After temporarily escorting the Abyssal Iron weapons back to Ziyang, Li Yao and the others were held under guard locally. Without using troops from Lai Prefecture, Xiao Xueya directly assigned soldiers from Deng Zhou garrison and his own forces to jointly handle the custody. While the Regional Inspector of Haiyi was still rushing to the scene, Tie Ci had already fallen ill.

Unable to properly rest after her severe injuries, followed by all manner of relentless ordeals above ground, underground, and at sea, even a man of iron couldn’t withstand it. That very night, Tie Ci developed a high fever.

Tie Ci drifted between the boundaries of burning heat and bitter cold, sometimes lucid, sometimes delirious. She could feel warm cloth being repeatedly wiped across her body—surely Chi Xue giving her physical cooling treatment. Sometimes she would hear movements outside, like someone constantly peering in to ask, “How is she? Is she dead yet?” Then Dan Shuang would slam the door or window shut.

The spring night breeze blew in. Through her barely open eyes, she also saw a shadow reflected on the flower-patterned window, accompanied by low conversation that seemed to inquire about her condition. The wind scattered the voices, like fine rain sweeping past the window and through the curtains, but when they reached her ears, the words were indistinguishable, and she drowsily fell asleep again.

The next time she was awakened by the fine sound of metal striking metal—that sound rang out with extreme regularity, making her think of an upright figure, stones arranged like jade and pines like emerald. As he walked, his white robes and silver armor lightly collided with the sword sheath at his waist, creating an extremely rhythmic and alerting sound.

Yet she didn’t wake up, only hazily wondered why Xiao Xueya had come—to see how pathetic she looked? Then she fell deeply asleep again.

Only Chi Xue and Dan Shuang were in the room, with heavy troops guarding outside the courtyard, but idle people were forbidden from entering—this was Xiao Xueya’s order.

Currently, apart from several local officials, ordinary soldiers and government clerks didn’t know Tie Ci’s identity—this was Rong Pu’s intention.

The courtyard was surrounded by a large circle of physicians—practically the best doctors that could be found locally. Rong Pu sat at the stone table, listening to the doctors’ treatment opinions while personally reviewing and modifying prescriptions.

His attendant watched from the side with some amazement, thinking to himself that the young master had excellent medical skills but never easily displayed them in public—why was he personally taking action now?

With so many doctors, each voiced their own opinions. Some said there was dampness, stagnation, deficiency, and heat, criticizing the previous misuse of aconite and cinnamon twig. Those who recommended aconite retorted, claiming the patient clearly had yang deficiency with internal fire. Some said Zezhu Mixing Powder was most suitable, while others argued this powder was unfavorable for accumulation disorders… The cacophony of seven or eight voices created chaos, yet Rong Pu managed to listen clearly, neither hurried nor flustered, slowly writing, his brow always seeming to contemplate something.

Suddenly the door burst open. Dan Ye dragged someone in, the person pulled askew by him, constantly complaining. Dan Ye simply covered the man’s mouth with one hand and said to Rong Pu, “Seeing your expression, these doctors all seem useless. I asked around the street for a good one and caught this fellow.”

He released his hand, and the doctor immediately cursed loudly, “Madman! Madman!” then turned to leave.

But he was driven back step by step by a large bird.

Hai Dongqing wore an unwilling expression on its bird face, yet still obeyed its good brother’s words, driving the doctor step by step back to the inner room. The doctor angrily lifted the curtain and went inside.

After a while, the doctor flung the curtain aside and came out, saying angrily, “Nothing but common fever! Why bother this old man with such trivial matters!”

Only then did the two people in the courtyard breathe a sigh of relief, but they heard the doctor continue, “No need to prescribe medicine! The fever will break soon, but the person will die eventually anyway—don’t waste this old man’s medicine!”

Rong Pu frowned and stood up. Dan Ye leaped over to block the doctor, saying, “Old fool, what did you say? Speak clearly!”

“Her major acupoints are secretly locked, yet she practices reverse meridian rushing. Her entire body’s qi and blood are inverted. At the moment it appears harmless, and might even show improvement. But over time, the more improvement there is, the more urgent the reverse flow becomes. Sooner or later, she’ll die from blood inversion.”

“Bring medicine!”

“There is no medicine. Since it’s already locked, it would be fine to never open it for life. But once opened, it can never return to the proper path.” The doctor sneered, grabbed the prepared consultation fee from the table, and hurried past Dan Ye to leave. “Medicine cannot cure the dying. For this condition, this old man is powerless!”

Dan Ye was stunned for a long while. Rong Pu then rose and went into the room to take Tie Ci’s pulse. After a moment he returned, that contemplative expression appearing again.

Dan Ye: “How is it?”

“Upon careful examination, the pulse is indeed somewhat abnormal. But Her Highness has abundant qi and blood with solid meridians—there’s absolutely no inversion of qi and blood. Besides, though I don’t practice martial arts, I know that different martial arts schools have different meridian pathways. Since there’s no way to know the proper meridian sequence, how can there be talk of normal or reverse flow? This person is clearly showing off.” Rong Pu said, “Where did you find this person?”

“I heard several aunties on the street talking about him, saying he was skilled at casting spells—a handful of incense ash cured one of their headaches.”

Rong Pu: “…”

After a long pause, he coughed and shook his head, returning to examine the prescriptions.

But Dan Ye seemed to believe it completely, glancing toward Tie Ci’s room again and again. Rong Pu said coolly, “Wolf Lord need not worry—the Crown Princess has a robust constitution.”

“But this matter…”

“Such people use smooth tongues to deceive the world, claiming a handful of incense ash cures all diseases. Common folk often call them masters—we collectively call them fraudsters.”

Dan Ye: “…”

An attendant brought the previously prepared medicine. Rong Pu opened the medicine package and personally inspected it. Dan Ye couldn’t understand but still sat at the table leaning over to look. Not content with just looking, he reached out to fiddle with things, saying, “You’re being unusually attentive today—I find it rather inappropriate. You’re not plotting to secretly harm her, are you?”

Without looking up, Rong Pu said coolly, “Wolf Lord is too modest. Speaking of attentiveness, I cannot compare to the Wolf Lord. Never would I have imagined that the Wolf Lord could show such concern for father’s future concubine. Indeed, the rumors prove true.”

Dan Ye couldn’t stand hearing about those “rumors.” His eyebrows shot up as he cursed, “I hate how you southerners speak with such sarcasm!” After thinking, he sneered again, “Who’s concerned about her? I simply can’t let father’s concubine die.”

“Wolf Lord should avoid such words,” Rong Pu continued examining the prescription without looking up. “Whether considering emotion or reason, respect or status, or Wolf Lord’s inner feelings, such words cannot be taken seriously. Why repeatedly mention them only to invite ridicule?”

“Are you a parasitic worm in my belly, knowing whether I’m serious or not?” Dan Ye looked at him sideways.

Rong Pu didn’t avoid his gaze: “I hope Wolf Lord takes nothing seriously.”

The two stared at each other, sparks seeming to fly in the air.

After a long moment, Dan Ye retreated slightly, but only to stretch his muscles. A crooked smile hung at the corner of his lips. “Scholars just don’t speak like humans. What good thing are you, Rong Pu? How the capital usually regards the Crown Princess—you think I don’t know? All this attentiveness of yours—who knows how much ill intent it contains!”

Expecting sharp retorts, Dan Ye was surprised when Rong Pu fell silent. Dan Ye looked at him with some astonishment, only hearing him say after a long while, “People in the Imperial City are originally blinded by fame, profit, gains and losses, unable to see the real person… I was like that too.”

“And now?”

Rong Pu hesitated to speak. For a moment his expression was very complex—somewhat dim, somewhat hesitant, somewhat pitying, somewhat helpless. Finally it transformed into a sigh as he said, “You’re right. Some think her too simple, others think her too complicated. But actually she’s different from anyone else. Power lust or romantic love—no one can force either upon her… Perhaps I shouldn’t be so presumptuous…”

As he spoke, he couldn’t hide slight weariness. Suddenly he pushed the medicine package forward, saying, “Take this to be decocted,” then turned and left the courtyard.

Dan Ye: “…”

This person had been keeping watch the whole time—how could he just leave like that?

“Hey, don’t go! What do you mean I’m right? What did I say?!”

Rong Pu had already turned past the courtyard gate and drifted away. Xiao Xueya, however, walked over from behind the courtyard, expressionlessly saying, “It has nothing to do with what you said—he just thinks himself ridiculous.”

Dan Ye turned to look at him, sizing him up from head to toe before sneering, “Grand Marshal, I haven’t seen you being so attentive to anyone either. What’s this—have you suddenly awakened too?”

Xiao Xueya ignored him completely and walked on. Reaching the courtyard gate, he suddenly stopped and said, “She is indeed different from what I previously imagined, but still insufficient to resist the present and bear Great Qian’s future. She will still be a failure, and will fail even more miserably.”

Having said this, he continued forward, then suddenly backed up again. Dan Ye almost thought he’d also encountered Hai Dongqing, then realized the eagle was beside him, and if Xiao Xueya had encountered it, he definitely wouldn’t retreat—he’d more likely catch the bird, pluck its feathers, and roast it.

What person could make Xiao Xueya retreat step by step?

A faint fragrant breeze approached. With Xiao Xueya’s retreating steps, an embroidered shoe stepped over the threshold—purple pearls gleaming brilliantly on the shoe. The wide skirt hem swept over the high threshold, the darkly embroidered peony flowers on the hem undulating like blooms.

Then appeared a jade pillar-like nose tip, richly curved and beautiful lips, and half a jade-carved cheek—a beauty had arrived.

The beauty carried a basket, standing in the moon gate doorway, her sash fluttering in the wind like Chang’e in the moon, gazing down at the mortal world.

Xiao Xueya lowered his eyes, not looking at her, and said coldly, “Who are you? How did you get into this courtyard?”

Though he spoke plainly, a chill arose all around. In the trees and on walls came rustling sounds—countless arrow tips aimed at the beauty.

The beauty seemed completely unaware, smiling sweetly, “I’m a friend of Young Master Mao. Hearing he solved a major case, I came specially to visit.”

“How did you get in?”

“Through a hole.” The beauty said without blushing, “With such a major case, security is tight, but you don’t even know to plug the holes!”

Xiao Xueya’s gaze swept toward his subordinates. The faces of soldiers on and below the walls went white.

Feiyu smiled as she looked around. She didn’t recognize Xiao Xueya, but could roughly guess his identity. With the Abyssal Iron weapons involving the Xiao family behind the scenes, naturally this Xiao family general would personally guard this place.

She lifted the basket in her hand and called toward the courtyard, “Miss Chi Xue! Miss Dan Shuang! I’m Feiyu—I’ve come to visit Young Master Mao!”

A window opened, and Dan Shuang peered out with a startled expression, hesitating as she glanced back, then said, “Thank you, Miss, but the young master is slightly indisposed and cannot receive visitors. Please return.”

With her speaking up, Xiao Xueya confirmed they indeed knew each other and waved slightly—the rustling sounds in trees and on walls subsided somewhat.

But Feiyu wouldn’t give up, laughing again, “Ah, don’t be so heartless. Your young master is ill, isn’t he? I just met a doctor on the street who mentioned it. I have ancestral medicinal herbs here—would you like to try them?”

This time Chi Xue opened the window to politely decline. Given Tie Ci’s identity, they absolutely couldn’t casually use medicine sent by outsiders.

Xiao Xueya used his eyes to signal Feiyu to get lost. Feiyu pretended not to see, leaning against the moon gate. Neither advancing nor retreating, she said leisurely, “Since you don’t need medicine, I suddenly remember that scholars have praised my singing voice as heavenly sound, healing medicine. Let me sing a song for the young master here—perhaps hearing it will cure him.”

Xiao Xueya’s patience ran out. He looked toward the walls, signaling people to come down and carry away this thick-skinned woman.

Feiyu raised a finger, smiling and shaking her head, “Don’t, General. First, I haven’t trespassed; second, I’ve done nothing improper. The General appears to be someone who maintains strict military discipline—surely you wouldn’t abuse your authority to drive away a delicate weak woman like me?” Her eyes flowing, she continued, “If the General really wants to bully the weak with power, then I’ll… I’ll…” She flung her sleeve, which hit Xiao Xueya’s face. As he stepped back, Feiyu reached to unfasten her buttons, “…I’ll say you showed your wolf nature, forced yourself on me, then became angry and vindictive when I refused…”

Before she finished speaking, Xiao Xueya strode quickly away.

Dan Ye burst into laughter, his eyes crinkling as he said, “Sing! Sing quickly! You speak so well!”

Feiyu smiled in thanks and began singing, “I send you away, thousands of miles away…”

Dan Ye: “…???”

What kind of deafening song was this?

The melody was clearly beautiful, yet he couldn’t understand a single word.

Tie Ci awakened to this deafening song.

Though floating and sinking in fevered seas, she always heard a thin thread of sound, persistently drilling into her eardrums. The tune was both familiar and unexpected—she suddenly opened her eyes.

Facing her were Chi Xue and Dan Shuang’s delighted faces: “Master has awakened!”

Tie Ci thought she was dreaming, or that these two were singing. But the song drifted from outside, and the more Tie Ci listened, the more speechless she became.

“Who’s singing? Don’t they know every single note is off-key!”

Moments later, Feiyu gracefully entered. Her facial contours were gilded with sunlight, her hair misty and clouded, yet her features were as delicate as jade carving. Seeing her, Tie Ci again felt the urge to whistle appreciatively.

Feiyu sat familiarly by her bedside. Without waiting for her to speak, she took a piece of pastry, bit off a piece herself, then brought the other half to Tie Ci’s lips.

Dan Shuang moved to stop her, but Feiyu smiled down, her fingertip flicking Tie Ci’s lips, urging her to open her mouth.

Tie Ci remained silent, then opened her mouth and accepted it.

She was somewhat afraid that if she delayed any longer, Feiyu might personally feed her mouth-to-mouth.

Or possibly employ some violent method like dislocating her jaw to force-feed her.

For some reason, Feiyu gave her the feeling of being versatile—capable of salty or sweet, of courtesan’s seductive charm, or of a fierce dragon’s ferocity.

The pastry was pale green, melting on the tongue, unremarkable in shape and taste. Initially there was a faint sweetness like ordinary sugar, unevenly distributed, followed by a slight fishy bitterness. But that bitter taste instantly dissolved on her tongue—Tie Ci couldn’t spit it out even if she wanted to.

Having undergone training, she could identify poisons. Though this thing tasted unpleasant, it should belong to the medicinal category.

Sure enough, within a moment of swallowing it, she began sweating profusely. Feiyu couldn’t find a handkerchief and used her sleeve to wipe the sweat.

Tie Ci thought, a brothel woman actually carries no handkerchief? Rather crude, wasn’t it?

Dan Shuang and Chi Xue were very pleased, ordering someone to bring water to prepare a bath for her. Feiyu looked down at Tie Ci, smiling, “Feeling better?”

“Not bad.”

“Still hurting anywhere?”

Tie Ci closed her eyes, smiling, “Mm, a kiss will make the pain go away.”

This was her usual playful banter—she was accustomed to playing with the beauties in her Ruixiang Palace. Still not quite clear-headed after her illness, she spoke without thinking. Immediately she felt a shadow fall over her head. Opening her eyes, a pair of full, beautiful lips were enlarging in her vision.

Tie Ci didn’t move, examining them carefully, thinking these slightly large lips were quite sexy.

The sexy lips lightly touched her forehead.

Both instantly held their breath.

Faint peony fragrance and magnolia-osmanthus scents gradually permeated the space—these were their personal scents, intertwining in silken threads at this moment, quietly floating.

The dangling crystal beads from Feiyu’s hairpin fell flickering across Tie Ci’s neck, somewhat cool, somewhat tickling. So close, she suddenly sensed that within the peony fragrance were undertones of pine, wood, and mint-like cool thickness. Feiyu’s light breathing fell on her forehead, reminding her of snow blown from pine branches by mountain winds at midnight.

The touch on her forehead was slightly moist and warm, soft as if her heart had been kneaded by a cloud.

Dan Shuang had gone out for water. Chi Xue stood behind them, somewhat stunned, unsure whether to step forward.

For a moment the entire room’s atmosphere seemed quiet and mysterious.

Finally, Tie Ci broke this moment’s wonderful atmosphere, laughing softly, “Are you absorbing moisture to rehydrate?”

Feiyu laughed low and deep, this laugh originating from throat vibrations, low and seductive, “Mm, very sweet.”

Tie Ci’s fingers trembled.

Her heart sighed.

This seductive little vixen.

Thank goodness it was a woman, fortunately a woman.

If her background were clear, adding another to Ruixiang Palace wouldn’t be bad.

Feiyu’s lips moved slightly away. A trace of bewilderment flashed in her eyes.

The lip contact was originally just playful teasing—expecting the other party to move away. When they didn’t, she naturally had no reason to withdraw first. But seeing that smooth forehead with disheveled black hair and a trace of fine perspiration, why had she pressed close and not wanted to rise?

Was the fragrance too noble and pleasant, or was she actually… interested in men?

In those many years in Liaodong, because her appearance was too magnificent, transcending gender, regardless of men or women, she’d had no shortage of suitors. Daily gossip about her also paired her with both men and women indiscriminately.

Over time, she herself became confused. After long contemplation, she decided that as long as they were beauties, it didn’t matter—but the prerequisite was that she must dominate them.

This person before her, though delicate in build, clearly wasn’t the type to be dominated by character.

Feiyu retreated slightly, gently blowing on Tie Ci’s forehead, saying lazily, “Young Master, don’t misunderstand. I suddenly remembered when I was sick as a child, I’d act spoiled with my mother like this, and mother would press her forehead to mine just like this.”

“How fortunate you were.” Tie Ci didn’t open her eyes, saying faintly, “I also used to act spoiled with my mother, but she wouldn’t press close—she was afraid of catching my illness.”

Consort Jing was weak in constitution—it was already good if she didn’t fall ill herself, let alone care for others. Tie Ci had grown up following her father emperor from childhood. When men raise children, they’re inevitably somewhat careless. There were no kisses, but he would force her to swallow handfuls of bitter medicine.

“But speaking of which, when you saved me from injury last time, you clearly said your mother wouldn’t take care of people.”

“I don’t think I said that…”

The two met each other’s gazes, both realizing the other had a good memory—neither had been deceived.

“Haven’t asked you yet—how did you suddenly disappear from the tunnel that day?”

“Oh my, it scared me to death! As I was walking, a hole suddenly appeared in the ground, and a pair of hands yanked me down. Below was a pit, and that person covered my mouth, squeezing together with me in the hole. After you all left, he brought me back up and we still exited through the tunnel. Only after coming out did I learn that the person was a blacksmith. When that group left, they wanted to silence all the blacksmiths. This man was alert and had crawled out through the tunnel first. When he emerged from the tunnel, he heard our voices from afar and thought those murderous people had come after him. Frightened, he stumbled and accidentally discovered a board on the ground with another hole beneath it. He crawled down, but that lower hole didn’t connect anywhere—probably someone had discovered it before, and since it led nowhere, they’d blocked it with a board. He could only wait below. It was stuffy and uncomfortable down there, so he risked opening the hole entrance just as I walked over and fell in. He grabbed me into the hole.” Feiyu spoke smoothly, explaining everything clearly. “Later when we parted ways, he said he was too frightened and wanted to return to his hometown.”

Tie Ci silently thought: Very good, very solid, even blocking the escape routes.

The tunnel had indeed been dark. They had only felt along the two walls, never thinking there might be mechanisms underfoot. But if it was ordinary wooden boards, why couldn’t they feel it when walking over? If it was a mechanism, how could an ordinary blacksmith enter and exit freely? The story seemed complete but was full of holes.

But the most clever part was that it couldn’t be verified. The only witness, the “blacksmith,” might not even be real, and even if real, had already left. Going back to check the tunnel—that underground hole would certainly exist.

She smiled and didn’t continue probing. Feiyu touched her forehead, smiling, “Good, the fever’s broken.”

Just as the fever broke, Dan Shuang entered to announce someone seeking an audience. Chi Xue immediately and cleverly invited Feiyu to the adjacent courtyard for tea. Tie Ci put on her clothes and sat up to see Xiao Xueya arriving with the newly arrived Regional Inspector of Haiyi.

The Regional Inspector had received orders that the Crown Princess didn’t wish to reveal her identity, so he didn’t wear official robes. He stood far outside the door and bowed to Tie Ci.

Xiao Xueya coolly inquired about Tie Ci’s health, then immediately got to business, stating that he had military orders and couldn’t delay—he would soon leave this place, asking if Tie Ci had any other needs.

Tie Ci said, “Please trouble the General to escort prisoners Li Yao and Zhou Wenchang to the capital on your way…”

The Regional Inspector’s face showed some embarrassment. When local officials committed crimes, especially major cases like this, he as the regional governor should by rights detain and interrogate them, form case files, then submit them to the capital for review before escorting them for joint trial by the Three Courts. The Crown Princess bypassing him directly clearly showed distrust of the entire Haiyi official circles.

Xiao Xueya was silent for a moment, lowered his eyes, and said flatly, “Just received a report. Zhou Wenchang committed suicide in prison. Li Yao, who was in the adjacent cell, witnessed it and was frightened into madness. He now speaks incoherently and soils himself everywhere, impossible to control.”

Dan Shuang stepped forward abruptly, “What!”

She couldn’t hide the anger in her voice: “The Crown Princess went through countless hardships to capture these two, still hoping to follow the trail and investigate Haiyi’s problems. How did they meet with mishaps so quickly! Wasn’t the General’s men personally guarding them? The legendary mighty Iron Horse Battalion—how could they be so lax!”

Xiao Xueya said coldly, “Iron Horse Battalion warriors guard the harsh desert, fight a hundred battles, achieving countless merits. How dare a mere servant slander them!”

“Countless merits, defending the realm, yet can’t guard a simple earthen prison!” Dan Shuang sneered. “Or perhaps they simply weren’t guarding at all!”

Xiao Xueya’s brow furrowed. He ignored her but said to Tie Ci, “I only brought three hundred Iron Horse Battalion men to the southeast, so the prison is guarded by Deng Zhou soldiers, while my men mainly guard the perimeter, the county office, and this place.”

The implication was that they indeed weren’t the main force guarding the prison.

Tie Ci glanced at him, slight doubt arising in her heart.

With Xiao Xueya’s capabilities, he wouldn’t be unaware of the two prisoners’ importance. In his mind, guarding the prisoners should have been far more important than protecting her, this puppet Crown Princess.

Li Yao had gone mad, Zhou Wenchang was dead—the major case of colluding with Liaodong to privately manufacture weapons would end with these two men. But could Li Yao and Zhou Wenchang alone really have such extensive connections, giving Murong Duan green lights all the way?

Moreover, what benefits could Li Yao and Zhou Wenchang have gained from this affair?

They should also have been merely pawns.

Tie Ci clearly understood that the roots she had dug out through bloodshed had been cleanly severed, leaving that truly massive root system in the underground darkness.

It would be very difficult to pull them out again later.

Tie Ci looked up at Xiao Xueya, who averted his gaze. The Regional Inspector beside them stepped forward to pay his respects, first blaming himself for lax supervision—having subordinates like Zhou Wenchang and Li Yao, such conscienceless creatures committing such heinous crimes under his governance. He then mentioned submitting a confession memorial to the court, saying he would await court officials to handle this matter and would fully cooperate when the time came.

Then the Regional Inspector seemingly casually mentioned the great scholar He Zi, who was said to be living in seclusion in Haiyi. For some reason, he had suddenly developed interest in overseas matters, wanting to set sail. As Regional Inspector of Haiyi, he had the responsibility to recruit and retain talent for the court. Upon hearing this news, he had been busy these days finding people to inquire about the matter and attempting to persuade He Zi to stay, which had delayed his supervision of subordinates.

Speaking thus, he sighed and handed a box to Dan Shuang, saying He Zi was passionate about calligraphy. He had specially sought precious calligraphy and paintings by famous artists from the previous dynasty, hoping to visit him, but was again rejected by He Zi. Since that was the case, these calligraphy works were quite rare—would the Crown Princess please appreciate them?

But Tie Ci swept aside the offered calligraphy and paintings, saying urgently, “Help me up—I can still move! Whether great scholars or calligraphy, let them be. But Li Yao’s treason case concerns state foundations—it absolutely cannot be abandoned!”

Dan Shuang was somewhat shocked, not understanding why the usually magnanimous and gentle Tie Ci would so disrespect a regional governor. Chi Xue vaguely understood and immediately fetched outer clothes and shoes to help Tie Ci get up. Tie Ci said to Xiao Xueya, “The General may depart as planned, but you must lend me some of your guards. Additionally, I will use the Crown Princess’s authority to borrow troops from the neighboring Yu Central Regional Inspectorate…”

The Regional Inspector stepped forward abruptly, then stopped. With a bitter smile, he bowed deeply, saying, “Your Highness hasn’t recovered from injuries and illness—you absolutely cannot exert yourself further. That Your Highness met with mishaps in my Haiyi region is this minister’s failing. This minister is willing to do everything possible, only asking that Your Highness feel at ease and happy.”

Tie Ci stopped and smiled slightly.

Someone didn’t want her to investigate further. They dangled He Zi’s information to divert her attention while offering the key to recruiting He Zi. Trying to fool her into quickly abandoning matters here to chase after He Zi.

But really? Just this?

Just this to make her, the dignified Crown Princess, swallow her anger and suffer in silence?

How could that work without drawing some blood?

Tie Ci pondered briefly. Stubbornly insisting on investigation was definitely impossible now. The other side was offering concessions and negotiating terms. If truly pressed, they would fight back, and her current strength might be insufficient to handle it.

Tie Ci had no great obsession with who was behind the scenes. After all, the entire court would eventually be hers. Whatever kind of people had the strength and necessity to do such things—it was just those few families anyway.

The timing wasn’t right; holding on relentlessly was useless.

The only option was to seize the opportunity to bargain for some practical compensation.

But what she could ask for also required careful consideration. Making excessive demands would be futile. It had to be within what the other party could accept.

As she was thinking, she suddenly saw the Regional Inspector’s attendant hurrying over, whispering a few words to the Inspector. The Inspector showed surprise, pondered, then said, “Since we already have it, we should decline…”

Tie Ci had keen hearing and vaguely caught something about a rare item and resale. She asked, “What matter?”

The Inspector hesitated slightly, then said, “Recently this minister has been searching for various famous ink scrolls and rare ancient texts. Ziyang County Magistrate says he has a rare copy of the previous dynasty’s ‘Suitable Journey Collection’ he wants to sell to this minister. But this minister already has Liu Hengzhi’s ‘Inscribed on Night Rain Empty Temple’ from the previous dynasty, so there’s no need for this rare copy.”

“Why the sudden desire to sell?”

“Ziyang County Magistrate wishes to resign his post. Before leaving, he needs to gather travel funds and severance pay for his staff.”

Tie Ci listened noncommittally, then after a while said, “Then let’s go take a look.”

The Regional Inspector didn’t know what she wanted to see, but could only follow. Tie Ci put on her outer garment and slowly walked toward the back residence. The county magistrate had brought no family, living alone in a small courtyard in the back residence. The courtyard gate was wide open, and conversation could be heard from within.

“…Well then, take this ‘Suitable Journey Collection’ with you. After returning home, you might encounter suitable buyers and supplement household expenses somewhat.”

“Sir, why not try selling to that Young Master Mao? Look at yourself—you don’t have much travel money. How will you live after returning home?”

“Forget it. That Young Master Mao doesn’t look like someone who loves books. Don’t let him ruin my rare copy.”

Dan Shuang’s face darkened. Tie Ci smiled slightly.

Quite perceptive judgment.

During the earlier multi-party standoff beneath Cangsheng Tower, the county magistrate had been pushed out early. Later, during the recovery of Abyssal Iron weapons and even after the Regional Inspector arrived, he was never involved in any affairs. Like those outer guards, the magistrate remained unclear about Tie Ci’s identity, only knowing she was a young master of considerable status.

The aide inside continued chattering, “Sir, not to criticize, but you should have properly attended to that Young Master Mao from the beginning. If you’d befriended him from the start, how would things have come to this?”

The county magistrate inside was silent for a while. Through the door crack, she could vaguely see his slightly regretful expression. After a long moment, he sighed, “I misjudged… But opportunities are fleeting—once missed, they’re gone. Given the current situation, when reported to the court, even if I bear no direct responsibility, as the county’s chief official, I’m guilty of negligent oversight at minimum. Rather than wait for the court to send people to formally censure me and strip away my official cap and seal, better to preserve some dignity and resign on my own!”

He paused, as if comforting himself, “No need for such regret. Even if that Young Master Mao comes from nobility, he’s just an unemployed commoner who’s never held office. Could he really control my career path and absolve me of blame? I’ll leave on my own and find peace.”

The two inside sat in mutual silence. After a long while, only the magistrate’s long sigh was heard: “Without seeing the cloud-shrouding heart, who knows the frost-bearing bones… In the end, I misled myself…”

After hearing a few sentences, Tie Ci returned by the same route. The Regional Inspector followed in confusion, still thinking about his mission and about to probe again, when he suddenly heard Tie Ci laugh, “You said earlier you’d do everything possible to make me happy?”

“Your Highness, please command.”

“Zhou Wenchang is dead, leaving Lai Prefecture’s magistrate position vacant. Who do you think is suitable to fill it?”

The Regional Inspector was confused, about to say he couldn’t possibly decide such important local officials himself. Meeting Tie Ci’s slightly smiling gaze, he suddenly understood her meaning and couldn’t help but feel his heart tighten.

After a moment, he lowered his eyes, “This minister finds Ziyang County Magistrate quite suitable.”

“Suitable in what way?”

“…Loving the people and caring for beings, with beneficent governance like timely wind and rain. Not coerced by powerful interests, not tempted by great profits. Though his private virtue may be somewhat lacking, it doesn’t damage his fundamental integrity.”

Tie Ci’s fingers gently turned her teacup.

Those who could become regional governors were indeed extraordinary. He reacted quickly, immediately understanding her meaning, and the reason he gave was quite appropriate. With Li Yao controlling Ziyang County office, he certainly wouldn’t have spared threats and inducements to the magistrate. Those who couldn’t resist would collaborate; those with upright character would inevitably be silenced.

Ziyang County Magistrate had resisted temptation. After unsuccessful struggles, he used drowning in wine as silent protest. Though lacking some courage and persistence, he maintained basic integrity. In crisis, he could step forward; when resigning, he still thought of treating subordinates well—his character was acceptable.

The Regional Inspector said, “This minister will submit a recommendation memorial to the court shortly.”

Tie Ci raised her teacup, smiling as she toasted him from afar. Then she said, “Additionally, I have two small ideas.”

After hearing them, the Regional Inspector accepted with a bitter face, thinking debts were nothing to worry about when numerous. Negotiations were inherently about jumping between furious anger and reluctant acceptance. The Crown Princess wanting to recruit and cultivate talent while beginning to place her people in important positions—this matter should be the concern of those big shots above.

Xiao Xueya had been coldly observing throughout. He felt the Crown Princess would be better off being completely incompetent—then she wouldn’t be ambitious and feared by others, dying faster.

But he’d learned his lesson, no longer wearing that annoying expression of cold mockery. After all, the Crown Princess’s mouth was equally annoying.

Tie Ci knew what he was thinking. But she didn’t care.

Xiao Xueya understood nothing. Whether she displayed ambition or not, the Xiao family would never want her to peacefully ascend the throne. Since there was no point in concealment, she might as well grab whatever opportunities arose.

The two men took their leave. Tie Ci, weakened after illness and having broken into another sweat, was about to rest when Dan Shuang brought water. Feiyu appeared from nowhere again, sitting by her bedside with a smile, “Let me help you wipe your back.”

Tie Ci thought this person was really presumptuous.

But Feiyu seemed to possess some quality that made people feel close to her. Not just herself—even the highly guarded Chi Xue and Dan Shuang showed no intention of refusing Feiyu.

Beauties were always appealing.

She smiled, “How embarrassing.”

“We brothel people are accustomed to serving others—you needn’t be embarrassed…”

“That’s not it. We young masters are also accustomed to being served.” Tie Ci said seriously, “I’m afraid you won’t be able to control yourself and take advantage of me.”

Feiyu laughed aloud.

They were both men—who would care to look at you?

Tie Ci also laughed.

They were both women—who would fear you looking?

After this playful exchange, she casually removed her outer garment and tossed it on the bed. Since they were both women, removing an outer garment was nothing. Feiyu sat facing her, looking casually. Because of recuperating from injuries, Tie Ci wore only loose robes beneath her outer garment, the collar hanging loosely, exposing her slender neck.

Feiyu was tall and sat relatively high. With a casual glance, she saw beneath the collar the straight, delicate collarbone, a glimpse of snow-white chest, and a bit…

She seemed to see something different, but when she tried to look more carefully, Tie Ci had already risen and walked behind the screen.

She entered the bath, only then noticing that the false skin disguise on her chest had somehow cracked slightly, exposing some of the skin beneath. With Feiyu present, she naturally wouldn’t remove all disguises for a thorough wash, so she smoothed the false skin flat.

Outside the screen, Dan Shuang came to chase the person away, but Feiyu wouldn’t leave, grinning as she poked her head toward the screen, saying, “The young master promised to let me wipe his back—don’t delay my reward money, Miss.”

Dan Shuang pulled a large handful of money from her sleeve and stuffed it to her, “Reward money, right? Here it is—now you can leave.”

Feiyu took the reward money but still wouldn’t leave, “Why is the young master so afraid of being seen? Like a maiden.”

Tie Ci said lazily, “If I were a maiden, then you’d still be a man!”

Feiyu: “Hahaha.”

Tie Ci: “Hehehe.”

Having said this much, continuing to refuse entry would seem guilty. Tie Ci was quite interested in this brothel courtesan, always feeling she appeared and disappeared mysteriously with considerable mystery. She didn’t mind interacting more to probe her background. She smiled, “Then come in.”

Feiyu took a loofah sponge and entered grinning. Tie Ci lay against the bathtub edge, her entire body submerged in water, only exposing her snow-white neck and a bit of shoulder and back. Feiyu glanced once and threw away the loofah sponge.

Such beautiful skin—how could it be subjected to rough loofah treatment?

She leaned against the bathtub edge, rolled up her sleeves, and reached out to pull Tie Ci up, laughing, “Ah, my young master, you promised I’d wipe your back—don’t keep hiding in the water.”

Tie Ci looked up at her, extended her hand, and with a splash, Feiyu was pulled into the water.

Feiyu: “…”

This completely defied expectations.

The bathtub wasn’t large, so naturally two people were quite cramped. Tie Ci leaned back, arms behind her head against the tub edge, saying leisurely, “What’s interesting about wiping a smelly man’s back? A beauty emerging from her bath is much more worth seeing.” Her gaze roamed up and down with obvious intent.

Feiyu’s clothes were always extremely loose. Now soaked with water, they slowly gathered inward. Meeting Tie Ci’s gaze, Feiyu suddenly squeaked, crossed her arms over her chest, and crouched down in the water.

If accompanied by a “don’t come closer” soundtrack, it would be the perfect scene of a tyrant forcing himself on an innocent woman.

As she crouched down, Tie Ci stood up, water splashing everywhere so neither could see clearly. When the splashing stopped, Tie Ci had exited the bathtub while Feiyu remained in it, her loose garments floating on the water surface like flower petals as she cast a flirtatious glance at Tie Ci.

Tie Ci, wrapped in a sleeping robe, lifted her chin toward her, gesturing for her to also undress and bathe.

Feiyu began slowly removing her clothes.

Tie Ci leaned against the wall panel, lazily stretching her long legs, waiting without any pretense of avoidance.