Who understands? He traveled through time with a high-spec spatial ability.

"Worried that I, the future princess, will become a target?" Qiao Jingjing chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm not a weak woman who can be easily manipulated."

Tantai Zhou gazed at her, then suddenly reached out and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear: "I know you're not. But some storms cannot be faced alone."

This intimate gesture made Qiao Jingjing's ears burn slightly. Just as she was about to respond, Fa Cai suddenly tensed up in the space, his ears perked up warily: "Master, there's murderous intent!"

Almost simultaneously, a crossbow bolt pierced through the window and struck Tantai Zhou in the back!

"Watch out!" Qiao Jingjing instinctively lunged forward, instantly activating her spatial abilities. The crossbow bolt mysteriously stopped a few inches away from Tantai Zhou, then fell to the ground with a "thud."

Tantai Zhou reacted swiftly, shielding Qiao Jingjing behind him, his longsword already drawn: "Who goes there!"

A rustling sound came from outside the window, followed by the sound of footsteps fading away. Tantai Zhou was about to give chase when Qiao Jingjing stopped him: "Don't chase them, it might be a diversionary tactic."

She bent down and picked up the crossbow bolt; the arrowhead glowed with an eerie blue light—it was poisoned. A small symbol was engraved on the shaft: a swallow with outstretched wings.

"Yan Kingdom's assassins..." Tantai Zhou's face darkened. "They actually dared to infiltrate Daliang to assassinate us!"

Qiao Jingjing stored the crossbow bolts in her spatial storage and calmly analyzed, "It seems our marriage has made some people uneasy. Is the Empress Dowager of Yan trying to give me a warning?"

Seeing that Fa Cai had something to say, Qiao Jingjing released it. Fa Cai jumped onto the table and carefully sniffed the lingering scent of the arrow: "Master, this poison is very special. I can track the scent of the poisoner."

Tantai Zhou looked at the bird that had suddenly started talking in surprise: "This is... your parrot?"

“It’s a fortune, haven’t you seen it before?” Qiao Jingjing explained simply, “There are some things I don’t know how to explain to you, but it really is it. Just think of it as me dyeing its fur.”

Tantai Zhou quickly composed himself and said in a deep voice, "Jingjing, the situation is more serious than I imagined. From today onwards, I will increase the number of people protecting you."

Qiao Jingjing shook her head: "It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. Rather than passively defending, it's better to take the initiative." A resolute glint flashed in her eyes, "Tantai Zhou, I need your help."

"you say."

"Help me find out where Tuoba Zheng is," Qiao Jingjing said in a low voice. "Since the Empress Dowager of Yan is giving up her comfortable life and want to cause trouble, we need to find this trump card first."

Tantai Zhou gave her a deep look, then suddenly smiled: "My fiancée is indeed extraordinary. Alright, leave this to me. But..." He reached out and gently stroked her cheek, "Promise me you won't take any risks alone."

Qiao Jingjing grasped his hand: "Don't worry, I still want to stay alive to be your Princess Consort Chen."

Outside the window, the sun had fully risen, illuminating the study. In this seemingly peaceful morning, an unseen struggle had quietly begun.

Inside the study, not long after Tantai Zhou left, Qiao Jingjing stood by the window, her fingers unconsciously stroking the poisoned crossbow bolt.

The swallow mark engraved on the arrow's fletching gleamed coldly in the candlelight, like a silent mockery.

"Master, this poison comes from the 'Blue Heart Grass' of the Southern Frontier; it's lethal upon contact with blood." Fa Cai squatted on the desk, his snow-white wings fluttering nervously. "It's for the exclusive use of assassins of the Yan Kingdom's royal family."

"It seems this person is willing to invest heavily." Qiao Jingjing sneered and put the crossbow bolt into her spatial storage. Since yesterday's failed assassination attempt, Tantai Zhou had increased the number of people surrounding the Qiao residence, making it as secure as an iron barrel. However, this only made her more vigilant, as overt protection is often accompanied by eyes in the shadows.

She turned and walked to a hidden compartment behind the bookshelf, taking out a seemingly ordinary ledger. With a gentle press of her finger on the cover, a mechanism inside the ledger popped open, revealing a secret letter hidden within.

This was written by Lu Yuan, containing only a few words: "The subtle fragrance has been planted in the Yan Palace, quietly awaiting the blooming of the flowers."

Considering that it wasn't always convenient to meet, Lu Yuan came up with this idea: whenever there was news, he would write it down and keep it in a secret place, so that Qiao Jingjing could come and retrieve it at any time. In case of an emergency, he would use a communication stone to remind her.

A blue flame ignited at Qiao Jingjing's fingertips, burning the secret letter.

Not long ago, the intelligence network "Dark Fragrance," which she instructed Lu Yuan to establish, finally infiltrated the Yan Kingdom's royal palace.

This special group, composed of merchants, singers, and servants, appears to be independent individuals, but in reality, they have woven an invisible web.

"Miss, Lord Jiang from the Ministry of Revenue has sent a letter saying he will visit this afternoon," the maid whispered outside the door.

Qiao Jingjing's brows relaxed. Jiang Yuming was a key figure in the open-minded faction and had always valued profitable projects. His visit at this time was by no means accidental.

"Prepare the finest Yunwu tea, and have the kitchen prepare the osmanthus pastries that Lord Jiang likes," she instructed, while quickly considering Jiang Yuming's purpose in coming to see her.

When Jiang Yuming stepped into the flower hall, Qiao Jingjing had already changed into an elegant dress, with only a white magnolia in her hair, showing no trace of the extravagance she was about to display as a princess.

"Lord Jiang, it's been a long time. How have you been?" Qiao Jingjing rose gracefully and bowed with a smile.

Jiang Yuming returned the greeting, looked her up and down, and said with a smile, "Your Ladyship is even more beautiful than before. I hope you will forgive my unauthorized visit today."

Qiao Jingjing invited him to sit down and personally poured him tea: "Lord Jiang, you are too kind. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Jiang Yuming picked up his teacup, took a sip, and put it down before saying, "The county magistrate's foresight in business is beyond the reach of ordinary people. I have come here today to discuss a potential collaboration with the county magistrate."

Qiao Jingjing's heart stirred, but her face remained calm: "May I ask what Lord Jiang wishes to cooperate with me on?"

Jiang Yuming took a document out of his sleeve and handed it to Qiao Jingjing.

"Now that the empire is at peace, His Majesty wishes to have the court implement new policies to encourage commercial development. However, the Ministry of Revenue has been racking its brains but has not come up with any good solutions. I have no choice but to trouble the County Princess."

Qiao Jingjing took the document, examined it carefully, and had already made up her mind.

"Lord Jiang, you're not here to discuss cooperation, are you? You're clearly here to ask me for advice."

"Hahaha…"

Jiang Yuming laughed heartily, showing no embarrassment whatsoever.

"The county princess is indeed intelligent. To be honest, the court wants to make good use of the county princess's business acumen. If she can implement good new policies, it will be of great benefit to the country and the people. At that time, the county princess, as the royal daughter-in-law, will naturally also make great contributions."

Qiao Jingjing nodded slightly, tapping her fingers lightly on the table as she pondered.

After a short while, she looked at Jiang Yuming and said quietly, "Lord Jiang, I do have a few ideas. However, I have already given the court cement, real estate projects, and high-yield seeds. This is a huge business deal that will bring in a fortune. Isn't that enough? Aren't your appetites a bit too big?"