"Fifth Prince, rest assured, we have a common goal, and the result will definitely not disappoint you." Liu Ruyi lowered her eyes, concealing the murderous intent in them.
If she could really capture Jiang Qinyu, how could she possibly let her live?
The fifth prince of Xiqiang is really delusional. Does he think this is his Xiqiang?
Jiang Chengyou turned and disappeared into the darkness, and after a moment, his presence could no longer be felt.
“My lady, the Emperor has instructed us to cooperate with the Fifth Prince of Western Qiang, but he has not instructed us to obey his every command,” said a maidservant beside Liu Ruyi.
Her status is different now, and the people accompanying her are not just ordinary maids, but elite guards trained by Emperor Jingqing since childhood, originally prepared for the favored concubines and princesses in the palace.
"Do you really think I'll listen to him?" Liu Ruyi curled her lips. "I just want to use his people to distract Jiang Qinyu's people."
Lu Yanzheng had placed more than one expert by Jiang Qinyu's side. Among them was a man named A Ping, at whom Jiang Chengyou had suffered a great loss. Of course, she wouldn't make the same mistake.
Even Jiang Qinyu herself probably didn't know that Lu Yanzheng cared about her not only through A Ping on the surface, but also through at least four other experts protecting her in secret.
This is also why Liu Ruyi hasn't made a move since arriving in Dingshui Village. Given the wary attitude of Jiang Qinyu and her group, if she doesn't strike decisively in one blow, it will be even more difficult for her to achieve anything later.
Her pledge before the Emperor would surely throw Lu Yanzheng into disarray, giving the court a chance to reclaim the four northwestern prefectures.
Once a man has a weakness, he is not difficult to deal with.
Meanwhile, after Jiang Chengyou left the cave, he was escorted by his trained assassins and headed deeper into the Yunshan Mountains.
Jiang Chengyou at this time was different from the one Jiang Qinyu remembered. It wasn't that his appearance had changed, but rather that he seemed much more composed and reserved than before.
It's because he's experienced a lot, especially after facing life and death, that he's seen through many things and understood many things.
Back then, Lu Yanzheng stormed into the Western Qiang royal palace alone and almost killed him. If the Grand Preceptor hadn't sacrificed most of his power to save him, he wouldn't have been able to come to Dayue.
The Western Qiang's public announcement of his death was merely a ploy; even their westward migration, and the fact that those who actually migrated westward, were part of the plan.
Did Lu Yanzheng really think he had a foolproof plan? Not everyone in this world will do as others wish, and there's even a greater chance that someone will turn around and bite you back.
Jiang Chengyou stared at the dark mountains, glanced back at Dingshui Village, and a cold smile appeared on his face.
He'll find out sooner or later what secret that woman holds!
...
Lu Wanqing's arrival made both Old Man Lu and Madam Chen feel somewhat uneasy.
During dinner, Ms. Chen frequently looked outside.
"What's wrong, Mother?" Jiang Qinyu asked upon seeing this.
Chen looked at her and asked, "Didn't you say a young lady was visiting? Why haven't I seen her come out to eat?"
"She's in a bad mood and won't come out for dinner, so I've already had Amber deliver some to her," Jiang Qinyu explained casually.
Mrs. Chen suddenly realized, "Oh, is that so? But... why did she come to our house when she was in a bad mood?"
Shouldn't they be resting at home?
Jiang Qinyu didn't know how to tell her, so she thought for a moment and said, "She's just out to relax. We should just do our best to be hospitable. Don't think too much about it."
She only allowed Lu Wanqing to stay because of her past friendship with Xiao Rui, who had searched for minerals in the mountains together. She didn't want to do anything more.
“No matter what, she’s a guest staying in our house, so we should be polite and not neglect her,” Chen couldn’t help but say.
At this moment, Old Master Lu spoke up, "Girl, you said that the Lu family's daughter, who is the military commander of Yukang Prefecture, has arrived?"
Jiang Qinyu nodded. "Yes, we had some dealings before. You know Miss Lu, sir, right?"
Grandpa Lu frowned. "I have a vague impression, but not much. I think I saw her from afar when her grandfather brought her to our house. But how did she end up here?"
And they arrived and didn't even come out to eat? Is that proper etiquette for a guest? It's really outrageous.
Jiang Qinyu put down her chopsticks, looked at him with some difficulty, and didn't know how to start the conversation.
After all, Lu Wanqing's feelings for Xiao Rui were not something she wanted to spread to the world.
"Alright, alright, I'll have her come to see me in a bit," Old Master Lu said directly, seeing her hesitation.
Jiang Qinyu couldn't help but speak up for Lu Wanqing, "Actually, Miss Lu is a very good person, sir, please don't make things difficult for her."
"What's so difficult about it? Do you think I'm that unreasonable?" Old Master Lu said with dissatisfaction.
Besides, this is Jiang Qinyu's home. Even if he's shameless, he wouldn't do something like lecturing a junior in someone else's house.
He didn't have a bad impression of Lu Wanqing either; she was a very sensible girl. He just wanted to ask her what had happened.
Seeing this, Jiang Qinyu didn't say much, but couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Lu Wanqing's feelings for Xiao Rui were really...too infatuated.
After dinner, Jiang Qinyu and Shufan went for a walk in the village to digest their food, and Grandpa Lu called Lu Wanqing out for a question.
Lu Wanqing naturally respected Old Master Lu, after all, he was the head of the direct branch of the family, someone even her grandfather had to bow to.
They all stayed in Jiang Qinyu's guest courtyard, but this guest courtyard had four independent small courtyards, which did not interfere with each other, and there was no situation where male and female guests lived together. Therefore, Lu Wanqing arrived faster than Grandpa Lu had expected.
"Greetings, Third Grandfather." Lu Wanqing bowed to the old man.
When he was young, Old Master Lu was the third child in his family, which is why Lu Wanqing called him that.
"No need for formalities, please have a seat." Old Master Lu had a servant serve tea, and then carefully examined Lu Wanqing.
Upon seeing this, his brows furrowed even more. "I remember you weren't this thin before. What's wrong with your complexion?"
Lu Wanqing was initially quite nervous, but the old man Lu's words of concern instantly put her at ease, and her eyes immediately reddened.
My cousin greatly respected my great-grandfather and had mentioned him many times, always praising him. But now my cousin is no longer here...
"No, why are you crying? Who bullied you? Did your grandfather and father arrange some ridiculous marriage for you? Your great-grandfather will stand up for you!" Old Master Lu made wild guesses.
The things that can make a woman so heartbroken are usually related to marriage. Maybe Lu Wanqing is no exception?
Upon hearing the word "marriage," Lu Wanqing's tears fell even more profusely, but she shook her head. "No, thank you for your concern, Third Grandfather. I'm really fine. I'll be alright in a few days."
She couldn't say it was because of her cousin. Her great-grandfather had already suffered the loss of his son, and he had probably only just emerged from the shadow of his cousin's death. She couldn't let anyone think of him again.
"Really?" Old Master Lu looked at her, clearly not believing her.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
