The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 427: If Not Now, Then When!

Chapter 427: If Not Now, Then When!

Chu Huan shrunk his shoulders and said, "Then I’ll just stay out of sight for the next few days." He hoped not to run into that girl on the street.

Little did he know, after leaving the Xue Manor, Qi Mu didn’t hesitate for a second before heading straight out of the city. She had the same thought: if she stayed in the Capital, wouldn’t there still be a chance of bumping into him? It was best to leave early!

Both thought it would be best if they never met again!

Back at the Xue family estate, the Shuntian Prefecture Office didn’t want to get involved in the murder by vengeful ghosts, and the Dalisi Procuratorate couldn’t handle it either. When Nanli heard that Shuang’er had released the vengeful ghost, her eyebrow twitched. "So, that master and servant really did return to the Capital. They’re quite bold."

Chu Huan was worried, "Could Xue Shengnan be targeting Sister-in-law again? I should go back and check on her immediately."

"The Marquis’ Manor is under the watch of Zhi Mi. If anything happens, he’ll notify me right away," Nanli said thoughtfully. "Third Brother, you should go back first."

Chu Huan knew she was planning to track down Xue Shengnan, so he nodded, "Be careful, Sixth Sister. Xue Shengnan and her servant might have already fled."

Nanli smiled, "I’ve figured out her usual patterns. Wait for my good news, Third Brother."

Chu Huan didn’t ask any more questions and got into the carriage, but Nanli followed him in.

"Sixth Sister, where are you going?"

"I’m staying right here," Nanli replied, taking out a small straw doll. She pricked her finger and drew a talisman with her blood. The straw doll glowed and quickly transformed into a replica of Nanli, sitting quietly opposite him.

Chu Huan’s eyes widened, his gaze shifting between the straw doll and Nanli. It was so lifelike--he couldn’t tell the difference! He even forgot which one was the real Sixth Sister.

Nanli examined her doppelganger, rubbing her chin. "The expression is a bit dull; I need to refine it a bit."

Chu Huan’s mouth twitched. "Only someone up close could tell."

"Perfection doesn’t take much effort," Nanli said, taking out another talisman. "Third Brother, take this doppelganger back to the manor. Its movements might be a bit stiff, so keep an eye on it."

"Got it." Chu Huan nodded.

With that, Nanli used the invisibility talisman and exited the carriage. Chu Huan couldn’t see where his sister had gone, and though he was thinking about his nephew, he was now more worried about Nanli’s safety. After all, Xue Shengnan was insane--she had already slaughtered her own family and lost her mind. Madmen were the most dangerous.

Pleasure Pavilion.

Cheng Wei listened to the servant from the Marquis’ Manor, smiling as he nodded. "No problem, tell your master that we’ll reschedule. No need to apologize; it’s nothing to worry about."

"Thank you, Lord Cheng!" The servant sighed in relief and left.

However, as soon as the servant was gone, Cheng Wei’s smile vanished, and he smashed the cup in his hand to the ground, shattering it. He had meticulously planned everything, but Chu Yan had refused to show up!

He looked towards the veiled curtain and said sternly, "Miss Xue, Chu Yan refused to come, and you sent Shuang’er to unleash a vengeful ghost at the Xue Manor. The Ninth Princess will surely launch a citywide search, and you’re likely to drag me down with you!"

His mission was to bring Chu Yan back to Qi Nation. Now that Chu Yan hadn’t shown up and Xue Shengnan had exposed herself, how could the plan proceed?

Xue Shengnan stepped out from behind the curtain, slender and dressed in a fitted gown, exuding an indescribable allure. Her expression remained calm, showing no trace of panic.

"Lord Cheng, there’s no need to worry. I’ve already taught you how to use the teleportation talisman. When the time comes, find a suitable moment to take Chu Yan away."

Cheng Wei caught the implication, "You’re planning to leave the Capital?"

It made sense. With the Ninth Princess likely to launch a massive search, staying in the Capital would be dangerous for Xue Shengnan.

Xue Shengnan smirked, "I am leaving, but not just yet."

Cheng Wei’s face darkened. "What more do you want to do? Don’t underestimate the Ninth Princess--don’t dig your own grave!"

"In terms of spellcraft, I may not be her equal right now, but in terms of wisdom and strategy, I’ll surely outsmart her." Xue Shengnan raised her chin, brimming with confidence.

Cheng Wei wanted to advise her further, but seeing the determination in her eyes, he held his tongue. He had hoped Xue Shengnan would become a valuable ally for establishing his foothold in Qi Nation, but it seemed that after years of suppression, she had gone a bit mad with newfound freedom.

He had a few teleportation talismans himself and knew how to use them, so dealing with an uncontrollable subordinate wasn’t worth it.

"Take care of yourself," Cheng Wei said. "We’ll meet in Wuqing Town."

Xue Shengnan nodded and left with Shuang’er.

She didn’t act immediately but first visited a nearby street, where she found a small beggar. After giving the child a few coins, she learned that Nanli had returned to the Marquis’ Manor, and she was finally at ease.

However, the streets were filled with Black Armor Guards searching for someone, and with night approaching, the streets were nearly empty.

Some guards blocked their way, carefully comparing their faces to a wanted poster before waving them off. "Go home early and don’t linger on the streets."

Xue Shengnan feigned gratitude, "Thank you, sir, for the warning."

She handled it flawlessly, but Shuang’er, having been through a lot, was still a bit on edge.

The guard noticed Shuang’er’s trembling and remarked, "Your maid looks like she’s caught a chill. You, as her mistress, should buy her some warmer clothes."

Xue Shengnan glanced at Shuang’er, guilt flashing in her eyes. "The gentleman is right. I’ll buy her some thicker clothes tomorrow."

The Black Armor Guard had other places to search and didn’t linger, quickly moving on.

Shuang’er let out a breath, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

Xue Shengnan’s face darkened. "We’ve both used face-changing talismans. Unless someone with deep spiritual power confronts us, no one will see through our true appearances. If you keep trembling in fear, we’ll be discovered sooner or later."

Shuang’er clasped her hands together and bowed her head. "Forgive me, miss. I’m still scared from earlier... and still afraid now."

"There’s no need to be afraid. The killing isn’t over yet," Xue Shengnan sneered. "I figured the Ninth Princess wouldn’t have time to deal with this, and I calculated that the Xuanzheng Temple monks wouldn’t be able to break through my barrier. But I didn’t expect Chu Huan to get involved!"

Many in the Xue family had died, but the ones she hated most were still alive!

Noticing that Xue Shengnan was heading back towards the Xue Manor, Shuang’er’s heart sank. "Miss, the authorities are likely still at the Xue Manor. Going back now would be walking into a trap. Why don’t we just leave the Capital for now?"

They should swallow their pride and flee the city to avoid further danger.

Xue Shengnan stopped in her tracks, glaring at her. "What are you afraid of? I’ve already drawn a teleportation talisman. Even if the Ninth Princess shows up, we can escape immediately."

If they left now, who knew when they would return to the Capital?

If they didn’t strike now, then when?