"Why have you come today, Sister Huang?"
Su Qing changed the subject.
"I have something to discuss with you."
Jun Huang glanced at Qin Lan Shan again.
"It's fine. Just say it."
Su Qing was very straightforward.
He couldn't be sure what things had been like before, but now he could guarantee it.
Even if someone asked about his secrets, his loyal Little Slave would never reveal them.
"I compiled some intelligence for you. Take a good look."
Jun Huang did not hesitate and directly tossed a dossier onto the table.
Su Qing quickly scanned it and nodded lightly.
He waved Qin Lan Shan over, signaling for her to take a look as well.
The contents concerned the case involving the Tang State Residence, including the causes and circumstances of several incidents.
"So the Tang State Residence's current problem is no ordinary one. After all, they're connected to the Heavenly Principles Sect."
"That group of heretics has always been trying to disrupt the peace within the imperial court."
"And those letters of correspondence they dug up have made the Tang State Residence's guilt undeniable."
Jun Huang summarized the report in an indifferent tone.
After reading the report, Qin Lan Shan's face turned somewhat pale.
She instinctively looked toward Su Qing, seemingly wanting to say something in defense.
"Don't get so worked up. I know very well that this is a frame-up."
"Duke of Tang has always kept to his duties and wouldn't commit such a treasonous act."
Jun Huang continued.
Qin Lan Shan breathed a sigh of relief, and a hint of gratitude appeared in her eyes as she looked at the Grand Princess.
"So, what are you trying to say?"
Su Qing raised an eyebrow.
"I had people investigate the suspects Duke of Tang had previously come into contact with."
"Earl of Anning, General Pingyi, the Wang Family... These are all very likely suspects."
"If you need me to sort out which ones are more important, you can just tell me."
As Jun Huang spoke, she gazed intently at the young man before her.
She naturally intended to help him organize his options. After all, she had botched something not long ago.
There was still no news of that mysterious woman who had escaped, so she could only do what was within her ability.
"Thank you, Sister Huang, but there's no need to sort anything out."
Su Qing now understood the purpose of her visit and smiled.
What was this supposed to be? Since she hadn't helped him with one matter, was she compensating him with another?
"Good, I... What did you say?"
Jun Huang had just begun speaking when she belatedly realized what he had said. Her brows furrowed.
"I already have a target. It's kind of you to be concerned, Sister Huang."
Su Qing spoke in a certain tone.
"What's the target?"
Jun Huang immediately asked.
The future Empress knitted her brows, clearly displeased.
"The Chen Family."
Su Qing spat out the two words decisively.
Since she cared about him, there was no need for him to hide it.
"The Chen Family? They're a powerful clan that has been rooted in the capital for years. There's no criminal motive or reason to investigate them."
Jun Huang became even more displeased.
That option had not been among the suspicious factions she had mentioned!
So what did this mean? Did he not trust her?
He called her "Sister Huang" at every turn, but underneath it all, he was rebellious to the bone and did nothing but defy her!
"It looks like Sister Huang isn't very happy."
"In that case, why don't we make another wager?"
"The stakes will be the same as last time. We'll wager on whether my guess is right."
A teasing smile appeared on Su Qing's face.
As a player, did you think I was joking around with you?
Jun Huang snorted and was just about to agree when she heard the young man add:
"Last time, I needed your help with something. This time is different."
"If you lose, I won't go easy on you."
As Su Qing spoke, his gaze swept downward suggestively.
Her long, beautiful legs, which gleamed with the warm luster of ivory, instinctively drew back.
"Presumptuous! When have I ever needed you to go easy on me?"
Jun Huang's voice rose several pitches.
However, when the cool and aloof Grand Princess finished speaking, she swallowed nervously.
Even Qin Lan Shan, who had remained silent all this time, could tell that Her Highness was nervous.
Her current display was nothing more than bluster born of wounded pride.
A subtle smile appeared on Su Qing's face.
I'm not afraid of you raising your voice. I'm only afraid you won't agree!
Judging by the timing, it was about time for him to pay a visit and play the villainous guest.
He just didn't know whether that talented young lady would welcome him.
Well, she probably wouldn't. By this point, those events should be about to happen.
The Chen Family.
One of the capital's most prestigious clans was currently holding a grand evening banquet.
The venue was Linlang Courtyard, which had long since become crowded with visitors.
Yet the people coming and going were not wealthy merchants, but talented young men and beautiful young women.
The steady stream of talented men and women appeared graceful and refined, with extraordinary literary talent.
That was because today was the elegant gathering held every month by the Chen Family's Eldest Miss.
Merchants would never appear at such an event and bring the stench of copper to this gathering of scholars.
There were not many pairs of talented men and women attending together. Most were graceful young gentlemen.
They had changed into their most presentable clothes and put on their most pleasant smiles.
Because they could no longer wait to meet the star of the banquet.
The Chen Family's pearl, Chen Chu Ci, was the renowned top talent of the capital.
Whether man or woman, anyone who met her would certainly remember her for the rest of their life.
Inside the carriage.
"I've seen more talented scholars today than I have ever seen before."
Su Qing lifted the curtain and glanced outside, smiling ambiguously.
Were the scholars inside truly talented, or were they just empty vessels pretending to be cultured?
Well, perhaps only they themselves knew.
Still, judging from the crowds she attracted, she was practically an idol in ancient-style form.
Even ordinary people who had never seen the Chen Family's pearl would probably blindly follow the crowd when they saw such excitement.
It could be said that Chen Chu Ci's influence in the capital was considerable.
No one dared not show her some respect.
"Chu Ci is the most famous talented woman in the capital, of course everyone likes her."
Qin Lan Shan, sitting beside the young man, spoke as if it were only natural.
She seemed rather proud.
"Oh? From the way you said that, your relationship must be pretty good, right?"
Su Qing raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile.
He naturally already knew the answer, but was giving her a chance to show off.
"Of course. Chu Ci and I are very close. We just haven't been in touch lately."
Qin Lan Shan nodded vigorously.
The Eldest Miss of the Chen Family could be said to be her best friend.
They were not only like sisters; she had also been her younger brother's fiancée, though fate had kept them apart.
If not for the Tang State Residence's sudden downfall, her best friend might have become her younger sister-in-law.
Thinking of this, the Shopkeeper felt somewhat melancholy.
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