Unbeknownst to them, Cui Yihuan, out of the servants' sight, skillfully exited through the back door of Tinglan Courtyard, avoiding the crowds, and made her way to the study of Marquis Zhongyong.

Marquis Zhongyong knew that the old lady wanted to use Cui Yihuan, but he did not expect that Cui Yihuan would come to him.

Originally, she didn't plan to meet him, but Cui Yihuan directly handed over the medicine given to her by the old lady.

"What is it?"

Marquis Zhongyong sized up Cui Yihuan. Her appearance was above average, and her eyes were firm. She was not as timid as the old lady thought.

Cui Yihuan let him look her over and said frankly, "This is medicine that the old lady gave to my daughter, and she wants me to use it on the young master."

My daughter wishes to leave the Cui family, but she does not wish to resort to such means. Therefore, she has boldly used this medicine to gain the Marquis's protection.

"How can I provide shelter?"

Marquis Zhongyong picked up his teacup and took a sip.

But Cui Yihuan's words almost made him spit out his drink.

She said, "My daughter wishes to be your second wife."

Marquis Zhongyong swallowed the tea with difficulty, his face dark and gloomy.

Cui Yihuan was not afraid of her and said calmly, "I discovered the old lady's secret today, but I did not follow it. The old lady will definitely not forgive me."

The Cui family won't offend the old lady for my sake; only with your protection can I survive.

My daughter dares not presume to be his equal. The title of "second wife" is a lie. When the time is right, my daughter will fake her death to escape.

Lady Hou did not appear at either of the two banquets, and it is likely she will not appear again.

"Your Excellency is at the height of your power, and inevitably some people are eyeing your wife's position. My daughter taking this role will save Your Excellency some trouble."

Marquis Zhongyong's eyes flashed with a sharp light. "What do you know?"

"The old lady sent people everywhere to inquire about me, and I was filled with fear, so I could only keep an eye on the old lady as well."

Cui Yihuan remained calm and took two steps forward, lowering her voice, "I overheard the conversation between the old lady and a man, and only then did I realize that the Lady of the Marquis had long harbored ulterior motives."

The Marquis is a man of iron will; he cannot tolerate betrayal, as evidenced by the absence of his wife from these two banquets.

She then told the Marquis Zhongyong about her conversation with the old lady, "After several tests, I have determined that what the old lady gave me was not an ordinary love potion, but a deadly poison."

"My daughter did not intend to pry into the affairs of the Marquis's household, but the old lady has come looking for her. A child without a mother's protection lives on thin ice."

She sighed, "I have long heard that Your Excellency protects all the people under heaven. I am also one of the people, and my situation is really bad. I beg Your Excellency to take me in."

Marquis Zhongyong couldn't believe it. He had been deceived by women recently and was worried that Cui Yihuan was using this as an excuse to get close to him.

However, Cui Yihuan did not harm Tingzhou with the old lady, and he acknowledged this debt.

"I will handle this matter. If you are not at ease, I can send you away from the capital."

Cui Yihuan shook her head, "My daughter cannot leave for the time being."

Before the Marquis of Zhongyong could ask for a reason, she continued, "I know your concerns, my lord, but I am not what you think."

What I'm about to tell you, my lord, is absurd. These past few years, my daughter has often dreamt of a man in armor who calls her Lan'er and tells her to wait for his triumphant return in the capital.

My daughter could never see his face clearly. She only remembered his words in her dream: "I am not going to be granted a title or a fief, but I only ask that you return safely, my love."

He also promised me, "May we swiftly vanquish our enemies, and I will grant you the promise of green spring grass on the roadside..."

A tear rolled down Cui Yihuan's cheek. She wiped it away hastily and laughed, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, my lord. This dream has been bothering me for many years."

Having learned that Master Mingjue will be visiting the capital at the end of the year, my daughter wishes to seek his guidance, and therefore cannot leave for the time being. Please…”

Snap!

The teacup fell and shattered on the floor. Marquis Zhongyong stared at the person in front of him with shock in his eyes. "What did you just say?"