Shen Zhiyi held the letter and read it again.
It is confirmed that what is written above is:
Let her go to the appointment alone.
That's fine.
And it was at night!
Shen Zhiyi took the tinderbox and burned the letter.
Her parents should be arriving in the capital in the next few days. If anything were to happen to her now, given her father's temper, even the Regent would not spare him.
I doubt he would risk his own life.
Moreover, given his power, status, and cunning mind, he could easily silence anyone if he wanted to. With the enemy in the shadows and us in the open, there was no escaping his presence.
So Shen Zhiyi simply gave up on thinking about it and decided to deal with whatever came his way.
After the meal, he went out with his maid and Xiao Zhongxuan.
My parents haven't been back to Beijing for a long time, and it just so happens to be the Dragon Boat Festival, so naturally we need to buy some things.
“Young lady, the streets are usually bustling before the festival, what’s wrong this year?” Hongrui looked at the deserted streets, but before she could finish speaking, she heard a loud shout from afar:
"The Dali Temple is handling a case; all bystanders must make way immediately."
Xiao Zhongxuan directed the horses to pull the carriage to the side of the road, waiting for the officials to leave. In the meantime, he overheard the street vendors gossiping:
“Starting last night, the Dali Temple led people to search and confiscate the residences of many officials.”
"I heard that almost all of them were in the military, some of them were corrupt, and some were traitors."
"Serves you right."
...
Shen Zhi guessed that it was probably not just the Regent's side that was being investigated, but also his elder brother's, which was why he was leaving early and returning late.
Meanwhile, Song Yuxiu followed behind the Duke's carriage.
He thought that Shen Zhiyi still had feelings for him, so he naturally hoped to find an opportunity to rekindle their relationship.
As a result, she hurriedly bought some things needed for the Dragon Boat Festival and returned home.
For the next two days, Song Yuxiu kept watch outside the Duke's mansion day and night. He probably knew that the Duke was about to return to the capital, and many people came to give gifts under the pretext of celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival, but they were all turned away.
Only Wen Qing stayed in the mansion for a short while.
"These pastries were actually made by your guard?" Wen Qing ate her tea and snacks, then couldn't help but scrutinize Xiao Zhongxuan. "His demeanor is really not that of a guard."
Shen Zhiyi just smiled and didn't say anything.
"His name sounds familiar?"
"You've heard of it?"
“When my father was still serving as Grand Tutor, he had many students. Perhaps it’s because our names are similar,” Wen Qing said aloud, but privately she asked, “Your relationship with this Guard Xiao is quite extraordinary, isn’t it?”
Shen Zhiyi's heart skipped a beat, but on the surface she remained calm.
“You didn’t see the way he looked at you, he was practically glued to you, and…” Wen Qing said helplessly, “the red marks on your neck, even makeup can’t cover them up.”
"..."
Shen Zhiyi instinctively covered her neck, feeling her face burning.
He cursed Xiao Zhongxuan countless times in his heart.
She had approached him about this matter.
But this person was shameless and brazen, and simply said, "I'll be gentler next time, or... let's kiss somewhere else."
Shen Zhiyi scolded him for being shameless, but Xiao Zhongxuan not only did not refute her, but seemed to be proud of her.
Wen Qing left at sunset.
This day was also the day Shen Zhiyi went to Tingzhi Water Pavilion to keep her appointment.
After having dinner, she tidied herself up and took out a hidden dart from the dressing table. She put it on her wrist, knowing that she always had to be prepared before facing the evil spirit alone.
This hidden blade was a gift from my second brother a few years ago.
For this, he was scolded by his parents, who said that it was bad enough that he spent his days practicing martial arts, but the gifts he gave to his sister were all things like knives, spears, and halberds.
Thinking of her second brother, she couldn't help but smile slightly.
"Girl, will it be dangerous for you to go out tonight?" Hongrui asked worriedly.
"Being prepared is always better than being caught off guard."
As Shen Zhiyi spoke, she adjusted her sleeves to make sure no one could see what was hidden inside. "Where is Guard Xiao?"
"I don't know, he's probably busy." Xiao Zhongxuan was busy preparing meals and making calming soup for Shen Zhiyi, so he was busy every day. Lühe pursed her lips. "Should I ask Guard Xiao to accompany you?"
"No."
“Miss, things have been quite chaotic in the capital lately, and it’s nighttime. Are you sure you want to go out?” Hongrui asked, worried.
"I had no choice but to go out."
Hongrui and Lühe would escort her to the outside of Tingzhi Water Pavilion. Sitting in the carriage, she was still thinking about Xiao Zhongxuan.
My parents are about to return to the capital. Even Sister Wen could sense that their relationship was unusual, so my parents must be able to see it too.
They are conservative in their thinking and probably won't be able to accept it.
or……
Should Xiao Zhongxuan return to the estate for a while?
We'll discuss this matter after she returns from meeting that evil spirit.
——
As soon as Shen Zhiyi left the mansion, the guards sent by Kong Qing followed her to ensure her safe arrival at Tingzhi Water Pavilion. This was the future princess, so naturally they had to serve her carefully and not allow any mishaps.
Song Yuxiu, who had been waiting outside the Duke's mansion for two or three days, secretly followed her news and sent it to Xiao Zhongxuan immediately.
“Song Yuxiu…” Xiao Zhongxuan had just taken off his blue robe when Kong Qing picked up a black robe and draped it over his master.
He waited outside the Duke's mansion for nearly three days.
"It's haunting me!"
"Now the Xuanhua Marquis's mansion is a laughing stock in the entire capital. He probably thinks he has made some military achievements and wants to pursue Miss Shen again."
A dark glint flashed in Xiao Zhongxuan's eyes as he picked up the mask that was lying beside him.
It seems...
It's time to make some changes to Song Yuxiu.
Kong Qing continued, "Furthermore, as you instructed, we have already eliminated the Third Prince, the Crown Prince, including... that spy planted in the army, as well as the spies in the Southern Frontier."
"Um."
"The vacant positions have all been filled by our own people. However, this purge is too large in scale and involves a wide range of people. It may cause a lot of resentment. We still need to be careful."
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