in the mansion... I cannot do that."
Calm and gentle words.
Can't do it.
Look, is this something a maid should say?
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyebrows: "Do you hate this prince?"
Zhiyuan lowered her eyes: "I dare not!"
"Don't dare? ...So, you really do hate this prince?"
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes at her and said, "But because of my status as a prince, I dare not reveal it?"
Zhiyuan was silent and said nothing.
Is this... an admission?
"Do you really hate this prince?"
Lin Jiangnian stared into her eyes and asked.
Zhiyuan said calmly, "I am only your Highness's maid, I don't have such thoughts."
"Really?"
Zhiyuan raised her eyes slightly, her gaze was clear and calm, without any emotion.
"Since you don't dislike it, why don't you want to dine with me?"
Lin Jiangnian suddenly asked again.
Zhiyuan blinked, then lowered her eyes again: "This servant cannot eat with His Highness!"
"Who said that?"
Zhiyuan said, "The rules of the palace..."
"Who set the rules of this palace?" Lin Jiangnian continued to ask.
Zhiyuan was startled.
Who decided it?
Servants cannot eat with their masters. This is a rule that has existed since ancient times. There is a hierarchy, but who made this rule?
Seeing her hesitation, Lin Jiangnian knew that she couldn't answer, so he waved his hand immediately.
"You can't tell, right?"
"This prince is the future master of this palace, and the rules he says are the rules..."
"Today's meal, I insist on having you accompany me... Do you agree?"
“…”
Faced with Lin Jiangnian's deliberately provocative look and tone, Zhiyuan remained silent.
After a long time, she raised her head again and looked at Lin Jiangnian quietly.
His eyes remained calm.
"Since Your Highness has requested this, then this servant...will naturally do as you are told."
“…”
The summer sun penetrates the sparse leaves, casting tiny shadows on the bluestone slabs.
Palace, backyard garden.
Lin Jiangnian strolled through the courtyard, taking in the scenery of the palace garden with a certain sense of contentment. Not long after, he slowly appeared at the edge of Sun Moon Lake, gazing out at the magnificent lake.
Beside him stood a kite in white.
Holding a lotus umbrella, she followed Lin Jiangnian closely, providing shade for His Highness.
There was no emotion on his cold face, but his eyes would occasionally fall on Lin Jiangnian beside him, with a hint of doubt and strangeness in his eyes.
But more people remain silent.
"I have heard that many masters are buried at the bottom of Sun Moon Lake, is that correct?"
Lin Jiangnian looked at the calm lake in front of him, and suddenly turned around to look at the kite beside him.
Zhiyuan seemed to be thinking about something with her head down, when Lin Jiangnian suddenly spoke, which scared her slightly.
He looked into Lin Jiangnian's eyes, then quickly looked away, glanced at the calm lake, and nodded slightly.
"Many masters have tried to break into Ruyi Tower, but without exception, they all failed here!"
Lin Jiangnian seemed a little interested: "Who was the most powerful master who died here? How powerful was he?"
Zhiyuan said silently, "Ten years ago, a talented swordsman wanted to enter Ruyi Tower to spy on the situation, but was refused by the prince. Frustrated, he angrily tried to force his way in, but the prince intervened and he died there..."
"That person is in the Second Level Tianxuan Realm!"
Lin Jiangnian's eyelids twitched.
Second-grade Tianxuan?
Such masters all perished here?
However, recalling what the red-dressed woman mentioned, that Lin Hengzhong's martial arts skills were at least top-tier in the world, or even a master's... it made sense again.
"Second-grade Tianxuan..."
Lin Jiangnian thought for a moment, then glanced at her again: "What about you?"
"What realm are you in now?"
The kite was silent.
"What? Can't you tell me?"
Zhiyuan said softly, "My martial arts skills are only used for self-protection and are not worth mentioning."
"Not worth mentioning?"
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes. He knew Zhiyuan was skilled in martial arts, and her skills were quite impressive. But now, hearing her being so evasive, why did it feel like... she wasn't very good?
Lin Jiangnian suddenly remembered that when he learned in Ruyi Tower that Mr. Li was Zhiyuan's master, he had mentioned that Zhiyuan had only practiced martial arts for a few years.
Considering this, her martial arts skills shouldn't be too high, right?
According to the woman in red, if an ordinary person practices martial arts diligently for a few years and reaches the seventh rank, it is considered a very good talent.
There is a big gap between the levels of martial arts realm.
So……
"As for martial arts, everyone has different talents, so you can't force it..."
Lin Jiangnian became even more curious and looked at the kite in front of him: "You are my prince's maid, so don't you have the right to know your martial arts strength?"
Zhiyuan lowered her eyes and said, "Your Highness certainly has it."
"Then why don't you tell me?"
“…”
Zhiyuan hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Your Highness, do you really want to know?"
"That's natural, you say!"
Lin Jiangnian waved his hand: "Don't worry, this prince doesn't need your protection, and naturally he won't despise you..."
Zhiyuan was silent for a moment before she spoke softly, "Ask."
The smile that just appeared on Lin Jiangnian's face froze.
Asking about the realm?
Third-rank asked?
???
…
It was quiet all around and there was a gentle breeze.
Lin Jiangnian was silent for a long time, staring at the kite in front of him in astonishment.
Her clear and bright eyes seemed to be saying something that was understated.
However, it just silenced Lin Jiangnian!
Even after a while, the look of astonishment on his face still did not fade.
He knew Zhiyuan's martial arts skills were not weak, but he never imagined that this weak and delicate maid beside him would be a third-rank master?!
Just a moment ago, Lin Jiangnian was still wondering if one day his martial arts ability would surpass Zhiyuan, and that he would be able to easily control her...
Now, the dream is completely shattered!
Seeing His Highness was silent for a long time, Zhiyuan looked up, then lowered her eyes and said, "I told you so..."
"Your Highness insists on asking."
“…”
Lin Jiangnian rubbed his face. So, it was all his own fault? Zhiyuan didn't want to say it just now because she was afraid of damaging his self-confidence?
...Should I thank her?
Zhiyuan didn't say anything either. She seemed to always like being silent and speechless.
"Where's your master?"
After a long silence, Lin Jiangnian finally recovered. He looked up at the Ruyi Tower not far away and suddenly said, "Since Master Li can train a disciple like you, he must have a good background, right?"
Zhiyuan followed Lin Jiangnian's gaze and nodded gently, "Although Master doesn't know martial arts, he is well versed in the essence of martial arts. He is a rare master in this world!"
"Do you know where Mr. Li came from?" Lin Jiangnian turned his head and looked at her.
Zhiyuan was stunned for a moment and shook his head gently: "I don't know."
"He didn't tell you about it?"
Zhiyuan nodded: "Master never mentioned it."
Lin Jiangnian was a little surprised, staring quietly at the Ruyi Tower not far away. Even Zhiyuan didn't know where Mr. Li came from. Who exactly was this Mr. Li?
After a long silence, he finally seemed to remember something.
"Oh, and..."
Lin Jiangnian slowly turned around and looked at the kite in front of him.
Dressed in white, with a delicate face and clear eyes, she stood beside Lin Jiangnian, holding a lotus umbrella.
At such a close distance, Lin Jiangnian could even smell a faint fragrance coming from her.
Zhiyuan raised her eyes slightly and saw that His Highness suddenly turned around. She was a little confused and met his gaze.
Lin Jiangnian asked casually, "Have you heard of the Xuanyang Diagram?"
Zhiyuan's expression seemed to be stunned: "Xuan Yang Tu?"
"Your Highness...where did you hear about the Xuanyang Diagram?"
"Inside Ruyi Tower."
Lin Jiangnian had already prepared his story: "While this prince was browsing martial arts manuals in Ruyi Tower, he accidentally came across information about the Xuanyang Diagram... I heard that the Xuanyang Heart Method is related to the Xuanyang Diagram, is that correct?"
Zhiyuan was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Xuan Yang Heart Method is considered a part of the Xuan Yang Diagram."
"You know?"
"I have heard a little bit about it."
Lin Jiangnian quickly narrowed his eyes and looked at her: "Then do you know where the Xuanyang Map is?"
"I don't know."
Unexpectedly, Zhiyuan shook his head slightly.
"You don't know either?"
Lin Jiangnian frowned, then quickly relaxed, and said with a hint of meaning, "This Xuanyang Heart Technique is a family secret of my Lin family. If that's the case, then this Xuanyang Diagram must be in my father's hands, right?"
Zhiyuan was silent, nodded, and then shook his head.
"What do you mean?"
"I have never seen the Xuanyang Diagram, nor do I know its whereabouts. As for whether it is in the possession of the prince, I am also not sure."
Lin Jiangnian stared at her: "Didn't my father tell you?"
Zhiyuan shook her head slightly: "The prince did not tell me the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map."
"Really?"
Lin Jiangnian stared into her eyes, trying to see if she was lying.
Zhiyuan remained calm, "If the prince had given the Xuanyang Map to me, I would naturally not have concealed it from His Highness... I really don't know about this Xuanyang Map."
"If Your Highness wants to know the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map, you can ask the prince after he returns home, and you will find out!"
“…”
Lin Jiangnian frowned.
Even Zhiyuan doesn’t know the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map. So, the only clue left is... Lin Hengzhong?
Lin Jiangnian's heart sank.
"When will my father come back?"
Zhiyuan whispered, "The prince has already arrived in the capital of Zhongzhou. I believe he will be back in less than a month."
"I see."
Lin Jiangnian felt a little heavy and complicated. He waved his hand and said, "Alright, I have some things to do. I'll be leaving first!"
“…”
The kite was still standing by the lake, holding the lotus umbrella, her white dress fluttering in the wind.
She quietly watched His Highness's departing back, her beautiful eyes still calm, but her expression seemed to have changed slightly.
Your Highness...something seems a little strange today!
Sensing something, Zhiyuan sniffed lightly.
Faintly, she seemed to smell the aroma of wine from His Highness.
Very faint, but it is there.
Zhiyuan still stood there, silent for a long time: "Someone come."
Not far away, a maid approached cautiously.
"Let Xiaozhu come to see me."
Zhiyuan's eyes were cold and he spoke lightly.
"yes."
“…”
On the other side, after leaving Sun Moon Lake, Lin Jiangnian did not return to the room. He walked through several alleys and came to a small courtyard.
"Your Highness."
As soon as Lin Jiangnian entered the courtyard, he heard a deep voice. A figure was standing in the courtyard, having been waiting for a long time.
It’s Lin Kong!
Lin Jiangnian's gaze fell on Lin Kong and he asked calmly, "What's going on?"
Lin Kong lowered his head, his face looking a little weathered, less youthful and more old.
He lowered his head and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness has asked me to investigate something, and we've already got some clues..."
"As Your Highness expected, Li Qianlin has indeed been secretly communicating with quite a few people in Linjiang City..."
Lin Kong slowly told the information he had found out.
"This time, Li Qianlin appeared in Linjiang City, indeed heading for the palace. His purpose is still unclear, but the person behind him is as expected... It should be the Third Prince in the court..."
"Li Qianlin's purpose in Linjiang City this time is unclear, but it's likely related to the palace's conspiracy... Miss Zhiyuan previously instructed her subordinates not to alert the enemy and wait for the right time to capture Li Qianlin and the people behind him!"
“…”
Lin Jiangnian listened quietly and narrowed his eyes. "So, the one who tried to assassinate this prince last time was also one of the Third Prince's men?"
Lin Kong shook his head, "Not necessarily!"
"The prince has made many enemies in the capital, and many of them hate him to the core. It is not ruled out that they will target Your Highness for revenge..."
"so……"
Lin Jiangnian looked at him with a playful look: "So far, the murderer who assassinated this prince last time has not been found?"
It has been some time since the attack on the ruined temple. The palace has been secretly investigating the matter, but it seems that the person behind the incident has not been found yet.
"They came prepared this time and left no clues behind... The palace followed the clues, but didn't find much useful information!"
"However, there are only two people who are most likely to have assassinated His Highness..."
"Which two people?" Lin Jiangnian raised his eyes.
"The Third Prince in the capital, and..."
Lin Kong took a deep breath and said, "King Xu from Xuzhou in the north!"
"King Xu?"
Lin Jiangnian was stunned and began to think about something.
north?
The King Xu who is called the King of the South and the North together with Lin Heng?
They are also the only two kings of different surnames in the Daning Dynasty!
He also wants the Crown Prince to die?
Many thoughts emerged from Lin Jiangnian's mind, but quickly vanished. He looked calm as he glanced at Lin Kong in front of him: "You did a good job this time. This prince is quite satisfied."
Lin Kong still lowered his head, his voice a little hoarse: "Thank you for the compliment, Prince."
At this moment, he no longer had any of his former rebellious attitude.
Ever since Lin Jiangnian exposed the existence of Miss Su last time, his weakness has been completely grasped by Lin Jiangnian.
Lin Kong is a very useful person to Lin Jiangnian.
Lin Jiangnian had almost no influence within the palace, and he knew almost nothing about the situation. The palace's affairs were controlled by the palace's steward and Zhiyuan. Lin Jiangnian had no other way to gather intelligence except to seek out the woman in red.
Therefore, this is the reason why Lin Jiangnian spared Lin Kong's life.
Lin Kong is an orphan adopted by Prince Lin, and is considered one of the people favored by Prince Lin. He is not weak in martial arts and has good abilities...
Keeping him would mean Lin Jiangnian would have another intelligence channel within the palace. He could use this person to get things done.
As long as Su Lu is still under Lin Jiangnian's control, Lin Kong can't cause any trouble.
"There is one more thing I need you to do."
Lin Jiangnian paused and suddenly said, "Go check on the Xu family."
"Xu family?"
Lin Kong was stunned, seemingly unable to react: "Which Xu family?"
"What do you think?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at him.
Lin Kong seemed to have thought of something and was startled: "Your Highness, you mean... the Xu family in Linjiang City?!"
"Go check it out. Check the connections and influences that the Xu family has had over the past two years!"
Lin Jiangnian said calmly, "By the way, let's also check...Xu Xiupeng, my uncle Xu!"
Lin Kong thought of a terrible possibility and his face turned pale: "Yes!"
After Lin Kong disappeared, Lin Jiangnian's eyes remained the same as usual.
Xu family?
He has the same surname as the King Xu in the north. Is there any connection between them?
With that silly girl Xu Lan's intelligence and scheming, it's unlikely that she would do something to kill Prince Lin.
Moreover, she and the Prince of Lin had no deep hatred. They grew up together and did not have a deep grudge against each other.
So……
The only possibility is probably related to the Xu family!
Xu and Lin have been friends for decades. Could something have happened between them?
Lin Jiangnian wasn't sure, it was just a guess, but...
Now we can check it out!
…
Night falls.
In the room.
Lin Jiangnian sat cross-legged and practiced martial arts as usual.
diligent!
During the day today, I was really stimulated by the kite.
Unexpectedly, the little maid beside him became a master of the realm of asking for the way without any notice.
This was somewhat of a blow to Lin Jiangnian!
Judging from their ages, Zhiyuan seems to be younger than Lin Jiangnian.
Counting back in time, it has only been a few years since Zhiyuan entered the palace and became Li Lao's disciple.
He is so young, yet he is already a third-rank master!
Although Lin Jiangnian had not thought about becoming a powerful master at the beginning, he was a little dissatisfied after being stimulated by Zhiyuan today.
Therefore, after returning to his room, Lin Jiangnian began to practice martial arts even more diligently.
When the Xuan Yang Heart Method circulated through his body for a full cycle, he felt the majestic energy surge through his body. The air flowed slowly through every part of his body, as if the Ren and Du meridians had been opened, flowing smoothly and unobstructed.
After a long time, Lin Jiangnian slowly finished his practice. When he opened his eyes, he was sweating all over, feeling sticky and uncomfortable.
He stood up, took a look at the night outside, and pushed the door open to go out.
"Someone come."
Outside the courtyard, a figure approached: "Your Highness, what are your orders?"
"Prepare hot water!"
"yes."
…
After taking a good shower and changing his clothes, Lin Jiangnian returned to his room feeling relaxed.
As soon as I stepped into the room, I suddenly realized that something was wrong.
Look up.
Not far away, a familiar figure was sitting at the table, as if he had been waiting for him for a long time.
The expression on Lin Jiangnian's face froze slightly.
"You, why are you here?!"
The voice seemed a little guilty.
The familiar figure sitting at the table in his sight was naturally... Liu Su.
Liu Su was sitting quietly at the table, waiting for him. Her cold face showed neither joy nor sadness, and no emotion could be seen.
But Lin Jiangnian's heart skipped a beat and his eyelids twitched slightly.
He comes with bad intentions!
"Can't I come?"
Liu Su stared at Lin Jiangnian with an indifferent look.
"Yes, of course..."
Lin Jiangnian took a deep breath and tried to calm down.
What are you afraid of!
When the enemy comes, we will fight him; when the water comes, we will block it with earth!
What happened last night is over. She didn’t take revenge last night, so she can’t take revenge again today, right?
Thinking of this, Lin Jiangnian gradually felt relieved.
I turned around and closed the door, not locking it as I usually do tonight...
He approached slowly, his whole body tense, so that if anything unexpected happened, he could run away immediately!
He slowly approached the table, looked at the woman in red sitting beside the table, and coughed lightly.
"What's going on with you tonight?"
Lin Jiangnian asked.
Liu Su slowly raised her eyes and stared at him, expressionless: "What do you think happened to me?"
Lin Jiangnian tried to test: "I guess you are okay?"
Liu Su was still staring at Lin Jiangnian. Seeing his slightly guilty yet forced calm expression, she couldn't help but feel a little amused.
But when I thought about what happened last night, the feeling of shame and anger instantly surged into my heart again.
He actually dared to drug himself?!
Last night, I almost got infected!
Fortunately, I didn't fall down in the end, and I didn't have time to teach this guy a lesson, so I left in a hurry.
After she has almost recovered today and the effects of the medicine in her body have been completely eliminated, she will naturally come to settle the score with him after returning to normal!
How could he be let off so easily for drugging her?
Thinking about something in her mind, the smile on the face of the woman in red became more and more... creepy!
Lin Jiangnian, who saw this scene, immediately felt something was wrong.
This woman, I'm afraid she's going to take revenge later?
Lin Jiangnian glanced at the door behind him from the corner of his eyes...
"Are you afraid of me?"
As if noticing Lin Jiangnian's reaction, Liu Su spoke lightly.
"Afraid?"
Lin Jiangnian calmly shook his head: "Why would I be afraid?"
"Then why do you look unhappy?"
Lin Jiangnian remained calm: "I'm not feeling well today."
"Yeah?"
Liu Su narrowed her eyes, and there seemed to be a dangerous light flashing in her eyes: "In that case, let me help you take a look?"
"No, that's not necessary, right?"
"Come here!"
Liu Su hooked her finger at Lin Jiangnian.
The movements were very light and seemed to have a hint of teasing.
"Come here, I'll take a look for you?"
"No……"
Lin Jiangnian shook his head: "...I suddenly feel like I'm fine now!"
"come over!"
The woman in red repeated it again, but this time the smile on her face disappeared. Her eyes stared at Lin Jiangnian, gradually becoming expressionless.
The tone also became a little stiff.
Seeing this, Lin Jiangnian knew that she had indeed turned hostile, and sighed: "You don't keep your word... Didn't you say last night that you wouldn't do it again?"
"Why are you bringing up old things today?"
Liu Su sneered: "Is it not okay if I like it?"
Did you have a falling out last night?
If she hadn't been feeling unwell last night and almost collapsed, she would have turned hostile to him. After she recovered today, she became more and more angry and naturally wanted to cause trouble for him.
"I think you should calm down first..."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head: "What happened last night was a misunderstanding!"
"Misunderstanding?" she sneered.
Do you think she is a fool?
This guy clearly wanted to harm her last night.
"How about I apologize to you?" Lin Jiangnian decided to be flexible.
The woman in red just sneered, "Do you think it will work?"
"So what do you want?"
Lin Jiangnian waved his hand: "Do you want to kill me?"
The woman in red said expressionlessly, "Come here."
"No."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head.
This can't pass.
There was clearly something wrong with the red-clothed woman's expression at this moment... If she went over there, she would probably not have a good ending.
"Oh!"
She sneered: "Do you think it will be useful if you don't come?"
As soon as she finished speaking, she stood up, her red dress fluttering in the wind. In an instant, there seemed to be a wind in the room.
Lin Jiangnian's eyelids suddenly jumped: "Wait..."
"Don't you want to know the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map?"
The next second, the wind in the room suddenly died down.
The woman in red had a cold expression on her face, suppressing the anger in her heart.
"Anywhere?"
"Calm down first and let me explain it to you slowly."
Lin Jiangnian waved his hand, and seeing that she still hadn't responded, he reminded her, "Business is more important!"
Liu Su: “…”
She knew that this guy was trying to change the subject, but she calmed down again when she heard about the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map.
She took a deep breath, suppressed her anger and shame, and glanced at him coldly: "I'll let you go for now!"
"explain!"
After saying that, she sat back at the table and stared at Lin Jiangnian.
Lin Jiangnian also breathed a sigh of relief, and then he said, "Today, I went to find Zhiyuan..."
"According to the plan you mentioned earlier, find out the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map from her..."
"You may not believe it, but Zhiyuan is actually a master of the third-grade Asking Dao realm. Do you dare to believe it? She is indeed very dangerous. No wonder Prince Lin would use her so much..."
Liu Su interrupted Lin Jiangnian's chattering expressionlessly: "Get to the point!"
"The point is..."
Lin Jiangnian then sighed softly: "I asked her, and she doesn't know the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map either."
Liu Su's eyes suddenly flashed with a fierce light: "Are you kidding me?!"
"Really not..."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head and said seriously, "When I tried to ask her about the Xuanyang Map today, she didn't seem to be lying. She probably really doesn't know the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map... In this case, the only person who knows the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map is..."
"Lin Hengzhong!"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and said, "What do you think we should do next?"
“…”
Liu Su fell into silence for a short time, and for a moment she put aside the idea of settling the score with Lin Jiangnian, and frowned.
This news was beyond her expectations!
Even Zhiyuan doesn’t know the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map?
In this way, there are only two ways to find the Xuanyang Map.
Either Lin Jiangnian continues to search aimlessly in Ruyi Tower, or... he goes to find Lin Hengzhong!
He must know the whereabouts of the Xuanyang Map.
only……
The woman in red frowned and looked deeply at Lin Jiangnian in front of her.
This is her last plan, and it's also a plan she doesn't want to see unless it's absolutely necessary!
Lin Jiangnian had gradually established himself within the Lin Palace. The more he looked, the more he resembled the true Prince of Lin. No one in the palace doubted this, not even Zhiyuan, the one most likely to see through Lin Jiangnian's identity.
Of course, her contribution was indispensable. She told Lin Jiangnian almost every detail about Prince Lin's personality, living habits, and even every word and action. Lin Jiangnian lived up to everyone's expectations, and his superb acting skills and psychological quality did not reveal any flaws.
Of course, this is also related to the Prince Lin’s own introverted personality!
There weren't many people close to him in the Lin Wang Mansion, so it was difficult for ordinary people to notice him. That's why Lin Jiangnian was able to gain a firm foothold in the Lin Wang Mansion and thrive like a fish in water.
But……
Lin Hengzhong is different!
He is the biological father of Prince Lin, and the only relative Prince Lin has in the world!
Now, if he wants to get the Xuanyang Map, he can only rely on Lin Jiangnian to ask Lin Hengzhong, but the problem is...if Lin Jiangnian meets that King Lin, can he get away with it?
Prince Lin has fought on the battlefield for many years and is a very shrewd person. Can the fake prince Lin Jiangnian really hide it from him?
Once the truth is revealed...
Liu Su frowned and fell into deep thought.
It was not until a long time later that she suddenly took a deep breath and looked at Lin Jiangnian with a serious look: "Right now, this is the only last resort!"
"Go meet Lin Hengzhong... and find a way to get the Xuanyang Diagram from him."
Liu Su's words did not surprise Lin Jiangnian. This indeed seemed to be the last resort.
"Aren't you afraid that my identity will be exposed?" Lin Jiangnian sighed.
Liu Su stared at him: "Are you confident?"
Lin Jiangnian shook his head: "To be honest, no."
"I've never met Lin Hengzhong, and I don't even know what he looks like... Besides, what father wouldn't recognize his son? I'm afraid I can't hide it from him if I pretend to be him."
"I can't hide it, I have to try it!"
Liu Su gritted her teeth: "No matter what, I have to give it a try!"
Then Liu Su thought of something, and her eyes became bright and firm: "Besides, it's not completely without a chance..."
"Lin Hengzhong is away from home all year round, and he's not close to his son, and their interactions aren't as frequent as one might imagine..."
"You might reveal your flaws when facing him, but as long as you cover them up well, there won't necessarily be any problems..."
"Lin Hengzhong would never have imagined, even if he were beaten to death, that there would be someone like you who looked so much like his son. He also definitely couldn't have guessed that Prince Lin's son had been replaced..."
"So, it may not really be exposed!"
After a thorough analysis, Liu Su gradually felt more confident.
yes!
Who says it will be discovered?
As long as Lin Jiangnian disguises himself well, even if there are some abnormalities... who would think that Lin Jiangnian is a fake?
As long as there are no principled flaws, there will be no problem.
Thinking of this, Liu Su breathed a sigh of relief.
Lin Jiangnian stared blankly at Liu Su, who had made up her mind decisively and quickly.
She's pretty quick?
"But what if I really get exposed?" Lin Jiangnian looked at her again and asked.
"If you're exposed, you'll die!"
Liu Su said expressionlessly, "From today on, I must explain to you again some of the details and habits of Prince Lin... Do you have any questions?"
"Can I have a question?"
"cannot."
"Then why are you asking?"
“…”
Under the cover of night.
There was silence in the palace.
A figure strolled through the palace, seemingly walking nonchalantly. Their soft footsteps made no sound on the ground.
Soon, she appeared outside the courtyard, raised her eyes, and looked at the lighted room in the yard not far away.
"Sister Kite?"
The two maids standing outside the courtyard were slightly stunned.
Why is Sister Zhiyuan here tonight?
"Um."
Zhiyuan nodded slightly: "Where is His Highness?"
"His Highness has returned to his room and should be resting soon."
Zhiyuan nodded, then looked up at the window where the light was still on, and hesitated in silence.
"I'll go see His Highness."
Zhiyuan spoke softly and walked into the yard.
The maids at the door looked at each other and saw a hint of shock in each other's eyes.
Sister Zhiyuan came to see His Highness?
Visiting His Highness late at night?
This, isn't something right?
Despite this, the two maids dared not say anything.
…
The courtyard is quiet.
Zhiyuan glanced around the courtyard; it was quiet and nothing unusual happened. Then, she looked toward the nearby corridor and slowly approached.
When he appeared in the corridor, Zhiyuan suddenly stopped, sniffed slightly, and looked puzzled.
There was a hint of alcohol in the air, and at the same time, it seemed to be accompanied by a hint of fragrance?
A look of doubt flashed across Zhiyuan's face, and his gaze fell on the tightly closed door not far away.
…
Inside the room, lights flickered.
"Remember?"
After recounting some details about Prince Lin, Liu Su felt a little dry in the mouth.
Lin Jiangnian seemed to be thinking about something, wrote it down, and nodded: "Almost done!"
"You can't just do it halfway, you must remember everything. Also... when facing Lin Hengzhong, you absolutely cannot reveal any flaws!"
Liu Su's eyes were very serious: "Otherwise, you will die miserably!"
She was not exaggerating at all. This was a serious matter where one could lose their life at any time!
Liu Su took it so seriously that she even forgot to cause trouble for Lin Jiangnian.
"I see."
Lin Jiangnian nodded. He certainly knew very well what would happen if the fake prince was exposed.
"Oh right..."
Just when I was about to ask something, I suddenly saw Liu Su suddenly turn her head and look outside the door.
"What's wrong?"
Lin Jiangnian was stunned, and then he saw Liu Su's face change and his voice suddenly lowered.
"There's a sound outside the yard!"
“Someone’s coming!!”
“…”
This chapter has 10,000 words, which is equivalent to the word count of the previous four or five chapters. The leader's additional chapters are finally complete. The next update... well, let's see how hard I can work. Phew, a huge relief! The outline of the first volume is less than 100,000 words, so it should be finished soon. The heroine's part is almost ready too!
