Yun Qingyu shook her head, a hint of pity in her eyes. "You shouldn't have come today. The other princes are all staying put, quietly watching from the palace. By stepping out now, Father will notice you first and may even direct his anger at you."
The Fifth Prince dismissed her concern, saying, "Who are you trying to scare? Father favors Mother the most. He wouldn't take out his frustration on me over this. You're dreaming! Left General has been with Uncle for over twenty years, and Right General is Aunt's own brother. If you want to establish your authority, it shouldn't be at the expense of these two families."
Yun Qingyu stood up, cutting him off. "Openly defying the emperor. They are traitors. Even if This Palace doesn't execute them, Father cannot tolerate the existence of traitors. Right now, Western Chu has a weak ruler and strong ministers, so the long-standing issues in the court must be rectified."
But the Fifth Prince, lacking insight, continued to shout angrily at Yun Qingyu. "As long as you don't say anything, how would Father know what’s happening in the military camp? They are not traitors."
Yun Qingyu couldn't help but wonder if Consort Duan knew what kind of person her son was.
With such a limited mind, he thought he could compete for a position above all others; he would likely be torn to pieces without even understanding why.
Coldly looking at the Fifth Prince, she asked, "Does Consort Duan know you came to my Princess Residence today?"
He would have been fine if she hadn't brought it up, but mentioning it only fueled the Fifth Prince's rage further. "I ask you—did you say something in front of Father that led him to forbid me from seeing Mother? What exactly do you want? You're disturbing both the court and the harem."
Yun Qingyu finished her tea with a lowered gaze, contemplating that someone from the palace should be arriving soon.
She truly did not want to continue speaking with this foolish brother, as he was completely clueless and it was just a waste of time.
She stood up and walked inside. Seeing her demeanor only intensified the Fifth Prince's fury; he was about to rush over and grab her to continue shouting.
Suddenly, a calm and stern voice interrupted. "Your Highness the Fifth Prince, His Majesty has issued an order for us to take you back to the palace immediately."
The Fifth Prince froze mid-stride as he rushed out, disbelief washing over him when he turned to see Yun Xuanyi and the armed Imperial Guards behind him.
Furious, he turned back to Yun Qingyu and exclaimed, "You reported me to Father!"
Yun Qingyu always exuded an air of strategic control, commanding the situation with confidence. Turning back, she said, "Go back to the palace and explain everything to Father. If he issues a decree to punish you, I will intercede on your behalf later."
Yun Xuanyi understood Yun Qingyu's hint. The Princess Consort hoped for the Fifth Prince to be punished, and as a subordinate, he would certainly fulfill her wishes. He clasped his hands and replied, "I will report today’s events to His Majesty truthfully."
Thus, the Fifth Prince was unceremoniously taken away by the Imperial Guards, cursing Yun Qingyu as he walked: "You unfilial daughter, white-eyed wolf girl, Rakshasa demon, madwoman!"
Yun Qingyu remained expressionless and unconcerned, thinking instead that the more fiercely the Fifth Prince cursed, the harsher his punishment would be upon returning to the palace.
The hall fell silent in an instant. Looking at Xin Yao, who had returned after completing her task, Yun Qingyu blurted out, "Am I being too harsh?"
Xin Yao approached, her gaze intense as she looked at Yun Qingyu and said, "My lady is not harsh; you are the gentlest mistress in the world."
Yun Qingyu's eyes flickered; she mused silently: the gentlest mistress in the world.
She was curious how Xin Yao could utter such a statement insincerely.
The word 'gentle' was something she truly couldn't associate with herself.
If Xin Yao were not someone who struggled with lying, she would have asked if saying that made Xin Yao feel guilty.
But then again, considering that the original owner had been exceptionally cruel, her own attitude towards Xin Yao could indeed be seen as somewhat gentle in comparison.
"Let’s continue practicing the piano."
After a moment of silence, Xin Yao asked, "Aren't you going to investigate the Ling Family?"
Yun Qingyu raised an eyebrow and replied, "Do you want me to raid the Ling Family right now?"
Xin Yao fell silent, lowering his head as he recalled the painting and the peculiar tools found in Ling Jing's room. A murderous intent resurfaced within him.
"Damn it, everyone deserves to die!"
His demeanor was respectful and submissive, yet his voice was laced with a chilling venom.
Yun Qingyu, sensing Xin Yao's thoughts, couldn't help but feel puzzled. What was he talking about?
She observed Xin Yao and the killing aura emanating from him, then said, "It’s only a matter of time before we raid the Ling Family. However, most of their embezzled wealth is stored in a warehouse. The warehouse has eight doors and eight keys; we need to obtain those keys in advance to carry out the raid."
Upon hearing this, Xin Yao replied, "I will retrieve the keys tonight, but I need Hong Yu's assistance."
Yun Qingyu looked at Xin Yao in surprise and asked, "Usually, when Hong Yu appears, you think of getting rid of him. Why would you want his help now?"
After a moment of hesitation, Xin Yao spoke honestly, "He is skilled in the Soul Capturing Technique and can quickly uncover the whereabouts of the keys."
Yun Qingyu recalled how, during the raid on the Hong Family, Xin Yao had accurately suggested Wen Zhan as a substitute. Now, with the position of commander of the Silver Armored Army, he had again made a precise suggestion regarding Qilin.
After a brief silence, Yun Qingyu remarked meaningfully, "Xin Yao, you seem to have a deep understanding of the attendants in this palace."
Startled by her words, Xin Yao fell silent once more. He realized that he had investigated them thoroughly without his master's knowledge. There was a hint of selfishness involved; after all, to win favor one must know both oneself and one's rivals.
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