Prince Nanyu's Estate.
A young man in simple gray cloth, dragging a slightly lame foot, knocked on the heavy black gates. He held a small, rectangular box in his hand, his expression marked by a sense of exhaustion and fallen fortunes.
The gates opened to reveal Qin Yi, the steward of Prince Nanyu's Estate. He eyed the newcomer with visible wariness.
On the street outside the estate, Xuan Feng watched as Shu Yuanqi entered the grounds, only then turning away to leave quickly.
Inside Youxi Garden, Shu He stood up in shock. "Since you knew he was going to Baili Moyan’s estate, why didn't you stop him?"
None of his brothers were fools; how could Lǎo Jiǔ possibly believe that Shu Yuanqi was genuinely defecting to his side?
Baili Moqing took her hands, trying to calm her. "Don't worry, Lǎo Jiǔ will believe it."
Shu He looked at him, unable to understand what gave him such certainty.
"Look at that box."
Shu He’s gaze fell on the wooden table, where the black box lay quietly. What did that mean? Could it be that the Tianxing Dagger wasn't inside?
She opened the box with hesitant fingers, and her pupils dilated.
It was empty!
The box was made of purple sandalwood, so its inherent weight made it feel as though it contained something; this was why Shu He had assumed it held the weapon when she first received it.
Prince Nanyu's Estate.
Baili Moyan looked at the man before him with eyes full of mockery and derision.
"Well, Second Young Master Shu? Now that the Fourth Prince has falle…
Chapter 656