The official was completely stunned, quickly regained composure, and asked, "Princess Anning, are you not joking about this?"

"Whether it’s a joke or not, my lord, you’ll know once you take people to search the Minister’s Mansion." Qiann Yan pulled out a letter, "This is a letter I extracted, which just happens to confirm this person’s identity as a spy. He is not the real Cheng Jiren. I checked behind his ears and there are traces of disguise. If you need, you can reveal his mask."

The official listened, sweat streaming down his forehead, not knowing what to do for a moment. Moreover, searching the study in the Minister’s Mansion requires an imperial decree.

Thus, this matter escalated to the Emperor.

Meanwhile, the entire Capital City knew about Cheng Qianyan exposing her own parents, leading to widespread discussion.

After reading the letter, the Emperor ordered the search of the Cheng Mansion, and all evidence inside was uncovered.

Thus, the matter of Cheng Jiren being a spy spread even further.

However, news soon emerged that Cheng Jiren was not the real Cheng Jiren but a Chen Country spy in disguise.

The situation became increasingly complicated, but people did not hesitate to discuss Qiann Yan, though she did not mind these rumors.

At this time, the Emperor personally interrogated Cheng Jiren, and Cheng Jiren’s false mask was publicly removed, revealing a face even more handsome than the original Cheng Jiren. Mrs. Cheng was momentarily stunned seeing that face, remembered something, and quickly bowed her head.

"Fifteen years ago, I killed Cheng Jiren and assumed his identity to take his position. At that time, he was just a minor officer, just appointed to a local post." Under torture, it is hard for anyone not to confess.

The person who had been wearing Cheng Jiren’s face for many years was named Mu Song, a Chen Country national.

"I met him on the road, and we became close while gathering information," Mu Song glanced at Mrs. Cheng, "and also hit it off with his wife. Of course, nothing happened between us, it was just the exchange of some small trinkets. Cheng Jiren was like a wooden block, not understanding how to make a woman happy."

"Cheng Jiren wanted to go to his post early and separated from Mrs. Cheng. I feigned concern and followed him. On the road, I killed him and assumed his identity. Later, I reunited with Mrs. Cheng at the local post and served as an official in Great Zhou, steadily rising to the position of Chief of Staff." Mu Song’s gaze fell on Qiann Yan, "I never expected to be exposed by this wretched girl. Had I known today, I would have eliminated her altogether."

Mrs. Cheng had already collapsed to the ground, long since losing the will to resist. During questioning, she confessed everything.

She could not endure the torture that even Mu Song could not withstand.

She had long known Cheng Jiren was not Cheng Jiren. She accidentally discovered that this person was actually the gentle and handsome Mu Song, and decided to conceal this fact. The two spent sweet days together, but unfortunately Mu Song was a spy, and showed affection to Mrs. Cheng only out of whim. Yet, she was already riding the tiger and could only continue like this.

Their story left people stunned. People looked at Qiann Yan not knowing what to think. To marry a husband who is a spy and to find out that the father you’ve known for over ten years was also a spy, fortunately a fake one.

After the Cheng family’s matters were exposed, the Capital City was hotly discussing it. Many discussed Qiann Yan privately, but with Shie Hengzhang’s incident beforehand, no one dared to speak excessively openly.

However, everyone kept their distance from her.

The Emperor still couldn’t bear Qiann Yan, everything had to be made such a big deal. Now, everyone in Great Zhou was on edge, discussing who might be a spy, leading to endless troubles. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Yet, he couldn’t help but reward her, so he simply conferred her the title of Commandery Princess.

Qiann Yan accepted it calmly and decided to stay in her residence for a short while without plans to go out.

Ashui, on the other hand, became busy, inciting among the various princes.

He could disguise, change his voice, strategize, making each prince feel like they had found a high-minded advisor, stirring up their ambitions.

The struggle for the throne among the princes began early.

Although Ashui was very busy, he never forgot to prepare three meals a day for Qiann Yan.

"Commandery Princess, please enjoy your meal at leisure. I have some matters to attend to, I’ll return in the afternoon to cook. What would you like for dinner?"

Qiann Yan: "Prepare what you see fit."

Ashui never expected that shortly after he left, a group of assassins stormed into the residence, aggressively trying to kill Qiann Yan.

When Ashui returned, smelling the scent of blood, his heart was in his throat, but seeing the letter Qiann Yan left behind, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The Commandery Princess said she took the assassins to the Emperor to claim a reward.

Is this even possible?

The Emperor probably won’t be too pleased, right.