The cousin is beautiful but ruthless.

This was the first time Shen Hanyu had entrusted Miaocui with something important, and it was because she trusted her.

Inside the princess's residence, the image of Miao Cui taking off her outer garment to cover her and then kicking that person down was deeply etched in Shen Hanyu's mind.

If it weren't for Miao Cui, and if the man who jumped into the water had rushed over without a care, those terrified people would have been helpless, and it would have been hard to guarantee what would have happened.

Miao Cui returned after half a day, her face beaming with joy.

“Miss, these are all excellent shops. I was lucky enough to meet the owner of the cosmetics shop. The owner knew I was one of your people and even gave me some gifts as a token of his respect.”

Miao Cui took out several fragrant bottles and jars from her bosom and placed them in front of Shen Hanyu.

Shen Hanyu reached out and took them; they were indeed all fashionable items in Chang'an at the moment, so she accepted them.

With no problems at those shops, she felt relieved. Now that the documents were in her hands, she was naturally in charge of managing the income. Xu Ying had no reason to interfere; Xu Ying cared about her reputation and wasn't afraid to make a big scene.

Having experienced death, Shen Hanyu has become much more accepting of many things.

"You did very well."

Miao Cui smiled a little shyly.

"Thank you for your trust, young lady. Since I followed you, I am your person."

Shen Hanyu's previous efforts to appease the old lady were not entirely in vain. Now that Miao Cui's indenture is in her hands, she is not afraid of what Miao Cui might do.

Shen Hanyu's confinement did not last long. The next day, Wei Ming, who was in much better health, personally visited the residence, bringing not only a thank-you gift but also an invitation for Shen Hanyu to go out for a stroll.

Miao Cui came to deliver the message that Shen Hanyu went out and ran into Liang Fangrong. Liang Fangrong looked ashamed and reached out to hold Shen Hanyu's hand, but Shen Hanyu subtly dodged it.

"What is it, Mother?"

Shen Hanyu's voice was slightly cold. Since that slap, Shen Hanyu had never taken the initiative to go to her again.

Liang Fangrong looked at Shen Hanyu's face. The fingerprints had disappeared, but judging from Shen Hanyu's expression, she probably still held a grudge against her.

"Miaoyi, your mother has misunderstood you."

Shen Hanyu waved her hand dismissively: "If Mother thinks I did nothing wrong just because Miss Wei came to thank me in person today, then there's no need to say anything more."

Shen Hanyu left after saying that, without even giving Liang Fangrong a glance.

When they arrived at the flower hall, Wei Ming's eyes lit up when she saw her.

“Miss Shen, are you feeling alright after falling into the water that day? I was bedridden for the past two days, but I’m feeling better today, so I came to see you right away.”

Wei Ming blurted out everything in one go and affectionately took Shen Hanyu's hand.

Neither of them was in good health; their hands were cold. Xu Ying watched from the side, shielding the dark light from her eyes.

Wei Ming looked at Xu Ying: "Madam, I would like to invite Miss Shen to go out for fun today. I wonder if Madam would allow it?"

Shen Hanyu smiled, and how could Xu Ying refuse? Wei Ming was General Weiyuan's most beloved daughter, and since Wei Ming had taken the initiative to speak, how could Xu Ying possibly turn down the offer?

Xu Ying nodded slightly, remembering that the matchmaker was coming today, and decided it was best to send Shen Hanyu away.

Shen Hanyu left the Marquis of Anping's residence with Wei Ming.

“I was sick and didn’t have a chance to properly thank you. When my parents heard that you saved me, they insisted on coming with me. I told them to stay at home. If they don’t come, I can go out and play with you.”

Wei Ming often stayed at home, her face was pale and she looked a little sick. Now that she had just recovered from a serious illness, and with the warmth of spring, her face had regained some color.

"Are you really feeling much better?"

Shen Hanyu remembered that Wei Ming died young in her previous life, and the outside world said that the illness left over from those years could not be cured.

Wei Ming moved closer, and Shen Hanyu could smell a faint medicinal scent on her.

"I'm really much better now, otherwise my mother wouldn't have let me out."

Seeing that Wei Ming's spirits didn't seem to be lying, Shen Hanyu felt slightly relieved.

The two sat in the carriage, and Wei Ming winked playfully: "Speaking of which, there is another person who wanted to see you today. Knowing that I was going to see you, they specially informed me."

Shen Hanyu was intrigued by her mysterious demeanor and couldn't help but ask, "Who wants to see me?"

She didn't have many close friends in Chang'an, and after thinking it over, she still couldn't figure out who it was.

Wei Ming remained tight-lipped, only saying that he would know once he arrived at Zuifeng Tower.

Wei Ming, who was very discreet, led Shen Hanyu to a private room at Zuifeng Tower. She had already made a reservation. When they arrived, Shen Hanyu was taken aback to see Pei Du and Xu Zhun, who was smiling ambiguously at her.

Xu Zhun was very enthusiastic and spoke first: "Miss Shen, please sit down, please sit down."

His eyes darted back and forth between Pei Du and Shen Hanyu, making Shen Hanyu feel somewhat uncomfortable under his gaze.

Wei Ming sat down. "We are so grateful to Young Master Pei for telling my parents about the Princess's residence. Otherwise, we would still be in the dark."

Shen Hanyu pondered the meaning of these words. It seemed that the Wei family also knew that Princess Yongning had tacitly approved it.

Pei Du nodded, and Wei Ming continued, "Young Master Pei said that he and Miss Shen are old acquaintances. Today, the matter that Miss Shen asked Young Master Pei to investigate has been found out, so she used me as an excuse to meet with him."

Shen Hanyu realized that it was about the Earl of Guangning.

She had been confined to her home for the past few days and couldn't go out, so Pei Du couldn't easily pass on the information. Just then, Wei Ming came to see her, and she took the opportunity to return the favor.

Xu Zhun clicked his tongue twice: "An old acquaintance."

Pei Du glanced at him, and Xu Zhun immediately shrank back.

"I have investigated the matter of the Earl of Guangning."

The other two were taken aback, not expecting Pei Du to bring up the matter of the Earl of Guangning.

Pei Du was prepared and took out several sheets of paper and placed them in front of Shen Hanyu.

Shen Hanyu took it and examined it carefully. It was exactly the same as she remembered. Moreover, she could sense that Guangning Bo wanted to speed up his actions, perhaps because of the series of chain reactions brought about by her rebirth.

Pei Du observed Shen Hanyu's expression. The Earl of Guangning wanted to take Shen Hanyu as a concubine, making her a scapegoat for the man he kept outside, and to bear the wrath of the Earl of Guangning's wife.

The news was kept secret, and it took him a lot of effort to dig it out. The Earl of Guangning was also very careful and hid the person very well. He only heard some rumors but couldn't find out where the person lived.

If others knew about this, they would definitely curse them out. Shen Hanyu's expression remained indifferent after reading it, as if she had known all along.

Pei Du did not voice his doubts, but listened to what Shen Hanyu would say next.

Wei Ming didn't look at what was written on the paper, but she had a feeling it wasn't a good thing.

Xu Zhun recalled how the Earl of Guangning had repeatedly approached Shen Hanyu, and suddenly realized something.

"That Earl of Guangning, could he be harboring some wicked intentions towards you?"

As he spoke, Xu Zhun nudged Pei Du with his elbow, leaving Pei Du feeling helpless.

Ever since that day when he stared at Shen Hanyu for a long time and his mind was in turmoil, Xu Zhun asked him when he planned to propose marriage. Pei Du did not deny his feelings. He had never done this to other women before, but now he was no longer the arrogant only son of the founding duke, so he still had some concerns.

If it were the previous Duke of the Founding Dynasty's mansion, Pei Du wouldn't have hesitated. But things are different now. If he doesn't suppress the arrogance of that mother and son, he doesn't want Shen Hanyu to fall into the wolf's den after escaping the tiger's den.

Pei Du interrupted Xu Zhun and turned to ask Shen Hanyu, "What do you plan to do?"