Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot-Chapter 376 - 351: Another Happy Event

"Where is Lingshan?"

Meng Qianqian asked.

Lu Yuan replied, "You are from You State, yet you don’t know about Lingshan?"

Meng Qianqian froze for a moment. "Lingshan is in You State?"

Lu Yuan said, "Not exactly. It’s just that the fastest water route from the Capital City to Lingshan starts at the docks in You State."

The Miao King tossed a token to Chen Long. "Lingshan is in the Southwest, not far from Miaojiang. If you encounter trouble, you can seek aid in Miaojiang."

Chen Long cupped his hands toward the Miao King. "Thank you, Senior Miao King."

The Miao King sighed, "Ah, the Shang family was so loyal and valiant for generations. It’s a shame I never had the chance to meet them, nor did I lend a hand when the Shang family faced extinction. Now that there are descendants of the Shang family alive, how can I sit idly by?"

Chen Long bowed deeply. "Senior’s great kindness—Shang Xu will remember it for a lifetime!"

Meng Qianqian was stunned.

Shang Xu...

Since the annihilation of the Shang family, her brother had never used that name again.

The Miao King said to Chen Long, "The journey is perilous. Exercise caution. Those two children have some value to Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, so they won’t kill them outright. If it’s absolutely necessary, don’t take unnecessary risks."

Chen Long did not respond.

Meng Qianqian understood—once her brother made a decision, not even ten oxen could drag him back.

He would rather die than fail in rescuing their second uncle’s and second aunt’s children from the hands of Thousand Mechanism Pavilion.

"Ah, you child..."

The Miao King saw his resolve and knew any further persuasion would be meaningless. He could only hand him additional gu worms for self-protection.

Lu Yuan gave Chen Long a human skin mask. "If the situation becomes dire, impersonate that assassin in the secret passage. And take Yu Zichuan with you."

"Why take him?"

Chen Long asked.

Lu Yuan replied, "He grew up in the Southwest and is very familiar with the terrain. You’re always rushing headlong, and with Lingshan being that vast, by the time you find Thousand Mechanism Pavilion’s location, the flowers would have withered."

Meng Qianqian said, "So Yu Zichuan is from the Southwest. But I’m curious, how do you know the second aunt’s children are in Lingshan?"

Lu Yuan explained, "A hunting eagle brought back a fruit, a wild fruit that only grows in the Southwest region of Lingshan. Yu Zichuan used to forage for that fruit frequently when he was a child. With him along, finding Thousand Mechanism Pavilion’s hiding spot shouldn’t be too hard."

Meng Qianqian suddenly realized, "So that’s how it is."

Chen Long hesitated, "It’s too dangerous—I don’t want to involve others."

Lu Yuan cast him an arrogant sidelong glance and said nonchalantly, "Once you’re in the Southwest, who’s involving whom is still up for debate."

"Brother, just take Yu Zichuan with you."

Although Lu Yuan and Yu Zichuan appeared to have a master-servant relationship, after some time observing them, Meng Qianqian discovered they were more like her and Tan’er. Lu Yuan deeply cared for Yu Zichuan and would never recklessly put him in danger.

Letting Yu Zichuan go signified that Lu Yuan was confident—at least confident that both of them could return safely.

Chen Long was still someone who would listen to Meng Qianqian’s words.

After a moment of consideration, Chen Long said to Lu Yuan, "I hate owing favors. Take this."

Lu Yuan casually caught the item Chen Long tossed over.

When he realized it was a sachet, Lu Yuan rolled his eyes in disgust. "Chen Long! This Governor has zero interest in men!"

Chen Long frowned, wanting to shut this man up, but considering he had just given him the location of the twins, he grudgingly held back. "Little Chen Long is about to enter the Capital City—you might find this useful."

With that, he truly left.

Lu Yuan disdainfully weighed the sachet in his hand. "Completely nonsensical."

"Take care, Brother!"

Meng Qianqian waved goodbye to Chen Long and said to Lu Yuan, "Let me see."

Lu Yuan handed the sachet to her.

Meng Qianqian sniffed it. "It smells wonderful. It’s packed with several types of dried flowers—no wonder you misunderstood."

Lu Yuan said coldly, "Is he out of his mind?"

"Didn’t he say it has something to do with Little Chen Long? You should keep it."

Meng Qianqian returned the sachet to Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan thought about giving it to Meng Qianqian, but uncertain of its potential danger, he decided to hold onto it himself for now.

Meng Qianqian smiled lightly. "Husband, you’re actually just a bit sharp-tongued but kind at heart."

Lu Yuan: "Who’s sharp-tongued?"

Meng Qianqian instantly caved. "My bad."

The Miao King slapped the back of Lu Yuan’s head. "You brat! Who taught you to talk to your wife like that?"

Not even appreciating his blessings!

If Xian’er were here, let alone calling him sharp-tongued, she’d probably poison him without hesitation!

"Brat! Brat!"

The more the Miao King thought about it, the angrier he became. He landed a flurry of slaps, his movements swift and precise.

"Hit me again, and I’ll get mad!"

"Go ahead! See if I care!"

The old and the young started a brawl in the courtyard.

"Grandson-in-law, watch closely! This move is called Scorpion’s Tail Swing!"

The Miao King spun, his leg swift as lightning, delivering a kick toward Lu Yuan’s lower body.

But just as his leg was about to sweep Lu Yuan’s legs out, it suddenly twisted mid-air, the toe pointing upward, aiming for Lu Yuan’s jaw.

Lu Yuan quickly changed his fist into a palm to block the Miao King’s strike.

However, his inner strength was focused on his lower body, so his palm lacked force. After countering the move, his arm was left numb.

"How is this Scorpion’s Tail Swing?"

The Miao King stood proudly with arms akimbo. "Because I say so!"

Meng Qianqian clapped her hands in delight. "No deception in war, Grandpa, you’re amazing!"

The Miao King, pleased by the praise, was in a fine mood.

"The best is yet to come—keep watching, granddaughter-in-law! My second move, Great Vajra Finger—poke!"

While others would aim for the eyes, the Miao King targeted the waist instead.

Lu Yuan dodged, cold sweat breaking out.

The old man showed no restraint—he intended to incapacitate him permanently.

If it weren’t for his earlier experiences, knowing the old man’s disposition, he’d likely already have significant trouble.

Meng Qianqian had never seen Lu Yuan suffer such losses before. She couldn’t help herself and burst into laughter, clutching the table for support.

"Great."

Lu Yuan clenched his fingers, mentally jotting this indignity down for later retribution.

Initially, the Miao King had the upper hand, but gradually, Lu Yuan caught onto some tricks.

"Oh, you’re keeping up—well done, boy."

The Miao King, proud as ever, said, "Truly worthy to be my own grandson."

Meng Qianqian noticed that while the Miao King seemed to be sparring with Lu Yuan, he was actually using the changing techniques to unblock his stagnant and clotted meridians.

This made her think of Chu Nan.

Chu Nan was born with blocked meridians and a frail body, making him unfit for martial arts.

Lu Yuan, as a descendant of the Miao King and the Miaojiang Goddess, possessed incredible talent, yet the inhuman torment he endured at the Prime Minister’s Mansion left him riddled with ailments.

Forced martial arts training could shorten his lifespan—the more skilled he became, the greater price he’d pay.

Fortunately, he had been raised under the Miaojiang Goddess, consuming many heavenly treasures in his youth, and in recent years, Liu Qingyun had continuously sent him medicine.

Now, with the Miao King clearing his meridians daily, a longer life was within reach.

"Had enough?"

The Miao King pressed down on Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan, unwilling to admit defeat, said, "Again!"

The Miao King rebuked, "Again for what? You may want to continue fighting, but I don’t wish for my granddaughter-in-law to stand around in the cold! Don’t you know how to care for your wife? You’re all sweaty—disgusting! What if you stink up my granddaughter-in-law? Get out of here and take a bath!"

With a kick, the Miao King sent Lu Yuan stumbling forward.

Lu Yuan staggered several steps, glaring as he clenched his fists, muttering, "Blood relative, but I can’t kill."

Meng Qianqian found the entire scene satisfying to watch.

The Miao King turned to her, saying, "Granddaughter-in-law, are you feeling cold? Hurry back and have some ginger tea to warm up. Tomorrow I’ll teach you martial arts!"

"Alright!"

Meng Qianqian eagerly nodded.

She had vengeance to exact.

The enemies she faced included both Prime Minister Xun and the skilled agents of Thousand Mechanism Pavilion.

While intelligence was essential, strength could often crush ten times the scheming.

"Husband."

She approached Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan scoffed, "You were quite amused earlier, weren’t you? Did you enjoy watching this Governor get beaten up?"

"How could it be called getting beaten? That was clearly familial affection!"

Meng Qianqian quickly took the initiative to hold his hand.

As expected, this move worked.

His expression softened considerably.

Meng Qianqian looked back at the Miao King and winked. "Grandpa, we’re leaving."

The Miao King cheerfully waved. "Go on, now! Quickly, don’t catch a chill!"

The two exited the courtyard.

The Miao King craned his neck to confirm the youngsters had walked far off, then clutched his aching back, hissing in pain.

"That brat is really strong... Xian’er, if you don’t come to the Capital City soon, I’ll be beaten to death by that brat..."

-

Back at the main residence, Meng Qianqian suddenly remembered something. "Right, did you inform the Supreme Emperor and Chief of Staff Xing about the secret tunnel in the Prime Minister’s Mansion?"

"I did."

Lu Yuan replied.

There was no need to keep the secret tunnel hidden; however, knowing it was filled with numerous traps, Lu Yuan warned them to avoid entering unnecessarily.

Meng Qianqian fiddled with her fingers. "What about the gold and jewels inside..."

Lu Yuan looked at her sternly. "The Prime Minister’s Mansion’s fortune is meant to be confiscated and turned over to the state—only half can be taken."

Meng Qianqian twitched the corner of her mouth. "You’re surprisingly principled."

As they spoke, they entered the house.

A chubby, round little bundle was sprawled inside the wardrobe, bum sticking out, rummaging through his father’s chest.

Lu Yuan swiftly hoisted the little rascal up, his tone icy. "I knew it—why has the gold been dwindling lately? Spit it out."

Bao Shu blinked innocently, grabbed Lu Yuan’s other hand, and spat half a piece of a sugar-coated hawthorn onto his palm.

Lu Yuan: "..."

-

After lunch, Eunuch Fu arrived.

He came to deliver the Lady Dowager’s stipend and the charcoal for the New Year.

Additionally, he brought two invitations—one for the Miao King and the other for the Governor Mansion.

"Wedding invitations."

Meng Qianqian was surprised.

But when she saw the names on them, her reaction went far beyond surprise.

"Princess Wanping’s wedding? And the Prince Consort is—"

Eunuch Fu smiled. "One of the Twelve Guards, Rooster."

Meng Qianqian’s body shook. "Ji Li?"

She glanced again at the wedding date and sucked in a cold breath.

Goodness, it’s at the end of the month!

"Isn’t this a bit rushed?"

Does the Princess even know?

Does Ji Li know?

They disappeared for a while, came back, and now they’re suddenly married?

Meng Qianqian said hesitantly, "Isn’t this a bit too hasty?"

Eunuch Fu smiled, his teeth on full display. "The Supreme Emperor said, given their extended absence, it’s likely a done deal."

Meng Qianqian: If they were gone for so long, shouldn’t you send troops to find them? Supreme Emperor, is your focus slightly... off?

"Is it possible they weren’t eloping... just got lost?"

Eunuch Fu chuckled. "It certainly wasn’t an elopement—the Supreme Emperor said Princess Wanping and the Rooster Guard were on an imperial mission."

Meng Qianqian: "... Experience counts—it seems the older you are, the craftier you get."