Chapter 13

The setting sun slanted toward the west.

I bid farewell to Long Shuang and returned to Pei Mansion, cradling the Gauze Garment she had given me.

After stepping through the gates of Pei Mansion, I noticed something odd about the way the others looked at me.

They gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves, their gazes flickering in my direction. Whenever I looked over, they would immediately pretend to be doing nothing at all.

I found it strange, but it wasn’t appropriate to ask, so I went straight to my room and put the Gauze Garment away in the wardrobe.

That day, Pei Su returned unusually early.

His steps were hurried, his breathing uneven, as if something urgent had happened.

Wanting to gather some news, I prepared some tea and quietly slipped over to the study, hoping to overhear their conversation.

Through the carved wooden door, I heard the loud voice of the attendant who had repeatedly made things difficult for me before.

“I told you long ago she was a spy! Master! Why won’t you believe me?!”

“Xiao Wu, enough.”

“Even if you beat me to death, I have to say it! We found bloodstained Soft Armor in the bushes at the gate, and intercepted a Messenger Pigeon in the air! She’s clearly sent by the Third Prince…”

The Steward sighed beside him, “This is a grave matter, Master, you mustn’t hesitate. Now that the evidence is irrefutable, will you still protect her?”

My hand holding the tea tray trembled.

The people of Pei Mansion had discovered my identity so quickly.

Should I leave now? Or wait a little longer?

As I hesitated, I heard Pei Su’s usual gentle voice.

Though soft, his tone was resolute.

“I will decide my own affairs. There’s no need for further discussion.”

I quietly left the study.

My identity had already been exposed.

Fortunately, for some reason, Pei Su still firmly believed in me.

With the Messenger Pigeon captured, I had no choice but to cut off contact with my master for the next few days.

Now, I must accelerate the progress of my mission.

I returned to my room, took the Gauze Garment out of the wardrobe again, and struggled to put it on.

Once dressed, I spun around in front of the bronze mirror, feeling just how intricate and troublesome this garment was.

Troublesome as it was, it was undeniably beautiful, as if I were draped in the evening glow.

When I was at my master’s side, I rarely wore such brightly colored clothes. Seeing myself like this now, I felt somewhat unfamiliar.

No matter what, success or failure hinges on this moment.