Chapter 415: They Won’t Let It Go
Yu Haojie was just as excited, unable to contain his emotions. He casually picked up a musket from the wooden chest, ready to demonstrate it for his daughter.
A gunshot rang out, startling the birds foraging in the backyard and causing snow to fall from the tree branches. Yu Luo clapped her hands in admiration as she watched the branch, now broken by the shot.
“Father, your aim is incredible! Have you been practicing? That branch was at least a hundred meters away, and you hit it so precisely!”
Yu Haojie grinned proudly and handed the musket to Yu Luo.
“I’ve been practicing since the prototype stage. Not just me—I’ve assembled a musketeer squad of two thousand men. They work the fields during the day, but at night, we train for an hour. If I pull them out now, they’d be as effective as a full army battalion. You should start practicing too. We’ve made an enemy of Fengcheng, and we never know when we might need this.”
Yu Luo was surprised at her father’s foresight and immediately began practicing in the courtyard.
At Chi Jincheng’s estate, Xuanqi entered the tea room after receiving a report.
“Master, they’ve succeeded. There was quite a commotion at the City Lord’s residence just now.”
Chi Jincheng set down his tea cup, a pleased expression flashing across his face.
“I knew they wouldn’t disappoint me. They truly are full of surprises.”
“Master, we also received word from the capital. The Empress’s faction is becoming restless and is preparing to make a move. Should we intervene to escalate their conflict? Also, the Emperor has resumed court sessions—it seems Madam Yu’s medical skills are indeed remarkable.”
“Leave the capital’s affairs alone. Let them fight each other first. When they’re both weakened, we can swoop in effortlessly.
Madam Yu’s medical skills are extraordinary, unlike any other physician’s. She is a rare talent. It was fortunate that you all acted cautiously back then, allowing me to form an alliance with them today.
What about the woman who attacked Xiao Luo?”
“She’s been captured and is currently being interrogated.”
Chi Jincheng’s expression darkened. The smile in his eyes was replaced with a chilling coldness. His grip on the tea cup tightened, his knuckles turning white.
“Since she dared to harm someone of mine, she won’t be allowed to die easily. Find out who’s behind her, then have her executed—slowly.”
“Yes, Master. I’ll issue the orders immediately. But, Master…”
Xuanqi hesitated, clearly struggling with something he wanted to say.
Chi Jincheng glanced at him, his gaze sharp and displeased.
“I dislike hesitation. Speak freely.”
“My apologies, Master!” Xuanqi quickly bowed in deference.
Chi Jincheng remained silent, sipping his tea with an air of indifference.
“Master, if I may ask—have you truly set your sights on Miss Yu?”
Chi Jincheng’s expression softened at the question. A hint of warmth flickered in his eyes, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
“What do you think? Would she make a good mistress for the household?”
Xuanqi’s usual stoic demeanor cracked, his face showing a rare trace of excitement.
“Master, are you serious?!”
Seeing Xuanqi’s rare display of emotion, Chi Jincheng’s smile widened.
However, the moment was short-lived. Xuanqi’s excitement quickly faded into concern.
“Master, if Miss Yu were to become our mistress, it would be a great honor. However, I believe it would be best if you were honest with her sooner rather than later.
From what I’ve observed, Miss Yu is not an ordinary woman—she has strong convictions. If she ever learns that you’ve been keeping secrets from her and manipulating events behind the scenes, I fear she may not forgive you.”
Xuanqi’s words caused Chi Jincheng’s smile to fade.
He furrowed his brows slightly, deep in thought.
He hadn’t expected things to develop like this. He never intended to let anyone into his heart.
But somehow, Yu Luo had made her way in—perhaps ever since that time in the cave, when she had looked at him with complete trust, or when she had playfully complained while injured in his arms.
“Things have already progressed this far. I won’t deceive her, but I also can’t reveal everything just yet. We’ll take things one step at a time.”
That night, Ye Lü visited the City Lord’s residence. His face was still clouded with frustration as he plopped down onto a guest chair and downed a cup of tea in one gulp.
“You seem upset. If I didn’t know better, I’d think a prince like you had just been bullied,” Yu Luo teased, amused by his behavior.
“Xiao Luo, that woman vanished as soon as she left the tournament stage! She must have known she’d be caught and slipped away in the chaos!”
Yu Luo chuckled.
“I thought something serious had happened. If she ran, then so be it. If she really has a vendetta against me, she’ll show up again.”
She had already stationed people at the exits to keep watch, but the woman had still managed to escape. Since there was nothing she could do about it for now, she decided not to dwell on it.
But Ye Lü was clearly not as easygoing.
“Xiao Luo, how can you be so indifferent?! You’re driving me crazy! What if she attacks again and you aren’t lucky next time?!”
“What else can I do? She’s gone, and I can only stay vigilant.”
Yu Luo sat beside Ye Lü and gave him a grateful smile.
“But still, thank you for being so concerned about me.”
Seeing Yu Luo’s expression, Ye Lü’s anger instantly dissipated.
“Xiao Luo, there’s no need to be so formal with me! We’re friends. You helped me make a fortune—who else would do that? That alone proves your sincerity. But you can’t be on guard all the time! For now, I think it’s best if you don’t leave Luocheng. If someone really is after you, at least here, you’re on home ground.”
“Alright, I’ll listen to you. With the heavy snow, I wasn’t planning on going anywhere anyway. I’ll focus on improving Luocheng over the winter and make a big profit come spring.”
“That’s the right attitude! Oh, by the way, the prince I mentioned earlier should have received my letter by now. He’ll likely arrive soon. With him and me supporting Luocheng, even if Fengcheng wants to make trouble, they won’t get away with it!”
(End of Chapter 415)
