After leaving the Ninth Prince's mansion, Liu Yunzhao lingered near the mansion almost every day.

She originally planned that once the Empress Dowager's people were sure she was no longer in the Ninth Prince's residence and had withdrawn from it, she would crawl back through the dog hole along the same route to the residence to surrender to the Ninth Prince and his wife.

But after observing the area around the Prince's Mansion for several days, she discovered that there were people staking out the vicinity.

"What should we do? If we can't see the Ninth Prince, will Mother die in vain?" Liu Yunzhao, disguised, pondered to herself as she walked.

Suddenly, she bumped into someone.

In Kyoto, you could easily bump into a high-ranking official or nobleman.

Furthermore, since Liu Yunzhao was dressed as a beggar, she didn't even think twice before bowing her head and clasping her hands in apology: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. Please be magnanimous and don't hold it against me."

"It wasn't your fault, I was the one who bumped into you," a gentle voice rang in her ears, and a pair of well-maintained, fair hands immediately took Liu Yunzhao's hand.

Liu Yunzhao looked up and paused slightly in surprise:

Frost?

Isn't this Lin Shuang, the personal maid of Princess Chonghe?

"If I'm not mistaken, your surname is Liu." Lin Shuang smiled gently at Liu Yunzhao, who was dressed as a beggar. She looked gentle and polite, but she held a noble posture, as if she were the most important lady in the entire capital.

Liu Yunzhao's eyes darted around a few times.

When she was at Ningxi Hall a few days ago, Shang Xiye and Ji Fengyao had not yet returned;

However, Ji Fengyao had already sent someone back to the manor to inform them that she had dismissed Lin Shuang in Fengcheng, and Ningxi Hall was aware of this news as well.

But Lin Shuang could never have known that she had been to the Ninth Prince's residence;

Lin Shuang recognized her; she must have seen her when she was working for Ji Fengyao.

The two never actually met.

Liu Yunzhao pretended not to recognize her and feigned panic, saying, "Miss, my surname is not Liu, it is Xiao. I think you have mistaken me for someone else."

After saying that, Liu Yunzhao deliberately pretended to be in a hurry to escape.

A mocking smile appeared on Lin Shuang's lips and in the corner of her eyes. She contemptuously reached out and grabbed Liu Yunzhao by the back of her collar, dragging her into a deserted alley: "Don't be afraid, I'm not a bad person. Once we talk things out, you'll know I haven't mistaken you for someone else."

Liu Yunzhao grew up doing manual labor in the palace, and she was quite strong.

Lin Shuang's cultivation was completely destroyed, and her strength was far inferior to that of an ordinary person.

But Liu Yunzhao did not break free; instead, she pretended to be no match for Lin Shuang and followed her into the alley.

Lin Shuang still thought she had some cultivation and was very strong. She was both happy and contemptuous of Liu Yunzhao's "inability to defeat" her.

Upon reaching a secluded alley, Lin Shuang released Liu Yunzhao.

Liu Yunzhao immediately took a few steps back, "as timid as a mouse," creating a "safe distance" between herself and Lin Shuang, looking as if she would run away at the slightest disagreement, displaying a cautious and timid demeanor.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I've seen you before and know you. I felt sorry for you because you've ended up in such a state, so I wanted to show you the way out." Lin Shuang had a "I mean well" expression on her face and tried her best to appear gentle and kind.

Liu Yunqi: "..."

I'd be a fool to believe you, you traitor who betrayed his master!

"When did you see me, Miss? I... I don't know you," Liu Yunzhao stammered, lowering her head and pretending not to look Lin Shuang in the eye, stubbornly denying it.

Lin Shuang became increasingly satisfied with Liu Yunzhao's humble behavior and approached her with even more arrogance, whispering, "Miss Liu, I have a way to get you into the Ninth Prince's mansion."