Lianfeng walked back towards her quarter with her head held high. I have to see if Ren has made any progress. Her thoughts flicked to her family. I need to find a way to make them return. I will deal with them later. She pushed the thought aside.

The door creaked open, and she stepped inside. Ren was already there, sitting at the table, her foot tapping an anxious rhythm against the floor.

She shot up from her seat, her eyes scanning Lianfeng head to toe. "Are you okay? Did someone see you?"

"No, no one saw me and yes I am fine," Lianfeng answered.

Ren exhaled, the tension in her shoulders relaxing. "Good. Quickly, change your attire. After that, we can review Minister Qiao's report and see if it brings us closer to the truth."

Lianfeng nodded and moved to the wardrobe. The small collection of clothing was practical, dark, and unrestrictive. She reached for a deep blue robe and quickly changed, the fabric soft but sturdy against her skin.

Ren paced near the table, flipping through the papers. As soon as she was ready, Ren stepped forward and handed her the stack of papers. "Minister Qiao's reports pinpoint half of the officials in the court. But that makes sense as most of them are corrupt."

Lianfeng scanned the names and flipped through the pages.

Ren broke the lingering silence as she squinted her eyes and asked, " Why are you so sure that the culprit is someone from the court or related to it?"

Lianfeng looked at Ren and replied." Because only someone with official authority can mobilize so many people." She handed over the paper to Ren and said " Make another list containing the names of the officials in power 15 years ago. Also, highlight the most powerful ones."

"This list's not going to shorten much. The court is full of old geezers." Ren said as she rolled her eyes. But she quickly got to her work, sitting on a desk.

Lianfeng curiously asked Ren, "How did you get Minister Qiao's report?"

Ren made a nonchalant flick of her hand, "It was easy. I pretended to be a servant in the house. Then, I sneaked into Minister Qiao's room and copied the file."

After she went to the maid quarters, her confidence soared. I wonder if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Lianfeng gazed out of the window. The sun was setting on the horizon, casting long rays of sunlight in the room.

Ren touched Lianfeng's shoulder. Lianfeng was startled, realizing she had been in a daze. The sun had set already.

Ren held out a bunch of papers. "Here's the shortlisted list. Go through it."

Lianfeng took the papers, her expression serious as she looked through them. "None of these stand out. Investigate further and shortlist the names."

"Alright," Ren replied, her energy renewed. She turned and left the room, closing the door behind her and leaving Lianfeng alone with her thoughts.

### Revised Scene:

The next afternoon, Lianfeng went to the training grounds as usual. But something was different—she was no longer a mentor, but an apprentice. Her steps slowed as she approached the inner area, where the princes were already training with Mr. Wu.

She greeted him with practiced politeness, her voice steady. "Greetings, Mr. Wu."

Mr. Wu returned the greeting with a nod, his expression unreadable. "Join the princes in their training."

Lianfeng bowed slightly and humbly complied, picking up a training sword. As she practiced the sword techniques, she intentionally stumbled through a few motions, pretending to be unfamiliar. *It’s good that I didn’t teach them Father’s martial arts,* she thought, her grip tightening slightly on the hilt.

The princes exchanged uncertain glances but said nothing. Their mentor had suddenly become their peer, and it was clear they weren’t sure how to address the shift. Choosing to avoid awkwardness, they returned their focus to the drills.

Suddenly, Prince Yan strode into the training grounds. The princes, Mr. Wu, and Lianfeng stopped and greeted him with respect due to his rank.

Prince Yan responded with a polite nod, his eyes sweeping across the group. He approached Mr. Wu, striking up a conversation.

"Have you settled comfortably in the palace?"

Mr. Wu offered a polite smile, his tone even. "Yes, Your Grace. The palace offers all that one could need for work and rest."

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Prince Yan’s lips curved in a small smile. "I’m sure it’s a change from traveling the empire and teaching in different places. Do you miss the freedom?"

Mr. Wu let out a soft chuckle. "Every place has its demands, Your Grace. Freedom on the road has its challenges, but the palace has its responsibilities. One must adapt."

Prince Yan leaned slightly forward, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "And what do you think of the martial spirit of the palace? Are the princes living up to your standards?"

Mr. Wu answered with measured words, his gaze steady. "They are diligent and show promise. Discipline and time will shape them further."

Prince Yan nodded thoughtfully, his attention briefly flicking to Lianfeng. "And He Ning? Does she show promise as well?"

Mr. Wu paused, his tone careful yet unreadable. "Every apprentice has their own path, Your Grace. It is too soon to judge hers."

Prince Yan hummed in response, his eyes narrowing slightly before turning back to the princes. "Continue your training. I’ll observe for a while."

As the group returned to their drills, Lianfeng’s mind raced. She kept her expression neutral, but inwardly, she analyzed every word of the exchange, noting the subtle layers of interest in Prince Yan’s questions. What are you after, Prince Yan?

The twin princes sparred nearby, their movements precise yet full of youthful energy. Lianfeng stood to the side, her posture calm but her senses alert. Prince Yan approached her with an easy confidence, his eyes gleaming with challenge.

"Do you want to spar with me?" he asked, his tone casual, but the weight of the question was unmistakable.

Lianfeng hesitated for a moment, unsure of his intentions. She responded humbly, "Your Highness, how can I? You are so strong; I’m sure I don’t stand a chance."

Prince Yan tilted his head slightly, a sly smile playing on his lips. "My aunt can’t have someone weak teaching the princes. Are you saying the Empress has poor judgment?"

Bringing in the Empress. Clever. Lianfeng’s mind raced, but her expression remained composed. She dipped her head slightly, her tone measured. "Your Highness, I would never question the Empress's wisdom. I merely acknowledge my limitations compared to your esteemed skill."

Prince Yan chuckled softly, his gaze narrowing as he took a step closer. "Flattery won’t save you, apprentice. Strength is proven on the training ground, not with words." He gestured toward the open space. "Pick up a sword and show me what you've got.

Lianfeng let out a soft breath and curtsied slightly to Prince Yan, "Since Your Highness is so adamant on sparring with me. I cannot refuse. But I ask for your mercy."

Her eyes darted to Mr. Wu, who watched silently from the side. Concern was written over his face, but he quickly composed himself. What does Prince Yan want with Lianfeng? Does he suspect her?

Prince Yan smirked, clearly enjoying her cautious yet respectful approach. "Of course. I’ll hold back," he said, his voice laced with amusement.

Lianfeng walked to the weapon rack, her movements deliberate as she selected a training sword. As she gripped the hilt, her mind sharpened, her years of experience hidden beneath the guise of an unassuming maid. Let’s see what you’re after, Prince Yan.

They faced each other in the training ground, the air thick with anticipation. Prince Yan raised his sword, his stance confident but loose. "Ready?"

Lianfeng nodded, adjusting her grip as she lowered herself into a defensive position. "Ready."

The first clash of swords echoed through the training grounds, drawing attention. Everyone was interested in Prince Yan.

Prince Yan moved with speed and precision, testing her defenses with calculated strikes. Lianfeng parried each blow, her movements smooth yet unassuming, giving the impression of someone competent but not extraordinary.

She's holding back. A sly smile played on Prince Yan's lips. Let's see what you've got. He thought as he moved and interlocked their swords.

With a sharp twist of her wrist, she disengaged from the lock and stepped back, feinting to the left before sweeping her blade toward his exposed side. Prince Yan barely deflected it in time, his eyes widening for a fraction of a second.

Prince Yan’s smirk grew as he pressed the attack, his strikes coming faster and more aggressive. Lianfeng matched his intensity, and her calculated movements allowed her to maintain control without revealing her full skill.

"Impressive," Prince Yan admitted, his tone low enough for only her to hear. "You’re more than you let on, aren’t you?"

Lianfeng’s eyes met his briefly, her smile enigmatic. "A mere apprentice, Your Highness."

Their swords clashed again, the battle of wits as sharp as the steel between them.

As their blades clashed again, Lianfeng deflected a sharp strike from Prince Yan, her movements precise yet restrained. She stepped back, her breathing steady as she calculated her next move. Prince Yan, noticing the careful precision in her form, pressed forward with a faint smile.

His strikes came faster now, forcing Lianfeng to move defensively. She parried, sidestepped, and spun, her agility keeping her ahead of his relentless offense. If I keep this on, he will discover my real strength.

Prince Yan saw his opportunity. He feinted to her left, then quickly shifted his blade upward in a smooth arc. Lianfeng knew this was her opportunity and pretended to block his move. His blade stopped just short of her collarbone.

"Yield?" he asked, his tone neutral. I held back but she still lost. Is she bad or pretending?

Lianfeng paused, her eyes meeting his. She slowly lowered her blade and stepped back, offering a small bow. "I yield, Your Highness. Your skill is unmatched."

Prince Yan lowered his sword, and his smirk returned. "You’re better than most. But not quite enough to beat me."

Mr. Wu stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Enough for now. Everyone, back to your drills."

As the group dispersed, Prince Yan stopped and turned to Lianfeng, his tone more genuine this time. "You’re good. But next time, don’t hesitate. A real fight doesn’t forgive hesitation."

Lianfeng nodded, her posture respectful but calm. "Thank you for the lesson, Your Highness."

Prince Yan strode away, leaving her standing quietly by the training ground.

I had to lose, she reflected, watching his disappearing figure. For now, strength must remain hidden. But someday, there won’t be room for hesitation.

She glanced toward Mr. Wu, whose gaze lingered on her. He gave no sign of approval or disapproval and merely smiled. You held back. You are pretending. He turned back as the bell rang concluding the session.

Everyone headed back to their quarters. Lianfeng stepped into her room where Ren awaited her, sitting by the window. When she saw Lianfeng, she quickly got up handing her a sheet of paper. "Here's the list of the most suspicious officials."

Lianfeng read through the list. The list this time not only contained the official titles but also their names. Her eyes locked on one name 'Shi Meng'.