FRGNM -Chapter 206 The Three Conditions

“Uh, is that so? Nangong Mo… Your Highness the Crown Prince—then are there any fun places in the imperial city? Or rather, places the daughters of noble families and aristocratic young masters like to frequent?” The corners of Ling Ruoxi’s lips curved upward, but the fist hidden in her sleeve was already clenched tight. She had not forgotten what Nangong Mo and Murong Ming had said.

If Nangong Mo was to inherit the throne, the first step would be to remove General Lie Yun—the thorn in their side.

Resting his chin on one hand, Nangong Mo frowned and said, “Well… the daughters of the ministers usually stay indoors—rarely stepping out, unlike you. However…”

Seeing Ling Ruoxi about to lose her temper, Nangong Mo quickly smiled and continued softly, “However, it’s spring now. Willows sway gently—it’s the perfect season for boating on the lake. The Lotus Pond in the imperial city is a place many young ladies often visit to compose poetry, exchange verses, or paint and write. As for aristocratic young men, sometimes they go to the Lotus Pond, and other times they mingle at the largest brothel in the imperial city—the Yihong Courtyard.”

“Women like to show off their talents to win the admiration of the one they fancy. Men, on the other hand, prefer pleasure-seeking, flirting everywhere. This custom has lasted for thousands of years—how could it ever change?” Ling Ruoxi smirked slightly. Wasn’t it the same in her own world?

No matter how talented a woman was, if she chose the wrong man, she would still end up swallowing grievances alone. Feudal thinking insisted on one man with multiple wives—only women suffered in the end.

As if sensing her thoughts, Luo Mingyu reached out and pulled Ling Ruoxi against his chest, gently rubbing her head. “What nonsense are you thinking about? I’m not like those aristocratic young masters.”

“I know. All right then, Your Highness. If there’s nothing else, Luo Mingyu and I will take our leave. If you need us, you can come to the Hanyu Pavilion or send someone with a message.”
Ling Ruoxi elbowed Luo Mingyu hard in the waist and shot him a glare. If he dared go flirting around, she would divorce him on the spot!

Nangong Mo did not try to keep them. He immediately ordered his guards to escort the two out of the palace. But just then, a black shadow flashed by. A guard standing beside Nangong Mo lowered his voice and said, “Your Highness, there is news. General Lie Yun has taken back the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon Egg. Every day, he searches for unmarried noble daughters, locks them in rooms, and forces them to couple with men, using their pure yin blood to nourish the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon Egg…”

“That old bastard—he even came up with such a perverted method.” Nangong Mo laughed coldly. “An egg raised that way will be tainted with women’s resentment and men’s lust and greed. Even if it hatches, it will be a great calamity. Come with me—we must investigate everything thoroughly before the Supreme Emperor’s birthday!”

After changing out of her phoenix robe and leaving the palace, Ling Ruoxi finally breathed in fresh air. She took two deep breaths, stretched her hand toward the blue sky, and almost shouted, “Ah! I’m free—free at last! Luo Mingyu, do you think I can accomplish those three tasks?”

A flash of pain passed through Luo Mingyu’s deep eyes, but he concealed it perfectly. With a faint smile, he said, “Of course. Is there anything in this world you can’t do? Just be careful—your injuries haven’t healed yet. Even if you want to fight, you need to recover properly first.”

“Mm. But where is Hanyu Pavilion? And we still have a month—what should we do?”
Ling Ruoxi smiled lightly, hooked her arm around Luo Mingyu’s neck, and—before he could react—kissed him firmly on the lips. It was just a fleeting touch, like a dragonfly skimming the water. She quickly pulled away, her cheeks flushed with shyness. “Thank you—for saving me in the Southern Chaos Lands.”

“Heh…”

Instinctively touching his lips, Luo Mingyu licked them. Her taste seemed to linger there. It was rare for the little thing to be so proactive—wouldn’t it be unfair to himself not to return the favor?

The white-clad figure leaned toward Ling Ruoxi, lowering his head to kiss her—but how could that sly woman give him the chance? She darted aside nimbly, grinning mischievously. “No Dou Qi allowed! Or you’ll be struck dead—pa pa pa!”

“You—!” Luo Mingyu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Fine, fine—why argue with a child? Still, this rule about not using Dou Qi was truly unbearable.

Most Dou Qi practitioners would go south to compete or leave the city to spar. Without that freedom, the thrill would vanish instantly.

“Let’s go take a look at the Lotus Pond. Isn’t it said to be the place where talented scholars and beautiful ladies meet?” Ling Ruoxi’s lips curved into a sly smile.

“All right—whatever you say,” Luo Mingyu replied with a smile as he followed behind her. He knew exactly what she was planning—asking about the places noble daughters and aristocratic sons frequented was simply a way to investigate court officials.

Thinking of his woman working hard for another man made Luo Mingyu uncomfortable. Yet… his black pupils suddenly constricted. Recalling what he had seen, he slowly closed his eyes. If only he had never gone there—if only he knew nothing at all.

Looking at the person walking ahead, who suddenly turned back with an innocent smile at him, Luo Mingyu merely smiled faintly. Three conditions—after completing them, the whereabouts of her father would be revealed. But… Ruoxi, you will never be able to complete the last two tasks.

The Lotus Pond was the most famous place in Duanyun Kingdom’s imperial city. The vast pool was filled with lotus plants, while willows lined the paths around it. The pond was so large that its end could not be seen at a glance. However, this season was not yet the time for lotus blossoms. The bare surface of the water held only schools of fish swimming playfully in the clear depths.

Ripples spread gently across the water. The willows by the shore swayed gracefully, like dancing maidens—slender and elegant. Fluffy catkins drifted through the air, scattering over the lake like dandelion seeds.

Reflections on the water mirrored the blue sky. One boat after another appeared, carrying young ladies who either recited poetry or chatted softly. They laughed and talked, covering their lips with handkerchiefs, revealing no teeth.

Suddenly, a sharp sound tore through the sky like thunder, exploding in everyone’s ears. Immediately after, a distant flute melody rang out. On a boat ahead stood a man in snow-white robes, a white jade belt at his waist, holding a long flute. His long hair fluttered without wind, eyes closed, slender fingers pressing on the flute as a melodious tune flowed out.

Silently, irresistibly, he captured the attention of all the noble young ladies. Their eyes brimmed with affection as they gazed at him. Whose son was this—so handsome, standing alone at the bow? Inside the boat seemed to be a small attendant, standing nearby to serve him.

When the song ended and the breeze brushed past, he slowly opened his eyes. Those star-like pupils swept across the lake, then he sighed softly and turned back into the cabin.

In an instant, all the beauties around were stunned, their gazes fixed on the central boat. Why did such a dazzling man carry such sorrow? Who was he, and why did he seem so melancholic?

“Look—it’s Miss Jiang!”

“She beat us to it—damn it! Let’s go too!”

“Hurry, row over—we have to get there first!”

A small boat sped across the water and reached the center in moments. Inside, a woman dressed in peach-colored robes rose gracefully and stood at the bow, looking toward the white-robed man in the opposite cabin. “May I ask, young master—”

“Luo Mingyu.” He gave his name plainly, leaning indifferently against the boat. Even before such a stunning beauty, he couldn’t be bothered to show interest.

Luo Mingyu? She had never heard of him. Jiang Xue’s expression shifted slightly, but she smiled faintly. “So you are Young Master Luo. I am Jiang Xue. My father is General Jiang Wei, a second-rank official at court. May I ask, Young Master Luo—”

“Both parents deceased. I heard the Lotus Pond of Duanyun Kingdom is home to many beauties, so I came here waiting for a destined encounter.” Luo Mingyu replied coolly, his expression icy.

Jiang Xue’s face changed subtly. Anyone who came to strike up a conversation usually hoped to marry into nobility. But this man—parents dead, a foreigner—clearly not an aristocratic young master of the imperial city.

With that thought, she no longer felt the need to be polite. At most, she felt a little appreciation for his looks. She frowned and sneered, “Oh? I thought you were someone special. Turns out you’re just a poor scholar, dressing up like a nobleman in fine silks to deceive young ladies here. Hmph!”

“Miss, your words are mistaken.” The young attendant standing nearby smiled softly. His eyes curved like crescent moons, lively and slightly childish. “Although my young master’s parents have passed away, he is truly outstanding—rich beyond measure. Though he holds no official post, he is highly regarded by other great nations, and in every country he has connections with officials of third rank and above. His visit to Duanyun Kingdom this time is precisely because he was invited by the Crown Prince himself—just a casual visit.”

Jiang Xue froze. Her expression changed drastically. She had assumed he was a poor scholar—but his clothing was clearly valuable, his demeanor calm and proud. And he had been invited by the Crown Prince himself…

Thinking of this, Jiang Xue sucked in a sharp breath and hurriedly smiled, lowering her voice. “Then may I ask, little attendant—do you know who the Crown Prince of Duanyun Kingdom is? We weak women are afraid of being deceived, after all.”