What to do if you receive the wrong package?

Since Xuan Yi was released and he agreed that the girls could visit Zhou Yuran at any time, the King of Chu thought that he would not have any contact with Yu Zechuan and others in the near future. However, when he entered the house today, he saw an acquaintance sitting in the room.

"What brings you here this time, young master?"

"I came to chat with you." Yu Zechuan rolled his eyes at him, somewhat annoyed.

The King of Chu smiled, pretending not to see Yu Zechuan's gaze, and sat down in the main seat.

"I wonder what the young master would like to talk to me about so late at night."

"I want to know what you're up to."

The King of Chu smiled slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Master Yu, your words are quite interesting. I have many tricks up my sleeve; which one would you like to know?"

Yu Zechuan frowned slightly. He knew that the King of Chu was good at playing word games, but he didn't intend to be led by the nose. "I know that the 'Sea and Moon Brightness Map' is related to the Seven Star Stone. Your capture of Xuan Yi this time is not only because of the Empress, but also because of the Seven Star Stone. I want to know the whole truth."

A hint of surprise flashed in the King of Chu's eyes; he hadn't expected that Yu Zechuan would also have heard of this matter.

"As expected of the young master of Wutong Manor, you are indeed well-informed. But as you know, I am a businessman, and there are some things that I cannot say casually."

Yu Zechuan's heart stirred. He knew the King of Chu wouldn't easily reveal the truth, but he wouldn't give up easily either. "In that case, how about I exchange another piece of information about the Seven Star Stone with you?"

The King of Chu smiled slightly. He knew that Yu Zechuan was a smart man, and after seeing Yu Zechuan and his group, he immediately sent people to investigate. He knew that this group had also come into contact with the Seven Star Stone, so he did not intend to hide anything anymore.

“Of course. And considering we’re old acquaintances, I won’t haggle with you. I just hope the information you bring is valuable enough.” After saying that, he stood up and went to the bookshelf. He gently moved a book, and the bookshelf quickly moved, revealing the secret room behind him.

"Please, we should find a safe place to discuss the news."

Yu Zechuan did not hesitate and followed the King of Chu into the secret room. Soon the room was restored to its original state.

The secret room was more like a small study. Yu Zechuan casually sat down on the stool, raised an eyebrow at the King of Chu, as if urging him to speak quickly.

The King of Chu sat down opposite Yu Zechuan unhurriedly, poured two cups of tea, and then slowly began to speak.

"The task that Xuan Yi accepted was set up by my older brother."

The King of Chu inadvertently learned that the "Sea Calm and Moon Bright" painting contained information related to the Seven Star Stones. However, not many people knew about this at the moment. If he directly asked Marquis Anping for it, not only would it arouse suspicion and expose the information in advance, but given his relationship with Marquis Anping, he certainly wouldn't be able to get it.

Therefore, the King of Chu thought of asking his elder brother, the Prince of Ning, to ask the Weiyang Palace for help in searching for the map. Meanwhile, the King of Chu secretly sent another group of people to take away the "Sea and Moon Brightness Map" before the Weiyang Palace made its move. When Xuan Yi was arrested, the map was put back in its original place. Finally, when everyone's attention was on Xuan Yi and the King of Chu, the map was secretly stolen again.

The King of Chu orchestrated Xuan Yi's arrest in full view of everyone. Firstly, this showed everyone that Xuan Yi and his accomplices were the ones attempting to steal the map. Secondly, the search confirmed that Xuan Yi hadn't stolen the "Sea and Moon Brightness Map," thus clearing him and the King of Chu of suspicion. Thirdly, the King of Chu's help in apprehending the culprit was also a way of currying favor with Marquis Anping. Later, when the connection between the "Sea and Moon Brightness Map" and the Seven Star Stones was revealed, and Marquis Anping's residence discovered the map was missing, the responsibility for its safekeeping fell on the Marquis of Anping's own shoulders.

A hint of approval flashed in Yu Zechuan's eyes. He had to admit that the King of Chu's plan this time was a triple win, with each part interconnected.

"Then why did you say that the 'Sea and Moon' painting wasn't in your possession when Xuan Yi asked you about it a few days ago?"

The King of Chu frowned, a rare occurrence, and said with some helplessness, "Because when my men went to steal the map again, the 'Sea and Moon Brightness Map' suddenly disappeared."

"It's gone? Could it be that the people in the Marquis's mansion changed its location because they were afraid someone would steal it again?" Yu Zechuan seemed to have not expected that the Prince of Chu's plan would have such a big loophole.

The King of Chu shook his head, his eyes becoming even more serious. "My men have been keeping an eye on the 'Sea and Moon Brightness' painting. If anyone moves it, they will follow. But apart from the servants who check if the painting is still there, no one else has gone in. After my men went in, the painting disappeared."

"Heh, it seems the Marquis of Anping's residence is not simple either."

"Alright, that concludes my story. Now it's time for the young master's story." The King of Chu picked up his teacup, savoring it slowly, as if the events he had just recounted had little to do with him.

"You really are easygoing. Even after the 'Peaceful Sea and Bright Moon' painting disappeared, you can still calmly drink tea."

"Otherwise, what's meant to be will be. The news you brought might be related to the 'Sea and Moon' painting."

"Then you might be disappointed." Yu Zechuan smiled slightly and pointed mysteriously behind the King of Chu.

“Ake, the message I bring is related to what’s behind you.”

King Chu, also known as Duan Chenke, turned around and looked back, then turned back again, somewhat puzzled.

"Tell me more specifically?"

Yu Zechuan held his teacup, smiling but saying nothing. He recalled how, before they set off, Jiang Si and the others had dragged him along to cram on information about the Seven Star Stone, as if they wanted to tell him everything they knew.

What did he ask back then?

"You've told me all these secrets, aren't you afraid I'm a bad person?"

Su Huaiqi couldn't hold back and punched Yu Zechuan. "I've told you so many times, we believe you! Be confident. The young master of Wutong Manor always acts like he's the bad guy. If you keep arguing, I'll punch you more than once."

"Yes, yes, young master, you've helped us so much. You even risked your own life to protect us in front of the enemy, and you must trust our judgment of people."

"Yeah, even if you don't trust us, you have to trust Qiqi's judgment!"

Although Gu Yan was chased all over the yard by Su Huaiqi after he finished speaking, Yu Zechuan felt a sense of warmth and reassurance from the genuine kindness of these people.

"Young Master, snap out of it. Missing your little wife again?" Duan Chenke (King of Chu) looked at the person in front of him who had suddenly drifted off into thought and couldn't help but shake his head with a hint of disdain.

"Excuse me, but the information I wanted to share is that the Seven Star Stones are specifically related to a screen painting."

"Many years ago, a swordsman sought to revive his deceased wife and found the clue of the Seven Star Stones. He painstakingly collected all seven stones, but this also plunged the entire martial arts world into chaos. In the end, the swordsman hid the location of the Seven Star Stones in a screen and divided the screen into seven pieces, giving them to seven friends from different sects who were on good terms with him at the time."

Duan Chenke remained silent for a moment, seemingly processing Yu Zechuan's words, before looking up and asking:

"So, Wutong Manor has this screen in its possession?"

Yu Zechuan shook his head. "Wutong Manor doesn't have that kind of luck."

"How did you find out about this information?"

"Like you, I heard it from someone else," Yu Zechuan said casually, toying with the teacup in his hand.

Upon hearing Yu Zechuan's answer, Duan Chenke was slightly startled. He narrowed his eyes, pondering the results of the secret guards' investigation into these people. "Those people with you? It seems you really do have quite a few secrets."

Yu Zechuan nodded without any attempt to hide his feelings. "I suppose you've also sent people to investigate them, but with Xuan Yi around, you probably won't find anything. I came here this time after discussing it with them. Now we've come with full sincerity to befriend His Highness the Prince of Chu. I wonder what His Highness's response is?"

Duan Chenke sneered: "Us? When did the young master of Wutong Manor start mixing with others?"

Yu Zechuan replied nonchalantly, "Those are none other than my fiancée, her sister, and her sister's lover. In the end, they're all family."

Upon hearing this, Duan Chenke was even more surprised. Based on his understanding of Yu Zechuan, this young master was rarely someone who acted on emotion; he never expected that Yu Zechuan could have such a close relationship with this group of people.

This made Duan Chenke even more curious about the identities of those girls.

"Words are no proof. What means do you have to prove that what you're saying is true?"

"Your Highness, we've known each other for so many years, don't you trust me?"

Duan Chenke frowned slightly. He knew Yu Zechuan was right; they had indeed known each other for many years. But that didn't prove everything Yu Zechuan said was true. After all, Yu Zechuan was also a messenger, and people's hearts were unpredictable. Who knew if others might be hiding some secrets?

Looking at Duan Chenke's expression, Yu Zechuan smiled slightly, "Your Highness, don't forget you still have Miss Fang in your hands. Those girls wouldn't dare to joke about Miss Fang's life."

Duan Chenke remained silent for a moment, seemingly finding some truth in what Yu Zechuan said.

"Okay, I believe you." He decided to give Yu Zechuan a chance, after all, they used to be close friends who could talk about anything.

"But I also have a request: I hope that information can be shared in the future."

"Your Highness, rest assured. From now on, Your Highness and we are in the same boat. We will rely on Your Highness a lot and will naturally provide more information." Yu Zechuan showed a gratified smile. He knew that he had successfully touched Duan Chenke's heart. He understood that only through sincerity and trust could he make Duan Chenke believe what he said.

"It's getting late, so I won't disturb Your Highness's rest any longer."

"Since you know it's getting late, come earlier next time." You always come so late at night, preventing people from getting any sleep.

Yu Zechuan sensed the disdain in Duan Chenke's tone, chuckled awkwardly, and quickly ran away.

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Ever since Yu Zechuan and His Highness the Prince of Chu reached an agreement, Gu Yan and his two companions have been sending someone to sneak in through the back gate of the Prince's mansion to visit Zhou Yuran every few days.

Zhou Yuran was no longer confined to the corner courtyard and could move freely within the palace. However, she was aware of her special status and usually only went out for a short stroll when the King of Chu was not around.

Moreover, Zhou Yuran also learned that she had shadow guards watching over her. When she was really bored, she would call down the shadow guards to play cards and mahjong. At first, Zhou Yuran had to teach them one by one, but those who could become shadow guards were all extremely smart people. In the end, they played better than Zhou Yuran, an experienced player.

After a while, Zhou Yuran no longer needed to call out to her. As soon as the shadow guards saw Zhou Yuran standing in the courtyard with her mahjong set, they would automatically move tables and chairs.

Moreover, after things calmed down, Gu Yan and Shen Mujin began researching various modern foods, which they frequently brought to Zhou Yuran through the back door. Soon, Zhou Yuran won over the hearts of the shadow guards with these dishes.

With plenty to eat and play, and given that Miss Fang was cheerful and talkative, her relationship with the three shadow guards watching over her grew better and better.

Even the Shadow Guard Captain's offer to switch the three of them on a different mission was rejected.

Shadow Guard Captain: Something's not right. Didn't you guys beg to change missions before?

Shadow Guard: I was young and reckless back then, but now I realize how good the mission really was.

After three days of rain, the sun finally came out today. Gu Yan, who had been staying at home during the rainy days, didn't stay idle. He dragged Shen Mujin and Su Huaiqi to the study to draw a copper pot design.

Regarding Gu Yan's idea, Shen Mujin said that he probably read too many time-travel novels and really thought he could have whatever he wanted.

But she couldn't bear to dampen Gu Yan's enthusiasm, so they went into the study together and spent two days tinkering before they could draw a rough draft.

So as soon as the weather cleared up, Gu Yan dragged his two friends straight to the blacksmith's shop. After talking to the blacksmith for a long time, he finally understood that he would have to wait three to five days to pick up the pot.

Three days later, Gu Yan, having retrieved the copper pot, immediately sent one to Zhou Yuran at the Prince's residence. The guards at the gate were somewhat bewildered; why were the gifts being sent to Miss Fang becoming increasingly strange?

Not only were the gatekeepers stunned, but even Zhou Yuran was taken aback when she first received the pot.

Goodness, Gu Yan and the others have already made a copper pot and are they going to start hot pot?

With the copper pot, Zhou Yuran instantly missed the taste of hot pot and immediately called over her three bodyguards, instructing them to buy some vegetables, beef, and mutton.

Although the guards were somewhat puzzled, they thought of the strange but delicious food they had been eating with Miss Fang recently, so they immediately set off to do it without hesitation.

After Zhou Yuran had prepared all the ingredients for the hot pot, she suddenly realized a serious problem: she didn't have a broth base!

Just as they were wondering what to do, the gatekeeper appeared carrying a small basket. Inside the basket were the simplified version of the red oil mushroom soup base and the homemade plum juice that Gu Yan and the others had just delivered.

Zhou Yuran poured the base ingredients directly into the copper pot. After the charcoal fire under the pot brought the base ingredients to a boil, she hurriedly called the shadow guards to pour the mutton and beef into the pot.

Soon, the familiar aroma wafted through the air. Zhou Yuran took a deep breath. Indeed, nothing could relieve her worries except hot pot!

The shadow guards were also captivated by the aroma emanating from the strange food before them. They stared eagerly at the succulent slices of meat bubbling in the pot, waiting for Zhou Yuran's command to start eating immediately.

Zhou Yuran looked at the shadow guards with amusement. She hadn't expected that the usually cold and dignified shadow guards would have such a cute side. She quickly urged them to start eating.

The group of people were enjoying their meal immensely. The guards even came up with a new way to eat: they would take a bowl of leftover rice, pour on a salty and spicy broth, add a few slices of meat, and quickly devour it.

On the other side, King Duan Chenke of Chu, who was returning home late that night, was having a headache due to the disputes in the court. He specially sought out a quiet path to calm his mind, but as he walked, he smelled a strange fragrance.

Following the direction from which the fragrance was coming, I was surprised to find that it was coming from the corner courtyard where Zhou Yuran lived.

The King of Chu, somewhat curious, pushed open the door and entered. He saw the Shadow Guard and Zhou Yuran sitting together in the courtyard eating, with a strangely shaped bronze pot in the middle of the table.

Upon hearing the door open, the shadow guards immediately spotted the King of Chu and quickly stood aside.

Zhou Yuran had no choice but to put down her chopsticks and give the King of Chu a polite but somewhat awkward smile, "Your Highness, you've arrived."

"Mm." Duan Chenke nodded.

Zhou Yuran swallowed awkwardly, then pointed guiltily at the hot pot on the table.

"Has Your Highness had dinner yet? Would you like to try my hometown specialty, hot pot?"

Duan Chenke glanced at the shadow guard standing ramrod straight beside him, then looked at the mess on the table, but none of this could resist the tempting aroma emanating from the copper pot.

Zhou Yuran's mind worked quickly, and she immediately guessed what Duan Chenke was thinking. She quickly said to the three wooden stakes beside her, "Xiao Yi, go and get another clean bowl and chopsticks. Xiao Er, hurry up and tidy up the table. San'er, go and prepare some new vegetables and meat."

The three shadow guards immediately went about their tasks upon hearing Zhou Yuran's orders. In no time, the table was cleaned, the food and meat were replenished, and even the bowls and chopsticks were set out.

Duan Chenke nodded and sat down at the head of the table.

Zhou Yuran fawned over her, pouring a glass of plum juice. "Your Highness, this is plum juice that Gu Yan and the others brought. It tastes even better when eaten with it."

The King of Chu nodded, and seeing that the people around him were still standing to the side, he finally spoke, "Don't let me spoil your fun. Don't stand there, sit down and eat with us."

Although the food was still delicious, the sudden appearance of the King of Chu at the table made the guards and Zhou Yuran dare not say anything more.

Eating hot pot is usually a lively affair, but because of the presence of the King of Chu, everyone became silent, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Seeing that the atmosphere was really uncomfortable, Zhou Yuran took the initiative to start a conversation.

"Your Highness, how is the hot pot meat?"

"It's okay."

"Does the King of Chu need anything else? I'll have my shadow guards fetch it."

"No need."

"..." Zhou Yuran was somewhat helpless. How come she had never noticed before that the King of Chu was such a cold and aloof person?