Chapter 159 Next, You Can Do Whatever You Want…

Chapter 159: Next, You Can Do as You Please...

Just as the fifth watch ended, the drum from the Skyward Tower resounded in all directions, marking the start of a new day.

Shang Yin opened his eyes in bed—an ordinary experience, yet for him, it was an unusually rare one. In the past, every time he closed his eyes, he never knew if he’d wake again.

However, Zhao Yin hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep in a long time either.

Cultivators needed little sleep, and ever since Zhao Yin began his cultivation, he had trained in martial arts during the day and devoted his nights to cultivation, all to keep from disappointing the Dowager Consort.

It was thanks to such diligence that he had achieved his current level of cultivation.

Shang Yin channeled his internal energy and turned his gaze toward the door—someone was approaching.

A series of loud, urgent knocks pounded against the door, the rudeness betraying the visitor’s urgency.

He snatched an outer robe and threw it on before rising from the bed. When he opened the door, he wasn’t surprised to see the Dowager Consort’s maid standing outside.

In the past, the maid would have scolded him for his slowness, but today, she didn’t waste a single word. Instead, she said directly, “The Dowager Consort wishes to see you.”

Shang Yin followed the maid to the Dowager Consort’s quarters. As soon as he stepped inside, he saw her seated before her dressing table, her hair still undone.

The Dowager Consort was meticulous about her appearance—whenever she appeared before others, every detail was immaculate. Her dishevelment today spoke volumes.

“Dowager Consort, what are your orders?” Shang Yin approached, stopping a few steps away from her.

At this distance, all it would take was a single outstretched hand, a slight exertion of force, and he could strangle the woman before him.

But he wouldn’t do that.

People were always greedy. At first, he had merely wanted the Dowager Consort dead—but now, he desired much more.

The Dowager Consort waved her hand, signaling the maids around her to withdraw.

Only after they had all left did she speak. “Huang Lin left last night and has yet to return.”

“Huang Lin hasn’t returned?” Shang Yin’s face flickered with shock. “Could that sound last night have been related to him?”

The Dowager Consort’s expression darkened. She had heard the noise as well, but she trusted Huang Lin’s strength completely. Even if something unexpected had occurred, she was sure he could’ve escaped unharmed. Yet, when she awoke this morning, there was no sign of him.

Whether his mission had succeeded or failed, Huang Lin would have returned to report—unless he was now unable to do so.

Once this idea settled in, the Dowager Consort could no longer remain calm.

Before she could issue any orders, Shang Yin spoke first. “If the Dowager Consort permits, this subordinate would like to investigate. I believe that with Huang Lin’s strength, he must have merely been delayed by some matter.”

Hearing Shang Yin’s words, the Dowager Consort felt slightly reassured. She nodded. “Go at once and return promptly.”

“Yes.”

With the Dowager Consort’s command, Shang Yin left the Zhao manor openly and headed for Changping Ward.

Changping Ward’s streets were still quiet at this hour. Aside from the bustle of breakfast stalls, most shops remained closed—including A Chan’s incense shop, its doors still locked.

Even if it had been open, Shang Yin couldn’t have entered through the front. He scouted the area, finding a secluded spot, and leaped over the high wall.

Before his feet hit the ground, he saw a figure standing in the spacious, tidy courtyard.

“Forgive the intrusion.” Shang Yin calmly clasped his hands toward Chen Hui.

Chen Hui nodded serenely at him and asked, “A Chan isn’t awake yet. Would you like a bowl of wontons?”

Shang Yin hadn’t expected to be offered food. Surprised but pleased, he nodded. “Then I’ll trouble you.”

“No trouble at all.”

Before long, Chen Hui brought out a large, steaming bowl of wontons. Plump dumplings floated in rich chicken broth, their scent mouthwatering.

Only after Shang Yin began eating did Chen Hui knock on A Chan’s door.

A Chan dawdled before finally answering. As soon as she did, she squinted, taking a deep whiff. “Hui Niang, I think I smell chicken wontons.”

Chen Hui chuckled. “Breakfast today is wontons. Go wait out front, and I’ll bring you a bowl.”

“Alright.”

A Chan yawned her way to the front room, to find Shang Yin already eating at the table.

She took a seat across from him and asked, “Are they good?”

“Incredible.” Shang Yin stuffed them into his mouth one after another, heedless of the heat.

“Of course. Hui Niang’s cooking isn’t for just anyone.”

After some small talk, they finally turned to business.

“Did the Dowager Consort send you?” A Chan asked.

“Yes. Huang Lin didn’t return, so she’s uneasy.” Finishing the last wonton, Shang Yin set down his spoon. “So, where is he now?”

“Can’t you guess?” A Chan replied lazily. “Caught attempting murder—naturally, he’s in prison.”

“Which prison?”

“The Suppression Prison.”

With this confirmation, Shang Yin sighed in relief. “I’ve heard that once you enter the Suppression Prison, there’s no way out. The Zhao family’s influence shouldn’t reach there, right?”

A Chan said casually, “He won’t be coming out. Next, you can do whatever you want.”

Her words rang like a decree. In that instant, Shang Yin’s heart hammered like thunder. He could… do whatever he wanted?

“What do you plan to do next?”

A Chan’s plan only went this far. She was curious—what kind of ending would Shang Yin arrange for the Dowager Consort?

“Huang Lin is tight-lipped. He won’t betray the Dowager Consort easily,” Shang Yin said, his voice trembling slightly—one born of excitement.

“Mm, then what?”

“But the Dowager Consort won’t rely solely on his loyalty. She’ll either contact the King of Northern Wilderness or choose to leave the capital before the Bright Mirror Bureau completes its investigation.”

“Is there time left to contact the King of Northern Wilderness now?”

“With the Earth Spirit Book, yes.” As long as the message reached the Northern Wilderness, the King—even with their disagreements—wouldn’t leave his birth mother in the capital.

He’d surely dispatch a Fourth Realm expert to escort her back to the Northern Wilderness. Once she returned, regardless of what Huang Lin says or what plots are behind this, none of it would reach her.

Not unless the Emperor was ready to break all ties with the King of Northern Wilderness.

"The Earth Spirit Book has such uses too." A Chan marveled. "What a remarkable thing."

"Indeed, but communicating back to the book's owner isn't easy. It requires a ritual." Shang Yin didn’t elaborate, but one didn't need to guess—likely a blood sacrifice.

After all, this thing originally belonged to the yao tribes. Some of its methods would be considered cruel by human standards.

A Chan listened, then suddenly smiled and pointed out, "The capital has formations. Conducting such a ritual here is highly likely to be detected."

"Really?"

"Of course." How would she know the exact functions of the capital’s formations? This was an imperial secret, known to precious few. But right now, she needed the formations to serve this purpose.

Shang Yin nodded thoughtfully. "The capital isn’t safe enough. It’d be better to go outside the city. Do you happen to have a suitable place in the outskirts?"

"Coincidentally, I do." A Chan told Shang Yin the estate's location and added, "With time to spare today, I was planning to visit the estate. Might stay the night."

Shang Yin replied, "Then be careful during the day."

By the time Chen Hui served the wontons, Shang Yin had already left, leaving only an empty bowl behind.

A Chan took a few sips of broth to soothe her throat and said to Chen Hui, "Hui Niang, let’s close the shop today. We’ll stay at the estate tonight."

"Alright." Chen Hui didn’t ask for reasons. By the time A Chan finished breakfast, she had already packed their belongings onto the carriage.

As the carriage passed through the city gates, A Chan lifted the curtain and glanced at the sky. The weather was foul—thick clouds obscured the sun.

But it was still a good day.

Shang Yin stole silently into the Zhao residence and returned to the Imperial Consort’s courtyard.

The Imperial Consort was already dressed and seated at a table when Shang Yin entered. Serving dishes of untouched food lay before her.

"What did you find?" she asked urgently.

Shang Yin’s expression was grim. "I discovered the perfumery owner is unharmed."

The Imperial Consort clenched her fist so tightly her manicured nails dug into her palm. "And?"

"Also, last night, Bright Mirror Bureau Guards went to Changping Lane."

"The Bright Mirror Bureau..." The Imperial Consort gritted her teeth, seething with frustration.

Back in the Northern Wilds, she had never suffered such humiliation. Yet here in the capital, she had taken such a fall over a mere Bright Mirror Bureau.

"What about the incense burner? Is it still in the shop?"

Shang Yin had forgotten to ask, but whether the burner was there or not was immaterial now.

He shook his head. "I dared not approach the shop. I can’t confirm if the burner is still there."

The Imperial Consort fell silent, weighing her options, when Shang Yin spoke again. "Your Highness, Mr. Huang may have fallen into the Bright Mirror Bureau’s hands. The best course now is to inform the Prince."

"You’re right. We must notify the Prince."

The Imperial Consort rose and went into the inner chamber. Moments later, she returned with a book—an ordinary account of the Northern Wilds. But when opened, a Golden Page lay tucked inside.

This was a single page from the Earth Spirit Book, capable of communicating with it. But activating this Golden Page required copious blood.

The Imperial Consort studied the page, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Bring me two people."

When Shang Yin didn’t move, a dangerous glint flashed in her eyes. "What? Without Huang Lin, do my orders mean nothing to you?"

"Forgive me, Your Highness. But the capital is covered by a great formation. If we rashly use the Golden Page, we might be detected."

The Imperial Consort naturally didn’t know the formation had such an effect, but his warning gave her pause.

The Golden Page was too precious to risk, and she had no time to verify the formation’s impact. The safest option now was to take the page outside the city.

Yet she hesitated. Without Huang Lin by her side, nowhere seemed safe enough.

Shang Yin seemed to sense her unease and offered, "Your Highness, I’m willing to take the Golden Page outside the city to reach the Prince."

One, two...

Before he could count to three, the Imperial Consort cut him off. "No need. I’ll go myself."

When it came to matters of her own safety, she would brook no mistakes. She had to be present.

"Should we inform the Elder?"

"Not yet. We’ll tell him after we’ve contacted the Prince."

This answer was exactly as he'd expected. At a time like this, not even to her own father could the Imperial Consort fully trust.

"I understand. But if only Your Highness leaves the city, the household would wonder. Should we find a suitable excuse?"

After a moment’s thought, the Imperial Consort said, "Then bring Xun’er along. Say I’ve grown stifled in the city and wish to take some country air. Have him bring a few trusted retainers."

Shang Yin bowed his head. "As you command."