With her delicate face and slender waist, the royal uncle lost control.

Yun Nian didn't let go immediately. Instead, she leaned forward slightly as he took the lamp, closing the distance between them.

The soft glow of the glass lamp danced on her face, making her eyes shine like stars.

"Your Highness, do you like it?"

Qin Jiuchen's hand holding the lantern was as steady as a rock.

His eyes darkened, a slight smile playing on his lips, as he asked, "What does Miss Yun mean?"

Yun Nian blinked.

She countered, "What does Your Highness think Nian'er is talking about?"

Qin Jiuchen let out another low laugh.

He slightly distanced himself, without giving a direct answer.

"Tomorrow, I will give you another great gift."

Yun Nian's heart stirred, and she was about to ask further, but Qin Jiuchen had already picked up the glass lotus lantern, turned around and walked straight to the study, leaving only one sentence.

"It's late, go back and rest."

She let out a soft sigh and turned to leave.

-

The next day, the sun shone brightly.

Yun Nian was having lunch in her courtyard, with several light side dishes laid out on the table.

She ate slowly, but her mind was already wandering, calculating what to do next with only eight days left until her wedding.

Just then, the door was pushed open with a bang, and Qiluo walked in, panting, her voice filled with barely suppressed excitement and agitation.

"Miss! Miss! Do you know what's happened outside?! This is so exciting!"

Yun Nian was startled by her. She put down her silver chopsticks and frowned at her, asking, "What's wrong? Why are you in such a panic? What happened?"

Qi Luo clutched her chest, took a few deep breaths, and managed to calm herself down a bit. "It's Miss Yun Wei! Miss Yun Wei has been arrested!"

Yun Nian raised an eyebrow and asked, "Yun Wei? What happened to her? Why was she arrested?"

"It is Your Highness."

Qi Luo spoke rapidly, gesturing wildly as she spoke, "The Prince helped Princess Danyang find her jade pendant, sending people to search all night. The clues eventually pointed to the Prime Minister's residence, so the Prince personally led a group there to assist in the search. And guess where they found it?"

Yun Nian asked cooperatively, "Where?"

Qi Luo clapped her hands suddenly, her voice rising: "It was in Miss Yunwei's boudoir, hidden at the very bottom of her dressing case. Caught red-handed! I heard that when the Prince arrived, Miss Yunwei was still in her room drawing her eyebrows, and she was so frightened that her face turned pale and she couldn't even speak properly!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Nian's eyes flashed with surprise, but then she understood.

This was indeed Qin Jiuchen's work.

Fast, accurate, ruthless, and perfectly timed.

She just hadn't expected Qin Jiuchen to act so quickly and use such simple and brutal methods.

"and then?"

Yun Nian asked, a sense of pleasure rising in her heart.

Qi Luo's eyes widened even more, and her tone became even more agitated, "The prince's face darkened immediately, saying that Miss Yun Wei, as the daughter of the prime minister, dared to steal the Empress Dowager's gift, that she was of immoral character and had audacity."

"They completely ignored Prime Minister Yun and his wife's pleas and explanations, ordering their men to tie up Miss Yun Wei and send her to the Dali Temple's prison. They said they would interrogate her severely and deal with her according to the law. You didn't see it? I heard Prime Minister Yun's face turned green, but the Prince completely disregarded him and left with his men!"

They sent the person directly to the Dali Temple prison...

This punishment is undeniably severe.

Stealing imperial gifts can be a serious or minor offense, but once you're in the Dali Temple, you'll either be dead or severely punished, and your reputation will be completely ruined.

Yun Nian picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and suppressed the surging emotions in her heart.

As she was pondering this, she heard footsteps outside the door again.

Chen Sha appeared at the door and bowed to Yun Nian, saying, "Miss Yun, His Highness requests your presence in the study."

Just in time.

Yun Nian put down her teacup and followed Chen Sha toward Qin Jiuchen's study.

Chen Sha led her to the door and stopped. After Yun Nian went inside, he silently closed the door and stood guard outside.

The study was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood, and sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting bright spots of light on the floor.

Qin Jiuchen was sitting behind a large rosewood desk, writing something with a focused expression.

Today he changed back into his usual black brocade robe, with dark silver cloud patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs, which made his handsome face and aloof temperament even more striking.

Yun Nian walked to the desk and curtsied, saying, "Your Highness."

Qin Jiuchen didn't look up; the tip of his brush continued to move smoothly across the rice paper. He only gave a faint "hmm."

Yun Nian straightened up, looked at his profile as he focused on his work, and suddenly smiled.

"Your Highness is truly decisive and skillful. Yesterday's matter has been resolved today, and so satisfyingly so. Your Highness is practically a modern-day Bao Zheng, discerning the truth and ridding the people of evil!"

She flattered him without batting an eye.

Upon hearing this, Qin Jiuchen finally stopped writing with his brush.

He looked up at her and asked casually, "Hmm. Do you like this wonderful gift?"

Yun Nian's smile deepened, and she nodded sincerely: "I like it, thank you Your Highness for upholding justice for Nian'er."

She paused, then added, "Your Highness's gift is timely and exceptionally well-placed."

Qin Jiuchen saw the undisguised joy in her eyes and the corners of his mouth curved slightly.

He placed the brush on the brush holder, leaned back in the wide chair, and gazed at her calmly.

"No need to thank me too soon."

He spoke slowly and deliberately.

Yun Nian's heart skipped a beat.

He reached out and picked up an unsealed envelope from the side of the desk, handing it to her.

"It's your turn now."

Yun Nian stepped forward and took the envelope.

She glanced up at Qin Jiuchen, who was quietly looking at her with unfathomable eyes.

She pulled out the letter and unfolded it.

Yun Nian's gaze swept quickly across the concise contents of the paper, and she paused, her fingers tightening around the letter.

She looked up at Qin Jiuchen, her eyes filled with shock.

She took a deep breath and suppressed the turmoil in her heart.

She quickly folded the letter back and put it back in the envelope.

When she looked up again, the shock in her eyes had faded.

She met Qin Jiuchen's gaze, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Your Highness, rest assured. Nian'er will certainly handle this matter well."

Seeing her instantly adjust her state, a hint of admiration flashed in Qin Jiuchen's eyes.

He nodded slightly, his tone remaining calm.

"Miss Yun is indeed a good helper."