Farmer's Wife Has Magic Skills

The parrots were somewhat comforted. “We’ll try harder next time.”

Chu Tang reassured them, “It’s not your fault. They’re just very cunning.”

Determined to make amends, the parrots said, “Qingzhi, we’ll continue to monitor them. If we notice anything unusual, we’ll report to you immediately.”

Chu Tang instructed, “Go ahead, but be careful. Don’t expose yourselves.”

The parrots flew away.

That night, under a dark and windy sky, a beautiful and elegantly dressed woman stood under a hibiscus tree in a secluded garden of the royal mansion, her eyes slightly downcast, lost in thought.

Soon, the Third Prince, Li Hongye, dressed in a plain robe, approached quietly. His gaze lingered on the woman with obvious infatuation. “Baoyu.”

Wen Baoyu looked up at the sound of his voice, smiling. “Hongye.”

Li Hongye looked around, then stepped forward to embrace her. “Baoyu, I’ve missed you so much.”

Originally, Wen Baoyu was the woman he loved. Just before he planned to ask the King of the eastern border for her hand in marriage, he learned that his father intended to marry Wen Baoyu himself, thus losing the woman he loved.

Wen Baoyu gently pushed him away, feigning shyness. “This is the royal mansion. Be careful of being seen.”

Li Hongye quickly restrained his affection. “I lost control.”

Wen Baoyu smiled sweetly. Li Hongye was still as infatuated with her as ever. “Next time, we can meet somewhere more private.”

Her suggestive words made Li Hongye’s head spin. “Whatever you say.”

Wen Baoyu stroked Li Hongye’s face, feigning concern. “You’ve lost weight. You’ve been working hard.”

Li Hongye shook his head. “Anything for you. I don’t feel it’s hard at all.”

Wen Baoyu’s smile was soft and gentle. “In this royal mansion, I am alone and helpless, living each day like a year. Only you truly care for me.”

Li Hongye immediately promised, “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

Wen Baoyu looked at him with trust. “Hongye, I believe you.”

“Baoyu, did you call me here for something important?” They had agreed to meet only for important matters, maintaining distance otherwise to avoid suspicion.

“Yes.” Wen Baoyu lowered her voice. “Have you heard of Chu Tang?”

Chu Tang had recently wreaked havoc on the Yun Organization, almost paralyzing it. As the Third Elder of the organization, Li Hongye knew this better than anyone. “Why do you mention him?”

Wen Baoyu emphasized, “I want him to work for us.”

Indeed, Chu Tang was a formidable force. If they could recruit him, they would have no trouble seizing the throne from the King of the eastern border. “I agree. I’ll take care of it immediately.”

Wen Baoyu feigned sincerity, holding Li Hongye’s hand. “I wish you success.”

Li Hongye lifted her chin and kissed her. “I won’t disappoint you. Wait for my good news.”

Wen Baoyu smiled warmly at him. “I’ll be waiting.”

Shortly after, Chu Tang learned that Li Hongye wanted to recruit him.

Zeng Huo stood by. “You are both a coveted ally and a nightmare for some. There’s no one else in the world as paradoxical as you.”

Chu Tang ate a candy. “Your statement shows you’ve met few people. The world is full of extraordinary individuals. Stay humble.”

Zeng Huo replied, “Indeed, but knowing you feels like knowing many.”

Chu Tang looked up. “Why are you flattering me today?”

Zeng Huo hurriedly said, “I’m just being honest. Don’t misunderstand.”

Chu Tang waved him off. “Go keep an eye on the Third Prince. See what he’s planning.”

“Yes.” Zeng Huo saluted and left.

The next evening, Li Hongye arranged to meet Chu Tang at Piaoxiang Courtyard, the largest brothel in Shu City.

The air was thick with perfume, and scantily clad women moved seductively among the male guests, their flirtatious glances enticing.

The madam greeted them. “Oh, if it isn’t our Third Prince! It’s been a while. Please, upstairs to the private room. We have a special performance tonight that will be quite enjoyable.”

Seeing a regular customer, the madam’s face blossomed into a smile.

Li Hongye put an arm around her shoulder, lecherously. “You should join me tonight.”

The madam playfully waved her handkerchief. “If you don’t mind me being older, I’d be honored.”

At thirty, the madam had a mature allure that many men found irresistible.

Li Hongye caressed her face. “You’re not old at all. I’ll be waiting for you tonight.”

“Very well, I’ll join you.” The madam led him upstairs, ordered tea and snacks, and summoned four girls to keep them company.

Chu Tang, disliking being touched, removed the girls’ hands from him. “Sit properly.”

The girls, frightened, quickly sat up straight and poured drinks.

Li Hongye laughed. “Chu Tang, relax. We’re here to enjoy ourselves.”

Chu Tang pushed the plates of snacks to the girls, not wanting to waste time. “Just say what you need to say.”

Li Hongye moved the girls aside and personally poured wine for Chu Tang. “Please, have a drink.”

Chu Tang took the cup and drank. “Speak.”

After drinking his own cup, Li Hongye said, “Chu Tang, you have great talent, but one person can’t achieve much alone. Why not work with me to seek greater success?”

His words sounded pleasant, but the implication was clear: Chu Tang would be his pawn, with any success belonging to Li Hongye.

Chu Tang smiled. “I have a maid and a servant at home. I’m short of a steward. Interested?”

Li Hongye’s face darkened. “Do you know who I am?”

Chu Tang calmly replied, “Do you know who I am?”

Li Hongye, realizing the situation, softened his tone. “Help me, and you can have whatever you want.”

Chu Tang raised an eyebrow, twirling his wine cup. “If you’re so capable, why seek my help?”

The girls giggled behind their hands.

Li Hongye’s temper flared. “Chu Tang, there’s no need for this.”

Chu Tang smiled slightly. “Do you know what it takes to negotiate terms? You want my help; you must offer me something I want.”

Li Hongye, holding back his anger, asked, “What do you want?”

Chu Tang replied indifferently, “You can’t afford what I want.” He stood, ready to leave. He had expected something different from this Third Prince, but it turned out he was just another power-hungry commoner.