A smile appeared on Xuan Li’s face, but this smile now appeared to everyone’s eyes to contain not a trace of pleasure. On the contrary, it seemed to be restraining inner anger and anxiety, showing several traces of distortion.

Among the Emperor’s sons, Xuan Li was undoubtedly the most composed, and in everyone’s minds he was almost a gentle and refined good person who handled affairs flawlessly. Such a person who could keep his composure always gave people much convincing sense of security, and those who originally turned to Xuan Li naturally valued this point. But from some unknown time, Xuan Li had unknowingly changed. Not showing joy or anger on his face seemed to be a thing of the past, and those following Xuan Li could sometimes even feel the uncontrollable anxiety in Xuan Li’s heart. For someone planning great affairs, this was not a good thing.

What the advisors could all see, how could Xuan Li himself not know? Once upon a time, he had been full of disdain for Xuan Hua’s recklessness and impulsiveness, but now it was his own turn. When this had started, Xuan Li no longer knew. He only knew that his great enterprise of seizing the throne had been smooth sailing very early on, but today it had become extremely difficult. It seemed that every step he took could be calculated by his opponent. The more anxious he became, the more leisurely his opponent became. Unable to achieve quick victory, now at the crucial moment, the anxiety in his heart became even more rampant. This was definitely not a good omen, and perhaps it was exactly the compromise his opponent wanted him to make. Stay calm, Xuan Li warned himself over and over in his heart. The Yao family had turned to Xuan Pei because someone had told them that Yao Niannian’s death was related to the Southern Xinjiang people, and the Southern Xinjiang people were connected to him. The Yao family didn’t have the courage to directly confront him, so they went under Xuan Pei’s name, using Xuan Pei’s reputation to trip him up here.

Just thinking about this matter made Xuan Li feel indescribably depressed. This matter had nothing to do with him originally – he had only wanted to use a play of borrowing a knife to kill someone. He only needed to watch from afar, and in the end sit back and enjoy the fruits without putting himself in a risky position. But unexpectedly the Southern Xinjiang people had failed, and not only had he gained no benefit, but he had also gotten himself involved. Prince Jinying’s mansion – Xuan Li couldn’t help but grit his teeth. He already knew in his heart who had spread that news, but he hadn’t expected that even Xiao Shao would use such methods. Perhaps this wasn’t from Xiao Shao’s hand, but from that woman.

Xuan Li took a deep breath. Southern Xinjiang had sent a secret message asking him to rescue them, but now he absolutely couldn’t take risks. The Southern Xinjiang people didn’t know that the Yao family now hated him as well. If he rashly made a move at this time and was caught, wouldn’t that be delivering leverage into the Yao family’s hands? The Yao family would definitely use this to make a big fuss. Now it was best not to act rashly; being cautious was paramount.

Seeing that Xuan Li hadn’t issued rescue orders for a long time, the messenger guard asked hesitantly, “Your Highness, over there…”

“Don’t bother!” Xuan Li said coldly. Even if they were allies, he absolutely wouldn’t risk danger to save those people at this time. Moreover, the Southern Xinjiang people had caused such a big mess without knowing their limits, and had made him lose the Yao family. This anger had to be vented. Since the Southern Xinjiang people were so capable, let them solve this matter themselves!

…

In Prince Jinying’s mansion, Jiang Ruan took a sip of sugar water boiled with pickled yellow peel sauce and said, “Xuan Li didn’t make a move.”

Xiao Shao sat beside her and hummed in acknowledgment without lifting his head, continuing to look at the booklet before him. His nonchalant manner made Tianzhu on the side couldn’t help but ask, “How does Young Madam know he won’t act? Since they’re allies, they must help each other.”

“Allies indeed, but in Xuan Li’s eyes, there’s no such word as allies.” Jiang Ruan smiled, “It’s just that they temporarily came together because of common interests. And this time the Southern Xinjiang people messed things up. To Xuan Li, they’re just useless chess pieces. No matter how much useless chess pieces are needed, he also has anger that needs venting. Moreover, Xuan Li is naturally suspicious and will definitely think we’ve set some trap in this. Someone like him who always seeks stability will absolutely not act at this time, lest he also get himself involved.”

“Hmm?” Hearing this, Xiao Shao actually raised his head, pondered slightly, and looked at Jiang Ruan seriously asking, “No trap set?”

Jiang Ruan was speechless. A trap naturally had to be set. This trap was set for the Southern Xinjiang people, but Xiao Shao’s habitual style was like autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves – he wouldn’t let a single one go. As for Xuan Li, there were naturally arrangements as well, to ensure nothing went wrong. What if Xuan Li suddenly remembered his allies?

“But Young Madam, what should we do now?” Tianzhu frowned, “Our people have also acted, but still can’t find where those Southern Xinjiang people are hiding. They’re hiding really deep – there must already be contacts in the capital.”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, “Since they could deal with your master for so many years, they’re naturally not ordinary people. This matter of hiding involves great learning. But talking about this with you is really too distant. Just keep wearing them down like this – they’ll definitely act first. And acting first may seem like seizing the initiative on the surface, but actually the rhythm is already disrupted. We also have other things to do now.”

After the Yao family matter passed, Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao hadn’t taken any other actions. Though Xiao Shao’s deployment was precise, their opponents were also very cunning and didn’t show themselves. This way, Tianzhu inevitably felt somewhat bored every day. Hearing Jiang Ruan say this now, he immediately became excited, “Young Madam, what other missions are there?”

“Even if the master behind has been caught, the small fry can’t be let go.” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, “Someone bullied my people – there’s no reason to just let it go like this.”

“Young Madam means…” Tianzhu looked at her suspiciously, “That Miss Liao…”

“Treating others as they treat you,” Jiang Ruan said indifferently, “Originally serving different masters isn’t a problem, but using underhanded methods on my people – let her taste this feeling herself.”

Tianzhu nodded thoughtfully. Xiao Shao glanced at Jiang Ruan, who immediately asked upon seeing this, “What?”

“Nothing,” Xiao Shao continued looking down at the booklet before him nonchalantly, saying lightly, “Madam has excellent strategy.”

Jiang Ruan: “…”

…

In a residence in the capital, two people sat in the room. One was doing embroidery by the door, while another young woman was looking down at the book scroll before her, though her gaze was somewhat wandering. Nanny Zhou was doing embroidery while sighing, “Second Young Master hasn’t come for a long time. I wonder if something happened.”

Liao Meng followed Nanny Zhou’s gaze out the window – indeed there was no sign of that person. These days Jin Er somehow almost never set foot here anymore. Even sending people to secretly pass messages received no response. Liao Meng smiled, “Nanny needn’t worry. Since Second Young Master is handling affairs for the Prince, he might have important matters these days and be too busy to get away – that’s normal. He’ll come after some days.” Though she was comforting Nanny Zhou, it was more like convincing herself. With Jin Er not coming for such a long time, she couldn’t help but become suspicious. What exactly was happening? Could it be that maid had used some methods to entangle Jin Er again? With Jin Er not coming and no news from that person, Liao Meng thought restlessly with growing unease in her heart.

Liao Meng didn’t know who that person was. She only knew that after her parents died and life became extremely difficult, a mysterious person had written her a letter pointing out a bright path. This bright path was Jin Er. For Liao Meng this was naturally good news, and she followed that person’s suggestion almost without hesitation. That person hadn’t said much either, only saying they wanted to help and didn’t need Liao Meng to pay any price – just that Liao Meng should get Jin Er in hand and make that little maid scram.

Later everything went more smoothly than Liao Meng had originally expected, but that mysterious person never appeared again. Liao Meng had wondered if that person had other purposes, but Jin Er was indeed a way out she didn’t want to give up. Liao Meng was just a woman without much foresight, only able to instinctively grasp what she most wanted before her.

Nanny Zhou perhaps heard the uncertainty in Liao Meng’s tone and sighed. When Liao Meng had used her own chastity to exchange for Jin Er’s devotion, Nanny Zhou had felt it was very improper. Once this started, there would be no way back. Moreover, using such methods was always unseemly. Only those concubines in mansions wanting to climb into the master’s bed would use such lowly means. Yet their young miss, who was properly raised as a refined lady, had actually thought of such methods. Nanny Zhou felt both alarmed and sad for Liao Meng’s situation.

Both were lost in their own thoughts when they heard bustling sounds outside, seemingly with pushing, scolding, and shouting. Nanny Zhou and Liao Meng looked at each other. Nanny Zhou got up, “Don’t know what happened. This old servant will go look.”

“I’ll also take a look.” Liao Meng also got up. This residence was quite hidden in the capital, and Jin Er had also asked others to look after them, so even with two women living here, no one usually dared disturb them. Hearing the commotion outside, Liao Meng’s first thought was that Lu Zhu had come to make trouble, so she prepared to go see.

But unexpectedly, just as she reached the door, she heard a man’s voice: “Liao Meng, Liao Meng, come out!”

Liao Meng was startled, then angrily walked out, unable to hide her fury, “Who’s making noise here?” She had almost become a celebrity in the capital now. Everyone sympathized with her pitiful background and being bullied by a maid. She only needed to frown and naturally someone would stand up for her. Sympathizing with the weak was almost human instinct.

“Meng’er, I finally found you!” The person at the door seemed to just see her, and upon seeing her come out immediately said urgently. Liao Meng frowned. Nanny Zhou had already stepped forward to block her, scolding, “Where did this scoundrel come from, actually slandering our young miss’s reputation? Who are you?”

This was a middle-aged man, about thirty years old, dark and thin, seeming to be from the countryside, with some ruffian air about him. One look showed he wasn’t a good person. That man also said, “Nanny Zhou, you’re really forgetful. I’m Chen Xi from Dingxi. When your mansion had troubles, I even sent things to you. Meng’er used to come ask me for help all the time. How is it that now in the capital, having climbed high branches, you turn your back and don’t recognize people?”

At these words, the crowd immediately erupted again. What? Listening to this man’s tone, he seemed to have some private relationship with Liao Meng. That man called her so intimately, and hearing that Liao Meng was also from Dingxi, could there be some secret between them? People sympathized with the weak indeed, but commoners were even more enthusiastic about novel folk stories. Learning that this seemingly weak and proper refined lady might have some unknown stories, they immediately became excited.

Liao Meng’s vision went black and she nearly fainted. When she first came out, she hadn’t seen clearly what the person looked like. After seeing who it was, she was terrified out of her wits. Back in Dingxi, when her parents died and she guarded the family wealth, those wolf-like relatives were eyeing it covetously. Her uncle especially wanted to marry her off early to swallow their family’s huge fortune. This Chen Xi was a local tyrant in Dingxi, a street ruffian type who usually bullied men and women. He had set his sights on Liao Meng’s beauty, and Liao Meng’s uncle, being in business and having some relationship with Chen Xi, wanted to marry Liao Meng to Chen Xi.

How could someone as proud as Liao Meng look favorably on Chen Xi? But being under someone’s roof, she had to bow her head. She could only deal with Chen Xi falsely, pretending to be very obedient to make Chen Xi and her uncle feel at ease. With the mysterious person’s help, she finally escaped, thinking she had finally escaped that dirty life. But unexpectedly, Chen Xi’s appearance today was like a bucket of cold water poured directly on her head, making her whole body shiver.

While Liao Meng hadn’t reacted yet, Chen Xi had already begun telling the watching crowd about how he and Liao Meng were so compatible, how they had the elders’ approval, and were about to marry. Unexpectedly, the day before the wedding, Liao Meng had escaped. He had traveled great distances to find her, only to hear about Liao Meng and Jin Er’s affair spreading throughout the capital. He was both heartbroken and angry, so he came to demand an explanation.

Chen Xi was also a clever person. Having grown up in the marketplace and struggling there for years, he could be called smooth-tongued. He spoke with flying spittle like a storyteller, putting on a very affectionate appearance that actually attracted most people’s attention. When they looked at Liao Meng again, their gazes had changed, as if looking at an unfaithful woman who only wanted to climb up and abandoned her fiancé.

Liao Meng was so angry she nearly fainted, but as a refined lady in everyone’s minds, she naturally couldn’t curse at Chen Xi in the street. Even explaining in a gentle voice, how could she match Chen Xi’s silver tongue? She definitely wouldn’t gain any advantage. Nanny Zhou was furious and stepped forward to scold Chen Xi, “Chen Xi, stop talking nonsense! When did young miss ever get engaged to you? That was entirely your wishful thinking! Don’t you piss and look at yourself in the reflection – how could young miss be someone you could touch?”

Nanny Zhou wholeheartedly defended Liao Meng, but her words were inappropriate. Saying Chen Xi wasn’t worthy of Liao Meng actually seemed to confirm from the side what Chen Xi said – that Liao Meng was a vain woman. Liao Meng realized this, but Nanny Zhou was completely unaware, continuing to scold vigorously. Liao Meng had no choice but to step forward herself, “Chen Xi, you’re too much. We have no grudges – why do you slander my reputation?”

This didn’t sound false either, and the crowd’s gazes became puzzled again. But Chen Xi was unhurried, as if still holding infinite sincere feelings for her, “Meng’er, no matter how you treat me, you’re the only one in my heart. How can you erase our past? During your most difficult days, we supported each other. How can you forget all those things!”

Fighting words with someone like Chen Xi would definitely not end well. Liao Meng could only insist she had no relationship with Chen Xi, saying coldly, “Stop talking nonsense. You and I only have fellow townsman relations – where do these other claims come from?”

“Meng’er!” Chen Xi seemed hurt by her words, his eyes immediately reddening. He stepped forward, his tone infinitely sorrowful, “How can you say this? You even gave your body to me – how can you say there’s only fellow townsman relations? Even if you’ve changed your heart now and love that Second Young Master Huang, have you thought about what Second Young Master will think of you when he sees you’re not chaste? How will he treat you in the future? How can you be so naive!”

After Chen Xi finished speaking, there was immediately another uproar around. Chen Xi’s words had many implications – that Liao Meng, who looked like a pure and innocent girl, was actually no longer chaste? Tsk tsk, this was really unexpected.

Nanny Zhou was already red with anger, a string of curses already flowing out. Liao Meng stared blankly at Chen Xi, suddenly coming to her senses. Looking at the pointing and whispering gazes of the surrounding people, she felt like she had been stripped naked and thrown into the street. But now she couldn’t retreat – once she retreated, that would be admitting defeat! Admitting defeat – she had staked everything, absolutely not to lose! Liao Meng bit her teeth and suddenly said to Chen Xi, “Chen Xi, doing things requires evidence. If you dare slander my reputation, you must produce evidence. Otherwise, I’ll definitely report to the authorities and have you punished!”

Hearing this, Chen Xi showed Liao Meng a strange smile that had an indescribable meaning in Liao Meng’s eyes, as if finally waiting for these words. It couldn’t be – Liao Meng steadied herself. She had given her body to Jin Er. How could Chen Xi have the ability to confuse black and white? Nothing would happen.

Who knew Chen Xi would suddenly say loudly, “Meng’er, I originally didn’t want to say these things, but now you treat me like an enemy. For any man, this is unbearable. Meng’er, if you’re heartless, don’t blame me for being unrighteous.” As he spoke, he took out a white handkerchief from his bundle. The handkerchief had scattered red bloodstains blooming on it. The crowd was first startled, then understood what it was. There were also young women in the crowd who immediately turned their heads away. Chen Xi shouted, “This is the maiden’s handkerchief from the night you consummated with me!”

Nanny Zhou’s vision went black and she actually fainted. Liao Meng forcibly suppressed the surging anger in her heart. Producing a maiden’s handkerchief in the street – who could have thought of such a thing? But Chen Xi was exactly such a scoundrel, a shameless scoundrel. For him to do this was completely natural. But Chen Xi wasn’t finished. He unfolded the handkerchief for everyone to see more clearly. Under the red spots, the embroidered flowers on the handkerchief were quite clear, with a “Meng” character in the lower left corner. Chen Xi continued, “Meng’er, this handkerchief was originally a gift from you to me, your personal handkerchief. I’ve been reluctant to throw it away…”

Chen Xi played the role of an angry, betrayed, affectionate man to perfection. But at these words, Liao Meng was thunderstruck and nearly fainted.

That night… that confused night with Jin Er, she had lit the incense the mysterious person gave her, placing it with that pot of orchids, stunning Jin Er, using her own chastity as the price to bind that man to death. After that night, her personal handkerchief disappeared. Thinking it must have bloodstains and been taken by Jin Er, she didn’t ask much. But now it appeared in Chen Xi’s hands. Liao Meng’s mind was muddled, but an absurd thought uncontrollably emerged – a thought that was very frightening…

Chen Xi said, “Meng’er, being with me, I know everything about you. I also know you have a small red mole on your back. Meng’er, if you ask me for evidence, do you dare let others check your arm to see if the palace sand is still there?”

The palace sand naturally wasn’t there anymore. Having others check would only reveal she wasn’t chaste. But Liao Meng wasn’t thinking about this. If Chen Xi’s maiden’s handkerchief had already made her vaguely think of a possibility, now the red mole on her back almost confirmed that terrible guess in her heart.

That night, the one who had a confused night with her wasn’t Jin Er – it was Chen Xi. It was Chen Xi who had spent the night with her, taken her maiden’s handkerchief, and later learned about the red mole on her back. How Chen Xi got in, why Jin Er didn’t fall for the trap – Liao Meng couldn’t think that far anymore. It seemed that in an instant, she lost all strength, softly collapsing to the ground, her gaze becoming vacant in a moment.

Having staked everything, traveling thousands of miles from Dingxi to the capital, selling her chastity, unexpectedly it was given to Chen Xi. Everything seemed to return to the original place. She clearly knew one thing – she was finished.

“So Meng’er, come back with me.” Chen Xi immediately put on an affectionate appearance again, “I don’t care about anything. Even if you now love that Second Young Master Huang, as long as you come back with me, we’ll still live well together. Isn’t that good? If you continue like this, when Second Young Master learns the truth, won’t he be very angry? No man can tolerate his wife not being chaste. Meng’er, will you continue being stubborn?”

“That’s right.” A male voice came from behind the crowd. Liao Meng looked toward the voice – Jin Er stood not far away. That face that always smiled roguishly and made her somewhat moved now had no trace of its usual smile, only strange cruelty.

“Why…” she murmured.