I owe you a favor.

The news that Prince Heng had been exonerated and reinstated spread like wildfire throughout the capital.

The Hengwang Mansion, which was deserted just a moment ago, suddenly became bustling with activity. Officials came in droves to offer congratulations, express their loyalty, and inquire about the situation, almost breaking down the threshold.

However, the master of the palace was not basking in the euphoria of regaining power.

Zongzheng Hengyu, citing illness and the need for rest, closed his doors to visitors, leaving only a few of his most trusted generals and civil officials to hold a secret meeting in his study.

“Your Highness, although we have turned the tide this time and dealt a heavy blow to the Ming King’s faction, the roots have not been eradicated.” Du Ruhui, a middle-aged civil official with a lean face and wise eyes, was the chief strategist of the Prince Heng.

Du Ruhui said in a deep voice, "Although the Ming King's crimes have been confirmed, His Majesty seems to have not yet made a final decision."

The emperor merely ordered the removal of the title of Prince Ming, demoting him to a commoner and placing him under house arrest for life, but did not impose the death penalty. This decision likely stemmed from a hesitation, perhaps even as a consideration of checks and balances.

“Mr. Du is absolutely right,” a general in military uniform replied. He was Zhao Ben, the deputy commander of the Jingji Camp and a staunch supporter of Prince Heng.

Zhao Ben said, "The Night Hawk Pavilion's main force is intact, but the remnants of the previous dynasty behind it are a greater threat. This time we cut off their henchmen but did not damage their foundation, so they will definitely launch a fierce counterattack."

Zongzheng Hengyu sat in the main seat, his fingertips slowly tapping the armrest, his expression calm and unwavering: "Father's hesitation was expected. As for Prince Ming and his cronies..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes. "Since Father Emperor wants to investigate, then we will help Father Emperor investigate more thoroughly. Mr. Du, cleverly deliver the clues we have about the possible connection between Night Hawk Pavilion and the previous dynasty to the Censorate, to Censor Li, who is known for his integrity. Remember, do it naturally, as if he found it himself."

"Your Highness is brilliant!" Du Ruhui's eyes flashed with a sharp light. "Imperial Censor Li is a rock, impervious to reason, and only adheres to the law. It is most appropriate for him to investigate the affairs of the previous dynasty, and His Majesty will not suspect that it is Your Highness who is relentlessly pursuing the matter."

"General Zhao."

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Keep a close watch on the Heavenly Prison, especially on key prisoners like Guo Yi. The Ming King's men will never let them speak alive. What we need to do is not prevent them from being silenced..."

Zongzheng Hengyu's tone was icy, "Then we need to obtain evidence of their cover-up after they've silenced us!"

Zhao Ben understood immediately: "This subordinate understands! I will definitely lay a trap to ensure that those who come to silence us will not return!"

The instructions were issued clearly, calmly and ruthlessly.

Those present were all trusted confidants who had followed Prince Heng for many years. They knew that when their master made a move, it was always a series of deadly attacks, leaving no chance for the enemy to breathe.

After making all the arrangements, everyone accepted their orders and left.

Inside the study, Zongzheng Hengyu walked alone to the window. The afterglow of the setting sun cast a long shadow of him.

This victory brought him little joy; instead, it made him see more clearly the enormous crisis and lurking dangers hidden beneath the prosperity of the era.

An inopportune moment, however, flashed through his mind: a small face that was sometimes panicked, sometimes cunning, and sometimes feigning composure.

Jiang Wanzhi.

That inexplicable, subtle hint was the note that propelled him to turn his life around.

If it weren't for her accidental words, "Be careful with the provisions, the accounts are suspicious, and there are old stories about the Northern Army," he wouldn't have been able to pinpoint the direction of the investigation so accurately and quickly. He might have had to grope in the fog for a longer period of time, and there would have been even more variables.

How did she know all this?

Or perhaps someone is manipulating her behind the scenes, and she is not as simple as she appears?

Thinking of this, he said in a deep voice, "Yan Cheng."

Yan Cheng appeared silently like a shadow: "Your Highness."

"Prepare the carriage; we're going to the Prime Minister's residence."

Yan Cheng was slightly taken aback, but did not ask any further questions, and immediately replied, "Yes!"

…………

The Prime Minister's Residence, Wanzhi Pavilion.

Jiang Wanzhi was staring blankly at a plate of osmanthus cake.

The news that Prince Heng had turned the tables and regained favor had spread like wildfire outside. Chun Tao and Qiu Ju were chattering excitedly, but she was a little dazed.

He... really won? So quickly? So decisively?

Was it because of that note? She must have... played a part, right? Will he come... to thank her?

The moment the thought popped into her head, she quickly slapped her cheek.

Bah! What are you thinking! That's the ruthless and decisive King Heng!

You expect that iceberg to say thank you?!

If he asks you how you know the inside story, how will you answer?!

But... I just couldn't suppress that little bit of anticipation and excitement in my heart.

Just as she was lost in thought, a slight commotion suddenly came from outside the courtyard, followed by Chun Tao's almost distorted voice, filled with fear and excitement: "Miss! His Highness Prince Heng has arrived!"

Thump! The osmanthus cake in Jiang Wanzhi's hand fell onto the table.

He...he really came?!

She stood up abruptly, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it would jump out of her throat.

Is it a blessing or a curse? Are they here to silence me or to express their gratitude?

No, no, if he wanted to silence them, he wouldn't have come in person... So he must have come to thank me?

How can you thank him with that icy face? Should you freeze him with your eyes as a sign of gratitude?

She hurriedly straightened her clothes and hair, took several deep breaths, and then walked out, trying to appear calm.

As soon as she arrived at the courtyard gate, she saw that familiar tall figure standing with his hands behind his back under the peach tree in the courtyard.

He was still dressed in a black casual outfit, with an upright posture and a cold, hard profile.

The golden light of the setting sun shone on him, as if gilding him with a faint golden edge, making him less of the battle-hardened aura and more imposing in his presence.

Jiang Wanzhi's heart pounded even harder. She took small steps forward and gave a proper bow: "This humble woman greets Your Highness Prince Heng." Her voice trembled slightly.

Zongzheng Hengyu slowly turned around, his deep gaze falling on her, sweeping over her from head to toe as if it were a physical object, making Jiang Wanzhi's scalp tingle and almost want to run away on the spot.

"It seems Miss Jiang is recuperating well at home." He spoke, his voice still calm and emotionless, but it didn't seem as cold and piercing as before.

"Thanks... thanks to Your Highness," Jiang Wanzhi replied dryly.

I was internally screaming: Thanks to you, I almost had a heart attack!

Zongzheng Hengyu took two steps forward, closing in on her. His tall figure brought a strong sense of oppression, and Jiang Wanzhi subconsciously took a few steps back, her back pressed against the cold door frame.

He lowered his head, and the two were so close that Jiang Wanzhi could even smell the cool, agarwood scent emanating from him. Startled, she closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling violently like a frightened butterfly.

The expected interrogation did not come. Instead, his deep voice sounded above him, carrying a very faint, almost imperceptible hint of inquiry: "What is the meaning of that note?"

Jiang Wanzhi suddenly opened her eyes, meeting a pair of unfathomable black eyes. There was no murderous intent in them, only a pure, calm scrutiny.

Her mind raced! To admit it? Or not to admit it?

If I confess, will I be burned at the stake as a monster? If I don't confess, will he torture me to extract a confession?

She steeled herself and decided to half-truth and half-lie! "Well...it's just that...the other day I overheard my father talking to his students about the complicated old issues with the Northern Army, and how someone might use it to cause trouble...I thought Your Highness has troops in the Northern Army, so perhaps...perhaps someone might use this as an excuse...I just...I acted on impulse..."

Her voice grew softer and softer as she spoke, and her face flushed as if she were ashamed of her rashness. "This humble woman is foolish and unaware of the gravity of the situation. If... if I have caused Your Highness any trouble, please forgive me!" She then quickly lowered her head, appearing to be sincerely apologetic.

Zongzheng Hengyu watched her performance quietly without saying a word. Her little thoughts were almost transparent to him.

The panic was real, the fear was real, but the evasiveness in his words was also real.

He didn't expose her, but moved even closer, almost whispering in her ear, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe: "Oh? Just... overheard it by chance?"

Jiang Wanzhi froze, her ears instantly turning bright red, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it was going to explode! Why is he... why is he so close?!

"Really...really!" she said stubbornly, but her voice was trembling uncontrollably.

As Zongzheng Hengyu looked at her reddened earlobes and trembling eyelashes, the hint of inquiry deep in his eyes seemed to melt away slightly, transforming into a more complex meaning that even he himself was unaware of.

He slowly straightened up, creating some distance between them, his tone still calm: "Whatever the reason, this time, I owe you a favor."

Jiang Wanzhi breathed a sigh of relief, her legs went weak, and she quickly grabbed the door frame for support. "No... I wouldn't dare... Your Highness is blessed with boundless good fortune and divine protection. Even without my meddling, you would surely have turned misfortune into good fortune..." She began to flatter incoherently.

Zongzheng Hengyu chuckled almost imperceptibly. The chuckle was so low and faint, yet it brushed against Jiang Wanzhi's heart like a feather, making her startled once again.

Icebergs...can they laugh?

"You should rest and recuperate." He withdrew his gaze and turned to leave.

"Your Highness!" Jiang Wanzhi suddenly called out to him, not knowing where the courage came from.

Zongzheng Hengyu paused, turning his head to look at her.

Jiang Wanzhi looked at his deep profile, thinking about what to say. The words circled on her lips a few times, but in the end she still didn't know what to say, and only stammered, "Take...take care of yourself."

Zongzheng Hengyu paused almost imperceptibly, but without turning around, he simply hummed in response and strode away from Wanzhi Pavilion.

Only when that oppressive aura completely disappeared did Jiang Wanzhi collapse completely, leaning against the door frame, panting heavily, her face so hot it could fry an egg.

Chuntao and Qiuju then ran over tremblingly: "Miss! Are you alright? His Highness Prince Heng, he..."

Jiang Wanzhi waved her hand, still shaken: "No, it's nothing..." She touched her still wildly beating heart, but her mind kept replaying the scene of him approaching her, and that almost inaudible chuckle.

He... doesn't seem so scary anymore?

This discovery made Jiang Wanzhi's heart skip a beat.

…………

On the carriage of Prince Heng's mansion

Zongzheng Hengyu closed his eyes to rest. Yan Cheng, driving the carriage, asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, should we send someone..."

“No need.” Zongzheng Hengyu interrupted him. “The guards at the Prime Minister’s residence are sufficient. As for her…” He opened his eyes, looking at the passing street scene outside the window, his gaze deep. “She looks stupid, but she’s quite lucky.”

Perhaps keeping her around is more interesting and more useful than getting rid of her.

The carriage rumbled and clattered as it rolled across the cobblestone road. Night quietly descended upon the capital, and in the hearts of some, the ice seemed to crack slightly.

The gap was small, yet enough to let in a sliver of unexpected light.