Xiangzhou Chapter: Transmigrated Soul in Another World Chapter 26: Do You Really Think You Are a Whirlwind?

Shen Jianzhou could never have imagined that such a mysterious formation existed in this world—one capable of swapping a person's destiny using only hair and fingernails.

For a moment, he did not know how to express his astonishment. But he quickly composed himself and asked Ye Qiaoqiao, "Do you have any other way to identify the person who stole my fate?"

"I do," Ye Qiaoqiao replied.

Shen Jianzhou hurriedly asked, "What is the method?"

"It will require your Highness to endure some pain, and perhaps the mobilization of some troops to assist in the search." As she spoke, Ye Qiaoqiao looked at him with an inquiring gaze.

Shen Jianzhou nodded in agreement, "As long as my destiny can be restored, I am naturally willing!"

Seeing him agree, Ye Qiaoqiao added, "However, the person who stole your fate must be someone of high position and great power, so..."

Shen Jianzhou’s deep eyes fixed upon hers. They appeared calm, yet they concealed endless shifting storms. When it came to those of high status, compared to Xiangzhou, the capital was naturally a place where the powerful and influential gathered.

Shen Jianzhou seemed to have an answer in his heart, yet still harboring a trace of uncertainty, he retorted, "What exactly are you implying?"

"A small place like Xiangzhou is not where a Crown Prince would seek to realize his grand ambitions. So, I must ask you, Your Highness: why have you come here?" Ye Qiaoqiao’s expression was clear and composed.

Although there was no hint of a threat, Shen Jianzhou felt a bone-chilling cold. He chuckled, now understanding: "Do you know too much?" This woman seemed to have already grasped the true purpose of his visit to Xiangzhou.

Ye Qiaoqiao also smiled and said, "The first time you saw me, you clearly intended to take my life. But the second time, not only did you spare me, you even helped me divorce that scholar Chen. This third time, you saved my life. So, Your Highness, can you tell me the reason for your visit to Xiangzhou?"

Hearing this, Shen Jianzhou struggled to suppress his amazement. He had assumed she only possessed superficial skills, yet she had deduced his true intentions so quickly. This woman was no ordinary person.

Stifling the waves of emotion in his heart, he said slowly, "I came to Xiangzhou indeed to find someone."

Ye Qiaoqiao felt a touch of confusion. Who could be important enough for the Crown Prince to travel all the way to Xiangzhou to find?

Thinking of this, she said, "Since there is only one concubine in the Eastern Palace, Your Highness must not be a man troubled by matters of the heart."

"That is both true and not entirely true," Shen Jianzhou replied slowly.

Ye Qiaoqiao raised an eyebrow; Shen Jianzhou seemed to be speaking in riddles. But since she already knew he was there to find someone, it no longer mattered whether she understood the rest. She spoke plainly: "Your Highness, if you want to resolve the dark energy trailing you and find the thief of your destiny, you must return to the capital!"

A complex expression flickered in Shen Jianzhou’s eyes. This woman did not play games; she was refreshingly straightforward! Yet, upon returning to the capital, would she be the woman predicted by the Imperial Observatory—the one destined to help him achieve total unification?

After a moment of silence, Shen Jianzhou asked, "Return to the capital? Are you certain this is the only way?" His voice was low, carrying a hint of imperceptible hesitation.

Ye Qiaoqiao nodded firmly: "Yes, Your Highness. There are many powerful people in the capital; someone daring enough to steal your fate is no ordinary person. Only by going to the capital can you find the one behind this."

Shen Jianzhou took a deep breath, weighing the pros and cons. He looked up at her, his gaze intense: "Why are you so certain?"

Ye Qiaoqiao smiled, a glint of wisdom in her eyes: "Your Highness, though I am not as well-traveled as you, I understand Feng Shui and destiny. First, the capital is where the dragon veins converge; only there can a solution be found. Second, it is your sphere of influence; even if something unexpected happens, there will be those to assist you."

Seeing that she never mentioned his true purpose for coming to Xiangzhou, but instead worried about the dark energy behind him, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. Perhaps her previous question was merely a probe. She did not know why he had really come, but this gave him ample time to confirm if there was any other woman who matched the prophecy.

From childhood, his mother had taught him that his duty was to conquer the world. He had long ago cast aside human warmth, forging a cold and ruthless persona. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and said, "I have other business to attend to."

Before the words had even faded, his figure flashed and vanished from her sight.

Ye Qiaoqiao stared in the direction he had disappeared, her brow furrowed. She muttered to herself, "Leaving just like that? Does he think he’s a whirlwind?"

She hadn't told him that she had the ability to help him calculate the exact location of the person he was seeking. That would have saved a great deal of time before they headed to the capital together. But looking at where he had vanished, if he left so abruptly, wouldn't he be in excruciating pain on the night of the full moon?

Thinking of this, she frowned, her mood heavy, and she began to count on her slender fingers. There were ten days left until the fifteenth—the night of the full moon. "Shen Jianzhou, oh Shen Jianzhou... don't go crying for your parents when the time comes."

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Why was she worrying about him? He was so cold and heartless; why care so much? Besides, she hadn't even received the hundred thousand taels of gold yet, and she was already thinking about solving his problems. Truly, she was a glutton for punishment.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, several servants in blue cloth tunics poured into her shop. The leader wore a dark brown sash with a small bronze plaque hanging from it—it was the steward from the magistrate's office she had dealt with twice before. They were carrying a crate of unknown contents.

Could it be that the magistrate’s illness had been cured?

The head steward beamed at Ye Qiaoqiao and bowed politely: "Miss Qiaoqiao, this is the fifty taels of gold offered by my master. Additionally, my master asked me to convey his hope that you might grace his residence with a visit for a chat."

It seemed it was true; he had recovered! The steward signaled the servants to set down the crate, revealing the shimmering gold leaves inside—the reward promised last time.

Ye Qiaoqiao glanced at the glittering gold and thought: The magistrate is indeed a man of his word. She smiled slightly and nodded: "Since Magistrate Dong has so graciously invited me, I shall certainly comply."