Chapter 787: Such Good Fortune

"You think she isn’t human, is that it?" Xiliu Yuan said.

"Master, I am not one to believe in or spread tales of ghosts and gods, but Miss Ye is truly bizarre. I heard that her body lay in the General’s Manor for two days back then. Many doctors and Imperial Physicians confirmed she had no signs of life, yet... now Miss Ye has returned, alive and well."

"When Ye Qianning’s body was being taken out of Beili, it was publicly carried away by an old Daoist," Xiliu Yuan began slowly. "I’ve heard that in the East Sea, there is a place called Endless Island. On this island lies a Butterfly Spring, and its waters are said to appear only once every thousand years. A soak in that Spiritual Spring can supposedly pull even a dying person back from the brink."

"So, Miss Ye bathed in the Butterfly Spring?"

"It’s just speculation. Endless Island is only mentioned in a single rare text handed down from a millennium ago. No one knows its location; its very existence is the stuff of legend. But since Ye Qianning came from the deep sea, it seems to be the only plausible explanation."

’My men couldn’t reveal themselves on Four-direction Mountain back then. They saw the sword pierce her heart. There was no way she could have survived.’

’The rare text also mentioned that a Daoist lived on Endless Island.’

’If that’s true, then Ye Qianning’s luck is truly astonishing!’

"Your knowledge is vast, Master. I spoke out of turn. Please, punish me."

For a Royal Shadow Guard, spreading talk of ghosts and gods was a serious crime.

"I’ll let it go this time. Don’t let it happen again."

"Yes."

"You’re dismissed. Stop the investigation," Xiliu Yuan said.

"Yes."

Mu Qing bowed and took his leave.

Xiliu Yuan’s eyes narrowed. ’Thousands of miles in a single day?’

’If a ship could truly travel that fast, it would make many things much easier. Is it really some kind of sailing technique?’

’Ye Qianning was a complete enigma, and he had always been drawn to a good mystery.’

’Her return from the dead... When that news reached the Capital City of Beili, it would surely cause a storm.’

’A woman as vengeful as her... After suffering so much back then, she was finally back...’

He found himself rather looking forward to it.

"Your Highness."

The carriage stopped, and a respectful voice came from outside.

Xiliu Yuan rose, parted the carriage curtain, and stepped out, heading toward the inn.

"Your Highness, Your Highness..."

A carriage came galloping up. Wang Li, holding the curtain open, was leaning halfway out and shouting urgently toward him.

Xiliu Yuan turned to look.

The carriage stopped abruptly, and Wang Li jolted, nearly tumbling out. After taking a moment to recover, he hastily dismounted.

"This official greets His Highness, the Crown Prince."

"What is it?" Xiliu Yuan asked.

"Your Highness, there is something I wish to ask you. Might you have a moment?"

"Lord Wang, there’s no need to beat around the bush. Just say what’s on your mind."

Wang Li considered for a moment. "Your Highness, regarding the sale of Nanyuan’s seafood at the Four Countries Chamber of Commerce... should Xi Yan make a bid for it?"

"You’ve been managing commerce for many years, Lord Wang. Do you really need to ask me about such a trivial matter?" Xiliu Yuan said coolly.

Wang Li froze, then nodded repeatedly. "Yes, of course."

Xiliu Yuan turned and walked into the inn.

With a troubled look on his face, Wang Li couldn’t fathom the Crown Prince’s meaning. He reached out and grabbed Mu Qing. "Mu Qing, what in the world did His Highness mean by that?"

"Xi Yan is a great nation. Why would we need to vie for anything?" Mu Qing said coldly.

"So His Highness doesn’t want to sign the contract with Nanyuan?"

"You just came from the port, didn’t you, Lord Wang?"

"Yes."

"And after watching all that time, you still don’t get it?"

Wang Li was completely bewildered.

"Perhaps Lord Wang should go home and think it over." Mu Qing sneered, shrugging off his hand and walking into the inn.

Wang Li stared blankly at Mu Qing’s retreating back. ’Think?’

He clutched his head. It felt like his brain had turned to mush; he was utterly muddled.