Chapter 6, Layout

Everything is as he expected

Lu Zhiyan looked seriously at Tan Cangyu, who was standing on the steps. Indeed, he was as talented as rumored; even the renowned Princess Ya was not inferior to him. However, he recalled the news he had just received, and Rong Se said solemnly: "Young Master Tan, someone has arrived from the capital"

"You sit here and do not make a sound," Tan Cangyu said lightly after the outside had once again returned to tranquility.

Qin Sisi pouted, but she could not deny that after hearing Tan Cangyu's laughter, her originally anxious heart was somewhat calmed. Indeed, this person had intended to test Lu Guo, and surely had a backup plan. Why should she worry? Qin Sisi steadied her mind and suddenly felt that her earlier nervousness had left her dry-mouthed. She wanted to pick up the teapot on the table to pour some tea, but then remembered that nothing in this room could be touched, so she had to retract her hand in disappointment

Lu was so anxious that he was jumping up and down, yet he did not know what to say. He had just disclosed everything to his father about who was in the room, but his father, instead of being relieved, had a serious expression and gathered people to surround the place. This was not the demeanor of someone preparing to receive a guest

The crowd in the courtyard responded to his question with a moment of silence. Shortly thereafter, two individuals stepped forward from the crowd. The first, holding a lantern, was his friend Lu Guo, while the person following him appeared to be around forty to fifty years old, bearing a resemblance to Lu Guo, with about fifty to sixty percent similarity in appearance, and dressed in official attire. Both had serious expressions on their faces.

"What is the commotion outside?" Just as Qin Sisi was feeling quite frustrated, she heard a clear voice from outside asking. She quickly perked up her ears to pay attention to the sounds outside

Lu Guo's face turned ashen as he recalled that in the evening, he indeed did not see the face of the woman held in Tan Cangyu's arms. He looked at Tan Cangyu in confusion, only to find him still composed, standing confidently at the door

The more he declined, the more Lu Zhiyan wanted to know whether the person inside was indeed Princess Ya. However, he could not simply force his way in; he could only engage in a battle of wits with Tan Cangyu, playing a game of words.

Controlling her with poison is never her own wish. The road ahead is long, and if she takes the initiative, it will surely yield twice the result with half the effort

Cang Yu raised an eyebrow with interest and said with a smile, "Lord Lu, your name is straightforward; is there anything you cannot speak plainly about?" Has someone come from the capital? It is likely the very group pursuing them. He and Qin Sisi entered the Lu residence with great confidence, knowing that the people of the Phantom Concubine and the books would not dare to launch a night raid on the governor's residence to assassinate Princess Ya. His earlier remarks to Qin Sisi were not merely to test Lu Guo, but also to gauge how much the assassins knew about Princess Ya's "accident." He and Qin Sisi entered the Lu residence with great confidence, knowing that the people of the Phantom Concubine and the books would not dare to launch a night raid on the governor's residence to assassinate Princess Ya. His earlier remarks to Qin Sisi were not merely to test Lu Guo, but also to gauge how much the assassins knew about Princess Ya's "accident."

Lu Guo, who was listening nearby, changed his expression. Although he did not know exactly what had happened, it was evident that Tan Cangyu had changed his address for his father from "Uncle" to "Sir," indicating the seriousness of the situation

Tang Cangyu pushed the door open, and the scene outside surprised him, causing him to raise an eyebrow. Although he could not see clearly inside the room, once he stepped out, he found himself facing a courtyard full of soldiers. However, upon closer inspection, he realized that these soldiers were not imperial guards but rather ordinary local militia, which made him subtly breathe a sigh of relief.

Lu Zhiyan let out a cold snort, shaking his head and sighing: "Tan Cangyu, are you trying to say that the person in this room is none other than Princess Ya?" As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding soldiers could not help but start whispering among themselves. The courtyard, which had just been silent, became noisy, and some of the Lu family's servants gradually gathered nearby to watch. Some sharp-eyed individuals even recognized that the person standing on the steps was none other than the famous Fifth Young Master Tan from the capital, leading to a surge of discussion.

Tang Cangyu raised a smile, with both hands resting behind his back, and spoke in a profound manner: "Lord Lu, she is currently resting. If I were you, I would not make such a big fuss."

Lu Zhiyan pondered for a moment and then spoke aloud: "Tan Cangyu, step aside. I will personally meet the princess to apologize." Once he saw the princess, he would understand the situation clearly. Being blamed by the princess was minor; allowing the criminal who harmed her to escape was the real issue.

The longer the time dragged on, the more uneasy the soldiers in the courtyard became, and the noise gradually grew louder. At this moment, Tan Cangyu had already settled half of his mind, confirming that the people on Youfei's side did not have accurate information regarding Princess Ya, which was why they used Lu Zhiyan's hand to verify it. If he was not mistaken, the assassin should be hidden among the many soldiers in the courtyard. However, there was no need to worry about the assassin brazenly attempting to kill them; the other party merely wanted to confirm the intelligence. If he was not mistaken, the assassin should be hidden among the many soldiers in the courtyard. However, there was no need to worry about the assassin brazenly attempting to kill them; the other party merely wanted to confirm the intelligence.

Lu Zhiyan was taken aback, as the news he received was too shocking. Shortly thereafter, he learned that the primary criminal was staying at his home, which left him no time to think further before bringing people over. Upon reflection, there had not been any formal documents issued. However, the capital had recently descended into chaos, and he was unsure whom to trust.

Tang Cangyu squinted his eyes and scrutinized Lu Guo for a moment before finally shifting his gaze away from him: "Uncle Lu, what is going on here?"

A soft laugh echoed in the darkness, accompanied by the sound of a wooden door being pushed open

Tang Cangyu still smiled faintly, remaining motionless beneath his feet: "The princess has already retired for the night, Lord Lu, you may as well take your leave."

Lu Guo awkwardly scratched his head and explained anxiously: "Cang Yu, it was a family member who informed my father, but I do not know why he brought so many people home..."

Lu Zhiyan raised his hand and pointed at the dark house, asking in a deep voice: "I ask you, who exactly is inside this house?"

Tang Cangyu tugged at the corner of his mouth and said lazily, "Exactly."

Is it already certain that Princess Ya has passed away, or is it still unknown?

Lu Zhiyan stepped forward and pressed on, saying: "But why have people from the capital come to convey that you are the murderer of Princess Ya? They insist that the old minister must capture you and bring you to justice"

"Lord Lu, are you not joking? Did the messenger present a badge? Are you so casually believing their unfounded words?" Tan Cangyu said slowly. Under the faint glow of the lantern, the contours of his face were distinct, and a subtle smile remained unchanged throughout, without the slightest variation.

Qin Sisi reflexively nodded, and only then did she realize that he was so dark that he couldn't be seen. She hurriedly exclaimed "Oh" and went to the books.

Although the current situation appears very tense, the solution is quite simple. As long as Qin Sisi disguises herself as Princess Ya and allows Lu Zhiyan to meet her, it will suffice. However, he does not wish to force her.

What? Princess Ya is dead? How could she have died?

A sharp sound echoed in the room as flint struck against flint, and after a few moments, the silhouette of a woman was cast upon the paper window

Tan Cangyu's smile deepened further

Father, think it over carefully... Lu Guo said softly. He did not know whom to believe, but now that such a big scene had unfolded, he found himself in a dilemma.

Qin Sisi anxiously looked outside, but there was not a single light in the courtyard; it was completely dark, making it impossible to see the situation outside, which only heightened her panic. Fortunately, there were no lights on inside the house either, as it too was engulfed in darkness. She could not see outside, and likewise, those outside could not see in, allowing her to find a slight balance and comfort herself a little.

The yard fell silent all at once

The hospital was in an uproar

"Uncle Lu, Lu Guo, what does this mean?" Although Tan Cangyu had never met Lu Guo's father, he already knew that he was the governor of Shangzhou Prefecture, so he could recognize him at first glance

Such a situation is entirely under his control, and next, it remains to be seen how Qin Sisi ultimately decides