Chapter 15: Nobody Does Anything for Free

I am Liu Ling’er.

My identity tag is — Songstress.

My special abilities within this Star Gate are — enchantment and the ability to create illusions.

These are two very powerful abilities. As long as you are human, regardless of gender, no one can resist my charms. The little eunuch who played an important role in the Gu incident, just from one glance at me, thought he had regained his masculinity…

But he was too foolish, and was easily lured out by Prince Huai, which almost exposed my identity.

From the information I’ve gathered, the previous Prince Huai was nothing but a useless fool, with no brains to set up counter-traps.

So, I have reason to suspect that, right now, a player is “pretending” to be him.

Just now, in Spring Fragrance Garden, I encountered my biggest crisis since entering.

It’s well known that a Songstress is definitely not skilled in combat. The abilities of this identity mainly lean towards manipulation and information gathering. Under normal circumstances, I would never engage in direct confrontation… Er, that bootlicker, Second Fool, is indeed very strong. With just one strike, he almost sent me to my death.

But fortunately, he’s all brawn and no brains, making him the perfect target for enchantment.

I decisively chose to engage in a “soul” resonance with him. Though the process was a bit rushed and sloppy, it was highly effective.

That’s right, he’s now enchanted by me, and is now like a well-behaved dog.

When a target is enchanted, a special link is established with me, allowing me to constantly sense their loyalty. If they slip out of my control, I will notice immediately.

So, I used this fool once again, and played my second card.

If Prince Huai is indeed a player, then this covert battle will turn into a game where whoever loses will be completely exposed, and that person will die!

…

In the Pleasure Garden, in a clean and tidy room.

Liu Ling’er habitually sat in front of the bronze mirror, her slender fingers playing with a black jade pendant. This item was called a “Disc Command” , an exclusive communication tool for the imperial faction.

In the twisted mirror, one could see that Liu Ling’er’s fair left shoulder was wrapped in bandages. This was from the wound inflicted by Second Fool’s blade just now. If it weren’t for her quick use of enchantment, this injury would have smoothly spread across her entire neck…

Liu Ling’er’s delicate brows furrowed tightly, her face serious, as her mind replayed her plan.

The most important task right now is that she must find the hidden room in the Hall of Tranquility before leaving the Star Gate. She needs to obtain the architectural drawings of the former princess’s tomb and investigate the secrets within.

The punishment for failing the mission has been clearly stated. If she doesn’t complete it within the allotted time, no matter how skilled she is, she will surely be killed by the emperor.

From last night until now, the mission time is already over half done, and she really cannot afford to delay any longer…

Tomorrow, tomorrow must bring results!

Within this Star Gate, Liu Ling’er does have real-world teammates, and this is her greatest support for believing that she can win. Unfortunately, those two teammates received the mainline mission shortly after entering and must leave the palace to complete it.

If not… the three of them could have teamed up to sneak into the Hall of Tranquility in the dead of night.

But now that her teammates are gone, she can only rely on her wits. The combat ability of a Songstress is too weak. Though she has a life-saving item that guarantees a killing blow, there is also a faction in this Star Gate that’s like a fence-sitter. If she were to reveal her identity rashly, there’s a high chance she would die.

I must find a way to sneak into the Hall of Tranquility without anyone noticing, completing the task in secret to ensure my identity remains undiscovered.

The bait has already been set through Second Fool, now I just need to wait for “Prince Huai’s” response tomorrow.

Liu Ling’er thought for a moment before slowly undressing and smoothly climbing into bed.

…

Another sleepless night.

Time passed, and a full day had gone by, bringing them to the evening of the following day.

This was the third day since Ren Ye entered the Star Gate. Inside the sleeping palace, through the wooden window, he watched the clouds drift by in the sky as the setting sun sank in the west. His expression was blank.

Three whole days without a single moment of sleep. His eye sockets were dark, his complexion pale and waxy. Physically and mentally exhausted, he was on the verge of breaking down.

The surroundings were full of danger — from Gu to being drained of Heavenly Pardon Qi. A moment’s negligence could cost him his life. How could he possibly sleep soundly?

“Phew!”

Standing at the window, Ren Ye exhaled deeply, releasing a heavy sigh.

Last night, after inspecting the scene with Lian’er in the Spring Fragrance Garden, they returned to the palace to make a second fishing plan, which would be executed tonight.

Tonight would decide life or death and also determine whether Ren Ye would be able to see Red-Eyed Berserker’s handsome face tomorrow morning…

Footsteps echoed, and Lian’er’s crisp voice called out, “Your Highness, everything is ready.”

Ren Ye turned around and rubbed his face hard to shake off some of his fatigue: “Has the Hall of Tranquility and the sleeping palace been prepared?”

“Everything is ready,” Lian’er replied. For some reason, today she seemed even more charming, but the hairpin in her updo seemed sparse, giving her a strangely bald appearance.

“Mm.”

Ren Ye thought carefully for a moment: “Has the trap I asked Second Fool to set in the sleeping palace been checked?”

“I checked it with him. The crossbows, hidden weapons, poison incense… everything that could be used to kill in the sleeping palace is set up properly.” Lian’er stepped forward, shyly taking out a handkerchief and wiping the sweat from Ren Ye’s forehead. “Your Highness, there’s no need to worry too much. No matter what, Lian’er will stay with you.”

This sudden seductive gesture made Ren Ye’s heart race even more. He felt like he might have a heart attack…

No, now is not the time for that. He pushed the unhealthy thoughts out of his mind, his face becoming serious again as he asked, “Has anyone left the sleeping palace today?”

Lian’er shook her head. “No. The maids and eunuchs are all skilled at reading the atmosphere. They probably sensed that something was off in the sleeping palace these past two days and didn’t dare leave.”

Ren Ye pondered for a moment. “What about Second Fool? Is he still in the sleeping palace?”

“Oh, Second Fool just went to the Imperial Guard’s armory. He said there are some mystical weapons there that might be useful tonight.” Lian’er casually responded.

“He went alone?”

“Yes, no other servants are allowed in the Imperial Guard’s armory.”

“Mm.” A flash of cunning appeared in Ren Ye’s eyes, but he didn’t dwell on that issue. “Let’s go to the Princess Consort’s sleeping palace.”

Hearing this, Lian’er’s eyes dimmed slightly, but she feigned cheerfulness and replied, “In recent days, Your Highness has been interacting frequently with the Princess Consort. Truly, a cause for celebration.”

Ren Ye saw through her act immediately and, rather heartlessly, responded, “Actually, no one is as devoted to me as you are, Lian’er. The prince’s manor is fraught with danger, yet you work tirelessly to navigate it all for my sake… I see everything you do.”

These warm words instantly lit up Lian’er’s eyes with sparkling stars. She puffed out her modest chest proudly and said with a playful but resolute tone, “Even if that old emperor offered me mountains of gold and silver, I wouldn’t care. I am His Highness’s person—no one can buy me off!”

What a good girl!

Ren Ye had initially intended to win her loyalty, but seeing the mix of playfulness and sincerity on her face, he couldn’t help but sigh in genuine appreciation.

…

Hour of the Rooster(5–7 PM), Princess Consort’s sleeping palace.

Xu Qingzhao lounged lazily in a rocking chair, dressed in loose Daoist robes. Her smooth, jade-like feet rested on a footstool as she held an ancient text, engrossed in her reading.

Creak!

The door opened, and Ren Ye entered with a sullen face, taking a step forward and wailing like a dutiful son pleading to his mother: “My dear, you must save me…!”

Xu Qingzhao turned her head slowly, her face filled with surprise. “What’s the matter with you?”

“Someone planted a Gu insect in the sleeping palace earlier. I planned to have Second Fool lay a trap to catch the culprit, but it failed. My life is now constantly at risk. My dear, please save me!”

“No,” Xu Qingzhao replied curtly, her icy gaze withdrawing as she continued reading.

“I’ll kneel for you…!”

“Kneeling won’t help.” Xu Qingzhao didn’t even lift her head. She lay reclined, still immersed in her text. “I’ve said it before—matters of Prince Huai’s manor have nothing to do with me.”

Staring at this aloof and ruthless woman, Ren Ye clasped his hands and asked, “If I die, who else could spend an hour with you every day?”

“If you die, then it simply means that opportunity wasn’t meant for me.”

The Treatise on Response and Retribution states that the Heavenly Dao balances cause and effect, karma and retribution. Xu Qingzhao had no desire to entangle herself in the complex karma of a Heavenly Pardoned One, and she had always resisted getting too involved with Ren Ye.

This was why she had only helped him once before and had even instructed Xue’er to refine an “invigorating pill” for him.

Each sought what they needed, without owing each other anything further.

“Fine.” Ren Ye mulled it over, as if making a monumental decision, before gritting his teeth and raising two fingers. “Today, I’ll let you use me for two hours. In return, you’ll only need to help me with one small matter—no need to get directly involved.”

Xu Qingzhao cast a sidelong glance at him, her delicate face showing disdain. Her gaze seemed to ask, With your feeble physique, can you even last two hours? Are you trying to kill yourself?

Ren Ye immediately caught on to her meaning. “My dear, don’t worry. I can handle two hours!”

“What do you want in exchange?” Xu Qingzhao put down the ancient text.

“For two hours, I want your strongest spell—your most powerful attack.” Ren Ye raised his two fingers high, exuding an air of determination.

“Heh.” Xu Qingzhao sneered. “I’ve told you before, even if I teach you Yin-Yang techniques, there’s no way you could master them in such a short time…”

“No, I need to tell you a secret. I am actually a prodigy, the reincarnation of the Yin-Yang Emperor,” Ren Ye said boldly, meeting her gaze. “You only need to demonstrate it once, and I’ll learn it.”

“Hmph, arrogant!”