Xiuzhu sighed: “I don’t know how many times I’ve told Miss, but she just won’t listen. She still treats Yang Consort as a good sister. She won’t wake up until she suffers a loss, and I’m afraid by then it will be too late.”

“Actually…” Ding Yang glanced at her and said softly: “Have you ever thought about giving the Princess a warning before she suffers a loss?”

Xiuzhu said irritably: “Didn’t I already tell you that Miss won’t listen? Are you deliberately trying to annoy me?”

“Don’t be anxious, let me explain slowly.” Saying this, Ding Yang said gently: “The reason the Princess won’t listen to your advice is because she believes Yang Consort is a good person. As long as she knows that Yang Consort isn’t as good as she appears on the surface, she’ll naturally listen to advice.”

This time, Xiuzhu heard the underlying meaning in his words and frowned: “You… what do you mean?”

Ding Yang lowered his voice: “It’s simple. Just make a small move to let the Princess think Yang Consort intends to harm the child in her womb.”

Xiuzhu was suddenly shocked and stared at Ding Yang in disbelief: “You want me to harm Miss? Have you gone mad!” Before Ding Yang could speak, she had already stood up abruptly, saying excitedly: “Even if Miss doesn’t believe me, I would never harm her, absolutely never!”

Ding Yang hurriedly stood up and grabbed her arm: “That’s not what I meant, let me explain…”

Xiuzhu said excitedly: “I don’t know what scheme you’re planning, but it’s impossible!” Saying this, she was about to leave, but Ding Yang quickly held her back: “I have no grudge against the Prince of Qin’s consort—why would I harm her for no reason? Besides, even if I disregard others, would I disregard you too?”

Hearing this, Xiuzhu’s expression finally improved somewhat, but her tone was still very cold: “If that’s the case, why say such things?”

Ding Yang sighed: “Sit down first and let me explain slowly.” After forcibly pulling Xiuzhu to sit down, he whispered carefully in her ear. Her expression changed repeatedly, and after hearing everything, she said uncertainly: “This… would it work?”

Though still questioning, there was no longer any anger in her tone.

Ding Yang secretly breathed a sigh of relief: “This method might be somewhat risky, but it’s better than watching the Prince of Qin’s consort continue to be deceived by Yang Consort.”

Xiuzhu said hesitantly: “But this would be deceiving Miss. How could I do such a thing?”

“But you just said yourself that when Yang Consort actually makes her move, it will be too late.” After a pause, Ding Yang said: “I’ve thought of the method—whether to use it or not is up to you.” As he said this, his palms were sweating. If Xiuzhu didn’t agree, he didn’t know how he would explain to his superiors upon return.

Xiuzhu hesitated for a long time, then said worriedly: “It really won’t harm Miss and the child?”

Hearing this, Ding Yang’s heart relaxed, and he quickly said: “Of course, would I lie to you? If you still don’t believe me, just pretend I said nothing.”

“It’s not that I don’t believe you, but…” Xiuzhu pondered for a moment, finally making up her mind and nodding firmly: “Alright, I’ll do as you suggest. Tell me when you’re ready!”

Ding Yang was secretly delighted but said: “Are you really sure? If any traces are left and discovered by the Prince of Qin’s consort, I’m afraid she won’t spare you lightly.”

Xiuzhu gritted her teeth: “I know, but for Miss and her child’s future peace, I must do this.”

Hearing this, Ding Yang tightly grasped her slightly trembling fingers and said gently: “No matter what, you still have me. Though I’m of humble status with little influence, as long as I have breath in my body, I’ll protect you completely and not let anyone harm you!”

Xiuzhu was overjoyed and nestled in his embrace, saying emotionally: “You’re so good to me.”

“Silly girl, you’re my beloved—if I’m not good to you, who else would I be good to?” In a place Xiuzhu couldn’t see, a flash of guilt crossed Ding Yang’s face.

After seeing Xiuzhu off, Ding Yang also returned to the Eastern Palace. Upon entering Changchun Pavilion, he saw Jirong sitting upright in the seat of honor drinking tea, with Li Yu gently fanning beside her, bringing waves of cool breeze.

Ding Yang stepped into the room and respectfully said: “Your Ladyship.”

Jirong glanced at him and said coolly: “You’re back. How did it go?”

“Reporting to Your Ladyship, Xiuzhu has agreed.” This sentence brought a charming smile to Jirong’s lips: “I indeed didn’t misjudge you. Very good.” She glanced at Li Yu, who understood and set down the feather fan, bringing out a tray from behind the screen. On it were neatly arranged five strings of cash. “This is Your Ladyship’s reward for you.”

Ding Yang quickly said: “The matter isn’t finished yet—how dare this servant accept Your Ladyship’s reward?”

Jirong smiled: “If I’m rewarding you, just take it. Now that Xiuzhu has agreed, the matter is half accomplished.”

Seeing her say this, Ding Yang no longer refused and accepted the heavy tray, then said: “Your Ladyship, will the bamboo leaves really only make the Prince of Qin’s consort’s pregnancy unstable, not cause miscarriage?”

Jirong leisurely stroked the jade bracelet on her wrist: “Bamboo leaves have a sweet, bland taste and cold nature, with effects of removing heat and irritation and quenching thirst. Pregnant women should not take them, but taking a small amount wouldn’t cause miscarriage, especially for those in late pregnancy.”

Ding Yang had just breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Jirong continue: “But roots over ten years old are another matter entirely.”

Ding Yang sensed something was wrong and asked carefully: “Then Your Ladyship means…”

“Many people only know that musk, safflower, and such substances can cause pregnant women to miscarry, guarding against them vigilantly, but they don’t know that with proper application, many other medicines can achieve the same effect.” With these words, she took out an exquisite sandalwood box from her wide sleeves and personally handed it to Ding Yang. At her indication, he opened the box to see a yellow-brown root inside.

“This root was extracted from roots over ten years old. Just have the Prince of Qin’s consort drink water boiled with this, and it will be enough to cause her to miscarry. Give this to Xiuzhu—as for what to say, you should know in your heart.”

Ding Yang’s hands holding the box trembled continuously as he said in a shaky voice: “Your Ladyship, must we really do this? What if…”

Before he could continue, Jirong had already interrupted expressionlessly: “There are no ‘what ifs.’ Is that clear?”

Ding Yang was now caught between a rock and a hard place. Though his heart was reluctant, he could only say helplessly: “This servant understands. This servant will do as Your Ladyship wishes.”

Seeing that he still hadn’t put the box in his sleeve, Jirong knew he still had concerns. She smiled sweetly at him: “Rest assured, I won’t forget your contribution. After this is accomplished, not only will I ensure you and Yixiang grow old together, but I’ll also make sure you’re well-provided for life. Yixiang won’t need to show her face in public anymore, and your mother won’t have to wash clothes for others for meager wages.”

Hearing these words, Ding Yang finally cast aside his last concerns and put away the box: “This servant won’t disappoint Your Ladyship. However, forgive this servant’s bluntness, but after this matter, Xiuzhu will probably realize this servant has been deceiving her. If she becomes angry and tells the Prince of Qin’s consort about this, what should we do?”