Xin Jiuwei's heart raced: "How can you be sure the Sixth Prince's assassination attempt was a hoax?"

Xin Xiyao took out a letter from her sleeve: "Three days ago, someone anonymously delivered this."

The letter contained only a few words: "The play has begun, let's wait and see. Protect Wei'er."

The handwriting was vigorous and powerful, completely different from the letter Xiao Xun had given her, but the habits in the transitions were exactly the same.

Xin Jiuwei's fingertips trembled. Had Xiao Xun already arranged for people to protect her and her sister? Just how elaborate was his scheme?

"Sister, I have to see someone," she suddenly said, "the one at Huichuntang in the West Market..."

"Embrace the bright moon?" Xin Xiyao picked up the conversation, smiling slightly at her sister's shocked gaze. "She just came yesterday and said that if you return to the manor, she wants me to pass this on."

Xin Xiyao took out a jade pendant the size of a copper coin from her bosom, which was engraved with intricate cloud patterns. Xin Jiuwei turned it over and saw that there was a small character "Xun" engraved on the back.

"This is..."

"The Mystic Shadow Token." Xin Xiyao lowered her voice. "With this token, one can command all the secret guards under the Sixth Prince. Lan Mingyue is the leader of the Mystic Shadow Token; her real name is Xiao Ran. She was bestowed upon the Sixth Prince by the late Emperor as the commander of the secret guards."

Xin Jiuwei's mind went blank. No wonder Lan Mingyue was so loyal to Xiao Xun! And Xiao Xun actually entrusted her with such an important token...

"What else did she say?" Xin Jiuwei asked anxiously.

Xin Xiyao glanced at her sister with a complicated expression: "She said that the Sixth Prince anticipated your return to the capital despite the danger, so he arranged for people to be stationed around the Xin residence in advance." She paused, "Also, if you insist on seeing him, you can go to the tea stall under the old locust tree in the east of the city at 1-3 AM tomorrow."

Xin Jiuwei gripped the jade pendant tightly, her chest churning with indescribable emotions. Xiao Xun had calculated her every move, even making arrangements in advance. This feeling of being completely seen through should have infuriated her, but strangely, it brought her a sense of relief.

"Sister, about the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence..."

"No need to worry," Xin Xiyao sneered. "I already have a plan. But you—" She suddenly grabbed her sister's chin, forcing her to look directly at her, "What's going on between you and the Sixth Prince? Why is he so concerned about your safety?"

Xin Jiuwei's cheeks burned as memories of that night flooded back. How could she explain to her sister the complicated and ambiguous relationship between herself and that man?

"We...we were just using each other," she finally whispered.

Xin Xiyao narrowed her eyes, clearly disbelieving, but didn't press further: "Regardless, the situation is critical. The Second Prince has not only sent people to monitor the Xin residence, but is also searching for you throughout the city." She released her grip, picked up a slip of paper from the table, and said, "This morning's news is that Qi Huaiyu has arrived in the capital and is currently staying at the Second Prince's villa."

Qi Huaiyu! Xin Jiuwei's pupils constricted sharply. The culprit who caused her family's destruction in her past life had now sided with the Second Prince. Everything was heading in the most dangerous direction.

"Sister, I have a plan..."

Before she could finish speaking, a series of urgent knocks came from the door. Bitao's panicked voice came through the door: "Young Miss! Something terrible has happened! The heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei has arrived with betrothal gifts, saying he's on the orders of the Second Prince to arrange the marriage immediately!"

Xin Xiyao's face turned deathly pale instantly. Xin Jiuwei grabbed her sister's hand: "Don't be afraid, we'll be together..."

"No!" Xin Xiyao interrupted sharply, "You must leave immediately." She quickly took a maid's uniform from the wall. "Change into this and go through the secret passage. The exit is in the backyard of the silk shop next door; Lanmingyue's people will meet you there."

"But sister—"

"No buts!" Xin Xiyao firmly helped her sister change her clothes. "Remember, no matter what happens, you must see the Sixth Prince at 1-3 AM tomorrow. Only he can save the Xin family."

Xin Jiuwei wanted to say something, but her sister pushed her into the secret passage. In the last moment before the hidden door closed, she saw Xin Xiyao straighten her back, take an exquisite dagger from the desk drawer and tuck it into her waistband, then calmly straighten her clothes and walk out the door.

Her back was as straight as bamboo, a stark contrast to her appearance in her previous life when she was frustrated and disheartened by her marriage.

The secret passage was dark and damp. Xin Jiuwei groped her way forward, tears blurring her vision. Her sister had changed; she was no longer the submissive young lady from a wealthy family she once was. And she had to see Xiao Xun as soon as possible to understand the full picture of this game.

After climbing for an unknown amount of time, a glimmer of light appeared ahead. Xin Jiuwei pushed open the exit disguised as a pile of firewood, and as soon as she poked her head out, a warm hand pulled her out.

"The young lady has finally arrived."

Lan Mingyue—no, she should now be called Xiao Ran—was still wearing that crimson-purple dress, but now she carried an ancient-looking longsword at her waist. Behind her stood a dozen or so men in black, each exuding a restrained aura, clearly all experts.

"Commander Xiao," Xin Jiuwei addressed him by his title, "I wish to see the Sixth Prince."

Xiao Ran smiled slightly: "Don't be hasty, Miss. His Highness anticipated you would say that." She took out a letter from her bosom. "He asked me to tell you that the play has reached its climax, and he requests that you proceed according to plan."

Xin Jiuwei unfolded the letter, which contained only a few simple lines:

"Seeing this letter is like meeting you in person."

Firstly, Qi Huaiyu brought fabricated evidence to the capital with the intention of framing Lord Xin.

Secondly, the second prince will launch a coup in three days.

Thirdly, trust me.

There was no signature, but every word seemed to penetrate the paper, as if Xiao Xun were standing right in front of her speaking. Xin Jiuwei pressed the letter close to her heart, where her heart was pounding fiercely.

"What else did His Highness say?" she asked softly.

Xiao Ran gave her a meaningful look: "His Highness said that if you ask about his injuries, tell you—" She paused deliberately, "'That little bit of poison won't kill me; it's a certain disobedient girl who's more worrying.'"

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