As time went by, the story of Wang Yuan rushing onto the stage to perform without permission quietly spread within the residences of Zhu Jiajun's high-ranking officials.
At the end of the month, Zhu Yan suffered a defeat, just as history had predicted, and returned home in disgrace.
Not two days later, news came from the main courtyard of the Zhu family that Zhu Boyan had sternly reprimanded Zhu Yan. When Shi Lan learned of this, she smiled coldly and immediately sent Tan Yue to deliver a message to Shi Yan's trusted confidant: she wanted to see Liu Hanchi.
The next morning, a doctor came to the mansion, saying that Shi Lan had invited him.
Upon hearing the servant's report, Shi Lan grinned and ordered someone to invite him in.
The doctor, carrying a wooden box, slowly approached with a hunched back. He wore a coarse cloth long gown, and a sparse mustache covered his thin lips. A brimmed hat concealed his deep and aloof eyebrows and eyes.
Shi Lan glanced at him for a moment, then poured himself a cup of tea and gently pushed it toward the seat next to him. "I didn't expect Young Master Liu to have such a special skill."
Liu Hanchi chuckled, took off his hat, and sat down next to Shi Lan. "There's no other way. Pingcheng is cracking down too hard these days. If I don't change my appearance, I probably won't be able to get in."
Shi Lan curled her lip dismissively, not wanting to banter with him.
Liu Hanchi looked at Shi Lan with a smile, "Yesterday, the Shi family transported all their valuables to the dock in Qingcheng. They are just waiting for the wind to pick up the day after tomorrow so they can set sail. I wonder when Miss Shi will fulfill her promise?"
Shi Lan turned her head to look at him and said softly, "As soon as the Shi family leaves the port, I will immediately provide you with the troop distribution map."
Liu Hanchi pursed his thin lips, a flash of cold, sharp light in his eyes, "I'm afraid that's not up to you, is it?"
Shi Lan gave a cold laugh, her dark eyes narrowing slightly, a sharp glint appearing in her normally gentle and refined features. "What? Does Young Master Liu intend to back out?"
Liu Hanchi's eyes flickered, but he remained silent.
Shi Lan softened her expression, her bright eyes turning gentle. "I heard from my third brother that you helped find a fast and stable large ship, which the matriarch is very satisfied with. I have been a child under her care since I was a child, and I only regret that I can no longer be by her side to fulfill my filial duties. Young Master Liu is very grateful for your help. However, I know that Young Master Liu does not like those gold and silver things, so I have prepared a big gift, which I will present when the time comes."
Liu Hanchi's brow twitched, and he gently stroked his mustache with his large hand, saying with a smile, "Miss Shi, there's no need to be so polite. The Shi family and the Liu family are both prestigious families, and in fact, our two families are related by marriage. Miss Shi, you don't need to worry about those trivial matters."
Although Liu Hanchi did not mention the large gift in his words, his words implied that he intended to continue fulfilling the cooperation agreement.
Shi Lan smiled slightly, not taking his polite words seriously at all. She then stretched out her slender, fair fingers and beckoned to Liu Hanchi.
Liu Hanchi's pupils contracted slightly, and for some reason, he felt a dryness in his throat.
"Just say what's on your mind," Liu Hanchi leaned back as if trying to avoid suspicion, though it was unclear whether he was trying to avoid Shi Lan or his own thoughts.
Shi Lan rolled her eyes in annoyance. "If that's how it works, do you think I want you to get close to me?"
Liu Hanchi was rebuffed and awkwardly moved closer.
Shi Lan pressed her crimson lips against his ear and whispered, "Five days from now, you will send a large force to ambush at the border between Qingcheng and Pingcheng. When the time comes, I will send my maid to inform you. At that time, you will use your troops to rush into Pingcheng. Come here immediately, and I will have prepared a great gift for you to collect."
Liu Hanchi felt a tingling sensation in his ears, and the hot breath exhaled from those flower-like lips ignited the fire in his heart, setting a blaze within him.
But Shi Lan's words were so cold, like a sharp blade, piercing and chilling, filled with murderous intent.
"Alright, then I, Liu, will await Miss Shi's news."
Shi Lan straightened her slightly leaning body, her smooth and soft fingers picking up the teacup again. "Young Master Liu, please take care on your journey."
Liu Hanchi naturally knew she was serving tea to see him off, so he smiled slightly, covered his eyes and brows again, and turned to leave.
Five days passed in the blink of an eye, and Wang Yuan brought Xiangxue to Qinglan Courtyard.
Since Shi Lan performed the witchcraft, her body has not recovered. During this time, she often leans against the window in a chair, gazing at the bright sunshine and green leaves outside, lost in thought.
When Wang Yuan came in, she saw Shi Lan staring blankly at the newly planted mimosa tree by the window.
Wang Yuan clenched her fingers in anger, but thinking about what was about to happen, she felt a surge of joy and a smile involuntarily appeared on her face.
"Sister, the weather is so nice today, why don't you go for a walk?"
Shi Lan lazily turned her head, glanced at her, and then looked out the window. "I'm not well, so it's fine for me to just look around like this."
Wang Yuan frowned slightly, but still smiled and spoke, "Actually, I came here today to presume to understand what Brother Yan means. If you're willing to listen, then I'll say what I think. If you're not willing to share Brother Yan's burdens, then I'll go back to avoid bothering you."
Shi Lan turned her gaze away and looked at Wang Yuan, "Get to the point, don't beat around the bush."
Wang Yuan's smile froze, inwardly cursing her for being so tactless. "It's like this," she said, "Yan-ge made a mistake a few days ago, and the warlord is very angry with him. He's been so worried these past few days that he hasn't been sleeping well. I was anxious seeing him like this, so I made some nourishing soup." Wang Yuan gave an awkward laugh and took the food box from Xiangxue's hands. "You know, the warlord doesn't like me. If he knew I made this soup, he definitely wouldn't touch it. Sister, you've always been elegant and generous, and the warlord has always treated you differently. So I wanted to ask you to do this for me and, while you're at it, put in a good word for Yan-ge."
Shi Lan glanced at Xiang Xue indifferently, then fixed her gaze on the food box in Wang Yuan's hand. After a moment's thought, she nodded and said, "Alright, I'll take it to you. But I'm too tired right now, so I'll go later."
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