Before Mu Qingyang woke up, Lanqin had already devised a plan. She felt that Liu Shi was far too insidious and ruthless. When she first arrived, Liu Shi had always appeared gentle and understanding, leaving a much better impression on the Fourth Prince compared to Fucha Shi. But now, however, she seemed to see a vicious and manipulative woman who was truly terrifying. A woman capable of such cruelty towards someone she once loved was certainly no ordinary person.

So, Lanqin decided to turn the tables on her by having Mu Qingyang fake his death, and then finding a way to expose Liu's true colors. Mu Qingyang was a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment. After learning of Mu Qingyang's "death," Liu would surely lower her guard, giving Lanqin her opportunity.

After hearing Lanqin's plan, Mu Qingyang felt nothing but deep disappointment in Liu Shi, and only a resolute determination remained in his heart. He agreed to Lanqin's plan. Not only that, Lanqin also summoned Old Man Liu, explained the situation to him, and asked him to take the lead in staging such a good show for everyone to see.

Fourth Master was surprised. He hadn't expected that in the short two weeks he was away, the little woman had actually directed and acted out such a grand drama, and performed it flawlessly.

Seeing the way the Fourth Prince was looking at her, Lanqin said with some concern, "Your Highness, do you think I'm too scheming?"

Fourth Master shook his head and said, "Has Mu Qingyang already told you where Liu's bundle is?"

Lanqin nodded and said, "I have already sent someone to retrieve them, and nothing is missing. Young Master Mu also left a handwritten note. It details his relationship with Liu, and he says he never wants to see Liu again in this life. If this note is of any use, then it's best not to disturb him any further."

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Master coldly snorted, "A mere entertainer dares to negotiate with me?"

Lanqin said, "Master, Mu Qingyang told me that there was nothing improper between him and Liu. Although Liu eloped with him, he never crossed the line and always treated her as a pure and virtuous lady from a respectable family. I think Mu Qingyang, although he is an actor, is of noble character, honest, and a gentleman. Master, could you please not mind his relationship with Liu? After all, they didn't know Liu's current identity back then."

Fourth Master tapped Lanqin's nose, feigning anger, and said, "Since when have you started speaking up for outsiders?"

"I'm just telling the truth. If you can't even listen to this much truth, then you're not worthy of a higher position in the future," Lanqin said, pouting deliberately.

"You little woman, I've spoiled you rotten. But you can handle Liu's matter. I don't want to get involved. I'm really disgusted by that woman's behavior. I have more important things to worry about. If you can't handle it, just send her back to the manor and confine her to her quarters."

“No, if Your Highness suddenly confines her at this time, it will only make her more alert. I think this woman is too vicious and should not be let off lightly, unless Your Highness takes into account her pregnancy and is unwilling to punish her!” Lanqin said.

“She is pregnant, but that doesn’t mean she’s done anything wrong. She actually used Gu worms to harm people, and I will not let her off lightly. It’s just that there is an even more important person coming to the Yuanmingyuan, and I’m afraid these things will disturb him,” the Fourth Prince said.

Lanqin's eyes lit up; she seemed to have realized who the important person Fourth Master was talking about was.

"Master, should Lanqin prepare anything for Father Emperor? Where should Father Emperor stay?" Lanqin asked.

"When Father Emperor arrives, he will naturally stay at Changchun Garden. Smoking will be completely banned there, and women and other unauthorized personnel will no longer be allowed to go there," said the Fourth Prince.

Lanqin nodded, thinking to herself, "Kangxi is here; he must be staying at Changchun Garden. Such a vast area, all for him to live in, with no one else allowed near—it's incredibly luxurious!"

"Should I prepare something?" Lanqin asked again.

"You don't need to do anything. You just need to wait for Father Emperor to remember you and summon you to serve him. Hongli, do you want to be carried over?" The Fourth Prince said, but his voice trailed off at the end.

"What are you doing, carrying Hongli over again?" Lanqin was indeed very nervous.

"Father Emperor said that Hongli is already two years old and it's time for him to start his formal education. He wants to be Hongli's first teacher himself," the Fourth Prince said.

Lanqin opened her eyes wide and thought to herself: So it's true what history says about Emperor Kangxi's great affection for Hongli.

"If you miss Hongli, you can go and pay your respects to Father Emperor, and you can see Hongli while you're at it. This is the Yuanmingyuan Garden, where there are no eyes in the palace, so Hongli will be fine there." Fourth Prince thought that Lanqin was concerned about Hongli's safety, so he quickly comforted her.

“Your Majesty, it’s not that I’m worried about Hongli’s safety. It’s just that Father is getting old, and Hongli is a boy who’s not quite grown up yet. He’ll disturb Father,” Lanqin said.

"What's there to fear? What are those palace maids and eunuchs for? Father Emperor's doting on his grandson is a good thing for us. Qin'er, this time Father Emperor entrusted the autumn imperial examination to you, and now he says he's coming to the Yuanmingyuan to recuperate and will personally tutor Hongli. What does all this mean?" the Fourth Prince said. His eyes shone with an unusual light, the pride and self-satisfaction of someone about to achieve great things. The Fourth Prince had waited for this day for a very long time, and now he finally saw a glimmer of hope.

"Your Highness, will Hongli stay with Father Emperor?" Lanqin asked, a little reluctantly. She knew how important this opportunity was for the Fourth Prince.

“Yes, if you miss him, you can request permission to go see him. Carrying him around every day is too much trouble,” said the Fourth Prince.

“But Hongli can’t sleep without holding me,” Lanqin said.

“Hongli is a blessed child, and he will definitely be very adaptable. You don’t need to worry,” the Fourth Prince said.

Lanqin knew she shouldn't stop him, but she was really reluctant. Who knew if the old Kangxi would suddenly decide to bring Hongli back to the palace?

"Qin'er, I know what you're worried about. Your father is also worried about those things. That's why we came to the Yuanmingyuan to give Hongli his early education. Your father has already gone to such lengths, what more can be done?" the Fourth Prince said.

"I understand, Your Highness need not say more. I agree," Lanqin said.

Seeing that the young woman's spirits had immediately waned, the Fourth Prince said, "I will accompany you to see him every day. It's just that it's at the Yuanmingyuan, not the palace."

Lanqin calmed her heart and quickly composed herself, saying, "Alright, I'd love to see him anytime. May I speak to Father Emperor about that first?"