FRGNM -Chapter 209 In Hand

Clenching her small hands tightly, Jiang Xue gritted her teeth and said, “My father has a list of officials who support General Lieyun. They all personally signed it. I… I’ll steal it for you.”

As she spoke, Jiang Xue quickly stood up. Her face was as red as a small apple as she hurried toward the door.

“I’ll be waiting for you at Cold Feather Pavilion, Xue’er. No matter the outcome, I’ll protect you,” Luo Mingyu said, the corners of his lips lifting as he watched her disappearing figure. He couldn’t help but find it amusing.

That roguish air returned as he shot a sideways glance at the woman happily stuffing herself nearby. “Satisfied now?”

“Satisfied, satisfied—of course I am! These dishes are delicious, especially the roast duck: thirty percent fat, seventy percent lean, oily but not greasy, perfectly flavorful. And this one too—” Sensing the murderous aura beside her, Ling Ruoxi helplessly put down her chopsticks, leaned back in the armchair, sipped her tea, and looked at the man in front of her.

“I really didn’t expect that a simple outing would land us two huge catches: Princess Qian Yi and Miss Jiang, plus a list.” After taking another sip of tea, Ling Ruoxi let out a satisfied burp.

Raising an eyebrow, Luo Mingyu smiled. “Jiang Xue is timid by nature. With me tempting her using conditions, once she returns home, she definitely won’t tell her father. She’ll secretly bring the list to me. Just in case, we’ll still need to pull out some names from it and test whether they truly support Lieyun.”

“Mm. Princess Qian Yi’s stance is firm, though—worthy of the Qian family that has guarded Duanyun Kingdom for a hundred years, always loyal to the imperial bloodline. In three days, you’ll have to attend her martial contest to choose a husband. Isn’t that fun?” Ling Ruoxi smiled faintly as her plan rapidly took shape.

To place Nangong Mo on the throne, the first step was to remove all these obstacles. Once he ascended, she could go to Murong Ming’s location and ask about the second condition.

Clenching her fists, Ling Ruoxi took a sharp breath. The first condition was already difficult—how much harder would the second and third be? In one month, success or failure would be decided in an instant!

Chuckling softly at the woman’s tense expression, Luo Mingyu naturally knew what she was thinking. He cupped her small face and said gently, “What—are you jealous? Let me tell you, the woman of Luo Mingyu is exceptionally intelligent. When doing things, you must have confidence in yourself. I believe in you. And besides, isn’t there still me? No matter how big the difficulty, I’ll protect you…”

It was a warm sentence, but recalling what Luo Mingyu had just said to another woman, Ling Ruoxi really did feel a bit jealous. “Go protect your Xue’er. I’m not your Xue’er—I don’t need your protection.”

“I knew it—jealous again.” Luo Mingyu laughed. “That woman will definitely be dying to come knocking. But tonight, she won’t sleep from fear; tomorrow she’ll be too scared to act; by the third day, she’ll bring the list. Then we’ll have to rely on your medical skills.” He pinched Ling Ruoxi’s smooth cheek with a grin. This little woman really was more charming the more he looked at her.

On the bustling street, a woman quickened her pace, walking coldly toward the avenue—Qian Residence, where the princess lived. The two bare-chested guards at the gate clasped their fists in greeting. She merely nodded coolly and strode inside.

“Father, I need to investigate someone.” Writing three characters on paper, a cold gleam flashed in Qian Yi’s eyes.

The man sitting on the couch reading military reports snorted and stood up quickly, staring at the paper. He knew his daughter well—unless she had no other choice, she would never come asking.

Qian Guang’s expression darkened as he looked at the name Luo Mingyu. “Why are you investigating this person?”

“Today, your daughter went to the Lotus Pool and encountered this man who claims to know officials from all the continent’s nations. He was invited by the Crown Prince to enter the capital for the Supreme Emperor’s birthday celebration. But… I fear he might be a spy planted by Lieyun. Even though he stated his stance, it could still be a deliberate ploy.”

“The Lotus Pool?” Qian Guang froze. That was a place for men and women to exchange tokens and seal marriage agreements.

A man going there to find a wife?

Sitting down calmly, Qian Yi propped her cheek with one hand. “I heard he’s searching for his future wife—very wealthy, invited us to dine at Chunfeng Pavilion without even needing a reservation. And… my instincts tell me this man is extremely dangerous. Even Jiang Xue, the Jiang family’s young lady, is about to marry him. What’s more, he seems to be hiding something. His pageboy is clearly a woman. What are they plotting together? Father, Duanyun Kingdom cannot allow this. For generations, we’ve guarded the borders—we absolutely cannot let the capital fall!”

A cold light flared in Qian Guang’s eyes. He understood exactly what Qian Yi meant. Taking a deep breath, he said coldly, “That’s impossible. However… Yi’er, you don’t need to guard against this man. He recently entered the capital and has already been received by the Supreme Emperor.”

“Oh?” Qian Yi raised a brow. “The Supreme Emperor is in seclusion and sees no one—who exactly is he?”

She knew that if her father didn’t tell her, she’d never find out. She turned to leave.

But Qian Guang reached out and pressed a hand on her shoulder, lowering his voice. “He does have the ability to make officials of great nations bow three times and kneel nine. Do you remember the man I once mentioned to you—the most dangerous man alive? The Evil King from Evil King Island. He is now the son-in-law of Qiongyu Immortal Island. His little pageboy is the Saintess… If we can draw that man to our side, then restoring the great cause can only fall to the Qian family!”

“So that’s how it is. Don’t worry, Father—I’ll keep him here!” A ruthless glint flashed in Qian Yi’s eyes. She now knew Luo Mingyu’s true identity. If Qian Guang hadn’t accompanied Crown Prince Nangong Mo to see the Supreme Emperor back then, how would he have known this man was the Evil King?

Just as Luo Mingyu predicted, on the night two days later, a sneaky figure quietly entered Cold Feather Pavilion. Her face was deathly pale—this place wasn’t somewhere ordinary people could live. Even with money, without backing, entering here was impossible.

“Miss Jiang? Young Master Luo is waiting for you in the rear courtyard. If you’ve arrived, I’m to lead you there and present you with a grand gift. I believe you’ll like it,” the innkeeper said with a smile, guiding her toward the back.

The corridor hung with red lanterns glowed beautifully, fragrant flowers lining the path and filling the air with intoxicating scents.

Pushing open the door, Jiang Xue stepped inside. The innkeeper closed it behind her and hurried away.

The man inside seemed to have just bathed. He wore only a simple robe, loosely tied at the waist, revealing his perfect chest and defined abs.

Like a flawless god of the night, his long hair draped over his shoulders, a hint of desire in his expression. His red lips curved slightly as his long fingers held a wine cup. He took a light sip, exhaling the scent of wine. “Xue’er, you’re here. I’ve waited two days for you—my mind filled with your image. You’ve truly… tormented me.”

“Y-Young Master Luo, I…” Seeing a man’s body for the first time, Jiang Xue’s face instantly flushed crimson. She wanted to turn away but couldn’t avert her eyes, staring at that perfect physique as if bewitched, slowly walking toward him.

The seated man showed no restraint. He grabbed her wrist; with a cry of surprise, Jiang Xue found herself sitting on Luo Mingyu’s lap. His masculine scent enveloped her, making her heart race.

Her mouth went dry. She licked her lips. “Young Master Luo, y-you should let go of me first, I—”

“Heh…” His lips brushed near her ear as Luo Mingyu exhaled a breath of heat. Her body trembled, nearly melting into his arms, her eyes hazy as she gazed at him—she had never seen such a seductive man.

Smiling faintly, Luo Mingyu whispered, “Xue’er, you’re really sensitive. Since you’re here, you should know—you won’t escape tonight. Give yourself to me, alright?”

“I…” Shocked, Jiang Xue felt a chill rush over her. Frightened, she buried herself in his arms and whispered shakily, “Mm… I…”

“Did you get it?” Luo Mingyu asked softly, wrapping his arms around her.

The person in his arms nodded obediently and took out a document from her belt. “I… I didn’t dare tell Father. I secretly stole the list. Y-you look at it, then give it back to me—I need to take it home. Tonight… I can’t stay, I—”

“I know. You’re my future wife—I naturally won’t take you now.” Pushing her gently away, Luo Mingyu stood up, turning his back to her. A flash of disgust crossed his eyes as he walked to the desk, lifted a brush, unfolded the document, and wrote with elegant, flowing strokes.

Blushing deeply, Jiang Xue slowly approached him, admiring his handwriting. “Young Master Luo, your calligraphy is beautiful—without a century of practice, one couldn’t achieve this. I wonder… when will you come to formally marry me…”

Her voice trailed off. Clenching her small hands, she still looked up at him expectantly.

With one final stroke, Luo Mingyu returned the list to her and smiled softly. “Tomorrow, I’ll come to propose. I can’t wait for our marriage. If it weren’t for you needing to return tonight, I…”