When they arrived, Ye Wantang had just arrived as well.

Ye Wantang spoke first, admitting her guilt, using the same excuses as the Fang family.

She immediately changed the subject, "Your Majesty, I have discovered a smallpox outbreak in the Wenzhou area, which has resulted in countless deaths and injuries."

She attempted to use her credit for discovering the epidemic to cover up Fang Yantong's affair and divert the emperor's attention.

Compared to the widespread outbreak of smallpox, her little matter was not worth the emperor's attention.

Upon hearing this, the emperor's expression indeed turned serious. "Is it true?"

He did not receive any reports from Wenzhou.

Ye Wantang was certain, "I have a shop in Wenzhou, so the information is reliable."

She had more information, but since it concerned Fu Jiang, she chose to keep it to herself, using it to blackmail the Grand Princess.

Seeing that the Grand Princess had indeed entered the palace as she had requested, Ye Wantang said again, "Your Majesty, smallpox is nothing to fear. My mother left behind a method of prevention before she passed away."

She suddenly pointed at Ye Zhen, "But Cousin Ke Zhen stole the notes that Mother left for me and took Mother's preventative techniques for herself."

Ye Jinghong was a very prudent person. Since she wrote down her notes to be passed down, the methods in them could not possibly be ineffective.

It can only be that I remembered it wrong. Ye Zhen said that he corresponded with his mother and that she taught him military strategy.

Ye Jinghong, that traitor, must have taught her some preventative techniques.

Those things that should have been hers, she won't get the credit, and Ye Zhen shouldn't even think about getting them either.

Ye Zhen once lived in the general's mansion. She said she stole, and that is stealing.

After speaking, she turned to look at the Grand Princess.

The old princess loathed being blackmailed by Ye Wantang, but she also disliked Ye Zhen.

"I have never heard of the young mistress of the Marquis's mansion having studied medicine, yet she was able to prevent smallpox."

If it's General Ye's method, then it makes sense; General Ye is a man of great ability.

However, mothers in this world always leave everything to their daughters, so the young mistress's act of stealing is indeed inappropriate.

She confirmed Ye Zhen's theft on behalf of Ye Wantang.

Ye Zhen had anticipated Ye Wantang's slander, so he remained calm and was about to speak.

Then a figure in pure white appeared, walking on the wind. Her toes lightly touched the ground, her figure as light as willow catkins. A delicately carved jade hairpin was inserted diagonally into her high bun, and a shawl draped over her arm fluttered without wind, like a Bodhisattva descending to earth.

It's just a fleeting glimpse! Her master's unique lightness skill is only used in extremely urgent situations.

Ye Zhen's eyes reddened. "Master."

Yin Jiuniang's eyes flickered, and she gave her a reproachful look, "You're spineless, get out of here."

She then bowed to the emperor and smiled, “Your Majesty, please forgive Shui Wuhen’s rudeness and give me a moment to teach my ignorant juniors a lesson.”

She revealed her identity as a spy, and the emperor nodded in approval.

Everyone else heard Ye Zhen call him "Master," and Ye Wantang was no exception. She naturally assumed that Yin Jiuniang was going to teach Ye Zhen a lesson.

Although she didn't know the reason, she was happy that Ye Zhen was being scolded.

Before he could even raise the corners of his mouth, a soft "smack" rang in his ear, followed by a burning pain on his face.

It was Yin Jiuniang who used her inner strength to slap her across the face with her shawl.

"What right do you have to hit me?"

Another slap.

Yin Jiuniang sneered, "I'll tell you why I hit you after I'm done."

Everyone else was curious, but since they had the emperor's permission, no one dared to step forward to stop them.

Ye Wantang wanted to yell and curse, but the shawl fluttered and slapped her face quickly and painfully, giving her no chance to speak until her face was swollen like a pig's head.

With a flick of her long sleeves, Yin Jiuniang threw her out of the council hall.

Ye Wantang lay sprawled on the ground in a disheveled state. Before she could even get up, the shawl came down again, striking her buttocks repeatedly like a stick. The surrounding palace servants and imperial guards were all witnesses.

Ye Wantang was filled with shame and indignation. She roared and asked again, "Why did you hit me?"