He Yisheng shifted his seat and sat down behind her on the left side.

Shi Buyu looked back. Someone as clever as her would obviously understand his meaning.

She put down the pen she had just picked up, turned around, and sat facing him. “Why did you choose me instead of Yan Shian? He can give you a lot of things, things I can’t.”

He Yisheng spoke frankly: “Following you, I have a fallback plan. Following him, I might not.”

Shi Buyu nodded and returned to her seat, picking up the pen to continue writing and drawing. He was right — following her, at worst, they would go their separate ways in the future. Following Yan Shian, he would truly only become a eunuch.

He Yisheng wasn’t sure if she agreed, but seeing her silent, he stopped talking and quietly knelt beside her as company.

Yan Shian arrived. Now he was much more casual entering the study, walking straight in and raising an eyebrow slightly in surprise when he saw He Yisheng.

“He’s following me for the time being.” Shi Buyu didn’t even have to look up to know what he was wondering. She picked up the paper, blew on the ink, and handed it to him. “Chancellor Zhang has been running around outside for so long, I feel a bit sorry for him, so I’m planning to give him a gift.”

Yan Shian took it and looked — it was a map. “Where is this?”

“The place where Minister Liu of the Ministry of Revenue hides money and treasures. He even keeps many beauties there. Since it’s not far from the capital, he goes there whenever he has time. But it’s well-guarded and kept secret from outsiders,” Shi Buyu chuckled. “Isn’t it funny? He’s still Chancellor Zhang’s man.”

Yan Shian was curious: “If it’s so well guarded, how do you know?”

“Blame him for placing the location in Luxi Commandery. My Fifth Brother has a habit of thoroughly understanding the people wherever he goes — who’s active, who to ally with, who to trust, who stabs you in the back. He always knows, especially focusing on the secretive ones.”

“A capable man.”

Shi Buyu lifted her chin: “Of course. If he wasn’t capable, how could he be my brother?”

A smile appeared on Yan Shian’s face: “You want Chancellor Zhang to raid his own subordinate’s hideout?”

“Yes. And since this happens in Luxi Commandery, Chancellor Zhang can’t avoid my Fifth Brother. He definitely knows what I want and will make a big fuss. Then all that gold and silver, and those beauties, will be exposed to the world.”

The thought of that scene pleased Shi Buyu: “If Chancellor Zhang wants to silence my Fifth Brother, he’d have to give him benefits. But my brother isn’t someone easily bought off with a little something. He’s like a sieve turned sentient. Even if bought, he has a hundred ways to leak the news so that everyone knows.”

This was truly brilliant.

Yan Shian asked eagerly: “What can I do?”

“Of course there’s something for you to do since I called you here.” Shi Buyu smiled at him: “You have many men. Find a way to lure Chancellor Zhang’s people to that place. After that, you and my Fifth Brother just coordinate from afar.”

Yan Shian understood — the idea was hers; the action was his and her Fifth Brother’s. As usual, they only spoke while others ran around doing the work.

“When to start?”

“Immediately. The message must reach Chancellor Zhang within three days.”

Yan Shian calculated the time was tight but doable. He stood up. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

Shi Buyu glanced at the soft cloth on his hand. “How’s the injury?”

“Much better.” Yan Shian gently touched the wound, his gaze softening unconsciously as he looked at her. “Your medicine works very well, A Gu.”

“That’s natural.” Shi Buyu waved him off, thinking the matter at hand was more important.

After Yan Shian left, Shi Buyu stretched and stood, turning around, suddenly remembering someone else was still in the room. She wasn’t used to having someone other than A Gu around in the study.

So she sat down again.

“With A Gu handling things around me, what can you do by following me?”

He Yisheng thought seriously: “I can learn all the things eunuchs do.”

“You’re not a eunuch. Why learn those things?” Shi Buyu said matter-of-factly. “You dress as a woman. I have no maid around me, so you can do the maid’s work. As for what maids do…”

She scratched her head: “Ask A Gu when she returns.”

He Yisheng almost smiled. But he hadn’t smiled in a long time; the closest was just not letting his lips droop downward.

“Got it, I’ll ask Aunt Wan.”

Wan Xia didn’t oppose this.

She had understood He Yisheng’s nature well enough by now — twisted, ruthless, scheming, and driven by hatred. Normally, someone like him would never be allowed near a young lady, let alone serve her. But now, he and the young lady had the same goal. She saved his life, and he needed her. Before his great revenge was complete, he was harmless to her.

Also, his ruthlessness and cunning might protect the young lady at times. For that reason alone, Wan Xia was willing to teach him carefully.

Gradually, Shi Buyu grew used to having someone around. When reading, she had company; in the study, although there were two people, it was so quiet it felt like only one person was there, not disturbing her. When going out, she had a maid beside her, so if she whispered something, it would be done right away.

Shi Buyu enjoyed these benefits and preferred to keep him by her side. After all, there were some things A Gu wouldn’t indulge her in, but He Yisheng would!

“It’s done.” That day, Yan Shian hurried in, his face showing some joy. “Just got the news. Everything happened just as you expected. Minister Liu has been framed.”

Shi Buyu rested her chin on her hand: “Is he attending court tomorrow? Minister Liu should be begging for death.”

“Will the emperor allow it?”

“I guess he wants to. If he does, Chancellor Zhang’s side will be easier to deal with.” Shi Buyu laughed softly, “But how could I let him have his way? I still want to have my way!”

Yan Shian knew the difference here. If Minister Liu really begged for death, it would mean he returned home safely — not the result they wanted.

“He mustn’t have the chance to beg for death.”

Shi Buyu pondered briefly: “Is this information from your subordinates?”

“Yes. They rushed to tell me the result.”

“Then it won’t spread to the capital so quickly. The news must be sent to the Grand Tutor’s ears. The outcome must be Minister Liu thrown into prison. I want to see how Chancellor Zhang will get him out when it’s one of his own men who puts him there.” Shi Buyu glanced at the leaking water clock in the corner. “The day after tomorrow, July 24th, the Floating Life Collection will open.”

“Floating Life Collection” — a name Sheng Junyu gave it. Shi Buyu had thought long but couldn’t come up with a better one, so she accepted it.

Yan Shian followed her gaze: “The people I arranged have all arrived. The shopkeeper teaching Miss Qi Qi said she is intelligent and outstanding. Since she arrived at the Floating Life Collection two days ago, she has gotten along well with the women there, and those who were restless have calmed down.”

Shi Buyu was tempted; she wanted to go see it.

“You can go after the opening, dressed as a man.” Yan Shian immediately saw through her thoughts. “But not now — the more open and aboveboard you are, the less suspicion there will be.”

Shi Buyu agreed. She would go after the opening.