“Junzhu, this subordinate also has joyous news to report to Junzhu.” After escorting Qi Pei back, Sui Axi sought an audience with a delighted expression.

“It’s done?” Shen Xihe’s thoughts stirred as she guessed.

It had been exactly three months, neither more nor less. Shen Xihe had Sui Axi bring the person in. As he slowly walked through the main door, his face startled both Shen Xihe and Zhenzhou – it was identical down to the smallest detail, at least in terms of appearance.

Zhenzhu even went forward to touch his face, finding no trace of artifice, and exclaimed: “What miraculous bone-reshaping technique!”

Shen Xihe walked a full circle around this person: “The appearance is similar but the spirit isn’t quite there.”

She had Biyu bring Lu Bing’s pair of maces and handed them to him: “Take these. From today forward, you are Lu Bing. Go wander the four seas for a time, become a true wandering knight, and immerse yourself in the jianghu of knights-errant.”

Only this way could he become a flawless Lu Bing. Xiao Changfeng was still privately observing mourning for Xun Wang – it wouldn’t last three years, but it would likely be a year, which meant they had half a year for him to make a name for himself before going to Xiao Changfeng’s side.

“This subordinate will not fail the mission.” Lu Bing accepted the maces. From that moment on, he was Lu Bing. He would thoroughly understand everything about Lu Bing – what he couldn’t grasp, others surely wouldn’t know either.

Shen Xihe had thoroughly witnessed the excellence of the bone-reshaping technique. In high spirits, she arranged a feast of wine and food for everyone to celebrate together. Sui Axi was also happy, his abilities having earned his master’s recognition. He wanted to drink but was stopped by Zhenzhu.

“Your back injury has just healed, you shouldn’t drink alcohol,” Zhenzhu said.

Sui Axi suddenly blushed, the smile on his face taking on a sheepish quality, his speech becoming somewhat stuttered: “I-I’ll listen to you.”

Everyone present cast scrutinizing glances back and forth between the two. Ziyu and Hongyu were particularly mischievous. Hongyu put on an exaggerated act, while Ziyu imitated Zhenzhu’s blocking gesture, deliberately softening her voice: “Your back injury has just healed, you shouldn’t drink alcohol.”

Hongyu played along perfectly, mimicking Sui Axi’s manner: “I-I’ll listen to you…”

As soon as they finished speaking, an embarrassed Zhenzhu chased after the two with her handkerchief. They quickly dodged behind Shen Xihe: “Junzhu, Junzhu, Sister Zhenzhu is angry with embarrassment, you must save us!”

Zhenzhu glared at the two.

“Alright now, you two are being naughty.” Shen Xihe feigned anger and lightly scolded them, then gave Zhenzhu a way out, “Axi was injured saving Zhenzhu, it’s not unreasonable for her to show some concern.”

“Yes, yes, yes, it was us servants who misunderstood,” Hongyu admitted fault with her words, but her eyes winked at Zhenzhu.

Mo Yuan, sitting next to Sui Axi, witnessed this and secretly glanced at the straight-faced Moyu. His eyes immediately dimmed. Still not giving up, he stole another look, only to be met with Moyu’s cold stare that she had keenly noticed, frightening him into immediately lowering his head.

Moyu turned away expressionlessly, continuing to stare straight ahead as if the surrounding merriment and laughter had nothing to do with her.

However, the reactions of these two did not escape Shen Xihe’s eyes. With Moyu and Zhenzhu’s low tables on either side of her, Shen Xihe pondered thoughtfully, then seemed to think of something as a faint smile spilled from the corners of her lips.

She had already come of age, and Zhenzhu, Moyu, Biyu, and the other two were all older than her – it was time to start looking for suitable matches for them.

Shen Xihe planned to arrange their marriage when she turned eighteen. That wouldn’t be considered too old.

“Well well, when are you going to make your move against Princess Yanling?” Bu Shulin came the next day, and after chatting for a while, suddenly thought of seeing Princess Yanling today. Although she hadn’t pestered her about it, she couldn’t help but ask.

“No rush. I’m waiting for a reason. The envoys won’t leave the capital until the beginning of next month,” Shen Xihe said calmly.

“What reason?” Bu Shulin was curious.

“A reason that makes it reasonable and justified for Munuha to kill the princess.” Shen Xihe’s schemes were always watertight.

“Reasonable and justified?” Bu Shulin felt this seemed unlikely. Right now, both of them had consistently told His Majesty they were in love with each other. How could Munuha try to kill the princess at such a time?

She had originally thought Shen Xihe planned to forcefully frame Munuha. His Majesty already didn’t want the marriage alliance – as long as Shen Xihe didn’t leave behind any evidence that could be used against herself, even if the reason for Munuha killing the princess was far-fetched, His Majesty would still use it to leave Munuha defenseless against the accusations.

“The princess will be diagnosed as pregnant in a month.” Shen Xihe wasn’t afraid of Bu Shulin knowing – if she didn’t tell her, Bu Shulin would keep pestering her. Though Bu Shulin wasn’t particularly clever, she could keep a secret.

Bu Shulin: !!

For Shen Xihe to say this with such certainty meant whether the princess was actually pregnant didn’t matter – she would make everyone believe Princess Yanling was with a child.

“If that’s the case, Munuha would be even less likely to harm the princess.” This would be his flesh and blood, after all. On their territory, killing his wife and child – unless Munuha had gone mad.

Shen Xihe gave her a light glance, speaking casually: “Princess Yanling won’t be just one month pregnant.”

Bu Shulin: !!

So in this conspiracy, not only would the princess be pregnant, but Munuha would also be cuckolded.

If that were the case, when Munuha discovered everything was just Princess Yanling’s scheme, that her only goal was to find a father for the “bastard” in her belly, killing Princess Yanling in a fit of rage would indeed be reasonable and justified.

Indeed, it was flawless – Munuha would surely have no way to defend himself!

“Did you give the princess medicine to fake a pregnancy?” Bu Shulin couldn’t help but think of other potential problems. “If Princess Yanling is pregnant, wouldn’t giving her medicine backfire?”

“She won’t be pregnant.” Shen Xihe had thought through the entire plan. That day in the room, besides lighting aphrodisiac incense, Shen Xihe had also hung a common contraceptive sachet on the window curtains.

“Fortunately I’m your friend and not your enemy.” Bu Shulin once again felt grateful.

Shen Xihe said flatly: “You should be grateful you were born who you are.”

If Bu Shulin weren’t Shu Nan Wang’s person, if she couldn’t prevent the command of Shu Nan’s great army from falling into His Majesty’s hands, she wouldn’t have repeatedly tolerated Bu Shulin, let alone befriended her.

Bu Shulin refused to acknowledge that she received favor due to her identity – she firmly believed it was due to her charm!

After lingering at the Junzhu’s residence for half a day and enjoying a full meal, she left, only to be intercepted by Tian Yuan as soon as she exited.

Tian Yuan handed over a medicine bottle: “Young Master Bu, tomorrow someone will take Munuha to a brothel for drinks. Young Master Bu should mix this medicine into some good wine and drink with Prince Munuha.”

“What is this?” Bu Shulin’s face was full of wariness.

“This is a medicine that will prevent a man from ever being a man again.” Tian Yuan bowed and answered.

Bu Shulin’s eyes widened – Xiao Huayong wanted to drug Munuha to make him impotent forever!

She had heard of such medicine but had never seen it. Her eyes suddenly gleamed with interest as she coughed lightly: “Guard Cao, since I’m doing this task for His Highness, perhaps His Highness might reward me with some…”

As she spoke, she waggled the medicine bottle, her suggestive meaning obvious.

Tian Yuan answered with a smile: “Young Master Bu, this medicine only harms men, not women.”