The system forced me to blow up the female lead's fishpond.

She's lived so long and grown up, and she's never seen so much gold in her entire life.

Shen Zhizhi chuckled and reached out to take it, but in her mind, Ya Dan's voice immediately shattered her fantasy of becoming a rich woman.

[Host, please be sure to return this gold to Chu Tu.]

Shen Zhizhi's smile froze instantly. She silently raised her middle finger. "Excuse me, are you crazy or am I? This much gold, which I risked my life for, and you want me to return it to him?"

【NONONO!】

Ya Dan, wiggling her mechanical legs, stood steadily in the consciousness, raised her index finger, and solemnly advised:

[Host, you need to think long-term. Chu Tu's sycophancy level has dropped significantly. Wouldn't it be better if you returned the gold to him, asked him to spend a day shopping with you, and used that as an opportunity to reduce his 'darkening' level?]

It must be said that Ya Dan is absolutely right.

Shen Qinshou's actions today must have deeply saddened Chu Tu. If someone could offer him some care and comfort at this moment, perhaps his darker side could be further reduced?

however--

Shen Zhizhi stared longingly at the gold ingot that shimmered alluringly in the sunlight, her heart filled with bitterness.

Adults make choices, can't I choose to have both?

Ya Dan stared at the host's worthless appearance on the void screen, utterly speechless.

[Chu Tu's "sycophantic" value hasn't been reset yet. If the host accepts the gold, then he won't owe the host any favors, and naturally, he won't agree to let the host go shopping.]

Shen Zhizhi's lips twitched.

Seeing that she was wavering, Ya Dan pressed her advantage, saying, "Besides, all this gold is just in the book. Once you complete the mission and return to the real world, villas, mansions, and a 100 million yuan bonus are waiting for you."

After much thought, Shen Zhizhi realized that it made sense.

She could only swallow the bitterness in her throat, averting her gaze from the glittering gold, her eyes brimming with tears of reluctance. "Your Highness, it was nothing, please take the gold back."

"Why?" Chu Tu frowned slightly, raising his eyes in surprise to ask.

Having learned her lesson, Shen Zhizhi finally pulled out a handkerchief this time, covering her eyes and pretending to wipe away tears. "I have been frugal since childhood and cannot afford to spend so much money. I also do not know how to spend it. Even my clothes have been patched before."

Chu Tu lowered his gaze slightly, seemingly disbelieving that someone could be so ignorant about how to spend money.

He looked around and realized that the courtyard was so dilapidated. Although she was a concubine's daughter, the courtyard seemed far too rough compared to A-Shou's.

Chu Tu frowned, suddenly remembering that Shen Hongsheng had said that his Prime Minister's mansion only had A-Shou as the daughter he cherished most.

It seems that Shen Hongsheng's attitude towards Shen Zhizhi, his illegitimate daughter, is worse than he thought.

Shen Zhizhi looked at Chu Tu with her eyes half-covered, a smile on her lips, but her voice was choked with emotion, "If, if Your Highness is so kind, could you accompany me to choose some ready-made clothes? I would be content with just a few pieces."

Chu Tu looked up and saw her standing in front of him with her head down, her slender body trembling slightly, which made her look even more petite.

For some inexplicable reason, he didn't know how to refuse.

That's enough. Yesterday she risked her life to retrieve her mother's belongings for him. Today she's just accompanying her to the city to choose a few clothes. If she can't even agree to this, wouldn't she be too heartless and ungrateful?

He sighed, his tone indifferent, "It's just a few clothes, I'll accompany you."

A hint of joy flashed across Shen Zhizhi's eyes.

Her red lips parted slightly, and she said softly, "Thank you, Third Prince."

......

On the other side, Shen Qinshou slowed her pace, glancing behind her as she ran, but the familiar figure never appeared.

"Hmph! That Shen Zhizhi is such a vixen, she must be clinging to the Third Prince." Seeing her young mistress's terrible expression, Xiao Tao hurriedly spoke up and cursed.

Shen Qinshou's eyes turned cold, all traces of her previous gentleness vanished, and a shadow quickly rose in her eyes. "Heh, we haven't taught her a lesson yet about the porridge shop incident. Since both princes are so infatuated with her, then let someone else deal with her."

She already had a plan in mind. If she could use the Empress's power to get rid of Shen Zhizhi, this stumbling block, things would be much simpler.

Xiao Tao looked up in confusion, "Second Miss, then—"

"Enter the palace to find the Empress."

Inside the Phoenix Palace.

The hall was silent. Empress Ming wore a crown with six dragons and three phoenixes on her head and a bright yellow robe, exuding an unparalleled aura of majesty.

Sitting beside her was Shen Qinshou, whose expression was solemn, eyes sharp, and lips slightly parted, as if he were whispering important matters.

"Your Majesty, if Shen Zhizhi is not eliminated, our plans will be ruined." Shen Qinshou leaned forward, her red lips slightly parted, her eyes full of dissatisfaction.

A fierce glint flashed in Empress Ming's phoenix eyes, but it subsided quickly.

I thought this eldest daughter of the Shen family was so capable, but she was so foolish as to want to use me to get rid of Shen Zhizhi.

Judging from Shen Qinshou's words, the Second Prince now dotes on that concubine's daughter quite a bit, and she would naturally not get involved in this mess if absolutely necessary.

Thinking of this, Empress Ming smiled and placed Shen Qinshou's hand in her palm, patting it gently to comfort her, "A'shou, Mingzhe should prioritize his own safety. As a mere concubine's daughter, it is not my place to take action now."

Shen Qinshou frowned slightly.

She entered the palace today to find the Empress and ask her to send an assassin to eliminate Shen Zhizhi as soon as possible.

After all, Shen Zhizhi's existence was always a potential threat to her, and if she didn't eliminate her in time, it would probably bring her more trouble in the future.

But according to Empress Ming, this means she is refusing the matter?

She suppressed her resentment and remained gentle and calm, saying, "But Your Majesty, if she says something nonsense in front of the Third Prince, how will A-Shou get close to the Third Prince and serve Your Majesty in the future?"

"A-Shou, don't be anxious." Empress Ming said calmly, holding her hand and continuing to persuade her, "Men all need to be coaxed. Even heroes can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman. With a little trick, won't the Third Prince soften his heart?"

Shen Qinshou raised her eyes, a hint of doubt flashing in them: "What does Your Majesty mean by this?"

Empress Ming's face was ashen as she slowly said, "Shen Zhizhi is currently protected by the Second Prince, so I cannot directly take action. But wouldn't it be better if the Third Prince could personally eliminate her and let the two of them fight each other?"

Shen Qinshou was suddenly startled.

Indeed, the Third Prince's question today clearly indicates that he has been hurt by her. If she were to back down slightly, sincerely apologize, and show a little tenderness, the Third Prince's heart would naturally return to her.

Then, she pretended to be pitiful and threatened to kill herself, which made the Third Prince feel sorry for her.

Therefore, she did not believe that Shen Zhizhi could remain unharmed.

Shen Qinshou snapped out of her thoughts, a faint smile playing on her lips, but the sharpness in her eyes was clearly visible. She replied, "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. I understand."

"Then, I await your good news."