Zhao Jiaqi whispered into the Chief Executive's ear, "Find someone to discreetly observe Wang Yuanzhi's demeanor these past two days, learn thoroughly. When the time is right, we'll apprehend him and dismantle this operation."
The Chief Executive understood her intent. "Your subordinate remembers. I'll arrange for someone to learn tonight."
While things were being busily organized on this side, news arrived from the inner city: Helian Zhicheng and Duan Yao were here again. Not only did they come, but it was rumored they almost brought the entire imperial palace with them.
When this news reached Fan Zehao, he almost couldn't believe his eyes. He wondered why such a grand mobilization was necessary this time.
Were they intending to fight a decisive battle in their inner city? Did they truly believe that this would lead to his daughter marrying Helian Jinli?
However, since the two had already arrived and couldn't be driven away, he picked up his brush and wrote a letter, instructing the Chief Executive's guards to deliver it.
He stood by the window, gazing at the bright moonlight outside, his mind occupied with thoughts of his wife. He wondered if she missed him during the two days he hadn't accompanied her.
Helian Zhicheng, far away in the inner city, received a carrier pigeon's message at dawn.
After reading the lengthy words on the parchment, his heart sank. Without washing his face or brushing his teeth, he rushed to find Xiao Ce.
Duan Yao called out to him several times, but Helian Zhicheng ignored him and ran off. This made Duan Yao frown.
In the military camp, Xiao Ce, who was training soldiers, was surprised to see the Emperor of Dingbei Liao arriving.
Although they were both familiar with each other, given his imperial status, Xiao Ce respectfully cupped his hands and saluted, "Emperor Liao."
"No need for such formalities. Quickly read this letter."
Xiao Ce took the paper and, upon reading its contents, trembled all over. He couldn't believe that the letter was from the Prince, yet the handwriting on it was undeniably the Prince's.
"This... Your subordinate will investigate immediately to see if this phenomenon exists within the military camp."
Helian Zhicheng continued, "Convey this news to the other military camps. Remember, only inform the Princes. Do not alert the enemy, nor investigate openly. You must investigate privately, so as not to disrupt the affairs of my second brother and his companions. Do you understand?"
Xiao Ce nodded vigorously. "Understood. Your subordinate will arrange it now."
Helian Zhicheng was no longer worried about the military camps. The priority now was within the city. How many people had used the "Immortal Balm"? If they hadn't, they must be eliminated in their infancy.
This was the decision made by a superior upon receiving the first piece of information.
Soon, Fan Xudong received a letter from Xiao Ce. Simultaneously, Prince Xiaoyao and Prince Xian also received theirs. The few individuals quietly began their investigations.
Helian Zhicheng and Duan Yao, using the excuse of visiting their son in the military camp, also summoned Yu Meng. The four of them discussed the matter privately.
Although Yu Meng didn't know what this "Immortal Balm" was, seeing their tense expressions and having read her father's letter, she decided to investigate privately.
Helian Jinli held Yu Meng's hand and solemnly assured his father and mother, "I will definitely help Yu Meng guard this line of defense. Please don't worry."
Yu Meng smiled sweetly. "Please tell my parents, Uncle and Aunt, to rest assured."
Seeing them like this, Helian Zhicheng and Duan Yao were very pleased. It seemed their son had won the girl's heart, and only the final step remained. However, this final step was difficult. Nevertheless, the couple had made their decision.
Duan Yao smiled and stroked Yu Meng's head. "Alright, I will speak to your parents. But you two must also be vigilant, understand?"
"We know!"
Helian Jinli replied naturally. He now treated this place almost like his home, spending his days with the soldiers, having endless conversations and inexhaustible energy.
After they finished their discussions, Helian Zhicheng finally wrote a reply to Fan Zehao. However, Fan Zehao never received this letter, as he was already on his way to Gangshang Village.
Gangshang Village.
Everything appeared calm and peaceful, like a tranquil mountain village.
One morning, Zhao Jiaqi found the village chief. "I need to go to town to buy some things. Please have Miss Wang accompany me."
Wang Yuanzhi blinked his eyes before realizing what she meant by buying things. But it made sense.
"No, you are pregnant. If you run around and something unexpected happens, how can I explain it to your husband? How about this, write down what you want to buy, and I'll have someone fetch it for you. Is that acceptable?"
Seeing Wang Yuanzhi's unyielding stance, Zhao Jiaqi no longer insisted. "Alright, but it must be a woman who goes to buy them, as they are personal items and it would be inconvenient for a man."
The village chief smiled. "I'll send Hui'er. Are you reassured now?"
Zhao Jiaqi also smiled back, "As long as it's a woman, it's fine."
It wasn't that she specifically wanted Wang Hui. The reason she asked for Wang Hui was because she was a hostage. By asking for his daughter, she was making him feel more at ease. Who knew this man was so cautious.
Zhao Jiaqi then returned, saying no more. After writing down what she wanted, she handed it to Wang Hui, who had come to find her.
"Buy these clothes, and then buy me some fruit candies and some fruit. I want sweet, not sour. As for the type of fruit, you choose."
Wang Hui knew she was pregnant and had cravings. She smiled. "They say pregnant women get hungry quickly. How about this, I'll pick out some sweet pastries too. If you get hungry, you can eat them anytime."
"Okay, thank you very much."
The young girl, carefree, skipped away. Zhao Jiaqi watched her leave the room, her smile gradually fading.
"Chief Executive, if I use her like this, what will she think when the truth is revealed?"
The Chief Executive was silent for a moment before replying in a low voice, "She will probably hate you."
Zhao Jiaqi also fell silent. "Let her hate me, but I will not regret doing this."
She shifted her gaze and sat on a stool, looking at the wilting flowers in the pot on the table. She reached out and touched a leaf, and it fell off.
"Strange, this flower has been in this room for several days and was fine. Why is it like this today?"
As Zhao Jiaqi spoke, she touched it again, and the leaves fell in a shower. Even the blooming flowers looked listless today, their heads drooping.
The Chief Executive went to look and also found it strange. "Moon roses are very hardy and resistant to cold. You could leave them here for a month without tending to them, and they wouldn't die. How did this happen?"
Zhao Jiaqi didn't know why either. "Could it be that I've been giving it too much medicinal soup these past few days, and it's also gotten sick?"
She then let out a chuckle. "That was my pregnancy tonic. If you drank it, at most you'd grow a few more buds. How....."
Although she said this as a joke, not to be taken seriously, her words faltered as she spoke, leaving Zhao Jiaqi stunned.