Chapter 38: Something Is Wrong with the Auction Items at Seven Treasures Pavilion

One hundred thousand taels of silver—even in her previous life at the Prince You Residence, Chu Li would never have dared to spend such a sum.

Fu Heng was truly a spendthrift prince. He had squandered a fortune without even knowing the true function or value of the item. He claimed it was for his Princess, but who could say if that was true? Was there not still a newly wedded woman in the Prince You Residence? It was highly probable that he was merely using his Princess as a pretext to purchase a gift to please that woman.

At the thought of this possibility, a sharp pang of pain pierced Chu Li’s heart.

Cui Shi accepted the bank note from Fu Heng with a look of disappointment. He had hoped to use this item to build a rapport with the Prince of You, but now that the transaction was complete, he and the legendary God of War were nothing more than buyer and seller.

Chu Li knew she was in no position to outbid Fu Heng, so she forced herself to endure, planning to find another way.

Just then, the auction began. The manager of the Qibao Pavilion personally presided over the event, quickly displaying the various lots. Chu Li had been disinterested, but when the red cloth was pulled from the final item, revealing its true form, she sat bolt upright.

Fu Heng noticed her reaction and turned his gaze toward the final lot, surprised for a moment. It appeared to be a piece of fur—the quality was exceptional, and it was just large enough to make a shawl. Many noblewomen in the capital loved to have winter garments made from such furs; they were not only beautiful but also served to flaunt one’s wealth and status.

What surprised Fu Heng was that Miss Chu did not seem like the vain sort of woman; why would she be interested in mink fur?

The manager began to explain the auction rules in his professional monotone: each person could only bid on one item, writing down their price anonymously, with the highest bidder taking the prize.

"Miss, are you looking at that last piece of fur? We don't have that much silver..." Qiu Yi had also sensed her mistress's desire, but knowing their empty pockets, she could only whisper a reminder. Back at the Prince’s residence, her mistress had never lacked for such things. As for the Chu family, they were wealthy, but her mistress's situation there was precarious; the entire family was only interested in scheming against her—they would never provide money for her to spend.

Although Qiu Yi had lowered her voice as much as possible, Fu Heng, with his exceptional hearing, caught every word. He wore a playful expression. "If Miss Chu is short on funds, I could lend you some silver, but..." He shifted his tone, leaving the second half of the sentence hanging in the air.

Chu Li merely cast him a sidelong glance. She knew exactly what that second half was, and she couldn't help but curse him as an "old fox" under her breath. It was nothing more than a condition—demanding she agree to his previous request. In her dreams!

"Young Master Cui," Chu Li said, ignoring Fu Heng and looking at Cui Shi with a stern expression, "may I ask who provided these auction items? Does your Qibao Pavilion strictly vet the origins of these goods?"

Cui Shi’s expression changed instantly. Everyone who ran an auction house knew that it was impossible for every single item to have a pristine history. The reason people were willing to pay such high commissions to auction their treasures was precisely because of the unspoken rule of "not asking about the source."

Cui Shi could not reveal the seller’s information. "Miss Chu, since its founding, the Qibao Pavilion has prided itself on credibility. If you are asking about the provenance of these items, I am afraid I cannot disclose it."

Fu Heng watched the scene with amusement. He did not believe for a second that this woman was ignorant of such basic rules; she must have some other motive. As expected, Chu Li’s next words confirmed his suspicion.

Chu Li stared coldly at Cui Shi. "Young Master Cui, if one of these items contains something that could take a human life, do you still intend to avoid asking questions?"

Cui Shi was startled, his gaze instinctively darting toward the Prince of You. What was this woman implying? Was the Prince going to let her spout such slander without intervening?

Fu Heng seemed to grasp the meaning behind Cui Shi’s look and held up his hands in feigned helplessness. "Don't look at me. I have no control over Miss Chu."

Cui Shi was speechless. Chu Li was equally unimpressed.

Cui Shi took a deep breath. Although this Miss Chu had been brought in by the Prince of You, she was making life-or-death accusations without a shred of evidence. How could he treat her with courtesy after that? "Miss Chu, words without proof are dangerous, especially when it concerns life and death. I suggest you choose your words carefully."

Chu Li narrowed her eyes, fixing a dangerous gaze on Cui Shi. His physiognomy clearly showed signs of impending financial ruin, and his aura was tainted with black misfortune—he was on the verge of imprisonment. She would not be mistaken. She withdrew her gaze and scoffed coldly.

"Since Young Master Cui does not believe me, then consider my meddling a waste of time. If any misfortune befalls you or the Qibao Pavilion in the coming days, do not blame me." Compared to Cao Ronghai, this Cui Shi was still lacking; she preferred people who knew how to listen.

Hearing this, Fu Heng’s eyes deepened, and he gave Cui Shi a look of profound ambiguity.

Cui Shi had initially intended to ignore her, but seeing the meaningful look from the Prince of You, his heart gave a violent jolt. Could there really be something wrong with today’s lots? Under normal circumstances, he would have dismissed her, but with the Prince of You present, if a life-threatening disaster occurred, both he and the Qibao Pavilion would be finished.

Weighing the risks, Cui Shi’s attitude softened immediately. "My previous words were improper; please do not take them to heart, Miss Chu. May I ask you to speak plainly? Which of these items is the problem?"

Chu Li pointed directly at the snow-white fur. "Where did that ermine fur come from? Do you know the seller?"

"Ermine? Miss Chu, you must be joking. That is snow mink fur. Ermine and mink are indeed very similar, and people often confuse them." Cui Shi could not help but correct her, but Chu Li shook her head, frowning.

"You are the one who is mistaken. I am certain it is an ermine pelt. It is stained with a blood curse and is an object of great evil. If you don't want your family destroyed and your household ruined, remove it immediately and hand it over for me to deal with."

Cui Shi’s eyes widened in shock. A blood curse? Family destruction? It was just a piece of fur—how had it become an item of great evil in her words? After a brief moment of shock, suspicion crept back in. Could it be that she had taken a liking to the fur but couldn't afford it, so she was trying to scare him into giving it up?

Only Fu Heng held no doubts about Chu Li; instead, he looked at her thoughtfully. He knew this woman’s abilities. However, even he hadn't realized it was ermine, assuming it was snow mink. It seemed he, too, had been deceived.