Chapter 17: The Smoke of the Final Battle Rises, a New Path Begins Here

Mr. Su hesitated for a long time before finally blurted out, "Prince Liu... he knows about the treasure!" I nearly spat out my tea—what kind of secrecy is that? It’s as flimsy as paper! I glared at Mr. Su, waiting for an explanation.

His face turned grave. "Not only does Prince Liu know about the treasure, but he also... wants to keep it all to himself!" Well, that’s quite the appetite!

I stroked my chin thoughtfully; it seemed Prince Liu was not one to give up easily. Sure enough, a few days later, Prince Liu stormed over with a troop, brimming with menace. The spectacle was so grand you’d think he was making a grand visit!

Young Prince rubbed his hands eagerly, ready to jump into action. "Wan’er, watch this!" I grabbed him firmly. "Don’t be rash! A wise man does not stand beneath a dangerous wall. Let’s observe and see how things unfold." Mr. Su nodded in agreement. "Miss Lu is right. We must plan carefully."

True to his reputation as our strategist, Mr. Su quickly devised a battle plan. When I heard it... ah! It was flawless! I couldn’t help but give him a big thumbs up.

But plans can’t keep up with changes. Just as we were about to put it into motion, Prince Liu suddenly changed course. He charged directly toward our treasure’s hiding place with his men!

That was... completely off script! I cursed inwardly—what a cunning old fox! Now, we were forced to fight on the defensive.

Young Prince led the charge, sword flashing, while Mr. Su commanded from the rear. And me? Of course, I hid in a safe spot, keeping an eye out for anything valuable to snatch... cough cough, for the greater good!

The battle raged fiercely, both sides blinded by rage. I crouched behind a large tree, nervously watching the fight. Suddenly, a chill ran down my spine—a hand clamped over my mouth.

A strong scent of perfume wafted into my nose, almost making me gag. Turning, I saw none other than Lady Zhou! When had she crept up behind me?

She held a dagger pressed against my back, smiling darkly. "Lu Wan’er, your time has come!" My heart skipped a beat; this was truly a case of the mantis stalking the cicada while the oriole watches from behind.

Feigning calm, I smiled sweetly. "Lady Zhou, what are you doing? Is there some misunderstanding between us?"

She sneered, "Misunderstanding? You caused me to lose favor, to lose everything. You call that a misunderstanding?"

Well, she clearly hadn’t accepted reality yet. I rolled my eyes. "Lady Zhou, you’re wrongly accusing me. If you’ve fallen out of favor, that’s the emperor’s doing—not mine."

"You still dare to deny it!" She lunged at me.

At that critical moment, an arrow whistled through the air, striking her wrist and forcing her to drop the dagger. She screamed in pain.

Seizing the chance, I broke free and looked up to see Young Prince, mounted on a majestic steed, standing like a hero descended from the heavens.

"Wan’er, are you alright?" he asked with concern.

I dusted myself off and smiled. "I’m fine. Thanks to your timely arrival."

Lady Zhou clutched her injured wrist, glaring at us fiercely. "Just you wait!" she spat before fleeing with her remaining soldiers.

In the end, we emerged victorious. Prince Liu was captured, and his forces scattered like frightened birds.

I exhaled deeply—finally, it was over!

The emperor rewarded merit as was custom, and because I "discovered" the treasure, I was granted the title of... Lady of the Rank?

My jaw almost dropped. This was... rather extravagant! Young Prince, too, was honored for his valor, bestowed the title of... Northern General!

Looks like this boy was destined for the battlefield.

I gazed at the mountains of gold, silver, and jewels before me, my heart bursting with joy. At last, I had achieved my goal!

Just then, Young Prince approached me, his expression complicated. "Wan’er, we... should leave this place."

I was stunned. Leave? Leave the palace, leave all this splendor?

"Where to?"

He smiled, took my hand, and led me toward the carriage waiting outside the palace gates.

"Hush, you’ll know when we arrive."