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The intruder's footsteps were quiet as he slowly pushed open the door, sensing no sounds coming from within.

In the darkness, Su Lifocused her attention on the entrance, watching closely.

The figure that entered was a man, dressed in a dark robe. The moonlight revealed a black cloth covering his face. He entered, shut the door quietly, and cautiously approached the bed.

The black-robed man staggered a few steps and collapsed to the ground, unmoving.

It was Xia Wencai!

"If Your Highness has no other business, perhaps you could break his limbs and throw him off the mountain when you leave."

"I thought you'd throw him onto the bed, but breaking his limbs—tsk tsk, truly cruel."

She didn't mind repaying cruelty with cruelty, but Su Yuestill carried the identity of the prime minister's illegitimate daughter. The pilgrimage to the temple was attended by official families, and if word of this scandal got out, it would ruin her reputation as a legitimate daughter.

Only concubines like Xia Shi, from humble backgrounds, would disregard their family's honor for immediate gain.

Which official's household in the capital is clean? Everyone keeps their scandals behind closed doors. If this kind of thing were exposed, a single report to the Imperial Censorate could cost them their positions.

Worried about her mother next door, Su Lisaid to Jun Mo, "Please do as you wish. I'll go check on my mother."

Without waiting for a response, she walked out of the room.

Was she so certain that he would handle it?

After thinking for a moment, he called out, "Mo Yang."

In an instant, a black-clad figure appeared in the room.

"Your Highness."

"Take care of this as Miss Su instructed."

"Understood!"

She found the maid and the old servant sleeping soundly, without a clue.

She quickly moved to the inner chamber and checked on her mother. Upon confirming that she had only been affected by the sleeping incense, she sighed in relief.

Returning to her room, she discovered that Jun Mohad already left.

Having been through so much, she was exhausted and, after undressing, soon fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, just as the sky brightened, Su Yuearrived at Xia Shi'sroom, fully dressed and eager.

"Mother, hurry up!" Su Yueurged, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Why the hurry?"

Soon, Xia Shifinished dressing, and the two women made their way toward the east wing.

"Why are you two here so early?"

For some reason, after a nap, she felt even more tired.

She finished dressing and asked Wang Xia, "Has Su Linot arrived yet?"

This made Su Mufeel a bit concerned, and she stood up to check on her daughter, with the maids following.

When they stepped outside, they saw Mo Huaand Zhi Shustanding by the door, their faces pale and devoid of color.

The two maids hesitated.

"Madam, don't you think we should go inside and check on the young miss? Perhaps she's fallen ill again, and these maids are trying to avoid punishment."

Seeing the maids relax, Xia Shigrew even more certain that Su Liwas in a dire state.

"Madam, perhaps the young miss is really ill. These maids are trying to keep us from entering. Let's go check on her!"

At this point, Su Yuerushed forward to push the maids aside.

Just then, the door opened.

"How thoughtful of Aunt Xiaand my dear sister to care so much about me. I'm truly touched!"

Standing in the doorway with a faint smile on her face was Su Li.

Had Xia Wencai, that fool, chickened out and not come?

Ignoring her, Su Liled her mother forward.

She gave her daughter a knowing glance.

Though Su Yuewas unwilling, she could only follow with a face full of resentment.

The group headed toward the main hall. A young monk was already cleaning the area.

They offered the head incense, knelt for a while, and then returned to their room for breakfast.

The Abbot would be speaking in the morning, and Su Muplanned to leave in the afternoon.

In the west wing.

"Mother, didn't you say this would be foolproof? Why didn't Su Lilose a single hair?"

"Don't worry, Yue'er. I still have another plan."

If she couldn't find that useless nephew, she would use someone else.

She would still find a way to ruin Su Li's reputation.