“Yan Sanhe, Yan Sanhe.”

From outside the courtyard, Young Master Pei’s voice came charging over desperately: “I’ve figured it out, I’ve figured it out!”

The study door was pushed heavily open.

“Eh, Xie Wu Shi, you’re here too?”

Pei Xiao gasped for breath, his entire head and face covered in sweat.

“What’s the situation at your Xie residence? Did the old lady get so angry she fainted? I heard you ran away from home? How come I didn’t know about this? Oh right, I…”

“Talk business.”

Xie Zhifei impatiently didn’t want to hear these things and decisively cut him off: “What did you figure out?”

Pei Xiao was startled. “Figured out how to deceive Huairen.”

This time it was Xie Zhifei’s turn to be startled.

This kid hated using his brain most—if he could be lazy, he’d never be diligent. How come he was so motivated now?

“Actually, I also figured it out.”

Yan Sanhe stepped forward: “Third Master, Young Master Pei, shall we use our old method?”

The two exchanged glances: “Good!”

At this moment, Li Buyan followed in: “I’ll grind the ink for you.”

Grinding ink was good. The three separately wrote their methods on paper, then simultaneously placed the papers on the desk.

Li Buyan’s eyes swept over and brightened brilliantly. All three papers uniformly bore six characters—

Say half, keep half.

Hey, increasingly in sync.

Li Buyan turned to close the door, pointing at one paper and smiling:

“Third Master, explain in detail for this dumb person—what does ‘say half, keep half’ mean?”

“Explain later.”

Xie Zhifei turned to Yan Sanhe: “For Huairen’s side, I’ll set it for tonight. What do you think?”

Yan Sanhe thought for a moment: “After unifying our story, there’s no problem.”

Xie Zhifei readily picked up the tea cup Yan Sanhe had drunk from and downed half.

“I’ve already inquired about Old General Zheng’s four guards—every one has grass a person-high on their grave mounds. No hope there. But I’ve arranged everything on Bu Liu’s side. Whenever we go, we can see people.”

See whom?

See the old general’s soldiers.

Half of the Bu Family Army were originally Zheng Family Army.

Among these people, some must have accompanied the old general on the northern campaign, and some must have glimpsed anomalies hidden beneath the water’s surface.

Yan Sanhe had to raise her head to meet Xie Zhifei’s gaze. His face was truly handsome—every line clean and sharp.

Xie Zhifei lowered his head and smiled at her: “Won’t you praise me a bit?”

Yan Sanhe: “Praise.”

Xie Zhifei: “How will you praise?”

“Praise you…”

Yan Sanhe drew out her tone: “Consistent inside and out.”

Though these four characters were spoken lightly, their meaning wasn’t light. Like an early summer breeze, they gently brushed over, making one’s heart extremely comfortable.

Xie Zhifei smiled until his peach-blossom eyes flew up. He turned to Li Buyan and asked: “Is there wine?”

“You want to get drunk already?”

Li Buyan smiled: “Bear with it a bit longer. After this heart demon is resolved, this hero will drink with you for three days and nights.”

Xie Zhifei: “A gentleman’s promise?”

Li Buyan: “Worth a thousand gold.”

Pei Xiao watched the two going back and forth and suddenly spoke: “Xie Wu Shi, I…”

“Mingting, hold on. Listen to me discuss business first.”

Yan Sanhe hooked her finger at him: “After seeing Zhao Huairen tonight, tomorrow morning we’ll go to the Bu Family Army. Now let’s unify our story.”

Xie Zhifei’s long arm reached out, hooking around Pei Xiao, quickly bringing his head over.

Pei Xiao’s Adam’s apple rolled. He wanted to force the words out, but didn’t expect Yan Sanhe to look up at him and say seriously:

“Mingting, tonight you’re the lead actor.”

Pei Xiao was slightly startled. The words at his lips were swallowed with a gulp.

…

Duanmu Palace.

Zhao Huairen stood with hands behind his back, looking at distant lamplight, motionless for a long time.

After the Zheng family case was proclaimed to the world, students from various places including the Imperial Academy jointly submitted memorials requesting the court thoroughly investigate the truth of the case.

Besides this, memorials from all officials requesting thorough investigation also piled up on the imperial desk.

His Majesty had people send the memorials to his hands. The meaning was very clear: Now the case is your Crown Prince’s responsibility. You must give the whole world an explanation.

If you can explain it, that’s proper.

If you cannot explain it, then you Crown Prince are incompetent.

An incompetent crown prince, like a general who cannot kill, would sooner or later be replaced.

“Your Highness, they’ve arrived.”

“Invite them to the study.”

Zhao Yishi turned and went straight to the study. Approaching the door, he suddenly stopped and looked at Wang Yin beside him.

“Tell the Crown Princess I’ll come over tonight.”

Wang Yin was so pleased he didn’t know what to say. After standing stunned for quite a while, he repeatedly responded “Yes.”

Once the late Emperor’s mourning period passed, the couple should share a room. Producing a young grandson early would please His Majesty, wouldn’t it?

…

Outside the second gate, Shen Chong carried a lantern, leading the way at the front.

Reaching the study entrance, he made a “please” gesture. Yan Sanhe didn’t hesitate for a moment and pushed the door open first.

Her decisiveness made those remaining in the courtyard all pause.

As the last one, Young Master Pei, walked in, the study door clicked shut.

Shen Chong nodded to Li Buyan and the others: “I’ll lead you ladies to the side hall for some hot tea and fruit.”

“Good.”

The side hall was spacious, with fruit and refreshments fully provided.

Seeing their expressions all somewhat uncomfortable, Shen Chong assumed it was because of him and excused himself to leave.

Little did he know these people’s discomfort had nothing to do with him at all, but rather with Yan Sanhe.

Li Buyan thought with amusement: By seniority, Zhao Yishi should call Yan Sanhe “Aunt.” Fortunately she hadn’t gotten together with Zhao Yishi, otherwise she’d be a generation lower than her.

Huang Qi worried: Really don’t know how long Miss Yan’s identity can be concealed.

Ding Yi sighed: Without the Sorcery Case, Miss Yan would be the current dynasty’s princess. This status is truly beyond precious.

Zhu Qing: Don’t know what the atmosphere is like in the study right now.

…

The atmosphere in the study was very harmonious. Even Young Master Pei was maintaining his composure with all his might, his tone no different from usual.

“Huairen, the Zheng family matter has made some progress.”

“Wait. Before discussing business, let’s chat about two personal matters first.”

Zhao Yishi’s gaze shifted: “Chengyu, what’s this about the rumors outside?”

Xie Zhifei shrugged: “About me and Yan Sanhe—I confessed to my family elders.”

Zhao Yishi: “Your father doesn’t agree?”

Xie Zhifei: “Didn’t say he agrees, didn’t say he disagrees either.”

Zhao Yishi’s gaze shifted back, his eyes carrying some coldness: “What about you, Mingting?”

Me?

Pei Xiao covered his mouth and coughed once: “I also confessed to my family elders.”

Xie Zhifei’s and Yan Sanhe’s expressions changed simultaneously. They asked simultaneously: “What did you confess?”

Earlier when I wanted to speak, you all wouldn’t let me.

Now I don’t want to speak, and you come asking me.

Pei Xiao picked up his tea cup: “I had my father break off the engagement with the Yin family.”

“Why?”

Xie Zhifei was so shocked his voice changed: “Because of Li…”

The words stopped abruptly.

“Li what?” Zhao Yishi’s voice remained gentle.

Xie Zhifei looked at him somewhat fearfully, secretly cursing himself—someone who usually kept his mouth tight, how could he almost blurt it out?

“It’s not because of Li Buyan.”

Pei Xiao quickly helped Xie Zhifei out: “I have no interest whatsoever in that Miss Yin, and I don’t like anyone from that Yin family branch either.”

Zhao Yishi looked at Xie Zhifei, then at Pei Xiao, and suddenly smiled.

“Are you two hiding something from me?”

—

Today is also one update. Want to rest another day. Will resume normal updates tomorrow. Sorry, ladies.