Chapter 1357: Xinyu Lantern Festival (Extra for Zhao Yuexi and He Shi Bi) (2)

Chapter 1357: Chapter 685: Xinyu Lantern Festival (Extra for Zhao Yuexi and He Shi Bi) (2)

In this small carriage, he couldn’t even stretch his long legs, and reaching out, he could easily touch her. If he harbored malicious intent, she truly would be left with no tears to cry, so she switched the topic: “I do know someone who perfectly fits your description.”

Huangfuming’s eyes lit up: “Oh, who is it?”

“Jin Manyan. Your little fiancée. Three years ago, she was already a delicate little beauty, with snow-white skin and floral features. I imagine she has become even prettier now. Doesn’t she happen to meet every condition you just mentioned?” Ning Xiaoxian raised her head and smiled, “There hasn’t been news of her for a long time, since you’re her fiancé, you naturally know about her current situation, right?” He never liked Jin Manyan since childhood, mentioning this girl could probably deter his intentions.

Indeed, Huangfuming’s face darkened swiftly, and the ambiguous atmosphere in the room vanished instantly.

Ning Xiaoxian secretly let out a breath of relief.

“Jin Manyan disappeared as early as three years ago, didn’t Shaking Heaven God tell you?” He interlocked his hands, placing them on his abdomen, eyes downcast, “This former fiancée of mine is missing.”

She was truly taken aback. Three years ago in Bai Yujing she only met Jin Wuhuan and Jin Manyi, and heard Jin Manyan returned early to Jishi Building. This time accompanying Changtian to Songjiang City, he only casually mentioned the Jin Family, so she sincerely said: “I would like to hear the details. I have only been awake for over ten days, and haven’t had the chance to learn yet.”

Huangfuming snorted coldly: “No details to explain. Three years ago, you had an incident in Bai Yujing, and mere days later, Jin Manyan disappeared. At that time, unrest had already started within Jishi Building, Mrs. Jin had to seek help from the King Jinghai Mansion. Father suspected Jin Quheng, Jin Wuhuan’s uncle, meddled in some way, thus helped Jin Wuhuan’s brother, Jin Wuya. The two factions fought more and more fiercely, and Jishi Building was tumultuous for nearly half a year, but Jin Manyan’s whereabouts were never found.”

Ning Xiaoxian opened her mouth, but didn’t know what to say.

Huangfuming is Jin Manyan’s fiancé, and both his identity and moral righteousness grant him the right to seek the Jin Family about his fiancée’s whereabouts. Likely the King Jinghai Mansion used this connection to openly intervene in the internal affairs of Jishi Building.

She thought for a moment and suddenly asked: “What role did Miluo play in this?” Changtian received a message from Miluo while returning to Bashe Forest, which dispelled his thoughts of wiping out the Jin Family, indicating Miluo had contributed.

Huangfuming looked at her in surprise before saying: “He assisted Jin Quheng.”

She suddenly realized. Jin Quheng and Jin Wuya were evenly matched in Jishi Building and both needed external forces to topple each other. In such circumstances, the King Jinghai Mansion and Fengtian Prefecture played the role of a good relative, providing money when needed, and manpower when needed. However, inviting gods isn’t easy, and sending them away is even harder, especially since neither of these gods is easy to deal with. Regardless of which side, Jin Quheng or Jin Wuya, wins the Clan Leader position, will the external aid they invited to help simply step down peacefully?

Jin Manyan’s disappearance was just a catalyst. Ultimately, who abducted her, whether she is dead or alive, who really cares? As of today, Jishi Building has already fallen apart, and no one continues to investigate Jin Manyan’s whereabouts.

She quietly looked at Huangfuming a few times before speaking: “Jin Wuya promised you quite some benefits, didn’t he? For example, those two Earth Evil Veins within the scope of Jishi Building?”

Light flickered in Huangfuming’s dark eyes: “Sister’s thoughts are indeed clever. Yes, those two Earth Evil Veins already belong to the King Jinghai Mansion. Actually, what I’ve always wanted to discuss with sister is whether the Red Ghost Mountain within the Hidden Stream territory could be ceded to the King Jinghai Mansion? Of course, the price I’ll offer will surely satisfy you!”

“Oh, bargaining with me isn’t an easy task.” Ning Xiaoxian set the book down on the table, “State your offer and let me hear it?”

Indeed, her eyes gleamed at the mention of business. He should have remembered his sister is a money-grubber. “How about trading it for Qingyun State, which the King Jinghai Mansion acquired in the past two years?”

She furrowed her brows slightly: “Qingyun State is vast and sparsely populated, with barren land and cities far more backward than other regions, do you intend to brush me off with this Great State?”

“Sister!” Huangfuming said helplessly, “The reason Qingyun State’s land isn’t fertile and crops don’t grow is because beneath the surface lies the most scarce resource of Hidden Stream—minerals, and there are at least over thirty types of known minerals.”

She knew he was speaking the truth but still shook her head: “The Earth Evil Veins are the foundation of life for the Barbarians, yet you only intend to trade them for a small state prefecture?” Seeing Huangfuming about to speak, she interrupted him, “I’m currently not in good health, and my mind is unclear. I’ll discuss it further with you through letters after returning to the Hidden Stream.” She’s unaware of Changtian and the Barbarians’ entanglement, so she wouldn’t rashly cede Red Ghost Mountain.

Just then, there was a slight knocking sound from the carriage: “Young Master, the Lantern Festival has arrived.”

The carriage door opened, and Huangfuming jumped out first, then extended his long hand to her: “Come, I’ll help you.” Seeing her pressed her lips together as if knowing her thoughts, “This road is long, Xiang Fen can’t support you.”

Ning Xiaoxian had no choice but to place her hand in his large palm, allowing him to assist her out of the carriage. Huangfuming was rather gentlemanly; once her feet touched the ground, he let go of her hand and supported her arm through her clothing, an invisible force gently held her up.

With his support, she indeed found walking almost effortless. (To be continued.