Auntie, Someone's Trashing the Place!

"My grandfather is in trouble?"

Zhu Zhanjun's brow shot up.

He had never heard this news before.

"What exactly happened?"

Princess Channing's expression was extremely grave. She waved her hand, dismissing the maids, and then lowered her voice to say, "This is top-secret information. I only just received it."

"Half a month ago, the main army led by your grandfather, while pursuing Arutai's remnants, encountered a once-in-a-millennium 'White Hair Wind' deep in Mobei."

"White Hair Wind?"

Zhu Zhanjun found the term unfamiliar.

"It's the most terrifying natural disaster on the grasslands."

A flicker of lingering fear flashed in Princess Channing's eyes.

"The wind and snow were so heavy that visibility was less than three feet, the temperature plummeted, and water froze instantly."

"The army was trapped in a valley, unable to advance or retreat, and their supplies were almost cut off."

"What was even more terrifying was that Arutai, that scoundrel, somehow invited a group of Shaman Sorcerers from the Western Regions and used dark arts to stir up the wind and snow, making the disaster even worse."

"Your grandfather's dragon body, already weakened by years of campaigning, was further aggravated by sudden rage and invasion of cold. He has fallen ill."

"Currently, the army's morale is barely holding on, thanks to the efforts of old generals like Zhang Fu and Xue Lu."

"But if supplies aren't delivered soon, the more than a hundred thousand troops might... be completely annihilated."

After Princess Channing finished speaking, the entire courtyard fell into deathly silence.

Zhu Zhanjun's face was so grim it looked like it could drip water.

He finally understood why Fang Bin dared to step forward at this time and use such clumsy tactics, framing him while feigning loyalty.

So, that was the root of it all!

They thought that with Zhu Di gone and the Crown Prince assassinated, the entire Great Ming court would be leaderless. As long as they could control him, the biggest variable, the throne would naturally fall into the hands of Prince Han and Prince Zhao.

What a calculation!

A truly brilliant move to cut off the source of the water!

"Aunt, thank you for telling me this."

Zhu Zhanjun stood up and bowed solemnly to Princess Channing.

"My child, why are you being so formal with your aunt?"

Princess Channing steadied him.

"Your grandfather and your father can't be relied upon right now."

"The Great Ming's empire... it can only depend on you now."

"I understand."

Zhu Zhanjun nodded, a cold killing intent flashing in his eyes.

"However, before dealing with matters in the north, I need to swat these flies in the Capital City first."

He pointed to the blood-stained cloth on the table.

"Aunt, I need your help to find everyone who has come into contact with the owner of this cloth."

"No problem."

Princess Channing readily agreed.

"My Tingfeng Pavilion keeps several 'Wind Seeking Hounds' gifted from the Western Regions. Their sense of smell is a hundred times that of ordinary hunting dogs."

"As long as we have this piece of cloth as a lead, I can find the person for you within half an hour."

As she spoke, she picked up a small silver bell from the table and gently shook it.

A woman in black, close-fitting attire appeared in the courtyard like a ghost, silently kneeling on one knee.

"Mistress."

"Go, bring 'Black Wind' here."

"Yes."

The woman took the order and left. Soon, she returned, leading a giant dog that was entirely black, powerfully built, and looked even fiercer than a wolf.

"Zhanjun, let it smell the cloth."

Zhu Zhanjun brought the blood-stained cloth to the giant dog named "Black Wind."

Black Wind merely sniffed it, and a low growl rumbled from its throat. Its eyes instantly turned blood-red, filled with ferocity and the desire to track.

"Go."

Princess Channing commanded.

The woman nodded, holding Black Wind, and with a flash of movement, disappeared beyond the courtyard wall.

"Zhanjun, just wait here with me for news."

Princess Channing sat down again and poured him a cup of tea.

"At most an hour, I guarantee you a satisfactory answer."

Zhu Zhanjun nodded and sat down as well.

He really needed to wait right now.

Wait for an opportunity, an opportunity that would allow him to capture Fang Bin, and the Prince Han and Prince Zhao behind him, all in one fell swoop.

However, before the two of them could even finish their cup of tea, a commotion and disturbance suddenly erupted outside the courtyard.

An arrogant and overbearing voice carried in from a distance.

"What do you mean Room Number One of the Heaven Grade is already booked? Do you know who my master is?"

"My master is the current Minister of War, Young Master Fang! In the Capital City, there's no place Young Master Fang can't go!"

Following that, a servant's timid explanation could be heard.

"Sir, I am truly sorry."

"Room Number One of the Heaven Grade does indeed have a distinguished guest today."

"Or, how about Room Number One of the Earth Grade? I'll take it upon myself to waive the charge for a pot of your finest 'Daughter Red'!"

"Get lost, you son of a..."

"Slap!"

A crisp, loud slap, accompanied by a scream, was clearly heard.

"A lowly servant like you dares to negotiate with me?"

"Today, I'm determined to have Room Number One of the Heaven Grade!"

"Anyone who dares to stop me, I'll break their legs!"

"Hurry up and call your manager! Otherwise, I'll tear down this dump today!"

Listening to the arrogant curses from outside, Zhu Zhanjun's brow furrowed slightly.

Fang Bin's son?

It really was... a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road.

He looked at Princess Channing, only to see that his pampered aunt's expression had turned cold.