However.
Yun Shu showed no change.
Not the slightest hint.
It was completely unexpected.
Jiang Luoxi had been talking just for the sake of it, and seeing the hidden meaning in Yun Shu's words, she feared revealing something, so she stood up with a look of boredom, "It seems Miss Yun Er still harbors ill feelings towards this Princess. Very well, there is plenty of time, we shall get to know each other slowly."
With that, she rose to leave.
The moment she turned, the unique fragrance from her clothes was carried by the wind to Yun Shu's face.
It smelled, at that moment, rather refreshing.
Yun Shu curved her lips coldly.
These base and despicable tactics, truly endless and frequently employed.
A Cha whispered to Yun Shu, "This servant could smell it. The scent on her is the same as Madam Qu's."
"She's afraid Madam Qu will fail, so she's entered the fray herself," Yun Shu chuckled lightly.
"Miss must be extremely careful, there might be other schemes brewing in the dark," A Cha reminded her with concern. She now felt that few people at the Hot Spring Villa were good.
Constant vigilance was necessary.
Now that the Great General was no longer in the capital, and only the Night King remained, Miss had to face these ferocious beasts. She was truly worried.
But...
"Where did the Night King go? We've been back for quite some time, why hasn't the Night King returned?" A Cha looked around, unable to spot Zhan Tianye.
The sky was growing darker.
However, the Hot Spring Villa was brightly lit, and the singing and dancing became even more lively.
Yun Shu glanced over; the seat was empty.
What could have held him up?
He could stand now, his martial arts unfathomably deep. Within the Hot Spring Villa, unless something unexpected happened, no one should be able to harm him.
She had even given him some antidote medicine on the way. Taking it in advance, even if the tea and food at the banquet were tampered with, it wouldn't have any effect.
She tapped her finger lightly on the table.
"Shall this servant go look?" A Cha asked, seeing Yun Shu remain silent and fearing Yun Shu's worry.
Yun Shu shook her head, "Not for now. You don't need to fall into a trap."
If A Cha went to find Zhan Tianye, it would truly be like beating the grass to startle the snake.
After all, Prince Ning did not yet know that they had uncovered some matters and discovered he was the mastermind.
Therefore, there was no need to disrupt their plans.
Moreover, she trusted Zhan Tianye.
A Cha nodded with a serious expression.
Jiang Luoxi had already sat back down. After sitting, she asked the palace maid serving her, "Can you smell any incense on this consort?"
Could it be the venom of the Snow Spirit Snake causing her sense of smell to go awry?
So much so that she couldn't smell the scent on herself? Wasn't it said to be colorless and odorless?
The palace maid was greatly surprised by the question, but still lowered her head to sniff carefully.
Then, she shook her head with some bewilderment, "Your Highness, there is no scent. Even if there is a faint fragrance, it is merely the spice sprinkled normally after washing clothes. The scent is very light, and by now, after leaving the palace, the smell has almost dissipated. So, this servant smells nothing."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Luoxi's expression changed drastically.
Her gaze snapped sharply towards Yun Shu.
She had once again underestimated Yun Shu!
It seemed Yun Shu had seen through her! Recalling Madam Qu's embarrassment in front of Yun Shu earlier, it was likely because Yun Shu had detected something.
It was so secretive, yet it still couldn't be hidden from Yun Shu.
Fortunately, if one plan failed, Prince Ning had other strategies.
She lowered her gaze and looked at the food on her table.
She had initially been unaware that her clothes had been tampered with. It was only after taking a bite of the osmanthus cake and seeing the note hidden within, and discreetly reading it, that she realized Prince Ning had made arrangements.
Someone among her retinue was his person.
Her every move was known to him.
Because she had flown too high in these past few years, she had almost forgotten how she had reached this point. This note suddenly reminded her. She knew this was a path with no other choice.
"What did you say to Yun Shu just now?" Zhan Tianhong asked in a low voice after taking a sip of wine.
Jiang Luoxi came back to her senses and looked at Zhan Tianhong, replying, "Your consort wished to resolve some misunderstandings. It is a pity that, as before, Miss Yun Er is still unwilling to discuss matters with your consort. I fear it will not be a matter of one or two times to resolve the misunderstanding."
Hearing this, Zhan Tianhong suddenly smiled, as if he had already understood, "If you wish to turn enemies into friends, then forget it. She will not become friends with you." Yun Shu's temperament did not tolerate deceit. Knowing Jiang Luoxi's machinations, how could she possibly grant Jiang Luoxi's wish?
Thinking this, Zhan Tianhong's smile suddenly vanished, and he grabbed his wine cup for another drink.
A rare moment of indulgence.
Jiang Luoxi hummed in agreement.
She wondered what Prince Ning's next arrangement would be.
"Why are you a bit distracted today? Are you still thinking about Fifth Brother?" Zhan Tianhong suddenly changed the subject, his deep voice questioning Jiang Luoxi.
Jiang Luoxi bit her lip. The Emperor's thoughts were now unfathomable, as Prince Ning had said. This sudden question actually made her break out in a cold sweat. She calmly and composedly replied, "Currently, your consort's heart is only for the Emperor."
Hearing this, Zhan Tianhong did not seem surprised. He let out a contemptuous laugh and said no more.
His expression suggested a certain disgust towards Jiang Luoxi.
Jiang Luoxi knew Zhan Tianhong's feelings for her.
To get Zhan Tianhong to agree to elevate her to the rank of concubine, she had to exchange certain matters.
There was no affection between them.
At this moment.
Zhan Tianye, who had been gone for some time, returned.
At first, no one noticed.
Suddenly, someone gasped in realization, "Ah! Night King, Night King!"
His words were clearly not fluent.
He was completely astonished.
At this, everyone turned to look at Zhan Tianye.
Upon seeing him, without exception, everyone was shocked!
Yun Shu also looked over.
At first, she hadn't paid much attention. It wasn't until someone pointed at Zhan Tianye's legs and exclaimed in shock that she belatedly realized. She already knew Zhan Tianye could stand, so seeing him walk back didn't surprise her.
Perhaps it was because she had been overthinking tonight that she subconsciously didn't react.
He had chosen this moment to let everyone know he could stand.
"The Night King can stand! The Night King's legs are healed!"
Zhan Tianhong's eyes reddened. His hand suddenly tightened around his wine cup, staring intently at Zhan Tianye, who not only stood but was also walking steadily step by step.
His legs had actually healed!
Jiang Luoxi's eyes also widened. Even she, who was accustomed to hiding her true self, was shocked at this moment. How could this be?
Hadn't it been said that Zhan Tianye would be crippled for life? That he would never be able to stand? Zuo Yan had also been helpless, but now...
She suddenly looked at Yun Shu.
It was Yun Shu!
Yun Shu's previous display of helplessness regarding Zhan Tianye's legs was just to deceive the world!
No wonder, no wonder Zhan Tianye treated Yun Shu with such special regard!