Chapter 113: Every Step, Every Plot

Ye Chutang thought of the discussions she overheard on the street and said, “Prince, don’t feel like you owe me anything. We are just mutually benefiting each other.”

Saying this did feel a little shameless, considering that beyond trying to break the deadlock, she also wanted the immense merit points from Prince Qi Yan Zhou.

Prince Qi looked guilty. “I have caused trouble for Miss Ye.”

If Ye Chutang hadn’t been chosen by the emperor as a pawn to deal with him, she wouldn’t have been in such danger.

Ye Chutang smiled. “I didn’t expect the thoughtful Prince Chen to also have such a sentimental side.”

Then, she added, “But, Prince, weren’t you also thinking of my safety when you spread the rumors about the Prince of An’s house and the petition to the emperor, putting pressure on the emperor and Prince An, making it so they wouldn’t dare to move against me?”

Indeed, Qi Yan Zhou had planned this.

However, he suddenly realized that these external pressures were not very effective. They couldn’t protect Ye Chutang at all. If not for her medical skills and ability to disguise herself, she would have fallen into a trap!

“I know Miss Ye has skills, but the palace is beyond my reach. I can’t help you there. You must prioritize your safety—once your life is gone, nothing else matters.”

The emperor was wary of him, and since he rarely stayed in the capital, he hadn’t been able to place anyone close to the emperor.

Ye Chutang felt that Prince Qi’s concern for her was a bit excessive.

She said seriously, “Don’t worry, Prince. I value my life. If I don’t have absolute confidence, I won’t take risks.”

After saying this, she didn’t want to continue on this meaningless topic and directly changed the subject.

“Prince, do you have charcoal pens in the study?”

Qi Yan Zhou nodded and gave her two charcoal pens.

Ye Chutang spent almost half an hour sketching out the known images of the assassins.

“Prince, please copy these sketches, and then have Qin Gongzi pick a few people to copy them as well. Afterwards, hand them over to the Ministry of Justice for identification.”

She had never intended to hide from the emperor about his shadow guards going to the Prince of An’s residence to target her.

But as an “undercover” agent, investigating the behind-the-scenes mastermind shouldn’t be something she did.

It was more suitable for Prince Qi Yan Zhou and Qin Mu Yun to handle.

Qi Yan Zhou looked at the vivid sketches and nodded.

“Miss Ye, don’t worry. Even if I can’t implicate the emperor, I will make sure Prince An suffers a great setback.”

“I’ll wait for the good news.”

After Ye Chutang finished speaking, she added, “Prince, to mislead the emperor, I will be bothering you at Prince Chen’s residence for a while.”

“Always welcome. If you need my cooperation, just say the word.”

“Good, I’ll stay for lunch.”

After learning about Ye Chutang’s preferences, Qi Yan Zhou had the kitchen prepare the meal.

After lunch, Ye Chutang left the Prince’s residence.

Instead of returning to the Minister’s residence, she went to the Yinshi Tower.

The scholars there were discussing the outcome of Ye Chutang’s petition.

“I’ve heard reliable news—Miss Ye has evidence that Prince An schemed against her, and the petition will definitely succeed.”

“So what? Prince An is the emperor’s brother; he will certainly protect him.”

“Not necessarily! The common people and scholars are watching. Even if the emperor wants to show favoritism, he won’t dare go too far.”

“True, the imperial family cares about their reputation. They can’t just lie openly.”

At that moment, Ye Chutang appeared at Yinshi Tower.

She had now become a famous figure there, and everyone rushed to her to ask about the petition’s result.

Ye Chutang sat down in the main hall on the first floor.

“Everyone sit down, I’ll explain slowly.”

Upon hearing this, the scholars immediately gathered around her, eager to hear the outcome.