Dream of the Red Chamber: After being exiled, I went on a killing spree in Liaodong.

Then they can seize the opportunity to switch sides and pledge their loyalty to Emperor Yuankang.

They not only escaped a calamity but also regained favor.

That's right, this move is dirty, vicious, and ruthless!

I'll ruin your son's reputation, then I'll kneel down and beg you to take him in—

Utterly despicable, yet utterly realistic!

"Lord Xu's plan... is brilliant!"

"But the problem is, where can we find that woman?"

Everyone frowned.

That woman will inevitably die in the end. Who would be willing to use their own daughter to fill this hole?

"Yangzhou Slender Horses"

Xu Yuan chuckled, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Those girls are eager to rise to the top in one step. Even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, they'll fight tooth and nail to get there."

He came from humble beginnings and climbed his way up by stepping on corpses.

They know best just how crazy people at the bottom can be when they want to rise above their circumstances.

"good!"

"The slender horses of Yangzhou are just right!"

"The Crown Prince is young; how could he not be tempted by such a beauty?"

……

The group exchanged glances, each seeing a hint of ruthlessness in the other's eyes.

As soon as Emperor Yuankang learns that the Crown Prince has been having an affair with a prostitute in Yangzhou—

He'd probably be so angry he'd vomit blood and faint on the spot!

How could they possibly have the time or inclination to investigate these "trivial matters"?

Without delay, someone was immediately dispatched south to Yangzhou.

He wanted to personally buy back a "femme fatale".

Although there are still people selling "skinny horses" in the capital city, the Embroidered Uniform Guards are now everywhere, with many eyes and ears.

Especially during this period, they kept a close eye on their every move.

The slightest disturbance could lead to a fatal disaster.

Never do anything under someone's nose.

The Prince of Zhennan's Mansion.

"You're saying that the Emperor Emeritus's faction sent people to Yangzhou to buy 'skinny horses' (young, attractive women)?"

"At this time, instead of thinking about how to deal with Emperor Yuankang's purge, they're resorting to such underhanded tactics?"

"They actually have the leisure to play this game?"

"Are you sure you're not mistaken about something?!"

Jia Yi frowned, his eyes filled with astonishment.

What time is it? Why are you still doing all this fancy stuff?

Are men still boys until they die? Do they really think they're risking their lives?

"Your Highness, they had too many guards at the time, and our men couldn't get close at all..."

"The news came in bits and pieces, with only a few snippets of information about 'Yangzhou slender horses' being heard."

"Perhaps, these four words are just a smokescreen for them to deceive others."

The Imperial Guard reported in a low voice.

Jia Yi nodded slightly.

In this critical moment, who has the mind to worry about bed matters?

There must be something fishy going on behind this.

"Keep a close watch on them."

"Report back immediately once you ascertain their true intentions!"

His tone was cold and brooked no argument.

"Yes, Your Highness!"

The Imperial Guards received their orders and withdrew, their figures quickly disappearing into the shadows.

Meanwhile, within the Rongguo Mansion, a group of female relatives received invitations to the poetry gathering hosted by Crown Prince Chen Yuan.

A glint of light flashed in Jia She's eyes.

As far as he knew, only the legitimate children of officials in the court received this invitation.

But in the Rongguo Mansion—every single girl in the entire household got a share!

Even Lin Daiyu and Shi Xiangyun, who were staying here, were not left out.

This is strange.

His gaze shifted and landed on his younger sister, Yingchun.

When he caught a glimpse of Granny Wu from the palace behind her, his heart skipped a beat.

Yingchun and Jia Yi had a very close relationship...

Could it be... that the royal family has taken a liking to her?!

The thought made Jia She's breathing become heavier.

Given Jia Yi's connection, it's not surprising that the royal family was interested.

"Grandpa, I want to go too!"

"All my sisters are going; what am I doing staying here all alone!"

Having just recovered from his injuries, Jia Baoyu watched enviously as everyone held their invitations, his heart filled with bitterness.

The thought of sitting alone in the courtyard tomorrow filled me with a sense of grievance.

She grabbed Grandmother Jia's arm, twisted her waist and acted coquettishly, her posture so alluring that it drew attention.

Sitting to the side, Jia Zheng's forehead veins bulged as he watched.

This is outrageous! Neither man nor woman!

Jia She, however, smirked and watched the show with his arms crossed.

"Okay, okay, go ahead!"

Grandmother Jia was heartbroken.

Ever since that incident with Baoyu, she wanted nothing more than to present the entire mansion to him.

Now they are completely obedient to you.

After she finished speaking, she turned her gaze to Jia She—invitations are required for poetry gatherings, you know what I mean.

"Mother, please don't look at me!"

Jia She immediately waved his hand, looking completely innocent.

"How could I possibly get invitations? You know that!"

All those invitations we received were thanks to Jia Yi and Yingchun.

"Of course I know you're useless!" Grandmother Jia said with a dark face.

You haven't even said a word yet, and you've already revealed it yourself?!

"I'm sending you to find Yi-ge'er and have him ask the Crown Prince for one!"

"Mother, this is unacceptable," Jia She shook his head repeatedly.

"Yi-ge'er is currently very affectionate with his two wives, how could I dare to disturb them?"

"His daughters-in-law are always pestering him; if I go, wouldn't I just be asking for trouble?"

"I'll be going now, we'll talk another day!"

He said that, then turned and ran, faster than a rabbit.

Serving Jia Baoyu? Unless he's lost his mind!

"Boss, you—"

Grandmother Jia watched his hasty retreating figure, so angry that she rolled her eyes and didn't even bother to scold him anymore.

"Grandpa, I really want to go!"

Jia Baoyu continued to nuzzle against Grandmother Jia, his voice so soft it could melt water.

Jia Zheng finally lost his temper and slammed his fist on the table.

"Go? Go to hell!"

"Stay here obediently in the manor and don't go anywhere!"

A roar shook the hall.

Everyone was shocked. Jia Baoyu instantly transformed into a frail willow, cowering in his mother's arms, looking as miserable as if he had been struck by lightning.

Jia Zheng felt a lump in his throat and almost vomited blood.

"Second brother, shut up!"

Grandmother Jia rebuked her sternly, her eyes piercing like knives.

Baoyu is already in such a state, and you still dare to speak ill of him?!

She hugged Jia Baoyu tightly, her face full of pity, wishing she could take his pain upon herself.

"Yes... Mother." Jia Zheng gritted his teeth and lowered his head, his face turning purple.

Suppressing his anger, he silently sat back in his chair, trying to avoid seeing it.

"Grandmother, how about... we go find Third Brother Yi?"

Lin Daiyu spoke softly and stood up.

The Rongqing Hall was in such chaos that it was impossible to stay any longer.

Why not go to the Prince Zhenguo's Mansion, find some peace and quiet, and also find out what Third Brother Yi thinks?

"Yes, Grandmother, why don't we go and ask Third Brother for help?"

Yingchun and the others echoed her sentiments, and before they finished speaking, a hint of excitement flashed in their eyes.

Looking for Jia Yi? That's just a pretext.

What he really wanted was to escape from this cage of Rongqing Hall as soon as possible!

"Good! Good! My spoiling these girls wasn't for nothing!"

Grandmother Jia beamed with joy, then added insult to injury, "You are all much better than Baoyu's father!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng's face turned green, and he stood there dumbfounded with his mouth agape—how was he supposed to respond to such a remark?

Lin Daiyu flicked her sleeve, clutched the invitation card tightly, and left, lifting her skirt.

The others followed closely behind, their steps as light as the wind skimming across water.

Following behind Yingchun, Granny Wu watched helplessly as her young mistress lifted her skirt and ran away, a fire instantly igniting in her heart.

This is outrageous!

She gritted her teeth, wishing she could rush forward and scold him immediately.

But when his gaze swept over the cold-faced female guards beside Yingchun—with short blades at their waists and eyes like eagles—his legs went weak, and he swallowed his anger.