Chapter 308: The Crown Prince's Birthday Banquet

Rhino horn can be found anywhere, but the black sea rhino is different from elsewhere; the spirit‑rhinoceros incense made from its horn has a distinctive scent, so he can detect it.

Is it really that witch doctor?

The National Teacher also sent someone to let Mu Yuanzhi know about this.

When Mu Yuanzhi received the news, Gu Rongjin had returned; she was about to tell him, but she saw his expression seemed not going well.

"How was it? Didn't find him?" Mu Yuanzhi asked.

Gu Rongjin shook his head. "No, he's probably not in Wei City anymore."

He sat down, took a pastry to fill his stomach, and continued: "Besides, I've checked Wei City too—there's not even a hint of suspicion. Even if they were hiding in Wei City, they wouldn't have managed anything."

"Pei Shangyan seems determined to cause trouble together with his father." Mu Yuanzhi said.

"Or maybe he's just keeping company with his down‑and‑out father?" Gu Rongjin teased.

"Do you believe it?"

"I don't believe it, and I also don't think they could pull anything off—otherwise they wouldn't have been driven away." Gu Rongjin said.

Mu Yuanzhi: "I hope they don't cause trouble for everyone, especially for us."

Having said that, Mu Yuanzhi went on to tell Gu Rongjin about the dream pillow incident.

"In that case, the witch doctor is truly suspicious—logically, the pillow thief must be that person, and he even left a scent on purpose, how arrogant." Gu Rongjin scoffed, "Troublesome people just keep coming one after another."

Mu Yuanzhi: "The fact that this person can come and go freely from the Bureau of Astronomy without the National Teacher noticing is indeed not to be underestimated."

"What's so hard about that? Don't think Xiao Yang is all mysterious—he's just a decorative figure, his martial ability isn't high." Gu Rongjin laughed.

"You can't say that—intelligence can compensate for lack of strength; otherwise, how would warriors acquire a derogatory connotation?"

"I hope your remark isn't aimed at me again," Gu Rongjin said. "After all, my intellect and martial prowess are top‑notch!"

Mu Yuanzhi couldn't help laughing: "Exactly, exactly, my little Jin is the best!"

"When did I get another nickname? I like this one!"

Mu Yuanzhi stood up, patted him, and said, "Let's go, Xiao Jin, to eat."

"All right!"

Time flew by; Mu Yuanzhi's Jinling Escort Agency opened for business, booming with trade, the Cloud Mirror Pavilion recruited a bunch of tough escorts, the agency's fame spread within a month, and many customers came seeking its reputation.

Under the guidance of the Cloud Mirror Pavilion, Xiao Yunzi, Xiao Nianzi, Hongdou, and Linglong handled logistics and guarded the shop, keeping everything in orderly shape.

Of course, the Cloud Mirror Pavilion's mysterious and renowned escort, serving as the agency's trump card, rarely takes on missions, thereby adding a layer of strong mystery to the agency.

As for the witch doctor of the Xiao Yichen household, there was no further movement, and the Deposed Emperor's side also had no new news.

Mu Yuanzhi's life returned to normal; each day she either worked on her research, rested to nurture her pregnancy, or went out shopping with Gu Rongjin, leading a peaceful yet fulfilling life.

In the blink of an eye, three months later came the birthday of Prince Yudi; the new emperor decided to hold a banquet to congratulate all nations, which, following the coronation and empress's investiture, was a rare grand occasion.

This time, the Infant Void Kingdom was also within the invited scope; whether due to its ties with the new emperor or to probe the reality of its new regime, the arrival of the Infant Void Kingdom would be the most eye‑catching.

Mu Yuanzhi also looked forward to seeing how that earlier grand drama would conclude.

This prince's birthday banquet was very lively; all the feudal princes are now in the capital, each will attend, and there are also envoys from other countries.

Even if Fusang Kingdom and Huangli Kingdom weren't invited, the Western Regions, Southern Territories, and Black Sea each sent a considerable number.

The capital was livelier than usual, with western merchants coming in an endless stream.

On the day of the prince's birthday, the new emperor set up a banquet at Shanglin Park; Mu Yuanzhi hadn't seen Xiao Chuchu in a long time, and after being imprisoned for so long and just recovering from a serious illness, Xiao Chuchu had changed entirely, emanating an air of listlessness.

Like a mold‑covered wall in a corner, overgrown with damp vines, it gave off a gloomy feeling.

She stared at Mu Yuanzhi like a dark poisonous snake, ready to strike and bite at any moment.

"Chuchu, behave yourself!"

Seeing his sister again gazing resentfully at Mu Yuanzhi, Xiao Yichen couldn't help speaking up.

"Brother, if I behave, will Mu Yuanzhi accept you?" Xiao Chuchu suddenly let out a chilling laugh, "Anyway, she'll never pay you any mind—you might as well become utterly wicked."

"Chuchu! If you keep spouting nonsense, go back!" Xiao Yichen rebuked.

Xiao Chuchu immediately shut up, coughing a few times, looking as if she hadn't recovered at all.

Although Xiao Yichen had scolded him, his mood involuntarily rose and fell with Xiao Chuchu's earlier words.

He didn't know why, but those words kept looping in his mind like a spell.

That night's nightmare surfaced once again in his mind, making his heart pound.

If this is truly as the witch doctor said, why does he—and they—have no memory of it at all?

And Ah Zhi?

He didn't know why, but he always felt that Mu Yuanzhi knew; whenever their eyes met, he feared looking at hers, afraid of seeing something unusual—or of her seeing something unusual in him.

Such anxious unease grew day by day, becoming so severe that he felt a bit neurasthenic.

He felt he needed to talk to Pei Shangling today.

This pillow, Pei Shangling has also used it.

The Xiao siblings' irksome gazes annoyed Mu Yuanzhi, so she moved to a distant elegant seat, where the air felt much fresher.

"Princess!" Xixi rushed over happily upon seeing Mu Yuanzhi, "Mu Sister, you've come—I've been waiting for you forever!"

Where did this girl come from?

"You're a man—is it proper to sit beside a married woman?" Xixi countered.

"I am right! Besides, these seats are very particular—I received the emperor's special permission to sit beside my senior sister, and you're not qualified!" Qilin snorted.

"Mu Sister, I want to sit with you!" Xixi had no choice but to plead with Mu Yuanzhi.

"How can you be so shameless!" Qilin snapped, hands on hips.

"Little Qilin, won't you make way for the young lady?" Gu Rongjin approached.

Compared to Qilin, he was certainly more willing to let a girl come sit beside the wife.

Compared to the Qilin, he of course would rather let the girl come sit next to the wife.

Why should I yield? What's wrong with being a girl? If you piss me off, I won't be polite to anyone!

You ferocious thing, you'd better watch out—no one will want you.

You don't need to interfere.

Qilin, come sit here. The monk smiled and patted the empty seat beside him.

I don't want to sit with you! Qilin refused.

Later, if you have no seat, don't cry.

Your Majesty has arrived!

Your Majesty's here? Already?

Qilin gritted his teeth, "A decent man doesn't fight a woman—just you wait!"