The one hundred thousand troops left behind by Duke Yuguo back then—who could have thought they had branched off to become bandits in various regions, concealing their military identity.

They had cleverly evaded the court’s and Emperor Qizhen’s watchful eyes.

What was even more unexpected was that the Liu gang faction controlled by the seven brothers was actually also one of those units from the one hundred thousand troops. If not for the conflicts that arose among those seven people, leading to the Liu gang faction’s dissolution, they wouldn’t have lost that main force.

Zhao Huai said, “That northern unit has already scattered, and the troops in my stronghold are also few remaining. However, as long as the time comes, I will certainly recall my brothers. Even if we fight down to the last soldier, I won’t hesitate.”

Full of determination!

He had already made preparations to stake everything on one final battle.

That day when he said he had dispersed the brothers from his stronghold, that was merely a facade.

After all, that matter had already alarmed the court. If they didn’t disband, it would be like becoming a meal on someone else’s plate.

Ready to be devoured!

Master Wen sighed with emotion. “Back then, when your father and I went to battle to kill the enemy, you were still just a babe in arms. Now, you’ve already grown this much, and you even carry that same vigor your father had back then. If your father’s spirit is in heaven, he would be comforted.”

“My father waited over ten years just to find the young heir one day and avenge Duke Yuguo. The dying wish he couldn’t fulfill before death, I as his son must complete.”

“It will certainly be done.” Master Wen was very firm. The next moment, his face full of worry, he paced toward the outside of the hall, gazing at the full moon hanging in the sky outside. “But what I’m most worried about now is how to tell the young heir about this matter, to have her take the tiger tally token the master left behind, lead the one hundred thousand troops, and attack the capital.”

Hearing this, Zhao Huai stepped forward. “Uncle Wen, we must find the best opportunity before telling the young heir the truth. There’s no rush for the moment. Since we’ve waited fourteen years, we don’t mind waiting a bit longer.”

That was right!

However, Madam Wen was after all a woman. Holding back tears, she said urgently, “In any case, it must be said sooner or later. Why not speak clearly now? I see the young heir is very close to that prince. The longer we delay, the worse it will be.”

Her concern was not without reason.

If the person who ordered Duke Yuguo’s residence burned was Emperor Qizhen, then by the principle of a father’s debt being paid by his son, Jingrong was also the young heir’s enemy.

But the two were now so close. If harsh action needed to be taken later, Madam Wen worried the young heir might show mercy because of this, wouldn’t that ruin everything?

Master Wen understood her concern and sighed. “Let’s wait a bit longer.”

…

Returning to Anchang Courtyard, it was already quite late.

Muruo and Tang Si were both somewhat drunk, both swaying as they returned to their respective rooms.

Jingrong escorted Ji Yunshu to her courtyard.

In the courtyard, that skeleton was still placed there. Although covered with white cloth, suddenly seeing it late at night was still somewhat eerie.

“You should hurry and rest.” Ji Yunshu said.

But he had a shameless appearance. “The wine hasn’t worn off, can’t sleep.”

“Then sit in the courtyard for a while. I’ll have Qiao’er make you a bowl of sobering soup.”

“Good.”

Having succeeded in his pestering, he smiled mischievously and obediently sat down on the stone bench in the courtyard.

Ji Yunshu also called Qiao’er and had her make a bowl of sobering soup.

Borrowing the moonlight, the two sat in the courtyard. Accompanied by a gentle breeze, both gazed at the moon above.

After a short while, Jingrong slowly lowered his gaze to her face with its delicate and three-dimensional features.

This woman was truly beautiful!

Even dressed in men’s clothing, it was difficult to conceal the alluring aura about her.

The corners of Jingrong’s lips curved up as he smiled at her.

Ji Yunshu lowered her eyes, just meeting his gaze.

“What are you looking at?”

“Looking at you.”

“What’s so good to look at about me?”

“Everything is good to look at.”

This man’s mouth was like it had been coated with honey.

Ji Yunshu turned her head away, no longer responding to his words.

But Jingrong was delighted!

His mouth leisurely uttered a sentence. “If not for coming to handle cases, Yufu County would be a place worth touring.”

Wasn’t that so?

Birds singing, flowers fragrant!

Mountains and waters embracing!

Moreover, secluded and elegant!

But Ji Yunshu poured cold water on him. “You should devote more thought to the disaster relief silver matter. Don’t always think about such nonsense.”

“This prince has his own plans.” He was full of confidence. His gaze deliberately glanced at the skeleton placed to the side, his chin slightly nodding. “What about you? You’re not going to keep this thing placed here all along, are you?”

Thing?

Brother, aren’t you afraid Ye’er will visit you in your dreams tonight?

Ji Yunshu: “Tomorrow, I’ll go to the Qiao residence.”

“Then I’ll have Ziran accompany you.”

“No need. You know he and Zijin have never gotten along. If they’re together, who knows what trouble they’ll cause? Then I’ll have to play peacemaker, wasting time.”

Every sentence was truth!

Jingrong reconsidered. “Then take Miss Tang. At least she knows martial arts. If you get into trouble, she can help you.”

Ji Yunshu gave him a fierce eye roll. “I’m not going to quarrel, I’m going to investigate a case.”

Emphasis.

But Jingrong was determined to pass the hot potato to her. “In any case, just take her along. Consider it preparing for a rainy day.”

Helpless, Ji Yunshu could only agree.

Before long, Qiao’er brought over the prepared sobering soup, then silently withdrew.

“That girl is really well-behaved.” Jingrong praised, picking up the bowl of sobering soup and drinking several mouthfuls.

The wine’s effects seemed to dissipate a bit, and his eyes became much more alert.

Suddenly, he thought of something and asked her, “That Master Wen and Madam Wen… they seem very attentive to you.”

Uh!

Ji Yunshu: “You noticed too?”

“So obvious, how could I not notice? Could they be asking something of you? Or do they have other intentions?”

“It shouldn’t be that they’re asking something of me.” She pondered and shook her head. “I see that Master Wen and Madam Wen don’t seem like people with difficulties either. I’m also unclear about what’s going on. It couldn’t be just because I took care of little Xiyue for a few days that they’d treat me with such enthusiasm, could it?”

Of course not!

Jingrong reminded her, “No matter what, there might be something fishy about this. You need to pay more attention. When this prince is not present, you’re also not allowed to go over there alone. After all, one must be wary of others.”

“I know.”

…

Early the next morning!

“Ah!”

A scream that shattered the heavens came from Tang Si’s room.

At this moment inside the room, Tang Si sat on the disheveled bed, holding a bundle of bedding in her hands, looking with shock and anger at Muruo whom she had kicked under the bed.

Muruo furrowed his brow, rubbing his buttocks as he climbed up from the floor.

“Beast!”

Hmm?

Who was she calling a beast?

Muruo shook his head to clear it somewhat. Only then did he realize that he had just been kicked out of bed by someone.

Who the hell was so bold?

Daring to kick even the divine physician?

He turned his head to look and saw Tang Si sitting on the bed, her eyes red, desperately clutching the bedding to cover herself.

Then looking at him with an expression of viewing a “lecher.”