Chapter 101: Obedient and Yielding (2)

The mistress truly possessed extraordinary foresight. For years, the search for remedies under the pretext of treating Lou Xiyan was but a smokescreen. The carefully concocted medicine he had been taking—though it did contain ingredients that alleviated his symptoms—was also laced with a guiding agent that ensured his condition would never be fully cured. And now, that very detail had become a vital part of her plan. Everything was unfolding just as she had anticipated.

Yet Yang Zhilan's expression bore no trace of satisfaction. Her brows were slightly furrowed as she asked, "What did His Majesty say?"

She knew all too well the deep bond between Tian'er and Lou Xiyan, who had grown up side by side. Her greatest fear was that this sudden illness might soften his heart.

Sensing her mistress's concern, the old matron quickly replied, "There's no need for worry, my lady. Under the pressure of Ministers Yang and Li and the gathered officials, His Majesty did not permit Lou Xiyan to receive treatment outside prison. He merely issued an order to transfer him to a better cell."

"Good."

Throughout the dynasties, treason has always been a crime the royal family could never tolerate. Tian'er had shown no mercy even to his own brother—how could he possibly show leniency to a mere minister?

She had indeed been overthinking it.

Yang Zhilan's gaze dimmed. The light in her eyes flickered, though it was hard to discern whether it was joy, sorrow, grief, or pain.

"Assign someone to watch over the two ringleaders of the rebellion at all times. Do not allow them to speak recklessly. If they waver under torture and show signs of betrayal, silence them immediately. Not a single slip can be allowed in this matter."

Yang Zhilan gently caressed Jiaohua's hand with tenderness and affection, but the words she spoke were as cold as ice, devoid of all emotion.

"Yes, my lady," the old matron replied, her heart trembling, not daring to show the slightest hesitation.

"I've finished writing. Take a look and see if this version will suffice."

Bai Yi gently set down his brush and laid several sheets of letter paper neatly upon the desk.

Zhuoqing leaned in to examine them. The difference in handwriting was immediately evident. Though both styles were in regular script, one was bold and vigorous, yet steady and composed, while the other was graceful, flowing, and ethereal. Both were beautifully penned, but it was almost impossible to believe they had come from the same person.

As she read the letters, Zhuoqing casually asked, "You're capable of writing in so many different styles?"

Bai Yi scratched his head modestly and replied with a smile, "I'm fond of calligraphy, so I've practiced a bit."

Looking up slightly, Zhuoqing smiled. "You can imitate a woman's handwriting too?"

He shook his head with a laugh. "Not very well, I'm afraid. I don't write it nicely."

"Let me see for myself."

Seeing her genuine interest, Bai Yi no longer demurred. He picked up a blank sheet and casually penned a couplet of poetry. The characters were slender and graceful, exuding delicate charm—a woman's handwriting, unmistakably.

Zhuoqing examined it for a while before letting out a soft laugh. "It's better than mine."

As she continued reviewing the letters, Bai Yi stood leisurely by her side, allowing her to read freely. He had not written anything overtly incriminating. To the casual observer, the letters merely showed that Su Ling and he were familiar, perhaps often exchanging views on Lou Xiyan's position in court.

But to a sovereign and his wary ministers, Bai Yi knew very well what such content could imply.

After a while, Zhuoqing voiced no objection. She picked up the sheets bearing Su Ling's name beneath the more rugged calligraphy and pointed to the blank space at the bottom. "Once we find Su Ling's private seal, affixing it here will suffice, right?"

Bai Yi nodded with a smile. "Yes. I'll stamp my seal on the other sets. Once you've finished with Su Ling's portion, bring them to me."

Zhuoqing tucked the letters into her sleeve and took a deep breath. "Very well. There's no time to waste—I'll head to the General's Manor immediately."

She turned to leave when her wrist was suddenly held back. Turning around, she saw Bai Yi's face etched with concern.

"Ling'er, please be careful."

She smiled and nodded. "I will. Don't worry."

With that, her slender figure vanished beyond the courtyard.

Bai Yi's dark eyes followed her retreating form, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the large redwood chair as he glanced around the spacious, well-lit study. A smirk curled at his lips.

Women—forever ruled by sentiment.

A tall, burly figure silently entered the study. After confirming no one else was present, he lowered his voice and asked, "Master, can she really acquire Su Ling's private seal? If something goes wrong at the General's Manor—"

A deep, amused chuckle laced with arrogance escaped Bai Yi's lips. He raised an eyebrow and sneered, "She's no fool. If she weren't confident, she wouldn't have acted. Besides, what she took were merely a few letters—none of which bear my usual handwriting or my seal. Even if things unravel, what does it have to do with me?"

Seeing Bai Yi's smug expression, the man hesitated before murmuring, "Master is wise."

On the desk sat a pair of white jade qilin—translucent, delicately carved, radiating a cool, calming touch. Clearly a treasured object of Lou Xiyan's, kept within arm's reach. Bai Yi toyed with the figurine in his palm, a faint chuckle escaping him.

"Let's sit back and enjoy the show."

Early autumn. The setting sun bathed the world in golden light. It was the most enchanting time of day—its warmth no longer scorching, its fading glow still gentle. And yet, beauty as fleeting as sunset never lasts long.

Two full hours had passed, and Bai Yi's once-relaxed expression had grown tense. Just as he resolved to send someone to investigate, a familiar silhouette rushed toward the study.

He immediately rose to meet her, alarmed by her pale face. "Ling'er, are you all right?"

Zhuoqing shook her head, grasping his hand and pulling him inside. Once within the room, she urgently drew the letters from her sleeve and thrust them toward him.

"Look—tell me if this will work!"

Bai Yi spread the pages. A bold red seal marked the blank space—Su Ling's personal imprint, flawless and unmistakable.

A triumphant smile played at his lips. "Yes! This is it."

But beneath his elation stirred a shadow of suspicion. How exactly had she acquired Su Ling's seal?

Masking the glint in his eyes, he asked casually, "Ling'er, how did you manage to get it?"

Still slightly out of breath, Zhuoqing shook her head and began, "I…"

Before she could finish, two figures quarreling noisily approached the study. Bai Yi narrowed his eyes—it was a servant from the Lou household attempting to block a small yet fierce young woman. Her face was impatient, her movements quick.

It was Qingmo?

Bai Yi's brows knitted slightly as he quietly took a step back. Zhuoqing, recognizing the newcomer, swiftly concealed the letters within her sleeve.

"Miss Qing, you cannot enter like this!"

"Out of my way."

The confrontation quickly reached the study entrance. The servant looked at Zhuoqing, troubled. "Madam, she insists on barging in."

Zhuoqing understood. The servant dared not lay hands on her—not just because she was her sister, but also because even if they tried, Qingmo would force her way in regardless.

Waving her hand, Zhuoqing said calmly, "You may go."

Gu Yun entered the room and cast a sweeping glance past Zhuoqing toward Bai Yi, who met her gaze with feigned innocence. The two locked eyes briefly before she turned back to Zhuoqing, her voice cold.

"Come with me. We need to talk."

She turned to leave, but Zhuoqing replied coolly, "I'm unwell. Let's speak another day."

Gu Yun's steps halted. She turned slowly, her dark eyes narrowing, and began advancing toward Zhuoqing.

"You're lying," she said, her tone icy and deliberate.

Zhuoqing averted her gaze, refusing to meet her eyes or offer any denial. Gu Yun's expression darkened.

"You went to the General's Manor today to find me—that was all a lie. You said you needed to retrieve some supposed evidence, faked a stomachache, and asked me to fetch…"