Seeing Wu Qingyang’s expression, the man gave a bewitching smile.
“Young Mistress may not recognize this old servant, but this old servant recognizes you. I am none other than the Grand Sorcerer of Daqi, Yemei. Now, Young Mistress should understand, yes? How could you allow yourself to be bullied by these scoundrels? Had I arrived just a moment later, you would have… Look at those tear-stained cheeks—how heartbreaking. You two, which hand dared to touch the Young Mistress just now?”
As he spoke, his face bore a look of concern and pity for Wu Qingyang. Then, he abruptly turned to question the two men who had been subdued by his guards.
“We…” Though the man exuded an aura of sinister charm—his appearance masculine yet unnaturally bewitching—the two who had earlier harbored ill intentions toward Wu Qingyang now cowered in fear, too intimidated to speak.
This man was Yemei.
“Seems you won’t speak, hm? Very well. This Grand Sorcerer shall ensure you never speak again. Cut out their tongues…”
Seeing their terrified silence, Yemei smirked, his voice eerily calm as he gave the order. His smile never wavered, yet his words sent chills down their spines.
“No, no! I’ll talk, I’ll talk!”
As the guards drew their daggers and forced them down, the two men trembled at the sight of the cold, gleaming blades. They begged for mercy, shaking their heads frantically.
“Speak, then.”
Yemei chuckled coldly, raising a hand to halt his subordinates. He watched as the two scrambled to their feet, still petrified.
Though he smiled, their faces were pale with terror. “It was this hand… this one…” they stammered, each pointing weakly before lowering their heads, unable to meet his gaze.
“Chop off their offending hands and feed them to the dogs. Young Mistress, are you unharmed? Come, let this old servant escort you back to the Princess’s residence…”
Yemei’s eyes gleamed with amusement as he ignored the wails of the two men being dragged away. He extended a hand toward Wu Qingyang, his tone deceptively kind.
As his words faded, two agonized screams pierced the air. Wu Qingyang turned in horror to see the men who had harassed her now writhing on the ground, their severed arms lying in pools of blood before they collapsed from the pain.
“No need, Grand Sorcerer Yemei. Qingyang appreciates your kindness but will return on her own.”
Staring at his outstretched hand, Wu Qingyang felt an unfamiliar dread. Clenching her fists to resist the urge to take it, she forced a grateful bow before hastily stepping aside.
“What’s this? The Young Mistress wishes to leave? Are you blind, blocking her path? Shall I gouge out your useless eyes? Farewell, Young Mistress. This old servant won’t see you off.”
As she turned to leave, one of his lackeys instinctively blocked her way. Yemei’s smile remained, but his eyes darkened with displeasure. With a flick of his wrist, the subordinate cowered and scrambled aside. Wu Qingyang cast one last glance at them before lifting her skirts and fleeing, her lips curling into a cold, mocking smile as she muttered courtesies under her breath.
“Master, why show such courtesy to a mere girl?”
Once she was out of sight, Yemei’s smile faded into its usual enigmatic calm. His subordinate, unable to contain his curiosity, dared to ask.
“Though just a girl, she is one who has long admired Leng Mingye and despises Mu Wanqing enough to strangle her on sight. A pawn like her may prove useful someday, no? Now, what of your investigation?”
Dressed like a scholar, the subordinate bowed. “Master, I’ve confirmed that the one who entered the palace was indeed Mu Wanqing. As for her relationship with Prince Ning, it remains unclear. However, I did uncover something… intriguing.”
His smile was mild, yet it carried an unsettling air of cunning.
Yemei barely glanced at him, idly rolling two glass orbs the size of eggs between his fingers. “Oh? Do tell.”
“According to my sources, Sun Fengyu seems terrified of the girl’s poison skills and is desperately urging the Empress to annul their betrothal.”
Yemei’s lips curled. “Now that is good news. Let’s see what tricks Empress Sun can conjure. That girl’s temperament, though I’ve not witnessed it firsthand, is clearly not one to be easily manipulated. Let them tear each other apart—we’ll reap the rewards.”
His smirk deepened as he savored the thought.
“There’s more. A former maid who served Consort Hui was found by Prince Ning and the girl. Though the Empress and Emperor didn’t silence her, they reportedly dislocated her jaw and left her mind broken… Master, why would they seek out such a maid? Could they suspect the truth behind Consort Hui’s death?”
Yemei’s eyes gleamed with dark amusement. “If true, this could work greatly to our advantage. Watching uncle and nephew turn on each other is far more entertaining than fighting them ourselves, no? Dig deeper. Confirm this. I want to see what tricks Leng Yinghao has left.”
His subordinate nodded eagerly. “I’ll spare no effort. Ah, Master… my antidote for this month…”
Yemei’s gaze turned icy as he flicked a black pill streaked with crimson into the man’s waiting hands.
“Thank you, Master! Thank you!” The man swallowed it greedily, bowing repeatedly as Yemei strode away without a backward glance.
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