The training grounds as usual were filled with noises of sparring, grunting, and fighting. The dust flew with the wind blurring the vision. Lianfeng saw a silhouette of a man approaching. It was Prince Yan. As expected he did come.

She politely greeted him, "Greetings, Your Highness."

The twin princes, Xian and Fei snapped at his unexpected appearance. Halting their practice, they greeted him in turn. While Xian's eyes brimmed with excitement, Fei was composed, though a flicker of amusement softened his expression—they knew this encounter would be entertaining.

Prince Yan gave Lianfeng a mischievous smile. "How are you, my lady?"

"I am fine, Your Highness," she replied, politely. "But, if I may ask what brings you to the training grounds?"

He closed the distance between them. Xian's excitement grew as he tried to stifle his smile. Although Fei generally had a cold demeanor, it melted away.

"I came to meet you," Yan whispered.

"Oh? And may I know what I've done to deserve Your Highness's visit?" she whispered back, raising an eyebrow.

"Your beauty is enough," he remarked, his smirk widening.

Xian giggled, covering his mouth while Fei arched an eyebrow, tugging a smile at his lips.

Lianfeng turned to the princes, "You both have had enough practice for today. You may go rest."

Xian was reluctant to leave, casting a longing glance, he stated his dispiritedness "But-"

Fei took his brother by the arm, taking him away.

"Why are you pulling me away? We are missing a good show." Xian muttered to his twin.

"If you stay, do you think they will continue? Now, get moving." Fei rebuked, quickening his pace.

Xian took a sharp right, tugging Fei along with him.

"What are you doing? Our quarters are at left," Fei whispered.

"We're not leaving. We will hide and watch." Xian replied with a grin.

"You are one crazy streak." Fei sighed.

Xian smiled at Fei, while Fei shaked his head right to left in disapproval.

"Now, tell me the real reason." Lianfeng inquired, observing the princes out of sight.

"Why would I lie?" Yan replied, still smiling.

"Your Highness, you are always surrounded by beauties. I am no fairy myself. So, unless you have something important, you won't come"

"Perhaps, but you are far more interesting."

Lianfeng turned as if to leave. "I'll take my leave, then."

"Wait—I came because I need your help."

"Why would Your Highness need my help?"

"I need some information from the maid's quarters."

"You Highness, I lost my memory and am no longer a maid. I suppose you know that?'

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"Yes, I know and that's precisely why I need you. Although you don't remember others, they remember you."

"I don't understand what you mean by that."

"If I question a maid directly, she won't be honest. I need someone whom they won't suspect."

"Okay," she replied nodding her head. "What do you want me to find out about?"

"The recent rumors, who started them.", Yan replied, thinking I want to see who you really are.

"All right." she accepted the task, I was right; he is suspicious of me.

Meanwhile, the twins listened from behind the camp. Fei shot a glare at Xian. "What 'show'? It's just another investigation."

"Fine, fine. It's my fault. Let's go now."

They rose, tiptoeing their way out. But unfortunately, Xian slipped, shrieking as he fell while Fei slammed his head.

Hearing the noise, Yan and Lianfeng came to investigate. They both were suprised to see the princes there. Xian quickly picked himself up.

Yan enraged scolded the boys "You were supposed to leave—here you are eavesdropping. I will let your mother handle you both."

"Brother, don't tell mom. Everything else is fine." Xian pleaded, only to be not heard.

"Go now, before I lose my patience," Yan ordered the boys.

"All your fault," Fei muttered to Xian.

"Yeah, yeah, just keep moving," Xian replied, brushing off the subject.

Lianfeng entered her quarters, the dull echo of her footsteps trailing down the long pathway. Unlike the opulent halls where the royal family resided, this section was modest but far more comfortable than the cramped maid quarters. Her room was the first along the corridor, followed by numerous rooms of other first-tier servants.

As she approached, she spotted Ren waiting by the door. The moment she entered, Ren closed the door firmly behind her, casting a wary glance down the hall before turning to face Lianfeng.

Lianfeng settled on the edge of the bed and said, "It was as we expected. Prince Yan approached me."

Ren nodded, folding her arms. "I've done my part. The rumors about Zhang Mei are spreading like wildfire. The maids believe it easily—so easily, in fact, that it's taken on a life of its own. Now they're saying she's involved in everything from bribery to drug smuggling... even murder."

"Good. Now I just need to make a final move—" Lianfeng paused, her expression shifting as a realization struck her. "Oh no. I can't visit the maid quarters myself. That's precisely why he approached me. If I go, it'll raise questions. The maids think I'm just a lookalike, and only a few who attended the hunting trip know the truth. Stepping foot there would directly violate the empress's orders."

She held Ren by her shoulders, her eyes sharp. "You'll have to go in my place."

"What??" replied Ren, her eyes widened in shock.

"There's no other way. If we want to shake Prince Yan off our backs and complete the task, you must do it."

"But, I can't-"

"You don't have an option, it's an order."

For a moment, Ren seemed frozen, torn between protest and obedience. Finally, she let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. I will do it."

The next day, Prince Yan approached Lianfeng at the training grounds. The distant sounds of sparring and grunting filled the air. Drawing her aside from the twin princes, whose curious glances lingered.

He asked in a low voice, "What did you find?"

"The maids say it's the head maid, Zhang Mei," Lianfeng whispered, glancing around to ensure no one overheard. It's good Ren didn't mess up. She's been so reliable.

"You're quick," Yan remarked, raising an eyebrow as a faint smirk tugged at his lips.

"The maids are easy to sway. I had Ren, my maid, handle it for me," she replied with a polite smile, keeping her tone light.

Yan tilted his head, his smile lingering but his eyes probing. "Smart choice." A beat of silence passed, tension simmering beneath the surface. Then, his smile deepened. "You're remarkably efficient. Almost as though you've done this before."

Lianfeng's smile didn't waver. She gave a soft laugh, brushing an imaginary speck of dust from her sleeve. "I'm simply following orders, Your Highness. It's my duty."

She is hiding her claws. Let's see how this plays out, he thought.

As he left, Lianfeng took a deep breath relaxing herself.

In the distance, one of the twins' swords struck the ground with a sharp clang, breaking the moment. Fei called for a break, and Lianfeng straightened, smoothing her expression as if nothing had happened.

The head maid was soon sentenced to punishment. The investigation unearthed far more than anyone had anticipated—she had faciliated corruption for years, weaving a web of corruption that extended deep into the palace.

Lianfeng rested on her bed. Finally, I have taken Ren's revenge. The next thing, I need to do is put my person in that position.

A knock at the door broke her thoughts. She stood up, surprised by the interruption. Opening it, she found a maid standing there, her posture respectful but hurried.

"The Empress is calling for you," the maid said with a polite curtsy.

Lianfeng's heart skipped a beat. The Empress? Why was she being summoned?

Her thoughts raced, but her face remained composed. "I will go immediately."

The maid stepped aside, and Lianfeng followed her down the corridor, feeling something significant hanging in the air. The Empress's summons was never a small matter.