Chapter Ninety-Three: Keeping You in My Suspense

The next morning, in front of the Prince Jing's mansion.

An ordinary-looking but solidly built blue-canopied carriage was ready, and three people stood beside it: Yuan Ting, Feng Li, and Zhu Zhi, all dressed as ordinary guards.

At that moment, the side door creaked open, and a tall, slender figure stepped out.

The newcomer was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe with cloud patterns, a jade belt around her waist, and a golden folding fan in her hand. Her black hair was tied up high with a matching jade crown, revealing her smooth forehead and a pair of bright and clear eyes. She did not deliberately conceal her appearance, and at first glance, she appeared to be a noble and elegant young gentleman, except that beneath her overly delicate features lay the beauty of a woman.

This person was none other than Li Bao'er, disguised as a man. Today, she was there to keep order as "Young Master Yu," the behind-the-scenes owner of the black market auction house.

Mu Cenlin stood beside Bao'er and whispered, "There is indeed an urgent matter in the army, and I need to go immediately. I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you to the auction." He turned and pointed to the three people behind him, "Yuan Ting, Feng Li, and Zhu Zhi, they will protect you closely and follow your orders. I will go as soon as I finish my military business."

The three men clasped their hands in unison: "Your subordinates obey! We will protect the Princess!"

Li Bao'er felt a warmth in her heart and nodded, saying, "Your Highness, please go with peace of mind. I know what I'm doing." Her trip to the auction house today was not just to watch the excitement.

Mu Cenlin gave her another deep look before mounting his horse and galloping away with his guards.

Before the sound of horses' hooves had faded into the distance, a frail, boneless figure gracefully emerged from the doorway.

It was Qingluan. She was still dressed in a simple and elegant dress, but the fabric and tailoring were clearly carefully made. Her face showed just the right amount of timidity and longing. She walked up to Li Bao'er and gave a gentle curtsy: "Greetings, Your Highness."

Before Li Bao'er could respond, she raised her watery eyes and said in a pitiful tone, "I heard that Your Highness is going out? Since I came to the capital, I have been stuck in this mansion. I am completely unfamiliar with the place and people and I am very worried. I wonder if I could have the honor of going out with Your Highness to see the world? I promise that I will not cause any trouble and will just follow Your Highness quietly."

Linglong, standing to the side, immediately raised her eyebrows and said irritably, "Miss Qingluan, Her Highness the Princess is going on official business, not for sightseeing! What are you doing following her? Besides, that place is not for you!"

Qingluan was choked by Linglong, and her eyes instantly reddened, as if she had suffered a great injustice: "Your Highness, please don't be angry. I'm just... just too lonely."

In the past, Li Bao'er might have felt sorry for her, but after what happened yesterday, seeing her behavior, Li Bao'er could only sneer. She was just worried about not having a chance to teach this clingy girl a lesson, but unexpectedly, she delivered herself to her doorstep.

Go to the black market? Great. It'll show her what a real "scene" is like.

Li Bao'er suddenly broke into an incredibly kind, even friendly, smile. She raised her hand to stop Linglong from speaking again and said gently to Qingluan, "Since Sister Qingluan wants to go, then let's go together. It's really boring to stay cooped up in the manor all the time."

A hint of triumphant joy flashed across Qingluan's eyes, and she quickly thanked her, "Thank you, Your Highness! Your Highness is truly kind-hearted!"

Linglong stamped her feet anxiously and whispered, "Madam! What are you doing..."

Li Bao'er gave her a "don't worry" look, a hint of coldness playing on her lips: "It's alright, more people means more fun. Let's go."

She wanted to see what kind of show this "weak and helpless" Qingluan girl could put on when she came to her lawless territory.

Perfect, let's settle both the old and new scores together.

The three people behind her exchanged glances and silently mourned for the young lady, wishing her good fortune.

The carriage eventually stopped at the back gate of what appeared to be an ordinary house, which was one of the entrances to the black market.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Li Bao'er, disguised as a man, got out first, followed closely by Linglong, who was dressed as a servant. Qingluan got out last, looking around the secluded place with curiosity and a hint of disdain, finding it hard to believe that the so-called auction house was here.

Having already received the news, Mingyu was already waiting at the back gate with her men. Today, Mingyu was different from her usual low-key and managerial demeanor. She was dressed in a dark purple outfit, her hair was tied up in a high bun, and she looked capable. Behind her were two rows of black-clad guards.

As soon as Li Bao'er got out of the car, Mingyu immediately led everyone forward and, in front of everyone, bowed extremely respectfully, her voice clear and loud: "Your subordinate Mingyu welcomes Master!"

In the shadows, several pairs of eyes hidden in the crowd suddenly flashed, quickly spreading the news that "the black market boss is an excessively young, even somewhat effeminate pretty boy."

A few disdainful sneers seemed to echo in the air.

Li Bao'er unfolded her folding fan with a "whoosh," her posture relaxed, as if she hadn't noticed anything amiss. She simply nodded slightly to Mingyu: "Get up, lead the way."

“Yes, Master, please follow me.” Mingyu stood up and personally led the way, her attitude extremely respectful.

"Master?!" Qingluan gasped sharply, her hand holding the handkerchief tightening abruptly as she stared incredulously at the figure in the moon-white brocade robe ahead.

The black market… this mysterious place she'd even heard of, a place rife with powerful connections and lucrative profits… its owner was actually Li Bao'er?! The sickly girl from the Prime Minister's mansion whom she'd always thought only revolved around the prince?!

The immense shock left her speechless for a moment, her mind going completely blank.

The group passed through several seemingly ordinary courtyards and corridors that actually concealed hidden secrets. The further they went in, the quieter the environment became, and the more heavily guarded they became.

Mingyu stepped forward and rhythmically knocked on a door several times. The heavy wooden door slid open silently.

In an instant, it was as if another world had suddenly unfolded before my eyes.

The hall was an extremely spacious and grand circular space, with a circular platform made of white marble at its center, where the auction items would be displayed. A peculiar blend of fragrances filled the air, with the precious sandalwood completely masking any unpleasant odors that might result from the large crowd.

Several new employees couldn't help but cast curious and inquisitive glances at the usually dignified and composed Steward Mingyu, who was now following so respectfully behind a young man who looked excessively young and handsome. They exchanged puzzled looks among themselves.

A few of the bolder managers, taking advantage of the brief moment while leading the way, quietly approached Mingyu and asked, "Sister Mingyu, who is this young master...?"

You'll find out soon.