“Lian Xingzi!” Yan’er tilted his head back, revealing a few small teeth, and grinned triumphantly. “I won! I beat Auntie!”

“Mm.” I nodded, watching the little boy celebrate with claps and run around proclaiming his victory. Unable to help myself, I smiled warmly.

“You can’t keep letting Yan’er win,” my sister-in-law scolded lightly, handing me a grape. “Sister, you spoil him too much.”

I shook my head gently, leaning back into the bamboo chair. “Children need encouragement the most. Rather than forcing him to study battle formations every day, it’s better to spark his interest through the game of star chess. And...” Watching Yan’er run around joyfully, my voice carried a hint of melancholy. “Such pure smiles are truly endearing.”

“Miss,” came a low male voice from behind me. “The General requests your presence at Fusu Hall.”

“Fusu Hall?” My sister-in-law’s willowy brows furrowed slightly.

What was this about? Rising to my feet, I glanced at her with slight surprise, then at the steward, Han Rang.

“Mm.” My sister-in-law nodded faintly. “Yinzhang, accompany Miss to Fusu Hall.”

“Yes.” The usually composed and reserved Yinzhang gave a slight bow, following quietly behind me.

After a few steps, my sister-in-law’s authoritative voice called out, “Que’er, stay here. Come, give my legs a massage.”

“Yes...”

The night scenery of the estate was undoubtedly exquisite—lush forests, tall bamboo, fragrant flowers, and aromatic grasses. A ribbon of green water wound through the garden, its surface shimmering with silver ripples under the moonlight. The clear light was pristine, and the night breeze carried a gentle chill. The beauty before me began to overlap with fragmented images from my dreams, filling me with both delight and unease: could happiness come so easily?

“Miss,” Han Rang and Yinzhang stood on either side of me, opening the wooden gate of Langrun Garden. Before us stretched a pebbled path, dimly lit, leading toward Fusu Hall, which glowed faintly with yellow light.

I eyed them both with suspicion. I had visited during the day, but I hadn’t seen them act so cautiously. Walking softly inside, the wind rustled through the pine trees, and cicadas sang their autumnal song. Brushing aside a low-hanging branch, I plucked several green leaves silently. With a flick of my eyes, the leaves flew out. A few muffled thuds followed, and turning back, I saw dark-clad figures scattered across the ground. Backlit by the moon, I asked coldly, “Who are you?”

The study door creaked open, spilling light onto my elongated shadow. “Qingqing,” my brother’s tall figure appeared at the doorway, his tone tinged with resignation. “Come in.”

The dark-clad figures, clutching their wounds, nodded toward someone ahead and vanished back into the trees in the blink of an eye.

Before I even stepped inside, a low, melodious chuckle drifted out. “Hehehe~” Looking up, I saw Ling Yi Ran leaning casually against the desk, laughing freely. Pausing for a moment, I entered, and the door was gently closed behind me.

“Chengbi,” he straightened slightly, his gaze flicking to one side. “Was Miss Han too vigilant, or were your men too careless?”

Following his gaze, I spotted a long-faced man standing in the corner—it was... “Master Lin?!”

Lin Chengbi inclined his body slightly, giving me a respectful bow. “Chengbi greets Miss Han.”

Turning my gaze, I stared intently at Ling Yi Ran, whose lips curled upward: so the Wuyan Sect was under his control after all. Yunzhi, oh Yunzhi, you are truly unfathomable.

“Qingqing, come take a look at who this is,” my brother stepped aside, revealing the figure seated behind him. A middle-aged man with a long beard, handsome features marked by time, leaned on a cane beside him—his leg seemed injured. Stroking his beard, he looked at me and nodded slightly.

Who was this? I frowned deeply, taking a cautious step forward: who?

“Heh, time spares no one,” the man chuckled softly. “Miss is in the prime of her youth, while this old man has grown haggard.”

His voice transported me back to that late autumn year, beneath the Floating Cloud Bridge by the Yan River, where a refined scholar poured wine and sighed deeply: “The general’s loyalty, a soul of steel that moves gods and ghosts to tears. The lady’s chastity, a fragrant soul ascending to the heavens.”

Smiling, I bowed deeply. “Lord Luo, it has been ten years since we last met. Are you well?”

He blinked in surprise, shaking his head with a soft laugh. “This old man’s temples are gray, my face unrecognizable, yet you still recognize me. Hehehe, unexpected indeed.”

Rising to my feet, I asked, “My lord, have you entered service in Qing’s court?”

“Lord Luo is now the Grand Minister of the Ministry of Justice, one of the six highest-ranking officials in the realm,” my brother explained gravely. “Back then, Lord Luo risked offending the corrupt chancellor to save our lives. Afterward, he was stripped of his position and ambushed on his way home. His entire family perished, and his left leg was severely injured. If not for the chance encounter with Ninth Prince, he might have met the same fate.”

Bowing my head solemnly, I said, “The events of that year brought ruin to your household. I am in no position to repay you, Lord Luo, but please allow me to offer three bows in gratitude.” With that, I bowed deeply once, twice, and was about to lower myself again when Luo Yin, leaning on his cane, hurriedly stood up. “I didn’t do much back then, Miss. If you bow further, you’ll only humble this old man.” He extended his hand to stop me. “We should thank His Highness. Without him, General Han and I would be nothing more than wandering spirits.”

Turning around, I gazed coolly at Ling Yi Ran. He arched his eyebrows, smirking mischievously. “So, Miss, how do you intend to thank this prince?”

I bent my knees slightly, preparing to bow, but he tapped the chair beside him, his eyes gleaming. “No need for formalities. You must be tired, Miss. Why don’t you sit here with me?”

Clenching my fists, I glared at him angrily. What did he want? His brows curved playfully, his lips curling into a sly smile.

“Qingqing,” my brother glanced at me. “His Highness means well.”

Means well? My lips twitched as I turned to look at Lord Luo, who bowed respectfully toward Ling Yi Ran, his expression deferential. Sighing inwardly, I reluctantly moved to the desk, sitting down cautiously.

Yunzhi smirked smugly, waving his hand. “Everyone, please take your seats.”

My brother bowed slightly and sat down, asking, “Your Highness, may I ask why you summoned Qingqing today?”

“Why?” Yunzhi shifted his gaze, his mesmerizing peach blossom eyes reflecting determination. “Because this prince needs Miss Han’s wisdom.”

My eyes widened in astonishment as I stared at him; the other three wore identical expressions.

“When I employ someone, I never inquire about their origins.” Yunzhi gazed at me intently, exuding unwavering confidence. “Han Yue Xia, from now on, you are part of my faction. I will hide nothing from you.”

For a moment, I was stunned, as if something had struck my heart. He smiled faintly, his eyes steady, and asked softly, “Chengbi, what news of the aftermath of the martial arts gathering?”

“My lord, Xie Sichen of the Qianlong Sect fled wounded, and I ordered men to follow him. We discovered close ties between him and Ming Wang of Yong,” Lin Chengbi replied respectfully, seated beside Yunzhi. “According to our spies, Xie Sichen and Xie Ji secretly traveled to Lianzhou not only to unify the martial world amidst chaos but also under orders from Ming Wang to contact Seventh Prince.”

“Oh?” Ling Yi Ran’s tone grew excited as he turned to Lord Luo. “Luo Yin, both Seventh Brother and Third Brother have hinted at something, haven’t they?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Very well.” Ling Yi Ran chuckled softly. “You will first align yourself with Seventh Brother. Remember, support him wholeheartedly.”

“Your Highness?” Luo Yin questioned, confused. “Why not seize this opportunity to eliminate Seventh Prince instead of aiding him?”

Yunzhi half-turned, looking at me with an enigmatic smile. “What does Miss Han think?”

Glancing at him, I replied softly, “To know your enemy and yourself ensures victory in a hundred battles. For the final showdown, leave an opponent you know well.” Beneath the table, my hand was suddenly seized tightly. My eyes flared with anger as I glared at the culprit. Yet he merely nodded slightly, smiling contentedly.

“I see,” Luo Yin bowed to me. “Thank you, Miss, for enlightening this old man.”

Across the table, my brother and Lord Luo couldn’t see the truth, and Lin Chengbi, seated beside Ling Yi Ran, only glanced briefly under the table before showing no reaction. Struggling subtly, I felt his lips curl into a smirk as his grip tightened further. “Word from the palace says the Empress and Consort Hua have frequently visited Consort Cheng’s Ink Fragrance Palace, mentioning Miss Han’s name repeatedly.” He looked at me deeply. “Zhu Su, stay vigilant. It seems Third Brother and Seventh Brother are about to make their move.”

“Yes,” my brother’s brows knitted together in worry as he glanced at me.

“Zhusu,” Ling Yi Ran leaned back, his gaze distant. “How is the situation in the southwest?” His expression remained serious, but his right hand beneath the table was busy with mischief. His fingertips slid lazily across my skin, tightening their grip whenever I resisted, only to resume teasing when I grew weary—like a cat toying with its prey.

“The Ming Wang has gifted several cities from his fiefdom to Qin Luo and Qin Wu, two former nobles of You who now style themselves as the Marquises of You. They have been frequently harassing the four southwestern provinces,” my brother explained gravely. “Their armies resemble mere bandits, fleeing at the first sign of battle. The King has not given explicit orders, leaving it to me to handle as I see fit.”

“Bandits, hmph!” The light caress beneath the table suddenly stopped, and I seized the chance to pull my left hand back. Ling Yi Ran straightened himself, half-closing his eyes. “The Ming Wang truly knows how to scheme. He seeks to stir unrest in the old territories of You, provoke conflict between the two nations, and seize power amidst the chaos.”

His words stunned the three of them, leaving them wide-eyed and speechless.

“It seems Father has also seen through this, which is why he gave no clear directive.” Yunzhi sneered, his voice heavy with implication. “Before this prince makes his move, the balance in Yong must not be disrupted!”

My brother lowered his head. “Zhusu is slow-witted. May I ask why?”

“If this undercurrent rises to the surface and leads to civil war, Yong will emerge stronger and without lingering threats, placing Qing in grave danger.” Yunzhi stared at the map on the wall, his eyes sharp and calculating. “We must keep the tiger and the rhinoceros caged together. Before the hunter is ready, neither side must be allowed to die. Let them fight daily, their wounds never fully healing. When the arrows are prepared and the swords sharpened, we will aid one side to victory before striking them down effortlessly.” His eyes narrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Moreover, if the Ming Wang prevails, Seventh Brother’s weakness will harden into strength, making it far more difficult to exploit later.”

I sighed inwardly. Such profound scheming—he truly carried the air of an emperor-in-waiting.

Ling Yi Ran turned a stern gaze toward my brother, his tone severe. “Zhusu, I don’t care what methods you use, but you must avoid direct confrontation.”

My brother furrowed his brows slightly but responded decisively. “Yes.”

“But the four southwestern provinces are crucial for storing military provisions,” Luo Yin interjected, clasping his hands and lowering his head in deep thought. “This situation cannot persist indefinitely.”

My brother’s face clouded with difficulty as he clenched his fists tightly. “Some of the rice fields in Lianzhou have already been plundered.”

Straightening my posture, I smiled faintly. “I have a plan that may ease your worries, Brother.”

“Oh?” My brother looked at me with delight. “Tell me.”

Glancing around, meeting Yunzhi’s amused gaze, I chuckled softly. “The most effective way to deal with bandits is to out-bandit them.” Rising to my feet, I approached the map. “I suggest selecting soldiers skilled in swift raids from the southwestern army, disguising them as troops from the ‘nurturing cities,’ and sending them to harass the borders of Yong.” Pointing to several cities along the Qing-Yong border, I continued, “But remember, do not step foot into the Ming Wang’s territory. Focus all efforts on raiding the cities directly under the Yong King’s control. Divide the forces into three teams, launching raids during the hours when people and livestock are most exhausted—midnight, dawn, and midday. Do not kill or set fires; merely steal and plunder food supplies, ensuring widespread resentment. For every grain stolen from Lianzhou, make the Yong King repay tenfold. If we act, let us act with extreme measures!”

“A brilliant plan!” Luo Yin clapped his hands and laughed heartily. “This will deepen the rift between the Yong King and the Ming Wang—a masterful stroke of ‘borrowing a knife to kill.’”

Smiling faintly, I returned to my seat. My hand was grasped again, but this time, instead of playful teasing, the grip was firm and resolute. Glaring angrily, I looked up to see my brother’s relieved smile, which warmed my heart, softening my own expression.

“Your Highness, why hasn’t Zhang Fang come today?” Luo Yin asked.

“Zhang Fang went to Jiangdong Pavilion.” Ling Yi Ran frowned slightly—an unusual sight.

“Jiangdong Pavilion?” My brother shook his head. “Is Yu Ning still refusing to serve?”

Slipping free of his grasp, I murmured quietly, “Yu Ning?”

“Yu Ning, a distinguished noble of Jiangdong and the foremost scholar of the six southeastern provinces.” Ling Yi Ran lightly touched his cheek, his eyes half-closed. “At the age of ten, he gained fame across the land with his Strategy to Stabilize the Realm . During the floods in the southeast, he submitted a proposal to Father, listing fourteen points regarding water management in Qing—each meticulously detailed and brilliant.” Running his fingers along the armrest, admiration flickered in his eyes. “This man is a rare talent for governing in times of peace, but his personality is peculiar. Despite Father’s repeated invitations, he refuses to enter service. This time, he came to Yundu to visit friends, and I personally visited him—but was turned away three times. Zhang Fang was so incensed that he’s still waiting at Jiangdong Pavilion, determined to meet Yu Ning no matter what.” A self-deprecating chuckle escaped him as he turned his gaze toward me, his voice barely audible. “If the south wind had wings, would you be willing to be my south wind?”

Without warning, my cheeks flushed hotly, and I quickly turned my head to avoid his gaze.

“Master, it’s late.” Lin Chengbi reminded softly.

“Mm.” Yunzhi glanced at the moon outside the window and slowly rose to his feet. “Luo Yin, let’s go together.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Luo Yin supported himself with his cane, limping toward the tall bookshelf tucked in the corner.

What was this? I watched in astonishment as Lin Chengbi moved the bookshelf aside, revealing a dark passageway. Ling Yi Ran stood beside the bookshelf, his peach-blossom eyes half-lidded, his gaze intoxicating yet teasing. “Miss Han is welcome to visit my residence anytime.” Pausing briefly, he raised his right hand, gently rubbing his fingertips together, his lips curving into a smirk. His voice was smooth and melodic. “For a gathering~”

Infuriating! My eyes blazed with anger as my hand instinctively moved to the dagger at my waist. He glanced down, his gaze shifting, before turning slowly, his glossy black hair flowing like dark waves.

“Hehehe~” As they disappeared into the distance, echoes of his delighted laughter reverberated through the tunnel—a chilling, sinister sound.

Suddenly, a surge of heat coursed through my body, accompanied by a familiar, bone-chilling sensation. It felt as though beastly claws were sinking into my marrow, ghostly tongues probing my flesh, entangling my meridians in relentless tremors.

“Qingqing!” My brother shouted, catching my trembling body as it threatened to collapse. “Hold on!” My body shook uncontrollably as I gazed at the bright moon in the night sky. A cold, austere profile flashed through my mind, and a trace of sweet coppery blood seeped from the corner of my mouth: the red thread was nearing my heart, its strands about to intertwine…