Chapter 1077: Night Intrusion into the Tang Manor

Qingshui was gravely injured. She had suffered seven blade wounds across her body and another to her face, struck during the chaotic melee. That gash slashed from her forehead down to her cheek, looking especially hideous.

Tang Yuerong summoned the best physicians in Shangjing City, but upon examining the patient, they all claimed they were powerless to help. With so many blade wounds, ordinary doctors could do nothing.

In the end, they went to White Night's people and tracked down a physician from the jianghu, who finally pulled Qingshui back from the brink.

Tang Yuerong had run herself ragged, not sleeping a wink all night. "Sister Wang," she said, "you should do less of this dangerous work in the future. If anything happened to you, how would I ever explain it to Uncle?"

"I know, I know. Don't worry," Ruyi replied.

"Well, I have matters to attend to at the trading firm this afternoon. I'm going to get some rest first."

Tang Yuerong yawned and went into her room to rest.

Seeing this, Ruyi stepped into the other room, her gaze falling upon 'Jingnan' in the bed.

Ruyi walked over and said, "The one named Qingshui has been saved. She's in a miserable state, though. She took seven or eight blade wounds and had her face disfigured. Such a pretty girl, ruined just like that. Did you save her life?"

Yan Nantian opened his eyes and sat up in bed.

His face was somewhat pale. He took a deep breath and said, "Thank you for this."

"How did you get mixed up with the North Desert People?" Ruyi asked.

Yan Nantian smiled helplessly. "My luck was truly terrible this time. I never expected Shangjing City to be leaking like a sieve, letting the North Desert People slip right in."

Ruyi nodded slightly. "It makes sense when you think about it. If you, Prince Yu, died in the capital, your subordinates would fall into absolute chaos. Once that happened, the North Desert People at the Border Pass would have their opening."

Yan Nantian froze. "You knew?"

Ruyi fished a Waist Token out of her robes and tossed it to him.

"It bears the unique dragon kiln glazed gold pattern of Qingshan City," Ruyi said. "Ever since you took control of Qingshan City, that trade has been heavily promoted. I just didn't expect you to forge this material into Waist Tokens. It's quite distinctive."

Yan Nantian tucked the Waist Token away into his robes. "Take me to see Qingshui," he said.

"Is she your lover?" Ruyi asked with a smile.

"She's a subordinate," Yan Nantian replied.

Ruyi chuckled. "I won't ask."

With that, she led him to Qingshui's room.

The blade wounds across Qingshui's body had been treated with medicine and bound in cloth. The wound on her head had received the same treatment; white bandages now obscured half of her face.

Although the horrifying gashes were hidden from view, one could easily imagine how gruesome they were.

Qingshui was awake, though her consciousness was still hazy. "Master..." she murmured.

Yan Nantian took a deep breath and grasped her hand. "I have wronged you, and I owe you my life. Once your injuries heal, I will transfer you to the rear. You won't have to live on the run or exhaust yourself like this anymore."

Qingshui's eyes flickered, but she lacked the strength to speak.

Yan Nantian stroked her hair. "Rest well," he said.

With that, Yan Nantian stepped out of the room.

Ruyi was standing by the door, arms crossed as she appraised him.

"Who would've thought?" Ruyi said. "For someone like Prince Yu, you aren't so cold-blooded toward your subordinates after all."

Yan Nantian exhaled softly. "Having just narrowly escaped death, I would appreciate it if you didn't joke around, Young Lady."

Ruyi nodded slightly. "So, how do you plan to repay this favor?"

Yan Nantian looked at her. "Is there anything you want?"

Ruyi pondered for a moment, furrowing her brow. "I haven't decided yet."

Yan Nantian nodded. "You can cash it in whenever you want. As long as you ask, and it is within my power, I will make it happen."

"Alright."

Ruyi smiled and patted Yan Nantian's shoulder. "I have high hopes for you. Once you conquer the world, it won't be too late for me to collect."

"Hiss..."

A twinge of pain shot through Yan Nantian's shoulder; his wounds hadn't healed yet.

Ruyi pulled her hand back. "Ah, sorry. I forgot you were injured."

"You have quite a heavy hand."

"Heh... it sounds like you think I hit too softly and want another try."

"I'll take my leave!"

Ruyi watched Yan Nantian's retreating figure.

She fell into deep thought.

Was the figure she had seen in the secret passage yesterday truly not Yan Nantian?

If it came down to motives, Yan Nantian was an heir to the Great Jing's royal line; it made perfect sense for him to sneak into the Imperial Palace through that tunnel.

Ruyi felt her suspicions rising once more. Yet, Yan Nantian's reaction yesterday had seemed completely genuine. It didn't look like he was lying.

Unable to figure it out no matter how much she thought about it, she simply tossed the matter to the back of her mind.

"What does it matter to me?"

Ruyi muttered to herself before leaving the manor for a stroll.

After all, it wasn't every day she visited Shangjing City. Naturally, she had to go see some old friends.

She wondered if the girls at the brothel missed her.

Hmm...

Actually, she mostly just missed the oranges they served there. They were delicious, and perfectly sweet.

.

.

Later that night.

Someone slipped into the Tang Manor.

Unexpectedly, they were caught red-handed by the Tang Manor's retainers.

The intruder was immediately dragged before Tang Yuerong.

"Who are you?!"

The man was dressed in a butcher's outfit, still reeking of blood. A Tang Manor retainer stood to the side, holding the man's pig-slaughtering knife.

The Butcher bared his teeth. "Kill me or carve me up, do as you please!"

The Butcher evidently had no idea what kind of place the Tang Manor was. The massive Tang Family Trading Firm spanned the world; there was no way their retainers would be weak. Without exception, every single one of them was a top-tier expert in the jianghu.

One could only say he had wildly overestimated his own capabilities.

Tang Yuerong had intended to have the man dragged away for interrogation, but to her surprise, Ruyi arrived and vouched for him.

Yan Nantian had caught wind of the situation and asked Ruyi to intervene.

The Butcher was one of Yan Nantian's men.

The commotion in the alleyway had been immense. Even though the trading firm's retainers had cleaned up every trace that very night, Qingshui's disappearance had drawn the attention of the others.

After heavy searching and interrogation, it took them no more than a day to discover that both Yan Nantian and Qingshui were in the Tang Manor.

Fearing their master and Qingshui had met with foul play, and assuming the Tang Manor would be heavily guarded, they had decided to send The Butcher in alone to scout things out before planning their next move. Unfortunately, he had been captured the moment he slipped inside, severely underestimating the prowess of the Tang Manor's retainers.

"What a mess..."

Tang Yuerong smiled helplessly. "Alright, you can take him. But if something like this happens again, tell your people to give us a heads-up. This is just too much trouble."

"I'll teach him a lesson later," Ruyi said.

Tang Yuerong nodded and went back to work. The affairs of the trading firm were truly never-ending.

Ruyi led The Butcher to the backyard.

The Butcher's gaze darted around as he desperately searched for an escape route.

Staring at Ruyi as she walked in front of him, murderous intent flared in his heart.

Right until Ruyi delivered a swift kick to his body.