I became the demon of the female devil

Chapter 252 Chen Mo's disguise has been exposed again? The Eldest Princess returns to the capital!

Drunken Flower Shop.

At the end of the bluestone alley, a pavilion with black tiles and flying eaves is half-hidden among the bamboo shadows, and a plaque with the two characters "寄月" (meaning "to send one's love to the moon") hangs above the vermilion lintel.

This is a private garden with a quiet and elegant environment and a high degree of privacy. Noble ladies from the capital often come here to hold tea parties.

The courtyard is filled with scattered pavilions, and the stream meanders among the rocks, shimmering like a winding jade ribbon.

The melodious sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments drifted from the pavilion in the middle of the lake, where a group of women were gathered, enjoying tea and chatting.

They were all dressed in fine silks and satins, adorned with dazzling jewelry, clearly noblewomen from wealthy and powerful families.

At the head of the table sat two elegant women side by side.

She was dressed in a moon-white brocade dress, with a kingfisher feather and pearl-adorned phoenix hairpin tucked behind her ear. She had a beautiful face, delicate features, and a faint air of scholarly refinement.

The other woman was plain-looking and wore no jewelry. Even though the sun was warm and the wind was gentle, she was still wrapped in a black cloak, and her dark eyes seemed like bottomless abysses.

"The last time I saw Madam Jinyun was at the Emperor's birthday celebration. She still looks as radiant as ever!"

"It's rare for Madam Lü to show her face. I wonder how the Grand Tutor is doing these days?"

The two men were surrounded by a group of women, and their sweet voices filled the air.

Originally, this was just an ordinary tea party, but unexpectedly, Lady Lü and Lady Jinyun, both of whom were first-rank imperial consorts, also came!

These two are usually low-key and never join in the fun, but it's rare for them to be present at the same time...

Although they didn't know the reason, it didn't stop them from getting closer. While exchanging pleasantries, they were also subtly competing with each other.

Although it was a private gathering, it was, in some ways, a microcosm of officialdom.

They form cliques, flatter the powerful and belittle the weak; within a circle of fewer than twenty people, you can count more than thirty small groups…

He Yuzhi did not join in the fun.

He sat silently in the distance, resting his chin on his hand, looking utterly bored.

She had only invited a few close girlfriends, but she didn't expect so many people to come... She had no interest in this kind of scheming and intrigue, and if it weren't for her status, she would have left long ago.

"Mrs. Chen, it's been a long time."

Just then, a woman's voice entered my ears.

He Yuzhi looked up, her face immediately darkening. "What is it?"

Wearing a light green dress, Qin Shu stood before her, smiling, and said, "It's nothing, it's just that I haven't seen you, Madam, for a while now, and I've been missing you quite a bit..."

"You're hoping I'll die sooner?" He Yuzhi said coldly.

"..."

Qin Shu's smile froze slightly, and she shook her head, saying, "Madam, you misunderstand. I meant no harm."

"You used to refer to yourself as 'this old lady' in front of me, but now you keep calling me 'this humble servant'?" He Yuzhi glanced at her sideways. "You're like an old cucumber trying to look young, aren't you?"

Qin Shu's eyelids twitched, and her soft chest rose and fell slightly.

This woman's words were like poison; just two sentences were enough to send her blood pressure soaring.

However, considering the purpose of his visit, Qin Shu suppressed his temper, took out a spirit jade from his sleeve, and placed it in front of He Yuzhi.

It was a purple jade pendant, with a warm and smooth texture, and a delicate luster under the sunlight.

"In the past, my wife and I had many disagreements. Looking back now, I realize that I was too narrow-minded. As the saying goes, it is better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester."

"This is a top-grade spiritual treasure, the Purple Light Jade, which has the effects of bringing good fortune and warding off evil, as well as calming the mind and soul. I hope you will accept it, Madam."

With He Yuzhi's discerning eye, she could naturally tell that this jade pendant was no ordinary object.

The main body is made from a single piece of spiritual jade, with patterns that subtly correspond to the celestial constellations. In addition, the engraved magic array enhances its natural ability to repel bloodlust and malevolent energy.

To some extent, it can indeed bring good fortune and ward off misfortune.

But the problem isn't with the spirit jade, it's with Qin Shu...

Has this woman lost her mind? She actually managed to swallow her pride and take the initiative to be nice to him?

“If you think you can get your son out of prison by getting close to me, then I advise you to save your energy.” He Yuzhi shook her head and said, “I never interfere in Chen Mo’s affairs, and I have no reason to help you.”

The Chen and Yan families have a long-standing feud that cannot be easily resolved.

Moreover, she didn't think Qin Shu was truly backing down; he was just putting on a show to get his son out.

"Madam misunderstands. I had no such intention."

Qin Shuxian smoothed her skirt with her slender hand, sat down beside him, and said, "My son did make a mistake and should cooperate with the investigation... Your son is a brilliant investigator, and I believe that it won't be long before the truth will be revealed."

"I am not representing the Yan family today, but simply expressing my apology for my previous behavior in my capacity as Qin Shu."

?

Seeing the other party adopting such a humble attitude, He Yuzhi was even more confused.

Something feels off, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is...

Qin Shu bit her lip lightly.

Although Chen Mo promised her that he would release the person in five days, she was still somewhat uncertain.

Judging from their first two encounters, Chen Mo seemed like a stubborn, unyielding rock, ignoring her completely, so she could only put more effort into He Yuzhi...

Having handed over such crucial evidence to Chen Mo, she was already prepared to leave the Yan family...

But one thing is absolutely crucial: the Qin family must not be involved.

However, over the years, the two companies have maintained a close and intertwined relationship, making it virtually impossible to completely sever ties.

To avoid being implicated, it is necessary to plan an escape route in advance.

"The key to the problem still lies with Chen Mo."

"Although he is not interested in me, the Chen family is definitely interested in the Qin family."

"The Office of Transmission issues imperial edicts and directly reaches the Emperor's ears. All memorials submitted by subjects of the empire must be opened and sealed by the Office of Transmission, thus possessing a vast amount of intelligence... This is a huge advantage for the group of censors..."

"Chen Zhuo has no reason to refuse..."

Qin Shu pondered to himself.

If this is feasible, it wouldn't be a big deal for her to humble herself; it would just be a little humiliation.

Just then, the crowd parted, and Madam Jinyun walked over to He Yuzhi, saying softly, "Sister, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

"Thank you for your concern, sister. I dare not say it is good, but I am at ease."

He Yuzhi stood up to return the greeting.

The women all looked at him in disbelief.

Lady Jinyun is the matriarch of the Lin family and a member of the imperial family. Even though the Lin family has declined, she still retains her prestige and status thanks to the Empress.

The Chen family, however, were staunch supporters of the Imperial Concubine...

Although they don't understand politics, they know that the two parties are locked in a fierce battle.

Logically speaking, these two should be incompatible; it would be a miracle if they didn't pull a hair-pulling stunt when they met...

They actually call each other sisters?

Seeing that there were no empty seats next to her, Jin Yun glanced at Qin Shu.

Qin Shu realized what was happening, hurriedly stood up, and said, "Please sit here."

"Thank you."

Madam Jinyun spoke coldly, then pulled He Yuzhi to sit down, a friendly smile appearing on her face.

"Little sister, do the clothes I sent you last time fit you well?"

Seeing her face change so quickly, Qin Shu felt a little embarrassed, but she couldn't say anything and could only stand silently to the side.

He Yuzhi recalled that when Madam Jinyun visited the Chen residence last time, she gave her a onesie, saying it was a custom-made style for the Whip-Clad Hero... She looked slightly embarrassed and cleared her throat, saying, "It fits quite well."

"That's good." "Someone, bring the things up."

Madam Jinyun beckoned, and a servant brought over a brocade box.

Upon opening it, one finds a long black dress inside, with tiny gemstones adorning the lace at the hem, making it sparkle like starlight and giving it a mysterious and noble feel.

"This is a new design from Jinxiufang that hasn't been released yet. It was designed by Bianfuxia himself, and a small sample has just been made. It's the only one of its kind on the market."

“I thought it would suit your younger sister quite well, so I brought it over for you.”

Madam Jinyun said with a smile.

"Jinxiufang has released new styles?"

"It looks really good, as expected of Whip-Clothes Hero's work!"

"I'm out of clothes to wear right now, and I wonder when they'll be officially released?"

"Last time I bought fishnet stockings and thongs, and my husband was so exhausted he couldn't get out of bed for two days. He even went to the brothel less often..."

"After the tea party, let's go for a stroll at Jinxiufang..."

The ladies were buzzing with discussion.

The new styles of clothing from Jinxiufang have now swept across the entire capital.

Not only are they stylish and comfortable to wear, but they can also improve marital relationships to some extent...

Especially among this group of fierce and lonely noblewomen, the name "Whip-Wearing Hero" held an extremely high status and gradually evolved into a social symbol.

You can choose not to wear it, but you can't be without it.

Otherwise, you won't be able to join the conversation when others are chatting.

Looking at the clothes in the box, He Yuzhi shook her head secretly.

Actually, she had already received the dress as soon as it was made, and she even gave one to Ling Ningzhi and one to Shen Zhixia... But she couldn't refuse Jin Yun's kindness, so she nodded and said, "Thank you, sister..."

Before he could finish speaking, a slightly hoarse voice rang out: "Jinyun, you've probably given this gift to the wrong person."

Everyone turned to look and saw Madam Lü walking slowly in, wrapped in a cloak.

The temperature seemed to drop drastically, and people around unconsciously moved to the sides.

"What do you mean by that, Madam Lü?" Jin Yun asked, raising an eyebrow.

Madam Lü shook her head and scoffed, "You call yourself Madam Chen's sister, yet you don't even know who designed this undergarment?"

"Ok?"

Jin Yun paused for a moment, then looked at He Yuzhi with some confusion.

He Yuzhi looked slightly embarrassed and stammered for a long time before she could speak.

"Could it be someone I know?"

Jin Yun recalled the new order issued by the Pingzhun Administration some time ago, which severely cracked down on counterfeiting, especially prohibiting the misuse of the Whip-Wearing Hero's name... It was like a rule specifically set up for Jinxiufang.

Clearly, this was at the Empress's behest.

Who exactly is the Whip-Wearing Hero, that the Empress cares so much about him?
"It's said to be a tall man who never shows his true face..."

"Wait, a tall man?"

A thought flashed through Madam Jinyun's mind, and she said in disbelief, "Could it be your son...?"

"Ahem!" He Yuzhi cleared her throat and said in a low voice, "Sister, please keep a low profile. I only found out about this recently."

"..."

Madam Jinyun's eyelids twitched.

It really is true!
The Whip Master, hailed as a "close confidant" by countless women, is actually Chen Mo?!
This is too ridiculous!

Qin Shu, who was standing to the side, saw this and frowned slightly, looking thoughtful.

"Also, Huaiyu asked me to tell Madam Chen." Madam Lu wrapped her black robe even tighter and said, "If Chen Mo has some free time recently, he can come to the mansion for a visit... Don't misunderstand, Huaiyu is just bored and wants to find someone to chat with to relieve his boredom, he doesn't mean anything else."

?

The atmosphere fell into dead silence.

All eyes were on He Yuzhi.

Want to chat and kill time?

The Lu family mansion remained closed to visitors year-round, refusing to see anyone except close relatives or friends, or for urgent matters. Even high-ranking officials of the second rank in the imperial court were turned away when they came to pay their respects.

Now, however, they've taken the initiative to invite Chen Mo to their home, and they've even said it publicly...

Even the slowest person can understand the deeper meaning behind this!

They're trying to steal people!

On one side are powerful relatives of the emperor, and on the other is the Grand Tutor of the court... Who would have thought the Chen family would become such a sought-after family?!
Everyone has different expressions.

Those who were usually close to He Yuzhi are now getting even closer, while those who didn't get along well before are starting to think about whether they should take this opportunity to build a relationship.

"I never expected Chen Mo to be so capable, to have won the favor of Grand Tutor Lü!"

Qin Shu snapped out of his daze, his expression brightening.

It seems my judgment was correct; allying with the Chen family was indeed the right choice!

"I am honored by the Grand Tutor's appreciation, and I am humbled." He Yuzhi gave a slight curtsy and said in a proper tone, "My son has been busy with official duties lately, and I haven't seen him for some time. When he has time to return, I will definitely have him pay me a visit."

"Ah."

Lady Lü nodded.

He then turned and left, quite gracefully and decisively.

She had come for this very purpose, and having delivered her message, there was no need for her to linger any longer. As for the others, she didn't even feel like exchanging pleasantries with them.

As she watched Madam Lü's retreating figure, a hint of coldness flashed in Madam Jinyun's eyes.

"What exactly is the Lü family planning?"

“I remember Lü Huaiyu has a daughter who is guarding the southern border with the eldest princess… Judging by the days, she should be back soon…”

Her thoughts were in turmoil, and she felt a strange sense of crisis.

Meanwhile, He Yuzhi was surrounded by a group of women, all trying to get close to her, and some even started matchmaking on the spot...

With his ears filled with chattering sounds, Master He's head began to throb.

"This brat..."

"You're really getting me into trouble!"

……

……

Tiandu City.

The city gate was teeming with people, with carriages and horses rumbling and a constant clamor filling the air.

Two figures moved through the crowd.

One of the women was tall and slender, with long, black hair casually tied back with a silk ribbon. She had a striking, heroic air about her, and her eyes looked around with a hint of curiosity.

The other woman was a head shorter and followed closely behind, always half a body length behind.

"After being in that godforsaken place for so long, I'm really not used to this bustling scene." The tall woman took a deep breath, savoring the long-lost warmth of everyday life, and smiled. "Apart from the military camp, it's been so long since I've seen so many living people!"

"..."

The short woman said in a low voice, "Your Highness, isn't it a bit inappropriate that you returned so suddenly without sending a message to the palace?"

"No rush, there's still some time before the grand ceremony. Let's wander around the city first, and talk about it when we're done." The tall woman sneered, "Besides, Wu Lie probably wouldn't want to see me, would he?"

(End of this chapter)