Xiao Yaozu glanced at Zhao Jinxin’s hand, then looked at herself.
Could it be that Zhao Jinxin was the protagonist while she was just an NPC…
【It’s so dark here. Could there be hidden weapons? Or perhaps they’re trapping Little Zhao and the Eighth Prince here to stage a tragic romance…】
【Host, what were you just thinking? Why is there a mosaic?】
【Shh!】
The guards lit torches and walked ahead.
Everyone descended along the secret passage. Xiao Yaozu followed behind the Eighth Prince, ready to flee at the first sign of trouble.
She kept feeling as if a pair of eyes were watching from the darkness, a chilling aura washing over her.
Xiao Yaozu silently recited:
【Harmony, kindness… May the 24 golden phrases of Flower Land protect me!】
After finishing the chant, the surroundings indeed no longer felt cold.
As the torchlight gathered, a blinding golden light suddenly burst forth.
An entire room piled mountain-high with gold bricks glittered under the torchlight.
Xiao Yaozu thought this visual impact would probably stay with her for life.
A cold glint flashed in the Eighth Prince’s eyes.
“Take all these gold bricks away. The Salt and Iron Commissioner’s embezzlement is now confirmed. Send him to the Heavenly Prison!”
Xiao Yaozu watched as gold bricks were loaded into chests before her eyes, her heart aching with loss…
【Host, are you regretting it now? Didn’t you want a gold bracelet?】
The Eighth Prince also looked at Xiao Yaozu, who was squatting there staring at the gold bricks, her beautiful fox-like eyes glistening as they followed the movement of the gold.
He was somewhat surprised to hear Xiao Yaozu longing for a gold bracelet. Since when did a grown man become so obsessed with jewelry like gold bracelets?
【Hmph, no regrets.】 Her tone was gritted with frustration.
Almost involuntarily, the Eighth Prince slowly spoke:
“Does Lord Xiao wish to take one?”
“Your Highness, this official does not engage in corruption.”
“What if I allow you to take one now?”
“Impossible.”
“Take one?The man’s deep voice carried an aloof quality, making it unclear whether he was teasing or testing.
“Impossible.” Xiao BaoBao refused with righteous indignation.
“Take one.” “I won’t!”
“Take one secretly? No one would know.” “I really won’t!”
【System, I feel like the Eighth Prince is testing me.】
【Host, I think so too. Did you offend him?】
【I’m a kind and polite person—how could I possibly offend anyone?】
After several back-and-forths, Xiao Yaozu’s confidence grew with each refusal, her head tilting higher and her posture becoming straighter.
“This official would never engage in corruption! I don’t understand all those twisted schemes.”
“Is that so? Then Lord Xiao should remember these words spoken today. Those who betray their conscience shall be drawn… and quartered!” The Eighth Prince spoke unhurriedly, like a lion toying with a bristling kitten.
How dare she boast like that after scheming against him right to his face for so long.
Xiao Yaozu felt depressed, anxiously touching her neck. She had genuinely refused those large gold bricks.
Actually… wealth could be transferred—preferably transferred directly into her pockets.
“Lord Xiao, step aside. We don’t want the brothers to step on you.” Zhao Jinxin kindly reminded her. This new friend had outstanding looks but appeared somewhat frail.
Xiao Yaozu reluctantly gave the several large chests a hug~
【My precious gold bricks, we’ve only met briefly and now must part. How I hate to leave you all behind.】
If only she had that much gold, she wouldn’t know how happy she’d be!
It’s all nourishment.
Great nourishment.
With the gold bricks found, Xiao Yaozu had accomplished her mission and wanted to leave this place of sorrow to return and rest.
Without hesitation, she bid farewell to the Eighth Prince, then turned and left, her movements crisp and decisive.
They really just finished watching the show and left without a care.
The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.
The officials who had just left court were all secretly watching the Salt and Iron Commissioner’s residence from across the street, their eyes fixed on the soldiers and officers coming and going.
They understood perfectly well what it meant to see so many people entering and leaving the Commissioner’s residence.
“Oh, Lord Zhang, what are you doing here?”
Lord Zhang was startled by the voice and immediately straightened up, calmly replying, “I ate too much for dinner and came out for a stroll to aid digestion. And you, Lord Li, why are you here too?”
“What a coincidence, I also happened to be taking a digestive walk and passed by.” Lord Li forced a dry laugh, but inwardly he was speculating.
Could Lord Zhang also hear it? Otherwise, why would he come here?
Lord Zhang was equally suspicious. Why would this Li fellow come here? He didn’t believe that nonsense about digestion.
The two of them, mutually wary, headed back together.
…
When the Eighth Prince emerged, he saw a certain green-clad figure sitting on the doorstep, hands resting on knees, muttering to himself.
[Wait for the Prince to come out and ask before speaking up. Can’t be too proactive.]
But the Eighth Prince pretended not to see him and walked right past.
???
[Why isn’t the Prince following the script? How could he miss someone so noticeable?]
The Eighth Prince’s thin lips curled slightly.
Seeing the crimson python robe gradually moving away, Xiao Yaozu quickly stood up and followed, shamelessly saying:
“Your Highness, may I hitch a ride back in your carriage? Could you give this official a lift? It’s on the way.” Xiao Yaozu openly flattered, but inwardly he was lamenting.
[Haven’t eaten, so hungry, so hungry, so hungry, starving to death.]
Hearing Xiao Yaozu complain of hunger, his voice tinged with a hint of grievance, the Eighth Prince for some reason let it go.
“Didn’t I already allow it? Aren’t you sitting in here anyway?”
“Your Highness, you’re a good person.” Xiao Yaozu quickly handed out the “good person card.”
When dealing with a slightly aloof man, the first step is to boldly test the waters. If he doesn’t resist, then proceed to the next step.
“Your Highness, returning to the palace?” the coachman asked.
Xiao Yaozu hurriedly lifted a corner of the curtain, revealing his stunningly beautiful face.
“Coachman, please take the route by the wharf bridge, to Xiao Mansion.””
The coachman was momentarily dazzled by Xiao Yaozu’s face and hastily lowered his head, refocusing to listen carefully.
When no further sound came from inside the carriage, the coachman understood that his master had agreed to Lord Xiao’s request.
His master was cold by nature and rarely had anyone to talk to. Who would have thought Lord Xiao would be so… unique.
Turning the carriage around, he headed toward Xiao Mansion.
With the System’s reminders, Xiao Yaozu wasn’t worried about missing his stop.
Arriving at the entrance of Xiao Mansion, Xiao Yaozu hopped down from the carriage and naturally waved to the Eighth Prince.
“Goodbye, Your Highness. Thank you for the ride.”
From behind the curtain, the man snorted coldly. He certainly didn’t stand on ceremony.
“Uncle Yu, to the palace!”
“Giddy-up—”
Xiao Yaozu turned and entered Xiao Mansion.
[Host, you still have two life points left. Do you want to use them?]
[Keep them for now.]
As soon as he entered the main hall, he saw several familiar faces at the dining table.
“Well, everyone’s here!” The corners of his mouth lifted, his stunningly beautiful face carrying a roguish charm. “You didn’t have to wait for me. How embarrassing.”
Before he could finish, he was interrupted by an angry shout.
“Xiao Yaozu!”
Master Xiao’s voice echoed through the hall, filled with obvious anger.
Xiao Yaozu’s smile didn’t fade. He turned to look at Master Xiao, who was glaring at him furiously, clearly displeased the moment he saw him.
Xiao Yaozu loved seeing these people so dissatisfied yet unable to do anything about him.
The man sitting beside Liu Yuanniang was also looking at Xiao Yaozu with a contemptuous expression.
His facial features bore some resemblance to Master Xiao.
[System, who’s that asshole? Does he have a twitch in his eye?]
[Host, that is Liu Yuanniang’s son, Xiao Yaoye, your second younger brother. And the other one is your full-blooded third younger brother, Xiao Yaoming. His eye is twitching too.]
[…]
This whole roomful of people is practically a “gathering of enemies”!
Direct enemies like Liu Yuanniang, Master Xiao, and Xiao Yaoye, plus indirect enemies like Xiao Yaoming.
Xiao Yaozu directly sat down and started eating.
Just as she picked up a piece of braised pork with her chopsticks, Master Xiao slammed the table heavily: