Chapter 91 - 100

Upon hearing the words "Thirteenth Prince," Bai Wushang was stunned for a long while.

Murong Wei and Ye Bao were both suspicious, only knowing that the Xuanyuan clan had a very young thirteenth prince named Xuanyuan Li, the younger brother of Emperor Xuanyuan Li, both born to the Empress Dowager of the Eastern Palace.

"Your Highness, should we retreat?" the attendant asked again.Full novel: Greedy Baby: Abandoned Wife Mother Becomes a Concubine — read the rest free on N​o⁠v​e⁠l​C⁠o​d⁠e​x⁠.​o⁠r​g⁠

Only then did Bai Wushang recover her senses and say, "Retreat one mile, and send someone to convey my greetings, and also inquire how the Thirteenth Prince came to Han Kingdom."

"Yes." The attendant respectfully withdrew.

Murong Wei came over from the right, and Ye Bao came over from the left, both mother and son blinking their big eyes, waiting for Bai Wushang to explain.

"The Thirteenth Prince has a peculiar habit. Unless his whereabouts are kept secret, wherever he goes, he must allow no unauthorized persons within his territory," Bai Wushang explained.

"We are... no, is Your Highness also considered unauthorized persons? Shouldn't Your Highness be considered his sister-in-law?" Murong Wei asked.

"Hehe, even his biological mother, the Empress Dowager of the Eastern Palace of Xuanyuan, and his own brother, the Emperor of Xuanyuan, are just nobody to him," Bai Wushang said with a smile.

"What about his wife and children?" Murong Wei asked again.

"He's eighteen this year, without a wife or concubine. The Empress Dowager of the Eastern Palace is quite worried about him," Bai Wushang said again.

"What a strange person, why would he have such a peculiar habit?" Murong Wei asked again.

"My lord, I... I'm not anyone to him, how would I know?" Bai Wushang asked back with a smile.

"Hehe, it's good that Consort De is afraid of him." Ye Bao chuckled, very happy.

As they were talking, a servant arrived again, respectfully saying, "Reporting to Your Highness, the Thirteenth Prince said that everyone should come over."

"Why?" Bai Wushang asked.

"The Thirteenth Prince didn't say anything, but just asked everyone to come over. It seems that the Thirteenth Prince has encountered some trouble," the servant said again.

"Do you think I'm someone who can just let people go as they please, or leave as they please? Go tell him that I've already gone far away," Bai Wushang said coldly.

“Your Highness Consort De, this…isn’t this inappropriate, Thirteenth Prince…” Before the attendant could finish speaking, Bai Wushang interrupted sharply, “What nonsense are you spouting? Get over there!”

“Yes.” The attendant hurriedly left in shock.

As soon as he was gone, Bai Wushang deftly pulled Consort De from the bottom of the trunk. Consort De’s mouth was stuffed with a rag, her eyes wide open, seemingly in a panic.

Bai Wushang lifted the curtain and glanced at her, mimicking Consort De’s voice, “Pass down the order: everyone retreat to the woods ahead and rest on the spot. No one is allowed to leave the woods without my permission!”

“Your Highness Consort De, what about you…” The attendant waiting outside the carriage asked hurriedly.

“Do I need to explain myself to you when I do something?” Bai Wushang questioned angrily.

“Yes! This servant will pass on the order immediately.” The attendant dared not ask any more questions; this was their master’s usual style, and they were already used to it.

Ye Bao and Murong Wei were both wondering what Bai Wushang was planning to do, and were curious. They had never seen this guy in such a hurry before. Could it be that the Thirteenth Prince was so terrifying?

Bai Wushang coldly stared at Consort De, warning her word by word, "You're a smart woman, you know what to do. If you dare to divulge even a single word, I guarantee that not only Xuan Yuanche, but the entire Qi Prince's Mansion will know your true identity! My lord, I hope that when we meet in the capital, you will still be Consort De of the Qi Prince's Mansion."

Consort De nodded repeatedly, without even thinking.

Bai Wushang glanced out the window again, then said calmly to Murong Wei, "Take Ye Bao and go, quickly, to the back of the mountain."

Murong Wei didn't ask any further questions, and hurriedly got out of the carriage with Ye Bao in her arms.

"Mommy, is that Thirteenth Prince a devil?" Ye Bao asked timidly.

"I don't know. I heard he's the late emperor's youngest son, and also favored. The throne should have been his, but unfortunately he's still too young to outmaneuver the cunning Xuan Yuanlie," Murong Wei said.

“Mommy, it seems like this is the first time Lord Wushang has ever been so afraid of someone,” Ye Bao asked again. Turning around, she saw Bai Wushang still behind them, his face still smiling. He said, “Lord, I’m not afraid of him.”

Soon they reached the hilltop, and at the same time, a series of piercing screams echoed from afar.

Bai Wushang immediately shielded Ye Bao, pulling Murong Wei down to hide in the bushes. Seeing the scene high above, Ye Bao’s small body trembled, while Murong Wei unconsciously moved closer to Bai Wushang.

She wouldn’t ask any questions; no matter who it was, being unarmed would be frightening.

In the distance, a flock of dark eagles moved rapidly like a black cloud, getting closer and lower, creating a sense of oppression that made it hard to breathe. The people and horses in the forest were already fleeing in panic.

“Mommy…those eagles are so scary, their eyes are bloodshot,” Ye Bao said timidly, snuggling even closer to Bai Wushang.

“Those are the man-eating eagles raised by Xuanyuan Li. They must be hungry and unable to find food,” Bai Wushang said calmly, pressing Ye Bao’s little head into his arms while covering Murong Wei’s eyes with his other hand.

Murong Wei instinctively opened her eyes, and in that instant, she froze.

The dark flock of eagles swooped down into the forest at incredible speed, and in moments, they rose again, each one clutching its prey in its talons—human limbs, even… even heads.

One enormous eagle had even seized Consort De alive in its talons, flying away first.

Murong Wei nearly screamed, but Bai Wushang quickly covered her mouth, coldly warning, “If you attract that beast, I’ll be the first to throw you out.”

Murong Wei immediately closed her eyes, unable to bear the sight. The scene in the air was so bloody; the forest must be a living hell.

Soon, the flock of eagles gradually disappeared into the distance, leaving behind a deathly silent forest.

Murong Wei, her eyes still tightly closed, crouched in the grass. Ye Bao cautiously peeked out from Bai Wushang's embrace, his eyes also tightly closed, and timidly asked, "Lord Wushang, are they all gone?"

"Kid, you're still too green, too timid," Bai Wushang chuckled, pinching his nose. Ye

Bao glared at him, still shaken. Although he hadn't seen what happened, the smell of blood carried on the wind gave him a rough idea. He admitted that he was indeed too timid.

"This is fear beyond normal levels! That Thirteenth Prince must be a mad, murderous maniac. What's he doing, killing those eagles?" Murong Wei asked angrily.

"Hehe, you can ask him yourself. Let's go. He brought out a man-eating eagle; there's bound to be a good show ahead. Perhaps we can follow him to Xuanyuan." Bai Wushang laughed, completely free of his earlier tension and wariness.

"A good show?" Ye Bao asked suspiciously.

"It's probably nothing good. Consort De is lucky she wasn't torn apart by that eagle." Murong Wei said, letting out a sigh of relief.

Following the direction the man-eating eagle had gone, they crossed a mountain, but instead of seeing the eagle, they encountered two groups of nearly a thousand people facing off on the mountaintop. Only the voices of two women, sharp and fierce, filled the air, creating a lively scene.

Bai Wushang, carrying Ye Bao in one arm and with the other arm around Murong Wei's shoulder, slowly landed in the nearby grass.

One of the groups was familiar to them; they were from the Xuanyuan royal family. The leader was a girl of about fifteen or sixteen, with exquisitely beautiful features and skin no less radiant than Ye Bao's, who was only five. She wore a bright red riding outfit, which further accentuated her snow-white skin and gave her an extraordinary air. However, despite her capable and efficient attire, her brows betrayed a hint of spoiled arrogance.

"Mommy, her skin is better than I imagined, much better than yours!" Ye Bao couldn't help but exclaim, his eyes shining with the delight of someone who had seen gold.

"Did you have to say that?" Murong Wei said unhappily.

"Mommy, her clothes are so pretty, her boots are so cool, her whip is so stylish, her horse is so handsome, her name..." Ye Bao became more and more excited as he spoke, but when he got to the crucial point, his voice lowered, and he whispered in Bai Wushang's ear, "Princess Ninghe! The only princess of Xuanyuan, the most noble princess, Xuanyuan Qixi! I've been obsessed with her for years! I like her the most, the most, the most!"

Bai Wushang stumbled and almost fell. This kid actually had a fourth favorite! And for years! It was actually Xuanyuan Qixi!

Murong Wei was extremely helpless. Only she knew that Ye Bao had countless "mosts" after the fourth one, all reserved for women. She looked at Ye Bao with utter disdain, truly wanting to pretend she didn't know him.

"Hehe, finally I've met her in person, she's Xuanyuan Qixi! She's Princess Ninghe!" At this moment, Ye Bao had already nervously interlocked his fingers and pressed them to his lips, looking at Xuanyuan Qixi in front of him with a dreamy expression, immersed in their own world.

Murong Wei looked to the other side and saw another group of people, also led by a woman, who appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen years old. Their clothing, however, was completely unlike the style of the Central Plains, instead resembling the attire of non-Han peoples. They wore sleeveless short jackets with left-fastening fronts, long trousers, and felt hats, all made of fox fur. Their headdresses, necklaces, and arm ornaments, besides the jade, gold, and silver found on Central Plains swords, also included rare feathers, agate, and crystal—a truly magnificent outfit that left everyone speechless. However, the woman's features were striking; if she were a man, she would undoubtedly be handsome, but her feminine appearance inevitably felt somewhat stiff and incongruous.

"Ye Bao, you should like the other one. Xuan Yuan Qi Xi is just a princess in name only. This Western Region princess is the real tycoon," Murong Wei said with a smile. With such attire, who else could dare to ride on horseback and challenge the Xuan Yuan princess but the princess of the Western Regions' Liu Sha Kingdom?

The Northern Kingdom of Shang is located in an extremely cold region and rarely interacts with outsiders, preferring to live in isolation. The Southern Zhao people of the Southern Frontier are skilled in poisons, which Xuanyuan is somewhat wary of. The Iron Cavalry of the Western Regions' Liusha Kingdom is invincible; not all vassal states are as easily bullied as the Han Kingdom.

"Don't look!" Ye Bao bluntly said, her gaze fixed on Xuanyuan Qixi.

At the same time, Xuan Yuan Qi Xi suddenly whipped the Western Region princess, shouting, "Ye Lü Ling Rong, even your father has to dismount and bow to me! Get down here now!"

Ye Lü Ling Rong abruptly leaped from her horse, her whip sweeping out at the same time, roaring, "My father bows to you? You're exaggerating! In three months, I'll be your sister-in-law, a princess sent to marry you. Why don't you bow to me first!"

"Shameless! My three brothers will never marry you!" Xuan Yuan Qi Xi roared, taking the bow and arrows handed to her by a servant, aiming at the just-landed Ye Lü Ling Rong, and firing three arrows simultaneously!

"Whoosh..."

The sound was deafening, the sound of the three arrows being fired at the same time as the whip sweeping out. The arrows were knocked away, and the whip continued, striking Xuan Yuan Qi Xi's feet with a "crack," kicking her up dust!

Xuanyuan Qixi hurriedly retreated, mounted her horse, pointed her whip at the other side, and roared, "Yelü Lingrong, open your dog eyes and see clearly where you are! You dare to act wildly in my Xuanyuan territory? Believe me, this princess will make you die here today!" After saying that, more than 500 soldiers behind her charged forward with their bows fully drawn!

Xuanyuan Lingrong, having gained an advantage, laughed triumphantly, landing on her horse with a flourish, and arrogantly declared, "Xuanyuan Qixi, it seems your eyes are blind! This is Han Kingdom's territory, not yours, Xuanyuan's! If your royal brother weren't afraid of my Liusha Kingdom's 500,000 iron cavalry invading the east, he would have already taken Han Kingdom! You don't even understand this basic principle? What kind of Princess Xuanyuan are you? It's laughable! Let me put it bluntly, whether Han Kingdom belongs to Xuanyuan or not is up to my Liusha Kingdom to decide!"

"You're talking nonsense!" Xuanyuan Qixi immediately cursed, lashing out with her long whip. "Whoosh...whoosh...whoosh..." Five hundred archers unleashed a volley of arrows.

"Clang...clang...clang..." Yelü Lingrong did not retreat, but like all her attendants, she raised her long iron shield to defend herself.

"Shoot again! Shoot with all your might! Kill one, and I, the princess, will reward you with a thousand ingots of gold; kill two, and I'll reward you with two thousand ingots; kill Yelü Lingrong, and you can take anything from my palace!" Xuan Yuan Qi Xi shouted from behind the archers, her face flushed red with anger, her heart pounding with rage. She had never suffered such humiliation in her life.

Bai Wu Shang, watching intently from the side, focused entirely on the Western Region princess, while Murong Wei shook her head helplessly, saying, "Son, your goddess is truly wealthy and powerful."

"It's better not to meet her... She's too vulgar..." Ye Bao sighed in disappointment, gritting his teeth and finally steeling himself to look away.

The sounds of whooshing and clanging filled the air.

Suddenly!

On the Western Region side, the servants, while holding shields to block arrows, secretly took out crossbows. Crossbows are different from bows; a crossbow can be fired with one hand, while a bow requires two. Xuan Yuan Qi Xi was clearly at a disadvantage!

"Lord Wushang, with this volley of crossbow bolts fired, Princess Xuanyuan is likely injured, if not killed," Murong Wei asked tentatively, noticing that Bai Wushang had remained silent throughout, his usual nonchalant demeanor gone.

"Look ahead, in the grass, isn't there a red-tailed kite?" Bai Wushang finally spoke.

Murong Wei looked ahead; she hadn't noticed it before Bai Wushang pointed it out. Between the two groups of people, less than a hundred paces ahead in the grass, a red-tailed kite seemed to be dragging something, desperately pulling itself out of the grass.

"Mommy, it's a man having an asthma attack!" Ye Bao suddenly exclaimed, seeing it clearly from his angle.

An asthma attack can range from minor to serious; judging by the man's condition, immediate medical attention is needed!

The red-tailed kite wasn't large, about the size of a typical adult eagle, maybe half the size of Ye Bao. Its only distinguishing feature was its beautiful, long, and striking red tail. It dragged the panting man's clothes from the bushes.

The man, dressed in magnificent purple robes, was incredibly noble. His features were sculpted, so perfect they were breathtaking. His brows bore a resemblance to Xuan Yuanche, but unlike Xuan Yuanche's aloofness, he possessed a more youthful, almost boyish charm.

At this moment, his eyes were tightly closed, his face as pale as paper. One hand clutched his clothes tightly to his chest. His breathing was rapid and labored, making one's heart race. He was drenched in sweat, his purple robes completely soaked, his high-tied black hair disheveled. With each breath, his body trembled violently, as if he might suffocate at any moment.

The red-tailed kite dragged him out completely, yet remained close by, frantically flapping its wings towards Xuan Yuan Qi Xi. Seeing that Xuan Yuan Qi Xi didn't react and arrows kept flying, it frantically flapped its wings towards Ye Lu Ling Rong, as if pleading for help. However, Ye Lu Ling Rong was preparing to shoot arrows and no one paid any attention to it. Ye Lu Ling Rong, on the other hand, noticed it and also noticed the person being dragged out. She laughed happily, "Little kite, don't worry, this princess's medical skills are superb. I'll save your master later. Now we have to deal with that woman first!"

As soon as she finished speaking, another voice suddenly came, "Stop!"

This voice was not Murong Wei, nor Bai Wu Shang, but Ye Bao.

His small body, with a straight back, strode forward. Facing the thousands of people staring at him, each holding a bow or crossbow, he showed no fear, coldly saying, "He's having an asthma attack and needs immediate medical attention. If you want to fight, get out of the way and don't bother my mother!"

His childish face remained serious, but he took a step back, placing himself beside Bai Wushang. Looking at the pale-faced Murong Wei, his expression changed instantly, and he grinned obsequiously.

"Who are you?" Xuan Yuan Qixi asked coldly.

"How dare you speak to this princess in such a tone! You're asking for trouble!" Yelü Lingrong also shouted angrily.

"I've long admired the names of both princesses, and seeing you today, it's certainly true. My son was ignorant; please forgive him," Murong Wei said with a forced smile, glancing inadvertently at the man breathing rapidly. She immediately panicked—it was indeed an asthma attack!

"And who is he?" Yelü Lingrong asked, pointing at Bai Wushang.

“Friend, Princess, I am a physician from the Northern City. May I go and save the man first?” Murong Wei said, while Bai Wushang remained expressionless, watching the man in front of him.

“Leave the child here. You two get out of here immediately. His illness is none of your business!” Xuan Yuan Qixi said coldly.

“No one is allowed to leave!” Yelü Lingrong shouted angrily, landing in front of Murong Wei with a flip, and asked coldly, “Is this the first time you’ve met me, Princess?”

“Yes. Princess, that man is indeed having an asthma attack. If we don’t save him soon, it will be too late. Perhaps I could save him first? What is it you need?” Outnumbered, Murong Wei had no choice but to patiently negotiate.

“I’ve heard of my name. What is it?” Yelü Lingrong asked again.

"Gentle and dignified, kind and compassionate, with a touch of temper at times, and a bit adorable at others, she is deeply loved by the people of Liusha Kingdom. Throughout Xuanyuan and even the entire Divine Continent, the princess has many admirers and suitors. Since the princess is compassionate, perhaps I should go and see that man first," Murong Wei said with a smile.

"What did you see just now?" Yelü Lingrong ignored her plea and asked again.

"Just now… the princess is playful and adorable, with extraordinary martial arts skills. Seeing is believing," Murong Wei said. Xuanyuan Qixi remained silent, not quite understanding what Yelü Lingrong was trying to do. She knew Yelü Lingrong best; to describe her as willful and capricious would be an insult to those words. Extremely hypocritical, two-faced was her true nature!

"Seeing is believing, indeed! Can you cure asthma?" Yelü Lingrong asked again.

"Asthma is incurable; prevention is the best approach. Princess, this is an acute attack; he needs immediate medical attention—it's a matter of life and death." Murong Wei's voice finally turned cold, her eyes darkening as she looked at Xuan Yuan Qi Xi and said, "Princess Ninghe, Princess Yelü won't let me go, yet you're going to comply with her?"

"Get out, get out! What emergency treatment? The medicine is almost ready. Leave the child behind; you'd better get out of here!" Xuan Yuan Qi Xi said, pulling Ye Bao away and warning, "If word gets out, you'll be collecting this child's corpse!"

"Why are you talking so much nonsense? Just kill him to save trouble!" Yelü Ling Rong said coldly, pulling Ye Bao away again. Ye Bao, anxious and being pulled back and forth like this, became furious. He drew a dagger and unexpectedly slashed at Yelü Ling Rong's arm, then struggled free and ran straight towards the man.

"An asthma attack! The medication is completely ineffective! Xuan Yuan Qi Xi, he's your thirteenth brother, the Emperor's own brother, the Empress Dowager's own son! If anything happens to him, you won't live either!" Murong Wei roared, shoving Xuan Yuan Qi Xi and Yelü Ling Rong aside, and charged forward. Even as an assassin, after five years as a doctor, saving innocent lives was her instinct.

Seeing the man's attire and the red-tailed kite, she could roughly guess his identity.

So, the Thirteenth Prince, Xuan Yuan Li, really was here, just ill.

Whether stunned by Murong Wei's imposing aura or taken aback by the scene before them, the two princesses were both dumbfounded, while Bai Wu Shang's lips slowly curved into a smile, seemingly relieved.

However, Murong Wei's actions quickly caused his smile to vanish completely.

Ye Bao quickly swept away the pebbles on the ground. Murong Wei picked up Xuan Yuanli and helped him sit up, kneeling beside him. Without hesitation, she tore open his shirt, revealing his bronze, sweat-drenched skin—incredibly sexy. Murong Wei, however, looked serious. One hand gently massaged his back, while the other covered his sweaty, hot, bare chest, gently kneading it with her palm.

"Relax, follow my rhythm, relax, exhale... inhale... relax, it'll be alright, trust me, I'm a doctor, you can trust me... relax... come on, relax, it'll be alright in a bit, exhale... inhale... exhale... inhale... relax, relax your whole body, calm down, it'll be alright." Murong Wei said softly, her voice gentle yet possessing a trustworthy strength.

Ye Bao, experienced as she was, quickly took out a set of silver needles and laid them flat on the ground. She then took out a handkerchief and bent down to carefully wipe Xuan Yuanli's sweat, tucking away all the strands of hair that had fallen down his back. Her chubby little hands were surprisingly nimble.

Murong Wei continued, her originally cold hands now warm and red from Xuan Yuanli's body temperature. Her slender, jade-like fingers gently moved across his well-defined chest, guiding his breathing. Soon, Xuan Yuanli's breathing slowed, no longer as rapid as before.

"Ye Bao, come here, we need to use the needles," Murong Wei said.

"Mommy, he's too heavy, I can't support him," Ye Bao said earnestly.

"Come here!" Murong Wei looked at Bai Wushang and said seriously, but she didn't see that to her side, Xuan Yuanli had slowly opened his eyes…

"Who are you?" Xuan Yuanli asked coldly.

Murong Wei was startled and turned around, immediately meeting a pair of furious eyes.

"What are you doing?" Xuan Yuanli asked again, his voice cold, as he slowly looked down at Murong Wei's hand on his bare chest.

Behind them, Ye Bao had already let go of her hand, poking his head out and timidly saying, "Mommy, it looks like we don't need the needle anymore, he's recovered."

Murong Wei immediately let go, smiling, "Doctor, let me give you first aid."

"Get out of my way!" Xuan Yuanli suddenly shouted, shoving Murong Wei to the ground before she could react. He stood up abruptly, his breathing becoming labored again.

Murong Wei frowned, bewildered. Why was this man like this?!

"What are you looking at? Stay away from me! Get away from me!" Xuan Yuanli's face flushed with anger, and he kicked her.

Murong Wei didn't even have time to stand up and had to roll away, rolling quite a distance before Xuan Yuanli stopped chasing her.

Startled and bewildered by the shouting, she was quickly filled with rage!

How could this guy be so annoying? She saved him and didn't even say thank you, instead pushing and kicking him, telling him to get lost? What kind of person is he!

Ye Bao, being sensible, moved away, saying helplessly in a low voice, "Mommy, we saved the wrong person."

Murong Wei stood up, seeing his unsteady breathing, and said coldly, "If you don't want to die, you'd better be gentle, and you'd better change your temper!"

Xuan Yuan Li glanced coldly at Murong Wei and snorted, "You really think you're a miracle doctor? No one has ever been able to predict my illness! How dare you touch me, I'll deal with you later!"

He then looked at Xuan Yuan Qi Xi and Ye Lu Ling Rong, still shouting angrily, "Get the hell away from me!"

This temper... it's really volatile. He's supposed to be a handsome and refined prince, how could he have such a temper?

Surprisingly… Xuan Yuan Qi Xi’s five hundred-plus archers retreated without her order, and Xuan Yuan Qi Xi herself obediently kept a ten-step distance from Xuan Yuan Li. The accompanying physician, who had just finished preparing the medicine, followed suit, looking bewildered.

On the other side, Yelü Ling Rong also ordered her men to retreat, but she herself stayed behind. Holding the medicine brought by the accompanying physician, she stepped forward and said with a smile, “Thirteenth Prince, this is a rare medicine I brought from the Western Regions. It can relieve asthma. Please drink it while it’s hot.”

​​Her smile was gentle and graceful, indeed much more beautiful than when she didn’t smile. Murong Wei couldn’t help but sigh, “This is more like the legendary princess of the Western Regions.

” “Didn’t you hear me tell you to get out of the way and stay away?” Xuan Yuan Li flung the medicine over, speaking coldly, his hand clutching his chest tightly, his breathing becoming rapid.

Yelü Lingrong was startled, her face ashen, but she had no choice but to retreat. Xuanyuan Li, on imperial orders, had taken her on a journey, and Princess Ningran had insisted on coming along, but unexpectedly, he had an asthma attack here.

"If anyone spreads word of what happened today, I will not let them off lightly. Do you understand?" Xuanyuan Li said loudly.

"Yes!" More than a thousand people answered in unison, their voices deafening.

"Qixi, you take Lingrong and go first. Turn right ahead and go straight towards Xuanyuan! No one will turn back!" Xuanyuan Li said again, not as an instruction, but as a command.

"Yes, Thirteenth Brother, calm down and take care of yourself." Qixi said worriedly, not daring to contradict him. She glanced at Yelü Lingrong and mounted her horse.

"Thirteenth Prince, are you alright? Perhaps..." Yelü Lingrong was still unwilling to give up and wanted to ask, but seeing Xuanyuan Li's gloomy eyes, she dared not say anything more. She mounted her horse and chased after Qixi, not forgetting to give Murong Wei and her son a mocking look.

As everyone moved further away, Xuan Yuanli's breathing grew heavier and more rapid. He leaned against a large rock, warily watching Murong Wei and the others. Red-tailed Kite stood beside him, its bewitching red eyes fixed on Ye Bao… no, to be precise, on the little Bu Qing peeking out from Ye Bao's sleeve.

"Mommy, this guy doesn't rely on his numbers to fight against the odds, he's got guts!" Ye Bao remarked.

"No real ability but a big face," Murong Wei said sharply, her tongue extremely sharp.

"Mommy, does he really intend to take us down all by himself?" Ye Bao asked innocently, looking up. But then, catching a glimpse of something silently appearing high in the sky, he quickly hid behind Bai Wushang, who had remained silent all along. "Mommy… he's not alone…"

Bai Wushang frowned, suddenly protecting Ye Bao, on high alert. Above them, a dark mass had silently appeared—all… man-eating eagles.

He whispered, "Weiwei, keep an eye on Ye Bao. Capture the leader first."

But as soon as he finished speaking, Murong Wei vanished in a flash. When she reappeared, she was right in front of Xuan Yuanli, unexpectedly close, almost nose-to-nose. Mimicking his mannerisms, she roared, "Are you the only one with a big temper in the whole world?"

Startled by this sudden appearance, Xuan Yuanli lost his balance and stumbled back several steps, falling heavily to the ground. He couldn't lift his head, clutching his clothes tightly to his chest, his body trembling with rapid breathing.

At the same time, a dark flock of eagles swooped down from the sky.

"Weiwei, come here!" Bai Wushang shouted sharply.

Murong Wei grabbed Xuan Yuanli, pressing a dagger to his neck, and coldly said, "Make those eagles retreat, otherwise you won't die of illness, you'll be stabbed to death!"

Grabbed like this, Xuan Yuanli's breathing became increasingly difficult; he couldn't do anything. Suddenly, the red-tailed kite beside him spread its wings and took flight, and the black eagles in the sky scattered at the sight of it overhead.

Bai Wushang and Ye Bao both breathed a sigh of relief. Ye Bao couldn't help but remind her, "Mommy, if you keep grabbing him like that, he'll really die."

Murong Wei ignored him, looking at Xuan Yuanli with a deep gaze, and coldly asked, "How does it feel? This is what an asthma attack feels like, a feeling of impending death."

Xuan Yuanli's eyes slightly opened as he looked at Murong Wei, feeling like he couldn't catch his breath and had no strength left in his body.

"Thank me first, or I won't save you!" Murong Wei was stubborn. She used to be a ruthless killer, and after five years as a doctor, she had never hesitated to save someone. This was the first time she had saved someone only to be yelled at and kicked to the ground. How could she swallow this insult?

Xuan Yuanli's eyes widened suddenly as he stared at her coldly, his breathing becoming increasingly rapid, but he remained silent.

"You won't talk, huh? Ye Bao, take off his pants!" Murong Wei said coldly.

Ye Bao was startled and grinned foolishly at Bai Wushang.

Xuan Yuanli, however, spoke up, "Thank...thank you!"

"This is the first time I've saved you. Say it again, this time," Murong Wei demanded.

Xuan Yuanli took a long breath before squeezing out the words "thank you" through gritted teeth.

Murong Wei finally let go, unhurriedly, her small hand still resting on his chest, gently patting it, and said calmly, "Thanks, but I still need to take off your pants. Some asthma patients are very averse to fur products, and you happen to be one of them."

Hearing this, Xuan Yuanli's eyes rolled back... and he lost consciousness...

"Weiwei, when will you start treating my illness?" Bai Wushang asked earnestly.

"You're not sick," Murong Wei rolled her eyes at him.

"Weiwei, didn't you say I'm poisoned to the heart?" Bai Wushang said pitifully.

"The poison in your body can't be rushed. The more effective medicines are all in Beicheng. We'll discuss it when we get there," Murong Wei said.

"Weiwei, do you save just anyone?" Bai Wushang continued to ask.

"I don't save bad people," Murong Wei said.

"Weiwei, could you wear gloves or something when you save people in the future?" Bai Wushang continued to ask.

"Be serious, okay? If he doesn't survive, you and I will really be wanted for life." Murong Wei looked up at him again, glaring at him fiercely. At the same time, the silver needle in her hand pierced the acupoints on Xuan Yuanli's back.

Bai Wushang shrugged, gently massaging Xuan Yuanli's chest with his large hand, and lazily said, "Relax...relax...relax some more..."

"He's still conscious, he can hear you, guide his breathing," Murong Wei said, frowning.

Bai Wushang then spoke again, "Relax...follow me...exhale...inhale...exhale...inhale..."

Xuan Yuanli was half-awake, drenched in sweat, breathing rapidly, not yet fully recovered. This time it seemed even worse than before; he was only dazed, his eyes not fully open.

The two adults were busy, and Ye Bao was even busier, squatting to the side, facing off against the Red-tailed Kite squatting far away. Little Buqing was wrapped around his neck, its little head raised, looking like they were fighting side by side.

Suddenly, the Red-tailed Kite gently flapped its wings, its heavy body trotting over like a penguin. Ye Bao was startled, fell heavily to the ground, and without any sense of loyalty, threw Little Buqing away.

Little Buqing fell heavily to the ground, not even caring about resentment towards its owner, and started running around Murong Wei and the others. The red-tailed kite chased after it, snakes being its natural prey, the more venomous the snake, the more delicious it was!

Ye Bao then came over, smiling, and said, "Mommy, when he wakes up, let him give us that red-tailed kite as payment for his medical treatment. Anyway, he's allergic to fur and can't keep it."

"Don't even think about it." Suddenly, Xuan Yuan Li spoke, his voice extremely weak.

"You'd better not speak. You can't even breathe properly, how can you talk?" Murong Wei said coldly, still unhappy.

"Mommy, let's take those man-eating eagles too, we can definitely get a good price for them." Ye Bao seemed to be doing it on purpose, and spoke again.

This time, Xuan Yuan Li didn't speak.

Bai Wushang's eyes flashed with surprise, he slowed down his movements, and said calmly, "Thirteenth Prince, it's rare to see you leave Xuan Yuan with man-eating eagles. Could it be that you've encountered some treasure?"

Xuan Yuan Li still didn't speak, carefully breathing in sync with Bai Wushang's movements.

Ye Bao smiled at Bai Wushang, meaning, "You're helpless too."

Bai Wushang returned a slight smile without speaking... Everyone remained quiet. Murong Wei focused on using the needles, Bai Wushang tried to wipe her sweat, and Ye Bao sensibly watched from the side. Only Hongweiyuan and Xiaobuqing circled around them incessantly... An incense stick's worth of time passed just like that.

"You can stand up now," Murong Wei said calmly, tidying up the silver needles.

Xuan Yuanli then opened his eyes, glanced at Bai Wushang and Ye Bao, who were consciously keeping a ten-step distance from him, and cautiously stood up. This time, he didn't have the irritable temper he had shown before, but rather a furrowed brow.

"Everyone has quirks, it's understandable. After I'm done tidying up, I'll stay away from you," Murong Wei said, putting the silver needles into her sleeve and taking ten steps back.

A flicker of involuntary disappointment crossed Xuan Yuanli's eyes as he said calmly, "You had every opportunity to kill me just now."

Murong Wei was taken aback, then said helplessly, "I was just joking. Why would I take it seriously? We have no grudge against each other, why would I kill you?" "

I can't give you the Red-tailed Kite and the Black Eagle. You can stay closer to me from now on." Xuan Yuanli's tone was commanding, his paleness fading, revealing a radiant bronze complexion.

"I don't want such terrifying things. Your asthma is extremely sensitive not only to the weather but also to fur-bearing objects. It will worsen your condition. That's common sense, don't you know that?" Murong Wei ignored his commanding tone and asked, puzzled.

"I can manage," Xuan Yuanli said again.

"Do you know you almost died just now?" Murong Wei asked helplessly.

"What's your name?" Xuan Yuanli avoided answering and asked instead.

"Thirteenth Prince, if I offended you just now, please forgive me. I am Murong Wei, that is my son Ye Bao, and that is... my friend... Bai..." Murong Wei hesitated. At this moment, Long Xiao must be searching for them everywhere, especially Bai Wushang. The matter of Consort De could be concealed, but the matter of Han Hai Lake could not be hidden. Should she mention this name?

"Bai Wushang?" Xuan Yuanli raised an eyebrow and asked, finally looking over.

"It is indeed me." Bai Wushang smiled, neither humble nor arrogant, very polite.

"Hehe, so you are Bai Wushang! As soon as Long Xiao issued a warrant for your arrest, all kinds of forces in the world wanted to protect you, yet you are still hiding in Han Kingdom." Xuan Yuanli said with a sneer. "

Hehe, my lord, I am more interested in how the Thirteenth Prince's man-eating eagle ended up here." Bai Wushang said with a smile. The meaning of these words was probably only understood by the two of them. Ye Bao and Murong Wei were completely confused.

"Thirty li ahead, past the northern city, at the border between Han Kingdom and Xuanyuan, there's a stone gambling tournament. If you're interested, sir, you can accompany me. If you find something you like, you'll follow me, and I'll guarantee you free access to Xuanyuan!" Xuanyuan Li said.

"A stone gambling tournament, huh? Haven't seen it in years. Those southern barbarians are back?" Bai Wushang chuckled, seemingly quite knowledgeable about stone gambling tournaments.

"Not southern barbarians, but black-clad thugs from Shang Kingdom. They're gambling on ice stones," Xuanyuan Li said coldly.

Bai Wushang was slightly startled, but remained calm, saying, "No wonder the Thirteenth Prince brought Black Eagle along."

The so-called Black Path were a group of dark forces in the Shang Kingdom, mysterious and powerful, not interfered with by the imperial court. They made a living by gambling, willing to take the bait, the capable to win. Winning might allow them to leave safely, or they might die on the spot; the outcome depended entirely on their abilities.

Even with such danger, many still flocked to it, because the items they gambled with were absolutely rare and precious!

"I have an imperial order to escort the two princesses back to the palace within half a month. I just ran into my seventh brother's concubine. Time is tight; once we get there, we can only stay for two days at most. If you can do that, come with me; if not, pretend nothing happened today," Xuan Yuanli said, his brows revealing youthful pride.

"I am willing to serve the Thirteenth Prince!" Bai Wushang replied without hesitation, smiling and bowing.

Xuan Yuanli nodded, then looked at Murong Wei, but without the same air of authority he had shown Bai Wushang. Instead, a hint of bewildered panic flickered in his eyes, barely perceptible, yet his tone remained commanding as he said, "Murong Wei, right? From now on, you'll be following me. Be prepared to stay within ten steps of me."

Murong Wei looked bewildered at Xuan Yuanli. The color had returned to his handsome face, and his bronze skin looked quite radiant. The more she looked at him, the more he seemed like a big boy, even a bit willful.

Despite receiving special permission from Xuan Yuanli, Murong Wei still deliberately kept her distance from him, riding behind with Bai Wushang and the others.

They galloped along winding mountain roads, passing Yelü Lingrong and Qi Xi, arriving at the North City in less than a day. Bai Wushang, imitating Murong Wei, donned a veil. Xuan Yuanli didn't bring any attendants, and the group entered the North City discreetly.

It was midnight, and the streets and alleys were deserted and eerily quiet.

"We'll meet at the West Gate at dawn tomorrow," Xuan Yuanli said coldly, turning his horse and heading into a deep alley.

"Mommy, that kid... seems to have a thing for you," Ye Bao said slowly, stroking his beard.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Give me the key!" Murong Wei glared at him fiercely.

"What key?" Ye Bao feigned ignorance.

"The key to the Bao'an Hall cellar," Murong Wei said. This cellar contained a considerable amount of precious medicine, which she usually wouldn't use.

"Weiwei, it's so late, are you still going to brew medicine for me?" Bai Wushang said with a smile, picking up Ye Bao from his arms and placing him on Murong Wei's horse.

Ye Bao was a little puzzled; Master Wushang loved to have him snuggle in his arms, and this was the first time he'd ever been held like this.

"It's just for one night. I'll grind some medicine powder so we can drink it along the way. No need to brew it. There are also some antidote pills that can be taken directly, but they need to be crushed. I'll go get two quilts first, and you can sleep in the cellar tonight," Murong Wei said earnestly, taking Ye Bao and holding him protectively in her arms.

"Bao'an Hall, right? You two go first. I'll go find quilts and some food. Ye Bao, what do you want to eat?" Bai Wushang asked earnestly as well.

"I want to eat... pine nut beef and cucumber salad with shredded chicken, spicy tomato lettuce and sliced ​​pork, Kung Pao chicken, grilled chicken wings, shrimp dumplings, crab roe buns, fish head tofu soup!" Ye Bao blurted out without stopping, then blushed with embarrassment; he hadn't eaten properly for several days.

Bai Wushang smiled and looked at Murong Wei, asking, "And you?"

"Century egg and lean pork congee, fried spring rolls, fried fish tails, fried seaweed, fried... sweet potatoes!" Murong Wei counted on her fingers, listing each item. After thinking for a while, she chuckled, "And fried pigeon!"

"No problem!" Bai Wushang was very generous. He pinched Ye Bao's nose before turning his horse around and leaving.

Murong Wei, with Ye Bao in her arms, walked in another direction. On the empty street, one went east, the other west, only the clatter of hooves fading into the distance.

"Mommy, it's so good to have Lord Wushang." Ye Bao smiled contentedly, anticipating his feast tonight.

"It is good, having someone to run errands for you." Murong Wei said expressionlessly.

"Mommy, tell me the truth!" Ye Bao protested, tilting his head back and pinching her nose.

Murong Wei sighed, dodging him, and said, "It is quite good."

"Better than just the two of us before." Ye Bao added.

"Yes, it's better than just the two of us before," Murong Wei repeated helplessly.

"Mommy, although Lord Wushang isn't the richest or the most powerful, Ye Bao can break the rules and reluctantly accept him as your male lead! I promise I'll like him the most, the most, the most, the most, the most!" Ye Bao said earnestly.

"Female lead, my foot! Where did you learn all this nonsense?" Murong Wei rolled her eyes at him.

"You used to tell me stories before bed, but you never told me who the male lead and female lead were, so I always guessed wrong," Ye Bao said discontentedly.

Murong Wei smiled, then remembered that she seemed to have told Ye Bao many romance stories during their time in Beicheng. What a sin!

The mother and son soon arrived in Bao'an District. This place had experienced several rises and falls since Murong Wei was pursued by Ning Ran, then wanted nationwide, then appointed as the head of the academy, and finally wanted nationwide again. Now, the gate was locked and sealed, as desolate as the cold autumn night.

"Mommy, it's so cold." Ye Bao curled up in her arms.

"It's probably even colder in the cellar, bear with it, Bai the Rascal will be here soon," Murong Wei said.

"Mommy, call him Xiao Bai, Xiao Bai sounds friendly!" Ye Bao reminded her.

"He's not a little kid anymore, he's quite old." Murong Wei said, going around to the backyard, and dismounted with Ye Bao in her arms.

"Then let's call him Lao Bai, Lao Bai is friendly too." Ye Bao said again, already a little sleepy, nestled in Murong Wei's arms, not wanting to move much.

"Why so much nonsense, fly up yourself and scout ahead." Murong Wei said unhappily.

"Avoiding the problem is definitely a problem!" Ye Bao concluded, then slid off Murong Wei, lightly leaped onto the wall, looked around for a moment, and then waved to Murong Wei.

Murong Wei, who didn't know light-footed kung fu, could only use her old trick, hooking herself onto the wall and pulling herself up lightly with a rope.

The courtyard of Baoan Hall hadn't changed much, just a bit dilapidated and messy, which actually gave it a somewhat familiar feel.

The mother and son quickly entered the cellar. Before they'd gone far, Murong Wei was astonished. The flashlight beam reflected off something in front of them, creating a dazzling golden light. The cellar, once filled with precious medicinal herbs, was now piled high with layers of gold, and on top of that were her treasured herbs.

"Good lad… this gold can redeem Ren Fan!" Murong Wei blurted out, still thinking about Ren Fan, especially since she hadn't yet asked Bai Wushang for the money!

"Hehe, Mommy, this is a secret. I'll only tell you one: my biggest dream in life is to build an underground gold vault, starting from Baoan Hall and spreading in all directions, until one day, the entire underground of the Divine Continent is filled with my gold! Then I'll sleep on gold every day!" Ye Bao laughed heartily, rushing straight towards the neatly stacked pile of gold bars. Tonight, he could sleep among the gold!

Murong Wei looked up at the sky, unsure of what to say. This was the son she had raised; he was truly accomplished.

Ye Bao rubbed against the gold leaf, his innocent face full of satisfaction. Soon he began to doze off. Murong Wei frowned and watched him for a long time before finally sitting down beside him. She took out the items from her backpack and placed them on the ground one by one: compressed biscuits, compressed instant noodles, compressed bread, and compressed fruit candy.

Without her prompting, Ye Bao immediately woke up, came closer, and eagerly asked, "Mommy, what are these?"

"Let's discuss it. You can sleep after Lao Bai brings the blankets. These are all good things Mommy brought from overseas. This is called bread. You can eat it first to fill your stomach, and the rest can be eaten later. Save your room for Lao Bai to bring hot food, okay?" Murong Wei asked, unwrapping the bread to tempt Ye Bao.

"Mommy, you've been hiding good things! Has Lao Bai eaten any?" Ye Bao asked mysteriously.

"Hehe, no, he hasn't. You eat it quickly. There's only one like this in the whole world, don't share it with him," Murong Wei whispered mysteriously.

"No, I want to save it to eat with Lao Bai." Ye Bao said, immediately snatching the bread, sniffing it, her mouth practically watering, but she still resisted.

Beicheng was the coldest place in the entire Han Kingdom. The mother and daughter were both cold and hungry, hoping Bai Wushang would arrive soon. They waited for a long time, and Murong Wei had even prepared several doses of medicine, but Bai Wushang still hadn't appeared.

Even after Ye Bao, clutching the bread, fell into a deep sleep on top of the pile of herbs, he still hadn't appeared…

That night, Ye Bao had a beautiful dream. He dreamt that his father came to find his mother and took her out of the dark, cold cellar. He gave her all the gold in the cellar as her dowry. The ten-mile-long street was covered with red carpets, and carts of gold slowly followed his mother amidst the attention of everyone. The scene was magnificent. He sat at the very front of the gold cart procession, finally no longer wearing his old blue robe, but a new dress, a vibrant bright red like his mother's.

He tried his best to chase after him, but he could never catch up with the person at the front. He couldn't see his face clearly, only that his back looked exactly like Lord Wu Shang, as if he might turn around at any moment and give him a roguish grin.

But he never turned around.

As he dreamt, he would sometimes drool, and sometimes a simple and happy smile would appear on his lips.

However, when he groggily woke up, he was wearing his mother's thin outer robe, still asleep on the pile of herbs. His mother had been up all night wrapping medicine. Only the two of them were in the dimly lit cellar; Old Bai was nowhere to be seen.

"Mommy, hasn't Old Bai come back yet?" he asked dejectedly.

Murong Wei quickly turned around, bringing over a bowl of hot porridge and some side dishes, saying, "He just came by, brought you food, but had to leave because he was in a hurry."

"Then why didn't you wake me?" Ye Bao asked anxiously, believing no one but his mother.

"He told me not to wake you, to let you sleep well," Murong Wei explained.

Ye Bao glanced at the hot porridge and side dishes, then said, "Didn't he say he was going to bring me a big meal? And a quilt?"

"He was in a hurry, said he'd make it up to you double next time, and he brought you this little cotton-padded jacket too," Murong Wei said with a helpless smile, taking out a purple fox fur cotton-padded jacket for Ye Bao.

Ye Bao chuckled, touching this and that, and said, "Hehe, Mommy, does this mean I can stop wearing this long robe now that it's winter? Purple and blue don't match."

"You're not a girl, so why are you still trying to look pretty? Don't you think this long robe is good for hiding things?" Murong Wei retorted.

"Alright." Ye Bao sighed helplessly, picked up the hot porridge, and began to devour it, truly starving.

"Eat slowly, it's still early. We'll leave when we're full, we can't break our promise to Thirteenth Master." Murong Wei said calmly.

She had just gone out; these things were stolen from wealthy families' mansions, and no shops were open at this hour. She didn't know why Bai Wushang hadn't returned. Had something happened, or was he delayed by something?

It seemed that breaking promises wasn't his style; although that guy was always frivolous, he was still quite trustworthy.

Ye Bao devoured everything in no time, then let out a satisfied burp and said, "Mommy, I forgot to leave some for you."

"Mommy's eaten, are you still sleepy?" Murong Wei patted Ye Bao's head and asked softly. This kid was only cute when he was sleepy and drowsy; when he was awake, he was too mischievous!

"I'm not sleepy anymore, let's go!" Ye Bao said, stretching, then asked, "Mommy, have you prepared all the medicine for Lao Bai?"

"Yes, it's all in the backpack. We have to go." Murong Wei said, tidying up her things again. Ye Bao jumped off the pile of herbs and followed, saying, "Mommy, can I keep those medicines for Lao Bai?"

Murong Wei frowned, slowly bending down to approach, and said, "What are you up to now, you little rascal?"

"Hehe, nothing, just want to keep them for him." Ye Bao said with a grin, even a little shy.

Murong Wei grew increasingly suspicious. "You brat, why are you suddenly so nice to Bai Wushang?" she asked.

"Mommy, Old Bai is really nice. You should really consider it," Ye Bao said earnestly.

"Did he bribe you with something?" Murong Wei demanded sharply.

Ye Bao shook his head vigorously.

"Tell me what he bribed you with, and share half with Mommy. Mommy can pretend she knows nothing," Murong Wei said seriously.

Ye Bao still shook his head. "No, I just think Old Bai is actually quite nice."

Murong Wei rolled her eyes at him and turned to leave.

"Mommy, you can't judge a person by how much gold they have, or how handsome they are, or even their voice. You have to look at their character!" Ye Bao said earnestly as he chased after her, his small body trailing behind his long blue robe. His earnest tone sounded more like he was giving Murong Wei a lecture.

Murong Wei was convinced he had accepted a bribe from Bai Wushang. She ignored him and went straight to the cellar.

Ye Bao leaped onto the wall, watching his mother struggling to climb, and said, "Mommy, let me tell you, how do you judge a person's character? It depends on the situation, look at the details."

Even after Murong Wei had scaled the wall and mounted her horse, Ye Bao was still squatting on the wall, nagging, "Mommy, it depends on the situation, it's like this..."

"Son, see you at the city gate." Murong Wei smiled, fastening her veil and cracking her whip.

Ye Bao cried out and suddenly leaped down, landing on the horse's back and hugging his mother tightly from behind. Murong Wei smiled helplessly before spurring her horse towards the west gate.

"Mommy, actually, Lao Bai is really good." Ye Bao murmured, his little face pressed tightly against his mother's back. After spending several days together, he had seen Lao Bai's attentiveness towards his mother and him; how could his mother not be so perceptive? Shouldn't one be perceptive when liking someone?

Lost in thought, he soon saw the Thirteenth Prince waiting alone at the city gate.

Murong Wei stepped forward, keeping a ten-step distance from him, and said with a smile, "Your Highness has kept you waiting."

"I'm not in the palace. You can call me Thirteen," Xuan Yuanli said coldly, maintaining the airs of a prince, arrogant and aloof.

Murong Wei nodded, maintaining her polite smile.

Xuan Yuanli glanced at Ye Bao hiding behind her, his tone coldly commanding, "Come closer."

"Your Highness, have you seen Bai Wushang?" Murong Wei asked, changing the subject.

"Wasn't he with you?" Xuan Yuanli asked, frowning.

"He had something to do last night and left, saying he'd arrive first this morning." Murong Wei's tone was surprised, even Ye Bao was confused but believed her.

"Let's go first, I'll have someone wait for him here." Xuan Yuanli said.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Murong Wei said.

Xuan Yuanli was about to leave, but then stopped, frowning as he looked at Murong Wei, reminding her, "Thirteen."

"Your Highness, you call yourself 'this prince,' and I call you 'thirteen,' it seems..." Murong Wei hesitated.

"I..." Xuan Yuanli immediately changed his address.

"Your Highness, you're only sixteen or seventeen, calling you 'this prince' makes you sound old." Murong Wei reminded him again.

Xuan Yuanli looked impatient, staring at Murong Wei without speaking.

At this moment, Ye Bao cautiously peeked out, smiling, and said, "Thirteenth Prince, you can call yourself 'Young Master' like I do!"

"Slap!" Murong Wei immediately slapped him back down, then smiled at Xuan Yuanli, saying, "Your Highness, you can call yourself Young Master, Thirteenth Young Master. It sounds nice and suits your age."

"Am I really that young?" Xuan Yuanli suddenly asked in a deep voice.

"No, I'm young!" Murong Wei quickly replied, realizing that this kid, like Ye Bao, was pretending to be mature. Although in ancient times, sixteen or seventeen would already have a wife and children, compared to someone like Bai Wushang, this kid was still too green.

"Is it because you're wanted that you're wearing a veil?" Xuan Yuanli asked again. He had only heard that Long Xiao had issued warrants for the arrest of three people throughout the entire Han Kingdom: one was Murong Wei with a child, and the other was Bai Wushang. He had never seen their portraits and didn't know what they looked like. "

That's one of the reasons," Murong Wei replied. Why couldn't they just not ask about her veil? Wasn't she supposed to be wearing sunscreen?

"Take it off so I can see," Xuan Yuanli said, his tone commanding.

"Your Highness, there's another reason. I'm afraid it might frighten people, so perhaps it's best not to look," Murong Wei explained. Although she wasn't particularly concerned about her appearance and was used to the fear and disdainful looks from others, she still felt hesitant whenever she was asked to remove her veil, let alone willingly.

"Could it possibly frighten this...this young master?" Xuan Yuanli said disdainfully.

"Your Highness, be careful, there's a pit ahead!" Murong Wei hurriedly warned.

Xuan Yuanli turned his head sharply, but Murong Wei suddenly whipped her horse and galloped away. "Your Highness, let's hurry on our way. It's too late to enter the mountains; the mountain paths are difficult to traverse!"

Murong Wei rode at breakneck speed, Ye Bao's hand gripping her waist so tightly that his nails dug into her flesh. She thought she was already going very fast, but unexpectedly, Xuan Yuanli suddenly appeared in front of her, sitting on his horse with his arms crossed, waiting for her.

This kid seems to know the mountain paths here very well.

"Remove your veil," Xuan Yuanli commanded in a deep, domineering voice.

"Mommy, this person is so annoying!" Ye Bao whispered, her little face full of displeasure.

"Why must Your Highness force me? My appearance is ruined, and I do not wish to show my true face. I hope Your Highness will understand," Murong Wei said calmly. The more domineering Xuan Yuanli was, the less she was willing to obey.

Hearing this, Xuan Yuanli was taken aback, but only for a moment. He still said coldly, "I told you to remove it, so remove it!"

A flash of disgust crossed Murong Wei's eyes. She instantly tore off her veil, turning her face to the side, completely revealing her right side, which was covered in large, festering scars from the burns, to Xuan Yuanli. She said coldly, "Your Highness, take your time looking."

Xuan Yuanli couldn't help but gasp, his astonishment barely concealed. Seeing Murong Wei standing straight, her face turned to the side, looking so stubborn, he felt a pang of guilt. For the first time in his life, he had never felt guilty towards anyone.

However, still stubbornly clinging to his pride, he coldly said, "It's just a burn. After I return to the palace, I'll have my brother ask the King of Nanzhao for some elixir, and it will surely restore your appearance."

"Thank you

, Your Highness," Murong Wei said indifferently, not taking his words to heart at all, and slowly covered her face with her veil. "There's a shortcut to the right from here, leading directly to a valley. The jade gambling convention is inside. There should be a lot of people there now, a mixed bag. Keep an eye on your son." Xuan Yuanli said, turning his horse around and leading the way.

Ye Bao suddenly asked anxiously, "Does Lao Bai know the way?"

"Lao Bai?" Xuan Yuanli asked, puzzled.

"Lord Wu Shang, does he know the way here?" Ye Bao asked urgently, thinking that if Lao Bai were here, he would have definitely found a way to prevent his mother from taking off her veil.

"Someone will bring him here from the city gate," Xuan Yuanli said, glancing at Murong Wei again, and asked, "Is he really your son?"

"Yes," Murong Wei replied.

"Where is his... father?" Xuan Yuanli asked again.

"He's passed away," Murong Wei said calmly, her expression largely unchanged.

The journey was silent. Like Ye Bao, Murong Wei kept looking back, but she couldn't see Bai Wushang galloping towards them in his white robes.

Where had he gone? Was he really going to break his promise?

"Mommy, you should look ahead," Ye Bao said softly, his innocent face filled with undisguised disappointment.

Murong Wei finally snapped out of her reverie and turned to look ahead. She saw Xuan Yuanli standing before a river. On the other side of the river was a rocky outcrop, deserted and empty, except for a strange figure slowly approaching in a bamboo raft.

This person was covered from head to toe in a large black robe, even his face was covered except for two eye sockets, making it impossible to tell his gender or age, giving off an aura of danger rather than mystery.

Murong Wei, holding Ye Bao, followed Xuan Yuanli off his horse, thinking that this was probably the Black Disciple of Shang Kingdom he had mentioned.

The bamboo raft slowly approached, and Xuan Yuanli made a three-point gesture before the black-robed figure finally reached the shore.

Murong Wei hugged Ye Bao tightly and followed Xuan Yuanli onto the bamboo raft in silence.

"Are there many people coming?" Xuan Yuanli asked coldly, handing over a gold ingot.

"Many. If you're late, you'll miss the start," the man in black robes replied, his deep voice tinged with age, suggesting he was an elderly man.

"Who's here?" Xuan Yuanli asked again, handing over a gold necklace.

"Even Ren Fan, the big boss, is here. Who else do you think will come?" the man in black robes chuckled, asking in return.

Mentioning Ren Fan, Murong Wei and Ye Bao immediately felt guilty and lowered their heads.

"Mommy, what are you feeling guilty about?" Ye Bao asked softly.

"What are you feeling guilty about? He planned to attack us first," Murong Wei said defiantly.

As she spoke, she caught a glimpse of a pair of calloused, bony hands that had somehow reached out to her side.

Murong Wei screamed in fright, grabbing Ye Bao and backing away, but she lost her footing and tumbled backward with a splash, both mother and child falling into the water.

The old man in black robes slowly withdrew his hand, not even glancing at them, and continued on his bamboo raft. Xuan Yuanli, however, was anxious and asked, "How much silver would it cost to stop the boat?"

"They have no connection with the gods, I will not save them," the old man in black robes said coldly. Hei Tu came from the Shang Kingdom, a devout believer of the Snow God, the most devout believer in the entire Divine Continent. No matter what they did, they always sought the will of Heaven and consulted the gods.

Falling into the water was an extremely unlucky thing in the Shang Kingdom, and no one from the Shang Kingdom would save them, especially since there were ferocious crocodiles in the deep gorge.

Murong Wei and Ye Bao were both good swimmers and were desperately swimming towards the shore. Xuan Yuanli, familiar with the Black Bandits' rules, didn't waste any words and shouted to Murong Wei, "There are crocodiles in the stream, hurry!"

Murong Wei was startled, her first thought being of Ye Bao, and said, "Use Mother's body for leverage to get ashore, hurry!"

"No!" Ye Bao was extremely fierce, almost roaring.

"Hurry! That's an order!" Murong Wei said, taking a deep breath and plunging headfirst into the water. It would have been better if she hadn't gone in, but as soon as she entered the water, she saw one or two crocodiles slowly approaching in the distance.

She quickly surfaced, grabbed Ye Bao's collar, and said sharply, "The crocodiles are close! Step on Mother's body to get on the boat, and throw the bomb in your bag. If Mother can't escape later, you can throw it to me if you see one. I've taught you many times, you must calculate the distance correctly!"

After saying that, she took another deep breath, submerged in the water, took out the pistol she carried, and watched warily as the two adult crocodiles, each over three meters long, silently approached.

Suddenly, his feet felt heavy, but Ye Bao obeyed, using her feet for leverage to leap onto the bamboo raft. He glared fiercely at Xuan Yuanli and the old man in black robes, then quickly pulled a small black bomb from a nearby bag. He stared intently at the water, his young face filled with seriousness and tension.

"Get off! People who fall into the water can't get back on the boat!" the old man roared, his bamboo pole swirling, the lower end transforming into a sharp arrow aimed directly at Ye Bao.

"He's just a child, what are you doing!" Xuan Yuanli snapped, grabbing the bamboo pole.

"Thirteenth Master, you should know our rules. If you don't want to participate in this stone gambling competition, you can save them!" the old man in black robes stubbornly refused to budge. "Those whom the gods don't spare, no one is allowed to spare!"

Ye Bao didn't care about the situation on the raft. He grabbed his mother's bag with one hand and clutched the small bomb tightly with the other, intently watching the water, afraid of missing his chance.

However, at that moment, Xuan Yuanli released his grip. He absolutely could not miss this jade gambling competition. Giving up the competition for a mother and child he had only known for less than two days was unnecessary and not in his usual style.

He released his grip, turned his back with his hands behind his back, and closed his eyes.

The old man coldly snorted, and the sharp end of his bamboo pole was pressed against Ye Bao's neck. He said coldly, "Kid, jump in, or I'll kill you!"

Before Ye Bao could even turn around, a huge roar erupted, and a massive wave surged into the water, crashing down on the bamboo raft. The black-robed old man was terrified and didn't care about Ye Bao at all. He desperately tried to push off with the bamboo pole.

Xuan Yuanli turned around quickly and saw two figures leap up from the massive wave and fall onto the bamboo raft!

They weren't people, but two huge crocodiles. They crashed heavily onto the bamboo raft, one head and one tail. The raft sank immediately, and no matter how hard the black-robed old man tried to push, he couldn't move it anymore.

The waves receded, and the two crocodiles, one head and one tail, were belly-up, struggling in their death throes, while everyone on the bamboo raft was soaking wet.

Everything returned to calm.

"Mommy!" Ye Bao cried out in alarm, his voice thick with fear, unable to see his mother. Just as he was about to plunge into the water, a white shadow darted out.

"Old Bai... Old..." Ye Bao was overjoyed, but before he could utter a second call, his voice fell in disappointment. It wasn't Bai Wushang, but Yin Ling.

Then, another white figure darted out of the water—it was A Bao, carrying Murong Wei with an unusually serious expression, landing on the bamboo raft.

Murong Wei was soaking wet, her veil had fallen off, and her face was pale. Looking at Ye Bao's tearful face, she smiled helplessly; her son hadn't cried in so long!

The black-robed old man, still in shock, looked at A Bao and then at Yin Ling, but remained silent.

"Old man Black Robe, my master is too busy to come in time, so he specially sent my sister and me to ask you to give him face and make way for Thirteenth Master," Yin Ling said with a smile.

"Lord Wu Shang has already found a new master so quickly?" the black-robed old man asked suspiciously.

"Grandpa, if we don't leave now, we'll miss the opening of the jade gambling convention, and my master will be unhappy," A Bao reminded him with a gentle smile.

"Change into clean clothes when you get ashore, and no one is allowed to tell anyone about falling into the water!" the old man in black robes said coldly. He then struck out with two palms, one in front and one behind, the force of which was enough to knock down two crocodiles. He then propped himself up on the bamboo pole again.

Ye Bao held Murong Wei tightly, glaring fiercely at Xuan Yuan Li.

Xuan Yuan Li took out a brocade handkerchief and handed it to Murong Wei, casually reminding her, "Your veil has fallen off."

"I don't want your things!" Ye Bao immediately reached out and slapped his hand away, pulling out a gold-threaded mask from his bag and giving it to Murong Wei.

"You!" Xuan Yuan Li roared. Many people wanted what he gave her, but this was the first time it had been opened like this, and it was from a child.

"You're abandoning me!" Ye Bao rebuked him disdainfully.

"I!" Xuan Yuan Li hurriedly tried to explain, but found there was nothing to explain. He glanced at Murong Wei, who had already put on the mask, then looked away, turning his back rather than say anything more.

"Young Master Ye, Young Master Bao, Young Master Ye Bao, long time no see! Still as strong-willed as ever. People who refuse to help those in distress are best ignored!" Yinling, quick-witted, walked over with a smile and pinched Ye Bao's cheek.

"Where's Bai Wushang?"

"Where's Old Bai?"

Mother and son asked simultaneously, admitting they had genuinely thought Old Bai had returned.

Yinling shrugged, saying, "We don't know where he went. He said he had urgent business and asked us to come along so we could look after each other."

"What could be so urgent that he stood up the Thirteenth Master?" Murong Wei said casually, while Ye Bao remained silent, looking dejected. Old Bai had indeed stood them up.

"We don't know. He's probably off somewhere meeting some beautiful girl. We rarely know our master's whereabouts. If he hadn't contacted us, we'd still be waiting foolishly in Han Kingdom!" Yinling said helplessly.

At this moment, A Bao also approached. As soon as she got close, Xuan Yuanli shouted sharply, "Stay away from me!"

A Bao had no choice but to stay within ten paces, respectfully saying, "Thirteenth Master, my master has something urgent to attend to and cannot come. He sent the two of us to assist him. He has some connections with that old man in black robes. If you encounter any difficulties, you can seek help from that old man."

"Quite the airs. When will he come in person?" Xuan Yuanli asked coldly.

"That's uncertain. We don't know our master's whereabouts, but Thirteenth Master, you can rest assured. My sister and I have participated in the Stone Gambling Conference many times. We will definitely help Your Highness obtain what you desire," A Bao said confidently.

"Don't speak too soon. Let's see if you have the real ability first," Xuan Yuanli said coldly, flipping ashore. His attendants had already arrived.

After everyone went ashore, the attendants brought uniforms. Everyone disguised themselves as Xuan Yuanli's attendants, except for Ye Bao, whom Murong Wei insisted on not changing out of his blue robe.

Helpless, Yinling stayed with the mother and son to dry their clothes before continuing their journey. Xuanyuan Li and Abao entered the One-Line Sky first; beyond this deep gorge lay the venue for the grand assembly.

Before they were even halfway there, the sounds of commotion drifted from afar, as if another world lay hidden within the valley.

"Your Highness, we just received news that the Emperor has issued an edict summoning Prince Qi back to the palace. The edict should reach you soon," a servant whispered.

"He's been out for so long; it's time for him to return. I was just on my way to escort the princess to the palace," Xuanyuan Li said displeased. The servant dared not say another word and quickly retreated ten paces away.

Soon they emerged from the One-Line Sky. Before them was a flat, high platform, with tables arranged in a circle. In the center sat a huge block of black ice, flanked by two burly men in black robes, each wielding an axe.

Only one seat was empty; Xuanyuan Li was the last to arrive.

The mountains stretched endlessly, their peaks high and clear in autumn. Red leaves fell in abundance, a testament to the passing of autumn in the north.

Beneath the towering trees on the cliff, leaves danced like butterflies, while the entourage remained silent.

Xuan Yuanche stood alone before the cliff, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the distant mountains. His tall, slender figure, clad in flowing white robes and with his black hair billowing in the wind, was forever shrouded in loneliness and desolation, much like the desolate autumn forest.

Accompanying him were Jin Chan and Cai Zai, a group of imperial guards, and an old eunuch who had delivered the imperial edict: Sun Desheng, the Left Eunuch, the emperor's left-hand man, and Eunuch Sun himself. Eunuch

Sun was tall and imposing, dressed in a dark blue official robe. His silver hair was still tied high, and he wore heavy makeup, his foundation a ghastly white, his lips a vibrant red, and his long, thick, black eyebrows reaching his temples. Even in broad daylight, he seemed like a ghost.

Looking at Xuan Yuanche's retreating figure, a cold smile curled at the corner of his lips, his face full of cunning.

"Luckily, I ran into him in Beicheng last night, otherwise I really wouldn't know where to find him. If I went back, the Emperor would definitely kill me." Cai Zai said in a low voice, standing under the tree with Jin Chan.

"You talk as if you're the Emperor's man, not the Prince's man." Jin Chan said, her tone devoid of any emotion.

"The Emperor has already made me urge him several times. Could I say no? Besides, I've given so many excuses to turn him down. What, the master is sick, there was an accident at the mine, I met Consort De in Han Kingdom. So many excuses, how could I say I can't find the master?" Cai Zai said irritably.

"Where did the master go? It's been quite a while since I've seen him." Jin Chan asked.

"If only I knew. He's definitely annoyed by me talking to him and is avoiding us!" Cai Zai said.

“Although he’s a personal attendant, I can’t be with him every second.” Jin Chan seemed to have a hidden meaning in her words, asking tentatively. However, Cai Zai didn’t understand. He looked at the serious-faced Eunuch Sun beside him and whispered, “That old fellow is not easy to deal with. The emperor has even used this old fellow this time, so something big must have happened in the palace.”

“What big thing could happen if he needs his master? There’s no war.” Jin Chan seemed somewhat disdainful.

“Then aren’t the affairs of the harem important? Only when the harem is safe can the emperor concentrate on managing state affairs. The harem is the root, the foundation!” Cai Zai always went on and on once he started talking. Jin Chan was too lazy to pay attention to him. Holding her long arrow, she lightly leaped up into a tree, leaning lazily against it, one eye slightly narrowed, the other always covered, never seen by anyone.

At this moment, the accompanying maids came up to serve. A large table was set up on the cliff, and one dish after another was served. In no time, a table of wine and food was laid out, looking very tempting.

"Your Highness, you've been traveling all night. This old servant has specially prepared some wine and dishes for you. Please try them and see if they suit your taste. If not, I'll have someone replace them," said Eunuch Sun respectfully, holding his whisk.

Xuan Yuanche turned around, his face pale, his lips slightly paler than usual, his deep eyes calm. He lifted his robe and sat down, waving his hand to signal Eunuch Sun to leave.

"Seventh Prince, this is fresh salmon that this old servant caught specially from a river on the coast of the East Sea, on the Emperor's orders. I specially prepared it for you to try. The Emperor instructed that you must be well taken care of on this journey. I heard from Cai Zai that you didn't go to the seaside on your way back to Han Kingdom, so you probably haven't tasted the fresh seafood of Han Kingdom, have you?" Eunuch Sun said, picking up a piece of completely raw salmon with his chopsticks and placing it on Xuan Yuanche's plate.

Xuan Yuanche still didn't speak, picking up some vegetables and chewing slowly.

"And this too, deep-sea lobster, Your Highness, please try some. This old servant brought a lot. When we came to Han Kingdom, His Majesty specifically ordered that we bring back several boxes of seafood and river delicacies. He also instructed that you try them all along the way. If you don't like them, just throw them away; there's no need to bring them back to the palace." Ignoring Xuan Yuanche's disregard, Eunuch Sun carefully cleaned the water dish the servant had brought, then picked up a tangerine, cracked open the claws and shell of a large lobster, and with delicate fingers, meticulously and patiently picked out chunks of lobster meat.

In no time, he had efficiently cleaned the entire lobster, piled up a plate of fresh lobster meat, and presented it to Xuan Yuanche, respectfully saying, "Your Highness, please."

"I've never been particularly interested in seafood. Eunuch Sun, you should try it," Xuan Yuanche said indifferently, pushing the food back.

Before he could even release his grip, Eunuch Sun pushed the food back, saying, "This old servant is really craving it, but... Your Highness, this is what the Emperor ordered. This old servant dares not neglect Your Highness, much less disobey the Emperor's orders."

Xuan Yuanche tried to push it away again, but Eunuch Sun suddenly tightened his grip. Xuan Yuanche didn't know whether he was yielding or simply unable to resist, but he was forced to bring the food to him.

"Seventh Prince, this can be considered a reward from the Emperor. It's better to accept it respectfully; this old servant still has to report back!" Eunuch Sun said earnestly.

"Thank you, Your Highness, and thank you for your hard work, Eunuch Sun," Xuan Yuanche said calmly, showing no temper whatsoever, his demeanor cool and composed, even his earlier refusal was elegant.

"Please, Prince Qi. This old servant won't bother you any longer," Eunuch Sun said, pushing all the seafood on the table towards Xuan Yuanche before retreating.

He didn't speak again, nor did he look up. Alone, he sat on the cliff edge, facing a table laden with delicacies, his movements elegant and composed as always. He always ate like this, alone, whether in public or in his mansion with its many wives and concubines.

He was accustomed to eating in silence, disliking conversation during meals, disliking the social niceties and pretense. However, he would attend any grand court banquet—it was an imperial decree, and he had no choice but to obey.

Even now, though he had absolutely no interest in seafood, he still sampled it all—again, an imperial decree, and he could not disobey.

After tasting the sashimi, and only just taking a bite of the lobster, he became restless. Red rashes suddenly broke out on his neck and arms, and his originally pale face turned bright red, dotted with spots.

He couldn't resist scratching, but the faint red rash on his arm only intensified with each tickle. He stopped, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, yet his tone remained unchanged: "Sun Desheng, come here."

"Your Highness, what's wrong?" Sun Desheng asked, alarmed.

"Summon the imperial physician. I fear I'm allergic to these seafoods," Xuan Yuanche said calmly.

"Someone come here! Summon the Imperial Physician, quickly!" Eunuch Sun said, stepping forward apologetically, "Seventh Prince, this servant was negligent! This servant didn't know Your Highness was allergic to seafood. It was my fault for not serving you properly and not informing His Majesty. Otherwise, His Majesty wouldn't have allowed Your Highness to try these things!" "It

's alright. My brother didn't know either. I've never liked seafood since I was little, and I've rarely eaten it. There are many things here I've never tried. It's just an allergic reaction, nothing serious." Xuan Yuanche said calmly, about to stand up, when his expression suddenly changed. He clutched his chest, slumped back down, his eyes widened, foaming at the mouth, his eyes rolling back, and he fell straight backward!

"Mommy, why is my heart pounding? I'm so uneasy," Ye Bao asked softly.

"Mommy, I'm right here, what are you uneasy about?" Murong Wei replied casually, her attention completely focused on the huge ice stone in front of her.

She and Ye Bao stood behind Xuan Yuanli, willing to be so close to him for the first time, just to get a clear look at the piece of mysterious ice in the center of the circular platform. The ice stone was about the height of a person, as large as two people could hug, and it emanated a cold aura.

When she and Ye Bao arrived, they had already bet on the second ice stone. They heard that the merchant who had bid a high price for the first stone had died on the spot, vomiting blood, and had already taken the ice stone away, finding no treasure inside.

It was currently intermission, and there were dozens of guests seated around the circle. Some were taking the time to observe the ice stone, some were whispering with their servants, and some were exchanging friendly conversations with their neighbors.

Only Xuan Yuanli stared coldly at the mysterious ice stone in the center, silent, seemingly contemplating some philosophy of life.

"Mommy, could something have happened to my daddy?" Ye Bao asked earnestly, tilting his head up.

Murong Wei rolled her eyes and said, "Telepathy isn't something you can have just because you're related by blood. It requires a long period of time together. In a sense, it's called tacit understanding, which needs to be cultivated, understand?"

"But I really feel something's off!" Ye Bao persisted.

"Ask him how this jade gambling game works," Murong Wei whispered, pointing to the back of Xuan Yuanli's head, changing the subject.

She had heard of jade gambling and even played it herself, but it involved gambling on rough jade stones. Once the stone was opened, it was all about experience and eyesight to see if there was jade hidden inside.

No one could predict the distribution of jade. Often, someone would buy it at a high price, cut it open, find no jade, and then resell it at a low price to someone else, while the other person would find a priceless gem on the second cut.

This jade gambling game was truly a game of one cut to poverty or wealth, one cut to tears or one cut to laughter!

As for gambling on Xuanbing (mysterious ice), this was the first time she had ever seen it. She wondered where such a large piece of Xuanbing had been transported from. Was it like gambling on rough jade, with treasures hidden inside?

"Ask him yourself if you want. I don't want to talk to him," Ye Bao snorted, turning her head away and crossing her arms.

"It's not like you have to ask him," Murong Wei said, taking a step back and smiling at the guard beside her. "Brother, how does one gamble on Xuanbing?"

"It's the same as gambling on rough jade, except it doesn't contain jade. Nobody knows what treasures are hidden inside. It was dug out from the icy forests of the far north of Shang Kingdom. Legend has it that the deeper into those icy forests, the more treasures there are. If you're lucky, you can find treasures. This time, there's news that this group of Black Disciples found these pieces of Xuanbing in the second layer of the icy forest. Nobody has ever been able to enter the second layer before!" the guard whispered.

Murong Wei immediately became interested, leaned closer, lowered her voice, and timidly asked, "Then... has our Thirteenth Master received any news?"

"Hehe, Sister, don't use 'we,' you're the Thirteenth Master's honored guest, I can't accept that. I don't even know if the Thirteenth Master has received any news. If you want to know, just ask him. You're the first person who can get close to the Thirteenth Master, you'll have plenty of opportunities to talk to him, why don't you ask him?" the servant whispered, instigating.

Murong Wei smiled, a forced smile, and turned around. At that moment, a deafening clang rang out, the sound of a gong igniting a new, exciting round of gambling!

Everyone looked towards the huge piece of black ice in the center. Amidst the gong's sound, a man in black robes slowly walked to the center of the platform. He was tall, his black robes covering him from head to toe, suggesting he was a man. With a wave of his hand, the gong stopped abruptly!

For a moment, the entire place was silent, so silent you could hear a falling leaf. Everyone looked towards the center of the platform, waiting quietly.

Those who had come here had already inquired about everything, so there was no need for the black-robed man to provide further explanation. They simply waited for him to lower his hand, and for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, everyone could go and observe the Xuanbing.

Time and space were limited, and the wealthy men present were extremely tense. This wasn't a game of winning or losing a few thousand taels of gold; it was a game concerning their very lives.

Murong Wei stood almost shoulder to shoulder with Xuan Yuanli, letting Ye Bao cling to her back, waiting curiously, unconsciously becoming excited by the tense atmosphere around her.

"This piece of Xuanbing was dug out from a cliff in the Fir Forest on the second level of the Ice and Snow Forest of the Shang Kingdom. The starting price is 100,000 taels of gold!" The black-robed man gave a brief introduction, but his raised hand hesitated to fall. The people around him were already restless, some even getting off their seats and squatting in a horse stance, ready to pounce!

There were only two people: Xuan Yuanli beside Murong Wei, and the unassuming gray-clad man directly opposite him. Murong Wei and Ye Bao recognized him immediately upon arriving; it was Ren Fan. Initially, the mother and son tacitly kept quiet, pretending not to know him.

Suddenly, the black-robed man raised his hand and began to retreat step by step. Almost everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on his hands. Murong Wei noticed those hands; like the old ferryman's, they were thin and pale, reminding her of the phrase "Nine Yin White Bone Claw"!

Slowly…slowly…the hand moved, but not decisively; it lowered itself little by little, as if deliberately tormenting them.

Everyone had already left their seats, leaning forward like arrows drawn from a fully drawn bow, ready to pounce at any moment.

"Murong Wei, you go," Xuan Yuanli calmly commanded.

"Me?" Murong Wei blurted out. At the same time, the black-robed man's hand lashed out, and everyone rushed forward, instantly surrounding the entire piece of Xuanbing.

"I'll go, Thirteenth Master. Weiwei doesn't understand this stuff," Yinling said hurriedly, anxious as all the good spots were taken.

"Yes, Thirteenth Master, Weiwei is a doctor and knows nothing about this game. Let Yinling go; she's experienced and skilled," Abao also urged. Murong Wei stood there grinning foolishly at Xuan Yuanli. What was he joking about? If they lost, she couldn't afford the consequences. "

The second round is all yours. Consider it your place in Bai Wushang's place. Time's almost up, aren't you going?" Xuan Yuanli asked coldly, his face expressionless.

"His maids are all here, let his maids go. I have little to do with him!" Murong Wei retorted. This must be a trap, and she wasn't going to fall into it!

"I'm giving you an order, not discussing it with you!" Xuan Yuanli roared immediately, his dormant volcano erupting again.

"Fine!" Murong Wei readily agreed. He was a prince, he was giving orders, what could she do? Anyway, it wasn't her fault if she lost all of his royal property... She turned and strode forward, but alas... alas... before she even arrived, the gong sounded, time was up!

No problem, she turned back, strode back, and waited for the bidding. High bids, huh? She knew.

Ye Bao climbed onto her back again, rubbing her neck, and whispered, "Mommy, bet like crazy!"

Murong Wei was stunned, puzzled, "What do you mean by 'bet like crazy'?"

"Bet the highest price imaginable, higher than a mountain, until he loses everything, not even his underwear!" Ye Bao said fiercely, clearly hating two kinds of people the most: those who bully his mother and those who steal his gold!

"150,000 taels of gold." Someone spoke first, and the man in black robes raised his hand, gesturing one, two, three. When he gestured two, the old man dressed as a wealthy merchant to Xuan Yuanli's right suddenly stood up, his hand trembling as he raised three fingers, excitedly shouting, "Three...three...three..."

Before he could finish, Murong Wei smiled and gestured four to him, saying, "Sorry, 400,000 taels!"

Instantly, everyone looked at her and Ye Bao. Ye Bao was extremely proud, nodding and smiling at everyone.

The old man became even more excited, stepping forward to confront Murong Wei, still holding up three fingers and raising his voice, "Three...three...I mean...three million taels!"

Murong Wei's smile froze. Ye Bao slapped her hands together, covered her eyes, slid off Murong Wei's back, and walked behind Yin Ling with her head down, no longer wanting to embarrass herself.

The price skyrocketed, and the entire hall fell silent. This price was enough to deter a third of the people present, after all, this was a gamble on gold, not silver, and the truly wealthy were limited.

The man in black robes raised his hand and began counting down again, "Three..."

But before he could even call "two," someone spoke up, "Four million taels."

This opening was extraordinary, attracting many to follow suit.

"Four million five hundred thousand taels." "

Five hundred!"

"Six hundred!"

"Six hundred and fifty!"

"Seven hundred!"

Reaching seven hundred seemed to be the peak, and the entire hall fell silent again.

The man in black robes waited no longer, counting down, "Three..."

Similarly, before even reaching "two," the true tycoon spoke, "Ten million."

He was gentle and modest, dressed simply and unassumingly, sitting opposite them with a constant smile, looking at them with humility. He was the world's number one slave owner, the only young merchant truly wealthy enough to rival a nation—Ren Fan. As

soon as he finished speaking, the man in black robes counted down again, "Three...two..."

"Twenty million!" Suddenly, another big bid came from a woman, her voice like shattered jade, carrying a subtle but unwavering strength. She was serious; she was Murong Wei.

No need to hesitate any longer; anything that Ren Fan was willing to pay such a high price for couldn't be bad.

"Thirty million." Ren Fan's tone remained calm, and it was unclear whether he recognized Murong Wei, as he smiled at her. "Forty million."

Murong Wei didn't hesitate and continued to bid.

"Fifty million." Ren Fan offered again.

This seemed to have become a contest between the two of them, a test of courage and boldness. The outcome wasn't about who called a halt first, but about the moment the ice broke.

"Sixty million." Murong Wei's voice was also calm. However, this time, Ren Fan didn't rush to speak, seemingly having no intention of continuing.

Murong Wei subconsciously turned to look at Xuan Yuanli, only to see him covered in cold sweat...