The Adventures of Wu Chengqian.
The next morning, in the residence of the Third Prince.
"Speak! What occurred last night within the confines of the Cao family's palace?"
Upon hearing this urgent inquiry, the young eunuch, who had come to report, collapsed to his knees with a loud thud!
Sweat streamed down his forehead like rain, cascading uncontrollably!
"What possessed me to compete for this position in the first place?"
The young eunuch, known as Xiaochun, had previously served in the imperial kitchen, carrying dishes to the royal table.
Only two days prior had he joined the ranks of Wu Chengqian, and owing to his cunning nature, he was quickly assigned significant responsibilities.
Initially, Xiaochun believed he was on the brink of a meteoric rise, for conveying intelligence was a task reserved for trusted confidants and inner circle members.
However, once he received the news, he realized with a sinking feeling that this role entailed life-and-death stakes!
"What are you waiting for? Do not hesitate any longer!"
"Quickly deliver the information, or I swear I shall flay you alive!"
With a resigned sigh, Xiaochun closed his eyes and declared loudly, "Last night, after Cao Wenbin returned to the palace, he immediately took Qin Yunmeng to his bedroom!"
"Fifteen minutes later, screams erupted from within, continuing unabated throughout the night!"
A heavy silence enveloped the room!
In that moment, one could hear a pin drop!
Xiaochun initially thought his fate was sealed, that his life was forfeit!
Yet, unexpectedly…
"You may leave now. Should you acquire any further information, return promptly to report!"
Overjoyed, Xiaochun prostrated himself multiple times before hastily exiting the room!
Once Wu Chengqian was left alone, he could no longer contain his fury!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
In rapid succession, everything within his reach was shattered!
Yet even after venting his rage, he remained seething with anger!
Without hesitation, he dashed toward the back mountain, clearly intent on releasing his pent-up frustrations there!
Interestingly, as he slipped into the secluded area, a sudden vortex materialized, pulling him in with an irresistible force!
…
"What? You mean the Third Prince has vanished into thin air?"
It must be noted that Wu Lingtian held Wu Chengqian in exceptionally high regard!
Astoundingly, within just an hour of the Third Prince's mysterious disappearance, Wu Lingtian had already received critical intelligence!
In an instant, the sovereign of the Tianwu Dynasty was thrust into a frenzy of alarm and disbelief!
"Speak! What transpired prior to the Third Prince's disappearance?"
Casting a wary glance at the enraged sovereign, the commander of the imperial guards swallowed hard and, in a low voice, replied, "Your Majesty, two hours ago, the Third Prince received a message from the Cao family palace!"
"Shortly thereafter, he dashed off toward the back mountain!"
"And after that, we lost all communication with him!"
Wu Lingtian paused, momentarily taken aback, before furrowing his brow and pressing for more details. "What was the nature of the message from the Cao family palace?"
The commander's lips twitched nervously, but he pressed on, "According to our investigation, it appears to concern the all-night confrontation between the Third Prince's mother and Cao Wenbin!"
"All night? So, does that imply the Third Prince's disappearance has nothing to do with Cao Wenbin?"
The commander nodded emphatically. "Indeed, for the cries from the Cao family palace have not ceased even now!"
With this confirmation, Wu Lingtian breathed a sigh of relief!
As long as the situation was unrelated to the Cao family, it was manageable!
After all, in the realm of the Tianwu Dynasty, no one other than the Cao family would dare to lay a hand on Wu Chengqian!
"Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, that lad Chengqian must have stumbled upon yet another fortunate encounter!"
This thought invigorated Wu Lingtian, and excitement bubbled within him!
The green glow hovering above his head seemed to diminish slightly due to this promising development!
…
At the Cao family palace.
When Cao Wenbin and Qin Yunmeng finally re-emerged, the sun was already soaring high in the sky!
"You two, go to the imperial kitchen and fetch us something to eat! And remember, I do not eat mushrooms!"
"You two, go outside and tend to the garden."
"As for the rest of you…"
As various commands were issued, Qin Yunmeng's six companions were promptly dispatched by Cao Wenbin!
Once the last individual had received their orders, Cao Wenbin turned to Qin Yunmeng and suddenly asked, "Well? Are you convinced now?"
"Thud!"
Almost instinctively, Qin Yunmeng dropped to her knees!
At that moment, her large, expressive eyes were filled with trepidation!
She had never anticipated that a man's combat prowess could reach such staggering heights!
Logically, as someone who had experienced similar situations before, she should have remained unafraid, yet the reality was that she was genuinely terrified!
"I yield!" she proclaimed.
"From now on, whatever you command, I shall comply without question!"
Cao Wenbin, pleased with her submission, nodded, feeling that his efforts from the previous night had not been in vain!
"What if I were to instruct you to confront Wu Chengqian?"
Qin Yunmeng gasped, a look of anguish flashing across her features.
"Young Master, I implore you to spare Chengqian; he is quite obedient and exceptionally capable!"
"I assure you, if you were to elevate him, he would undoubtedly usher in a time of peace and prosperity!"
"And with me by your side, you need not worry about his loyalty!"
Upon hearing this plea, Cao Wenbin couldn't help but laugh!
It seemed this Qin Yunmeng had quite the inflated sense of self-worth!
She appeared to forget that if Wu Chengqian genuinely valued her, he would never have sent her to act as a spy!