Her actions had been so watertight – even if she was unfortunate enough to be exposed by Yin Gezhi, how could the Crown Prince discover anything?

Though anxious inside, her exterior remained composed as she blinked innocent eyes, waiting for him to continue.

The slightly drunk Crown Prince spoke softly: “The maid accompanying Lord Yin today was you, wasn’t it?”

So that’s what this was about. Slightly relieved, Fengyue’s eyes darted as she broke into a smile. She helped him sit at the table and said in a coquettish voice: “You were there too? I didn’t run into you, or I would have certainly paid my respects.”

“I went to the evening banquet after you had all left,” Ye Yuqin chuckled softly. “People were all abuzz with gossip. They said Lord Yin had changed his ways and accepted a maid sent by the Xu family. I knew he wouldn’t casually accept people, and hearing that the maid was quite beautiful, I thought of you.”

“To think it was you.”

That last sentence was spoken slowly, laden with meaning.

Fengyue winked at him, smiling with particular pride, her tail wagging: “Aren’t I amazing? Even someone as difficult as Lord Yin allowed me to stay by his side… though not for long. But compared to others, Lord Yin is much closer to me.”

She boasted openly, like a favored woman eager to show off her capabilities.

Half-hiding his face behind his fan, Ye Yuqin’s eyes held deep emotions – surprise, relief, and perhaps regret – as they lingered on her for a while before finally transforming into boundless tenderness that enveloped her as he asked softly: “Do you like him, or do you like me?”

The question was asked so intimately that Fengyue almost got goosebumps, but she had to maintain her composure: “What are you saying, Your Highness? Customers are customers – there’s no question of liking or not liking.”

“Is that so?” The fan waved gently as Ye Yuqin wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace to look down at her: “But your Lord Yin shows great respect to General Yi, never offending him in the slightest. Fengyue, have you given up on revenge?”

Various emotions flashed through her eyes – resentment, anger, grievance – in sufficient quantity and appropriate proportion, blending into a face of forbearance: “Of course I… want revenge. But what can I do?”

He had been waiting for this question. Ye Yuqin curved his lips, his long eyebrows gentle and eyes like water, like a caring older brother next door, speaking as if truly considering her interests: “Since you’ve gained Lord Yin’s trust, naturally there’s a chance for revenge. If you can persuade him to cooperate with me, your great vengeance might not be impossible to achieve.”

Looking at him in panic, Fengyue struggled slightly, shaking her head: “How could that work? How could I persuade Lord Yin? I don’t understand anything.”

“If you have the heart for revenge, I can teach you.” Looking into her eyes, Ye Yuqin said: “The timing is perfect now. Many people are moving against Lord Yin – Zhu Laicai has been transferred to the Court of Justice, and there was the kidnapping incident at the An Marquis Manor’s gate. As the kidnapped person, you should suggest to him to question the City Guard.”

Kidnappers carrying someone out of the city in broad daylight – that was negligence by the City Guard. Fengyue pretended to ponder, fidgeting with her handkerchief, though she had already made up her mind.

Since she had gained Yin Gezhi’s trust, the Crown Prince would certainly want to use her to relay messages or guide Yin Gezhi. Combined with her expressed desire for Yi Guoru’s life, the Crown Prince would confidently use her as his blade.

She had handed him the hilt herself – everything was proceeding smoothly.

“I don’t understand anything,” Fengyue looked at Ye Yuqin worriedly. “I’ll do whatever you say, Your Highness. As long as I can have my revenge, I’m willing to serve you.”

Hatred burned in her eyes as her body tensed like a long-vengeful wolf – wherever he pointed, she would strike, as long as she could bite her enemy.

Ye Yuqin was very pleased with her attitude. After all, he had investigated her thoroughly and found no issues, so he could try using her.

It was just a pity that the girl who had once drunk wine so gracefully by the window would now become a blade in his hand rather than a woman. Because of Yin Gezhi, he probably couldn’t touch her for a long time.

What a shame, what a shame.

However, this heaven-sent opportunity was truly rare – he couldn’t let it slip by.

Taking another look at Fengyue, Ye Yuqin let her stand straight before saying: “Lord Yin will be investigating the City Guard soon. You can mention to him that Commander Zhao Lin of the City Guard has frequent contact with the Chief Justice.”

The disconnected threads in her mind suddenly formed a bridge – Fengyue instantly understood something. Her eyes brightened as she nodded: “I understand!”

“This is my manor’s seal.” Taking out a small silk pouch from his sleeve, Ye Yuqin looked at her: “If you need any help, just have someone take this to the Nangong family to send word.”

The Nangong family was the Empress’s maiden family, naturally able to contact the Crown Prince.

Respectfully accepting it, Fengyue bowed low, then watched as he stood up, paused for a moment, and left with a sigh.

Clutching the item in her hand, Fengyue trembled with excitement.

What she had wanted to do had finally made a start.

Both Yin Gezhi and Ye Yuqin were extremely guarded people – it was remarkably fortunate that she had managed to insert herself between them so smoothly.

With this beginning, the rest would be easier to handle.

Having received the seal, Fengyue ate and slept peacefully while waiting for news, conserving her energy for the coming storm in Buyin City.

At the Envoy’s Manor.

Yin Gezhi woke up as if from an unpleasant dream, looking around the room where he was alone.

“Guanzhi.”

“Here, sir.” The person outside entered promptly, smiling: “Master is awake? Would you like breakfast?”

A different food aroma wafted in from outside. Yin Gezhi raised an eyebrow: “She’s here?”

“You can even guess that?” Guanzhi drew in a surprised breath, glancing outside: “Lady Fengyue came early this morning. She said she was worried you wouldn’t have an appetite, so she came to make you breakfast.”

Could she be this kind? Yin Gezhi pressed his lips together, got up to wash and change, then sat at the table.

“My lord.” A little enchantress swayed in carrying dishes, smiling at him like spring flowers blooming: “My hands are more nimble today, and I cooked personally. Please try it quickly.”

Looking at her hands still wrapped like rice dumplings, Yin Gezhi said: “Aren’t you afraid your bones won’t heal properly and your hands will be deformed?”

“Such a small matter – how could it be more important than cooking for you?” Biting her lip as she set down the plates, Fengyue said: “You are my heaven, my reason for living. Of course, I must put you first in everything.”

That mouth of hers – when it came to flattery, it was like an avalanche! Yin Gezhi snorted lightly, glancing at the dishes. They looked good, so he picked up his chopsticks and asked casually: “What’s the matter?”

“Indeed.” Growing more serious, Fengyue said: “Crown Prince came to see me yesterday, telling me that the Three Judicial Offices have frequent contact with Commander Zhao Lin.”