Kang Baobao frowned, and her voice was grim. "Tantai Qingyue is a real nuisance, but she's only one person... The trouble is Prince Wu.

Prince Wu has suddenly come back to Bianzhou from Xiguan City. I'm worried he's here for us.

He commands an army. He's not someone to provoke... If his people get onto us and send the army after us, then however strong I am, I can't fight off thousands of troops."

Ye Xingjue smiled. "I can't help much when it comes to fighting, but I can keep Prince Wu tied up for you. I guarantee he won't get in your way.

All you need to do is watch out for Tantai Qingyue, get the Heavenly Yang Pendant, and then we leave Bianzhou as soon as we can."

Kang Baobao frowned. "How are you going to tie up Prince Wu?"

Ye Xingjue's smile was sly and nasty. "Leave that to me. I have my ways. Once this plan is in motion, we may even get something extra out of it... We have to drive a wedge between Prince Wu and the Great Xuan court."

Kang Baobao snorted and ignored him. She turned, leaped over the courtyard wall and was gone.

Bianzhou, the city lord's residence.

In the East Court, where the master of the house lived, Princess Consort Wu sat holding her child, her mind elsewhere.

Just then a tall figure walked in.

It was Prince Wu.

He was responsible for holding the western frontier. Until recently he'd been in Xiguan City, and he had only come back in the last couple of days... because he'd heard Kang Baobao had turned up in Bianzhou.

The maids and servants in the courtyard all bowed.

Prince Wu waved them off, strode over to Princess Consort Wu, and beamed down at the child.

Princess Consort Wu forced herself to perk up. "Is my lord prince finished with his work?"

Prince Wu gave a slight nod.

He had just received a secret letter: Kang Baobao had been seen at an inn that might be a Myriad Nations Society stronghold, and he should…