He Yisheng draped a cloak over the young lady’s shoulders; the wind at the end of October already carried a chill.

Shi Buyu tightened the cloak around her and began walking back. Watching the people passing by, she asked, “Do you think I’m being presumptuous?”

“When I first arrived here, I questioned myself why I trusted you all.”

Shi Buyu smiled and looked at him, “Did you find an answer?”

“At the time, I thought it was because I had no other choice. You were the only people connected to this matter that I could latch onto.” At a corner, He Yisheng casually picked up a broom that had been knocked over by the wind and set it upright. “Later, I felt my luck wasn’t so bad after all. Otherwise, how would I have met you? How would I have seen a hope for revenge?”

“From now on, you’re a very lucky person.”

“I hope so.” He Yisheng’s lips curled up slightly — a small gesture he had practiced for a long time and just managed to regain.

In the brief calm, Shi Buyu returned to the study and got busy again. Luo Qing had gathered news from all directions here.

“The Forbidden Army has finally moved.”

Luo Qing nodded. This was an important part of Miss Shi’s plan — spreading various rumors to lure the Jingzhaoyin (Capital’s Chief of Police) to deploy the Forbidden Army. Only by mobilizing the Forbidden Army could the following events escalate. It was impossible to pull the emperor’s cover all at once today. From the start, the young master and Miss Shi never planned to expose themselves; everything was done by using others’ hands.

Before the Yan family gate, carriages came and went, and various shops brought money back.

After a while, Zhuang Nan brought 4,400 taels.

Later, Dou Yuancheng brought 5,000 taels.

One copper coin could buy a meat bun now. For even a wealthy family like theirs, before taking control or establishing a household, this money was already everything they had, probably even borrowed or tricked from somewhere to make up the sum.

Afterwards, more people came with money; even Qiqi came, with a sufficient reason—Master Shi An had redeemed her freedom earlier. When if not now should she repay this kindness?

Shi Buyu told Luo Qing to remember everything clearly.

When Cheng Junyu arrived, Shi Buyu happened to come out and naturally they could exchange a few words.

In full view of everyone, the two walked a few steps aside, loudly exchanging pleasantries and quietly whispering.

“All going well?”

“Everything under control.”

Cheng Junyu glanced around: “When you first released the news, there were still many people in the Fusheng Collection. I had Qiqi stir up their fears.”

“No wonder Jingzhaoyin received so many summons,” Shi Buyu smiled. “Before the kidnappers sent messages, everyone was helping to search. I had people lead them toward the place where Yan Shi’an was held, putting great pressure on them. When the curfew is set, there will be a transfer. Prepare accordingly.”

“It’s already arranged.”

Shi Buyu nodded. The eldest brother should not move; his manpower was now managed by the seventh brother.

Seeing Yan Ze walk this way, Cheng Junyu took his leave in time, walking away a few steps to hear a report: “Miss, Princess Qinghuan has arrived.”

Cheng Junyu looked back and exchanged a glance with Xiao Shi’er — this princess really had no intention to avoid suspicion.

“Let me see that letter,” Qinghuan said as soon as she appeared.

Shi Buyu led her to the northern hall where honored guests were received and handed over the letter.

Qinghuan sat down, frowned after reading, and said, “If the kidnappers were really after money, they shouldn’t ask for such an impossibly high ransom. What’s the point of demanding a sum no one could raise?”

“To tell everyone that Yan Shi’an died at the kidnappers’ hands.”

Qinghuan looked at her. Now she stopped pretending, but this…

“Do you know who the other party is?”

Shi Buyu thought about telling Qinghuan the truth now but felt it wasn’t the right time yet, still too soon.

So she said, “No idea. But given what they did, I can’t think of another reason.”

Qinghuan nodded thoughtfully. Someone wanted Yan Shi’an dead, so they set an impossible ransom. When the deadline comes, Yan Shi’an will die at the kidnappers’ hands, but the real culprit will walk free. A very clever plan.

“This big princess mansion needs support. I don’t have much cash on hand now, but I do have plenty of grain, cloth, and jewelry. I’ll sell them at auction tomorrow and send you the money.” Qinghuan asked, “How much is still missing? Is it possible to raise enough?”

Shi Buyu thought to herself whether it was the mansion or the favorite male companion that needed support, but answered promptly, “My cousin made many good connections. Two of his close friends have already sent nearly ten thousand taels. Others are doing their best to help, and with what the family can provide, we should raise half. Even if he gives one more day, I can sell the house and the shops. We will definitely raise enough.”

Still missing half, Qinghuan rubbed her temples. She spent a lot, was watched by the emperor, did no business, and took no bribes. Life was decent but suddenly coming up with so much cash was hard.

Besides, she really had no reason to go this far for Yan Shi’an. She just didn’t know why she kept wanting to help this matter.

“I’ll think of something when daylight comes.” Qinghuan stood, gave her a deep look, and said, “You’ve really surprised me today.”

Shi Buyu bowed: “I’ll let you off today. When the time comes, I’ll scare you to death.”

With the princess’s arrival, even more people came to deliver money. But as time grew late, the gate gradually grew quiet.

The Yan family’s wide-open gate, the brightly lit mansion, seemed particularly lonely in the surrounding darkness.

Shi Buyu ordered not to close the gate and kept making occasional noise, exposing the Yan family’s panic on the surface. She didn’t know how many were watching from the shadows, but the outward show was well done.

The third watch drum sounded.

Shi Buyu stood and walked into the courtyard. Curfew lifted.

Over there, the few who had been waiting for the third-watch drum’s sound felt like hearing celestial music. Yan Shi’an, though still unconscious, was given another dose of sedative just in case — the fourth dose that day; three doses were normally enough for others.

About a dozen people went ahead to scout. After confirming safety, they lifted Yan Shi’an into a carriage and sped away. They did not head into the city but in the opposite direction — the place where Taosheng Ju was located.

Approaching closer, their carriage entered another road — the area occupied by the powerful, known for its hot springs.

The carriage finally stopped before a residence on the outer side. After a pause, hearing no sound, the side gate big enough for the carriage quietly opened.

Just then, the horses suddenly got spooked, neighing loudly and standing up, the carriage spinning half a circle uncontrollably despite the reins being pulled. One of the men was thrown off, running wildly back the way they came, crying “Yuyu” as he ran — a piercing sound especially noticeable in the night. Houses along the way lit their lamps, and the alert guards quickly rushed out to check.

“Help! Help!”