The General's mansion evening banquet went very smoothly. Along the way, the songstress Nianyuan in the Joyful Tower also performed remarkably, earning the applause of the guests. With her gentle voice and unique music score, she possessed an extraordinary talent that was rarely seen in the world.

When the evening banquet ended, the songstress of the Hehuan Tower led her attendants out through the back door without the need for secrecy or concealment. This was because of the rule of the Hehuan Tower: regardless of how late the host's residence was arranged, they were not allowed to stay overnight.

Qi Yan naturally returned to Hehuan Tower. The next thing he had to do was to eat and drink well, waiting for Puyang Zheng to come looking for him.

In the quiet and tranquil General's Mansion that returned to calmness during the night, there was silence. Apart from the night guards on patrol, the servants had long entered their dreams.

Inside the study, a dim lamp still burned. Pu Yangzheng sat upright behind the desk, carefully examining one document after another.

The butler stood respectfully in front of the desk, dutifully reporting the recent occurrences.

When he mentioned the emperor's arranged marriage, he hesitated for a moment and then looked up at Puyang Zheng, choosing not to say anything more.

Pu Yangzheng furrowed his brow, his expression filled with helplessness, "The Emperor still doesn't trust me after all."

"The emperor's tendency to be suspicious is not uncommon," the butler responded.

"But I can't bring harm to that innocent girl," Puyang Zheng didn't know what to do, "Think about it, all of my previous wives died suddenly. Although I didn't have any feelings for them, how can I be at peace with this? And now, the Emperor has decreed another marriage for me. What should I do?"

Pu Yangzheng was ultimately a kind-hearted person.

His previous wives, not to mention feelings, due to the war, hadn't even consummated the marriage before strangely passing away. Although Puyang Zheng was investigating, he couldn't resist the Emperor's decision to send another girl to meet her death.

He did not believe in the existence of supernatural curses, but he suspected that there was a traitor within the general's mansion!

Suddenly, a slender and enchanting figure flashed through his mind. Pu Yangzheng was momentarily startled, then looked up and asked the butler, "Do you know Qi Yan?"

The steward raised an eyebrow and replied, "Are you referring to Young Master Qi from Huanhuan Tower, General?"

"That's right!" Pu Yangzheng quickly responded, "You also know him?"

"Previously, this humble servant did not know, but today, I have come to know," he said.

"Do you have any investigation?"

"It is clear and evident after the investigation."

General Jin's residence is a place where the background and origins of every individual, regardless of who they are, must be thoroughly investigated. This is a rule set by the old general.

"Qi Yan is not an ordinary attendant, but the behind-the-scenes leader of Hehuan Tower. Despite his young age, he established Hehuan Tower, which appeared to be a place for indulging in beauty and romance, but in reality, it served as an intelligence gathering station, collecting various news from the rivers and lakes as well as the court..." The steward suddenly paused and respectfully asked, "There is something that I am unsure whether I should speak of or not."

"You say."

These pieces of information seem to have been intentionally leaked to me. This old slave suspects that Lord Qiyang might be the one behind it... Please forgive my impudence, but has the general reached any agreement with Lord Qi?

With the release of these words, a silence fell upon the surroundings.

Puyang Zheng lowered his gaze, his solemn eyes fixated on the inkstone on the table, his thoughts drifting aimlessly.

The butler looked at him and let out a faint sigh in secret. Just as he was about to say something, he saw Puyang Zheng wave his hand suddenly, telling him to leave.

The butler respectfully responded and exited the study, leaving only Pu Yangzheng behind.

The night was slightly cool, and the loneliness grew longer.

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He Huan Building, Qi Yan stood on the highest platform and watched the actors singing on the stage below with a smile in his eyes. The melodious and beautiful singing was quite entertaining.

In the distance, a young servant hurriedly approached and whispered a few words in Qi Yan's ear, which evoked a captivating smile from him.

"Go, entertain the general well and make sure others are unaware."

In a low voice, the young attendant was instructed to step back. However, Qi Yan didn't rush to leave and continued leisurely leaning against the railing, watching the performance below.

He thought that he would have to wait a few more days.

Since Puyang Zheng has come, everything will be taken care of. Everything has just begun.