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Plans are always prone to change.

Even a slight clue, a small discovery, necessitates adjustments and revisions.

Suddenly, word spread that the Vassal King had died abruptly on New Year's Eve, and Chen Yi realized there seemed to be a small breach in the impenetrable net surrounding the Capital City.

When Chen Yi learned from Yin Weiyin's mouth that the Vassal King's death was a feigned one, he became even more aware that this breach could be turned to his own advantage.

"Are you saying my soon-to-be father-in-law is relying on a fake death to deceive the heavens and the earth, so that you and I can marry in secret?"

Chen Yi asked, rubbing the blue and white porcelain tea bowl in his hand.

People often touch things while thinking; when staying in the bedroom, Chen Yi would sometimes touch the little fox's small hands, small head, even her delicate feet or little jade rabbits.

Yin Tingxue knew he was thinking deeply, so she silently endured being touched. When his thoughts hit a roadblock, she would softly speak, trying to offer him some direction.

"Yes, Father has secretly prepared horses and a carriage. You can also take this chance to leave the Capital."

The female crown spoke with a hint of anticipation in her voice.

Yin Tingxue, who had been brewing tea, handed the cup to her, placing it gently into her hand.

Yin Weiyin softly said thanks, her lips involuntarily curling upward.

The Empress Dowager had previously ordered a marriage into the East Palace, making her feel faintly that her position as the main wife was at risk.

But unexpectedly, fortune did not abandon her; a new path revealed itself.

As she thought of this, Chen Yi abruptly ruined the atmosphere by saying, "Do you think the Empress Dowager might have thought of this plan too?"

Yin Weiyin was slightly taken aback.

Following his words, she understood and replied, "Father falling critically ill and dying suddenly does seem a bit suspicious…"

"It's not just suspicious. Even if the Prince Mansion can prevent anyone from divining death through astrology, or disrupt the celestial phenomena, it's hard to fake prescriptions, medical records, and diagnostic reports. Step back even further: sure, the Mansion has its own pharmacy and doctors who can fabricate evidence in such a short time. But the problem is… my future father-in-law's death came at the wrong time, right at the crux of matters."

Having spoken too much, Chen Yi felt parched, gulped down a mouthful of tea, and continued:

"The Empress Dowager won't believe it. She'll find ways to guard against it. Your father's plan won't work."

The more Yin Weiyin listened, the more disappointed she became. The gleam in her eyes dimmed once more:

"So what you're saying is, you can't leave the Capital, nor can you marry me? Should I go back and tell Father to come back to life?"

Chen Yi countered, "No, go back and tell your father the plan stays as it is. We'll coordinate through coded signals."

Yin Weiyin's autumn-water-like eyes widened slightly.

Chen Yi continued, "Have him prepare two paths: a visible path as a decoy and a hidden path as the actual route. Also, for the next few days, don't come over here. Stay properly at the Prince Mansion."

The female crown looked puzzled at his string of instructions. Wasn't this plan supposed to be unfeasible? Why was Chen Yi acting contrary and heading into danger regardless?

As she lowered her gaze to contemplate briefly, she suddenly chuckled.

Chen Yi gazed at her in confusion.

Yin Weiyin smiled faintly and teased, "Knowing it's impossible yet doing it anyway—do you really want to marry me that much?"

"Below,"

Chen Yi sneered, taking a sip of tea, then turned and saw the little fox frowning.

"What's wrong?"

Since he asked, Yin Tingxue voiced her thoughts, "Are you acting arrogant again?"

Chen Yi inhaled deeply, pressing his forehead, feeling a heat rise and tingle at his scalp and chest.

"This isn't arrogance."

"I understand. That's exactly what the arrogant say." Yin Tingxue nodded knowingly.

The female crown nearby couldn't hold back and burst into laughter. "Hahaha."

Chen Yi scowled angrily at the scene, "You all come over here. I'm starting a Yin party!"

..................…

..................…

Third day of the Lunar New Year.

Inside Jingren Palace.

After hearing of the Vassal King's death, Empress An first sent spies from Xique Pavilion to investigate, followed by the customary deployment of agents from the two Factories and one Guard.

Compared to the two Factories and one Guard—though even the hand-established West Factory—Empress An trusted Xique Pavilion more. It was one of the An family's cornerstones and her core foundation.

With slender brows furrowed, Empress An asked, "The augury at the Astronomical Bureau remains unclear. Have you uncovered anything?"

A spy reported back, "The spy hidden in the Prince Mansion reviewed the medical records and found that the Vassal King had been ailing for months, requiring restorative treatments. The listed ingredients were ginseng, shark fins, angelica root, and similar tonics for blood replenishment."

Medical records, used in prominent households, documented the illnesses and prescriptions of dignitaries and nobles, akin to what Chen Yi called medical histories.

"The Vassal King lost trusted subordinates consecutively over the past months. With his quick temper, it makes sense he needed blood-replenishing tonics. These medical records were likely prepared a long time ago for your inspection."

Empress An pondered briefly and commented:

"His death was odd—it doesn't look genuine."

A female official standing beside her, Su Xin, timely remarked, "When a Vassal King passes away in the Capital per protocol, no weddings or funerals may occur in the city for a month."

Empress An responded with a cold smile, "I've anticipated that long ago. Let's see how Yi'er moves."

A while later, another spy entered Jingren Palace after a report, kneeling down.

This was the spy monitoring Chen Yi's actions who reported, "Yesterday, he met with the Prince's daughter. Today, Chen Qianhu left his residence, visited the Prince Mansion to pay respects, then headed to the government office of Stop War Division. He later strolled around the collapsed West City and stopped by a bookshop before returning home. Later, he left again to dump sewage at the North Capital Waterway's cleaning canal."

"Why visit the Stop War Division? Since when was he so diligent?"

Empress An deliberated briefly before chuckling:

"This makes sense. He went to the government office to find a map of the Capital. As for wandering the collapsed West City, he was surveying its terrain. His visit to the Prince Mansion was likely for discussions."

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