In the end.
After a long time spent thinking.
Chu Youning put the painting away, then left the courtyard step by step.
When she went back outside, Chu Youning did not encounter another living soul.
"System, help me find Lique Spring."
[Outside the convent, in the alley to the east.]
"Oh."
Chu Youning went over and found Lique Spring lying in the alley.
Before she could ask, the System spoke again: [Host, he's been poisoned. Feed him some Snow Wolf Blood.]
"All right."
Having already suspected as much, Chu Youning took out a White Jade Bottle and poured two drops of blood into Lique Spring's mouth.
A few minutes later, Lique Spring opened his eyes.
Upon seeing Chu Youning, he swiftly dropped to his knees. "Your Highness."
"Get up. Mother is safe in the convent for now. I have other matters to attend to over the next fortnight.
"She won't hurt Mother. Stay outside and don't act rashly. We'll discuss everything once I return."
Chu Youning tossed a Command Token into Lique Spring's hands.
Wu Qingyuan had given it to her.
Upon seeing this Command Token, the Former Emperor's Death Squad could not disobey its bearer's orders, even unto death.
"Yes!"
Lique Spring nodded.
Following the System's directions, Chu Youning returned to the place where Qian Miao was waiting for her.
Seeing her return so quickly, Qian Miao could not help being briefly taken aback.
In the nearby alley, all the Hidden Guards from the Shadow Pavilion had already assembled, ready to rush in at the first sign of trouble.
"Let's go. We'll discuss things once we're back."
At that moment, Chu Youning's mind was in turmoil.
To keep Jiang He safe on his journey and spare her eldest brother any trouble, she had told Jiang He to