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If Song Lianjun were to be killed by a dog on her first night at the manor, and the news spread, it would be the end of her.

The Empress would undoubtedly seize this horrifying event and make a big issue of it, condemning her as jealous, mean-spirited, and vicious to an appalling degree. Such labels could crush her, drowning her in spittle alone.

The Empress would indeed wish for such an incident, so this woman, truly, must not be killed.

Gu Youyou hurriedly entered Song Lianjun’s courtyard, and from afar, she could hear sounds emanating from the house.

It was not the terrified screams of a woman, but the mournful wailing of a large dog.

She quickly pushed the door open with her people, only to see Song Lianjun covered in blood, her hands clutching a hairpin, glaring at her with a fierce look reminiscent of Yama.

The large dog, however, was lying on the ground, convulsing in pain.

A bloody hole in its neck kept bleeding; it seemed it would not survive.

Gu Youyou was startled and suddenly felt a chill in her heart.

This woman’s eyes were too familiar; it was the ruthless gaze only possessed by assassins they had trained.

She had instantly pierced the neck of that formidable large dog, and her movements were very adept; she was not an ordinary person and was most likely an assassin nurtured by the Empress.

Such a person with uncertain background in the house was more troublesome to deal with than those ladies with powerful backers.

Searcy, who was following behind Gu Youyou, also got a shock upon entering and seeing this scene. She said, "You’re quite ruthless, but that dog was a gift from the Prince’s wife; how do you plan to explain having killed it?"

Song Lianjun’s cold gaze shifted to Searcy, who, undaunted, sarcastically returned her look.

In Searcy’s view, anyone less clever than her was worthless.

This slightly startled Song Lianjun.

It seemed that Gu Youyou was indeed difficult to handle, which was why the Empress had sent her.

She sneered, loosening her grip, and the hairpin clattered to the ground.

She laughed, "Thanks to the Prince’s wife for gifting Lianjun some dog meat."

Gu Youyou coldly watched her, snorted, and turned to leave the courtyard.

Searcy, following behind Gu Youyou, looked rather solemn, saying, "This woman doesn’t seem easy to deal with; she’s quite capable in both wit and bravery."

"I know," Gu Youyou stated indifferently.

She planned to write another letter to Jin Zijin, informing him of this woman’s circumstances, asking him to have someone investigate her background.

Walking ahead, Gu Youyou suddenly stopped and said to Searcy, "You go to Sanqing Temple tomorrow morning, first inform Yue Rujing of the situation."

Informing Jin Zijin would take too much time, and besides, he was fighting in Xining.

Although Yue Rujing was also quite busy, searching for the Heavenly Master and guarding against the people from Xuanzong, asking him to help investigate this woman’s history shouldn’t be a problem.

The next day, Searcy left early in the morning, and suddenly someone came to report that Madam Lu sought an audience.

"What does Madam Lu want?" Miss Du asked softly.

Gu Youyou, after finishing a glass of milk, tapped her fingers on the tabletop, frowning slightly.

Madam Lu’s health was no longer an issue; Gu Youyou didn’t know why she had come.

Recently, Madam Lu had been busy as General Lu fought a brilliant victory in battle, with minimal losses and maximum enemy casualties, achieving the quickest city capture, earning the highest commendation.

The Emperor praised General Lu in person, presenting him with gifts, making many eager to curry favor with Madam Lu.

Why would she think of visiting here?

"I’ll go out and see," Gu Youyou said.

Miss Du was staying with Gu Youyou to nurture her pregnancy, and with the endless account books sent by various prefecture governments, she could help alleviate some of Gu Youyou’s burdens.

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