Xing Yuan probably never expected that her plan would be discovered before she could even make a move, just as she was about to proceed with the main quest. She gathered her wits, preparing to deal with Feng Liyu, that cunning fox.
Feng Liyu's face resembled that of a sickly scholar, evoking an involuntary sense of pity. He was always adept at leveraging his advantages, and now, his pair of peach blossom eyes gazed at Xing Yuan, seemingly filled with deep affection.
Had it been a normal woman looking at Feng Liyu in such a manner, she might have been ensnared, completely forgetting her original purpose.
But now, it was like casting pearls before swine. Xing Yuan looked at Feng Liyu's twitching eyes with confusion and asked sincerely, "Your Highness the Third Prince, are your eyes uncomfortable? Why are you acting so strangely!"
Forgive Xing Yuan; she had never been seduced before! She truly didn't know that normal men behaved this way to captivate women.
When Feng Liyu confirmed that Xing Yuan genuinely didn't understand his intentions, he instantly dropped his expression and reverted to the demeanor of a cool and dignified young gentleman.
Feng Liyu said coldly, "Since you have seen me, how can you agree to work for me?"
Xing Yuan retorted, "It's not working for you, it's cooperating with you!"
"You are unwilling to act against him personally, otherwise, even if successful, if it were ever exposed, you would lose your chance at that position. Cooperating with me can free you from any worries! However, there's no free lunch in this world. My actions naturally come with conditions," Xing Yuan analyzed logically.
Although Feng Liyu was not necessarily a good person, he was at least chosen by the Heavenly Dao and would, in the future, be considered a wise ruler. Therefore, Xing Yuan could only support him.
"Oh? What conditions do you have, esteemed guest?" Feng Liyu's eyes were filled with interest.
Xing Yuan smiled, "It's simple! I don't want to interfere in your affairs. However, killing someone is not a problem. But... I'm not sure if Your Highness the Third Prince will discard me once I've served my purpose. If you want me to act, you need to give me some guarantee!"
"Naturally!" Feng Liyu nodded. This request was not unreasonable.
"If my second brother dies, my father will surely assign me the task of apprehending the culprit to test me. At that time, I can simply find a killer to take the blame, and it won't affect you. If you are still uneasy, I can give you a handle over me." Feng Liyu knew this was a rare opportunity and intended to seize it.
Xing Yuan raised an eyebrow, "Are you referring to the mine in Yucheng, the private soldiers in your fief, or your involvement in martial affairs? You need to be clear."
Feng Liyu's heart tightened, and he looked at Xing Yuan with a hint of apprehension.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about these matters, as it would bring me no benefit. I merely wish for Your Highness to write a written promise that you will never harbor murderous intent towards me or my friends. This is the first condition," Xing Yuan said, having observed Feng Liyu's expression, and directly stated her demand.
"Agreed!" Feng Liyu compromised, then instructed his confidant to prepare paper and ink. He immediately wrote down his vulnerability and affixed his personal seal.
Xing Yuan was quite satisfied with this and tucked the document away. With this, even if Feng Liyu ascended the throne in the future, he would never dare to act against her. If she were to leak this information, it would greatly damage his reputation. He had other brothers, and losing popular support would make them restless.
"Alright! Do you have any other requests?" Feng Liyu asked with a sullen face, clearly unhappy. If he hadn't been so short of capable subordinates, he would never have summoned this person.
"Your Highness, rest assured, I only have two requests. I ask that Your Highness do not involve the Prime Minister's mansion when dealing with the remnants of the Second Prince's faction. Even if it's unavoidable, try to minimize the harm. If Your Highness agrees, I will naturally clear away other obstacles for you," Xing Yuan said with a smile, appearing to be in excellent spirits.
Feng Liyu's heart stirred. Did she mean she would be willing to act for him in the future? He immediately nodded, "Alright, I promise you!"
Having obtained what she wanted, Xing Yuan glanced at the dark sky outside. She said, "Since that's the case, it's getting late. I shall take my leave. As for the Second Prince, don't Your Highness think it would make people fear you more if he died in his own residence?"
"Oh, and Your Highness, don't forget the ten thousand taels of gold you promised earlier!"
With that, regardless of Feng Liyu's reaction, Xing Yuan left through the side door. She knew very well that many people were ambushed in the Third Prince's mansion. If their negotiation had failed today, she wouldn't have fared well. But that didn't stop her from extorting some money! That was good pocket money!
Xing Yuan returned to the Prime Minister's mansion in the dark. Perhaps due to her good mood, she slept very well. This resulted in her waking up feeling exceptionally energetic the next day, thanks to her biological clock.
In contrast, Bai Qingyue had slept poorly. She repeatedly pondered the reason for Xing Yuan's late-night departure, becoming increasingly agitated. Just as she was about to drift off to sleep in the early morning light, Xing Yuan woke her up.
Bai Qingyue decided not to sleep anymore and casually asked Xing Yuan, "How did you sleep last night?"
"Very well!" Xing Yuan was bewildered, finding it strange that her elder sister would ask such a question.
"Mm, that's good! You've been at the Prime Minister's mansion for some time now, A'Yuan. Do you have any relatives?" Bai Qingyue probed.
Xing Yuan's face fell, and she said softly, "They all passed away many years ago."
Bai Qingyue paused, her eyes showing apology, "I didn't know..."
"It's alright, it's been a long time. I don't even remember what they looked like anymore," Xing Yuan put on a brave front.
Normally, Bai Qingyue might not have pressed further, but thinking about what she had accidentally seen last night, she couldn't help but ask, "Do you like going out often, A'Yuan? I got up in the middle of the night last night and passed by your room, but I didn't seem to see you."
This was almost a direct question asking where Xing Yuan had been last night. Xing Yuan was startled, her mind racing as she quickly concocted an explanation.
She replied, "Really? Perhaps I felt a bit stuffy while sleeping last night and went outside for some fresh air."
Bai Qingyue: I don't believe you! I stayed up all night watching your room. Who goes out for fresh air for over two hours?