Easy to Coax!

Madam Ye had been visibly relieved to see her daughter's composed expression. However, her curiosity was piqued when she noticed Jun Jiuji's presence, as she hadn't been informed of his arrival.

Ye Yining quickly diverted the conversation. "Mother, I've already informed Father."

On the other side, General Ye was en route back to the residence. A murder had occurred within the manor, with a severed head as evidence. The perpetrator had even attempted to frighten his daughter. This was a grave matter, and he had ordered someone to report it to the capital prefecture immediately.

The General Manor had been abuzz with commotion just the day before, and now it was the talk of the capital.

Upon General Ye's return to the residence, those who were interested in the General's affairs and eager for some spectacle had gathered.

Anyone who visited the house offered words of comfort upon seeing Ye Yining.

Growing irritated by the attention, Ye Yining made an excuse to retreat to the kitchen, wanting to avoid dealing with these people.

Upon seeing Ye Yining depart, Jun Jiuji gave a few directives to Lord Li of the capital prefecture before personally seeking out General Ye.

"The security at the General's Estate is too lax. It's advisable to reinforce the defenses. I'll bring Ye Yining to stay at Jun Jiuji Manor for a couple of days."

General Ye couldn't hide his agitation upon hearing this. "Your Highness, this goes against the rules!"

Despite his daughter being betrothed to Jun Jiuji, they weren't officially married yet, and societal norms were still a concern.

"Rules are made by people. This Prince has just received word that the assailants this time were from the Thousand Hand Pavilion. Someone paid 30,000 taels of gold to purchase the head of a servant girl to intimidate the Eldest Miss of the Ye family. Even if this Prince doesn't state it explicitly, you understand that this servant girl wasn't chosen randomly. It's highly likely that someone within your estate is targeting Ye Yining, using her as a pawn to carry out a sinister plot. The murderer remains at large, and the General's Estate is not secure."

General Ye was at a loss for words. He couldn't deny that if the General Manor wasn't safe, Jun Jiuji Manor might not be either.

The Thousand Hand Pavilion was a renowned assassin organization in the martial world.

"Since General Ye doesn't object, then it's settled," Jun Jiuji decisively concluded.

Madam Ye was extremely anxious. Jun Jiuji's approach felt domineering. He appeared to seek their consent, but there was hardly any room for negotiation. She contemplated rejecting Jun Jiuji's proposal but feared what he might say.

"Don't worry; I will take good care of her," Jun Jiuji reassured them, sensing their unease.

General Ye still hesitated. "Why don't we ask Ye Yining for her opinion?"

"Alright!"

Meanwhile, Ye Yining had been busy in the kitchen before bringing over a food box. She was taken aback when she learned that Jun Jiuji wanted her to stay at Jun Jiuji Manor.

She was about to decline when Jun Jiuji gently clasped her hand, his eyes fixated on her beautiful, rosy lips. Leaning in slightly, his voice carried a hint of entrancing allure. 

"Ye Yining, can you stay at Jun Jiuji Manor?"

Ye Yining found herself momentarily captivated by Jun Jiuji's charming demeanor, her heart fluttering. She nodded, unable to resist his magnetic pull. "Okay."

Jun Jiuji achieved his desired outcome, and his usually stoic expression sported a subtle smile. He was in high spirits.

Madam Ye observed the exchange and sighed as she held her forehead. 

"Ye Yining is so easily swayed!"

Ye Yining caught a glimpse of her mother's expression and suddenly had an idea. She discreetly glanced at Jun Jiu Ji, attempting to negotiate with him. 

"Could I go to Jun Jiuji Manor tomorrow afternoon? I promised my mother that we would visit Changling Temple to seek a safety talisman. I intended to assist you!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Ye quickly agreed. "Yes, that's right! Tomorrow, we'll visit Changling Temple. Staying home today is a better option."

After tomorrow, Jun Jiuji will depart for Cloud Border City, so there would be no need for Ye Yining to stay at Jun Jiuji's estate.

Jun Jiuji's gaze lingered on Ye Yining's face momentarily before he finally relented. 

"Very well, I'll accompany you to Changling Temple tomorrow. Tonight, I'll assign more guards outside the Freezing Snow Pavilion."

"Alright," Ye Yining reluctantly accepted the arrangement this time, realizing there was no room for further refusal.

"Have you eaten?" Ye Yining changed the subject as she placed the food box on the table.

"No, I haven't. Did you prepare this for Ye Yining?" Jun Jiuji's curiosity was piqued, and a hint of anticipation gleamed in his eyes.

Ye Yining didn't reply. She opened the food box and portioned the shredded chicken porridge into four small bowls – one for Jun Jiuji, one for her parents, and the final bowl for herself.

Jun Jiuji wasn't particular about his food as long as Ye Yining was by his side; it made him happy.

General Ye's emotions had been somewhat tangled, but when he noticed Jun Jiuji's attention on Ye Yining, his mood inexplicably lightened.

It was comforting to know that Jun Jiuji had genuine concern for his daughter.

After some thought, he took another sip of the shredded chicken porridge, and a smile crept onto his face.

Delicious food had the power to uplift one's spirits.

Meanwhile, in another part of the estate, Ye Yunjiao was throwing a tantrum in her courtyard. She not only smashed porcelain and vases in her room but also used her supposed bad mood as an excuse to pinch several servant girls around her.

"Has the capital prefecture found the murderer?" Ye Yunjiao demanded, glaring at the kneeling servant girl.

Her anger masked the fear simmering within her.

While Ye Yunjiao had orchestrated Xi Jian's demise, the manner in which he died had not been her intention. She was genuinely afraid of someone discovering her role in the matter.

She knew all too well that there were still individuals lurking in the shadows with intentions to harm Ye Yining. While this was advantageous for her, if she were implicated, it could spell disaster.

"Second Miss, it's the Thousand Hand Pavilion that's responsible for this… Heinous act."

This revelation further unnerved Ye Yunjiao.

She had spent three thousand taels of silver to hire someone from the Thousand Hand Pavilion to eliminate Xi Jian. This wasn't supposed to come to light, right?

What should she do now?

Ye Yining was unharmed, but had she inadvertently drawn attention to herself?

"Is Ye Yining safe?"

After feigning anger, Ye Yunjiao regained her composure and inquired about the critical matter.

"Eldest Young Miss may be frightened. General Ye, Madam, and His Highness Jun Jiuji have been by her side at the Freezing Snow Pavilion. It appears that Jun Jiuji intends to take her to Jun Jiuji Manor..."

Ye Yunjiao was filled with anxiety and promptly feigned illness.

"I'm feeling unwell. Go inform my parents that I, as Xi Jian's master and servant, wish to hold a memorial service for Xi Jian."

"Understood."

Once the maid left, Ye Yunjiao pressed her aching chest in frustration.

Jun Jiuji was undeniably ruthless!

Though his blow hadn't claimed her life, it had left her with a concealed injury. Whenever she moved even slightly, a sharp pain would shoot through her chest.

The imperial physician had advised her to rest for a month or two before she could fully recover. But if she waited that long, how could she travel to Cloud Border City?

This was all Ye Yining's fault!

She would repay the slap she had received that day a thousandfold, a hundredfold.

If she couldn't lay a hand on her sister for the time being, then she would target Ye Hanxiao.

Without Ye Hanxiao, Ye Yining would lose one of her pillars of support.

With this newfound determination, her mood once again brightened.

As long as she reached Cloud Border City and claimed the wealth and influence left to her by her biological father, Ye Yining's demise was only a matter of time.

…