After the ghost-hunting master descended the mountain, his fame spread throughout the capital.

When Jiang Dusheng arrived at the Princess's residence, the gatekeeper, who had obviously been instructed, bowed and led her into the residence without any delay or questioning after she gave her name.

The path leads through courtyards and gardens to a refined and brightly lit flower hall.

Outside the hall, the flowerbeds were in full bloom, and Princess Yongning was languidly leaning against the chaise lounge by the window, admiring the flowers.

Upon hearing the news, a genuine smile immediately bloomed on her face, and she rose to greet him:

"Miss Jiang, after the palace banquet that night, you disappeared without a trace. I was wondering where to look for you, but you came here on your own."

Jiang Dusheng bowed and said, "Thank you, Princess. If it weren't for your intention, the events at the banquet wouldn't have spread so quickly."

Princess Yongning personally helped her up, her eyes full of admiration. "You guessed it was my doing?"

"That night was dangerous. You did not fail to protect Zhaohua and me. In return, I will make a little noise for you to repay your favor." She pulled Jiang Dusheng to sit down on a chair with a brocade cushion and gestured for the maid to serve tea.

Then, she waved her hand to dismiss the servants on either side, leaving only the two of them in the flower hall.

She lost her earlier relaxed smile, her expression becoming more serious as she looked at Jiang Dusheng:

"Speak, Miss Jiang, what brings you here today? I will do my best to help you if it is within my power."

Jiang Dusheng raised his eyes and said, "I have come here today because I have something I would like to ask for the Princess's help again."

Princess Yongning sat up straight. "You may speak."

"Recently, I encountered a ghost who was lingering in the human world. Her name was Ruan Guyan."

"Ruan Guyan?" Princess Yongning repeated the name, her brows furrowing slightly as she searched her memory.

After a moment, her gaze sharpened, revealing a complex expression. "I remember now. I recall that last year, because of some unsavory rumors, she was hastily sent to the countryside to recuperate, and I later heard that she didn't survive the winter and passed away."

She sighed, "I felt something was off at the time. How could such a young woman suddenly fall ill and then just disappear like that?"

Seeing her expression, Jiang Dusheng knew that this path might be passable.

She sat up straight, looked at Princess Yongning with clear eyes, and briefly recounted the matter of Ruan Guyan.

After hearing this, Princess Yongning fell into deep thought.

The flower hall was quiet and still, with only the occasional chirping of birds coming from outside the window.

She unconsciously stroked the rim of the porcelain cup, the tea inside already cold.

Jiang Dusheng did not urge him, but waited quietly.

After a long while, Princess Yongning slowly raised her eyes, looking at Jiang Dusheng with a complex expression, her voice even calmer than before:

"That's right. At that time, the Chu family wanted to get a share of the salt permit issue in the south. Ruan Guyan's maternal family had deep roots and extensive connections in that area."

"To resort to such despicable means to ruin someone's reputation, destroy their marriage prospects, and prevent them from getting married when their marriage proposal is rejected is quite in line with that person's style."

During that period, she had also vaguely heard some rumors.

However, for the royal family, the rule of survival was to remain uninvolved and protect themselves.

Secondly, the Prince Chun's mansion was powerful, and Chu Yanzhao was the eldest son of the Prince Chun's mansion, making him of noble status.

Why would a princess with honor but no real power get involved in this mess and invite trouble?

Over time, those vague rumors faded away completely with Ruan Guyan's death.

It only occasionally becomes a light sigh during leisure time.

"Princess," Jiang Dusheng met her gaze, his voice clear and firm, "I want to prove Ruan Guyan's innocence, not just to put an end to her obsession."

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes seemingly burning with determination. "I want to wash away the filth that has been smeared on her in broad daylight, in front of everyone, and restore her clean reputation."

Upon hearing this, Princess Yongning sighed softly, "It has been almost a year since this incident. The witnesses have either kept silent or have likely been silenced."

"Physical evidence?" She shook her head, a cold sneer curling at the corner of her lips. "Those despicable tricks that smear someone's innocence will never leave any solid traces."

"Even if there were any clues before, they will now be completely wiped out."

She stared at Jiang Dusheng, her gaze like a mirror, as if she could see the perils ahead. "The Chu family will never acknowledge it. Not only will they not acknowledge it, they will retaliate."

"Chu Yanzhao is not only the future son-in-law of the Minister of Rites, but also the most favored heir of the Prince Chun's mansion, with unlimited potential. And you..."

Princess Yongning paused, her words carrying a hint of reminder, "Miss Jiang, you are no longer the daughter of the Minister's mansion. You have no family background or power to rely on."

"Are you sure... you want to go against the powerful Prince Chun's mansion all by yourself?"