There were many people who came to the elegant gathering, and a special area outside was set aside to park the carriages.

Shi Buyu was hiding inside one of the inconspicuous horse carriages. She lifted a corner of the curtain and watched Yan Shian stagger like a drunk, being supported on both sides as he was helped onto the carriage and left calmly.

“A’gu (Auntie), don’t lose him. If anything changes, prioritize his safety. I will handle the situation myself,” she instructed.

Wan Xia was already disguised and looked nothing like her usual self. She quickly jumped down from the carriage, led the horse, and followed behind.

After waiting a bit, Yan Ze appeared at the door. Only then did Shi Buyu tap on the carriage door, and it started moving.

The master was gone, and Yan Ze had to start looking for him. This was the moment when someone should step out to cover for the emperor, preventing them from discovering Yan Shian’s disappearance too soon. Who would that person be?

Zhu Ran?

According to the plan, they only needed to hold the other side off for half an hour. That amount of time was just enough to hide the person but not to get him into the palace. They would never so easily expose that location. Da A Xiong (Elder Brother) lent her some men, and she had assigned part of them to handle this. If they showed even the slightest clue, that place would be uncovered, and this trap would end early. Yan Shian would have no need to risk further danger.

Shi Buyu reviewed the next steps once more. When she returned home, Luo Qing was already waiting outside Hongmei Residence.

“Everything has been arranged,” Luo Qing said.

Shi Buyu nodded. Yan Shian’s people were extremely cautious with him and genuinely cared. Even if the other side tried a deception, they couldn’t fool both Da A Xiong’s and Yan Shian’s men at the same time — and there was also Auntie.

“Where is Qinghuan now?” Shi Buyu asked.

Luo Qing replied, “The princess didn’t leave the residence today.”

“We cannot lose track of her. We must be able to find her anytime.”

“Miss, don’t worry. She won’t be lost.”

Shi Buyu entered the study, signaling Luo Qing to follow. She picked up a letter from the desk and handed it to him: “Deliver this to Madam.”

Luo Qing took the letter and said, “This matter wasn’t discussed with Madam before. If you tell her now, Miss, you may be scolded.”

“Then I’ll scold back. She didn’t love the child enough herself, so she can’t blame me for disrespecting the elders,” Shi Buyu replied without hesitation. “From Yan Shian’s words, you’re hiding this not because you’re worried Madam won’t allow Yan Shian to take risks, but because you fear she’s involved and might ruin our plan?”

“Yes,” Luo Qing chose his words carefully. “Madam has become more radical these past two years.”

“I think if she scolds me this time, it’ll mostly be for letting her son take risks. After all, she wouldn’t even let Yan Shian eat anything from outside.”

Luo Qing shook his head. “You don’t understand Madam. She can’t say she doesn’t care for the young master, but once the matter relates to the late emperor’s blood feud, she can be very ruthless toward him.”

Is that so? Shi Buyu told Luo Qing to deliver the letter quickly. Seeing how Madam scolded her would reveal the answer.

Today, He Yisheng, who had tidied up Shi Buyu to look quite dull, entered carrying a tray and placed a bowl of soup in front of her.

“Auntie Wan told me to give you this after you return, to warm your body with a bowl of soup.”

Shi Buyu had no appetite initially but drank it obediently once she heard it was from Auntie. Then she changed into a goose-yellow blouse and skirt and waited quietly.

Within the expected time, Yan Ze sent someone back.

“The steward made quite a commotion. Everyone attending the Taosheng Elegant Gathering already knows the young master is missing. When I returned, Dou Yuancheng and Zhuang Nan were inquiring about who owns several nearby residences.”

“These two friends weren’t made in vain,” Shi Buyu stood up. Now it was time for the anxious fiancée to appear.

He Yisheng grabbed her hood and hurried after her. Qing Shan and Zhai Zhi also followed this time. The carriage rushed wildly towards the estate.

At this moment, at the Taosheng Residence entrance, two groups were facing off. The side blocking was fewer in number, but their momentum was not weaker.

“Zhuang Nan, what do you mean by that? Yan Shian disappeared on his own turf. How can you blame us?”

Dou Yuancheng pulled Zhuang Nan back, stepped forward, and bowed slightly. “Everyone, please don’t be angry or nitpick his words. The brother is anxious and spoke carelessly, which is understandable. Shian has studied alone in the capital for many years and now only has a few servants left, no one to make decisions. Please don’t leave in a hurry and help us look around. Shian has always been kind to others and willing to help. Now that he’s in trouble, we ask everyone to lend a hand in the name of our past friendship. We thank you in advance.”

Dou Yuancheng bowed deeply; Zhuang Nan followed. Several others with good relations to them also bowed.

His words were truly eloquent, and Yan Shian did have a good reputation. Even those worried about trouble didn’t want to leave abruptly.

Cheng Junyu seized the opportunity to agree: “Dou Gongzi is right. My connection with Shian is just from the floating life gatherings. He never forgets to invite me, so I really appreciate him. For that reason alone, I’ll stay and help you find him.”

Once someone started, others followed suit, making it difficult for those who wanted to leave.

Just then, a carriage sped to a halt before them, wheels almost flying off. A woman wearing a hood bent down to get out, nearly collapsing without her maid’s support — obviously her legs were weak.

“Cousin!” Yan Ze shouted and rushed over anxiously. “Cousin, the young master is missing!”

“How could such a fine person suddenly disappear?” Shi Buyu looked as if the sky had fallen, her expression panicked. “Have the authorities been notified? Should we notify them?”

“Yes, notify the authorities! I’m going now!” Yan Ze said, reaching for the horse.

“Wait!” Dou Yuancheng stopped him. “I’ll write a letter of introduction; you take it to the authorities!”

“Thank you, Dou Gongzi,” Shi Buyu bowed deeply toward Dou Yuancheng.

Though Yan Shian had passed the imperial exam, reporting him might not be taken seriously due to his status, but Dou Yuancheng was different. His grandfather was a high official of third rank; with his letter, even the Prefect wouldn’t dare ignore it.

“He’s my brother,” Dou Yuancheng said, waving his hand and quickly entering the house. There was no shortage of brushes and ink at the gathering.

Shi Buyu continued the act, bowing repeatedly in front of everyone, her voice full of sorrow: “This young lady is new to the capital and can’t even tell directions when leaving the house. Everyone invited by my cousin to this elegant gathering must be his friends. Please help us in this matter. When my cousin returns, he will definitely remember your kindness.”

Cheng Junyu’s mouth twitched as he watched, thinking how unfortunate it was the brothers couldn’t see this scene. But he had already overstepped earlier and now waited patiently.

Clearly, the guests invited today were chosen by Yan Shian himself and still carried some pride. Hearing this heartfelt plea, someone said, “Miss, don’t worry. Brother Shian might just have suddenly left for a bit and will be back soon.”

“Yes, yes, that must be it. Otherwise, how could someone disappear into thin air in broad daylight?”

“Though there are woods nearby, they’re not deep wilderness. There shouldn’t be any wild beasts, so nothing bad should have happened.”

“Let’s search the woods. Brother Shian hosted today and drank a lot; he might have just passed out somewhere.”

The group found this reasonable and began to disperse in small groups to look for him.