As she approached the main gate of the Fenwang Mansion, He Mudan realized that countless eyes were likely watching her. She couldn’t risk revealing her true intentions. Even if the Fenwan妃g Consort refused to help, she had to utilize every resource at her disposal. Composing herself, she greeted Gui with a smile. Seeing her cheerful demeanor, Gui assumed everything had gone well and asked, “Was it successful?”

Mudan merely nodded. Once they turned a corner and were out of sight, she dropped her smile and said, “We’ll proceed with my original plan. When we return, make ten copies of this for backup, then send half a copy to Minister He. Tell him I might strike the Grievance Drum.”

This was both a test of Minister He’s stance and a way to spread rumors through him. As they reached the gate, they spotted several suspicious figures lurking nearby but ignored them. The gatekeeper, delighted to see Mudan, opened the door while loudly announcing her return.

Just as Mudan was about to enter, someone called out, “Miss He!”

She turned to see Lü Fang with his servant Kang’er standing at a neighboring doorway. She invited them in for tea. Lü Fang, aware of her situation, had come to offer support. Mudan, cautious about discussing details, simply thanked him for his concern.

Recognizing the limits of their acquaintance, Lü Fang said, “To be frank, I know some people who might help. I’m willing to run errands for you, trying to delay things. The longer we can stall, the better. In return, I’d like to see that document of yours afterward.”

Mudan, sensing his confidence, wondered about his connections while replying, “Of course. I’m deeply grateful for your kindness, Young Master Lü.” She paused, then added, “Actually, I’ve been quite busy these past few days, reaching out to old acquaintances. I’ve found a foolproof strategy; it’s just a matter of timing now. Still, additional support is always welcome.”

Pleased with her response, Lü Fang left to seek out Xiao Yuexi. Upon hearing the news, Xiao Yuexi pondered the implications. He surmised that He Mudan had likely secured the Fenwang Consort’s support or was acting on the advice of Prince Jing or Minister He. Given her personality, she might indeed strike the Grievance Drum. Such a bold move could create enough chaos to last until Jiang Changyang’s return, greatly complicating matters for Liu Chang.

Xiao Yuexi raised an eyebrow and said to Lü Fang, “This is simple. A friend of mine recently received two pots of winter peonies from Jiangnan. He’s hosting a banquet the day after tomorrow. Tell her to come dressed as a man. I’ll introduce her to some influential people who can help her cause.”

As Lü Fang eagerly accepted the invitation, Xiao Yuexi smiled and handed it over. Once Lü Fang left, Xiao Yuexi immediately instructed his servants, “Tell them to cease all involvement in this matter. Someone else will see it through.”

Meanwhile, Bai Xiang arrived at Mudan’s residence with a message from her mistress: “Our lady says this is indeed the work of petty individuals. However, you know about the previous communication with the Xiao family. The Duke won’t approve, so our lady is helping you privately, which is much more difficult. She’s done her utmost, managing only to delay the case temporarily and spare your brother immediate punishment. The key now lies with you…”

Mudan feigned gratitude and humility, asking Bai Xiang for advice. Bai Xiang explained her mistress’s dilemma: she wanted to help but feared potential backlash and misunderstandings. She then suggested a plan that could resolve everything at once. Mudan agreed enthusiastically, swearing to follow through.

Shortly after, Mudan quietly left home in disguise, disappearing without a trace. Lü Fang, upon learning of her absence, urgently met with Madam Cen, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming banquet and insisting that Mudan attend.

Liu Chang, having just secured a promise of support against Xiao Yuexi’s interference, was initially pleased to hear that Xiao’s people had withdrawn. However, news of the Fenwang Consort’s sudden return and Mudan’s meeting with her, followed by reports of Mudan’s servant secretly visiting Minister He, made him uneasy. He immediately sent people to investigate further.

Unaware of these developments, Mudan hid in one of Zhang Wulang’s small courtyard houses. Gui reported Minister He’s response: “Minister He approves of you striking the Grievance Drum. If you dare to be the plaintiff, he’ll risk everything to support you.”

Mudan pondered silently. Half a document was enough to encourage her to strike the drum… Though this aligned with her hopes, the truth behind certain matters remained elusive. She furrowed her brow, straining to analyze the information and determine the most advantageous course of action. As a person of modest standing, she had never faced such complexities before and felt like she was crossing a river by feeling for stones – a challenging task.

Two people arrived from Qin Niang’s side: Ahui and an unfamiliar, stern-looking middle-aged woman. Ahui said, “My mistress also supports you striking the Grievance Drum. She’ll find ways to help when the time comes.” As she spoke, Ahui kept glancing furtively at the middle-aged woman. Sensing something amiss, Mudan replied, “Since everyone agrees, I’ll do it.”

Ahui gave Mudan a meaningful look before leaving, deliberately dropping a hairpin that clattered on the brick floor. As Kuaner hurried to return it, he joked, “Good thing it’s silver. If it were crystal or jade, it would’ve shattered. What a waste that would’ve been.”

The middle-aged woman pursed her lips, glancing at Ahui, who met her gaze with a calm smile before bidding Mudan farewell.

Mudan sighed deeply, realizing that Qin Niang’s side had encountered some issues. Qin Niang herself didn’t support striking the drum, but those behind her wanted the situation to escalate.

Soon after, Lü Fang’s invitation arrived, along with his message. Zhang Wulang scoffed, “This Xiao fellow knows how to change with the wind. He’s got the thickest skin in the world, more twists and turns than twelve city walls and ten millstones combined.”

Mudan smiled faintly, recalling Madam Du’s message through Bai Xiang. The next day, she disguised herself as a servant boy, her face darkened with makeup and headed towards the Chengrian Gate south of the Imperial City, followed at a distance by Zhang Wulang and others. She gazed at the Lungs Shi to the east and the Grievance Drum to the west of the court, feeling overwhelmed with emotion.

Raising her head, she wiped away her disguise with a handkerchief, revealing her true appearance. She walked steadily towards the Grievance Drum, step by step. Zhang Wulang immediately shouted, “Someone’s going to strike the Grievance Drum!” All eyes turned to Mudan. Another voice called out, “It’s a woman in disguise! She must have a grave injustice to report!”

Mudan ignored the commotion, continuing her march towards the drum. As she reached for the drumsticks, someone shouted, “Sister, think! How can you fight without evidence?” People rushed to stop her, trying to pull her away. Mudan gritted her teeth and pulled out a piece of paper from her bosom, her hand trembling as she declared, “I have evidence! I’m prepared to risk everything today, and no one will stop me!”

Liu Chang watched from afar, his face grim. He gestured to those nearby, signaling them to intervene quickly. He had just learned of Xiao Yuexi’s invitation to Mudan, realizing that others had known of her plan to strike the drum, her possession of evidence, and her newfound support. They were all distancing themselves, leaving him alone to deal with the situation.

Logic told him he should negotiate with her, which was his intention. Yet, he felt an icy coldness in the depths of his heart, a sense of despair. She would rather die, rather risk her entire family, than yield to his wishes.

Suddenly, an imperial eunuch approached Liu Chang, haughtily announcing, “Are you Prefect Liu? Our Consort wishes to see you.”

Liu Chang looked over to see a carriage quietly parked in a corner. He glanced back at Mudan one last time before slowly walking towards the carriage.

Meanwhile, someone in the crowd grew impatient with Mudan’s hesitation. “How dare you cause such a commotion before the court? Woman, are you going to strike the drum or not? If not, leave quickly, lest you face punishment!”

Mudan felt momentarily lost. Originally, her plan was to be “stopped” and then return to await negotiations. But she was no female Zhuge Liang; she had already exerted all her efforts to reach this point, unsure if events would unfold as she had arranged. A half-crazed desire gripped her – the Grievance Drum was right before her. If she struck it, her petition would go directly to the emperor, surely winning her case. Yet she also understood that even a defeated opponent could cause trouble, and the He family’s business and life in the capital would face countless unnecessary difficulties in the future.

Suddenly, a warm hand grasped her wrist. The Fenwang Consort smiled at her and said, “You brave thing! I’ve underestimated you, the Daring He.”