The room fell into a hush.
The Emperor was no fool. He hadn't invited so many people to join the treasure hunt out of generosity—but out of cold, strategic calculation. He knew this treasure would not be easily found.
Its location could be riddled with deadly traps, hidden mechanisms, or even ancient curses long forgotten by time.
By sending powerful nobles and high-ranking officials ahead of him, he was using them as pawns—sacrifices to clear the path. If someone triggered danger, it wouldn't be him.
It was the perfect plan. With his eldest son already showing signs of rebellion, the Emperor could no longer trust him. Feng Tianwei's ambition was no longer hidden—he clearly intended to seize the treasure for himself.
This was a trap wrapped in golden promises. A power game, dressed up as a royal adventure.
"To those who are willing to join and help," the Emperor announced, "a generous reward awaits."
Around the hall, some officials leaned forward eagerly, their eyes burning with ambition. Others shifted uncomfortably, exchanging wary glances—not all of them believed the map was real.
Then, unexpectedly, the Emperor added,
"I, myself, will join this expedition."
Chaos erupted instantly.
Officials dropped to their knees in unison, their voices rising in panic.
"Your Majesty, you must not risk your safety!"
"Please reconsider—for the future of Great Qi!"
Even the Empress looked uneasy, her lips pressed into a tight line.
But the Eldest Princess remained still. She calmly raised her glass and took a slow sip, letting the rim of the cup hide the cold smile on her lips.
This treasure hunt, she thought, will end in disaster. A perfect trap... to bury the greedy.
Feng Tianwei clenched his jaw. At first, his father's announcement had angered him—but then, a thought struck him. This was an opportunity. A perfect chance to kill two birds with one stone. He could eliminate his father and seize the treasure at the same time.
As the eldest son, he naturally had the strongest claim to the throne. Even if the so-called treasure turned out to be nothing more than a myth, his father's death would still leave the path to the throne wide open.
No matter how he looked at it, this situation could only benefit him.
Then, to everyone's surprise, the Emperor turned toward Lang Huan.
"Lang Huan," he said, raising a hand slightly. "What do you say? Are you interested?"
Lang Huan blinked. "Me, Your Majesty?"
"Yes," the Emperor nodded. "You're skilled. If you take part, your reward will be doubled—along with the one you've yet to claim. Ask for anything."
Lang Huan's gaze flicked toward Feng Yao.
She understood instantly. This was it. The chance she had been waiting for—to finally ask for the Emperor's blessing to marry the Eldest Princess.
So, keeping her expression calm, Lang Huan rose to her feet, bowed, and said,
"I would be honored, Your Majesty."
The Emperor smiled, clearly pleased. But beside Lang Huan, Feng Yao's expression darkened.
Her fingers tightened around her wine cup, knuckles pale. Her eyes never left Lang Huan's face.
Why would she involve herself in this? This will ruin everything I've planned...
Still, Feng Yao forced a faint smile for the Emperor, keeping her composure. But behind that calm mask, unease twisted inside her.
Lang Huan turned to look at her. Seeing the change in Feng Yao's face, she realized she must have done something wrong.
She leaned in and whispered softly, "What's wrong?"
Feng Yao replied under her breath, "Come back with me to the Princess Mansion tonight."
Lang Huan nodded, sensing the seriousness in her tone. It had to be about the treasure... or something even deeper.
Now, both of them were caught in their own thoughts, no longer in the mood to enjoy the banquet.
---
After the banquet ended, Lang Huan left with Feng Yao in the same carriage. She handed over the reins of her horse to Wu Ming and quietly climbed in.
The ride was silent. Feng Yao didn't say a word, only throwing her cold, sullen glances.
Lang Huan sat across from her, feeling uneasy. Did I make the wrong choice by accepting the Emperor's offer?
She didn't care about the damn treasure. What she truly wanted was the reward the Emperor promised—permission to marry the Eldest Princess.
When they arrived at the Princess Mansion, Feng Yao grabbed her hand and pulled her straight into the study. Once the door was shut, she turned around and snapped.
"You were supposed to be smart when it mattered! Why did you meddle in something that isn't your business?"
Her voice was sharp with frustration. "Have you ever thought this might be a trap? Since when does the Emperor generously offer others a chance to join a treasure hunt—unless he has something else in mind?"
She stepped closer, eyes burning. "Even if you do find the treasure, what makes you think he'll let you leave? He might kill you on the spot instead of giving you anything—or rewarding you like he promised."
Feng Yao let out a deep sigh and rubbed her temples, clearly overwhelmed.
Lang Huan stood there in silence. Feng Yao's words made sense.
Feng Yao walked over to the table and sat down on a wooden stool.
Before she could say anything, Lang Huan quickly knelt beside her and wrapped her arms around Feng Yao's waist.
"I don't care about the treasure," she said softly. "My real plan was to propose to you. This is my way of showing my effort."
She looked up at Feng Yao with wide, innocent eyes.
Feng Yao had been ready to scold her to death, but those words caught her off guard. Seeing Lang Huan kneeling like that, with such honesty and sincerity, made it hard for her to stay angry.
Her heart softened, even though her head was still full of worry.
Lang Huan's voice broke the silence again. "Then… what should I do? You already have a plan, right?"
Feng Yao looked down at her for a moment and sighed. This little brat always acts so impulsively.
She gently brushed a strand of hair from Lang Huan's cheek. "From now on, you follow my lead. Don't act on your own. Understand?"
Lang Huan nodded quickly. "Anything you say."
She hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, "Could you tell me what your plan is?"
Feng Yao leaned back slightly, her eyes sharp. "That ancient treasure map the Emperor has—it's not the real one. The real map is with me."
Lang Huan's eyes widened.
"My plan," Feng Yao continued, her voice cold and calm, "is to bury all those greedy fools alive in the mountains."
Lang Huan's eyes widened. "You're going to kill your own father?"
Every time Feng Yao thought about her mother's death, she did want to kill both the Emperor and the Empress.
Feng Yao gave a cruel smile. "I'm not the one killing him. It's his own greed."
"I don't even know why he's getting personally involved in this search for the treasure."
She glanced at Lang Huan and added, "Just like you—suddenly meddling in something that wasn't your business."
She leaned closer, her voice laced with mock sweetness. "Now that you've joined this mess, I can't carry out my plan the way I wanted."
Then she smirked playfully. "So tell me, should I bury you too—just to keep my father and those corrupt officials company?"
Lang Huan blinked and said, "Please don't joke like that."
She straightened up a little and said, "Since you have the real map, why don't we go after it too? Who knows—maybe I can be the one to find it for you."