With legs weak, the sickly stable boy became a mad regent.

It involves both the Eastern Palace and the General's Mansion.

He Jinzhi naturally knew that this matter was of utmost importance.

He immediately ordered the yamen runners to carry Tong Jian's body back to Dali Temple, and then ordered Granny Liu and Tong's entourage to go back to Dali Temple to give their statements.

Tong's face turned pale, and she absolutely refused to go. How could she dare to go to the Dali Temple?

If they go, wouldn't the whole affair of the 500,000 taels of silver and their collusion with the Crown Prince be exposed?

But the constables didn't care about any of that and just grabbed the person and left.

In less than a quarter of an hour, the crowd that had been blocking the entrance dispersed, leaving only Shen Nannan, A Chao, and Shen Zhong, who stood on the steps with a pale face.

He Jinzhi stepped forward, his gaze clear and honest, and nodded slightly to her.

"The Dali Temple will definitely investigate today's events thoroughly. If there is anything that requires your cooperation, I will send someone to inform you. If you have any leads, you can also come to the Dali Temple to find me at any time."

Shen Nannan smiled and said sincerely, "Thank you, Lord He. I will remember this."

He Jinzhi stared at the smiling face before him for a moment, then said, "Your father was a hero who was loyal to the emperor and served the country. I will never allow anyone to frame the Shen family for nothing."

Just like in his previous life, he possessed integrity and uprightness.

Just as Shen Nannan was about to say something, her wrist was grabbed by a burning hot hand.

Ah Chao had somehow gotten close to her, holding the huddled rabbit in his other hand.

He leaned forward slightly.

"Miss, the rabbit is hungry; it's time to go home."

He Jinzhi's gaze fell on A Chao, and his brows furrowed slightly.

He had naturally witnessed that scene; he noticed it when the man snapped Liu's wrist and his eyes flashed with murderous intent.

This young man is ruthless and cunning; he is definitely not just an ordinary stable boy.

He took a half step forward, looked at Shen Nannan, and spoke sincerely.

"Miss Shen, the servant beside you is of unknown origin and his skills are far beyond what is expected. There are undercurrents in the capital these days, so you should be careful and not let a wolf into your home."

Upon hearing this, Ah Chao's murderous aura instantly became uncontrollable.

He looked up at He Jinzhi, who had been as docile as a big dog beside Shen Nannan just moments before, but now turned icy, like a lurking lone wolf baring its fangs.

He Jinzhi was not intimidated at all. His clear and upright gaze met hers directly. Their eyes clashed, and a silent spark instantly flew in the air.

Shen Nannan's heart skipped a beat, fearing that the two would start fighting on the spot. She quickly tugged at A Chao's sleeve and smiled at He Jinzhi.

"Thank you for the reminder, Lord He. Ah Chao is my man, and I know what I'm doing."

Ah Chao heard her refer to "her person" in front of this man.

He withdrew his gaze, looked down at the little girl beside him, and the fierceness in his eyes completely vanished.

The hand that was gripping her wrist softened, and he gently stroked the red string on her wrist, as if confirming something.

He Jinzhi didn't say anything more, turned around and left with the yamen runners.

Shen Zhong shrank to one side, his face turning pale and then red, and mumbled something to Shen Nannan.

"My dear... this... is all thanks to you..."

Shen Nannan gave him a cold glance.

In his previous life, the Shen family fell from power, and this second uncle lived a life of subservience. His own brother died tragically, and he only cared about his own official position, blindly following the Crown Prince's lead.

"Second Uncle, what are you saying? I didn't do anything. But Second Aunt, how come her nephew has the Crown Prince's token on him? Does Second Uncle know?" Shen Nannan glanced at him coldly.

"I...I don't know..." Uncle kept wiping his sweat, looking completely bewildered.

This made Shen Nannan even angrier. How could her father, such a wise and capable man, have such a useless younger brother?

She turned around and went straight back to her courtyard.

Just as I was about to go to my room to rest,

A strong force pressed her against the cold door. Ah Chao leaned closer, placing one hand on her ear and completely encircling her in his arms.

Startled, the rabbit leaped away and disappeared into the grass.

He was very close, his warm breath brushing against her face, his deep, unfathomable eyes...

"Miss."

He spoke, his voice hoarse and filled with a chilling danger.

"Just now, you smiled at him."

Looking at his face so close to hers, Shen Nannan felt inexplicably flustered.

"What? Can't I smile at other people?"

Shen Nannan reached out to push him, but he grabbed her hand and pressed it against the door.

His palms were burning hot as they enveloped her hand, his fingertips gently caressing her wrist, where the red string he had braided for her was still tied.

"Why did your eyes light up when you looked at him just now, Miss?"

"Is the person you called out in your dream him? Or is it—the person in Futailong who made you lose your mind—also him?"

Ah Chao looked at her with a smile, a smile tinged with a touch of madness.

Looking down at her lips, his Adam's apple bobbed violently.

Shen Nannan's heart skipped a beat at his question. Looking at the madness in his eyes, she suddenly remembered how he had been involved with He Jinzhi in her past life.

It looks like she was tormented all night.

No matter how she explained, he wouldn't believe her. He wouldn't stop until he forced her to say "only you".

Now he's back again—

A flicker of anger flashed across his face.

"I admire him because he is a good official; I have nothing but respect for him."

"admire?"

Ah Chao, seeing the anger in her eyes, didn't believe it at all.

She's angry with him because of some random man?

He chuckled softly.

"If Miss is angry, she can beat this servant. Getting angry will only harm your health."

He leaned forward again, his lips almost touching hers, his breath hot and seductive, asking each word carefully:

"But Miss must tell me, in your heart, who am I?"

His hand slowly slid to her waist, gently tightening, pulling her into his arms, his eyes surging with a familiar, obsessive, and burning emotion.

Shen Nannan looked at his lips, so close to hers, and her heart pounded like a drum.

Countless nights from my past life, when he held me in his arms and kissed me, flashed through my mind.

In the same position, Xiao Yunzhao pinned her against the wall, his fingers lingering on the same spot, his voice low, hoarse, and sickly:

"My little darling, does it feel good? If it does, shout louder, I love to hear it..."

"Enough!" Her breathing quickened, and a hint of frightened red appeared at the corners of her eyes.

"Let me go!"

Ah Chao loosened his grip, but still didn't let go.

His fingertips were already on her waist, and through the thin spring dress, the burning heat made her weak all over.

"Miss……"

He looked down at her and slowly pressed his lips to hers.

"Are you afraid of me again?"