Chapter 89 Prince Yaoye has always loved refined pursuits.
Jiang Geyun felt a chill run down her spine when she was addressed as "Your Excellency".
Pei Xuexiao was half a step behind her. When Su Heng appeared, Pei Xuexiao was clearly shaken. Presumably, he had confirmed more information through the news that "the Crown Prince is in Jingzhou" and was about to tell her.
Unfortunately, Jiang Geyun couldn't possibly abandon this scene and turn around to have a long chat with Pei Xuexiao.
She bowed to the person on the steps, maintaining her persona, and said in a mysterious tone, "It's probably not something that can be explained in a few words. If you are interested, why don't we come into the mansion for a chat?"
Su Heng lowered his eyes and looked at the two people below the steps, remaining noncommittal.
The Prince Jing, standing to the side, said nothing, simply observing with a smile, his hands tucked in his sleeves. He seemed completely uninterested in Jiang Geyun and Pei Xuexiao, as if he wasn't the center of the conversation, or the person the fortune teller had predicted.
Seeing this, a servant sneered, "They think they can get into the Prince's mansion with just a few words? Ridiculous! What are you waiting for? Get these two ignorant fools out of here!!"
The questioner's behavior seemed presumptuous; how could he dare to make decisions for his master without the master's permission? In reality, everyone present knew that he was only speaking on behalf of his master because he had received the master's tacit approval.
If Jiang Geyun and her companion were imposters, then being driven away is fine; if they were truly talented, then the one who spoke rudely was just an ignorant servant. The servant could be punished, and afterwards, the host and guests could still enjoy themselves.
Jiang Geyun said, "No, everyone, I have my reasons for choosing today."
Pretending to be a charlatan shouldn't be done so directly.
It's normal for people not to believe when you proactively offer fortune-telling services. You should first establish yourself in the community, cultivate a persona of a mysterious master, and let word spread among the people. Over time, your target will become curious and seek you out on their own.
It appears that the target is taking the initiative, but in reality, the target has already fallen into the trap. However, this little bit of "initiative" can make the target trust this "mysterious master" even more. After all, not many people would question the path they have chosen, right?
This is the path described by predecessors and proven effective through numerous trials; it is practically perfect and can be considered an essential skill for home and travel.
But Jiang Geyun didn't have that much time.
Once she leaves the temple, which is full of spiritual energy, her body probably won't be able to hold on for long.
Moreover, the black mist was truly strange. Unlike Pei Xuexiao, who knew little about the forbidden area of Jingzhou and had only heard a few words from Pei Xueyi, she was unsure whether being trapped here for a long time would have a deeper impact.
In short—she can't delay.
Therefore, it is essential to understand and solve problems quickly and accurately.
Upon hearing Jiang Geyun's words, the attendant asked in surprise, "Today? What's so special about today?"
Jiang Geyun remained unmoved by the doubts. She calmly raised her hand, pointing one finger to the sky and the other to the ground, and said, "I say that heaven and earth are silent, but show people through images. Behold—the silver star travels in the daytime, and the orchid blooms out of season."
No sooner had the words been spoken than a silver "shooting star" streaked across the sky before everyone's eyes!
But that wasn't the end of it. After the "meteor" disappeared, just as everyone was recovering from their shock, they saw an orchid blooming where she was pointing downwards.
Following her direction, two miracles occurred in succession!
The expressions of everyone present changed.
King Jing's interest was finally piqued, and he became more serious, looking at Jiang Geyun and the other person.
Having confirmed that everyone had seen what they were supposed to see, Jiang Geyun, like a wise man, casually withdrew her hand.
She didn't turn around, but thought to herself:
—You two worked together very well, Brother Pei.
If it were the Night Watcher, he would not be swayed by this, but this is the desolate Jingzhou. Among this group of people, only the two charlatans, Su Heng, and the King of Jing know that strange powers exist.
They knew she and Pei Xuexiao were truly capable, which made things even better.
The identities and purposes of the two individuals are unknown. Rather than letting them go, it would be better to bring them into the manor and keep them by our side. It would be best if they could be of some use, but even if they can't be of much use, we still need to find out their true purpose.
Sure enough, Prince Jing broke his silence and clapped his hands, laughing, "What are we waiting for? Quickly bring the two of them into the palace!"
Just as Jiang Geyun was about to bow and express her gratitude, she suddenly met Su Heng's gaze.
She paused.
Su Heng seemed completely oblivious to the elaborate setup she and Pei Xuexiao had created. His gaze remained fixed on her the entire time, unmoved by anything she pointed at.
It is devoid of emotion, colder than ice and snow.
It was an expression she had never seen before.
Jiang Geyun wasn't sure what Su Heng was thinking at that moment, so she could only continue to bow to Prince Jing. After thinking for a moment, she turned slightly to the side, intending to give Su Heng another bow.
She had barely raised her hand to greet him when Su Heng turned and left without a second thought.
Jiang Geyun silently withdrew her hand.
It's so hard to guess what a mid-sized villain is thinking.
wrong.
There's never a way to guess what's on this guy's mind.
...
"The immortal master was truly divine just now! He was able to influence celestial phenomena!"
"No, no," Jiang Geyun said. "I merely glimpsed the secrets of heaven by chance and appeared at the right time. I did not have the power to trigger celestial phenomena."
As Jiang Geyun responded, she subtly glanced around.
She originally thought she would put on a grand show in front of Prince Jing, but unexpectedly, she and Pei Xuexiao were taken to the Prince's residence, while Prince Jing and Su Heng left, saying they were going to go riding and archery together.
The matter had already been arranged, and it was precisely because of this arrangement that they encountered Jiang Geyun and her companion at the gate; fate is truly mysterious. However, a preordained arrangement could not be easily abandoned, so the uncle and nephew went on their trip together.
The uncle and nephew seem to have a good relationship.
I'd say there's a 90% chance it's an act.
"Little Immortal Master, don't be modest!" the servant teased Jiang Geyun. After saying that, she seemed to want to say something more.
Jiang Geyun interrupted, asking casually, "Where was my companion led? We two are used to traveling together and don't want to be separated."
The servant exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be that the two immortal masters..."
hiss.
Jiang Geyun interrupted, saying, "We are master and disciple. I have cultivated for over two hundred and sixty years and have long since severed all worldly ties."
When you're out in the world, you give yourself your own identity.
The servant was even more shocked and exclaimed repeatedly, "So that's how it is! Oh dear, I shouldn't have called the Immortal Master 'Little Immortal Master'!"
"It doesn't matter, it's just empty fame."
I'm sorry, Brother Pei, I made you a generation lower than me right away.
The servant pushed open the door and said respectfully, "Immortal Master, please rest here for now. If there are no further instructions, I will leave now."
Jiang Geyun remained silent.
Did she just casually avoid the question of why she and Pei Xuexiao separated?
Seeing that Jiang Geyun did not say anything, the servant bowed and was about to leave.
Helpless, Jiang Geyun interrupted her and started a conversation, saying, "I didn't expect the Prince to treat me so well. I am flattered and would like to trouble you to thank the Prince on my behalf."
The servant said, "Immortal Master is meticulous, I understand. However, Immortal Master should not only thank His Highness. If it were not for His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness would not have attached such importance to matters of ghosts and gods."
Jiang Geyun feigned surprise, "Your Highness the Crown Prince? That person just now was actually His Highness the Crown Prince?"
The servant seemed to realize he had let something slip, covered his lips, smiled shyly, and said, "I forgot, the Immortal Master has just arrived and has not yet been formally introduced."
It was clearly intentional.
Jiang Geyun smiled and said, "I never expected to meet such a benefactor. This trip has been worthwhile. May I ask what you mean by 'we shouldn't only thank the Prince'?"
The attendant explained, “Does the Immortal Master not know? His Highness has always been fond of refined pursuits and is renowned in the capital for his ‘refined tastes.’” She emphasized the word “refined tastes.”
"……ah?"
"Especially matters concerning ghosts and gods. I've heard that the Eastern Palace doesn't keep any classic texts, but instead has collected countless mysterious diagrams, alchemical talismans, and other magical artifacts. His Highness often spends the whole day discussing these profound matters with scholars from other worldly backgrounds, and he's even missed court sessions a few times because of their discussions!"
"Your Highness is kind-hearted, and perhaps he cannot bear to see the suffering of the common people, so he devotes himself to matters of ghosts and gods. However... alas... even our Prince jokes that when it comes to the enthusiasm and knowledge of seeking immortals and visiting the Tao, he is far inferior to His Highness the Crown Prince."
It's this kind of "refined taste"...
Actually, she didn't care much.
Jiang Geyun nodded and replied, "I see. I will definitely thank Your Highness many times in the future to express my gratitude."
The servant nodded and said, "Immortal Master, please don't say that I mentioned this..."
Jiang Geyun replied, "Of course, I will not let down the young lady who showed me the way."
The servant said with admiration, "Your Highness is handsome and elegant, a first-rate figure in this dynasty. His Majesty trusts you the most. If one could be by Your Highness's side, one's life would be worthwhile. I truly envy the Immortal Master."
Jiang Geyun smiled but did not respond.
These words almost made her break out in a cold sweat.
Watch as the servant, having said everything he needed to say, gracefully withdrew.
Jiang Geyun closed the door and sighed silently.
When the black fog dissipated, the surroundings turned from night to day. Then, Jiang Geyun and the other person spent some more time on the road before successfully entering the Prince's mansion. Now they were placed separately, waiting for Prince Jing to summon them. They did not wait long in the house before it became dark.
Jiang Geyun glanced out the window.
At this point, there's no way to do any mounted archery, right?
When the uncle and nephew return... it would be most appropriate to summon them at dinner time, to entertain them while testing the waters.
Unfortunately, she and Pei Xuexiao were separated, making it difficult to even rehearse their lines.
What makes things even more difficult is that she didn't take Lingxi with her when she left the East Palace, so the two of them couldn't even use Lingxi to communicate.
Just as she was pondering how things would develop, a servant knocked on Jiang Geyun's door and called out loudly, "Immortal Master."
Jiang Geyun stepped forward and opened the door.
The servant who had just left bowed to Jiang Geyun and said, "Immortal Master, the young Immortal Master said he has something to discuss with you."
The Little Immortal Master is referring to Pei Xuexiao.
Pei Xuexiao actually took the initiative to suggest discussing it? This doesn't seem like something he would do.
The strangest thing is that the people in the Prince's mansion agreed? Wasn't it Prince Jing's intention to separate the two of them?
Jiang Geyun couldn't understand it, but what she did understand was that she had no choice.
She said, "Please lead the way, young lady."
The servant readily agreed.
...
After wandering around for an unknown distance, they arrived at a courtyard.
It looked quite secluded, with hardly any candles lit.
The attendant stopped in front of a pavilion, curtsied, and said, "Immortal Master, please."
Jiang Geyun glanced at the pavilion not far away.
The pavilion was shrouded in night, and the interior was extremely dark, with only some shadows vaguely visible. There was probably no one inside at the moment.
Something's definitely not right.
There was no other choice but to deal with whatever came our way.
Jiang Geyun nodded to the servants, then turned and walked towards the pavilion.
She wanted to see what Prince Jing... or Su Heng, was really up to.
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Author's Note: Every time the weekend is approaching, my cunning boss drags me to work overtime... Does he really not want his workhorse to have a break? It's infuriating... Speaking of which, I've realized that Thursdays and Fridays are usually busier, plus the fatigue from half a week makes it difficult to update. So maybe I can update from Saturday to Wednesday, and rest on Thursday and Friday? I'll give it a try...! Anyway, I will definitely not stop updating, and I can guarantee 15,000 to 20,000 words per week. I will definitely finish this year!
P.S.: I slept in so much tonight that I'm late, so as usual, there's a red envelope in the comments~ There will be another update tomorrow, or rather, tonight! [Sprinkling flowers]
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