The entire afternoon continued to be spent in training.

Several times, Zhan Luori wanted to say something to Jiu’er, but in the end held the words back.

There was no use saying anything now — better not to speak, and just act according to the situation as it unfolded.

The unexpected event happened in the afternoon, after the scorching sun had passed, roughly an hour before evening.

A guard hurried over and said something to the instructor that no one could hear. After the guard left, the instructor announced: “Training ends here for today. Everyone return to your quarters immediately, without delay.”

Mandatory return to quarters? There had never been such a rule before.

After training ended, everyone was usually free to do as they pleased — who had ever dictated what they should do?

But it clearly wasn’t the usual time for training to end. Since it was being cut short early anyway, returning to their quarters was fine too — they’d just treat it as extra rest time.

Jiu’er, Qiao Mu, and Xiao Yingtao made their way back from the rear courtyard, returning to the front of their own quarters.

Qiao Mu and Xiao Yingtao were stopped by two palace maids — Nanmeng Rong’s maids!

Seeing that these were Consort Rong’s people, those following behind Jiu’er, though puzzled, didn’t dare approach.

They could only stand guard around the courtyard — partly to prevent Feng Jiu’er from suddenly leaving, and partly indeed to protect Feng Jiu’er, in case Consort Rong’s people tried to harm her.

Qiao Mu and Xiao Yingtao were stopped outside the door, and Jiu’er went in alone. Sure enough, Nanmeng Rong was sitting there in a chair.

“This consort has already prepared men and horses, ready to act at any moment. Now, tell this consort your plan.”

She had said it the night before — as long as Jiu’er helped her become the Crown Princess Consort, she would take her to find A’Jiu.

Although it wasn’t yet time to become Crown Princess Consort, she was already together with Zhan Yuheng, so her wish was at least half fulfilled.

But she had only just broken off her engagement to Nanmeng Xu — there was no way the Emperor would immediately grant her a marriage decree with the Crown Prince now. This matter needed some time to let things settle. It needed to wait.

But A’Jiu couldn’t wait! A’Jiu was out there right now, in danger at any moment — how could Nanmeng Rong possibly wait?

Jiu’er walked up to her, blinking her large, innocent-looking eyes: “I wonder what plan Consort Rong wishes to hear?”

“Don’t you put on an act for this consort!” Nanmeng Rong had never had much patience for her, and said displeased: “You know perfectly well there are too many people around outside — this consort can’t speak plainly, but you understand clearly enough in your heart!”

“Don’t think that just because you’re with my Heng’er now, this consort can’t do anything to you. If you don’t keep your promise, this consort can still ruin you all the same!”

“Consort Rong, since you yourself know there are people outside—” Feng Jiu’er glanced toward the door and frowned slightly.

Looking at Nanmeng Rong again, she pursed her lips, also somewhat impatient: “Does Consort Rong really want me to say it out loud?”

“Come here!” Damn this Feng Jiu’er — how could she act so utterly unconcerned!

What they needed to discuss now was about A’Jiu — how could anyone else be allowed to hear it? Even if it were the Crown Prince’s own people, they still mustn’t hear it.

At this moment, even Nanmeng Rong herself wasn’t certain whether the Crown Prince listened to her, his mother, or to his father — or to his grandfather.

But right now, the useless Emperor and her own father shared the same goal — neither wanted to let A’Jiu live. How could she possibly allow them to harm A’Jiu?

“Come here, speak quietly.” Her expression darkened, displeased: “If you can’t come up with a good plan, this consort won’t let you off.”

“Whether the plan is good or not, you’ll only know after Your Highness has heard it.” Jiu’er walked over…

After that, what exactly was said inside, even the maids, eunuchs, and guards standing watch outside couldn’t make out clearly.

Their earlier conversation could still be partly heard, but it was clear the consort didn’t want Feng Jiu’er speaking too loudly.

So for a while after that there was no sound at all, and no one paid it much mind.

Then, after some unknown amount of time, Nanmeng Rong suddenly shouted in fury: “You wretch, how dare you deceive this consort!”

“Ah!” There came a sharp slapping sound — clearly, Feng Jiu’er had just been struck.

The sound was so loud, one didn’t even need to guess how hard the blow had been!

Qiao Mu and Xiao Yingtao’s hearts lurched, wanting to rush in, but were blocked by the guards and maids.

“What’s the fuss? It’s just a slap — why so anxious?” Qinxue, now back at Nanmeng Rong’s side, said to Qiao Mu and Xiao Yingtao with a haughty look.

“At a time like this, Feng Jiu’er can’t even protect herself — I’d advise you two not to act rashly. You’re Feng Jiu’er’s friends, after all, and there are plenty of matters Her Ladyship hasn’t even gotten around to settling yet.”

The implication being that, of all the things Feng Jiu’er had done before, including having been together with the court’s wanted fugitive the Ninth Prince and with Mu Mu — if Consort Rong wanted to pursue any single one of those matters, it would be more than enough to make things very hard for Feng Jiu’er.

Qiao Mu and Xiao Yingtao exchanged glances; Xiao Yingtao’s eyes turned red with anger, but Qiao Mu shook her head at her, and she didn’t dare act recklessly.

From inside came another slapping sound, along with Feng Jiu’er’s pained cry.

Nanmeng Rong’s voice, somewhat low, came through: “You wretch, this consort allows you to stay by Heng’er’s side — do you think you don’t have to pay a price for that?”

“From now on, you belong to Heng’er. This consort can hit you whenever she pleases, scold you whenever she pleases, and take your life whenever she pleases!”

“Your Ladyship, I’ve already given you what you wanted — what more could you possibly want from me?”

Feng Jiu’er’s voice really did sound pitiful. The two maids outside, listening, couldn’t have been more delighted.

That wretch Feng Jiu’er, always so high and mighty before, so proud!

Now, wasn’t she finally bowing and scraping before their Ladyship?

Coming to beg Her Ladyship to let her stay by the Crown Prince’s side this time was shameless enough — fortunately, Her Ladyship knew to give her a good beating to vent her anger!

“This consort told you to seduce the Ninth Prince, told you to seduce Heng’er!”

Slap, slap, slap — the sound of the blows rang out so loudly that Xiao Yingtao simply couldn’t stay calm any longer!

“This is too much!” She stepped forward, about to rush in.

Qiao Mu quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled her back: “Don’t be rash, if you act rashly, you’ll only hurt Jiu’er!”

“Exactly. Do you want to watch Feng Jiu’er die?” Qinxue sneered. “Whether it’s better to give her a beating or just have her executed outright — think it over carefully yourself.”

“You… you people… this is too much bullying!”

“Ahh…” From inside came another pained cry from Feng Jiu’er.

Xiao Yingtao truly couldn’t bear it any longer, but just at that moment, the door was suddenly thrown open.

Everyone immediately lowered their heads and bowed in salute: “Your Ladyship.”

“Hmph!” Nanmeng Rong walked toward the carriage in the courtyard.

A young eunuch immediately bent his back, kneeling on the ground.

Nanmeng Rong hesitated for a moment, then stepped on his back to climb into the carriage.

From inside the carriage came her somewhat hoarse voice: “To Nanmeng Manor.”

“Yes!”

No one even glanced at Feng Jiu’er inside the room — they hurried to drive the carriage away.

Xiao Yingtao rushed in, and seeing Jiu’er collapsed on the floor, nearly went mad with worry: “Jiu’er, what’s wrong with you? Why have you fainted?”