What kind of spy?

Using this method to transmit military intelligence indicated she wasn’t trusted, or the other party was extremely cautious, so she didn’t know who her handler was.

But the handler must have been within the academy.

However, such information should have been destroyed after viewing, yet one remained here. Had the handler from that time died or left before they could collect the intelligence?

So what role did the Supervisor play in this? If he was that handler, why didn’t he destroy the final intelligence? If he wasn’t that handler, why did he come to exchange books?

And why would Lady He become a spy? Where did she get military intelligence?

Tie Ci thought of He Zi’s study. He Zi had been the academy’s head in those days, with students throughout the realm and extensive connections, including many nobles and officials. This was why all parties had tried so hard to win him over.

But whom had he chosen? If this military map and intelligence were his, what had he intended to do back then?

Because he felt his wife’s death was unrelated to his affairs, He Zi had never told her about the political matters he was involved in back then. But now it seemed she needed to make a trip to the valley to ask him directly.

Before that, she still needed to find that handler.

But trying to find someone who might never have shown their face from twenty years ago was harder than climbing to heaven. As Tie Ci pondered, she unconsciously flipped through the book in her hands, the pages creating continuous flashes of light and shadow.

Suddenly Dan Shuang said, “Stop!”

Tie Ci immediately stopped.

Several pages were caught between her fingers.

Dan Shuang had exceptional eyesight and was skilled at catching minute details—she must have noticed something.

She slowly opened those pages, and Dan Shuang pointed to the top of one sheet.

Only then did Tie Ci see a small piece of paper at the binding. It looked like a page had once been torn away very neatly, but had accidentally left behind a small corner.

That small corner had a red curved line on it. Tie Ci leaned in to smell it.

It should be someone’s personal seal or mark.

Tie Ci then thought of a question.

Lady He wasn’t very literate. With so many travel books, how did she determine which book to leave intelligence in?

She must have looked for books with marks, found them, torn off the marked pages, and left information on them.

Lady He had a rather careless nature and left behind this corner.

Tie Ci looked at that line—it seemed like strokes from seal script.

She memorized that pattern and closed the book. She instructed the two maids to put things away properly, and had Chi Xue escort the maps back under the protection of the Nine Guards.

Before parting, she asked, “How are Father Emperor and Mother Consort?”

Chi Xue replied, “This servant cannot approach the palace forbidden areas, but Commander Xiahou said he has left people to protect them. No news is good news. Also, Shadow sent a message.” She produced a small slip of paper.

Tie Ci recalled that the last time she saw Shadow was when he came out after being whipped in the Empress Dowager’s palace. She had asked him to investigate which legendary master was afraid of water, wind, and light, and also to investigate whether any master had been bitten by a dog. After asking Master later, she learned she had only partial understanding—if someone was truly bitten by a dog and showed fear of water and wind, that person wouldn’t be far from death.

But it was still a lead, and investigating it brought peace of mind.

Shadow was elusive like a dragon—you’d see his head but not his tail. He wasn’t exactly her subordinate, but he was skilled at stealth, disguise, and tracking, making him excellent for gathering information.

This was someone Master had given her. Tie Ci wasn’t clear about his appearance or identity.

The paper slip only had three place names written on it: Lingquan, Yannan, Yongping Prefecture.

Lingquan? Was it Lingquan Village?

Yannan was one of the three great feudal domains, located in the south where various tribes lived together. The Prince of Yannan was one of the three princes with different surnames. He usually used local chieftains to manage the various tribal peoples under his command. Last year he died of illness. He had only two sons and one daughter. The younger son was illegitimate and still young, while the eldest son was said to be disabled. Before his death, the old prince memorialized to establish his legitimate daughter as heir apparent. Since the dynasty had Tie Ci as precedent, the Emperor approved, but reportedly the major chieftains in Yannan weren’t pleased and frequently rebelled. The female heir apparent had never been able to inherit the princedom. The chieftains proposed that the old prince’s brother assist the female heir apparent in temporarily managing Yannan until the younger son grew up to inherit the princedom. The court also approved this.

Yongping Prefecture was a military stronghold controlling Liaodong and the Western Rong. Why was Shadow randomly sending these three place names? Did this indicate that master originated from one of these three places?

Unable to drag that person over for questioning at the moment, Tie Ci could only keep this matter in mind and destroyed the paper slip.

“Leave word for Shadow—if he has time, please watch over my Father Emperor and Mother Consort.”

“Yes.”

“Oh, Young Master, this servant encountered Young Master Gu in the capital. He said his father had confined him, but he would definitely come find Your Highness. Seeing his determination, and fearing he might get into trouble searching blindly, this servant told him Your Highness’s whereabouts and told him he could quietly come find you.”

Tie Ci wondered if Gu Xiaoxiao, with his social anxiety, could really come find her alone? But Xiaoxiao was actually extremely talented, and she would be happy to take him traveling to see the world and gain experience. She laughed, “Xiaoxiao is very cautious, so telling him is fine. I just hope he comes quickly, or I might have to leave again soon.”

Chi Xue nodded, then quietly whispered a few words in Tie Ci’s ear.

Tie Ci raised an eyebrow, “It really worked?”

Chi Xue nodded.

Tie Ci let out a long breath.

Father Emperor’s plan to have the Nine Guards leave the capital was not only to protect her but also for those Abyss Iron weapons. This matter wasn’t actually difficult—the difficulty lay in leaving no traces. But from what Chi Xue just said, Xiahou Chun had selected a group of trusted men and successfully robbed the birthday tribute convoy and hidden it properly.

This hadn’t been discussed with her beforehand, probably because they knew there wasn’t time to wait for her orders. Tie Ci actually had some doubts about Xiahou Chun, but for some reason, Father Emperor particularly trusted him.

Since it was done, it was done. Tie Ci wasn’t afraid to take responsibility.

Chi Xue then took her leave to return. Tie Ci walked back. What she needed to do next was determine who owned that seal based on that line. This must be a private seal that wouldn’t be used on various academy announcements and documents. It seemed that after her one-day tour of the library, she needed to take a one-day tour of the various academy leaders’ studies.

If the studies didn’t work, she could also visit the instructors’ quarters. She had inquired—among those who had been at the academy for over twenty years were Teacher Ying and Assistant Xia. Teacher Ying had a good relationship with the Head and they were examination classmates, while Assistant Xia was from the same hometown as the Supervisor.

The Supervisor and Dean’s offices were in Junzi Hall on the west side of the lecture hall, while the Head’s was in Aiwan Residence within the three gates.

Tie Ci decided to visit Junzi Hall tonight.

When she returned, she brought the porridge Dan Shuang had prepared and the goose feather fan that Chi Xue had rushed to make on the road.

Considering that Rong Wei was currently half-disabled, she drew some pictures on that fan to make the goose feathers less conspicuous, lest the Head discover it too early and Rong Wei, unable to protect himself, meet a tragic end.

Returning to the quarters, the others weren’t there, and Rong Wei was sleeping soundly.

It was hot, so the curtains were rolled up. He wore only undergarments, with half his chest exposed. His skin glistened with fine moisture, crystal bright and fragrant.

Who was he trying to seduce?

The sound of setting down bowls and chopsticks woke Rong Wei. He opened his eyes, and Tie Ci felt that the moment those beautifully curved eyelids opened, the entire dim room seemed to brighten.

She smiled and pointed to the porridge, indicating he should drink it.

But Rong Wei’s gaze fell on the goose feather fan in her hand. He tilted his head and leaned his body toward her, indicating she should fan him.

Tie Ci fanned him a few times, deliberately displaying the painted side in front of him.

Rong Wei indeed noticed the painting and said in surprise, “You painted this? You can paint on goose feather fans? Let me see.”

“Chi Xue treated the goose feather fan and used a kind of coloring powder to paint it. It’s just a rough outline.” Tie Ci showed it to him. “How about I give it to you? Consider it thanks for your rescue.”

The painting showed a beauty with her hair piled high in clouds, her wide sleeves flowing in the wind, graceful as a swimming dragon, ethereal as a startled swan.

Rong Wei’s hand paused as he reached for the fan.

Tie Ci said matter-of-factly, “Beautiful, isn’t she? My beloved. A young lady from a prestigious family in the capital.”

Rong Wei’s hand paused again, and he looked up at her.

Tie Ci didn’t look at him, only stared intently at the goose feather fan with a face full of deep longing.

Acting skills worthy of an Oscar.

“You’re giving me a goose feather fan with your beloved painted on it?” Rong Wei raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that inappropriate?”

“I didn’t think that much about it.” Tie Ci said sincerely, “It’s merely what my heart favors, and I wish to share it with you. If I could get you to praise her beauty, it would be like meeting a kindred spirit, like receiving approval. I would go back and marry her immediately.”

Rong Wei stared at her, but after a long moment he laughed and snatched the goose feather fan, “I’m honored by your regard. I must take a good look at what kind of beauty has bewitched our little Eighteen!”

He examined that fan repeatedly, up and down, front and back, his expression growing dark and his eyes fierce.

“Seems nothing special…”

Tie Ci pretended not to hear, smiling as she said, “Master, drink your porridge.”

“I won’t drink it!”

Tie Ci ladled a spoonful of porridge, “Ahh…”

Rong Wei absent-mindedly bit down, and with a crack, the spoon shattered.

Tie Ci: “…”

I feel like if I hadn’t pulled back quickly, what got bitten off would have been my finger.

Rong Wei spat out the porcelain spoon fragments, slightly scraping his lip corner, which immediately showed a spot of bright red, dazzling and eye-catching.

Tie Ci felt somewhat flustered looking at it.

But Rong Wei didn’t care, continuing to examine the fan back and forth in his hands, suddenly saying, “This girl looks very tall.”

Tie Ci thought: Of course, she’s only a little shorter than you.

“Although you didn’t paint her face, women who are too tall bring misfortune to their husbands.”

Tie Ci was about to laugh from anger.

She had heard that women with high cheekbones brought misfortune to husbands, but never heard that being tall also brought misfortune.

“Also, this waist seems too thick…” Rong Wei continued finding fault.

Tie Ci said with barely contained patience, “She saved my life in a fire.”

Rong Wei suddenly stopped, tilted his head, eyebrows slightly raised, “Hmm?”

“She sailed through a great fire to rescue me when I was surrounded by flames. She also protected me when I couldn’t see clearly and helped me escape. She also took me in during my most difficult times.” Tie Ci said, “So please stop criticizing her appearance and respect the one I love.”

Rong Wei’s expression became somewhat strange, “You just said, a young lady from a prestigious family in the capital?”

Tie Ci realized she had let something slip and didn’t answer.

“A prestigious young lady is this capable, able to rescue you multiple times?”

“Naturally she’s exceptional to capture my heart.” Tie Ci said seriously, “Teacher, a friend’s wife should not be made sport of.”

“Oh… friend’s wife. Friend’s wife.” Rong Wei suddenly covered his face with the fan and fell back on the bed, “Fine, no sport, no sport… I like, I like her, isn’t that enough?”

Tie Ci heard his voice trembling at the end, completely changed in tone. Looking at the fan covering his face, which was also trembling slightly, she was somewhat bewildered.

Was he greatly shocked by this?

Was he crying?

It couldn’t be that serious, could it?

She stared at that fan and the trembling beauty painted on it. She had drawn it based on Feiyu’s figure and appearance. She didn’t want to be presumptuous, but she was also afraid of Rong Wei’s seemingly real yet unreal flirtation. After thinking it over, she decided to use her ultimate move.

Saying she had a fiancée and liked women—surely he couldn’t try to convert her anymore?

Though she also couldn’t be certain whether he was just naturally unrestrained or actually trying to convert her.

People of this era admired free-spirited behavior, and men sharing beds wasn’t necessarily seen as cut-sleeve relationships. Rong Wei seemed like a playful type—maybe he was just teasing her. She really shouldn’t overthink it.

So this was the least provocative method she could think of that would also give herself an escape route.

Rong Wei was still trembling. Tie Ci really couldn’t stay any longer. She had thought she would never experience guilt in this lifetime, but at this moment she wanted to slap herself.

She could only hastily say that he should rest and quickly walked out.

After she left, Rong Wei trembled for a while longer before slowly lowering the fan.

Under the moonlight and lamplight, his eyes were completely dry, his lips still curved in a smile. Where was the “heartbroken and shocked” state Tie Ci had imagined?

Instead, from laughing too hard, his cheeks were flushed and his eyes slightly bright, making the stars and moon pale in comparison.

He picked up the fan and carefully examined the beauty’s portrait. After a long moment, he leaned over and gave it a kiss.

“Well done! Have a kiss!”