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

Chen Zijing shook her head, her tone calm but with a hint of stubbornness.

"I'm fine, Miss Xiao. As long as the handkerchief is back, that's all that matters."

Xiao Ran frowned, her tone carrying a hint of reproach and concern.

"Next time you encounter something like this, just mention my name. Nangong Ming won't dare to make things difficult for you. If he's still acting all arrogant..."

She paused, a flash of anger crossing her eyes, and her voice turned cold.

"Then come to me! I will definitely stand up for you."

Upon hearing this, Chen Zijing paused slightly, then lowered her head, a faint smile appearing on her lips, and said softly:

"Thank you, Miss Xiao. However, I don't want to trouble you with everything. If there is anything important, I will talk to you then."

Xiao Ran gripped her hand tightly, then paused:

"it is good."

……

The corridor of the side room was sparsely populated. Several maids in green robes carried copper basins and hurried along with their heads down. The eunuch on duty in the corner did not even dare to glance in their direction.

As the three of them walked through the passageway paved with blue bricks, Xiao Ran suddenly heard a few faint chirps of insects, which sounded particularly abrupt in the winter night.

The sky was as dark as ink, and the cold moonlight cast long, thin shadows of the three people onto the frosty bluestone slabs.

“You…” Pei Yun’s steps faltered slightly. His black cloak swept across the remaining snow on the steps as he turned to look at Chen Zijin, who was half a step behind.

"Can you still walk?"

Chen Zijing steadied herself by holding onto the lacquered pillar, a perfectly timed smile curving her lips:

"can."

Her fingertips unconsciously gripped her sleeve, her voice clearer than the moonlight.

"Zijin owes Pei Shaoqing a debt of gratitude that she may never be able to repay in this lifetime."

"Easy to do."

He turned his back, his voice as cold as the snow on the steps.

By the time Xiao Ran looked up, Pei Yun had already turned the corner of the corridor and disappeared from sight. Only the crisp sound of the jade pendants at his waist clinking together still echoed in the wind.

“Miss Xiao.” His voice came from the corner of the corridor, “Linde Hall is just ahead.”

Xiao Ran slightly curtsied in the direction he left:

"Thank you very much, Vice Minister Pei, for today."

The palace lanterns flickered, and Pei Yun's "Nothing's wrong" came with the sound of the wind. The iron horse hanging from the eaves was also blown by the wind, making a tinkling sound, which startled a few crows that had been perched on the withered branches.

Xiao Ran glanced at Chen Zijin and saw that her gaze lingered on the corner of the corridor for a long time, her eyes were somewhat unfocused, and her lips were slightly pursed, as if she had something to say but could not say it.

Xiao Ran sighed softly, reached out and patted Chen Zijing's shoulder, and said gently:

"Zijin, let's go, the Linde Hall is just ahead."

Chen Zijing then came to her senses, forced a smile, and whispered:

"it is good."

Her voice was very soft, as if she was afraid of disturbing something, or as if she was afraid of revealing her inner emotions.

Xiao Ran saw this and understood, but didn't say anything. He simply stayed by her side and walked towards the Linde Hall.

As soon as she arrived at the entrance of the main hall, Shen You hurriedly came to greet her. She looked flustered, and even her hair was a little loose, clearly indicating that she had run there.

"Zijin, how are you feeling? Is there anything else that's bothering you?"

Shen You grabbed Chen Zijin's hand, her voice full of concern.

"without……"

Chen Zijin had barely opened her mouth, and before she could finish speaking, Shen You had already released her.

She quickly walked to Xiao Ran's side and said in a low voice:

"Ranran! Something terrible has happened! I was just about to go find you, but the maids said He Wan is missing!"