In the dark underground prison, there was a middle-aged man with disheveled hair looking like the epitome of a slovenly appearance. He wore a sapphire blue brocade robe that was clearly of high value, but it was now completely stained with blood, truly disgraceful.

“Speak up, do you know anything about the matter today? What is He Lian House planning?” Consort Shu stared at He Lian Min Min, her face filled with displeasure. Such a big matter, yet she had been left in the dark. Did they take her seriously or not?

He Lian Min Min knew that her family had not handled things correctly as they had gone straight to Imperial Noble Consort and Fu Zhaoyi to plead their case, bypassing His Sixth Highness and Consort Shu. It was only natural for Consort Shu to be furious.

“One of them is the Second Miss of He Lian Residence, He Lian Wei Rui, who is also shu sister of the Sixth Prince’s Princess Consort,” Fu Zhaoyi replied coldly, her demeanor still proud and aloof. “Miss Wei Rui had written a book called《New Interpretation of Buddhist Scriptures》, which was highly praised by the current Chancellor of the Hanlin Academy¹. 

“As for the other person, she also has a close connection with the Sixth Princess Consort. Why don’t you guess who it is?” 

“Could it be that He Lian House has produced two talented women? Which sister of the Princess Consort is she?” Cao Chonghua² asked curiously.

Zong Zheng Ying looked at the backs of Consort Shu and He Lian’shi with a sullen expression, her eyes filled with hostility. She had underestimated Zong Zheng Lin’s Principal Consort! She didn’t expect to almost land herself in trouble.

“Your Highness, Bengong heard that the Imperial Garden has recently acquired a batch of rare hibiscuses and was planning to go have a look. Does Princess have any interest in accompanying Bengong and providing an opinion on them?”

‘Put an end to her plan’? When it came to this matter, He Lian Min Min was quite clever. She was only a step away from suggesting directly that He Lian Wei Rui be sent to the Eighth Prince’s residence.

Mu Xi Yao felt a little cheated in this deal. Since He Lian Min Min dared to bring it up so openly, it meant that it has something to do with her return to her maternal home. Someone must have given her guidance behind the scenes; otherwise, this woman wouldn’t have let go of her grudges so easily.

“Since Cefei is not happy to see He Lian Wei Rui enter the household, this deal can be negotiated.” He Lian Min Min stroked her golden nail guard with a smile on her face.

Mu Xi Yao listened to He Lian Min Min’s speech filled with confidence, but her attention was on her clothes.

Commander Wei was secretly troubled, but then he saw Zhao Momo bringing Chun Lan into the room to express her gratitude. 

Mu Xi Yao looked at the little girl who had clearly been wronged but still had a deeply touched expression, and felt a pang of sadness inside her heart. 

“So be it.” Zong Zheng Ming put away the military map and smoothed the wrinkles on his sleeves. He seemed to ask casually, “Who has offended Cefei this time?” 

Zong Zheng Lin raised his eyebrows, “How can Fifth Brother be so sure that the one the coming person faced off was Mu’shi?” 

Zong Zheng Ming smiled confidently, “Is there anyone more likely to stir trouble in your household?”

“What you just said, is it true?” He Lian Zhang, who was always steady and cold, was so excited that he lost his composure.

“Daughter dares not lie to father. The Great Master Head Monk personally prophesied, and His Sixth Highness was also present.”

“Mistress, are you all right?” Mo Lan looked at Mu Xi Yao’s swollen calf with distress while gently massaging it for her.

After washing her hands, Mu Xi Yao took the fragrant fruit that Hui Lan handed over and replied, unconcerned, “Don’t worry, it’s nothing.” She took a bite, and the cold juice flowed down her throat, revitalizing her a little.

“Where is Chun Lan? Have you asked the physician to come? Send her a box of the ointment that His Highness gave Qie last time.”