Princess, she is the one who facilitated the extradition.

Zhao Mingyue hesitated for a moment.

Among the four classes of people—scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—merchants were the lowest class. Although merchants still had to bribe powerful and influential people in their daily business dealings.

But merchants have a natural fear of the powerful and wealthy, let alone the ruler of a country. She wouldn't even dare to dream of currying favor with the emperor.

But when she met Gui Yao's encouraging gaze and thought about her own situation, she gritted her teeth and said, "Okay, I'll give it a try."

Without lingering, she quickly washed up and went out.

Gui Yao then told Mao Dan about what happened last night, asking, "Have I ever made a mistake before?"

Despite her confident demeanor in front of Xiao Huaijin, her memory only extends to the last six months. She doesn't even know her own specific abilities, relying entirely on instinct or subconsciousness.

"The master's spiritual power has never failed. Since it points to the Princess Consort of Shu, Qi Yu's soul must be in her body."

Mao Dan was very certain; if it weren't for Zhao Mingyue needing to guide her when she came and went at home, it would have gone with her last night.

"I'll keep an eye on her today; I don't believe she won't show her true colors."

Mao Dan never lies about important matters, so with this statement, Gui Yao felt more confident and went out after taking a bath and changing his clothes.

She first went to the maternal home of the Princess of Shu County to find out some things, then went to the Duke of Qi's mansion before returning to Xuanji Tower to catch up on sleep.

When I woke up, it was already dark, and Zhao Mingyue and Mao Dan had returned.

"I brought 100,000 taels of silver notes and asked the Prince of Shu to pass them on to His Majesty. I also told him that I would offer 50% of my profits to His Majesty in the future, and ask for His Majesty's protection."

A relieved smile appeared on Zhao Mingyue's face. "It actually worked out."

I never expected it to go so smoothly, it feels like a dream.

Gui Yao smiled and said, "With the emperor's protection, the verdict should be delivered soon. You should rest early tonight."

The silver notes were intended for the emperor, and the Prince of Shu would not dare to refuse them on behalf of the emperor; he would certainly go to the palace to ask for instructions.

However, the Cheng'an Marquis's Mansion was at fault first. What Zhao Mingyue asked of the emperor was nothing more than to act in accordance with the law and reasonably protect her people.

Therefore, Gui Yao had anticipated the outcome.

Zhao Mingyue hadn't slept last night and was indeed feeling very sleepy. After telling Gui Yao the details of her trip to find the Prince of Shu, she went to sleep.

She has to get up early tomorrow to keep an eye on the progress of the Jingzhao Prefecture.

When only one person and one bird remained, Mao Dan recounted the results of his surveillance.

"The Princess Consort of Shu County had a nightmare last night and is feeling unwell today. We called a doctor, but after watching her all day, she didn't mention Qi Yu at all, nor did she show any unusual behavior. She doesn't seem to know any magic, let alone consult any Taoist priests."

How could someone like that move Qi Yu's soul? Mao Dan couldn't understand it.

"I did find out some things."

Gui Yao covered her mouth and yawned. "Let's go to sleep first. Tomorrow, Zhao Mingyue will probably go to the Prince of Shu's mansion to express her gratitude. I'll also meet this princess then."

As she said, Zhao Mingyue, who had gone out early in the morning, returned soon after.

"Miss Guiyao, the verdict is in, the verdict is in."

She smiled, but her face was full of tears. "The government has sentenced me to sever all ties with Tong Qingyuan. He murdered my father-in-law, which is against all reason. He will be executed in three days."

Bai Daya was also sentenced to death, but because she was pregnant, she would be executed 100 days after giving birth.

Three days later?

A hint of surprise flashed in Gui Yao's eyes. Normally, unless it was a serious crime of treason, criminals would not be executed in the first month of the lunar calendar, while murdering one's father-in-law was usually carried out in the autumn.

"Has His Majesty intervened?"

Gui Yao seemed to be deep in thought, and reminded Zhao Mingyue, "We should express our gratitude."

Zhao Mingyue gradually calmed down. "Could you please give me some more guidance, young lady?"

She was able to avenge her great grudge thanks to Gui Yao, and she wanted to hear her advice.

Gui Yao asked her, "Are you confident you can get your ten-mile-long bridal procession back?"

A woman who has severed ties with her husband can take her dowry with her, but Zhao Mingyue has been supporting the Tong family all these years, so her dowry is probably almost gone.

Even if the Marquis of Cheng'an's family had money, they wouldn't be willing to return it. They could easily say that Zhao Mingyue voluntarily provided the subsidy, and the emperor shouldn't interfere too much in the family affairs of his subjects.

Once they've emptied the Cheng'an Marquis's coffers, they won't have the energy to deal with Zhao Mingyue.

"I understand, I'll go to the Prince of Shu's residence right away."

Zhao Mingyue wiped away her tears. "The Emperor's grace is boundless and his judgment of right and wrong is clear. I will offer all of my dowry to the court to express my gratitude for the Emperor's kindness."

For a merchant like her to find the emperor as her backer, no amount of money is too much to ask.

Besides, it's a dowry that we can't get back anyway, so let the imperial court ask the Tong family for it.

"I'll go with you."

Gui Yao smiled mysteriously, "The Princess Consort should also pay her respects."

"The young lady is very thoughtful."

Zhao Mingyue sighed sincerely.

She is a woman, and it would be inappropriate for her to have too much contact with the Prince of Shu, but it would be different if she could get along well with the Princess of Shu.

I've heard that the Prince of Shu cares most about his Princess Consort.

Therefore, she asked Gui Yao to accompany her back to the Zhao family and pick out a lot of gifts to take to the Prince of Shu's mansion.

"The case is closed. What brings Madam Zhao here today?"

Looking at the several trunks Zhao Mingyue brought, the handsome Prince of Shu had a vague idea of ​​what was going on.

After presenting the dowry list and explaining her purpose, Zhao Mingyue glanced at the several boxes.

"I am of lowly status and have no chance to meet the Emperor. It is thanks to the help of the Prince that I have been able to obtain the Emperor's protection."

"These are just a small token of my appreciation, prepared by this humble woman for the Princess Consort and the two young ladies. I hope Your Highness will accept them with pleasure."

Since it was a gift of gratitude, not involving any partisan disputes, and the gift was for his beloved wife and children, the Prince of Shu did not refuse.

"Then thank you very much, Boss Zhao."

His wife was supposed to make an appearance, but her health has improved slightly today.

Feeling sorry for her being tired, he explained a few words to Zhao Mingyue and then served tea to see her off.

Gui Yao had no choice but to speak first, "I, Gui Yao, have something I would like to ask the Princess Consort. I wonder if I may see her?"

The Prince of Shu sized her up, frowned, and asked, "What is it?"

The woman's face was concealed; if she hadn't been with Zhao Mingyue, the gatekeeper wouldn't have let her into the mansion.

Gui Yao smiled and said, "To be precise, I'm looking for Qi Yu."

The Prince of Shu's pupils contracted sharply, and he almost dropped the teacup in his hand, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Everyone knows that Qi Yu is dead, yet you have come to my residence, young lady. What is the meaning of this?"

"How did the Prince know I was looking for the dead Qi Yu?"

Gui Yao narrowed her eyes.

There are many people in the world with the same name, and there may not be only one Qi Yu in the capital.

The Prince of Shu tightened his grip on the teacup and said calmly, "Qi Yu, the top scholar of the Qi State Duke's Mansion, died young."

Who wouldn't feel sorry for her? But which Qi Yu did the young lady choose?

"My daughter is looking for Qi Yu from the Duke of Qi's mansion."

Gui Yao raised her eyes to look at him, "I heard that the Princess Consort takes care of his tomb even more than the people from the Duke of Qi's mansion."

She must be quite familiar with Qi Yu, and perhaps knows something about him.

It wasn't what he thought.

The Prince of Shu relaxed his tense back slightly, placed the teacup back on the table, and his movements were a bit more steady than before.

"Qi Yu once helped the Princess Consort, and the Princess Consort was grateful for his kindness and would often offer sacrifices to him."

The Prince of Shu stood up. "But the Princess Consort is not familiar with him. There is a difference between men and women. This concerns the Princess Consort's reputation. Miss, please be careful with your words. Guards, see the guest out."

Without even asking anything, he completely rejected it, and the way he looked just now, was he relieved?

Gui Yao's expression turned serious. "Really? Where was the Princess Consort four years ago on the night of the Ghost Festival?"

According to her investigation, Qi Yu committed suicide on the second day of the Ghost Festival. The night before his suicide, the Princess Consort visited him.

The Prince of Shu felt a buzzing in his head, as if he had been struck on the head. It took him a moment to turn to Zhao Mingyue.

"Boss Zhao just expressed his gratitude, and then he brought people to cause trouble. What is the meaning of this?"

Zhao Mingyue then realized the purpose of Gui Yao's arrival and was about to explain when Gui Yao said, "She was unaware of this matter, but it is indeed related to her."

The Prince must already know that her child was taken by Qi Yu. My daughter has some knowledge of esoteric arts and was entrusted with finding the child's whereabouts. She has no other ill intentions.

However, when investigating Qi Yu's soul, they found it on the Princess Consort, who also only wanted to know the whereabouts of her child.

"I implore Your Highness, in consideration of Boss Zhao's donation to the country, to understand her motherly heart filled with concern for her child."

By mentioning that the Ghost Festival four years ago was a threat, and then offering a date, they showed that they had no ill intentions towards the Prince's Mansion and that their only goal was to find their child.

Finally, a reminder to Zhao Mingyue: she has now caught the emperor's eye, and the Prince of Shu's mansion cannot simply do anything to her.

Gui Yao didn't want to make enemies unless absolutely necessary. She wasn't afraid, but she still had to consider Zhao Mingyue's feelings.

But the Prince of Shu ordered his men to drive her and Zhao Mingyue out.

The moment the door closed, the color drained from the face of the Prince of Shu.

As soon as Zhao Mingyue left the Prince's residence, she asked anxiously, "Miss Guiyao, you just wanted to know the whereabouts of the child. Why did he do this?"

Gui Yao gazed at the magnificent plaque of the Prince's Mansion and fell into deep thought.

Having earned His Majesty's trust, the Prince of Shu was by no means an impulsive person, yet he had just reacted...

"He's probably scared."