The legitimate daughter returns to the capital and embarks on a splendid life, tearing apart the fak

Chu Wanqing thought for a moment, and without disturbing the guard at the door, she went around to the back window of the study.

The back window was slightly ajar.

She held her breath and pressed herself against the window, listening intently. The room was as quiet as still water; she couldn't tell if anyone was there.

Was it a ruse to create an empty city, or was Yunhe Pavilion truly not there?

After hesitating for a moment, she decided to risk going in to take a look.

She braced herself against the windowsill with both hands and nimbly flipped inside, landing almost silently.

By the moonlight streaming in through the window, she could see the furnishings in the study: a desk, a chair, and a bookshelf, everything as usual.

She tiptoed to the bedside and lifted the bed curtains.

The bed was empty, the blankets were neatly folded, and there was no sign that anyone had slept in it.

Chu Wanqing froze on the spot, and then a chill ran through her heart.

What a magnificent Cloud Crane Pavilion!

They said they were going to rest in the study, but it was all a pretense!

Over the years, how many of his "busy official duties" nights were actually spent in his study, and how many were spent elsewhere?

She gritted her teeth, retreated out of the window the way she came, and restored the window to its original state.

Standing in the shadows of the study, she pondered for a moment before turning and walking toward the west courtyard.

The lights were still on in Liu's courtyard.

Chu Wanqing walked around the wall to the backyard, where there was a small window that let out a dim yellow light.

She pressed herself against the wall, held her breath, and slowly moved to the window.

The voices coming from inside the house were Yun Heting and Madam Liu!

"Yunlang, who do you think Xiu'er should choose?" Liu's voice was soft and charming.

Yun Heting pondered for a moment and said, "The Third Prince is the Empress's legitimate son, of noble birth, and His Majesty now values ​​him even more. If Xiu'er marries him as her principal wife, in the future..."

"But why do I feel the Fifth Prince has a better chance?" Lady Liu interrupted him. "Although the Fifth Prince is the son of Consort Shu, he has the highest popularity among the common people, and he has performed exceptionally well in his duties these past few years. His Majesty greatly appreciates him. Most importantly..."

She paused, her voice lowering, "Doesn't Yunlang know Xiu'er's feelings? That girl has mentioned it to me several times already, saying that the Fifth Prince is handsome and dashing, and if she could marry him..."

Yun Heting sighed: "The struggle for the throne is extremely dangerous. Choosing the wrong side means utter ruin. It's not about who has the loudest voice; there are many complexities involved."

Madam Liu said softly, "The Fifth Prince is known for his respect for scholars and has a reputation for virtue. Although his maternal family is not as powerful as the Empress's, it is not weak either. Most importantly, the Fifth Prince needs a powerful wife's family. If you marry him, Yunlang can ask you to persuade the General's Mansion to stand behind the Fifth Prince and help him. He will surely remember you, his father-in-law, after such a timely act of kindness."

Yun Heting was silent for a moment: "What you said makes sense. But there's no rush. Let's see how the two princes treat Xiu'er first. Whoever is willing to give her the position of principal wife, we'll choose her."

Lady Liu smiled: "Yunlang is indeed very thoughtful."

The room was quiet for a moment, then rustling sounds came again, and it was obvious what they were doing.

Chu Wanqing covered her mouth outside the window, tears welling up in her eyes.

Sixteen years of marriage, sixteen years of sharing a bed, and I realized I had never truly understood this man.

It turns out that what my mother said was true; Yunxiu really is their daughter!

What about her daughter?

What about that daughter who was switched, abandoned, and whose fate is unknown?

She was trembling all over, biting her lip tightly to keep herself from making a sound.

Inside the window, the candlelight flickered, casting two overlapping shadows.

Outside the window, Chu Wanqing slowly stood up, wiped away her tears, and walked back step by step.

Back in Yunlang's room, she gently closed the back window.

Bitao was still by the bedside. When she saw her return, she breathed a silent sigh of relief and asked with her eyes.

Chu Wanqing waved her hand and lowered her voice: "Let's go back."

She took off Yunlang's outer robe and handed it to Bitao, then changed back into her own clothes.

The two left the east wing quietly and returned to the main courtyard.

Lying in bed, Chu Wanqing stared at the ceiling of the tent, unable to sleep all night.

As dawn approached, she finally made up her mind: she had to find someone she could trust. She couldn't accomplish anything alone.

She looked at Bitao, this girl was loyal to her, clever, and tight-lipped.

If even Bitao can't be trusted, she really doesn't know who else in this mansion can be trusted.

"Peach Blossom," she called out.

Bitao entered in response: "What are your orders, Madam?"

Chu Wanqing looked at her, remained silent for a moment, and then asked, "How have I treated you?"

Bitao was taken aback, then said solemnly, "Madam's kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. If it weren't for Madam's rescue back then, I would have been sold to that kind of place long ago, and I wouldn't be where I am today. I can never repay Madam's great kindness in this lifetime."

Chu Wanqing nodded and lowered her voice: "Then I'll tell you something: there's a traitor among my people."

Bitao's pupils contracted slightly, and she subconsciously lowered her voice: "Who is it? You're always gentle with your servants; if I find out, I'll make sure she doesn't get away with it!"

"If only I knew who it was," Chu Wanqing said, looking at her. "Keep an eye on them for me, especially those who have private contact with Mr. Liu. Remember who in the mansion frequently goes to the west courtyard and who is close to Mr. Liu. Don't tell anyone about this."

Shock flashed in Bitao's eyes, quickly replaced by anger: "Mr. Liu? She...she wouldn't happen to have feelings for the master, would she?"

Chu Wanqing sneered: "It's more than just thoughts."

She paused, staring into Bitao's eyes: "Haven't you noticed that Yunxiu is looking more and more like Mr. Liu?"

Bitao thought about it carefully, and her expression gradually changed.

Yunxiu's eyebrows and eyes, Yunxiu's expression, Yunxiu's smile... I used to think she looked like the master, but after the madam mentioned it, she does look more like Liu Shi!

"How could this be..." Bitao's eyes widened in disbelief. "Madam, you mean..."

"Liu is Yunheting's mistress. Yunxiu is their daughter!"

Bitao gasped and stood there stunned.

A moment later, indignation welled up on her face: "How could Master treat Madam like this! Madam has been married to him for sixteen years, managing this whole family for him, and he... he actually did such a despicable thing! And that Liu Zhixue, eating the food of the manor and living in the manor's courtyard, yet she did such a disgraceful thing! Madam, I will have someone throw her out right now!"

Yes, when she married him, he promised to be with her for life and never take a concubine.

Chu Wanqing believed it. She had indeed never taken a concubine, but she kept her mistress in the mansion in another way.

Chu Wanqing shook her head bitterly: "Kick them out? If we kick them out, they won't meet anymore? It's better to keep them under our noses so we can be on guard."

Bitao gritted her teeth: "So we're just going to let them off so easily?"

"Of course not." A cold glint flashed in Chu Wanqing's eyes. "But this matter needs careful consideration. You keep an eye on things for me, and don't alert them."

Bitao nodded emphatically: "Don't worry, Madam, I will keep a close eye on that vile woman."

Chu Wanqing then asked, "Who do you think I can trust around me?"