"I have offended you in many ways at the birthday banquet, and I dare not deny it."

However, there is absolutely no personal grudge between me and the Sixth Prince.

I only recently realized that I, too, am nothing more than a pawn in someone else's game, being used and manipulated.

She took a deep breath, her tone filled with a desperate urgency:

"If Your Highness is willing to show leniency this time, Huiyin is willing to reveal all the people behind the scenes that she knows."

Furthermore, although I cannot represent the entire Duke's Mansion, I will do my utmost to fulfill any orders Your Highness may give.

Huiyin is willing to serve Your Highness as your personal guard, at your beck and call!

Sui Mo's gaze suddenly sharpened.

Not only did she pay 200,000 taels of silver, but she also made such a promise, which further confirmed her previous suspicions.

Something must have happened at the Duke's mansion, but she couldn't find any clues.

Suimo took the second letter and placed it close to his heart in the hidden pocket.

He then clasped his hands in a fist salute, his tone becoming more solemn:

"Miss Zheng, rest assured, I will deliver your words and this letter to His Highness without missing a single one."

My lord also said that if Miss Zheng is truly sincere, then we might as well lend a hand, and now it seems that's the case.

"Please wait here again at dawn tomorrow, Miss. My Highness has a way to resolve your predicament of not being listed on the examination."

Zheng Huiyin frowned. "Are you coming here again tomorrow?"

“Of course.” Sui Mo’s tone left no room for doubt. “If we want to give you a reasonable reason for not being on the list, you have to come forward in person.”

A hint of hesitation flashed in Zheng Huiyin's eyes.

Suimo saw through her concerns, and his voice deepened slightly:

“Miss Zheng need not worry too much. It’s broad daylight, and it’s in the market area where your Zheng State Duke’s Mansion is located.”

That's all I have to say. Miss Zheng, you may decide for yourself.

Having said that, he said no more.

Zheng Huiyin bit her lower lip tightly. She had given almost everything, even her dowry.

Compared to the pawns on the surface, she believed Qin Zhaoyue was even more eager to expose the mastermind behind the scenes.

Moreover, as the eldest granddaughter of the Duke of Zheng's family, she represented a certain network of connections and power, and her allegiance would certainly be valuable to the Sixth Princess.

For a moment I couldn’t understand why she had to come out in person, but Suimo was right. It was daytime, and they were in their own workshop, so nothing serious should happen.

"good!"

Since things have come to this point, and we've chosen this path, let's gamble to the very end!

Suimo nodded, said no more, and his figure flickered as he left the carriage, disappearing into the night.

The carriage took the group to a clinic to complete the charade before returning to the Duke's mansion.

At the same time, the shattered ink transformed into a streak of light and rushed towards the palace gate.

...

The night breeze was cool, and Qin Zhaoyue drank the warm hangover soup, feeling completely refreshed.

After taking a bath and changing into soft pajamas, I felt even more refreshed.

He hadn't drunk much to begin with, and now that he had figured out the details of the "book" in his mind, the biggest mystery since his transmigration had been solved.

As for the elusive "above the first rank" that the old man mentioned...

Qin Zhaoyue pursed her lips. Forget it. He looks like he only has a wisp of consciousness left. Why bother with such danger?

However, she was still somewhat cunning, only mentioning "book" to the old man, but not "merit book".

We talked and talked, but we never actually got to this point.

The old man got a pot, so how did he improve his cultivation?

Surely it's not about cooking or making dishes that glow, is it?

Qin Zhaoyue only had a superficial understanding of the path of cultivation and was too lazy to delve deeper.

In her opinion, all those profound truths and the idea that it's lonely at the top are just idle talk.

Reaching the second rank is enough.

Eating well, drinking well, and sleeping well—that's carefree and comfortable, and it's better than any vague or unrealistic pursuit.

Where can't you just drift through life?

As my thoughts were wandering, someone outside announced that the inkstone from the manor had arrived.

Qin Zhaoyue had already given her her waist token before, and besides, with her former status as a Qingluan Guard, entering the palace wouldn't be difficult.

Before long, Sui Mo entered the hall, "Your Highness."

"Okay, come with me, and keep it quiet."

Qin Zhaoyue lowered her voice and led her deeper into the hall.

In Qinghui Hall, the main hall belongs to the third and fourth sisters, the left side hall belongs to the fifth brother with the seventh and eighth children, and the right side hall belongs to the sixth brother, along with a little tail.

At first, Qin Zhaoyue was extremely reluctant to take care of the child, but under the onslaught of the child's soft "little fists," she had no choice but to give in.

Fearing that Xiao Jiu would pester her, she led Sui Mo into a secluded, warm pavilion.

Inside the warm pavilion, the candlelight flickered red, and a delicate fragrance wafted from the Boshan incense burner.

Qin Zhaoyue leaned back lazily in the armchair covered with brocade cushions, raised her chin, and said, "Tell me, how did it go?"

Sui Mo swiftly and efficiently recounted the entire incident.

Qin Zhaoyue's eyes shone brightly. Two hundred thousand taels were in her pocket again. Where could she go to seek justice?

Tonight is truly a night of great fortune.

She flirted with a handsome young man, figured out the origin of the "heavenly book" in her mind, and even made a fortune.

This life is...tsk, so comfortable!

She contentedly stuffed the thick stack of silver notes and land deeds into Suimo's hands:

"Don't delay, we still need to go to the Jingzhao Prefecture tomorrow, so let's take care of it."

"Yes, Your Highness, rest assured."

Suimo then took out the letter sealed with wax.

Qin Zhaoyue took it, pried open the seal with her fingertips, and unfolded it casually.

The letter paper has a subtle orchid pattern, and the handwriting is delicate yet powerful.

"Your Highness Zhaoyue, may I be pleased to report:"

I bow my head and pay my respects.

At the previous birthday banquet, Huiyin's words and actions were inappropriate and offensive, which was not her intention.

Whenever I think about it, I feel terrified and unable to eat or sleep properly.

This is all because Huiyin was momentarily foolish and was secretly framed, almost causing a great mistake. I earnestly hope that Your Highness will see the truth clearly.

Huiyin knew that she had committed grave sins, but she had no intention of being an enemy of His Highness.

Now that I have found the clues to the plot that day, I am ready to get through this calamity and then go to Your Highness’s steps to tell you everything I know, feel, and the cause and effect without reservation, so as to atone for my past mistakes.

If Your Highness does not reject me, Huiyin is willing to serve you faithfully from now on, obeying only Your Highness's commands.

I humbly beg Your Highness to temporarily quell your wrath and grant Huiyin a glimmer of hope.

The sinner, Zheng Huiyin, wrote this in tears.

Tsk tsk tsk...

Qin Zhaoyue curled her lips into a mocking smile and casually tossed the letter onto the table.