The capital city appeared calm on the surface after the Crown Prince's personal campaign, but undercurrents were surging beneath. Qi Yue shuttled daily between the Qi residence and the Ministry of War, meticulously organizing documents, reviewing archives, and secretly recording every suspicious account.

That day, while she was sorting through urgent reports from the border, she suddenly noticed something unusual about a military inventory document from Yuncheng. Yuncheng was the ancestral home of the Qi family and the place where her father had once served as an official; she was extremely familiar with the situation there.

"The quantity of crossbows in this batch is incorrect," Qi Yue muttered to herself, comparing the records before and after. "They were just replenished last month, how could they be requesting supplies so soon?"

She separated this document, intending to study it carefully that evening. Just then, Li Minzhi, the Vice Minister of War, walked over slowly with a kind smile on his face: "Miss Qi has been working hard these past few days, helping the Ministry of War organize so many documents."

Qi Yue rose and bowed, saying, "Lord Li, you flatter me. I was merely doing my bit."

Li Minzhi's gaze swept over the documents on her desk, lingering briefly on the one concerning Yuncheng: "Miss Qi is truly meticulous, having even reviewed the details of border weaponry. However, these dry documents are probably not something a young lady should be concerned with."

Qi Yue was alert, but maintained a humble demeanor: "My father ordered me to study government affairs, and I dare not neglect it."

Li Minzhi smiled, said nothing more, and turned to leave. Qi Yue watched his retreating figure, a hint of doubt rising in her heart. This Minister Li was her father's subordinate, usually diligent and responsible, but the look in his eyes just now made her uneasy.

Upon returning home that evening, Qi Yue immediately informed her father of the matter. After listening, Qi Huaihe pondered for a moment: "Li Minzhi has served in the Ministry of War for many years and has always been loyal. There shouldn't be any problems. However, since you find it suspicious, keep an eye on him secretly."

Qi Yue nodded and then took out the military documents of Yuncheng: "Father, please take a look. The frequency of crossbow supply in Yuncheng is abnormal. I suspect there is something wrong with it."

After examining the situation carefully, Qi Huaihe's expression darkened. "It is indeed suspicious. Yuncheng is not on the front line, so the crossbows should not be worn out so quickly." He looked at his daughter, his eyes full of praise. "Yue'er, your observation is very insightful. I am very pleased with you."

With her father's approval, Qi Yue became even more determined to investigate the case. In the following days, she paid special attention to the documents related to Yuncheng and discovered that not only were crossbows and arrows being supplied, but also provisions, horses, and other supplies were being delivered unusually frequently.

That day, she was reviewing documents when she suddenly heard familiar footsteps outside the door. Looking up, she saw Xin Rui rushing in.

"Yue'er, Suiyun has sent a message." Xin Rui lowered his voice and handed over a secret letter.

Qi Yue took the letter, her heart racing. Unfolding it, she saw Xin Suiyun's familiar handwriting. The letter detailed the unusual situation with the northern border's weaponry, specifically mentioning a batch of crossbows marked as being used by the Yuncheng garrison, which had somehow appeared among the Northern Di army.

"Just as I suspected." Qi Yue told Xin Rui about her discovery at the Ministry of War.

Xin Rui's expression was solemn: "Sui Yun also said in the letter that he would secretly return to the capital in three days to discuss important matters."

Qi Yue was both surprised and delighted. She was surprised that the loss of military equipment was more serious than she had imagined, but delighted that she would soon be able to see Xin Suiyun.

Three days later, late at night, the back gate of the Qi residence opened silently, and a dark figure slipped in. Qi Yue, who was already waiting in the courtyard, immediately recognized it as Xin Suiyun.

Under the moonlight, he looked travel-worn and haggard, but his eyes remained as sharp as ever. When he saw Qi Yue, a hint of tenderness flashed in his eyes.

"Suiyun." Qi Yue quickly stepped forward, noticing fresh blood seeping from the bandage on his left arm. "Has your injury worsened again?"

Xin Suiyun shook his head: "It's nothing, just some trouble on the way." He looked at the account book in Qi Yue's hand, "What did you find out?"

The three entered the study, where Qi Yue explained her discoveries over the past few days. Xin Suiyun listened attentively, occasionally asking questions.

“It seems our judgments are consistent,” Xin Suiyun concluded. “The source of the loss of military equipment lies in the Ministry of War, and Yuncheng is an important transit point.”

Xin Rui frowned: "But Yuncheng is the ancestral home of the Qi family, and the garrison commander Zhao Qing is a former subordinate of Lord Qi. How could he be involved in this matter?"

Qi Yue suddenly remembered something: "General Zhao resigned last year due to illness, and the current garrison commander of Yuncheng is Li Minzhi's nephew, Li Chong."

The study fell silent. All the clues pointed to Li Minzhi.

“But these alone are not enough to convict him,” Xin Suiyun said thoughtfully. “We need solid evidence.”

Qi Yue suddenly remembered something: "When I was organizing the documents, I found that Li Minzhi would go to Qingfeng Academy in the west of the city every month, saying that he would discuss poetry with friends. But the academy is located in a remote area, and he always went alone, which is quite suspicious."

A glint flashed in Xin Suiyun's eyes: "Qingfeng Academy... that might be where they exchanged intelligence."

The three discussed until dawn and devised a plan: Xin Suiyun would secretly monitor Qingfeng Academy, Qi Yue would continue to collect evidence in the Ministry of War, and Xin Rui would contact the Crown Prince's other spies in the capital to ensure smooth communication.

With the plan settled, Xin Suiyun rose to leave. As he said goodbye in the courtyard, he gently held Qi Yue's hand: "This matter is dangerous, you must be careful in everything you do."

Qi Yue nodded: "You too." She took out a newly obtained amulet from her sleeve, "Take this with you."

Xin Suiyun accepted the amulet, his eyes overflowing with tenderness. He lowered his head, and this time, instead of kissing her forehead, he gently pressed his lips to hers.

The kiss was brief and restrained, yet it made Qi Yue's heart pound like a drum. Under the moonlight, their shadows intertwined, as if they had made a silent vow.

The next day, Qi Yue went to the Ministry of War as usual. She paid special attention to Li Minzhi's movements and found that he indeed left in the afternoon, saying that he was going to visit a friend.

Qi Yue feigned illness and returned home early, but actually took a detour to the vicinity of Qingfeng Academy. In a private room of a teahouse, she met Xin Suiyun, who was disguised as a scholar.

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