“Don’t worry, my lord, I know exactly what to do.”

Kang Luhai spoke with absolute confidence.

Although Zhen Huan felt that Kang Luhai was being sincere this time, she still couldn’t help but lecture him a little.

After hearing Zhen Huan’s words, Kang Luhai fell silent for a while, then spoke:

“I understand, I’ve betrayed my master before. No matter how sincere I sound, I will always be seen as insincere.”

“Now that you, my lord, hold evidence against me, if I ever do anything to harm you again, please report it to His Majesty and have me punished. I will never argue.”

“Trust is essential in employing people. If you doubt them, you shouldn’t use them. Now that we’ve clarified everything, from this moment on, Kang Luhai is your person.”

“No matter what happens in the future, as long as you, Master Kang, do not betray me again, I will do everything in my power to protect you and your family.”

Kang Luhai thanked Zhen Huan and then left the Suoyu Pavilion.

Zhen Huan ordered that everyone involved in this matter today must keep everything secret. If even a word got out, they all knew the consequences.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Apart from those sent by Huang Guiquan later, the palace servants had all been personally trained by Xiao Yunzi and Jinxi, so Zhen Huan trusted and treated them with extra care.

Shen Meizhuang, An Lingrong, and Zhen Huan chatted a little longer. Seeing that it was getting late, they each returned to their respective palaces.

But what should be done about Yu Ying’er?

If she were like in her past life, keeping her around would be useless and she might cause trouble.

But things were different now—

Thinking this, Zhen Huan ordered Xiao Yunzi to bring Yu Ying’er over.

“Please spare me, my lord, spare me! I will never dare again.”

Yu Ying’er begged for mercy repeatedly.

Zhen Huan lowered her head, stroking the armor on her wrist, her eyes flashing with a sharp and ruthless gleam.

“If I tell Hua Fei that you betrayed her, what do you think she’ll do to you?”

“Please, my lord, don’t tell Hua Fei. Please spare me just this once. I promise I will serve you well in the future, with no second thoughts.”

Zhen Huan sneered: “How should I trust you?”

“I will do whatever you say, my lord.”

“Then listen carefully. Write a letter to your parents. Tomorrow, I will send someone to deliver it to your home. If you’re willing, I will trust you.”

“Otherwise, I will have no choice but to hand you over to Hua Fei tomorrow.”

Yu Ying’er immediately understood the hidden meaning behind Zhen Huan’s words—on the surface, it was about delivering a letter, but in reality, it was a way to control her.

If she agreed, her parents would become her lifelong weakness.

That also meant she would always have to obey Zhen Huan’s commands.

But if she didn’t write the letter and was handed over to Hua Fei, it would mean certain death.

Yu Ying’er thought for a long time. As the most lowly maid in the palace, no matter what, she could never escape being used by others.

Since that was the case, it was better to choose a path that would allow her to survive.

She then told Zhen Huan that she would write the letter, but she needed Zhen Huan’s guarantee that as long as she obeyed, her family would not be harmed. Additionally, her family should be given some money.

It was because her family was poor that they had sold her into the palace as a maid. She had already endured enough hardship.

Since someone wanted to use her, she might as well ask for something in return for herself and her family’s living needs.

Zhen Huan thought that in her past life, Yu Ying’er had been arrogant and overbearing, but now, it seemed that she wasn’t entirely devoid of conscience.

That was even better!

However, when facing Yu Ying’er’s request, Liu Zhu couldn’t tolerate it. She was about to snap back at her when she suddenly remembered Zhen Huan’s past instructions and covered her mouth, saying nothing further.

Seeing Liu Zhu’s frustrated expression, Jinxi and Huàn Bì couldn’t help but quietly laugh.

Zhen Huan agreed to Yu Ying’er’s request.

Yu Ying’er quickly wrote the letter and handed it over.

But she was very curious about what Zhen Huan intended for her to do, so she asked:

“My lord, what do you wish me to do?”

“Serve His Majesty, are you willing?”

As soon as those words were spoken, everyone in the room was shocked.

Liu Zhu’s eyes seemed to ask, “Master, are you sure about this?”

Huàn Bì looked as if to say, “Sister, what kind of scheme are you trying to pull?”

Jinxi seemed to wonder, “Is the master planning to anger Hua Fei with Yu Ying’er? Is this to confuse her?”

Yu Ying’er, too, was caught off guard, but she didn’t believe something this good could really happen.

“My lord, please don’t test me like this. I know I almost harmed you. If you’re willing to spare my life, it is already a great favor.”

“Besides, my family’s life is now in your hands. I truly don’t dare to entertain such rebellious thoughts anymore.”

What Yu Ying’er said was not wrong!

But Zhen Huan’s plan was certainly not as simple as just letting Yu Ying’er gain favor.

Having lived again, she didn’t mind His Majesty having other women by his side, but sending another woman directly to His Majesty’s bed without any other purpose? Wasn’t that just madness?

“I have my reasons for doing this. You just need to answer whether you are willing or not. I will never force you on this matter.”

Oh my, I’ve long wanted to leave the palace. Could something this good really fall into my lap?

Yu Ying’er thought to herself, but when she looked at Zhen Huan in front of her, it didn’t look like she was joking.

She decided not to think too much and just kowtowed, agreeing.

“I am willing. If my lord truly helps me become His Majesty’s woman, I swear I will always prioritize you, and do everything I can to help you.”

After saying this, Yu Ying’er bowed deeply, not daring to look up.

Zhen Huan looked at her: “Remember what you’ve said today. If you can do it, I will never mistreat you!”

Yu Ying’er nodded repeatedly.

Zhen Huan recalled that in her past life, Yu Ying’er was skilled at singing Kunqu opera, so she asked:

“Do you have any special talents, like singing or dancing?”

As soon as Yu Ying’er heard this, she smiled and said, “I’m good at singing Kunqu opera. I’ve been doing it since I was little. I may not be great, but it’s good enough to show.”

Not just good enough—she was the “Miaoyin Niangzi” personally titled by His Majesty!

If she hadn’t been so arrogant, she wouldn’t have ended up being strangled to death!

This time, she should try to be a little more restrained, and perhaps she might have a better ending.

Zhen Huan thought this to herself but said aloud:

“Go rest for now. When the time comes, I’ll find you. But during this time, you still need to follow the agreement and go to that spot to get the medicine.”

“Remember, nothing about today’s conversation can leak out. Otherwise… you know the consequences.”

“Yes, my lord, I understand.”

After saying these few words, Zhen Huan suddenly felt exhausted. She ordered everyone to leave and let Liu Zhu and Huàn Bì support her back to the palace.