Chapter 362: 369: Midnight Visit

“Rest assured, it’s not that I’m boasting, but there are few in this world who could unlock the Colorful Exquisite Lamp; Lu Ban’s unique skills are not just for show. Otherwise, you could just place any old thing inside it, as long as it’s ancient and can deceive people, that’d be enough—anyway, no one knows what’s inside.” Su Wenyue’s confidence stemmed from the fact that no one was able to open the Colorful Exquisite Lamp in her previous life, otherwise it wouldn’t have ended up in her hands, nor would she have discovered its secrets. Right now, she felt rather lucky with her fortune.

Seeing his Daughter-in-law so certain, Han Yu found her words to make some sense. Even a man like Shangguan Wuyou had failed to notice anything special about it. The reputation of The World’s Number One Lamp was not unfounded—it wasn’t just its exquisite craftsmanship, but perhaps its true significance was also tied to this fact.

“Let’s do that then.” Han Yu didn’t need to look elsewhere; as he spoke, he found an old sheepskin map in a hidden compartment of the study room that resembled the one they had examined earlier. Even if the Colorful Exquisite Lamp were to be opened, it wouldn’t raise any suspicions.

Su Wenyue opened the Colorful Exquisite Lamp again, placing the sheepskin map inside. This time, her movements were much smoother, and it didn’t take long to restore the lamp to its original state.

“Daughter-in-law, it’s getting late. Let’s go rest,” Han Yu suggested, having seen that the Colorful Exquisite Lamp was taken care of. He was also concerned about his wife’s well-being; she had been up all night, and now it was already well past midnight.

After toiling half the night, Su Wenyue too felt weary and yawned. Just as she was about to go to rest with Han Yu, they were informed by a servant that guests had arrived.

In the dead of night, it was peculiar for guests to arrive so late, especially in these turbulent times. Han Yu and Su Wenyue thought almost simultaneously that the visitors had come for the Colorful Exquisite Lamp. Looking at each other, worry was apparent on both their faces. The forces that had appeared that night didn’t belong to local powers—only Aristocratic Families could cultivate such agents. Currently unable to confront them, they didn’t plan to keep the Colorful Exquisite Lamp, but not under the threat of others.

“Husband?” Su Wenyue felt increasingly uneasy; this was a situation she had provoked. If it wasn’t for her insistence on acquiring the Colorful Exquisite Lamp, they wouldn’t be facing all these troubles. Yet, she couldn’t have rested without a look inside it. She had no regrets, only fear of bringing disaster upon Han Yu.

Han Yu soothed her by patting her head, “It’s alright, we’ll block the soldiers with generals, and stem the flow with soil. Since we don’t plan on keeping the lamp, there won’t be any danger. The rest is just a matter of weighing interests—nothing bad will come of it, don’t worry.”

Han Yu had noticed earlier that his wife was prone to overthinking, which wasn’t good for her health. Although his words may have been somewhat exaggerated, the benefits certainly outweighed the drawbacks. Given that he was already being targeted by Mr. Sun, it might be better to find a temporary ally or form a beneficial alliance, reaping sufficient rewards through this ordeal.

Reassured by Han Yu’s words, Su Wenyue relaxed considerably. At Han Yu’s signal, the servant had guided the guest to the main hall.

“Wife, you go back to our room and rest. I’ll join you once this matter is settled.”

“Alright, then I shall go rest. Be careful,” Su Wenyue nodded and advised. She had done what she could; the rest was a matter for men to settle. It was not her place as a woman to interfere, lest she ruin Han Yu’s plans. Yet she was curious; in her previous life, the Colorful Exquisite Lamp eventually ended up with Sikong Ling, no matter how the events unfolded. She wondered who would come into possession of the lamp this life, now that she was involved and potentially altering the course of events.

Su Wenyue beckoned the servant who had brought the news, “Go to the front and find out who has come.”

Meanwhile, Han Yu, arriving at the main hall and seeing Sikong Ling, was not surprised. His brows raised slightly, “Young Master Sikong is a distinguished guest. What brings you here so late at night?”

Sikong Ling, seeing Han Yu feigning ignorance, was also anxious, fearing that any delay might lead to complications. That artifact was of great importance to him; whether the legends were true or not didn’t matter; the only thing that mattered was to prevent others from acquiring it. But Han Yu was indeed crafty, refusing to mention the assistance Sikong Ling had previously provided.

A faint smile appeared on Sikong Ling’s lips, “Lord Han is a wise man and must know why I’ve come. It’s better to be early than late. I’ve noticed the presence of many people lurking outside as I came in. Relying solely on Han Mansion’s bodyguards, I’m afraid they won’t be able to protect the artifact. Those people have refrained from acting only because of a balance of power. This stillness won’t last long. I suppose Lord Han won’t be able to sleep tonight. Once this matter is resolved, one can sleep soundly without worrying about an assassin breaking in.”

“Young Master Sikong is truly considerate, coming all the way here to ensure I can sleep well. I appreciate your concern and please be assured, I have already decided what to do with the artifact. You needn’t trouble yourself further!” Han Yu responded with a polite yet mocking tone. Though he could be amicable toward others, he had no desire to be overly accommodating to a man coveting his wife. Even though he did have intentions of dealing with Sikong Ling over the Colorful Exquisite Lamp, he didn’t want the process to be too smooth.

Sikong Ling did not take offense, but the man in black following him was indignant, casting hateful glares at Han Yu, “Mr. Han, don’t bite the hand that feeds you. If it weren’t for our Young Master, you might not be standing here right now, maybe even killed by those black-clothed men already.”

This man in black was the one who had previously led the charge against the other group of black-clad individuals. Han Yu recognized him well enough. If it had been anyone else, Han Yu might have felt some gratitude, but coming from Sikong Ling and with this man’s demeanor, it was hard to muster any thanks.

“So, I should thank you for saving my life? I thought you were preventing the other group from getting their hands on the Colorful Exquisite Lamp, but it turns out you came with so many people out of sheer selflessness to help us. I express my sincere gratitude here!” Han Yu’s words were technically proper, but the sarcasm was all too evident, turning the man in black’s face dark with anger, on the verge of lashing out but restrained by Sikong Ling.

While Su Wenyue had retired to her room, she didn’t sleep, instead waiting for the servant to return with information.

“Well? Have you found out who it is?” Su Wenyue asked eagerly as soon as the servant returned.

“Madam, the guest is the Young Master of the Sikong Family. It seems he is here for the Colorful Exquisite Lamp.”