Chapter 4: 004 Secret

"Are you threatening this Crown Prince?" Ling Siye's hand, which was gripping Tang Meng's chin, suddenly tightened, causing Tang Meng to let out a cry of pain.

"Tang Meng only wishes to exchange secrets with the Crown Prince. The Emperor is still waiting for Tang Meng to discuss the Imperial City murder case; I hope Your Highness will not make things difficult for Tang Meng." She maintained her usual composed and unyielding demeanor.

The matter of her cross-dressing as a man was of great importance; she had to be cautious.

Though she had transmigrated here, she had long since merged with this identity. Tang Meng was her, and she was Tang Meng.

"Not a threat?" Ling Siye narrowed his eyes, staring at Tang Meng for a long time. The hand gripping her chin began to shift into a caress as he spoke again, "Exchange secrets?"

Tang Meng struggled to ignore the hand moving downward, forced a smile, and nodded.

"This Crown Prince demands one additional condition!" Ling Siye suddenly released her, his originally wicked tone turning cold all of a sudden.

Tang Meng frowned, having a bad premonition in her heart.

"Capture that Jade-Faced Wood Fox alive for this Crown Prince!" Ling Siye's deep eyes were filled with nothing but coldness.

Tang Meng continued to frown and said, "Your Highness, the Emperor has already issued orders. Regarding the capture of the Jade-Faced Wood Fox, Tang Meng will naturally do her utmost."

"It seems you still do not understand what this Crown Prince means." Ling Siye appeared quite helpless as he shook his head.

A flash went through Tang Meng's eyes as she understood. She immediately showed a look of difficulty and said with hesitation, "Your Highness, the Jade-Faced Wood Fox is a wanted criminal specifically named by the Emperor. It would be inappropriate for you to act this way!"

Ling Siye spread his hands and said, "Then it seems this deal cannot be made."

Tang Meng said nothing.

"Someone, take her out." As soon as Ling Siye's words fell, two maids in black appeared from out of nowhere. Both wore long black dresses and black veils that covered their faces, making their fair skin appear even more delicate. Even without seeing their true faces, one could vaguely guess they possessed celestial beauty.

"Wait a moment!" Tang Meng finally compromised. "I will agree to Your Highness's terms. I only hope Your Highness keeps his promise."

"Bring the Jade-Faced Wood Fox before this Crown Prince first, then come talk to me about promises." Ling Siye smiled very warmly, but in Tang Meng's eyes, it was quite hypocritical.

"This Crown Prince will only give you three days. If you fail to catch the person, do not blame me..." As he spoke, his large hand moved toward Tang Meng's waist again.

Before his demonic claws could touch her, Tang Meng retreated several steps. She constantly saw a sense of ill intent in his eyes—a very strong sense of ill intent.

"Tang Meng will do her best."

With only three days, it seemed she truly had no choice but to use any means necessary. She had originally wanted to stall for time with the Emperor and investigate the case properly through legitimate means and channels!

Ling Siye did not move; he merely watched her with a somewhat eerie expression and said, "I believe Lady Tang Meng will certainly not disappoint this Crown Prince."

Those four words, "Lady Tang Meng," finally put Tang Meng at ease.

"Your Highness, the Emperor must be searching everywhere for Tang Meng by now. If there is nothing else, Tang Meng shall take her leave." She had been wondering for a long time where this place was. Looking at the scenery outside the window, it seemed to be an extremely secluded canyon. If Ling Siye truly intended to trap her here, she feared even Tang Ying would be unable to find her.

As she thought about it, she suddenly felt terrified.

How could she let even Tang Ying be unable to find her? For these past few years, it had always been him protecting her.

"Are you not curious as to why this Crown Prince wants the Jade-Faced Wood Fox?" Ling Siye did not seem to intend to let her go yet.

"Tang Meng has no interest in things that do not concern her." It was her principle: if it had nothing to do with her, she would not trouble her mind. She was naturally not a very curious person; the more one knew, the more trouble it often brought.

"Indeed, it is something you shouldn't know!" He still wore a harmless smile.

Tang Meng returned a faint smile, but suddenly felt dizzy. Her vision went black, and she completely lost consciousness.

Ling Siye looked at the unconscious girl in his arms, a cold sneer curling his thin lips. His thumb caressed that beautiful cheek, studying her closely for a moment before handing her over to the two black-clad maids from before.

This woman could actually cross-dress as a man for so many years and deceive so many people; she was truly interesting!

He was not in any hurry; there would be plenty of time in the future to slowly and deeply understand her.

Things that piqued his interest—whether people or objects—he enjoyed playing with them slowly, only letting go once he grew bored.

The two dark-shadowed maids led Tang Meng away, and the large room suddenly fell silent.

At that moment, a sweet singing voice drifted from the natural hot spring pool outside. Ling Siye glanced toward the pool outside, and the gloom in his eyes slowly surfaced.

The singer was a woman. Her voice was sweet, much like the low hum of a dolphin, making the lyrics indistinguishable from the common language.

The woman's lower body was submerged in the hot spring, leaning against the bank. She was as beautiful as a flower, but upon closer inspection, one would discover that the lower half of her body submerged in the water was actually a fish tail, with golden scales shimmering brilliantly in the water, exquisitely beautiful.

She was the Merfolk, Yun Xi, trapped here, unable to escape despite trying every possible method.

By water? This hot spring pool was completely enclosed, not connected to rivers or seas; there was no way to escape by swimming.

By land? She had searched for an entire month and could not find an exit at all. There were steep cliffs in every direction; even with wings, she could not fly away.

At that moment, footsteps approached.

Yun Xi hurriedly dove into the water, her body trembling uncontrollably. Every time she encountered that man's gaze, she felt fear. It was clear that he wanted her eyes—the eyes of a Merfolk, the priceless Green Jade Pearls.