C12 How Could I Give Such a Huge Fortune to Someone Else?

"I've accepted your gift, and I won't take back what I promised you." That night, Yuhan slipped into the mansion once more, his dark cloak fluttering past the window before he landed inside. He sat across from Qiuli, pulling out some tea leaves from his pouch and brewed two cups. The room was soon filled with a rich aroma, even Qiuli, who wasn't fond of tea, found it soothing.

"The tea is good, but in the hands of the Ninth Prince, it feels wasted!" Qiuli remarked, nibbling on a pastry that suddenly seemed to lose its flavor. She leaned back, showing no sense of being the host, while Yuhan pushed a cup of tea towards her.

"Not necessarily. I've always loved tea and know a bit more about it than you do. Give it a taste, can you tell what it is?" Yuhan wasn't bothered by Qiuli's sarcasm. He narrowed his eyes, softening his usual cold demeanor, careful not to startle her.

"Lu'an is a nice place," Qiuli said after a sip, the subtle fragrance spreading in her mouth. It was a top-grade Lu'an Melon Seed tea, but she didn't name it outright, just commented casually.

Yuhan knew she had recognized it, and he smiled into his cup, hiding his expression. After a while, he set the cup down and asked, "After all this time, I should ask you, what's your aim in all this? I've received so many benefits from you; I ought to repay you somehow!"

"Should I thank the Ninth Prince then?" Qiuli replied, a bit intrigued. She looked up at Yuhan, her gaze full of challenge. Honestly, if she had enough power, she wouldn't have handed over such a fortune to someone else.

The Fifth Prince has asked the Emperor for the Prime Minister's daughter's hand in marriage. Given the Prime Minister's affection for his legitimate daughter, it's unlikely he'll agree to the match. Now that he's brought you into the mansion, it seems that's his plan, right?" Xiao Yuhan didn't confirm or deny, avoiding further discussion on the matter. After investigating for two days, he had already figured out the situation. He thought marrying Xiao Hongfei would be a bit of a compromise for Lo Qiuli.

Regardless of how she learned about the Jade Face Fox and the mineral vein, since she brought this information to him, he felt obliged to repay her kindness. The Prime Minister's intention in bringing Lo Qiuli back to the palace was clear: he wanted her to marry into the Fifth Prince's mansion. Being daughters of the Prime Minister, it didn't matter who it was; at most, it would just cause a rift with the Fifth Prince.

"Now that you know, aren't you planning to help?" She had expected to be the one losing patience, but was surprised when Xiao Yuhan initiated the conversation, which was unusual for her. It was said the Ninth Prince never acted without benefit, yet here he was, seemingly without gain.

"Of course, I intend to help, but the Fifth Prince hasn't returned from changing camps yet, so there's nothing I can do at the moment!" Xiao Yuhan maintained his relaxed demeanor, speaking as if his words were unintentional. However, to Lo Qiuli, they seemed to carry a different meaning. She frowned at Xiao Yuhan, unable to decipher his intent.

"It's getting late; I should be going!" Xiao Yuhan looked up at Lo Qiuli, noticing her thoughtful expression. His smile deepened as he stood up, glanced theatrically at the bright moon outside, and left as quietly as he had arrived.

Lo Qiuli remained deep in thought, and suddenly, a realization struck her. She understood Xiao Yuhan's implication, her smile and bright eyes reflecting her good mood. His words had completely dispelled her doubts, and she felt she could finally get a good night's sleep.

The Fifth Prince was still unaware of her existence, thinking the Prime Minister's family only had Lo Qiushui and Lo Qiulan. To him, it didn't matter who he married as long as he could leverage the Prime Minister's influence. However, if he discovered her existence, things might change. He, a dignified prince, would never tolerate marrying someone unattractive. She still remembered the look on Xiao Hongfei's face, as if he'd swallowed a fly, when he lifted the red veil.

"Wuhen, send the news from the Prime Minister's residence to Xiao Hongfei through our contacts," Xiao Yuhan instructed as he left Orchid Fragrance Garden. His usual indifferent demeanor returned, the unconscious warmth in his eyes vanishing as soon as he left Lo Qiuli's room, replaced by a cold, deep gaze.

"Master, are we really going to help Miss Lo? If the Prime Minister finds out, it could be troublesome!" Wuhen expressed concern. In recent years, the master had been lying low, and this move could attract unwanted attention. If that happened, it might backfire.

"Why not help? If she marries too soon, life will be less interesting. Besides, it's not up to that old man to interfere in my affairs," Xiao Yuhan replied, his expression growing colder. He was aware of the potential consequences, but Lo Qiuli wouldn't help him for nothing. Sooner or later, Lo Zhan would notice his actions. It was better to act preemptively.

"Understood." Feeling the chilling aura emanating from his master, Wuhen dared not argue further. After receiving his orders, he left to carry them out. Xiao Yuhan hadn't gone far, and as he looked at the mansion shrouded in darkness, the slight curve of his lips was impossible to ignore.

Meanwhile, Xiao Hongfei, still on his way back to the capital, quickly received the news. As he read the contents of the letter, his eyes grew colder. He hadn't expected Lo Zhan to play such a trick behind his back.

"Well, Lo Zhan, you've been scheming behind my back. Let's see who outsmarts whom! Send word to everyone—we need to reach the capital within three days, no matter what!" After reading the letter, Xiao Hongfei's anger flared, nearly setting the tent ablaze. The guards nearby exchanged worried glances, too afraid to intervene, and instead hurried to carry out their orders.

"Master, there's news from Qingzhou. A group of rebels has entered the capital and caused chaos at the Lantern Festival. They’re asking if we should take any precautions!" Once everyone else had left the tent, a masked figure dressed in black emerged from the shadows, unnoticed by anyone.

"Precautions? Why didn't they do something sooner?" Xiao Hongfei fumed at the mention of the incident. He had already instructed them to keep a close watch on these people, yet so many managed to slip into the capital.