The Princess Cannot Escape: The Cunning Prince Is Not to Be Messed With

Chapter 308 Gaining the Initiative

"Xiahou Ying, I knew you could do it, we could do it!" Yin Quan was incredibly excited on the way back. He had thought he was doomed, but he never expected to gain such an ally.

"Don't be too happy yet, this ally isn't that solid." Gu Changxi sighed. Women will be women, their thinking is so superficial.

Although Gu Changxi is very polite on the surface, he is actually quite sharp-tongued in private.

"He clearly told us that he was willing to help us." Yin Quan was a little unconvinced. After all, she was a top lawyer, and she had that much observational ability.

"Don't get me wrong. He just doesn't care what we do, but if we get in his way, he'll turn against us. And right now, this force is not under our control." Indeed, Meng Sheng is not related to us, so getting him to help Xiahou Ying is quite difficult.

But how could he get this dream to help him? Yin Quan’s years of professional experience told him that even the most capable person has a weakness and a way out.

Some people hide their vulnerable side, like Xiahou Ying, while others don't hide it as deeply.

At this moment, only Elder Gu remained there. Xiahou Ying did not intend to hide anything from Elder Gu, and Elder Gu only then came to his senses from what had just happened.

"Who exactly are you people? Although I have always trusted you, Changxi, what is the background of these friends of yours?" As an elder of Chonglou Manor, Elder Gu should inquire about their origins.

"Uncle, have you heard about the political upheaval in the court?" Gu Changxi did not answer Elder Gu's question directly, but tentatively tested whether Elder Gu was so concerned about the affairs of the court.

Old Master Gu nodded, but then shook his head. He wasn't very well-informed about the outside world. In recent years, he had focused on his cultivation, and this time he had just finished his seclusion.

"Then you must know that our new lord, Gu Lounan, is the current Imperial Advisor, right?" Gu Changxi explained.

"Of course I know. When I came out, your father had already handed over the position of manor lord to your brother. He broke the rules of our Chonglou Manor." When he said this, the dejected look on Old Gu's face was gone.

Old Master Gu has always been a rather traditional person. Chonglou has never taken the initiative to participate in politics before, which means that Chonglou's power will be pushed to the forefront, which is a major taboo for Chonglou Manor.

“Uncle, although I know that I am incapable of taking on the responsibility of the entire manor in my current state, this is my home, and I will absolutely not allow our manor to become a tool for political parties to pursue power,” Gu Changxi said, his eyes revealing a rare determination.

Elder Gu agreed with Gu Changxi's words; this was exactly what he was thinking. Chonglou Manor should never be pushed into the eye of the storm of political struggle.

"Then who are they?" Elder Gu vaguely sensed that Xiahou Ying's temperament was not that of an ordinary person, and Gu Changxi was not the kind of person who would bring those people to the manor casually.

"This is, right now, the only one who can be with the Crown Prince..."

"Senior, my name is Xiahou Ying." Gu Changxi had only spoken halfway when Xiahou Ying stopped him with a look. "This is my wife, Yin Quan."

Xiahou Ying himself spoke very humbly, without introducing his original identity.

"Yin Quan greets the elder. I am truly sorry for not having a formal meeting with the elder before." Despite being the one seeking a favor from this person, Yin Quan remained very magnanimous in the face of this situation.

Xiahou Ying's eyes were full of approval. His wife was indeed different from other women; she was neither afraid nor petty.

"Xiahou Ying!" Elder Gu's voice rose noticeably. Although he had never met this person, who hadn't heard of this name?

"Your Highness, it is our honor to have you visit our Chonglou Manor." No matter what, Old Master Gu's attitude towards this prince became extremely respectful.

"Elder Gu, there's no need to be so polite. You know I'm just a fugitive from the imperial court. I'm here only to ask for your help, Elder Gu." Xiahou Ying stated his purpose directly; everything before was just to bring this up.

Although Elder Gu had devoted himself to cultivation for many years, Xiahou Ying's reputation was so great that he could not possibly have not heard of him.

At this time, Xiahou Ying came to visit Chonglou Manor, and in such a secretive manner, it was clear that something must have happened.

Elder Gu knew that this was related to the secrets of Chonglou Manor, and that these people were not good people who were only after Chonglou Manor's treasures. Elder Gu's expression was not very pleasant.

"How can I possibly help Your Highness? I am penniless and have nothing to offer. You flatter me." Elder Gu suddenly became polite, clearly showing some reluctance in his attitude.

"Elder Gu, please don't say that. You must know that your new lord is currently by the side of the new emperor and is the emperor's advisor," Xiahou Ying said. "This is not the late emperor's decree. When I returned to the capital this time, due to the betrayal of Gulou Nan, many famous generals and important officials of the court were killed. Just for their own selfish interests, for this power, so many people were killed. I really can't bear it."

Xiahou Ying did not hide anything. He never concealed his intentions when asking for favors; if he was not sincere, he would not help.

"I don't think the prince is only doing this for that reason." Old Master Gu didn't speak kindly to Xiahou Ying.

"Yes," Xiahou Ying admitted directly. "I believe Elder Gu must have heard the rumors circulating in the martial world. The prophecies of the Heavenly Mystery Sect have never been wrong. Whoever obtains the divine artifact will rule the world. The martial world should also have heard about the current Crown Prince's character. I am unwilling to hand over the world to such a person, nor do I want the person I love to live under his rule."

Elder Gu hadn't expected Xiahou Ying to admit it so readily, which was also unexpected. Over the years, many people from Chonglou Manor had wanted the divine artifact, but they all claimed it wasn't for their own benefit, but because they were forced to do it for others. Everyone clearly wanted to conquer the world, yet they portrayed themselves as so noble. Those disgusting faces disgusted Elder Gu.

"You are very honest, but what you said is just a rumor about Chonglou, not the truth, so I'm sorry I can't help you." Although Elder Gu admired Xiahou Ying's honesty, he couldn't easily believe Xiahou Ying because of that. Some things that even members of the Gu family didn't know, let alone outsiders like them.

At this moment, Yin Quan was sweating bullets. Based on her understanding of Gu Lounan, if Lou Yu had acted quickly, the message would have already been sent out by now, and Gu Lounan would always appear at any time.

At this moment, Elder Gu's attitude remained very firm. Although he was still polite, it was precisely because of this that he felt there was no chance to break the agreement.

However, Yin Quan's many years as a lawyer were not for nothing. For her, no one is without weaknesses, whether in court or in any other situation. Those who seem to have no weaknesses and are very strong are just putting on an act.

"I've been through so much, I'm a bit tired. I'm truly sorry to have let you all see my family affairs today." Elder Gu said, and then tried to leave, his expression returning to its previous weary state.

At this moment, Gu Changxi suddenly looked up at the sky, his expression becoming somewhat complicated.

Yin Quan looked up at the sky but didn't see anything. It must have been some message from Ting Hai Lou. Yin Quan's heart clenched. At this moment, with such a solemn expression, could it be that something had gone wrong again?

"Uncle, we all know that the rumors about Chonglou are true. Now only Prince Duan can deal with the new king. This is the best time for our Chonglou Manor to regain its freedom. Are we going to let the court and Gu Lounan control our fate?" Gu Changxi became somewhat impatient at this point.

"Alright, Changxi, I've said it's just a rumor, so don't say any more." Old Master Gu was somewhat displeased that Gu Changxi had suddenly spoken up for someone else; in his eyes, Gu Changxi had never been so reckless.

Gu Changxi wanted to say something, but was stopped by Xiahou Ying's gaze.

"Brother Gu, there's no need to bother Elder Gu for my sake. Thank you for helping me so much." Xiahou Ying spoke sincerely. He had done his best, and he understood that something so important couldn't be obtained easily.

After Elder Gu left, Gu Changxi couldn't help but say to Xiahou Ying, "Gu Lounan has already set off, and he will be here soon. We don't have much time left; we must get there before him."

Xiahou Ying smiled but did not answer. Everything was fate. He also gave Elder Gu a gift.

When Old Gu returned, he didn't rest. Instead, he went to Meng Sheng's room, but there was no one there. Only a letter was left behind.

This letter was written to Mengsheng. It was part of an investigation into Gu Lounan. It was likely given to Mengsheng by the shadow guards. As for why it was placed on the table, it was probably so that Old Master Gu could see it.

After reading the contents of the letter, anger was his only emotion. This manor lord had to be changed. Gu Lounan could not be the manor lord. As long as he had a breath left, for the sake of Chonglou Manor and for his own sake, he had to avenge this grudge.

"I agree to help you, but you have to agree to my conditions," said Old Master Gu as he pushed open Xiahou Ying's door.