Chapter 750 - 751: A Meeting?

Chapter 750: Chapter 751: A Meeting?

Princess Qingyang looked impressed, clicking her tongue in admiration. "That’s just like you! You guessed it right away! I just went to Yunlai Tavern to pick out some fine wines for my father to take back to the Southwest. I never expected to see Shui Xingqiu in the main hall."

Princess Qingyang rested her chin in one hand, recalling the scene.

"He was alone. It didn’t look like he brought anyone with him. There was a pot of wine on his table—it looked like Snow Drink—but his cup was full. I doubt he drank any of it. And his attention didn’t seem to be on the wine at all. Instead, it looked like he was observing the tavern... If you ask me, he’s here for you!"

After hearing her out, Ye Chutang nodded.

"Rumor has it that the new Family Head of the Shui Family lives a lavish lifestyle. His status in Nanhu is immense; it’s no exaggeration to say he’s second only to one person. He must have seen every rare treasure imaginable, so why would he act so rashly and come out on his own for a mere pot of wine?"

Even a moment’s thought would reveal that Shui Xingqiu had ulterior motives.

Princess Qingyang agreed wholeheartedly. "Exactly! Even if he were truly curious, all he’d have to do is give the order and people would be tripping over themselves to deliver it to his doorstep. Why would he need to come himself? This is so..."

She racked her brains but couldn’t figure out Shui Xingqiu’s true purpose. Her brows furrowed slightly as she looked at Ye Chutang in confusion.

"But he doesn’t know you, does he? And it’s not like there’s any bad blood between you two. So why would he come straight for you?"

’He’s only been in the Capital City for a few days, hasn’t he?’

Ye Chutang didn’t answer right away. Instead, she raised an eyebrow slightly and studied the princess for a moment.

Princess Qingyang touched her face, looking bewildered. "Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"

"Not at all. But..." Ye Chutang paused. "I’m just a little surprised you recognized Shui Xingqiu at a glance. You’ve only seen him once, haven’t you? And that was several years ago..."

Princess Qingyang understood and couldn’t help but lift her chin proudly.

"Of course! I have an excellent memory for faces!"

Never mind a striking face like Shui Xingqiu’s; Princess Qingyang had a photographic memory and could recognize even a common passerby in a crowd at a glance.

"He seemed to recognize me, too. He quickly looked away the moment he saw me. Was he afraid I’d remember him?" Princess Qingyang tapped her chin thoughtfully. "A pity for him, my memory is just too good. I couldn’t forget him even if I tried."

Ye Chutang’s gaze flickered.

Seeing that Ye Chutang didn’t speak, Princess Qingyang found it odd. "What? Was I wrong?"

Ye Chutang slowly shook her head, a hint of amusement in her eyes as she looked at the princess.

"You just said he looked away as soon as he saw you?"

"That’s right!" Princess Qingyang nodded.

Ye Chutang asked slowly, "Then why would he avoid you? He came to the Capital City this time and is walking around openly with his real face. He hasn’t made any attempt at a disguise."

"I—"

Princess Qingyang was suddenly at a loss for words, her eyes widening slightly.

"You’re right! If he’s being so bold, why would he single me out to avoid? Could it be... he thought no one in the Capital City would recognize him? But he didn’t expect to run into me, so—"

"After the battle at Long City, King Yan Nan led his troops back to the Capital City to report on his duties and celebrate your birthday. That’s not hard to find out with a little digging," Ye Chutang said methodically. "What’s more, the Southern Hu Mission is shouldering a heavy responsibility on this trip. They must be extremely cautious. How could they overlook something so important?"

Princess Qingyang thought her words made perfect sense, which left her feeling a bit baffled.

"You’re right. Given his status, if he’s taking the risk to come to the Capital City, he would have certainly made thorough preparations in advance. I’ve been in the Capital City for years; it’s impossible he didn’t consider the possibility of running into me..." she muttered to herself, utterly confused.

Ye Chutang, however, chuckled softly.

"In that case, this new Family Head of the Shui Family is rather interesting... And it seems he does indeed remember you."

Princess Qingyang felt there was a hidden meaning in her words, but before she could puzzle it out, she heard Ye Chutang continue, "As for him and me, of course we’re not without a grudge. In the battle at Long City, A Feng’s arrow hit Tuoba Yu, which led to the current situation."

Ye Chutang casually tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her tone light and unhurried, even carrying a hint of jest.

"I heard the Southern Hu Mission suffered a major loss in Taiji Palace the day before yesterday. I suppose Shui Xingqiu has decided to hate me as well, since I’m A Feng’s older sister."

Princess Qingyang thought it over and realized what Ye Chutang said was entirely possible.

"That makes sense... I heard that after he returned to the Shui Family, he hunted down and exterminated everyone who had ever bullied him. Even their friends and relatives weren’t spared, and his methods were exceedingly cruel and ruthless..."

Princess Qingyang frowned, a flash of disgust in her eyes.

"The man is petty and vengeful, seeking retribution for the slightest offense. He’s definitely not someone to be trifled with."

A sudden thought made her ask nervously, "He’s not going to do something to A Feng, is he? If he dared to go to Yunlai Tavern to gather information today, who knows what he might do tomorrow?"

Ye Chutang couldn’t help but laugh, patting the princess’s shoulder gently.

"A Feng and I appreciate your kind concern, Commandery Princess, but you really needn’t worry so much. This is the Capital City. No matter how capable he is, how much trouble can he really stir up here? Even if he decided to kill A Feng, he’d have to think twice before making a move."

Princess Qingyang thought about it for a moment.

"You’re right."

’This is the Capital City, not Nanhu.’

"Still, it’s better to be vigilant, just to be safe." Princess Qingyang’s brow furrowed, her tone turning serious. "If nothing else, he is truly skilled in the Poisonous Gu Technique."

Falling victim to it would mean immense suffering.

Ye Chutang knew the princess was genuinely worried. Her heart warmed, and she nodded as well.

"Your concerns are valid, Commandery Princess. I will be more careful. The matter with Tuoba Yu is already settled; it’s only been delayed a few days due to his poor health. I expect that once he’s feeling a bit better, Si Kouji will take his people and leave."

’At that point, even if Shui Xingqiu doesn’t want to leave, he’ll have no reason to stay.’

Princess Qingyang nodded in complete agreement, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

"Then let’s pray they leave soon!"

’That Shui Xingqiu has so many tricks up his sleeve. Every extra day he stays here is another day of danger for A Feng and the others.’

"I suppose once the mission leaves, my father, A Feng, and the others will also set off on their return journey."

Ye Chutang lowered her gaze slightly, her mind on something else entirely.

’Shui Xingqiu went to great trouble to come here; I doubt he’ll leave so easily.’

’Putting the matter of Tuoba Yu aside for a moment, there was still another, extremely important person.’

—Xiao Lansi.

’The relationship between those two must be extraordinary. Now that he has this golden opportunity, wouldn’t it be a terrible waste not to see her?’