In the carriage.

Xie Zhifei and Pei Xiao looked at each other, neither speaking.

Compared to investigating the heart demon, what they found harder to face now was Zhao Huairen.

“Better not say anything!”

“Better not say anything!”

Two voices spoke almost simultaneously, remarkably in unison.

Xie Zhifei: “We should still mention Old Master Zhu’s character.”

Pei Xiao: “As for the parts involving the Former Crown Prince, let’s skip it.”

Xie Zhifei: “Just say the heart demon is still under investigation with no leads yet.”

Pei Xiao: “Right, Taiwei didn’t reveal anything useful.”

Xie Zhifei: “We’re not deliberately hiding things from him, are we?”

Pei Xiao: “Of course not. We just don’t want to put him in a difficult position—that person is his imperial grandfather.”

With major matters settled, the two brothers sat dumbly again, looking at each other, both full of concerns.

They’d been by Zhao Huairen’s side for many years and were never reckless by nature. They always planned before acting—so why today had they just…

“Do you really like Yan Sanhe that much?”

“Why did you follow them in?”

Again, in perfect unison.

This synchronicity was truly remarkable.

Xie Zhifei smiled bitterly. “I just like her that much.”

Pei Xiao sighed helplessly. “Who told you you’re my brother!”

A firework exploded before his eyes.

Xie Zhifei’s eyes grew warm. “Mingting.”

Pei Mingting knew what nonsense he wanted to spout and said irritably, “What?”

“I want to praise you again.”

“Shut up.”

Pei Xiao pointed at him. “When my father beats me later, you take it for me.”

“I’ll take it for you.”

Xie Zhifei nodded emphatically. “However many lashes—bring them on. I guarantee I won’t make a sound.”

Son of a bitch.

Pei Xiao cursed inwardly, thinking he’d probably run faster than anyone when the time came.

Just then, the carriage stopped. Zhu Qing lifted the curtain and reached in, placing a paper ball inside.

“Master, Liu Jiang from the Grand Prince’s side just tossed this over.”

Xie Zhifei unfolded it and his expression changed slightly.

“What is it?”

Pei Xiao leaned over and looked down. The paper showed only two characters: Bestowed Marriage.

Huairen has been given a marriage match?

“Which family’s daughter?”

Xie Zhifei thought of that box of mooncakes sent from so far away to Li Buyan and slowly shook his head.

Seeing him shake his head, Pei Xiao had words stuck in his throat: What about that Li fellow?

…

In another half month, the twelfth lunar month would arrive.

Once year-end approached, not only did the pleasure houses see more customers seeking entertainment, even the gambling dens’ business improved by twenty percent.

The pleasure boat departed from Kaigu Workshop and sailed to the dock, waiting for a while. No one came aboard.

Fearing it would arouse suspicion, Xie Zhifei ordered the boat to move forward.

After circling around and returning to the dock, they could see a blue-robed figure from afar. Xie Zhifei’s heart eased, and he quickly had the boat pull ashore.

Zhao Yishi boarded, removed his cloak and tossed it to Shen Chong, then walked into the cabin.

Xie Zhifei and Pei Xiao looked at his expression and knew this person was in a foul mood.

Zhao Yishi met their gazes and sat down without any pleasantries, immediately asking, “The Zhu family matter—what’s the verdict?”

Xie Zhifei glanced at Pei Xiao, then proceeded according to their prior discussion, relating the matters of Peach Blossom Well, the Life-Demanding Nail, and so forth.

After hearing everything, Zhao Yishi was so shocked he couldn’t speak for quite some time.

Zhu Xuanjiu was actually this kind of person?

Xie Zhifei: “This heart demon hasn’t been fully resolved yet. We’re still investigating. Once there’s progress, I’ll tell you.”

Only then did Zhao Yishi sigh. “Truly, this world doesn’t lack evil people. How did the Zhu family raise such a character?”

Xie Zhifei thought for a moment and decided to say something good about the Zhu family.

“The other Zhu family members have proper foundations. This person was a concubine-born son who rose to power.”

Hearing the words “concubine-born,” Zhao Yishi suddenly gave a cold laugh. “The third daughter of Wu Rong, Minister of the Court of Imperial Entertainments, legitimate-born.”

This seemingly random statement made Xie Zhifei and Pei Xiao’s hearts jump.

The Court of Imperial Entertainments managed sacrifices, court assemblies, banquets, and such. While it seemed insignificant, it was actually a lucrative position.

The Minister of the Court of Imperial Entertainments was a third-rank position. Wu Yong had no great talent—he’d climbed to his current position step by step simply by flattering the Late Empress.

No wonder Zhao Yishi looked displeased. This family background was indeed somewhat beneath him.

Xie Zhifei: “Was it a marriage bestowed by His Majesty?”

“It was bestowed by His Majesty.”

Zhao Yishi coughed lightly. “But in this matter, my dear uncle put in considerable effort. Concubine-born sons all have rather grand ambitions.”

No wonder.

Prince Han must have continuously mentioned the Late Empress before His Majesty. Missing his late wife, His Majesty then bestowed this marriage.

Xie Zhifei: “When is the wedding?”

“Half a year at most, once the Bureau of Astronomy calculates an auspicious date.”

After speaking, Zhao Yishi turned his head to glance at Pei Xiao. “Why are you, usually so talkative, saying nothing today?”

Under the table, Pei Xiao’s foot knocked against Xie Zhifei’s. “I’m thinking about when it’ll be mine and Xie Zhifei’s turn.”

The dignified Grand Prince was only matched with a Miss Wu Number Three.

What about them?

Brother, don’t blame me for not warning you. You hold Yan Sanhe in such high regard, willing to risk your life for her. But in the end, if… better make plans early.

These four words “make plans early” held little use for Xie Zhifei.

If a person’s heart is resolute, nothing can stop them.

He didn’t know anything else, but he knew one thing—when trouble came, he’d do exactly like today: stand behind that girl regardless of consequences, seeking no retreat, betting everything.

Xie Zhifei narrowed his eyes. “If you’re truly dissatisfied with this marriage match, Huairen, you might ask His Majesty once more.”

Zhao Yishi hadn’t expected Xie Zhifei would say such a thing.

Could he ask?

The sovereign’s word is law!

Moreover, that was his imperial grandfather. His current position and status depended entirely on his imperial grandfather’s favor.

“Someone, bring wine.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Mei Niang brought the wine. Zhao Yishi poured and drank in silence.

What people called the Grand Prince—second only to two, above tens of thousands—seemed glorious and noble to the extreme. Yet who knew he was actually a pitiful soul who couldn’t even control his own marriage?

After several consecutive cups, Zhao Yishi slammed down his wine cup with a “pa.”

“Go to the villa.”

These three words made Xie Zhifei and Pei Xiao’s hearts leap.

…

At the villa.

Yan Sanhe’s mind was unsettled, so she practiced calligraphy.

Li Buyan’s mind was unsettled, so she practiced swordplay.

Zhu Qing rushed into the courtyard. “Miss Li.”

Li Buyan sheathed her sword. “Yan Sanhe is in the study.”

“I’m not looking for Miss Yan, looking for you.”

Zhu Qing stepped forward and said in a low voice, “His Highness is already on the way, he’ll reach the villa shortly. Third Master sent me ahead to inform you.”

Seeing Li Buyan still looked dazed, he bit his lip and added softly, “His Highness was just bestowed a marriage today.”

“Bestowed a marriage…”

Li Buyan’s expression was somewhat blank. “Then he’s a married man now.”

Zhu Qing was stunned.

“When he arrives, have him wait in the flower hall for a moment.”

Li Buyan looked down at herself. “I’m covered in sweat. I’ll wash up before going to see him.”