Today is the third day since Chi Yan entered the palace, and also the day he returned home after taking the policy exam.
Shen Tangning had just returned from Chi's mother's place. The mother knew that her son had been having trouble sleeping and eating in the palace these past few days, so she was preparing a sumptuous dinner for him.
Shen Tangning didn't think that Chi Yan was not eating or sleeping well. A place like the palace would not treat him badly.
“Master.” Yuan Zhao stood under the eaves, looking as if he had been waiting for her for a long time.
Shen Tangning immediately understood and nodded slightly: "Come in and talk."
Yuan Zhao entered the room, and Shen Tangning sat down and looked at him: "Is there any progress?"
He nodded, deep in thought: "I found someone, a maidservant in the side gate of the princess's mansion, and from her I learned that the person my master was talking about is called Hui Niang. She used to be a cook in the kitchen, but later she caught Princess Yun'an's eye because of her good cooking skills and was transferred to serve her."
A thoughtful look flashed in Shen Tangning's eyes: "Do you think she's the one you're looking for?"
Yuan Zhao hesitated, "Her appearance is flawed, and her gender and age match. I think it's highly likely." He paused, "But I've long since retired from the criminal life. It doesn't matter if I don't complete that bounty mission. Why is Master still so fixated on a woman of unknown origin?"
She pursed her red lips and remained silent, her eyes revealing unreadable emotions.
She just felt that the Third Prince might have kept Yuan Zhao in his previous life not only because he valued talent.
Disfigurement...
Her pupils suddenly dilated, and a look of astonishment flashed in her eyes.
Although she had no recollection of the disfigured woman, she vaguely remembered seeing a woman with a white veil covering her face beside the princess.
There were many different opinions about the woman's identity. At first, people thought she was a beauty that the princess was going to offer to the emperor, but she didn't seem to be young, so they gradually gave up on the idea.
If the woman from Princess Yun'an's residence truly has some connection with the Eldest Princess...
Shen Tangning's eyes flickered, then suddenly became certain: "Is there any way to get her out?"
Yuan Zhao was stunned for a moment, then understood what she meant, and asked with difficulty, "Does Master want to compete with Princess Yun'an for someone?"
After thinking it over carefully, he said with regret, "My visit to the princess's residence caused too much of a stir before, and now the security is much tighter. It might be difficult to bring someone out with me."
"Forget it, forcibly taking it won't work." Shen Tangning dismissed the idea.
Princess Yun'an wouldn't care about the life or death of a maid, but if someone in her household lost face, she would definitely make a scene that everyone would know about, given her personality.
She's fine, but it would be bad if she attracted the Third Prince's attention.
Therefore, this matter should not be rushed.
Shen Tangning recalled that day and that scene. Princess Yun'an was domineering, and Hui Niang's days in the princess's mansion must not be easy. It would be better to contact her first. If they cooperated from the inside, the matter would be much simpler.
Shen Tangning whispered a few words to Yuan Zhao, who nodded and turned to leave.
——
When the time came, Chi Yan also put down his pen, his face showing a sense of relief.
The emperor looked down at them, and Eunuch Fu, understanding the situation, stepped forward, collected the answer sheets, and presented them to the emperor for review.
Emperor Chongde quickly scanned it, his eyes sometimes showing curiosity and sometimes admiration.
The ministers below kept their eyes downcast, knowing that Chi Yan had already passed His Majesty's test.
After a long while, Emperor Chongde raised his head, glanced at Chi Yan who was respectfully bowing his head, and said coldly, "I don't want to see your scribbles again in the next palace examination!"
Chi Yan was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly had a flash of inspiration and respectfully cupped his hands, saying, "This humble subject will definitely practice calligraphy diligently when I return!"
He thought to himself, "His Majesty hasn't seen my previous writing. This is already considered rapid progress!"
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