Feng Changshan's mother's birthday banquet was destined to be the grandest, and naturally, the most populous.
Yan Zhao brought Xue Zining to the Feng manor. Liang Yihan wanted to go as well, but Xue Zining refused, fearing that Liang Yihan might act impulsively and ruin a good plan.
Although Liang Yihan was unwilling, she still followed Xue Zining's arrangements. After all, if she messed up her brother's plan, she wouldn't be able to forgive herself.
Upon arriving at the Feng manor, Feng Changshan came out to greet them, cupping his hands. "Your excellency, the Imperial Envoy, gracing us with your presence brings glory to this humble dwelling."
"Prefect Feng is too kind," Yan Zhao said calmly.
"My lord, Madam, please come in," Feng Changshan said respectfully.
After escorting the two inside, Feng Changshan whispered a few words to the servants beside him before leaving with peace of mind.
As Xue Zining and Yan Zhao entered the main hall, Xue Zining remarked, "Someone is following us."
"Pay them no mind," Yan Zhao replied.
Xue Zining nodded. They weren't doing anything that needed to be hidden; their only goal was to stall for time.
The guests had likely all arrived. Feng Changshan walked in from outside, smiling, "Thank you, everyone, for attending my mother's birthday celebration. Next, please enjoy the musical performance."
As Feng Changshan was heading to his seat, a servant hurried over and whispered a few words in his ear.
Xue Zining saw Feng Changshan's expression change. He quickly prepared to leave. She nudged Yan Zhao beside her. Yan Zhao poured a cup of wine and walked up to Feng Changshan.
Seeing Yan Zhao, Feng Changshan greeted him with a smile, "My lord, I have urgent matters that require me to leave for a moment. I hope you will understand."
"Prefect Feng, perhaps you could have this cup of wine first?" Yan Zhao raised the wine glass.
Feng Changshan's face looked rather displeased. Just then, Xue Zining spoke again, "Prefect Feng, do you not even have time for a cup of wine?"
Feng Changshan snatched the cup and drank it down in one gulp. He then looked at Yan Zhao and asked, "Is this satisfactory now, my lord?"
Yan Zhao nodded. "Very well."
Feng Changshan quickly turned and left.
Yan Zhao watched Feng Changshan's hasty departure and asked, "Did you have someone notify Liang Yizhi?"
"Rest assured, I have already informed the maidservant Miss Feng arranged here. I believe Liang Yizhi has received the message by now."
Yan Zhao nodded. "That's good."
There was nothing more they could do; everything still depended on Liang Yizhi.
Feng Chuchu stood outside the study, looking around. Before long, she saw the maidservant she had arranged for the Imperial Envoy hurrying towards her. A sense of foreboding washed over her, and she quickly went to meet her, asking, "What is it?"
"Miss, quickly call the young master out! The lord... the lord is coming this way."
Feng Chuchu's expression changed. She quickly entered the study and saw Liang Yizhi rummaging through things. She urged, "Hurry and put everything back. My father is coming!"
Liang Yizhi glanced at the papers in his hand and said, "Just give me a little more time."
"Miss, the lord... I saw the lord's figure."
Hearing this, Feng Chuchu anxiously said, "Young Master Liang, stop looking! My father will be here any moment."
Liang Yizhi reluctantly put the items back in place. Feng Chuchu grabbed him and hid him in the inner room. Just as they concealed themselves, they heard footsteps outside.
Liang Yizhi and Feng Chuchu exchanged a glance. Feng Chuchu made a shushing gesture.
Liang Yizhi nodded.
"Has anyone entered here just now?" Feng Changshan asked.
The servant replied, "No."
Feng Changshan frowned. Suddenly, he glanced towards the inner room. Feng Chuchu felt her heart leap into her throat.
Feng Changshan remembered that he hadn't lowered the curtain that morning. Could someone be there?
With this thought, he made a gesture, and the servant quickly stepped forward.
Feng Chuchu was puzzled. Neither she nor Liang Yizhi had moved, so how did her father know someone was here?
Liang Yizhi pointed to the curtain in front of her. Feng Chuchu finally understood. She seemed to have lowered the curtain.
As the servant drew closer, Feng Chuchu was filled with regret. She had been too careless! How could she have lowered the curtain?
At this moment, Liang Yizhi shielded her, and Feng Chuchu felt a warmth spread through her heart. Regardless of anything, regardless of whether Liang Yizhi was using her again, this instinctive action made her feel secure.
She shook her head. If she were discovered, she might survive, at most receiving some punishment. But if Liang Yizhi were discovered, she felt her father would not spare his life.
Therefore, it was better for her to be discovered.
Just as the servant's hand was about to touch the curtain, a voice came from outside the door, "My lord..."
Feng Changshan turned his head to see Madam Feng standing there. Feng Changshan's expression turned displeased. "Why are you here?"
Madam Feng smiled and said, "Mother couldn't find you and threw a tantrum."
Feng Changshan frowned. "I'll go over immediately."
Madam Feng nodded.
After Feng Changshan left, Madam Feng felt her palms were covered in sweat. She glanced at the study and then followed him.
In the inner room, Feng Chuchu looked at the servant lying on the ground, her mouth covered in shock.
Just now, Liang Yizhi had acted swiftly, knocking the servant to the ground and silencing him.
By now, Feng Changshan likely wouldn't suspect anyone was still in the room.
"What about him?" Feng Chuchu was at a loss.
Liang Yizhi looked at her, his gaze colder than ever. "Chuchu, this person cannot be kept alive."
Feng Chuchu's mouth fell open, but ultimately, she couldn't utter a word. Although she remained uninvolved in the affairs of the manor, she knew the hidden secrets of the inner courtyard.
She remained silent, and Liang Yizhi knew this meant she agreed with his course of action.
"Don't worry, I won't let him suffer," Feng Chuchu turned away, no longer able to watch the bloody scene.
Afterward, Feng Chuchu used her handkerchief to vigorously wipe away the few drops of blood on the ground. Just as Liang Yizhi had said, there wasn't much blood, or it would have been difficult to clean.
Exiting the study, Feng Chuchu breathed a sigh of relief. Liang Yizhi said, "You should go back to your room, Chuchu. I'll give the evidence to the Imperial Envoy and then return."
Feng Chuchu nodded. "Alright."
Liang Yizhi, carrying the evidence, arrived at the main hall. Xue Zining was already waiting by the entrance. Seeing Liang Yizhi, her tense heart finally relaxed.
"Did you get it?" Xue Zining asked.
Liang Yizhi nodded. "Thanks to Miss Feng."
"Yes, Miss Feng has been of great help," Xue Zining said. She thought that when this matter was eventually tried, she would certainly show leniency.