Night Visit and Secrets of the Menagerie Fire

Raising another two million taels sounds easy, but in reality, all of Vincent Su's silver is tied up in grain and business ventures, making it impossible to convert to ready cash.

How do you plan to raise it?" Lance Quinn asked.

I'll sell off our shops in remote areas, lower the price a bit, and they should move quickly," Vincent Su sighed.

This kind of short-sighted move is foolish, but Vincent had no other choice—he already poured too much silver into the last snow disaster.

Those shops won't fetch much silver, and you can't turn them into cash quickly. Leave the money problem to me," Lance said, immediately rejecting the idea.

You? Where are you going to get the silver?" Vincent asked, still skeptical. He managed all of Lance's money and doubted Lance had any private stash—certainly not that much.

Lance really didn't have that much silver, but he knew one place that did.

Under Vincent's expectant gaze, Lance uttered just two words: "Ministry of Revenue."

What? You're going to tap the Ministry of Revenue's silver?" Vincent gasped. "If they find out, the Minister will be in serious trouble."

Don't worry, I have a plan," Lance replied, a glint flashing in his eyes—though hidden by his mask. If Vincent had seen it, he would've felt sorry for certain people.

Vincent Su never doubted Lance Quinn; if Lance said he could handle it, Vincent wouldn't ask another question. With the silver problem solved, Vincent felt lighter and finally had the energy to discuss other matters.

Lance, the Black Riders have been stationed at the Imperial Mausoleum for a long time and know its layout inside out. When will they move? Their first open deployment is a big deal for both Vincent and Lance.

After a moment's thought, Lance said, "Five days from now, as planned. Leave no survivors. Then head straight for the Capital."

Understood. I'll pass on the orders," Vincent replied, nodding firmly. He didn't understand why Lance wanted the Black Riders in the Capital, but he never questioned Lance's commands.

Once they're at the Capital, arrange for their entry into the city," Lance added. This time, Vincent didn't agree right away but instead asked for help: "I'll need support."

As a merchant, he couldn't possibly sneak a thousand men into the Capital without anyone noticing.

Lance nodded, indicating that someone would assist Vincent when the time came.

With those two major matters settled, Lance turned to another person who was giving him a major headache.

What about Storm Cloud Bu? Any news?

Storm Cloud Bu had vanished again, and this time he'd done it perfectly. If Vincent hadn't needed to transfer silver from Heaven's First Consortium, neither Lance nor Vincent would have known that after leaving Mystic Healer Palace, Storm Cloud hadn't returned to the Consortium at all. The usual updates were coming from his deputy.

Sorry, Little Jingjing, your brother can't help you this time.

Vincent Su could tell Lance Quinn was angry and didn't dare hide anything. He immediately revealed Storm Cloud Bu's whereabouts.

No surprise—Storm Cloud Bu was in Liancastle, visiting Bella Qin.

Can't he show a little ambition?" Lance radiated icy anger, making Vincent Su shiver.

Vincent forced a bitter smile and didn't dare reply.

Lance criticized Storm Cloud Bu, but never reflected on himself. His recent showdowns with the Emperor weren't exactly the mark of ambition.

Lance knew what Vincent was thinking. Reflecting on his own recent actions and those to come, Lance's tone finally returned to normal.

Tell Storm Cloud Bu this is the last time. If he does it again, I'll cut off Bella Qin's medicine.

Lance always knew how to make Storm Cloud Bu obey. Vincent wiped his sweat and quickly nodded, promising to pass on the message. As for what Storm Cloud Bu would do, that was no longer his concern.

What about Brandon Bu? Any news from Northlyn? Today, Lance was oddly focused on early matters, making Vincent's heart race.

Brandon Bu discovered traces of people on Snow Peak in Northlyn. Suspecting they were Former-Dynasty Remnants, he took a risk to confirm it—his entire team was wiped out, and he was injured, now recuperating at the mountain’s base and requesting support. Vincent was relieved he’d kept track of these things; if Lance had asked and he hadn’t known, he’d be in trouble.

Former-Dynasty Remnants?" Lance’s eyes flashed cold. "Have you secured the Wang Clan’s smuggling route into Northlyn?" he asked.

No problem—it's ready to go anytime," Vincent replied, fully aware of Lance's intentions.

Good. Arrange to send supplies north as soon as possible—I’m sure the people of Northlyn will need them." Lance was preparing to support Brandon Bu and get news from Northlyn.

The words “Former-Dynasty Remnants” alone were enough for Lance to risk it all.

Understood," Vincent replied instantly. He didn’t need Lance to explain further—he’d take care of everything.

Lance had given orders for the major matters; he left the details entirely to Vincent and his advisers, trusting him and lightening his own load.

Around midnight, Lance left the Su Clan’s secret chamber. He’d planned to check on Serena at Feng Manor, but after a moment’s thought, he headed for the Imperial Palace instead.

No clues had turned up in the Menagerie fire case, so Lance decided to investigate the forbidden palace at night, hoping for a breakthrough.

No one knew the Imperial Palace layout better than Lance. He first visited the Emperor’s bedchamber, found it empty, then went to the imperial study.

Even though Lance was sure the Emperor wouldn’t be working late in the imperial study, he couldn’t be too careful.

Of course, the Emperor wasn’t there.

If the Emperor wasn’t in those two places, he was probably with one of his consorts. With so many new young consorts in the harem, how could he resist visiting one or two?

Normally, Lance could find out which palace the Emperor was in with a word, but today he didn’t bother—he knew the Menagerie fire was definitely not the Emperor’s doing.

Lance didn’t have a specific target. He visited the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort Helena Hsieh’s palaces, then wandered the harem, planning to make a full circuit—and actually stumbled on something.

It’s done, Your Ladyship. There’s no turning back now.

A deep male voice reached Lance’s ears. He stepped back, then vaulted lightly onto the roof, shifting a tile to peer inside.

Inside were Consort Purity, newly promoted by the Emperor, and a gray-clad man. Consort Purity’s usual charm was gone—her face was deathly pale.

Hearing the gray-clad man’s threat, Consort Purity refused to give in. Furious, she said, “No way out? I haven’t done anything!”

Now you want to clear your name? Isn’t it a little late?' scoffed the man in black, his face full of contempt.

Once you’re on the pirate ship, you don’t get off just because you want to…