Chapter 104: An Unexpected Event!

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Li Yuanchang furrowed his brow slightly. “What have you confirmed?”

“Do you really want me to say it?” Li Yi snapped his folding fan shut. “No need. You should know well enough—since I went to the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, I wouldn’t have come back empty-handed. And the reason you invited me here today is because I investigated all the princes’ records at the emperor’s palace yesterday, right? We’re both clever men; you should understand that if I can find something out, I also know that since I came here today, something’s bound to happen—either you’ll be in trouble, or I will. So, let’s stop beating around the bush. If there’s something to do, let’s get it done.”

Li Yuanchang’s eyes hardened, a cold sneer curling on his lips. “Heh, I really did underestimate you. To be honest, I actually like you a bit! But now I’m a little afraid of you—you’re too shrewd! Still, no matter what, I only called you here these past few days to have a heart-to-heart. Even if something happens tomorrow, that’s tomorrow’s problem. We’re both heroes, after all. As they say, heroes cherish heroes. Come, let me toast you!”

Li Yi waved his hand dismissively and scoffed. “Cut the act. Heroes cherishing heroes? You trying to be like Cao Cao and Yuan Shao? Right before battle, not killing each other but sitting down for a drink, saying things like, ‘You’re my enemy, but I respect you, I want to be your friend.’ What nonsense! What good is a handshake if we’re going to war? Wouldn’t it be better if we joined forces against others? But no, everyone wants to be the one and only! So don’t talk nonsense. Heroes cherishing heroes? Listen, I, Li Yi, am just a rogue. If you don’t make me comfortable, I’ll find a way to make you miserable. Heart-to-heart talks, drinking—who knows if you’ve poisoned me? I’m no expert in detecting poison. If I drink with you, I’m a damn fool!”

Li Yuanchang was dumbfounded by Li Yi’s words. Is this the Jade Qilin? This guy’s nothing but a ruffian! Yet, he couldn’t help but be amused. Although Li Yi looked like a scoundrel, he had to admit that his roguishness was genuine. Genuine people often suffer, but a cultured, intelligent, and well-connected man with that kind of unrefined sincerity? Now that’s truly unbeatable! “Hahaha, today I’ve learned something. Losing to you is no injustice. But you’re still too young! Young people are always reckless. If I were you, I wouldn’t have come back today. But since you did, I’ll give you a lesson—teach you what a real villain is!”

“Hmph! I’d like to see how you teach me,” Li Yi said, then suddenly swayed. “Huh? I feel dizzy... Did you drug me? When?”

Li Yuanchang replied, “Love-sick incense. Colorless, odorless love-sick incense! It took me great effort to get even a little.”

Li Yi’s eyes narrowed. “Love-sick incense? Then how come you’re fine?”

Li Yuanchang’s eyes glowed fiercely. “Who said I’m fine?” With that, he suddenly collapsed.

Li Yi’s eyes widened. “You bastard!” Then he also fell to the ground with a thud.

Not far from the main hall of the manor, two figures disguised as servants were whispering to each other.

“Hey, Brother Dong, this Prince Han is ruthless—he even drugged himself!”

“Nonsense! With Young Master Yi’s skills, if he didn’t do that, how could Yi be drugged?”

“True. I don’t know if this was planned in advance to test us, or if it’s the real deal. If it’s real, that’s trouble.”

“Yeah. Sigh. Yi should’ve told us clearly. Li Chen, what do you think? Should we rescue him?”

“We can’t! Since Yi specifically ordered us not to show ourselves, that means he has his own plans. Let’s just follow his orders.”

“Alright! That’s settled!”

...

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Inside the manor’s main hall, just as Li Yi and Li Yuanchang were fainted, a steward-like figure entered. He took out a bottle of medicine, struck Li Yuanchang sharply, then waved the medicine under his nose. Li Yuanchang slowly regained consciousness.

Rubbing his head to clear his mind, Li Yuanchang recovered enough to speak. “Old Wu, quickly! Help me carry him to the backyard!”

“Alright!”

The two men lifted Li Yi and hurried to the back garden.

...

“Hey, Brother Dong! They took Young Master Yi away!”

“Hm! Li Chen, gather the others, let’s follow!”

“Got it!”

These two were Chang Dong and Jiang Li Chen. Following Li Yi’s instructions, they had disguised themselves as servants and scattered around. These two team leaders were together, one watching Li Yi, the other watching the man he met—Li Yuanchang. But the situation had exceeded their expectations and even Li Yi’s. No one anticipated Li Yuanchang’s treachery—drugging himself and Li Yi simultaneously without giving Li Yi any chance to react. Now, they could only improvise.

Jiang Li Chen first let out a strange whistle, then followed closely with Chang Dong after Li Yuanchang and the man called Uncle Wu. Only they knew the whistle was a secret short-range communication code they had developed with Li Yi; every tone had a specific meaning only they understood.

Chang Dong and Jiang Li Chen followed Li Yuanchang all the way to his princess’s chamber. Li Yuanchang first sent Uncle Wu away, then led Li Yi inside.

Taking the opportunity, Chang Dong and Jiang Li Chen climbed onto the roof, removed a tile, and observed the room.

“Huh? Brother Dong, why is Li Yuanchang ignoring Young Master Yi and starting to frolic with his princess in broad daylight?”

“Yeah, I don’t get it either! Hey, look! Damn! They’re both naked!”

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“Click! This is a real live spring palace painting! It’s explosive! If this is acting, then Prince Han’s sacrifice was huge!”

“Acting? No way, this is real. Looks like Young Master Yi’s in trouble! I wonder what Prince Han plans to do to him!”

“Hm? Look! Prince Han is about to finish! Wait! Why is he strangling the princess? Look at his expression!”

“Damn! Dead? Prince Han actually strangled his own princess to death! Does that mean he’s going to...?”

“Definitely. Look! Prince Han’s starting to strip Young Master Yi!”

“No way! I have to go down!”

“Hey! Brother Dong, what are you doing?”

“I’m going down to stop this! Otherwise, Young Master Yi’s reputation will be ruined, maybe even prison time!”

“Brother Dong, don’t rush! Listen to me. Now that we know this isn’t a rehearsal, it means Young Master Yi must have known something would happen today. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have brought us along. Since he knew, and knowing his character, if he still came, either he has absolute confidence in protecting himself, or this matter is extremely important to him. Even if he’s unprepared, with his skills, he’ll clear his name. Trust me, I’ve seen how he handles cases!”

Chang Dong hesitated, then slowly turned around. “So what do you suggest we do?”

Jiang Li Chen thought for a moment. “Let’s stick to the original plan. Split into two groups. I’ll continue following Prince Han Li Yuanchang, and you take a group to continue following Young Master Yi, waiting for his instructions.”

“Alright. That’s the only way. You go first. Be careful.”

“You too!”