C86 Grandma

Even the Empress Dowager wouldn't dare to wade into such murky waters lightly. Not for any other reason, but because she was still waiting for someone important to return...

"Speaking of this, I must thank you, Royal Grandma, for your support," Tiange said. That day, when Bai Yushuang wanted to gift her the Wind Slash Sword, Tiange noticed the Empress Dowager's reaction and was relieved she didn't object. After all, the Wind Slash Sword, much like the 'Dugu Yan,' was considered ominous.

"Grandma sees you truly like it," the Empress Dowager said, her eyes dimming slightly, her voice tinged with melancholy. "And such a fine sword, crafted with so much care, it would be a shame to melt it down."

Tiange stayed with the Empress Dowager in the Happiness Prolonging Hall until after lunch before leaving.

At the east gate of the palace, Tiange got into the carriage and immediately saw a smile as bright as the morning sun appear before her. It was Rong Qi.

Tiange didn't bother with pointless questions like "What are you doing here?" or "Who let you up here?" She simply sat across from him and looked at him quietly.

"Lei Yi is back," Rong Qi said, his face as striking as ever, his eyes shining like stars.

Tiange blinked. "And then?"

"You wanted to borrow him, right? I'm lending him to you now, no problem if you need him twice," Rong Qi offered eagerly.

Some things are better left unsaid, but once mentioned, they stir up a storm of emotions. Tiange remained silent, leaning lazily against the carriage, arms crossed, looking at Rong Qi with a half-smile, waiting for him to speak.

“Didn't I give you an IOU for fifty million dollars before? If it's convenient, I'd like you to return it to me.” Rong Qi wasn't short on money, and neither was the Merchant Alliance, but having money didn't mean he had to be generous.

Feng Tiange looked understanding, “If Prince Rong is willing to part with Lei Yi, then we can discuss this matter.”

“You're pushing it! Is Lei Yi only worth fifty million dollars? Without fifty million in gold, there's no way I'm giving him to you!” Rong Qi was actually ready; if Feng Tiange dared to offer, he would really give him away!

At Rong Qi's price, Feng Tiange responded with a cold, dismissive laugh.

In the shadows, Lei Yi suddenly felt that maybe being doused with wax by the Third Princess wasn't so bad after all. So, he was only worth fifty million in gold...

Regardless of Lei Yi's silent lament, Feng Tiange clearly refused.

Rong Qi was persistent, “Tell me, what will it take for you to return my IOU?”

“If you call me 'Great Aunt'...”

“Great Aunt!” Rong Qi didn't even let Feng Tiange finish her sentence, calling out swiftly and with great enthusiasm.

Feng Tiange stared at Rong Qi for a while, her expression growing colder.

She realized she was wrong; how could someone so carefree value dignity?

“So, even if you call me 'Great Aunt,' I can't give you back the IOU.”

When 'if' became reality, Feng Tiange reached this conclusion.

Rong Qi fell silent, his mind caught in a loop of two conflicting thoughts: "If she's gone, I won't owe fifty million," and "If she's gone, no one will owe eighty million." Feng Tiange, you've won.

Just as Rong Qi was about to concede, Feng Tiange suddenly stood up and leaned in close. At such proximity, Rong Qi couldn't find a single flaw on her face. Every eyelash was perfect, her delicate features like a masterpiece, beautiful beyond words. Her breath brushed his ear, and his cheeks flushed red.

"Feng Tiange, about that... I really can't repay a debt with my body..."

"Ghost-faced Buddha..." The carriage rumbled on as Feng Tiange peered through the side curtain, her gaze fixed on a figure that had just passed by, deep in thought.

Hearing this, Rong Qi turned his head instinctively in the direction Feng Tiange was looking. Sure enough, there was a figure in a black cloak and wide-brimmed hat walking quietly down the street, seemingly unremarkable.

"Who's the Ghost-faced Buddha?" Rong Qi asked, feigning ignorance while secretly alarmed.

Only after the figure faded from view did Feng Tiange return to her seat. "He's a notorious skin artist in the underworld. He'll do anything for money. But why is he in the capital...?"

Rong Qi had the answer to Feng Tiange's question.

On the day Dugu Yan was murdered, there was no summons for the leaders of the Thirteen Sects to gather at the palace. Instead, someone falsely issued a command in Dugu Yan's name, bringing them all to the Chonghua Hall.

Because of this, Beiming Yuan dared to act so decisively, knowing there would be no repercussions.

To many astute observers, the one who issued the false command must have been Beiming Yuan. However, according to Rong Qi, the messenger was one of the leaders of the Thirteen Sects.

He didn't know who it was, but he was certain this person was aware of Beiming Yuan's plot and colluded with him, leading to Dugu Yan's tragic death at the Heaven Obeying Hall.

If the leaders of the Thirteen Sects hadn't entered the palace, Beiming Yuan wouldn't have decided to act that day.

Perhaps Rong Qi could have returned in time...

As for the traitor, if they were alive, they certainly wouldn't reveal their true identity. A master of disguise would be their best option.

Now that the Masked Buddha had arrived, he should soon uncover the traitor...

Regarding the events of that day, Feng Tiange and Rong Qi shared the same thoughts. She suspected Beiming Yuan of issuing the false command but didn't guess that the messenger would be one of the Thirteen Sects' leaders.

So, regarding the Masked Buddha's arrival in the capital, she was merely curious and didn't analyze it as deeply as Rong Qi.

The carriage stopped at the Fish Market intersection. After 'inviting' Rong Qi to leave, Feng Tiange headed directly to the Fish Market.

Earlier, due to Yaoyue's sudden appearance, Feng Tiange hadn't met Meiniang.

At this moment, Lyi Xiaotian had already arranged for Meiniang to visit the No-south House, and she wanted to meet this martial arts expert.

To the left of the No-south House's main hall, a red lacquered door opens to a narrow passage leading to a secret meeting room inside. The room's decor is simple yet dignified, subtly exuding an air of mystery that matches Lyi Xiaotian's character and demeanor.

When Feng Tiange entered the meeting room, Meiniang was sipping tea.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Madam Mei," Feng Tiange said, dressed in a snow-white robe with a veil covering her face, bowing slightly.

Meiniang gracefully stood to return the gesture, "No need for formalities."

In that brief moment of eye contact, a mutual understanding and admiration seemed to pass between them. Feng Tiange appreciated Meiniang's calm and grace, while Meiniang admired Feng Tiange's composure and courage. Sometimes, whether someone is a friend or foe is clear at a glance.

"I assume you already have an idea why I asked to meet," Feng Tiange said directly after taking a seat. "What do you think about the appearance of Moon Tin Workshop in the Fish Market?"

"The view of the No-south House is my view," Meiniang replied softly, her every expression captivating.

Feng Tiange privately thought this was true beauty—someone who shines without needing adornment, effortlessly pleasing to the eye. For some reason, Feng Tiange suddenly thought of Yaoyue, imagining that if she ever appeared without makeup, she would be an exceptionally beautiful woman.

“The fifty million dollars that Mr. Li sent over earlier is just the beginning of what the No-south House expects,” Tiange said, pulling a note from his pocket. “Of course, that’s not enough…”

Meiniang took the note and opened it gently, momentarily stunned.

“I know your tin and iron mine in Ziyun County has a considerable output and even has a surplus each year,” Tiange continued diplomatically. In plain terms, it meant they had more than they could sell.

Meiniang nodded, “Indeed.”