"I’ve been considering it."

"The people sold on the black market are descendants of criminals, or they’ve been abducted by traffickers from all over. Eldest Miss, if you want to buy maids and servants, you’d be better off going to the east side of the city." Luo Xuan had heard of the black market; it was a chaotic and dangerous mix of people.

Most people who buy from there are looking for hard laborers, and some are desperados themselves.

"I’m not looking to buy adults. I want to buy some children with good potential." Ye Qianning wanted to train a group of people to establish her own sect in the martial arts world in the future.

"I understand."

"First, investigate the black market thoroughly before we make a move. As for the people we buy, have Du Ying train them personally."

"Yes. I’ll see to it right away."

Luo Xuan departed.

Ye Qianning leaned back in her chair. Martial arts sects were rarely constrained by the Imperial Family, which would make things easier for her in the future.

—

In the front hall, the Third Prince chatted with Dean Chen for a while before rising to take his leave. Xiliu Yuan left with him, but Prince Yu was starting to worry.

He had searched everywhere for Helian Chen but couldn’t find him, so he could only wait in the main hall.

"Prince Yu, please don’t worry. I’ve already sent people to look for him. Nothing can happen to the young Prince inside the General’s estate," Dean Chen said.

Prince Yu smiled and nodded.

Before long, Luo Wen brought Helian Chen to the front hall.

"Chenchen?"

The moment he saw him walk through the door, Prince Yu’s eyes widened in shock.

His nephew was clutching a pile of things, with two bundles slung over his shoulder. Not only was his hair a mess, but his face was also covered in lipstick prints from several women...

Dean Chen was also a bit stunned by the sight. "Is the young Prince all right?"

"Dean, Uncle," Helian Chen said, beaming. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Prince Yu stood up and walked over. "Your... what happened to your face? And what is all this you’re holding?"

"It’s nothing, just some first-meeting gifts from the concubines." Helian Chen managed to free a small hand to wipe his face, his smile full of satisfaction.

"You... how did you end up in the concubines’ courtyard?" Prince Yu asked in surprise.

He knew his own nephew best. The boy was usually resistant to the very idea of concubines, so for him to be this happy about it was a bit strange.

"I accidentally got lost. I’m sorry for making you worry, Uncle."

Prince Yu stared at his little face, wanting to say something but holding back.

"Since the young Prince is fine, I won’t keep you any longer at the General’s estate. I still have some matters to attend to," Dean Chen said with a smile.

Hearing this, Prince Yu bowed. "Thank you for your hospitality today."

"Someone, see the Prince and the young Prince out."

The butler came in. "Your Highness, Young Prince, this way please."

Prince Yu followed the butler out of the hall, with Helian Chen struggling to keep up behind him, his arms full of gifts.

"What is all that you’re carrying?" Prince Yu reached out, wanting to help him with some of it.

Helian Chen twisted his body to the side to avoid him. "It’s okay, Uncle. I can carry it myself."

"Tsk, what treasures are you holding onto so dearly?"

"You’ll find out in a bit, Uncle," Helian Chen said mysteriously.

Seeing this, Prince Yu became genuinely curious.

Once they left the General’s estate, the two of them boarded their carriage.

As soon as Helian Chen was in the carriage, he carefully set down the things in his arms, took off the bundles slung over his shoulder, and then, as if presenting a treasure, took out a pastry from one of them.

"Uncle."

Prince Yu had been wondering what precious things he was carrying, only to find it was just a piece of cake.

"You eat it yourself." ’Just like a child,’ Prince Yu thought. He looked at the boy’s face. "Did the General’s concubines take advantage of you? Chenchen, you’re the Crown Prince of a nation! How can you let people pinch you like that?"

"What do you mean, ’pinch’? The aunts were just being enthusiastic," Helian Chen retorted.

"You little rascal, you’d really trade your dignity for a few snacks. If anyone saw you like this, they’d laugh their heads off." Prince Yu pulled a handkerchief from his robes in disgust and tossed it to him.