Chapter 1331: Returning in a Petulant Mood

A group of warriors in fine silver armor filed in. Each was tall and slender, extraordinarily handsome, with an emerald green bow slung across their back and slightly pointed ears, clearly members of the Elven Tribe.

The leader had a full head of silver hair, yet his face was as smooth as a young man's, and his eyes were sharp and clear, showing no hint of age.

Old Wu recognized him as Qiao Wei, one of the Eight Elders of the Elven Royal Mansion, and couldn't help but frown slightly. Why would people from the Elven Royal Mansion be here?

Yesterday, the Crown Prince had given the Elven Snow Princess that kind of medicine. She was later taken away by an assassin, her fate unknown, but it was highly likely her virtue was compromised. Could the Elven Royal Mansion have received the news and come to demand an explanation from them?

No, that's not right. Even if they wanted to demand an explanation, they should go to the Crown Prince.

Qiao Wei was also startled to see Old Wu and the Golden Crow Guards. He couldn't help but ask, "Ah, it's Old Wu. Why are you here?"

"That's exactly what I wanted to ask you," Old Wu replied. Hearing his tone was relatively normal, Old Wu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although his cultivation was higher than the other's, the consequences would be disastrous if he forced the Elven Royal Mansion to rebel.

Qiao Wei answered, "Oh, the Elven Royal Mansion learned that the Medusa Queen had arrived at the Royal Court, so they specifically sent me to offer greetings."

Old Wu's expression changed. He hadn't expected the Medusa Queen to have such a good relationship with the Elven Royal Mansion. Things were going to be difficult to handle now.

Yu Yanluo was somewhat puzzled. She had never had much interaction with the Elven Royal Mansion, so why would they come to show goodwill?

In the inner room, Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue were also discussing this issue. Finally, Yan Xuehen said, "I can sense a familiar aura from this Elven Elder, somewhat similar to Qiao Heng from the Marquis Sui's tomb. If not father and son, they must be close relatives."

"So that's it," Yun Jianyue knew the special nature of Yan Xuehen's cultivation method and did not doubt her ability to perceive auras. "I didn't expect Zu An's casual act of saving someone back then would bring such a return today."

Just then, Qiao Wei asked doubtfully, "Could it be that Old Wu was also entrusted by the Demon Emperor to visit the Medusa Queen?"

Old Wu was momentarily speechless. Should he say he was here to arrest her for trial?

At that moment, there was more movement at the door, and a high-pitched voice called out, "Oh, it's quite lively here!"

Everyone turned to look and saw a short person enter, wearing a comical official hat and with two curved whiskers at his mouth. He seemed somewhat hunchbacked, stooping as he walked. Upon closer inspection, it became clear he was carrying a large pot on his back.

Behind him followed a group of guards, who were noticeably more robust and taller than him. Their armor emitted a faint blue glow. Many of the guards had intricate and exquisite armor around the corners of their eyes, necks, and wrists. On closer inspection, it wasn't armor at all, but clearly something resembling fish scales.

"The Sea Tribe!"

Everyone immediately realized who they were. The identity of the leader was also obvious: one of the Sea Tribe's representatives to the Royal Court this time—the Tortoise Prime Minister!

Old Wu's expression subtly changed, because he noticed the guards were all holding many brocade boxes, clearly gifts. When did the Serpent Tribe get involved with the Sea Tribe?

The Tortoise Prime Minister was extremely smooth in his dealings. Upon entering, he greeted everyone warmly, not slighting anyone.

Old Wu cleared his throat. "Prime Minister Gui, what brings you here this time?"

The Tortoise Prime Minister had paid respects to the Demon Emperor and Crown Prince when he first entered the palace, so they had met once before.

"I am here on my master's orders to deliver some daily necessities to the Medusa Queen, so she won't be inconvenienced during her first visit to the Royal Court," the Tortoise Prime Minister said with a smile.

Members of the various tribes looked at each other in surprise. Among the demon races, the Sea Tribe held an exceptional position because they were numerous in population and extremely powerful. Even the Demon Emperor treated the Dragon King with courtesy.

They hadn't expected even the Sea Tribe to favor the Serpent Tribe. It seemed they were right to try and strengthen their ties with the Serpent Tribe this time.

In the inner room, Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue exchanged a look, wondering how Yu Yanluo's popularity could be so good that even the Sea Tribe would show her such respect.

Both women became worried simultaneously. One was worried for her disciple, and the other... was also worried for her disciple.

Yu Yanluo, on the other hand, was at a loss. The Serpent Tribe and the Sea Tribe might have had some past dealings, but they had clearly lost contact in recent decades. Why would they suddenly show such goodwill?

Suddenly, a thought stirred in her heart. She remembered that in Qingqiu Country, the Dragon King's ninth son, Chi Wen, was defeated by Zu An. Then, at his aunt's strong advocacy, many divine artifacts were used to buy his life back. At the time, she had marveled at the extraordinary relationship between his aunt and Zu An. It seemed the Tortoise Prime Minister's visit today must also be because of her.

Sigh, with so many wonderful women, it would be impossible to create any drama later.

Learning of the situation here through the jade cong, Zu An was somewhat distracted. Did Shang Liuyu know what had happened these past two days and was worried it would affect things here, so she specifically sent someone? What a thoughtful and considerate person.

"Why is Old Wu here as well?" the Tortoise Prime Minister's voice chimed in. "Are you here on behalf of the Demon Emperor and Crown Prince to visit the Medusa Queen? Speaking of which, I remember the previous Medusa Queen and the Demon Emperor were friends."

Everyone present was startled. The matter of the previous Medusa Queen was very distant, and many present were unaware of this connection; only long-lived beings like the Tortoise Prime Minister would know.

Old Wu's expression became awkward. How many times had he been asked this question now?

If it were just those small and medium tribes, he could just arrest her. But now, with the goodwill shown by the Peacock Royal Family, Elven Royal Family, and Sea Tribe, how could he act under the watchful eyes of all these people? A careless move could lead to a serious diplomatic incident, one that even the Crown Prince couldn't bear the consequences of. So he cleared his throat. "The Medusa Queen is right. That person likely doesn't dare to come to the Royal Court. It seems our previous investigation direction was wrong. We'll go back and look for other clues now. In the future, if we have any questions, we hope the Medusa Queen will cooperate."

Yu Yanluo smiled slightly. "Of course."

Though Old Wu was displeased, he could only leave with the Golden Crow Guards.

After he left, the courtyard immediately erupted in discussion. Everyone was discussing what had just happened and then started talking about the assassin in the palace last night.

However, they weren't that familiar with each other and didn't dare to speak carelessly in public to avoid leaving any leverage.

The group chatted for a while, then one by one took their leave. From start to finish, Yu Yanluo managed everything well, making each of them feel valued.

Seeing this, Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue both sighed in admiration. Their social skills were far inferior to hers.

When most of the guests had left, Zu An quietly returned to the courtyard.

After seeing him, the three women finally breathed a sigh of relief, but quickly put on stern faces and pulled him into the room to interrogate him about what happened last night.

He had no choice but to tell the truth. Learning he went to save the Elven Snow Princess, the three women's expressions turned strange. After a long moment, they finally exhaled:

"How come you have women everywhere you go?"