Changying wiped the sweat from his brow, but as a professionally trained bodyguard, he still risked angering the emperor and stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, there's an assassin in the dungeon..."

For a long time, there was no reply from the emperor, and the imperial study fell into an eerie silence.

Changying hesitated, wondering whether to speak again, when he saw the emperor rise and walk towards the door of the imperial study, his handsome face clouded with gloom.

Changying followed behind Helian Nie, inwardly wiping away sweat for the assassins in the dungeon. When the emperor was in a bad mood, some people usually died a terrible death.

**

The night was as thick as ink.

A gust of autumn wind rustled the ginkgo leaves as two dark figures slipped past the guards and silently landed in the courtyard.

The faint, warm candlelight inside flickered and shone through the evening breeze filtering in through the partially closed window.

"Now that you have arrived, why not show yourself?"

It was late at night, but Si Beilingyuan was not wearing her inner clothes. Her hair was neatly combed, indicating that she had been waiting for a long time.

As the words fell, two figures emerged from the shadows. People accustomed to wearing long, white robes always gave off a different vibe when dressed in black.

Si Beiling pushed the teacup in her hand in front of Helian Yi, her dignified and noble face showing no surprise. "Your Highness, please."

Beneath his black robe, Helian Yi's gentle face held a complex expression. He sat down but did not pick up his teacup. "How did you know I was coming?"

Si Beilingyuan still wore a gentle smile, her every move graceful and composed.

"To be honest, Your Highness, from the first time I met the First Prince, I knew that I would meet him again someday."

Helian Yi's hand paused slightly. The first time they met was the night they went together to bring back the remnants of Dongchen's faction, on Helian Nie's orders.

Si Beilingyuan sipped her tea, subtly taking in Helian Yi's expression. The tea went down her throat, bitter at first, then sweet.

"The eldest prince's eyes hold an indelible determination; the second prince's aura is too murderous; the third prince..."

Mentioning Helian You, Si Beilingyuan suddenly smiled, a flash of memory passing through her mind, "The Third Prince does look remarkably like Peach Blossom when she was little."

Such a simple and pure mind is truly rare among royalty.

"As for the princess..." Si Beilingyuan was quite curious about this princess who had been doted on by Helian Nie since childhood, but unfortunately she had never met her.

Just a few years ago, I saw Peach Blossom draw a portrait of this little girl. She was chubby and adorable, and Peach Blossom was also happy to see her.

"My royal sister needs no further comment from the Empress."

Helian Yi's face suddenly turned cold, a hint of displeasure flashing across his usually gentle expression. His mother was his Achilles' heel, and so was his younger sister.

He knew that Empress Dongchen was no ordinary woman, but he never expected her to be so insightful. No wonder the Empress's faction was able to dominate the Dongchen royal family.

A slight surprise flickered in Si Beiling's beautiful eyes beneath her willow-leaf brows. Everyone in the world knew that the princess of Bei Yin was deeply favored by the Bei Yin emperor.

Now it seems that the Northern Yin princess is truly fortunate, something she greatly envies. Oh well...

"The Crown Prince risked his life to come here, surely not to tell me these things?"

There are many Northern Yin soldiers patrolling the post station, so it's not advisable to linger here. Getting straight to the point is better for everyone.

A struggle flickered in Helian Yimo's eyes, but as he recalled that freezing snowy night, his hands beneath his black robe tightened.

"I wish to make a deal with the Queen."