When Two Opponents Meet on a Narrow Path

The carriage rumbled along the street. The monotonous and rhythmic sound of the wheels rolling over the bluestone paved road made the interior of the carriage seem even quieter.

Gu Chengyin's gaze appeared to rest casually on the opposite seat, but in reality, he was quietly observing the young eunuch named Li'er.

Or rather, he was observing the spy that Lu Fang had planted by his side.

Away from the oppressive environment of the palace, in the relative privacy of the carriage, Gu Chengyin could more clearly perceive the differences in the other party.

First was the face; although dressed as a eunuch, that delicate beauty could not be hidden.

The skin was not the sickly pale typical of eunuchs, but rather exuded a healthy glow.

The most striking feature was those eyes: large and bright, with slightly upturned corners. The irises were exceptionally clear, darting with an unusual agility, completely devoid of the dullness and obsequiousness born of long-term oppression.

With a straight, elegant nose and beautifully shaped lips, if it weren't for the low-ranking eunuch uniform and deliberately restrained posture, placed outside the palace, this person would likely be mistaken for the meticulously raised young master of some noble house.

Lu Fang sending such a person meant his intentions were absolutely not as simple as just providing a servant.

As he was pondering, or perhaps because his gaze lingered a bit too long.

Li'er, who had been quietly shrinking in the corner, trying hard to minimize her presence, suddenly looked up.

Meeting Gu Chengyin's gaze, she took the initiative to speak. Her voice was crisp, carrying the unique purity of a young girl, yet possessing a composure beyond her years:

"Is the Marquis wondering about this lowly servant's origins?"

Gu Chengyin raised an eyebrow slightly, noncommittal.

Li'er seemed accustomed to this kind of silent questioning. Without waiting for Gu Chengyin's response, she clearly and logically recounted her background:

"To answer the Marquis, the name Li'er was bestowed by Eunuch Lu."

"According to the elders in the palace, when I was just a baby in swaddling clothes, I was abandoned outside the palace in a wild cat's nest."

"It just so happened that Eunuch Lu was passing by that year. Hearing a faint baby's cry, he followed the sound and found me huddled together for warmth with several newborn wild cats. Out of the goodness of his heart, the Eunuch took me in."

She spoke very calmly, as if telling someone else's story:

"Because I was found in a wild cat's nest, the Eunuch named me Li'er."

"The rules in the palace are strict, and it is difficult to settle an infant of unknown origin. Therefore, the Eunuch had me disguise myself as a eunuch from a young age, keeping me by his side to do some light chores, which at least gave me a bite to eat."

Gu Chengyin did not offer any comment on this, merely giving a faint hum to indicate he had heard.

His mind rapidly filtered through known information, attempting to connect Li'er with any possible figures or secret rumors.

However, his knowledge of the eunuch faction was truly limited.

It seemed he could only ask Shangguan Yunying or Luo Zhao after going back.

Seeing Gu Chengyin remain silent, Li'er blinked her exceptionally striking large eyes. Instead of backing down, she spoke again:

"Marquis, Eunuch Lu sending me to your side actually carries no intention of spying or surveillance."

"The Eunuch instructed that while following by your side, my eyes should be sharp, my hands and feet diligent, and my mouth kept tightly shut."

"I will not listen to or look into the Marquis's affairs. Even if I inadvertently learn something, I will absolutely not reveal half a word to the Eunuch or anyone else."

She paused slightly, observing Gu Chengyin's expression. Seeing him still expressionless, she continued:

"The Eunuch's action is mostly out of selfish motives."

"I am... after all, a female. As I grow older, if I continue to live deep in the palace under the guise of a eunuch, it will be hard to avoid exposing flaws."

"Once this matter is leaked, it would be the crime of deceiving the emperor. Not only would my life be forfeit, but it would also implicate the Eunuch."

"Therefore, the Eunuch took this opportunity to entrust me to you, so I could secure a proper job by the Marquis's side. In the future, there might be a chance to restore my female identity and live an ordinary life."

This explanation was both reasonable and logical, even carrying a bit of human warmth and helplessness.

Gu Chengyin's heart remained as placid as still water.

Although Li'er spoke with deep feeling and sincerity, if he actually believed it, he would be a fool.

But he showed nothing of this on his face. He even revealed an expression of being moved by her plight, speaking in a gentle tone:

"So that's how it is."

He nodded, his gaze lingering for a moment on Li'er's delicate face. "Eunuch Lu truly treats you with deep affection and righteous loyalty, considering everything thoroughly. Life deep in the palace is not easy; to secure such a way out is indeed difficult."

"Since you have come to my side, just stay with peace of mind. As long as you do your job well, I will not mistreat you."

"Eunuch Lu entrusted you to me. If I don't look after you properly, it would instead make me seem unappreciative and fail to live up to his good intentions."

Hearing Gu Chengyin respond in this way, a complex and indiscernible look quickly flashed through Li'er's eyes. She swiftly lowered her eyelids and replied respectfully:

"Li'er understands. Thank you, Marquis, for taking me in. In the future, Li'er will definitely do her utmost and not disappoint the Marquis's expectations."

With this, the interior of the carriage fell into silence once more.

Gu Chengyin stopped looking at her, turning his gaze to the street scenes flashing past the window.

Amidst his swirling thoughts, the carriage gradually slowed down and finally came to a steady stop.

"Marquis, we have arrived at the Crown Prince's Palace," the driver reported from outside.

Gu Chengyin gathered his thoughts, took the lead in lifting the carriage curtain, and agilely leaped down from the carriage.

The towering gates of the Crown Prince's Palace appeared solemn and quiet. The guards on duty at the entrance, upon seeing his carriage, had already silently bowed and cleared the way.

Just as he was about to step into the palace, he caught sight of an unexpected figure standing on one side of the palace gate.

The man stood as tall and straight as a pine tree. Even from a distance, one could feel his imposing aura, as deep as an abyss and as towering as a mountain.

He wore a dark gold soft armor uniform that faintly shimmered with light, and an ancient-style longsword hung at his waist.

His face was resolute, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and a tight jawline. It was precisely the person whom Gu Chengyin had seized upon an excuse to curse out ruthlessly in front of all the civil and military officials during yesterday's morning court session...

The Commander of the Golden Feather Guards, Xue Tian.

Why would he be here?

Gu Chengyin's footsteps paused for a moment as several thoughts instantly flashed through his mind.

Xue Tian appearing outside the gates of the Crown Prince's Palace at this moment was definitely no coincidence.

Was he dissatisfied with the humiliation he suffered in court yesterday and had come to argue, or did he have specific official business?

Emperor Luo had indeed ordered Xue Tian to jointly investigate with the Internal Affairs Department the matter of Chen Busha privately mobilizing troops.

But no matter which it was, meeting on this narrow path right now, it was unavoidable.

Gu Chengyin's expression remained unchanged. As if he hadn't seen Xue Tian at all, he continued walking toward the palace gate, his steps steady and his rhythm undisturbed.

However, all the muscles in his body had instantly adjusted to their optimal state. The true qi in his dantian quietly accelerated its circulation, and his five senses were heightened to the extreme, carefully capturing any slight change in Xue Tian's aura.

Meanwhile, Xue Tian, standing by the palace gate, had cast a gaze as tangible as substance the moment Gu Chengyin stepped down from the carriage.

Yet it was neither fierce nor angry, but rather unusually calm. It was as calm as an ancient well without ripples, yet carrying the weight of a thousand pounds, firmly locking onto Gu Chengyin's figure.

The footsteps that were about to step into the palace gate also stopped, standing firmly in place.

Waiting for Gu Chengyin to walk right into the trap.