The eight listened intently, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

Zhao Shu was very satisfied. It seemed that she was a real princess, not just someone with a title.

"First, anyone who climbs into someone's bed shall die!" she said sternly, causing all eight of them to tremble. Their hearts pounded, as they hadn't expected the princess to be so blunt and blatant in bringing up this matter.

"Secondly, those who betray their Lord shall die!"

She pronounced each word of "death" clearly. It was just a simple word, but it sounded completely different to them. They truly believed that if they committed the crime, they would definitely die!

"Third, those who feel that I, the princess, am being unreasonable can leave now. Not only will they be able to retrieve their indentures, but they will also receive travel expenses to go home. I will give you one day to consider. Bi Qiao, take her away and bring her back to see me tomorrow."

"Yes." Bi Qiao was extremely gratified. The princess she had watched grow up was indeed intelligent and decisive. She couldn't stand those who were restless and disobedient, and who thought about betraying their masters and climbing into bed with their husbands all day long.

After Zhao Shu finished speaking, she stopped looking at the eight people below and stood up to walk into the inner room.

Xiao Guozi and Green Ivy followed closely behind.

Upon entering the inner room, Green Ivy closed the door, and Little Guozi immediately reported, "Princess, all the intersections of the manor are guarded by Imperial Guards, yet someone is still attempting to send messages to those outside."

"Who is it?" Zhao Shu asked in a chilling tone.

"Aunt Yue."

Zhao Shu thought for a long time but still couldn't remember who this person was. "Who?"

"Princess, you've forgotten. She was making braised pork for the Prince and then offended him. You even said you wanted to find a matchmaker to sell her off." As Green Ivy recounted Aunt Yue's situation, Zhao Shu remembered.

It seems the concubines have been living too comfortably lately, always looking for things to do.

"Who does Aunt Yue usually associate with?" she sneered. If she likes to cause trouble, then let her keep busy.

“Aunt Yue is usually very tactful and seems to get along well with everyone,” Green Ivy said.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Shu smiled and took a sip of tea. "So shrewd and resourceful? I wonder if such a person can withstand an ambush from all sides!"

Xiao Guozi and Green Ivy both felt the temperature around them dropping rapidly. It was clearly the height of summer, but they felt colder than the dead of winter.

"Little Guo, come closer." When Zhao Shu felt particularly hateful, she liked to smile. The smile didn't reach her eyes, but it was as beautiful as a flower, making people feel dizzy.

Xiao Guozi leaned close to Zhao Shu's ear, and Zhao Shu whispered a few words in her ear. A complex expression of joy and surprise flashed across Xiao Guozi's face.

What's pleasing is that the princess has such skill in managing people; what's astonishing is that the princess is only nine years old, not a child raised in the palace, and has few people in her household, yet she has such skill in managing people.

However, he knew how to be a trusted confidant. After listening to everything Zhao Shu said, his expression was already like this. "Yes, this servant will do it right away."

After Xiao Guozi left, Zhao Shu wrote down a long list of ingredients, asking, "Do you know if Aunt Jinxi is in the kitchen right now?"

“It must be in the kitchen,” Green Ivy replied.

"Go to the kitchen." He tucked the paper into his wide sleeve and prepared to go to the kitchen to find Jin Xi, but Xiao Guozi returned instead.

"What is it?" Zhao Shu asked first when she saw him walking in a hurry.

As Xiao Guozi spoke, he had already bowed, saying, "Lord Wei requests an audience."

"Please come in." Zhao Shu couldn't understand why Wei Tingsi wanted to see her. Although the matter of the palace guards was not yet completely over, there was no longer any need for him. All the plans had been finalized, and the Yongwang Mansion could handle it on its own.

Moreover, what's most important for Wei Tingsi right now is his upcoming assignment.

She went to the study in the main courtyard, and soon Wei Tingsi was brought in.

"What business does Lord Wei have with me?"

"I'm going to ask the princess to lend me someone." Wei Tingsi got straight to the point.

Zhao Shu seemed to have guessed, but did not intend to say so. "May I ask who you wish to borrow, sir?"

"Scarlet Pool".

So they're really investigating cheating in the imperial examinations? Zhao Shu couldn't help but give him a scrutinizing look. "Are you sure you can handle all that?"

"That's a question for Fei Chi himself. If he's willing to go with you, I, the princess, will not stop him." But what if things really turn out as she suspects, involving the Yong Prince's mansion?

She had to start making plans.

“As long as the princess agrees to lend him the man, I will persuade Fei Chi.” Wei Tingsi was not worried at all about being rejected by Fei Chi.

Of course, Zhao Shu didn't think Fei Chi would reject him. For someone who had experienced both hope and despair, reputation was no longer that important.

"Call Fei Chi here," Zhao Shu ordered.

Xiao Guozi accepted the order and ran off.

"When does Your Excellency plan to depart?" The question refers to matters concerning the fiefdom.

Wei Tingsi has already been appointed as an imperial envoy, and Prince Yong has already returned his fiefdom in court. His Majesty had no choice but to agree. News of what happened in court yesterday has spread like wildfire throughout the capital.

Moreover, it quickly spread to even more distant places.

Zhao Shu didn't think there was any benefit in Wei Tingsi wasting time in the capital at this time. Such things required a surprise attack to be effective.

Clearly, Wei Tingsi had his own considerations. "Once I've lent him the man, I'll set off."

Fei Chi was quickly brought in. "This humble subject greets the Princess and Lord Wei."

These past few days in the Prince's mansion, the Fei Chi brothers have been very uneasy, unable to see the future, and feeling anxious and lost.

“Young Master Fei, Lord Wei has come to see you today,” Zhao Shu said casually as she sat down in a chair.

Fei Chi was puzzled, but his good upbringing made him bow politely and ask, "May I ask what business you have with this humble subject, sir?"

"The reason I've come to you today is to tell you that there is an opportunity to clear your name and allow you to contribute to the country. However, this opportunity may also leave you with a false accusation for life. Are you willing to seize this opportunity?"

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