As dawn broke, the storm of the night subsided. Opening the door revealed a ground covered in fallen leaves, and the trees and flowers in the garden were bent over by the rain, a chaotic mess.

)

Lanqin had been inexplicably nervous and uneasy since last night, and seeing this scene only fueled her wild thoughts. The maidservant, noticing this, quickly called for someone to clean up.

Remembering what the Fourth Master had said last night, Lanqin got ready and went to the front yard early to wait. Thinking it was still early, she didn't want to disturb the Fourth Master's rest, so she sat alone in the front yard lost in thought. Just then, Madam Nian also arrived.

"I wonder what Fourth Master thought last night. That wretched woman, Fucha, probably won't live past today..." Lady Nian still harbored resentment when she spoke of Fucha, her words filled with hatred.

Lanqin felt uneasy and could only comfort Nian Shi: "Consort Nian, there is no need to worry. The Prince will make a decision. We can just wait patiently."

Suddenly, Lanqin's right eye started twitching uncontrollably. Her heart tightened, and she saw a servant from the front courtyard enter, kneeling and reporting, "Reporting to Consort Nian, the Prince was summoned out last night and hasn't returned yet..."

Lady Nian stood up, about to erupt in anger, and hurriedly asked, "What? The Prince left the residence last night? Who summoned him? Did they say what they wanted?"

The servant turned to Madam Nian, bowed his head, and replied, "This servant does not know. The prince left in a hurry and did not leave any instructions."

Lanqin felt a lump in her throat, her heart filled with doubt and worry. She asked, "Last night there was a torrential downpour, and the Prince left the manor in such a hurry without giving any instructions. There must be something important going on. What could it be..."

Lady Nian wouldn't listen to Lanqin's words; she was furious at the thought that Fucha, that vile woman, would be executed today.

"The prince must be feeling sorry for that wretched woman, Fucha, and can't bring himself to kill her, which is why he found an excuse to leave the manor. No... I can't let her live past today! I must kill her today..." After saying this, Lady Nian was about to rush outside.

Lanqin quickly pulled Nian Shi aside and advised, "Nian Consort, calm down. If the Prince really doesn't want to kill her, why go through all this trouble to find an excuse to escape?"

Lady Nian shook off Lanqin's hand and said angrily, "It's not your son who died anyway! I won't have a peaceful night until Lady Fucha is dead! The Prince can't bring himself to do it, so he asked me to help him..."

Lanqin blocked the doorway and said earnestly, "Have you thought about this? If the Prince doesn't want Lady Fucha to die, and you strike first, how will the Prince treat you in the future?"

Lanqin's words reminded Nian Shi that although she wanted Fucha Shi dead, she wanted the Fourth Prince's heart even more. She stopped and hesitated: "But when I think of what Fucha Shi has done, how can I spare her life? I will not rest until she is dead..."

Lanqin pulled Nian back and analyzed the situation, saying, "I understand your feelings, but don't act impulsively and make a big mistake! The Prince left without saying a word last night, so he must have something important to do. Why don't we wait for the Prince to return before making any plans? We don't need to rush things..."

Lady Nian felt that there was some truth to it, and her anger gradually subsided, but she was still unwilling to accept it. She said angrily, "Fine... wait for the Prince to return... I don't believe the Prince will easily forgive that bitch..."

Lanqin watched as Madam Nian, accompanied by her maids and servants, returned reluctantly to the East Courtyard, and only then did she feel relieved. Fearing Madam Nian might cause trouble again, she made sure someone kept a close eye on her. Before the Prince returned to the manor, Madam Nian was absolutely forbidden from going to Madam Fucha's room, and Madam Nian's people were also forbidden from going to Madam Fucha. Having arranged everything, Lanqin wearily returned to the South Courtyard.

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