Chapter Fifty: Little Fish

“Husband?”

Ye Zhanqing repeated Jiang Yuyan’s words, giving her a scrutinizing look from head to toe. Although Jiang Yuyan was quite beautiful, Ye Zhanqing still curled her lips disdainfully.

Judging by Jiang Yuyan’s attire and demeanor, it was clear she knew nothing of martial arts. How could the wife of the Blackstone leader be so defenseless? Clearly, this woman was not all she appeared to be. Ye Zhanqing surmised the leader must have married her out of novelty.

Zhu Yu had not expected Jiang Yuyan to address him as “husband” so openly in the street, nor had he anticipated that these two women would cross paths.

To prevent any conflict between them, Zhu Yu hastily introduced them to each other, then, using an excuse, quickly pulled Jiang Yuyan away.

As Zhu Yu led Jiang Yuyan forward, he did not notice her glancing back. Though her face wore a gentle smile, her dark eyes seemed intent on etching Ye Zhanqing’s image deep into her memory.

Ye Zhanqing, still standing where she’d been left, shivered under Jiang Yuyan’s gaze. She couldn’t help but laugh at her own nervousness, silently chiding herself for being paranoid, and turned to leave.

With that, the matter was put to rest, and Zhu Yu and Jiang Yuyan resumed their leisurely stroll.

Time slipped by in the blink of an eye, and before they realized it, dusk was falling.

Before Zhu Yu could suggest returning, Jiang Yuyan, ever perceptive, voiced her wish to return to the palace. Naturally, Zhu Yu had no reason to object.

But as they started back, they had barely walked a few steps before someone blocked their way—a face both Zhu Yu and Jiang Yuyan recognized.

It was Little Fish.

“It’s been a while. Judging by your manner, have you come looking for me?” Zhu Yu spoke first after recognizing the newcomer.

Seeing Zhu Yu and Jiang Yuyan together, Little Fish paused in surprise, but quickly regained his composure at Zhu Yu’s question. “I do need your help. Should I explain here, or shall we find somewhere private to talk?”

Zhu Yu thought for a moment before replying, “It’s already late—where would we find a place at this hour? Come with me.”

Without waiting for a reply, Zhu Yu strode ahead, leading the way to the palace.

Once there, Zhu Yu sent Jiang Yuyan away and brought Little Fish to the Quietude Hall, where they sat facing each other.

At first, Little Fish hesitated, unsure if he should sit as an equal to the Emperor, but Zhu Yu’s half-smiling expression made him throw caution to the wind and take his seat.

Seeing Little Fish’s tense expression, as if he were about to face execution, Zhu Yu teased, “What’s this? Displeased with my Quietude Hall? You should know, you’re the first person I’ve ever discussed matters with here. Even Zhu Wushi and Cao Zhengchun have to use the imperial study.”

Little Fish, ever shrewd, immediately understood Zhu Yu’s intention—he was not insisting on imperial formalities. That put him more at ease.

“Your Majesty, I’m in trouble. I came to the capital specifically to seek your help. I’ve been here for days, and only today did I finally catch you outside the palace.”

Zhu Yu showed little reaction, merely sipping his tea. “Go on, then. What’s happened?”

Little Fish gathered his thoughts and began, “It’s like this: I have an uncle who, over ten years ago, suffered grave injuries and has remained in a coma ever since. Recently he awoke, but he’s lost all memory of his past.

“In his current condition, he needs a very rare medicinal herb for treatment. After much investigation, I’ve learned this herb exists only in the palace.”

Zhu Yu, eyes closed as he savored his tea, responded without opening them, uttering three words:

“Yan Nantian?”

Little Fish stiffened in surprise when Zhu Yu named his uncle. “How do you know?”

Zhu Yu opened his eyes and smiled. “What happens in this world that I, the Emperor, do not know?”

Hearing these words, Little Fish’s taut nerves relaxed. Of course—he was the Emperor. What could possibly be kept from him?

“Your Majesty, since you already know the details, I won’t repeat them. I sincerely hope you’ll help me.”

“The Fire Ganoderma has already exhausted the favors between us,” Zhu Yu replied coolly. “Why do you believe I would grant your request? Never mind what you need now—just consider that thousand-year Fire Ganoderma of Murong Wudi’s. Such an item would lead to endless bloodshed in the martial world. Surely you understand that?”

Zhu Yu did not refuse outright, but deftly passed the decision back to Little Fish.

Little Fish hesitated, troubled. After a long pause, he said, “Back at the Murong Manor, you hoped I would work for the court. If Your Majesty helps me this one time, I swear I will serve my country with unwavering loyalty.”

Zhu Yu nearly laughed aloud, then sighed. “I’ve never understood—why is it that, though you were born in Jingguo, loyalty to the Emperor and the nation is something you treat as a bargaining chip?” He paused before continuing.

“I sought you out before, partly because I found you likable and talented, and partly for Murong Xian’s sake—I wanted to do her a kindness.

“But if you intend to trade yourself to me for this, I’m afraid you’re not qualified. Come back when you’ve reached the Grandmaster level.”

Little Fish’s face turned grim, his eyes darting as he pondered his next move.

Noticing this, Zhu Yu suspected Little Fish might risk everything. He warned, “Don’t even think about stealing from the palace. Even a Grandmaster wouldn’t get away unscathed.”

“Your Majesty, is there truly no way? I beg you—please help me. This concerns my very identity, and my enemies. I am willing to give everything I have in exchange!”

As if Zhu Yu had seen through his thoughts, Little Fish dropped to his knees, pleading earnestly.

Zhu Yu had intended to refuse, but upon hearing Little Fish’s last words, a plotline flashed through his mind.

He recalled that after Yan Nantian regained his memory, he wasted no time in seeking out Yao Yue and Lian Xing at Flower Shifting Palace, leading to a battle where all three were severely wounded.

Setting aside the matter of Jiang Yuyan absorbing their inner power, just the fact that Yao Yue and Lian Xing would be gravely injured meant a perfect opportunity to destroy Flower Shifting Palace and gain a great fortune of destiny.

Zhu Yu had made up his mind, but having refused so firmly before, he could not suddenly reverse himself. That would be too suspicious—especially with someone as sharp as Little Fish.

“Here’s what we’ll do. Stay in the palace for now. Give me two days to consider.”

“Alright, alright, thank you, Your Majesty!” Little Fish was overjoyed at this glimmer of hope.

At the same time, a new thought occurred to him: he might have used up his favor with the Emperor, but the palace was filled with other acquaintances as well.