Beitang Rui picked up his cup and took a few sips of tea as he contemplated the expression on Wanyan Jin’s face.

After some time passed without Wanyan Jin elaborating on the purpose of his visit, Beitang Rui finally broke the silence. “May I inquire about the reason for Prince Wanyan’s visit today?”

Wanyan Jin gave him a glance. There was a small smile on his lips. “Naturally, I’m here for a reason. I need to ask for your help with something, Prince Rui.”

Beitang Rui was slightly puzzled. “I wonder what I can do to help you, Prince Wanyan.” He paused for a moment. “There is a limit to what I can do. I fear I might not be able to give you the aid you need, Prince Wanyan.”

“There’s no need to be rejecting me so quickly, Prince Rui. I would not be here to see you if it’s something that would put you on the spot.” There was still a smile on Wanyan Jin’s face. If Beitang Rui had not known the man’s character and the underhanded tactics he was famous for, Wanyan Jin could be easily mistaken for a humble and polite nobleman based on his current mannerism.

However, Beitang Rui knew he was not like that at all.

He became even more wary when he saw Wanyan Jin acting this way.

“Please enlighten me, Prince Wanyan.”

“Enlighten is a heavy word. However, a few days ago I spotted a servant from your mansion outside, looking for a woman.” Wanyan Jin took out a painting from his pockets as he said this.

Beitang Rui immediately knew the woman Wanyan Jin was asking about.

This made Beitang Rui even more curious.

By right, there should be no connection between Wanyan Jin and Long Chi, but judging from Wanyan Jin’s actions, he seemed to know the woman from the painting.

As Beitang Rui was thinking about this, he watched as Wanyan Jin unfolded the painting and turned it to face Beitang Rui.

The woman depicted on the canvas looked spirited and lively. Every stroke detailed her profile, which revealed how much the painter thought of her.

This painting was not the one drawn by Long Chi.

It was a painting Beitang Rui had instructed the painter from his mansion to produce according to the one Long Chi had given him.

Even though the painter was commendable for successfully replicate the painting perfectly, the quality was due to Long Chi’s original work.

Beitang Rui brushed this thought aside and nodded. “That’s right. That woman is a maid at the mansion. She had stolen something valuable and escaped, which is why I’m trying to find her.”

“There’s no need to hide things from people who already know the truth! You do not need to humor me with your excuses used for others.” Wanyan Jin’s tone softened slightly as he folded the painting and kept it in his pocket.

Beitang Rui could not hide his surprise when he heard this. He was even more astonished when he saw Wanyan Jin behaving this way and blurted, “Do you know this woman, Prince Wanyan?”

Wanyan Jin’s eyes narrowed and he answered meaningfully, “An old acquaintance.”

Beitang Rui was taken aback.

He had never expected Wanyan Jin to know Long Chi’s partner.

Beitang Rui gave this some thought before saying, “May I know how you are acquainted with her, Prince Wanyan? Truthfully, the woman isn’t a maid of the mansion. She’s the woman of an advisor I have invited here.”

“The woman of an advisor?” Wanyan Jin scoffed as he gave Beitang Rui a look of indifference. “From what I know, that woman does not belong to Long Chi. If my guess is right, Long Chi must have abducted her. Hiding this woman at your mansion would only bring you catastrophic trouble.”

Beitang Rui knocked over the teapot in shock. His eyes narrowed. “Can you explain what you mean by this, Prince Wanyan? Could this woman have another identity?”

“Yes, she does.” Wanyan Jin drained his teacup and placed it on the table before standing up. “If you find the woman, please let me know!”