After instructing Ding Xian, Mu Yunjin walked toward Shihua Pavilion.

After Su Biqing’s disturbance at Tinghua Pavilion, she no longer felt like staying there and decided to return to her little grass nest.

Upon returning to Shihua Pavilion and pushing open the door, Zixiang rushed over. Her face was deathly pale, and her hair somewhat disheveled. “Miss, I’ve been waiting for you all day. You’ve finally returned.”

Seeing Zixiang, Mu Yunjin was slightly startled, suddenly remembering that this girl had always been timid. Last night, she had nearly lost her life to the black-clothed man, and today she must have been in a state of panic all day.

Thinking of this, Mu Yunjin sighed slightly. “Zixiang, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, but I heard that the Minister of Justice came to investigate today. I was afraid something might happen to you, Miss. My heart has been suspended all day.”

“I’m fine. Everything has been handled properly. No blame will fall on me.” Mu Yunjin smiled.

Hearing this, Zixiang immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Thinking of the black-clothed man from the previous night, her heart tensed again. “Miss, what was the background of that black-clothed man?”

After a pause, Zixiang cautiously asked, “It wasn’t someone sent by Big Madam and Fourth Miss, was it?”

“No, don’t worry. You had a fright last night. Eat something good to recover.” Mu Yunjin looked at Zixiang with a faint smile. This girl was naive and timid; it was better not to drag her into this mess.

Zixiang nodded and didn’t ask further.

After Mu Yunjin walked into the inner room, Zixiang approached again and whispered, “By the way, Miss, when did you secretly learn martial arts?”

“Hmm?” Mu Yunjin raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.

“That black-clothed man was able to sneak into this room, so his skills must not have been poor. Yet, Miss, you were able to kill him with a single strike so easily…” As Zixiang spoke, she looked at Mu Yunjin, admiration flowing from her eyes.

Mu Yunjin looked at Zixiang and smiled helplessly. “You’re overthinking. The situation was urgent, and it was dark. The black-clothed man simply wasn’t paying attention, and I seized the opportunity.”

“You’ve always been by my side, serving me. When have you ever seen me have time to learn martial arts?”

“Even so, Miss is still amazing. If it weren’t for you, this servant’s life wouldn’t have lasted until now.” Zixiang’s admiration didn’t diminish, and she spoke happily.

Mu Yunjin smiled, looking around. “Alright, stop joking with me. You’ve had a shock. Rest well today.”

“Yes, I’ve prepared hot food, it’s in the small kitchen,” Zixiang said.

Mu Yunjin nodded.

…

That night, an uninvited guest arrived at Shihua Pavilion.

Su Biqing carried a small lantern, wrapped in a cloak, standing alone in the small courtyard of Shihua Pavilion.

Seeing that the visitor was Su Biqing, Mu Yunjin sent Zixiang away and sat with Su Biqing at the stone table in the courtyard. The night breeze blew gently, bringing a hint of coolness.

“It’s about the hour of Hai now. Why doesn’t Mother rest earlier instead of coming here?” Mu Yunjin brewed a pot of hot tea and took a light sip.

Su Biqing looked at Mu Yunjin, remaining silent for a moment, then spoke calmly, “You’ve been concealing yourself in this mansion for so many years, bearing such a disgraceful reputation, struggling to survive until now. It must have been hard for you.”

“What does mother want to say?” Mu Yunjin put down her teacup, her gaze steadily fixed on Su Biqing, with an inscrutable meaning in her eyes.

Su Biqing smiled faintly and spoke calmly, “The poison was indeed placed by me, and the black-clothed man sent to kill you was also dispatched by me.”

“So?” Mu Yunjin raised an eyebrow, not quite understanding Su Biqing’s intentions.

“So now that you’re so capable and have the Sixth Prince as your backing, surely you have ways to make Chen Pu stop investigating this matter and let me off this time, don’t you?” Su Biqing spoke softly, her eyes carrying a deeper meaning.

Hearing Su Biqing’s words, Mu Yunjin had an ominous feeling, but her face remained calm, looking at Su Biqing steadily.

“If mother says this, there must be a reason.”

Upon hearing this, Su Biqing took out a silk handkerchief from her sleeve and placed it on the stone table. She then unfolded the handkerchief, revealing an old wooden hairpin inside.

“The day Aunt Zhang came to visit you at the mansion, after she left, did she ever report her safety to you?”

Su Biqing’s words momentarily stunned Mu Yunjin. Her eyes shifted, and she focused on the wooden hairpin on the table, frowning.

“What have you done to Aunt Zhang?”

Seeing that Mu Yunjin finally showed emotional fluctuation, Su Biqing displayed a satisfied smile. “It seems you do have some feelings for this wet nurse who raised you.”

“This move of mine was calculated correctly.”

After a pause, Su Biqing got straight to the point. “As long as you stop Chen Pu from continuing to investigate this matter, I’ll release Aunt Zhang.”

“Otherwise, even if I die, I’ll drag her down with me! Mu Yunjin, I won’t let you get away with this easily!”

Mu Yunjin had never thought that Su Biqing would target Aunt Zhang. She blamed herself for not being more cautious. Although she had no particular feelings for Aunt Zhang, she was one of the few people who had genuinely cared for the original owner of this body. She couldn’t let her be harmed because of herself.

“Alright, I agree.” After a while, Mu Yunjin finally compromised.

Seeing Mu Yunjin yield, Su Biqing breathed a sigh of relief. Her gaze toward Mu Yunjin contained a hint of smugness. “Very well. Once you’ve taken care of things tomorrow, I’ll order Aunt Zhang to be released.”

“Su Biqing, you’d better honestly release Aunt Zhang. If I find out you’ve gone back on your word, don’t blame me for targeting your most precious daughter!”

“I’ll keep my word. But if you try any tricks, I’ll make sure Mu Lingzhu wishes she were dead!”

Mu Yunjin narrowed her eyes slightly, her tone cold. The frost and killing intent reflected in her eyes made Su Biqing, sitting opposite her, tremble involuntarily. The Mu Yunjin before her somehow evoked a sense of dread and fear.

“It’s a deal.” Su Biqing took a breath, stood up, glanced at Mu Yunjin, and then walked out of Shihua Pavilion.

After Su Biqing left, the cold glint in Mu Yunjin’s eyes grew more intense, and the corner of her mouth slowly curved into a self-mocking smile. It seemed that in this battle, she was the one who lost.

…

The next day, concerned about Aunt Zhang, Mu Yunjin got up early and left the mansion alone, without bringing anyone with her.

Stepping out of the main gate of the Minister’s Mansion, Mu Yunjin silently pondered. With her power alone, she probably couldn’t persuade Chen Pu, and might even arouse his suspicion.

It seemed she needed to seek help from a higher power.

But Chu Li was currently residing in the palace, and it wasn’t easy to meet him. Thinking about this, Mu Yunjin was at a loss.

After a moment, Mu Yunjin decided to try her luck and headed toward the Imperial Palace.

Soon, Mu Yunjin arrived at the palace gates. It was the hour of Chen, and the palace gates were heavily guarded. Upon seeing Mu Yunjin approaching slowly, a guard came forward to stop her.

“The palace gates are forbidden grounds. No approaching!”

“I am the Third Miss from Minister Mu’s mansion. I need to see the Sixth Prince. Please go in and announce me.” Mu Yunjin said calmly.

Hearing this, the guard was slightly taken aback. He looked Mu Yunjin up and down, standing in place for a long time without moving. “Do you have proof?”

“Go find Guard Ding, who serves the Sixth Prince. He knows me. Let him bring me into the palace.” Mu Yunjin said impatiently.

Hearing Mu Yunjin’s impatient tone, the guard hesitated for a moment, then exchanged a glance with another guard without saying more. That guard immediately ran into the palace.

After waiting for about a quarter of an hour, the guard walked out of the palace gates with Ding Xian following.

Upon seeing Mu Yunjin, Ding Xian exclaimed in surprise and immediately walked over. “Third Miss, it is you!”

“I have urgent business with your master. Take me in.” As soon as Mu Yunjin saw Ding Xian, she hurriedly walked toward the palace gates.

Along the way, without waiting for Ding Xian to lead, Mu Yunjin seemed to know the way, heading toward Liquan Palace on her own, only stopping when she reached its entrance.

Behind her, Ding Xian looked at the plaque, then at Mu Yunjin, and spoke awkwardly, “Third Miss, have you been here before?”

Mu Yunjin was taken aback, suddenly remembering that her previous visit here had been a stealthy one in the middle of the night. She was thankful that it was Ding Xian beside her and not Chu Li; otherwise, it would definitely have aroused Chu Li’s suspicion.

“Is your master inside?” Mu Yunjin stood at the entrance of Liquan Palace, not walking in directly.

Ding Xian nodded. “At this time, His Highness should be having breakfast in the dining hall. Let me take you there.”

After speaking, Ding Xian led Mu Yunjin into Liquan Palace, walking toward the dining hall.

During her previous visit to Liquan Palace, since it was midnight, Mu Yunjin hadn’t known the layout of the palace. Now, following Ding Xian step by step, she couldn’t help but marvel at its luxury.

The floor tiles beneath her feet were almost all made of the finest jade. The surroundings were resplendent and exquisitely beautiful.

“Your Highness, the Third Miss has arrived.” Ding Xian brought Mu Yunjin to the dining hall and announced.

As soon as Mu Yunjin stepped into the dining hall, she saw Chu Li sitting at a dining table with an entire table of food before him. Four or five palace maids and eunuchs stood beside him, serving him.

Looking around the dining hall, Mu Yunjin finally understood why Chu Li had said her Tinghua Pavilion was like a doghouse.

Because even his dining area was several times larger than her bedroom.

Chu Li was carelessly eating his breakfast. Hearing Ding Xian’s voice, he looked up lazily and glanced at Mu Yunjin standing to the side.

“What trouble have you caused now?”

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin pouted, her brow slightly furrowing. “I haven’t caused any trouble. I have an urgent matter and need your help.”

“What matter?” Chu Li raised an eyebrow slightly and instinctively checked the time.

Mu Yunjin pressed her lips, glancing at the eunuchs and palace maids standing to the side. “Send them away first. I need to speak to you alone.”

After Mu Yunjin spoke, without waiting for Chu Li to react, Ding Xian took the initiative, gesturing for the palace maids and eunuchs to leave, and he left as well.

In the spacious dining hall, only Mu Yunjin and Chu Li remained.