When they arrived at the Inner Disciplinary Court, it was already nighttime.

Though the Inner Disciplinary Court was a high-level prison for confining imperial relatives, a prison was still a prison. Upon stepping inside, one immediately felt the sinister atmosphere within. Huangfu Wushuang wore heavy shackles on his wrists – perhaps the first time in his life he had seen such things. He might have seen them before, but they were always used to punish others. This was the first time these cold, hard instruments of punishment had been placed on his own body.

He had learned to endure and did not fly into a rage. Huangfu Wushuang had suffered little hardship since childhood, being supported by others daily. He had been made Crown Prince at age five. For him, entering such a prison might not be a bad thing – it could make him mature. The question was whether he could still get out. Because in the eyes of others, attempting to assassinate the emperor was such a grave crime that there was no possibility of redemption.

Hua Zhuyu, along with Ji Xiang and You Fu, naturally could not escape the fate of wearing shackles either. Thanks to those people’s good fortune, this was also Hua Zhuyu’s first time wearing such things. The cold, icy touch and heavy pressure transmitted directly from her wrists to her heart.

Originally, on the boat, Hua Zhuyu had considered escaping with Huangfu Wushuang. She was already a fugitive anyway and didn’t mind escaping once more. However, such an escape would eliminate any possibility of rehabilitation.

Hua Zhuyu thought she would take things one step at a time. To escape from this Inner Disciplinary Court, with her martial arts skills and An’s assistance, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Huangfu Wushuang was confined in one cell, while Hua Zhuyu, Ji Xiang, and You Fu each occupied separate cells.

Huangfu Wushuang’s cell contained a low table, small chair, and a low bed. Hua Zhuyu’s cell wasn’t nearly as well-appointed – it contained nothing but a pile of straw, which apparently served as both her bed and blankets. Hua Zhuyu didn’t mind this at all. The hardships she had endured on battlefields were far worse than this.

Looking around, Hua Zhuyu saw that this cell had only one small oil lamp on the wall, seemingly ready to extinguish at any moment, casting dim light.

This was actually a good place to escape the summer heat – why did they need to travel all the way to the Qingjiang Traveling Palace? Hua Zhuyu curved her lips in self-mocking laughter.

“What are you laughing at? If it weren’t for His Highness’s good fortune, how could a mere eunuch like you live in such a cell? The Ministry of Justice’s serious crime prison is waiting for you. If you don’t behave here, you’ll be transferred there!” A prison guard leader behind her saw the smile on Hua Zhuyu’s lips and coldly berated her.

The smile on Hua Zhuyu’s lips gradually froze. She turned back to glance at the man and sneered: “I didn’t know you had the authority to transfer cells!”

That man hadn’t expected this little eunuch to dare talk back. Even the Crown Prince had become somewhat dispirited upon arriving at the Inner Disciplinary Court. He stared wide-eyed at Hua Zhuyu, examining her carefully, then suddenly laughed: “So you must be that demon eunuch Yuan Bao who bewitches his master. Though we’re in such a remote place as the Inner Disciplinary Court, your great name thunders in our ears! I hear you’re quite fond of that sort of thing. Let me tell you, this Inner Disciplinary Court is for confining princes and imperial grandsons. His Highness can stay here, but you small fry are just passing through. In a few days, you’ll go meet the King of Hell. How about this – if you’re willing to serve this lord, I’ll let you live a few more days.”

This was prison life.

So this was how one was bullied after entering prison. Moreover, she was just a small eunuch. Her master could barely protect himself, so naturally couldn’t protect them. The death of a small eunuch in prison wasn’t a big deal. However, Hua Zhuyu had never heard such crude language before. In the past, she wouldn’t even need to act – the Four Guards would have already rushed forward to give him a thorough beating.

Hua Zhuyu was furious, yet could only endure it. She knew this man wasn’t bluffing. In this dark prison, anything could happen. Though she wouldn’t let them bully her, for now, unless absolutely necessary, she didn’t want to cause trouble.

Hua Zhuyu smiled lightly: “Sir speaks truly. This slave also wishes to live a few more days. However, His Highness committed a grave crime, and in a couple days there will be a trial. At that time, this slave must testify, so before then, this slave cannot be damaged!”

“Easy to arrange!” That man was already mesmerized by Hua Zhuyu’s smile. He reached out his coarse hand to pinch Hua Zhuyu’s cheek.

Hua Zhuyu dodged with a flash. The man didn’t manage to touch Hua Zhuyu’s cheek, but still contentedly sniffed his fingers and said with a leering grin: “Such tender, white cheeks – this lord can’t bear to touch them. Haha, this lord will wait. Haha…”

That man left with wild laughter, followed by several prison guards who stared lustfully at Hua Zhuyu, reluctant to leave. The man slapped one small guard across the face and barked: “What are you looking at? This will be my person from now on! You’re not allowed to look!”

The small guard covered his face: “Yes, Zhao Tou.”

Hua Zhuyu narrowed her eyes, a sharp glint flashing through her clear pupils. She had remembered this head guard surnamed Zhao.

Night had deepened. The oil lamp on the wall finally exhausted its last bit of oil and slowly extinguished. The cell was immediately plunged into darkness, so black one couldn’t see their own hand. Naturally, no one would come to refill the lamp oil. Hua Zhuyu moved to the dry straw in the corner and slowly sat cross-legged on the ground.

She focused and began circulating her internal energy. With a slight exertion, the shackles on her hands loosened. She nimbly extracted her hands from the shackles and gently flexed her wrists. Sleeping with those things on at night would be impossible. Placing the shackles beside her, she leaned back against the wall, closed her eyes, and began to rest.

Two days and nights of boat travel had indeed exhausted Hua Zhuyu. She slept deeply and long. When she opened her eyes, though the cell was still dim, she could tell it was daytime from the faint sunlight filtering through the tiny skylight above.

Hua Zhuyu felt for the shackles and slowly put them back on her wrists. Footsteps approached, the cell door opened, and yesterday’s Zhao Tou walked in with a grinning face, holding a set of prison garments. When they had arrived last night it was late, so they hadn’t been issued prison clothes. This morning, Zhao Tou had personally brought them to her.

“Little beauty, I’ve come to care for you. Wearing shackles makes it inconvenient to change clothes – how about I help you?” Zhao Tou’s face was full of lewd smiles, his eyes lewdly fixed on Hua Zhuyu’s face before slowly moving downward.

Fury rose in Hua Zhuyu’s heart. She could barely control her urge to gouge out the eyes of the man before her. This man still didn’t know his place, slowly stepping forward to grab her garments and change her clothes.

Hua Zhuyu dodged with a flash and said lightly: “Zhao Tou, I can change clothes myself. I wouldn’t dare trouble Your Lordship.” There was already a trace of killing intent hidden in her voice.

But this Zhao Tou was clearly mesmerized by Hua Zhuyu and completely failed to hear the murderous intent in her words. Last night under the dim oil lamp, he had only thought Hua Zhuyu was charming but hadn’t discovered how beautiful she was. This morning, he had originally just planned to help Hua Zhuyu change into prison garments and take some liberties, without intending to go further. But seeing how absolutely stunning the person before him was today made his mouth water.

Once lust arose, his courage grew. Earlier, he had deliberately come to deliver prison clothes without bringing other guards. Now, emboldened, he closed the cell door, threw the prison garments onto the straw pile nearby, and began removing his own clothes. Zhao Tou’s movements were swift – in moments he had stripped off his garments. Fortunately, he retained some sense of shame and didn’t strip completely naked, or Hua Zhuyu wouldn’t have known where to look.

Hua Zhuyu’s heart was truly conflicted. In a moment, should she castrate this man or just kill him directly? She didn’t know how to castrate – it was too filthy and would dirty her hands. Killing him directly would cause her trouble.

What should she do?

While she was thinking, Zhao Tou lunged toward her.

Hua Zhuyu nimbly turned to avoid his pouncing attack. The man hadn’t expected Hua Zhuyu to dodge so lightly and crashed into the wall. He wasn’t angered, grinning wickedly: “This is how I like it – this lord loves riding spirited horses!” Saying this, he turned to lunge at Hua Zhuyu again, arms spread like an eagle pouncing on a chick.

Hua Zhuyu felt somewhat sorrowful. She had thought a eunuch’s identity would be relatively safe. She hadn’t expected that even here, she couldn’t escape the fate of being violated.

This time, she didn’t dodge.

That man surnamed Zhao pressed Hua Zhuyu against the wall with one hand, while with the other he tore at her shoulder garment with a ripping sound, exposing her delicate collarbone. His other hand went to pull at the jade belt around Hua Zhuyu’s waist.

Hua Zhuyu sighed inwardly. Her fingers had already withdrawn from the shackles, pointing like a knife, ready to strike this man’s back. She truly disdained dirtying her hands on such a person, but he had gone too far.

“Who’s in there?” A cold snort rang out at the cell door. Hearing this, the man surnamed Zhao was so frightened his body immediately froze, as if he had even forgotten how to move.

A guard pushed open the cell door. Hua Zhuyu slowly withdrew her hand, quietly slipped it back into the shackles, and looked up toward the door.

Several people stood outside the door. One was Zhou Quan, the Inner Disciplinary Court administrator. Another person was surrounded by several guards – it was actually Left Prime Minister Ji Fengli.

Hua Zhuyu hadn’t expected him to return from the Qingjiang Traveling Palace so quickly. It seemed he would be responsible for trying their case.

He wore crimson official robes and an official hat, tall and jade-like in bearing, with dignified composure. Perhaps not expecting to encounter such a scene, his phoenix eyes immediately narrowed, flashing with surprise and coldness.

Hua Zhuyu sighed softly in her heart, her clear eyes gradually filling with coldness.

Look at how unlucky she was.

At such an embarrassing and miserable moment, her enemy Ji Fengli had witnessed it. Seeing her being bullied, he must be very pleased!

The man surnamed Zhao was so frightened he froze, still maintaining the posture of pressing Hua Zhuyu against the wall. Seeing this, Zhou Quan’s face also changed color. He secretly glanced at Ji Fengli and shouted loudly: “Zhao Si, what are you doing?”

Seeing Ji Fengli, Zhao Si was so scared his legs trembled. He knelt on the ground and kept kowtowing: “Prime Minister, spare my life! Prime Minister, spare my life! This lowly one came to deliver prison clothes to this prisoner, but this demon seduced me. He knows sorcery and somehow bewitched my mind. I don’t know how I lost control. Fortunately the Prime Minister arrived in time, or I would have been defiled by this demon.”

Hearing Zhao Si’s complete nonsense, Hua Zhuyu suddenly burst out laughing – she really couldn’t help it! Was right and wrong just turned upside down by people like Zhao Si?

Her laughter was full of deep mockery and helplessness. After laughing, she noticed that somehow her shoulder garment had been torn, exposing a section of beautiful collarbone. She hurriedly covered her clothing and walked straight to the corner to sit against the wall. She didn’t look toward the door or explain the situation at all. She thought anyone with eyes would know what had just happened!

Of course, even if Ji Fengli had eyes, he was probably the type to turn black into white.

“Zhou Quan, I don’t want to see this person again!” The cold, lazy voice was so slow, without a trace of killing intent or even anger. However, hearing these words, Zhou Quan was still so frightened his whole body trembled.

He hurriedly ordered the guards beside him: “Why don’t you drag this person out?”

“Yes!” Several guards replied and walked toward Hua Zhuyu, reaching out to drag her away.

“I wasn’t talking about him!” The light tone was like a gentle breeze.

“Ah?” Zhou Quan opened his mouth wide, and after a long moment finally reacted, shouting loudly: “What’s wrong with you? Idiots! I meant Zhao Si – quickly take him out!”

The guards hurriedly turned toward Zhao Si, grabbed his arms, and dragged him from the cell.

Zhao Si had lost all his earlier arrogance, crying as he shouted: “Prime Minister, spare my life! Prime Minister, spare my life…” The miserable voice gradually faded away.

Hua Zhuyu slowly opened her eyes. She hadn’t expected Ji Fengli to deal with Zhao Si for her sake.

Before the cell door, Ji Fengli stood calmly, his lips curved in a barely perceptible elegant smile, his gaze lightly sweeping over the straw in the cell and Zhao Si’s clothes scattered on the ground.

“Zhou Quan, bring him over in a while!” Ji Fengli said lightly and turned to leave.

Through the open cell door, she could see his retreating figure.

His image walking away in light robes and slow steps was like brilliant sword light, piercing Hua Zhuyu’s eyes painfully.

She closed her eyes to suppress the hatred in her heart. Rising, she slowly closed the cell door and changed into the prison garments on the ground. Her clothes were already torn and had to be changed. However, these prison garments were somewhat oversized, making her already slender figure appear even more emaciated.

Before long, two guards came to escort her to the interrogation hall.

Seated on the tribunal was Minister of Justice Zhang Qing. At tables to the side sat two people – one was Left Prime Minister Ji Fengli, the other was Right Prime Minister Nie Yuanqiao.

Hua Zhuyu’s heart settled. If Right Prime Minister Nie Yuanqiao was present to observe, did that mean Huangfu Wushuang still had a glimmer of hope?

Right Prime Minister Nie was Empress Nie’s elder brother and also a force in court. However, for unknown reasons, Right Prime Minister Nie and Empress Nie had an extremely strained relationship, almost to the point of never speaking. Therefore, though he was Huangfu Wushuang’s uncle, he usually wasn’t close to Huangfu Wushuang and seemed uninterested in succession struggles. However, at this critical moment of life and death, Hua Zhuyu believed he couldn’t possibly not support Huangfu Wushuang.

Zhang Qing glanced at the two high officials left and right: “Gentlemen, let us begin.”

Ji Fengli sat behind his table. Wearing official robes, he had less ethereal grace but more steady composure. He lazily reclined in his chair with an indifferent expression. Only when he saw Hua Zhuyu being pushed in did he lightly glance at her.

Right Prime Minister Nie coldly snorted: “Then let’s begin!”

Zhang Qing coughed, struck his gavel, and asked coldly: “Prisoner below, this official asks you – was that tiger sent by His Highness to be captured?”

“No!” Hua Zhuyu answered clearly: “Lord Zhang, the tiger incident was not His Highness’s doing. The bamboo painting found in His Highness’s Qing Courtyard – you gentlemen believe that painting was placed together with xinyi flower pollen and thus stained with the flower scent. However, this slave believes that painting could also have been tampered with during its creation, with pollen sprinkled into the ink. A painting made this way would likewise carry the xinyi flower scent.” Hua Zhuyu prostrated on the ground, speaking slowly word by word.

“That makes sense. This painting could have been painted by someone else using ink containing pollen, then given to His Highness to frame him!” Right Prime Minister Nie, observing from the side, stroked his beard and spoke slowly.

“That does make sense, but the ink for painting was also fetched by His Highness’s people!” Zhang Qing said expressionlessly.

“But the painter also touched the ink and could have secretly sprinkled in pollen while painting,” Hua Zhuyu raised her eyes to say.

Zhang Qing narrowed his eyes: “But Miss Wen painted in full view of everyone. If she had tampered with it, why did no one among so many present that day notice?”

Hua Zhuyu was at a loss for words.

At that time, she had been somewhat bored and hadn’t been watching Wen Wan constantly. Instead, she had looked up at the sky, and coincidentally, Xiao Yin’s sea eagle had attracted her attention. She couldn’t have noticed whether Wen Wan was doing anything suspicious. As for Huangfu Wushuang, though he was watching Wen Wan, he was probably so infatuated that he wouldn’t notice whatever Wen Wan did.

“This slave was somewhat distracted that day and didn’t pay attention!” Hua Zhuyu said slowly. At this point, she somewhat regretted – why had she been bored enough to look at the sky that day!

But who could have predicted that at that time, opponents had already begun setting traps? It was just a painting – who could know that a painting could send Huangfu Wushuang, this all-powerful Crown Prince, to the Inner Disciplinary Court! Even if one wanted to guard against it, it would be impossible to guard against everything.

“Didn’t pay attention?” Zhang Qing said expressionlessly, even his voice devoid of emotion. He heavily struck the gavel again: “Prisoner, look up!”

Hua Zhuyu raised her head, following Zhang Qing’s gaze toward the wall.

She saw the wall he indicated was covered with strange and frightening torture instruments, looking sinister and terrifying. Zhang Qing pointed at the instruments on the wall: “These things were personally bestowed by His Majesty, specifically for use on lawbreaking nobles and royalty. For a small eunuch like you to be able to use imperially bestowed torture instruments is quite fortunate. Someone, apply severe torture!”

In all her years on battlefields, Hua Zhuyu had seen everything except these terrible torture instruments. However, she was not one to be intimidated by such instruments. Her cold gaze swept over those dark, ominous tools as her lips curved in a faint smile.

“This slave didn’t know the Minister of Justice conducted trials this way! Since you’re going to force a confession through torture, why bother asking? Just apply torture directly!” she said lightly, a trace of mockery flashing through her clear eyes.

Zhang Qing’s expression grew even colder. Guards came over as instructed, grabbing Hua Zhuyu’s arms from left and right, about to drag her toward the torture instruments.

Ji Fengli reclined in his chair, phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, his gaze drifting like floating clouds across Hua Zhuyu’s face before casually sweeping over the torture instruments, his lips bearing a casual, leisurely smile.

Hua Zhuyu could imagine how delighted Ji Fengli must be feeling. This time, he could be said to have avenged both her wild beating of him and her stealing his clothes.

One truly couldn’t afford to offend petty people!

These grotesquely shaped torture instruments appeared to be leg clamps. She didn’t know how many legs they had broken over the long years – the wood was so stained with blood that its original color was unrecognizable.

Two guards pressed Hua Zhuyu to the ground. One picked up the torture instrument and clamped it on Hua Zhuyu’s legs, left and right, pulling with ropes, about to apply force.

Hua Zhuyu lay prone on the cold bluestone floor, its icy chill seeping through her palms almost to her heart. When the two guards applied force, waves of dull pain struck. Hua Zhuyu bit her lips tightly. She couldn’t resist now – these physical torments would pass once endured. These people wouldn’t dare kill her in the interrogation hall.

“Enough!” Ji Fengli’s voice seemed to come from extremely far away, light as a breeze yet cold as an icy spring. “Take the prisoner away!” He still reclined in his chair in a lazy posture, a trace of coldness crossing his handsome face.

Hearing this, the two guards hurriedly and clumsily removed the torture instrument from Hua Zhuyu’s legs and dragged her outside.

“Let go of me! I can walk by myself!” Hua Zhuyu said slowly, lightly flicking her sleeves so that the two guards staggered. She looked at them contemptuously, dragged her painful legs, and quickly walked out. Once outside the interrogation hall, she slowed her pace – her legs really hurt. Just a few clamps had caused such severe pain. She truly didn’t know if she could endure it if they continued.

If these people tortured Huangfu Wushuang, she wondered if he could withstand it or would confess under duress.

Returning to her cell, she saw several guards cleaning the straw inside. Soon, other guards brought in a bed, bedding, and low tables and chairs.

Zhou Quan must have had some problem and actually upgraded her cell to the same standard as Huangfu Wushuang’s, which completely puzzled Hua Zhuyu.

Prison life truly wasn’t fit for humans. An had bribed guards in the Inner Disciplinary Court to contact her. After much deliberation, Hua Zhuyu still felt she couldn’t rashly attempt a prison break. The risk was too great – the Inner Disciplinary Court was within the imperial palace with tight security. Getting out wouldn’t be easy. Moreover, escaping would not only expose her high martial arts skills but might also implicate Huangfu Wushuang. She was Huangfu Wushuang’s attendant eunuch – her every move would affect him, and his case was at a critical juncture.

That night, as Hua Zhuyu was about to rest, the cell door suddenly opened. A figure stood in the doorway – it was Lan Bing, one of Ji Fengli’s subordinates.

Hua Zhuyu had never liked this person. He was Ji Fengli’s man, and every time he saw her, he wore that meaningful smile. Late at night, she wondered what he was doing at the prison.

“Is Eunuch Bao comfortable living here?” Lan Bing stepped inside, asking with a smiling expression.

Hua Zhuyu originally didn’t want to pay attention to him. Hearing his words, she curved her lips in a lazy smile: “Naturally comfortable. This servant finds it very cool here – an excellent place to escape the summer heat. If Lord Lan finds it too hot outside to bear, you could also move in!”

This was a prison – no one would be comfortable living here, with its environment full of mold and stench, its pitiful pig-like food. This Lan Bing was purely here to mock her. But she refused to give him satisfaction.

Lan Bing curved his lips in a smile, raised his eyes to glance around, and nodded slightly: “Yes, it’s indeed quite nice! I really do want to move in. However, what a pity – I don’t have such good fortune.” He spoke in a manner that deserved a beating, then shrugged: “But I’m afraid Eunuch Bao won’t be able to continue living here.”

Hua Zhuyu’s heart skipped a beat. Could Lan Bing be here to send her to the afterlife? She raised an eyebrow, an imperceptible coldness flashing through her eyes.

“Lord Lan, you wouldn’t want me to die as a starving ghost, would you? Is the Prime Minister so stingy that he won’t even provide a last meal?” Hua Zhuyu asked without revealing her thoughts, a sharp glint flashing through her clear eyes. In her hands, she had already secretly circulated her inner energy, loosening the shackles, ready to escape at any moment. Tonight, she would see just how skilled in martial arts one of the Left Prime Minister’s two great scholars was.

Lan Bing glanced at her: “Eunuch Bao has misunderstood. I’m not here to send you on your way this time, but to take you to the Prime Minister’s residence. Someone, unlock Eunuch Bao’s shackles!” He turned to order a guard to bring keys and remove Hua Zhuyu’s shackles.

Hua Zhuyu was astonished. Taking her to the Prime Minister’s residence – what did Ji Fengli want to do? Could he casually transfer prisoners from the Inner Disciplinary Court to his residence? Had his power grown so great? If so, Huangfu Wushuang had no hope of rehabilitation!

“Lord Lan truly knows how to joke. How can I, a prisoner, go to the Prime Minister’s residence? Aren’t you afraid His Majesty will learn of this and hold you accountable?” Hua Zhuyu said lightly.

“Eunuch Bao need not worry about this. Since the Prime Minister can come to the prison to collect people, naturally no one will hold him accountable. From now on, you won’t be any Eunuch Bao – you’ll be Guard Bao of the Prime Minister’s residence,” Lan Bing said with a smile.

To become a guard at the Prime Minister’s residence – she truly didn’t know what medicine Ji Fengli was selling in his gourd. Now that she was in prison, she no longer had the opportunity to continue fighting Ji Fengli. However, going to Ji Fengli’s side would allow her to investigate his background. One cannot catch tiger cubs without entering the tiger’s den – she would risk it all.

Passing Huangfu Wushuang’s cell, she heard no movement inside and her heart sank slightly. These past days, according to An, Ji Fengli hadn’t tortured Huangfu Wushuang, and naturally Huangfu Wushuang hadn’t confessed. But all evidence pointed to him, so overturning his case was impossible. He would probably spend his entire life in the Inner Disciplinary Court. However, now that the old emperor was ill and Prince Kang was in power, could Huangfu Wushuang peacefully spend his days in prison?

Hua Zhuyu asked in a low voice: “If I’m not mistaken, Prince Kang will soon ascend the throne, right? I just wonder how you plan to deal with His Highness?”

Lan Bing walked ahead with hands clasped behind his back. Hearing this, he turned back with a smile: “I told you Eunuch Bao is a smart person. Right now, Prince Kang is about to ascend the throne, and the Prime Minister is the court’s chief minister. A wise bird like Eunuch Bao should choose the right tree to perch on! As for His Highness, whether he lives or dies depends on how the Emperor decides to handle him.”

“Does Lord Lan consider me a wise bird?” Hua Zhuyu asked with a light smile.

“What I think doesn’t matter – as long as the Prime Minister thinks you are, then you are,” Lan Bing said lightly as he walked slowly.

Hua Zhuyu said coldly: “Lord Lan truly loves to joke. Even if I leave His Highness, leave the imperial palace, and become a guard at the Prime Minister’s residence, it won’t change the fact that I’m a eunuch!”

Lan Bing raised an eyebrow but said nothing, walking quickly ahead with hands clasped behind his back. Zhou Quan from the Inner Disciplinary Court came over to bow respectfully and see them out.

A magnificent carriage waited at the entrance, with two jet-black steeds before it. The burly Tong Shou stood solidly beside the carriage.

Hua Zhuyu was startled. For both of Ji Fengli’s great scholars to personally come collect her was somewhat incredible. At Lan Bing’s indication, she entered the carriage, only to discover Ji Fengli was also inside. No wonder Tong Shou was there too – the Left Prime Minister was returning to his residence and had brought her along.

The carriage was spacious, with bright lanterns hanging from the four corners, illuminating the interior. Ji Fengli, dressed in casual clothes, reclined against a couch with an extremely lazy demeanor.

She hadn’t expected Ji Fengli to let her board his carriage. She tugged at her filthy prison garments and sniffed – a foul odor. Wasn’t Ji Fengli afraid she would make him faint from the smell? She smiled maliciously and deliberately moved closer to Ji Fengli’s side.

Ji Fengli was focused on reading a book in his hands. Hearing Hua Zhuyu enter, he didn’t move at all, only glanced at her lightly like floating clouds before carelessly returning his attention to the book. His entire being exuded a clear, calm temperament, like a piece of finest ancient jade – charming but not dazzling, subtle yet impossible to ignore.

Hua Zhuyu lightly furrowed her brows and sat on the couch opposite him. Every time she saw Ji Fengli, she had to suppress herself greatly, yet anger still bubbled up in her heart. Perhaps it was because she was accustomed to seeing rough, burly soldiers in military camps – few people could be as elegant and leisurely as Ji Fengli. She often wondered whether Ji Fengli would also be so elegant and leisurely when killing people. Thinking this, she recalled how he had sat on the execution platform that day. At that time, he had indeed been just as elegant and composed, showing no emotion whatsoever. Hua Zhuyu really wanted to know what kind of situation in this world could make Ji Fengli become flustered and panicked.

Since he ignored her, she also chose not to speak, only frowning as she stared at him coldly. She knew the person before her was the most difficult to fathom and also the most frightening. When dealing with such a person, it was best to speak little and respond to movement with stillness.

The longer she looked, the more she felt heaven was unfair.

Ji Fengli’s profile as he lowered his head to read was very handsome, calm and elegant.

Hua Zhuyu thought to herself that someday, when he fell into her hands, she would first slash his face with a knife – ruthless people should have ugly faces to match.

As Hua Zhuyu was thinking this, she completely failed to notice that Ji Fengli’s gaze had moved from his book to her. He narrowed his eyes with interest and said lightly: “These past days have been hard on Eunuch Bao! I heard Eunuch Bao’s injuries haven’t healed yet. Take this bottle of medicine to apply!” With a flick of his long sleeve, a porcelain bottle landed in Hua Zhuyu’s lap.

Hua Zhuyu gave Ji Fengli a cold smile: “Thank you for the Left Prime Minister’s concern. Such precious medicine shouldn’t be wasted on a mere slave like me. Prime Minister should keep it!” Grasping the porcelain bottle, she raised her hand and threw it at Ji Fengli’s face. Though it seemed she used little force, she had actually infused it with thirty percent of her inner energy, wishing she could shatter that light smile at the corner of his lips.

Unfortunately, she didn’t get her wish. She saw Ji Fengli unhurriedly raise his book to block his face – a seemingly casual movement that perfectly intercepted the porcelain bottle. The bottle struck the book and bounced back, rolling onto the felt carpet of the carriage.

Only then did Ji Fengli lower his book and look up at Hua Zhuyu, his phoenix eyes slightly narrowed: “Eunuch Bao, does this Prime Minister have some deep hatred with you?”

Hua Zhuyu’s heart was alarmed. She wondered why she always lost composure in front of him. She immediately calmed herself and said hatefully: “Does the Prime Minister think we have no deep hatred between us? You used the tiger scheme to send His Highness to prison, preventing him from becoming emperor. Shouldn’t I hate you?” If Hua Zhuyu had previously harbored some doubts, she was now completely certain that the tiger incident was absolutely Ji Fengli’s doing. He indeed supported Prince Kang. Now that Prince Kang was about to ascend the throne, all of the Southern Dynasty’s power had fallen into his hands as Left Prime Minister.

Ji Fengli curved his lips in a cold smile: “Eunuch Bao is indeed clever – these things were indeed done by this Prime Minister.” He no longer had any scruples: “However, though you’re intelligent, your ability to judge people is too poor. Huangfu Wushuang doesn’t deserve to be emperor. Your devotion to your former master is truly rare. So there really are cut-sleeves in this world! It seems getting you to willingly follow this Prime Minister won’t be easy.”

Hua Zhuyu clenched her fists tightly in her sleeves, suppressing the urge to rush forward and beat him wildly. She raised her eyes with a charming smile: “I also know His Highness is incompetent, but I do have lingering feelings for him. Fortunately, I’m not deeply involved and haven’t become so devoted as to follow him to the Yellow Springs. Since the Prime Minister has intentions toward me, and I am naturally a cut-sleeve, I don’t mind cutting sleeves with the Prime Minister as well.”

Having said this, Hua Zhuyu leaned forward, quickly approaching Ji Fengli, bringing her mouth – unwashed for many days – close to his, pressing her lips against his.

Let you keep calling me a cut-sleeve – then I, this cut-sleeve, will disgust you!

Ji Fengli’s lips were soft like cotton candy, giving a very comfortable feeling. However, she thought her lips must be quite foul-smelling.

Her body suddenly became light as she flew straight up. Hua Zhuyu secretly circulated her inner energy to steady herself, preventing herself from flying out of the carriage, instead landing in a corner of the carriage.

Hua Zhuyu lay there, unable to control her laughter.

The Left Prime Minister, calm as a lotus, the Left Prime Minister who remained elegant and leisurely even when Mount Tai collapsed before him, had actually kicked her away. She thought he was truly startled by her. Indeed, when she looked back, she saw Ji Fengli’s flawlessly handsome face had darkened to the extreme. His lips twitched as he raised his sleeve to fiercely wipe his lips, then smoothed the black, dirty handprints on his white clothes, his gaze sharp as he said: “What a pity – this Prime Minister is not a cut-sleeve!”

“But Prime Minister, didn’t you save me from prison because you took a liking to me? To thank the Prime Minister, I, Yuan Bao, am willing to…” Hua Zhuyu said with a smile.

“Shut up!” Ji Fengli coldly interrupted Hua Zhuyu’s words: “This Prime Minister pitied you as a talent and thus extracted you from prison. From now on, you will obediently stay in the Prime Minister’s residence and harbor no improper thoughts!”

Hua Zhuyu quickly nodded: “Since the Prime Minister is not a cut-sleeve, Yuan Bao dare not harbor any improper thoughts toward the Prime Minister.”

Her vision blurred as her chin was seized. Ji Fengli’s slender fingers suddenly reached out, forcing her to raise her eyes to look at him. In those dark eyes flashed a trace of coldness: “Try saying ‘cut-sleeve’ one more time!”

Hua Zhuyu had no doubt that if she said “cut-sleeve” once more, Ji Fengli would crush her jaw. She hurriedly nodded: “Prime Minister, I dare not anymore!”

Her chin was released as Ji Fengli sat back on his couch. In the jolting, swaying carriage, there was complete silence.

Hua Zhuyu rubbed her aching chin, thinking: In the future, let’s see who dares call her a cut-sleeve again!

This Left Prime Minister’s residence was truly indescribably grand and noble. Upon entering the residence, Hua Zhuyu followed Lan Bing to a quiet courtyard. According to Lan Bing, this was his dwelling place called Xin Garden. Ji Fengli hadn’t arranged for her to stay in the quarters where ordinary guards lived, but instead in the same courtyard as Lan Bing. Should she feel honored to live in the same courtyard as one of the Left Prime Minister’s two great scholars?

Xin Garden was very quiet – a good place to live. Though Hua Zhuyu’s room was simply furnished, it had all the necessary daily items, a world of difference from the Inner Disciplinary Court’s cell. If it were someone else without deep hatred toward Ji Fengli, they might gratefully turn to Ji Fengli’s side. Unfortunately, she was Hua Zhuyu!

In the dark night, lying on her bed, scenes from these years flashed before her eyes. It seemed she had lived a harder life than ordinary girls since childhood. When other girls were still acting spoiled in their mothers’ arms, she had already been sent by her stern father to the deep mountains for the same cruel training as those orphans. Archery, horse riding, sword fighting, wielding great blades, dancing with long spears – she practiced more desperately than any boy, never complaining of hardship or fatigue, only wanting to make her father happy. When other women were still embroidering and composing poetry in their chambers, she had already followed her father to battlefields, fighting enemies. To avoid disappointing her father, she studied strategy, learned formations, and assisted her father in winning battle after battle. She had originally thought that after pacifying the Western Frontier, they would have good days ahead. She could return to the residence to be a normal woman, don wedding clothes, and marry the man she loved.

But all those dreams were like bubbles in sunlight – though brilliant and beautiful, they were so fragile that overnight, everything turned to nothing. And now, she lay on this cold bed, mocked by others as a cut-sleeve. Recalling everything from the execution ground that day, Hua Zhuyu’s eyes flashed with cold light. Someday, she would collect all these blood debts with interest.

Night deepened, moonlight bright and clear, casting down myriad silver rays.

The Left Prime Minister’s residence was also a famous mansion in the capital. It backed against a small mountain, and the rear garden had excellent scenery. Ji Fengli’s dwelling, Feng Garden, offered views of clear lake water and distant green mountains through its rear windows.

At this moment, Ji Fengli stood by the window, gazing at the emerald lake outside. Sleep lotus was planted on the lake surface, buds half-opened, emitting rich, clear fragrance.

“Prime Minister, that side failed!” Tong Shou entered and reported carefully: “Miss Wen has already been taken from our dynasty by Xiao Yin. Rescuing her now would be even more difficult.”

Ji Fengli suddenly turned back, his tall figure silhouetted against the moonlight, frost already covering his handsome face.

“How did they fail?” The light tone carried bone-chilling coldness.

“They were about to succeed, but I heard that Eastern Yan’s Prince Rui, Dou Qianjin, suddenly appeared. Fearing their identities would be exposed, they didn’t dare continue fighting and had to give up!” Tong Shou reported helplessly: “This way, I’m afraid Miss Wen will suffer.”

Ji Fengli said nothing. Pale moonlight flowed across his face, casting shadows beneath his eyelashes, his eyes shining with unfathomable depth.

“Prime Minister, must you keep this Yuan Bao in the residence? He might be a Northern Dynasty spy. Xiao Yin risked his life to save him that night during the hunt – he definitely has connections to the Northern Dynasty,” Tong Shou asked in confusion.

Lan Bing smiled from the side: “Tong Shou, it’s precisely because Xiao Yin risked his life to save him that the Prime Minister keeps him in the residence. This spy is no ordinary spy – this cut-sleeve might have cut sleeves all the way to the Northern Dynasty. I’ve long heard that Northern Dynasty emperors throughout history have favored men.”

Hearing this, Ji Fengli’s phoenix eyes flashed with coldness. He remembered what Hua Zhuyu had said in the carriage: “Since the Prime Minister has intentions toward me, and I am naturally a cut-sleeve, I don’t mind cutting sleeves with the Prime Minister as well.” This cut-sleeve was not only a cut-sleeve but one who left feelings everywhere.

“Lan Bing, you must watch him closely these days. Best not to give him opportunities to act alone, and preferably sleep in the same place at night!” Tong Shou turned to tell Lan Bing.

Hearing this, Lan Bing seemed frightened, his eyes immediately widening as he waved his hands: “You want me to sleep with a cut-sleeve? What if his beast nature emerges at night? I couldn’t handle it!”

“What are you afraid of? Even if he’s a cut-sleeve, he’s the bottom one. He won’t do anything to you!” Tong Shou said disdainfully.

“Not necessarily!” Lan Bing still shook his head: “How do you know he’s the bottom?”

“He looks like it!” Tong Shou stared: “Besides, he’s a eunuch – how could he be the top?”

“All of you, shut up!” Ji Fengli said coldly: “The Prime Minister’s residence has tight security – could he grow wings and fly out? There’s no need for such measures! Lan Bing, just be alert at night.” His voice was cold and heavy. Though his expression couldn’t be seen clearly, one could feel an invisible chill emanating from his entire being.

Tong Shou and Lan Bing hurriedly fell silent, not knowing why the Prime Minister had suddenly become displeased. They tiptoed quietly out.

Ji Fengli stood by the window, night wind blowing through the half-open window. His white robes danced in the wind, ethereal as hazy moonlight in the dim night.

The days at the Prime Minister’s residence were relatively peaceful. Ji Fengli had brought her to his residence claiming to value her talents, but his real purpose was to place her under house arrest. He didn’t trust her, didn’t let her do anything, and when Lan Bing wasn’t around, he even sent two guards, Ji Shui and Ji Yue, supposedly to accompany her but actually to monitor her.

Hua Zhuyu didn’t fear their surveillance, because now that she was trapped in the Left Prime Minister’s residence, she hadn’t planned to do anything anyway. She hadn’t seen Ji Fengli for many days. From Ji Shui and Ji Yue’s murmuring, Hua Zhuyu learned that Huangfu Wushuang had long been stripped of his crown prince position while in prison. Huangfu Wushang had ascended the throne several days ago, changing the era name to Qingkang and taking the title Emperor Kang.

After Huangfu Wushang’s ascension, Ji Fengli became even busier. As a regent minister, he had much to do. Huangfu Wushang was truly too naive – he understood nothing about governing. Among the three regent ministers, Physician Wen naturally followed Ji Fengli’s lead, while Nie Yuanqiao was unfathomable. When Huangfu Wushuang fell into trouble, he had taken no action, and at this time, he was probably even more silent. It could be said that all governmental power of the Southern Dynasty had fallen entirely into Left Prime Minister Ji Fengli’s hands.

Though living in Ji Fengli’s residence, except for that first night, Hua Zhuyu had never seen him again. With nothing to do each day and having lost contact with An outside, Hua Zhuyu felt she was almost like a deaf and blind person. If this continued, her coming to the Prime Minister’s residence would be in vain – she probably wouldn’t be able to investigate anything. No matter what, she had to find a way to work beside Ji Fengli.

This day, Hua Zhuyu was again wandering around the residence, followed by her two tails, Ji Shui and Ji Yue.

“Yuan Bao, let me tell you. The Prime Minister attends court every day and doesn’t return until very late. It’s just past noon today – the Prime Minister won’t return,” Ji Shui said.

“You think seeing the Prime Minister is such an easy thing!” Ji Yue said coldly.

Hua Zhuyu ignored them, walking slowly along the bluestone path toward the residence gate. Ji Shui and Ji Yue hurriedly stepped forward to block her. Hua Zhuyu sneered: “I’m not even leaving the residence – can’t I even look at the gate?”

“No!” both said in unison.

While they were in a standoff, a magnificent carriage came along the bluestone path.

Ji Shui and Ji Yue hurriedly lowered their heads and stood by the roadside, watching the carriage slowly approach and pass by them. Hua Zhuyu also moved aside, then followed after the carriage passed. The carriage continued to Ji Fengli’s residential courtyard. The carriage stopped, the curtain lifted, and Ji Fengli stepped out.

Hua Zhuyu hurried forward, following silently behind him. Seeing Hua Zhuyu, then glancing at Ji Shui and Ji Yue behind her, Ji Fengli’s brows slowly furrowed.

“Yuan Bao, what are you doing here?” Tong Shou asked ominously.

Hua Zhuyu truly suspected Tong Shou was the reincarnation of a ghost guard from beside the King of Hell in the underworld. His appearance was already frightening enough, and his speech was equally gloomy.

“Naturally to receive orders. I came to the residence to serve the Prime Minister in the first place. Prime Minister, do you have any instructions for Yuan Bao to carry out?” Hua Zhuyu asked with a smile.

Ji Fengli stood before the carriage, looking at her with a half-smile, saying lightly: “Very well. This Prime Minister is about to take a long journey – how about you accompany this Prime Minister?”