Hongli's attendant rushed over and reported to him, "Fourth Prince, after extensive investigation, it seems that Miss Lin really has nothing to do with Ling Xuzi. Those men in black have probably mistaken her for someone else." Hongli frowned slightly, his doubts growing stronger: "How could this be? Then how do you explain the many suspicious points about her?" The attendant lowered his head, not daring to speak.
Xiao Yanzi tossed and turned in the inn, unable to fall asleep. She got up and went to the window, gazing blankly at the night outside. Hong Zhou gently pushed open the door and, seeing her appearance, asked with concern, "Xiao Yanzi, what's wrong? Are you still worried about those men in black?" Xiao Yanzi turned to look at him, her eyes full of worry, "Fifth Prince, I have a feeling there's a huge conspiracy behind this. It seems we've been caught up in some inexplicable conflict." Hong Zhou held her hand, "Don't be afraid. No matter what happens, I'll be with you."
The next day, Hongzhou suggested going to the countryside for a stroll, and Xiaoyanzi nodded in agreement. They rode horses to the countryside, where the spring scenery was delightful, with lush green grass and blooming flowers. Hongzhou tried to cheer Xiaoyanzi up, pointing to the flowerbeds in the distance and saying, "Xiaoyanzi, look at that sea of flowers, doesn't it look like a natural painting?" Xiaoyanzi forced a smile and said, "Yes, it's very beautiful."
Just then, they saw a shepherd boy tending cattle, playing a short flute with melodious tunes. Hongzhou said to Xiaoyanzi, "Listen, how beautiful that flute music is! It seems to make one forget all their troubles." Xiaoyanzi suddenly said, "Fifth Prince, I think we can't keep running away like this. We have to actively find out the truth." Looking at her determined eyes, Hongzhou nodded and said, "Alright, Xiaoyanzi, I'll listen to you. Where should we begin?" Xiaoyanzi pondered for a moment, "Let's start by investigating where those men in black appeared; perhaps we can find some clues there."
Meanwhile, within the palace, Consort Zhen Huan's people were also secretly operating in Jiangnan. They discovered that the men in black seemed to be connected to a mysterious organization, elusive in the martial arts world with unclear motives. Upon learning this, Zhen Huan was deeply worried, knowing that mishandling the matter could bring great trouble to Hongli. She instructed her subordinates: "You must find out the details of this organization as soon as possible and protect the Fourth Prince and Miss Lin."
On Empress Yixiu's side, she secretly colluded with Niohuru Zhixi, wanting to use Xiaoyanzi's matter to strike at Zhen Huan and Hongli. Zhixi said to Yixiu, "Your Majesty, the matter of Miss Lin in Jiangnan is a perfect opportunity, we can't miss it." Yixiu sneered, "Of course I know, but we must be careful and not give anyone any leverage."
Hongli continued his investigation and discovered that while Xiaoyanzi was able to handle certain court etiquette and cultural knowledge, she occasionally displayed some unusual reactions. He decided to test Xiaoyanzi again. He hosted a small banquet at the inn and invited Xiaoyanzi and Hongzhou to attend.
At the banquet, Hongli casually mentioned some details of court etiquette, then asked Xiaoyanzi, "Miss Lin, what are your thoughts on this?" Xiaoyanzi's heart tightened. She tried hard to recall the original owner's memories and cautiously replied, "Fourth Prince, I think these etiquettes, though cumbersome, are a reflection of the royal style and have their own profound meaning." Hongli looked at her and smiled slightly, "Miss Lin is right. However, I've heard that some folk customs are quite different from court etiquette. Are you familiar with them, Miss Lin?" Xiaoyanzi shook her head, "I know very little about folk customs while living in the Prime Minister's residence."
Hongzhou, standing to the side, grew impatient: "Fourth Brother, today is just a small banquet, why be so serious? Let Xiaoyanzi have a good meal." Hongli replied: "Fifth Brother, I was just discussing some academic matters with Miss Lin, I had no other intentions."
After returning to her room, Xiao Yanzi pondered to herself: Hongli's relentless pressure must stem from deep suspicion of her, but this secret must not be revealed under any circumstances. She paced back and forth in the room, her brow furrowed.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yanzi and Hong Zhou began their planned investigation near the temple where the men in black had appeared. They discovered some strange symbols around the temple. Xiao Yanzi asked疑惑地, "What do these symbols mean? I've never seen them before." Hong Zhou observed them carefully and said, "I don't know either, but they're definitely related to those men in black. Let's draw these symbols and go back to ask someone."
When they returned to the inn, they found the atmosphere somewhat strange. It turned out that the people sent by Consort Zhen Huan had clashed with some suspicious individuals at the inn. Xiao Yanzi and Hongzhou hurriedly went forward to inquire, and Zhen Huan's subordinate said, "Miss Lin, Fifth Prince, we discovered that these people were secretly monitoring you, so we tried to capture them, but we didn't expect they had accomplices."
Hongzhou angrily asked, "Who are these people? Why are they spying on us?" Xiaoyanzi had a sudden thought; she felt that these people might be the same group as the men in black. She said to Hongzhou, "Fifth Prince, it seems we are getting closer and closer to the truth, but it is also getting more and more dangerous."
In this complex situation, Xiao Yanzi not only has to skillfully deal with Hongli's tests, but also work with Hongzhou to investigate the truth. Her relationship with both Hongzhou and Hongli also faces new challenges amidst these trials. In this foggy predicament, she walks a tightrope, treading carefully with every step. What awaits them in the future remains unknown; they can only strive to find a way out of this perilous vortex.
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