In the backyard, numerous courtyards dotted the landscape, and the figures of young maids frequently passed by, their hushed conversations audible.
Lanterns swayed in the long corridor.
Yin Xuan and Qing Yao carefully skirted ahead, followed by Mo Chou and Yin Xuan’s subordinates. A group of four in total, all highly skilled, they dodged and weaved at the slightest movement, successfully avoiding detection and ensuring their journey was uneventful.
The Prince of Yin's estate was vast, with many courtyards in the back, suggesting a considerable number of women resided there.
Qing Yao raised a disdainful eyebrow, deeming both the Crown Prince and the Prince of Qing Luo to be philanderers.
The group made a reconnaissance of the Prince of Yin's estate, gaining a general understanding of the layout, with the primary objective being to locate Changsun Yin's residence. This was not something they could easily discover, so Qing Yao suggested finding a maid to ask. Once the decision was made, they swiftly moved to the west side of the backyard, flanking a courtyard gate.
As a woman emerged from the courtyard, Qing Yao stepped forward, covering the woman's mouth to immobilize her, and swiftly dragged her into an empty room.
It was a room used for storing miscellaneous items. An oil lamp on a table cast a faint light, allowing the people within the room to easily see the captive woman.
Tall and slender, dressed in luxurious attire, with her hair styled in a Bi Yun bun, she was not a mere maid but someone they recognized – Ru Yin.
Qing Yao froze for a moment, her eyes widening. Upon closer inspection, it was indeed Princess Murong Ru Yin. How had she appeared at the Prince of Yin's estate?
Judging by her bearing, she didn't seem like a maid but rather a mistress. Yet, if she were a mistress, why was she unaccompanied by any maids? At such a tense time in the Prince of Yin's estate, she still dared to wander alone.
Qing Yao was bewildered. None of her companions spoke, their astonishment overwhelming. The captive, however, remained remarkably calm, unhurried and at ease.
A faint smile graced her beautiful face as she cast a sideways glance at the veiled Qing Yao, then slowly spoke, enunciating each word.
“Qing Yao, you are truly bold. Shangguan Hao and Changsun Yin have laid a foolproof trap within the estate, yet you still dare to come.”
“You!” Qing Yao was incensed. How could she possibly know it was her?
“You must be curious how I know it’s you, aren’t you?” Murong Ru Yin’s smile bloomed like a flower, her demeanor serene. If one looked closely, they would notice a hint of bloodlust in her eyes. Qing Yao was no fool; she couldn't be unaware of the hidden ferocity.
Silence filled the room, save for her voice, which continued speaking.
“You battled the two thousand guards and one thousand elite soldiers of Qing Luo Kingdom at Chunfeng Tower, severely injuring the Prince of Yin and wounding the Crown Prince. This is common knowledge throughout Qing Luo. I imagine Changsun Yin and the people of Qing Luo would love to feast on your flesh and drink your blood.”
Qing Yao's expression turned cold. She tightened her grip, her hand closing around Murong Ru Yin's neck. Unfortunately, the woman harbored a deep hatred and felt no fear of death, continuing to speak as if oblivious.
“I hate you, Qing Yao. Why must a woman be so clever? You not only harmed my mother, but you also harmed my imperial brother. If they were still alive, would I have fallen to this state?”
Upon hearing this, Qing Yao couldn't help but retort, “That was all your own doing. Had you not fallen for Shangguan Hao back then, none of this would have happened. You cannot blame others.”
As her words fell, Yin Xuan, standing nearby, interjected sharply, “Stop wasting time with her. Kill her.”
His voice was cold and devoid of emotion. This woman’s hatred ran too deep; keeping her alive would not be beneficial for Qing Yao. He harbored no desire to leave any threat to Qing Yao, fearing future repercussions.
Qing Yao's face darkened. She increased the pressure, and suddenly Murong Ru Yin spoke mysteriously.
“That day, the one who fought alongside you against the two thousand guards and one thousand elite soldiers, besides this young master Yin Xuan, was there not another? Someone named Wu Qing. I know his whereabouts.”
As her words ended, the pressure from Qing Yao’s hand lessened. She looked incredulous and spoke with fierce determination,
“Murong Ru Yin, what trick are you playing? What about Wu Qing?”
The moment Qing Yao finished speaking, Mo Chou chimed in from the side, “Miss, don’t waste your words with her. She’s clearly up to no good.”
“Yes, I am up to no good. But compared to hating you, I hate Shangguan Hao and Changsun Yin even more. Therefore, I can join forces with you to eliminate Shangguan Hao and Changsun Yin.”
At the mere mention of those two men, Murong Ru Yin’s face contorted with terrifying ferocity, her pupils narrowed ominously, radiating chilling cold.
The reason she had pleaded with Changsun Yin to return was her calculation that Qing Yao would kill him. And as Changsun Yin's side concubine in the Prince of Yin's estate, once Changsun Yin was dead, she would gain dominance and establish her own influence. Only then would it be opportune to kill Qing Yao.
Thus, this time, she was genuinely prepared to assist them.
“Join forces with us.”
Qing Yao snorted dismissively, utterly unwilling to trust this woman. Her expression stern and filled with anger, she demanded, “Where is Wu Qing now?”
“I know where he is. If you cooperate with me and kill Changsun Yin, I will tell you his location. Moreover, he is not doing well. Do you know about the rapist the authorities are currently hunting? That’s Wu Qing.”
As her words concluded, Qing Yao was stunned, her face paling dramatically. Her eyes narrowed with menace as she coldly glared at Murong Ru Yin.
“You’re lying. When did Wu Qing become a rapist? And with white hair? He’s a handsome man. You’re not talking about Wu Qing at all.”
After speaking, Qing Yao felt a tug at her chest, a tearing pain. If it truly wasn't Wu Qing, why did her heart ache so profoundly, making it difficult to breathe?
“As for why he has white hair and red eyes, I don't know. But if you don’t believe me, so be it. I don't have the ability to deal with you yet, so I won’t be foolish enough to seek my own demise.”
Murong Ru Yin spoke casually.
Mo Chou rushed to support her mistress. Yin Xuan moved swiftly, raising his hand to strike down Murong Ru Yin. Qing Yao quickly interjected, “Let her go this time.”
She wasn’t afraid of Murong Ru Yin harming her, but her heart ached for Wu Qing, and she had to find him as soon as possible.
“Tell me where Wu Qing is. As long as you reveal his whereabouts, I will spare you. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being merciless.”
As Qing Yao’s words fell, her gaze turned sharp, filled with killing intent. Murong Ru Yin’s heart trembled, and she couldn't help but speak.
“He is at the ancient temple in the western suburbs.”
The moment she finished speaking, Qing Yao turned and left with urgency, having completely forgotten about killing Changsun Yin. Behind her, Murong Ru Yin slowly spoke, “If you truly wish to kill Changsun Yin, we can cooperate.”
Regrettably, no one heeded her. The group swiftly vanished.
Murong Ru Yin stomped her foot in fury, unwilling to accept defeat. That woman would definitely return to find her. Only by eliminating Changsun Yin could she gain dominance in the Prince of Yin's estate. Otherwise, if that man had a bad mood, he would torment her, making her life a living hell.