Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Mysterious Woman

Raised in the imperial palace since childhood, the Crown Prince had rarely set foot outside its walls and had never heard any of these rumors that swept through the martial world. He recalled the puzzled expression on his father’s face when he’d speculated that the assassin must have come searching for something, unable to make sense of it. It seemed unlikely that even his father would ever guess the matter was tied to the so-called ‘treasure of the former dynasty.’

This was an earth-shattering secret.

Yet as that man had said, rumors seldom arise without reason; most likely, the tale was true.

However, whether the assassin that night was a remnant loyalist of the previous dynasty or simply a fortune-seeking wanderer, there was no way of knowing.

Gu Li suddenly thought of something else, her heart leaping with anxiety. She caught the Crown Prince’s hand, about to ask a question, when General Lie Chang’an, standing at her side, gave her a subtle shake of the head, silently urging her to hold her tongue and gesturing with his eyes toward the next table.

Out of the corner of her eye, Gu Li saw the veiled woman seated nearby. The woman was turning a wine cup in her hands, seemingly absorbed in her drink, but Gu Li noticed her ears twitch ever so slightly—she was clearly eavesdropping on their conversation.

This woman belonged to the martial world, her skills no doubt formidable. Since they knew nothing of her origins or intentions, and given the sensitivity of their own identities, some topics truly could not be discussed lightly.

Gu Li fell silent and quietly finished the meal with the Crown Prince and General Chang’an.

After dinner, they lodged at the inn.

Jasmine and the two maids slept on the first floor, in a room close to the main entrance so they could keep watch over the luggage and carriages at all times.

Gu Li followed the Crown Prince upstairs into his room, with General Chang’an coming in after and making sure to close the doors and windows securely.

Recalling the conversation from earlier, Gu Li's heart fluttered with worry and she couldn’t help but ask, “Brother, do you think Father and the others will be safe in the palace?”

If there truly was a map to the former dynasty’s treasure hidden within the palace, by now word would have reached every faction in the martial world. It was entirely possible that the assassination attempt would not be the last.

“Don’t worry. The recent incident with the assassin is known to all. Everyone is aware that the palace is under heavy guard now. If anyone dared to try again, they’d be walking straight into a trap. They’ve already alerted the authorities—no one will risk another attempt so soon.”

Reassured by his words, Gu Li finally felt her heart settle.

“Chang’an, have you ever heard anything about this treasure of the former dynasty?”

The Crown Prince asked because Lie Chang’an, living outside the palace, might have heard some rumors. Judging by his reaction earlier, though, he seemed just as surprised as they were.

Sure enough, Lie Chang’an shook his head honestly. “Never. I only moved to the capital three years ago with my grandmother and joined the army soon after. His Majesty assigned me to lead troops into battle not long after. Since returning victorious, I’ve spent my time either accompanying my grandmother at the residence or training soldiers in the barracks. I’ve never heard any such rumor.”

The Crown Prince nodded, confident in Lie Chang’an’s character and truthfulness.

He recalled the mysterious veiled woman downstairs and frowned. “That woman is rather odd. She kept staring at the two of us, as if trying to confirm something. She also seemed intent on overhearing our conversation. I suspect she came for our sake.”

“Yes,” Lie Chang’an replied, his expression grave. “I noticed as well. When I met her gaze, her eyes were cold and searching, yet not overtly hostile.”

“Hmph,” Gu Li couldn’t help but snort.

So he was admiring a beauty, was he? Not only that, but he met her eyes for several seconds and still claimed she meant no harm? Did he expect her to wear a sign saying ‘I wish you ill’ on her face?

Unwilling to hear another word, Gu Li, brimming with jealousy, stamped her foot, flung open the door, and stormed out.

“Did I say something wrong?” Lie Chang’an stared after her retreating figure, bewildered and uneasy, unable to make sense of the situation.

The Crown Prince, equally at a loss as to his sister’s sudden mood, simply smiled. “My sister’s temper always flares up and dies down quickly. Don’t mind her.”