Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot-Chapter 558 - 474 Qilin Contest_2

Mr. Zimu rolled his eyes at him. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Lu Yuan stroked his chin. "This is a bit tricky... Old man, why don’t you make another trip into the palace? Strike while the iron is hot, say you observed the stars last night, that even the Qilin must take its place, and throw Gongsun Yanming into disarray, keep him preoccupied."

Sometimes, the goal of court intrigue isn’t to win, but simply to vex one’s opponent to death.

Such a degrading task, Mr. Zimu had no intention of undertaking.

Lu Yuan curled his lips into a smile. "It’s been some time since you’ve gone back to the mountain, sir. Why don’t I accompany you home for a visit? And incidentally, carry you down the mountain next time?"

Mr. Zimu replied, "We’ll go tomorrow morning."

Si Snake looked over at Lu Yuan. "Today, Yin Hu caught Gongsun Liuying completely off guard in the Imperial Palace. Thousand Mechanism Pavilion and the Jin Prince Mansion are bound to be on alert now. From here on, there’s certain to be a proper contest of strength between you and Lu Qi—you must prepare in advance."

Lu Yuan, who was constantly bickering with Chen Long and occasionally dragging Ji Li into it, always showed politeness towards Si Snake.

He let out a hum. "I will."

Si Snake, seeing his humble attitude, added a few more warnings. "I’ve investigated the backgrounds of Lu Qi and Dou Qingyi. It’s quite likely they’ve concealed part of their pasts. A child who supposedly wandered and struggled in the common world can’t possibly be proficient in all arts—music, chess, literature, martial strategy."

Lu Yuan had been separated from his family, but he hadn’t clawed his way through the hardships of civilian life. He had grown up in the Prime Minister’s Mansion, endured much suffering but also gained an arsenal of skills.

Without Lin Ji’s meticulous tutelage, how could he have acquired such innocence of heart, such brilliance to claim the title of top scholar?

Lu Yuan understood that Si Snake’s warnings came from goodwill. He nodded, saying, "That kid is indeed hiding deep—acting all unassuming, playing dumb to outwit the mighty."

Meng Qianqian recalled the Lu Qi she had encountered in the Imperial Palace earlier that day. "I was wondering, why did he look like such a bookworm? Turns out it was an act?"

Lu Yuan curled his lips. "This younger brother of mine is more entertaining than I expected."

Meng Qianqian remarked, "I’ll be heading to the palace tomorrow to teach Zhaozhao horseback riding. I’ll also take the chance to find out what His Majesty intends to do about the Qilin dispute."

Lu Yuan replied, "I’ll go too."

Chen Long furrowed his brow. "Must you be so clingy?"

Lu Yuan shot back, annoyed, "Jealous, are you?"

Chen Long looked toward Meng Qianqian. "He’s being mean to me."

Lu Yuan: "..."

The night grew heavy, and Mr. Zimu, unable to resist his fatigue, retired to rest.

Shangguan Ling returned to Thousand Mechanism Pavilion.

Ji Li and Si Snake were also preparing to leave.

Meng Qianqian stopped Si Snake. "May I have a word with you alone?"

Si Snake thought for a moment and replied, "Alright."

Ji Li looked dumbfounded. "Little Yin Hu, A Snake, are you two keeping secrets from me?"

The two stepped out of the courtyard, standing beneath a wutong tree.

A Hunting Eagle perched on the branches above, vigilantly surveying the mansion’s movements.

Meng Qianqian began, "We’re all on the same side here, so I’ll keep this brief. Back then, Chu Grand Marshal once promised you something, something only he could accomplish. Could you tell me what it was?"

Si Snake scrutinized Meng Qianqian, replying calmly, "Something almost impossible to achieve."

Meng Qianqian chuckled. "I am the Phoenix Girl, blessed with fortune and destiny. Maybe I can make the impossible possible."

Si Snake said, "If you achieve an overwhelming victory in this game, I’ll let you know."

Meng Qianqian raised an eyebrow. "So I have to prove my strength first?"

Si Snake didn’t deny it. He only remarked gravely, "Take good care of the Green Simurgh Sword."

Meng Qianqian gave Si Snake a meaningful look. So it really was related to the Green Simurgh Sword?

Odd. How had she become entangled with the Green Simurgh Sword in her past life?

The Green Simurgh Sword was undoubtedly tied to Witch Mountain. Could it be that she had lied to Si Snake, claiming she had a way to retrieve the Green Simurgh Sword from Witch Mountain?

"From now on, I will assist you with all my might."

Si Snake turned away, gazing into the boundless night. "Just as I once aided the Grand Marshal."

Meng Qianqian’s heart trembled as she lifted her gaze toward Si Snake.

Si Snake departed smoothly, vanishing into the night.

The next day, Mr. Zimu attempted to seek an audience with Emperor Liang but failed.

The reason? Lu Qi had fallen off a horse, and Emperor Liang stayed in his chambers tending to him.

Meng Qianqian spent the entire morning in the Imperial Palace with Treasure Piggy yet never caught a glimpse of Emperor Liang.

It seemed the Jin Prince Mansion had changed their strategy overnight, even teaching the so-called "detached from fame and fortune" Lu Qi how to vie for favor.

But was it truly just vying for favor?

Why did it feel like things weren’t so simple?

After feeding the foals with Treasure Piggy, Meng Qianqian headed back to Thousand Mechanism Pavilion.

Lunchtime had already passed.

Lady Yan was seated in the main hall waiting for her. The dishes on the table remained untouched.

Meng Qianqian asked, "Master, you haven’t eaten yet?"

Lady Yan replied, "I was waiting to eat with you."

Meng Qianqian smiled, taking a seat across from Lady Yan.

She glanced at the feast spread across the table and joked, "Such a grand meal—this isn’t some last supper, is it?"

Lady Yan picked up her bowl and chopsticks. "Eat."

"Oh."

After Lady Yan moved her chopsticks, Meng Qianqian followed suit and began her meal.