Qi Jingyu’s eyes showed a cunning glint, upon closer inspection, this expression slightly resembled the youthful Li Qingmu.

They say uncles and nephews tend to resemble each other, seems it’s true.

Miss Lin Ruochu was unaware that her plan with the Prison Chief had already been uncovered, as she sat there in smug satisfaction!

"Miss, the Gao Family plans to use the same trick to frame and slander you!"

Night had fallen deeply, the boathouse poetry gathering had ended, and Miss Lin was heading home.

As the carriage arrived at the entrance of Lin Mansion, a butler-like figure approached, lowered his voice, and whispered beside her.

Lin Ruochu sneered, "Let them come! When the time comes and we catch them red-handed, not even jumping into the Yellow River will clear their name!"

"Heh heh, indeed, if this goes through, we’ll really owe him thanks!"

The butler said this with a sly smile.

"A merchant’s family vainly attempting to attach themselves to nobility? Truly not knowing their worth, hmph!"

Lin Ruochu snorted lightly, stepped down from the carriage onto a human footstool with the help of her maid.

"Daughter, you’re back?"

"Mother!"

After entering Lin Mansion, Lin Ruochu saw her mother, the mistress of Lin Mansion, Liu Family, who greeted her daughter with a beaming smile and said, "Everything’s arranged nicely. I’ve also sent word to break off the Gao and Xie family’s marriage, and we can then seize the opportunity, ha ha..."

Liu Family’s charming smile showed her self-satisfaction.

"Mother, is that Prison Chief reliable?"

Lin Ruochu hesitated a bit, then told Liu Family about the Prison Chief’s plan, feeling it warranted consultation despite being able to decide on her own.

"Reliable, he’s a distant relative from my mother’s side, though the relations are somewhat strained, but he’s family. As long as we attach ourselves to Xie Mansion, wouldn’t his loyalty lie with us?"

Liu Family spoke while holding firmly onto her daughter’s hand, and said earnestly, "Ruochu, no one in the world will give you face; you must earn it yourself! Only when you hold a high position will they treat you well, understand?"

Lin Ruochu nodded slightly, "Mother, I understand what you mean. You’re saying we needn’t worry about his reliability; people are inherently unreliable, and reliability comes only when you yourself are solid enough?"

"Exactly, only when one’s foundation is strong will they be loyal to you, because they seek greater benefits from you! When one’s status falters, people will scatter; the lack of loyalty stems from one’s own problems!"

Liu Family’s words were harsh, yet they revealed a truth.

Like Qi Yun, why do so many remain loyal around him? Is it really just because he’s the Emperor?

Yes, such people exist, but more is due to Qi Yun himself being inherently powerful!

Not just in capability, but also in psyche, powerful enough to be revered!

"Mother, I understand! By the way, about that Prison Chief’s plan, we..."

Lin Ruochu needed clarity, although administering laxatives might not end things instantly, timely action was needed for mishaps.

Liu Family squinted, "Since the decision is made, let it be, but... we could further pin the blame on the Gao Family!"

It’s said that old ginger is spicier, and Liu Family’s killer move wiped out the enemy completely, leaving Lin Ruochu eager to applaud!

"Mother, remarkable! This way, their Gao Family’s reputation won’t just be tarnished financially, but they’ll face criminal charges, after which we can manipulate the situation a bit, and Gao Family’s demise will be inevitable!"

Lin Ruochu grew increasingly ecstatic, almost ready to shout.

This move is truly powerful; she knew her mother was competent but didn’t expect such magnitude!

"Once this is done, we’ll feign innocence and speak for the Gao Family, and how would society view us? They’ll surely see us as benevolent, and your reputation will flourish, likely drawing the Xie Family to propose!"

"It’s indeed a plan that kills two birds with one stone!"

Lin Ruochu clapped, celebrating having such an impressive mother.

"Good daughter, learn more; once you’re in Xie Mansion, it’s inevitable to engage in machinations. Even as Mistress, you must charm your husband and contend with other women vying for favor, understand?"

"Mother, I understand; I will seek more guidance when needed."

"Good, good, dear daughter!"

The two shared an affectionate scene, showing maternal wisdom and filial piety, adding an awkward undertone to the night.

The night grew deeper.

After midnight struck thrice, a young punk was deep asleep.

He followed orders, did what was needed, said what was necessary, now just waiting for the commotion to settle so he could leave.

Suddenly, he dreamt of falling from a great height, waking in cold sweat.

"Hey, you’re awake?"

A voice sounded near his ear, the man looked up and saw the Prison Chief, offering a lewd smile, "Boss..."

"Ah! Just came by for night patrol, saw you hollering like ghosts, came to check on you. Had a nightmare, huh?"

The Prison Chief looked kind, offering sympathy to the man.

The man nodded repeatedly, "Yes, had a nightmare, scared me, thought I was going to fall, that..."

"Oh, want some water?"

"Yes, yes, I’m dying of thirst!"

"Here!"

The Prison Chief handed him a bowl of water.

The young man drank it without hesitation, never suspecting they’d silence him for good!

"Ah, so refreshing!"

The man cheerfully said, then looked sycophantic towards the Prison Chief, "Boss, when can I get out?"

The Prison Chief smiled lightly, "Soon, soon, maybe a few more days."

Dead, taken away like trash, isn’t that going out? Heh heh heh...

The Prison Chief smiled, face painted in a Yin Zeze expression, yet the man remained oblivious.

"Alright, sleep a bit more!"

"Heh heh, thanks, Boss!"

The Prison Chief took the bowl and left, the young man licked his lips, looked at the time, still early, then resumed sleeping.

Yet, after a while, he woke again, his belly... aching!

Needed the toilet!

Unfortunately, no toilet around here, just a chamber pot, so he rushed to the chamber pot nearby.

Done, he sighed in relief, trying to sleep again, but soon the pain returned!

"Damn this, which ghost stuck to me, I curse curse curse!"

The man grumbled, returned to the pot, repeating four times!

By the fifth time, the man felt his body weakening, dizziness setting in, and his stomach still ached.

"Help... help... Boss, help..."

Only now did he realize he needed to call out.

But nobody came; those who used to respond were nowhere.

"Help, save me..."

The man cried for help forlornly in his cell.