"Is she okay? Is her life in danger?"

His questioning was full of genuine concern.

The maid's eyes fell on the sharp blade, and her voice was as thin as a mosquito: "The injury is serious. The princess specially invited the famous doctor from the Su Mansion. Fortunately, the doctor's medical skills are superb and he saved her life. She just needs to rest for many days."

Hearing this, Pei Chi'an held the dagger tightly in his hand and trembled slightly. Anger was hidden in his eyes. He already had the answer in his mind: "It's her again... That woman has done it again!"

The air seemed to be filled with a thin layer of ice. His words were cold and firm, like a cold spring in a freezing night, echoing faintly in this small space.

Then, he slowly relaxed his tense fingers, allowing the maid to be relieved, and his tone left no room for doubt: "Don't tell the princess about what happened today, otherwise your safety will be in danger."

The maid hurriedly knelt down to receive the order, and said in a weak voice: "Yes, sir."

Pei Chi'an's straight back swayed slightly, one hand resting on the cold stone wall, his long hair hanging down, hiding the barely perceptible trembling of his fingertips, as if he was deeply saddened by someone's misfortune: "After all, she suffered..."

He was immersed in his own thoughts and did not move for a long time. In the end, he did not return to the banquet, but took a decisive step and strode towards the direction of the palace.

The attendant servant followed closely behind him and asked in confusion: "Sir, where are you going?"

Pei Chi'an's steps were as fast as the wind, and the silver wristband on his wrist flashed a cold light in the moonlight, foreshadowing his inner firmness and determination, as if he was ready to face any challenge at any time.

However, he suddenly stopped midway, with a complex emotion flashing across his face: "Forget it, it's futile to go."

He lowered his eyes. In the past, at such moments, he would always choose to face Concubine Pei directly and ask her why she extended her evil claws to the innocent people around him.

But every time, Concubine Pei would use her seemingly innocent eyes to brush everything off with various reasons.

In her eyes, I may have always been just a toy that can be manipulated at will. How could she really care about the feelings of a toy?

A self-deprecating smile bloomed on Pei Chi'an's lips, and then turned into a resolute smile: "Go, hurry to Qianzhou and bring the person back safely! Remember, be cautious and don't let any news leak out."

The servant responded respectfully, with a little more admiration in his heart.

Although Pei Chi'an's heart was already in turmoil last night, he was even hesitant in the middle of the night because he thought of his old relationship with Concubine Pei. After all, she had once given him shelter and nurturing.

But now, he had only one clear and firm belief in his heart - Concubine Pei must be eliminated.

As long as she survives, the innocent people around him will continue to suffer from the unprovoked disaster as usual.

Pei Chi'an had a resolute expression on his face. He turned around and resolutely returned to Pei Mansion, which was the first stop for his counterattack.

At the same time, the banquet at Liu Mansion came to an end. Su Wanyu and Pei Sina said goodbye reluctantly outside the door and set out on their journey back to the Princess Mansion.

On the way, the little palace maid reported Pei Chi'an's inquiries to Su Wanyu, who smiled indifferently, with her own calculations in mind.

"Okay, if he asks again, just say that Yun Yi's injury has not healed yet, and someone tried to poison the food. Fortunately, I noticed it and avoided a disaster."

Su Wanyu's words were full of calmness and wisdom, and the little palace maid respectfully agreed.

Those rumors about burns, poisonous snakes, and scorpions are actually carefully woven smoke screens to confuse people and divert attention.

At this moment, the real Yun Yi was playing with the cats safely in the princess's mansion. Xiao Yi and Xiao Er were guarding her loyally, and not even a mosquito could easily get through their defense.

As for Pei Chi'an, he was completely unaware of all this and was still deeply trapped in his trust in Su Wanyu's lies. The next day, he sent people to inquire again. After learning the palace maid's reply, he paced in the mansion, feeling anxious and uneasy. He wished he could take action immediately, but due to the long distance of Qianzhou, he could only hold back for the time being.

In addition, for long-term planning, Pei Chi'an secretly visited Prince Yan's mansion without Concubine Pei's knowledge.

Prince Liang commands a large army and has an intriguing relationship with Concubine Pei. Pei Chi'an makes secret plans, hoping to leverage the power of Prince Liang's Mansion to lay a solid foundation for his future plans.

That night, as the two of them were toasting each other, Pei Chi'an inadvertently revealed that Concubine Pei was dissatisfied with his handling of Gu Linjun's affairs, and hinted that he was looking for a new partner. His words were both a test of King Liang and a deep plan.

King Liang's face was as calm as a tranquil lake. He personally escorted the guests to the door, and his demeanor was full of aristocratic elegance.

However, beneath this calm appearance, an undercurrent is surging in his heart.

He developed a secret dissatisfaction with Concubine Pei. This emotion was like a hidden reef, difficult to detect but full of dangers.

So, he whispered to the attendant beside him, his tone revealing an unquestionable determination: "You must know that this woman is very cunning and good at making changes. She may be a threat in the future. We should draw a clear line with her as soon as possible."

When the attendant heard the order, a barely perceptible chill flashed across his brows, and he replied respectfully and coldly: "Yes, Your Majesty, I will follow your orders."

At the same time, deep in the magnificent imperial palace, in a quiet palace, Concubine Pei was haunted by nightmares for days and could not sleep at night.

The strong scent of incense in the house seemed to intensify the terror and hallucinations in her dream. The phantom voices in her ears intertwined like the moaning of night ghosts.

She struggled to get up from the couch, groped to the drawer beside the bed, and took out a pack of stale tobacco, as if seeking a little comfort.

Lighting the tobacco in the flickering candlelight, she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and enjoyed this moment of peace.

Although she was not as knowledgeable as the talented Song Yuling, nor did she have her unique painting skills, the momentary tranquility brought by the tobacco was the spiritual sustenance that Concubine Pei could not give up.

Over the years, she continued to experiment and finally blended a tobacco that tasted close to the way she remembered it.

Surrounded by smoke, she turned to Cuifang, her personal maid, and said in a slightly tired voice, "Is the young master doing well lately?"

Cuifang followed Su Wanyu's instructions in advance and spoke in a calm and careful tone: "The eldest young master has been much more restrained in his behavior recently. Apart from occasionally visiting Prince Liang's mansion, he has hardly gone out."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Pei's expression eased slightly, with a hint of relief in her eyes: "That's great. I was worried that he would betray me because of the Wu family's daughter."

While putting out the tobacco, she continued to instruct: "Tell him a message for me. My birthday is coming soon. I need him to prepare a generous gift. Don't be negligent."

Cuifang leaned forward respectfully, her voice clear: "Yes, Madam, I will remember to convey it."

Concubine Pei's eyes were full of anticipation.

She always favored this nephew. His intelligence and delicate mind could always accurately capture her every need. Compared with those cold and ruthless court intrigues, the warmth and understanding he gave her were a hundred times more precious.

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