Identity exposed

  Exposed identity

  Three people walked into the study, although Princess Anxi had some doubts about Ye Li's existence, but based on her trust in Xu Qingchen, she didn't ask any more questions. After all, this delicate girl had traveled thousands of miles to Nanzhao with someone and successfully deceived

  It was only natural that the person who had personally rescued Xu Qingchen would not be an ordinary person. The gaze with which Anxi Princess measured Ye Li had something extremely complex in it, and Ye Li could only look on helplessly, smiling wryly to herself. She shot a resentful glance at Xu Qingchen from behind his back, tossing him

  A glance back at me with a clear gaze. Xu Qing smiled calmly and didn't say anything.

  She sat down in the study and soon put aside her previous private affairs, becoming serious and focused. Xu Qingchen asked: "Did you get the military token?" Anxi Princess shook her head somewhat embarrassedly: "Sorry, Qingchen. What we previously found was

  "The place where the military symbol is supposed to be is just a cover, the military symbol isn't actually there." Xu Qingchen slightly furrowed his brow and said: "Logically speaking... Shu Manlin shouldn't know that we're looking for the military symbol, it's also unlikely that anyone else knows where the real military symbol is. Why did she hide the military book so secretly?"

  "And it's set up like a trap specifically for us?" Princess Anxi shook her head, "There are only a few people on our side who know about this, and I can guarantee that they are all absolutely trustworthy." Xu Qingchen shook his head, "We naturally trust your people. But this one

  "An Xi, have you ever felt that there's something strange about this place? It seems like every time we're about to catch Shu Manlin in a fatal mistake over the past half year, she always manages to escape one step ahead of us."

  Princess Anxi said angrily, "It's all because of Father King, he always favors Shu Manlin for no reason! He says she is the Holy Girl of South Jiang and can't do those things, saying it's you who wants to stir up trouble between us, the rulers of Nanzhao. The most absurd time was when he said it was a misunderstanding."

  "Alas! The king has become more and more muddle-headed over the years."

  Xu Qingchen thoughtfully asked: "Is the King of Nanzhao really an old fool?"

  Anxi Princess was taken aback and turned her head to look at Xu Qingchen, asking: "What do you mean?"

  Xu Qing said faintly: "Originally, we all thought that the King of Nanzhao was biased towards Shu Manlin, but this time... After I was caught that day, I was immediately drugged and fainted. But I remember that the time I fainted was around the end of the hour of Wei, while the time I woke up in the stone room was

  It was probably around two quarters past the hour of Shen. On that day, you had already sent people to watch the Temple of the Holy Maiden, so they could only be returning from the Imperial Palace. However... during that time, the King of Nanzhao usually rested in his bedroom, and even if he wasn't in the palace, the guards at the secret entrance weren't just for show.

  "After you entered the palace, have you ever heard any rumors about this?" Princess Anxi lowered her head and thought for a moment before shaking her head. "No, when I reported your disappearance to my father, he was still very worried and said he would send people to help me find you."

  "I refused." Xu Qing said with a faint smile: "The king of Nanzhao, wouldn't he know what happened in his own bedroom? Especially when he clearly had people guarding that secret passage at all times?"

  Princess Anxi was stunned for a long time, then raised her head to look at Xu Qingchen's gaze still filled with disbelief and doubt. "You're saying that Father King wasn't deceived by Shu Manlin, but he himself is biased towards Shu Manlin and helping her? Why... I am Father King's biological daughter, the princess of Nanzhao

  "Too much, normally you have never done anything that would humiliate me."

  "Perhaps it's because the princess is too suitable for your status?" Ye Li said with a raised eyebrow.

  Princess Anxi's gaze swept over her sharply, "What does Miss Chu mean?"

  Ye Li blinked and looked at Princess An Xi, saying: "There's a phrase in the Central Plains that I don't know if Your Highness has heard of?" Princess An Xi gazed silently at her. Ye Li spoke in a low voice: "A high-ranking official overshadows their lord. Although you are the biological daughter of the King of Nanzhao, however... although you address the King as 'Father', in my opinion, it should be 'Your Majesty' instead. In the imperial family, one is first a monarch and then a parent. And for you, Your Highness, you are first a subject and then a daughter. During these days in the capital of Nanzhao, I've heard quite a bit about your reputation. The people of Nanzhao praise you as a wise and intelligent crown princess. Even someone like me, who has just arrived from the Central Plains, has this impression, not to mention the people of the southern border who have received your kindness."

  Anxi Princess's face turned pale, and she trembled with rage: "Are you saying that Father is wary of me? That's why he supports Shu Manlin and opposes me to suppress me?"

  Ye Li sighed softly, looking at Princess Anxi with a hint of pity. "Princess, you must have read some history books from the Central Plains, not to mention distant ones, but even recent ones. Although you are in the southern border, I suppose you have some understanding of the situation of the Dingguo royal family?" Princess Anxi's lips, which had turned white from being bitten, trembled slightly as she looked at Xu Qingchen for help. Xu Qingchen sighed softly, "Anxi...I once reminded you that too much is not enough." Princess Anxi bit her lip and lowered her head in silence. Too much is not enough...these words were spoken by him four years ago when they first met. But she didn't really take it to heart. Because she was truly for the good of Nanzhao, she could say with a clear conscience that she had never had any personal motives. She thought that as long as she worked hard to help her father, he would be happy. She thought that if Nanzhao became strong and prosperous, the people would live in peace and happiness, and her younger sister Xixia wouldn't have to go through a political marriage. But the result was that Xixia had run away to Da Chu to hide her identity and marry a man as his concubine, while her father had been secretly planning how to control her all along. Then what about her efforts over the years...what did it all mean?

  Watching Anxi Princess being deeply affected, Ye Li and Xu Qingchen could only silently watch her. Such a blow cannot be solved by a few comforting words, everything still needs to be understood by Anxi Princess herself.

  The study was shrouded in a heavy atmosphere, and Princess Anxi sat with her head bowed, her expression unreadable. However, just by looking at the pale hand grasping the armrest tightly, one could tell that she was not calm inside. Ye Li secretly admired her, at least Princess Anxi was someone who knew how to control herself, a rare quality, especially among women. After a long while, Princess Anxi lifted her head, breaking the silence in the study, "If I give up everything now, would Father..."

  "An Xi..." Xu Qingchen furrowed his brow, shaking his head as he looked at her. "I don't know what the King of Nanzhao will do, but Shu Manlin... An Xi, Shu Manlin hates you, do you understand? She won't let you off, and... she'll definitely drag Nanzhao into hell, is this what you want to see?" An Xi looked at him in confusion. "I know she hates me, no big deal, I can just go to Zhongyuan, or Xiling, or Beijiang." But you said..."

  "Do you think she's using the military token to mobilize the city guards to attack your princess mansion? I've talked to her a few times, and indeed her ambition is great, but...she doesn't have the strength that matches her ambition." Xu Qingchen said.

  Anxi Princess's expression was solemn, and she looked at Xu Qingchen hesitantly, "You're saying...she wants..."

  Xu Qingchen said: "Ask Liu Yun what she did on the border of Nanzhao and Da Chu."

  Princess Anxi turned to Ye Lili, and Ye Lili said in a low voice: "On our way to the southern border, we accidentally discovered that not far from Shuixue Pass, there is an artificially cultivated snake valley. Hidden behind the snake valley is a very large arsenal. All the weapons forged inside are those commonly used by the soldiers of Da Chu. However, I also found some other things inside. Moreover, the one controlling this arsenal is Le Jiang, the chief of the Luo Yi tribe."

  "Is she trying to raise a snake valley? Forge the weapons of the great Chu? What is she trying to do?" Princess Anxi angrily asked. The people of Nanjiang generally like snakes, but that doesn't mean they want Nanjiang to be filled with venomous snakes. So when Mo Xuyao burned down the Snake Valley years ago, it didn't provoke much hatred from the people of Nanjiang. Who would have thought that in just ten short years, another snake valley has appeared in Nanjiang? As for forging the weapons of other countries within Nanjiang's borders, that was even more unacceptable to Princess Anxi. Who knows when these weapons might be used against the people of Nanjiang? In Princess Anxi's eyes, this was tantamount to treason and collaborating with the enemy.

  Does Father King know all about this? Was he deceived by Shu Manlin or did he pretend not to know, or did he actually agree with Shu Manlin's plan?

  Xu Qingchen said: "Isn't it obvious? The King of Li helped the Holy Maiden of Nanjiang obtain the country of Nanzhao, and in return, Shu Manlin would naturally help the King of Li obtain Great Chu."

  "Foolish!" Princess Anxi scolded. Helping the King of Lei to obtain Great Chu, it's easy to say but what a huge price needs to be paid? Not to mention if they fail, what kind of loss will Nanzhao suffer? Even if they succeed, what good can come to Nanzhao? By then, Nanzhao, already severely wounded, will inevitably have to rely on Mo Jing Lei, just like the southern border hundreds of years ago. "I want to go into the palace to ask my father clearly!" Princess Anxi said in unison.

  "Anxi." Xu Qingchen looked at her disapprovingly, and Anxi Princess turned back to look at the two of them, saying in a low voice: "No need to persuade me. Qingchen... I don't know what your purpose is for coming to Nanzhao, but if it weren't for you these past six months, I'm afraid I would have already fallen into Shu Manlin's trap. So, thank you. You two are outsiders, and this is still the capital of Nanzhao after all. It may not be difficult for you to leave unscathed, but if Father really makes up his mind to tear off our masks, you won't be able to hold on for much longer either. Leave Nanzhao as soon as possible, I'll go do what I should do." Xu Qingchen said: "Is going to throw yourself into the net something a princess of Nanjiang should do?"

  Anxi Princess sighed and said, "Wang Taifei was appointed by Father King. If Father King has made up his mind to side with Shu Manlin, then not even ten Wang Taifeis would be of any use. I must go talk to Father King."

  Looking at Princess Anxi's determined expression, both of them knew they couldn't persuade her. Xu Qingchen said in a low voice: "Anxi, take care."

  "Rest assured, I am after all Father's only daughter now, he won't kill me."

  Watching Anxi Princess's figure disappear at the door without any hesitation, Ye Li sighed and asked Xu Qingchen: "Big brother, didn't you feel anything? Anxi Princess is the most special woman I've ever seen." Xu Qingchen's expression was calm, he glanced at her and said: "Nonsense, Anxi Princess and I are just friends." Ye Li blinked, "Then why did you stop me from telling Anxi Princess the truth earlier? Doesn't that mean you're still clear about it in your heart?" Xu Qingchen looked at her with a hint of annoyance, "Do you spend all your time thinking about these things? It was never possible to begin with, why leave any lingering thoughts behind."

  Ye Li nodded, "I understand, Anxi Princess is a proud woman, she knows you have a fiancée and will absolutely not have any thoughts about you again. But big brother, you won't always use this method to ward off romantic entanglements, right? Let's make one thing clear, I was the one who made the mistake this time, but in the future, don't think about using me as a shield again." Xu Qingchen tossed over a folded paper from his hand, Ye Li caught it and looked at the writing on it, which was an intelligence report from Tianyi Pavilion about the recent situation in Nanzhao's capital. His heart sank, "Big brother, will Anxi Princess be okay?" Xu Qingchen shook his head, "A tiger does not eat its own son, Zixia Princess is already considered a dead person, Anxi is indeed the only daughter of the King of Nanzhao. If anything happens to Anxi, Nanzhao can only be succeeded by a collateral branch of the royal family, and in the situation where the king's prestige is not high, it is very likely that he will be stripped of his throne on the grounds of having no heir."

  Ye Li was surprised and raised an eyebrow: "Is there such a rule?"

  "Nanjiang is different from our Central Plains, daughters can also inherit the throne, but there's no such thing as adoption. If there are no descendants, the people of Nanjiang will think it's because the king of Nanzhao is not blessed by the gods, and naturally has no power to protect his subjects, so abdicating is a matter of course." Ye Li nodded, "As long as there's no danger, other things can be planned for later."

  "Miss." An Er appeared at the door.

  "What's wrong?"

  "The news just came from Tianyi Pavilion that Mr. Liang couldn't hold on any longer and was taken by the bandit to the place where the treasure is hidden. Young Master Han also rushed over just now." An Er said in a low voice.

  "Damn it, what's he doing causing a commotion! Why do all these things have to happen at once?" Ye Li cursed under her breath, raising her head to instruct, "You and An San get ready, we're going over right away."

  "Yes." An Er quickly disappeared at the door. Ye Li turned back to Xu Qingchen and said, "Big brother, I have something to attend to first, if there's anything you need done, just instruct An Wei to take care of it. Since Princess An Xi has spoken, are you leaving Nan Zhao soon?" Xu Qingchen shook his head, "I still have some things to figure out, so I'll stay here for now. You be careful." Ye Li nodded, "Big brother, be careful too." Ye Li brought An Er and An San to hurry along the marks left by Tian Yi Ge and An Wei, fortunately, Nan Jiang was not particularly vast, and the area around the capital would not be too large either. After riding for more than two hours, they finally found the address mentioned in the message sent by Tian Yi Ge, at the foot of the mountain, they found the mark left by Han Mingxi, "Young master, it's here. They went into the mountains." Ye Li nodded and turned back to instruct, "Split up and walk." An Er opposed, "No way, young master is too dangerous alone." Ye Li was helpless, "An San follow me, An Er secretly follow up."

  "Yes."

  Carrying the dark three along the mountain trail marked by Han Mingxi, the mountains and forests of Nanjiang were more humid than those in the north, with various poisonous insects and weeds growing. Fortunately, these did not deter the two of them, who continued to move forward in the direction of the mark. "Young master, look ahead," An San said, gripping his weapon tightly and staring vigilantly at the front. Ahead, on a small hillside, lay several men wearing Tianyi Pavilion attire, their wounds long since congealed, clearly having been dead for some time. Ye Li furrowed her brow, cocking an ear to listen to the surroundings, pointing in another direction: "Let's go that way." An San took the lead, walking ahead, and along the way, they saw several Tianyi Pavilion corpses. An San said quietly, "None of our people are here." Ye Li's eyebrows were deeply furrowed, her feet not stopping as she continued to move forward.

  They walked for more than half a day, and finally heard the faint sound of clashing weapons and conversation coming from up ahead. The two exchanged a glance, and carefully snuck past. At the entrance to a cave, Bookworm smiled triumphantly at the person sitting on the ground, saying with a sinister tone: "Han Mingxi, you really think I'm afraid of your older brother, so I don't dare touch you? On this entire journey, Tianyi Pavilion has been opposing me everywhere, and sparing your life until now is already being kind to you." Han Mingxi sat on the ground, looking somewhat disheveled. His usual elegant folding fan had been thrown aside into the dust. He coughed lightly twice, saying: "If that's the case, why not just kill me?"

  "Haha, don't be in a hurry. You've been running around for Chu Junwei, and before I die, I should at least let you see him one last time, right? Don't worry, when the time comes, I'll send him down to accompany you." Bing Shu sneered coldly: "That little brat surnamed Chu has a big nerve, not knowing my reputation in the Jianghu world. Do you know, Han Mingxi? When have I ever given my things away to others? He actually dares to ask me for compensation and even wants the Biliu flower. Hmph... Cough... Now the Biliu flower is right here, and I want to see what's more important in his eyes - you, a friend he's known for just a few days, or the priceless treasure."

  "Bored..." Han Mingxi said with disdain. Bing Sheng was obviously very pleased, and sneered: "Enjoy the rest of your time, you'd better pray that Chu Junwei really thinks you're important and can rush over within an hour, otherwise, I'll just have to miss this good show and return your corpse to him."

  Ye Li quietly watched a scene not far away, her eyes cast downward in thought. Before long, Anzi returned to her side and whispered, "There are no ambushes around."

  Ye Li nodded, stood up and walked out, An San wanted to stretch out his hand but it was too late. From behind Ye Li's back, he saw her make a hidden gesture, and could only hide again. He exchanged a glance with An Er who was hiding on the other side, then fixed his gaze tightly on the grass outside the cave.

  Seeing Ye Li walking leisurely with her hands behind her back, Bing Shu's eyes sparkled, "You've really come."

  Ye Li walked forward with an unchanged expression, her eyes scanning Han Mingxi's body before slowly shifting to Bing Shusheng and smiling: "Third Master, it's not a good habit to burn bridges after crossing the river." Bing Shusheng narrowed his eyes slightly, humming a cold smile: "Burning bridges? If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for being too greedy." Ye Li sighed helplessly, tapping her folded fan against her palm: "This world... is truly not as it used to be. Fine, let's just say I'm having bad luck this time. So, what do you want? No matter what, can you please release Han Mingxi first? I know you're not afraid of Han Mingyue, but I think... Ling Tiexin shouldn't like you provoking Tianyi Pavilion."

  "You... have a big nerve, actually thinking of using Big Brother to threaten me."

  Ye Li shook the folding fan in her hand and smiled: "No, it just so happens that I have an older brother who is a close friend of Ling Ge's master. What's even more coincidental is that I told him before I came here. If we get into trouble here, he will naturally go back home to report our deaths, and of course, I won't forget to tell him about the declaration between Gongzi and Ling Ge. What do you think? Can't we avoid one of these family feuds if possible?"

  The sick book looked at Han Mingxi on the ground and then at Ye Li: "Alright. Han Mingxi can go, you stay here."

  Ye Li nodded, "No problem."

  Han Mingxi sat on the ground motionless, Ye Li furrowed her brow and asked: "What's wrong? Are you badly hurt?"

  Han Mingxi hummed and furrowed his brow, the fabric on his left leg seeping out a dark patch, clearly having suffered a severe injury. Ye Li took two steps forward and asked with concern: "Mingxi, are you okay?" Han Mingxi lifted his head, shook it, and said: "It's fine... Junwei, don't worry about me, let's hurry up and go." Ye Li shook her head and smiled: "You got into trouble because of me, how could I leave you behind? Mingxi, I was wrong to deceive you earlier, just call me by my real name from now on. This name 'Junwei'... even I'm not very used to it myself." A hint of surprise flashed across Han Mingxi's face as he nodded and said: "I understand."

  Ye Li smiled and said: "I'll help you up..."

  Han Mingxi nodded and raised his hand to meet Ye Li's outstretched hand.

  "Don't!" The change was like a sudden flash, Han Mingxi's hand that was about to grasp Ye Li's suddenly transformed into an eagle claw-like grip towards Ye Li. At the same time, Ye Li ducked and leaned back, and the hand holding the folding fan burst out with a dazzling silver light. Almost at the same moment, a figure flashed out of the cave like lightning and pounced on Ye Li. Ye Li frowned and the dagger in his hand flew out.

  “Cough, cough……” The person who pounced on Ye Li's body had a face that was identical to Han Mingxi's, but at this moment, it looked particularly disheveled. A streak of blood flowed from the corner of his mouth, "Jun Wei... are you okay?" Ye Li pulled the person off him and coldly scolded: "I'm fine, the one who's in trouble is you, idiot!" The palm that had just struck Han Mingxi's back made Ye Li lift his head, his gaze slicing through the air like a knife. "Han Mingyue, are you satisfied now?" Han Mingxi... Han Mingyue had a dagger inserted into his shoulder, and his dark red clothes were stained with a wet patch. He glared at the person being supported by Ye Li, his eyes filled with angry light. "Han Mingxi, you scoundrel, what are you doing? Who allowed you to come out?"

  Han Mingxi leaned weakly against Ye Li, whose originally petite figure was struggling to support his tall and slender physique. Han Mingxi sneered at the man in front of him, who looked almost identical to himself, "I've said it before, your crappy acting skills can't fool Jun Wei into thinking you're a noble gentleman. And... is your scoundrel-ness comparable to mine?"

  "How reckless! You're willing to risk your life for someone you've just met a few days ago? Do you know who she is?" Han Mingyue said coldly.

  Han Mingxi was taken aback, gritting his teeth and saying: "No matter who he is, he's my friend! Even if we've only known each other for a few days, he's better than you. At least Jun Wei will come to save me, but you... even if I risked my life to save you, who would care about your life or death?" After hearing his younger brother's angry roar, Han Mingyue was visibly stunned, looking at the two people in front of her with a complex expression. She quickly regained her composure and looked at Ye Li, slightly raising an eyebrow: "Sister-in-law, please let go of my little brother first."

  Han Mingxi's body stiffened, and he lowered his head, staring at Ye Li in disbelief. As if wanting to see from her face what made Han Mingyue call her "brother-in-law". After a while, he let out a difficult laugh, "Big brother, you shouldn't have gotten hit on the head and become muddle-headed, right? Don't go around claiming random relatives, I don't have another older brother." Han Mingyue coldly laughed, pointing at Ye Li, "Han Mingxi, open your eyes wide and take a good look, is the person standing in front of you a man or are you so mixed up from being outside for too long that you can't even tell male from female?"

  Ye Li supported Han Mingxi to sit down on one side, then slowly pushed open the door with a somewhat apologetic look at Han Mingxi, "Brother Han, sorry I deceived you."

  Han Mingxi stared at her for a long time before reluctantly pouting and saying, "Fine, I know you're a woman now. Considering we've been through life and death together, you should at least tell me which sister-in-law you are! I don't want to hear it from that bastard!" Ye Li turned around and glanced at the sickly bookworm who was staring at her with hatred in his eyes, and Han Mingyue who had a wooden expression as if he didn't know what to think. She said softly, "My name is Ye Li."

  "Ye Li... Xiu Qingchen is your older brother... No, Xiu Qingchen is indeed your older brother. You are Miss Ye San, you... you are——!" Han Mingxi stared at him with a look of discomfort, as if he had swallowed a fly. He had seen Miss Ye San before... The problem was that the handsome young man in front of him didn't resemble that cunning and pretentious rich girl at all?! He had clearly sworn to stay away from that woman, so why had he been following her around every day? "You deceived me!" Han Mingxi accused. Ye Li apologized, "Sorry."

  "Sorry is enough? I want compensation. Xun Ya Ge, I still want 10%!"

  Ye Li nodded refreshingly, "No problem."

  Han Mingxi narrowed his eyes and continued to make demands, "At least four new bottles of perfume every year."

  Ye Li hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "Okay."

  Han Mingxi tilted his head, sizing her up for a while as if evaluating whether what she said was credible or not. After a good while, he raised his head proudly and said: "In that case, this young master reluctantly forgives your deception. And acknowledges that Ye Li is my friend, Han Mingxi."

  Ye Li cried and laughed at the same time, helplessly saying: "Thank you, Brother Han, for being so magnanimous."

  Han Mingxi still hummed in dissatisfaction, disdainfully turning to Han Mingyue: "See that? You still have the nerve to say you can make money. The Han family really relies on you not to starve a large group of people to death."

  Han Mingyue's face turned gloomy, and she glared at Han Mingxi, saying: "Stop talking nonsense, finish speaking and get out of the way."

  Han Mingxi gave him a cold stare, "Are you crazy? This woman is my friend and will be my future business partner. Try messing with her?"

  "Han Mingxi!" Han Mingyue said sternly.

  "This young master knows what he's called." Han Mingxi lazily leaned against the hillside and dug his ears.

  "Prince Han... are you done reminiscing? If we don't make a move soon, the people from the Imperial Palace will arrive and it'll be too late." The sickly scholar's voice emerged from behind, low and menacing.

  Digression

  Ahh~ No weekend for kids, it's unbearable. The busier others are, the more idle I am. New people have arrived and need to be taught, not to mention those who sit next to me are really annoying... The children who can't keep up indicate that their eyes can't stay open and they want to go to sleep.