The princess regretted it.

News that Concubine Zhang and the Zhang family were planning to investigate Changsun Wuwang quickly reached Jin'an and Changsun Hongze. Jin'an listened to Ye Yi's report, chuckled, and nodded, her eyes gleaming with interest as she slowly said, "Very good!" She raised her chin slightly, already mentally planning her next move.

Concubine Zhang's move undoubtedly suited Jin'an's wishes. Jin'an pondered for a moment, then turned back to his desk, wrote a secret letter, and handed it to Ye Yi, instructing him, "Go and deliver this secret letter to your grandfather."

Ye Yi took it and was about to leave, "Wait," Jin An stopped him, "Forget it, just give this to the Prince of the Protectorate Mansion. I'll go talk to my grandfather myself."

Ye Yi didn't raise any questions, but replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Highness." He then carefully put the list away and turned to leave. Jin An watched Ye Yi's departing figure, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.

Concubine Zhang and Princess Jiaoyu would never have imagined that their actions were not just exposing themselves, but were giving others an opportunity to take advantage of them.

Their actions were like stones dropped into a lake, creating ripples that reverberate throughout the entire system. They thought they were in control of the situation, but they had become pawns on someone else's chessboard.

Zhang Hengrui received a message from his inner-city spy about Jiaoyu. After reading it, he went straight to Zhang Chengde's study and handed him the message. After reading it, Zhang Chengde said to Zhang Hengrui, "Go and arrange for someone to secretly monitor the Third Prince if he leaves the palace. See who he's in contact with."

Zhang Hengrui bowed and replied, "Yes, Father. I'll arrange it right away. However, I think there's someone suspicious who might be a breakthrough."

Zhang Chengde turned and looked at him, "Who?"

"The one who lured Qi Kui before was called Jia Wen." Zhang Hengrui replied in a low voice.

"Him? Who is he? Why do you think he is suspicious?" Zhang Chengde looked at his son sharply.

"This man is currently an officer in the Dali Temple. After Qi Kui was arrested, Steward He sent people to investigate his identity. The people who investigated came back two days ago and reported that this man had just been parachuted into the Dali Temple some time ago, and it was said that he was recommended by a noble. Moreover, he participated in such an important operation as luring and capturing Qi Kui as soon as he arrived, which is really suspicious. My son thinks that we can start with him and maybe find some clues about the third prince." Zhang Hengrui analyzed in an orderly manner.

Zhang Chengde nodded slightly, thought for a moment and said, "Well, you have a point. Send someone to keep a close eye on Jia Wen and see if he does anything unusual. But remember not to alert the enemy."

"I understand, son." Zhang Hengrui replied, then turned and left the study.

The protagonist of all this, Changsun Wuwang, was completely unaware. He gazed upon the painting "Green Mountains with Quiet Charm" sent by Jin'an, his eyes filled with admiration and calculation. His fingers gently brushed across the scroll, as if sensing the tranquility and subtle charm of the green hills. This painting was not only a precious work of art, but also a valuable bargaining chip that could help him win over Grand Tutor Liu. He narrowed his eyes slightly, his mind already beginning to plot how to leverage this painting to shape his future.

Changsun Wuwang was immersed in his own thoughts and had no idea that a storm was quietly brewing around him.

The night was as dark as ink, dotted with stars. Ye Yi, dressed in black, moved nimbly through the streets. He arrived outside the Duke of the Protectorate's residence, confirmed that no one was following him, and quietly entered. He silently evaded the dense layers of secret guards within the residence and arrived outside Zhong Chuzhou's study.

At this moment, Zhong Chuzhou was quietly flipping through a book in his study. Suddenly, the slightest noise reached his ears, and his eyes instantly became stern, flashing with a vigilant light like a cold star.

He quickly picked up a pen from the table, and with a flick of his wrist, the pen shot out the window at breakneck speed like an arrow. A crisp, soft "ding" sound, like the clink of metal, was heard, remarkably clear in the still night.

Then, a figure, as lithe as a wild goose, darted into the study with astonishing agility. Zhong Chuzhou reacted with remarkable speed, quickly picking up the folding fan on the table with one hand and gently supporting the desk with the other. Instantly, his body soared, swooping down towards the newcomer like a swift falcon.

"Sir, I belong to Princess Jin'an." The man whispered softly, and although the voice was soft, it reached Zhong Chuzhou's ears clearly. Zhong Chuzhou twisted his body in the air and landed steadily on the ground. His eyes were shining and full of scrutiny. "Who are you?"

Ye Yi appeared and bowed respectfully to Zhong Chuzhou. He was about to reply to Zhong Chuzhou when he heard the faint sound of fluttering clothes outside the house, followed by a voice: "Sir, is there something wrong?" It turned out that the slight sound had alarmed the secret guards of the Duke of Huguo's mansion.

Upon hearing this, Ye Yi immediately looked up and looked at Zhong Chuzhou intently, with a hint of nervousness and vigilance in his eyes.

Zhong Chuzhou hesitated for a moment, then said slowly, "Nothing, please leave."

"Yes." The voice of the secret guard came, and then the sound of fluttering clothes gradually faded away, and the surroundings returned to silence.

Zhong Chuzhou then turned his gaze back to Ye Yi. Ye Yi bowed again and said, "Princess Jin'an asked me to pass something to you." Then he took out the secret letter given to him by Princess Jin'an from his arms and handed it to Zhong Chuzhou.

Zhong Chuzhou took the list, frowned slightly, and quickly scanned the contents. He looked up at Ye Yi and asked, "Does the princess have any instructions?"

"The princess only ordered the letter to be delivered to the prince and didn't say anything else." Ye Yi replied.

Zhong Chuzhou nodded slightly, his eyes narrowed, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Did the princess meet the Third Prince today?"

"Yes!" Ye Yi replied, his voice concise and powerful.

Zhong Chuzhou's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. He said slowly, "Go back and tell the princess that I understand." He paused for a moment and then continued, "Well, I'll tell the people in the mansion. There's no need to be so sudden next time."

Ye Yi paused for a moment, as if he was a little surprised by Zhong Chuzhou's words, but soon he bowed again with his hands clasped together, and then left quickly, like a black shadow that disappeared into the night in an instant.

Zhong Chuzhou stared silently at the secret letter in his hand. His right index finger slowly and rhythmically tapped it, producing a soft, rhythmic sound. He then stood up, called over the guard, Mo Qing, and whispered a few instructions. Mo Qing accepted the order and bowed before leaving.