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"gentlemen……"

As Zhu Yuyan emerged from the main room, a faint fragrance wafted through the air. Today, she wore a deep purple cross-collar ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), the hem embroidered with a dark pattern of intertwined peonies in silver thread, the petals layered upon layered, densely packed. Over this, she wore a long black gauze robe, the fabric as light as a cicada's wing, clinging to her body as she moved, vaguely revealing the voluptuous curves outlined by the ruqun. Her shoulders and neck were rounded, her waist cinched with a silver belt, emphasizing her slender figure before gradually widening downwards to create a shapely, shapely bottom. Every step she took carried a rhythm unique to mature women.

Her hair was styled into a high bun, meticulously tied, with a white jade hairpin inserted at an angle. The warm, lustrous color of the jade made the stray hairs at her temples appear even blacker. The pearl earrings on her earlobes were small but perfectly round, swaying gently as she lowered her head, casting dappled light on her neck.

Upon seeing Yi Huawei, her eyes twitched slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in them before she quickly suppressed it. Her gaze lingered on his face for a moment—Yi Huawei's complexion was dark, and his eyebrows were somewhat bluntly shaped, but the aura he exuded still couldn't escape her notice.

Zhu Yuyan took three steps forward, her waist slightly bent, and as she bowed, her gauze robe slipped half an inch off her shoulder, revealing a small patch of honey-colored skin at her collarbone. But as she looked up, her eyes narrowed, and she turned to look at the girl behind her: "Wanwan, why don't you greet the master?"

The girl following behind her appeared to be about sixteen or seventeen years old. She wore a light purple, high-waisted ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), the hem of which was embroidered with vibrant lotus blossoms, the pink and white petals paired with dark green tendrils, the stitches so dense they could be counted. Over this, she wore a light pink half-sleeved garment, the fabric clinging to her arms, revealing their slenderness and her wrists as delicate as jade beads. A pair of silver bracelets on her wrists gleamed, jingling crisply like dripping water from a mountain stream as she moved.

When the girl named Wanwan raised her eyes, Yi Huawei felt a strange contradiction in them. Her pupils were as black and bright as ink jade soaked in a clear spring, but the corners of her eyes were slightly upturned, giving her a naturally alluring charm; the small cinnabar flower on her forehead made her eyebrows and eyes even more distinct; her lips were a natural cherry pink, looking so tender that they seemed to burst with moisture, and when she smiled, she would reveal a few sharp canine teeth, adding a touch of inexplicable cunning.

The moment Wanwan looked at Yi Huawei, her breath hitched noticeably. In her eyes, this man, whom her master called unparalleled in the world, didn't seem particularly outstanding in appearance. But when she noticed Yi Huawei's gaze, she involuntarily straightened up. His eyes were calm and deep, as if they could see right through people's hearts.

No, it should be that he disguised himself.

Wanwan's mind raced. Her eyes, which were already large, widened even more as she gazed at the contours of his brow bone and jawline.

Despite her youthful figure, with her high-waisted ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) accentuating her slender and long neck, her eyes held a seductive quality incongruous with her age.

"Wanwan."

Seeing Wanwan's loss of composure, Zhu Yuyan frowned slightly and coughed softly.

"Wanwan greets you, sir."

Wanwan finally came to her senses. Her voice was clear and crisp, but the end of her sentence trembled slightly, carrying a hint of panic. As she stood up, she quickly glanced at Yi Huawei again, a blush spreading from her cheeks to her ears, making her enigmatic charm even more vivid.

"You have a sharp eye."

With a slight smile, Yi Huawei raised his hand and wiped away the smudges, instantly restoring his original appearance.

Wanwan's breathing suddenly stopped.

As Yi Huawei's fingers slid across her face, the otherwise plain-looking face seemed to have a thin veil lifted, instantly revealing its true appearance.

The light flickered slightly at that moment, casting a soft halo over his silhouette.

His eyebrows became more defined, his nose higher and straighter, and his lips were well-defined but not harsh. What was most breathtaking were his eyes—deep as the night, yet seemingly containing starlight, captivating the eye at first glance.

Wanwan's fingers unconsciously tightened, gripping her sleeve. She had heard her master describe the leader's appearance, but those words seemed somewhat pale at this moment.

Zhu Yuyan chuckled softly, her eyes slightly upturned: "Sir looks even more handsome than before!"

Seeing Wanwan, whose appearance was even better than hers, showing a shy expression to her master, Shan Wanjing snorted inwardly and quickly walked to Zhu Yuyan's side, revealing a rare girlish demeanor: "Grandma, how have you been these past few days? Mother was just talking about you the other day."

"Wan'er!"

Zhu Yuyan reached out and gently stroked Shan Wanjing's hair, her eyes softening: "It's all good. Your mother...did she really mention me?"

"Yes."

Shan Wanjing took Zhu Yuyan's arm and said, "My mother said you love her osmanthus cake the most. When we return to Xiangyang, I will definitely invite you to try her newly developed recipe."

The intimate scene left Wanwan somewhat stunned; she had never seen her master show such a tender expression before.

Zhu Yuyan looked up at Yi Huawei, her eyes filled with emotion: "I must thank you so much, sir. If it weren't for your mediation, Meixian..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but a complex emotion flashed in her eyes.

Shan Wanjing leaned gently on her grandmother's shoulder: "My mother said, let bygones be bygones. Now we are all working towards the same goal, and that is the most important thing."

"Ok!"

Gently rubbing Shan Wanjing's shoulder, Zhu Yuyan stepped aside to let her pass: "Please come inside to talk, sir."

The interior of the main room was simply yet exquisitely furnished. Bamboo mats covered the floor, and a black lacquered wooden table and several cushions sat in the center. A bookshelf stood against the east wall, neatly arranged with scrolls and books. A map of the Central Plains, marked with various symbols, hung on the west wall. A daybed, covered with a blue brocade rug, was placed under the north window.

Zhu Yuyan led Yi Huawei to the head seat, then sat down herself to the lower seat. Wanwan quickly went to make tea, her movements as light and agile as a swallow. Shan Wanjing stood three steps behind Yi Huawei, her gaze sweeping over the furnishings in the room.

"The situation in Luoyang is more complicated than expected. We currently have thirty-seven people in the city."

Zhu Yuyan spoke, her voice steady: "Sixteen of them have infiltrated various mansions as servants, nine are merchants in the market, and the rest are scattered throughout the city. Intelligence is collected every three days, and Wanwan is responsible for relaying it."

Yi Huawei's gaze swept across the bookshelf: "Is there any important news?"

Zhu Yuyan took out a roll of thin silk from her sleeve, unfolded it and spread it on the table. It was covered with small characters written in fine ink: "Wang Shichong has recently strengthened the city's defenses and added four new sentry posts. Li Mi's men have purchased three residences in the south of the city, seemingly intending to expand their influence in the city. The Dugu clan met with a secret envoy from the Li clan yesterday, but the specific content has not yet been ascertained."

Wanwan added, "Yesterday I overheard some Hu merchants talking at the South City Market. They said the Li clan is buying up large quantities of warhorses."

Yi Huawei took the scroll but didn't unfold it immediately: "Where is the Dugu Clan?"

"Dugu Feng outwardly supports Wang Shichong, but in private he frequently associates with the Li clan."

Zhu Yuyan replied, "Late last night, a carriage entered and exited through the back gate of the Dugu residence, heading towards the Li residence in the east of the city."

Wanwan brought over the tea, first respectfully placing a cup in front of Yi Huawei. As she stole a glance at him, her hand trembled slightly, almost spilling the tea. She quickly steadied the cup, her ears turning red. Next, she served tea to Zhu Yuyan and Shan Wanjing. Finally, she knelt below her master, placing her hands properly on her knees, but still couldn't help but steal glances at Yi Huawei.

When Shan Wanjing took the teacup, she glanced at Wanwan indifferently, but did not drink it immediately.

Yi Huawei unfolded the scroll and began to browse, and the room fell silent for a moment. Zhu Yuyan knelt upright, her back straight. Wanwan's gaze lingered on Yi Huawei's fingers—those long, strong fingers with distinct knuckles, now gently stroking the words on the scroll.

"There is one more thing: Jingnian Temple has recently closed its doors to visitors."

Zhu Yuyan's expression turned slightly grave: "The Zen temple is heavily guarded, and our people cannot infiltrate it. However, according to observations from the outside, the number of worshippers at the temple has decreased recently, while the number of patrols by martial monks has increased. Something may have changed."

Yi Huawei looked up: "Do you know what the conversation was about?"

Zhu Yuyan shook her head: "The Zen temple is heavily guarded, and our people cannot get close. But the next day, the Li residence sent a messenger urgently towards Chang'an."

Shan Wanjing suddenly spoke up: "Master, should I infiltrate and investigate?"

Before Yi Huawei could answer, Wanwan interjected, "Jingnian Temple is heavily guarded, making it difficult for outsiders to sneak in."

She immediately realized her rudeness after speaking and quickly lowered her head to add, "Wanwan tried to get close, but was almost discovered."

Zhu Yuyan glanced at her disciple, her gaze carrying a warning, then turned to Yi Huawei: "Wanwan is right. The martial monks of the Zen Monastery are all highly skilled, and Master Liaokong is unfathomable." Yi Huawei placed the scroll on the table and nodded slightly: "No need to take any risks for now. Is there any other news?"

Zhu Yuyan took out another list from her sleeve: "We have already developed forty-seven people in Luoyang, of whom twenty-three are capable of being given important responsibilities. Here is the list, please take a look."

Yi Huawei took the list, his gaze sweeping over each name, and asked with some surprise, "Wang Shichong's deputy general Dong Jing is also on it?"

"Yes."

Zhu Yuyan smiled slightly: "Three months ago, I arranged for someone to cure his only son's strange illness, and now he is willing to provide us with information."

Wanwan couldn't help but interject: "Yesterday, Dong Jing sent a message saying that Wang Shichong is secretly mobilizing grain and fodder, seemingly preparing to wage war against Li Mi. I also heard that Li Shimin, the second son of the Li clan, may be coming to Luoyang soon."

Yi Huawei turned his gaze to Wanwan: "Source of the information?"

Wanwan glanced at Zhu Yuyan, who nodded slightly. Wanwan quickly straightened up and answered seriously, "I heard it from a servant of the Li family. He said that the Second Young Master is coming to visit his sister who married into the Dugu family."

Zhu Yuyan frowned and said, "This matter has not yet been confirmed, so it was not included in the report."

A brief silence fell over the room. Shan Wanjing's gaze shifted between Zhu Yuyan and Wanwan before finally settling on Yi Huawei.

Yi Huawei stood up, walked to the bookshelf, pulled out a booklet, and opened it: "Is the information on the prominent families of Luoyang complete?"

Zhu Yuyan also got up and followed: "It's already 70% complete. The information on the Dugu clan, the generals under Wang Shichong, and the leaders under Li Mi is relatively complete. The information on the other small and medium-sized families is still being collected."

Wanwan whispered to Shan Wanjing, "Senior Sister, would you like some tea?"

Shan Wanjing didn't turn her head, but shook her head slightly, her gaze still fixed on Yi Huawei's direction.

Yi Huawei flipped through a few pages and put the booklet back in its place: "Continue collecting, especially the kinship ties and business dealings between the families."

Zhu Yuyan replied, "Yes."

Yi Huawei turned to face Zhu Yuyan and looked her up and down: "How are you feeling? Have your old injuries flared up?"

Zhu Yuyan was slightly taken aback, then calmly replied, "I'm fine now. Thank you for your concern, sir."

Wanwan couldn't help but glance at Yi Huawei again. She remembered her master saying that it was the Alliance Leader who healed her old wounds.

Yi Huawei put the list into his sleeve: "Well done."

He turned to Zhu Yuyan and asked, "Do you need any more help?"

Zhu Yuyan pondered for a moment: "We can manage for now. But if you could assign two experts who are skilled in mechanisms, we might be able to place spies in several key locations."

Yi Huawei nodded: "I'll write a letter to Master Lu, it should arrive in three days."

A bird's song suddenly drifted in from outside the window, clear and melodious but short, as if its last note had been abruptly cut off. Zhu Yuyan's fingertips paused slightly on her knee, the movement so quick it was almost imperceptible, and she glanced at the window paper out of the corner of her eye.

Wanwan had already stood up, her lotus-colored skirt sweeping across the blue brick floor. She walked quickly to the door, but instead of pushing it open immediately, she pressed her eyelashes almost against the crack in the door. Her bright black pupils followed the movement outside for a moment before she turned back and nodded gently to Zhu Yuyan.

Zhu Yuyan then turned to Yi Huawei, her fingers slowly closing beneath her thin gauze robe, her voice softening: "Would you like to dine here today, sir? The kitchen has prepared black chicken soup, which will be perfect for relieving your fatigue."

"No need."

Yi Huawei stood up, glanced down at Zhu Yuyan, and said, "I just stopped by today. Continue with the plan and avoid revealing yourselves unless absolutely necessary."

"Yes!"

Zhu Yuyan and Wanwan quickly stood up and bowed.

As Wanwan bowed, she secretly raised her eyes, her gaze lingering on Yi Huawei's profile, from his straight nose to his tightly pursed lips, as if trying to etch that profile into her heart.

Walking into the courtyard, the bluestone slabs were warm from the sun. Yi Huawei suddenly stopped, took out a small white porcelain bottle from his sleeve, with light blue flowing cloud patterns painted on its body, and handed it to Zhu Yuyan: "This is a newly prepared elixir, which may be beneficial to you."

"This is……"

Zhu Yuyan reached out to take it, her fingertips touching the cool glaze of the porcelain bottle. Her knuckles twitched almost imperceptibly, but she quickly steadied herself, gently rubbing her fingertips against the bottle to suppress the slight tremor. When she looked up, her eyes held a genuine warmth: "Thank you, sir!"

Wanwan stood half a step behind her master, her gaze shifting back and forth between the porcelain bottle and Yi Huawei's fingers. She wanted to ask what the pill was, but dared not, and could only suppress her curiosity.

Shan Wanjing was already waiting by the door. When she pushed open the wooden door, the hinges made a very soft "creak" sound.

The streets outside were deserted. Yi Huawei stepped out, with Shan Wanjing following closely behind.

Inside, Wanwan was still staring at the tightly closed wooden door, her fingers unconsciously twisting the strap of her half-sleeve. It wasn't until Zhu Yuyan called her that she snapped back to reality, turning around with the light still lingering in her eyes: "Master, the Alliance Leader is even more..."

She paused, as if searching for the right words, and her cheeks flushed again.

Zhu Yuyan was carefully tucking the porcelain bottle into her sleeve when she heard this. She looked up, her voice tinged with coldness, and her eyes were as deep as a pool: "Keep your thoughts to yourself. The Master is not someone you can fathom. You shouldn't even be thinking about him."

Wanwan quickly lowered her head, the light purple ribbon at her temple sliding down to her cheek: "Yes, Master."

But when she lowered her head, the rosy blush behind her ears had not yet faded, and her eyelashes cast a faint shadow under her eyes. That curiosity, like a sprouting blade of grass, emerged from the depths of her eyes and could not be hidden.

Outside the courtyard, Yi Huawei and Shan Wanjing had already walked out of the alley.

The setting sun cast long shadows of the two of them, stretching diagonally across the ground. Shan Wanjing lagged slightly behind, her voice barely audible: "That Wanwan..."

Yi Huawei looked ahead, his gaze falling on the stone lion at the street corner, and said in a light tone, "His potential is good, but his temperament hasn't been smoothed out yet."

“...this disciple of my maternal grandmother,”

Shan Wanjing was silent for a moment, then the shadow at her feet paused: "The way she looked at you was like..."

"It's just youthful impetuosity."

Yi Huawei interrupted her, without stopping: "Once you've seen more, you'll naturally settle down."

"It's because she's seen it all..."

Shan Wanjing muttered something under her breath, but her steps became much lighter.

Her master's cold attitude towards Wanwan made her feel somewhat happy. (End of Chapter)