153 Stealth

most when others coveted his throne. If Mo Jingli really acted against him, Mo Jingqi wouldn’t hesitate to make Mo Jingli rebel whether he wanted or not. Feng Zhiyao was puzzled and asked, "If Mo Jin...153. Sneak In

153. Sneak In

In an ordinary civilian residence within Xinyang City, Han Mingyue sat gloomily on a bamboo bed staring at the gray-clad man kneeling before him, "What did you say"

The gray-clad man showed no fear on his face and calmly answered, "Reporting to Young Master. Our people are unable to get close to Miss Su." Han Mingyue casually waved her hand and a porcelain piece placed beside the table shattered into pieces upon impact. "Useless! I don’t believe that it would be impossible for us to find any weaknesses in the Governor’s Mansion with the Duchess of Ding Wang here for just a few days!" The gray-clad man pondered for a moment before saying, "The Duchess of Ding Wang seems to have an extremely unique approach to defense and guard arrangements. In the past two months, troops from various countries gathered outside the capital but failed to break through the defenses of the Duke of Ding’s Mansion. Subordinate thinks that… it is absolutely impossible to safely take Miss Su out of the Governor's Mansion with our current manpower."

Han Mingyue said sternly, "Then bring more people here! Even if I have to mobilize everyone from the northwest, I will make sure that Drunken Butterfly is rescued."

The gray-clad man frowned slightly and said, "Young Master, please consider carefully. If too many people suddenly appear in Xinyang City, it might raise suspicion from the Duchess of Ding Wang. At that time, it would be even more disadvantageous for Miss Su." Han Mingyue closed her eyes and sighed softly, "Alright, do as you see fit. Select anyone you need to ensure Drunken Butterfly's safety." The gray-clad man hesitated before nodding and saying, "Subordinate understands."

Han Mingyue furrowed his brows deeply and asked, "Is there any news from the Governor’s Mansion"

The gray-clad man replied, "Apart from a servant girl who attends to her, the Duchess of Ding Wang does not allow anyone else near Miss Su. Subordinate sent someone to get close to that girl, but she is extremely loyal to the Duchess and would never help us get closer to Miss Su. However… we managed to pry some information out of her mouth. Miss Su did suffer a head injury which was treated by a doctor, but it might leave scars. Also… these days, Miss Su has been calling for help every day, but that small courtyard is surrounded tightly by the Duke’s dark guards. Miss Su probably isn’t…" A look of concern flashed in Han Mingyue's eyes as she waved her hand and said, "Enough! Rescue Drunken Butterfly quickly. Ye Li… if you harm her, don't blame me for my ruthless actions!"

In the Western Ling camp, Prince of Zhennan looked at the message he had just received and his previous gloomy expression gave way to a cheerful one.

"Why hasn't Han Mingyue arrived yet" Prince of Zhennan's eyes glinted with determination as he glanced at the message in his hand. He turned to an attendant by his side, "Han Mingyue has been here for several days already," replied the attendant in a daze. The prince frowned, "Why hasn't he come to see me" Prince of Zhennan actually didn't think much of Han Mingyue. To betray one's homeland and friends over a woman was not only unforgivable but also demonstrated limited potential from his perspective. If it weren't for the fact that Tianyi Pavilion under Han Mingyue’s control was very useful to him, Prince of Zhennan wouldn’t have cared about him at all.

"Your Highness, Han Mingyue… has not come to the camp; he seems to have gone straight to Xinyang."

Bam! Prince of Zhennan stood up abruptly. His face was full of anger that intimidated everyone in the tent into kneeling and remaining silent. He sneered, "Well done, Han Mingyue! I thought his arrogance stemmed from his talent, but it turns out he's just an idiot!"

"Y-Your Highness" The attendants who were close to Prince of Zhennan knew well the status of Han Mingyue. Although their prince despised Han Mingyue for his character, he had always praised his talent; what was with calling him an idiot Prince of Zhennan sneered again, "Does he think Xinyang is easy to enter and leave I fear that once in, he won't be able to get out!" The attendants were alarmed. One asked試探地問道：“王爺…是不是通知韓公子一聲？”,"Your Highness, should we inform Han Mingyue" Prince of Zhennan sat back down and pondered for a moment before saying, "Han Mingyue... Hmph! He's bound to be killed by women in the end. Anyway, it’s too late now. Send people to deal with Tianyi Pavilion’s personnel in the northwest; something might go wrong."

"Your Highness," the attendant hesitated before reporting, "Tianyi Pavilion has always been under Han Mingyue's control alone. Without his seal, no one else knows its details, and we may be unable to..."

"Rubbish! Send people into the city to bring back Han Mingyue alive at all costs." Prince of Zhennan’s expression turned grim as he spoke.

"Yes, Your Highness. If Han Mingyue goes into the city rashly, it might be for B... Imperial Concubine Bai. What if..."

"No need to worry about that. I only want him back alive! Otherwise, his Tianyi Pavilion will collapse!" White Crystal was beautiful but to a person like Prince of Zhennan, her value was far less than power. Since White Crystal no longer had any more use to them, rescuing Han Mingyue first made the most sense. If she died... Han Mingyue and Mo Xiuyao would become sworn enemies. This also served his interests.

"I understand."

Xinyang City

In a secluded courtyard of the governor's residence, Su Zuiedie sat at the window in her simple clothes, looking gloomy. She was confident that her beauty surpassed all others and had captivated many heroes and aristocrats throughout the years. From being an orphaned noblewoman from Dachu to becoming the fiancée of the Second Young Master of Ding王府, then the daughter of the White Family from Xi Ling, and finally the powerful Empress Consort of Xi Ling, she had never doubted her beauty. But now, it was precisely because of this overconfidence that led to her being confined in this small courtyard, living a chaotic life. She once thought that even if Mo Xiuyao resented her for leaving him when he was severely injured, as long as she returned and apologized to him, he would surely forgive her and be ecstatic. But... thinking back to the day in his study when she bumped into the pillar and saw Mo Xiuyao's indifferent expression, there was no hint of emotion in his calm eyes. It seemed that before him, someone about to bump their head into a column was just as ordinary as a servant girl reporting something trivial. At that moment, she clearly understood one thing: Mo Xiuyao did not care for her. He would neither be captivated by her beauty nor pity her. However, because of this, the love she had been harboring in her heart intensified even more. She was madly jealous of Ye Li, who should have been hers! The position of Ding Wang's wife should have been hers as well! But now, she was locked up here by Ye Li...

"Miss, it’s time to eat," a little servant girl came over with a simple meal, carefully saying.

These days, the servants had come to realize that this beautiful Miss White could be quite difficult to please.

"Get out. Tell Ye Li if she doesn’t let me out soon, I’ll starve myself to death here," Su Zuiedie said fiercely.

The little servant girl raised her head and looked at her for a moment before immediately lowering it again, whispering, "The Duchess said… even if Miss White starves to death, the王爺won’t blame her. So… if you really don’t want to eat, forget about it. Miss White… please don’t quarrel with the Duchess…"

"Impossible!" Su Zuiedie got up and glared fiercely at the carefully cautious servant girl: "Xiuyao wouldn’t treat me like this! I need to see Ye Li. Tell her to come out and see me."

Seeing the beautiful but mad woman before her, the little servant girl was frightened into tears, "Miss Su… The Duchess is very busy. Please eat your food quickly. I’ll leave it here." Finished speaking, she put the meal on a nearby table and ran out as fast as possible, as if there were hungry ghosts chasing after her.

Su Zuodie turned her head to look at the food on the table: four simple dishes, a soup, and a bowl of rice. The ingredients were not exquisite, nor was there any sophisticated cooking; even the knife skills were ordinary, clearly indicating common home-cooked meals. In recent years, Su Zuodie had always enjoyed luxurious food, with the best of everything reserved for her. How could she possibly take an interest in such plain fare She swept all of it onto the ground with a wave of her hand. The little maidservant who had just left hurried back upon hearing the commotion inside. Seeing the mess on the floor, she was somewhat at a loss and said hesitantly, “Miss Bai… Miss…”

Su Zuodie raised her chin and coldly said, "How can I eat such low-class food Replace it with something better!" The little maidservant replied worriedly, "But everyone else is eating like this."

"How dare you!" Su Zuodie shouted angrily. "Do you know who I am to serve me such things"

The maidservant said hesitantly, "But even the Prince and Princess Consort eat these dishes... Miss Bai, they taste very good; it’s a waste if you don’t eat them." Due to Western Capital's army besieging the city, although food was abundant inside the city, vegetables were gradually becoming scarce. Even the Prince and Princess Consort had simple meals daily. There was no need to prepare special meals for Miss Bai. Su Zuodie turned green with rage; she had come to know this little maid quite well during their interactions. She appeared timid and would cry if spoken to harshly, but could also be stubborn in certain situations, driving others mad. Yet, she couldn't discipline the girl as palace guards stationed outside her room would intervene if she did.

Su Zuodie, thoroughly vexed, huffed and said coldly, "Get out."

The little maidservant looked at her respectfully before backing away. Miss Bai was clearly upset; it would be better to wait until later to clean up the mess.

Alone in the room now, Su Zuodie felt frustrated as she stared at the scattered food on the floor. She hadn't eaten anything due to her morning and afternoon outbursts; she was truly hungry now. Thinking of all the pent-up frustration over these days, she gritted her teeth and went back into her room. Ye Li, it would be best not to fall into my hands; otherwise, I will make sure you suffer.

"Zuodie..." still in the palace and when did she leave. But rest assured, Brother, Mo Xiuyao has no interest in your beloved concubine and has already rejected her. Many witnessed Consort Liu's bewildered state...