After Mei Wuchang returned, Jiu Yue finally escaped the daily nuisance of the greasy Prince Ping lingering at her doorstep.
Prince Ping hadn’t taken her out either.
Jiu Yue was perfectly content with this arrangement. Though she didn’t know what he was scheming all day, she occasionally managed to pry some information out of Mei Wuchang.
For instance, a certain Lord Zhao supported Prince Rui, which was why Prince Ping constantly targeted him in court.
Or how Prince Xian was wealthy and influential, and Prince Ping maintained a good relationship with him.
And then there was the fact that the Misty Rain Pavilion had changed ownership, leaving Prince Ping frustrated because he couldn’t find beautiful women to win over a certain lustful minister.
Jiu Yue: "..."
She scratched her head dryly. "His Highness truly has his hands full, huh?"
Mei Wuchang found this amusing. "This is nothing. Have you forgotten how much busier he was when we first arrived in the capital?"
"How busy was he?" Jiu Yue couldn’t help but ask.
But Mei Wuchang sealed his lips, unwilling to elaborate.
"Alright, alright. Let me tell you about the terrain of Mount Mingzhi instead," Mei Wuchang changed the subject.
Jiu Yue: "..."
Resting her chin on her hand, she fell into thought.
Soon, Jiu Yue received the order to set out.
Since she was to pose as a maid, she couldn’t bring too many things… but since this was all an act anyway, Jiu Yue tucked a few small hidden weapons into her sleeves and waist, carefully concealed. Once ready, she stepped outside and ran straight into Mei Wuchang.
"How do I look?" she asked him.
Mei Wuchang froze for a moment before replying, "I’ve never seen you in plain colors before. At first glance, I almost didn’t recognize you."
Jiu Yue curled her lips in satisfaction. "That means I look completely different from usual."
Which made it even less likely for anyone to recognize her.
Pumped up, she rolled up her sleeves, waved at Mei Wuchang, and strode off to find Prince Ping.
Traveling with the emperor naturally meant keeping the entourage small. Aside from Jiu Yue, Prince Ping only brought along one utterly unremarkable servant.
This man had the most generic face imaginable—so ordinary it blended into a crowd. Just one glance at him made Jiu Yue feel like she’d walked down an entire street.
Jiu Yue herself had some skill in disguise, though she hadn’t yet mastered the craft. Her eyes, however, were sharp. After just one look, she could tell this man’s face wasn’t real.
According to Prince Ping, his name was Wen Shuang.
Jiu Yue smiled and greeted him cheerfully, only to receive a cold, disdainful glare in return.
Jiu Yue: "..."
She didn’t say a word, but her eyes screamed profanities.
What a rude guy.
Prince Ping then told her, "Even though Sima Qing is a waste of space, the people around him aren’t to be underestimated. You suffered a loss at his hands last time. This time, I’m assigning Wen Shuang to assist you."
Jiu Yue: "...Haha, how thoughtful of you, Your Highness."
Prince Ping looked at her with satisfaction. "A-Yue, I told you—I don’t want to lose you again."
With that, he turned to Wen Shuang and ordered, "Her safety comes first."
Jiu Yue and Wen Shuang locked eyes again, both expressions icy.
This man was undoubtedly one of Prince Ping’s personal assassins.
Jiu Yue lowered her gaze, irritation flickering in her eyes.
That damn Prince Ping, changing plans at the last minute!
Was her acting career about to meet its Waterloo?!
Jiu Yue’s mission was to deal with Sima Qing, so Prince Ping didn’t keep her by his side. Instead, he minimized her presence to give her the perfect opportunity.
Jiu Yue didn’t disappoint. She easily blended into the crowd of palace maids at the rear.
Aside from Prince Ping and Sima Qing, several important ministers had also joined the trip.
Even a summer retreat couldn’t delay state affairs—the emperor worked year-round.
Thus, the entourage wasn’t small, and the servants were even more varied. Jiu Yue raised no suspicions as she followed along.
Unlike last time, the path up the mountain was wide and not too steep, allowing carriages to reach the villa directly.
When she caught sight of the understated yet undeniably luxurious palace, Jiu Yue couldn’t help but recall the humble courtyard Sima Qing had visited last time… the contrast was painful.
Once they arrived, the emperor dismissed his ministers with a wave and led them away.
The concubines, meanwhile, were escorted to their respective quarters at the back of the palace.
Honestly, this was a summer retreat—why would anyone stay outside when they could lounge in cool rooms?
The maids and servants followed their masters accordingly.
Jiu Yue stood there, looking around.
So… what now?
Should she go find Prince Ping or head straight for Sima Qing?
Better familiarize herself with the layout first!
Just then, a group of palace maids passed by. Jiu Yue quietly trailed after them.
The maids were naturally there to serve the imperial concubines. When they noticed an unfamiliar face among them, one asked, "Whose maid are you?"
Jiu Yue immediately lowered her head, feigning nervousness. "Sisters, I’m from the palace. This is my first time accompanying my mistress outside, and I’ve gotten lost."
The maids studied her skeptically. "But your attire…"
Jiu Yue weakly pressed a hand to her forehead. "I felt dizzy and vomited on the way here. A maid serving Prince Ping lent me this outfit."
The maids nodded in understanding. "No wonder you look unfamiliar. Which palace are you from?"
Jiu Yue hesitated before answering meekly, "Yuxi Palace."
She remembered the name Mei Wuchang had mentioned once!
"Yuxi Palace?" The maids blinked in surprise. "Your mistress is Consort Xue?"
Jiu Yue nodded.
The maids immediately warmed up to her, pulling her along. "You’re so lucky to serve Consort Xue! They say she never mistreats her servants—even when she’s angry, she just sulks alone. Is that true?"
Jiu Yue had no idea, but she could improvise.
With a soft smile, she replied with admiration, "Of course it’s true. My mistress is also very generous."
"Wow, Consort Xue sounds wonderful…"
Surrounded by the maids, Jiu Yue arrived at a cool, serene hall.
"Consort Xue took the Little Princess to play by the water. Just head straight, and you’ll see them," the maids told her before hurrying off to their own duties.
Jiu Yue thanked them sincerely and continued alone.
Guards stood outside the hall, but Jiu Yue remained in character, weaving through the winding corridors until she exited the palace.
Using the same tactic, she circled the entire retreat, gradually mapping half of it in her mind.
The emperor and his ministers would undoubtedly be heavily guarded—best to avoid that area.
But Prince Ping and Sima Qing would be there too.
Jiu Yue hesitated, wondering if she should check on Consort Xue first, when a sudden gust of wind brushed past her.
Her hair fluttered as she instinctively blocked the incoming strike.
With just one exchange, both retreated silently to avoid drawing attention.
Jiu Yue looked up, smirking at Wen Shuang. "What’s the meaning of this? His Highness told you to protect me, so you’re trying to kill me instead?"
Wen Shuang stared back impassively. "Just testing your skills. No need to overreact."
"Testing?" Jiu Yue scoffed, her tone dripping with challenge. "No need. Without a doubt, I’m stronger than you."
After a brief clash of gazes, Wen Shuang was the first to look away.
"I just didn’t want you to overestimate yourself," he offered, as if by way of explanation.
"If you’re afraid of everything, why even be a death warrior?" Jiu Yue wasn’t having any of it.
Wen Shuang visibly stiffened, momentarily speechless.
A long pause later, he finally turned his face aside and muttered, "My apologies for the deliberate offense."
Jiu Yue: "…"
Wasn’t that just a little too shameless?
You did it on purpose—so what, you’re proud of that?
