In the southern part of the capital, there was a teahouse called Shanshizhulun, nestled among a cluster of naturally formed rocks. The tea tables were scattered about, separated by tall stone screens, with clusters of green bamboo growing between them, resembling a formation set up by some reclusive master from a distance.

Huaiyu sat here with Qingsi, attentively listening to the sounds around her. She hadn’t planned to come today; she only intended for Qingsi to deliver the jade pendant to Liu Yunlie. However, Liu Yunlie sent word that he wanted her to deliver it personally. Since Jiang Xuanjin had gone to confront Qi Han, Huaiyu thought it over and decided to comply with his request.

You can’t catch a wolf without letting go of the child.

After two incense sticks had burned, Liu Yunlie arrived late. As soon as Huaiyu saw him, she straightened her back and instinctively glanced at the stone screen to her left.

Jiu Wu and the others were hiding behind it.

The advantage of this place was that the bamboo constantly made a rustling sound, masking the breathing of those nearby. Even the most skilled martial artist would not be able to detect an ambush.

Liu Yunlie had not noticed. He entered alone, and upon seeing her, he smiled faintly and bowed. “I greet Your Highness.”

Huaiyu asked expressionlessly, “What does this mean, my lord?”

Calling her “Your Highness” in broad daylight?

Liu Yunlie chuckled. “You brought Qingsi with you, and I couldn’t help but feel familiar. I momentarily lost my composure.”

Qingsi frowned at him.

“It’s strange,” Liu Yunlie continued, brushing his robes as he sat down across from her and poured himself some tea. “Doesn’t the Jun find it odd? Qingsi has always only listened to Princess Danyang, yet now she recognizes you as her master.”

Glancing at him, Huaiyu replied, “Qingsi is a gift from him to me.”

She hadn’t asked for her; Jiang Xuanjin had given her to her. How could he find that strange?

Liu Yunlie sighed. “Your Highness is indeed capable; even Ziyang Jun can be manipulated by you.”

His eyes were filled with mockery, and his face bore a smile that was quite displeasing to Huaiyu. She coldly said, “Are you not going to take your things?”

“Not in a hurry,” Liu Yunlie replied. “Before I take the items, I have some questions for Your Highness.”

“—How did you convince Ziyang Jun to take action against Li Fengxing?”

A plate of incense burned on the table, and the rich fragrance filled their tea area as the wind blew.

Huaiyu lowered her gaze to the incense, leisurely sipping her tea. “Is my lord here to interrogate me?”

“Last night, I thought about it all night and still couldn’t figure it out,” Liu Yunlie shook his head. “How could a mere woman control Ziyang Jun like this?”

“I did not control him,” Huaiyu replied. “Li Fengxing protected Meng Hengyuan first, and was later found guilty of embezzlement.”

“But in the eyes of the Jun, Li Fengxing was a good official before,” Liu Yunlie asserted. “You must have done something for Jun to change his opinion of him, even to the point of reporting him to the Emperor and presenting his crimes.”

Gently fanning herself with a silk fan, Huaiyu said, “Heaven’s sins can be forgiven, but self-inflicted sins cannot be lived with.”

Slightly displeased, Liu Yunlie said, “Your Highness, that statement is as good as saying nothing.”

“What is the purpose of your questions now?” Huaiyu asked. “I’ve said it before; my only goal is to clear my name. Once the Sima Xu case is settled, I will no longer use Ziyang Jun for anything.”

Liu Yunlie narrowed his eyes. “So you admit you are using Ziyang Jun?”

“What’s there to deny?” Huaiyu chuckled. “When I first approached him, I even considered killing him.”

Liu Yunlie was taken aback as if her audacious thought had shocked him. Then, with a complex expression, he said, “You truly are the Princess of Danyang. Jiang Xuanjin treats you so sincerely, and you can still bear to do that?”

Raising an eyebrow, Huaiyu asked, “Do you have the right to say that to me? Haven’t you used him before?”

“When have I used him?”

So he wouldn’t admit it? Huaiyu scoffed lightly. “The Sima Xu case. If it weren’t for you using him to settle the case, how could the blame have fallen on me? Lord Liu, you’ve wanted to kill me for a long time, haven’t you? Qi Han acted against Sima Xu, and you took the opportunity to pin the blame on me. Now that Qi Han has been captured by the Jun, you’re free and unbothered. Your methods are not weak at all.”

Liu Yunlie frowned. “In the Sima Xu case, I was also deceived by Qi Han. He killed people and then turned around to accuse you; I never expected that.”

Are you trying to fool me? This is a frame-up and a conspiracy, colluding together, and you dare to act innocent in front of her?

Li Huaiyu felt disgusted by this hypocrite, who had to speak in riddles in front of clear-eyed people. It was utterly unsatisfactory.

“Previously, when I inquired about the fourth young lady of the Bai family, I heard about Lu Jingxing providing a dowry,” Liu Yunlie said. “At that time, I hadn’t figured out what kind of kindness Lu Dazhanggui was showing. After learning that the fourth young lady of the Bai family was the one you borrowed the body from, I was somewhat moved.”

This feigned expression made Huaiyu want to vomit. She frowned. “You’re a grown man; can’t you speak without being so disgusting? Why not just say you dislike me and Lu Jingxing directly? Being moved? How fake!”

“It’s genuine,” Liu Yunlie said. “He has been by your side for five years, asking for no title, yet he has always helped you. The scholars in the capital say you two have long since made a private vow, yet after you came back to life, you didn’t fly together with him but married Ziyang Jun instead.”

“Your Highness, your heart is truly ruthless. For the sake of revenge, you are willing to abandon your lover and marry the one who killed your enemy.”

The incense on the table had burned down considerably, and Huaiyu sighed lightly, losing patience with his idle chatter. She directly took out a brocade box and placed it in front of him. “Here’s the item you wanted.”

Seeing it, Liu Yunlie didn’t seem overly excited. He simply took it, opened it, and lightly tapped the box with his finger. “How can I know if this thing is real?”

“There’s a way,” Huaiyu said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You can try it.”

“What?”

As he loosened his fingers, a small teacup fell to the ground with a loud “bang.” Li Huaiyu caught a glimpse of Jiu Wu and the others leaping out from behind the stone screen and lightly replied to him:

“You’ll know after dying once.”

Liu Yunlie was startled, quickly getting up to dodge the long knife that Jiu Wu swung down. With a loud Shig, the stone bench he had just been sitting on was cut deeply.

“Are you trying to kill me to silence me?” He looked at the ten people who had emerged before him, and after a moment of shock, he burst into laughter. “Princess, what a good princess! You’ve returned with a new appearance, and these people are still here helping you. Only Ziyang Jun is a fool; he’s the only one who doesn’t know who you are!”

“Do you want to tell him?” Huaiyu remained seated, speaking calmly. “There’s no chance left.”

After exchanging a few moves, Liu Yunlie was surprised to find that his limbs seemed to lack strength, feeling soft and weak.

“What did you do to me?”

Looking at the burnt incense ash on the table, Huaiyu disdainfully said, “If it weren’t to make you inhale this softening incense, do you think I would waste so many words with you?”

There’s softening incense? As Liu Yunlie dodged, he couldn’t help but laugh. “Your Highness’s invitation is indeed not to be taken lightly.”

“Fortunately, I also came prepared.”

Just as Jiu Wu’s long knife was about to reach his throat, a large group of constables suddenly rushed in, surrounding the entire area with great momentum.

Jiu Wu and the others reacted quickly, disregarding everything as they aimed to take Liu Yunlie’s head first.

In the blink of an eye, a stone flew in from the side, forcefully deflecting the edge of his knife.

There’s an ambush? Jiu Wu’s expression darkened as he quickly repositioned his knife against Liu Yunlie’s neck, vigilantly scanning the surroundings.

Liu Yunlie laughed. “Surrender; I brought enough people to tie you all back to the yamen. This time, I’ve won again, Princess.”

Li Huaiyu was protected by Qingsi and the others. Looking at the surrounding constables, she didn’t seem anxious at all. She stood up and walked toward Liu Yunlie, casually taking the dagger that Qingxian was holding and smiling at him.

“You’ve won?”

“You underestimate me, Danyang.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the dagger was drawn and plunged directly into his abdomen. The sound of flesh being cut was somewhat chilling, but she didn’t even blink.

“Ugh.” Liu Yunlie let out a muffled groan, his eyes widening. “You… you want to die with me?”

Does she dare to act in front of so many constables? Has she gone mad?

“Die together?” Huaiyu laughed lightly. “You think highly of yourself. You harmed me first, then entered the secret chamber. You can go die alone with your belly full of secrets. I still want to live well.”

The pain in his abdomen was severe, and Liu Yunlie didn’t dare to move. Gritting his teeth, he said, “You’re truly ruthless!”

“If I’m not ruthless, I can’t stand firm. If I’m not fierce, who would still be afraid?” She muttered a few words with a cheeky tone and then released the dagger. Turning to the people behind her, she said, “Go ahead.”

Jiu Wu nodded and whistled sharply, and as the piercing whistle sounded, a large group of masked individuals surged out behind the constables.

“Are you still moved?” Li Huaiyu patted Liu Yunlie’s shoulder. “This is all thanks to Lu Dazhanggui’s help.”

Liu Yunlie’s face turned ugly. He anxiously glanced toward the stone screen on the left, as if there were reinforcements there.

Huaiyu narrowed her eyes and waved for Qingsi to check. Qingsi climbed over the stone screen and quickly returned, shaking her head.

There were no other people.

One by one, the constables fell to the ground, and Liu Yunlie’s face gradually turned pale. He seemed unwilling to accept it, opening his mouth to say something, but the pain stopped him.

“Let me ask you one last question,” Huaiyu said, smiling at him. “Where is the document you were holding in the secret chamber?”

Breathing heavily, Liu Yunlie said, “I won’t give it to you.”

“If you don’t give it to me, I can still have someone find it. The secret chamber, your residence, it can all be searched.” Huaiyu shrugged nonchalantly. “But if you’re so uncooperative, you might not be able to rest in peace after death.”

“You…” He pressed his hand tightly against the place where the dagger was inserted, blood beginning to flow out. Liu Yunlie angrily said, “Even if I die, I won’t let you go!”

His face twisted with anger and fear, looking like a vengeful spirit.

However, Li Huaiyu was not afraid at all. She looked at him calmly and said, “When I died back then, I thought the same way.”

It was just that Jiang Xuanjin had been pushed out to be the knife, and her hatred had fallen in the wrong place.

The constables and the masked individuals began to fight, and the entire Shanshizhulun was filled with blood and chaos.

Liu Yunlie slowly collapsed to the ground, and Huaiyu squatted beside him, quietly waiting for him to breathe his last.

“Master.” Qingsi returned from outside, frowning. “We should leave quickly!”

Are there reinforcements? Huaiyu frowned, lifting her skirt to stand up, quickly leading Jiu Wu and the others to retreat.

“Is it all clean?” she asked as they walked.

Jiu Wu replied, “It’s clean. The remaining ones outside didn’t see us at all, so we’ll let them go for now.”

“Mm.” Crossing over the stone screen and heading west, Huaiyu said, “If there’s no news of Liu Yunlie’s death within two days, we’ll go to the Tingwei Mansion to take a look.”

“Understood.”

Outside the western gate of Shanshizhulun, a carriage was waiting. Huaiyu glanced at it, lifted the curtain, and sat inside.

Lu Jingxing shook his fan, looking at the bloodstains on her clothes, and clicked his tongue. “You’ve been so obedient for so long that I almost forgot how ruthless you used to be.”

She raised her blood-stained hand as if to scare him. “Princess Danyang kills without mercy; are you afraid?”

“Terrified to death.” Closing the fan and placing it aside, Lu Jingxing took out a handkerchief and gently wiped her hand clean, his expression gentle. “Liu Yunlie is dead, and Qi Han will also be held accountable. Your great revenge has finally been avenged.”

The weight that had been pressing on her heart lifted, and Huaiyu smiled broadly. “Yes, it has been avenged.”

“What are your plans after this?” Lu Jingxing looked at her. “Will you… continue to stay in the Jiang residence?”

“I’m still nominally a member of the Jiang residence, so of course, I have to stay there,” Li Huaiyu gestured. “I’ve already thought about what to do next. Lanqing is suitable to be the Prime Minister; we’ll help him a bit. With him assisting Huailin, you can focus on your business. Once you’ve earned enough money, you can consider your lifelong affairs.”

“I can now talk to those official ladies without any issues; they won’t be afraid of me just because I’m Danyang. So if I meet a good girl, I can help you make a match.”

“And then there’s Jiu Wu and Bai Ai. Those who want to be officials can enter the court, and those who want to roam the world can be set free. After so many years, everyone should live the life they want.”

The more she spoke, the more excited she became, her eyes shining as she animatedly said, “In another two years, I might even have a child. By then, we can all come together to celebrate the full moon and talk about what we’ve done in the past two years, and then we won’t leave until we’re drunk!”

Imagining the scene she described, Lu Jingxing couldn’t help but smile, then shook his head. “Everything else is fine, but you don’t need to worry about my lifelong affairs.”

“Why not?” Huaiyu frowned. “Don’t you trust my judgment?”

“Not that,” Lu Jingxing replied nonchalantly. “There are countless beauties in the world; I don’t want to hang myself on one tree.”

Huaiyu was taken aback, looking at him with a complex expression. “You’re indeed more flirtatious than Jiang Er Gongzi.”

At least Jiang Shen married and took concubines; this man seemed to want to enjoy all the beauties of the world alone.

Lu Jingxing half-closed his phoenix eyes, smiled slightly, and then asked her, “Have you made up your mind to spend your life with Jiang Xuanjin?”

That sounded a bit mushy. Huaiyu scratched her hair, feeling slightly shy as she said, “Thinking about it doesn’t seem bad; he treats me quite well.”

“Don’t I treat you well?” he asked.

Huaiyu was stunned, blinking at him, and then suddenly blurted out a curse, incredulously saying, “You don’t have any thoughts about me, do you?”

“What?” Lu Jingxing shot her a sidelong glance. “Do you look down on yourself?”

“Not at all,” Huaiyu shook her head. “I’m such a unique and stunning girl; it’s only natural for you to have thoughts about me!”

Unable to hold back, Lu Jingxing rolled his eyes. “When you speak, put your face on; don’t throw it away.”

Li Huaiyu: “…”

Opening the fan again, Lu Jingxing lowered his gaze. “I’m just teasing you. Once a brother, always a brother. We’ve sworn an oath to Guan Er Ye, so just don’t cut off contact with me in the future.”

“How could that be?” Huaiyu laughed. “You’re my family now.”

Once missed, a lifetime is just missed like that. Lu Jingxing pursed his lips, shaking his fan as he thought if he had known his feelings earlier, would he have missed her?

The answer was uncertain. The person before him seemed to have never had any feelings for him. Once some words were spoken, they might not even be able to remain as brothers.

Let it be like this.

As the carriage approached the Jiang residence, Huaiyu got out with Qingsi, bidding farewell to Lu Jingxing. She took off her blood-stained outer robe and handed it to Qingsi, then returned to Moju through the side door.

Moju was quiet. The house servants reported that the Jun had gone to the palace and had not yet returned.

After all, Qi Han was a Prime Minister. It wouldn’t be easy to use the old case to pressure him; it would likely take some effort. Huaiyu didn’t mind; she felt very tired and decided to take a nap, even though it wasn’t dark yet.

This time, she finally didn’t have any nightmares. Her dreams were peaceful, filled with the shadows of the trees at the entrance of Feiyun Palace, the tender laughter of Huailin, and a figure in the distance, wrapped in a turquoise robe, gently waiting for her to come closer.

Even in her sleep, she couldn’t help but smile.

When she woke up, it was already night. Looking around the room, Huaiyu asked Qingsi, “Has the Jun not returned yet?”

Qingsi replied softly, “Just now, Yufeng returned with news that Jun will be staying in the palace for a few days to discuss the old case with His Majesty.”

“Ah…” Huaiyu pouted in disappointment. “I’m left here all alone again.”

Qingsi thought for a moment and said, “Just now, the second young madam sent someone to ask about you. Do you want to see her now?”

The girl from the Xu family? Huaiyu perked up. “Sure! Please invite her over.”

Previously, she had heard that Xu Chunyang had a falling out with Jiang Shen, but she only knew the general idea and didn’t know the specifics. Since she was bored anyway, it wouldn’t hurt to chat with her.

Qingsi went to fetch her.

Xu Chunyang arrived quickly, still holding a quilt and pillow.

Huaiyu was taken aback when she saw her. “Second sister-in-law, I don’t lack these things here. Why are you bringing them?”

“I’m not bringing them for you,” Xu Chunyang said softly. “I want to come sleep in the guest building.”

“Ah?” Huaiyu was surprised. “Why would you want to come sleep here instead of staying in Wangshu Courtyard?”

Xu Chunyang bit her lip, not answering, her eyes slightly red.

Realizing what was happening, Huaiyu understood. “Did Second Brother bully you again?”

“It’s not bullying,” Xu Chunyang said. “It’s my fault for being too hard on myself; I can’t blame anyone else.”

Hearing her tone, Huaiyu felt inexplicably pained. She pulled her to the guest building, had Qingsi help her change the bedding and pillows, and then asked, “What happened?”

Xu Chunyang lowered her gaze. Holding her hand, she remained silent for a while before saying, “Last time, he gave the handkerchief I embroidered for him for three months to a maid. I felt wronged and returned to my family. The old master asked him to bring me back, but he thought I was using the old master to threaten him and treated me very coldly.”

“Today was even worse. I made ginseng soup to soften his heart, but he was busy being affectionate with the maid, leaving me standing there without even a glance. In the end, he said he would follow the old master’s orders and sleep with me at night to have a legitimate son as soon as possible.”

Tears fell onto her hand with a “plop,” and Xu Chunyang choked, “Who cares about having a legitimate son?”

She just liked him.

Huaiyu sighed. “Second Brother is indeed a bit too much.”

“It’s my fault,” Xu Chunyang wiped her tears and said. “If I didn’t like him so much, I wouldn’t feel this way.”

In love, it’s always the one who is more emotional who loses. If one becomes too emotionally invested while the other remains indifferent, it’s destined to be self-deprecating.

Huaiyu wasn’t very good at comforting people, so she could only stare at her blankly. Fortunately, Xu Chunyang wasn’t looking for comfort; she just needed someone to talk to, and that made her feel better.

“When I returned to my family those few days, my father often asked about you.” Taking a deep breath, Xu Chunyang changed the subject. “He said you have done our family a favor and asked me to help you more.”

She found it a bit strange since the one who saved her father was Ziyang Jun, but he didn’t mention Jun at all, only urging her to take care of Jiang Baishi.

Huaiyu smiled. “Lord Xu is very considerate.”

Yun Lanqing knew her identity. This meant that Han Xiao and Xu Xian also knew, but it didn’t matter. With Liu Yunlie dead, everything was resolved. Even if they knew, they wouldn’t be dragged into her troubles again.

Xu Chunyang looked very tired, and Huaiyu didn’t want to disturb her further. After settling her in, she returned to the main building.

For five consecutive days, Jiang Xuanjin did not return to the residence.

Huaiyu felt a bit puzzled, lying in bed and asking Qingsi, “How can a case with such solid evidence take so long?”

Qingsi replied, “There’s been no news from the palace.”

Feeling a bit uneasy, Huaiyu propped herself up and asked, “Are you sure Liu Yunlie is dead?”

Qingsi nodded. “Jiu Wu took the body out of the capital, and the news has been well concealed. No one knows what happened that day in Shanshizhulun.”

Everything seemed to be going smoothly, but why did she always feel anxious?

“Find a way to have someone inquire in the palace,” she said.

The sky was overcast, and dark clouds hung low as if it were about to rain again.

Qingsi left, and Huaiyu sat at the table, looking at the food in front of her, feeling no appetite at all.

“Miss.” Lingxiu stood beside her, hesitantly asking, “Should I find a physician to take a look? Your complexion seems a bit off.”

Huaiyu smacked her lips, which had a slightly bitter taste, and nodded. “Yes, please do.”

There were no physicians in Moju, but the physician brought from the Jiang residence looked quite familiar.

“I’m Qi Jin; I greet the madam.” The physician set down her medicine box and bowed.

After staring at her for a moment, Huaiyu suddenly realized, “I’ve seen you before.”

Qi Jin smiled. “Madam has a good memory.”

When she was still the fourth young lady, Jun had sent her to treat her. At that time, who would have thought that this seemingly miserable girl would later become the envied Jun Madam?

Reaching out to check her pulse, Qi Jin carefully diagnosed her for a moment, then frowned and asked, “Madam, have you had your monthly cycle this month?”