Noble Consort Liu was extremely fond of her niece.
Since childhood, she had often brought her into the palace, raising her at her side. She had even intended to become in-laws—marrying her niece to her son.
The more affection she had for this niece, the more loathing she felt for Qi Yuan, the one who had brought harm to her.
“A mere daughter of a marquis’ household, utterly ignorant of her place!” Noble Consort Liu sneered coldly. “Who does she think she is?”
She had already taken note of Qi Yuan back when she caused trouble for Qi Wang.
But at the time, she thought of her as nothing more than an ant—not even worth lifting a finger for.
Now, however, things were different.
After all, even the smallest ant can bite hard enough to hurt.
Her face expressionless, she said, “Her parents were far too kind.”
A wretched creature like that—Noble Consort Liu didn’t even need to lift a hand. A single word from her could crush her like dust.
What reason was there to let her continue existing in this world?
Old Madam Liu narrowed her eyes. “We all know full well how Your Highness cares for your family, but Wangye may not think the same.”
Wangye?
Noble Consort Liu frowned slightly. “What does this have to do with Old Three?”
Old Madam Liu stopped beating around the bush and told her everything Liu Jinghong had discovered.
Noble Consort Liu’s expression changed.
Her son had warned Liu Jinghong… for Qi Yuan?
She frowned deeply, finding it hard to believe.
Seeing her reaction, Old Madam Liu sighed. “So Niang Niang didn’t know about this either?”
Of course Noble Consort Liu didn’t know, but that wouldn’t stop her from getting to the bottom of it.
After a moment’s thought, she summoned Liu An, the chief eunuch of the palace, and sent him to Qi Wang’s residence.
She kept Old Madam Liu behind to dine with her in the palace.
By the time their meal was over, Liu An had returned.
He lowered his voice as he reported to Noble Consort Liu: “Your Highness, I asked Eunuch Xu and Jinbao. They both said that ever since His Highness fell ill in October, he has taken a great interest in the affairs of the Qi family. He’s repeatedly inquired about the eldest young lady of the Qi family, who went missing for many years and only recently returned…”
Noble Consort Liu gripped the armrest of her chair, her heart tightening. “And?”
“And…” Liu An’s voice dropped even lower, “His Highness’s attention to her also seems to be related to the matter of Liu Wangfei.”
Liu Wangfei?!
At the mention of that name, both Noble Consort Liu and Old Madam Liu’s expressions changed at once.
Especially Noble Consort Liu—so shocked that she broke a perfectly manicured fingernail, crying out in pain.
A trusted palace maid quickly stepped forward, carefully trimming the broken nail before retreating silently.
Noble Consort Liu, still shaken, clutched her hand and demanded, “And?! Speak clearly!”
“His Majesty had Marquis Yongping, Qi Zhen, investigate the whereabouts of Liu Wangfei. His Highness has been closely monitoring the matter ever since,” Liu An said, not daring to meet her eyes. “But Han Yue’e turned up nothing, and the second daughter of the Qi family also found nothing. It wasn’t until the eldest young lady returned…”
Qi Yuan?
Noble Consort Liu narrowed her eyes coldly. “Her?”
Old Madam Liu spoke softly, “If that’s the case, then it all makes sense. This eldest Miss Qi is said to have been taught by the Eldest Princess. The Princess has been searching for Princess Consort Lu and shizi for over a decade…”
She gave a cold laugh. “Qi Yuan must be the bargaining chip between the Eldest Princess and the Eastern Palace. No wonder she’s so arrogant—she has the Crown Prince and the Eldest Princess behind her.”
Noble Consort Liu’s brows furrowed deeper, her heartbeat quickening. “Then Old Three’s decision to chase after her must mean…”
Liu An didn’t dare hide it: “Yes, His Highness believed Miss Qi was going to find Liu Wangfei, which is why he left the city in pursuit.”
Noble Consort Liu gasped. “Too reckless!”
She couldn’t hold back her anger.
Even if that were the case, he should’ve sent his shadow guards to track Qi Yuan. Then, once she found Liu Wangfei, they could’ve killed them both on the spot.
Why did Qi Wang need to go personally?
Liu Wangfei! The very name infuriated her: “A son of noble blood shouldn’t risk himself! Has he lost his mind?”
But Old Madam Liu sensed something deeper. “Your Highness, if His Highness truly only wanted to find Liu Wangfei, he could’ve told Jinghong, or assigned someone to follow Qi Yuan. But not only did he not do that, he kept it from Jinghong entirely…”
Her tone grew heavy. “I’m afraid the real reason Wangye went personally… was to ensure Qi Yuan’s survival.”
In other words—Qi Wang had feelings for Qi Yuan.
Otherwise, none of this would be so complicated.
They knew where she was going. If they wanted to kill her, it would’ve been effortless.
Noble Consort Liu’s lips drew taut. She looked straight at Old Madam Liu. “Mother, go tell my older brother to take his men and follow them. Ensure Old Three’s safety. And…”
She paused, her expression now completely cold. “Leave no loose ends.”
She never wanted to hear the name Liu Wangfei again for the rest of her life.
Old Madam Liu clearly felt the same. She gently comforted Noble Consort Liu, “Don’t worry, Niang Niang. If she were truly someone blessed by fate, we wouldn’t have succeeded back then. Since we brought her down once, we can do it again.”
Noble Consort Liu exhaled deeply. “Tell my olderr brother to be cautious.”
Elsewhere, Qi Zhen had just left the palace after his audience with Emperor Yongchang.
Outside the palace gates, he saw the carriage from Duke Chu’s estate waiting. He quickened his pace, mounted his horse, and couldn’t help speculating.
Could Qi Yuan really manage to draw away both Qi Wang and the Liu family?
Even if she succeeded, the Liu family and Qi Wang had so many men—could she really walk away unscathed?
But at this point, he no longer had the luxury of hesitation.
There was no turning back now.
He had to bring Liu Wangfei and her son back safely.
The carriage rolled along the wide official road. Qi Yuan lifted the curtain and could see travelers hurrying home in the dusk.
She estimated the time, then leaned against the headrest and suddenly called out softly, “Babao.”
Outside, Babao, who was riding alongside on horseback, quickly answered.
Qi Yuan said through the curtain in a calm voice, “We’re changing course shortly.”
Babao glanced at the sky, unsure. “Miss Qi, I’m afraid that might not be wise.”
According to their original plan, another ten li or so would bring them to a post station—somewhere to rest for the night.
If they changed direction now, they might still be on the road past midnight.
Qi Yuan looked at him. “Did your lord tell you that I’m to listen to you?”
Babao scratched his head. “What do you mean, Miss Qi?”
“I asked,” Qi Yuan said plainly, “did your lord ever tell you that I have to listen to you?”
Babao immediately understood.
Their lord had told them to follow Miss Qi’s every instruction.
Alright then.
If His Highness said it, then whatever Miss Qi said goes.
He called out, “Change course!”
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