C8 Dark Guard! Pay Attention to Her!

Chu Yuan had no idea what Soong Xueling was thinking. He assumed she was dissatisfied with his words and could only cover his mouth with a dry cough, saying, "Although I don't know much about the seal within you right now, with my abilities, I should be able to find out soon."

Soong Xueling put away her doubts and responded indifferently, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Chu Yuan felt deeply underestimated, but emphasizing his point further would only backfire. As he pondered how to reestablish his authoritative image, he saw Soong Xueling yawn and directly suggest he leave, "If there's nothing else, Your Highness, please go. I'm a bit tired and would like to rest early."

"...Very well, I'll come back once I've found the answer," Chu Yuan said, feeling frustrated as he left like a gust of wind.

Upon returning to his residence, Chu Yuan immediately summoned his shadow guards, assigning them the task of investigating the ancient seal. He then called for Chu Zi, the leader of his personal secret guards, and ordered, "Select three from the secret guards and send them to the Soong residence. Keep an eye on the Third Miss at all times."

The secret guards were different from the shadow guards. There were only twelve of them, named after the twelve earthly branches, meticulously trained to stay by Chu Yuan's side and ensure his safety.

Thus, the secret guards were not like the shadow guards, who only followed orders without their own considerations: "But Your Highness, this might not be appropriate..."

“Are you ignoring my words now? Then there's no need for you to follow me anymore.” Chu Yuan glanced at Chu Zi, his tone casual, yet it sent a shiver down Chu Zi's spine.

Chu Zi dared not say more and could only bow in agreement. Satisfied, Chu Yuan added, “Have the three of them report back to me daily about the situation over there. I want to hear it firsthand.”

“Yes, I understand,” Chu Zi replied, though he couldn't help but wonder who this Third Miss of the Soong family was to warrant such attention from his master. The secret guards usually only concerned themselves with Chu Yuan's safety, nothing else. If he knew that the Third Miss was known throughout the capital as a useless girl, he might just be shocked speechless.

Meanwhile, having missed dinner and with no one saving her a bite, Soong Xueling returned to her bed hungry. Fortunately, she didn't mind too much, or the night would have been unbearable.

Before dawn the next morning, Soong Xueling was already up. After a night of meditation, her psychic force had somewhat recovered, almost back to when she first arrived here. While she couldn't accomplish anything major, she could manage some small tricks.

Just as Soong Xueling finished washing up and was about to step out, she heard a delicate voice in the courtyard, “Is Third Sister awake? I came to check on her.”

"Ah, it's the second Miss. The third Miss just got up. Please, come in," came a warm voice from the other room, followed by someone lifting the curtain and stepping inside.

Xueling glanced toward the door and saw a young woman gracefully entering, dressed in a white, delicately patterned chiffon gown. She was strikingly beautiful, with almond-shaped eyes, a heart-shaped face, and a small, cherry-like mouth.

This was Xuenuan, the second Miss of the Soong family.

To the outside world, Xuenuan was just the adopted daughter of the Soong family, brought in due to a great favor she had done for the current lady of the house. Xueling's father, Soong Liankai, had personally given her the status of a legitimate daughter of the family.

In truth, she was the biological daughter of Soong Liankai and the lady of the house. Otherwise, with Soong Liankai's selfish and cold nature, why would he bestow such a status on someone merely out of gratitude?

"Third sister, you're up early today. I heard you weren't feeling well after going out yesterday and even skipped dinner. How are you now?" Xuenuan's voice was so gentle it made Xueling want to gag.

Xueling smirked coldly. Xuenuan always appeared understanding and kind to everyone, but Xueling knew her true nature. After all, the maid Furong had been bribed by Xuenuan to turn against her.

At the party earlier, even though Soong Xuenuan didn't directly give the orders, she was fully aware of Soong Xuerou's entire plan. It was Xuenuan who secretly advised Furong to follow Xuerou's instructions.

Soong Xueling watched Xuenuan's gentle smile and remembered that, according to Furong, even when Xuenuan was telling others to do something wrong, she wore that same smile. The thought made Xueling feel utterly disgusted.