Prince Guangyun

"Yes."

Song Yun bowed in acknowledgment, unable to keep a trace of disappointment from his heart.

The Eldest Young Lady's attitude had clearly already tilted toward Chu Zheng.

Song Lingxue naturally would not believe Chu Zheng's words entirely, but she had found no flaws in them either. They were likely eight or nine parts true out of ten.

The only thing she could not understand was why Chu Zheng had wanted only those few books.

It was far too unreasonable.

Unless what those books contained was far more important to Chu Zheng than wealth or freedom.

Then what could it be...

Early the next morning.

Chu Zheng rose early. After breakfast, he picked out several items that interested him from the Filth Room and packed them together with those books.

He did not head straight for the Storehouse, instead going to the accounting room first.

The accounting room was not far from Song Manor's main gate. It consisted of two side rooms, occupied by two accountants, one old and one young.

The old accountant had entered Song Manor at twelve years old and had now spent fifty-three years there, his entire life passing within the Song Manor.

The younger one was only fifteen this year. His name was Song Shui, and he too had been born into the household. He had followed the old accountant for seven years.

The old accountant had lost his wife in middle age and had no children. He treated Song Shui as though he were his own son.

Over the past two days, gift lists from every household had arrived in an endless stream. The accounting room had been so busy its staff were run ragged, sorting through all the incoming and outgoing goods every day.

Chu Zheng waited for quite a while before finding the old accountant. He took a receipt, filled in the amount, and handed it back. "Record it in the accounts."

The old accountant glanced at the amount on the receipt and could not help but look surprised. "Ho, Little Zheng, struck it rich?"

"I handled something. The Eldest Young Lady rewarded me."

Chu Zheng did not elaborate. He casually tossed out that line and turned to leave.

As he passed the main gate, a thunderous roar suddenly rang in his ears. Hoofbeats rumbled like thunder, and even over the courtyard wall more than two zhang high, he could see dust rising into the sky outside.

After a brief hesitation, Chu Zheng quickened his pace and hurried toward the Storehouse.

His curiosity was exceptionally strong, but there were times when one had to consider the occasion. Unnecessary curiosity would only invite trouble. It was better to ask less in situations like this.

The Storehouse lay deep in the rear courtyard. After walking for the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Chu Zheng finally arrived before its gates.

The Storehouse was heavily guarded. Martial artists who had condensed Internal Qi stood watch day and night. At present, the Storehouse gates stood open as an inventory was being conducted.

The gifts sent by the various households came in a bewildering variety, and sorting and categorizing them would take a long time.

Song Lingxue had clearly made arrangements beforehand. The moment Chu Zheng arrived, someone led him to begin working, helping categorize the Storehouse's contents.

Silver Bear Paw (Zero Order): Taken from a silver bear over twenty years old. Originally an excellent tonic, but the technique used to remove the paw was lacking, causing much of its essence to be lost. Recommended for consumption after repair.

Bone Strengthening Pill (Zero Order): Prepared from a large quantity of medicinal herbs mixed with beast bone powder. Strengthens sinews and toughens bones when consumed. Having been stored for too long, thirty percent of its medicinal potency has dissipated. Recommended for consumption after repair.

Green Feather Bow (Zero Order): Made from century-old ironwood and thirty-year ox sinew, soaked in tung oil. The bow was powerful and heavy, capable of piercing armor from a hundred paces. It had not been drawn for some time; its draw strength was formidable.

As prompt after prompt sounded in his mind, the gleam in Chu Zheng's eyes grew brighter and brighter. The Storehouse truly was the place he should have come to.

After burying himself in sorting for a while, unexpected news suddenly came from the Front Courtyard.

An arena had been erected before the manor, and Song Lingxue was going to fight someone.

An hour earlier.

Just as Chu Zheng was becoming familiar with the Storehouse, a commotion arose before Song Manor's gates.

Hrrr—

More than a hundred Iron Cavalry stood silently before the gates. The lingering dust agitated the warhorses, and their snorts rang out without pause.

A royal banner bearing the character "Zhao" danced in the wind, snapping loudly.

The two men at the front wore no armor. One was around forty, with a short beard and an air of nobility. Jade and gold adorned him, and he wore a purple robe embroidered with coiling python patterns. Without needing to rage, he inspired awe.

The other was somewhat younger, barely twenty. He was handsome, his hair bound with a jade hairpin, and he wore a green robe embroidered with an Azure Fox Auspicious Beast. He too possessed an uncommon, distinguished bearing.

Great Zhou law decreed that none but a prince could wear a Purple Python Robe. In this little patch of Wuyang Commandery, there was no one dressed like this aside from Prince Guangyun, Zhao Yunheng.

Song Tonghai stood waiting before the gates. He swept a glance over the Zhao royal banner, his expression betraying neither joy nor anger.

Behind Prince Guangyun stood the Great Zhou Dynasty, which ruled over a hundred thousand li of land. Its experts were as numerous as clouds, and it even had Immortal cultivators in its service. Since ancient times, several Immortal Seeds had emerged from the imperial family.

The reason Great Zhou was now the Zhao Family's realm was inseparable from this.

Even setting Great Zhou aside, Zhao Yunheng himself ruled several commanderies, and a Great Grandmaster was stationed in his residence. The Song Family could not afford to offend him at present.

"Brother Song, forgive me for calling without warning and disturbing you!"

Zhao Yunheng wore a broad smile as he strode forward, raising a hand in greeting. He then pointed to the young man beside him. "This is my son, Jichang."

"Jichang pays respects to Uncle Song." Zhao Jichang followed with a bow.

"Your Highness is too courteous. Your visit brings glory to this humble house—how could it be called a disturbance?"

Song Tonghai greeted him with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "The Heir Apparent possesses extraordinary bearing. Please, come inside so we may speak."

The group filed into the hall and took their seats according to rank. Maidservants served tea.

Zhao Yunheng sat in the seat of honor. He lifted his teacup, took a shallow sip, and his eyes immediately lit up. "Excellent tea!"

"I was fortunate enough to obtain an ounce of Dragon Blood Leaf a few days ago. I am glad it suits Your Highness's taste."

After some pleasantries, Song Tonghai came straight to the point. "May I ask what brings Your Highness here so suddenly today? Please speak plainly and clear my confusion."

"I have come today to shamelessly seek a marriage for my son. That young phoenix of your family—once she spreads her wings in the future, I fear this petty worldly prince of mine will no longer be worthy of your notice."

Zhao Yunheng did not beat around the bush. Going straight for the heart, he said with a hint of humor, "Shouldn't I seize the chance to climb this lofty branch while I still can?"

"Your Highness overpraises us. To form a marriage with the prince's residence would be the Song Family climbing high."

Song Tonghai frowned slightly. "It is just that... Ling Qing has already entered an Immortal Sect. As for her marriage, I fear..."

At this, Zhao Yunheng waved his hands repeatedly. "Brother Song, you flatter me too much. My son's fortune is shallow. The one he seeks is not the Young Phoenix, but the Eldest Young Lady of your manor, Ling Xue."

"Ling Xue?" Song Tonghai was slightly taken aback. It was somewhat unexpected, but after another thought, he understood.

"Precisely. I wish for Jichang to marry her with the Rites of Principal Wife. When he inherits the princely title, Ling Xue will become the Princess Consort." Zhao Yunheng nodded.

Song Lingqing was now a member of an Immortal Sect. No matter how arrogant Zhao Yunheng was, he would not believe his son could be worthy of an immortal. Song Lingxue, however, was indeed a suitable match.

Song Tonghai hesitated for a moment before saying, "Ling Xue is grown now. How about I call her here and ask for her own opinion?"

"Very well." Zhao Yunheng nodded gladly.

A moment later, Song Lingxue stepped into the hall. She had just finished training, dressed in fitted martial attire, and the sharpness between her brows had yet to fade.

After learning the full story, she glanced at Zhao Jichang, her voice ringing with force:

"Defeat me first. Then we can discuss marriage."