Chapter 229: The Plan in Motion

“Yes.” The black-clad figure departed swiftly.

The steward locked the door, gazing in the direction of the palace with a sigh.

The master had placed Dechuan as a pawn in the palace. Now, with the move to tamper with the silver-threaded charcoal, it was clear they intended to take Ji Xuan’s life. The envoys from Great Zhou would certainly not let it go easily, and chaos would quickly follow in Xiliang. The master would then seize the opportunity to strike.

But they hadn’t anticipated their targets being so vigilant. Not only did they avoid dying quietly from the poison, but they also followed the clues back to its source. As a result, they had no choice but to sacrifice Dechuan as a pawn, forcing them to escalate matters today.

Thinking of what was about to unfold, the steward’s face twisted into a strange smile.

Make a move… what kind of move?

Jiu Yu suddenly realized what day it was. It was the day of the ceremony to confer the title of Crown Princess, or perhaps even the Empress’s direct abdication in favor of Su Wan. Such a significant event would undoubtedly involve a ritual sacrifice.

If something was buried beneath the altar, what could they be planning?

His heart sank to the bottom. While he didn’t recognize the steward, there was no mistaking the death guard. Could they be seeking revenge for his mother?

He wanted to leap down and stop them, but reason suppressed his impulse, forcing him to remain calm.

Once the steward left, Jiu Yu quietly descended from the tree and slipped away without a sound.

He returned to the teahouse.

Jiu Ge had been anxiously waiting. When she saw Jiu Yu return unharmed, she let out a long sigh of relief. “Brother, where did you go? You scared me to death. I thought you…”

Her eyes reddened as she spoke, and she gripped Jiu Yu’s arms tightly. “You’re the only family I have. Please, don’t let anything happen to you.”

“Nothing will happen to me,” Jiu Yu said. His face, previously dark and somber, softened the moment he saw Jiu Ge’s tears. A faint smile replaced the gloom. “I just saw an old acquaintance and had to take care of something.”

Jiu Ge broke into a smile through her tears, but still felt uneasy as she asked, “Shall we return to the Siyi Pavilion?”

“Alright.” Distracted, Jiu Yu escorted Jiu Ge back to the Siyi Pavilion and made sure she was settled properly. “The old acquaintance I met earlier offered to provide us with a small courtyard. I’ll go check it out. If it’s suitable, we can move there. Staying in the Siyi Pavilion for too long will eventually expose us.”

Jiu Ge felt an inexplicable sense of panic. She clutched Jiu Yu’s arm tightly and shook her head. “Brother, can you not go? I don’t want to stay in the capital anymore. Let’s return to Great Zhou and live in Zhimiao Temple again, alright?”

She was afraid that if her brother left, he might never return.

“Ge’er, don’t be scared. Your brother will be back very soon,” he said, pulling her into a hug and gently ruffling her hair. “I’ll be back before nightfall.”

But Jiu Ge refused to let go.

Jiu Yu gently pried her hands away and turned to leave without looking back.

Time was running out.

Jiu Yu took a carriage directly to the Fan Residence, intending to inform the Grand Duke and disrupt the conspiracy.

When the gatekeeper heard his purpose, he frowned and said, “The Grand Duke and the Grand Uncle^[1]“國舅” = “Grand Uncle”, it traditionally refers to the brother of the Empress, often an important and respected figure in the court. have entered the palace. The ceremony has already begun.”

Jiu Yu’s face darkened instantly. “What about the young lady of your household?”

“And which family’s young master are you?” the gatekeeper asked.

“I am the son of Wei Xinglu, and I have an urgent matter to report. Please inform your lady at once.”

Hearing Jiu Yu’s explanation, the gatekeeper quickly shut the door with a bang and rushed off to fetch the young lady.

When Young Lady Fan opened the door, she fixed Jiu Yu with a cold stare. “You dare to show yourself in Xiliang? Aren’t you afraid of losing your head?”

Jiu Yu disregarded social conventions and grabbed Young Lady Fan’s hand, pulling her as they ran. “My mother’s subordinates are planning to act during today’s ceremony. I can’t get into the palace, you have to take me inside. If we delay any further, it’ll be too late!”

Young Lady Fan nearly ground her teeth to dust in frustration. Cursing under her breath, she didn’t dare waste any time and accompanied Jiu Yu to the palace.

By the time they arrived, the ceremony was already underway. The civil and military officials were gathered at the Imperial Ancestral Hall.

“Boom——”

A deafening explosion shook the air as a mushroom cloud rose skyward.

Jiu Yu immediately recognized the location, it was the Imperial Ancestral Hall!