She suddenly remembered something. In her previous life, someone presented a series of incriminating evidence, and countless officials fell from power. For a time, the court was in a state of panic. Coincidentally, all of these people had been closely associated with Chunfeng Tower.

Unfortunately, none of these people had a good relationship with the Third Prince.

After thinking it over, she realized that this was no coincidence.

Considering her previous speculations, Pingting was very likely a spy planted by the Third Prince in Chunfeng Tower.

Liu Yifu's brows furrowed suddenly: "Miss Shen, do you know what you're saying?" His expression was cold. "Not to mention that you are a woman, how could you frequent brothels! This official is not playing games when handling cases, how can I let you get away with this?"

After he finished speaking, he turned to leave, but she stopped him with a single sentence: "You are a man, and you do not know the thoughts of a woman. Naturally, you are not as perceptive as a woman. If you miss any clues, in the end, it will be my husband who will be implicated."

Even though Liu Yifu was usually calm, he was amused by her words: "If you don't trust my abilities, why did you specifically name the person in charge and transfer this case to the Dali Temple?"

He did know.

Shen Tangning smiled instead, her eyes gentle and lively: "Of course I believe in you, sir. It is precisely because I believe you will uphold justice that I implore the Dali Temple to assist in solving the case."

Liu Yifu paused for a moment, then his expression softened: "In that case, Miss Shen, you might as well wait patiently. If Young Master Chi is truly innocent, I will certainly give him justice."

He lifted his foot to leave, when Shen Tangning's cold voice came from behind him—

“Years ago, when you went to the capital to take the imperial examination, I saved your life.”

Liu Yifu's steps suddenly faltered.

She remained calm and composed, speaking slowly and deliberately, "Now I wish to use this favor to repay a debt of gratitude. I wonder, sir, will you allow it?"

He slowly turned around and saw that she looked calm, as if everything was under her control, and even thoughtfully thought of a way out for him: "Your Excellency is fair and honest, and I am taking advantage of your kindness. I will play the villain."

For a moment, Liu Yifu seemed dazed, and he gave Shen Tangning a deep look.

Years ago, he had seen a tender pink and white crabapple blossom peek out from the window, a touch of spring unknown to anyone in his dark years.

Now, weathered by time, that crabapple tree stands tall and graceful.

He was not a saint after all; he also had selfish desires.

——

"Lord Liu, I'm all better now."

Liu Yifu slowly turned around and saw a handsome young man standing in front of him. His eyes were especially bright, reminiscent of a vibrant late spring month.

Seeing that he remained silent, Shen Tangning lowered her head in puzzlement: "Don't I look like this?"

Even Xueqing blushed when she first saw her dressed like this.

"It's acceptable." Liu Yifu quickly averted his gaze, lowered his eyes, and walked forward. Shen Tangning hurriedly followed with small steps. He said in a serious tone, "From now on, you are my servant, named... A-Tang."

After a moment's thought, Shen Tangning readily agreed: "No problem."

Liu Yi stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her.

Confused, she suddenly had a flash of inspiration under his inscrutable gaze and lowered her voice respectfully, saying, "Yes, sir."

The voice does sound somewhat like that of a teenager.

He raised an eyebrow slightly, then quickly regained his calm demeanor: "Let's go."