"Your humble servant belongs to Your Highness's faction and naturally should not refuse. But I have no men of my own. If I were to personally handle this matter, Your Highness would leave yourself open to gossip. Once His Majesty investigates, wouldn't Your Highness suffer again?"
Perhaps because she was so furious with the Third Prince, Qian Xingzhi wished she had Lu Yu's martial skills at that moment, to run him through with a sword—this man she loathed to the core.
But she couldn't. Moreover, she had no idea how to kill the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince. She couldn't rely on Lu Yu for everything; sooner or later, that game would end.
"Qian Xingzhi, I have plenty of ways to deal with you alone. You have only one month. I await your good news."
With that, the Third Prince regained his usual arrogance and swaggered out of the Qian Mansion.
Both the Crown Prince and the Third Prince were astonishingly stupid. Even Qian Xingzhi could tell they had no political acumen. Jun Anche had sat firmly on the throne for so long—could he have failed to notice? Even so, why did he allow these two to be pushed forward?
Qian Xingzhi stopped tormenting the flowers and plants in the courtyard and turned her thoughts to countermeasures. Currently, the only people she could use were Yuan Mo and Yin Tan. The servants and doorkeepers she had hired were certainly not suitable as confidants.
She summoned Yin Tan to the inner courtyard and asked, "Back at Full Moon Tower, did you serve only Bai Sen?"
Yin Tan didn't know why Qian Xingzhi suddenly brought up that painful past. "Yes. Bai Sen was afraid I would run away, so it was extremely difficult for me to come and go from Full Moon Tower."
A young child, trapped in a narrow courtyard and under another's control, had managed to raise himself safely. Qian Xingzhi had every reason to believe that Yin Tan was skilled at reading people and socializing.
"I have a task for you," Qian Xingzhi said, confident in Yin Tan. "Many refugees from the Nanchuan flood have fled to Shengjing. I need you, within twenty days and with the Qian Mansion as your base, to find as many refugees as possible, identify suitable candidates, approach them, gain their trust, and use them—the more, the better."
"What does my lord want to use them for?" Yin Tan hesitated.
"Just spreading rumors, nothing that will cost lives. Don't worry about that."
Yin Tan seemed to make up his mind and looked firmly into Qian Xingzhi's eyes. "I will not fail my lord."
Qian Xingzhi took out money from her pocket and handed it to Yin Tan, adding, "Don't come back to the Qian Mansion for the next few days. I'll give you enough banknotes. You decide on your identity outside."
Yin Tan agreed one by one and prepared to leave. Qian Xingzhi, with her back to him, said quietly, "I won't send Yuan Mo to follow you. In other words, I've given you enough money and freedom. If you want to escape this place of trouble, this is a perfect opportunity."
Yin Tan turned to look at her back. She wasn't looking at him, but her words seemed deliberately designed to tempt him to flee, making Yin Tan waver.
"Just," she turned back and smiled at him, "don't let me catch you."
"Rest assured, my lord." Yin Tan's heart stirred. He said no more and left the mansion.
Qian Xingzhi let out a long sigh. Maybe by putting it so bluntly, she would make Yin Tan actually think about running away. Maybe she would lose the person she had worked so hard to win over. Maybe this would indirectly force her to continue relying entirely on Lu Yu for her survival.
But only this way could Qian Xingzhi unload her psychological burden. Ordering a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old child to do these things, to risk his life for her—it felt utterly sinful.
As she was lost in thought, the doorkeeper reported that the Liang family had sent an invitation, asking Qian Xingzhi to come for tea the next day.
How strange. Qian Xingzhi summoned Yuan Mo again. "Is there anything new happening at the Liang Mansion lately?"
Yuan Mo sorted through recent intelligence. "Aside from the Left Censor-in-Chief's wife falling ill and His Majesty sending an imperial physician, nothing particularly special. The court has been very peaceful lately."
Qian Xingzhi grew more puzzled. "Keep a close watch on the Liang Mansion for the next few days. Thank you."
Yuan Mo was startled by this "thank you" and quickly leaped onto the roof beams.
Yuan Mo was basically the ancient version of a search engine.
Suddenly, Qian Xingzhi felt something was off. A familiar yet unfamiliar sensation washed over her. She rushed into her room and checked, realizing belatedly.
Since crossing over, this was the first time she had gotten her period—it had been so long that she had completely forgotten about it.
Along with that came another problem.
She had been drinking the herbal concoction Yuan Qing prescribed every day. Could she still continue now? But she couldn't just out herself and ask Yuan Qing to re-diagnose her, could she?
More critically, perhaps because her "condition" was serious, Yuan Qing came to check on her every few days. Counting the days, the next pulse diagnosis would be the day after tomorrow.
If a man's body showed a menstrual pulse, what would happen? Or could pulse diagnosis actually accurately detect her gender?
The discomfort left her no energy to think further. Taking advantage of both Yuan Mo and Yin Tan being away, she slipped into the kitchen and made herself a bowl of egg and brown sugar water.
Right now, she should be cozily tucked in bed, holding a hot water bottle, watching shows, scrolling on her phone, and if in a bad mood, getting up to eat some little desserts—
According to Yan Zhaoshuang's memories, after fulfilling her wish, she might be able to return to her original world. Qian Xingzhi slumped down and covered her face, emotions overwhelming her. Moisture seeped between her fingers.
"Lord Qian, has the Third Prince's bullying broken your heart?"
Lu Yu? Qian Xingzhi hastily wiped her eyes, grateful she hadn't actually sobbed. "Lord Lu, why have you suddenly come?"
Lu Yu stepped closer. Her slightly reddened eyes fell into his view, and his tone unconsciously softened. "I heard some good news and came especially to inform Lord Qian."
Qian Xingzhi blinked uncomfortably. "For you to trouble yourself to come in person, it must be exceptionally good news."
"Liang Luming's grandmother is gravely ill. The imperial physician's opinion is that she may not last until August next year. Her father is the eldest legitimate son and should observe three years of mourning. Liang Luming and you are not yet married. For the mourning period, the wedding date may be postponed by three years."
Joy fell from the heavens! Qian Xingzhi guessed that Liang Shi'an would likely tell her the same thing tomorrow. Her eyes widened, and she excitedly punched Lu Yu in the arm. "Really?! That's wonderful news!"
Seeing her overjoyed, Lu Yu's smile slipped out as well. It seemed she hadn't changed her mind because of that Liang girl; she had just briefly resigned herself to the inevitable marriage since she couldn't avoid it.
But was this worth Lu Yu's personal visit? Qian Xingzhi was just wondering when Yuan Qing's head popped out from behind Lu Yu. "Lord Qian, I have urgent matters the next two days, so I came to check on you today."
Qian Xingzhi silently took two steps back. "I haven't finished this round of medicine yet. No need for a pulse check, right?"
Was she hinting at something? Yuan Qing pondered and then smiled. "Normally, there is no need for a pulse check. But since you mentioned it, let me take a look."
Would she be discovered? Qian Xingzhi's scalp prickled. But suddenly refusing a check-up would be too suspicious.
The moment Yuan Qing's fingers touched Qian Xingzhi's pulse, his expression indeed turned strange.
Cold sweat broke out on Qian Xingzhi's forehead. "Is there something wrong?"
Yuan Qing hissed. "Well... Lord Qian's pulse now is no different from an ordinary person's. In fact, your qi and blood are abundant, and you are in good health."
Lu Yu seemed a bit uneasy. "Is that it? Earlier everyone said it was so severe that even you had to stay up all night researching ancient texts. Now a few doses of medicine have achieved this effect?"
Qian Xingzhi didn't know the reason, but since her body was indeed fine and her identity wasn't exposed, she immediately sank back into her recent joy. "Great news, great news!"
She turned to Lu Yu. "I was wondering what Liang Shi'an wanted me for. It must be about this. This is perfect."
Not only was her marriage delayed, but her health had also improved significantly. Lu Yu felt a long-lost joy welling up from the bottom of his heart—but why?
Why was he so affected by Qian Xingzhi's every move? Why should he let such trivial matters stir his emotions?
He couldn't figure it out. Lu Yu's smile faded. He didn't respond to Qian Xingzhi's question, only said to Yuan Qing, "Let's go. There's still business to attend to."
The two came abruptly and left just as briskly. In high spirits, Qian Xingzhi rewarded herself by wasting the rest of the day in idleness.
The next day, Qian Xingzhi prepared a modest gift and, putting on a serious expression, headed for the Liang Mansion.
This time, the entire Liang family was very polite to her. Liang Luming was also called out early to talk with her.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Liang Shi'an pulled Qian Xingzhi aside into a side room, saying he wanted to discuss serious matters.
"What instructions does Lord Liang have?" Qian Xingzhi put on an air of deference, just waiting for Liang Shi'an to bring up the postponement of the wedding date.
Liang Shi'an waved his hand and mysteriously lowered his voice. "Hey, Xingzhi, why be so formal? The Crown Prince thinks quite highly of you this time..."
Xing... Xingzhi?? Although Liang Shi'an was indeed an elder, when had she become so close with the Liang family? Crediting her with all the merit for the Crown Prince's release was absurd!
Qian Xingzhi's head was spinning. "Lord Liang flatters me. Being appreciated by His Highness the Crown Prince is this humble official's honor, but—"
"Alright, I didn't call you here for that," Liang Shi'an interrupted her "modesty" and hesitated. "You probably don't know yet. My wife relapsed yesterday and is now gravely ill."
Qian Xingzhi, "full of concern," straightened up in her seat. "I... do know quite a few renowned physicians. I could seek them out..."
Liang Shi'an interrupted again. "It's an old ailment. Over the years, His Majesty has sent many imperial physicians. Xingzhi, your thoughtfulness is appreciated. I called you here actually to discuss your marriage with Luming."
Qian Xingzhi finally "realized" and said, "Rest assured, my lord. Even if it's three or five years, I can wait."
Liang Shi'an nodded with satisfaction. "Of all the younger generation, my wife dotes on Luming the most. Xingzhi, I'm comforted that you think this way."
In three or five years, who knew what things would be like? If she had the chance, Qian Xingzhi naturally wanted to break off this engagement earlier. But thinking about it, Miss Liang must be heartbroken right now. She should find an opportunity to comfort her later.
"However..." Liang Shi'an's tone shifted. "I have already petitioned His Majesty to allow you to marry earlier."