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

During this period of her past life, an epidemic was prevalent, and she still remembered the origin and location of it.

Later, due to inadequate prevention and control measures, the virus spread to the capital, and even the imperial palace was not spared. She wanted to make preparations in advance.

Lin Zhizhi is neither self-deprecating nor arrogant; she still asks for help with things she is not good at.

If it succeeds, there will be benefits; if it fails...

"That's a capital offense." Fang Bin, being a smart man, understood what Lin Zhizhi wanted to do in just a few words. "But you can't do it if you want to."

Lin Zhizhi lowered her eyes; she had not yet convinced the prince, nor had she even mentioned the matter.

Looking at her like this, what else is there not to understand?

Fang Bin added, "The man standing behind the prince, wasn't he planning to kidnap Qiao'er?"

"I have no evidence." All of the previous statements were just Lin Zhizhi's speculations. "I think she also needs your help for the same reason, which is why she spoke those words about me in the government office."

"I don't know when I became such a sought-after person. Since you and that person both believe there will be an epidemic, it's best to take precautions as soon as possible." Fang Bin did not directly ask her how she knew about this, but instead focused his gaze on the account book.

Fang Bin was a man who cared deeply about his country and its people. He was concerned about the suffering of the common people and had a very good reputation in his previous life.

Even though he had been targeting the Prince's Mansion for no apparent reason, the Prince still respected him greatly, which is why Lin Zhizhi dared to come to his door.

Otherwise, it would be questionable for a man to be alone with his daughter in a room, no matter how you look at it.

"Since this person can deceive the prince, he will surely become the prince's ally. I'm afraid I can't be of much help."

Perhaps because Liu Gulan appeared with the prince, he still harbored resentment about what happened yesterday.

Lin Zhizhi said seriously, "Your Highness has no intention of harming you, and I do not wish to interfere in your family affairs."

"However, this child is still young. Living with you in a place like this, it may be fine in the summer, but he might get frostbite in the winter."

"A father will naturally love his child. With your abilities, it's not difficult for you to earn money. But you disdain such mundane things, so you should always consider Qiao'er's well-being."

"Although the prince is currently out of favor, he is different from other powerful figures in the capital. He has a good temperament and a bottom line in his actions, so he might suit your taste, sir."

"Furthermore, working for the Prince's mansion can also improve the food and furnishings in the house."

"Being able to eat a piece of fruit chilled with well water in the summer, and having a warm table by your side in the winter, is a wonderful thing."

After listening to her recount these events, Fang Qiao seemed to conjure up a vivid and carefree image in her mind.

She glanced at her father, swallowed subconsciously, but ultimately didn't ask for anything. Her understanding was heartbreaking.

Fang Bin saw all of this, and it would be a lie to say he wasn't moved.

"It seems the prince sent someone to act as a persuader."

"It was because I was willing to think of the prince that I acted on my own initiative."

Lin Zhizhi looked serious. The maids in the manor treated her so sincerely; she thought she could salvage some of Fang Bin's impression of the prince.

Fang Bin clearly didn't believe her, and smiled without saying a word.

Lin Zhizhi knew she couldn't rely on the princess, so she originally planned to hand over the account book to Fang Bin as a backup plan.

After learning that the prince had been secretly managing the accounts, she felt that handing the ledgers over to the prince was the safest course of action.

Seeing that Fang Bin wouldn't be easily tempted, she looked at Fang Qiao again.

This indeed aroused Fang Bin's suspicion, and she quickly said, "I had no such intention. I just felt that it was a coincidence that we met this time, and I also received help from my aunt. If the employee is willing to give up, that's fine. If not, I don't know what tricks they will use next time."

That would definitely not be so simple, relying solely on familiar neighbors to lure the child out.

Fang Bin couldn't possibly keep Fang Qiao by his side and take care of her every single hour, and today's events reminded him of that.

If the other party tries to forcibly take the child away, he will be powerless to stop them.

She deliberately emphasized the word "aunt" to tell Fang Bin that it was thanks to the prince that Fang Qiao was saved.

Tell him not to be so hostile towards the prince, and even if cooperation cannot be achieved, at least establish a good relationship.

After saying that, she stood up with the account book, only then remembering, "Do you still have that medicine for sprains and bruises? This money is for the medicine."

Fang Bin was surprised that she was leaving in such a hurry, and even more surprised that she had not consulted with the prince beforehand, and now she had to take the medicine back to report.

I just felt that she was efficient and decisive, no wonder she was a maid in the prince's mansion.

He chuckled softly, "Please wait a moment, young lady."

Fang Qiao seemed to understand their conversation, and tugged at Lin Zhizhi's dress, "Isn't my sister coming over?"

She rarely left the yard and had few opportunities to play with children her own age.

So he was overjoyed to see Lin Zhizhi, but now that he saw his father's conversation with her not going well, he felt a little dejected.

Children's eyes are pure and best able to distinguish between good and bad, and Fang Qiao also inherited her father's exceptional intelligence.

Lin Zhizhi felt a pang of sympathy for Qiao'er's pitiful state, but she couldn't bring herself to agree.

Fang Bin is raising her child alone, and it's not good for her to come too often.

He then squatted down to Fang Qiao's eye level and gently coaxed, "I'll go talk to your aunt and ask Xiao Liu to play with you, okay?"

"Xiao Liu doesn't like to play with me. He says I'm like a canary in a cage, never able to escape. He doesn't like being restrained."

Would such young children talk about such topics?

Lin Zhizhi looked at Fang Bin strangely, wondering what kind of things this man would say in front of children.

"I didn't teach you these words." Fang Bin put the medicine on the table, feeling a mix of emotions.

Before Lin Zhizhi left, she heard Fang Bin say, "If you want to get out of this predicament, since you can't look inward, then look outward."

"Thank you for your guidance, sir. If I ever come to a clear understanding, I will be waiting for you at the Prince's residence."

Lin Zhizhi understood his meaning. Since there was no help within the household, she could only ask the Imperial Concubine for help.

It's not the right time yet; we should wait until the baby in her womb is more stable.

Otherwise, why would the imperial concubine help a mere maid?

Fang Bin thought Lin Zhizhi would invite him a couple more times, or at least one more time, and he might agree.

But this little maid seemed certain that he would agree to such conditions. Could it be that in her eyes, there was no other suitable place in the entire capital except for the Prince's Mansion?

"Qiao'er, yesterday at the government office, the one sitting next to the official was the prince. What did you think of him?" Fang Bin asked thoughtfully.

"How fierce." Fang Qiao's brows furrowed, already somewhat fearful of him, and she asked with a hint of confusion, "Has he never had any children? Does he want to take Qiao'er back to be his daughter?"

"If Your Highness wishes to adopt a daughter, there is indeed no need for such a great deal of trouble."

Fang Qiao nodded. "My sister said the same thing yesterday."

Lin Zhizhi did not return home immediately; she went to the shop first.

The interior is already filled with embroidered items and exquisitely made clothing, and the grand opening will be just around the corner.

Liu Gulan was sitting dejectedly in the shopkeeper's seat, and when she saw Lin Zhizhi arrive, she also lost interest.

His gaze swept over her, noticing that her clothes completely covered her body, not revealing a single inch of skin.

Thinking back to what happened yesterday, she realized that he must have used the excuse of being frightened to gain the prince's favor, and she felt a pang of sadness.

"You finally made the trip despite your busy schedule? You must be in a good mood now, having gained favor through those means."