Wan Shi looked at Ji Rong with half-belief and half-doubt. From the latter’s appearance, this time she didn’t seem to be lying, but Zhiyun was definitely not someone who would act without informing others. She didn’t believe Zhiyun would become separated from everyone due to playfulness – there must be something wrong.

After a long silence, she said: “Tell me in detail about what happened that day.”

Ji Rong hurriedly recounted the events of that day in full detail. After listening, there was nothing particularly strange, but when she reached the end, she showed a hesitant expression. Wan Shi said: “Is there something else?”

Ji Rong said hesitantly: “Your concubine doesn’t know if this matter is related to Fifth Young Master’s disappearance, but… I have some suspicions.”

Hearing this, Wan Shi urgently pressed: “What matter? Speak quickly!”

Ji Rong glanced at her and said quietly: “Actually, the day before Fifth Young Master disappeared, I saw Consort Zhangsun go looking for him. The two spoke in the room about something unknown. During dinner that evening, Fifth Young Master’s expression seemed somewhat strange. When asked, he said nothing, and then the next day he disappeared.”

Zhaixing’s eyes showed a trace of alarm: “Does Second Young Madam mean that Fifth Young Master’s disappearance is related to Consort Zhangsun?”

Ji Rong shook her head: “I don’t dare be certain, so I didn’t dare speak of it earlier, fearing that if I guessed wrongly, it would cause Second Mother to misunderstand Consort Zhangsun.”

Zhaixing thought for a while, then said: “Madam, among the young masters, Second Young Master has the best relationship with our young master. Consort Zhangsun is also gentle in nature. Previously when our young master wrote letters home, he always said Consort Zhangsun took good care of him. She shouldn’t harm our young master.”

Wan Shi was silent for a moment, then looked at Ji Rong: “You’ve also been in Hedong these past six months. Tell me, how does Consort Zhangsun treat Zhiyun?”

Ji Rong replied as asked: “In answer to Second Mother, just as Fifth Young Master described in his letters, Consort Zhangsun treated Fifth Young Master very well – at least that’s what your concubine observed. As for whether it was sincere or false, that’s impossible to know. Your concubine once secretly reminded Fifth Young Master not to trust others too much, but Fifth Young Master doesn’t understand the treachery of human hearts and didn’t take your concubine’s words to heart.” Speaking thus, she knelt down: “It’s all your concubine’s fault. If your concubine had watched Fifth Young Master more carefully then, such things wouldn’t have happened. Your concubine deserves death!”

Wan Shi stared at her for a moment, then said: “Chengzong is young and you must watch over him day and night. How could you have the energy to look after Zhiyun? Don’t worry, I don’t blame you. I just want to clarify the truth of Zhiyun’s disappearance. Rise.”

After Ji Rong stood up, she said: “Master Li has already sent people to search for Fifth Young Master along the route. They should find him soon. Fifth Young Master is intelligent and kind-hearted. Your concubine believes he will surely be fine – perhaps he’s already on his way to Taiyuan.”

“I hope so.” Saying this, Wan Shi turned to ask: “The matter I asked you to handle before – how is it progressing?”

Ji Rong replied respectfully: “Everything is as Second Mother predicted. Husband grows increasingly dissatisfied with Second Young Master. The brothers turning against each other is only a matter of time, and Fourth Young Master has always stood on husband’s side.”

Wan Shi nodded: “Li Shimin is increasingly favored by the General. Removing him would benefit both First Young Master and you, with only advantages and no harm.”

Ji Rong said respectfully: “Your concubine understands. Your concubine will continue to act according to Second Mother’s instructions.”

After Ji Rong left, Zhaixing said quietly: “Madam, do you truly believe Ji Shi?”

Wan Shi plucked a rose from a nearby vase and sniffed it lightly under her nose, saying coolly: “Why do you ask this?”

Zhaixing said while thinking: “Although Ji Shi has been fairly respectful to Madam these past years, whether she truly obeys your every word or merely shows outward compliance while inwardly defying you, we don’t know. She says First Young Master and Fourth Young Master are dissatisfied with Second Young Master in their hearts, but we also don’t know this. All these matters are just her one-sided words. Moreover…”

“There are no outsiders here, just speak freely.” Seeing Wan Shi say this, Zhaixing bit her teeth and continued: “She has now become First Young Master’s pillow companion and has given birth to Dalang. It’s hard to guarantee that while she appears to support Madam on the surface, her heart has long since turned toward First Young Master. So this servant feels Madam should not trust Ji Shi too much.”

Wan Shi lowered her head and slowly tightened her hands, crushing the blooming rose in her palm: “I know, so I’ve never completely trusted Ji Rong. She sees me as a stepping stone, and I in turn see her as a chess piece. But I truly didn’t expect her to be so bold as to help Li Jiancheng harm Zhiyun!” By the last sentence, her entire face had twisted like a vengeful spirit.

Zhaixing was greatly shocked and said in alarm: “She harmed our young master? But didn’t she say it was… Consort Zhangsun?”

Wan Shi laughed coldly: “Between Consort Zhangsun and Ji Shi, whom do you trust more?”

“This…” Zhaixing thought for a while, then said: “Although this servant hasn’t had much contact with Consort Zhangsun, she seems to have fewer scheming thoughts than Ji Shi.”

“Exactly.” She said coldly: “If I haven’t guessed wrong, she wants to help Li Jiancheng divert trouble elsewhere, making me join them in dealing with Li Shimin. Just as you said, toward me, she has long been showing outward compliance while inwardly defying.”

Zhaixing bit her lip: “So you’re saying our young master’s disappearance was truly caused by them?”

“Eight or nine chances out of ten.” Wan Shi said with dark eyes: “If Zhiyun returns safely, then so be it. Otherwise, I will definitely make them pay blood for blood!” After taking a breath, she said: “However, this does confirm one thing for me – Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin have indeed lost their former closeness.”

“What should we do now?” Facing Zhaixing’s inquiry, Wan Shi said: “The General has sent Wu Shiyue and others to search along the route. Pay close attention, and as soon as there’s news from them, tell me immediately. As for Ji Rong…” Wan Shi extended her hand, revealing the rose in her palm that had been crushed beyond recognition, saying word by word: “I will let her know the price of betraying me!”

Ji Rong wanted to use Wan Shi, little knowing that Wan Shi had long since seen through her thoughts. This was truly being too clever for one’s own good, harming others only to harm oneself.

Half a month later, Wu Shiyue finally returned, but what he brought back was news that left Wan Shi in despair – Li Zhiyun had been found, but not by them. He had been captured by Sui dynasty soldiers.

After learning of Li Zhiyun’s whereabouts, Wu Shiyue had considered launching a surprise attack to rescue him, but unfortunately their numbers were too great. Not only did they fail to rescue Li Zhiyun, they also lost many men, and even he himself had barely managed to escape.

As soon as Wan Shi learned this news, she immediately went to find Li Yuan, weeping: “General, Zhiyun is your concubine’s only child. You must save him!”

“Sit down first.” After helping Wan Shi to a seat, Li Yuan sighed: “Zhiyun is our son. How could I not want to save him, but…”

Not seeing him continue, Wan Shi pressed: “But what? General, you now command tens of thousands of troops. Could you really not defeat those people?”