You Ye hurriedly left with Xin Jiuwei's letter, his figure disappearing into the deepening night in Jingyuan.

Xin Jiuwei stood by the window, watching the flickering light and shadow of lanterns as the guards patrolled the courtyard, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the cold carvings on the window frame.

Qi Huaiyu's shadow spread like ink dripping into clear water, quickly creating an ominous premonition.

He used the good-for-nothing illegitimate grandson of the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion as a pretext to target the Ministry of War's archives! What is he trying to alter? To erase his own traces? Or... to frame someone? Whichever it is, it means he is weaving a much larger net, and at the center of this net, there must be a place for Xin Jiuwei!

A chill ran down her spine. She couldn't just sit and wait to die. Xiao Xun was the only one with the ability and the will to investigate Qi Huaiyu. The message she sent was both a pledge of loyalty and a cry for help.

Time slipped away in anxious waiting. The night was deep and all was silent. Xin Jiuwei, wide awake, paced back and forth in her study, repeatedly replaying Qi Huaiyu's possible schemes and Xiao Xun's reaction to the letter. Would he believe her? Would he act immediately? Or would he suspect it was just a ploy to divert attention?

Just as her thoughts were in turmoil, a heavy and urgent knocking sound came from the tightly closed gate of Jingyuan!

It wasn't the usual light tapping of Youye, but a slap that carried an unquestionable, almost commanding tone!

Xin Kui instantly became alert and pressed down on the short dagger at her waist. The guards at the gate also immediately drew their swords in preparation.

Xin Jiuwei's heart leaped into her throat. She quickly walked to the front hall and gestured for Xin Kui to open the door.

The heavy wooden door creaked open. Standing outside was not You Ye, but Xiao Xun himself!

He was still dressed in his usual black casual clothes, as if he had never left, but his aura was even more chilling and intimidating than ever before, like a drawn blade. The night outlined his cold, hard features, and his unfathomable eyes, in the dim lantern light, gleamed with a sharp, hawk-like light, piercing straight at Xin Jiuwei!

Behind him stood several bodyguards, their auras deep and their eyes sharp as knives, silently blending into the night, surrounding the entrance to Jingyuan like an iron barrel. The air instantly froze, filled with a suffocating pressure.

Xiao Xun's gaze lingered on Xin Jiuwei's face for a moment, as if confirming something. Then, he strode into the courtyard, his steps steady and powerful, carrying a chilling aura that swept everything away. He didn't look at anyone, heading straight for the study, uttering only two words, cold and clear, striking the silent night:

"Study. Speak."

Xin Jiuwei took a deep breath, suppressing the fear in her heart, and immediately followed. Xin Kui and You Ye (who had appeared quietly at some point) followed closely behind, keeping the other guards outside the study door.

The study door closed. The lights were on, illuminating Xiao Xun's cold, sculpted profile.

"As mentioned in the letter, Qi Huaiyu, grandson of the Earl of Zhongyong, is in the Ministry of War's archives." Xiao Xun cut to the chase, without any pleasantries. His voice was deep and had a rough, abrasive quality, with every word carrying a chilling edge. "Details. Everything you've heard and thought."

Xin Jiuwei forced herself to calm down and, meeting his extremely imposing gaze, recounted the conversation she had overheard behind the moon gate of the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence, word for word. This included the old lady's furious reprimand, the illegitimate grandson's remorseful explanation, how Qi Huaiyu had used his father's old subordinate's tokens to gain trust, his attempt to "tamper" with the Ministry of War's records, and his eventual exile to the northern border by the old lady.

Her narration was exceptionally clear and her tone steady, devoid of any conjecture, stating only the facts. At the end, she added, "Jiuwei believes that Qi Huaiyu's actions are definitely not aimed at the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion. Using an incompetent illegitimate grandson is risky with little reward. What he truly wants is to use the Marquis of Zhongyong's name to plant a seed of discrepancy in the Ministry of War's records. This seed of discrepancy is very likely related to the Northern Border, or… to his own identity being cleared or framed." She stated her deduction, looking openly at Xiao Xun.

Xiao Xun listened in silence. When Xin Jiuwei mentioned the words "Northern Border," his eyes sharpened almost imperceptibly for a moment. He paced back and forth in the study, his hands behind his back. The candlelight cast flickering shadows on his face, making him appear even more enigmatic.

“The Ministry of War archives…” he repeated in a low voice, his tone as cold as ice, “He certainly knows how to pick his place.” He stopped, his gaze locking onto Xin Jiuwei again, with a penetrating scrutiny: “Who else knows about this?”

“Besides Jiuwei, there’s the old lady of the Marquis of Zhongyong, her grandson, and… Your Highness’s people,” Xin Jiuwei answered flawlessly. She understood what Xiao Xun was asking—whether the news had leaked.

Xiao Xun stared at her for a full ten breaths. His gaze was tangible, carrying immense pressure, as if trying to dissect her very soul. Xin Jiuwei resisted the urge to back away, straightened her back, and met his gaze calmly, her eyes clear and resolute.

Finally, Xiao Xun looked away. He walked to his desk and tapped his fingers lightly on the cold surface, producing a dull sound. This subtle movement, however, was like a signal.

"You Ye!" His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a resolute command.

“Your humble servant is here!” You Ye immediately stepped forward.

"Gather your men immediately! Target: the third room in the east wing of the backyard of the 'Fuyuan' pawnshop in Huai Shu Hutong, south of the city!" Xiao Xun spoke rapidly, each word chillingly cold. "Seal off all exits! Not a single fly is allowed to escape! Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy! I want Qi Huaiyu alive!"

"Yes, sir!" You Ye's eyes flashed with a sharp light. Without any hesitation, he bowed, accepted the order, and turned to disappear through the door like a ghost. Soon, a deep command and hurried footsteps could be heard from outside.

Silence fell over the study once again.

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