I started out with seven husbands, and I worked hard to support my family while crying.

Upon hearing this, Pei Changqing's eyes flashed with surprise, and he immediately asked, "Since you've finished drinking it, why didn't you ask me for more? You know I still have quite a bit left."

His eyes were full of suspicion as he tried to find a flaw in Pei Yan's answer.

Pei Yan patted his head, making a pained and uncomfortable expression on his face, and said, "Second Brother, I did think about looking for you. But when I thought about how busy you are with court affairs every day, I really couldn't bear to bother you with these trivial matters. I had no choice but to force myself to quit, and the process was extremely agonizing."

As he spoke, he even sighed in a mocking manner.

Pei Changqing remained skeptical after hearing this, as he did not believe that anyone could so easily break free from the addictive nature of Wushi Powder.

Just as he was about to press further, Pei Yan seemed to see through his thoughts and spoke first: "Second brother, you don't know this, but I sent someone to Lingxi Pavilion to buy pills that can help people quit drinking. That's how I slowly recovered."

Upon hearing the words "Lingxi Pavilion," Pei Changqing's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't dare to press the matter further and had no choice but to give up.

After seeing Pei Changqing off, Pei Yan's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a cold and stern expression.

He strode behind the screen and beckoned his subordinate, who was hiding there, to come out. The subordinate looked nervous, knelt on one knee, and awaited Pei Yan's instructions.

Pei Yan carefully took out a letter from his sleeve and solemnly handed it to his subordinate, ordering, "You must personally deliver this letter to Fang Xiaoxiao, the proprietress of Lingxi Pavilion. Remember, this matter is extremely important and cannot be taken lightly."

The subordinate took the letter, carefully placed it close to his body, and said firmly, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will do my utmost, even at the cost of my life."

Having said that, he quietly left through the side door and disappeared into the night.

Pei Yan gazed in the direction his subordinates had left, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. He knew that this letter might be the key to turning the tide.

Inside the Fang family's courtyard, the moonlight, as clear as water, spilled across the tranquil space.

Fang Xiaoxiao had been busy all day and was just about to rest. She stepped into the room, blew out the candles, and planned to relax her tired body and mind in the dark.

Just then, a dark shadow flashed past the window, and then the window was gently pushed open, and a man in black nimbly leaped into the room.

Fang Xiaoxiao instantly became alert and was about to shout when the man in black quickly stepped forward, placed a letter on the table, said nothing, turned around, and leaped out of the window, disappearing into the night with the speed of a ghost.

Before Fang Xiaoxiao could even react with surprise, she walked to the table, filled with doubt, and carefully opened the envelope by the dim moonlight.

As her gaze moved across the letter, her expression gradually turned serious, and her heart sank.

After reading the letter, she knew that the matter was of great importance. Without hesitation, she quickly picked up the candle on the table, brought the letter close to her eyes, and watched the paper slowly curl, turn black, and turn to ashes in the flame, as if this would annihilate the secret along with it.

The next morning, as dawn broke, Fang Xiaoxiao and the others went to Lingxi Pavilion to get busy, as usual.

On this day, Lingxi Pavilion was bustling with customers, and everyone was so busy they barely had time to breathe.

From introducing products to handling checkout and dealing with unexpected situations, everyone gave their all. By the end of the day, everyone was exhausted, as if all their energy had been drained.

After seeing off the last group of customers, Lingxi Pavilion finally quieted down.

Long Jinyan plopped down at the square table in the lobby, let out a long sigh, and couldn't help but exclaim, "This day has been more tiring than when I was fighting a war!"

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly attracting curious glances from everyone, who all looked on in surprise.

Seeing this, Long Jinyan knew that he could no longer hide his past, so he had no choice but to tell the truth: "To tell you the truth, I used to be the most powerful general in the Dayu Dynasty."

On the battlefield, I led my soldiers into battle and made outstanding contributions.

Later, however, treacherous officials in the court became jealous of my achievements and maliciously slandered me in front of the emperor. In addition, the emperor was naturally suspicious and began to distrust me.

Ultimately, I was framed and became a fugitive, forced to flee from place to place.

As he said this, a hint of loneliness and helplessness flashed in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, the group felt a deep sense of sympathy and stepped forward to comfort Long Jinyan.

Zhou Wenjian patted him on the shoulder and said, "Brother Long, don't take it to heart. That old emperor is muddle-headed and doesn't recognize loyalty."

Others echoed this sentiment, saying they would keep the secret and not leak it.

Just as everyone was comforting Long Jinyan, a figure suddenly appeared at the gate.

The group all looked over and discovered that it was Pei Yan, whom they hadn't seen in a long time.

Pei Yan was dressed in a black robe, his posture was upright, and his eyes revealed determination and persistence.

He entered Lingxi Pavilion, greeted the group, and then solemnly stated his purpose.

As soon as he announced what he was about to do, Long Jinyan slammed his fist on the table and shouted, "Damn dog emperor!"

Seeing this, Fang Xiaoxiao quickly had someone close the door and warned, "Jinyan, don't be so loud, be careful, the walls may have ears."

Pei Yan looked at Fang Xiaoxiao with tenderness and apology in his eyes. He slowly stepped forward, took out the gold hairpin he had bought for Fang Xiaoxiao from his pocket, handed it to her, and said sincerely, "Xiaoxiao, I was wrong before and made you suffer so much. I hope you can forgive me."

Fang Xiaoxiao looked at the gold hairpin and felt a ripple in her heart. In fact, she had long since stopped blaming Pei Yan, but she still pretended to be dissatisfied and said, "Hmph, I'll reluctantly accept your apology since you're so sincere."

Upon hearing this, Pei Yan smiled with relief.

Next, Pei Yan's expression turned serious, and he began to explain his plan: "I want to expose Pei Changqing's true colors and return the slander he plotted against me to him without any changes."

He was the one who orchestrated and framed me for treason back then. Now, I'll make him taste the bitterness of being falsely accused.

Everyone was shocked by Pei Yan's determination. Only then did Ouyang Tuoba realize that the Second Prince, whom he had been seeking help from, was actually such a ruthless person.

After a moment's thought, he took the lead in stating his position: "Pei Yan, I am willing to cooperate with your plan. That Second Prince has gone too far; we cannot allow him to continue committing evil deeds."

After Ouyang Tuoba expressed his support, the others followed suit. Zhou Wenjian clenched his fist and said firmly, "Pei Yan, we all support you. We must not let that villain succeed!"