In the eastern suburbs of Jiankang, several li from the city gates, stood a rural village compound.

Shao Fengzhi had been here for more than ten days. The surroundings were secluded, with only farmers passing by and few people even during the day. He had also been warned by Shao Yuniang not to sneak into Jiankang for entertainment. Knowing the matter was of great importance, he naturally dared not act recklessly, but such days made him—accustomed to a dissolute life—feel as if imprisoned, with each day feeling like a year.

Fortunately, these past few days he had finally found an extremely entertaining place nearby.

It was quite coincidental. That day after seeing off the doctor who came for Shao Yuniang’s follow-up examination, he was strolling idly on the village road when he happened to see a small cart pass nearby. The driver was an old servant, with a teenage maid walking alongside. Though it was just an ordinary blue felt village cart, it had a peach-colored curtain that immediately caught Shao Fengzhi’s attention. As he stared, the curtain lifted, revealing a young woman’s face—eighteen or nineteen years old, graceful and charming, with alluring peach-blossom eyes that captured souls. The woman met the transfixed Shao Fengzhi’s gaze, smiled sweetly, dropped the curtain, and departed.

Shao Fengzhi’s heart immediately itched unbearably. He secretly followed, tailing them. The cart stopped before an isolated residence by the river several li away—a house of modest size surrounded by walls. The woman alighted from the cart, seemingly sensing something, looked back at him from afar with another smile, then gracefully disappeared behind the door.

How could Shao Fengzhi not see that this woman also had interest in him? Looking at her beautiful appearance and such dress, living alone in such a place, she quite resembled those outer chambers that wealthy men from Jiankang City kept outside.

Rural life was boring, and not knowing how long he’d have to stay here, suddenly having a romantic target—how could he easily let it pass? He lingered nearby for a long time, even climbed the wall to spy, discovering that inside were only the old servant, the little maid, and one rough servant woman—no men in sight. His courage grew, and he went to knock on the door, claiming thirst and asking for water. When invited inside, the woman didn’t appear again—only half a peach-colored embroidered shoe showed from behind the door curtain before departing.

Shao Fengzhi found excuses to linger long at that household but never saw the woman appear again, finally leaving reluctantly. Walking on the road, his mind was calculating how to return tomorrow when the little maid actually caught up from behind, presenting a handkerchief, saying he had dropped it. He took what was clearly a woman’s silk handkerchief and saw words written on it, asking him to return at midnight. Instantly overjoyed, he returned to his lodging, acted normally, waited until midnight, then secretly slipped out for the tryst.

The woman had indeed left the door open for him, quietly leading him inside. Seeing her by lamplight made her even more captivating. She called herself A’Tao and was indeed, as Shao Fengzhi had guessed, an official’s outer chamber from the capital. She originally lived in the city but unfortunately had been discovered by the wife some days ago. Unable to tolerate her, she was forced to move to the countryside to hide—it hadn’t been long. The official feared his wife and only told her to live peacefully here, saying he’d visit when free, but for many days straight, not even his shadow could be seen.

A’Tao spoke with full complaints. Shao Fengzhi consoled her with sweet words, and soon they were mutually infatuated, undressing and climbing into bed.

This woman was not only beautiful but had exceptional bedroom skills. Obtaining her, Shao Fengzhi treasured her like a precious jewel. These past days, he waited until midnight every night, and when Shao Yuniang slept, he’d secretly slip out for private meetings. Last night, however, because A’Tao said the man was coming to see her, their tryst was blocked. Shao Fengzhi tossed and turned, feeling lovesick as if mad. Finally able to go tonight, he really couldn’t wait until midnight—as soon as it got dark and he saw the lamp in Shao Yuniang’s room extinguish, he immediately slipped out and came to A’Tao’s residence again.

Tonight A’Tao not only waited for him with careful grooming but had specially prepared a table of wine and food.

Not having met for one night felt like three autumns. The two became even more intimate upon meeting, drinking and making merry. In their half-drunk blissful state, A’Tao suddenly wept, sadly saying, “I was originally from a good family, but due to poverty and some beauty, I was possessed by that old lecher, living this neither-human-nor-ghost life. While the old man lives, I barely have food and clothing to rely on. If one day he dies or his wife forces him to abandon me, I fear there’ll be no place left for me in this world.”

Seeing the beauty weep so sorrowfully, Shao Fengzhi’s heart ached terribly, and he immediately promised to ensure her wealth and honor for the rest of her life.

A’Tao spat, “Easy words! I’ve already given myself to you, devoted heart and soul, yet you don’t take me seriously at all. Even now I only know your name and that you live nearby, and every night you come and go, never spending a whole night with me! There must be someone at home—I shouldn’t hope for anything else. Moreover, do you think I don’t know about this area? Nearby are just rural households scraping food from the soil. Even if your family has a few acres of land, how could you guarantee me lifetime wealth and honor?”

Shao Fengzhi felt the wine churning in his belly, rushing to his head, “There’s no one at my home—just one elder sister who’s strict with me and doesn’t let me stay out overnight. Don’t underestimate me! Not to mention my ancestors were once a prominent family in the north—only due to misfortune have we now fallen. As for myself, before long I’ll surely rise to great heights again with unlimited wealth and honor!”

A’Tao had just been weeping but now couldn’t help laughing until she swayed back and forth, pointing at Shao Fengzhi, “Aiya, your bragging nearly lifted my roof! Stop it. In being intimate with you, I neither covet your wealth nor seek your status—I simply admire your talent and charm. I never expected you to achieve wealth and honor, so why deceive me with such words?”

Shao Fengzhi was in high spirits, seeing her expression clearly showing disbelief—how could he still endure it? Face flushed, he said, “Have you heard of Prince Xin’an? A great figure in Jiankang City! My own elder sister is Prince Xin’an’s confidant, currently helping him with great affairs! When matters succeed in the future, wealth and honor will be within easy reach! Where did I deceive you in these words?”

A’Tao’s eyes flickered slightly as she smiled and asked what great affairs these were.

Shao Fengzhi embraced A’Tao, laughing, “What do you care what affairs? In any case, with me here, you can rest assured. When I’m wealthy and honored in the future, you’ll certainly benefit.”

A’Tao finally showed joy, becoming even more tender and charming. Shao Fengzhi was triumphant and unconsciously became drunk. When he awoke, it was already late at night. Though still reluctant to leave, knowing he had slipped out early tonight and fearing Shao Yuniang might notice, he dared not stay until dawn. He bid A’Tao a reluctant farewell, arranged to meet again tomorrow night, hurriedly departed, returned to his lodging, avoided the main gate, climbed over the low wall, and was tiptoeing toward his own room when the lamp in Shao Yuniang’s room lit up. The door opened and the woman from the prison who both served and guarded came out, calling him inside.

Shao Fengzhi had no choice but to steel himself and enter. Shao Yuniang dismissed the woman and ordered him to close the door.

Shao Fengzhi saw her leaning against the bed, her injuries not yet healed, looking sickly, but her gaze was extremely stern as she asked where he had been.

He initially tried to hide it, only saying he couldn’t sleep and had gone out to admire the moon and feel the breeze. How could Shao Yuniang believe this? She questioned him repeatedly. Shao Fengzhi knew he couldn’t hide it and finally admitted haltingly that he had recently met a woman who was someone’s outer chamber, they had become intimate, and he had just returned from her residence.

Shao Yuniang forcibly controlled her anger, struggled down from the bed, quietly went to the doors and windows to check first, then turned around and scolded quietly, “That woman who followed me from prison—though Gao Qiao doesn’t know, I know she must be Prince Xin’an’s person. Any unusual activity here and he’ll know immediately! I’ve suffered so many years, endured humiliation, and finally reached this step with hope in sight. Thinking you’re my blood brother and I’d need to rely on you in future matters, I kept you by my side. How can you be so worthless? In just a few days, you’re already philandering? This place is unfamiliar—if you’re careless and ruin things, where do we go? Do you think after this incident, the sect leader will still tolerate me? If this side fails, can we return to the Celestial Master sect as before?”

Shao Fengzhi knew that starting about half a year ago, his sister had gained secret protection from a great figure in Jiankang City, which allowed her to remain in Jiankang despite court prohibitions.

That great figure was Prince Xin’an, Xiao Daocheng.

Xiao Daocheng had always believed in the Celestial Master sect. When the new emperor ascended the throne, sect leader Wu Cang had been able to enter Jiankang for congratulations, invited into the prince’s mansion as an honored guest—this wasn’t secret. Later, Gao Qiao restricted Celestial Master sect activities. Besides issuing restrictions in various prefectures and counties, Jiankang issued severe prohibitions, forcing people like them to leave Jiankang.

Over the years, Prince Xin’an had maintained contact with the Celestial Master sect under the name of faith, gradually exerting secret influence. The current sect leader Wu Cang was the one who had rescued Shao Yuniang and Shao Fengzhi from the river years ago. At that time he was already an altar master. It was under Prince Xin’an’s support that he ascended to the sect leader position several years ago.

Due to Shao Yuniang’s special relationship with Wu Cang, Shao Fengzhi also learned some secrets about the Celestial Master sect.

Shao Fengzhi was far from clever, but he wasn’t stupid either. The Celestial Master sect had numerous disciples with believers widely distributed among the people. He knew Prince Xin’an wanted to control the Celestial Master sect for his own use. Wu Cang appeared respectful to Prince Xin’an on the surface, but Wu Cang was far from as simple as he appeared.

Wu Cang’s family background, tracing back, was similar to the Shao siblings—formerly prominent in the north but rapidly declined after the court moved south. By this generation, they were completely unknown and entirely excluded from advancement in officialdom.

In such chaotic times with a weak court, anyone with ability wanted to accomplish great deeds.

Wu Cang was also an ambitious figure. On the surface he depended on Prince Xin’an, borrowing his assistance to finally become the Celestial Master sect leader, but in recent years he had been secretly accumulating power. Ridiculously, Prince Xin’an remained completely unaware, still thinking he firmly controlled the Celestial Master sect.

Early this year, Gao Qiao began suppressing the Celestial Master sect. Prince Xin’an didn’t dare oppose Gao Qiao directly and secretly ordered Wu Cang to temporarily comply with the court and restrain their forces. Wu Cang was very dissatisfied but knew the timing wasn’t ripe—not daring to act rashly, he could only agree and resentfully leave Jiankang.

But Shao Yuniang refused to leave. It was then that she secretly sought out Xiao Daocheng. Learning of her past connection with Gao Qiao, Xiao Daocheng was overjoyed and secretly kept her in Jiankang.

At that time, Shao Fengzhi understood that his sister was using the opportunity to completely abandon the Celestial Master sect and turn to Xiao Daocheng.

Having been in the sect for years and having served Wu Cang, she knew many Celestial Master sect secrets.

Once Wu Cang learned she had bypassed him to join Xiao Daocheng, how could he possibly let the siblings live?

Shao Fengzhi was immediately awakened by Shao Yuniang’s words, filled with belated fear, hastily admitting his error.

Shao Yuniang’s face darkened as she questioned him about the details of the woman he met.

Shao Fengzhi dared not hide anything more and told the truth.

Shao Yuniang frowned deeply, scolding, “You dared seduce such a capital official’s outer chamber? If discovered and they come looking, how would we handle it? If things are ruined, how would we explain to Prince Xin’an?”

Shao Fengzhi broke out in cold sweats, continuously swearing he’d never go again.

Shao Yuniang asked if he had revealed his identity to that woman.

Shao Fengzhi hurried to say, “Sister, rest assured—even the name I gave her was false…”

Speaking thus, he suddenly remembered something, his expression changing slightly.

Shao Yuniang immediately noticed and demanded whether he had said inappropriate things to that woman.

Shao Fengzhi initially didn’t dare admit it, but under repeated pressure, finally stammered, “I had a few extra drinks tonight and misspoke. In front of her, I seemed to mention sister’s relationship with Prince Xin’an…”

Shao Yuniang flew into rage, delivering a harsh slap to his face.

Shao Fengzhi covered his face, hurriedly saying, “Sister, please calm down! I only mentioned it once like that. I absolutely said nothing more! It should be fine!”

To gain Gao Qiao’s sympathy, Shao Yuniang’s previous torture in prison and subsequent illness were entirely real, without any pretense. Now with rage attacking her heart, she momentarily couldn’t stand steady and swayed as if about to fall before Shao Fengzhi caught her.

She steadied herself, slowly turned her face, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

“That household—not one person can be left alive. Tonight you go back and, while they’re unprepared, finish the job for me!”

She spoke word by word.

Late at night, the door of Qin Tower was opened by an old servant.

Before long, a small cart quietly left through Qin Tower’s back door, heading toward the Gao family residence.

At the end of the zi hour, the cart stopped at the alley entrance by the Gao family’s back door. Lu Niang alighted and hurried to that door.

She came personally in the deep night to deliver a letter—a letter for the Gao family’s young miss.

The gatekeeper at the back door had received Luoshen’s instructions days earlier: if anyone came to deliver letters for her, regardless of the time, even at midnight, notify her immediately.

The delivered letter quickly reached Luoshen’s hands.

Since sending word to Lu Niang that day, Luoshen had been waiting for news these past days.

A few days ago, finally came good news that her arranged person was making smooth progress and would immediately send word once anything was discovered.

After waiting several more days, tonight finally brought new information.

Luoshen was awakened from sleep, hurriedly rose to open the door, received the letter A’Ju handed in, read it once, and was utterly astonished.

“How is it? What did you learn?”

A’Ju held up the lamp for light beside her, eagerly questioning Luoshen with some excitement.

The person Lu Niang used was said to be extremely clever. To send a letter at such a late hour, the discovered information must be important. Moreover, seeing the young miss’s expression, it was definitely no small matter.

Luoshen recovered, her inner astonishment beyond words.

She truly hadn’t expected that asking someone to learn about Shao Yuniang’s life through Shao Fengzhi would lead to such a great figure she normally paid little attention to.

Prince Xin’an, Xiao Daocheng!

Lu Niang’s letter said the matter might not be certain—it could be Shao Fengzhi boasting to A’Tao. But because it was so important, A’Tao dared not delay and immediately sent the old servant with the message that very night. She also sent word overnight for Luoshen’s own judgment.

If Shao Fengzhi’s words were true, the situation truly exceeded Luoshen’s original imagination.

She read it again, suppressed her racing heartbeat, held the letter, and immediately went to her parents’ quarters.

Late at night, Gao Qiao still couldn’t sleep.

His mind heavy with worries, listening to his wife beside him finally emit the even, soft breathing of deep sleep, he quietly rose, left the room for his study, lit candles, sat behind his desk, and again took out a letter, unfolded it, and read it once more.

This letter came from Li Mu—sent after the successful rescue of Lu Jianzhi. Two letters had arrived together then. One was written to his own daughter; this one, to himself.

In the letter, Li Mu described the situation in Chang’an and the circumstances in Longxi, expressing his plan to pacify Longxi next.

All this was within Gao Qiao’s expectations.

What surprised Gao Qiao was a passage Li Mu added at the letter’s end.

Li Mu said that before dispatching troops, after their three-way discussion that day, Prince Xin’an had spoken privately with him again, clarifying interests and disadvantages. In conversation, he had often urged Li Mu to be wisely self-preserving. Prince Xin’an probably also meant well. But he was slow-witted and, as an outside minister, had never much cared for or understood the conflicts of interest between aristocratic families and the imperial house. Writing this letter, he suddenly recalled this old matter but remained puzzled, so he casually added it, hoping that if there were future opportunities, he might receive Gao Qiao’s guidance to clear his confusion.

This passage at the letter’s end seemed indeed to be just his casual addition, seeking Gao Qiao’s instruction.

But with Gao Qiao’s understanding of him, how could he possibly believe this?

At first glance, he knew Li Mu’s underlying meaning.

He was clearly making a tactful reminder that Prince Xin’an was duplicitous, intending to use this opportunity to weaken aristocratic families and profit from it.

If aristocratic families completely fell, who would be the greatest beneficiary?

Gao Qiao knew perfectly well.

For Gao Qiao, even knowing that Prince Xin’an and the imperial couple behind him truly had such intentions wouldn’t surprise him.

Having served in court for decades, he had seen too many such conspiracies and calculations.

If this were true, his only feeling would be despair—complete despair.

He knew Li Mu wouldn’t fabricate things from nothing. But he truly didn’t want to believe that Xiao Daocheng and the young imperial couple were the same as previous Xiao rulers, placing the power struggle between imperial house and aristocratic families above the nation.

The newly enthroned imperial couple and their subsequent words and deeds had made Gao Qiao’s originally weary heart—which had thoughts of retirement—slowly revive, even develop hope, again generating illusions and expectations that the Southern Dynasty might experience revival.

Precisely because of such hope and expectations, no matter how tired, he was willing to bear it gladly.

But it was just this seemingly light passage in Li Mu’s letter that drove a thorn into Gao Qiao’s heart.

On the surface he acted normally, but after that day, facing Xiao Daocheng and the imperial couple who obeyed his every word, his heart would unconsciously generate faint despair.

He hoped this was just Li Mu’s oversensitivity, hoped that Xiao Daocheng’s private conversation with him that day was merely pessimistic insistence due to Xiao’s misjudgment of the situation.

After all, in his presence at the time, Xiao had also opposed dispatching troops.

But deep in his heart, that vague sense of foreboding never dissipated. Especially with recent events, so coincidentally related to Xiao Daocheng again.

Gao Qiao’s gaze fell on the letter, brows tightly furrowed. Suddenly, he heard several light knocks at the door, then the door was pushed open.

Looking up, Gao Qiao saw his daughter standing at the entrance. Surprised, he put away the letter and asked, “So late—why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Luoshen entered, looking at her father, “A’Ye, these past days I’ve concealed something from you that deserves your reproach. But I’ve discovered some information. The matter is grave—I dare not judge it myself and request A’Ye’s decision.”

She presented the letter.