After speaking, she wanted to bypass him and walk out.

Uncle Jin wouldn’t let her go, spreading his arms to block her: "Madam, I don’t know what you mean by wanting a separation, but the Prime Minister cares for you deeply. Wait until he finishes the morning court session and talk it out clearly before you leave."

Ye Zhi didn’t want to listen: "I don’t want to. Don’t force me to lay hands on an old man."

Uh, Uncle Jin was taken aback. Wasn’t he middle-aged? How did he become an old man?

This wasn’t the time to dwell on that; an idea came to his mind, and he quickly said:

"Madam, it must be that the Prime Minister did something to wrong you, which is why you want to leave. I won’t stop you, but at least have a meal before you go. The Prime Minister’s Mansion has bird’s nest, snow swallow, deer antler, cordyceps...and many other things. Why not have the cook prepare them for you? Otherwise, they’ll go to waste, and taking them along won’t be convenient."

Ye Zhi was momentarily stunned, yes, there were so many things. By the time she came back to collect her dowry, she’d be too embarrassed to take them all back. She might as well have a meal with Ming Yan before she went. Speaking of which, she hadn’t eaten last night or today yet, and she was a bit hungry...

She compromised: "Then go ahead and instruct them. I’ll leave after I eat, and whatever good food there is in the kitchen, have them make it all for me. I’ll dine with Ming Yan."

She took Ming Yan, each carrying a bundle, and walked towards the side hall.

Only then did Uncle Jin wipe the sweat from his forehead, praying in his heart that the Prime Minister would return quickly. When he went to instruct the cook, he also told them to purposely slow down the preparation of the good dishes and serve the ordinary ones first, to keep Madam there.

On the other side, Qin Yin, who had received the news, was waiting for the Prime Minister at the gate of the Imperial Palace.

Guo Hao and Peng Ran, however, went to the side hall of the Shen Mansion to ensure Madam’s safety. Seeing the mistress and servant eating heartily, they felt at ease.

Ye Zhi, who was relatively familiar with the informant Guo Hao, saw him and swallowed the bird’s nest in her mouth, then called out: "Guo Hao, come eat too. I told the cook to make all these expensive supplements, and Ming Yan and I can’t finish them. It would be wasted."

He scratched his head, seeming a little embarrassed, and lowered his head: "Madam, no need, you enjoy it."

Ye Zhi put down her chopsticks and sighed: "Maybe this will be the last time we eat together. In the future, I’ll be venturing into the martial world, with mountains and rivers far and wide separating us. We may not meet again. Thank you for the information you’ve provided me all these days. When I return, I’ll inform my parents. If you encounter any difficulties, you can go to them for help; they will do their utmost to assist you."

Uncle Jin and Peng Ran were puzzled, unable to understand the hidden message Madam was conveying.

Guo Hao looked up at the beauty, puzzled: "Madam is leaving?"

She was straightforward and didn’t hide the truth: "Yes, I’m going to separate from your Prime Minister. If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll leave the Capital City in a few days. Do your best at the Investigation Factory."

She had almost finished eating, glanced at the sky outside, realizing it was late, and got up to pick up the bundle next to her.

Ming Yan also put down her chopsticks and picked up the bundle to follow her mistress.

Guo Hao took two steps forward, looking anxious: "Madam, don’t act impulsively."

"This is the result of careful consideration, and you do know I’m Madam Shen, right? Step aside." Ye Zhi barked, and after the other made way, she left with her maid.

The two elegant figures seemed to walk out of the Shen Mansion with ease.

After leaving the Shen Mansion, Ye Zhi wasn’t at all at ease. Her eyes went slightly red, struggling to hold back tears from falling, her heart hurt fiercely, and every step was difficult.

However, she kept forcing herself to endure, determined to preserve this last bit of dignity.

Guo Hao and Peng Ran followed quietly behind her, not daring to get too close, and only stopped after watching her enter the Ye Mansion.