He opened his mouth, but spoke dryly.

"This secret might allow you to regain everything you've lost."

But after he finished speaking, he still couldn't detect any change in the other person's expression or eyes.

How is this possible? What happened?

Why does she seem so indifferent?

She's definitely faking it; she's trying to trick me!

Thinking of this, he shut his mouth, looking as if he would not continue speaking.

Yun Zhiyi smiled and followed his lead, asking the question.

"Oh, what do you, or the person behind you, want?"

This was clearly his intention, but looking at the other person's expression, he felt no joy whatsoever; instead, he became increasingly uncertain and uneasy.

"Miss Yun, don't you want to reclaim all your wealth and glory?"

Yun Zhiyi slowly sipped her tea and nodded gently.

"Of course I want to, isn't that what I'm asking you?"

The burly man remained silent, thinking to himself, "Your lazy appearance is not convincing at all."

The reason why the strong man was selected from among thousands to carry out this important task is that...

It was because he was not only physically strong, but also intelligent, especially skilled in negotiation and observation.

He really wanted to say that the other person was just pretending not to care.

But what the eyes see is telling him.

The other party seemed genuinely unconcerned.

His rhythm was completely disrupted, and he didn't understand it at all.

He thought for a moment, then threw out another chip.

"Wen Wan is not the biological daughter of An Yuanbo."

Yun Zhiyi nodded. "Are you saying that I am the one?"

The burly man opened his mouth.

At this point in the negotiation, he should usually begin to use leverage to gain benefits.

But the other party's attitude made him feel that the bargaining chip he thought was important was actually dispensable, and that negotiating would only lead to humiliation.

Yun Zhiyi smiled, put down her teacup, and spoke directly.

"Why don't we start by talking about who you are, or what you want? Wealth and status? Power and position? Gold and silver treasures?"

The burly man remained silent for a while before suddenly asking.

"Did you already know this secret?"

He looked at the other person's unchanging eyes and the slight smile on their lips, his expression growing increasingly complicated.

Although no answer was received, it is highly likely that the other party already knew about their background.

But why, if you know that, why not go back and reclaim your identity?

"You do have some intelligence. Tell me, who is your master?"

“I… my boss is Tu Wu, the owner of Jubao Casino.”

After saying that, the burly man's expression changed, and his pupils shrank sharply. "You! How could you..."

He had no intention of revealing his identity immediately; he was already looking for an excuse to leave and make new plans.

In that instant, he suddenly felt a momentary lapse in his mind and couldn't help but confess.

Suddenly, his gaze fell on the small incense burner on the table, and his eyes widened abruptly.

"Still very perceptive," Yun Zhiyi praised.

Upon confirming the answer, the burly man's expression turned even uglier.

"We meant no harm, we just wanted to help you."

Yun Zhiyi chuckled, "Do you want to help me, or do you want a puppet to achieve some goal?"

The burly man's muscles tensed as he stared at her in shock, then he quickly composed himself, only to hear a soft laugh.

As light as a falling leaf, it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds on his heart, making his heart sink.

Then a voice filled with laughter rang out.

"Let me guess, you're trying to tell me that Wen Wan and I have switched identities, that the two children weren't switched at birth, that I am the real daughter of the Earl's family, and that you have a way to help me return to the Earl's family, on the condition that I follow your arrangements and become your backer in the capital after it's done, or rather... a puppet."

The burly man kept his head down, his face already turning pale.

Clearly, she guessed everything correctly.

Then she said...

"Let me guess again, you probably have other plans. I bet someone has gone to find Wen Wan. In the end, who you help depends on who is willing to be your puppet, right?"

The burly man's forehead was covered in cold sweat.

Yun Zhiyi casually stroked the rim of the cup with her fingers.

"The An Yuan Earl's Mansion isn't even a minor power in the capital; it's just a title of nobility in name only. For a mere earl's daughter to require so much effort from you, it seems you really don't have any background. Ju Bao Gambling House... let me think..."

"Hmm, I don't think I've ever heard of it in the capital. It must be some backwater workshop. In other words, you're just a bunch of lowlifes who can't be brought to the table."

She looked down at the burly man, whose sweat was dripping down his face, and gave a meaningful chuckle.

“A bunch of powerless scoundrels, where did they get the confidence to take back everything and control the nobles?”

Hearing this, the burly man spoke in a hoarse voice, with a final struggle.

“But without anyone’s help, it will be difficult for you to go back. I think if Lord Bo knew the truth, he would rather continue with the mistake than become a laughing stock.”

His words carried a hint of threat.

But this elicited a soft chuckle.

Yun Zhiyi nodded. "You're quite bold, but your eyesight isn't good. Do I look like someone who wants to go back?"

The burly man gritted his teeth, looked up at her, and his eyes were filled with deep confusion.

"Why? You don't want status, wealth, or even your own parents. You just watch a peasant occupy your position and enjoy everything that should be yours?"

He didn't believe that there were truly people in the world who didn't care about fame, fortune, or money.

Yun Zhiyi did not answer his question because it was unnecessary and superfluous.

"Your boss went to great lengths to pull this off, all in an attempt to rise above the odds, establish himself in the capital, and make a name for himself. Instead of holding onto a useless bargaining chip, why don't you tell me what value you have? Maybe I can give you that opportunity."

The burly man pursed his lips, then slumped his shoulders, probably realizing she really didn't care about that position, and gave up.

As for what she said, I just took it as mockery and didn't take it seriously at all.

He could even come up with a brilliant explanation for the value of a small gambling den.

Besides, the other party is just an orphan girl who is desperately clinging to a farm and collecting rent; what can she possibly offer them?

In the capital, one must gain a foothold and make a name for oneself.

It requires not only enormous wealth, but also the power to suppress the majority of powerful figures.

Does she have it?

Knowing this, Yunzhi did not insist.

She sent people over and dumped them in the mountains to plant fruit trees and raise chickens and ducks.

After dealing with this matter, she simply took a leisurely stroll around the farm, scattering some spiritual herbs as eyes and ears.

Meanwhile, Princess Fu'an's entourage had been on the road for several days.

The long convoy drew the attention of passersby.

The caravan consisted of six carriages, including three luxurious carriages of varying degrees and three more ordinary carriages.

Around the carriage were two rows of armored guards on tall horses, each carrying a sword.

The scale of the event was quite impressive.

The caravan had just arrived at a rest stop.

The post station official, who had received advance notice, was already waiting at the main gate.

Upon seeing the convoy approaching, they quickly put on a fawning smile and went forward to greet them.

"Your humble servant Zhou Kang respectfully welcomes Princess Fu'an."