As dusk approached, several hours had passed since the noon birthday banquet. The Emperor had already left for Qianming Palace, and many guests had taken their leave from the palace.

Those still accompanying the Empress Dowager to watch the opera were close female relatives of the royal family, like the Grand Princess, or trusted friends like Madam Mu, who enjoyed a close relationship with the Empress Dowager.

Except for Yanshu, who was eagerly waiting to see the Grand Princess's drama unfold, Consort Zhou and Consort Wang had long since excused themselves and returned to their own palaces.

Thus, the messenger who came to report had originally intended to quietly inform the Grand Princess. But seeing that only a few people remained, whispering in the Grand Princess's ear in front of the Empress Dowager seemed disrespectful. So he had no choice but to speak openly.

As his words fell, everyone was stunned.

"What? The Ankang county lord's husband beat someone on the street?"

"They just attended the noon banquet. How did he end up beating someone on Yang Lou Street?"

The Grand Princess hurriedly asked, "Explain clearly, what exactly happened?"

But when questioned like this, the messenger began to stammer, "It's... uh, it's..."

After a long pause without a proper explanation, the Empress Dowager spoke up, "What's the matter? Hurry up and say it! Are you trying to worry us to death?"

The messenger finally said, "I wouldn't dare. It's just that the county lord had a rare day off today. Earlier, he heard that the county lord's wife wasn't feeling well and had gone out to see a doctor. He wanted to accompany her, but when he arrived at a place called Ruyi Brothel on Yang Lou Street, he discovered someone molesting the county lord's wife. The county lord became furious and couldn't help but teach the offender a lesson..."

Hearing this, Yanshu couldn't help but think to herself, "This Mr. Yao was the third-place winner in the military examinations. There are only two people in the country who could beat him in a fight. That scoundrel was certainly no match for him. Breaking the guy's leg was probably him showing restraint."

However, she couldn't help but wonder why the Ankang county lord was in such a hurry. Hadn't she not crossed the line yet? Why was she so eager to go to Ruyi Brothel?

Upon hearing this news, the others who didn't know the truth were extremely surprised.

The Empress Dowager immediately said, "What? What kind of madman dares to molest the county lord? Does he have a death wish?"

The Grand Princess also said with a shocked expression, "Exactly! How could there be such a scoundrel in a medical clinic? Where were the county lord's attendants?"

The messenger had previously said that the Ankang county lord had gone to see a doctor, so everyone assumed that this place called Ruyi Brothel was a medical clinic.

However, hearing the Grand Princess say this, the messenger had to explain, "Your Highness, Ruyi Brothel is not a medical clinic."

"What? It's not a clinic?" the Grand Princess asked. "Then what is it?"

"It's... it's a restaurant," the messenger replied.

A restaurant?

Everyone looked at each other in confusion, even more bewildered than before.

Wasn't the Ankang county lord feeling unwell? Why did she go to a restaurant instead of seeing a doctor?

And she had just had drinks at the palace during lunch...

Why go to another restaurant?

Just as everyone was completely puzzled, an announcement rang out from outside the Palace of Benevolent Peace: "His Majesty the Emperor arrives..."

The Emperor had come.

Everyone's eyes immediately lit up. As Yuwen Lan entered the hall, the Empress Dowager hurriedly asked, "We just received news that the Ankang county lord's husband beat someone on Yang Lou Street. Has Your Majesty heard about this?"

Yuwen Lan nodded and said, "I just received a report from the Capital Prefecture saying that someone has filed a complaint against Yao Junliang for beating someone on the street."

What? The complaint had already reached the Emperor?

The Grand Princess immediately said anxiously, "They molested her first, and now they're trying to frame him? Your Majesty knows that Junliang is not an impulsive person. Could this be a trap?"

Yuwen Lan nodded again and said, "Aunt, don't worry yet."

He then asked the messenger, "Where is the county lord now?"

The messenger quickly replied, "Your Majesty, the county lord is still at Ruyi Brothel on Yang Lou Street."

Yuwen Lan said, "Bring the county lord and his wife here. I will question them myself."

The messenger quickly agreed and left to summon them.

Yanshu immediately became excited—

She hadn't waited here all afternoon for nothing. There was live drama to watch again!!!

Well, it wasn't about the Grand Princess, but the county lord beating up a scoundrel was pretty exciting too!

And the Emperor had called them here to explain, he was really getting to know her better!!!

She secretly glanced at Yuwen Lan, feeling that he had become more and more adorable lately.

Yuwen Lan: "..."

He had actually just wanted to resolve the Ruyi Brothel issue in front of the Empress Dowager, Grand Princess, and others.

Tsk, he thought she had already left, but she had stayed here all afternoon just to watch the drama?

Well, that was just like her.

Alright then, they might as well watch together.

Knowing that the royal family had important matters to deal with, Madam Mu excused herself from the Empress Dowager before the Ankang county lord and her husband arrived. She left the main hall of the Palace of Benevolent Peace, taking Xiao Lanyun with her.

Yanshu, however, shamelessly stayed, pretending to be invisible next to Yuwen Lan.

The Empress Dowager: "..."

Oh well, she was just another drama enthusiast.

Before long, the Grand Princess's husband, who had heard the news, also arrived.

Soon after, the Ankang county lord and her husband Yao Junliang finally arrived at the palace.

Yanshu suppressed her excitement and looked over, seeing that the county lord's face still showed traces of anger, but no signs of injury.

It made sense, after all, he was the third-place winner in the military examinations. The scoundrels at Ruyi Brothel were no match for him.

The Ankang county lord's face, however, was flushed and pale by turns, with redness around her eyes as if she had been crying.

After the couple paid their respects to everyone, Yuwen Lan spoke to the county lord, "I just received a report from the Capital Prefecture that someone has filed a complaint against you for beating a person on the street. Is this true?"

Yao Junliang bowed his head without hesitation and said, "Your Majesty, I did indeed beat someone on Yang Lou Street earlier. I know I have brought shame to the court and am willing to accept punishment."

Yanshu couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in her mind and cheer, "This county lord is a real man! He dares to take responsibility for his actions!"

The Emperor then asked him, "Then why did you beat that person?"

However, when this question was asked, the previously forthright county lord hesitated.

He looked at his wife, then stammered, "I... I... was just angry for a moment..."

It was clear he didn't want to say it out loud.

This worried the Empress Dowager and the Grand Princess and her husband.

Fortunately, the Emperor directly said, "I called you here today to get to the bottom of this matter. Don't hesitate, tell me the truth."

Yao Junliang had no choice but to agree.

He then said, "Your Majesty may not know, but Ruyi Brothel is not a respectable establishment. Inside... inside there were men trying to seduce my wife! I... I am a normal man, how could I tolerate such a thing? So in a fit of anger, I beat that person."

What?

When these words were spoken, everyone in the hall was stunned.

The Grand Princess asked incredulously, "What did you say? What kind of place is this Ruyi Brothel?"

Yao Junliang said with a tense expression, "I cannot bring myself to say it. Please ask my wife, mother."

The Grand Princess then looked at her daughter and said anxiously, "Hurry up and tell us!"

The Ankang county lord had started crying and said between sobs, "It was originally just a place for drinking tea and having fun, but there were some men who would play the zither, perform music... and chat with the guests..."

She couldn't bring herself to say the rest.

But everyone in the hall already understood, and their expressions became complex.

The Empress Dowager: [What? There's such a place in the capital??? How come I'm only finding out about this now!!!]

Yuwen Lan: "..."

Judging by the Empress Dowager's tone, did she also plan to... go???

The Grand Princess: [There's actually such a place in the capital??? What was this girl doing going to a place like that??? And she even got caught by her husband!!!]

The Grand Princess's husband: [This, this, this... Does this mean there are... male prostitutes there??? Tsk tsk tsk, the world really is in decline and people's hearts are not what they used to be! How outrageous!!!]

Yanshu silently sympathized with the Ankang county lord, thinking to herself, "This is truly the epitome of social death..."

Before she could finish her thoughts, she saw the Grand Princess ask her daughter in anguish, "If you knew what kind of place it was, why did you go there?"

The Ankang county lord continued crying and said, "I didn't know at first. I only found out after I went there... I really didn't do anything, I just went there to drink some tea, I really didn't do anything..."

Yanshu couldn't help but think to herself again—This was just like when men go to brothels, once you've been there, you can't clear your name. Even if you really didn't do anything, no one would believe you.

However, the Grand Princess was heard speaking kindly to her son-in-law Yao Junliang, "Since she didn't do anything wrong, just had a few cups of tea, this matter is simply a misunderstanding. There's no need for you to be so angry about it."

Yanshu thought to herself, "...Indeed, whether it's a mother-in-law or a mother-in-law, when it's not one's own mother, they always side with their own child..."

Even if the Ankang county lord truly didn't do anything, she still had improper thoughts. How could the county magistrate not be angry?

Yao Junliang was certainly furious. Upon hearing this, he couldn't hold back anymore and immediately retorted, "Mother, you didn't see it. If I had arrived a moment later, the county lord would have done more than just drink tea... I don't know what I've done wrong to make the county lord seek entertainment in such a place. Moreover, all the men there knew she was a county lord! Where am I supposed to put my face?"

Seeing this situation, the Empress Dowager felt sympathetic, but also thought to herself, "This Ankang girl is too conspicuous. Couldn't she have gone there secretly without letting people know she's a county lord?"

Yuwen Lan thought, "...So it would have been fine if she went there quietly?"

Stumped by her son-in-law's words and not knowing what to say, the Grand Princess angrily walked up to her daughter and raised her hand to slap her, saying, "What were you thinking going to such a place? Letting those filthy men get close to you, have you no sense of dignity?!"

The Ankang county lord cried even harder, "It was the Princess who took me there. At first, I thought it was just a tea house..."

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this—

The Princess took her there?

Does that mean the Princess went there too???

At this moment, Yao Junliang spoke with a pained expression, "No matter who took the county lord there, she knew what kind of place it was later on, yet she still went!"

Ankang continued crying, "I don't know why I kept feeling the urge to go... But I really didn't do anything besides drinking tea and listening to music! Today when that man tried to touch me, I even slapped him!"

Yao Junliang snorted, "But if the county lord hadn't gone to that place, would this have happened?"

Ankang was at a loss for words and could only start crying again.

However, Yanshu pondered to herself—

The Ankang county lord said that after going once, she couldn't resist wanting to go again...

Tsk, could it be that she also fell victim to the Love-Inducing Powder?

The system replied, "That's right, the Ankang county lord is also a major target."

Yanshu suddenly realized.

Of course, this Yao county magistrate is the Imperial Guard's deputy commander, responsible for dozens of guard posts in the capital. The spies must be trying to obtain confidential information about the capital's defenses through the Ankang county lord, so they drugged her too!

The system confirmed, "That's exactly what happened."

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Yanshu thought further. Since the Ankang county lord hadn't done anything with those male prostitutes yet, it seemed the other party hadn't obtained any secrets either. So, the county magistrate's beating today was quite timely. If the Emperor could use this incident as a starting point to investigate thoroughly and root out the spies, it wouldn't be too late.

Meanwhile, hearing her daughter speak like this, the Grand Princess felt there was still room for maneuver in this matter. She immediately spoke up in support of her son-in-law, "In that case, it's clear that the people in that establishment were too brazen! Knowing she was a county lord and still daring to lay hands on her. Junliang was right to beat them today!"

The old Prince Consort also chimed in, "That's right. Such shameless men deserve to be despised by everyone!"

Yanshu thought to herself, "...It seems these old folks are quite satisfied with Yao county magistrate as their son-in-law."

The system explained, "Of course. Yao county magistrate earned his third place in the military examinations on his own merit, and later worked his way up to his position in the Imperial Guard through his own abilities. He's not a womanizer, he's strong and capable, and he's good to the children. He's much better than that Zhao Chengwen who lives off his wife. Which father-in-law and mother-in-law wouldn't like him?"

That's true, indeed.

Yanshu thought to herself, judging from the Ankang county lord's reaction, she still has feelings for her husband, and she's been drugged... Now it all depends on the Yao county magistrate. If he can endure this, their marriage might still work out.

But then the system said, "It's no longer just a matter between the two of them. The Ruyi Brothel has taken that crippled male prostitute to file a complaint with the authorities, and they're making a big fuss about it, intending to let the whole capital know."

Yanshu didn't quite understand, "How can people in this kind of business dare to make such a big deal out of this?"

The system explained, "Because currently, the law doesn't prohibit men from working as prostitutes. Making a big fuss might even serve as free publicity for them. Of course, right now, the main issue is that some people are taking advantage of the situation to stir up trouble."

Stirring up trouble?

Yanshu understood then. It must be those spies again.

They're using this opportunity to frame the county magistrate, deliberately confusing the issue, and then inciting the uninformed masses.

After all, this matter involves not only the Ankang county lord but also the Princess, which could be said to greatly concern the royal family's face. Once it blows up, it will inevitably affect the dignity of the royal family...

It had to be said, these Western spies were playing quite a sophisticated game.

Ah, this Princess Yuwen Yan really is good for nothing, always causing trouble for the family.

As she was thinking this, someone outside the hall reported, "The Princess requests an audience."

Everyone paused.

What was Yuwen Yan doing here at this time?

Only the Emperor maintained a calm expression and said, "Let her in."

The person outside acknowledged the order.

In a moment, Princess Yuwen Yan entered.

The Grand Princess's family, who were currently resenting her, all glared at her angrily.

The Empress Dowager glanced at her, also feeling extremely vexed.

Only Yuwen Lan showed no emotion as he said, "I was just about to summon you for questioning, elder sister."

Yuwen Yan replied, "I understand. Your Majesty is probably concerned about the Ruyi Brothel incident, right?"

As soon as she said this, everyone was taken aback again.

Was she here to voluntarily explain the situation?

The Emperor responded with an "Oh," and said, "So elder sister already knows about it?"

Yuwen Yan said, "The whole city is in an uproar now, everyone is discussing how Yao county magistrate beat someone half to death in the street. How could I not know?"

Seeing her brazen attitude, the Empress Dowager had lost all patience and spoke up, "Since you know, there's no need for small talk. Just now, Ankang's husband has already explained that he beat someone because Ankang was harassed. It's said that you were the one who took Ankang to that Ruyi Brothel?"

Yuwen Yan nodded quite frankly, "Yes, Mother Empress, that's correct."

Seeing this, before the Empress Dowager could say anything, the Grand Princess angrily burst out, "Why did you take Ankang to such a place?"

Yuwen Yan replied, "I was idle that day, so I took her there for a bit. It's just a place for entertainment, and moreover, Ankang didn't do anything wrong. Why is Aunt making such a fuss? If men can go to brothels, why can't women go to the Ruyi Brothel?"

"You..."

These words infuriated the Grand Princess's family.

But before they could retort, Yuwen Yan continued, "None of this matters right now. What's important is that Yao Junliang's beating incident has escalated to this point, and it's likely to affect the royal family's reputation."

Huh, so she does care about the royal family's reputation?

Everyone was practically laughing from anger.

Yuwen Lan spoke up again, asking her, "Then what does elder sister suggest we do now?"

Yuwen Yan said, "Naturally, whoever made the mistake should bear the responsibility. Isn't it said that even the emperor is subject to the same laws as common people when he breaks them? Since Yao county magistrate beat someone, let the Capital Prefecture handle the judgment."

What a fine "whoever made the mistake should bear the responsibility."

Hearing this, the Grand Princess's family was practically spitting blood.

Yao Junliang, in a fit of anger, once again knelt before the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, I was the one who beat the man. I am willing to be dealt with according to the law. I request Your Majesty's permission to divorce the county lord. This way, it won't affect the royal family's reputation!"

As soon as he said this, the Ankang county lord immediately shook her head and started crying again, saying, "No, no, I don't want a divorce!"

Her mother, the Grand Princess, also became anxious and hurriedly said, "Does this matter really require a divorce? Besides, they were the ones who seduced a married woman first. What man in the world could tolerate that? Isn't this just a natural human reaction?"

Ankang county lord's father, the old Prince Consort, also anxiously said, "That Ruyi Brothel shouldn't even exist in the first place. How can there be such an outrageous establishment?"

But as soon as he finished speaking, Yuwen Yan snorted and laughed, "Uncle's words are quite biased. Brothels are everywhere in the world. If men have places to enjoy themselves, why can't women have the same?"

The old Prince Consort was stumped, nearly rolling his eyes at her.

The Empress Dowager finally couldn't hold back and spoke up, "While that may be true, both men and women in this world should uphold their morals. You don't have a husband now, so it's fine, but Ankang and her husband were living happily together. Why did you have to take her there?"

Yuwen Yan still maintained an indifferent attitude, saying, "Even if I shouldn't have taken her there, she could have chosen not to go later, right? This time, it wasn't me who told her to go, was it?"

Yanshu, who was quietly observing on the side, thought to herself, [That's because she was drugged without knowing it, and so were you!]

Tsk, this foolish woman keeps getting deceived over and over, yet still hasn't learned her lesson.

Today she's still stubbornly arguing with everyone. I don't know whether to admire her or laugh at her.

It's clear she's been spoiled by her family!

However, if the matter of the Love-Inducing Powder doesn't come to light, Yao Junliang will indeed be at a disadvantage.

So now there's only one breakthrough point - the poisoning of the princess and county lord by the Ruyi Brothel.

Unfortunately, she had been so focused on watching the drama unfold today that she forgot to remind the Emperor.

Thinking of this, Yanshu couldn't help but feel guilty, and she urgently tried to think of a way to bring up this matter...

— Should she mention that the Grand Princess looked unwell and suggest she see a doctor?

But the Emperor had already brought that up this morning, and she didn't take it seriously at all!

Just then, they saw the Grand Princess sway, her eyes roll back, and she suddenly began to collapse to the ground.

The old Prince Consort, Ankang county lord, and Yao Junliang were startled and quickly moved to support her, urgently calling out, "Your Highness, what's wrong..."

The Empress Dowager frowned and said, "Could this be from anger?"

Yuwen Lan immediately ordered, "Quickly, go find an imperial physician to check the Grand Princess's pulse!"

As he spoke, he gave Fu Hai a meaningful look.

Fu Hai understood immediately and hurriedly went to fetch a doctor from the Imperial Medical Academy.

Not long after, he was seen leading an imperial physician back quickly. It was none other than Jiang Nianqi.

Yanshu was surprised. Isn't this her capable and outspoken personal physician?

...How did Fu Hai know to find him?

Before Dr. Jiang could bow in greeting, Yuwen Lan had already instructed, "Quickly, examine the Grand Princess."

Dr. Jiang immediately complied, hurrying to the Grand Princess's side. He checked her eyelids and felt her pulse, then asked those nearby, "Was Her Highness emotionally agitated just now?"

The old Prince Consort immediately replied, "Indeed she was! She was so angry she couldn't even speak."

Dr. Jiang then addressed everyone, "Her Highness is suffering from anger-induced fainting. After I apply a few acupuncture needles and she gets some good rest, she should be fine. She must avoid getting angry again in the next few days."

The Empress Dowager said, "Then quickly apply the needles."

She then turned to scold Yuwen Yan, "How can you be so disrespectful? Look how you've angered your aunt."

Yuwen Yan didn't take it to heart, but outwardly she obediently lowered her head and said, "Yes, please forgive me, Mother. I was just feeling a bit wronged earlier..."

However, before she could finish speaking, she suddenly swayed as well, almost unable to stand.

Seeing this, Yanshu was startled.

[What's going on? Could it be that the Love-Inducing Powder is taking effect?]

The system said, [Not exactly. There's a type of incense called Bai Zhuo in the hall right now, which happens to react with the Love-Inducing Powder.]

Bai Zhuo incense?

Yanshu was confused.

— She remembered that the Empress Dowager used Wu Chen incense. She had asked about it once when she found the scent pleasant.

Meanwhile, the Emperor was asking the Grand Princess, "Elder sister, are you feeling unwell too?"

Yuwen Yan tried to put on a brave face, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I, I probably didn't get enough sleep last night..."

Before she could finish, she swayed again.

This frightened everyone, and they hurried forward to support her.

Seeing this, Yuwen Lan said, "Elder sister, you shouldn't force yourself."

He then instructed Dr. Jiang, "After you're done examining the Grand Princess, please check on the Grand Princess as well."

Yanshu thought, "!!!"

This is it!!!

When Dr. Jiang examines the Grand Princess, he's bound to discover the matter of the Love-Inducing Powder.

But...

How could this be such a coincidence???

How did the incense in the hall suddenly change to Bai Zhuo, which happens to react with the Love-Inducing Powder?

Just as she was thinking this, Dr. Jiang had already come to Yuwen Yan's side.

As he felt Yuwen Yan's pulse, Dr. Jiang's brow furrowed deeper and deeper.

The Empress Dowager anxiously asked, "What's wrong? Is the Grand Princess seriously ill?"

Jiang Nianqi replied, "Your Majesty, Your Highness... I'm afraid this isn't illness, but poisoning."

Poisoning?

At these words, everyone in the hall was stunned.

However, immediately after, the Ankang county lord, who had been standing by the Grand Princess's side, also swayed, almost falling over.

Yao Junliang quickly reached out to support her, exclaiming anxiously, "What's wrong with the county lord?"

Yanshu thought, "..."

Could it be...

She was also poisoned, so she reacted to the Bai Zhuo incense in the hall?

Then Yuwen Lan ordered again, "The county lord is unwell too? Then please examine her as well."

Dr. Jiang complied and went to check the Ankang county lord's pulse.

After a moment, he concluded, "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, both the Grand Princess and the county lord have been poisoned, and it seems to be the same poison."

"What?"

Everyone in the hall was shocked.

After the initial shock, the Empress Dowager was the first to react, saying, "Didn't they both visit that... Ruyi Brothel? Your Majesty, could there be a problem with that place!"

Yuwen Lan nodded, "Mother is right. It seems that establishment is the most suspicious."

He then ordered, "Come, immediately investigate the Ruyi Brothel on Yang Lou Street thoroughly, leave no corner unchecked."

Someone outside the hall immediately responded, and quickly dispatched the Imperial Guard to raid the Ruyi Brothel.

Seeing this, Yanshu felt relieved but also puzzled —

She couldn't help but feel that today's events seemed a bit too coincidental.

— Both the Grand Princess and Ankang county lord had been given the Love-Inducing Powder, and the hall just happened to be burning Bai Zhuo incense?

The Ankang county lord had just arrived at the Ruyi Brothel when Yao Junliang followed...

Come to think of it, who exactly informed Yao Junliang?

Could it have been... the Emperor?

She looked up at him, only to see him seriously asking Dr. Jiang, "How are the Grand Princess and county lord? Is the poison easy to cure?"

...He showed no signs of anything unusual.

However, Yanshu thought of something else.

Since everyone was here, why not have Dr. Jiang examine Yao Junliang as well?

Yuwen Lan thought, "..."

She certainly worries about a lot.