Chapter 31: Venturing into the Enemy's Lair to Uncover the Truth

"...You did well tonight."

I patted He Yunsheng on the shoulder; the kid was pretty reliable when it counted.

He scratched his head shyly, like a loyal puppy, and my heart almost melted.

But this wasn’t the time to be infatuated. Minister Zhao was no fool, and after tonight’s huge embarrassment, he would surely seek revenge.

After much thought, there was only one way—to go straight into the tiger’s den.

I had to personally visit the Zhao residence to gauge the situation and find out who was really backing him.

“Yunsheng,” I lowered my voice, “I have to go to the Zhao residence tonight.”

His face turned pale at once. “Sister Wan’er, it’s too dangerous! That old fox Minister Zhao must have set traps waiting for you!”

I knew it was dangerous, but if we didn’t find out the truth, sooner or later Zhao would play us for fools.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.” I winked at him. “You just wait for me to come back.”

Night fell. I changed into a dark outfit and gracefully scaled the wall into the Zhao estate.

Truly befitting a high-ranking official’s home, the pavilions, carved beams, and painted rafters exuded luxury at every turn.

It was a pity all this gold and silver came from the sweat and blood of the common people!

Thinking of that, my greedy heart ached faintly.

Ah, how I wished all this wealth could be confiscated!

Holding my breath, I pressed close to the wall and moved forward, silently chanting “invisibility spell, invisibility spell,” terrified of being caught by the patrolling servants.

Suddenly, faint voices drifted ahead. I quickly hid behind a rock and eavesdropped.

“I heard that noble guest is coming again tomorrow night…”

“Shh! Quiet! If the master hears, we’ll be in big trouble!”

Noble guest?

Which noble guest?

Could it be the big shot behind Minister Zhao?

My heart tightened; this risky venture was clearly worth it.

Just as I was about to listen more closely, a sharp voice pierced the air: “Who’s there?!”

My heart skipped a beat.

Damn, I’d been discovered!

I bolted, hearing rapid footsteps and shouts behind me.

Cursed be the sharp-eyed maidservants of the Zhao estate!

I cursed inwardly but didn’t dare slow down even a bit.

Suddenly, something tripped my foot, and I fell forward with a heavy thud, my knee striking the ground painfully.

A stabbing pain shot through me as I gasped sharply.

I struggled to rise but hadn’t steadied myself before a cold voice came from behind.

“Lu Wan’er, you really are bold, daring to trespass the Zhao residence!”

I turned to see Steward Qian surrounded by a group of servants, his eyes like a cat watching a mouse.

His old face was nearly pressed to my nose, filled with mockery.

“Lu Wan’er, you refuse the path to heaven and come straight to hell! Today, you shall not escape!”

He shouted in a shrill voice, as if he were the victim.

I rubbed my sore knee, dusted off my clothes, and responded calmly, “Steward Qian, don’t get so worked up. You’d think you caught a notorious bandit. I was just passing by, taking a casual stroll.”

“Passing by? Strolling? Do you take me for a child?” Steward Qian’s beard bristled with anger. “Trespassing a government official’s residence is a serious crime!”

I rolled my eyes inwardly, thinking this old fellow sure loved to put on a show.

But outwardly I remained composed. “Steward Qian, you might eat carelessly, but you can’t speak recklessly. I’m acting under orders.”

I deliberately spoke ambiguously to frustrate him.

“Orders? Whose orders? I think you’re just a petty thief!” he growled, signaling his men to seize me.

My eyes flicked to the jade pendant hanging at his waist—fine quality, ancient style, exquisitely carved. Clearly no ordinary trinket.

A plan sparked in my mind.

“Steward Qian, why so agitated? Are you feeling guilty?” I raised my voice, casually glancing at the pendant. “Tsk, tsk, that’s a fine piece of jade. I wonder who gave it to you… Could it be…”

I stretched the words meaningfully, staring at him.

Sure enough, Qian’s face flushed and paled repeatedly. He clutched the pendant tightly. “What nonsense are you talking about? This pendant…” He suddenly trailed off, eyes flickering as if realizing he’d slipped.

Just then, the sound of galloping hooves grew near. He Yunsheng arrived with a squad of guards in a flurry.

He brandished a golden token. “By imperial decree, Zhao residence is to be thoroughly investigated!”

Minister Zhao and Steward Qian were dumbfounded, their expressions turning sourer than if they’d swallowed flies.

Seizing their moment of shock, Yunsheng and I swiftly took control, beginning a thorough search.

We found quite a few valuable items, but one secret letter caught my eye.

The letter contained cryptic codes, seemingly linked to some mysterious faction…

Holding the letter, my brow furrowed deeply.

It seemed the matter behind this was far more complicated than I had imagined.

I looked at Yunsheng. “Yunsheng, this letter…”