“Lei Zhanqian, I do indeed know.”

Upon hearing the name of this acquaintance, Jiang Wang smiled faintly and simply asked, “This Cui Zu, what is his background?”

“A military man,” Chong Xuan Sheng answered directly, without obfuscation. “Not of any renowned lineage, just an ordinary family background. He made his name in the military and now serves in the Prisoner Electric Army, greatly favored by General Xiu.”

Xiu Yuan, the commander of the Prisoner Electric Army, was indeed someone Jiang Wang knew.

He too was a figure who had risen from the lowest ranks. In all of Qi, there was no other powerful figure with the surname Xiu. Only after him did the Xiu family emerge. In terms of foundation, they were naturally far inferior to the Chong Xuan or Li families.

A top-tier family, the most fundamental requirement was to possess a hereditary and perpetual title, ensuring the family’s power endured without decline.

Otherwise, even a powerful figure could only be brilliant for a time. Should some unforeseen accident occur, their influence would scatter like wind and clouds in an instant.

That Jing Guifei, rumored to constantly whisper in the Emperor’s ear to seek a title for the Gao family, was precisely for this reason.

Of course, as long as Xiu Yuan lived, the members of the Xiu family would also be able to enter Qi’s upper echelons.

“How does this person compare to Wang Yiwu?” Jiang Wang inquired.

Chong Xuan Sheng chuckled, “Wang Yiwu is the military’s foremost talent. From You Mai, to Zhou Tian, to Tong Tian, he has defeated all military experts, always taking the lead, always invincible. I reckon that holds true even now.”

Wang Yiwu had originally held the title of Qi’s overall foremost talent, but due to Jiang Wang’s appearance, this title now had to be limited to the military.

Jiang Wang did not laugh. “Then my only opponent is your cousin.”

This was not arrogance; it was confidence. Of the other two vying for the Inner Mansion quota, one was a subordinate he had defeated, and the other was a subordinate defeated by that subordinate. He had no reason to feel nervous.

Only Chong Xuan Zun remained. Although the quota seemed decided, it had not reached the final stage. There was still a possibility of change, and this depended solely on the Emperor’s will.

Chong Xuan Sheng also curbed his smile. “If His Majesty truly summons him forth, then I believe that is the case.”

“Infuriating to death, this old mother!”

Returning to the building, Xiang Ling Er gnashed her teeth.

*This old mother collapsed before you, and you paid no heed.*

*Wait until this old mother goes to the medical hall, only then do you come to the Three Points Fragrance Building?*

*Are you playing hide-and-seek with this old mother?*

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The more she thought, the more stifled she felt, and she fiercely swiped through the air, producing a burst of sound.

By this time, night had already fallen, and the Three Points Fragrance Building had become even more lively.

Mei Yue, leaning against the windowsill, glanced over at her. She was not startled by the sound of air being burst, but rather struggled to contain her laughter at the unsightly black plaster on Xiang Ling Er’s arm. To avoid revealing her deception, Xiang Ling Er had deliberately inflicted some bumps and bruises on herself, and after enthusiastic treatment at a local medical hall, she now presented this appearance…

A perfectly delicate little beauty, resolutely obscured by plasters, not a hint of her complexion visible. While pitiful, it was also truly a little bit cute.

“You still dare to laugh!” Xiang Ling Er glared angrily.

But after looking over, the anger dissipated, she knew not how.

At this moment, in her eyes.

That figure in a set of red clothes, simply leaning against the windowsill, offering only a side profile.

Her right leg was half-bent, her right hand resting on her right knee, her fingers, like green onions, casually spread open, resembling an inverted magnolia.

Her left leg hung naturally over the windowsill. Beneath the complex red skirt, that exceptionally beautiful line, straight and even, could not be concealed. Only her ankle was exposed, yet it revealed skin as fair as snow and flesh as jade, unburdened by the dazzling light of the red clothes.

The skirt rolled like red waves, the foot rose like a jade tide.

Her left hand also hung down, carrying a kind of lazy weariness.

Only the little finger hooking the sky-blue crane beak jade pot brought a touch of carefree ease.

There was no need to describe her face.

Among all the Tian Xiang and Xin Xiang, Xiang Ling Er loved this face the most – a face that, despite its occasional aloofness, was always infinitely charming.

The window was open, the night outside falling coldly, accompanied by moonlight and starlight, scattered in one place.

The wind blew, gently flowing.

The noise and clamor from downstairs seemed to quieten for a moment.

“I was just dizzy with anger, only just noticed.” Beautiful scenery and beautiful people naturally softened one’s demeanor. Xiang Ling Er’s tone unconsciously softened. “Why are you dressed so brightly today?”

Mei Yue lightly curved the corner of her mouth and smiled. “For drinking wine.”

“Your smile is truly beautiful, ah, good sister.” Xiang Ling Er foolishly took a step forward, then immediately stopped, alert.

She shook her head and giggled. “Your charm makes me defenseless.”

Mei Yue did not speak.

Xiang Ling Er then said, “I heard that Jiang Yumu also refused to see you?”

She chuckled, “It makes sister’s heart feel much better.”

Mei Yue softly said, “Find another person. Don’t waste time on him. This person’s heart is solely set on the Dao and cannot be swayed.”

“This person is most suitable. He has fame, he has a future, and he still lacks a foundation.” Xiang Ling Er didn’t know why she laughed again. “No matter how his heart is set on the Dao, after seeing you, it will also be set on you.”

*He is not. He was very resolute even when he was still very weak and small.*

Mei Yue sighed lightly in her heart.

But she said with a smile, “We must quickly find a weighty figure in Qi to activate our sect’s situation in the East Domain. Don’t get angry with anyone here. That’s meaningless.”

The grand plan of the Three Points Fragrance Building’s worldwide branches had already begun. Mei Yue had precisely relied on her outstanding performance in Bu Shu City and He Country to rapidly ascend and become a Tian Xiang in an extremely short time.

In Qi, the Three Points Fragrance Building naturally could not operate on a large scale. But in some small countries in the East Domain, they could slightly overstep. However, even if they developed in other small countries, they still needed to have connections on Qi’s side.

The overlord of the East Domain was not merely a name; it represented influence in all aspects.

No matter how well the Three Points Fragrance Building developed elsewhere, if they offended the upper echelons of Qi, they would instantly be extinguished in the East Domain. And on the other hand, it was precisely to escape this situation of being “rich but not strong, large but unstable,” and difficult to contend with powerful forces, that the Three Points Fragrance Building welcomed this change.

Mei Yue’s timing of entry could be described as perfectly exquisite.

“Aiya, my head hurts!” Xiang Ling Er pouted like a little girl. “Too lazy to search again, I must take him down!”

Mei Yue had specially arranged for someone to invite Jiang Wang to meet, also as a formality, to indicate her attempt had failed. Of course, she also had some intention of chatting with him face-to-face, even if she wore a veil.

Jiang Wang’s refusal to meet was something she had not expected. But after careful thought, she felt it was reasonable, like that youth who had stood horizontally before her sister with a sword and asked her to “take” Ming Candle herself.

“Then it’s up to you.” She softly reminded, “Sister wants to cause trouble, I can’t control it either. However, that fatty by his side is very clever. Sister must be cautious when contacting him later, lest I return to the building alone and have difficulty explaining to the sect master.”

With her understanding of Xiang Ling Er, if she insisted on blocking her, it would only make her suspicious. By frankly stepping aside and merely pointing out the dangerous aspects, Xiang Ling Er herself would calm down and should be able to think clearly.

“Rest assured, la.” Xiang Ling Er giggled. “How could I bear to leave you behind, sister?”

Mei Yue no longer spoke, merely hooking up the jade pot and tilting her head to take a sip.

That swan-like neck shone with light under the night sky.

The beauty drinking alone on the windowsill was as beautiful as a painting, and the moon hanging on the horizon became a distant backdrop.

Xiang Ling Er, not careful, was momentarily stunned again.

In her heart, she could only think…

*No wonder she is named Mei Yue.*

*Before her… the moon loses its color.*