But she had no better candidate on hand. According to Zhou Weizhao, even if someone as highly skilled as Song Jue went, what difference would it make? If the northwest were under the joint control of Han Zhengqing and Zhang Tianhe, anyone sent there would simply be heading toward a trap with no return.

  She suddenly felt a begrudging admiration for Grand Secretary Chen. Since her rebirth, this truly was the most challenging and dangerous situation she had faced. If not for the warnings from Lai Chenglong and Zhou Weizhao, she would have been oblivious to the looming threat over her head, a sword dangling precariously, ready to strike her down along with the entire Cui family without ever knowing who orchestrated it all.

  And he was so cautious—wherever she went, at least a dozen spies followed her, watching her every move. In the northwest, too, he had likely joined forces with Yang Xuan to isote Cui Shaoting from all information, making him a solitary figure cut off from support. It was a fwless strategy.

  If Chen Mingyu had even a tenth of his cunning, she wouldn't be sitting here safely right now. She shook her head, temporarily casting aside her tangled thoughts and resting her chin in her hand, lost in thought. "I can't go, and neither can anyone from my grandfather or uncle's circle... I truly can't think of anyone suitable."

  Zhou Weizhao pushed the fresh milk almond tofu in front of her, his usual gentle smile on his lips. "It's not that there's no way. You've forgotten—there is actually someone who is perfectly suited for this."

  Song Chuyi looked up at him in surprise, quickly considering everyone around her, yet still unable to guess who he was referring to. Only when he wrote the character "Ye" on the table with a damp finger did she feel as if a revetion had dawned on her. She widened her eyes and asked, "Ye Jingkuan?!"

  Yes, how had she not thought of it? Ye Jingkuan had been sent to the northwest under orders. Even if Zhang Tianhe and Han Zhengqing were the ones hosting him, Cui Shaoting, as the Governor of the Three Frontiers, couldn't avoid meeting him entirely—it would be too conspicuous, and Grand Secretary Chen wouldn't make such a btant mistake. Remembering Zhou Weizhao's previous suggestion to wait until Cui Shaoting's inner circle of spies had been cleared out before discussing how to report their findings to Emperor Jianzhang with Ye Jingkuan and Lai Chenglong, she hesitated and asked, "Does Your Highness have a way to gain the Prince Consort's cooperation?"

  To her astonishment, Zhou Weizhao nodded affirmatively.

  In the future, Ye Jingkuan was to take over the King of Zhennan's estate. His stance represented the King's stance, which meant that the entire Zhennan estate was aligned with Zhou Weizhao—not with the Eastern Pace, not with Consort Fan, but with Zhou Weizhao.

  This was certainly an unexpected blessing. After all, Ye Jingkuan was sent on imperial orders to investigate the smuggling of warhorses. His legitimate identity gave him the freedom to act efficiently.

  With his standing, Cui Shaoting would not doubt his words. Song Chuyi decided quickly and unfastened the jade pendant Cui Shaoting had gifted her before he left, handing it to Zhou Weizhao. "Please send this along when you notify the Prince Consort. My uncle will trust him when he sees this."

  She returned to her residence at dusk. Qingying lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, whispering, "Miss, someone is still following us."

  As expected, Song Chuyi motioned to ignore them and headed straight to Old Lady Song's chambers upon arriving home.

  This matter was deeply tangled, and as Song Chengru had said, the fewer people who knew, the less danger they would face. Even Old Lady Song was kept in the dark this time. As soon as she saw Song Chuyi, she took her hand and had her sit beside her before giving her a stern look. "Why are you always rushing around like a restless monkey? A young dy should be calm and composed. Look at the state you've been in tely."

  Xiang Mingzi, leaning on Old Lady Song's shoulder, teased her with a gesture. "The day after tomorrow is Cousin Huaying's wedding. How could you seem to have completely forgotten? I saw you in the garden st night, rushing off so quickly that you didn't even let anyone finish a sentence..."

  Song Chuyi had almost forgotten about it. No wonder Aunt Yu hadn't seemed concerned about not receiving news from Cui Shaoting tely—she was probably too busy with preparations for Cui Huaying's wedding. As cousins, she and Xiang Mingzi had to be there to support Cui Huaying, so after two anxious days, she prepared herself and headed to the Cui residence.

  Being the center of attention, Cui Huaying was surrounded by friends and family, and it took effort for Song Chuyi and Xiang Mingzi to have a few words with her. They were just about to say more when they heard that Princess Rongcheng and Princess Duanhui had arrived.

  This was a rare honor. Princess Rongcheng had presided over Cui Huaying's coming-of-age ceremony, so her presence now was a gesture of favor and support. The young women who had gathered to celebrate were thrilled for Cui Huaying, all eager for a chance to speak with the princesses, and together they escorted her to greet them.

  Chen Mingyu trailed behind, her crimson beauty mark between her brows more vibrant than ever, adding to her refined charm. Her almond-shaped eyes glistened with a delicate allure, captivating anyone who looked at her. She approached Song Chuyi with a natural warmth, taking her arm and smiling. "No wonder everyone says the dies of the Cui family are outstanding. It's true—they have both grace and noble bearing, a charm comparable to royalty."

  Chen Mingyu had spoken like this before, always maintaining a detached elegance, never openly praising other dies unless they were of royal blood. Her pride wouldn't allow her to elevate any woman outside the ranks of true nobility.

  But today, she spoke with such ease and sincerity. Song Chuyi's right hand paused slightly; she understood the subtle condescension in Chen Mingyu's words, a sense of pity and schadenfreude, as if watching a trapped fish unaware of its doom.

  In the end, Chen Mingyu was still too naive. She hadn't yet grasped the essence of Grand Secretary Chen's cunning or even learned the basics from her grandmother. Or, if she had, she certainly hadn't mastered hiding her true intentions.

  When Song Chuyi didn't respond, Chen Mingyu lowered her head with a slight smile—she could barely contain her amusement, believing she could already see the downfall awaiting the Cui family and Song family in their future.