Chapter 281 - 114: Just Know I’m Good to You, and I Really Owe Him a Favor?

In the reception hall, Ye Ming’s expression was composed and calm. A serving girl at his side poured him some tea, informed him that her mistress was on her way, and then respectfully withdrew.

’Old Ghost, have you found anything?’ he asked inwardly.

’What could I possibly find? Before I see her in person, how can I determine her origins?’ the Old Ghost retorted irritably.

Ye Ming understood this, so he didn’t press the matter.

Soon, a figure in a wide robe approached from outside the reception hall. Though dressed as a male scholar, her feminine charm was impossible to hide.

Ye Ming gave her a single glance before looking away, rising to his feet and clasping his hands in a salute. "I am Zhang Yuan. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

Shang Mingyu waved her hand. "There’s no need for such formalities, Mr. Zhang Yuan. May I ask why you’ve come looking for me?"

She got straight to the point, unwilling to waste any breath. Although the man before her had an air of mystery and extraordinariness about him, he was not Jiang Lan, and thus not worthy of her excessive attention.

Ye Ming noticed Shang Mingyu’s casual air but paid it no mind. He said directly, "I’ve come to make a trade with you. The Exotic Stone you want is now in my hands. I’m sure you’re aware of this."

Shang Mingyu sat down beside him with poise and grace. Hearing his words, she lifted her chin and gave a slight nod, gesturing for him to continue.

Ye Ming glanced at the group of serving girls in the reception hall.

Shang Mingyu understood his meaning and waved her hand, dismissing everyone.

"I intend to give that Exotic Stone to you..." Ye Ming finally said.

"Hmm?"

Shang Mingyu was stunned for a moment, then almost wondered if she had misheard him.

’This guy spent a Life-extending Divine Object to win the Exotic Stone, and he intends to just give it to me?’

However, she quickly composed herself and said with a faint smile, "Oh? And why is that?"

’There’s no such thing as a free lunch.’ This "Zhang Yuan" was being so generous; he must have an ulterior motive.

"With my current status and strength, I’m bound to be unable to hold on to that Exotic Stone," Ye Ming said frankly. "So I figured, why not give it directly to you in exchange for a favor?"

Shang Mingyu watched him with great interest, as if trying to determine whether he was telling the truth.

"That’s quite a valuable favor you’re offering, Mr. Zhang Yuan. I’m afraid I might not be able to repay it," she said with a smile, not agreeing outright.

Although she was indeed determined to obtain the Exotic Stone, how could she willingly jump into such an obvious trap?

Just as this "Zhang Yuan" before her had said, his strength was insufficient to protect the Exotic Stone. Even if he won it at the auction, it was destined to become a hot potato.

"I’m rather curious, Mr. Zhang Yuan, why not give the Exotic Stone directly to that young master from the Prime Minister’s Mansion? A favor from him would surely be more useful than one from me."

"If you curry favor with him, wouldn’t you be able to do as you please in this Imperial Capital?" Shang Mingyu asked.

Ye Ming seemed to have anticipated her question. His expression remained nonchalant as he said, "The only reason I bid on that Exotic Stone was to prevent Jiang Lan, the young master of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, from getting it. I have no interest in the stone itself."

Hearing this, Shang Mingyu’s eyes narrowed slightly. This was getting more and more interesting.

’This rather mysterious "Zhang Yuan" really does have a grudge against Jiang Lan.’

’Is he trying to win me over to deal with Jiang Lan together?’

In just an instant, Shang Mingyu had already guessed Ye Ming’s true motive. He had seen her clashing with Jiang Lan at the auction.

’Jiang Lan threatened me in public, making an enemy of me. And he, for some reason of his own, also holds a grudge against Jiang Lan. Is that why he’s trying to win me over and put me in his debt?’

Shang Mingyu scoffed inwardly, finding it rather amusing. ’Does this "Zhang Yuan" really think I can’t get my priorities straight?’

At the same time, a chill ran through her. Jiang Lan had actually anticipated all of this.

"I see."

On the surface, however, she still feigned a look of surprise. She nodded and asked, "Mr. Zhang Yuan, you wish to ally with me to deal with the young master of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, is that correct?"

Ye Ming nodded. "You’re a clever woman. You should know what’s inside that Exotic Stone. Right now, I could just as easily hand it over to the Great Xia Royal Family in exchange for some official position and seek their protection. But I suspect you wouldn’t want me to do that..."

Shang Mingyu’s expression changed slightly. After hearing these words, she finally shed the disdain she held for Ye Ming.

His deliberate mention of the Great Xia Royal Family was definitely intentional.

"Mr. Zhang Yuan, do you know what’s inside the Exotic Stone?" she asked.

Ye Ming was blunt. "I don’t know exactly what it is. But for something related to the Ancient Celestial Emperor, I imagine the Great Xia Royal Family would be very interested."

Shang Mingyu’s eyes narrowed sharply, and a dangerous aura began to fill the air.

A chill ran down Ye Ming’s spine, but he forced himself to remain calm.

He hadn’t expected that this Shang Mingyu, despite her youthful appearance, was already at the Seventh Realm of power.

’Her real age is definitely not as simple as it looks.’

"What is the meaning of this, miss? Are you thinking of killing me to silence me? If you do that, however, you might not get the Exotic Stone."

"And if we cause a commotion, I imagine you wouldn’t want your identity to be noticed by the Great Xia Royal Family, would you?" Ye Ming said, still perfectly composed.

Before coming here, Ye Ming had made ample preparations. He planned to deduce Shang Mingyu’s identity based on the Old Ghost’s speculations.

But thinking it over, for her to be so concerned about the Exotic Stone and so determined to get it, she must know what was inside.

’Something related to the Ancient Celestial Emperor?’