Just then, soft footsteps and faint whispers could be heard outside the door. It was clear someone was hiding in the shadows, waiting to "bump" into her and bring her to ruin. Su Jinli's eyes flickered, and a plan came to mind. She calmly walked to the desk, slowly picked up her brush, and dipped it into the inkstone.

Since they've come to me, how can I justify their efforts if I don't do something clever? A sly smile played across Su Jinli's lips, her eyes gleaming with wisdom. After a moment's thought, an idea formed in her mind. She wielded her brush, moving swiftly across the rice paper. In a moment, a delightful painting emerged. In it, a peacock chased a small figure resembling Young Marquis Su, its panicked expression vividly captured.

Su Jinli paused, contemplating her work, feeling secretly pleased. She knew this painting would both distract everyone and leave the perpetrators of the scheme speechless. After all, who would have thought she would find the energy to paint amidst such a tense situation?

Meanwhile, the person outside the door seemed to be getting impatient. As the footsteps drew closer, Su Jinli quickly folded the drawing paper in half and hid it in her sleeve. The door creaked open, and Princess Pingyang walked in with a group of maids and servants. Seeing Su Jinli standing in the study, she smiled smugly, "Su Jinli, you're so bold! You actually dared to break into a man's study without permission!"

Su Jinli looked at her in feigned panic and said, "What do you mean, Princess? Madam Li asked me to come to this study to look for embroidery patterns from the previous dynasty."

Princess Pingyang sneered, "Hmph, you still dare to quibble! This study is not a place you can just come to casually? I caught you today, let's see what you have to say!"

Su Jinli was furious, but she remained calm. "Princess, I came here at Madam Li's invitation to help find embroidery patterns. If you don't believe me, you can ask Madam Li."

Princess Pingyang was speechless for a moment. She hadn't expected Su Jinli to be so calm. At this moment, Madam Li and Lady Liu also hurried over. Madam Li was secretly delighted by the scene before her, but she still feigned anger and said, "Jinli, how could you barge into the study without permission? If this gets out, it will be bad for your reputation."

Su Jinli looked at Madam Li, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes. "Madam, you were the one who asked me to come to this study to find embroidery patterns. Why are you blaming me now?"

Liu chimed in, "Jinli, stop quibbling. If your father knew about this, just wait and see how he'd deal with you!"

Su Jinli took a deep breath, knowing she couldn't panic. An idea struck her, and she pulled the painting from her sleeve, saying, "Since everyone's here, you might as well help me critique this painting. I was just waiting in the study, and I suddenly felt like painting something."

Everyone's attention was drawn to the painting, and they were stunned by the funny scene in it. Princess Pingyang frowned and said, "It's already this late, and you still have the mind to paint!"

Su Jinli smiled and said, "Princess, I was thinking that since I'm here, I can't just sit there and wait. Besides, this painting can be regarded as a small souvenir for me in this study."

Madam Li and Lady Liu exchanged a glance; they hadn't expected Su Jinli to resort to such a tactic. Continuing to pester her would only make it seem as if they were deliberately targeting her. Princess Pingyang snorted, "Hmph, you're lucky! I'll let you off this time, but next time, you won't get away with it so easily!" Then, she stormed off with the others.

Su Jinli watched them leave with a sigh of relief. She knew that while the crisis had been temporarily resolved, Mrs. Liu, Madam Li, and the others would certainly not give up. However, she wasn't afraid. She wanted to see what other tricks they could pull.

Su Jinli left the study and walked slowly along the veranda. Her heart was heavy, and as she thought about what Liu, Madam Li, and the others had done, a chill welled up in her heart. She knew that within this vast and deep mansion, people's hearts were unpredictable, and a single misstep could lead to irretrievable ruin. But she also knew she couldn't retreat; she had to face it head-on.

After returning to the Prime Minister's Residence, Su Jinli told Jiang Yan what had happened today. Jiang Yan frowned, and a flash of anger flashed in his eyes: "How dare they frame you like this? It's really too much!"

Su Jinli gently held Jiang Yan's hand and comforted him, "Don't be angry, I'm fine. However, they will definitely have another move, so we have to be careful."

Jiang Yan looked at Su Jinli, his eyes full of heartache and worry: "Jinli, don't worry, I won't let you get hurt again. If something like this happens again in the future, you must tell me the first time."

Su Jinli nodded, a warm feeling welling up in her heart. With Jiang Yan's support by her side, she felt incredibly safe. She knew that no matter what difficulties the future held, they could overcome them together.

In the days that followed, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan became even more cautious. They kept a close eye on the actions of Liu, Madam Li, and others, while also striving to improve their own abilities. Su Jinli continued to showcase her talents in the poetry club, making more like-minded friends, while Jiang Yan gradually emerged at court, earning him the emperor's favor.

However, Liu, Madam Li and the others were not about to give up. They were secretly plotting a bigger conspiracy, trying to frame Su Jinli again. A bigger storm was quietly approaching...

During her time at the Prime Minister's residence, Su Jinli increasingly cherished the time she spent with her family. She often played with the young Marquis Su, and watching her brother grow up was a source of joy. Su Qingyao also frequently visited her room, sharing anecdotes from their time together, and the two sisters' bond grew stronger.

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