The concubine, a former cannon fodder, becomes pregnant, and the childless prince spoils her rotten.

Lin Zhizhi froze, her expression hardening as she thought about many things.

Liu Gulan was being watched by the prince, and she had somehow become involved with the concubine.

Originally, the prince wanted Liu Gulan to restrain the concubine, but the situation developed in this way, giving the two of them the opportunity to join forces.

It wasn't just Cen Jingyi who felt a headache; the reason he told Lin Zhizhi all this was because the concubine had a strained relationship with her family.

If the concubine were to return, she would surely exact a horrific revenge on their entire family.

Lin Zhizhi was wondering at this moment, was it really a coincidence that Lin Shangya would seek out the Fifth Prince's spy?

Knowing that feigning ignorance was useless against Cen Jingyi, she dared not act rashly again.

"This servant is terrified," Lin Zhizhi responded softly, much like a wounded little animal, though perhaps still hiding its claws and fangs where they cannot be seen.

"You haven't done anything to be afraid of, so step back." Cen Jingyi waved his hand.

As she left, someone in the shadows spoke up: "Your Highness, there is indeed a famous remedy for bruises and sprains. Because it's cheap and potent, it's widely known, but the annual production is limited, so you have to rely on luck."

Lin Zhizhi was not lying.

Seeing that Cen Jingyi did not speak, the man continued, "The one who contacted Liu Gu in the morning took the initiative to do so. He had also received the letter in advance and made arrangements before the prince went to find Liu Gu."

"We have not found any more spies of the Fifth Prince. That person and Liu Gu have not been in contact with the Fifth Prince. Another master has been claiming to be ill and has been staying at home, not interacting with anyone."

"The accounts aren't on Steward Lin and his wife, but they're probably still there..."

Cen Jingyi originally thought that his conversation with Lin Zhizhi would make her hand over the accounts on her own initiative.

It's unclear whether it was because the accounts weren't on her person, or if there were other considerations.

"This Lin Zhizhi has become quite clever lately." Cen Jingyi looked at the network of relationships on the paper. She was unwilling to show it before, but she knows how to take advantage of this situation.

Recalling her behavior at the government office, his expression softened slightly as he handed over the papers. "Investigate."

"Yes"

The man hesitated for a moment after taking it, and said, "One of my undercover agents did something to help Lin Zhizhi. He may not have been noticed, but he still made a name for himself."

"Don't move, stay where you are." Cen Jingyi touched the now-cold tea with his fingertips and lowered his voice, "Go and investigate that Fang Bin."

When he rushed to the government office, he saw that the prefect looked flustered and somewhat embarrassed when he saw him.

It seems there's more to the story; the reason he sent the constables there wasn't because of him.

That means there's something wrong with Fang Bin.

Just as the person in the shadows was about to leave, they heard the prince say somewhat awkwardly, "If Lin Zhizhi goes looking for him again, let me know. Also, if the concubine makes any moves, stop her."

What did this little maid do to please the prince? He's actually willing to protect her.

At that moment, Lin Zhizhi hurried off to find her parents and tell them what had happened that day.

She vaguely sensed that she was able to escape successfully today because the prince had intervened in the matter.

After listening, Lin Feng remained silent for a long time before finally sighing.

He simply said, "Zhizhi, don't do anything that would harm the Prince for the sake of temporary gains or losses. It's a good thing that he's still willing to believe us for now."

"My daughter knows."

It was her turn to be on duty tonight. As soon as she stepped into the inner room, she met the prince's deep eyes and bowed shyly.

Just as he was about to leave, he heard the prince say in a hoarse voice, "Come here."

She has been feeling extremely tired these past few days and is worried that the baby in her womb might not be able to withstand the impact of the daytime disturbances.

Just as I was thinking of avoiding my pet, I realized that the potted plants in the room had been moved out sometime earlier.

Her breath hitched; was this tacit approval that she could be pregnant?

He then took the initiative to step forward and reached out to loosen his clothes.

The heat inside the room gradually rose, and she pressed her body tightly against that burning hot body.

"Your Highness..." she called softly, only to be met with an even more unbearable night.

Perhaps because the marks on his body were shocking, Cen Jingyi's movements were slightly gentler. Lin Zhizhi looked at him with affection in her eyes.

The response was so intense that even the maid on night watch blushed, realizing that the rumors about the prince were untrue.

After finishing, she quickly tidied up and retreated to the cubicle, her mind preoccupied with the accounts.

She was to depart immediately after the prince went to court. Fang Bin was already waiting for her in the courtyard, along with her aunt who had previously helped her.

Fang Qiao was clearly in much better shape than before, but she was still a little shy, hiding behind her father and softly calling out, "Sister."

"Yesterday's chaos must have been quite a spectacle for you, and you even ended up meeting with the authorities. Weren't you scared?" The aunt had a cheerful personality, and because of Fang Qiao's selfless protection, she now considered Lin Zhizhi a close friend.

Lin Zhizhi shook her head, and then saw Xiao Liu run over dejectedly and put a jade pendant in Fang Qiao's hand.

"Thank you for lending me this, little sister. Here you go." He was in a bad mood, so he left the item and prepared to run away.

His aunt smacked him on the back of the head. "You little rascal, you're not planning to sneak away and pawn it, are you?"

"I didn't succeed, did I?" Xiao Liu was clever and knew that the jade pendant was not easy to take, so he obediently returned it.

"Just like your deadbeat father, you're always up to no good," the aunt cursed, then kicked him in the backside.

Fang Bin wasn't annoyed. He smiled and stopped her, saying, "The child is still young, and he's been returned now, so it's alright."

The aunt was very perceptive. Seeing that Lin Zhizhi had come to ask for something, she smiled and said, "I have something to attend to at home. Let's get together another day."

After she left, Fang Bin led Lin Zhizhi into the house.

This place is nothing like a royal palace; the houses are built with mud bricks, the craftsmanship isn't very good, and they look like they're about to collapse.

The house was stuffy in the summer and offered little protection from the cold in the winter, showing that Fang Bin lived a frugal life.

She placed the account book on the only table in the room that was chipped at one corner; fortunately, it was still relatively clean and without much dirt.

He then placed some loose silver coins on top.

Fang Bin didn't take the money; instead, he picked up the account book, glanced at it, and then pushed it back.

Looking at Lin Zhizhi, he asked, "Miss, if Xiao Liu didn't have that jade pendant, how do you think he would have gained the constables' attention and come here so quickly?"

"Sir, you might as well speak frankly." Lin Zhizhi naturally used a respectful form of address when she needed something from him.

"It's just that there were people who shouldn't have been present at the government office yesterday, so I had some doubts." Fang Bin put the account book back. "This item is not meant for me, and you should know that, young lady."

"No, I will hand it over to the Prince myself, but there are other matters that require your help and advice."

That aunt was originally the prince's woman, no wonder he knew the news in advance.

It's likely that the prince already knew about her arrival.

"Hot weather inevitably brings epidemics, and these diseases have both a source and a cure. However, some money is easier to earn than to earn, so I hope you can help me out."