Chapter 1: Unveiling the Emperor's List

The sky was just beginning to brighten, accompanied by a heavy sound, the majestic city gate slowly opened. The bustling crowd entered and exited the city gate, beginning a day of hustle and bustle.

A simple and understated carriage slowly made its way into the imperial city, stopping at the most conspicuous spot inside the city gate. As the carriage came to a stop, a girl dressed as a maid stepped down from the carriage and looked around. She respectfully spoke to the person inside the carriage, "Miss, the imperial notice has indeed been posted in the imperial city. Shall I tear one off for you to see?"

A nonchalant and lazy response came from inside the carriage, with a hint of a languid charm. However, because the voice was too soft, for a moment there was a feeling of ambiguity.

The appearance of the carriage was simple and unremarkable, looking like an ordinary carriage. However, as the maid and the person in the carriage finished their conversation and walked towards the notice posted on the wall, countless pairs of eyes suddenly turned towards them.

Even a pair of patrolling soldiers naturally noticed, their expressions changing as they walked over to intervene. However, they saw the girl in green reach out and decisively tear the imperial notice off the wall.

The onlookers were stunned.

Countless pairs of eyes on the streets of the imperial city were fixed on her actions, yet no one dared to approach her – including the patrolling soldiers.

The crowd silently watched the unfamiliar girl in green as she swiftly walked back to the carriage with the valuable yet symbolic imperial notice in hand.

Approaching the carriage, she lifted a corner of the curtain and handed the notice to the person inside, "Miss, the notice has been removed. Shall we go to the Prince Jin's Mansion now?"

She seemed oblivious to the obvious stares from the people on the imperial city streets.

Inside the carriage, there was still a faint and indifferent response. The girl in green received her instructions and lightly leaped to sit in the position of the coachman. She waved to the soldiers standing not far away, "Brother Officer, we are new here and don't know the way to Prince Jin's Mansion. Could you please show us the way? When we cure the prince's illness and receive our reward, we will definitely share it. Yes, one thousand taels for each of you, brothers."

Although dressed as a maid, her smile was enchanting, her eyes sparkling, leaving a favorable impression on those who saw her.

However...

The leading officer's face turned pale, as if he had a thousand words to say, but after several changes in expression, he didn't say a word. He simply nodded faintly and turned to lead the way.

The girl in green smiled at the sight, picked up the reins, and said, "Let's go!"

The carriage followed behind the patrolling soldiers, heading towards Prince Jin's Mansion.

Prince Jin was the most favored son of the current emperor, ranking ninth among the princes and holding the title of Prince Jin. There were countless legends about him in the imperial city.

The most important points could be summarized as follows:

First, the Ninth Prince had an unparalleled beauty, often wearing a red robe, and was greatly favored. However, he rarely showed his true face to outsiders.

Second, the Ninth Prince had a rebellious and reclusive personality, was ruthless and extremely arrogant, and never held anyone in high regard, from the emperor and empress dowager to the common people.

Third, the Ninth Prince had a very weak constitution and had been bedridden for years. The emperor had posted imperial notices far and wide, seeking renowned doctors to treat him, but to this day, no one had been able to cure his stubborn illness. On the contrary, many doctors had lost their lives because of it.

Fourth, the Prince Jin's Mansion was a dangerous place to enter and difficult to leave.