Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 76. Trading Cooperation

76. Collaborative Bargain

"You can have some tea, or ask for a favor, but first, you have to beat me!"

Ye Li regarded the flirtatious young master staring at her with a provocative expression and found it inwardly amusing. Of course, she knew Han Mingyue wasn’t in Jiangnan right now; she even knew where he’d gone. Although Han Mingyue and Han Mingxi were brothers, Han Mingxi was obviously much easier to deal with. For various reasons, Ye Li had no intention of meeting Han Mingyue. "Young Master Han, what do you want to gamble on?"

Han Mingxi raised his eyebrows and smiled. "I won’t take advantage of you. You were quite formidable just now, weren’t you? Let’s stick to dice, highest roll wins."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow but didn’t object. "Alright."

Han Mingxi laughed with satisfaction. "Good, straightforward! If you can beat me, I’ll help you with whatever you ask."

Ye Li chuckled. "That won’t be necessary. I’m not one to make exorbitant demands. Even if I ask for a favor, I won’t let Young Master Han lose out. After all... business deals need to be mutually beneficial to last, don’t you agree?"

"Interesting," Han Mingxi chuckled. "And what if you lose?"

Ye Li replied, "If I lose, then consider today’s matter unmentioned. Furthermore, the 210,000 taels in silver notes I just won in your esteemed establishment will be my stake."

"A single round to decide it?" Han Mingxi asked.

"Please." Ye Li gestured for him to proceed.

Han Mingxi flicked his sleeve, and the ancient zither on the table sailed smoothly onto a nearby cabinet. He then produced a set of dice, placed it on the table, and said loftily, "You can inspect the dice first."

Ye Li shook her head, pushed the dice cup back, and smiled. "I trust the reputation of the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower and Young Master Han. Please, Young Master Han, you first."

Han Mingxi smirked. "Highest roll or lowest?"

Ye Li pondered for a moment. "Highest."

Han Mingxi snorted lightly, then snatched up the dice cup and dice from the table. He began to shake them, unhurriedly at first. Ye Li leisurely admired his movements; it was, admittedly, quite a spectacle. The dice cup seemed to dance in his hand with all sorts of flourishes, as if by magic, before he slammed it down hard onto the tabletop. Raising an eyebrow at Ye Li, Han Mingxi lifted the cup without even glancing at the dice. Ye Li calmly observed the dice on the table. The original three dice had somehow become six pieces, each of the three having been split diagonally in half. They formed six neat pyramids on the surface. "Impressive internal energy, Young Master Han. Thirty-three points."

Han Mingxi was clearly in high spirits, his eyes crinkling with a smile as he looked at Ye Li. "It seems these dice are unusable now. Young Master Chu, you can use a new set. I trust Young Master Chu won’t resort to simply copying my trick, will you?"

Ye Li, with a calm expression, took the new set of ivory dice Han Mingxi offered and dropped them into the dice cup. Unlike Han Mingxi’s flamboyant shaking style, Ye Li merely held the cup and shook it conventionally; the speed wasn’t even particularly fast. The Water Pavilion fell silent, save for the clattering of the dice. However, Han Mingxi’s initially relaxed and carefree smile gradually turned solemn. Even his lazily reclining posture straightened, his gaze fixed intently on Ye Li’s serene face. To his surprise, he couldn’t discern the potential outcome of the dice at all! Still, he wasn’t overly concerned about winning or losing. Thirty-three points was already the highest possible score. Unless this young man before him replicated his feat, he couldn’t possibly win.

THUD! Ye Li set the dice cup back on the table and, smiling, looked at Han Mingxi. "Young Master Han, care to guess the points?"

Han Mingxi shot her a disdainful look. "It doesn’t matter what you rolled; you can’t beat me. Open it. Let me see just how formidable Young Master Chu truly is."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Young Master Han is indeed correct."

She slowly lifted the dice cup. The three dice rested on the table, perfectly intact. But... all three dice were balanced on a single corner, their slanted faces leaning against each other, clustered together. Each die had two faces pointing upwards, and those two faces were, coincidentally, a five and a six. This meant Ye Li also had thirty-three points.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Thirty-three points. A draw, wouldn’t you say, Young Master Han?"

Han Mingxi stared at her fixedly for a long moment before finally speaking, his voice deep, "You’ve won. State your business." With a wave of his hand, the dice cup and the three dice were sent flying to a curio shelf on the side. Han Mingxi then called out loudly, "Serve tea!"

「In the Water Pavilion」

Ye Li savored the exquisite, fragrant tea that had just been served. The Qingfeng Mingyue Tower truly lived up to its reputation as the world’s finest establishment for enjoyment; even its tea could rival the quality of imperial tribute.

Han Mingxi stared at Ye Li, his gaze profound. "Young Master Chu, can you now tell me what business you have with the Lord of Tianyi Pavilion?"

Setting down her teacup, Ye Li smiled faintly. "It’s nothing too serious, actually. I plan to take a trip to the Southern Border soon and require some information. Since Tianyi Pavilion is reputed to be the best intelligence organization in Great Chu, I had to be bold enough to come and ask for your assistance."

Flattered by someone who was clearly his equal, Han Mingxi’s expression softened somewhat. He gave a light snort. "To know the connection between the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower and Tianyi Pavilion, Young Master Chu must already be exceptionally well-informed. Why would you still need Tianyi Pavilion’s help?"

Ye Li gave a helpless laugh. "Knowing about that... was purely accidental. I hope Young Master Han won’t blame me for my presumptuousness. Of course, since Tianyi Pavilion makes its living by selling intelligence, I will naturally offer a payment that satisfies Tianyi Pavilion."

Han Mingxi’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. He leaned back, casually sizing up Ye Li. "Oh? Satisfy Tianyi Pavilion, you say? It seems Young Master Chu is quite confident."

Ye Li smiled gently. "I trust that since Tianyi Pavilion is open for business, it won’t demand an exorbitant price, will it?"

"Hmph! Surely Young Master Chu doesn’t intend to pay Tianyi Pavilion’s bill with the money you won at my Qingfeng Mingyue Tower?" Han Mingxi retorted.

"How could I dare? I happen to own a couple of shops in Guangling City. Though newly opened, I imagine they might still be worthy of Young Master Han’s notice." Ye Li sipped her tea calmly, smiling at Han Mingxi.

Han Mingxi frowned slightly, his handsome, roguishly charming face inadvertently exuding a soul-stirring allure. Although she wasn’t affected by him, Ye Li couldn’t help but inwardly admire his looks. He clearly resembled Han Mingyue so much, yet their temperaments were vastly different.

"Could Young Master Chu be referring to that fragrance shop called Xunya Pavilion, the one that opened on Xuanwu Street about half a year ago?" Han Mingxi asked, his tone clearly probing.

Ye Li nodded. "Precisely. Young Master Han must be aware of how much Xunya Pavilion earns. As long as Young Master Han can provide me with satisfactory information, I am willing to offer twenty percent of Xunya Pavilion’s annual profits to you."

"Annually?" Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow. "So, am I to understand that Young Master Chu is proposing a long-term partnership? Xunya Pavilion is indeed profitable, but it hardly seems significant enough to be a long-term partner for Tianyi Pavilion."

Of course, he knew about Xunya Pavilion. In fact, the fragrance he was currently wearing was from there. Ever since he started using Xunya Pavilion’s scents, no other fragrance could capture his interest. Xunya Pavilion had only been open in Guangling City for half a year, yet its reputation was already beginning to eclipse all the established cosmetic and fragrance shops. Its prices, however, were more than triple those of ordinary stores, making it less popular with common households. But Han Mingxi was certain that at least seventy percent of the young ladies from prominent families and noblewomen in Guangling City used Xunya Pavilion’s fragrances. If Xunya Pavilion were willing to lower its prices, he believed it would undoubtedly dominate the fragrance market in no time.

Ye Li shook her head, still smiling. "Young Master Han, do you know whose money is the easiest to earn in this world?"

Han Mingxi frowned. "Wealthy merchants, of course." The staggering annual income of the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower was, after all, provided by these immensely wealthy merchants.

Ye Li waved the folded fan in her hand. "Incorrect. It’s women."

"Women?" Han Mingxi scoffed. Women have no source of income; they are entirely reliant on men. This inherently limits their spending power compared to men. And few women could ever spend lavishly, throwing away fortunes as men do.

Ye Li sighed softly, toying idly with the fan in her hand as she chuckled. "In this world... there are more women than men. However... not all men are fond of feasting, drinking, womanizing, and gambling, yet it’s a certainty that all women desire to be young and beautiful." Even the female soldiers in her previous life, no matter how much they matched men on the battlefield, would always prioritize clothing and cosmetic shops when they went out on the streets.

Han Mingxi’s interest was piqued. He didn’t possess his elder brother’s astounding talent and acumen for business, nor was he particularly attached to money. But that didn’t mean he was a fool; he naturally grasped some of what Ye Li was implying. He gave Ye Li a look that silently urged her to continue, then reached out to refill both their teacups, clearly intrigued by the topic.

Ye Li didn’t seem to mind. "The fragrance formulas from Xunya Pavilion are top secret. They aren’t something any ordinary cosmetics shop can replicate. Frankly, the quality of cosmetics and fragrances currently available in Great Chu doesn’t quite appeal to me, and I believe Young Master Han feels similarly, don’t you?"

Han Mingxi frowned. He hadn’t particularly noticed before, but since Xunya Pavilion appeared, he realized the fragrances he used to use were rather monotonous and not nearly as pleasant. Although he had people privately concocting top-quality perfumes for him, the time and effort involved far outweighed the inherent value of the perfume itself. Occasionally, he would gift items from Xunya Pavilion to his female companions, and those beautiful young women clearly showed a preference for Xunya Pavilion’s scented powders. Han Mingxi was reluctant to admit he might have indirectly brought Xunya Pavilion a considerable number of customers.

Ye Li watched Han Mingxi’s contemplative expression with satisfaction before continuing, "Although Xunya Pavilion currently only has this one shop in Guangling City, with Young Master Han’s discerning eye, do you think it’s possible for me to open one in every major city and town in Great Chu? Or even... including Xiling, Beirong, and the Southern Border, perhaps even further afield? After all... where there are women, there’s no worry about a lack of sales. What do you say?"

Han Mingxi felt a little intimidated by this youth before him, who was clearly not yet fifteen. He believed that if his money-obsessed elder brother were here, they would have much to discuss. Opening a Xunya Pavilion in every city and town... it sounded like a grand undertaking. Han Mingxi started to imagine opening a Qingfeng Mingyue Tower in every city himself, then...

"Heh, I’d advise Young Master Han against such thoughts," Ye Li interjected, guessing his train of thought as she saw him gazing out of the Water Pavilion, chin in hand, eyes shining. "Otherwise... Young Master Mingyue might get angry." The Qingfeng Mingyue Tower was the premier establishment of its kind precisely because of its uniqueness. If they were commonplace, it wouldn’t be nearly as special. She doubted Han Mingyue didn’t operate brothels elsewhere; they were merely less renowned. Besides, the brothel industry, frankly, didn’t require much specialized skill. One could become a leader in it, but achieving complete dominance would be difficult.

"Cosmetics and fragrances are consumables," Ye Li continued, "while the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower... hmm, that’s for leisure. They are two entirely different things, aren’t they? However... I believe we can certainly cooperate on this point."

Han Mingxi had only been momentarily carried away. If he were truly tasked with establishing Qingfeng Mingyue Towers all over Great Chu, he’d probably be the first to flee from the burden. Hearing Ye Li’s words, he showed no resistance, merely raising an eyebrow to indicate he was listening intently.

Ye Li chuckled. "For instance... the cosmetics and fragrances used by the women of the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower could be entirely sourced from Xunya Pavilion. What do you think, Young Master Han? As a gesture of goodwill for our initial cooperation, I can gift you a specially crafted fragrance and provide an indefinite, complimentary supply. How does that sound?"

Han Mingxi contemplated for a moment, then raised his eyebrows and chuckled. "Young Master Chu is so sincere. If I were to disagree, wouldn’t I be turning business away? Very well. Young Master Chu, tell me what information you need as soon as possible. I believe I can provide something you’ll find more than worth your while."

Ye Li nodded with satisfaction. "Excellent. In that case, perhaps Young Master Han can begin his preparations, and I shall make some of my own. Shall we meet again in a few days to sign the agreement?"

"Consider it done."

「Back at the Courtyard」

Only after leaving the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower and returning to the inconspicuous small courtyard in Guangling City where their group of five was temporarily staying did Darky Three finally let out a sigh of relief. Before the bewildered gazes of his brothers, he expressionlessly pulled out a thick stack of silver notes and tossed them onto the table.

Darky Two, responsible for their finances, raised his eyebrows in astonishment. "Where did all these silver notes come from?" They had only brought twenty thousand taels in total from the Capital City. Had the Princess Consort and Darky Three really multiplied it tenfold on a single outing?

Darky Three glanced at Ye Li, who was sitting to one side, fanning herself and sipping tea, and stated woodenly, "Won it at the gambling den." Then, looking at Ye Li with lingering fear, he added, "Young Master, I truly didn’t expect us to walk out of there safely today."

Ye Li shot him a look and chuckled. "Don’t worry. If the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower were to cause trouble for us over a mere two hundred thousand taels, they would lose far too much face."

A mere two hundred thousand taels? Even if the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower raked in gold daily, two hundred thousand taels was definitely not a small sum!

The Qingfeng Mingyue Tower?! Darky One, Darky Two, and Darky Three felt their lips twitch. They unanimously decided to forget this incident. They were the Princess Consort’s shadow guards; they would absolutely, positively never tell the Prince that the Princess Consort had taken Darky Three to visit a brothel.

Ye Li wasn’t in a hurry to seek out Han Mingxi. She wanted to completely conceal her movements and also needed intelligence on the Southern Border. Truthfully, she hadn’t originally planned to approach Tianyi Pavilion at all. Although both Han Mingxi and Han Mingyue seemed affable, Ye Li knew in her heart, even after just one meeting with Han Mingxi, that the refined Han Mingyue was at least ten times more difficult to deal with than his infamous rapist younger brother. If she hadn’t coincidentally learned that Han Mingyue was currently away from Great Chu, Ye Li would never have contacted Han Mingxi.

Although Han Mingxi seemed somewhat unreliable, Tianyi Pavilion’s intelligence network was remarkably swift. Just as Ye Li had finished exploring Guangling City, Han Mingxi arrived at their door one morning.

In the reception hall, Ye Li watched Han Mingxi, clad in dark red silk robes and perpetually exuding his roguish charm, leisurely flirting with the young maidservant who served tea. Ye Li waved the blushing girl away and said with a smile, "It’s been a few days, Young Master Han. You’re as dashing as ever."

Han Mingxi chuckled. "You’re too kind. Rather, I should ask if Young Master Chu has found the spring scenery of Guangling to your liking these past few days."

Ye Li hadn’t expected Han Mingxi *not* to have her surveilled, so she wasn’t angry. She smiled calmly. "An ancient capital of three dynasties, with scenery as picturesque as a painting—how could it not be captivating?"

Han Mingxi grinned. "Speaking of which, Young Master Chu, you forgot something the other day. I happened to be coming over today, so I brought it along. Consider it a demonstration of my sincerity in our cooperation."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow in confusion, looking at Han Mingxi, who was grinning with clear mischief. Han Mingxi clapped his hands lightly, and soon after, a beautiful woman in purple appeared at the doorway. "This humble one, Rumei, greets you, Young Master, and Young Master Chu." It was Miss Rumei, the dealer from the gambling den a few days prior.

A sense of foreboding suddenly struck Ye Li. "Young Master Han, what is the meaning of this?"

Han Mingxi opened his fan with a flourish, his handsome face half-hidden behind it as he chuckled. "It’s a custom at the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower: whoever beats the house’s top dealer wins her. Young Master Chu, your gambling skills are so superb that Rumei is completely convinced of your superiority. From today onwards, Rumei will no longer be registered with the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower, nor will she be one of its people. She belongs to you, Young Master Chu. If you find her to your liking, you may take her as a concubine. If not, she can serve as a maid to pour tea, fetch water, do laundry, and cook."

Watching Han Mingxi wink at her with an ambiguous smile, Ye Li felt a headache coming on. "Young Master Han, you are too kind. It was merely a stroke of luck, and besides... I didn’t gamble directly against Miss Rumei, so it can’t be said that I won her. Therefore, please, take Miss Rumei back."

Han Mingxi snapped his fan shut, tapping it idly against his palm. "Is Young Master Chu saying you find Rumei unsatisfactory?"

Hearing Han Mingxi’s words, Miss Rumei’s beautiful face turned deathly pale. She cast a reproachful glance at Ye Li, then stood to the side, head bowed, silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

Ye Li shot Han Mingxi an irritated glare. "Young Master Han, since we both intend to cooperate sincerely, why must you tease me like this? I was raised under strict discipline; I can only decline Young Master Han’s kind offer."

Han Mingxi heaved a long sigh, looking at Ye Li with a reproachful expression. "Such a heart of stone! Ah, well. Rumei, it seems Young Master Chu truly doesn’t find you to his liking. You may leave."

Rumei huffed, stomped her foot, shot Ye Li a hateful glare, and turned to leave.

Ye Li gave a wry smile inwardly. If she actually brought a courtesan home, never mind how her maternal grandfather and uncles would react, even Mo Xiuyao would likely fly into a rage. Mo Xiuyao... Recalling the dejected look in his eyes as she departed, a look he’d tried so hard to conceal but couldn’t, Ye Li sighed softly in her heart.

"Who is Young Master Chu thinking about?" Han Mingxi propped his chin on his hand, observing Ye Li with curiosity. If he wasn’t mistaken, he had just seen a flicker of longing, worry, or perhaps fond remembrance in the depths of this shrewd and mysterious young man’s eyes.

"Did Young Master Han come here to discuss such private matters with me?" Ye Li asked coolly, giving him a sidelong glance.

Han Mingxi shrugged indifferently and gave a knowing look. "We’re not busy right now; a little chat wouldn’t hurt."

"In that case, why doesn’t Young Master Han tell me about some of your own... romantic exploits? I’ve recently developed an interest in storybooks. Perhaps I could write one titled... ’The Chronicles of the Romantic Young Master.’ What do you think?" Ye Li suggested with a sly smile.

"You really are no fun at all," Han Mingxi grumbled. Since this Chu Junwei knew about the connection between the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower and Tianyi Pavilion, it wasn’t so strange that he also knew that Young Master Mingyue’s younger brother, Han Mingxi, was the notoriously infamous ’Romantic Young Master.’ However, despite knowing his reputation, Chu Junwei didn’t show the usual contempt or disdain. Han Mingxi found this person rather interesting. "We’re practically acquaintances now. All this ’Young Master this’ and ’Young Master that’ is getting dull. Why don’t we call each other by our given names? I’ll call you Junwei, and you can just call me Mingxi."

Ye Li blinked slowly. Junwei? Mingxi? Why did she find this way of addressing each other a bit strange?

"Brother Han." Ye Li’s tone was a clear warning, her gaze sharp as she reminded him they should be discussing important matters.

"Alright then, is Junwei feeling shy?" Han Mingxi chuckled, winking with those captivating, soul-stirring eyes. Then, before Ye Li could retort, he quickly adopted a serious expression. "I’ve managed to gather most of the information you requested. However, as you know, we are in Great Chu, while most of the people and matters you’re investigating are in the Southern Border. So, this is only a portion. The rest will be delivered to you incrementally once you enter the Southern Border. But... I am rather curious, Junwei. You’re still so young; why on earth would you suddenly want to go to the Southern Border? Even if it were for travel... there seems to be no need to investigate the Nanzhao imperial family and the Holy Maiden of the Southern Border so thoroughly, is there?"

Ye Li replied, her expression unchanged, "To be honest, I’m going to the Southern Border in search of a specific medicinal herb, and this herb, it seems, is inevitably connected to the Nanzhao imperial family and the Southern Border itself."

Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow, a hint of teasing in his voice. "Junwei, you’re generous, and I, your elder brother here, am not stingy either. If you need some medicine, just say the word, and I’ll have someone fetch it for you. Why travel thousands of miles yourself? Surely you’re not after the Southern Border’s ultimate treasure, the ’Flower of Abyss Underworld,’ are you?" 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Ye Li nodded gravely. "Precisely."

Han Mingxi’s smile froze on his face. He sighed helplessly. "You’re really... The Flower of Abyss Underworld is the ultimate treasure of the Southern Border, personally guarded by its Holy Maiden. Forget ordinary people; even the King of Nanzhao might not be able to obtain it. Junwei, are you sure you want to go?"

Ye Li nodded resolutely. "If it weren’t so, why else would I pay such a hefty price to Tianyi Pavilion for information? This journey to the Southern Border is imperative. So, I must trouble Brother Han to prepare the information as thoroughly as possible, lest this little brother of yours departs and never returns—then you’d be short one business partner."

"As far as I know," Han Mingxi said, a worried note in his voice, "while the Flower of Abyss Underworld is said to have the power to revive the dead, I don’t know if anyone has ever actually used it to do so. What I *do* know is that everyone who has tried to obtain it has ended up dead, without exception. Junwei, are you trying to save someone? What illness or poison is it? Perhaps I can help you find an alternative solution."

Seeing Han Mingxi’s genuine concern, Ye Li felt a pang of guilt. "That won’t be necessary," she (as Chu) said quickly. "I’m merely doing my best. If it truly proves impossible, I won’t risk my life needlessly by courting death."

Han Mingxi nodded, then advised, "It’s good that you think that way. The Southern Border is not like our Central Plains. It has a certain malevolent air about it. Even our Tianyi Pavilion often finds itself constrained and unable to operate freely there."

"I understand. Thank you, Brother Han," Ye Li acknowledged with a nod. She then took an exquisite, small glass vial from a box on the table. It was more than half-full of a pale green liquid. "This is what I promised you earlier, Brother Han. I hope you find it satisfactory."

Han Mingxi accepted it curiously. The moment he uncapped the vial, a delicate and elegant floral fragrance drifted out, permeating the hall. Han Mingxi exclaimed with delight, "This is... an orchid scent!"

"Although this scent might not perfectly align with Brother Han’s usual preferences, it will have to suffice for now." Ye Li couldn’t quite comprehend what a man gained by dousing himself in such a strong fragrance, but she decided to respect her new partner’s personal tastes.

Han Mingxi, however, paid no heed, cradling the small glass vial as if it were a precious treasure. "Why would you say that? This is absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much, Junwei! Then, the matter concerning cosmetics and fragrances from Xunya Pavilion for the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower—let’s consider it settled. Henceforth, all perfumes and powders required by the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower will be ordered from Xunya Pavilion."

Ye Li nodded and smiled. "Then, many thanks, Brother Han."

"No need for thanks, no need at all! This is mutually beneficial, isn’t it? Junwei, next time, could you perhaps provide something with a more potent aroma? This seems far superior to ordinary perfumes; if you sold it at Xunya Pavilion, you’d surely earn much more."

Ye Li’s lips twitched. "This is rather difficult to produce. Including the vial Brother Han is currently holding, Xunya Pavilion possesses only five in total. Also... Brother Han, there’s actually a question I’ve always wanted to ask you."

"Ask away! This elder brother of yours will tell you anything and everything he knows." Having received such a fine gift, Han Mingxi was in an exceptionally good mood and waved his hand magnanimously.

Ye Li looked at him. "For someone in your... profession... is it really practical to be so heavily scented?" Against ordinary households, perhaps it wouldn’t matter. But if he were to ’pluck flowers’ from a heavily guarded residence or a family with martial arts experts, wouldn’t such a strong fragrance be a dead giveaway to anyone with a working sense of smell?

Han Mingxi paused, taking a moment to understand what ’profession’ Ye Li was referring to. He then shot her an annoyed glare. "You’re still just a wet-behind-the-ears kid; you don’t understand a man’s sophisticated tastes. The beauties absolutely adore this young master’s fragrance, you know!"

Ye Li was speechless. Did he think she’d never been around men? The five Xu Family brothers, Mo Xiuyao, Feng Zhiyao, even Mo Jingli—at most, their clothes might carry a faint scent like ambergris, musk, or sandalwood. Mo Xiuyao, probably from spending long hours in his study, usually only had the faint aroma of ink about him. She had never encountered a man who used such an ostentatiously flamboyant fragrance. Why didn’t he just turn himself into a giant, walking incense burner?

After promising Han Mingxi she would see if she could concoct an even better fragrance for him upon her return from the Southern Border, Ye Li finally saw the reluctant man off. Only then did she sit down to examine the items Han Mingxi had delivered.

"Young Master, when do we depart for the Southern Border?" Darky Three and Darky Four asked while arranging the items Ye Li had instructed them to purchase, glancing at Ye Li, who was seated to the side, engrossed in a dossier.

Without looking up, her eyes still fixed on the documents in her hand, Ye Li replied, "Matters in Guangling are nearly settled. We leave early the day after tomorrow. You all should look at these as well." She casually tossed several slips of paper, which Darky One and Darky Two caught, then sat down to read them attentively.

"Furthermore," Ye Li added, "I am the one leaving the day after tomorrow. Only one of you can accompany me."

All four guards immediately stopped what they were doing, staring in astonishment at Ye Li’s calm face. "Princess Consort... Young Master, this..." Darky One began, frowning. The Southern Border was not like the Central Plains. They were in unfamiliar territory; for the Princess Consort to go with only one person was far too dangerous.

Ye Li looked up and smiled at them. "Don’t you think the five of us traveling together would be too conspicuous? The people of the Southern Border are very xenophobic. A group like ours would likely be under scrutiny the moment we entered."

"But Young Master, taking only one person is too dangerous! What if something happens..." Darky Three protested.

"Is it that you don’t trust me, or that you don’t trust yourselves?" Ye Li asked, raising an eyebrow.

The four exchanged glances, unable to find words to refute her.

Ye Li smiled. "Alright, it’s settled. Darky Three, you’ll come with me. Darky Four, you stay here and secretly keep an eye on the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower. If Han Mingyue returns or if there’s any unusual activity, inform me immediately. Be careful not to be discovered by him. Darky One, you go to Broken Snow Pass and find a way to infiltrate the military camp there. Unless I send word, ignore everything else. Regardless of whether you see any of us or anyone from the Prince’s manor, pretend you know nothing. Also, secretly monitor the situation in Lingzhou. Darky Two, you set out tonight. Take my token and go to the Southern Border to find my elder brother. Once you find him, stay by his side."

Seeing that Ye Li had evidently planned everything out long ago, the four could only nod in agreement. Ye Li looked at them with a smile. "Unless it is a matter of last resort, you are not to contact the Capital City. I trust... you all understand what constitutes a ’last resort,’ don’t you?"

The four reluctantly acknowledged. Darky Three wore a woeful expression, his head hanging low, while the other three cast sympathetic glances his way. He would undoubtedly be torn to shreds by the Prince for this.

Ye Li had no mind to dwell on her subordinates’ moods. She stared at the dossier in her hand concerning the Holy Maiden of the Southern Border, lost in thought. The Holy Maiden of the Southern Border was not, as she had previously assumed, merely a figurehead with no real power. On the contrary, the Holy Maiden wielded considerable influence over Nanzhao’s political affairs, in some respects even surpassing that of the Nanzhao imperial family. However, the Holy Maiden could not marry or bear children. Furthermore, with the emergence of each new Holy Maiden, the predecessor was required to enter the sacred grounds of the Southern Border to guard the Flower of Abyss Underworld, forbidden from ever stepping out of the sacred grounds or meeting outsiders for the rest of her life. This was why the threat to royal power was not so acute. The current Holy Maiden was named Shu Manlin, twenty-three years of age. And according to the customs of the Southern Border, a Holy Maiden had to step down by the age of twenty-eight at the latest.

Ye Li frowned, inwardly speculating whether this could be the reason the Holy Maiden of the Southern Border might contemplate rebellion. After all, to confine a woman of twenty-eight, who had enjoyed supreme honor, to some unknown sacred place and forbid her from ever seeing outsiders again—that would be an exceptionally cruel fate for anyone.

"Young Master, are we really going to try and get the Flower of Abyss Underworld?" Darky Three asked curiously, noticing Ye Li staring at the dossier about the Holy Maiden.

Ye Li replied nonchalantly, "If it can be obtained, then naturally, it would be good to get it. However, the matters concerning the Southern Border take precedence." Ultimately, she would first need to ascertain if the Flower of Abyss Underworld would be beneficial for Mo Xiuyao’s condition before deciding whether to pursue it.