Before Yu Pianfei could respond, An Jiu added, “Never mind, I have other ways to find them.”
Zhu Pianpian turned tearfully, only to see An Jiu’s lips curved slightly, eyes bright, her face clearly showing “prank succeeded.” Zhu Pianpian’s gaze instantly turned to outrage!
Yu Pianfei observed silently.
“Nonsense,” Chu Dingjiang said lightly, his mind elsewhere. He bowed slightly, said “Farewell,” and left with An Jiu.
The pair exited the Jade Mansion and found a quiet place to eat.
Willows swayed as an old woman set up a wonton stand by the riverside. They ate bowl after bowl, watching passing pleasure boats amid the willows and river breeze.
Chu Dingjiang finished eight bowls, including the broth, before stopping. “Why did you suggest bringing Zhu Pianpian along?”
As a master schemer, Chu Dingjiang had already considered dozens of sinister possibilities.
An Jiu swallowed her last wonton. “I wanted to see if her tears were truly under her control.”
Chu Dingjiang paused. “And then?”
An Jiu replied, “Then I confirmed they were!”
Chu Dingjiang held his head. “I mean, why did you want to confirm her control over her tears?”
An Jiu hesitated unusually long, then asked seriously, “Because it was interesting. Did my actions interfere with your scheme?”
“…” Chu Dingjiang corrected, “It’s a plan, not a scheme!”
An Jiu looked grave, still awaiting an answer.
Chu Dingjiang sighed, “No, it didn’t interfere.”
An Jiu’s brow relaxed slightly. “How did you convince Yu Pianfei to collude with you?”
“It’s not collusion…”
An Jiu considered. “Conspiring together?”
“Let’s stick with collusion,” Chu Dingjiang changed the subject. “He has ambition and plans. I can tempt him with benefits.”
An Jiu wasn’t slow. With Chu Dingjiang’s hint, she realized Yu Pianfei’s goals involved Misty Mountain Manor. “He’s quite ambitious.”
Though the Yu family was powerful in Yangzhou, they paled in comparison to Misty Mountain Manor. Yu Pianfei’s aspirations seemed like a snake trying to swallow an elephant.
Chu Dingjiang seemed to read her thoughts. “He has courage and resolve. Such men either soar to great heights or shatter completely. He’s not a mere gambler. If he dares to scheme, he must have some plan.”
“Aren’t you afraid he’ll seek revenge?” An Jiu asked.
“Let him try,” Chu Dingjiang called out. “What do you think, brother drinking sweet water?”
Chu Dingjiang’s words exposed the Yu family’s hidden guard. He would dare say this to Yu Pianfei’s face, but the intimidation effect differed greatly.
The man, exposed, didn’t panic. He glanced their way before hurrying off.
Chu Dingjiang ignored him, smiling at the unique woman hidden behind an ordinary mask before him. Sometimes her thoughts were incredibly simple, yet her judgments and actions showed remarkable intelligence. He couldn’t help but marvel at nature’s wonders. Simple people often think less, while intelligent ones tend to overthink. An Jiu was a rare flower that suited his taste perfectly.
“Let’s go. I have more arrangements to make,” Chu Dingjiang said.
They paid and left.
As they walked, Chu Dingjiang bought more pine nuts. Later, they found a secret location of the Crane-Controlling Army and retrieved a letter.
“When did you contact anyone?” An Jiu didn’t believe Chu Dingjiang had done this under her nose.
“I arranged it before leaving Bianjing,” Chu Dingjiang said, reading the letter before handing it to An Jiu.
An Jiu took it, surprised by its contents.
Chu Dingjiang shelled pine nuts as he spoke, “I’ve arranged too many things to explain each one. I wasn’t intentionally hiding anything from you.”