The princess regretted it.

On two streets in the capital, two carriages were heading in the same direction from different directions.

Inside a carriage, Minister Lin's face was solemn, his brow furrowed. He was filled with worry and uneasiness, unsure of the outcome of his visit to the palace to plead guilty. He knew full well that his wife's imprudent behavior at the Princess's banquet could bring disaster to the entire Shangshu Mansion. The only thing he could do now was to sincerely apologize to His Majesty and beg for forgiveness. Inside the carriage, he pondered over the words that would minimize the Shangshu Mansion's guilt.

In the other carriage, Wang Siqing wore a serious expression, his gaze resolute. Lord Wang now felt more confident, no longer as anxious as before. This confidence stemmed from Prime Minister Mu's secret visit before planning the capture of Qi Kui. With the guidance of the Mu family and the help of a mysterious individual, things seemed to be going more smoothly.

Wang Siqing recalled Prime Minister Mu's secret visit, and those words were like a beacon that illuminated his path forward. Prime Minister Mu's wisdom and accurate grasp of the situation helped him find his direction in the midst of confusion.

The appearance of the mysterious man brought unexpected assistance. Lord Wang was initially skeptical of this mysterious man, but he discovered that he merely offered timely advice and didn't interfere too much with his plans. The mysterious man seemed to have a thorough understanding of the case, providing precise clues and advice that allowed him to gradually gain the initiative during Qi Kui's interrogation. He therefore didn't pursue the man's identity too closely, presumably because there was a reason he couldn't come forward.

Two carriages sped through the streets of the capital. The two people in the carriages had different feelings, but they were both heading towards the same destination - the palace.

Zhang Hengrui was the first to hear of the two men's arrival, as he was one of the commanders of the Imperial Guards. He listened to his confidant's report and remained silent for a long time. He probably knew why Minister Lin had come to the palace. But why was Wang Zhengxing entering the palace at this time? Qi Kui had just been arrested, and Wang Zhengxing rushed into the palace in such a hurry. What couldn't wait until tomorrow morning?

Zhang Hengrui paced back and forth in his room, his mind racing. Wang Zhengxing's entrance into the palace during this sensitive period must have something important to report to His Majesty. This matter was likely related to Qi Kui's arrest. Could they have gleaned some crucial clue from Qi Kui?

The more Zhang Hengrui thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. He had to quickly ascertain Wang Zhengxing's purpose in entering the palace so he could take appropriate countermeasures. He paused and said to a trusted confidant, "Keep a close eye on Wang Zhengxing's movements. Report any news to me immediately." The confidant took his orders and left.

Zhang Hengrui thought about it and asked someone to call the steward. The steward came hurriedly and saluted him, saying, "Young Master."

"There's still no news from the people who went out to investigate?"

The steward paused for a moment, then immediately replied, "He hasn't come back yet, Master. Have you found anything?"

Zhang Hengrui said in a deep voice, "Send someone right now to find out whether the Dali Temple has brought Qi Kui to trial since he was arrested."

The manager saw the urgency of the situation from his tone, so he quickly agreed and turned around to make arrangements.

The person who went out this time came back soon. When Zhang Hengrui heard the news that the Dali Temple Minister personally interrogated Qi Kui, he was so angry that he smashed another teacup.

He had already guessed that Qi Kui hadn't held on and had confessed something. Otherwise, Wang Zhengxing wouldn't have rushed into the palace so hastily. He closed his eyes and said to the steward, "Go and make the arrangements. Qi Kui can't stay!"

The steward knelt on the ground trembling with fear. Hearing this, he hesitated and said, "Master, do you want to discuss this with the master and the others?"

"There is no time. Wang Zhengxing has already entered the palace. He should have obtained the confession. If the emperor summons Qi Kui, you know what the consequences will be. You should make arrangements immediately and go in person. I will explain to my father." Zhang Hengrui said weakly.

The steward had no choice but to agree and turned to make arrangements. Zhang Hengrui was also uneasy. If Qi Kui really confessed, no matter what the outcome, it would be disadvantageous to the Zhang family. The emperor would definitely become suspicious, and that would inevitably affect his sisters in the palace. After watching the steward leave, he did not stay any longer, but went directly to his father. Some things can no longer be concealed, and cannot be concealed.

By this time, the steward had already sprung into action, arranging for personnel to contact the Dali Temple's secret agents to prepare for the attack on Qi Kui. He, too, was filled with anxiety, knowing that this operation was hasty, but failure was a must. He dared not slack off, personally selecting the most reliable personnel, making the arrangements, and sending them off.

Zhang Hengrui hurried to his father's place. He felt heavy-hearted along the way, unsure how to explain the situation. He knew his father would be furious upon learning about it, but there was no time to hesitate. He had to let his father know the situation as soon as possible so they could discuss a solution.

When he arrived at Zhang Chengde's study, his father was sitting at his desk, his expression grave as he read the urgent report in his hands. Zhang Hengrui stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Father, something has happened." He then recounted in detail the events of Qi Kui's arrest and Wang Zhengxing's entry into the palace.

When he mentioned arranging people to go to the Dali Temple to deal with Qi Kui, Zhang Chengde suddenly stood up and shouted angrily, "Stupid! Go and stop them!"

Zhang Hengrui was very confused and asked, "Father? Why? Qi Kui can't stay!"

"Don't say so much, I told you to go quickly!" Zhang Chengde's tone was urgent, and his eyes revealed anxiety and worry.

Although Zhang Hengrui was full of doubts, he did not dare to ask any more questions seeing his father's firm attitude. He immediately turned around and prepared to stop the people who had already set off.

Before he even reached the gate, he saw the steward hurrying back. The steward, upon seeing him, trotted forward, bowed, and said, "Master, the people have been arranged and are heading to the Dali Temple. We've also contacted the Dali Temple."

Zhang Hengrui's expression suddenly changed, and he shouted hurriedly, "Hurry up and stop them!"

"Ah?" The manager didn't understand what he meant for a moment, and stared at Zhang Hengrui blankly without moving.

"What are you daydreaming about? Hurry up! The plan has changed!" Zhang Hengrui urged anxiously.

The manager finally came to his senses, saluted and responded, then quickly turned around and ran out the door.

Zhang Hengrui paced back and forth twice, gritted his teeth, turned around, and walked quickly towards his father's study.

In the study, Zhang Chengde's face darkened when he heard that the men had already set out and that the steward had gone after them. All he could do now was wait. With a sullen face, he looked at his eldest son, who was becoming increasingly opinionated, and tried his best to suppress his anger.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, the fine lines at the corners seeming to depict the majesty that time had etched upon him. His eyebrows were furrowed tightly, like two thick lumps of ink, condensing a heavy pressure. His lips were pressed into a straight line, the corners of his mouth slightly turned down, revealing his dissatisfaction and seriousness at the moment.

Zhang Hengrui was a little frightened by his father's gaze. But he still didn't understand why his father wanted to stop his plan.