“What deal?” Qian Desheng stared intently at Fang Zheng.

Fang Zheng smiled: “According to this official’s knowledge, Bai Yi has visited you quite often.”

“Though I don’t know your relationship, the fact that you would easily give her royal weapons suggests she must have a special identity.”

“This official isn’t heartless. Xiao Bai has been with me for over a year; even a stone would be warmed after being held for so long.”

“So, I don’t want to kill her, but I certainly can’t let her go easily.”

“The deal with me is simple: buy her life with money!”

“Whether you two live depends on how much you’re willing to pay!”

Qian Desheng’s eyes showed surprise, then contempt: “This humble one has heard much about Master Fang’s deeds.”

“I originally thought you were an honest official serving the country and people, but didn’t expect you to be so despicable in private.”

Fang Zheng smiled: “If I were an honest official… how would you survive?”

Then, with his hands behind his back, he sighed: “Of course I serve the country and people, but taking money is only right!”

“Forty-five taels of annual salary from the court, how can I support a large family?”

“Should only those corrupt officials who suck marrow from people’s bones enjoy life, while officials like me live in poverty?”

“Hehe, even heaven would find that unfair if it had eyes.”

“But heaven is blind, so I must take matters into my own hands!”

Qian Desheng shook his head and smiled bitterly.

“Fine! I agree!”

“But I need to see Bai Yi before we continue talking, otherwise you might as well kill me now!”

“Bai Yi… she’s a princess, isn’t she? Why else would someone be worth so much concern to you?”

Qian Desheng kept his mouth tightly shut.

Fang Zheng wasn’t bothered, figuring his guess was close enough.

He did admire this old eunuch, though.

Even with his nation fallen and home lost, he still risked his life to protect Bai Yi.

Loyalty was a virtue.

Fang Zheng stood up: “Very well! I promise you’ll see her face to face. You’d better think about how much money you can offer—this official isn’t interested in small sums!”

“Zhou Tie, let’s go!”

With that, he led Zhou Tie out the door.

Outside, Fang Zheng told Zhou Tie: “Return to the ball field and train with Zhang Biao. Arrange for people to watch Qian Sheng Fabrics.”

“I saw at least five people living there. If you catch anyone, bring them back!”

Zhou Tie agreed and left.

Fang Zheng returned directly to his study.

Sitting at his desk, he took out the dagger he’d been carrying and played with it in his hands.

Thinking of Bai Yi, she had behaved well during her year in the mansion.

She got along well with everyone, who would have thought her identity was so special.

Fortunately, they discovered it in time, avoiding a major disaster.

With Qian Desheng captured, they’d probably alarmed any other accomplices.

If there were other conspirators, they likely wouldn’t attempt to assassinate the emperor now.

Not a big problem!

He’d interrogate both of them tonight. This time they’d catch the toad and squeeze out its piss!

After thinking it through and finding no issues, Fang Zheng left his study.

He turned and walked to Bai Yi’s door.

Xiao Tao had already been inside, and in her haste might not have locked it.

Fang Zheng casually pushed open the door and stepped in.

Xiao Tao had been in a hurry, she might have missed some key evidence. Better check carefully.

As soon as he entered, a subtle fragrance reached his nose.

Fang Zheng looked at the table, which held writing materials and an incense burner.

The lingering fragrance of the incense hinted at its superior quality, clearly an expensive luxury.

Three taels of silver monthly income, yet burning such luxurious incense.

Clearly Bai Yi had refined tastes and wanted to maintain her quality of life even as a maid.

Fang Zheng sneered contemptuously.

A lady’s body, a servant’s fate!

Then he began rummaging around.

On the bed, under the bed, he found nothing.

Moving to the wardrobe, he opened it, and a faint fragrance wafted out. Inside were about twenty colorful clothes.

Nearby were undergarments like dudou and other intimate items.

White, pink, green… quite a variety of styles!

Fang Zheng took a deep breath… no, this was too indecent, unbefitting his position!

He closed the wardrobe and continued searching.

When he reached the desk, he found a dressing case and opened it.

Inside were several pieces of jewelry.

Fang Zheng picked up a ring and examined it carefully.

This… seemed to be the ring he had given to Bai Yi before.

Surprisingly, she had kept it.

This thing was practically worthless in the mansion, the storehouse was full of them!

He searched the entire room again but found nothing else!

Fang Zheng stood still, thinking carefully.

Important evidence might be hidden in her undergarments! He should search again!

Having found his justification, his guilty hand was about to reach for the wardrobe when Xiao Tao’s voice called from outside.

Fang Zheng quickly withdrew his hand, composed his face into a casual expression, and strode out of the room.

Xiao Tao rushed up to him anxiously: “Young Master, what are you doing here?”

“Checking for evidence! What happened?”

“Xiao Bai… Xiao Bai has escaped! The two guards with her were knocked unconscious.” Xiao Tao looked worried.

Fang Zheng was startled for a moment: “No need to panic, come with me and tell me slowly.”

He led Xiao Tao to the main hall.

He poured her a cup of tea and handed it to her.

After drinking, Xiao Tao caught her breath: “Those two guards were probably knocked out on their way back. The city garrison found them and is investigating. As for who took Xiao Bai away, they couldn’t see clearly.”

“However, I’ve already arranged people to watch at the city gates, and informed the city garrison. They shouldn’t be able to leave the capital!”

Fang Zheng nodded in satisfaction. Xiao Tao had reacted quickly.

Now he wasn’t too worried about Xiao Bai’s escape.

By now she would know she’d been exposed, so trying to assassinate the emperor was impossible.

When the emperor traveled, he’d be fully armed, and according to Fang’s arrangements, there would be more than a hundred guards protecting him at the ball field.

No matter how inexperienced Xiao Bai was, she wouldn’t be foolish enough to attempt such a thing.

“Very good. As long as she hasn’t left the capital, it’s a small matter. We’ll catch her like a turtle in a jar!” Fang Zheng sneered: “But put Xiao Bai aside for now, let’s talk about your punishment!”

He glanced sideways at Xiao Tao: “Xiao Bai had such a big problem, and you didn’t discover it after a year by her side. What should we do!”

“Who could have imagined this! Young Master, I’m wronged!” Xiao Tao pretended to wipe away tears. “Five days! Give me five days! I’ll bring her back, alright?”

“No, you won’t get any pocket money this year.”

“Fine… I don’t need it.”

“And you can’t take rings from the storehouse!”

Seeing her conflicted expression, Fang Zheng said sternly: “Three days! I’ll give you three days! You must find her before the emperor leaves the palace, or you’ll face consequences!”