"Liu Huo, you still haven't been able to get rid of your impulsive habit." Shen Jintang sighed softly, raised her hand to help Liu Huo up, her tone tinged with helplessness.

"Why did my father and brothers choose death over rebellion? They cared for the world and its people, hoping only for peace and prosperity for all. The mastermind behind this plot was scheming to brand the Youzhou army as traitors. If you were to order me to lead the remnants of the Youzhou army in a rash rebellion, wouldn't that be playing right into their hands, condemning them to eternal infamy?"

Shen Jintang paused slightly, his gaze deep, as if he could see through time and space and witness the wandering of those wronged souls.

"The great revenge remains unavenged, the enemy is still alive, and their vengeful spirits linger. Yet, the enemy sits securely on his high throne, carefree and without worry. Even if I were to return to Youzhou now, would those former subordinates of Youzhou willingly obey my orders?"

Shen Jintang looked at Liu Huo, her voice carrying a hint of determination: "Liu Huo, I want you to stay in Kyoto with me and help me avenge my enemies."

"We will return to Youzhou, but we will bring back the head of the culprit and use their blood to appease the souls of the dead in Youzhou."

Liu Huo looked troubled, hesitated, and finally couldn't help but speak: "But the culprit is..."

Shen Jintang's gaze was like a sword, staring directly at Liu Huo, her tone resolute: "I don't care who he is, I only have this one path. If it doesn't work, I'd rather die!"

Liu Huo took a slight step back under Shen Jintang's gaze, but quickly raised his head again, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "Young Master, that纨绔世子's Heart-Eating Pill sounds quite useful. Why don't I have Xing go back and steal it, and make a batch? It will definitely be useful in the future."

Shen Jintang smiled slightly, took out a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve, shook it gently, poured out a few pills and put them in her mouth.

Seeing this, Liu Huo hurriedly reached out to stop him: "Young Master, you mustn't!"

However, Shen Jintang smiled slightly and said, "They're just a few candy pills, just to scare you."

If such a miraculous medicine truly existed in the world, why would there be so many conspiracies and schemes?

Looking at Liu Huo's slightly surprised expression, she slowly said, "Also, from now on, you must change your way of addressing him. You are not allowed to mention the words 'Young Master' again. As for Gu Zhixing, you must respectfully address him as His Highness the Crown Prince."

"He's not some spoiled brat; he's our ticket to revenge." Shen Jintang's voice was gentle yet firm.

"Yes, Master," Liu Huo replied, bowing his head with a hint of awe in his eyes.

"Master, His Highness the Crown Prince has returned." Xinghui gently pushed open the door, entered, and reported, her voice soft and respectful.

Shen Jintang nodded slightly, glanced sideways, and her gaze fell on Liu Huo.

Liu Huo understood, stood up and stood to the side with Xing Hui, as if nothing had happened.

Gu Zhixing strode in and saw Shen Jintang still sitting at the table with her book in her hand. He grabbed her wrist and said, "If you want to read, you have to eat first."

Shen Jintang stood up, thinking to himself that only when he was fully recovered could he have the means to take revenge.

Shen Jintang followed Gu Zhixing to another room, where servants filed in carrying plates of exquisite dishes, quickly filling the long table.

The table was laden with dishes, including chicken, duck, fish, meat, delicacies from land and sea, seasonal vegetables and snacks, all presented in a dazzling array and emitting a delightful aroma.

Gu Zhixing pulled Shen Jintang to sit down at the table, then sat down next to her, picked up his chopsticks and put some food on her plate: "Try this, it's especially delicious."

Shen Jintang's bowl was soon piled high with dishes, resembling a small hill.

She tried to speak several times, but Gu Zhixing stopped her with his chopsticks. With her mouth full of food, she could only respond vaguely.

"Your Highness, Mr. Wang is already waiting in the study..." Shen Jintang reminded him softly, but Gu Zhixing seemed not to hear her. He put another piece of meat on Shen Jintang's plate and said, "Eat some more of this!"

Shen Jintang looked at Gu Zhixing's actions and understood. It turned out that he was using the excuse of eating to stall for time.

She put down her chopsticks, gently wiped her mouth, smiled slightly, and said, "Your Highness, you only have fifteen minutes to eat, and you've already gone well over time. If this continues, you won't be able to sleep tonight."

Gu Zhixing's chopsticks hung in mid-air, and the smile on his face stiffened, clearly stumped by Shen Jintang's words.

"Your Highness, Master, Commander Lu is here to collect the money." Liu Huo rushed in, his voice tinged with tension, and fine beads of sweat clung to his forehead, clearly indicating that he had just run all the way here.

Gu Zhixing was originally leaning back in his chair, bored out of his mind, his eyes wandering, wondering how to escape this boring reading time.

Upon hearing Liu Huo's words, his eyes lit up as if he had seen a ray of light in the darkness. He straightened up abruptly and said with a beaming smile, "Oh dear, how could such an important matter as repaying the debt be left out of this young master? I'll go myself, I'll go myself!"

As he spoke, he was about to get up, his movements so swift as if he were flying.

However, just as he was about to stand up, he suddenly sensed something was amiss.

He turned his head and saw Shen Jintang sitting calmly to the side, her gaze as calm as water on him, without the slightest ripple, yet exuding a chilling tranquility.

Gu Zhixing's movements froze instantly in mid-air, as if he were tightly bound by invisible ropes, unable to move any further.

“Your Highness, you should go to the study and listen to the lessons. The teachings of the master are quite difficult, and I, a mere maid, am not usually fortunate enough to have the opportunity to listen. If you could help me take some notes, I would be extremely grateful.” Her voice was gentle yet firm, giving Gu Zhixing no chance to escape.

Gu Zhixing sat stiffly in the chair, his playful smile vanishing instantly, replaced by a look of helplessness and frustration, as if all his energy had been drained away, leaving him with only a look of utter despair.

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