Lu Yanmo sat in the carriage, idly fiddling with a few trinkets bought from the street.
Although he disdained these cheap items, his friend had said the girl liked them.
He might as well try!
Perhaps she had truly lost her spirit, being kept by the First Prince. After all, the First Prince was unrestrained and had many women. With her proud nature, how could she endure it?
She had once said she wanted to be a legitimate wife.
While he couldn't give her that position now, he would only be good to her. In time, she would understand.
"Young Master, it seems something has happened at the manor," Zhusheng leaped down from the carriage.
The Grand Tutor's manor was a high-ranking official's important location, with no residences nearby. On the empty road, the guards gathered at the entrance were clearly visible.
Lu Yanmo's heart tightened. Could it be that the First Prince had discovered them?
"Husband! This woman killed Biluo!"
Chi Qiuying was the first to see Lu Yanmo approaching. Her beautiful face was pale with fear, her composure completely gone. Lu Yanmo found her voice sharp and grating.
Looking at the crowd surrounding the scene, the girl with a small, palm-sized face also seemed frightened, utterly panicked.
A pang of pain struck his heart. This appearance overlapped with their first meeting, so fragile as if she would shatter at the slightest touch.
"Retire, all of you!"
The guards stepped back. Chi Qiuying's eyes widened in disbelief, her meticulously applied makeup slightly cracked.
"Husband, she killed Biluo, and you still want to protect her?"
"Who saw it?"
Lu Yanmo scanned the crowd. The guards hadn't seen anything and all looked at Chi Qiuying.
"Reporting to Young Master, this subordinate did not see it. However, Miss Biluo was indeed found dead in the backyard."
"She killed her, I saw it with my own eyes!" Chi Qiuying shrieked. "She strangled Biluo with one hand. Kill her! Kill her!"
"Madam is unwell. Take her back to the manor!"
"Lu Yanmo, you're insane!"
"How dare you treat me like this! You treat me like this for a demoness! I'm going to tell my father... Let go, let go of me... Lu Yanmo, you..."
Chi Qiuying was dragged away, the guards trembling in fear.
Lu Yanmo looked at the silent woman standing there blankly, head bowed. He walked over and said gently, "Are you scared? That woman is a bit overbearing. I'll assign a few people to follow you. This won't happen again."
"I bought some trinkets. I heard women like them." It was the first time he had given a gift to a girl, and a blush inevitably crept onto his ears.
"Thank... you!"
The woman's voice suddenly changed, becoming completely unfamiliar. Then, she moved swiftly, grabbing the unsuspecting Lu Yanmo.
The items in his arms scattered across the floor. A cloth rabbit let out a "chirping" scream.
"Let go of Young Master!"
Zhusheng cried out in alarm, staring fiercely at Xing Mei. "How can you be so wicked, woman!"
The guards drew their swords again and surrounded them, but dared not move rashly with their master being held hostage.
The hand around his neck was like an iron claw, gripping his throat tightly, making it difficult to breathe. It was clear her skill was not weak, and killing Biluo was indeed effortless.
"You, are not her, after all. Where, is she?"
Even now, he was still obsessed with the mistress, thinking too highly of himself! Only their Lord could be worthy of their mistress.
"You are not qualified to know. A toad wanting to eat swan meat, a foolish delusion!"
Xing Mei made no attempt to hide her disdain. Lu Taishi was a sycophantic official, and his son was no better!
"Move!"
Xing Mei retreated, holding him hostage. However, she hadn't gone far when her wrist ached. The person in front of her spun and broke free from her grasp, delivering a spinning kick that sent her flying.
"Underestimated you! Lu, you trash!" Xing Mei fiercely wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth.
Lu Yanmo's face turned ashen, and he walked towards her step by step.
How could she wear that face? How dare she wear that face? This disgusting woman dared to impersonate her!
He gritted his teeth in hatred, hating that he had been tricked again, wishing he could tear the woman before him to shreds!
However, he couldn't yet! He still needed to ask about Zhiyu's whereabouts.
"Young Master, be careful!"
Zhusheng suddenly blocked him, swatting away a flying dart.
"Protect the Young Master!"
A thick fog suddenly rose before them. In the blur, several black-clothed figures appeared. By the time the fog dissipated, the people were gone.
...
Half of the allotted time had passed. Ling Yao and her two servants went out to investigate at night and returned to rest in the secret passage during the day. The exit of the secret passage was in a side hall of Fengque Tower, which was now occupied by Lingxi.
She had hypnotized Lingxi and learned little from her. Apart from the matter of impersonating the divine maiden, she knew nothing else. Moreover, Lingxi was now under house arrest and had no freedom at all.
The Taiji Palace where her father resided was heavily guarded, not even a fly could get in. Several palace maids and eunuchs had also been hypnotized, but none knew anything. There wasn't a single familiar face in the entire imperial palace.
"Miss, this underground passage is cold and damp, which is not good for your health. You should leave as soon as possible," Yu Shan said worriedly after taking her pulse.
"I know, but I'm a bit unwilling," Ling Yao said, wrapped in a thick quilt. From the current situation, her father was indeed being controlled.
She didn't know how he was. The image of him bleeding from his eyes in her dreams made her heart ache.
"Tonight, I'll go to my Imperial Consort aunt's place again."
She couldn't find anyone in the Empress's palace, and she couldn't get into her father's. Only her Imperial Consort aunt's place remained.
This night, she finally met someone.
Compared to the unguarded Empress's Fengluan Palace, the Imperial Consort's Yuxi Palace was clearly more heavily guarded.
After a year, her beautiful Imperial Consort aunt had aged considerably. Her eyes were vacant, and her expression was haggard. She, who had always paid attention to her demeanor and appearance, was now wearing unadorned clothing, showing signs of aging.
Her spirit was gone.
She must know something.
"You two, lure them away. I'll go see her."
"Miss, we cannot leave your side," Yu Liu insisted. "At least leave one person."
"Then Yu Shan will lure them away. You don't need to come back; return directly to the secret passage."
"Alright, Miss, please prioritize your own safety," Yu Shan whispered and left.
A moment later, the sounds of guards shouting and probing could be heard.
Yu Liu took out sleeping smoke. The palace maids guarding outside collapsed. She took their place.
Ling Yao entered the hall. There were only two palace maids inside. She easily hypnotized them.
Imperial Consort Futu Lanruo heard no sound, staring blankly at a spot. It wasn't until Ling Yao stood before her that she showed an impatient expression.
"Get out!"
All her former elegance and gentleness were gone. She was like an ordinary woman, her emotions laid bare.
The disgust in her eyes was unconcealed.
"Aunt." Ling Yao called out softly.
The Imperial Consort's eyes flickered, as if she heard a familiar yet unfamiliar call. The only person who called her this way was...
"You..."
"Yes, I am Ling Yao. Aunt, time is limited, don't ask me why I'm here. Tell me first, what exactly happened to my father!"
The Imperial Consort finally regained her senses. She was a bit erratic, both excited and fearful. First, she looked towards the outside of the hall, then she pulled Ling Yao into an inner room, hidden from view.
"Ling Yao, save the Emperor, quickly save the Emperor!"