ept his eyes lowered as if he hadn't seen either the bully or those being bullied riding on horseback.Cloud Qian Yue slept soundly in her carriage, naturally unaware of what was happening outside wher...Chapter 78: Sparkling Stars

Yun Qianyue blankly watched Rong Jing's carriage leave, wondering what it meant to stick by someone and try to marry him.

The raindrops hit her body and face, soaking her thin clothes in a cool chill. But this did not affect the warmth of her brain; she felt somewhat dazed and took a long time to come back to herself.

"Miss! Where's your umbrella Why are you standing here getting wet" Ling Lian and Yi Xue's carriage arrived later, and both girls were alarmed when they saw Yun Qianyue standing in the rain at the gate. They hurried over with umbrellas.

The rain above her head was blocked by their umbrellas; two voices shouted out in surprise from the rain. Yun Qianyue finally came back to herself and looked at them both.

Both girls had unhappy looks on their faces. Ling Lian complained, "Miss, although this rain is soft, it's still cold now that autumn has arrived. How could you not take care of yourself Young Master Jing really forgot to tell you to bring your umbrella with you!"

What did he forget about her bringing an umbrella along She was simply thrown off the carriage by him. Yun Qianyue shrugged helplessly and said, "Let's go back for a bath! I want hot water and hot ginger soup."

The two girls nodded and led Yun Qianyue under their umbrellas to return to the compound.

Yun王府 was hidden in the drizzle. Piled-up rocks, sculptures, pavilions, terraces, bridges, and winding corridors were all washed clean by the fine rain.

Back at Shallow Moon Pavilion, Ling Lian and Yi Xue were bustling about with hot water and ginger soup. Yun Qianyue removed her wet clothes, bathed, and lay on her bed drinking the ginger soup.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue sat down to fan themselves after their busyness.

"It's raining today, so there's nothing we can do. Let’s just relax! Bring Third Young Master over from next door, call Madam Zhao, Tingxue, Tingyu, and others, and let's tell stories, listen to anecdotes, chat, and have fun." Yun Qianyue instructed them while drinking the ginger soup.

"Miss, how can you be in such a good mood when Seventh Princess is still locked up in the Ministry of Justice" Ling Lian reminded her.

"Why shouldn't I be happy Don’t worry. The old emperor cannot harm her; even though the prison is under Duke Deying’s jurisdiction, it also has Rong Jing’s people and our Yun王府's people inside. They wouldn't dare to do anything to her. She’ll just be locked up for a few days before being released," Yun Qianyue said.

"What about Sixth Princess" Yi Xue asked worriedly.

"Sixth Princess " Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow and laughed, "I, my father, and my brother all divorced our wives. Seventh Princess is almost lost already; how could we squeeze in a sixth princess Don’t dream about it!"

The two girls felt that she made sense and nodded before leaving to call people.

Soon, Third Young Master was carried inside by someone. He had changed back into his male clothes and returned to his original appearance. Seeing Yun Qianyue lounging on her bed drinking ginger soup happily, he pouted. "I thought you forgot about me, the hero who took your place in injury. I was left alone next door."

"How could that be Am I someone who would forget a favor" Yun Qianyue laughed and moved to make space on her bed for him. She beckoned one of Third Young Master’s servants over, "Put him down here."

The servant responded and carried Third Young Master onto the bed.

Although Third Young Master was still unable to get out of bed, he could sit now. Yun Qianyue took a pillow and helped him lean against it on the other side of her bed facing her. She then kindly shared half of her quilt with him. After finishing everything, she waved at the servant, "You can leave."

The servant left.

Third Young Master was not in the least unnatural; he pointed to his head and said, "I didn’t comb my hair this morning!"

"Don't treat me like a maid or attendant!" Yun Qianyue grabbed a brush from her dressing mirror. She handed it to Third Young Master. “Do it yourself."

"I might hit my wound," Third Young Master said.

“Then you can look messy, but since you're so beautiful, no one will mind.” Yun Qianyue thought this guy was being too rude to her.

"No, I am so particular about my appearance." The Third Young Master shook his head and seemed to struggle with a comb as he tried to comb his hair.

After watching for a while, Yun Qianyue felt uncomfortable and pulled the comb out of his hand, stepping forward to help him comb his hair.

The corners of the Third Young Master's mouth curled up slightly; he didn't speak but sat quietly, cooperating with Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue worked quickly and soon tied a simple man bun for him. She then placed the wooden comb down, stepped back, and sized him up from head to toe, grumbling: "What's the point of such an attractive big guy"

"Rong Jing is also very good-looking!" The Third Young Master said.

"He may be good-looking but he only torments me. As for you, back then your Jiaojiao tormented a whole group of people," Yun Qianyue revealed the Third Young Master's past misdeeds.

The Third Young Master snorted lightly, "Back then, you still secretly came to watch over me! I wonder if Young Lord Jing knows about this. If not, I can kindly inform him."

"You really are..." Yun Qianyue suddenly gnashed her teeth, "I wish I could throw you out!"

"Then go ahead and throw me out! This injury was for your sake anyway. These many days without being able to get out of bed, I've already gone moldy. Letting the rain soak me would be good too," The Third Young Master said leisurely as if he didn't worry at all.

Yun Qianyue choked and felt that attractive men shared a common flaw: their tongues were venomous and hearts were black. She suddenly longed for the day she first met the Third Young Master at the Filial Piety Prince's Manor, when he was so cold. How had things changed She couldn't fathom it; could she have caused this change by her presence alone A sudden sense of sadness washed over her.

The Third Young Master looked at her as if understanding her thoughts and laughed happily.

"What are you laughing at" Yun Qianyue shot him a glare.

"I'm laughing because..." The Third Young Master paused, his eyes filled with laughter, "Do you know what your greatest strength is, Yun Qianyue"

"My entire body is full of strengths; I can't count them. How would I know which one it is" Yun Qianyue said proudly.

The Third Young Master snorted at her and said, "You really don't blush! Your greatest strength is that you are kind-hearted."

Yun Qianyue remained silent; if this had happened in the past, she would have laughed or sneered sarcastically. She was kind-hearted If she were kind-hearted, there wouldn't be any other kind people left in the world. Yet now she couldn't refute it and merely dryly said, "Thank you for your compliment."

The Third Young Master snickered, "Do you know what your greatest flaw is"

"Don't tell me it's that," Yun Qianyue shot him a sidelong glance.

The Third Young Master nodded and solemnly said, "It is exactly that!"

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes, not bothering to respond.

The Third Young Master slowly said, "Look, when I asked you to comb my hair, you did it. When I say something you don't like hearing, even though you want to throw me out, you can't bring yourself to do it. Hmm, I've never seen a woman like you before."

"What's so bad about being like me If only I were heartless and uncaring, if I really did leave you to your own devices, wouldn't that be better for you to continue eating and drinking at my expense Or should I throw you out and break you" Yun Qianyue snorted.

"You treat me like this; how do you treat others Take Ye Qingran for example, or... Never mind. Why am I telling you all these things anyway You are truly the one who torments many people," The Third Young Master suddenly stopped speaking and looked as if he didn't want to talk anymore. He concluded by saying, "Young Lord Jing is really pitiful."

Yun Qianyue stared at the Third Young Master, feeling like kicking him out of frustration; she angrily said, "Compared with him, I am truly the one who should be pitied! Haven't you seen how he torments me with his cruel words and deeds He throws me off the carriage if I say to throw me off... not a bit sentimental..."

"Are you made of perfume or jade At most, you're just a hard stone that's grown moss on the outside," The Third Young Master cut her short.

Yun Qianyue took a deep breath and ultimately couldn't resist stepping forward to grab his handsome face and pinch it fiercely, leaving a red mark on his cheek before she stopped with satisfaction. She warned angrily: "Do you believe I can really throw you out To feed the dogs!"

The Third Young Master seemed to be intimidated and shut his mouth.

"Ling Lian, Yi Xue, Ting Xue, Ting Yu, what are you all doing standing at the door Come in here and tell some dirty jokes!" Yun Qianyue's anger didn't subside as she shouted loudly towards the entrance.

A series of gasps came from outside. Not only did no one come in but they all stepped back, their faces turning red like cooked apples; water would drip if you squeezed them.

"What a bunch of wimps! What's there to be afraid of dirty jokes" Yun Qianyue sounded somewhat disappointed as she saw the Third Young Master seemingly suppressing laughter with her peripheral vision. She turned around and said sweetly, "Sister, it's your turn."

The Third Young Master’s face instantly darkened.

Yun Qianyue seemed to hear two grinding sounds, dispelling her anger completely. She beckoned with her hand towards the door: "Come in, come in. Just like I said earlier, come in and tell stories."

The people outside sounded relieved when they heard that no one would be telling dirty jokes anymore and walked into the room together.

"How does Prince Shi Jing tolerate a woman like you…" The Third Young Master murmured under his breath.

Yun Qianyue pretended she didn't hear him, thinking that it was really appropriate to let him rot next door without her as the mistress around.

In no time, more than ten people gathered in the room, including Zhao Mama and a few servants from the courtyard. They all sat on small stools, filling up the entire floor.

This wasn't the first time such an event happened, so everyone was relaxed. It had been quite some time since they last chatted with Yun Qianyue together. Everyone was delighted. Especially Ling Lian and Ting Yu, who were blabbering on about little funny stories that happened in the capital recently.

The room was filled with laughter and chatter to such an extent that it seemed to dissipate some of the coolness and melancholy brought by the autumn rain outside.

The Third Young Master didn't seem to be used to such warmth at first. He also found it astonishing that Yun Qianyue could get along so well with her servants. During his stay here, the servants in Shallow Moon Pavilion had always been harmonious and never engaged in any under-the-table disputes or jealous competitions; everyone went about their own business whether she was around or not. Of course, when she was present, they were all very happy. It felt like a warm little family where one could hear cheerful tunes being hummed while the servants worked. Compared to his desolate courtyard in Prince Xiao's Manor which no one would ask about if he disappeared for ten days or more, it was worlds apart. Even during these few days of recuperation when she wasn't around due to her bedridden state, the attention and care he received hadn’t diminished; everyone treated him as a VIP guest. Despite lying on his back in bed dryly without any company, he didn’t feel bored at all but rather felt warmth—something he’d never experienced since childhood.

Especially from listening to them recount new funny stories, he discovered that the capital wasn't just full of daily oppression and intrigue; there were also many amusing things. He would laugh heartily along with everyone when something was particularly entertaining.

The time passed amidst the laughter and chatter.

Only until footsteps approached outside Shallow Moon Pavilion did Yun Qianyue smile and look out of the window. Ling Lian and Yi Xue naturally also heard it and turned to look out as well. The rest, who didn’t have any martial arts skills, continued chatting without checking.

Shortly after, Cold Sha Zhuo's figure appeared at the door with an umbrella. Yun Qianyue was startled.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue were also surprised for a moment, then turned to look at the Third Young Master. Seeing him still looking at everyone with a pleased smile, they all looked towards Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue frowned slightly; as the Third Young Master was sitting on the inner side of the bed, he couldn't see what was happening outside but sensed her change in expression and turned to look at her.

She pursed her lips and said softly: "Cold Sha Zhuo is here. Do you want to avoid him"

The Third Young Master’s face darkened.

"He has since reformed," Yun Qianyue looked at his expression again, lowering her voice even further.

"I don't want to see him." The Third Young Master's tone was as cold as ice and his entire person seemed to be covered in a layer of frost.

“Alright then, we won’t see him!” Yun Qianyue knew that the Third Young Master had often been bullied by Cold Sha Zhuo during his time at Prince Xiao’s Manor. Later, he became resentful and transformed into Jiao Jiao to lure Cold Sha Zhuo into being infatuated with her; this entanglement between two brothers was something only a party involved could understand. She didn’t have the authority to advise him to let go of his grudge against Cold Sha Zhuo. She gave Ling Lian and Yi Xue a signal.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue nodded and walked out.

Everyone stopped talking and looked out the window.

"It's nothing, everyone, continue!" Yun Qianyue smiled and waved at everyone.

The atmosphere froze for a moment. Everyone sensed that the room was cold, and this chill came from Third Young Master, but they were all shrewd individuals who knew that if Yun Qianyue said so, then everything must be fine to continue with their previous topic of conversation.

Third Young Master's expression eased somewhat but was still not good.

A faint sound of voices could be heard from outside. Yun Qianyue didn't pay much attention as she thought about whether there was something wrong with Leng Shaozhuo, or else he wouldn't have run over here on such a rainy day. Today, when she went to the Golden Dragon Hall for court, she hadn't seen him nor Rong Feng. It seemed that they didn't attend court.

Not long after, Ling Lian returned and glanced at Third Young Master before telling Yun Qianyue, "Miss, Cold Little Prince said he must see you; there's something important."

Everyone stopped talking.

"What is this important matter" Yun Qianyue asked.

"He didn't say. He only mentioned that he wanted to talk to Miss after seeing her, and it looks very urgent." Ling Lian shook her head.

Yun Qianyue looked at Third Young Master and saw him not saying anything; she reached out to pull down the curtain, hiding him inside the curtain. She waved at Aunt Zhao and Ting Xue who understood immediately and left with everyone else. Yun Qianyue then told Ling Lian, "Go fetch him in."

Ling Lian complied and walked out.

Third Young Master didn't speak and did not obstruct either, but his aura was icy again.

In no time, Leng Shaozhuo entered. He carried the coldness of the rainwater from outside, but since the room's temperature was already chilly to begin with, it couldn't be said that there was a need to disperse the heat. He put down his umbrella and patted his sleeves before walking towards Yun Qianyue. When he saw another figure sitting inside the curtain, he halted in surprise.

"What important matter made you run over here on such a rainy day" Yun Qianyue was surprisingly gentle with Leng Shaozhuo as she pointed at a chair and smiled.

Leng Shaozhuo looked at the other person inside the curtain in confusion, unable to tell if it was male or female. He assumed that this must be someone close to Yun Qianyue since they were half-reclining in her curtains; however, he didn't think it could be Rong Jing as he sat down by the window and told her, "It's a very important matter."

Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow at him.

Leng Shaozhuo's expression was serious, seemingly pondering how to phrase his words. After some time, he said, "My... my brother..."

Yun Qianyue hadn't expected this beginning and paused in surprise. Third Young Master's aura instantly halted as he looked at Leng Shaozhuo through the curtain.

"I can't find my younger brother," Leng Shaozhuo seemed to struggle with saying "younger brother" before finishing his sentence.

"You mean Third Young Master of Xianqing Prince's Manor" Yun Qianyue glanced at Third Young Master; he was tightly pursing his lips. She tried to keep her voice calm, truly not expecting Leng Shaozhuo would come for this matter. It seemed that even Third Young Master hadn't anticipated it.

"Yes! He's gone!" Leng Shaozhuo nodded, missing the change in aura of those behind the curtain as he continued, "I've been too harsh on him before; now I finally understand and want to make amends. But I fear that he may hate me or not acknowledge me as his older brother. After my illness, I haven't dared to visit his courtyard. These days, after thinking much about it, I decided to seek forgiveness from him because he is still my younger brother with the same blood flowing through us. However, when I went there, I found out that he was missing. He's been gone for many days according to those in the yard. This worries me."

"So" Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow and asked, "You came to see me... because you need advice"

"I'm indecisive whether I should inform my father or not. Therefore, after much thought, I decided to seek your help. Can you give me some suggestions Should I tell my father about it, or look for him discreetly without telling anyone else I fear that if I tell Father and he takes any unfavorable action towards him, he would hate me even more." Leng Shaozhuo frowned deeply, showing his inner dilemma.

Yun Qianyue looked at Third Young Master. He withdrew his gaze from Leng Shaozhuo and had a cold expression without the slightest hint of emotion. She sighed inwardly and told Leng Shaozhuo, "Don't tell Xianqing Prince about this matter; as you said, it may not be beneficial to inform him. Third Young Master is still a young master of the Xianqing Prince's Manor. A disappearance for so many days is indeed significant. I'll help look into it discreetly."

"Really You're going to help me" Leng Shaozhuo's eyes lit up.

"Yes, I will." Yun Qianyue nodded with a smile.

"That's perfect. I hope we can find him quickly. Even if he no longer likes the Xianqing Prince's Manor, I want to know where he is so that I can apologize and ask for his forgiveness. Whether or not he will acknowledge me as an older brother again in the future, I'll still treat him like my younger brother." Leng Shaozhuo said.

"Hmm! I will have someone discreetly investigate for me. As soon as there is news, I will immediately inform you," Cloud Qianyue nods.

Cold Shaozhu seems to be relieved, the troubled look on his face dissipating. He tells Cloud Qianyue, "I feel at ease knowing that you are helping me. Are your wounds healed When I visited you two days ago, I was turned away at the door. Just now, when I entered the estate, I met Lord Yun, my uncle, who guided me here; otherwise, it wouldn't be proper for me to come looking for you in your courtyard."

"I am almost fully recovered," Cloud Qianyue smiles and nods, thinking that she must thank her father for Cold Shaozhu's ability to enter on his own.

"As long as you are fine, I am relieved. I have no other business today except this matter. I will return to my residence and await your message," Cold Shaozhu seems hesitant to stay too long in Cloud Qianyue’s boudoir or to disturb the person behind her curtain.

"Alright!" Cloud Qianyue nods and does not keep him, calling out, "Ling Lian, Yi Xue, escort Prince Cold!"

Ling Lian and Yi Xue respond from outside as Cold Shaozhu leaves without further ado.

Only after he disappears at the entrance of Qianyue Pavilion does Cloud Qianyue address Third Young Master, "You really do not want to forgive him"

"No!" Third Young Master replies without hesitation.

Cloud Qianyue nods, "I will not persuade you. Since the matter did not happen to me, I cannot understand your former suffering and pain. All I can tell you is that family members are few in this world. Siblings who share blood ties are even fewer still. Couples take a hundred years to be reborn on the same boat and a thousand years to rest their heads beside each other. Blood brothers would have a deep bond indeed."

Third Young Master remains silent.

"You can see for yourself that he is different from before. The Cold Shaozhu who was like an animal has died, and the one alive now is flesh and blood, a person. He may be even more human than any of the young lords in this capital city. You do not have to rush back home; you can stay here for some time longer and reflect on it. I will respect your choice. If you do not forgive him, I won't tell him that. It is your decision."

Third Young Master silently nods.

Cloud Qianyue says no more, understanding that he needs to be alone for a while. She orders someone to escort him back to the adjacent room.

Afterward, Cloud Qianyue lies down on her bed to rest, as fine rain falls outside like autumn sorrows.

Some time later, Ling Lian stands by the bedside and gently nudges Cloud Qianyue awake. "Miss, Sixth Princess came looking for Young Master; he refused to see her, but she forced her way in and is now heading towards Western Maple Pavilion."

Cloud Qianyue remains with closed eyes as anger rises within her. To Ling Lian, she says, "Stop her and send her back to the palace!"

"Yes!" Ling Lian responds and leaves.

"Also, inform Lady Mingfei to better control her daughter," Cloud Qianyue adds, "Tell Father and Brother that I will submit a memorial to the old emperor first thing tomorrow morning, requesting for him to continue his plea for divorce."

“Yes!” Ling Lian acknowledges again. Seeing no further instructions from Cloud Qianyue, she quickly exits.

Cloud Qianyue is roused and has lost her desire to sleep; she looks at the canopy for a moment before calling Yi Xue in and instructing Huaseng to bring over the reports gathered by Red Pavilion. Yi Xue departs promptly.

Shortly after, Ling Lian returns, reporting that Sixth Princess’s entourage has been sent back to the palace.

Moments later, Yi Xue brings about twenty or thirty black classified files and folders to Cloud Qianyue. Since taking over Red Pavilion, she had not interfered with its internal operations nor reviewed the daily reports from various regions. This was her first time doing so.

Currently, the situation is clearly reaching a critical stage, which explains why the old emperor would move Deyin Prince’s Mansion—a previously neutral party—into open support of him during his mission to the Lan family and send Ye Qingran alongside Night Tianyi. Previously reluctant to take action, she now has no choice but to do so. To make any moves, she needs to remain informed about the state of affairs around the world in real time. With Wind Pavilion severely weakened under imperial bodyguard supervision, Red Pavilion would naturally become her primary source of intelligence.

The confidential letters from Rong Jing’s Ink Chamber all bear an "Ink" stamp, while each black folder bears a "Red" stamp. They share similar functions.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue stand guard outside as Cloud Qianyue begins to review the classified documents.

These two dozen or so folders contain news from all over the land. Instead of handwritten notes, they consist of messages pasted on each page sent by various regions. The information is concise and clear at a glance.

The three biggest news stories circulating outside today are very exciting.

The first is that the mysterious head of the Chu family, one of the Ten Great Families, has married a wife who is even more enigmatic—the Red Pavilion's mistress. The couple are deeply in love and have shattered the hearts of many women who had their sights set on the head of the Chu family.

The second news is that the Crown Prince of South Liang brought a beautiful maid to beg for forgiveness at the Lan Family, braving dangerous circumstances with no harm done. The Lan Family's array was nothing special after all, and the claim made by the Lan Family's head that the Crown Prince had violated her leading to pregnancy was confirmed as false by the Lan Family’s head herself. The Crown Prince abandoned the Lan Family’s head and returned with his beautiful maid.

The third news is that a beauty beside South Liang’s Wise Crown Prince made an appearance in front of the Ten Great Families, and people who love to paint immediately spread her portrait across the land. Everyone praises how she surpasses even the most beautiful lady in the country—the Miss Qin from the Chancellor's House—by a great deal, and is even more beautiful than Moon Shallow of Honor王府淺月小姐。那美人的畫卷傳到了河穀縣，河穀縣的百姓們紛紛證實，正是東海國的洛瑤公主。這訊息一出，立刻掀起了軒然大波。

The three pieces of news are increasingly shocking and thrilling. Some people use the marriage agreement between Princess Lu Yao of the Eastern Sea Kingdom and Prince Jing of Honor王府作為話題，把洛瑤公主和淺月小姐放在一起比較，並將天聖七皇子夜天逸和淺月小姐的婚約搬出再引發爭論。之後又引起連鎖反應，再次開啟南梁睿太子與南疆葉公主糾纏的故事，紛紛揣測睿太子與洛瑤公主的關係……

Throughout history, although heroic deeds have been praised by the people, what they are truly interested in talking about is the romantic affairs of celebrities. Especially the romantic matters involving famous figures such as Rong Jing, Yun Qianyue, Ye Qian, Night Tianyi, South Liang’s Wise Crown Prince, and Princess Lu Yao attract even more attention.

The whole world is now abuzz with these news stories.

Compared to the enthusiasm of the common people, the undercurrents behind the scenes in various countries are much quieter. It's like a sea being stirred by a strong wind; only the surface water moves while the bottom remains calm.

The Wise Crown Prince returned to South Liang with his beauty but did not disclose her identity, claiming she was a close servant who wanted to follow him out of gratitude for saving his life. The King of South Liang greatly praised the Wise Crown Prince’s actions in this matter at the Lan Family. Although it wasn’t announced publicly, he said, “I have my heir; South Liang's future is no longer something to worry about.” This shows how highly the king regards the crown prince's achievement. As a result, the people of South Liang love the Wise Crown Prince even more. The king also lavishly rewarded the beauty who accompanied the Wise Crown Prince.

Since Ye Qian brought her husband Cloud Muhan back to the Southern Borderlands, the state officials and army morale in the Southern Borderlands have stabilized. Currently, the King of the Southern Borderlands is still bedridden, while Princess Ye Qian takes charge as regent, with her husband assisting in governance. They are very harmonious, making the Southern Borderland's political situation stable. As for matters like the conflict between Head Lan Yi and South Liang’s Wise Crown Prince, they seem unaware of them and have not made any comments.

Compared to the peace in the Southern Borderlands, Western Yan is much livelier. When news that their national guardian deity was ill spread, King of Western Yan became very anxious and ordered people to seek out renowned doctors all over the land. Many who examined the goddess said she had an incurable illness, leaving them helpless. The emperor became furious, executing several physicians, causing everyone in Western Yan's medical profession to live in fear.

The Northern Borderlands are similar to the Southern Borderlands; currently it is autumn and because of excellent flood control measures this year, they did not suffer from a water disaster. It’s now harvest season, with people joyfully celebrating their bountiful year. Compared to other places, there's more happiness here, making it one of the most peaceful regions in the country.

These news stories are not too different from what Yun Qianyue had guessed and anticipated, so she paid them no heed. However, a piece of insignificant news caught her attention: a guard at Heavenly Water Cliff near Phoenix Pass died from illness just one day ago, and the general of Phoenix Pass immediately replaced him.

Yun Qianyue stared at that message for a long time without moving. Phoenix Pass is where South Liang meets Tian Sheng; Heavenly Water Cliff is a natural water hazard and can be considered a gate. It's about several tens of miles away from Phoenix Pass. If the floodgates were to open, the entire Phoenix Pass would be submerged. Due to its dangerous terrain, Heavenly Water Cliff is regarded as one of the most important areas in South Liang, heavily guarded by soldiers, even including imperial guards. In recent years, there had been no incidents.

It's nothing out of the ordinary for a guard at Heavenly Water Cliff to die from illness, but if he didn't die from illness, it would be worth investigating.

Yun Qianyue thought about this and put down the secret letter. She called out, “Linglian, quickly go find my father and tell him to come here immediately. I have something important to tell him.”

"Yes, Miss!" Linglian heard the seriousness in Yun Qianyue's voice and hurriedly left.

“Yixue, Mo Tian Cliff is closest to Phoenix Pass. Send a message to Huasheng immediately so she can send a pigeon with a note to Mo Tian Cliff’s people asking them to investigate Heavenly Water Cliff thoroughly.” Yun Qianyue instructed.

"Yes!" Yixue responded promptly upon hearing the instruction.

After giving these instructions, Yun Qianyue closed the secret letter and thought about whether Rong Jing might have already discovered this from the information in the Ink Pavilion. Having spent years at the National Security Bureau, she had personally experienced countless major cases; initially, they didn't start as big events but as a tiny spark that quietly ignites. When it spreads with a gust of wind, it turns into an uncontrollable wildfire. Just like the Great Fire of 1987 in Northeast China's Da and Xiao Xing'an Mountains, which started from small sparks and eventually burned for thousands of miles, leaving the land barren for twenty years.

— Interlude —

I'm getting excited now...

The sound of hooves clashing and swords being drawn is imminent!

We're nearing the end of another month; let's hope more votes come in, everyone! o（n_n）o~

Thank you to those who have been sending me monthly votes and diamond tips as well as flowers. I love all of you! Kisses! let alone now while drunk. Even if she were to regain her senses later, she might not remember what she’s done. Today's affair between the Fourth Prince and Miss Zhao of the Ministry of War was again...