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

"Cough cough cough..."

The girl on the bed stirred slightly, seemingly showing signs of waking up.

Seeing this, Pei Yun whispered to Xiao Ran:

"Pei waited outside."

As the door closed softly, Chen Zijin on the bed gradually opened her eyes.

"Miss Xiao...?" Her voice was somewhat weak.

"You're awake! How are you feeling? Is anything bothering you?" Xiao Ran asked with concern.

Chen Zijin slowly sat up from the bed, her gaze sweeping blankly around her.

"Miss Xiao, where is this...? Where is Miss Shen?"

Xiao Ran explained softly:

“You’ve been poisoned. I’ve sent Miss Shen to the banquet first; she can cover for us so no one will ask where you are.”

"Okay, okay."

Chen Zijing nodded, then suddenly remembered something, "Is it the fragrance of those flowers?"

Xiao Ran nodded, her expression solemn.

"So it really was the fragrance of those flowers..."

Chen Zijing lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly, "At the time, I felt a tightness in my chest when I smelled it, but I didn't pay much attention to it..."

"The imperial physician said that prolonged exposure to that fragrance could be life-threatening."

Xiao Ran said earnestly, "Zijin, do you really think that handkerchief is more important than your own life?"

"I..." Chen Zijin was speechless for a moment and fell silent.

Xiao Ran understood that Nangong Ming was always flamboyant, and if Chen Zijing didn't retrieve the handkerchief, her sister Chen Ruonan might discover it someday. And then…

Chen Ruonan had never liked this younger sister, and Xiao Ran had already noticed it back when they were at the Summer Palace.

Because of her dislike, Chen Ruonan might even resort to violence against Chen Zijing. If this matter is exposed, Chen Zijing might not even be able to save her life.

So why didn't Chen Zijing take back the handkerchief? Did Chen Zijing really not understand the implications?

"I see Pei Shaoqing has arrived..."

Chen Zijin lowered her head, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible.

"Miss Xiao may not know, but I have met with Pei Shaoqing several times since the incident on Dirty Street."

She paused, seemingly choosing her words carefully, "Pei Shaoqing... is gentle and refined, and I understand his concern for me. But by the time I truly understood all of this, the two of them had already started arguing."

“At Miss Xiao’s coming-of-age banquet, Zijing had a conflict with the Prince over the silver comb. If the Prince of Nangong were alone here, Zijing would be easier to deal with. I could tolerate whatever he said, as long as I could get the handkerchief back. But now…”

"It seems that Pei Shaoqing and Prince Nangong are really serious. If Zijing appears now, I'm afraid there's no way she'll get that handkerchief back."

"So..." Xiao Ran pondered for a moment, a hint of understanding flashing in her eyes, "You plan to wait until one of them leaves first, and then go find the person who took the handkerchief?"

Chen Zijing nodded, her tone calm yet firm, "Miss Xiao is right."

Xiao Ran stared at Chen Zijing, somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected that this seemingly delicate girl would have such deep thoughts.

Upon closer examination, Chen Zijing's actions indeed minimized the risks. If she hadn't spoken up herself, women from high-ranking families like Xiao Ran and Shen You would likely have found it difficult to understand her good intentions.

It's pitiful that after so many years of struggling in the Chen family, she developed such a cautious and meticulous nature.

Xiao Ran sighed softly, her tone tinged with emotion.

"Zijin, you've really had a tough time these past few years."