Lu Chen found himself caught in a dilemma—torn between having children and improving his cultivation.
His path to cultivation relied on nurturing emotional bonds with his wives and concubines. Yet, the system had made it clear: greater rewards awaited only if he had children.
But what was he to do if all his women were with child? Who could he then form emotional ties with to continue cultivating? A woman with a score above 90 wasn't something one could find at will—it was a matter of fate and opportunity.
Without someone to cultivate feelings with, how could his strength progress?
With that in mind, Lu Chen's desire to take down Wang Qingci grew even stronger.
The higher the cultivation realm, the harder it is for a woman to conceive, he mused. Wang Qingci is already a ninth-rank warrior. She'll be perfect for long-term cultivation.
Turning to Mu Zixuan, he said seriously, "My beloved, please make sure to inform me and Aunt Chu before you invite Miss Wang over."
Wang Qingci's cultivation wasn't to be taken lightly. As a ninth-rank warrior, even the smallest slip could be dangerous. Caution was key.
Mu Zixuan nodded. "I understand."
Just then, Lu Chen glanced over at Zhou Youyou, who was still resting weakly on the bench in the pavilion. With a gentle smile, he said, "Youyou, rest well. I'll come to see you again tonight."
Zhou Youyou blinked in shock.
Come again… tonight?
Wuuuu… someone please save me…
…
A few days later.
At Baihua Tower, Wang Qingci lay half-reclined on a beauty couch, her cloud-like robes draped loosely over her shoulders.
She murmured to herself, "What a pity it is to kill a man that handsome…"
Since her return from the Northern Prince's Mansion, Lu Chen's face had lingered constantly in her thoughts.
She didn't realize that the Dragon and Phoenix Tea had subtly influenced her. After all, Lu Chen was undeniably good-looking.
She glanced at a small note in her hand, a flicker of regret crossing her expression.
Soon, the deputy leader of the Blood Moon Tower would arrive in Beijun. Whether the mysterious grandmaster of the Northern Palace was still present or not, the Misty Rain Pavilion had already decided—it was time to strike. Their mission: assassinate the Northern King.
As Wang Qingci thought of that striking face once more, a strange reluctance welled up in her heart.
A playful curve rose at the corner of her lips. "Little Prince," she whispered softly, "don't blame this sister for being cruel and heartless. If you want to curse someone, curse your fate for being born into royalty."
Just then, a maid entered and spoke respectfully from behind the curtain. "Master, someone from the Northern Palace has come to invite you. They say it's for an important discussion."
Wang Qingci's eyes narrowed. "Was it the Northern King who summoned me?"
The maid replied, "It appears it wasn't His Highness, but the Princess."
Mu Zixuan? Wang Qingci wondered. What could she want? Was it about the soap I ordered her before?
But regardless of whether it was Mu Zixuan or the Northern King himself, the invitation alone was reason enough to go.
It was a chance to legally enter the Northern Prince's Mansion again—an opportunity she wouldn't waste. She could probe for signs of the mysterious grandmaster, and maybe even get closer to Lu Chen himself.
The image of the Northern King's refined, masculine features floated into her mind again, stirring an unusual emotion deep within her.
She rose from the beauty couch and adjusted her robe. "Very well. I'll go immediately."
…
As the hour approached, Wang Qingci arrived at the Northern Prince's Mansion.
She was just being led through the garden when Chu Yuqin, who happened to be patrolling the inner courtyard, spotted her from afar. Her expression instantly darkened.
"Wait a moment!" she barked coldly.
Wang Qingci's heart tensed. Chu Yuqin was a ninth-rank warrior—sharp enough to sense if someone nearby also had inner strength. If her identity was exposed, the consequences would be severe.
Not daring to move recklessly, Wang Qingci halted at once.
Chu Yuqin approached with narrowed eyes. "Who are you? I don't recall ever seeing you in the mansion."
Wang Qingci bowed respectfully. "Madam Chu, I am a courtesan from Baihua Tower. I was invited here today by the Princess herself."
Chu Yuqin studied her face and figure more closely. Charming indeed… she thought. Could it be that Zixuan is offering this woman to Chen'er as a new concubine?
She was well aware of the recent events in the inner court. Zhou Youyou had barely been able to walk these past few days. If Lu Chen didn't take in a new concubine, that girl might truly collapse from exhaustion.
And yet…
Something about this woman felt… off. Chu Yuqin had clearly sensed internal force from her earlier, but now that aura had completely vanished. She seemed no different from any ordinary woman.
After a moment's pause, Chu Yuqin finally relented. "Alright. You may go in."
The servants then led Wang Qingci toward the North Courtyard.
As she stepped into the elegant pavilion, her gaze was immediately drawn to Lu Chen.
She didn't know why, but she couldn't stop her eyes from lingering on him.
Approaching the pavilion, she gracefully half-knelt and bowed. "Greetings to Your Highness and Princess."
Lu Chen smiled warmly. "You may rise."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Still gazing at him, Wang Qingci asked softly, "May I ask why I've been summoned today?"
Lu Chen replied, "It's not me who invited you—it was my beloved consort who wished to see you."
He gestured casually. "You two may talk. I'll remain here and won't interfere."
Mu Zixuan stepped forward and opened a wooden box on the stone table, retrieving several delicate porcelain bottles. "Miss Wang, come here for a moment."
Wang Qingci walked over, curiosity piqued by the row of porcelain bottles.
Mu Zixuan opened one, and a gentle floral fragrance immediately filled the air.
"This," she explained, "is a perfume crafted here in the palace. Its scent lingers for a long time. We plan to offer it to the girls of Baihua Tower for trial, as a means to promote it."
So that's what this meeting is about, Wang Qingci realized with a hint of amusement. I thought the Northern King wanted to confess his love.
Taking the bottle, she brought it closer and sniffed delicately. The fragrance was strong, yet natural—not overwhelming in the slightest.
She asked, "Princess, how long does the scent last?"
"One drop will last for about three hours," Mu Zixuan replied. "It's not like a sachet—you can reapply it anytime, and one bottle lasts quite a while."
Wang Qingci's eyes brightened. Though she had come for Lu Chen, this perfume genuinely intrigued her.
So many treasures hidden in the Northern Prince's Mansion…
She glanced at the other porcelain bottles. "Princess, may I smell the others?"
"Of course," Mu Zixuan smiled. "They're all part of the selection I intend to send to Baihua Tower."
"Thank you for your generosity, Princess."
Wang Qingci opened the remaining bottles one by one. Each had its own unique floral tone—light, elegant, and surprisingly comforting. She found herself captivated by the subtle fragrances.
Meanwhile, Lu Chen silently activated the system to scan her details.
> [Name: Wang Qingci]
[Identity: Ninth-rank warrior, adopted daughter of the Jiangnan Wang family, Saintess of the Misty Rain Pavilion, current temporary owner of Baihua Tower. Came immediately after receiving word from the Northern King's Mansion. Lately, her thoughts are filled with images of the Northern King. Despite knowing the deputy leader of Blood Moon Tower will soon arrive to assassinate him, she feels a growing sense of regret.]
[Rating: 95]
[Favorability: 60 (Still influenced by Dragon and Phoenix Tea)]
Lu Chen's eyes narrowed. So, the Blood Moon Tower dares to meddle in my territory…
But now wasn't the time to think about enemies. With her favorability already at 60, it was time to move.
His lips curled slightly as he looked at Wang Qingci, still testing the perfumes.
"Miss Wang," he said casually, "I've heard that Baihua Tower is the most bustling place in all of Beijun."
Wang Qingci responded modestly, "Your Highness flatters us. Baihua Tower may not rival the liveliness of all Beijun, but it is indeed the most popular spot in Yancheng."
Lu Chen leaned in slightly, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue. "Since your tower is such a hub of activity, you must've come across many stories that others wouldn't know. I'd like to speak with you privately later, and learn more about what's happening in Beijun."
His gaze met hers. "Would you be willing?"
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