Bai Qingqing was chatting happily with her when a sudden thought struck her. “Does Suiyun Pavilion deal in any kind of information?”

“In principle, yes.”

Bai Qingqing’s eyes lit up instantly. “Then can I buy information from you? I have money!”

…

At the very top floor of Yanlai Tower, Qi Yue sat facing Ning Yan, handing him several scrolls to review.

“Qingqing has already agreed to a transaction with Suiyun Pavilion. News about the hidden perfumer within the Pavilion has spread, and many have come seeking inquiries. We've begun carefully screening those who meet the criteria.”

“Good.”

“She also asked Suiyun Pavilion to gather some information.”

Ning Yan lifted his eyes from the scrolls, the corners of his mouth curving into a faint smile. “What does she want to know?”

Qi Yue’s expression grew serious. “She asked about the rebellion in the southwest years ago. Qingqing seemed a bit agitated, as if she believed the Bai family had been framed. But she couldn’t explain why. She wants to know if there’s anyone in the southwest who still remembers the events of that time.”

The smile faded from Ning Yan’s face. His phoenix eyes narrowed, darkening considerably. After a long moment, he spoke slowly, “It’s not like her to show interest in these matters. The Bai family…”

He closed his eyes and pondered. During the southwest rebellion, Bai Jinghuai had arrived as reinforcements. By the time Ning Yan got there, the two armies had already been locked in a stalemate for several days. Thanks to his support, the Xuan Army won, but Ning Yan's own role had not been a decisive one. How could there have been anyone seeking to frame the Bai family?

Stolen from NovelBin, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“I understand. Just handle it as you see fit—you know the situation in the southwest well enough.”

Qi Yue answered obediently and said no more. Ning Yan continued reading through the scrolls. After a while, he suddenly looked up. “You and her are close enough to call each other by name now?”

Qi Yue blinked in surprise, then covered her mouth and giggled. “Qingqing is very easy to like. We get along extremely well. What’s strange about that? Or… could it be that despite knowing her longer, my lord still remains distant? That’s odd. She’s such a sweet person.”

Ning Yan: “…”

Is his temper really that bad?

…

The Princess Consort of Prince Ping had been downcast for days. Ever since Lu Qingyun, who used to stay by her side and lift her spirits, had been sent away by the Prince’s order, her mood had plummeted. She didn't even want to see Prince Ping anymore, using it as a way to show her anger.

“Your Highness, please don’t cry anymore. If you ruin your eyes from weeping, it would only cause more sorrow. His Highness did this because he holds Young Master Fu Yi in high regard. He has great expectations for him and hopes his wife will be a noble lady of distinguished birth.”

“How is Qingyun any less than those girls from noble families? It’s me who wronged her, letting her suffer grievances all these years. I thought once Fu Xiao’s engagement fell through, Yi’er could marry Qingyun. Yet His Highness only cares about pedigree, and can’t see Qingyun’s goodness at all.”

The Princess Consort's eyes were rimmed red. Lately, Prince Ping had also been displeased with that wretched Zhou Sichun because of Fu Xiao’s affair, which gave her the courage to show him her anger—to let him know her dissatisfaction.

“And Yi’er too—when Qingyun left, she was crying her heart out, looking at him with such pleading eyes, but he didn’t say a single word to stop her. He just stood there and let them take her away. Is his heart made of stone?”

Nanny Chang could only coax her gently, “Your Highness mustn’t let this matter drive a wedge between you and the young master. This was His Highness’s decision; the young master had no choice. After you scolded him, it must have hurt him deeply. He used to come every day to greet you, but he hasn’t come these past few days.”

“I raised him—am I not allowed to say a few words to him?”

“The young master has always been filial. It’s just that you have blamed him again and again over Miss Qingyun. He surely feels bitter about it. After all, he is your own son, the legitimate heir of the Ping Prince's residence. If his heart truly turns cold…”