After the attack by the men in black, the atmosphere between Xiao Yanzi and Hong Zhou became somewhat tense. Hong Zhou looked at Xiao Yanzi, his eyes filled with concern and doubt: "Xiao Yanzi, do you really not know Ling Xuzi?" Xiao Yanzi shook her head vigorously, her eyes resolute: "Fifth Prince, I really don't know him. I don't understand why they came after me. They must have mistaken me for someone else!" Hong Zhou frowned slightly. Although he still had doubts, he didn't press the matter further, but simply said softly: "Never mind, with me here, I will definitely not let you get hurt."

Meanwhile, in another mysterious location, the group of men in black were reporting to their mastermind. In a dimly lit room, the leader of the men in black knelt on one knee, his face full of shame, and said, "Master, this operation has failed. Miss Lin has no clue about Ling Xuzi's matter. We've probably targeted the wrong person. Moreover, the sudden appearance of the Fifth Prince and the Fourth Prince disrupted our plans." The mastermind in the shadows flew into a rage, shouting, "You bunch of fools! You can't even get the target right, how can you expect to succeed? Continue investigating, find out who is connected to Ling Xuzi! At the same time, keep an eye on Miss Lin. Her appearance is no accident; perhaps we can still find some clues from her."

On Hongli's side, he secretly began to investigate Xiaoyanzi's background and her activities in the Prime Minister's residence. His personal attendant asked with some confusion, "Fourth Prince, why are you so concerned about Miss Lin?" Hongli's gaze was deep as he slowly said, "There are too many mysteries surrounding her, and I must find out the truth. From her words and actions to her talent and martial arts skills, everything seems familiar yet strange. I cannot let any clue slip by."

In a small town in Jiangnan, Xiao Yanzi tried her best to regain her former liveliness. She dragged Hongzhou to see a variety show, where cheers frequently erupted from the crowd. After the performance, Xiao Yanzi excitedly said to Hongzhou, "Fifth Prince, look how amazing that performer's skills are! I want to learn a few tricks from him!" Hongzhou was infected by her enthusiasm and said with a smile, "You just love to join in the fun. But as long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

However, beneath the calm surface, the crisis had not subsided. One day, Xiao Yanzi was practicing martial arts alone in the courtyard of the inn when a mysterious old man suddenly appeared. The old man looked at Xiao Yanzi, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and then said, "Young lady, your martial arts style is quite unique. Who is your teacher?" Xiao Yanzi looked at the old man warily: "Why should I tell you? And who are you?" The old man smiled slightly: "I am merely a wandering traveler. Seeing your extraordinary martial arts skills, I became curious." Xiao Yanzi, however, dared not relax: "I don't think you're that simple. You'd better leave quickly, or I won't be polite!" The old man laughed heartily: "Young lady, don't be nervous. I'll be leaving now." With that, he vanished.

Xiao Yanzi felt uneasy and told Hong Zhou about it. Hong Zhou comforted her, "Perhaps it's just a strange person passing by. Don't be afraid, I'm here with you." But Xiao Yanzi's intuition told her that things were far from simple.

Meanwhile, Hongli's investigation made some progress. He discovered that although Xiaoyanzi was the daughter of a prime minister, some of her behaviors and preferences were not quite in line with her status. His doubts grew, and he decided to find an opportunity to test Xiaoyanzi.

That day, Hongli invited Xiaoyanzi and Hongzhou to go boating on the lake. The lake shimmered, and the scenery was picturesque. Hongli casually mentioned some palace secrets and historical anecdotes, observing Xiaoyanzi's reaction. Xiaoyanzi tried hard to recall the original owner's memories and responded cautiously. Hongzhou, somewhat impatiently, said, "Fourth Brother, we're out for a stroll, why talk about such serious matters?" Hongli smiled and said, "It's just a casual chat to broaden our knowledge."

After the lake tour, Xiao Yanzi breathed a sigh of relief. She knew Hongli was testing her, but she wasn't sure if she had given herself away. Back at the inn, she said to Hongzhou, "Fifth Prince, I'm a little tired and want to rest for a while." Hongzhou nodded, "Okay, you rest well. I'm right next door. Call me if you need anything."

Xiao Yanzi lay in bed, her mind racing. She knew she had to be extra careful, otherwise, if her identity were exposed, not only would she be in danger, but she would also implicate Hongzhou and everyone in the Prime Minister's mansion. She secretly vowed to protect this secret and, at the same time, to find the mastermind behind those men in black and unravel this mystery.

In the palace, Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan also heard some things about Xiao Yanzi in Jiangnan. Worried that Hongli might get into trouble because of Xiao Yanzi, she secretly sent people to Jiangnan, instructing them to closely monitor Hongli and Xiao Yanzi's movements and to help them if necessary. Empress Yixiu, though confined to her quarters, also learned of the events in Jiangnan through her own spies. She remained silent in the palace, waiting for the right opportunity to perhaps use this matter to strike at Zhen Huan and Hongli.

The situation in Jiangnan is becoming increasingly complex, with various forces intertwined. Amidst this vortex, Xiao Yanzi struggles to balance her emotions and secrets, while her emotional entanglements with Hongzhou and Hongli continue to evolve in this perilous environment. The future is fraught with unknowns and challenges; her future remains uncertain.

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