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The chef readily agreed, “Of course, please follow me.”

Following the chef, they arrived at the kitchen where a small partition dedicated to preparing medicinal meals was located. On the stove sat a small basin containing the medicinal residue.

Chu Qingzhi picked up the basin and used a pair of chopsticks to inspect and smell the residue, detecting no scent of cottonseed.

She turned to ask the chef, “Why didn’t you dispose of the medicinal residue?” “One of my apprentices, whose mother is ill at home, wanted to take the residue back and boil it again for her to drink. I felt sorry for him, so I agreed.” “How many apprentices do you have?”

“Three apprentices. They learn from me while I prepare the medicinal meals. Except for them, no one else is present during the process.”

Chu Qingzhi noticed the chef’s proud expression when he mentioned his apprentices, so she complimented, “A great teacher produces outstanding students. Your apprentices must be very talented.”

The chef chuckled, “You flatter me, but they are indeed hardworking. It won’t be long before they can graduate.”

“You’re a good teacher.” Chu Qingzhi secretly used her spiritual sense to scan the kitchen area but didn’t see the chef’s three apprentices, “Where might your three talented apprentices be right now?”

The chef explained, “They run small businesses on their own and set up stalls in the afternoon. They only learn from me in the morning.”

Impressed by their diligence, Chu Qingzhi didn’t probe further, “We’ll take our leave now. Thank you for sharing this with us.”

The chef nodded with a smile, “Take care.”

Chu Qingzhi and Chu Qingning returned to Chu Qingyue’s courtyard.

Chu Qingyue poured tea for them, asking with concern, “Fourth sister, Fifth sister, how did it go?”

“We’re certain it’s not the chef’s doing.” But beyond that, it was hard to say.

Chu Qingzhi added, “It’s getting late; we’ll continue investigating tomorrow.” “That’s fine. Dinner is ready; let’s eat first and rest well. You’ve both had a long day.” Chu Qingyue led her sisters to the dining hall.

After dinner, Chu Qingzhi returned to her room.

Outside the window, a cluster of green chrysanthemums bloomed beautifully, their fragrance wafting into the room, adding an elegant touch.

Chu Qingzhi leaned against the window, lost in thought as she gazed at the green chrysanthemums…

Seeing Tang Jinghong that afternoon made her feel like the distance between them had somehow grown, leaving her with a bittersweet feeling.

The night breeze stirred, causing the chrysanthemums to sway gently as if greeting Chu Qingzhi.

Snapping back to reality, Chu Qingzhi swiftly left her room.

In the General’s Mansion.

In the study, Tang Jinghong stood by the window, feeling unsettled and uncomfortable, his deep eyes fixed on a point, unmoving for a long time. Suddenly, an unusual breeze caught his attention, and he immediately became alert, watching intently ahead.

Moments later, the figure he had been longing for appeared.

His eyes flickered with surprise and joy.

Chu Qingzhi flew into the study through the window and directly embraced

Tang Jinghong, “Something was off with you this afternoon.”

Tang Jinghong wrapped his arms around her, his mood lifting, “I was just over thinking.”

“What were you overthinking about?”

As Tang Jinghong gently inhaled the scent of Chu Qingzhi’s hair, the unease and doubts in his heart began to settle, and he slowly said, “I thought, thought you might not like me that much.”

Chu Qingzhi reflected on herself. “Is it because I missed the date?”

Tang Jinghong remained silent, not responding.

Chu Qingzhi shared with Tang Jinghong the troubles Chu Qingyue had encountered, “Jinghong, I’m sorry for neglecting you.”

He didn’t know that Chu Qingyue had encountered such a thing. Tang Jinghong felt that he shouldn’t have thrown a tantrum. “I should be the one apologizing. I should care more about you and not doubt our relationship over some baseless speculations.”

“It’s good that we talked it out. From now on, please share everything with me, don’t keep it bottled up inside.” Chu Qingzhi patted Tang Jinghong’s chest, secretly thinking that even men could feel insecure about relationships. She resolved to spend more time with Jinghong in the future.

“I understand. It won’t happen again.” Tang Jinghong’s spirits lifted, and a smile unconsciously spread across his face.

Chu Qingzhi stepped back from the embrace and kissed Tang Jinghong, “I really like you. In my heart, you’re the best man in the Daling Dynasty. Don’t doubt my feelings for you.”

Hearing these words, Tang Jinghong felt profoundly content, pulling Chu

Qingzhi closer, “Qingzhi, I’m sorry. I won’t doubt you again.”

“Remember, trust me.”

“I will.” After a while, Tang Jinghong released Chu Qingzhi, “I’m planning a night visit to Lord Zhang’s mansion. Would you like to join me?”

“Sure, when do we leave?”

“Right now.”

Both changed into their night attire, adopting their unassuming alter egos, and left the General’s Mansion.

Lord Zhang’s Mansion belonged to Lu Lizhang, a king of non-royal blood.

Despite his low-profile demeanor, his residence was located in a prime area, sprawling and meticulously arranged.

Under the cover of night, the two landed on a rooftop. Tang Jinghong handed

Chu Qingzhi a map of Lord Zhang’s Mansion.

Chu Qingzhi took the map, studied it briefly, and committed it to memory. “Ready,” she said, rolling the map back up and handing it to Tang Jinghong. Tang Jinghong, somewhat astonished, asked, “Ready as in you’ve memorized it?”

“Yes,” Chu Qingzhi replied, as naturally as ever.

Tang Jinghong didn’t know what to say.

Was this a case of photographic memory?

Just then, a figure flew into Lord Zhang’s Mansion and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Chu Qingzhi, watching where the figure had vanished, inquired, “Did you recognize that person?”

Tang Jinghong was uncertain, “They seemed familiar, but I can’t be sure who it was.”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t press further, “What’s our mission tonight?”

“To investigate what else Lord Zhang is up to in secret, besides smuggling fine iron.”

“Let’s go.”

They flew into Lord Zhang’s Mansion, blending into the shadows.

In the study.

A figure in black knelt on one knee before a desk, “Your Highness, we haven’t found any trace of Lu Yichen. It’s as if he vanished into thin air.”

“Vanished?” Lu Lizhang tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, the tapping sound adding tension to the quiet room, “Where was he last seen?”

“At a merchant on South Street. He turned into an alley, and when we followed, he was gone.”

Wasn’t he afraid that he would hurt Wu Yaqing? Lu Lizhang was puzzled by Lu Yichen’s actions, “Lu Yichen’s closest associate in the capital is Tang Jinghong. If you tail Tang Jinghong, you should find out where Lu Yichen is.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“And, seize the opportunity to kill Tang Jinghong and Chu Qingzhi.”

“Yes.”

“Moreover, if you truly can’t find Lu Yichen, then capture Wu Yaqing. He will show up.”

“Yes.”