Cold-faced Empress

Oh my god.

Fu Siying originally planned to have the governor of Pingcheng request the execution of all the bandits after returning to the city. However, Huang Hu's death caused the clues to the mastermind to be cut off. In order to prevent any of the bandits from remembering any clues, she had to ensure that the bandits' lives were temporarily safe.

Since the Fu family returned to the Bai family mansion, Mr. and Mrs. Bai have strictly ordered the servants to serve them carefully, especially not daring to be presumptuous in front of Miss Fu.

Upon hearing the news, the family members were shocked and came to visit, but were turned away at the door by Fu Siying.

Madam Zhao, the third wife of Fu, still couldn't believe it: "How could this be? How could this happen? Siying, she..."

"It must be true," said the Second Madam Zhang, her expression complex and utterly cold. "It's a blessing that she lost her virginity; at least she won't have to fear the punishment of disobeying the imperial decree and breaking off the engagement. With her chastity defiled, Prince Mu will abandon her even without her having to break off the engagement!"

Because of this sudden change, the Fu family's return to the capital was postponed. Since the main family didn't need to stay in Pingcheng, they set off for home first. Prime Minister Fu was once again disheartened by the main family's cold attitude, but fortunately, Fu Shi was willing to submit a memorial to the Emperor, explaining the situation and requesting a few more days of leave.

Fu Siying refused to eat or drink for several days and occasionally made suicidal gestures, leading everyone to believe without a doubt that she had suffered a mishap and lost her virginity.

After closing the door, Prime Minister Fu and Madam Li were quite helpless. Madam Li laid out food for her, saying, "You, you're just asking for trouble."

The couple had learned from her that her actions were twofold: first, to get rid of Prince Mu, and second, to lower the guard of the mastermind behind the scenes and provoke them to reveal their true colors. Therefore, they felt somewhat at ease.

Prime Minister Fu said, "I have already ordered the Prefect of Pingcheng to do everything in his power to investigate the person who went out of the city to deliver the message that night, but to no avail. Siying, are you sure that what you are doing will be useful and will be able to provoke the mastermind behind the scenes to give himself away?"

"Of course, the more I break down, the more smug they'll become. They'll soon come smugly in front of me, and then I'll see who it is!"

Fu Siying narrowed her eyes, a ruthless glint in them. This was also why she was staying in Pingcheng instead of returning to the capital. She would make sure her enemies suffered the consequences!

Just as the family was worrying about whether there would be any progress in the case, there was a sudden, urgent knock on the door. Qingyin rushed out and reported, "Master, Madam, Prince Mu! Prince Mu has come to Pingcheng!"

"Cough!" Suddenly, Fu Siying choked on a mouthful of food, coughing so hard she slammed her hand on the table. "Cough cough cough cough cough!"

Prime Minister Fu hurriedly got up and opened the door, only to see Master Bai rushing in anxiously. The two quickly left.

Li summoned Qingyin into the room: "Tell me carefully."

Unaware that her young mistress had been faking her misfortune for the past few days, Qingyin was stunned when she entered the room to find Fu Siying waving her chopsticks and coughing. There was also half-eaten rice and dishes on the table.

Uh, didn't the eldest young lady suffer humiliation and then go on a hunger strike to try and die? The second young lady's eyes haven't gone down from crying these past few days!

"Oh dear, don't look at her, tell me quickly why Prince Mu is here?" Madam Li waved her hand.

Qingyin said stiffly, "This servant has no idea why Prince Mu has come. The Prefect of Pingcheng sent someone to say that Prince Mu has already arrived at the government office."

"The government office?!" Fu Siying was instantly shocked. How could a prince not inform the authorities beforehand? Even saying so at the city gate would have been more reasonable. Why go straight to the government office?

Li was also anxious and worried. She slapped Fu Siying on the head and said impatiently, "Eat quickly, this might be your last meal!"

"……mother!"