The mountain estate was sprawling, with pavilions, towers, bridges, and ponds. One particular palace within the estate was brightly lit, and at the head of it sat Yu Baiting.
He was the head of the Yu family, one of the top five prestigious families in Gunzhou City, possessing immense power and influence that extended across the six counties of Gunzhou. If ten of the most influential figures in Gunzhou were to be chosen, Yu Baiting would undoubtedly secure a prominent position.
Dressed in a wide-sleeved robe, Yu Baiting had a unique appearance with a flowing beard. He held a string of prayer beads and wore a warm smile, while his narrow eyes exuded a sharp and discerning gaze.
In the center of the hall, an old servant was reporting the news.
"Sir, in just over ten days, the 'Tea Gathering' initiated by Lord Governor Xiang Tianqiu will begin. The Zhao and Bai families among the top five families in Gunzhou City have already expressed their support for Huai'an County Prefect Zhang Lingyu to assume the position of the new Governor of Gunzhou. This means that these two families are siding with the Second Prince."
"In addition to these two families, the Xue family has not made a statement yet, and it is said that the Zheng family is now closely associated with the Sixth Prince..."
Hearing this, Yu Baiting waved his hand dismissively. "These statements hold no real significance. In the face of true strength, any declarations are mere nonsense. Ultimately, this is a competition between the Second Prince and the Sixth Prince for the position of Governor of Gunzhou."
The old servant whispered, "Sir, Governor Xiang Tianqiu is awaiting your response."
After pondering for a moment, Yu Baiting said, "Xiang Tianqiu is a fierce warrior within the Second Prince's camp. He intends to support Zhang Lingyu before stepping down. I believe this is also the Second Prince's intention..."
He looked up and gazed at the old servant. "In that case, relay my message to Xiang Tianqiu. Our Yu family's stance is simple: we will support whoever wins."
The old servant was momentarily stunned but quickly admired his decision. "Sir, you are wise!"
Yu Baiting shook his head indifferently. "What wisdom? The only benefit of doing so is to avoid getting involved in the conflict between the two princes. However, the downside is that if things don't go well, we might offend both princes. It's not easy to handle this delicate situation."
Pausing for a moment, a hint of disdain flickered in his eyes. "Nevertheless, our Yu family is not afraid. In Gunzhou City, neither the Second Prince nor the Sixth Prince dares to confront us openly!"
As he finished speaking, he waved his hand dismissively. "You may leave."
Not long after the old servant left the hall, the girl in the pomegranate-patterned dress walked in accompanied by the man in the battle robe. She said, "Father, I'm back."
She was Yu Shuangning, Yu Baiting's daughter.
Yu Shuangning pouted and said, "Father, you have no idea. I encountered a despicable person today, and I finally understand what it means to use kindness to manipulate others."
Yu Baiting was taken aback and looked at the man in the battle robe. He asked, "Qiao Leng, what happened?"
Yu Shuangning pouted, "I didn't say I'm not grateful to that guy, but what annoys me the most is using favors to pressure me. Father, you have no idea, that guy had the audacity to demand ten thousand Level 2 Spirit Stones from me, all for the sake of those spoils!"
Yu Baiting narrowed his eyes and then smiled, saying, "Let it go, it's just a minor matter. Besides, he did save you after all, so both in terms of sentiment and reason, we should show some tolerance."
"I certainly won't argue with someone like him," Yu Shuangning replied proudly.
After chatting for a while, Yu Shuangning turned and left, leaving Qiao Leng behind.
"Tell me more about what happened," Yu Baiting said, his expression turning serious. His slender eyes stared at Qiao Leng, making him feel increased pressure.
Thus, Qiao Leng recounted the details, including some additional information.
"Do you think that young man in the green robe intentionally approached Shuangning?" Yu Baiting remained silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke, "Otherwise, this matter is too coincidental."
Qiao Leng was taken aback and asked, "Does Sir suspect that the young man in the green robe has ulterior motives?"
"Everyone in Gunzhou City knows that this girl is the apple of my eye. Now, with the Second Prince and the Sixth Prince fighting over the position of Governor, the situation in Gunzhou City has become turbulent. At such a time, a young man with tremendous strength suddenly appears and coincidentally saves Shuangning. How can I not be suspicious?" Yu Baiting's expression was indifferent.
"What do you mean, Sir?" Qiao Leng asked softly.
Yu Baiting said calmly, "You mentioned that they are currently in this Yangku Town. Go and investigate his background with Elder Wen. Bring some precious spiritual herbs as a token of gratitude and meet this person."
"I have only one request: regardless of his identity or intentions, make sure he doesn't attempt to get close to Shuangning again. Otherwise, I, Yu Baiting, will be the first to spare him no mercy!"
As he finished speaking, a cold light flashed in his eyes, and an aura of terror emanated from his entire being.
A deep protective instinct indeed.
Qiao Leng nodded, accepting the order. However, after leaving the hall, he couldn't help but sigh. He knew that the chief's suspicion had some basis.
However, personally, Qiao Leng didn't believe that the young man in the green robe had ulterior motives.
But he also understood that his own words carried little weight and wouldn't make a difference.
Fuxiang Inn.
In the main hall on the ground floor.
Chen Jinlong was drinking with a group of clan juniors.
"Brother Chen, does that mean you came to Gunzhou City this time to participate in the assessment of Tianyuan Academy?" a young man in a luxurious robe asked with a smile.
"That's right," Chen Jinlong nodded absentmindedly, feeling bitter in his heart.
If it weren't for not being able to stay in Yunhe County anymore, who would willingly leave their hometown and come to Gunzhou City to mix around?
Someone raised their cup and said with a smile, "With your talent and aptitude, you will surely have the opportunity to pass the assessment. Once you become a disciple of Tianyuan Academy, there's no need to worry about not soaring to great heights. Come, let's have another drink together!"
Chen Jinlong smiled and raised his cup. Inadvertently, his gaze swept toward the entrance of the inn, and his whole body trembled. He sprayed the wine in his mouth with a "puff," his face turning red from choking.
His inner turmoil surged like a stormy sea.
How did this guy come here!?
When I left Yunhe County this time, it was precisely to stay far away and avoid seeing this star of ill fortune again. But damn it, even the heavens are so blind?
"Brother Chen, who did you see that made you so excited?" someone asked, scanning their gaze and suddenly brightening their eyes. "I see now, it's because of the beauty! My goodness, she's so beautiful!?"
Everyone else at the same table couldn't help but look in the direction.
They saw a man and a woman standing in front of the counter at the entrance of the inn. The man was dressed in a green robe, with a handsome and aloof appearance that didn't attract much attention.
But when they saw the woman, everyone's eyes lit up, revealing astonishment.
The woman was also wearing a wide-sleeved green robe, with long black hair coiled up, a slender and graceful neck, and an exquisitely beautiful face that was smooth and fair, resembling the delicate texture of mutton fat jade. Although she wore no makeup, her appearance was pure and stunning.
Especially her pair of eyes, sparkling and flowing, like autumn water, seemingly capable of stealing away people's souls.
Even her figure was graceful and alluring, with shoulders like knife edges, a waist as slender as a willow, and an extraordinary bearing.
At this moment, the lively atmosphere in the main hall had quieted down somewhat, and many men's gazes were all turned toward them.
Such an unparalleled beauty was extremely rare in Yangku Town.
However, Chen Jinlong felt like a quail, wishing he could bury his head in the ground, not daring to turn around. He silently prayed in his heart, hoping not to be noticed by that star of ill fortune, hoping...
The young man in the luxurious robe next to him looked ambiguous and said with a smile, "These two must have just arrived in Yangku Town. They look unfamiliar. Everyone, watch carefully, I'll go and meet them, and find out more about them for you."
He stood up, about to walk over, but Chen Jinlong grabbed him and forcefully pulled him back onto the seat.
The young man in the luxurious robe was dumbfounded. He saw Chen Jinlong gritting his teeth and speaking in a low voice, filled with rage, "Do you fucking know who that person is? How dare you have designs on the woman by his side! Even if you want to die, don't drag us into it!!"
If it weren't for the occasion, he would have wanted to slap the young man in the luxurious robe's face.
He had seen people seeking death, but he had never seen someone so blatantly seeking death. He was truly shocked, wondering how he ended up knowing such an idiot?
The young man in the luxurious robe was scolded dumbfoundedly and stammered, "But... but he's already coming over."
"Hmm?"
Chen Jinlong was taken aback, and then his scalp went numb. A chill ran from the base of his spine straight to his forehead.
Just at that moment, behind him, a surprised voice sounded, "Aren't you the..."
Before Su Yi could finish speaking, Chen Jinlong stood up abruptly. When he turned around, his face was filled with a forced smile that mixed flattery and fear. He said, "Ha, it's Su Gongzi. I'm Chen Jinlong. I'm really surprised that you still remember me. It's truly an honor."
He stuttered and his body stiffened. He was far from feeling honored, he was completely terrified.
His companions also sensed that something was wrong and became suspicious. Who was this guy that scared Chen Jinlong like this?
Su Yi said, "Why are you here?"
"I... I... I planned to participate in the assessment of Tianyuan Academy. I just arrived in Yangku Town today..."
Chen Jinlong almost cried. How could he say that he came here to avoid Su Yi, leaving his hometown behind, planning to hide far away in Gunzhou City?
Never did he expect that fate would bring them together...
Su Yi said, "What a coincidence. I just arrived in Yangku Town as well. When do you plan to go to Gunzhou City?"
"Um... I planned to leave early tomorrow morning."
As he said that, Chen Jinlong suddenly realized something was wrong. Why was he asking this? Could it be...
Su Yi nodded, "That works out well then. Meeting an old acquaintance in a foreign land is also a joyous occasion. We can travel together tomorrow."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Chen Jinlong stood there dumbfounded, feeling as if he had been struck by lightning.