Back in the study of the East Palace, the heavy smell of blood mingled with the scent of ink. His trusted eunuch, Fu'an, deftly cleaned the wound on his palm, applied a wound-healing and tissue-regenerating medicine, and then wrapped it tightly with layers of soft white cotton cloth.

Throughout the entire process, Xiao Chengjing didn't even flinch, as if the hideous wound was on someone else's body. His gaze was fixed on the mountain of memorials piled up on the imperial desk in front of him, but his eyes were empty, his focus was on something far away, only the surging rage and desperate determination deep in his eyes remained.

“Fu’an,” his voice was low and hoarse, with an almost weary calmness, “bring me my secret box.”

A heavy, unadorned, jet-black iron box was placed on the table. Xiao Chengjing took out a special sealing wax seal and specially made patterned Xuan paper. He dipped his brush in ink, his movements so fast they almost left afterimages, the brush tip swiftly slicing across the paper:

"Wei Qing, as you see me:"

A letter has arrived from the palace, bestowing rewards along with perilous gifts. The imperial decree wishes to bring An'an to the capital; their intentions are treacherous. Do not worry, I will handle everything. The decree has been cut off; the eunuchs will never reach Jiangnan. This villain's head may soon be my return gift. The winds of Jiangnan are warm; I hope you take care of yourself and protect An'an. I will handle all matters in the capital. Once the dust settles, I will break free of my cage and personally go to Jiangnan. Do not worry.

Jing's handwritten letter

Every word was powerful, carrying the fierce energy of battle and an unquestionable promise. When he wrote the three characters "escape the cage," his brushstrokes became as heavy as cast iron. He quickly folded the letter into a square shape, sealed it with special sealing wax, and then took a plain sheet of plain white Xuan paper, hastily writing another line:

"The people from the capital have been dealt with, which can be considered a restoration of peace to Jiangnan. Do not worry. Take care. Jing."

He crumpled the note into a tiny ball. Just then, the study door was silently pushed open, and a shadow guard, completely clad in black, appeared like a ghost and knelt on one knee.

These are the shadow guards that Xiao Chengjing left in Jiangnan to protect Shen Yuewei and her daughter. Urgent matters are communicated through these shadow guards.

Xiao Chengjing handed over the sealed letter with sealing wax and the small paper ball at the same time: "Depart immediately. The letter must be delivered to Miss Shen personally. As for the paper ball," he paused, his voice as cold as a knife, "use the old method to deliver it to the third brick on the windowsill of 'Pine Breeze'."

"Yes!" The shadow guard took it, and with a flicker, disappeared into the thick darkness outside the door.

After doing all this, Xiao Chengjing seemed to have exhausted all his strength, and his tall body leaned back into the wide rosewood chair.

He closed his eyes, raised his uninjured hand, and pressed hard on his throbbing temple. The wound on his palm throbbed faintly under the cotton cloth, a reminder of the fierce struggle within the Phoenix Palace. He opened his eyes, his gaze falling on a corner of the imperial desk, where a pre-written memorial lay quietly, its cover bearing the inscription "Memorial Requesting the Removal of the Crown Prince."

His fingers slowly tightened on the cold handrail.

Several days later, in Jiangnan. A secret letter, carrying a unique, cool, and crisp ink scent, was gently placed in a slender hand by a hand with distinct knuckles and exceptionally steady movements.

"Miss Shen, His Highness's letter has been delivered urgently." The shadow guard's voice was low and respectful.

Shen Yuewei sat on a bamboo couch by the window, outside which stretched a misty, rainy spring scene of Jiangnan. She unfolded the letter, and familiar, bold handwriting came into view:

"My beloved Yuewei: "

Seeing this letter is like meeting you in person.

I am aware of the palace's bestowal of gifts. The Empress Dowager's decree intends to summon An'an to the capital; her intentions are clear. Do not worry! I will handle everything. The gifts are yours to dispose of as you see fit; there's no need to concern yourself with them. I have ordered the eunuch to return to the capital immediately and not to disturb you in the slightest. An'an will never leave Jiangnan, much less leave your side. Just relax and take good care of yourself and An'an. The scenery of Jiangnan far surpasses the confines of the capital; I hope you will cherish this time.

Things are hectic in the capital, but my heart longs for Jiangnan, for you and An'an. My plan to escape is ready; I await good news.

Take good care of yourself.

Chengjing's handwritten letter

At the end of the letter, the two characters "Chengjing" were signed with particular vigor, the last stroke dragging downwards like a knife blade, almost tearing the tough paper, exuding an undeniable and resolute power.