They were in charge of being beautiful, and she was in charge of taking the hits.

He held her tightly, and Wu Ziyan felt a little short of breath. He breathed into her ear, "Master, can you rely on me a little more? I miss you so much, and I'm so worried about you."

Wu Ziyan gently patted his back. After such a fierce attack, he was now speaking in a nasal voice.

In truth, he was still just a child, acting like a child. But just now, she didn't understand why she didn't dodge away, and even seemed to enjoy it.

"This is a one-time exception, and it only applies to today," Wu Ziyan whispered in his ear.

Mo Baiyun was on the verge of tears, his emotions unclear. Wu Ziyan tried to push him away, but he held her even tighter, looking up at the moon in the sky, tears still streaming down his cheeks: "Today isn't over yet, can I hold you a little longer, Master?"

The two stood there for a while before letting go. Mo Baiyun quickly turned around to wipe her tears, then turned back to Wu Ziyan with a grin, as if nothing had happened. But in the dim moonlight, she could still see the tear stains on his face.

Wu Ziyan smiled in agreement. She felt sorry for him, but what right did she have to feel sorry for him now?

It was late at night when they returned to the Marquis's residence. Wu Ziyan stood at the door of Sima Lingchuan's room for a while. Mo Baiyun, perhaps because of what had just happened, deliberately avoided her and pretended to have other things to do before leaving.

The dim light was still on in the room. She wanted to go in, but she couldn't. Just then, she heard footsteps coming from the room, heading towards the door.

Wu Ziyan didn't have time to dodge, but the person who came out was not Sima Lingchuan, but Fang Yuerong. The two looked at each other, and Fang Yuerong's surprise was written all over her face.

He moved his lips and looked into the room. Wu Ziyan gently placed her finger on his lips, afraid that he would suddenly shout.

Seeing Fang Yuerong stop at the door, Sima Lingchuan, who was inside the room, asked, "What's wrong, Yuerong?"

Wu Ziyan shook his head at him, and Fang Yuerong replied, "No, nothing, a little wildcat just darted past."

Fang Yuerong then closed the door, and Wu Ziyan pulled him to the side corridor. Fang Yuerong had too many questions to ask Wu Ziyan, but Wu Ziyan gestured for silence. When they reached a more secluded corner, the two asked in unison, "(Yuerong) (Princess), what are you doing here?"

"I was discussing business matters with Lingchuan, oh dear, just keeping him company; Princess, what exactly is going on? They all say you've already..."

"On the surface, I am indeed dead, but my soul is still alive. I couldn't bear to leave you all, so I came back to check on you," she said solemnly.

"You can still joke around in this situation, so it seems there's nothing wrong with you." Fang Yuerong stretched and waved his hand, finally relieved.

Although he didn't have much affection for Wu Ziyan, he had been getting along well with Sima Lingchuan lately and didn't want to see him sad.

"How has Lingchuan been lately? Xiaoyun'er says he's been spending a lot of time with you."

"Lingchuan is probably on the verge of collapse, but you are fortunate to have him as your husband. Even under these circumstances, he still gives unconditionally to you and believes in you, even though the whole city believes the news that you are dead."

"Yes, thank goodness for him, but now is not the time to talk about this. You must not tell anyone about what you saw me." If even a whisper of this were to leak out beforehand, all our efforts would be in vain.

“I know, we are partners after all, how could I stab you in the back? Besides, I wouldn’t do that for Lingchuan’s sake.”

Wu Ziyan smiled and parted ways with him. Neither of them looked back as they walked away, as if they had never met.

When she was all alone, she sat quietly in the chair, watching the moon slowly sink. With the night over, she thought that everything for tomorrow should be arranged properly.

The assassin reported the message to the Queen, who remained behind the curtain, head propped up with her hand, listening quietly without uttering a word.

The Prime Minister's residence was brightly lit. Upon hearing that Wu Ziyan was indeed dead, she sighed softly. After all, she was also Sima Lingchuan's mother. Doing this was tantamount to ruining his future. Moreover, she knew her son well; he probably wouldn't remarry!

At this moment, Wu Chengye came to visit again, reeking of alcohol, but her words were full of joy. She sat in a chair and looked at Sima Zongcheng: "Prime Minister, this is the removal of a thorn in our side."

"This is not all settled yet."

"Hey, what's there to be afraid of? Who would know it was you or me who did it?"

Sima Zongcheng shook his head and remained silent, thinking that Wu Chengye was too careless, but this was also good, as he would become a useful pawn.

"Prime Minister, why aren't you saying anything? We haven't seen Lingyu for so long. You promised me, you can't forget that."

"Your Highness, rest assured, I will never go back on my word."

Little did anyone know that Sima Lingyu had overheard the entire conversation, and that very night he donned a cloak, sneaked out, and headed towards the Marquis's residence.

There was a rapid knocking on the door. Mo Baiyun opened the door and was surprised to see Sima Lingyu. Then, she instinctively looked behind him to see if anyone was there.

"I wonder what brings Young Master Lingyu here so late at night?"

"I want to see my brother."

Seeing his anxious look and noticing that no one was following them, she took Sima Lingyu to find Sima Lingchuan. At this time, Sima Lingchuan had not yet gone to bed. Mo Baiyun stood at the door and gently knocked: "Master, have you gone to sleep?"

Sima Lingchuan was absentmindedly touching the new clothes he had embroidered for Wu Ziyan when he suddenly realized what was wrong: "No, what is it?"

"Brother, it's me." Sima Lingyu pushed open the door and went in, and Mo Baiyun tactfully closed the door.

Sima Lingchuan looked at Sima Lingyu with a puzzled expression. Sima Lingyu opened her mouth and said a sentence. Sima Lingchuan's pupils suddenly dilated, and then her hand fell limply, and tears silently flowed from her eyes.