Although it wasn't signed, Chu Ruoyan guessed immediately—it was from Song Jia!
That scoundrel was truly cunning. Knowing that delivering a note directly to her courtyard would lead to capture, he simply sent it to Jiang Yi instead!
After all, Jiang Yi, feeling guilty over the Qin Wang Chu Ruoyin incident, would definitely make a personal visit. Then, handing over the note would be perfectly natural, leaving no trace for others to investigate!
"Miss Jiang, I am aware of the matter now. You may return. But remember, you must not have any further contact with this man surnamed Song!"
After Jiang Yi repeatedly agreed and left, Chu Ruoyan returned to the Bodhi Courtyard and leaned back on the recliner without a word.
Nanny Zhou said anxiously, "Miss, don't be fooled. The other party surely has ill intentions!"
Chu Ruoyan looked at the note, a slight smile curling at the corner of her lips, but she remained silent.
Just then, Heiya vaulted over the wall and entered: "Third Miss, we've found him. Song Jia is currently staying at a tea house in Pingkang Ward. However, that place likely isn't their main hideout, just a temporary lodging."
A light flashed in Chu Ruoyan's eyes: "Well done!"
For days now, she had been running herself ragged, almost always on the defensive, taking hits.
This time, it was finally her turn to take the initiative.
She raised her hand and passed the note to Heiya, who recognized it immediately: "It's Song Jia! Third Miss, will you go?"
Chu Ruoyan nodded. Nanny Zhou urged, "Miss, think twice! You are with child!"
Chu Ruoyan knew what she was worried about. She took Nanny Zhou's hand and said, "Nanny, I know you mean well, but you must see that the other party is coming fiercely, targeting me directly! Last time it was my aunt, this time it's my second sister. Who will be next? I alone cannot watch over everyone forever. Rather than that, it's better to settle this once and for all!"
A cold glint flashed in her eyes, and a faint pain stirred in her abdomen.
She raised a hand to rest on her belly: "Good child, hold on a little longer. Once this is over, Mother promises you won't suffer anymore."
Seeing this, Nanny Zhou stamped her foot in frustration.
The miss's body needed proper nurturing, yet she kept encountering turbulent times, forcing her to endure this turmoil again and again...
Had the young master received the letter yet? Could he return early?
Two days later, at the hour of You (5-7 PM).
Lucky Auspice Restaurant.
Due to the previous assassination attempt on the Qin Wang, the shop had almost no customers.
Chu Ruoyan entered, gave Song Jia's name, and was led by a waiter to a private room facing the street.
Song Jia was indeed already seated inside.
Dressed in a blue robe and holding a feather fan, he looked like an ordinary scholar.
But the more ordinary he appeared, the more it signaled he was not simple.
Chu Ruoyan raised a brow slightly and walked straight over to sit opposite him: "Master Song, it's been a long time."
Song Jia smiled and nodded: "Indeed, it has been a long time, County Lady of Changle—"
He paused for a moment, "Or should I address you as Third Miss Yun?"
Chu Ruoyan's pupils constricted sharply: "Did Hongxiu tell you?"
She then shook her head, "No, even if she hates me, she wouldn't collude with you... After Roumin was taken back, she was also placed under strict watch by the Dowager Noble Consort and couldn't have further contact with you. Then, it must be the Dowager Noble Consort... You have people planted by her side as well?"
After all, Roumin's maid, Piaoxu, had been bribed by them before!
A look of admiration appeared on Song Jia's face: "As expected of the Regent's daughter, guessing close to the truth with just one sentence. Correct, we have people around the Dowager Noble Consort. Frankly, I was quite surprised when I found out, given the history between you and Chief Minister Yan..."
He smiled meaningfully, fully expecting her to press for details.
To his surprise, Chu Ruoyan's expression remained indifferent, and she didn't speak.
Song Jia was left speechless for a moment before he had to continue on his own: "Between you and Chief Minister Yan lies a sea of blood and enmity. Who would have thought you wouldn't mind, and Yun Lang wouldn't mind either..."
Only upon hearing the words "sea of blood and enmity" did Chu Ruoyan lift her eyelids slightly: "Oh?"
Seeing her interest piqued, Song Jia quickly said: "Does Third Miss not know? Back then, it was Yan Zheng's father, Yan Xu, who raised an army, stormed the imperial city, and overthrew the Yun dynasty!"
"Oh, so what?"
Song Jia was stunned again, looking at her incredulously: "So what? His father overthrew your dynasty, caused you to be separated from your closest kin for years. Don't you harbor even a trace of hatred in your heart?"
Chu Ruoyan found it amusing: "Why should I hate? The Great General has long been buried in the desert sands. Should I hate a dead man?"
Song Jia was dumbfounded. For the first time, he, who prided himself on being eloquent, couldn't find words.
"Besides, what does this have to do with Yan Zheng? Should the deeds of his father be counted against him? Master Song, we are both intelligent people. Let's not play these petty games of sowing discord."
Chu Ruoyan's tone was mocking. Song Jia's expression turned serious: "I underestimated you. Very well! Then let's speak plainly. My master wishes to restore the Great Sheng dynasty. I wonder if you would be willing to assist?"
Chu Ruoyan raised a brow: "Not interested."
Song Jia frowned, remembering when he sent someone to ask Yun Lang. That lazy, sinister master of the Bai Xiao Pavilion had also dismissed it with three casual words—'not interested'.
Should he really say, like siblings, like minds?
"Third Miss, please reconsider carefully. The current emperor is foolish and unprincipled, allowing his relatives to harm meritorious officials. He is utterly unfit for the throne! If you are willing to assist, I can promise on my master's behalf that, upon success, your elder brother will be made Regent, and you, Third Miss, will be the Founding Princess, enjoying unparalleled glory!"
Chu Ruoyan studied him for a moment, then shook her head: "Song Jia, oh Song Jia, your empty promises sound wonderful. Unfortunately, the timing is wrong. Had you not incited Roumin to assassinate my second brother, or had you not framed the Bai Xiao Pavilion for the assassination attempt on the Qin Wang, I might have advised my brother to sit down and have a proper talk with you."
"But now, it's too late."
Coming to seek peace only after pushing matters to the extreme—what, did they think they were soft persimmons to be squeezed at will?
Song Jia's eyes suddenly turned dark: "Third Miss, think clearly. Given your identity, what consequences will you face once the emperor finds out?"
Still threatening her!
A cold sharpness gleamed in Chu Ruoyan's eyes: "No need for your concern. I've already experienced it once before. But Master Song, what consequences do you think you will face if the emperor discovers you?"
Song Jia was startled, and then he heard the panicked voice of his subordinate: "Azure Dragon Envoy! The tea house in Pingkang Ward is on fire! The flames are out of control now and have drawn the attention of the authorities!"
Song Jia flew into a rage: "You did this?! You're seeking death!"
Unfortunately, before he could get close, Shadow kicked him against the wall.
Song Jia grimaced in pain, then saw the woman rise and slowly walk over to him: "Master Song, it is only polite to return a favor. Do you like this gift?"
As Song Jia tried to get up, a sword was placed against his neck.
His men were about to rush in when, with a shick sound, the sword mercilessly drew a line of blood—
"Everyone, halt!" Song Jia barked harshly, forcing himself to calm down. "Third Miss, what exactly do you want? Please speak plainly."
Chu Ruoyan nodded: "Now that's more like negotiating. Master Song, we are both descendants of the Yun clan. I have no wish to wipe you out completely. I have only one condition: you are to make no further moves against me or my second brother!"
Song Jia's eyes flickered: "Fine! I agree— Mmph!"
As the word 'agree' left his lips, Shadow swiftly raised a hand and stuffed something into his mouth.
Song Jia was utterly horrified, yet he heard Chu Ruoyan say calmly, "This is a poison refined by Old Divine Doctor Qin, called 'Spring Breeze Crossing.' You should be well aware of his capabilities. If you plot any further treachery, your life will be forfeit."
With a slight curve of her lips, she added, "Green Dragon Envoy, you wouldn't want to die like this, would you?"
Song Jia never imagined he'd be tricked by a young woman. Rage filled him, but he could only force himself to suppress it. "Very well, Third Miss. This humble one will return and advise my master to cease any further actions against you..."
Chu Ruoyan gave a noncommittal hum. "Shadow, let him go."
Song Jia shot her a venomous glare before leading his men away.
Shadow was just about to make a gesture, eager to praise his mistress, when Chu Ruoyan's body swayed lightly, and she too collapsed.
Aghast, he rushed to catch her, but suddenly a figure flashed past—even faster than him—and caught her first.
"Ah-Yan!!"
