The attempt to assassinate Ye Zhi completely fell through.

Cai Yu noticed that the young lady’s face was becoming increasingly grim. She shrank back, too afraid to step forward, fearing she might become the target of punishment.

The master and servant stood just like that, and Liu Qingxi didn’t even notice when the three women left.

It was only when the shop assistant couldn’t stand it anymore and came forward to inquire if she wanted to buy rouge, that she snapped back to her senses and said, "No."

Only then did she leave with the maid, one in front, one behind.

Failing with one plan, Liu Qingxi hatched another. In her dream, she discovered that Miaojiang had a kind of Gu that could make others obey her will. Because the Gu Technique was too sinister, it was banned by Miaojiang’s clan laws. However, some people could still use it, such as Miao Yine, an old woman currently safe and sound in Qingfeng Town, who would be killed by Shen Chen in three years.

The detailed reason she did not know, as this was something her subordinate of Shen Chen mentioned casually.

As long as she could find Miao Yine and entice her with benefits to learn this Gu Technique, she could surely kill Ye Zhi and confuse Shen Chen. She needed to act before anyone else was killed.

Having made up her mind, she walked calmly towards the Crown Prince Mansion.

Three thousand taels down the drain, and now she needed money to tide over.

As Liu Qingxi passed by Nongfeng Hall, it was just as she suspected; it was already closed. Glancing indifferently over, she pretended nothing was wrong and continued onward. The small hand hidden in her sleeve clenched tightly, the nails digging deep into the flesh without her even realizing.

...

Imperial Garden.

Emperor Jingping, mature in age, sat in a red-lacquered pavilion with four pillars. Opposite him were the Eldest Prince and the Second Prince, and standing respectfully beside him was an obedient eunuch.

"Sit, why should we as father and sons be so formal?"

His deep male voice carried a smile but was tinged with the authority of the Imperial Family. It was Emperor Jingping speaking.

"Yes."

The princes both responded simultaneously and sat down together.

Emperor Jingping restrained his smile and said in a regular tone, "Do you know why I summoned you today?"

The brothers exchanged a glance, then turned their eyes to their father.

Li Changnian, with his sharp nose and lips, appeared resolute when calm, exuding the princely grandeur. He was the first to speak: "Last night, we don’t know which heroes and warriors killed most of the people in Jiyin Village. Today, this has spread throughout the capital. Did Father call us here to discuss this?"

Without immediately answering his second son’s question, Emperor Jingping paused, casting his gaze towards his eldest son: "And what does Qian’er think?" 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Li Qian’s thoughts differed from his second brother.

His first concern was the Min River disaster.

"Is Father worried about the Min River disaster? I’ve heard that the river there overflowed, flooding the people and farmlands on both sides. The flatlands are submerged a few feet deep; everywhere you look is a vast expanse of water. You can hear the cries of children, the barking of dogs, the crowing of roosters, and floating on the water are clothes, sheep, cows, corpses, and many homes have collapsed, leaving many people homeless."

His voice carried a sense of powerless indignation.

Emperor Jingping solemnly nodded: "It seems Qian’er usually pays attention to the people’s welfare. Having you is a blessing for the people."

Li Qian was humbled: "This is merely my duty."

Beside him, the Crown Prince remained silent, his expression unwell. Why should Father praise the Eldest Brother as the people’s blessing in front of him? For what reason? He was the legitimate Crown Prince. His hand clenched tightly, the fist hidden away.

"Then, according to the Crown Prince, how should we respond?"

Emperor Jingping unexpectedly directed the conversation towards his second son, seeking a solution.