Chapter Sixteen: A Mysterious Visitor Arrives, An Alliance Quietly Forms

Since the General Zhao incident, I found myself increasingly zoning out in front of my pile of "junk"—which were actually priceless antiques.

In the modern world, these treasures could easily buy a house, but here, well, they might just bring fatal trouble one day.

Just as I was contemplating whether to bury them in some auspicious spot, a man claiming to be Mr. Su requested an audience.

The moment He Yunsheng heard this, he immediately bristled.

“Sister Wan’er, be careful! Nowadays, there are plenty who covet your precious treasures!” His protective stance made me feel like some rare treasure myself.

Mr. Su, however, was unperturbed, fanning himself with an air of inscrutable depth.

“Miss Lu, I understand the true significance behind the treasure is not mere greed for wealth.” He paused, his gaze meaningful. “I merely wish to prevent it from being dragged into the palace’s intrigues.”

His words were vague, and I was momentarily at a loss.

Besides being valuable, what other significance could the treasure hold?

Could there be some hidden attribute I hadn’t yet discovered?

Just as my mind was swirling with questions, a palace maid from the Dowager Qin’s entourage arrived, bearing a collection of precious herbs and—gold and jewels!

Well, well, was Dowager Qin simply sending me money?

The maid also conveyed the Dowager’s message, expressing admiration for my courage and wisdom and offering her covert support.

Looking at the shimmering gold before me, my heart felt warmly comforted.

---

Dowager Qin’s kindness was like a fire in the winter, warming my trembling little heart within the palace walls.

But that was not all. Mr. Su spoke again: “Miss Lu, I have a plan...” His voice lowered, tinged with mystery. “A plan that can free you completely from your predicament, and even...” He suddenly paused, a knowing smile curling at the corner of his mouth. “A plan to control everything.”

How to put Mr. Su’s plan? In modern terms, it was downright audacious!

He intended to rope in me, the young prince, and Dowager Qin to form a secret organization, grandly named “Guard the Treasure, Maintain Palace Balance.”

I thought to myself, isn’t this just a fancy name for rebellion?

I nearly spat out my tea.

The young prince’s eyes widened as if he’d seen a ghost.

Yet, Mr. Su was indeed a strategist, eloquent enough to dress this “rebellion” as “upholding justice.”

He claimed the treasure’s significance was profound, tied to secrets of the former dynasty, and that if it fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be dire.

Our organization’s mission was to guard the treasure and, incidentally, to root out evil and preserve peace in the palace.

I wondered if Mr. Su was suffering from some grandiose delusion.

But I had to admit, he was quite capable.

With his help, several financial problems were swiftly resolved, and a cadre of talented and extraordinary individuals was recruited.

My pile of “junk” under his hands transformed into a steady stream of funds, dazzling me.

---

The good times didn’t last. Our activities soon attracted unwanted attention.

One night, a group of black-clad assassins suddenly struck, each displaying formidable skills—it was clear these were professionals.

The young prince grabbed his weapon and charged—no surprise, royal blood ran strong with combat prowess!

Mr. Su commanded calmly, leading us into a fierce, evenly matched battle with the assassins.

In the end, the assassins, seeing the tide turn, abandoned several bodies and fled.

Though we repelled the attack, unease gnawed at me.

Who sent these men?

What was their true objective?

And Mr. Su—he seemed to be hiding something from me...

Just as I pondered this, Mr. Su stepped close and whispered, “Miss Lu, there is something...”

He paused, his eyes flickering, “about Prince Liu...”