Chapter 302: Young Princess Ye

How were his hands so clean?

The Fifth Prince was momentarily stunned but didn’t dwell on such a trivial detail. Instead, he lowered his voice and said, “Mr. Gu, you’ve offended my brother now. Given his temperament, regardless of whether this incident affects him, you will likely have a hard time escaping unscathed…”

“How about you follow me instead? Whether I succeed or not, I can at least guarantee your life.”

“I appreciate Your Highness’s kindness…” Gu Ning’an paused briefly before continuing, “But allow me to offer Your Highness a piece of advice—do not walk alongside wolves. Otherwise, in the end, you may find yourself merely making a wedding dress for another.”

“Hmm?” The Fifth Prince’s brows furrowed as he carefully considered the meaning behind Gu Ning’an’s words.

When a certain thought crossed his mind, the friendly expression on his face faded. He cupped his hands slightly and, with a forced smile, replied, “Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Gu…”

At that moment, a soft female voice echoed in his mind:

[My lord, the Young Princess Ye has emerged. This servant will take shelter in the carriage for now.]

[Also, Mr. Gu is not a cultivator, so my lord may rest assured.]

Instinctively, the Fifth Prince turned his head and saw his personal maid stepping onto the carriage, disappearing into the compartment.

His gaze then shifted toward the lake.

At that moment, the white mist above the lake surged before parting to the sides. A graceful figure slowly emerged, walking across the water.

When she landed at the lakeshore, even the Fifth Prince couldn’t help but be captivated by her ethereal demeanor and otherworldly beauty. He quickly stepped forward, approaching his cousin, who had joined the immortal sect.

“Father, Third Royal Brother, Fifth Royal Brother…” Young Princess Ye called out to them before glancing at the white-robed gentleman nearby. Only then did she speak again, “Why have you come this time?”

Royal Prince Ye wore a gentle, fatherly smile as he replied, “What, does your father need a reason to visit you?”

“Father, I told you before—since I have joined the immortal sect, I wish to distance myself from worldly affairs…” Her voice was cool and detached, and there was little joy on her face despite seeing her father.

“I understand.”

Royal Prince Ye gestured toward the two princes beside him and quickly explained their purpose in the span of half a cup of tea.

Unexpectedly, after hearing everything, Young Princess Ye shook her head and said, “Master will not interfere in the affairs of mortal dynasties. Your trip here is in vain.”

Upon hearing this, the Third Prince stepped forward and solemnly said, “Zhiqing, as long as Great Wu remains without a ruler, its people will continue to suffer in turmoil!”

“For the sake of the royal blood that runs in your veins, I implore you to plead with Immortal Ling Xi on my behalf… I do not ask her to act, only that she publicly express her support for either me or our Fifth Royal Brother.”

“Of the six princes of Great Wu, four are already gone. Zhiqing, surely you do not wish to see your remaining brothers fight to the death?”

“In the end, it is the people of Great Wu who will suffer most from our conflict!”

It had to be said—the Third Prince was naturally gifted at delivering grand and righteous speeches. His words made it seem as if he truly was a ruler devoted to the welfare of his people.

Because of this, even though Ye Zhiqing had cultivated in the immortal sect for years, she had never completely severed her ties to the mortal world.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have established the Golden Guard, wouldn’t have left a communication talisman for her father, and wouldn’t have agreed to meet them today.

“…I can only pass your message along. As for my master’s decision, I have no say in it.”

The moment Ye Zhiqing finished speaking, the Third Prince immediately bowed deeply before her.

“In the name of the countless people of Great Wu, your elder brother thanks you, Zhiqing!”

Seeing this, Ye Zhiqing frowned slightly but merely responded with a soft “Mm” before gracefully departing.

Shortly after she left, the Fifth Prince couldn’t help but remark, “Third Brother, your acting skills are truly exceptional. Someone who didn’t know better might actually believe those refugees weren’t deliberately slaughtered.”

“Hmph! A small sacrifice is necessary to bring an end to war.” The Third Prince snorted coldly before continuing, “But you, Fifth Brother—those disaster relief funds were entrusted to you. Where exactly did they go?”

The Fifth Prince scoffed and laughed. “Third Brother, if you say that, then I really must have a good talk with you.”

“The Minister of Revenue is practically your man. On the surface, entrusting the disaster relief funds to me seemed like an act of faith.”

“But in reality? How much of that silver did he actually hand over to me?”

“I doubt it was even enough to sustain your army for half a month.”

“If you truly cared about disaster relief, why not reduce the size of your forces and allocate that money to feed the people of Great Wu?”

“Heh!” The Third Prince sneered. “No need for sophistry. You were in charge of the relief efforts, and now that so many refugees have emerged, you cannot escape responsibility!”

“Once this matter is settled, I will definitely hold you accountable—for the sake of the people of this world!”

“Tch!” The Fifth Prince sneered in disgust. “You spout righteousness and keep the people on your lips, but your hypocrisy is truly nauseating…”

Hearing this indignant retort, the Third Prince fell silent. Instead of arguing, he merely cast a disdainful glance at the Fifth Prince before walking to the lakeshore, waiting quietly for Ye Zhiqing’s return.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the still waters of the lake began to churn once more, and the sea of mist rolled and swirled.

This time, Ye Zhiqing walked across the lake surface, treading lightly upon the water. Behind her followed a wooden boat—one without oars, yet moving forward on its own.

When Ye Zhiqing stepped onto the shore, the boat came to a stop at the lake’s edge.

“Master has given her response…” Ye Zhiqing announced. “She does not wish to interfere in the rise and fall of mortal dynasties. However, for the sake of Great Wu’s common people, she is willing to give you both a chance.”

“Whoever can board this boat and reach the island will receive her aid—within the limits of her ability.”

The moment Ye Zhiqing finished speaking, the Third Prince moved!

He was closest to the water’s edge, and by acting immediately, he was certain he would be the first to reach the boat!

Not far behind him, the Fifth Prince reacted swiftly as well. However, since the two had trained in martial arts from a young age, their speed was nearly identical. The short distance between them left him with no chance to overtake his elder brother!

Yet just as he was about to swim for the boat’s stern if necessary, an unexpected turn of events occurred!

The Third Prince, who had just leaped onto the boat, suddenly let out a loud splash and fell straight into the lake! The water surged high, and a few stray droplets even landed on the Fifth Prince’s face.

Witnessing this bizarre scene, the Fifth Prince halted abruptly at the last moment. Leaning forward to get a better look, he saw something truly astonishing—the boat had no bottom at all, leading directly into the lake below.