When Feng Jiu’er woke the next morning, she was alone in the room.

Stepping outside, she spotted Yu Jingfeng and asked in surprise, “Where is Ninth Imperial Uncle?”

“His Majesty summoned the Prince into the palace early this morning — what great matter they are deliberating, I cannot say.” Yu Jingfeng replied. “Miss Jiu’er, please go have breakfast first. I will send you back to the Imperial Academy shortly.”

“What could they be deliberating? Could it be related to last night’s matter with the Crown Prince?”

Feng Jiu’er was a little worried. Last night, Ninth Imperial Uncle had stormed into Yuyang Hall and beaten the Crown Prince until he spat blood.

Whatever one might say, the Crown Prince was still the Emperor’s son — the crime of injuring the Crown Prince was no light matter!

“That, I truly cannot say. In any case, Miss Jiu’er, please eat breakfast first, and then head back to the Imperial Academy.”

Yu Jingfeng genuinely seemed not to know why Ninth Imperial Uncle had been summoned to the palace — yet looking at the calm, untroubled expression on his face, it seemed unlikely that anything serious had come of it.

“Why didn’t you go with Ninth Imperial Uncle? Aren’t you always by his side to protect him?”

Jiu’er was somewhat unhappy about this.

Ninth Imperial Uncle’s condition was like this right now — his injuries would not heal for some time, and the poison could flare up at any moment. Yet he had allowed Ninth Imperial Uncle to go out alone?

“The Prince instructed me to escort Miss Jiu’er back to the Academy.”

“What is there to escort me for? I’m perfectly capable of finding my own way.”

“Miss Jiu’er, please do have breakfast first.”

Feng Jiu’er shot him a glare, but in the end she followed him to the main hall and sat down for breakfast.

The sooner she headed back, the sooner Yu Jingfeng could complete his task and return to Ninth Imperial Uncle’s side.

Though the imperial city appeared calm and peaceful on the surface — seemingly quite safe — she couldn’t explain why, but Jiu’er had the persistent feeling that beneath that tranquility, murderous intent lay hidden in abundance.

Ninth Imperial Uncle was indeed extraordinarily powerful — the sort of level one might describe as a supreme overlord — but even he couldn’t endure with a heart meridian this severely damaged!

…Jiu’er rode back to the Academy on horseback herself, with Yu Jingfeng riding behind her.

As they neared the Academy, Feng Jiu’er absolutely refused to let Yu Jingfeng follow her any further, and went the rest of the way in alone.

Only after watching her pass through the Academy gates with his own eyes did Yu Jingfeng turn and lead both horses away.

“Jiu’er, where did you go?” The moment Jiu’er stepped into the main training courtyard, Xiao Yingtao came rushing over to find her.

“Yesterday was a day off, wasn’t it? I only just got back.” Feng Jiu’er was a little bewildered. What was the matter? It almost seemed as though she was expected to remain at the Academy at all times.

“But you didn’t go back to Feng Manor!” Xiao Yingtao grabbed her hand. “The Grand Elder and your father from the Hua Family have both come — they’re waiting for you in the Martial Arts Building right now.”

Earlier, someone had already searched for Feng Jiu’er at the dormitories and failed to find her.

Because of this, Jiu’er’s reputation had already begun to suffer somewhat — after all, on her day off, she had neither stayed at the Academy nor returned home.

Now that the commotion had stirred, everyone was speculating about where Feng Jiu’er had spent the night.

It was unclear from whom the rumor had originated, but word had spread that Jiu’er had led an improper life before, frequently meeting men in secret.

All in all, in the span of just half an hour, gossip and slander had begun to run rampant.

It felt as though there was a shadowy hand pulling the strings behind all of this — but who would ever care whether someone was being manipulated? As long as there was something to chew over and gossip about, that was quite enough!

“Jiu’er, where did you really go last night?” Xiao Yingtao didn’t doubt her character — she was simply genuinely curious.

“I… had a mission.” Feng Jiu’er couldn’t explain.

“Another secret mission?” Xiao Yingtao let out a sigh, helpless. “I understand something like that, but I’m afraid it won’t be easy to explain to everyone else.”

“Whatever the case, they’re waiting for you in the Martial Arts Building — you should hurry over.”