Despite lacking experience in social interactions, An Jiu had observed many people’s experiences while investigating targets. Those who climbed to the upper echelons of politics were invariably ambitious. Even when they could no longer actively participate, they longed to live for another 500 years. How could they easily let go?

“A centipede’s body remains stiff even after death,” An Jiu thought. Minister Hua was still very much alive, with a son whose influence was growing. She pondered Mei Jiu’s prospects after marrying into the Hua family, concluding that there was little hope for a positive outcome. An Jiu wondered if Heaven disliked Mei Jiu’s personality so much that it would make her reincarnate only to suffer again. This train of thought led her to consider if Heaven might dislike her as well.

As An Jiu’s mind wandered, Chu Dingjiang asked, “Why are you so quiet?”

Snapping back to reality, An Jiu replied, “Perhaps I shouldn’t leave either. Hua Rongtian’s wife is an old acquaintance. I can’t stand by and watch her die.”

“You have old acquaintances?” Chu Dingjiang chuckled. “That’s surprising.”

“Because I don’t speak pleasantly?” An Jiu had always believed her attitude was earnest and her words sincere, but over the years, she realized others might not share this perception.

Concerned that speaking too indirectly might confuse her, Chu Dingjiang asked bluntly, “You’ve noticed?”

An Jiu furrowed her brow in contemplation. Chu Dingjiang remained silent, careful not to disrupt her thoughts.

As they neared Bianjing City, she finally spoke, “Why does Mei Jiu like me?”

An Jiu reasoned that if someone liked her, it couldn’t mean her way of speaking was entirely problematic. After all, no one could please everyone. Either those who disliked her had issues with understanding, or her communication style was niche, making it normal for most people to dislike it.

After a moment of silence, Chu Dingjiang sighed, “This Miss Mei Jiu must be quite extraordinary.”

In Mei Jiu’s eyes, nothing was inherently bad. Initially, she had both despised and feared An Jiu. If they hadn’t been forcibly confined together, their bond through shared hardships might never have formed.

“Many people have said I’m unlikable, but it’s good enough if a few can tolerate me,” An Jiu concluded.

Chu Dingjiang didn’t know whether to commend her contentment or criticize her defeatist attitude. Eventually, he decided to agree, “Yes, it’s good enough. I find you quite agreeable as well.”

Chu Dingjiang’s initial attraction to An Jiu stemmed from her purity. Since he appreciated this quality, he was willing to overlook many of her shortcomings. However, while affection was one thing, he didn’t want An Jiu to remain in her current state indefinitely. Thus, he patiently guided her forward, hoping she would become more socially adept. If not, he was prepared to care for her for life.

The pouring rain concealed their inner thoughts as they arrived at the palace gates. Chu Dingjiang instructed her, “Just leave. No matter what happens, I’ll ensure Lady Hua’s safety.”

While he couldn’t guarantee the safety of the Hua family’s male members with such certainty, he was confident about Lady Hua due to her background. The emperor had arranged her marriage, and she was a member of the Wei Yue. Even if the Hua family faced trouble, as long as Wei Yue wanted to survive, she could leave. If obstacles arose, he could easily lend a hand.

“And Hua Rongjian too,” An Jiu added, feeling it unfair to burden Chu Dingjiang with everything. “I should stay and act according to the situation with you.”

Protecting the Hua family was his wish, and he was reluctant to involve An Jiu. Seeing her insistence, he relented, “Alright. Since Lady Mei needs to find Mo Sigui for the antidote, you should go to him. I’ll come for you if needed.”

An Jiu finally understood why the Konghejun was so focused on Mo Sigui. It wasn’t just because they needed him, but also to prevent his potential betrayal. If he turned against them and used poison to control the Shadow Agents, the Konghejun might change hands.

Although Mo Sigui had Shadow Agents around him, An Jiu suspected he could easily evade surveillance if he wished. Recalling Mo Sigui’s earlier words about being pleased to see her, she thought staying with him for a year or so shouldn’t be an issue.

“Alright,” An Jiu agreed.

Chu Dingjiang nodded and watched her leave before disappearing into the rain.

Upon returning to her quarters, Sui Yunzhu approached An Jiu. He mouthed, “Is anyone around?”

An Jiu shook her head.

Speaking softly, he said, “The master has arranged everything. Starting the day after tomorrow, we’ll leave in pairs. You and Lady Mei will go first.”

An Jiu nodded, not asking for details. She relayed the message to Mei Yanran, confident that Chu Dingjiang would have meticulously planned everything.

After another day of watching the crown prince’s combat training, An Jiu returned to her quarters before dawn. She noticed two women in the courtyard: Mei Yanran and another of similar build.

“Which one is Mei Shisi?” asked the woman, an outer disciple of the Kongheyuan skilled in swordsmanship and archery. Two months ago, she had “died” during a trial.

An Jiu stepped forward, and the woman tossed her a token. “Someone will meet you outside the west gate after you leave. Give them the tokens to depart.”

Mei Yanran’s shift differed from An Jiu’s, and another Shadow Agent had already taken her place.

An Jiu took the token, and they immediately left the palace. Using the tokens, they exited smoothly, changed their attire in a dark alley, and headed for the west gate.

As dawn broke, people gathered at the west gate, preparing to leave the city. Two individuals noticed An Jiu and Mei Yanran approaching but refrained from immediate action. The crowd remained quiet, either dozing or eating breakfast, making it too conspicuous to approach directly.

“The city gate is opening!” someone shouted from the front.

The crowd stirred, moving closer to the gate. Amidst the flow of people, the two individuals approached. In a low voice, they asked, “Chu?”

“Yes,” An Jiu whispered, slightly raising her hand.

Seeing the token’s tassel in her sleeve, one person brushed against her, swiftly taking the token. The same occurred with Mei Yanran.

These actions transpired within moments, appearing as mere accidental touches.

The two individuals left, while An Jiu and Mei Yanran queued to exit the city as if nothing had happened.

Typically, those entering or leaving the city carried belongings. Since they had none, they separated. An Jiu followed a scholar, while Mei Yanran blended into a small merchant group.

After leaving the city, they reunited in a secluded area and headed towards Meihua Village.

Upon reaching Mo Sigui’s thatched cottage, they found him instructing a young apprentice in plowing.

“Doctor Mo!” An Jiu called out, supporting someone. “Please save my brother!”

Mo Sigui turned, looking perplexed at An Jiu’s exaggerated performance. He pointed his folding fan towards the house. “Come in, come in.”

Any more acting would only arouse suspicion.

“Thank you, doctor,” An Jiu quickly adopted a tearful, grateful expression.

Mei Yanran swayed, appearing unsteady. An Jiu hurriedly supported her, making the scene appear more natural.

Mo Sigui snapped his fan open, wondering what game they were playing.