A short while later, Steward Zhao appeared in a tavern in the royal city, his expression rather grim. Beside Steward Zhao were several men, their expressions also somewhat troubled.
"Steward Zhao, what has happened to make you so preoccupied and summon me here?" General Wen asked. "General Wen, you are unaware that the young man has gained the recognition of the North-American County Princess. It won't be long before he meets the Prince. If that truly happens, this matter will likely be exposed."
At these words, the brows of everyone present furrowed slightly. They had not expected things to turn out this way, and they were caught somewhat off guard.
"That fellow is currently within the royal residence, so it's not easy for me to make a move against him!" General Wen shook his head. "Moreover, the Prince is not in the royal residence tonight. If we are to make a move, tonight would be the best opportunity!"
"Is there any way to lure him out?"
Steward Zhao frowned. "As long as we can lure him out of the royal residence, even within the royal city, we won't hesitate. Once this young man is killed, all matters will vanish like smoke!"
"This..."
General Wen frowned slightly, his eyes flickering. After Steward Zhao's words, he was somewhat moved.
"General Wen, if you have any difficulties, please speak freely!" Steward Zhao smiled faintly and produced several treasures. "These are a few trinkets from my Northwest County Prefecture. I hope General Wen will not find them distasteful!"
Following these words, General Wen smiled. "Never mind. I do have a method. We can lure one person out of the royal residence and hand them over to you. This way, everything will be seamless, and the young man will be lured out. At that point, he will have no escape!"
"This is indeed a good plan!" Steward Zhao nodded. "However, it will trouble General Wen, as it is inconvenient for us to enter the royal residence."
"That is no problem!" General Wen nodded. As the saying goes, short hands when taking gifts, soft mouths when eating. He understood this very well.
After General Wen left, the Situ family head smiled. "Steward Zhao is truly formidable. With just a few words, you have resolved this matter!"
"Whether it is resolved or not is yet to be determined!" Steward Zhao shook his head. "We can only hope that it does not disappoint us!"
"General Wen has already agreed, so this matter is practically settled!" The Situ family head smiled, instantly feeling much more relaxed.
At the same time, within the royal residence, the North-American County Princess had prepared a banquet and invited Lu Fan and others. Lu Fan had made significant contributions to winning the polo match today. The North-American County Princess could see that Lu Fan was no ordinary person, and she was quite pleased with him.
"Have you considered taking a position in my royal residence?" the North-American County Princess asked. "You managed to injure Zhao Xueqi, which indicates your strength is not weak. I am quite optimistic about this."
"I am not concerned about taking a position," Lu Fan shook his head. "I merely wish to see the Ninth Prince as soon as possible, as I have important matters to report."
"You need not rush. My father will not be back tonight. By tomorrow morning, when he returns, I will inform you!" the North-American County Princess smiled.
Lu Fan also nodded, and at the same time, he coughed slowly. The fine wine in the royal residence was indeed different from that outside, making one feel more hazy and drunk.
As time passed, Lu Fan and the others were all tipsy, and the North-American County Princess was also quite happy. She had not felt this joyous in a long time.
When it was late at night, Lu Fan and the others had returned to their rooms. However, at that very moment, a dart flew into Lu Fan's room. Written on the dart were a few words: "If you want to save someone, come to Ten Mile Slope!"
Lu Fan suddenly got up, preparing to go to the other rooms, when he saw Liu Ruyan hurrying over. "No need to look. I've already checked. Ling'er has been captured."
"Who did this!" Lu Fan frowned, his gaze becoming even sharper. He had not expected anyone to dare to act within the royal residence, which caught him off guard.
"If I'm not mistaken, it should be someone from the royal residence. However, the true mastermind behind this is likely the Northwest County Prefecture," Liu Ruyan frowned. "Ten Mile Slope is a place of no return. If you go, it will be a path to certain death."
"Even if I have to go through mountains of knives and seas of fire, I will not abandon my companions!"
Lu Fan's expression was indifferent as he prepared to depart, intending to head to Ten Mile Slope alone.
"Why not inform the North-American County Princess? Perhaps she will help!" Liu Ruyan suggested.
"This matter has nothing to do with the North-American County Princess. Moreover, if I ask for the North-American County Princess's help, her promised condition to me will likely become a rescue mission. How will I be able to see the Prince then?"
Liu Ruyan fell into deep thought, but she could not say much more. Just as Lu Fan had said, the matter was not that simple.
Meanwhile, at Ten Mile Slope, Ling'er was tied to a tree, her spiritual energy sealed, and she looked wronged. "Let me go! Let me go!"
"Little girl, weren't you quite arrogant just now?" The Situ family head sneered. "Are you experiencing our methods now?"
"If you dare to act recklessly and my father finds out, he will not forgive you!" Ling'er said angrily, looking very displeased.
"Your father?" The Situ family head burst into laughter. "Even if the King of Heaven himself came today, no one could save you. You are merely bait. If that fellow falls for it, you will have value. If he doesn't, you will not even have the most basic value!"
Ling'er was furious but didn't know what to do. Being controlled here, she was unable to escape.
At the same time, Steward Zhao stood to the side, his gaze indifferent. It seemed as though he did not consider Ling'er's situation important, or perhaps the person he was truly waiting for was Lu Fan.
"Do you think that fellow will come?" Steward Zhao asked.
"He definitely will!" The Situ family head narrowed his eyes. "If he doesn't come, the person before us will likely die. That fellow is chivalrous and tender-hearted; he wouldn't do such a thing!"
"Across the entire Celestial Realm, how many people have acted like this just to survive!" Steward Zhao smiled faintly. "I dare not be certain that this fellow will come to save her, as he knows this is a death trap!"
"You don't believe it because, in your heart, the word 'friend' does not exist!"
A cold voice sounded as Lu Fan's figure appeared. His gaze fell upon Steward Zhao. "The Northwest Prefecture is truly relentless. Chasing from the Northwest County Prefecture all the way to the royal city. I have truly broadened my horizons!"