"System, regarding Crown Prince Ji Ye's history of harming numerous innocent women and his dealings with influential families through exchanging account books for mutual benefit—has all of this been arranged?" Gu Shengyin asked.
The System responded, "As per the host's request, all the information has been prepared."
Sure enough, the system was a powerful tool. Gu Shengyin reviewed the information in her mind. These activities were monopolized by the Crown Prince and his followers, and investigating them through conventional means could take years. However, the system merely needed a single scan, and no secrets in this world remained hidden from Gu Shengyin.
"Good," she said, her voice steady. These details were more than enough to bring about the Crown Prince's downfall. His mistreatment of women alone would incite public outrage, while his underhanded dealings with influential families posed a threat to the Emperor's authority. The Emperor, still in his prime, would have no tolerance for such behavior.
Of course, these revelations would need to wait for the perfect moment.
Feeling more at ease, Gu Shengyin thought, Once Ji Ye falls, Jiang Yunshan's life will also unravel. My task will be halfway complete.
As for the other half, her mind drifted to the man she had encountered in the bamboo forest behind the mountains. She could almost catch the faint fragrance of lotus blossoms.
"Miss, are we really going through with this?" Hu Zhu asked nervously, while Lin Liang appeared more excited.
Gu Shengyin smiled at her maidservant, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It's nothing improper. Don't worry, my mother will surely let me go."
She had already swapped her elegant palace attire for simpler clothing suitable for commoners.
Today, Gu Shengyin was heading out for a hunting trip with a group of close friends.
The Tian Qi Dynasty, established on military prowess, valued such activities. Riding and hunting were common pastimes for nobles and even ordinary citizens, and many noblewomen were proficient in these skills.
Ever since the incident at the temple fair, where the original Jiang Lingzhen had taken a fall, Princess Wencheng had restricted her from venturing out alone. In fact, aside from accompanying Princess Wencheng to Qianlong Temple, Gu Shengyin hadn't left the household since arriving in this world.
Although Gu Shengyin, as a "created" being, possessed the system and excelled in skills like music, calligraphy, and painting, she hadn't yet tested many of her abilities. She was genuinely looking forward to the upcoming ride and hunt.
After changing her clothes, Gu Shengyin left her two maidservants behind to handle the "arrangements" for her departure.
Instead of going to Princess Wencheng's chambers, she sought out General Jiang.
Unlike Princess Wencheng, who occasionally disciplined her daughter, General Jiang was far more indulgent.
Sure enough, the combination of tearful eyes, a slight pout of her pink lips, and a sweetly spoken "Father" was enough to utterly disarm the famously stern and unyielding general.
He not only granted her permission to leave but personally escorted her to the gates. After all, he had been the one to teach Jiang Lingzhen how to ride.
As he watched her ride off, the General's fatherly pride was evident in his broad smile. However, his tone turned serious as he addressed one of his trusted guards.
"Follow the Miss closely and ensure her safety at all costs," he ordered.
"Yes, General," the guard replied, disappearing into the shadows to trail his young mistress.
By the time Princess Wencheng learned of her daughter's departure, Gu Shengyin was long gone.
"So, she thought I wouldn't allow it and deliberately left without my knowledge!" Princess Wencheng exclaimed, half-amused, half-annoyed.
She shook her head with a sigh, muttering, "When she returns, I'll make sure to teach her a lesson!"
Yet, her smile betrayed her true feelings.
The older servant woman accompanying her didn't dare voice her thoughts aloud but inwardly noted, Princess, your eyes are practically twinkling with pride.
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