After reading the letters twice without understanding them, Mother Jin brought more letters, which Fengyue opened one by one.

“A nap at noon for three-quarters of an hour, with a touch of fragrant peach soup.”

“While others praise ginseng as the finest, you alone favor wild herbs.”

“Though the back palace has many beauties, the Hall of Hundred Blessings remains forever spring.”

Indeed, these seemed like greetings between friends, telling General Yi about daily matters like what one ate and drank when one slept, and which palace the Emperor had visited. Fengyue raised an eyebrow: “Could these be from Noble Consort Yi?”

“Noble Consort Yi?” Mother Jin’s eyes widened. “How did you arrive at that conclusion?”

“I heard it at the General’s mansion,” Fengyue explained. “They say Noble Consort Yi and General Yi share a close sibling bond. Looking at this content, perhaps the Noble Consort wrote to report her situation to the General, to put his mind at ease.”

“How trivial,” Mother Jin sneered. “Deep within the palace walls, even if things aren’t peaceful, she wouldn’t go hungry. Why would she need to write about every meal? Her attendants can leave the palace whenever they wish.”

“She’s been a favored consort for over a decade. If she didn’t have at least this much capability, how could she have survived?” Fengyue shook her head, gathering up the letters. “Have you had people make copies of all these?”

Yin Gezhi’s intention was clear – they couldn’t let General Yi return to find his guestroom emptied. So while they used these items, they had copies made and would return the originals. When the General returned to investigate, he would find nothing amiss.

Mother Jin nodded. “Besides this batch, we’ve copied almost everything else.”

After some thought, Fengyue said, “Copy these too. Match the handwriting as closely as possible, and use the same type of paper.”

“Very well,” Mother Jin agreed, then asked, “Are you still going to the Envoy’s residence?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Fengyue replied. “When someone holds your life in their hands, shouldn’t you try to stay in their good graces rather than wait for them to slit your throat?” She made an exaggerated throat-slitting gesture with an overdramatic expression.

Mother Jin’s expression grew complex. After watching her for a moment, she said softly, “Madam Zheng spoke with me at length. Master, they’re all very worried about you.”

Fengyue froze briefly, then turned away. “Elderly people tend to worry too much. I’m fine.”

“But…”

“Enough,” Fengyue waved her hand. “Do you still have any of that wine you brew? Bring me two jars to take to His Highness for a taste.”

Mother Jin wanted to say more but closed her eyes with a sigh. Madam Zheng had overestimated her influence. Who could talk sense into their master? Once she set her mind on something, she would charge forward regardless of whether swords or fire lay ahead.

Mother Jin wasn’t from Wei and had only known Fengyue for three years. Fengyue hadn’t told her much about the past, and she hadn’t asked. If Madam Zheng had told her earlier about Fengyue’s former feelings for Lord Yin, she would have done everything to prevent her from taking him as a client.

But now, it seemed too late to stop her.

Carrying two jars of wine, Fengyue visited He Chou’s room before leaving.

He Chou sat before a mirror, doing her makeup. The reflection showed gentle features and graceful dignity.

“Have you come, Miss?” He Chou turned to see her and smiled. “Have you seen Duanxian?”

“Yes, I saw her off,” Fengyue pressed her lips together. “But what about you? Didn’t you enjoy the peaceful life in the village?”

“How could there be peace?” He Chou lowered her eyes. “Though the body may be still, the heart remains in turmoil. Miss, surely you know that people in Dream Return House can only find true freedom once their wishes are fulfilled?”

Of course, she knew. Fengyue sighed. “In that case, I wish you success in fulfilling your wish. Just… don’t be too hard on yourself.”

He Chou smiled faintly and curtsied. “I understand.”

With her reputation as a courtesan and having survived the crisis at the Zhao mansion, she would likely soon meet the person she had been waiting for.

Fengyue nodded, then turned and left without looking back, carrying the two wine jars.

An Shichong and Xu Huaizu were paying their respects to Yin Gezhi at the Envoy’s residence.

Both wore the official armor of the City Guard, yet they still knelt respectfully before Yin Gezhi.

“Recent trivial matters have kept me from paying respects to Master. Please forgive this disciple,” An Shichong bowed his head, his voice full of remorse.

Xu Huaizu was more relaxed. After bowing alongside An Shichong, he looked up with a smile. “At least we didn’t arrive drenched in rain to wet Master’s clothes. Master should praise us for that.”

Yin Gezhi raised his hand for them to rise, then said seriously, “Now that you hold official positions, you should kneel only to the ruler of Wu. There’s no need to kneel to me while wearing armor.”

“But,” An Shichong frowned, “the etiquette between master and disciple cannot be abandoned.”

“Then you should practice your martial arts more diligently,” Yin Gezhi said. “Wearing this uniform doesn’t mean you’ve mastered everything. It’s merely a result of timing and circumstances. You must continue to improve in both martial arts and military strategy.”

“Yes!”

“Shichong, have you encountered many troubles lately?” Yin Gezhi looked at An Shichong. “With the Marquis of An ill and you newly appointed, I imagine many people have approached you.”

At this mention, An Shichong’s face fell. “Master is perceptive. This disciple is young and unworthy of the position of City Guard Commander. I don’t understand how to handle all these social connections.”

Many people had approached him through various relationships, wanting him to release prisoners. It was ridiculous – leaving aside whether he could do it, he wouldn’t even if he could! But when it came to refusing these uncles and elders, he didn’t know how to decline. He had been losing sleep over it for several nights.

“That’s easily solved,” Yin Gezhi said. “The rules of my school are strict, and they haven’t experienced them yet. Let’s give them a taste.”

What did that mean? Xu Huaizu looked confused. An Shichong thought for a moment, then bowed quickly and hurried out.

Thus, when Fengyue leisurely walked from Dream Return House to the Envoy’s residence, she found Long Ning Street packed with people.

“Master!” An urgent cry rang out, sounding familiar. Fengyue dug at her ear and pushed through the crowd to look.

Well, well. An Shichong wore impressive armor but had removed his helmet, and was kneeling before Yin Gezhi!

The common people formed a circle to watch the spectacle, discussing among themselves. Fengyue blinked and tugged at the sleeve of someone nearby. “Brother, what’s happening?”

“You don’t know?” The person immediately launched into an explanation, spittle flying: “The newly appointed City Guard Commander released someone from prison, but then he ran into that scholar in white clothes here. Somehow the scholar said he would expel him from the school, and the Commander became so anxious he knelt.”

What? Fengyue grew even more confused and rose on tiptoes to see for herself.

An Shichong kept his head lowered and said reluctantly, “This disciple did not wish to do this, but circumstances forced my hand…”

“What circumstances could force you to betray the Emperor’s trust?” Yin Gezhi rebuked angrily. “This person had three more days of imprisonment. On what authority did you release him early?”