Chapter 130: The Mysterious Influential Figure

After Shen Xueying dispatched a large contingent of the Night Execution Division to forcibly take Lanhui away from his side, Jiang Chen could only leave helplessly. Yet, he was far from willing to let matters rest there. As a mere commoner, he truly lacked the strength to oppose the Night Execution Division head-on. For now, he could only seek other avenues, hoping to compel Shen Xueying to yield willingly.

However, such efforts proved exceedingly difficult.

Time swiftly moved to the next day. Jiang Chen left the Yu residence, deliberately taking a winding route before confidently appearing in the marketplace. His purpose was to conceal the fact that he was temporarily staying at the Yu household, so that later, he would no longer need to be cautious.

After all, he had already tangled with the Night Execution Division; they were currently troubled by the Northern Yan envoy’s affairs and had little energy left to pursue Han Yuyang.

Yet the morning’s circumstances differed from what Jiang Chen had anticipated.

No sooner had he shown his face than a number of tails began to trail him in a disorderly fashion. Judging by their mannerisms, it was clear they were sent by the Night Execution Division, intent on keeping a close watch on him.

Jiang Chen guessed their mission was to follow him unceasingly upon spotting him, to fully monitor his every move throughout the day.

“This approach is somewhat intriguing,” he mused silently.

Having men tail him everywhere, stripping away any chance of secrecy in his movements or actions, was Shen Xueying’s calculated strategy to distract Jiang Chen from worrying about Geng Ji and Lanhui.

Now, Geng Ji’s importance had grown even greater. With Lanhui in their grasp, they could pressure him to divulge more intelligence on the Xuan Yan Mansion. Lanhui was the key that could pry open Geng Ji’s lips.

In this way, there was hope of uncovering the truth behind the assassination attempt on Duanmu Hongtu. However, Jiang Chen intended to use a more humane method, unlike Shen Xueying’s harsh tactics.

If threats and coercion were mishandled, they often backfired. This was why Jiang Chen hoped she would not proceed in that manner.

Getting Geng Ji to reveal the truth and clearing the names of Qishan camp and Han Yuyang was a matter now showing a glimmer of hope. Jiang Chen would not give up so easily; he had to find a way to solve the problem Shen Xueying had posed.

“Stop right there, are you Jiang Chen?”

Just as Jiang Chen’s mind brimmed with strategies, a group approached him from ahead. Their attire was refined, yet their demeanor resembled servants from a noble family.

“I am Jiang Chen. May I ask who you seek?”

Leading the group was a man in his fifties, his wrinkled face forcing a smile. “Young Master Jiang, you’ve been quite elusive. No time to waste—come with me. Our master has been looking for you for several days.”

“Master? Who might your master be?”

The man replied, “You’ll know once we reach the residence.”

Without further words, they quickly surrounded Jiang Chen, wary that he might dart away. Though uncertain of their background, Jiang Chen had no intention to flee.

Since they knew his identity and sought him out for days, he might as well see what was going on.

Soon after, Jiang Chen was led into a grand courtyard with azure tiles and white walls. The man guiding him introduced himself as the steward of the estate, named Xie An.

“Now, surely you’ll tell me who this master is?” Jiang Chen asked, observing the pavilions, corridors, and ornate buildings. The owner had to be someone of considerable status.

To possess such a splendid estate in the royal capital of Daqian was no ordinary feat.

Xie An smiled. “Master Jiang, proceed alone from here. Once inside the inner garden, you must heed the instructions of the person you meet. Do not act recklessly.”

What trickery was this, that it had to be so secretive?

Jiang Chen grumbled inwardly but followed Xie An’s advice, quickening his pace. He hoped to end this guessing game soon, as his patience was wearing thin regardless of who awaited him.

“Master Jiang, I have long awaited your arrival.”

Stepping into the inner garden, Jiang Chen saw a kindly-looking noblewoman beam at him enthusiastically.

“I am Jiang Chen. May I ask why you summoned me, madam?”

The lady greedily appraised him from head to toe, then replied, “I have always loved fine cuisine. Many years ago, I vowed to taste all the delicacies of the world so as not to waste my time on this mortal coil.”

“But alas, my status confines me within Jinyang City. Here, I have sampled countless teas, pastries, noodles, mountain delicacies, and wild game, until nothing excites my palate anymore.”

“Until Master Jiang’s egg tarts, fish balls, and snail noodles suddenly opened my eyes, stirring my heart as if I had found a paradise beyond this world!”

The lady spoke with exaggerated gestures and enthusiasm, leaving Jiang Chen somewhat bewildered.

“Wait a moment, madam. So you summoned me today just to say this? If you like them, I can prepare more for you another day. It’s no trouble at all.”

Hearing Jiang Chen’s offer, the lady expressed gratitude. “Thank you, Master Jiang, but rather, I wish to apprentice under you and humbly learn these crafts.”

“Would you be willing to teach me?”

“Teach you to make egg tarts, fish balls, and snail noodles?” Jiang Chen found it hard to believe this was a special hobby of a wealthy noblewoman.

Seeing his surprise, she quickly explained, “Rest assured, Master Jiang, this is purely my personal passion. I would never reveal any secret recipes outside, and I will certainly offer you generous compensation.”

“You will not suffer any loss.”

Meeting her hopeful gaze, Jiang Chen suddenly felt curious. “May I be so bold as to ask whose residence this is, and who you are, madam?”

She smiled. “This is the Prince Jing’s Mansion, and naturally, I am the Princess Consort of Jing.”

A buzz rang faintly in Jiang Chen’s mind. He recalled that the current emperor had a full younger brother—the Prince Jing.

Unexpectedly, he had somehow ended up in the Prince’s Mansion, and the lady before him was truly royal kin. At that thought, a sudden idea flickered in Jiang Chen’s heart: perhaps this surprising coincidence could bring him special benefits.

So, feigning a troubled expression, Jiang Chen said to the Princess Consort, “I shall do my utmost to fulfill your request, Your Highness, but I have a small condition I hope you might grant.”