After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Yajulou is located at the corner of Dongshi, like a bright pearl hidden in the bustling city.

As soon as the magnificent carriage from the Grand Tutor's mansion came to a stop nearby, a sharp-eyed servant quickly came out to greet them. This servant was indeed clever; just by looking at them and seeing that they were wearing the court uniforms of Guangwentang, he knew that the visitors were either rich or noble, and dared not be negligent in the slightest.

Before long, they arrived at a private room on the third floor, led by a servant.

The room was elegantly and exquisitely decorated, exuding an air of distinction. After the maids quietly served the finest tea and delicate refreshments, Xiao Ran slightly raised her hand, signaling them to leave.

At that moment, faint sounds of a guqin drifted from outside the door. The music was like a clear mountain spring, melodious and continuous. Interspersed among the notes was the soft voice of a singer, which, upon closer listening, turned out to be a folk tune from Jiangnan.

The melody was like a gentle breeze caressing the surface of a lake, or the fragrance of flowers permeating the air, captivating the listener.

Xiao Ran slowly and deliberately picked up the teacup, gently pressed the lid down, and then took a small sip. The aroma of the tea instantly filled her mouth, with a lingering and unforgettable aftertaste.

Shen You put down her teacup, closed her eyes, and savored the melody, saying, "I don't think I've ever heard this tune before in the capital, but it's quite beautiful."

Xiao Ran raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips: "The tunes of Jiangnan may not be as grand as those of the capital, but they are melodious and delicate, and quite a few people in the capital love them."

A hint of doubt flashed in Shen You's eyes as she tilted her head and asked, "Ran-mei, you seem to know a lot about Jiangnan folk songs?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ran's eyes dimmed slightly. She lowered her head and said softly, "I grew up in Jiangnan since I was a child."

Upon hearing this, Shen You suddenly realized something, but a sense of guilt welled up in her heart. She had momentarily forgotten that Ran Mei had only returned to the capital a few years ago.

"Sister Shen You, judging from your expression, it seems you have something to say to me?" Xiao Ran raised her eyes slightly, looking at Shen You with tender eyes. "Between sisters, there's no need for beating around the bush. Please speak freely, sister."

"I—" Shen You's lips trembled slightly, and she paused, then took a deep breath, as if she had mustered up a great deal of courage.

“Ranmei, I’ve been thinking about what happened at the Summer Palace over and over again these past few days. The more I think about it, the more I feel that it was because of me that you suffered such a misfortune. Ever since I heard the news of your accident, I’ve been trapped in a nightmare, unable to eat or sleep…”

"I know this apology is late, but I still have to say it, Ranmei, it's my fault for letting you down."

Shen You kept her head down, looking very downcast. Her shoulders trembled slightly, and her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her clothes, as if she was trying to suppress the surging guilt and self-blame in her heart.

Xiao Ran shook her head and took Shen You's uneasy hands in hers.

Shen You looked up and saw Xiao Ran gently shaking her head as she said softly, "Sister Shen You, I don't blame you."

"If someone wants to harm my sister, she can't escape it no matter how hard she tries."

Shen You was taken aback. What did he mean by wanting to harm her? Could it mean...?

Her eyes were filled with disbelief: "Ranmei, are you saying that someone in the Summer Palace wants to harm you?"

After saying that, she frowned, and her originally pretty face became serious because of this sudden conjecture.

Outside the window, the sky gradually darkened like ink-stained silk, while distant lights twinkled like stars, casting an orange-yellow glow on the streets. The bustling crowds, the laughter of children, and the cries of vendors mingled, creating a warm and inviting scene.

But in the private room on the third floor, the atmosphere was tense. The air seemed to freeze, with only the wisps of steam rising from the teacups serving as a testament to the passage of time.

Xiao Ran nodded slightly, her expression indifferent.

"Sister Shen You, that is the truth."