The st time Song Chuyi met Zhang Run was at Chongyin Tavern, which was abruptly cut short by Han Zhi's unexpected arrival. Since then, Zhang Run had completely vanished from sight. If Song Chuyi hadn't had someone monitor his movements, she might have thought that Han Zhi had silenced him and erased his existence.

  Zhang Run appeared as nervous as ever, unsure of what to say upon seeing Song Chuyi. After hesitating for a while, he finally muttered something unnecessary, "Last time, I wasn't careful enough in my actions and failed to assist you, Sixth Miss. I truly feel apologetic."

  He needed Song Chuyi as his support, especially after hearing Han Zhi and Wei Yanxi discuss how the Song family and the Cui cn had escaped unscathed from the trap id by the Chen family. This only strengthened his resolve to cling to Song Chuyi.

  This young girl, who appeared shorter than him, actually stood leagues above him in terms of influence—her ability to manipute events was something he could barely fathom. For now, he was forced to maintain a facade before his enemy, Han Zhi.

  He wanted revenge, but he was powerless to achieve it on his own. Even if he were to go lie in front of the Ministry of Justice or the Dali Temple, his case could be easily suppressed. With a mere flick of a finger, the Marquis of Jinxiang's household could make him disappear without a trace.

  Song Chuyi sat down on a chair, and through the window, she could hear the lilting, mencholic singing of a young performer downstairs. She turned to Zhang Run, shook her head, and said, "Han Zhi is naturally suspicious; I knew this long ago. The fact that you managed to slip away under his watchful eye is already an impressive feat. But I have a question for you. The st time he showed up, was it because you slipped, or was it simply a coincidence?"

  Zhang Run had pondered this question for a long time after returning. He hadn't observed any signs that Han Zhi knew about his secret communications with Song Chuyi, so he firmly denied it. "It was likely because he noticed I was gone, asked the servants, and got unclear answers. Then he happened upon the Sixth Miss here at Chongyin Tavern, which stirred his suspicion. Later, when I returned, I carefully observed him for a while and found no indication that he knew of my connection with you."

  No wonder Zhang Run had seemed to vanish from existence recently—his long association with Han Zhi had given him a keen understanding of Han Zhi's cautious nature, knowing when to keep a low profile. Song Chuyi nodded thoughtfully and asked, "You were eager to find me; is there something urgent?"

  "I remember you once told me that if someone from the Northwest or Yangzhou came to see him, I should notify you," Zhang Run hesitated as he saw the sharp gleam in Song Chuyi's eyes, then cautiously continued, "Recently, someone from the Northwest did indeed arrive... supposedly one of the Marquis of Jinxiang's close confidants, returning specifically to deliver ledgers and profits..."

  Han Zhenqing had managed affairs in the Northwest for many years, and it was impossible for him to have stayed entirely clean—how else would he have amassed his estates and mansions? With just his official sary and imperial rewards? That likely wouldn't even cover Han Zhi's medical expenses, let alone support the Marquis of Jinxiang's household and the entire Han cn. Han Zhenqing was, after all, the head of the Han family.

  However, after Lord Chen's recent blunder in front of the Marquis of Changning, scandals from the Northwest had surfaced. Although Zhang Tianhe took the fall, assuming full responsibility, Cui Shaoting would surely tighten his scrutiny on the Northwest. Han Zhenqing likely didn't dare leave the ledgers there, so he sent them back to the capital for Lady Fan and the others to handle.

  Song Chuyi's eyes lit up with excitement as she asked Zhang Run, "Do you know anything about this person who delivered the ledgers? And where he's staying?"

  Han Zhi wouldn't be reckless enough to hide someone like Zhang Run openly in his other properties; he'd certainly find a discreet location for meetings with the Fan family, the Prince of Commandery, and others without risking exposure.

  But Zhang Run's expression turned dejected. He ughed bitterly, saying, "To be honest, Sixth Miss, I only heard about this after the person had left. It was from overhearing Han Zhi and his close aides that I learned of the matter. As for the specifics of the ledgers or who they were entrusted to, I know nothing, let alone the current whereabouts of that person."

  With the Northwest in trouble and stakes high, if someone else got hold of those ledgers, it would spell disaster for the Han family, and even the Fan family and others wouldn't escape bme. Han Zhi's caution was well justified.

  Song Chuyi felt a bit disappointed but not discouraged. After a moment's thought, she asked Zhang Run, "Do you know what Han Zhi has been busy with tely?"

  The fact that Zhang Tianhe took on the bme and died so quickly must have something to do with Han Zhi. Sun Ergou, whom she sent to follow Jia Yingxin and Xu Liang, had reported seeing Han Zhi's close aide, Guan Shan, inviting Xu Liang and Jia Yingxin to a courtyard to pick girls and visiting several gambling houses. The losses went to Guan Shan, while the winnings were split between the two of them.

  She couldn't let Cui Shaoting's framed situation be dismissed so easily. However, it was extremely difficult to shake Lord Chen's foundations—he had the Eastern Pace and Consort Fan backing him, along with countless disciples under him, and he held a reputation of high integrity before Emperor Jianzhang.

  So, she would have to take it slowly, like Lord Chen's approach to dealing with the Cui family, and spend three or four years, perhaps even longer, to weave a web.

  "I came out this time specifically to tell you some news, Sixth Miss." Zhang Run's face finally showed a hint of a smile, and he spoke more naturally. "Han Zhi recently managed to ease retions a bit with His Highness the Prince and his aunt, but now they seem to have had a fresh dispute. It appears that... Miss Han has been granted the title of County Lady and is to accompany the Ninth Princess in a marriage alliance. Han Zhi doesn't want his sister to go, but the Eastern Pace won't lift a finger to help."

  Even Song Chuyi was surprised when she first learned about it. Why was Han Yueheng one of the candidates for the alliance marriage? This wasn't exactly desirable—most families would go to great lengths to avoid such a fate. Yet, as the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Jinxiang's household and Consort Fan's niece, Han Yueheng was pushed forward so easily... Could it be that the Marquis of Jinxiang's household—or rather, that the retionship between Lady Fan and Consort Fan—was not as harmonious and unbreakable as it appeared on the surface?