The Imperial Palace.
The emperor was so angry that he grabbed a teacup and smashed it on the ground.
"Outrageous, Lu Chi... I order you to thoroughly investigate this matter, and also to search all the official residences in the capital. Anyone found using such evil magic will be executed without mercy."
"Your subject is determined to do everything in his power..."
After Lu Chi withdrew, the emperor suddenly realized that he had forgotten to ask who the person who broke the formation was. Oh well, he was just a sorcerer anyway; he could ask him later if he wanted to see him.
The Third Prince's Residence
Xuanjizi looked at the broken earthenware pot with a playful smile. He stepped out of the dark room. "Master, the Life-Borrowing Formation has been broken."
The Third Prince slowly opened his eyes, his expression unreadable. "It seems we can't keep Old Man Ji as a pawn."
Xuanjizi sneered, "He was just a trial participant. The master was merciful and didn't eliminate him after the trial succeeded, but..."
Halfway through the conversation, a servant came to report that Lu Mingche had arrived.
Xuanjizi bowed and took his leave. As he was leaving, he ran into Lu Mingche, greeted him as "Sir," and then did not linger.
Lu Mingche entered the room and closed the door. "Master, Ji Chengye has been taken to the imperial prison by Lu Chi."
"As expected, remember to shut him up forever."
"It's Master..."
Lu Mingche said, "Master, I met the person who ruined your plans in Qingzhou Prefecture. Her name is Jin Shanyao. She's the one who cured Lu Chi of the poison, and she also owns Anzhi Hall."
"Oh..." The Third Prince became interested. He sat up straight and pondered, "What if this person could be used by me?"
Lu Mingche hesitated, then said, "The guards said Ji Chengye tried to win her over, but the deal fell through..."
Moreover, she's close to Old General Fu's family, so she might be difficult to win over.
Upon hearing this, the Third Prince's eyes flashed with murderous intent. "Those who submit to me prosper, those who defy me perish. I originally intended to spare her life, but it seems that's no longer possible... Let's lay low for now and wait until she Qingzhou Prefecture..."
Lu Mingche understood, "Don't worry, Master. I'll have the head of the secret guards take more men; she'll definitely die on the way."
The Third Prince nodded, then added, "Send someone to warn Shen Yan that if he continues his investigation... he's courting death."
After speaking, he waved for Lu Mingche to leave.
When Lu Chi returned to the Ji Residence, he didn't see Jin Shanyao, but instead saw Fu Congheng standing dejectedly in the courtyard.
"Where is the Jin Shanyao?"
Fu Congheng turned his head in confusion, "My lord... I cherish you..."
"Get lost... I'm asking you a question, where did the Jin Shanyao go?"
Fu Congheng's heart was shattered... It seemed that no one in the world cared about him.
A wave of dejection washed over him, leaving him feeling utterly listless and drained. "My lord, give up. Jin Shanyao has already returned to the Fu Household with my cousin. They're best friends now, they cherish each other..."
"She really went to the Fu Household..."
Fu Congheng looked at Lu Chi. Indeed, those who have been abandoned cannot believe they have been abandoned. "My lord... please accept my condolences."
Lu Chi said coldly, "Go, throw the entire Ji Household into prison, guard them closely, and forbid anyone from visiting them." After saying that, he hurriedly went to the Fu Residence.
Fu Congheng watched Lu Chi's resolute back and shook his head helplessly... For a man, his career is his ultimate source of confidence. He bet Lu Chi wouldn't get through the door.
The Fu Household.
Fu Congxi sat in front of the mansion gate, holding a stick in his right hand and idly tapping his left palm.
" Lu Chi... go back. Miss Jin is now a member of the Fu Household."
Lu Chi's face was serious. " Congxi... In the capital, the eldest sister is only close to me. We've been together day and night for a year. I don't believe she would live in the Fu Household."
Fu Congxi's smile didn't reach his eyes. "You'll only be with her for a year. I want to be with her for a very long time."
"If you two stay together forever, what about me?" Lu Chi couldn't accept it. " Congxi... you can't do this to me."
Fu Congxi sighed helplessly, " Lu Chi, you need to be a sensible man. Don't be jealous. Miss Jin is different from others, so don't make things difficult for her."
"I made things difficult for her... Congxi, we grew up together, in your heart I'm not as important as the eldest brother?"
He walked step by step towards Fu Congxi, his expression sorrowful. Fu Congxi put down the stick in her hand and gently comforted her, "Be good... don't be angry, I don't want to hurt you."
Before she could finish speaking, Lu Chi swiftly grabbed a stick and stuck it into the armrest of the chair, trapping Fu Congxi inside. He then ran off into the courtyard.
Fu Congxi with himself that he flew into a rage, " Lu Chi... you're asking for death!"
Lu Chi headed straight for the most spacious guest courtyard in the Fu Household. As soon as he stepped through the gate, he stood rooted to the spot.
All the people in the Fu Household's houses were peering through the windows, looking inside with longing eyes.
Inside the room, Jin Shanyao and Meng Anzhi sat on either side of each other, while Meng Anci sat upright in the middle.
Meng Anzhi was concentrating on taking Old Madam Fu's pulse when Jin Shanyao handed the drawn talisman to Old General Fu.
As Meng Anci accepted the consultation fee handed over by Meng Anzhi, he noted down the price for divination Jin Shanyao, the beads on his abacus clicking softly.
Behind the three stood a banner advertising divination and medical consultations. So the eldest brother had set up his stall inside the Fu Household's house?
Fu Congxi stormed into the courtyard, grabbed Lu Chi by the collar, and dragged him outside. " Lu Chi... you dared to scheme against me, you're dead..."
"Ouch... Congxi, Congxi, let me go! I have important business with Jin Shanyao."
Fu Congxi paused, then asked uncertainly, "Really??"
"Real..."
Fu Congxi released his grip and tilted his head towards the door. Lu Chi understood and darted into the house, just as a series of angry shouts rang out from outside.
"Hey kid, you're not allowed to cut in line."
" Lu Chi, come out here..."
When Old General Fu saw Lu Chi enter, he stood up and blocked Jin Shanyao's path, asking warily, "What are you doing here?"
Lu Chi bowed, "Grandfather, Grandmother... His Majesty has ordered me to thoroughly investigate the matter of borrowing lives, and I would like to ask for your help, Boss."
Jin Shanyao's gaze swept over the three of them, and she asked in confusion, "You changed your surname?"
Lu Chi laughed, "Boss, I'm engaged... to Fu Household Congxi." As he spoke, he pulled Fu Congxi, who was eavesdropping outside the door, in, and the two stood side by side in front of Jin Shanyao.
"Boss... this is my wife..."
Fu Congxi's face flushed red, and he glared at Lu Chi. Jin Shanyao suddenly realized, "No wonder your good fortune has deepened; it turns out it's related to the Fu Household."
The Fu Household mansion was surrounded by good fortune and righteousness. Jin Shanyao befriended them, hoping to leave some connections for her two children.
She wanted to say a few Jixiang words, such as wishing them a long and peaceful death, but thinking of their past defeats, she swallowed her words.
She picked up a brush and quickly drew two talismans, blew the ink dry, and handed them to the two men. " Many Sons and Many Grandsons Talisman; I think you two should need them..."
Fu Congxi blushed even more, not daring to look at her grandparents' faces. She hurriedly accepted the gift, saying, "Thank you, eldest son..."
Lu Chi chuckled foolishly, then suddenly remembered the important matter, "Boss, His Majesty has ordered me to thoroughly investigate officials in the capital to see if they use any evil techniques like 'life-borrowing'. I'd like to ask for your help."
With Jin Shanyao that curved her eyes, she said, "Fifty taels for divination."
Lu Chi's eyes widened. There were 4,159 officials in the capital, each receiving fifty taels of silver. "Boss... I have something to attend to, I'll be going now."
After saying this, he left in a hurry, even forgetting to invite Jin Shanyao to stay at his residence.
Jin Shanyao her head and sighed, realizing they were not destined to be together. Her gaze then fell on the Fu Household.
Come here... my Xiaobao!