They concluded the culprit was from within the Imperial Palace, but a full day of investigation turned up nothing unusual.

Forget them—even a master detective would have been stumped by Ye Qianning’s methods. Not a single clue had been left, and it had already been three days since the theft.

Locking down the city gates now would have been futile. But that was where the coincidence lay.

Some moron had chosen this exact moment to abduct someone from the palace, running right into the guards on patrol.

When the Beili Emperor discovered that the person in his secret chamber had been abducted, he dispatched a massive manhunt. The Imperial Palace was sealed, the Capital City was locked down, and an all-out pursuit began.

Consort Yuan connected the two incidents, so she also sent people to give chase.

As a result, within a few short hours, the Capital City was thrown into a panic. Whether it was the common citizens or the court officials in their manors, no one would find any peace today.

Since the Emperor himself had ordered the pursuit, the officials couldn’t just sit on their hands. Upon receiving the news, the Ministry of War immediately mobilized troops from the encampment outside the city, surrounding the Capital City in three impenetrable layers.

Even if someone were lucky enough to get through the city gates, they wouldn’t be able to escape, even if they sprouted wings.

"Miss, the entire Capital City is under complete lockdown. The Ministry of War has started a house-to-house search, and the General’s Estate will likely be searched as well," said Luo Wen.

"Tell Ying Ge and Ying Yuan not to hide in the shadows today. Have them guard the concubines’ courtyards." ’None of the concubines know martial arts, so it would be troublesome if an intruder got in.’

"But Miss, you can’t be left without anyone by your side," Luo Wen said, worried.

’Dean Chen just left for Lou Mountain this afternoon and won’t be back until tomorrow. Luo Xuan and Du Ying are at the black market, so Ying Ge and Ying Yuan can’t just leave her.’

"But I still have you, don’t I?" Ye Qianning said with a smile.

Luo Wen froze, a flicker of joy in his heart. "But Miss," he said, "the concubines should be safe as long as they don’t leave their courtyards."

’It felt good to be trusted, of course, but he couldn’t let his pride put the Miss in danger.’

’The Capital is teeming with masters, and he was still too weak.’

"Don’t worry, I’m not going to go looking for trouble," Ye Qianning said. ’She’d had a few peaceful days; there was no need to wade into these muddy waters.’

"Should we ask Elder Gu to come over?" Luo Wen asked.

"Why would we ask Elder Gu to come?"

"At their current search pace, they’ll likely reach the General’s Estate after midnight. With the General and Dean Chen away, I’m afraid some people might try to cause trouble."

"It’s fine. I have the golden medallion bestowed by the Emperor. If anyone dares to step out of line, we’ll drag them out and execute them. Tell the butler to have all the servants and maids on high alert. There’s no need to be afraid. We need to act with the authority befitting the General’s Estate."

"Yes," Luo Wen’s voice rang out.

Ye Qianning stepped outside. The rain had lightened, but she could still hear the clamor from the city.

’The kidnapping in the palace... She had a sneaking suspicion it was related to the key she’d stolen at the Xi Yan banquet.’

’His timing was just too perfect. It was nice to have a scapegoat.’

The night deepened as rain poured down, filling the air with the scent of wet earth.

KNOCK KNOCK.

A knock sounded at the door.

The butler opened the main gate while holding an oil-paper umbrella. "Old Master Zhan, Madam Zhan, Young Master... what brings you here?"

"The Capital City isn’t safe tonight, and with no master in the residence, we were worried," Zhan Yi said, stepping inside.

Madam Zhan’s hair was slightly damp. As she came in, she asked, "How is Pangtuan?"

"Rest assured, Madam Zhan. The Eldest Miss had Guard Luo make all the arrangements. He should still be awake."

"It’s so much for a child to handle," Madam Zhan said, her heart aching for her.

Zhan Chi stood at the gate. "Guard the General’s Estate well. Don’t let anyone suspicious inside."

"Yes."

A dozen or so guards wearing rain hats quickly dispersed.