The stone screen silently moved aside. A person flashed out, walking toward her while… removing his clothes.

Feng Zhiwei stared wide-eyed, unable to react in time as she watched Ning Yi rapidly walk and undress simultaneously, leaving behind a trail of long robe, belt, inner garment, trousers…

His jade-like, finely sculpted form gradually revealed itself, drawing closer and closer into her vision. Wide-eyed Feng Zhiwei didn’t react until Ning Yi was about to strip completely naked. Without a word, she plunged her head back underwater.

Holding her breath underwater, Feng Zhiwei felt this night must be cursed by Mercury—cycling endlessly between bathtubs and hot springs, drinking bathwater then spring water, seeing this naked man then that naked man, on and on without end.

Thinking of how Ning Yi had just streaked over while she stared dumbstruck, that faint smile in his eyes, she felt annoyed and indignant—who knew this person would suddenly appear in such a state!

The water pressure beside her increased. Ning Yi had quickly entered the water. Simultaneously, Consort Qing had already dressed behind that screen and was rushing over.

Ning Yi grabbed the outer robe draped over Feng Zhiwei and yanked it off, tossing it poolside. With a tug at her underskirt, within an instant Feng Zhiwei wore only an undergarment that could neither cover her chest above nor conceal her legs below.

Then Ning Yi simply flipped her over, covering her on top of himself—the same riding position from earlier in the carriage. Two snow-white long legs tightly wrapped around his lean waist. Feng Zhiwei bit her lip wanting to yield, feeling that even acting shouldn’t need to be this realistic. Ning Yi’s lips curved in a wicked smile as he made to hook those undergarment ribbons with his fingers. Feng Zhiwei hastily protected herself. Ning Yi took advantage of the moment—his hand already gripping her waist.

A flick of his fingers released her hair. The jet-black tresses scattered, trailing in the water, half-concealing her exquisite waist and back. The water was clear as jade, rippling with light. Black hair spread like silk satin. Between the dark strands, snow-white skin appeared and disappeared, carrying a peculiar seductive allure.

Ning Yi’s hand gripped tightly at Feng Zhiwei’s waist, hot and powerful, pinching right at the pressure point. A surge of heat penetrated through. Feng Zhiwei’s entire body instantly went weak and soft, unable to struggle, powerlessly covering his body.

Now the two were truly intimately dependent on each other nearly naked. Ning Yi wore only his loincloth, bare chest and long legs. That undergarment on Feng Zhiwei was as good as nothing. The two pressed tightly together, skin touching, breaths mingling. Each felt the other’s smoothness and warmth, felt delicate skin rubbing gently and tenderly against each other in spring water foaming white. He felt her two soft mounds like two clusters of gentle flames licking at his chest—that intimate touch recalled congealed sweet cream cheese or brocade warmed by body heat. Yet cream cheese wasn’t this warm and creamy, brocade wasn’t this full and abundant. Each undulation was soul-stealing, making one want to plunge into the most beautiful valley and die within. She felt his skin firm and powerful like jade stone, even hot springs couldn’t warm those crystal-cold bones. Yet beneath her he gradually heated up like vigorously rising flames blooming against her skin. Faintly somewhere slightly hardened, touching her chest then moving away. Both trembled, feeling thunderclaps overhead. In that blank whiteness her face flushed red, desperately trying to shift her body away. But their entangled position allowed no evasion. He softened beneath her, yet alarmingly hardened again.

Water surged in clusters, swaying them up and down together. Though she tried desperately to control her body, she couldn’t avoid the subtle friction, the slight touches rising and falling like electric currents piercing through, striking one numb and swaying. He began panting lowly, telling himself this was an act, yet his hands tightened again and again. For an instant an absurd thought flashed through—wishing he could make this fake act real, willing to die in ecstasy.

Listening to this panting, Feng Zhiwei’s face flushed red enough to drip blood, yet she was powerless. Being able to control herself from panting and moaning was already good. But though she didn’t want to make sounds, Ning Yi wouldn’t spare her. His fingers gripping her waist pressed. Feng Zhiwei let out an “ah”—the sound wasn’t loud, gentle and tender. Heard by others, it sounded like a woman moved by passion unable to suppress her moans.

Consort Qing had by now rushed poolside. At a glance she saw man and woman buried deep in the pool water, woman on top, man below, apparently both completely nude. Only a goose-yellow undergarment floated and rubbed between them. Judging by that undergarment’s style and color, it seemed less for wearing, more a pleasure toy. That man’s form was unclear, hands gripping a pair of jade horses at the pool bottom. The woman’s body was hidden in jet-black long hair, snow-white and exquisite. The two were entangled like twisted sugar candy, each emitting passionate panting.

Consort Qing froze there. This scene she knew very well—she often played this herself. In fact, this place was specifically for the Second Prince’s honored guests’ intimate pleasures. Encountering this was perfectly normal.

Coming here with His Majesty tonight was a spur-of-the-moment decision, late at night. She hadn’t noticed others were here. Looking now, the Second Prince must have originally had guests, entertaining them bathing here. This couple was in the heat of passion, so entangled they hadn’t noticed someone approaching.

Consort Qing hesitated. Summoning guards to kill this couple would be easy, but inevitably would alarm others. Her escapade with the Emperor absolutely couldn’t be detected by anyone. Otherwise she’d be branded a seductive consort and couldn’t escape, risking group attack from those sour court scholars and censors.

Watching that couple twist and writhe in heated passion oblivious to surroundings, standing there so long without being noticed, Consort Qing thought briefly. Her finger flicked. A pale blue pill silently fell into the water, instantly dissolving. Simultaneously she soundlessly retreated backward.

She withdrew behind the innermost pool’s screen, facing Emperor Tiansheng’s dark, inquiring gaze. Smiling, she said, “Your Majesty, the Second Prince must have guests tonight. In the outermost pool there are people playing. Only that couple is so engrossed they didn’t notice this concubine.”

Not noticing her, they naturally wouldn’t discover Emperor Tiansheng hidden behind the screen without showing himself. Emperor Tiansheng’s eyes relaxed. After pondering, he said, “Truly didn’t notice?”

Consort Qing covered her mouth with a smile. Her eyes lined with gold-red liner slanted sharply outward, seductive light flowing. “These are probably the Second Prince’s new guests. Your Majesty knows, this hot spring has aphrodisiac medicine. Those who come here to play—who can resist? Let alone one more person—even if heaven collapsed and earth split, they might not notice.”

Emperor Tiansheng’s old face reddened, recalling his first visit was the same. Even now after several visits, thinking of this place still made him excited, heart pounding, forgetting himself. Otherwise he wouldn’t have failed to check if anyone was here before becoming impatient.

He coughed lightly to cover that embarrassment, his eyes glancing over, saying lightly, “Then… let it be.”

Consort Qing respectfully lowered her head, saying softly, “Yes, today then… let it be.”

With these words, a trace of satisfaction flashed through Emperor Tiansheng’s eyes. Nodding, he drew Consort Qing over, saying, “You truly are thoughtful… I love your cleverness, cleverness with propriety.”

Consort Qing leaned in his embrace, softly saying, “Today isn’t suitable for publicity. Your Majesty rest assured, this concubine will have people inquire about today’s Second Prince’s banquet guest list… nothing will leak out.”

“Since so.” Emperor Tiansheng nodded, patting her back. “Today’s mood is also spoiled. Your dance… we’ll watch next time.”

Consort Qing graciously agreed. The two straightened their clothes, hand in hand leaving soundlessly through the secret passage. The spring palace flip-panels on the long corridor gradually closed. All around quieted.

The two embracing in the hot spring pool, their tense, rigid bodies also gradually relaxed.

With this relaxation, sensations became acute. Both instantly perceived the elasticity and pulsing of the other’s skin, perceived that feeling of skin slowly relaxing like milk-soaked flowers blooming before them, perceived the harder growing harder, the softer growing softer. The crisis had passed, yet a new wave of crisis seemed to arrive—this time from each other’s bodies, threatening to refine and soften each other, melting into spring water.

Ning Yi panted lightly, fingers reaching into Feng Zhiwei’s thick black hair, murmuring lowly, “Why not… just take this opportunity…”

His body had somehow turned slightly red, breathing rapid, scorching heat spraying on Feng Zhiwei’s face. Feng Zhiwei’s heart jumped in alarm, feeling this appearance seemed like aphrodisiac poisoning. Recalling the surroundings’ arrangement, she immediately understood the pool water was tainted. Only though she too felt burning and weak, it seemed the normal reaction of a maiden encountering male body, without unbearable sensations.

She didn’t understand why she wasn’t affected, but wasn’t surprised either. Her body’s internal energy was already chaotic. That coiling, burning energy flow had never been explained to her. Later Jin Siyu added poison. Half the antidote transformed into toxin. Zong Chen constantly gave her experimental medicines for detoxification. With so much miscellaneous stuff consumed, who knew what it ultimately transformed into—perhaps even immunity to all poisons was possible.

However, the pool water’s contents shouldn’t be too problematic—at most aphrodisiac medicine. Enduring a while would be fine. Presumably with Prince Ning’s self-control, naturally there’d be no problem.

Thus Feng Zhiwei very calmly yielded, first wrapping her undergarment properly, climbing up, piling the two jade horses into Ning Yi’s arms, saying lightly, “Perhaps you can use these to take your opportunity.” While climbing poolside to dress, lowering her head she discovered faint black vapor floating on the pool water’s surface.

She startled, hastily reaching to pull Ning Yi. Using great force, she yanked Ning Yi out in one motion. Unexpectedly Ning Yi was also rising. Her force went empty. With a whoosh, Ning Yi’s body tilted forward and toppled, pressing right on top of her.

Then Feng Zhiwei heard Ning Yi laugh, “At least now it’s my turn to press you.” Speaking thus, he heavily lowered his face, burying it in her shoulder hollow. Then sighing with dissatisfaction, he raised his face approaching hers, somewhat wildly seeking her lips. Feng Zhiwei snorted coldly, one elbow hammer immediately thrusting up, thinking: earlier was unavoidable, now you still want advantage? One hammer struck his chest. Though only three-tenths force, it hit Ning Yi’s heart directly. Faintly hearing his muffled groan as he fell forward, Feng Zhiwei alarmed, suddenly recalling Manchu’s words and hastily withdrew her hand. But Ning Yi’s face had already descended, lips just touching her lips.

Feng Zhiwei immediately tried to turn her face. Ning Yi bit down on her lip. If Feng Zhiwei moved, she might tear her own lip. Now she truly didn’t dare move. Ning Yi’s throat rumbled with low laughter. His lips and teeth moved. Faintly something carrying slightly bitter breath passed into her mouth. Beyond that slight bitterness was also somewhat fishy-sweet liquid rapidly sliding through her teeth, sliding down her throat.

Feng Zhiwei froze—what had Ning Yi fed her? And that fishy sweetness…

But Ning Yi had already turned his head aside, laughing, “Others hide poison between their teeth. I hide antidote. Only one pill—we each get half.”

Only then did Feng Zhiwei know Ning Yi had also discovered Consort Qing’s methods. This was feeding her antidote. Seemed Ning Yi was quite guarded against this consort, carrying antidote pills with him.

Then thinking actually she might not need this half antidote pill. Having given out this half, if his poison wasn’t sufficiently neutralized what then? Only now returning it was impossible. Could only wait until leaving to discuss.

Suddenly felt something below tighten, something hard pressing up. Feng Zhiwei panicked, raising her knee to thrust. Suddenly heard voices outside. Then maids exclaimed, “Lord Huang, Lady Huang, how did you two come to the East Pool?”

Feng Zhiwei cried “Ah,” taking advantage to push Ning Yi away. While hastily dressing, she poked her head out saying, “What East Pool, West Pool? I was washing over there earlier, felt the water wasn’t good. Accidentally touched something I don’t know what, a door opened behind. I came in, felt this place was better, so bathed here. Is something wrong?”

The two maids exchanged glances, covering their mouths with smiles, thinking this madam supposedly came from the pleasure quarters—indeed bold and wanton. Must have accidentally triggered the mechanism. Looking around seeing no one else, they relaxed. Then thinking their own absence led to outside guests entering the East Pool—speaking of it would be a grave offense. Better not mention it.

One maid smiled, “No matter, just please come out quickly, Madam… eh, that one is…”

Ning Yi was there frantically dressing, back to the two maids, saying “Ah?” “His Highness had matters earlier, hasn’t reached the banquet yet. This official was led by someone to walk around everywhere, passing the hot springs wanted to see… cough cough.”

The two maids showed smiles again, thinking old husband young wife was like this. Hearing about the Second Prince’s hot spring pool tricks, thinking of his wife washing her congealed cream in smooth spring water, probably couldn’t resist wanting to peek. Just as the East Pool door opened, these country bumpkins from outer provinces—where had they seen such things? Couldn’t resist trying it right here on the spot.

These two maids served outside guests at the West Pool, only knowing near the West Pool was an East Pool, not knowing the East Pool mechanism’s activation method, never having visited the East Pool before. The Second Prince, for secrecy, hadn’t told these servants the East Pool’s importance, being confident the mechanism was ingenious, no one could enter. Thus the West Pool maids didn’t know the East Pool’s critical nature. Fearing punishment, they actually gave the two an easy explanation.

“Since that’s so.” The West Pool maids curiously glanced at the legendarily rarely open East Pool, blushing as they said, “The night banquet should start soon. Please come out quickly.”

Feng Zhiwei reached to receive the clothes the maids brought, saying sheepishly, “It’s my fault for mistakenly entering the East Pool. Speaking of it is always disrespectful to the master. Please don’t spread this, young ladies.”

The two maids nodded, smiling, “My lord and madam just exit directly through the West Pool gate. If we don’t speak, those waiting outside won’t know.”

Ning Yi came over, casually handing the clothes Feng Zhiwei had changed out of to the maids, saying, “This outfit is soaked through. Please discard it for us, young ladies. Wife, change quickly. This husband will wait outside for you.”

Feng Zhiwei’s eyes contracted—that set of her own clothes had been draped poolside all along, long since soaked by spring water. And the spring water just now had been poisoned by Consort Qing.

Ning Yi handed this outfit to these two maids, indicating it should be discarded. This outfit’s material was noble, worth a fortune. How could the two maids bear to throw it away? They’d certainly take it to their own rooms, eventually wash and keep it for themselves.

In other words, they’d die from luxurious garments.

Ning Yi without showing emotion had silenced two lives. Even if the two maids eventually died, there’d be no way to verify. By then they’d long since left the manor.

This person’s meticulous mind was truly terrifying, killing without showing emotion—even superior to herself.

She nodded, acting unconcerned as she left—ultimately, each serving their master, no grounds for complaint. She had no excessive kind heart.

All the way back to Jade Reflection Hall. Called a hall, it was actually a mid-mountain structure, back wall being the mountain face, carved and cast into semicircular form. The iron-gray mountain wall after polishing bore relief of an entire landscape of rivers, mountains and sea of clouds, appearing and disappearing in the mid-mountain mist, seeming even more magnificently grand. Outside the semicircular mountain wall no walls were built. Canopy for roof, camphorwood for pillars, thick golden silk curtains hung down, blocking mountain cold winds. Only in the direction facing distant mountains and cold moon were curtains raised, leaving a layer of fine transparent gauze. Cold moon, blue mountains, firmament’s floating clouds all beneath the eyes—truly a fine place for drinking wine under moonlight, possessing the pleasure of commanding rivers and seas with ease.

Feng Zhiwei narrowed her eyes. She didn’t believe Second Brother, that crude man, had such vision and taste. This half-recluse yet ambition-suggesting design more resembled another person’s style.

Inside the hall dozens of tables spread out. In one corner on snow-white carpet, a group of beautiful performers pressed strings and plucked zithers. Amid flowing strings and woodwinds, wine cups crossed. The four walls embedded deep red glass lamps glowing brilliantly like pearls. The hall’s four corners also had refined purple copper small tripod braziers, not for warmth, only to dispel mountain cold air. Guests sat scattered before sandalwood tables, beneath them golden silk cushions and carpets, before them delicacies arrayed. They toasted each other with smiling conversation—a scene of wealthy, romantic elegance.

At this time the Second Prince was already present. Seeing the “couple” enter, he immediately laughed heartily, repeatedly beckoning, “Commissioner Huang, right? Why did you take so long to come? Could you not bear even a moment’s separation from your wife and secretly met again?”

Lord Huang naturally laughed awkwardly, stepping forward sheepishly to pay respects. But Lady Huang raised an eyebrow, saying crisply, “Greetings to Second Prince Your Highness. It was this humble wife wanting to accompany my lord. Though Your Highness’s manor is fine, there are just too many powdered fox spirits. This humble wife fears greatly.”

The hall erupted in laughter. The Second Prince had already heard of earlier events. Hearing this, he wasn’t angry, laughing, “All this prince’s fault. Should be blamed, should be blamed. Later this prince will personally toast Madam a cup to calm Madam’s nerves.”

Feng Zhiwei quit while ahead, slightly bowing. Below the Second Prince, a man with narrow eyes and a mole beside his brow smiled, “Usually have little contact with Zhiqiu. Didn’t expect such a forthright, cheerful virtuous wife.”

Judging by position, this was Shannan Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Xu Minglin. The two exchanged pleasantries. Naturally palace attendants came to arrange seating. A commissioner was only fourth rank—nothing among this hall full of dignitaries, merely occupying the lowest seat. Yet Lord and Lady Huang were already extremely excited, spirits flying.

A counselor beside the Second Prince came forward filling wine for all guests, introducing everyone while toasting—a rare opportunity to clearly understand the Second Prince’s cards. The two appeared submissive but listened extremely carefully.

Tonight’s attendees were almost all the Second Prince’s trusted followers. Because the Second Prince favored martial arts and spent several years at the frontier in his youth, he had some military connections. Currently temporarily leading the Ministry of War, the Ministry’s Minister, Vice Minister, and officials from the four bureaus of Military Selection, Operations, Transport, and Armory were all present. Also came several Inner Cabinet scholars—Grand Scholar Wu wasn’t present. Additionally two vice generals from Tiger Might Camp.

Ning Yi and Feng Zhiwei’s gazes drifted past above their wine cups, exchanging a glance. Second Brother had been working on Tiger Might Camp all along—now had finally made connections.

Feng Zhiwei frowned pensively. Currently the capital’s defense forces could be said to have divided responsibilities with intertwined power. The Five Military Commanderies, due to Qiu Shangqi’s death, hadn’t yet selected a new commandant, temporarily led by Seventh Prince. The Nine Gates Infantry Command was managed by Ning Yi. The Ministry of War and Tiger Might Camp had Second Prince’s influence infiltrating. Now it was a mutually constraining situation.

Originally when the Crown Prince failed and was killed, dying at Imperial Guards’ hands, behind-the-scenes Crown Prince faction members—Ning Yi bore no blame, naturally taking over part of the Crown Prince’s influence. After Fifth Prince’s military defeat, in everyone’s view, Ning Yi’s power had by now entrenched itself in the Inner Cabinet and Six Ministries, unstoppable. They also thought the always crude Second Prince merely temporarily managing the Ministry of War. Who’d have thought private connections secretly possessed considerable strength.

Only this strength currently couldn’t compare to Ning Yi’s. Feng Zhiwei smiled faintly, yet saw Ning Yi’s gaze directed toward the left head seat.

Both sides’ head seats’ guests, very strangely, weren’t introduced. No one asked either.

The left seat held a composed, stern man, only around thirty, wearing dark silver robes. Though silver was bright, worn on him made one feel him hidden in darkness’s dimness. This person’s temperament innately possessed a restrained, concealed quality. Sitting in such a conspicuous position, people could still always overlook him.

This overlooking wasn’t intentional but finding no sense of presence—a concealing signal from his own being. Yet his own gaze, occasionally sweeping past the crowd, was like wind passing rice fields in a flash of green light, like lightning momentarily crossing high mountains—sharp and intimidating yet instantly concealed.

Feng Zhiwei noticed Ning Yi didn’t look much in that direction, yet his eyes held some gravity. Unable to help herself, she found his hand under the table. Ning Yi smiled lightly, slowly tracing characters in her palm. Yet tracing he wouldn’t trace properly—trace once, scratch once. Feng Zhiwei both annoyed and amused, viciously pinched his tiger’s mouth. Ning Yi then wouldn’t move. Feng Zhiwei helplessly released. Only then did Ning Yi smile, obediently finishing writing.

Once finished writing, Feng Zhiwei’s relaxed mentality vanished. What Ning Yi wrote was actually: Golden Plume!

Golden Plume Guards Commander!

The Tiansheng Imperial Dynasty’s unknown figure, serving only the imperial secret archives—the Golden Plume secret guards’ foremost person!

The chief culprit who destroyed Feng Zhiwei’s family and killed her relatives!

Feng Zhiwei didn’t understand this commander hidden in the court’s shadows constantly watching others. In her impression, she once thought the Golden Plume Guards were directly commanded by Emperor Tiansheng. Later she learned the Golden Plume Guards still had direct management, and this commander sometimes traveled far on missions. Emperor Tiansheng would temporarily hand Golden Plume Guards command to his trusted followers. This person was the dark blade in Emperor Tiansheng’s hand, driven only by him alone. Where the blade’s edge passed, blood must drip on the imperial dynasty’s earth.

Such a person who truly depended on no side could actually attend the Second Prince’s night banquet. No wonder though Ning Yi smiled, his eyes already held several degrees more gravity.

For people like the Golden Plume Guards Commander, one couldn’t scrutinize much. Even one extra glance might be detected. Their gazes had already fallen opposite him. Who could sit facing him—what status must they hold?

There sat a middle-aged man, ordinary appearance, very silent, slightly dark skin with high nose and deep-set eyes. Looking at his features, he actually seemed from the south. Currently leaning to speak with the Second Prince, voice very low. Faintly heard one phrase: “Back where we’re from…”

The two who had previously served as envoys to the south both flashed recognition—this was an accent from around Min’nan!

Both Feng Zhiwei and Ning Yi reacted extremely quickly. Though only distinguishing one phrase of accent, they immediately deduced from tonight’s grand occasion guests and this man’s calm yet proud bearing that this was an envoy from Min’nan’s neighbor—the Tiansheng Imperial Dynasty’s only non-imperial surname vassal prince, Changning Principality!

Changning Principality!

What were imperial princes making connections, possessing powerful influence, commanding troops as self-important vassals doing?

This thought flashed through their minds like thunder. Even Feng Zhiwei’s usually calm heart pounded several beats. Coming here adventurously tonight, originally she just wanted to hear what next moves the Second Prince had against herself, conveniently seeing what secrets this mysterious manor held. Who’d have thought the manor was more mysterious than imagined, gains greater than originally expected. Not only accidentally discovering the secret between Emperor Tiansheng and the Second Prince, but also discovering the Second Prince’s connections with Golden Plume Guards and vassal ministers.

Feng Zhiwei slowly lowered her head drinking the honey wine specially prepared for ladies at the banquet, her mouth tasteless as she tensely pondered. She felt things might not entirely be as they seemed. Since the Golden Plume Guards Commander could gain Emperor Tiansheng’s trust, how could he easily collude with Second Brother? Also tonight Emperor Tiansheng appeared at the manor without notifying the Second Prince—might there be other intentions?

While thinking tonight’s gains were considerable but further exploration risked danger, must quickly find a way to leave, suddenly heard strange music sounds. The hall’s wine banquet had begun. A group of dancers filed out gracefully, dancing elegantly in the hall. All wore black clothing, makeup cold and glamorous, yet exposing snow-white chests, bellies and calves. Golden bells on their feet crisply chimed repeatedly amid the strangely provocative music’s rhythm—now urgent now slow now tight now relaxed. Matched with that flowing skin and shadows, dark hair and red lips—cold, glamorous, seductive, provoking everyone seated to tighten below.

Female guests’ expressions already looked unpleasant. Some appeared drowsy. Feng Zhiwei knew as long as women remained, serious matters certainly wouldn’t be discussed. Before long, probably the clearing would begin.

Ning Yi also wore a wide-eyed appearance, staring fixedly at the dancers. Feng Zhiwei still had to act jealous, rewarding him a magnificent eye roll, again pinching him under the table. An official at a nearby table chuckled lowly. Ning Yi shook his hand yielding, saying angrily in low voice, “What? What!” Pushing her body, yet laughing lowly in her ear, “These women each droop terribly, not as firm and upright as you.”

Feng Zhiwei froze, after a while finally reacting to what this scoundrel said. Greatly enraged yet blooming with smiles instead, she reached out her palm shaped like a tiger claw, treating a certain someone’s waist beneath her hand like dough—pinch, twist, then turn. Presumably later it would be brilliantly purple and black.

Ning Yi hissed drawing in cold air, taking advantage to down a cup of wine, murmuring, “Truly the most poisonous woman’s heart…”

Suddenly saw the Second Prince raise his cup striding over, laughing, “Heard today Lady Huang was frightened. Allow this prince to apologize.”

The two hastily stood repeatedly declining thanks. Feng Zhiwei looked at the enormous wine cup on the tray held by the palace attendant behind the Second Prince, inwardly sneering coldly. Seemed Lady Huang, drunk or not, must get drunk.

After drinking the Second Prince’s wine, Feng Zhiwei stared ahead acting unable to handle the alcohol, thinking logically with Lord Huang’s minor official status, when the big shots discussed serious matters later he definitely wouldn’t have a part. Estimating after she got drunk, the Second Prince would take advantage to have Lord Huang accompany his wife to rest, then the two could find a way to leave.

Who’d have thought after toasting, the Second Prince didn’t find an excuse to let them leave. Instead poured another cup toasting toward Ning Yi, laughing, “The Weiming green forest gathering case—thanks greatly to the Commissioner’s mediation. The Commissioner expended much thought on this matter. This prince is grateful, here toasting the Commissioner.”

Feng Zhiwei froze, never expecting the Second Prince to say such words. Thinking could the Weiming County green forest gathering case still have hidden circumstances? Earlier in the carriage when cramming Commissioner Huang and wife’s information, they focused effort on the couple’s backgrounds and origins, but didn’t pay much attention to this case already submitted to the Court of Judicial Review. Now the Second Prince asked thus—how would Ning Yi answer?

Yet heard Ning Yi laugh, “Your Highness’s matters are this official’s matters. Never mind a bit of trouble—even throwing away my head for Your Highness would be worthwhile.”

“Good, good, excellent!” The Second Prince patted his shoulder, expression showing intimacy, saying lowly, “Lord Huang, stay a moment later. This prince still must discuss that case with you.”

Ning Yi smiled agreement. The Second Prince laughed heartily leaving. Feng Zhiwei propped her head, urgently asking him, “You know this case’s inside story?”

Ning Yi sneered coldly, “The case only reached the Court of Judicial Review today. How would I know? Moreover since it’s Second Brother and Commissioner Huang’s transaction, how could ordinary people possibly know inside information?”

“Then momentarily the Second Prince will discuss this with you. If the conversation doesn’t match, what then?” Feng Zhiwei frowned.

“Take one step, watch one step.” Ning Yi said, “I suspect this case isn’t simple. Perhaps another trap aimed at you or me. Withdrawing now is already impossible. Improvise… Wei, immediately make excuses about drunkenness to rest. Find a way to leave. As long as you reach the cave we came from, that’s enough. Ning Cheng will bring people to receive you.”

Hearing that “Wei,” Feng Zhiwei momentarily lost focus, recalling this seemed the first time Ning Yi addressed her thus. Then hastily asked, “What about you?”

Ning Yi smiled, eyes rippling with light, lightly squeezing her hand, saying softly, “Rest assured. Second Brother isn’t my match.”

Feng Zhiwei looked at him, slowly drinking a cup of wine. Silent for a long while, she said, “Alright.”

She propped her head, unable to handle alcohol as she stood, apologizing to the Second Prince. The other immediately dispatched maids to escort her out. She followed maids all the way to the rear courtyard guest room, memorizing the route, then soundlessly knocked out the maids, changed clothes. Borrowing night’s cover and mountain terrain’s concealment, deploying lightness skill, avoiding hidden sentries, she very smoothly reached the mountain cave entrance they’d arrived through.

Several batches of hidden sentries were here at the mountain cave. But to Feng Zhiwei who had already roughly determined the sentries’ positions when arriving, resolving them wasn’t difficult.

Leaving now was most appropriate—big shots gathered at Jade Reflection Hall discussing matters. Most guards heavily defended there. Guards brought by the big shots were also there. The manor’s open and hidden sentries couldn’t stop her. As long as she now evaded guards and crossed into the cave entrance, she’d completely leave this dangerous place.

Not leaving now, hard to predict what might happen tonight. Tonight’s people inside the manor were too important. Once the Second Prince discovered something wrong, he’d silence witnesses at any cost. One misstep, she’d be permanently left here.

Mountain winds blew over sharply, lifting damp, cool long hair. Feng Zhiwei stood behind a section of mountain wall ten zhang from the Phantom Cave, lowering her eyelashes. On her lashes hung a drop of night dew, heavy as mist.

This moment.

Forward was safety and freedom.

Backward was danger and… Ning Yi.

She stood in between.