"Simply submitting this roster may not have much impact," Song Chuyi remarked, seeing that Lai Chenglong was tempted yet spshed him with cold water. "After all, the people on this list are either wealthy or influential. When Xu Liang and Jia Yingxin are removed or demoted without consequence, neither they nor these people will spare you, Uncle Lai. If you truly want to bring down Xu Liang and Jia Yingxin without offending this entire group, you'll need a different approach."

  Lai Chenglong knew she made sense. Despite years of hard-earned battlefield experience, he felt he'd learned more in a single day among the Jinyiwei. These people's hearts seemed twisted and convoluted, always finding intricate ways to harm or manipute others.

  He nodded, gathering his thoughts, and asked her, "I understand what you're saying. If that's the case, do you have a better pn to suggest?"

  "I've heard that the Yulin Guard will soon be heading to Qingxu Temple to survey the area and set up covert guards, preparing to welcome Master Zhang..." Song Chuyi lowered her voice as she noticed Lai Chenglong's eyes widen in surprise. "With the New Year approaching, Master Zhang is surely coming to the capital to offer prayers and elixirs for His Majesty. The Emperor will no doubt visit Qingxu Temple to see him..."

  Even a skilled fighter like Lai Chenglong had to strain to catch her next words.

  "If, at that time, the defense maps of the Yulin Guard were to leak..."

  Just this single line made Lai Chenglong jump to his feet. He looked at Song Chuyi in disbelief mixed with exhiration, barely stopping himself from cheering. What an ingenious pn! Simply send a few dies to get the officer responsible for the defense maps drunk; the maps would naturally disappear. When the leak became known, this man would be held accountable, but likewise, Xu Liang and Jia Yingxin, who used connections to pce him in the Yulin Guard, would not escape unscathed. Their meddling with the security of Emperor Jianzhang's personal guard just for petty gain...

  Once the Jinyiwei investigated, they would find Xu Liang and Jia Yingxin pcing people not only in the Yulin Guard but also in the Jinwu Guard, the Jinyiwei...

  Lai Chenglong spped the table, holding back his ughter as he looked at Song Chuyi. Now he understood why Cui Shaoting, with much reluctance, had told him to seek out this young girl whenever he encountered difficulties. This girl was truly something else.

  Seeing that he understood, Song Chuyi smiled and nodded. "It's getting te. I should head back to the residence; otherwise, the maids in my courtyard won't hold out for long. Uncle Lai, seize the opportunity while it's here—such chances don't come twice."

  After Lai Chenglong left, Ma Wangkun wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, nearly colpsing to his knees. Compared to Cui Shaoting, he feared Lai Chenglong even more. Back in Fujian, he had heard of Lai Chenglong's reputation—Cui Shaoting often won with clever tactics, intimidating mountain bandits and rebels into surrendering. But Lai Chenglong was different; he acted swiftly and ruthlessly. Even now, people in Fujian remembered his name.

  Song Chuyi rose and walked across the covered bridge, instructing Ma Wangkun as she went. "Stay home for the time being. This matter is almost settled. Once Ma Changjiang and the others return, you should all head to Tongzhou for a while."

  Ma Wangkun agreed and then hesitantly informed her, "Miss, recently, the Marquis of Jinxiang's heir has been making frequent moves. While I was monitoring Xu Liang and Jia Yingxin, his people were often in contact with them... Could this bring us trouble?"

  In truth, this Han Zhi was even more frightening than Lai Chenglong, like a god of death emerging from the underworld, sending chills down one's spine.

  Song Chuyi paused slightly, then shook her head. "He's merely running errands to cover up his father's crimes. It's likely not for any other reason. Still, to be cautious, leave the city soon to avoid drawing his attention."

  By the time she passed through the west corner gate and returned to the Guanju Courtyard, the lights at the Changning Marquis Residence were already fully lit. Lanterns on the arch bridge and fresh silk nterns hanging from the trees decorated the residence in a sea of lights, dazzling to behold.

  Ziyun was already waiting at the door, holding a cloak and a ntern. She sighed in relief when she saw Song Chuyi, immediately stepping forward to help her with the cloak. As she ushered her inside, she grumbled, "Fourth Young Master was just here, saying he wanted to invite you over to taste some crispy apple cakes that Yu Shu got from the Old Madam. I didn't dare say you weren't back, so I told him you'd already gone to bed."

  Song Yan was indeed a troublesome child, and Song Chuyi couldn't help but ugh. "Alright, alright, I know it's hard for you, Ziyun. I'll try to come back earlier next time."

  "Another time?" Luyi, carrying hot water into the room, couldn't help but excim, "Miss, you're making it so hard for Ziyun and me! How are we supposed to handle Fourth Young Master's pestering? Please, Miss, restrain yourself until he returns to Shuzhong!"

  Qingtao, hiding her ughter, stepped forward to wipe Song Chuyi's face, chiming in, "Luyi may sound a bit abrupt, but she has a point. If Fourth Young Master finds out, who knows how it'll end."

  Song Chuyi couldn't do much about them. After letting Qingtao apply some pearl and jade cream, she flopped onto the bed and asked, "Anything delivered while I was gone this evening?"

  Cui Shaoting's reply should arrive within these few days, and Lady Yu would undoubtedly send it over. Cui Huaying's marriage was also imminent, so her invitation should come soon.

  Sure enough, Ziyun brought over a pile of invitations. "Here's a note from Miss Biao, inviting you to a gathering with the sisters for her wedding. There's also an invitation from Miss Han of the Jinxiang Marquis Residence to join her for a chrysanthemum wine gathering..." She paused, hesitating a moment before opening a particurly luxurious gilded invitation, exciming, "Huh, Luyi, who delivered this? I didn't see it earlier tonight..."

  "What is it?" Song Chuyi leaned over for a look, and her smile instantly vanished.

  It was an invitation from Miss Shen, the second daughter of Duke Ying's family, inviting her to a crab feast for her "shy new sister-in-w."

  So, it was an invitation from Miss Tong of the Wuning Marquis Residence? But since when was Miss Tong known for her shyness?

  Ziyun tossed the invitation aside with a huff, muttering in annoyance, "What does their new bride have to do with us? If we go, it'll only bring trouble. Better not to go at all."