“Sister has such great skill, defeating Fu Dan without breaking a sweat. You must know that Fu Dan is one of the top ten experts at Tian Bao Lou!” The Fourth Princess exclaimed, giving a thumbs-up. “Sister is truly amazing.”
Xiao Man glanced at the Fourth Princess. This woman’s face was thicker than the city walls. Just moments ago, she had betrayed her and pushed her off the arena, yet now she acted as if nothing had happened. It was no wonder she could stand her ground against the Eldest Princess; she indeed possessed some talent.
“I can’t compare to the Fourth Princess,” Xiao Man said slowly. “The one who invited Fu Dan to fight me was also the Fourth Princess, wasn’t it?”
Lan Yuan smiled brightly, feigning innocence. “How could that be? I was merely entrusted by Tian Bao Lou to bring Sister to the building. I owe the owner of Tian Bao Lou a favor, and I couldn’t refuse her request. Sister doesn’t blame your sister, do you?”
Xiao Man’s expression remained calm. “It was merely a game, and I certainly don’t blame the Fourth Princess. Not only do I not blame you, but I also want to thank you.”
“Oh?” The Fourth Princess showed surprise. “Does Sister enjoy competitions?”
“If the Fourth Princess hadn’t brought me to participate in this competition, how could I have so easily found a capable helper?” Xiao Man said with a sincere expression. “Thank you very much, Fourth Princess.”
The Fourth Princess looked somewhat puzzled. “A capable helper?”
Xiao Man nodded.
“I don’t quite understand.”
“Soon, the Fourth Princess will understand. It’s getting late, and we plan to return. Does the Fourth Princess wish to accompany us?” Xiao Man inquired.
“Where does Sister live? I’ll escort you.”
“Tian Yu Lou,” Xiao Man replied slowly.
“As a Princess, how can you stay in an inn? How about this: stay at my residence. Although my mansion isn’t large, I can still make room for a courtyard for Sister.”
“Thank you for the Fourth Princess’s generous invitation, but it’s not necessary.” Xiao Man refused. “I’m not staying long anyway, and an inn is more convenient. Farewell.”
The Fourth Princess watched Xiao Man’s retreating back, her smile deepening. “Keep an eye on her. Report every move she makes.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The people Xiao Man brought with her were staying at Tian Yu Lou, which was the most luxurious inn in Bian Jing City. It was said that the owner behind this inn was the Eldest Princess. Both officials and commoners alike took pride in staying at Tian Yu Lou.
“Miss, the owner behind Tian Yu Inn is indeed the Eldest Princess. In Bian Jing City, there are five great establishments, belonging to five princesses. Tian Yu Lou is the Eldest Princess’s property, Jin Yin Du Fang is the Fourth Princess’s, Tian Xiang Lou belongs to the Second Princess, and Fu Meng Lou is the Fifth Princess’s.”
“What about Lan Qin’s property?”
“The Third Princess’s property is Qi Luo Ge, which primarily deals in fabrics.”
“These five princesses have monopolized all aspects of life—food, clothing, entertainment, and leisure. Truly remarkable.” Xiao Man tapped her finger rhythmically, a half-smile playing on her lips. “I heard my mother has considerable prestige among the common folk?”
“Yes, Empress Yue Xian had extremely high prestige among the people. Empress Yue Xian did many good deeds for the commoners in her time. The current Empress, even though she sits on the throne and has achieved much, still cannot match Empress Yue Xian’s accomplishments.”
Xiao Man’s smile deepened. “Tonight, there will be a good show at Tian Yu Lou.”
Ying Xue saw the smile on Xiao Man’s face and knew she wasn’t taking it to heart. “They will surely find an opportunity to strike at you. Will we passively endure?”
“No, we will take the initiative,” Xiao Man said softly. “Tonight, we will set Tian Yu Lou ablaze!”
The assassins who had been lurking in Tian Yu Lou were waiting for midnight. Once everyone fell asleep, they would infiltrate the building and assassinate Xiao Man. Su Dan Xiao Shuo Wang.
If Xiao Man were killed in Tian Yu Lou, the Eldest Princess would be the prime suspect. Xiao Man’s stay at Tian Yu Lou pleased many.
When the Eldest Princess heard that Xiao Man and her entourage were staying at Tian Yu Lou, a cold smile touched her lips. “She is quite bold. Knowing that Tian Yu Lou is my property, she dares to stay. Is she certain I wouldn’t dare to harm her?”
“Your Highness, should we make a move?”
“Make a move? Why wouldn’t we?” The Eldest Princess picked up her brush and looked at the official documents she had just finished reviewing. “If something happens to her at Tian Yu Lou, anyone with a brain will suspect me. And among my good sisters, who doesn’t want her dead? We have fought for this position for so many years, only to have an outsider snatch it away. How could they be content? Since they will be suspected anyway, it’s better to kill her amidst the chaos. Even if I bear the suspicion, without evidence, no one can do anything to me.”
“The Eldest Princess is wise.”
“Don’t make the first move. Wait for others to act, and then you can act amidst the chaos.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The night was deep and quiet. The third watch bell chimed. Those outside were restless, preparing to infiltrate Tian Yu Lou. At that moment, a cry rang out from within Tian Yu Lou: “Fire! Fire!”
The guests, who had been fast asleep, heard the alarm and scrambled out of bed. Without even putting on their clothes or shoes, they rushed outside. As soon as they opened their doors, they found the corridors filled with thick smoke, terrifying them into a panicked flight.
The Eldest Princess’s people exchanged glances. It seemed someone had made their move. Perfect, they could take advantage of the chaos to kill Xiao Man!
The fire was burning suspiciously. The manager and staff of Tian Yu Lou were busy fighting the flames, while the secret guards were searching for Xiao Man. However, the fire grew larger and larger, yet Xiao Man remained elusive. Instead, those who had infiltrated to kill her in the chaos inexplicably disappeared.
Yao Ran had been keeping an eye on Xiao Man’s movements. Upon hearing that Tian Yu Lou was on fire, he immediately rushed there. By the time Yao Ran arrived, half the sky was blazing red, and a crowd of survivors stood outside.
“Where is the Princess? Have you seen the Princess?”
“I haven’t seen the Princess come out. She might still be inside.”
Hearing this, Yao Ran felt his vision go black. If anything were to happen to Xiao Man, the people under her command would be the first to cut her down. Anxious, he grabbed a bucket of water, doused himself, and prepared to rush into the inferno to save her.
“Prime Minister, you mustn’t go! The fire is too fierce.”
“If anything were to happen to the Princess, I would be solely responsible!” Yao Ran pushed Sha Yun aside and charged into the inferno.
The fire at Tian Yu Lou attracted a large crowd. Everyone was curious about this princess who had been living in exile for many years. Who knew that as soon as she arrived in Bian Jing City, something would happen to her!
Just as everyone believed Xiao Man was surely consumed by the flames, a burst of sword energy erupted, splitting the burning Tian Yu Lou in half. Then, two figures emerged from the inferno. The one in the lead held a large sword, and wherever it passed, the flames were extinguished. Following closely behind her was none other than Xiao Man.
The Tian Yu Lou, split in two, collapsed outwards, instantly crushing surrounding houses and shops. The onlookers retreated further.
Xiao Man and her servant emerged from the inferno with composure. Wherever their gazes fell, people were met with expressions of shock.