Casting a Curse

When Chu Zhiyuan arrived outside the small courtyard where Li Miaotan was staying, only two Attendants were drinking tea outside.

The two elderly men sat in the small pavilion within the courtyard, leisurely admiring the flowers that had just bloomed.

These exotic flowers were beaded with dew, vivid and tender, making one itch to lean close and take a sip.

When the two old men saw him appear, they scrutinized him curiously, their gazes blazing as if determined to see through him.

They had been itching with curiosity all along.

They knew that the earlier commotion in Li Miaotan's room had been caused by him, yet they did not know what cultivation art he practiced.

They desperately wanted to know what miraculous art could possess such imposing power.

Chang Xihua knew, but she would not speak, and they could not pry her mouth open.

Li Miaotan was even less likely to tell them.

The only possibility was Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and nodded, but did not halt. He continued inward.

Li Yuzhen called out, "Your Highness, the Imperial Son-in-Law has come."

Li Yuchun came out to greet him and curiously sized up Fu Zheng when she saw her.

Fu Zheng tactfully remained outside the courtyard rather than entering, smiling and nodding to her.

Li Yuchun stepped forward and struck up a conversation with her. "You must be Miss Fu. I've often heard Sister Yuzhen mention you. As expected, your beauty and cultivation stand shoulder to shoulder—enough to make one green with envy."

Fu Zheng smiled. "Chief Li, you are even more beautiful than I am, and you serve at the Princess's side. You are the one everyone envies."

Chu Zhiyuan followed Li Yuzhen farther in, arriving at the inner room.

Chang Xihua was seated by the fragrant couch, her