She remarried a cold-faced, powerful man, and the scumbag regretted it and cried his heart out.

Cheng Wenhao gazed at the plaque of the Pingyang Marquis's residence, a playful smile playing on his lips.

Does Xie Wanqing really think he's a fool?

He wanted to see what tricks she was playing behind the scenes, and what she was really up to!

Xie Wanqing returned to Luoying Courtyard, where Feiyun was waiting. As soon as she entered, she sent Feiyun away, saying, "Go and take my newly made dress to be altered; the waist is too loose."

Feiyun was stunned for a moment. This dress was clearly finished just a few days ago. When the girl tried it on, she praised it with a happy face, saying that it fit perfectly. Why did she suddenly complain that the waist was too loose today? She was full of doubts, but seeing Xie Wanqing's slightly impatient expression, she didn't dare to ask any more questions.

"Yes, miss." Feiyun replied and hurriedly turned to leave.

After Fei Yun walked away, Xie Wanqing immediately pulled Bi Yi into the inner room and closed the door tightly behind her.

Only Xie Wanqing and Biyi remained in the room.

Xie Wanqing turned around and stared coldly at Bi Yi. Bi Yi, standing to the side, felt a chill run down her spine as Xie Wanqing stared at her so intently, and involuntarily shivered.

"Biyi, what did you see today?" Xie Wanqing asked, her tone carrying a hint of threat.

Biyi lowered her head, clutching the hem of her clothes tightly with both hands, her voice trembling violently, "Miss, I didn't see anything."

"Is that so?" Xie Wanqing sneered. "Then why did you lie to Young Master Cheng?"

Biyi looked up abruptly, her eyes filled with fear. "Miss, I was trying to protect you! I know what's in that room—"

"Shut up!" Xie Wanqing snapped. "You know too much!"

Her eyes darted around, and she leaned close to Bi Yi's ear, lowering her voice, "How do you think Chunlan died?"

Making Biyi believe that Chunlan died from infidelity is more effective than scolding her a thousand times.

As expected, Bi Yi's face turned deathly pale in an instant, and her legs went weak. Only then did she realize that her life or death was entirely in Xie Wanqing's hands.

"My lady, I am loyal to you and will never betray you." Bi Yi knelt down with a thud, her voice trembling and choked with sobs.

Xie Wanqing nodded in satisfaction, her expression softening slightly: "Remember what you said today. Get up, and don't let anyone notice anything amiss."

Bi Yi stood up shakily, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace. Just then, Fei Yun entered with tea, and Xie Wanqing's expression instantly returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.

Shaoguangyuan.

Shen Jingshu was leaning against the soft couch, holding a book in her hands, reading with great interest, when Yaoqin brought in a steaming bowl of bird's nest soup.

"Young lady, you've been reading for so long, it's time to rest your eyes," she said softly, placing the bird's nest on the small table.

Shen Jingshu then raised her head, rubbed her slightly sore brows, and smiled faintly: "Yaoqin is still the most considerate."

She picked up the bird's nest, scooped up a spoonful, blew on it gently, and put it in her mouth. "This bird's nest is stewed to perfection. It melts in your mouth and is sweet but not greasy."

Yaoqin smiled and said, "I'm glad you like it, Miss."

Jinse watched from the side, then pouted, feigning jealousy, "Miss, please don't be biased. I'll make some jujube blossom pastries for you tomorrow, and I'll make sure you enjoy them."

Just then, Wuchen's voice came from outside the door: "Miss, Young Master Cheng has sent someone to deliver a message."

Shen Jingshu's eyes lit up, and she quickly put down the bird's nest in her hand: "Come in quickly."

Wuchen responded, and soon a servant-like man entered. "Miss Shen, my young master asked me to pass on a message to you," the servant said respectfully, bowing.

"What?"

"My master said that this cat is a bit wild, so please be patient and wait for good news."

A knowing glint flashed in Shen Jingshu's eyes. "I understand. Go back and tell him to proceed according to plan."

"Yes," the servant replied, and Wuchen led him away.

"Miss, what does Young Master Cheng mean by this?" Yaoqin couldn't help but ask.

"He's saying that Xie Wanqing still thinks he's a naive and simple-minded boy," Shen Jingshu chuckled. "Doesn't she realize who Cheng Wenhao is? He wouldn't be easily led by the nose by her."

"So, how does Young Master Cheng plan to deal with this?"

Shen Jingshu picked up the bird's nest soup and took another sip. "He's trying to turn the tables on me."

"A counter-plan?" Yaoqin and Jinse exchanged a glance, both somewhat puzzled.

“Hmm.” Shen Jingshu put down the bird’s nest and patiently explained, “He plans to pretend to be bewitched by Xie Wanqing, and then investigate secretly. In layman’s terms, this is ‘an eye for an eye.’”

"Young Master Cheng's move was truly brilliant!" Yaoqin's eyes flashed with admiration.

“Of course, look who our partner is.” Shen Jingshu said smugly. “However, this play has to continue. We can’t let Xie Wanqing see through our act, lest all our efforts be in vain.”

"Don't worry, young lady, we will keep our mouths shut," Yaoqin and Jinse said in unison.

Shen Jingshu picked up the book again and continued reading. Yaoqin and Jinse quietly left, and the room returned to peace.

The next morning, after Shen Jingshu had breakfast, she was about to get up to go and pay her respects to Song Wan when Wuchen hurriedly walked in, "Miss, someone from the Commandery has arrived."

"The Commandery?"

Shen Jingshu was somewhat surprised. "Who is this person? Did they say what they wanted to do?"

"It's Captain Tong, one of your men," Wuchen replied. "He said he has important matters to report and is waiting in the front hall."

Normally, Jiang Jin'an would come in person whenever there was something going on, but today he suddenly sent someone to deliver the message. Could it be that something has happened?

She didn't dare to delay and quickly led Yaoqin outside. Just as she reached the entrance of the front hall, she saw Tong Qingyun standing there, looking anxious.

"Commander Tong," Shen Jingshu greeted first.

"Miss Shen, you've finally arrived!" Tong Qingyun greeted Shen Jingshu immediately upon seeing her.

"What happened?"

“My master sent me to tell you that a murder occurred last night at the ‘Yuelai Inn’ in the west of the city. The deceased was…” Tong Qingyun paused, “…and then…” “...the Vice Minister of Revenue, Lord Li.”

"What?" Shen Jingshu was shocked. The Vice Minister of Revenue was an important official of the court. How could he have been murdered so suddenly?

"What else did your parents say?" Shen Jingshu pressed.

"The master said this matter is of utmost importance, and he wants you to be extremely careful," Tong Qingyun said in a low voice. "He suspects this murder is related to the case we are investigating, and it is highly likely that someone wants to kill us to silence us and prevent us from continuing our investigation."

Murder?

Shen Jingshu's heart sank.