Before Choosing a Concubine

A skilled hunter always exercises remarkable patience when dealing with their prey. This is exemplified by Baili Jiajie.

He didn't divulge the incident to Helian Weiwei, and after they finished eating, they went their separate ways.

The difference, however, came after Helian Weiwei left.

Baili Jia Jue twisted the black jade ring on his finger and issued a solitary command in a desolate tone to the kneeling shadow before him, "Follow her and observe who she has been in contact with over the past two days."

"Yes," replied the leader of the shadows, withdrawing from the scene.

Nangong Lie touched the bridge of his nose and took a step forward. Just before entering the missionary courtyard, he noticed Sun Gonggong standing in the farthest corner, fidgeting like an ant in a heated pot. Sun Gonggong held a whisk in his hand, his collar damp with sweat, indicating that he had been keeping watch for a long time.

As his eyes met theirs, Sun Gonggong's face lit up, and he promptly knelt on the ground with a thud, "Your Highness, Baili Jiajue."

Baili Jiajue's voice carried a faint tone, "Duke Sun is highly regarded by the third prince. There is no need for excessive formalities." Upon hearing this, Sun Gonggong almost burst into tears, feeling on the verge of a heart attack.

"Rise," Baili Jia Jue casually took a couple of steps forward, while in the distance, his voice turned cold, "Do not set a precedent."

Sun Gonggong's scalp tightened, his throat went dry, and he responded respectfully, "Yes." Relieved that the crisis had passed, Nangong Lie reverted to his usual carefree demeanor, "Grandfather Sun, it's been a while. What did you do to incur the wrath of your master?"

"Young Master Lie," Sun Gonggong saluted, glancing back and forth at their attire.

Nangong Lie caught his gaze and playfully adjusted his blue clothes and white shirt, "Do I look handsome like this? Your master's idea was for me to disguise myself as an ordinary academy student or to tease those famous ladies."

"Huh," Sun Gonggong grumbled inwardly, "It's clearly you who wants to tease the famous ladies!"

Nangong Lie sighed deeply, "Being too handsome is also a problem. Even when dressed like this, I can't escape being frequently adored at first sight." Sun Gonggong's mouth twitched uncontrollably, his face forcing a smile, "The old servant recalls that the Emperor had mentioned that Young Master Lie might become the Vice President of Taibai Academy this year."

"Ahem," Nangong Lie coughed heavily, "I must familiarize myself with the academy environment first. Additionally, I need to protect my family's master. You have no idea how much animosity Ajue has stirred up since he arrived. The people in Youyuan have long despised him, but they're currently biding their time. How can I abandon Your Highness at such a crucial moment?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Gonggong was not anxious but rather infuriated, "Who dares to harbor ill intentions toward His Highness? We are already searching for them. A bunch of insignificant nobodies, thinking they can rebel, is that it?"

Nangong Lie stroked his chin, "The mastermind behind tonight's dinner is among them."

Sun Gonggong's neck shrank as he felt Baili Jia Jue's gaze on him, causing cold sweat to trickle down his forehead, "Your Highness, I swear on my life that I have no familiarity with him whatsoever!" He glanced at Nangong Lie, adding, "Young Master Lie, you're pushing me into the fire pit. This whole roundabout way is just to pit me!"

"Is that so?" Nangong Lie placed his hand on Sun Gonggong's shoulder and slyly winked his left eye, "Don't worry, you know in your heart, your master doesn't need anyone's help." Sun Gonggong froze in that instant, feeling weak in the legs as he stared into his master's eyes, filled with impenetrable depths.

"Alright, no need to waste any more time. Your master still requires your assistance," Nangong Lie withdrew his bohemian hand.

Baili Jiajue's tone remained indifferent, "What excuse did you use to leave Youyuan?"

"I told them I had eaten too much and needed to use the restroom," Sun Gonggong hastily replied, "Rest assured, Your Highness, even if you gave this old servant a hundred guts, I would never disclose your identity!" Baili Jia Jue glanced at him, "You've spent enough time in the restroom; you may go back now."

Sun Gonggong opened his mouth but ultimately gritted his teeth, "Your Highness, the matter of choosing a concubine... You... You..." He had intended to inquire about when Baili Jia Jue would end his game of hide-and-seek with Emperor Taishang. The royal army had been waiting at the foot of the mountain for two days, and if they waited any longer, it wouldn't be long before someone found out.

Yet, he lacked the courage to ask!

"At dusk, I will descend from the main temple," Baili Jia Jue said.

Sun Gonggong looked up in disbelief, only to see the hunting sleeve...

As the sun began to set, they gathered at the usual location—a sparsely populated courtyard, filled with ancient scrolls on the shelves.

The old man sat atop a raised platform, looking at Helian Weiwei, who had completed her meditation, with satisfaction. He stroked his beard and spoke.

Due to the meridian damage, Helian Weiwei's face would turn pale with pain each time she advanced, and this time was no different—her forehead glistened with sweat.

"Girl, if you're too exhausted, take a break," Gong Mingxiang had never encountered a girl quite like this one—smart and willing to endure hardships.

Helian Weiwei smiled, hopped up, reclined on the chaise lounge, and lazily stretched her waist, "You can sleep here. Only then will you have the energy to eat and drink at night."

"Eat and drink?" Gong Mingxiang frowned, as if subtly probing, "I heard that the three highnesses are coming to Taibai Academy, and the young ladies from other families are contemplating how to secure a place in the selection. What about you? Aren't you on the list of concubines?"

Helian Weiwei yawned, her words slurred, "Yes, but personally, I'm not very interested in marriage. His Third Highness is not my cup of tea at all."

"Good, it's best if you think that way!" Gong Mingxiang stood up promptly, as if he had met a soulmate, "Sure, he's handsome, but he's incredibly difficult to handle! Don't expect him to possess any rational thinking abilities. You can say anything, and he'll pretend not to hear it. If you spend too much time with him, you'll end up angry!"

Upon hearing this, Helian Weiwei touched her chin, expressing her thoughts, "So apart from his appearance, His Third Highness has no other merits."

"You've understood it well," Yu Mingxiang patted her shoulder with satisfaction, "Don't be fooled by his looks."

Helian Weiwei chuckled, "I never thought His Third Highness would be a pretty boy." The shadow, overhearing this final remark, nearly fell off the branch beneath his feet. He couldn't believe his ears—what had he just heard?

Pretty boy?

They called His Highness a pretty boy!!!!

No, he would immediately return and pray to His Highness!

After a while...

In a corner of the courtyard, engulfed by the scent of sandalwood, a faint figure could be seen, being groomed and dressed.

He seemed to have just woken up, his voice carrying a distinct husky and magnetic quality, "Pretty boy?"