Chapter Seven: Genuine Collaboration

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He casually fabricated, “The small shop’s goods are sourced from distant coastal regions, occasionally bringing in some unique items, which adds a touch of novelty.”

Cheng Lingyu’s expression shifted slightly, a spark of interest flickering in her eyes. She nodded gently, a faint, enigmatic smile playing at the corners of her lips.

“No wonder Young Master Chu always has such rare treasures. In that case, it’s all the more crucial to secure this exclusive supply. With such unique items as support, we could certainly accomplish great things together.”

Chu Nan nodded slightly, calmly receiving her words without revealing much.

Noticing the depth behind Cheng Lingyu’s tone, he silently speculated about her true identity but refrained from probing, instead replying coolly, “If Miss trusts me, this little shop will surely do its utmost.”

Cheng Lingyu smiled faintly, her eyes gleaming with profound light: “Very well then, I shall harbor no more doubts.”

Chu Nan smiled lightly, though a hint of caution had already settled in his heart.

Her reaction exceeded his expectations, prompting him to ponder her background. If she were merely a wealthy individual, she would hardly possess such insight.

The two locked eyes for a moment; the atmosphere grew slightly tense. Yet Cheng Lingyu remained composed, a gentle smile slowly spreading across her lips as she nodded softly.

She then returned the lighter to Chu Nan with a delicate motion.

With a light flick of her sleeve, she turned to leave. Before stepping out, a subtle smile lingered on her lips, her voice clear and serene: “Young Master Chu, I look forward to your goods being more complete in the future. If so, it won’t have been in vain for me to make the extra trips.”

She turned gracefully, stepping slowly through the doorway.

Her garment swayed gently in the breeze, like a cool wind in the long night, carrying away a faint lingering fragrance.

Chu Nan watched her retreating figure, his brow furrowing slightly as he silently wondered what kind of background this lady truly possessed.

If, as she claimed, this was merely ordinary business, he would rest easy.

But if there were hidden depths, he would need to exercise greater caution.

After a moment’s thought, Chu Nan tucked the lighter back into his pocket, shook his head lightly, and a playful smile flickered in his eyes.

“Hmph, a noble indeed. But if you want Chu Nan’s genuine cooperation, it will take some time.”

…

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Cheng Lingyu stepped out of Chu Nan’s shop; the street was aglow with neon lights.

A gentle breeze swept along the long street, stirring her hair—a few strands fluttering as if echoing the trace of contemplation in her heart.

Though Chu Nan was tight-lipped and shrewd, her probe this time had not been in vain. Everything hidden behind this small shop was indeed worth her consideration.

She lingered no longer, boarding a carriage with a few strides. The wheels rolled slowly over the cobblestone road, carrying her toward the imperial palace.

At this hour, the palace was in its deepest stillness. Cold moonlight spilled over the palace walls, casting an icy sheen.

Cheng Lingyu settled in her study, lost in thought, when suddenly soft footsteps approached.

“Your Majesty,” a woman in a simple blue robe quietly entered. Without makeup, her delicate features were elegant as a painting; her voice was gentle yet calm.

She bowed respectfully upon seeing Cheng Lingyu seated behind the desk.

Cheng Lingyu looked up, a faint smile touching her lips. “Ya’er, no need for formalities. Calling you here so late is to discuss some trivial matters.”

Before her stood Shangguan Ya’er—the legitimate daughter of the Shangguan family, known for her steady temperament and exceptional intelligence, a trusted aide of hers.

“Your Majesty, whatever you need, I shall do my utmost,” Shangguan Ya’er nodded softly, her gaze calm but resolute.

Cheng Lingyu nodded slightly, eyes thoughtful, and said slowly, “Today I visited a shop. The trinkets inside surprised me considerably.”

She paused, her eyes darkening slightly as a pensive smile curved her lips. “Do you know, there is someone in the capital capable of producing such exquisite firearms and defensive devices?”

“Oh?” Shangguan Ya’er was taken aback, interest sparking in her eyes. “Is that so? If true, this must be no ordinary person.”

She frowned slightly, then asked, “Does Your Majesty mean those exotic tributes brought by foreign envoys?”

“No.” Cheng Lingyu shook her head gently. “The foreign tributes I have seen are mostly ornamental, not practical. But this small shop is uniquely ingenious. If these could be applied to border defense, they would be greatly beneficial.”

Hearing this, Shangguan Ya’er’s eyes flickered with thought. Tentatively, she asked, “Your Majesty, how should we deal with this person? Should we recruit him into the court or arrange otherwise?”

Cheng Lingyu looked up. “Chu Nan is clever but overly cautious. He won’t easily reveal his origins. I tested him today; while tight-lipped, he subtly showed sharpness and cunning.”

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“Then it seems this person’s background might be extraordinary,” Shangguan Ya’er’s eyes held a trace of doubt. “For him to establish a shop in the capital and remain unscathed, there must be some backing behind him.”

Cheng Lingyu nodded slightly, her gaze growing cold as she spoke softly, “This man is interesting, but he could also bring complications. If such rare devices are controlled by the royal house, it would strengthen Da Huang. But if exploited by others, it becomes a hidden danger.”

Shangguan Ya’er nodded, her eyes deep in thought. “It seems we must handle this cautiously. Yet if he has no intention of submitting, should Your Majesty consider making him… change his tune?”

“Change his tune…”

Cheng Lingyu chuckled softly, her eyes sharp and cold. “If he refuses to submit, I will make sure he understands the consequences.”

Her voice was low and icy, like a cold wind sweeping through the room, filled with unwavering resolve.

After a moment, the chill in her eyes faded, and her tone softened. “However, Chu Nan shows some sincerity toward me. As long as he knows what’s what, I need not act prematurely.”

Shangguan Ya’er understood with a nod, whispering, “Understood. If Chu Nan wishes to pledge loyalty to the royal house, I shall personally assist him in seeing it through.”

Cheng Lingyu looked at her with a faint smile and continued, “Ya’er, if we can make use of this man, it would be ideal. But there’s no need to rush. You know well that the palace… is not peaceful everywhere. Let me observe his intentions carefully.”

Shangguan Ya’er scrutinized Cheng Lingyu’s expression, nodding slightly. “Your Majesty’s mind is indeed meticulous. Chu Nan, being so cautious and possessing exclusive rare devices, certainly requires careful handling.”

Cheng Lingyu smiled faintly, a cold expression flickering across her face. “I only worry that if Chu Nan harbors selfish motives, it would be like playing with fire. Especially with the Yang family acting as such a malignant tumor.”

Shangguan Ya’er pondered briefly, already grasping Cheng Lingyu’s plan, then nodded. “I understand. I will keep a close watch on the Yang family’s movements and report to Your Majesty immediately if anything unusual occurs.”

Cheng Lingyu nodded with satisfaction, her expression somewhat relieved. “Ya’er, you have stood by me all these years without fail. With you by my side, I feel secure.”

Shangguan Ya’er lowered her gaze respectfully. “It is my duty to ease Your Majesty’s burdens.”

She raised her eyes softly and said, “But since Your Majesty’s heart is set on Da Huang and all things complete, I hope Your Majesty can find some moments of ease within this deep palace.”

Cheng Lingyu laughed lightly, her face relaxing slightly. “Very well. Today’s discovery of such curiosities has somewhat eased my vexations. You may withdraw for now. Tomorrow morning, we shall discuss logistics for border defense.”

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