"Thank you, General Wen, for your intervention. When I return, I will surely bring many treasures to express my gratitude!"
Steward Zhao clasped his fists, a smile revealing itself as he paid his respects to General Wen. "There's no need for such formality. The Northwest Princess and I are old acquaintances, and her affairs are my affairs. Rest assured, as long as I am here, they will not be able to see the Prince!"
General Wen waved his hand. "However, it is best to eliminate such troubles as soon as possible, lest they pose a threat in the future!"
"Indeed, General!"
Steward Zhao nodded fervently, his expression growing more serious. If not for their quick thinking and following Lu Fan's group's presence to the Ninth Prince's City, the Northwest Princess would have been in grave danger. After all, the consequences of the Northwest Princess's actions being exposed were unimaginable.
"By the way, convey my regards to the Northwest Princess when you return!" General Wen said slowly after taking a sip.
"Certainly, certainly!" Steward Zhao hastily clasped his fists and left the Prince's mansion, a smile finally appearing on his lips.
"How was it?" asked the Situ family head. "It seems the matter is settled!"
"With this old man taking action, there's nothing that cannot be accomplished!" Steward Zhao smiled. "Their desire to see the Ninth Prince is as difficult as ascending to heaven, and they still want to file a complaint. They will soon learn the consequences!"
"Since that's the case, shall we act now?" the Situ family head inquired. "It's best not to have any more delays. These few individuals are not easy to deal with, and they are quite cunning!"
"This is the royal city. If you intend to act within the royal city, you must be tired of living," Steward Zhao retorted with a glare. "I will not accompany you in exterminating your entire clan. If you wish to act, you may do so yourself!"
The Situ family head froze, his face instantly flushing with embarrassment. After being reminded, he immediately realized the truth of the matter. This was indeed the royal city; to dare to act here would be tantamount to seeking death.
At the same time, in an inn within the Ninth Prince's City, Liu Ruyan appeared, looking dispirited and lost in thought.
"What? Did it not succeed?" Lu Fan inquired.
"I don't know what happened. I wanted to see General Wen, but I was pushed out!" Liu Ruyan shook her head. "I have a feeling something is amiss!"
"I sensed the Situ family head just now!" Lu Fan stated directly. "This means they have already entered the royal city!"
"How could this be!" Ling'er exclaimed in alarm. "If they discover us, won't we be in danger again!"
"This is the royal city, they wouldn't dare to act rashly!" Liu Ruyan replied. "However, if we can't see the Ninth Prince, it will be troublesome!"
"That General Wen clearly does not wish to see you!" Lu Fan stated bluntly. "We can only find another way now."
"If this method doesn't work, let's change our approach. When the Ninth Prince leaves the mansion, we will surround him. This way, we can attract the Prince's attention, and then we can present our case." Liu Ruyan's expression was serious. She understood this very well, and only by doing so could they truly succeed.
"Then, as you say!" Lu Fan nodded, his expression grave, unsure if it would work.
"Father, it's my father!"
Just then, Ling'er's voice rang out, and she hurried forward with urgency. After their separation at Xuan Emperor City, she never expected to see her father again. They had believed Xuan Emperor was already dead. The figure in black moved with extreme speed, vanishing in an instant. Ling'er exerted all her might to chase but could not catch up.
"Are you sure it was your father?" Lu Fan ran over and asked Ling'er, his heart filled with confusion.
"I am sure, it was my father, there's no mistake!" Ling'er's eyes were earnest. "I just don't know why he's avoiding me, could there be something he cannot say?"
"Don't think too much about it for now. Since he is within the royal city, we will find a way to locate him!" Lu Fan said. "And it's highly possible he is being pursued, which is why he dares not acknowledge you!"
Ling'er nodded quickly, a sense of helplessness filling her heart. Even a brief reunion with her father would have been satisfying, but alas, she could only endure this for now.
"No matter how clever you are, you cannot escape our pursuit!"
At that very moment, the Situ family head's voice echoed, and he approached them with measured steps, his demeanor remarkably calm, as if everything was within his grasp.
"So you did come to the royal city!" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "If my guess is correct, you have already smoothed things over, and we won't be able to enter the Prince's mansion!"
"You have some intelligence, young man!" the Situ family head sneered. "Resign yourself to fate! The entire Heavenly Court Dynasty is filled with people we know. You cannot possibly outwit us!"
"There is justice in the world!" Lu Fan stated coldly. "Therefore, I believe that evil has never triumphed over righteousness since ancient times."
"Young people will always be young people!" Steward Zhao shook his head. "You ultimately cannot defeat us. I want to see how long you can remain in the royal city!"
After speaking, Steward Zhao and the Situ family head departed, their expressions composed, as if everything had unfolded precisely as they had predicted. Observing their retreating figures, Zhao Xue and Ling'er furrowed their brows, unsure of what to do.
"They have indeed been bribed. I didn't expect General Wen to be so lacking in integrity!" Liu Ruyan frowned. "Besides General Wen, the only way to see the Prince is likely through the Princess!"
"The Princess?" Lu Fan sounded somewhat bewildered, his heart filled with surprise. Even he did not know how to meet the Prince. The Ninth Prince was elusive, and without someone to relay a message, it was impossible to see him at will.
"That's right, the Northern American Princess is the Ninth Prince's only daughter. If we can establish a connection with her and have her introduce us, then it will be a natural progression," Liu Ruyan stated plainly. Everyone present exchanged glances, a sense of disbelief lingering among them. The Prince's daughter was not easily swayed, and to have her act as an intermediary was even more challenging.
"I have already made inquiries. The Northern American Princess will be playing a polo match in the west of the city tomorrow. Are you interested in participating?" Liu Ruyan said. "If we can successfully infiltrate, we might be able to approach the Northern American Princess. At that time, we can truthfully explain our situation."
"I think this method is feasible!" Lu Fan agreed. "After all, it is the most reliable method."
"Then let's register now and participate in tomorrow's polo match in the west of the city!" Zhao Xue declared. "I haven't played basketball in a long time. It's a good opportunity to warm up!"