After returning from the Ye Mansion, Su Mingyu went straight to the study to find Gu Ruobai.
She saw Gu Ruobai with his head buried in the scroll in his hand. The slanting sunlight shone on him, clearly outlining his well - defined features. His curly eyelashes cast a fan - shaped shadow under the sunlight, hiding his deep eyes and adding an unfathomable charm to him invisibly.
Looking at this scene, Su Mingyu's heart softened. She stepped forward and hugged Gu Ruobai from behind. "What's wrong? You look so worried."
"The Imperial Household Department sent a message. They're going to torture Zhang Wencai. He's just a weak scholar. How can he bear it?"
Su Mingyu nodded understandingly. "We've expected this. The Imperial Household Department won't let him go. Although we've turned all his embezzled silver into legitimate income, Xu Wencang won't spare him."
"Did you go to see Qiyue? How's it going there?" Gu Ruobai rubbed his temples.
Xu Wencang was a very cunning fox. It was difficult for him to find evidence to convict him for the time being.
Su Mingyu told Gu Ruobai all the information she got from Qiyue. "How's Tang Yan recently?"
This guy was a dangerous one, like a bomb that could explode at any time.
"He might be plotting something." In the past few days, Tang Yan and Tang Ziming had been staying together. It didn't seem they were up to anything good.
Su Mingyu curled her lips. "Forget about them. As long as they don't trouble Zhang Wencai."
After all, Zhang Wencai was still a bit useful.
Just as they were talking, a guard walked in from outside. "My lord, the Imperial Household Department sent a message. Zhang Wencai was rescued. They couldn't get any information from him. Moreover, they found that his silver came from legitimate sources. So they've transferred him to the Ministry of Punishment."
There were their own people in the Ministry of Punishment. It might not be impossible to protect Zhang Wencai.
Su Mingyu secretly let out a sigh of relief. "Did you tell Zhang Qiao what we're going to do?"
After all, it was a serious crime of deceiving the emperor. Zhang Qiao should know about it.
Gu Ruobai nodded. "I did, but I told him not to get too involved."
"Xu Wencang has been keeping a low profile. We have no idea where he's hidden the embezzled silver."
Su Mingyu sighed. Without evidence, even though they all knew Xu Wencang was a scoundrel, there was nothing they could do about him.
"You've been out for so long today. You must be tired. Go back and have a good rest. There are many people keeping an eye on this matter. Don't be afraid." Gu Ruobai gently patted Su Mingyu's hand to comfort her.
Su Mingyu murmured in agreement. She had been feeling tired easily recently. She bent down and kissed Gu Ruobai on the forehead before turning to leave.
As soon as she walked out of Gu Ruobai's study, Su Mingyu saw Tang Yan standing there, obviously waiting for her.
"What's up? Do you need something from me?"
Tang Yan frowned when he saw Su Mingyu looking a bit exhausted. "It's nothing. Are you going to rest?"
Su Mingyu nodded. "I'm sleepy. Just tell me what it is."
"I was wondering if you're free tomorrow and could go out with me?" Tang Yan looked at her as if asking for her opinion, but his eyes seemed to have already made the decision without waiting for her answer.
Su Mingyu thought for a while and nodded. "But I have to tell Gu Ruobai. That's my bottom line."
Tang Yan didn't object. "Okay, fine."
After making the appointment, Su Mingyu went back to her room and took a nap. When she woke up, it was already dark.
She propped up her heavy head and went to the pavilion outside. Looking at the star - filled sky, Su Mingyu took a deep breath. "You haven't gone to rest yet?"
"How did you know I was here?" Tang Ziming walked out from behind and sat next to Su Mingyu.
Su Mingyu glanced at Tang Ziming and grinned. "Do you believe me if I say I smelled the medicinal herbs on you?"
"Of course I do." Tang Ziming didn't hesitate at all. He nodded. "You're different from others. You always notice the details."
Su Mingyu nodded. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"I'm here to give you the antidote." Tang Ziming took out a medicine bottle from his bosom and handed it to Su Mingyu.
Su Mingyu raised her eyebrows. "Is it the antidote for the Liuguang Magic Flower? Does Tang Yan know you're giving this to me?"
"Not yet." Tang Ziming sighed and clicked his tongue. "Do you know? I don't like you at all. You're too heartless. You never show any mercy to the things you don't like. You're not a good match."
"I'm really impressed that you can pretend to be nice to me while you don't like me, just hoping that I'll fall for you." Su Mingyu rolled her eyes. This guy was so awkward.
"Yeah, I did want you to like me so that I could use you. But who knew my good looks didn't work on you." Tang Ziming curled his lips. "Tell me, what does Gu Ruobai have that I don't?"
Seeing that he really seemed confused, Su Mingyu grinned. "There are too many things you lack. You're not my type. I want someone I can rely on completely, but you're too scheming."
"Alright, that's a reasonable explanation." Tang Ziming forced a smile. He still looked very down.
Su Mingyu opened the bottle and sniffed the medicine inside. It smelled a bit unpleasant, but it was indeed the smell of herbs.
"Why do you suddenly want to give me the antidote?" Su Mingyu really didn't understand this.
She knew better than anyone how much Tang Yan wanted to control her with the Liuguang Magic Flower. If Tang Yan knew that Tang Ziming had taken away this trump card, he would surely be angry.
"Because I want you to stay away from him." Tang Ziming said straightforwardly. "You're already the concubine of the King Ruixian. And I know you'll never like my brother. So I hope you can leave him."
Su Mingyu raised her eyebrows. "Actually, you know better than anyone that it's him who should leave me."
Although Su Mingyu was a bit slow when it came to matters of the heart, she wasn't stupid. Tang Yan had made his intentions very clear. If she still didn't understand, there would be something wrong with her.
Tang Ziming nodded. "So I need to give you the antidote so that there'll be no more connection between you two."
Su Mingyu snorted. "But he's invited me out tomorrow, and I've agreed."
"That's okay. I'll be there too." Tang Ziming answered very crisply. Su Mingyu could only nod. "Alright then. I'll take the antidote, and I'll also accept your suggestion."