Denghuangtai

"I wish to investigate the truth, but the Imperial Envoy's deputy believed me to be the real culprit and ordered me to remove my armor and be detained and taken back to the capital on the spot."

The Grand Minister stepped forward and roared.

"Absurd! The safety of the border is of paramount importance. Who would be so reckless as to embezzle military funds and murder the imperial envoy? Are you simply making this up to escape punishment?"

"Your Majesty is discerning and insightful. I suspect that the death of the Imperial Envoy was orchestrated by the mastermind behind the embezzlement of military funds, who then deliberately framed me to both silence me and cut off all leads. I am truly innocent."

The Grand Marshal sneered, "If you were innocent, why didn't you say so before?"

"The enemy is in the dark while we are in the light, so I dare not act rashly. I fear that before I can ascertain the truth, I will follow in the footsteps of the imperial envoy."

"General Pei's eloquence is truly wasted on leading troops into battle!" the Grand Commandant mocked. "If you ask me..."

"That's enough!"

The emperor finally spoke, his gaze fixed on Pei Qingyan, "Since you say you are not the murderer, I will give you five days to find out the real culprit."

Pei Qingyan kowtowed and said, "Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude."

Yun Mansion.

Yun Zheng was sitting at his desk in the study, wearing a scarlet cloak, his eyes lowered as he played chess alone.

Just as a black chess piece was held between his fingers, there was a soft knock at the door.

"Go in." His voice was calm, and the piece landed on the jade chessboard with a crisp, clear sound.

The chief clerk pushed open the door and entered, bowing and whispering, "My lord, His Majesty has given Marquis Yin'an five days to thoroughly investigate the true culprit behind the murder of the imperial envoy."

Yun Zheng's fingers, which were holding the white chess piece, suddenly stopped in mid-air. After a moment of silence, the white piece was firmly placed on the chessboard.

He suddenly stood up, his cloak trailing on the ground.

"Prepare the car."

Pei Qingyan was escorted out of the palace by a palace attendant, but as soon as he left the palace, he was caught up by the Minister of Justice.

The Minister of Justice's face was grim. "I didn't expect Marquis Yin'an to have such a hidden trick up his sleeve. So many people in the court don't know the true purpose of the Imperial Envoy's border patrol, which gives you a chance to escape. But don't be too happy yet. His Majesty has only given you five days. You may not be able to find the murderer."

Pei Qingyan cupped his hands and smiled, "We will still need to rely on the Court of Justice to investigate this case."

The court official scoffed, "I can't help you."

Pei Qingyan smiled meaningfully and said, "Minister of Justice, don't speak too confidently. Considering you've helped me, I'll give you some advice: even if the person behind you can control everything, you're just a pawn. You might become a discarded pawn one day. When that happens, your entire clan's lives will still be in danger."

The court official's expression shifted, but in the end he said nothing, gritted his teeth, and quickly left.

Pei Qingyan twitched the corners of her mouth, her eyes darkening. She turned her head and saw Yun Zheng, dressed in black, standing not far away with a gloomy expression.

She stepped forward and said with a smile, "Three days is still a bit long. I, Pei, am not very capable, but I managed to escape and turn the tables in just one day. I just wonder if Your Excellency has made up your mind?"

"If you cannot find out the truth, you will still die. It is too early to talk about escaping."

Pei Qingyan raised an eyebrow. "How do you know I can't uncover the truth?"

Yun Zheng's expression darkened further. Not wanting to dwell on the topic, he asked in a deep voice, "Where's the Ice Silkworm?"

Pei Qingyan: "Yes..."

Before she could finish speaking, everything went black, and she collapsed forward.

Yun Zheng instinctively caught him, his face growing even more sinister, but thinking of the Ice Silkworm, he gritted his teeth, picked up Pei Qingyan, and carried him to the carriage.

"Return to the residence."

When Pei Qingyan groggily regained consciousness, he found himself completely naked, sitting in a bathtub, the water emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.

Yun Zheng sat not far away, holding a teacup, staring at her with a sinister gaze, his eyes silently churning with malice.

"Yun Zheng, you took advantage of someone in distress!"

Yun Zheng sneered, "I'm not that despicable."

Pei Qingyan was speechless. Yun Zheng was always proud and arrogant, and she really didn't want someone who would do such a thing. But she was naked, so shouldn't she at least avoid suspicion?

"What are you doing?"

She was in a daze when she realized that Yun Zheng was walking towards her. Her heart tightened, she crossed her arms and stared at Yun Zheng warily.

"Where's the ice silkworm?"

As Yun Zheng approached, a shadow fell over him.

Pei Qingyan glanced down at the water's surface. The brown medicinal soup completely obscured the underwater scenery, yet she still felt uneasy.

"go out."

"General Pei, this is the Yun residence."

"Get out." Pei Qingyan repeated.