Senior Brother Makes a Grand Finale Entrance

Yun Feiyue slowly exhaled. What was he doing here, stirring up trouble?

Beichen Yi smiled at Yun Feiyue. “Sister Yue, what’s wrong? Am I not allowed?”

Yun Feiyue nodded earnestly. “That’s right. You can’t. I’ve always seen you as my own younger brother.”

Beichen Yi fell silent for a moment, then nodded deeply. He had expected this outcome, but when he heard that the old master was choosing a husband for Yun Feiyue, he still wanted to see for himself. In the end, it was as disappointing as he’d thought.

“Sister Yue, you never give me a chance, always so distant. But... I don’t know why, I still like you. I like you so much that...” He lowered his voice, leaning close to Yun Feiyue’s ear, “I can’t bear for anyone else to touch you.”

Yun Feiyue listened, and, turning to look at Beichen Yi’s eyes, she actually felt a chill behind the smile he wore.

“Brother Yi, just be content to be my little brother.” Remembering all Beichen Yi had done for her, she couldn’t bring herself to speak harshly.

Beichen Yi was a king of the State of Chu, and the Yun family’s base was in Chu—their greatest support was the Chu royal court. Unless absolutely necessary, neither side would risk open conflict.

“Fine, since you say so. But I’d like to see exactly what kind of men think they’re worthy to be my brother-in-law!” As he spoke, a blood-red thread shot from his sleeve.

In an instant, the threads wove into a large net, enveloping the entire hall.

“You all, how about a match with me?”

One person challenging so many, and none of them were weaklings. Beichen Yi was at best at the sixth level of martial arts; even with royal forbidden techniques, he couldn’t hope to deal with them all at once.

“Brother Yi, let’s not joke around.” Yun Feiyue pinched a strand of the web and snapped it with a crisp sound.

With Beichen Yi’s current abilities, he couldn’t even take Yun Feiyue’s life, let alone face someone as ruthless as Mo Twelve.

Once one thread broke, the rest followed in a domino effect, snapping one after another.

Beichen Yi watched the severed web, smiled faintly, then pinched his fingers to recall all the threads into his sleeve, where they seemed to spring back to life, merging into a fine line. This time, he didn’t make another move.

He turned to Yun Feiyue. “Sister Yue, since we’re not using force, let’s compete in wits.”

“Clap, clap, clap!” His applause summoned several eunuchs carrying out an ancient chess set.

“I’m well-versed in chess. Since Sister Yue doesn’t like fighting and bloodshed, let’s do away with that.” Beichen Yi narrowed his eyes, glancing at everyone. “What do you all think?”

Naturally, no one objected. At a moment like this, declining Beichen Yi’s challenge would be an admission of defeat. They were all people of status—admitting defeat was out of the question.

So, the match was on.

“The rules are simple: I set up the game; you solve it. If you can break it within half a stick of incense, you win. If not, you lose.”

As he finished, he flicked his hand, the board flew to the wall, the pieces followed, and with the threads maneuvering, a chess puzzle emerged.

Yun Feiyue was skilled at cheating but had never studied chess—she didn’t intend to join these contests of intellect. She leaned to one side, musing over what to do if Beichen Yi won. And if someone else did, should she run away? The thought made her anxious; she sipped her tea.

The puzzle burned for nearly half a stick of incense, and no one could solve it. Would she really have to marry Beichen Yi?

If someone else won, she wouldn’t mind running away; but if it was Beichen Yi, escape would be difficult—he ruled all of Chu.

She looked up at the chessboard, clueless.

So, even her frustration was useless.

After a long silence, Beichen Yi smiled faintly. “It seems no one can solve this game?”

“May I try?” A gentle voice spoke as Jade Que stood, holding a piece, and flicked it lightly onto the board.

With a clear snap, Beichen Yi’s pieces scattered.

Jade Que spoke coolly, “It seems I’ve won this time.”

Beichen Yi’s face was unreadable; he stared at the board for a long time before smiling, his gaze turning much colder. “Impressive! As expected of the master of Qingwu Studio.”

Jade Que replied with calm detachment, “You flatter me.”

All eyes turned to Yun Feiyue. The choice seemed made; Jade Que was the victor.

But Mo Twelve objected. “I don’t accept Jade Que as the winner. Sure, he won, but maybe it was luck. I’m not convinced.”

He threw Yun Feiyue a flirtatious glance. “Right, Sister Yun? We’re such good friends—wouldn’t it be a shame if someone came between us?”

“Jade Que, will you accept my challenge?”

“I won’t. I’m only waiting for Miss Yun’s answer—yes or no. Martial contests mean nothing to me. All I want is sincerity. Everything should follow the heart.”

Those words—everything from the heart—pleased Yun Feiyue, and she liked his attitude. But the man himself still struck her as odd.

Not that she was some irresistible beauty, but most of the suitors were clearly after the Yun family fortune, except perhaps Mo Twelve and Jade Que. If Mo Twelve was here for fun, what was Jade Que’s purpose?

She couldn’t fathom it.

She pressed her hand to her forehead, and after a while replied, “You know my answer. No, I won’t marry.”

Jade Que showed no surprise. With his mask, she couldn’t read his expression, but after a moment he nodded. “Understood.”

He sat down again, unruffled, without a hint of awkwardness or resentment at being refused.

Mo Twelve saw Jade Que withdraw and suddenly found it all boring.

With no one left to compete with, the game had lost its appeal.

Mo Twelve let out a long sigh. “To be honest, the beautiful lady has already turned me down. But I still see hope. I still want to marry her, but to be honest, the desire isn’t as strong anymore.”

Well, Yun Feiyue wasn’t surprised. She’d never thought he was serious.

“That’s good!” She smiled in relief, turning to Yun Kuang. “Grandfather, they’ve all given up. It’s not my fault. I’m going to find Xiaomumu now!”

“Sister! Long time no see!” At the door, a man in a sapphire robe adorned with white flowers, a veil and a cloak, strode in, carrying a great saber on his back, exuding an overwhelming presence.

“Senior Brother!” Yun Feiyue was stunned.

Just then, Xiaomumu sprang from nowhere, leaping into Senior Brother’s arms.

He cradled Xiaomumu with one arm and walked slowly inside.

At once, the room’s atmosphere grew tense.

“So it’s Senior Brother!” Yun Kuang hurried to greet him. “Why didn’t you let us know you were coming?”

His face hidden in the cloak, but his presence palpable, Senior Brother replied, “I was delayed on the road, dealing with some things for Sister, but there are still loose ends. I want to take little Sister back to Zhan Yun Sect.”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. She was in perfect health—why go back to Zhan Yun Sect?

“Senior Brother, since you’re down from the mountain, enjoy good food and drink here. Tell Master I’m not returning.”

He sat, scanning the room through the veil, and finally gave a cold laugh. “These are all worldly folks—what’s worth staying for? Come back with me. There’s nothing interesting here!”

“Senior Brother, Mother and I have many things to do! If we leave now, what about all our unfinished business?” Xiaomumu pouted. “Why not stay and help us finish things up? Then we’ll all go back together?”

“I’m carefree by nature—no time for your trivialities. If you won’t come, I’ll just take you by force.” Senior Brother was as overbearing as ever.

Yun Feiyue knew he’d been away from the mountain for some time and probably understood her situation.

If that was the case, there was no point in polite excuses.

“All right, I’ll consider it. If Master urgently summons me, I’ll go; otherwise, just leave me be.”

Senior Brother didn’t argue. “As you wish. But don’t delay too long!”

Their conversation was private; no one else could interject, and soon the group became onlookers.

Yun Kuang felt this was inappropriate and quickly ushered everyone to another parlor.

“Since my granddaughter and Senior Brother are reunited, let’s give them some time alone. Let me invite everyone to tea.”

With the old master’s word, the guests didn’t linger.

Once alone, Senior Brother heaved a sigh and lounged in his chair, crossing his legs. “Sister, that was such a formal show—I’m exhausted. How was Senior Brother’s performance?”

“Senior Brother has always been amazing!” Xiaomumu raised her hand in applause, rolling around in his arms.

Yun Feiyue gave a thumbs-up. “Senior Brother, you’re truly a marvel! But, did anyone see your real face?” She winked.

He nodded solemnly. “Of course not! Don’t worry, Senior Brother never slips up! Little Sister, are you really going to marry that Mo Feiyuan fellow?”

That question irked Yun Feiyue. He’d promised to come, but now, with the old master forcing a marriage, he was nowhere to be seen. Who knew what mischief he was up to!

“If he doesn’t show up, I won’t marry him!”

There was no need for pretenses before Senior Brother; she spoke her mind freely.

He gave her a meaningful, slightly roguish grin. “Exactly! You should marry me instead. Senior Brother has all the virtues—handsome, bold, upright—every good quality gathered in me.”

Yun Feiyue nodded in agreement; he really was as he claimed.

Some people boast without merit, but Senior Brother’s words inspired belief. Still, it was a bit much.

“Senior Brother, keep a low profile outside. Watch out for trouble!”

He chuckled. “I’m too handsome for anyone to lay a hand on me! But I have things to settle—some sect alliances to contact, so I might not have time for you. Let me know in advance if you need anything.”

Yun Feiyue agreed, scooping up Xiaomumu. “If Mo Feiyuan doesn’t come, we’ll follow the original plan—fake a wedding.”

Senior Brother had no objections; he even laughed at the idea. The two left the room, chatting.

By nightfall, Mo Feiyuan still hadn’t appeared. Yun Feiyue lay on the rooftop, gazing at the stars.

Xiaomumu sprawled beside her, limbs stretched wide, and Senior Brother mirrored the pose on the other side.

“Mother, I’ve been flirting with so many beauties lately, I suddenly feel like I’m living a life of utter debauchery,” Xiaomumu sighed.

Debauchery... “Where did you learn that word?” Yun Feiyue stared at the moon, which, strangely, now seemed to have Mo Feiyuan’s face. Was she bewitched?

Xiaomumu huffed, “Didn’t you teach me, Mother? I miss big sister.”

Senior Brother, his face veiled, said, “I have to leave tonight—back in a few days. Don’t run off.”

Yun Feiyue murmured her assent. Senior Brother was the best—her closest confidant.

“If I can’t take it anymore, I’ll just tell the old master we’re together. Don’t forget then.”

“Got it!” Senior Brother suddenly stood, moonlight making his veil semi-transparent, revealing a faintly handsome outline. In one leap, he soared from one rooftop to another, perfect in control and speed, vanishing in a flash.

Gone, and the moon had disappeared too...

Yun Feiyue looked down at the bonfire party below. Suddenly, she heard Yun Hai shouting, “Come down! What are you doing up there? The old master just found out Yun Feng is missing and is furious!”

Yun Feiyue rubbed her eyes, lazily getting up, and saw a flustered Yun Hai.

“It’s all right; Grandfather won’t suspect you. Just play dumb.”

“Of course, Grandfather knows I had nothing to do with it, because I told him you let Yun Hai go—”

“...” No longer friends! Yun Feiyue really didn’t want to admit she had a brother like this.

Next to Second Brother stood Luo Yunhuang, fiddling with a jade gourd, smiling at Yun Feiyue. “Looks like more drama is coming.”

In the main hall, Yun Kuang slammed down a letter.

“Outrageous! How dare he leave on such an important day! When he gets back, I’ll break his legs.”

Yun Feiyue grimaced, stepping quietly into the room. With Yun Kuang in a bad mood, she kept silent, not wanting to be his scapegoat.

“Yue’er, you’re finally here!” Yun Kuang hurried over, face full of anguish. “Why didn’t you tell me your third brother left? Yun Feng, that fool, not only ran away, but took the money with him!”

Clearly, it was his money he mourned. Yun Feng’s departure mattered little.

Yun Feiyue saw through it. When it came to money, brotherly love was worthless.

“How much did he take?”

“Your dowry!” Yun Kuang thumped his chest, face red and green with anger.

Yun Feiyue wasn’t much better off. After all her hard work, she’d gained nothing—her third brother had taken it all. She’d lost faith in family ties.

“He took everything?”

Yun Kuang nodded gravely. “All the cash and treasures. Only the shops and banks are left.”

His hands trembled with rage. Yun Feiyue’s dowry was said to be a fifth of the Yun family’s assets, and though it wasn’t truly that much, it was still a sizable portion—at least a seventh or eighth. And the jewels and cash made up a third of that.

So, by calculation, Yun Feng had taken a fortune...

Yun Feiyue’s heart ached at the thought.

“Has Grandfather sent anyone after Third Brother?”

Yun Kuang snorted. “We’ll find him, even to the ends of the earth! To think he’d embezzle his sister’s dowry, all for some heroic adventure!”

“Grandfather, Mother, Third Uncle doesn’t seem the greedy type. Maybe he thought that if he stole the dowry, Mother wouldn’t have to marry.”

Huh? Yun Feiyue turned to Xiaomumu.

“You really think your uncle is that foolish?”

Yun Kuang huffed. “Whatever. We’ll deal with this later. As for your wedding, it will proceed as planned. Everything’s ready but the groom. Your mother and I have set the date—the eighth of next month.”

Yun Feiyue didn’t argue, but suddenly felt something was wrong. Yun Feng wasn’t one to care about money, and he’d packed his things in front of her.

That meant there was another possibility—someone else had switched the loot.

She’d sooner believe Yun Hai took the money than Yun Feng.

She exhaled and made her way to Yun Hai’s room.

Yun Hai was inside going over accounts, completely absorbed.

Seeing her, he grinned. “What’s wrong? Did you get scolded?”

Yun Feiyue sat down, smiling, never taking her eyes off him.

Yun Hai grew uneasy under her gaze. “What? Is your second brother getting more handsome by the day?”

She sat sideways, silent, still staring.

He grew even more unsettled. “Don’t look at me like that! Even I get embarrassed with so much attention.”

She gave him a cold look. “How many people knew Third Brother was leaving? Who manages my dowry?”

He frowned, finally serious. “Something wrong with the dowry?”

She nodded, lowering her voice, “I never meddle in family business, but I don’t think Third Brother would do this. It’s not a small sum—it’s at least a twentieth of the Yun fortune.”

The Yun family was the wealthiest on the continent; a twentieth of their wealth could buy a large city.

No wonder Grandfather was so upset.

Yun Hai’s face changed. This was serious.

“Big Brother’s always handled the finances, but your dowry was managed by Mother and Sister-in-law. You know how careful Sister-in-law is, while Mother is more easygoing, so it was probably left to Sister-in-law.”

He shook his head. “But there’s no way she’d do such a thing. If she wanted to take the family fortune, she’s had plenty of chances—not now, at this moment...”

Yun Feiyue said nothing.

If she wanted to embezzle, there were opportunities, but to take so much at once, perhaps only this once in a lifetime...

Yun Kuang’s love for Yun Feiyue was boundless, giving her the best of everything—no one else received such generosity.

Even in marriage, he’d first consider if the dowries were equal.

Yun Feiyue knew little of her sister-in-law. Outwardly, she was capable and gentle, the very image of a refined heroine from the dramas—a soft-spoken, pleasant woman.

It was hard to imagine her doing something so bold.

“Who has the key to the treasury?” Yun Feiyue exhaled, trying to consider other possibilities.

If your mind gets stuck in a dead end, it’s easy to mistake suspicion for truth.

Yun Hai gritted his teeth. “Only Mother and Sister-in-law have the key. No one else.”

Yun Feiyue grew colder. “I’m going to find Sister-in-law.”

Yun Feiyue rarely visited Yun Yi’s pavilion, so after a long search, she found it.

Xiaomumu clung to her back, blinking, but kept quiet.

At the door, she dismissed the maids and entered alone.

Inside, she heard voices.

“Sister, I see the old master has already decided not to let our Jin family marry into the Yun clan again. You don’t know how humiliated I felt today,” Jin Yu’s brother, Jin Jing, complained.

Jin Yu laughed, covering her mouth. “Silly child, what’s that compared to what I did to marry into the Yun family? I faked suicide countless times. Now that I hold the small treasury, that’s my accomplishment.”

Jin Jing grinned, flattering her. “True, who can match you? In the future, Yun Yi will inherit the Yun fortune; when the old master and Yun Hen are gone, all that money will be yours to spend.”

Jin Yu laughed gleefully at this.

“So, as a woman, you must seize the moment. That silly Yun girl—so many handsome men and nobles after her, yet she acts so aloof! Mo Twelve, Jade Que—all of them are big shots!”

She giggled. “I hear she wants to marry the Hidden Prince. Has she lost her mind? He’s a good man, but why would he choose her? Even if he did, marrying him would be a death sentence.”

Jin Yu was so caught up in her speech she didn’t notice Yun Feiyue standing in the doorway, smiling.

“Sister, you’re quite capable. But I heard the eldest is leaving for the Southern Kingdom soon, famous for its beauties. Are you worried a lovely woman will tempt him? You haven’t had children yet—what if someone else does?”

Jin Yu shook her head. “I’m not worried. I won’t let that happen.”

She turned to take her seat—and found herself face-to-face with Yun Feiyue.

“Ah!” She jumped up in panic, but soon calmed herself. After all, Yun Feiyue was about to be married—so what if she’d overheard?

“Yue’er, you came in without warning. I was just lecturing my brother—he’s idle and can’t even find a wife, so he shouldn’t aim too high.”

Jin Yu knew Yun Feiyue would never look at Jin Jing.

She’d rejected Mo Twelve, Beichen Yi, and Jade Que—Jin Jing didn’t measure up in wealth or ability.

Xiaomumu pouted. “Aunt Yu gave a good lesson. I’ll have to learn from her and marry rich women in future.”

Jin Yu’s face turned ugly, but she forced a smile. “What are you saying, Xiaomumu? You’ll grow up to be a top expert on the continent—Grandfather says so. You’re the Yun family’s pride.”

Xiaomumu shook his head, snuggling into Yun Feiyue’s arms. “Aunt Yu, do you really mean that?”

Jin Yu nodded hastily. “Of course.”

Yun Feiyue hadn’t come to listen to this, but hearing her ambitions made her uneasy.

This was the hard-won fortune of her grandfather and ancestors—she hated to see it in this woman’s hands.

“Sister-in-law, I just wanted to ask: do you have the treasury key?”

Jin Yu’s face darkened. “Yes, but I can’t use it without Madam’s permission. I never touch it.”

“Is that so?” Yun Feiyue looked her over, then smiled coldly. “If that’s what you say, I have no more questions. Please continue your lesson.”

Turning, she left.

Xiaomumu whispered, “Mother, why are we leaving? Climbing the roof again?”

Yun Feiyue motioned for silence, lying on the roof to eavesdrop.

Crash! The sound of a smashed vase.

“Ah...” Jin Yu screamed, then turned to Jin Jing. “Go get your brother-in-law—tell him Yun Feiyue attacked me!”

Jin Jing rushed off to find Yun Yi.

When Yun Yi entered, his eyes fell on Jin Yu. “What happened?”

“Husband, your sister came in and hit me—smashed my wrist with a vase, saying I stole her dowry. I’m innocent! I may have the small treasury key, but without permission, I’d never dare touch it. Besides, it takes two keys to open the treasury.”

She clutched her bleeding wrist, eyes full of misery.

Yun Yi’s face darkened. “Such a small injury—stop pretending. You won’t die.”

“You... you... you treat me like this after marrying me? Your sister bullies me, and you don’t care!”

Jin Yu sobbed even harder.

Yun Yi turned to the maids. “Help the mistress up. Call a doctor.”

The maids hurried to help.

Jin Yu whined, “You have to stand up for me. Your sister has wronged me so—I can’t go on...”

“My sister isn’t like that. You know the truth about the treasury better than anyone. If you must make a fuss, you’ll only embarrass yourself.”

He barely let her reply.

Jin Yu choked back her words, and after a long while managed, “You still won’t believe me! You trust your wayward sister over me!”

Smack—Yun Yi slapped her.

On the rooftop, Yun Feiyue grinned. Well done, Big Brother!

It was a heavy slap—Jin Yu’s face was swollen at once.

“Boohoo, when you loved me, I was your sweetheart; now you hit me. All men are heartless...”

Yun Feiyue stifled a laugh, slipping from the rooftop.

Big Brother did care for her, after all.

But now wasn’t the time to watch family squabbles—she had to check the treasury.

How could it just vanish? Only a handful could enter.

Although Jin Yu was a prime suspect, Yun Feiyue felt someone else might be involved.

She left the room and went to find Murong Guiji.

Because of the theft, Murong Guiji was busy searching for the missing items and Yun Feng.

Most believed Yun Feng had taken the money.

But Yun Feng wasn’t that stupid. He’d said he wanted to make his own way—why take so much money?

“Mother, are you all right?” Yun Feiyue, for once, handed her a cup of tea.

Murong Guiji took a sip and sighed. “All right? Hardly! I’m about to explode! Where did all that money go?”

Yun Feiyue pursed her lips. “Mother, where did you keep the treasury key?”

“In my room—never took it out,” Murong Guiji replied, turning to her maid. “The key never left me, right?”

The maid nodded firmly. “It was always with Madam—she kept it safe. No one could take it.”

Murong Guiji nodded. “That’s right; I never let it out of my sight. It’s unlikely anyone took it.”

“Are you sure Sister-in-law never borrowed it?”

At this, Murong Guiji seemed to recall something, sighing. “She shouldn’t have...”

Yun Feiyue shrugged. “Just asking if you ever gave it to anyone.”

“I did give it to her, but I watched her the whole time. Your dowry, though, I let her handle. The family feast kept me so busy, I had no time. Your grandfather is always adamant—when he gives an order, it must be done, so I let her help.”

Yun Feiyue nodded. So it was Sister-in-law? But without evidence, she couldn’t accuse her. She was living comfortably in the Yun family—why take such a risk?

“Did Third Brother handle my dowry?” Yun Feiyue asked.

He must have, otherwise why blame him?

“Yes, he helped pick out a few good swords. He put them away today. But he would never take your money.”

Yun Feiyue agreed, so... this matter was tricky.

After whispering with Murong Guiji, Yun Feiyue left.

The next day, the guests departed, and the Yun house returned to calm.

In the morning sunlight, two figures approached from afar—Mo Twelve and Jade Que.

Tongling frowned. “Miss, shall I drive them away? His Highness won’t like other men near you!”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. “Within the four seas, all are brothers—don’t be so haughty.”

Tongling pouted, but dared not argue.

Her identity was now exposed, but for some reason Mo Feiyuan still hadn’t come.

Jade Que and Mo Twelve, both elegant gentlemen, approached slowly.

“Beautiful lady, out so early to bask in the sun? Or did you know I’d come and came to greet me?” Mo Twelve tilted his head at her.

Yun Feiyue yawned lazily. “Such bad jokes. Are you here to say goodbye?”

Jade Que nodded. “Qingwu Studio is busy—I must return. If you need anything, visit our branch. We can help with anything—and I’ll give you a discount.”

Money talk was fine—she just didn’t want him to refuse payment, as then she’d feel awkward.

“All right, thank you. Consider this a parting gift!”

She produced a large blood spirit stone, the Yun family’s finest, famed for healing and restoring energy. A large piece was even more potent.

Compared to Jade Que’s previous healing jade, it was slightly worse for healing, but better for restoring energy. Each had its own merits—no insult in the exchange.

Jade Que accepted it without fuss.

Mo Twelve eyed her jealously. “Why give one to him and not me? I’m always getting hurt—poor Mo Twelve!”

“Here, take this.” She plucked a flower and tossed it to him.

Mo Twelve tucked the white blossom behind his ear. “Good, I’ll wear it always. When I see Mo Feiyuan, I’ll tell him it’s from you—see if that drives him mad...”

Pfft...

What a child.

Even Xiaomumu shook his head in disdain.

After a few words, they parted.

Yun Feiyue had little to do, so she basked in the sun, waiting for Mo Feiyuan.

But he still hadn’t come.

“Miss, the sun’s getting strong. Come inside and rest. Maybe His Highness ran into trouble. I hear the Elders’ Council is after him...”

Yun Feiyue remembered the last incident—the third elder was killed by Mo Feiyuan, and she didn’t know who would be blamed.

She stood up, gazed at the crimson sun, and yawned. She hadn’t practiced martial arts in ages—she missed it.

She unsheathed Fodie, examining it. Though not an ancient weapon, it was forged by a master. Yet after so many battles, it bore many scars—duller than before, but still serviceable.

She practiced swordplay in the sunlight, unaware that Ye Qi had arrived.

“Clap, clap, clap!” Applause sounded.

Ye Qi smiled at Yun Feiyue. “That’s a fine sword technique—worthy of Zhan Yun Sect.”

Yun Feiyue stuck out her tongue. “Thanks for the praise. Care for a drink?”

Ye Qi drained a cup of wine in one gulp, as bold as ever.

She opened her mouth to speak, when out of the shadows a sharp sword struck at her.

Ye Qi spun away, dodging swiftly.

But the blades kept coming, a rain of steel, charged with martial energy—a terrifying force.

Yun Feiyue instantly created a barrier to shield against the blades.

The Yun family guards arrived; seeing they were outmatched, the attackers tried to flee.

But in the Yun family estate, escape required true skill. After a brief fight, the enemy was captured.

There was more than one, all obviously suicide warriors—each took poison and died. Only one, less resolute, survived.

Yun Feiyue drew out a stack of banknotes. “Money or death?”

After a struggle, the assassin chose money.

“The Emperor of Jingguo has suddenly fallen gravely ill and is about to die. We came on the order of the Lord Eunuch to kill the Princess.”

Ye Qi’s face changed.

Had she been a man, she’d be first in line for the throne. Maybe the Emperor didn’t know her secret, but the Lord Eunuch surely suspected and had tested her many times.

She’d survived several assassination attempts before, but this was the most urgent—her brother must truly be dead.

“I must return to Jingguo at once. Farewell!” Ye Qi wasted no time, mounting her horse and riding off with her men.

Yun Feiyue yawned, looking lazy, but her mind was racing—why kill Ye Qi if the Emperor was dead? Was Ye Qi truly a man? He certainly didn’t act like a woman...

“Miss, what are you thinking?” Tongling whispered.

Yun Feiyue shook her head. “Nothing! By the way, go see how things are with Mother and Sister-in-law.”

The Yun family appeared peaceful, but a deep investigation was underway.

Those who could prepare the dowry weren’t ordinary servants—all were longtime retainers. They knew the family’s methods and wouldn’t dare act rashly.

Yet there’s always a chance.

Anyone involved was now kneeling in Murong Guiji’s courtyard.

After a while, Tongling returned, whispering news from Murong Guiji, and summoned Yun Feiyue over.

When she arrived, Yun Yi was reporting to Murong Guiji, while Jin Yu was absent, sick in bed.

Last night, Jin Yu had tried to frame Yun Feiyue and failed—she was likely furious now.

Yun Feiyue, carrying Xiaomumu, strolled over with a smile. “Mother, Big Brother, have you found anything? Mother, have you notified all the banks as I suggested? Anything with the Yun family seal should be reported. Follow the trail—it’ll surface eventually. Surely, whoever took the goods won’t rush to sell them.”

Spatial storage stones were perfect for hiding stolen goods. If the thief didn’t reveal them, they were hard to find.

But they were usually at least three or four inches wide—easy to search for.

So, a thorough search began.

Soon, word arrived.

Tongling came with a carrier pigeon letter. “His Highness was summoned back by the Elders’ Council. Youtong and Han Cheng are on their way here and should arrive tonight. His Highness may catch up, or perhaps arrive later.”