Chapter 1196: To make a fool of (2/2)

Both Han Yunxi and Long Feiye exchanged looks before she asked, “When was this?”

“Three months ago,” Mu Linger replied.

Long Feiye’s face froze over. What a Ning Cheng. He never mentioned something so huge. It also reminded him that he had no men of his own in Northern Li! There were plenty of possible candidates, but few were suitable for Northern Li. Now it looked like he’d have to send a few counselors into the military.

“Is Jin Zi coming back? Who’s been looking after the Black Clan for the past few months?” Han Yunxi asked hastily.

Mu Linger knew nothing about the military. She only knew that everything had been stable for the last three months.

Jin Zi’s gone and so is Ning Cheng. Who are we supposed to find to clean up the mess in Northern Li now? If Ning Cheng wanted to leave long ago, why did he accept the Northern Li expedition in the first place?

While Long Feiye was wondering whether he’d misjudged the man, Chu Xifeng came back with a surprising piece of news.

“Your Highness, Jin Zi requests an audience!” he had bumped into the way on his way out and was highly curious whether Jin Zi was here to see Mu Linger.

Long Feiye and Han Yunxi both looked at Mu Linger, who only seemed lost. “Ning Cheng...Ning Cheng said he’s been gone for three months! I only saw him once then, no more.”

“What’s he here for?” Long Feiye asked.

“He said he wanted to see the princess to collect her debt,” Chu Xifeng said hastily.

Collect debts? What did Han Yunxi owe Jin Zi? Everyone was confused, so Long Feiye immediately ordered Chu Xifeng to bring the man inside. Mu Linger’s gaze was evasive. She wanted to back out, but thought carefully and realized their appointment date had long passed. Jin Zi shouldn’t cause trouble for me here.

Still, Mu Linger wanted to leave. She was always straightforward and feared nothing, but at some point she started fearing meeting Jin Zi.

“Big sis, I’m leaving now…” Mu Linger muttered.

“What, you don’t want to marry him anymore?” Han Yunxi asked back.

Mu Linger finally realized her big sister had always held suspicions about her and Jin Zi! She looked away and said, “Not anymore...I, I don’t want to marry anyone so early! Since..since I’m fine, why do I have to get someone to look after me?”

“You really don’t want to marry?” Han Yunxi asked seriously.

“Really! Back then--back then I was just hotheaded. Now I don’t like Jin Zi anymore,” Mu Linger explained.

“Then you sit down. If Jin Zi starts demanding you from me, you can clarify things to his face. Otherwise, he might really think I owe him in the future!” Han Yunxi’s expression was stern. Mu Linger didn’t dare flee, but sat down in a chair.

Soon enough, Chu Xifeng brought Jin Zi inside. He was very thin and dressed in black robes, his hair cut short like the foreigners while faint bangs obscured his eyes. He stood tall with a cold expression. Although he knew Mu Linger was here, he never expected to see her in this room. Clearly surprised, he quickly ignored the feeling and greeted Long Feiye and Han Yunxi. “Your Highness, princess.”

“Where’s Ning Cheng?” Long Feiye asked.

“I want to know too. Unfortunately, I can’t find him,” Jin Zi intoned. “I’m here to collect my debt from the princess!” As Jin Zi looked towards Han Yunxi, Mu Linger, who was sitting by her side, lowered her head.

“What do I owe you?” Han Yunxi asked icily.

Mu Linger was calm, but once she heard Jin Zi’s words, she began to feel nervous and clenched at her handkerchief. But Jin Zi only said, “The debt is Ning Cheng’s. Since he ran off, I can only seek payment from you.”

Huh…

He’s not here because of us? Mu Linger subconsciously looked up at Jin Zi, only to see that Jin Zi’s gaze was calm and cool. He didn’t stare at her like before as if she was his prey.

1. I’m not sure if I’m missing something but didn’t an earlier chapter point out that LFY did by making that bet with NC to conquer Northern Li undefeated all by himself?