Chapter 11

Liang Qiusuang was waiting outside the door. As soon as he saw me, he hurried over. “Aunt Xiyue, did it work?”

I deliberately created an air of mystery, refusing to answer, instead replying with a hint of sarcasm, “Lord Liang, you truly have raised a fine daughter!”

Unable to grasp my meaning, Liang Qiusuang forced a smile. “That little minx is stubborn as a mule. I’ve tried everything-gentle persuasion, threats, bribes-but she simply refuses to speak.”

“It’s a pity her mother died young. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have trouble finding her weak spot.”

At his words, a cold glint flashed in my eyes.

Liang Qiusuang’s heart skipped a beat as he secretly watched my expression.

I didn’t bother to spar with him, tossing out, “Keep a close eye on her. Don’t kill her-leave her alive. She may be useful in the future.”

With that, I swept my sleeves and left.

I hadn’t gone far when Liang Qiusuang gave a signal, and the servants following him stepped forward to block my way.

Alarmed inside, I kept my composure and turned to question Liang Qiusuang, “What is the meaning of this, Lord Liang?”

“Aunt, please don’t be angry. The matter here is of great importance-I dare not make decisions on my own.”

“I’ve already sent someone to request instructions.”

“I ask that you remain in the residence for a while. Once the message arrives, it won’t be too late for you to leave.”

Only now did I realize that Liang Qiusuang was as cunning as a fox with three burrows.

At this point, if I insisted on leaving, I would only arouse his suspicion.

I quickly made up my mind, looked back at Liang Qiusuang, and deliberately showed a hint of appreciation. “If Lord Liang had let me leave so easily today, I’d have no choice but to complain about you to Your Highness when I return. Stopping me like this actually makes you seem more trustworthy.”

“Very well, please lead the way. I’ll trouble you a bit longer in your residence.”

Seeing my cooperation, Liang Qiusuang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

“You flatter me, Aunt,” he said humbly, gesturing, “This way, please.”

I didn’t hurry to move, standing steadily before him and continuing, “But let me be clear: palace servants have a set time when leaving the palace. If I return late, at best I’ll be questioned; at worst, I won’t be allowed back in.”

“I can only stay for half a quarter of an hour at most. After that, no matter what, I must hurry back to the palace.”

Liang Qiusuang’s smile didn’t falter; he just nodded repeatedly. “Of course. It’s only a cup of tea-we won’t delay your important business.”

“Thank you, Lord Liang.”

I stopped arguing and walked ahead in the direction he indicated.

Liang Qiusuang invited me to the Pavilion for tea, probing between the lines to see if I’d learned anything useful from Liang Chunyan.

I brushed him off with vague answers, while secretly plotting.

If my guess was right, the person Liang Qiusuang sent to request instructions had gone to the Minister’s Mansion to inquire.

The Minister of War was Concubine Xiao’s father.

The fall of Dongjian City and the leak of the Siege Equipment blueprints were closely tied to them.

I had come to the Liang Residence disguised as Concubine Xiao’s chief palace maid. The Minister’s Mansion, upon learning of this, likely wouldn’t be able to verify with Concubine Xiao immediately.

They would surely send someone familiar with Xiyue to investigate.

If my identity was exposed, I’d never leave the Liang Residence again.

Now, I had only two ways out.

One was to pray that before anyone from the Minister’s Mansion arrived, I could find a way to escape the Liang Residence.

The half a quarter of an hour I mentioned earlier might be a way out.

But this plan was uncertain-the Minister’s Mansion might send someone very quickly.

Or, when the time was up, Liang Qiusuang could simply renege and refuse to let me go.

The other way.

Before leaving Yunpei Workshop, I had instructed two maids: if I didn’t return within two hours, they were to seek out the Prince of Zhenbei.

But I didn’t know if they could get the message to the Prince of Zhenbei.

And if they did, would the Third Prince really come to save me?

My heart was in turmoil.

Two plans, but neither was certain.