Chapter 31: Looking for a Chance to Leave

“The matter of her identity still needs verification. No matter what the result is, the initiative must remain in His Highness’s hands.”

He never fought a battle without preparation—everything had to be guaranteed without error.

Shen Yanli leaned on his hand and asked doubtfully, “Even if you cut off their tongues, they still have their hands, don’t they?”

Surely those so-called officials’ family members weren’t all illiterate?

Hearing this, Pei Ji gave the faintest curve of a smirk. “That depends on the choice they make.”

He Lan shook his head and laughed lightly. “Shen Yanli, you really shouldn’t worry about Pei Ji’s affairs. He’s like a cunning, black-hearted fox.”

Based on his understanding, Pei Ji had definitely left a backup plan—he always ensured that those who were supposed to shut up couldn’t speak at all.

Pei Ji cast a sidelong glance at him but didn’t refute it.

Shen Yanli looked at He Lan. “In that case, I’ll leave the investigation of the Regent Prince Yue’s matters to you. I’ve got something else on my hands.”

He Lan looked at him with displeasure. “You’re more familiar with Jiangnan than I am. Can’t you just have your own men check it out?”

“I’ve got another mission.” With that, his robe fluttered, and with a light tap of his foot, he flew out of the window and vanished into the crowd in the blink of an eye.

He Lan angrily snapped shut the folding fan in his hand and turned to Pei Ji. “When did you assign him a mission?”

His tone sounded like a jilted lover confronting a heartless man.

Pei Ji had a good idea where Shen Yanli had gone. Facing He Lan’s angry expression, his voice remained calm: “I didn’t.”

He Lan gave him a suspicious look, then chuckled. “Fine, I’ll let it go for now—for the sake of the woman he’s chasing.”

Pei Ji merely watched as he talked himself out of being angry.

There was a knock at the private room’s door. He Lan raised his voice, “Come in.”

Mo Ying pushed the door open and closed it behind him, walking up to Pei Ji. “Your Highness, the Princess has left the residence.”

“Mm. Where did she go?” Pei Ji lowered his eyes to the teacup in front of him, his expression indifferent.

He Lan’s eyes lit up from the side. After all, gossip about Pei Ji was a rare treat.

Mo Ying replied in a deep voice, “The Princess went to a newly opened clothing shop in Jinxiu Lane. The shop owner is a woman. Not long after, General Xiao’s wife arrived as well.”

“You really keep close tabs on the Princess,” He Lan said with a smirk, casting a teasing glance at him.

Pei Ji shot him a cold look. “If you’re idle, go dig up some intel.”

“You just want to make the Shizi your errand boy,” He Lan grumbled, but despite his words, he stood up and left.

Pei Ji casually asked, “So, you found that Su Xiangwan and Jiang Huaiyue didn’t have any past connection?”

Mo Ying answered, “Yes. According to my investigation, the Princess and Miss Su had no prior interactions.”

“In that case, their contact only began the day after the wedding. And Jiang Huaiyue went to the General’s manor the very next morning to see Su Xiangwan?”

Mo Ying bowed slightly. “Correct.”

Pei Ji rubbed his fingers together, piecing the information together.

The current Jiang Huaiyue was completely different from the past one. And previously, she didn’t even know Su Xiangwan. Yet now, she had gone to visit her right after the wedding, as if they had long been acquainted.

This likely meant… Su Xiangwan wasn’t the same person she used to be, either.

His deep eyes flickered with an unreadable expression.
Possession? Rebirth?
It seemed it was time to pay a visit to Fayun Temple.

“Back to the residence,” Pei Ji said as he rose from the couch. His robe billowed though there was no wind, leaving behind an eerie stillness in the room.

---

In the rear courtyard of Qing Shan Pavilion, Jiang Huaiyue looked at the woman before her—Yun Shang. She understood that this must be the woman working with Wanwan in business.

She smiled and spoke up, “I’m Yueya. You must be Miss Yun Shang?”

Yun Shang had heard of her from Wanwan. Anyone who could be close to a general’s wife like Wanwan must be from a prominent background.

However, whether someone was rich or noble had little to do with Yun Shang—she judged people by gut feeling.

The woman before her had bright eyes and white teeth, a lively and charming demeanor. Dressed in a pale yellow gown, her slender figure was striking—almost too beautiful.

“Just call me Yunshang. Wanwan has mentioned you to me before. She should be here shortly. Come with me to the backyard first,” Yunshang said, leading her inside.

Jiang Huaiyue nodded. “Alright.”

Behind her, Qiuchan was still puzzled. Why was the young lady suddenly meeting so many new people lately? Could she be getting tricked?

Hesitantly, she followed behind Jiang Huaiyue, thinking to remind her later to be cautious.

Fuyao, arms crossed and face cold, followed in silently with her sword in hand.

Jiang Huaiyue followed Yunshang into the backyard and looked around the courtyard. She couldn’t help but exclaim, “You’ve taken such good care of this place, Yunshang—it’s lovely.”

It was clear Yunshang was someone who appreciated life; the courtyard was clean and elegantly arranged in every detail.

Yunshang smiled. “Just something to pass the time when things are quiet.”

Her gaze swept over Qiuchan and Fuyao behind Jiang Huaiyue, before lowering her eyes politely.

Jiang Huaiyue pursed her lips, then said to Fuyao, “Fuyao, have Qiuchan take you to Chun Hall and see if the physician is there. If she is, ask whether she’d be willing to accompany us to the prince’s manor for a consultation.”

Fuyao immediately understood that she was trying to send her away. “Young Lady, the prince instructed that I am not to leave your side.”

She spoke stiffly and seriously. Seeing her mistress at a loss, Qiuchan promptly stepped in and said, “Fuyao, the young lady is your mistress. What she says goes.”

“It was the prince’s order—are you going to ignore even his words now?” Jiang Huaiyue said, her expression blank.

Fuyao hesitated for a moment. “Yes, understood.”

Seeing her relent, Jiang Huaiyue gave Qiuchan a look, and she understood instantly.

Bravely, she grabbed Fuyao’s arm. “Come on, let’s go quickly and get it over with.”

Fuyao pulled her arm back uncomfortably. Qiuchan gave a small snort of frustration.

She muttered inwardly—how could a proper young woman act like a block of ice? As expected, anyone trained by the prince was cold through and through.

After sending the two away, Jiang Huaiyue turned and met Yunshang’s inquisitive gaze. She offered an explanation: “I didn’t mean to keep it from you—it’s just that my identity is… a little awkward.”

She was a neglected noble consort, married to the regent. No one really took her seriously, so why make a fuss over her title?

“I understand,” Yunshang said gently. “I just hadn’t realized you were Lady Yueya. As long as you don’t mind my lack of courtesy.”

She poured a cup of tea for her and continued, “Please don’t take offense.”

“Not at all. If I could, I’d rather just be Yueya. So let’s keep it that way—just pretend you don’t know.”

The two chatted for a while before Su Xiangwan arrived.

“Wanwan, you’re here!” Jiang Huaiyue stood up happily and pulled her to sit.

Yunshang, sensing the two had something important to talk about, thoughtfully stood up. “I’ll go tend to the shop out front.”

“Thank you,” Su Xiangwan said politely, understanding her intention.

Yunshang gave a small shake of her head and left quietly.

Ningxiang also withdrew to give them some privacy.

With no one else around, Jiang Huaiyue relaxed her posture and asked, “Wanwan, you called me here because there’s something you want to talk about?”

“Yueya, you need to keep an eye on Pei Ji’s movements. If the opportunity comes, we should leave,” Su Xiangwan said seriously.

“But didn’t you say your shop isn’t even open yet?”

Hadn’t she planned to make some silver before leaving?

Su Xiangwan held her hand tightly. “Let Yunshang run the shop. We have to leave the capital first. Your situation is too dangerous.”

She truly feared for her friend’s safety. Money could be earned again, but if she lost her life, nothing else would matter.

Besides, now that she was a general’s wife, if it came to it, she could flee with some silver. She still had some dowry left from her marriage.

“But the poison…” Jiang Huaiyue wasn’t opposed to leaving. What worried her was the curse—it could kill her on the road.