Chapter 5: Undercurrents

The night hung heavy as Su Mingli sat in the swaying carriage, her fingers absently tracing the embroidery on her sleeve. Xiao Jingxuan's sudden intervention had freed her from one snare only to plunge her into a far more intricate game.

"War Prince," she began, her voice steady but edged with scrutiny, "what exactly do you want from me?"

Xiao Jingxuan lounged across from her, moonlight catching the faint smirk on his lips. "Shouldn't this prince inquire how Miss Su intends to repay her... life debt?"

She met his gaze, unflinching. "Your 'rescue' was but a whim. If gratitude is required, consider this a favor owed."

"A favor?" He toyed with the jade pendant at his waist, tone languid yet deliberate. "Insufficient. You will investigate a matter for me."

Her eyes narrowed. As expected—his motives ran deeper.

"What matter?"

The air thickened as he leaned forward. "The Gilded Bronze Figures."

Her pulse quickened. The Figures—a legendary medical artifact rumored to hold both ancient medical mysteries and an earth-shattering secret.

"Why assume I can help?" she challenged, tilting her head.

Xiao Jingxuan's smile turned predatory. "When I gamble, Miss Su, I win."

Silence engulfed the carriage, broken only by the rhythmic clatter of hooves.

After a weighted pause, Su Mingli arched a brow. "What if I uncover the Figures' secrets… and keep them for myself?"

His laughter was dark velvet. "You won't."

"Such confidence. Why?"

In one fluid motion, he closed the distance between them, his breath grazing her ear. "Because you have no other path."

A chill prickled her spine. This man is a strategist who leaves no opening.

She masked her unease with a wry smile. "Then… to our collaboration."

Outside, the capital's lanterns glittered like trapped stars. But beneath the serene night, undercurrents were already stirring....