The frail counselor you said, you fight against three heroes alone?

Xi Yu slowly stepped into the temple fair, and the scene before him instantly dazzled him.

There are crowds of people here and the noise is constant.

The roadsides are lined with colorful stalls, and the stall owners are shouting enthusiastically, attracting passers-by.

Some stalls are filled with exquisite handicrafts, lifelike wood carvings and unique hand-woven accessories; some stalls display a variety of special snacks, which are fragrant and mouth-watering.

In the crowd, children in brightly colored clothes were running and laughing, holding colorful windmills and candied haws in their hands.

Young girls walked together, admiring the exquisite ornaments and laughing happily from time to time.

The old people walked slowly, watching the lively scene, with satisfied smiles on their faces.

Not far away, on a makeshift stage, actors were performing wonderful operas with melodious singing and graceful movements, attracting many audiences to stop and watch.

In the open space next to it, jugglers were performing difficult moves, drawing cheers from the audience.

The whole temple fair was bustling and filled with the strong smell of fireworks.

Xi Yu stood in the gradually deserted temple fair, his eyes constantly searching for the figure of Mrs. Huang in the crowd, but after looking at one person after another, none of them looked like the person he was looking for.

After a while, the sky suddenly became gloomy, and dark clouds rolled in the sky like ink.

The wind gradually grew stronger, making the flags on the stalls flutter.

Xi Yu watched as many people began to leave in a hurry, and the temple fair slowly dispersed.

He hurriedly found a place to shelter from the rain. Raindrops as big as beans began to fall, splashing water on the ground.

Standing under the eaves, Xi Yu suddenly wondered why he didn't go to Huang's house to take shelter from the rain?
So he began to ask the people around him who had not left yet where the Huang family was.

A fish vendor pointed to a street in the distance and said, "Go straight along that road, turn right at the third intersection, and you will see the Huang family's gate."

Xi Yu thanked the vendor, looked at the rain, and had a direction in his mind.

He tightened his clothes and prepared to go to the Huang family.

Xi Yu came to the Huang family's door and knocked on it hurriedly.

The rain slid down his hair and part of his clothes was wet.

The doorman opened the door and Xi Yu quickly explained his purpose, wanting to take shelter from the rain.

The doorman looked him up and let him into the Huang family's house.

Xi Yu was filled with gratitude and thanked him repeatedly.

After a short pause, Xi Yu thought and asked, "Is there a Xu Dabao here?"

When the doorman heard the name, his face immediately turned grim.

"There's a guy called Xu Dabao, a pretty boy who does nothing every day but is doted on by the lady. Everyone has something against him." The doorman's tone was full of dissatisfaction.

After a while, Xi Yu had an idea and asked if he could meet the lady.

The concierge looked at him suspiciously and asked, "Why do you want to see the lady?"

Xi Yu was slightly startled, then said frankly: "I came here to take shelter from the rain. Although it is your credit, it is in the Huang family after all, so I should thank the owner."

The concierge thought it made sense, nodded slightly, and said, "Well, when the rain stops, I can take you to see the lady."

Xi Yu felt relieved and sat aside quietly waiting for the rain to stop. The raindrops hit the ground with a crackling sound, splashing crystal water.

Time passed slowly as I waited, and the rain gradually subsided.

After a while, the rain became much lighter. Xi Yu hurriedly got up and asked the doorman to take him to see the lady.

After a moment's hesitation, the doorman agreed and led Xi Yu on his journey.

They passed through a winding corridor with carved beams and painted buildings. Raindrops dripped from the eaves, making crisp sounds.

As they walked, they came to a wing room. Before they got close, they heard laughter and chatter from inside.

Xi Yu was slightly startled and slowed down his pace.

The doorman's expression turned grim again, and he curled his lips slightly.

When they approached the wing room, they saw through the half-open window that Xu Dabao was gently massaging a woman's back. The woman's face was filled with joy. It was Mrs. Linglong from the Huang family.

Xu Dabao had a flattering smile on his face, while Linglong closed her eyes, enjoying the comfort to the fullest, as if everything around them had nothing to do with them.

The concierge knocked gently on the door and said respectfully, "Madam, someone is looking for you."

Linglong opened her eyes slightly and whispered to Xu Dabao to open the door.

Xu Dabao responded, put down what he was doing, stood up and walked towards the door.

As the door slowly opened, Xi Yu glanced at Xu Dabao.

Sure enough, as the doorman said, Xu Dabao was born with a good-looking appearance, fair complexion, delicate features, and indeed looked like a pretty boy.

When Xu Dabao saw Xi Yu, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes and he looked him up and down.

Xi Yu nodded slightly as a greeting.

Xu Dabao frowned, turned to Linglong and said, "Madam, it's a stranger."

Linglong was slightly curious when she heard this, and said, "Please ask him to come in."

The moment Xiyu walked into the room and saw Linglong, he was very excited.

The woman in front of him looked exactly like the one in the portrait. He was almost certain that she was the Parthian princess.

Xi Yu calmed down and said, "Madam, I am here to take shelter from the rain. Although it was the concierge who asked me to take shelter from the rain, I must pay my respects to the host to express my gratitude."

Linglong smiled slightly and said, "You're welcome."

Her voice was gentle and melodious, like the spring breeze. Then she added, "Just sit anywhere."

Xi Yu found a seat and sat down as he was told, but his mind was filled with thoughts.

Xi Yu sat down aside, completely unaware of Xu Dabao's inner displeasure.

Xu Dabao was very unhappy. He felt that the lady was just pretending to give in. He didn't expect this person to be so sincere. Linglong ordered, "Dabao, hurry up and get some tea."

Xi Yu was not polite and did not stop Linglong's arrangement, which made Xu Dabao even more dissatisfied.

He gritted his teeth secretly, but did not dare to disobey Linglong's order, so he had to prepare tea reluctantly.

Xu Dabao walked while muttering to himself that the arrival of this uninvited guest disrupted his peaceful time with Linglong, and he didn't know what this person's purpose was.

Xi Yu sat there, but his mind was not on Xu Dabao at all. His eyes fell on Linglong from time to time, thinking about how to confirm her identity as the princess of Parthia and what to do next.

After taking a few sips of tea, Xi Yu put down the teacup and asked to talk to Mrs. Huang alone. He said it was not appropriate to do so in the house. Seeing a pavilion outside, he suggested going there.

When Xu Dabao heard this, he immediately shouted angrily: "How outrageous!" His eyes were wide open, and his face was full of anger and dissatisfaction.

Linglong raised her hand to signal Xu Dabao to stop talking.

She looked at Xi Yu curiously and asked, "Why do you want to talk to me? What do you want to talk about?" Her eyes were full of confusion and vigilance.

Xi Yu hesitated for a moment, then carefully considered his words and said, "Madam, this matter is of great importance. I can only talk to you alone. Please believe that I have no ill intentions."

Linglong frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and nodded.

"Okay, let's go to the pavilion." She stood up and walked slowly outside.

Although Xu Dabao was reluctant, he did not dare to disobey Linglong's decision. He could only glare at Xi Yu and follow behind.

The three of them came to the pavilion. The rain had stopped completely and the air was filled with a fresh scent.

Xi Yu looked at Ling Long and said sincerely again: "Madam, I came here this time because I do have something important to tell you. This matter is extremely confidential, so it might be better to talk to you in private."

Linglong pointed at Xu Dabao with a firm look and said, "He is my confidant. With him by my side, there is no need to worry. If you have anything to say, just say it."

Xiyu had no choice but to agree. Linglong looked at Xiyu, waiting for him to speak. Xiyu took a deep breath and said slowly: "Madam, I came here to confirm something very important. I heard that you look very similar to the princess of Parthia. And I have been looking for the princess of Parthia..."

When Linglong heard this, her expression changed slightly, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes.

She was silent for a moment, then said, "Why are you looking for the princess of Parthia? Who are you?"

Xi Yu looked at Ling Long and said solemnly, "Madam, this is a long story. I was asked by someone to come and look for the princess of Parthia."

After hearing what Xiyu said, Linglong chuckled and said, "You are joking. How could I be a princess?"

However, Xi Yu looked at her firmly and said, "The eyes cannot deceive people. When I asked, Madam's reaction was unusual. Although I don't know what is going on, I hope Madam can admit it."

Xi Yu just stared at Mrs. Huang with his eyes.

Linglong was very unhappy, her face darkened, and she said, "Your groundless speculation is really annoying. I'm not feeling well, so I'll leave you alone."

As she said this, she prepared to stand up and leave.

Seeing this, Xu Dabao hurried forward to support Linglong, glared at Xiyu fiercely, and said, "Hurry up and get out of the way. Madam is not feeling well and needs to rest."

Xiyu stood there, watching Linglong's departing back, his heart filled with confusion and unwillingness.

He knew that his guess must have touched some secrets deep in Linglong's heart, but why didn't she admit it? Xi Yu secretly made up his mind to find out the reason.

Xi Yu looked at Ling Long and Xu Da Bao helplessly and spoke again

Xi Yu stood up and said, "Madam, since we have come to this point, I will not bother you any more and will take my leave first."

After saying this, he bowed slightly, turned around and prepared to leave.

Linglong looked at Xiyu's departing back, and suddenly felt an inexplicable uneasiness in her heart.

She hurried back to the room, came out after a moment, and told Xu Dabao, "Dabao, call him back to me."

Xu Dabao was puzzled and asked, "Madam, why did you ask him to come back? He came here for no reason and spoke strangely. He might cause us trouble."

Linglong frowned slightly and said, "Go if I tell you to. Just do as I say."

Although Xu Dabao was reluctant, he did not dare to disobey Linglong's order, so he had to chase after her quickly and call out to Xi Yu.

"Hey, wait a minute, the lady asked you to go back."

Xi Yu stopped and followed Xu Dabao back to Linglong.

Xi Yu felt more confident at this time. He raised his chin slightly and asked, "Is there anything else, Madam Huang? I have to go back quickly. I still have a lot of things to do at home."

Linglong's eyes shone, and then she said to Xiyu, "Wait a moment."

Then she turned to look at Xu Dabao and ordered, "Dabao, you step back."

Xu Dabao was very reluctant, but he could only respond: "Yes, ma'am."

He slowly backed out, but he did not go far. Instead, he quietly eavesdropped on the movements inside at the door.

Xi Yu just stood there, not saying a word.

Linglong saw that he was silent and asked, "Why don't you speak?"

Xi Yu said calmly: "Because someone is eavesdropping."

Linglong then noticed something unusual outside. She walked to the door and glared at Xu Dabao.

Seeing that he was discovered, Xu Dabao had to leave in disappointment.

Linglong returned to Xiyu and said, "You can tell me now."

Xi Yu raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and laughed, saying: "Madam, you are the one who called me back this time, why are you asking me what I want to say?"

Linglong coughed lightly to hide her embarrassment, and then asked, "Who are you? Why do you say I am the princess of Parthia?"

Xi Yu narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "Since Madam is not a princess of the Parthian Empire, why do you have to ask so many questions?"

Linglong was speechless for a moment. After a moment of silence, she continued, "You brought up this matter for no reason, so I have to ask you clearly. If you don't explain clearly, don't even think about leaving today."

Xiyu looked at Linglong's somewhat annoyed expression and laughed secretly in his heart. He knew that he had successfully aroused Linglong's curiosity and nervousness.

He said slowly, "Madam, I am an ordinary person. I happened to hear some rumors about the princess of Parthia. Your appearance is very similar to the princess in the rumors, so I made a bold guess. As for why I am so concerned about the princess of Parthia, it is because I was asked to do so."

Linglong frowned and asked, "You were entrusted by someone? Who entrusted you? What was the matter?"

Xi Yu shook his head slightly and said, "Madam, this involves some confidential matters, and I cannot tell you for the time being. But I can assure you that I have no ill intentions. If Madam is really not the princess of Parthia, then this matter has nothing to do with Madam, and I will leave and not bother you anymore."

Linglong fell into deep thought, she didn't know whether she should believe Xiyu's words.

She was filled with doubts and uneasiness. Who was this person who suddenly appeared? What was his purpose?
Suddenly, Linglong burst into laughter. Her smile was like a flower blooming in spring, bright yet with a hint of elusive meaning.

"In that case, let's not discuss this issue. It's fate that you can come here, so why don't you stay here first, and I will do my best to be a good host."

Xi Yu's heart moved slightly. He naturally understood that Linglong's behavior was not just simple hospitality. She might have murderous intentions towards him.

However, Xi Yu was not afraid, as he knew that staying here would allow him to better investigate the situation.

So, he said frankly: "In that case, I will stay. Thank you, madam, for your hospitality."

Linglong nodded slightly and said, "Then I'll have someone prepare a room for you. I'll treat you to a banquet tonight."

Xiyu also readily agreed.

He looked at Linglong, secretly calculating what might happen next, while also being alert to any movement around him.

After Xiyu was settled, Xu Dabao soon learned about this. He hurried to Linglong and asked with confusion and worry on his face: "Madam, who is this person? Why do you keep him at home?"

Linglong frowned slightly and said firmly, "Don't worry about my decision."

When Xu Dabao heard this, he immediately pretended to be angry, with a tone of grievance: "Madam, do you not like me anymore?"

Seeing this, Linglong immediately comforted him and said gently, "How is this possible? Don't let your imagination run wild."

She gently held Xu Dabao's hand, her eyes full of tenderness.

Xu Dabao felt slightly relieved, but his vigilance towards Xi Yu did not diminish in the slightest.

He secretly wondered what kind of changes this sudden intrusion of Xi Yu would bring to them.

After a while, Xu Dabao came to the gatehouse, his face gloomy, and asked coldly: "Who is that person taking shelter from the rain? What is his purpose?"

The concierge looked confused and said quickly, "I don't know either. He was a man who came to take shelter from the rain."

There was a gleam of ruthlessness in Xu Dabao's eyes, and he warned coldly: "If this person really has any illegal purpose, I will not let you go." After that, he turned and left.

The concierge was particularly angry as he watched Xu Dabao leave. He cursed in his heart, "What kind of person is this? He is so arrogant and domineering relying on the madam's favor. Humph, I will teach you a lesson when I get the chance."

The doorman became angrier and angrier, but there was nothing he could do. He could only pray silently in his heart that Xi Yu would not cause any trouble.

Soon, night fell and the Huang family's courtyard was brightly lit. Linglong arranged a sumptuous banquet to entertain Xiyu.

Xu Dabao looked unhappy, but he had to be responsible for the reception and sat down reluctantly.

At the banquet, Linglong was all smiles and kept urging Xiyu to drink.

Behind her gentle smile, there was an unspeakable purpose - to get Xi Yu drunk and then extract information from him.

Xi Yu looked at Linglong's enthusiasm and understood what was going on, but he remained calm. He picked up the wine glass, took a sip occasionally, and a hint of vigilance flashed in his eyes.

Xu Dabao sat aside with a gloomy face, glaring at Xi Yu from time to time, as if blaming him for his appearance and destroying the original tranquility.

Xi Yu put down his wine glass, smiled modestly, and said, "Madam, you are too polite. I came here to take shelter from the rain, but I didn't expect to be treated so warmly. I am really flattered."

Linglong waved her hand slightly, with a smile in her eyes, and said: "Guests from afar should be entertained. You don't have to be polite, just enjoy it." Her voice was gentle and graceful, as if it could melt people's hearts.

Xi Yu said, "Madam, the Huang family is really magnificent. I believe they are also a well-known and wealthy family in this city."

Linglong smiled and said, "The Huang family is somewhat famous in this city. However, this is all the family property accumulated by our ancestors." A hint of pride flashed in her eyes. (End of this chapter)