Upon hearing those words, Ye Zhengxiong nodded slowly.

“The other noble daughters have already become imperial consorts or princesses. If Xue’er can be betrothed to the young prince, it would indeed strengthen the bond between the Ye family and the royal house.”

Qin Lan’s smile was poised and gentle. “And what of Ye Qingge, my lord? How should she be handled?”

Ye Zhengxiong’s brow furrowed deeply. Merely hearing that name made his chest tighten with irritation.

“That girl—ever since the Grand Elder began doting on her, no one dares lay a finger on her. But even now, she dares openly defy me. When the Grand Elder returns, won’t she become utterly lawless?”

Qin Lan’s lips curved, a delicate red gleam flickering across her face from the lantern light.

“That in itself is nothing to fear,” she said softly, her tone smooth as silk. “But the key is this—”

Her voice dropped lower, a serpent’s whisper.

“When the Grand Elder emerges from seclusion, his strength will have grown immensely. The empire will celebrate his return, and his status will be unshakable. If Ye Qingge goes before him and accuses you... tell me, my lord, will you still hold your position as head of the family?”

Ye Zhengxiong’s eyes darkened. “Then what do you suggest?”

A slow, venomous smile bloomed across Qin Lan’s lips.

“Root and branch… must all be cut.”

Her eyes shimmered like still water—deep, cold, and poisonous. For an instant, that deadly glint flared like a blade before vanishing again behind her demure expression.

The next morning, the Emperor of Northern Yue was in a towering rage.

Ministers trembled in the throne hall, the vast empire seemingly shadowed beneath his fury.

Rumor had it that after court, the Emperor had summoned Ye Zhengxiong into the imperial study—and before the man could speak, the Emperor had hurled a stack of memorials straight at his face.

Meanwhile, in the quiet Fengyue Pavilion, Ye Qingge sat before a small table, staring at the feast the kitchen had sent her.

“Normally,” she muttered, “they either give me leftovers or spoiled food. But today—roasted duck, braised pork, and fresh wine? They must really think I’m an idiot.”

Curled in her lap was a red-furred cat-fox, its tail flicking lazily. It cast a disdainful glance at the dishes and rolled its eyes in a strikingly human gesture.

“Anyone with half a brain can see it’s poisoned,” the little beast snorted. “Whoever set this up must be spectacularly stupid.”

Qingge leaned back in her chair, eyes half-closed, voice a lazy purr.

“Tell me, little Yueyue, who do you think laced the poison?”

The cat-fox’s fur puffed instantly. It leapt to its feet. “Call me Master, woman!”

Qingge smirked, unimpressed. With one swift motion, she smacked the creature’s rear, knocking it back onto her lap. Had she looked closer, she might have noticed the faint blush coloring its furry cheeks.

“Jump again,” she warned sweetly, “and I’ll pluck every strand of fur off you, pose you prettily, and toss you into the pigpen—all those sows have been dosed with aphrodisiac, you know.”

Her eyes gleamed with mischief.

Just the image alone made the little beast shiver, its fur standing on end.

He curled back into a small, trembling ball, muttering curses under his breath that would have shamed eighteen generations of her ancestors.

“Anyway,” Qingge said calmly, tapping her chin, “if I’m not mistaken, the poison came from Qin Lan.”

The fox blinked. “Why do you think so?”

For once, its tone was serious—though, given its chubby size, it only looked more absurdly cute.

Qingge chuckled softly.

“I’ve dealt with Ye Qingqing for years. She’s cruel, yes, but she prefers to torment people to death rather than let them die quickly. The poison in this food is instant—eat it and you’re gone within moments. That’s not her style.”

“Qin Lan, though…” Her eyes narrowed. “She’s the sort who hides a dagger behind a smile.”

The cat-fox nodded solemnly. Just then, a soft knock came at the door, followed by a girl’s timid voice.

“Third Miss, have you finished your meal?”

Among the Ye household, it was customary for maids to collect the dishes once a young lady had eaten.