Capturing Bella Qin was no challenge. She'd lived in Liancastle for a while, and the locals knew her personality well. A hastily concocted, obviously flawed lie was enough to lure her out—no need to send a single soldier or lift a finger.
Just as Su Wenqing once said, Bella Qin is a good person—but she's simply not suited for Prince Nolan. She doesn't have the ability to stand at his side, and she would only bring endless trouble to him.
After capturing Bella Qin, the people of Liancastle didn't even bother with torture. Although she kept to herself, Bella Qin knew several of Liancastle's old hands, and with their help, they easily coaxed every secret she knew out of her.
"Storm Cloud Bu is in Liancastle?" The Old Lord of Liancastle was genuinely surprised by the news.
Ever since Prince Nolan broke ties with Liancastle, he withdrew everyone familiar to him from the city, fearing Liancastle would target them. No one expected Storm Cloud Bu to remain—and for them to be completely unaware of it.
There's no denying it—Prince Nolan's actions are unpredictable. Even those who think they know him well can't guess his next move.
"Yes. From Miss Qin's words, I infer that Storm Cloud Bu is likely mingling with the people from Ghost Hall." The speaker claimed to be a subordinate, bowing politely, but his manner lacked true respect.
Liancastle was nearly lost to Lady Min. This man also serves Lady Min; although the Old Lord presides over the city, there are many matters he cannot decide.
"Ghost Hall? This move is brilliant indeed." Admiration flickered in the Old Lord of Liancastle's eyes; even as an opponent, he couldn't help but appreciate Prince Nolan's tactics.
"Brilliant, but it still can't escape Your Highness's grasp." The man spoke coldly. The Old Lord of Liancastle shuddered, fell silent, lowered his gaze to hide the sharpness in his eyes, and calmly asked, "Does Your Highness have any instructions?"
"Your Highness wants you, City Lord, to lure out Storm Cloud Bu and have Ghost Hall take action." Lady Min clearly intended to play both sides, hoping Prince Nolan and Ghost Hall would destroy each other.
"Ghost Hall? They're not fools," the Old Lord of Liancastle replied, doubting Lady Min's plan. Ghost Hall might cooperate with Prince Nolan, but they'd never work with us—their sworn enemies are the Former Dynasty royals.
"That's not our concern—it's Storm Cloud Bu's. If he can't do it, kill Bella Qin." The ones who know you best aren't friends, but former allies—now enemies.
Lady Min knew Prince Nolan's people and affairs too well—and exactly how to handle them.
After all, he had watched these children grow up. The Old Lord of Liancastle looked pained, but the messenger seemed to expect it: "Your Highness asked me to inform you, City Lord, that she will not take Prince Nolan's life."
"Understood," said the Old Lord. He knew this was the Princess Royal's bottom line—so long as Prince Nolan's life wasn't taken, she would stop at nothing.
In truth, the Old Lord had no choice. The moment Bella Qin was brought back to Night City, Lady Min's people spread the news. As long as Storm Cloud Bu remained in Liancastle, he was bound to come knocking.
Sure enough, that very night, Storm Cloud Bu—clad in black—appeared in Liancastle.
"I'm the one you want—let Bella go." Storm Cloud Bu and the Old Lord of Liancastle were old friends; he got straight to the point as soon as they met.
"Master Bu, you flatter me. Miss Qin had no one to care for her at Heaven's First Consortium, so I thought to bring her to Liancastle for your convenience." The Old Lord showed no more hesitation or compassion when facing Storm Cloud Bu.
Once the decision was made, any hesitation or wavering would only make one appear petty.
Bella is frail; Liancastle isn't the right place for her," Storm Cloud Bu worried inwardly, though he dared not show it on his face.
Knowing Storm Cloud Bu's straightforward nature, the Old Lord of Liancastle skipped subtlety. Seeing how much Storm Cloud Bu cared for Bella Qin, he got straight to the point: "Whether Miss Qin is suited for Liancastle is no longer up to you, Master Bu."
"What will it take, then?" Storm Cloud Bu had anticipated this before coming and wasn't surprised.
"I've heard Master Bu is highly valued in Ghost Hall. Would you accept my help?" The Lord of Liancastle offered terms. Storm Cloud Bu, relieved it had nothing to do with Prince Nolan, replied, "Please, go on."
"If Master Bu is so direct, I'll be blunt too. Her Highness needs you to pass a message to Ghost Hall: Prince Nolan's mother truly is a Former Dynasty princess. She's currently in the Imperial Temple and is the last person alive who knows the location of the Former Dynasty treasure." The Old Lord sighed after speaking.
Neither truly a mother, nor truly a son. The child is estranged from his mother; the mother schemes against her child. Such is the sorrow of royalty.
"What do you mean?" In a flash, Storm Cloud Bu's sword was pointed at the Old Lord of Liancastle.
No one saw how he drew his sword. By the time the guards—secretly protecting and watching the Old Lord—realized, Storm Cloud Bu's blade was already at the Old Lord's throat.
"Let Bella go, or I'll kill you." Storm Cloud Bu radiated a chilling, murderous aura, proving that the Master of Heaven's First Consortium was no mere title.