CHAPTER 236: CHAPTER 235: HE’S NOT NAN GUILI?

"So you’re not really Nan Guili? You managed to possess him? It seems he has discovered your existence."

Yu Nianzhao picked up a talisman with his fingertips and slowly approached him, "Did Nan Guili not tell you? I have hated being threatened since I was young. I’m quite stubborn, and I like to go against what others say. The more you tell me not to interfere, the more I want to meddle."

Nan Guili sneered coldly, "You’re asking for death!"

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Suddenly, a chilling wind swept through the surroundings, even causing the lake’s water to roil, and the boat to shake continuously.

"You malevolent ghost, indeed full of malice."

Yu Nianzhao curved his lips into a smile, and the talisman in his hand flew forward.

"Ordinary talismans can’t harm me."

’Nan Guili’ laughed confidently and coldly, raising his palm to block the talisman. However, as soon as the talisman touched his palm, white smoke hissed out, and he hissed in pain, shaking his hand as his palm was already burned.

"You’re not an ordinary Daoist?"

’Nan Guili’ glared at her, grinding his teeth, "So what if you can hurt me? Aren’t you Nan Guili’s friend? His soul is also within this body; if you act forcefully, I’m afraid even his soul will be affected. Do you really want to do that?"

"I’m banishing evil spirits, not living souls; how could I harm him?"

Yu Nianzhao picked up another talisman, speaking coldly, "If you want to deceive me, at least make it convincing."

"Wait!"

Sensing Yu Nianzhao was about to throw another talisman, ’Nan Guili’ protested, "Do you truly understand Nan Guili? Don’t you know, he’s long had Soul Separation Syndrome? When he was brought back to Nanwang Country, someone plotted against him, almost killing him. If it weren’t for someone forcibly returning his soul, he’d already be dead. To me, he’s merely a wandering spirit!"

"Soul Separation Syndrome?"

Yu Nianzhao furrowed his brow, recalling having heard of such a condition.

Soul separation implies the soul leaves the body; it can signify death or still being alive, depending on how the soul returns.

From a distance came the sound of footsteps, and Yu Nianzhao glanced to see Xia Muyan along with a group of noblewomen approaching.

On turning back, Nan Guili’s silhouette was no longer beside the ship’s mast.

"Zhaozhao, are you here?"

Xia Muyan, Xie Jiarou, and Song Caiwei arrived.

"Zhaozhao, why haven’t you changed your clothes?"

Song Caiwei blinked, puzzled.

"They’re already dry, no need to change. Why have you all come out?"

"Consort Chen allowed us some freedom, so we came out for fresh air."

"Look, they’re releasing sky lanterns over there, want to go play?"

Xie Jiarou pointed at the crowd on the shore, where sky lanterns filled the night sky, creating a breathtaking scene.

"Sure, I remember there are sky lanterns prepared on the boat too."

"Then let’s go get them."

Xie Jiarou pulled Song Caiwei along to fetch the sky lanterns.

Once they left, Xia Muyan leaned closer and whispered mysteriously, "Zhaozhao, just now Consort Jing left the banquet too."

"So?"

"I sneaked a glance; she headed towards the same boat as Chu Wenjun."

"You mean they’re involved?"

Yu Nianzhao showed interest, "That’s quite intriguing. No wonder Consort Jing seems to have good luck with romance, turns out she’s deceiving the Emperor?"

"Really? So you could tell too?"

Xia Muyan looked at Yu Nianzhao with starry eyes, "In fact, there used to be rumors that Consort Jing, when younger, was childhood friends with Chu Wenjun. They shared a strong bond; Consort Jing’s father was Chu Wenjun’s mentor, and they were supposed to be together. But for some unknown reason later, she entered the palace and Chu Wenjun married the Prime Minister’s daughter."

"They’re truly storybook characters, torn apart by fate?"

Yu Nianzhao commented with interest, "Looking at it, the Chu Family really has influence everywhere."

Xia Muyan nodded, "But these rumors were suppressed long ago. My mother loved listening to operas and often invited theatre troupes to perform at home. Some plots were based on their story, that’s why I know about it."

"Gossip truly is everywhere; even theatrical stories originate from such melodramatic love tales."

Yu Nianzhao sighed and then instructed, "Wei Zhao, go find some information on Chu Wenjun, see if he’s really with Consort Jing."

"Alright, Miss!"

Wei Zhao’s silhouette quickly disappeared into the darkness.

"Wei Zhao?"

A cold breeze passed by, giving Xia Muyan a shiver. She swallowed and stammered, "Zhaozhao, the person you just mentioned, surely can’t be the young master of the Wei Family who died tragically, can it?"

"Yes, do you know him?" Yu Nianzhao replied seriously, "Someday I’ll open your Heavenly Eye and introduce you to him?"

Xia Muyan shivered all over and quickly shook her head, "No, no, no need. I was just asking. I’m not familiar with him, better not to meet; our paths are distinct."

Just kidding, even though she’s been possessed by a ghost, it doesn’t mean she’s entirely fearless!

Soon, Xie Jiarou and Song Caiwei returned, accompanied by Luu Shaoqi and other noble youths.

With one glance, Yu Nianzhao noticed Song Caiwei’s eyes were red, while Luu Shaoqi followed behind, annoyed, carrying the sky lantern, mumbling something under his breath.

"The sky lanterns are here, let’s release them quickly."

Xie Jiarou pulled Xia Muyan along to release sky lanterns.

Song Caiwei, however, was disinterested, leaning alone aside, unwilling to join the lantern-releasing group.

"Caiwei, what’s wrong?"

Yu Nianzhao approached her, patting her shoulder, "Are you unhappy?"

Song Caiwei had suppressed her emotions, but upon hearing Yu Nianzhao’s gentle voice, she felt aggrieved, her eyes and nose reddening. She choked up, "Zhaozhao, I feel so sad. I thought after removing the scar on my face and Jinglan returning to normal, everything was moving in a positive direction. But why make fun of me at such a time?"

"Because of Luu Shaochen?" Yu Nianzhao glanced from the corner of his eye and saw Luu Shaochen’s silhouette hidden in the shadows, quietly watching Song Caiwei.

Song Caiwei broke into tears, "Yes, my engagement with Mr Lu was set since childhood; I always knew I’d marry him one day. But now, the Luu Family sends someone to discuss with my father, they want to change my fiancé, they... they want me to marry Luu Shaoqi!"

Yu Nianzhao pursed his lips, feeling it was as expected. Earlier by the lakeside, the Luu Family had deliberately tried to create space for Song Caiwei and Luu Shaoqi to be alone, clearly playing this calculated game.