Feng Yao's Trap

"Zhou Ming, go find out if Qing Meier has been found and investigate this matter!" Lang Huan couldn't calm down.

"Understood," Zhou Ming and Zhou An immediately left.

Su Qing didn't want Lang Huan to get involved, but there was nothing she could do. This kidnapping case was already troubling enough."

---

"My Lord… Her Highness, the Eldest Princess, is at the gates of the Ministry of Justice's office," a man reported anxiously, breaking the morning silence.

Minister Zhang hurried to the gates just as the Eldest Princess stepped out of her luxurious carriage. Bowing deeply, he greeted her, "Long live Your Highness, Eldest Princess." Then, he stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter.

Noticing the stormy expression on her face, Minister Zhang felt a wave of unease.

Feng Yao moved forward gracefully, with A Li supporting her arm. As she passed, everyone in the Minister of Justice's office lowered their heads in respect.

Taking the main seat, she turned to Minister Zhang. "Uncle Zhang, I heard a courtesan from Yun Xiang Tower went missing last night. And now, my private guard, Qiu Li, has disappeared as well. What do you think?"

Minister Zhang swallowed hard, feeling cold sweat bead on his forehead. "What do I think…?" he murmured, unable to find an answer.

Seeing his silence, Feng Yao continued, "I heard the missing courtesan was last seen with Ye Langhuan."

Minister Zhang remained silent, still unsure of Feng Yao's meaning.

Seeing his hesitation, Feng Yao snorted. "Old Zhang, have you sat too comfortable in your position? Must I bring Ye Langhuan here myself for questioning?"

"Oh, yes… yes," Minister Zhang stammered, His hat nearly slipped off as he hurriedly ordered his men to capture Lang Huan.

Minister Zhang had considered bringing Lang Huan in last night, but the Duke of Huguo's status made him think twice. Now that the Eldest Princess had given the order, he had no choice but to obey.

Many high-ranking officials feared the Eldest Princess, including Minister Zhang. Nine years ago, he had witnessed Feng Yao execute General Lu on her wedding night with his own eyes. She had killed her husband without even blinking. The Eldest Princess held immense influence and power in the imperial court after solving major problems in the Great Qi Dynasty, and even the Emperor could not openly oppose her.

---

Lang Huan couldn't sleep well last night and now had panda eyes. She sat and meditated on a mahogany bench in the small pavilion in front of her courtyard. She tried to gather positive energy on this bright, sunny morning, repeating affirmations to herself: "I am rich, I am beautiful, I am good-looking, I am lucky, #&*&**&*0…"

This week has been exhausting, especially since meeting the Eldest Princess, which brought so many problems. The wise men say that positive affirmations can bring good fortune.

But before she could focus any longer, A Cai rushed toward her, shouting, "Young Master! Bad news! Bad news!"

"What's wrong, A Cai?" Lang Huan coughed, nearly choking on the breath she hadn't even finished exhaling. Her peaceful morning was already ruined.

"Ministry of Justice wants to arrest you for kidnapping a courtesan and The Eldest Princess's guard, Qiu Li!" A Cai gasped between breaths, struggling to get his words out properly.

"What?!" Lang Huan's eyes widened in disbelief. This fortune was too big and came too fast… She wanted to die instantly.

"Madam is speaking with the officers at the front hall—"

Before A Cai could finish, Lang Huan bolted toward the hall.

"Hey—wait!" A Cai pinched his waist and ran after her.

"Hey Sir, do you have any evidence?" Lang Huan confronted him.

"You can explain later." The man seemed eager to take Lang Huan away immediately.

"I'll accompany you to the court," Su Qing said gently.

Lang Huan rolled her eyes, forcing herself to think clearly. After a moment, she shook her head.

"No, no, it's okay, Mother. The situation is unstable right now—you should wait for news at home." She placed both hands on Su Qing's shoulders, her tone reassuring.

Su Qing patted her shoulder and nodded, following Lang Huan's wishes and staying at the mansion. "Okay… don't worry about me."

Lang Huan's hands were shackled, the cold metal biting into her wrists. She left obediently with the officers.

Zhou Ming and Zhou An were out investigating, so Su Qing instructed A Cai and Zhou Xun to bring the carriage and wait for Lang Huan. Su Qing was confident that Minister Zhang wouldn't detain Lang Huan.

Lang Huan didn't feel afraid; her noble aura made it impossible for the officers to look down on her. She wasn't the culprit—her father, the Great Duke of Huguo, had contributed so much for the dynasty. What could they do to her?

The officers didn't take her to the court but instead to the Ministry of Justice. Stepping into the room, she immediately spotted Feng Yao, sitting there elegantly. Beside her sat a thin, middle-aged man—Minister Zhang.

Lang Huan gave the Eldest Princess and Minister Zhang a polite bow and greeted them respectfully. She had a feeling this was a trap set by the princess. Huh… this vicious princess has gone too far.

Minister Zhang leaned forward, tapping his finger on the table as he narrowed his eyes. "Lang Huan! Qing Meier was last seen with you, and Qiu Li had a quarrel with you. Then, the two girls disappeared. Could you explain yourself?"

Lang Huan wanted to cry, but had no tears as she listened to Minister Zhang's accusations. If only there were CCTV in this world. This mess would be over in seconds.

"That night, I left Yun Xiang Tower through the window, and Qing Meier was still there. Then Qiu Li?" Lang Huan paused, her sharp eyes turning to Feng Yao. "I don't even know who she is. Why would I bother? Do you think I have so much free time that I'd go around kidnapping random people?"

 "Sir," Lang Huan's voice stayed calm but firm. "You have no witnesses, no physical evidence, and no motive. Detaining someone based on pure speculation— really? That's not how the Great Qi's law should work."

Feng Yao had ordered Minister Zhang to arrest Lang Huan in private. She wanted to scare her and make her pay for her disrespect at the banquet. Unexpectedly, Lang Huan stayed calm and didn't lose her composure when accused. This was somewhat disappointing to Feng Yao, who had hoped to see Lang Huan cry and beg for mercy.

Minister Zhang's face darkened, feeling insulted. "Mind your words!"

Lang Huan just sighed and said. "Detaining someone without proof isn't justice—it's just wasting everyone's time. If you really think I'm guilty, go ahead, search my place. And when you find nothing, I'll be expecting an apology."

 "Besides," she added, voice light but laced with sarcasm, "if I really kidnapped someone, don't you think I'd have run away by now instead of chilling at home?"

"Presumptuous and bold. You dare speak like this to an official and Her Highness? Don't think that being the son of Duke Huguo makes you untouchable."

Lang Huan drew a baton from her sleeve and pressed the button. Click—, the baton extended, the metal gleaming under the morning light. The Ministry of Justice officers present drew their swords from their sheaths, anticipating her next move.

Minister Zhang slammed the table. "How dare you?!"

Lang Huan noticed the tension on his face. She twirled the baton between her fingers and said, "You've been nervous this whole time. Fidgeting, touching your nose—those are classic signs of someone uncomfortable with their own lie."

Minister Zhang's fingers instinctively brushed his nose again. Lang Huan's grin widened.

"See? You just did it." She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "And let's not forget your men. They've been nervous since the start, waiting for your signal. I noticed how you kept glancing at them."

Minister Zhang felt nervous, unable to argue with Lang Huan. He glanced toward Feng Yao, silently asking for backup, but Feng Yao simply ignored him and only watched the fun.

Without giving him a chance to respond, Lang Huan cut straight to the point. "Let's not waste time. The victims need to be rescued immediately. How about I'll help with the investigation?"

Feng Yao had always thought of Lang Huan as nothing more than a paper tiger who relied on her father's great name. But now, she was pushing back and challenging them.

Feng Yao curled her lips into a smile; this was exactly what she wanted—to drag the Duke's son into the mud.

"Seven days," Feng Yao finally spoke, giving Lang Huan a cunning smile.

"Seven days? No...No... That's too rushed." Lang Huan replied with a raised eyebrow, clearly not agreeing with the timeline.

Feng Yao left her seat and walked up to Lang Huan. "You seem to have plenty of time on your hands."

"You'll report directly to me with your findings." the Princess commanded.

Lang Huan's lips twitched. "No, I don't work for Your Highness."

Feng Yao's face turned cold, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "I'm giving you the chance to clear your name. You should be grateful."

Lang Huan, seeing the change in Feng Yao's expression, quickly agreed with her. "Okay, okay, I'm really scared of you."

Hiss... How could I carry out the investigation in seven days? I don't have any leads for this case. Now, the Eldest Princess was piling pressure on me, and it was starting to feel like too much." Lang Huan was lost in her own thoughts.

Feng Yao observed Lang Huan's troubled expression and smiled slightly. She knew Lang Huan was clearly struggling with the pressure she was placing on her.

"Uncle Zhang, our involvement in this investigation must remain secret. If word gets out...' She trailed off ominously. "There will be consequences."

"Understood, Your Highness. Please, remain at ease..." Minister Zhang forced a tight smile, trying to steady his nerves."

"Lang Huan…" Feng Yao called softly as they stood in front of the gates of the Ministry of Justice.

Feng Yao moved closer to Lang Huan and gently adjusted her collar. She stood so close that the rose fragrance emanating from her body mixed with Lang Huan's musky fragrance.

Lang Huan lowered her head, bringing her lips near Feng Yao's ear. "This is Your Highness's trap, isn't it?"