Chapter 931: Chapter 930: Making a Plan
Ah Jiu watched as Wufu came in with a cheerful smile and couldn’t help but say, "Why are you sparring with Bai Xiaobai again?"
Their noisy squabble outside was loud enough for him to overhear.
Wufu sat down and said, "That kid needs a beating. I offered him a money-making business to collaborate on, practically putting money straight into his pocket, and he’s still nitpicking with me. Doesn’t he deserve a beating?"
Everyone chuckled, thinking, girl, aren’t you just fifteen? Calling others ’kid’!
Ah Jiu said, "There must be something you need him to do, right?"
"Just a few formulas. Isn’t that something he can handle with ease?" Wufu touched her nose.
"Can I join in too?" Ah Jiu raised an eyebrow.
Wufu widened her eyes, "Ninth Master, women earn a bit of money to buy flowers and wear them, don’t you compete with me for it."
Ah Jiu smiled slightly and didn’t pursue the topic further. He said, "Let’s not talk about that. For the Picking Spring Festival, the guests are hosted after noon. We’ll go together then, and you can check if there’s anything we missed."
"Are you sure you want to stroll into the Tenth Prince’s study?" Wufu asked, taking the map.
"Uh-huh."
Wufu furrowed her brows and studied the map, saying, "We’ll need to devise a thorough plan; otherwise, if we’re caught, it won’t be fun."
"Tell me," Ah Jiu said.
Wufu thought for a moment, glanced at Yuan Ye, and said, "Let’s call everyone involved over for a talk."
Yuan Ye looked at Ah Jiu, and seeing him nod, went outside.
It wasn’t long before Yuan Ye returned with everyone.
Wufu said to Ah Jiu, "I’ll disguise myself as Xiao Li and attend the banquet with you and Yuan Ye. Xiao Li will disguise as someone else and wait on the perimeter. If anything happens, Xiao Li, you are me, and I am you."
Xiao Li was puzzled and somewhat unclear, "Ma’am?"
"We’re going in to steal something," Wufu said. "Once we leave anyone’s sight, if it’s too long, it’ll arouse suspicion. If the people from the Tenth Prince’s Mansion discover something missing, those who have been absent will be the first to be suspected. So, we have to be ready to provide proof of absence at any time. If I disappear, Xiao Li, you need to be in plain sight."
"Understood, ma’am," Xiao Li smiled.
Wufu picked up a charcoal pen, looked at the map, and began to circle points: "From the Curved Water Banquet Pavilion to the study, you need to pass through these areas. It takes too long, and even if you reach it, there still needs to be time for the return. Back and forth, Ah Jiu, you’ll have to provide explanations."
Ah Jiu sat next to her. This map had the latest layout with the Picking Spring Festival’s banquet location and divided areas for male and female guests, marking their positions; the male guests were at the Curved Water Banquet Pavilion in the Tenth Prince’s Mansion.
"How long does it take?" Ah Jiu asked Tang Shi.
Tang Shi also looked at the map and said, "Going back and forth, even at the fastest speed, needs an hour, and that’s assuming a smooth route."
Being away for such a long time was quite hard to justify.
"You don’t have to take this path," Wufu pointed to a location.
Ah Jiu looked over, his face stiffened, and looked at Wufu.
Wufu said with a smile, "Ninth Master, to achieve great things, one can’t fuss over minor matters. It will require you to endure some inconvenience."
Ah Jiu’s lips twitched.
Tang Shi glanced at it, somewhat puzzled.
Wufu lowered her head, hiding her smile, coughed lightly, and said, "Chi Yi, you guys have a task too."
Chi Yi was stunned, immediately cupped his hands and said, "Awaiting your orders, ma’am."
"You’ll take this post," Wufu circled another point with the charcoal pen, speaking quickly, "Four, you’re at this post..."
Ah Jiu picked up a cup of tea, watching the woman beside him seriously instruct and arrange, completely different from her usual playful manner. It seemed like she had gone through such matters many times before. His gaze fell on her profile and chin, and he couldn’t help but smile slightly.