She can't escape

At this very moment, a captivating figure approached, accompanied by two maids. The scene resembled a picturesque Jiangnan landscape, with a misty ambiance in the Taibai Academy.

It was Helian Jiao'er, wearing a vibrant red cape. Though her youthful face was devoid of makeup, it exuded a gentle and serene beauty.

She caught sight of Baili Jia Jue, offering a shy salute before turning to the still-busy Sun Gonggong. "I heard that my elder sister is missing, so I came out to search for her. Does Sun Gonggong have any information?" Sun Gonggong, exhausted and longing for sleep, shook his tired head and remained silent.

Helian Weiwei, disguised as one of the guards, adjusted her posture and fixed her gaze on the two maids accompanying Helian Jiao'er. Regardless of Helian Jiao'er's intentions for appearing at this time, it might present a golden opportunity for her.

"Did they find the boy from the Black Family?" Helian Jiao'er continued, her brows slightly furrowing, as if she were concerned about Helian Weiwei's actions. "My sister always acts recklessly, and that old man from the Black Family disapproves of her relationship with Hei Ze. She went to Youyuan at such a late hour, and now she's disappeared. I'm truly worried that she'll tarnish her reputation." Sun Gonggong raised an eyebrow. Did that mean Miss Wei Wei staged this spectacle to elope with the young master of the Black Family?

After receiving the white cherry blossoms from His Highness, she eloped with another man...

Sun Gonggong cautiously glanced towards his master, and the faint moonlight revealed the same cold indifference. The frosty air emanating from his low eyes made Sun Gonggong's neck shrink, and he averted his gaze from Helian Jiao'er. He then advised, "Miss Jiao'er, you shouldn't speak such nonsense. The second son of the Black Family has already left the mountain, and we personally stopped the carriage. We didn't find Miss Weiwei. If your words were overheard, it could cause a major issue and lead to misunderstandings about discord between you and your sister, which wouldn't be favorable." With all the commotion today, Grandfather Sun was already living in fear.

Under ordinary circumstances, he wouldn't speak so bluntly. After all, Helian Jiao'er was the young lady of the Protector Mansion, and the members of the four major families protected her. Even the Emperor regarded her as a potential candidate for the third imperial princess.

But this Helian Jiao'er was truly something. His Highness was already in a foul mood, and she had the audacity to approach and add fuel to the fire.

Though others couldn't see through her schemes, the courtyard squabbles of a noble family were as boring to those who resided in the palace as child's play. Even this old eunuch couldn't bear to watch, let alone His Highness, who had a complex and inscrutable mind.

It seemed that his master simply didn't want to engage in conversation with Helian Jiao'er.

Duke Sun didn't say anything further, and with a flick of his hand, he followed Baili Jia Jue and departed.

Upset by Helian Jiao'er's appearance, none of them noticed that a guard had inexplicably vanished after their departure...

Helian Jiao'er, having encountered resistance from Sun Gonggong, clenched the fabric in her hand with venomous intent. However, her purpose had been achieved, and she didn't believe that her Third Highness would remain indifferent upon hearing the news.

That despicable woman's good reputation would be shattered once and for all.

If she didn't return to Taibai Academy before night's end, she would face punishment. And if the dawn arrived without the mean woman's appearance, it would confirm the unsavory connection between her and the son of the Black Family.

Helian Jiao'er's eyes gleamed with pride. She intended to leave but noticed that the maid holding the lantern kept her head lowered, engrossed in some task. Annoyed, she scolded, "Hurry up and bring the lantern. Can't you see properly?"

"Yes." The "maid" respectfully approached, never once raising her eyes. It was unclear if it was due to the darkness or genuine fear of Helian Jiao'er stumbling. The maid diligently attended to the lantern without lifting her gaze.

Meanwhile, Baili Jia Jue, who had just entered the courtyard, seemed to have had a realization. His eyes narrowed, and his voice turned icy cold. "Gather all the guards and take a headcount."

The guards were taken aback, perplexed by their master's sudden command.

Once they assembled, a thin layer of sweat formed on their foreheads. "Begging Your Highness's pardon, but one guard is missing."

"One guard," Baili Jia Jue repeated with a sneer. His voice carried an icy chill that caused everyone to shrink back.

Especially the guard who had been by Baili Jia Jue's side for years. The absence of one guard among their ranks could only mean that Helian Weiwei had disguised herself and listened to their plans right under their noses.

And they hadn't noticed a thing!

Should he applaud the eldest Miss of the Helian family for her exceptional disguise skills, or should he say she had no fear of death?

Helian Jia Jue slowly formed a smile, a wicked coldness that didn't reach his eyes, yet sent shivers down everyone's spines.

Even Sun Gonggong sensed the abnormality of the situation. Why was there one less guard at this moment? Please, let it not be what he was thinking.

How could the Helian family's eldest miss be so audacious as to impersonate His Highness's guard!

Baili Jia Jue's grip on his tightened hands relaxed slightly, coinciding with the swaying of the towering tree behind him. The gusty wind ruffled his dark hair, giving it the appearance of a snake slithering through the grass. The pair of phoenix-like eyes, hidden beneath years of indifference, sparkled and shimmered. The rustling leaves descended from the tree trunk as he tilted his head, seemingly deep in contemplation.

After a moment, the icy voice pierced the air once more. "How many maids accompanied Helian Jiao'er just now?" How many maids? Sun Gonggong was taken aback; such details were usually overlooked.

"According to my recollection, Your Highness, there were two." The guard pondered for a moment and finally responded with certainty.

"Capture them all," Baili Jia Jue commanded. Retrieving his gaze from the guards, he stood tall at the center of the gathering, causing everyone to instinctively hold their breath.

They knew that this time, Helian Weiwei wouldn't be able to escape!