The heavy rain poured down ceaselessly, like a curtain of beads cascading from the sky, forming a continuous stream along the eaves, as if capable of indenting the bluestone slabs.

Accompanied by thunder, the situation in Shangjing City was getting unpredictable.

"Who spread those messages outside?"

Yu Tingwan leaned against the octagonal pavilion by the pond, holding fish food in her hand, which she scattered onto the water’s surface.

Back then, General Jing Yuan secretly rescued Ying Fuyan, who had been tortured beyond recognition. This was with the tacit approval and protection of Emperor Ying.

In that cold and desolate place, there were doctors specifically arranged for Ying Fuyan, always keeping him on the brink of life so he could be repeatedly tormented.

After the false death was arranged by my uncle, the officials in Lingnan panicked.

But how could they dare report it?

King Yan was strangled to death with iron chains by them under the Holy Emperor’s orders.

It was not due to severe illness as rumored outside.

The Holy Emperor had barely secured his throne before hastily eliminating King Yan. Yet, he insisted on maintaining a facade of benevolence, refraining from complete eradication to avoid leaving any criticism.

"Those people were afraid of death, so they found someone to take his place. And it went on for years."

Deceiving the entire world.

Yu Tingwan: "My husband indeed intends to make something of this issue, and it seems someone is assisting him."

Even when dozing off, someone provides a pillow.

Tan Jiang informed, "It is the Second Prince."

Yu Tingwan raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, that cripple."

Not surprising at all.

Since Yao Ru frequently went to temples to pray for blessings, he already harbored resentment towards Ying Fuyan. How could he not notice?

Once something’s noticed as amiss, it prompts a deep investigation.

Learning that Ying Fuyan was dead, Ying Zhi was delighted.

But knowing the gravity, he dared not speak of it publicly, fearing even the possibility of disclosing it to Yao Ru, lest she acts out.

And so he kept it bottled up.

However, the situation is different now.

Yu Tingwan spoke softly, "That bastard has no shortage of scheming, intending to take advantage of the Holy Emperor’s injury to set up a trap."

What kind of trap?

Look how unfortunate Emperor Ying is now.

No matter what the Imperial Censorate discovers.

If the emperor goes through painstaking efforts to clear himself, severing associations, even if not stained with the reputation of harming King Yan’s only surviving child, it still leaves a stench.

And if implicated?

Compared to sinister tactics and the ability to calculate everything, he is ultimately inferior to the late Emperor.

No one understands an enemy better than another enemy.

Since yesterday, when Ying Yin charged into the sea of fire, the Fifth Prince Faction has been loudly praising the Fifth Prince’s virtues and capabilities.

Ying Zhi understands this well; he might even fan the flames, elevating Ying Yin high.

The talk of Dragon Energy would make Emperor Ying feel as if he’s swallowing a fly, stuck painfully in his throat.

Tan Jiang: "The Second Prince waits to reap the benefits without effort."

Yu Tingwan smiled faintly, "Not necessarily."

"When he entered the palace today, he surely didn’t have it easy either."

Otherwise, how could his face be so sour?

Yu Tingwan wiped her hands with a cloth: "Yangxin Hall was burned, your general clashed with the Black Shadow. It was in the fighting style of the Second Prince’s trusted aides."

Tan Jiang: ...

Yu Tingwan: "Guess what Xiao Huaian did after bandaging Wei Zhao last night?"

Tan Jiang: "Didn’t Heir Xiao and the General go to the riverside to search for madam and Miss Shen?"

Yu Tingwan snorted.

"If I’m not mistaken, he specifically went to the Second Prince Mansion to cut that confidant’s arm."

The injury matched exactly with Wei Zhao’s.

What a coincidence. Last night, the Black Shadow began investigating who dared to intrude upon the Imperial Palace and act.

Already suspecting the Second Prince.

But also preparing to investigate Wei Zhao and several capable ministers together. Just in case someone deliberately planted evidence.

But coincidentally, a few Black Shadow agents stumbled upon Xiao Huaian, who emerged from a gambling den, furious and holding a liquor pot.

As Xiao Huaian walked, he cursed.

—"This lousy gambling den kicked me out after just five games. What, my father doesn’t allow me to gamble your money, so you really don’t want it?"

—"What’s there to be afraid of! Wait a couple of decades, when my father kicks the bucket, the entire Marquis Zhongyong Mansion will be under my command!"

Indeed a wastrel.

The Black Shadow agents didn’t want to pay attention.

Then they heard a sentence.

—"Damn it, Wei Zhao kicked me out first, and then the gambling den dares to disrespect me!"

And just at that moment, news reached the Black Shadow, on the next street, the Second Prince’s confidant’s arm was injured.

Yes, the confidant was inexplicably attacked and was about to chase after Xiao Huaian, but lost track. Unable to swallow the insult, he searched the streets!

"Madam."

Just then, Shunzi came from outside.

The rain was heavy outside, and he was somewhat soaked.

"The carriage is ready."

Yu Tingwan turned and instructed Tan Jiang.

"Bring along the silver fox fur cloak, let’s go."

The rain was so heavy that there weren’t many pedestrians on the streets, allowing for a smooth journey.

By the time the wheels came to a stop, it was already half an hour later.

As Yu Tingwan lifted the curtain, drizzling rain fell against her face.

The water droplets were ice-cold.

Making her shiver.

Shunzi hurriedly came over to shield her with an umbrella.

"Madam, there are many carriages stopped ahead. The Holy Emperor is exempt from the morning court due to his injury, but numerous important matters still require ministers to report to the palace. You’ll have to walk a bit."

Yu Tingwan surveyed the surroundings.

The ground was wet, with some shallow puddles.

She was indifferent to decorum, bending down to lift the layers of her skirt, tying a small knot to prevent wetness, revealing the finely crafted deerskin shoes underneath.

Which noble lady would behave so ungracefully?

But her demeanor was composed, and her status was apparent, who would dare criticize?

The deerskin shoes weren’t afraid of getting wet.

Yu Tingwan also wasn’t worried about stepping in water, advancing steadily.

She could clearly sense that the palace’s security was much tighter than last time.

At the palace gates, numerous Imperial Army soldiers were patrolling, and a nanny serving by the Empress Dowager’s side had been waiting for some time. Upon seeing her arrival, her eyes lit up, and she briskly approached, taking over the umbrella from Shunzi.

"Upon hearing madam would enter the palace, the Empress Dowager anticipated it from early on, fearing the rain might deter you."

Yu Tingwan: "Last time I received the Empress Dowager’s treats, you even escorted me out personally, hence I promised to enter the palace to express my gratitude."

"A promise can’t be broken."

The nanny smiled so broadly that wrinkles creased her face, leading Yu Tingwan into Cining Palace.

Inside Cining Palace.

The Empress Dowager twiddled with a chess piece in her hand before finally lifting her gaze to look at Gu Wu opposite her.

"Your mind is elsewhere."

Gu Wu noticed and realized she had lost again.

The Empress Dowager: "If not for my summons, calculate yourself, how long since you last visited?"

"Aunt Grandmother."

Gu Wu glanced towards the outside intermittently, anxiously fidgeting with her hands.

"But you didn’t mention sister would also come."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager elegantly sipped her tea.

"What, are you afraid of her?"

Gu Wu remained silent.

The next instant, footsteps approached from outside, accompanied by the respectful greetings of palace maids beyond the hall.

The previously laid-back Empress Dowager immediately sat up straight, smoothed her attire, and checked for any flaws.

Before the person even entered, the Empress Dowager rose to meet them.

"Yaoyao."

Gu Wu: ...

How dare she speak of her.

Yu Tingwan, led inside by the Empress Dowager, immediately noticed the unease of Gu Wu, who stood staring at her shoes, only to sneak a cautious glance and smile at Yu Tingwan.

With composure, Yu Tingwan nodded slightly, signaling acknowledgment.

The Empress Dowager: "Would you like to have lunch here with Aunt Grandmother?"

Yu Tingwan was considering.

The Empress Dowager: "The other day, I purchased a Blood Coral at a high price, standing half as tall as a person, it’s beautiful, and I thought you’d certainly like it. Remember to take it later."

Yu Tingwan: ???

What?

The words sounded so familiar.

She followed the Empress Dowager’s gesture with her gaze.

Even more familiar. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Yu Tingwan: "Is it possible..."

"That’s what I sold."

She had split the money with Shen Zhiyi.