Chapter 281: 281. A series of operations as fierce as a tiger

Xuan Ling was glanced at indifferently by Yu Qing, and for some reason, a chill ran through her heart. This usually calm and unflappable senior sister seemed to have become a bit different at this moment.

This reminded her of True Master Yu Jian, who hid a cunning mind under a gentle and mellow exterior.

With just a glance, Yu Qing made Xuan Ling close her mouth, then pulled out a small jade bottle from her sleeve and placed it on the table: “This is a Purple Jade Heart Protecting Pill I sought from Master before leaving the mountain. It may not cure Emperor Qiao Zhi, but it should help alleviate the illness.”

Upon hearing about the Purple Jade Heart Protecting Pill, both Xuan Ling and Gou Cheng opened their eyes wide in shock.

True Master Yu Jian truly is wealthy and powerful, able to bestow such a precious elixir to Yu Qing.

However, Qiao Sen was a bit puzzled, having never heard of this elixir.

Xuan Ling explained to Qiao Sen in a sour tone that her own Master, True Master Xuan Jian, was quite stingy and would never give her something so valuable.

After listening, Qiao Sen was full of joy, she couldn’t help but stand up and bow deeply to Yu Qing, expressing her gratitude: “Yu Qing sister and the Heavenly Sword Sect’s great benevolence and virtue, the Qiao family will never forget.”

The Purple Jade Heart Protecting Pill is considered a precious elixir even within the Major Sect, unattainable even for emperors, and yet Yu Qing casually took it out.

Yu Qing hastily helped Qiao Sen up while clarifying that the elixir was not a gift from True Master Yu Jian to Yu Qing, but it was meant for Emperor Qiao Zhi.

After all, Emperor Qiao Zhi had some relations with the Heavenly Sword Sect, and it wouldn’t be right to leave him to perish.

With this elixir, Qiao Sen was full of confidence; once the Empress’ illness improves, getting rid of Di Ao would be a piece of cake.

No matter how muddled and deceived Emperor George was, he wouldn’t just hand over the Qiao family’s kingdom.

…

Qiao Sen didn’t know that her beloved General Zhao Luofei had been following them all the way back to the Capital.

Yet Zhao Luofei did not appear to reunite with Qiao Sen, instead following silently.

Upon returning to the Capital, Zhao Luofei disguised herself, standing on the main street outside, gazing at the Crown Prince Mansion’s gate, murmuring: “Your Highness, forgive me for being unable to serve you anymore, for I must carry out something more important.”

She stood outside the Crown Prince Mansion for a long time before finally turning and leaving.

…

Qiao Sen also didn’t know that her supposedly discreet actions were completely under Di Ao’s control.

On the same day Qiao Sen returned, Di Ao had already been informed by a mole.

That night, Di Ao invited several ministers she had long bought over to a banquet and informed them of this matter.

The ministers hearing this, began to berate Qiao Sen’s actions vehemently.

“How outrageous, with the Emperor seriously ill, Princess Qiao Sen should attend to him, not use an excuse of praying to go travel leisurely.”

“Such disloyal and unfilial acts should not be entrusted with the Crown Prince position. How could the Chu Kingdom hand over to such an incapable person?”

“Tomorrow in the court, we must expose this matter to the public.”

Di Ao watched the ministers filled with righteous indignation, a faint cold smile appeared on her face.

Qiao Sen managed to find some decent helpers, which indeed slightly surprised her.

But what of it, unless Qiao Sen dared take the risk to send someone to kill her, those few jesters are insignificant before the bigger picture.

Neither Di Ao nor the ministers realized that a pair of eyes was watching them from the rooftop.

Fang Zhou had developed a habit of nightly surveillance over Di Ao, for there was nothing else to do.

Seeing the ministers expressing righteous indignation below, Fang Zhou also let out a silent cold laugh.

Di Ao’s reckless antics got no opposition from them, yet Qiao Sen makes a slight misstep and it immediately evokes a chorus of barking dogs–truly a pack of lapdogs.

However, this group of fair-weather ministers is not to be worried about, easily bought off by Di Ao, meaning they could easily betray her.

As long as Qiao Sen could defeat Di Ao, these fence-sitters would immediately swing to Qiao Sen’s side.

Through their conversation, Fang Zhou knew Qiao Sen finally returned to the Capital today, and the silly child was probably still proud of her cunning maneuvers.

How does that saying go, thunderous operation, wolf-like aggressiveness, checked the results–zero and faced five.

Fang Zhou quietly left the General Mansion of Di Ao and crossed most of the Capital, arriving at Qiao Sen’s Crown Prince Mansion.

The Crown Prince Mansion was brightly lit; Fang Zhou didn’t rashly descend, but landed on the rooftop, making a few strange bird calls with his mouth.

In less than half a minute, Fang Zhou smelled a faint scent of grass, followed by someone jumping onto his back, tightly hugging his waist and neck.

Six Wa revealed herself from invisibility, pouting, dissatisfied to Fang Zhou: “Where have you been?”

She previously only heard half of Fang Zhou’s adult version of Sleeping Beauty, and then he disappeared.

Fang Zhou smiled: “Aren’t you going to ask about your third sister?”

Six Wa stuck out her tongue and chuckled: “She’s very stubborn, following you won’t get her into trouble.”

“Just don’t say it in front of your third sister, or she’ll beat you up.”

Fang Zhou brought Six Wa to the front and asked her: “Did anything unexpected happen on the road?”

Six Wa stayed cozy in Fang Zhou’s embrace, shook her head: “No.”

After being attacked once on the river before, everything was smooth from then on.

However, hearing Six Wa say Zhao Luofei didn’t return to the team, Fang Zhou was a bit surprised.

Maybe she’s still on the little island guarding my seventh day?

Fang Zhou dismissed the thought and took out a sheet of paper from his chest, handing it to Six Wa for her to quietly deliver it to Yu Qing.

Originally intending to remind Six Wa not to let Xuan Ling and Gou Cheng know, Fang Zhou reconsidered, knowing Yu Qing’s character, she would definitely share it with the two upon finding out, and decided to let it be.

After parting ways with Six Wa, Fang Zhou wandered around the Crown Prince Mansion, quickly finding Big Wa.

Big Wa was bathing, and when Fang Zhou landed nearby, she was startled but relaxed upon recognizing Fang Zhou.

“Is Huang Lian alright?”

Big Wa was still very concerned about her sister, immediately asking about Third Wa’s situation.

“She’s doing quite well now.”

Fang Zhou answered with a smile, instinctively inspecting Big Wa.

Big Wa noticed his gaze, somewhat awkwardly raised her hand to cover herself, and scolded: “Why did you come in now.”

Fang Zhou replied seriously: “Now is perfect timing, nobody would suspect you’re still working hard while taking a bath.”

Big Wa had long grown used to Fang Zhou’s serious nonsense, even rolling her eyes at him upon hearing this remark.

After exchanging information, Fang Zhou took out Hua Ji Soft Bone Water to reshape Big Wa’s face and physique.

Though it hadn’t been a month since last altering her appearance, taking advantage of the free time now prevented any future rush.

After finishing, Fang Zhou quietly left the Crown Prince Mansion, feeling it was not yet time for a meeting.

…

Yu Qing returned to her room after bathing, still damp.

Just as she reentered her room, she noticed an extra sheet of paper on the table.