Chapter Sixteen: Collaboration

“Hmm? Why do I feel like I’ve boarded a pirate ship? Is it that once I state my terms, no matter what they are, he has to agree? Su Zhinian pursed her lips and cleared her throat lightly. ‘Prince, surely you wouldn’t ask me to do anything dishonorable, would you?’ Otherwise, why would he ask about her conditions first?

Hearing this, Helian Yu’s interest was piqued; a trace of amusement flickered in his eyes as he smiled lowly. ‘Murder, robbery, scheming for wealth and death...’ His words were laced with temptation, making the listener uneasy.

Yushu was nearly in tears; their young lady was hardly the type to commit such deeds! Yet Su Zhinian remained calm, her gaze steady on Helian Yu. ‘Of course, that’s impossible.’

Suddenly, he shifted his tone, pulling off the jade finger ring he held, twirling it in his hand. ‘It’s just a small matter I need Miss Su’s help with.’

‘A small matter?’ Su Zhinian questioned skeptically.

‘Yes, a small matter!’ Helian Yu nodded, gripping the jade ring tightly.

Su Zhinian fell silent. Given Helian Yu’s means, whatever he wished to do or whoever he wanted to enlist, would be effortless. The fact that he came to her meant there was something distinct about her. After some thought, she felt there was nothing about herself that would attract Helian Yu’s covetousness. She glanced at the sky outside and nodded.

‘Then I’ll say it first. Tomorrow, at the foot of South Mountain, a convoy escort will encounter bandits. I need Your Highness’s help to rescue someone.’

‘Who?’

‘Gu Heng, a guard who was expelled from my household.’

Helian Yu’s clenched hand relaxed slightly, his brow raised in surprise. ‘Just one guard?’

‘Yes.’ Su Zhinian nodded. She was so anxious because she didn’t know if the person would die in the morning or afternoon, so she had to prepare early.

‘Minor issue. Mu Dong, gather a few men and hasten to reach South Mountain tonight.’

‘Yes!’ Mu Dong promptly left the room, showcasing Helian Yu’s swift decisiveness.

‘I’m curious, Miss Su, where did a young lady like you obtain such information?’ His scrutinizing gaze fell upon her as if peeling back her clothes to examine her, making her profoundly uncomfortable.

Su Zhinian’s mind raced before she smiled wryly. ‘Naturally, because I’ve been sending people to investigate him.’

‘If you’ve been investigating him all along, why not have those people simply capture him and bring him back?’ Helian Yu’s question left Su Zhinian momentarily speechless. She pressed her lips together. ‘There are reasons I cannot disclose.’

She hadn’t expected this man to be so aggressive, and his sharpness was so keen it felt there was no secret before him.

‘It seems Miss Su harbors quite a few secrets.’ Helian Yu’s expression turned playful.

After all, why would he save a disgraced guard for no reason? He lifted his dark lashes, eyes glancing at the bluish-purple bruise on Su Zhinian’s neck; the smile faded.

‘I wonder how the medicine from Director Zhang is working for you, Miss Su? I have two bottles here of excellent anti-swelling and bruise-healing medicine.’ He pulled out two bottles and placed them on the table.

‘Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness, but I must politely decline.’ Su Zhinian stood and bowed, her tone distant.

No gains without effort; she sensed ill intent.

‘Since we are partners, I naturally hope Miss Su maintains good health. Otherwise, how can you assist me?’ His words left her no room for refusal. Su Zhinian rose and bowed again. ‘Then, thank you, Your Highness.’

Helian Yu smiled and nodded, clearing his throat. ‘I have fulfilled what I promised Miss Su. Now, my request is...’

‘Master, Gu Shijin has arrived.’ Mu Dong hurried in, casting a glance at Su Zhinian.

‘Miss!’ Yushu felt the world collapse. If the general discovered the young lady secretly meeting with Prince Yu... what punishment would await?

‘Miss, we must leave quickly!’

‘If the general finds out, then...’ Yushu trailed off, urging frantically.

Seeing Su Zhinian unmoved, Yushu longed to carry her away.

Su Zhinian calmly looked at Helian Yu.

‘Why do you make it sound like our prince is caught in a clandestine meeting with your young lady?’ Mu Dong rolled his eyes.

Isn’t that the case?

Yushu stomped anxiously but dared not say more.

Helian Yu chuckled, ‘Once the matter I promised Miss Su is fully resolved, I shall come again to collect my reward.’

‘Mu Dong, let’s go.’

‘Miss, we should leave too!’

‘No, no, we can’t leave together. What if we’re seen?’

‘But if we don’t leave, how will we explain to the general?’ Yushu’s forehead was drenched in sweat.

Suddenly, with a rumble, the shelf holding porcelain and jade bottles slid aside, revealing a dark secret chamber.

‘Miss Su, this is the back chamber of the Drunken Fragrance Tavern. The owner here is our master; you need not worry.’ Mu Dong said as they entered the secret room. The shelf slid back into place with another rumble, as if nothing had happened.

Bang! The door was kicked open.

‘Su Zhinian, how dare you...!’ Gu Shijin’s fierce face froze when he saw no one else inside.

‘How can there be no one?’ His men clearly told him Su Zhinian had come here with a man.

He had thought this wasn’t Su Zhinian’s first secret meeting. During the time he feigned death, rumors spread of her chastity and unwavering loyalty. Surely it was all pretense. In reality, she must have been entangled with countless men. This time, catching her in the act would give him grounds to divorce her!

But reality slapped him hard.

There was nothing here.

‘Impossible! Where did you hide them?’ Gu Shijin was incredulous, frantically searching the room like a madman. Tables and chairs were overturned, making a tremendous noise.

‘Sir, please be gentle. The Drunken Fragrance Tavern conducts only legitimate business. What exactly are you looking for?’ A waiter hurried over upon hearing the commotion, frowning at the wrecked room.

‘Heavens! How am I going to explain this to the owner?’

Seeing the waiter, Gu Shijin’s eyes reddened. He lunged forward, grabbing the waiter’s shoulders tightly.

‘Did you see anyone else leave this room?’ His expression was wild and terrifying.

The waiter, frightened, shook his head. ‘Only this young lady and her maid were here. No one else came or went.’

‘Think carefully before you answer! Lie to me, and I’ll pull out your tongue!’ Gu Shijin said darkly, his face menacing.