Xue Shen's expression tightened slightly. If these were truly left behind by Shen Xiuyi, it meant he had regained his memories. If he had regained his memories, why hadn't he shown himself?

Shen Youying couldn't understand it, and neither could Xue Shen.

He could only soften his tone to comfort Shen Youying: "The spies sent to the Third Prince's residence should be back by tomorrow, and they might have news of my elder brother. Don't overthink it. The fact that my elder brother left them behind means that everything is alright for now."

Shen Youying understood this principle and didn't want him to worry about her while he was busy with other things, so she nodded gently.

*

Aya returned to the Third Prince's residence.

He was a hidden pawn planted by the Third Prince, so he couldn't openly enter the Third Prince's residence through the main gate like the other subordinates. He quietly circled around to the side gate at the back where the servants went in and out, and knocked on the door with a rhythm of three long knocks, two short knocks, and one long knock. An old man then opened the door.

Aye showed his token, and the old man checked it before letting him in.

Chahar was already waiting for him in the study.

Upon seeing him enter, Chahar gestured for him not to bow and said in a gentle tone, "You did very well this time. Father has already learned of Baozhu's death and is very angry. Once the news reaches the Qingmu tribe, the alliance between the fourth son and the Qingmu tribe will likely be difficult to maintain."

Aya remained unmoved after hearing this, shaking her head in denial: "I didn't have time to do anything. She was bitten to death by the white lion that went berserk in the opera troupe. After confirming that she was dead, I left."

Hearing this, Chahar's expression softened a bit. He waved his hand and said with a smile, "Whether you did it or not, Baozhu is dead, and my goal has been achieved."

Aye said, "Congratulations, Your Highness, on achieving your wish."

Chahar laughed heartily: "I was able to get what I wanted, and your help was indispensable. You and Rondo are my right and left arms, and I can't do without either of them. Do you have any reward you want? As long as it's within my power, I'll grant it to you."

Aya pondered for a moment upon hearing this, then said, "I don't particularly want anything. If Your Highness wishes to reward me, please give me gold and silver."

Chahar was very satisfied with his honesty, especially after repeatedly testing him and finding no ulterior motives, which made him even more pleased.

He immediately had a chest of gold brought in and bestowed it upon Aye on the spot: "You're not young anymore, and you have no relatives. With all this gold, I'm afraid no woman will spend it for you. If you're willing to get married, I'll pick a good girl for you. Then, with a beautiful woman in your arms and a few children, you won't be a lonely man anymore."

Aye's eyes flickered slightly as she glanced at the Third Prince without making a sound, but she did not refuse out loud: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I have a girl I have my eye on, and I will go to see her tomorrow. If I am not successful, I will come back to ask Your Highness to arrange a marriage for me."

Seeing that he did not object, Chahar's expression became even more relaxed, and he readily nodded in agreement: "Then remember to bring the girl to me for me to see."

Aye smiled and said "Yes," and after listening to Chahar's instructions for a few more minutes, he left with the gold reward.