You don't even need to make up stories!

To be honest, Bai Yuji was a bit startled by this sudden outburst.

Their faces were inches apart, his heavy breathing hitting her skin, carrying a thick scent of medicinal herbs and filled with grievance and indignation.

Just a moment ago, he had asked why everyone assumed his sacrifice was a matter of course.

Could it be that donating his marrow to save his father wasn't the truth of the matter? Perhaps... he hadn't done it willingly?

She opened her mouth: "Qin Muye, if you've been wronged, you can tell me."

Qin Muye's smile turned somewhat ferocious: "Are you worthy?"

Bai Yuji: "..."

I suppose I'm not, considering I am his kidnapper.

Qin Muye's loss of control lasted only a moment before he calmed down, releasing Bai Yuji's wrist: "When is that 'master' of yours arriving?"

Bai Yuji rolled her eyes at him: "Why do you ask?"

Qin Muye glanced at the empty medicine bowl he had just drained: "Naturally, I am waiting for him to 'prescribe' more."

"If you need him, 'he' can come at any time."

"As soon as possible! I'm going to wash up; don't follow me."

Qin Muye turned and headed back to his bedroom.

Bai Yuji stood there lost in thought, picking up the medicine bowl and sniffing a trace of the residue left at the bottom.

So bitter!

Her expression shifted slightly, and she couldn't help but glance in the direction he had left.

Does he have to drink this kind of concoction every day just to stay alive?

His father, relying on his blood and marrow, had reached new heights in his cultivation, wielding great military power and carving out his own territory.

Yet he, the son, was left with his vitality shattered, trapped in the Capital City, suffering endless humiliation, and clinging to life with this bitter medicine.

He must have suffered such immense injustice...

No!

I can't think like that!

If he is aggrieved, does that mean I am not?

Perfect. Even though he acts like a hedgehog to outsiders, he must be incredibly helpless inside right now.

If I can exploit this and find the right moment to play the emotional card, making him work for me, he will surely provide even greater value.

Yes!

That's it!

Bai Yuji pushed the door open and entered.

Hearing the noise, Qin Muye hurriedly wiped his face, his eyes slightly red, and glared at her viciously: "Didn't I tell you not to come in?"

Bai Yuji pulled a piece of candy from her pocket, peeled off the brown wrapper, and held it out to him: "Here! The medicine was bitter, but this is very sweet. A gift for you!"

Qin Muye: "..."

You little wench, I dig a pit and you jump right in?

He let out a cold snort: "Who wants your fake kindness? My monthly allowance might not be much, but I could buy cartloads of this cheap candy."

"This candy is different."

"How is it different?"

"It's from me."

"..."

Qin Muye was silent for a moment, then slowly furrowed his brows: "Bai Yuji, do you know how low-level your methods of manipulating people are?"

Bai Yuji didn't get angry, merely asking: "So, are you going to eat it or not?"

Qin Muye remained silent, appearing to hesitate.

The corners of Bai Yuji's mouth curled up, and she was just about to say something.

Qin Muye suddenly let out a mocking laugh: "If you want me to eat it, fine, but you have to feed it to me with your mouth!"

Bai Yuji: "???"

She shot Qin Muye a sharp look and made a move to throw it away: "Eat it or don't, I don't care!"

Qin Muye quickly stopped her, snatched the candy, and tossed it into his own mouth: "Anger is one thing, but don't waste food. If you don't want to feed me with your mouth, I can feed you with mine! Come on, give me a kiss!"

Bai Yuji was startled, quickly stepping back a few paces and giving him a warning look: "Show some respect."

Qin Muye sneered: "You come looking for me to have a child, yet you won't even offer a little sweetness upfront. If you're so stingy with your investment, how do you expect to lead a rebellion?"

Bai Yuji: "..."

This man is a bit too clear-headed; he really isn't easy to fool.

Truth be told, she felt that what Qin Muye said made some sense.

However, she was playing the emotional card, not the seduction card.

The latter was worthless, and besides, the current Qin Muye was incapable of being seduced; other than covering her in drool, he could do nothing, which would only make her appear increasingly cheap.

A knock sounded at the door.

The maid's voice rang out from outside: "Young Master! It's time to eat!"

"Come in!"

"Creak!"

The maid entered with a food tray, set it on the table, and cast a stealthy glance at Bai Yuji. She subconsciously compared her own chest and hips to the other woman's, feeling a sudden, crushing sense of defeat.

Bai Yuji acted as if she hadn't seen it and sat down with Qin Muye to eat breakfast.

As they were finishing up.

Chen Sui's voice rang out right on cue: "Muye, are you done eating? If you're done, let's go!"

"Hey! Coming!"

Qin Muye replied, and without sparing Bai Yuji a glance, he set down his bowl and chopsticks and headed out the door.

Bai Yuji pursed her lips. Twisted as he might be, he still had the temperament of a child; was he sulking with her?

Once outside, Qin Muye followed Chen Sui straight to the Zhenfu Division, where they took a squad of Brocade Guard and headed for the Prime Minister's Mansion.

But as they walked.

Chen Sui began to feel that something was off: "Nephew, you aren't planning to use public office for private revenge, are you? The Brocade Guard belong to His Majesty; you mustn't mess around!"

Qin Muye furrowed his brows: "Uncle-in-law, why don't you trust me either? I'm going this time just to see Shen Jin and help him recover his memory. Besides, I already promised His Majesty yesterday that I wouldn't deliberately frame anyone, let alone force a confession through torture. No matter how twisted my personality is, I wouldn't dare deceive His Majesty!"

"That's true, I suppose!"

Chen Sui breathed a sigh of relief.

Shen Kui had just returned from the morning court and was lying on a recliner to catch up on sleep.

He hadn't slept well last night; he felt a lingering sense of unease. After all, the blame was still pinned on him, and for every day the true culprit remained at large, his reputation suffered further damage.

Fortunately, during the morning court, the Emperor had specifically mentioned that Chen Sui must find the villain inciting internal chaos in Great Gan.

Although the Emperor hadn't been entirely explicit, it was as good as a public endorsement.

He could finally rest a little easier.

"Father! You really don't need to worry so much!"

Shen Jin was sitting nearby, leisurely drinking lotus seed porridge: "That Qin Kaijiang was never honest in the Southwest to begin with. Not to mention that you were framed, even if it were true..."

Shen Kui snapped sharply: "Shut up! A Prime Minister must command the respect of the world; one's reputation cannot suffer the slightest stain!"

Shen Jin shrank his neck, wanting to say more.

But then he saw the doorman running over in a panic: "Master, it's bad! Chen Sui and Qin Muye have arrived with a squad of Brocade Guard!"

Shen Kui sat up abruptly: "What are they here for?"

Shen Jin was instantly furious: "Is that piece of trash here to pick a fight? Father, I'll go throw them out!"

"Wait!"

Shen Kui barked a command to stop him: "The reason Chen Sui is so deeply trusted by His Majesty is precisely because he never practices favoritism. He won't act recklessly; I assume this is just a routine inquiry. Invite them in and be sure to cooperate fully so we can clear the Prime Minister's Mansion of these grievances as soon as possible!"

Shen Jin was fuming, but he had no choice but to sit back down.

Before long.

Chen Sui and Qin Muye strode into the Prime Minister's Mansion. The servants all retreated, not daring to meet their eyes, some even trembling in fear.

The notoriety of these cruel officials was deeply ingrained in people's hearts; nothing good ever came from crossing them.

Shen Kui didn't bother to greet them. Only after they entered the room did he smile and cup his hands toward Chen Sui: "What brings you here today, Magistrate Chen?"

In his tone, he didn't even bother to stand up.

The Prime Minister's Mansion wasn't exactly spotless, but it could certainly withstand an investigation. The most excessive thing they had done recently was Shen Jin mocking Qin Muye a few times—was that a crime?

As the Prime Minister of a nation, he didn't need to be overly warm toward Chen Sui.

Chen Sui offered a perfunctory bow and said in a flat tone: "Yesterday, the heir to the Marquis of Southern Suppression recalled some details about the flower boat, but he needs to see your son to clarify his memory. There is no need for you to be nervous, Prime Minister Shen."

"Oh..."

Shen Kui nodded slightly: "Please, help yourselves. Tea!"

Chen Sui gave Qin Muye a look, then sat down to drink his tea.

Qin Muye sat opposite Shen Jin. He didn't provoke him with words; he simply ate the fruit from the mansion while staring intensely at Shen Jin, putting on an act of deep contemplation.

Shen Jin was extremely annoyed by the gaze. He wanted to stand up and curse, but a glare from Shen Kui forced him to sit back down.

He could only stiffen his neck and say: "The Prime Minister's Mansion acts with integrity and stands tall. Let's see how you plan to frame me!"

Qin Muye did not refute him, simply continuing to watch him.

Watching and watching.

An hour passed.

Everyone was starting to get anxious.

Chen Sui could not help but ask, "Young Master, have you still not remembered?"

Qin Muye put down the cantaloupe rind, wiped his mouth, and stood up: "I haven't, let's go!"

"Ah? You didn't remember anything at all?"

"If I didn't remember, I didn't remember. I can't just make up a story to frame the Prime Minister's Mansion, can I?"

Chen Sui: "..."

He shook his head and had no choice but to take his leave.

Shen Jin was so angry he laughed: "A piece of trash is just a piece of trash. I thought he had some ability, but it turns out he just came to mooch off our food and drink!"

Shen Kui was lost in thought, waving his hand: "Let's have lunch."

After lunch.

He went straight for a nap.

But he had barely slept halfway through.

The gatekeeper hurried over again: "Master! The Brocade Guard are here again!"

Shen Kui sat up abruptly, sensing something was wrong: "What is the situation outside?"

The gatekeeper complained bitterly: "Those Brocade Guard stood outside the mansion for an hour this morning, attracting quite a bit of attention. Now that the passersby see them back again, many are saying that the culprit is our Prime Minister's Mansion."

Shen Kui: "..."

It was bad!

Qin Muye dared not make up a story to frame the Prime Minister's Mansion.

But the commoners would make up their own!