Let them offer their loyalty!

Upon hearing the conversation between the two women, Princess Xi's expression changed slightly, and she hurriedly pushed Ai Li.

Ai Li noticed this and understood the urgency of the situation, so she quickly descended the stairs in another direction.

As she fled, she occasionally glanced back over her shoulder.

Sure enough, the two maids who had been following Princess Xi all along turned the corner, laughing and chatting as they headed toward the princess's room.

Then Ai Li turned to look at Princess Xi again. Seeing Ai Li successfully descend the stairs, Princess Xi appeared relieved, partially closed the door, and then retreated back into the bedroom...

Witnessing this, Ai Li's gaze flickered slightly.

She quietly walked out of the villa, her mind repeatedly echoing the words Princess Xi had said to her.

The Kou family is plotting rebellion?

Princess Xi is being controlled?

Old Pang is connected to the death of her parents?

These questions, each more shocking than the last, left her mind in a state of disarray.

So much so that even as she walked out of the villa and approached Yanyan and Xue'er, Ai Li still hadn't regained her composure.

As someone who only ever cared about herself, Xue'er assumed Ai Li's state was simply a result of the blow from her parents' matter, and paid little attention.

But the outwardly innocent Yanyan leaned closer to Ai Li without a word and took a subtle sniff.

'A faint scent mixed with the aroma of milk... It's Princess Xi's scent?'

'Princess Xi gave something of hers to Ai Li?'

Thinking this, Yanyan's gaze shifted slightly, and she couldn't help but glance back at the villa.

'…Was tonight's groundwork for Qiu Tu really so effective?'

'Or is the situation in Sixth Sanctuary so complicated and dangerous?'

Given the lack of information, Yanyan couldn't analyze further and could only suppress her doubts for the time being.

The three of them had come to visit Princess Xi, so they naturally hadn't brought any staff along. On the way back, Ai Li drove while Yanyan and Xue'er sat in the rear seats.

Perhaps after spending the whole night chatting with Princess Xi, fatigue was setting in. As soon as the car started moving, Xue'er curled up against Yanyan, found a comfortable position, and fell asleep.

As the vehicle drove along, the scenes outside the window faded into the distance, while inside the car, silence prevailed.

After a few minutes of driving, Ai Li suddenly spoke.

She softly asked, "Yanyan, if… someone told you that a highly respected elder of yours might have issues, what would you think?"

'Damn it, Ai Li is really about to eat snacks solo!'

Although Yanyan's expression remained neutral, her thoughts churned like restless waves.

During tonight's banquet, Yanyan had already noticed Princess Xi's unnatural demeanor and Kou Yu's arrogant and domineering behavior.

Though she couldn't understand the reasons behind it, Yanyan clearly detected the layers of conflict within the envoy group.

Therefore, after Princess Xi had expressed a clear interest in Qiu Tu earlier tonight, Yanyan had deliberately revealed Qiu Tu's strength and capabilities.

Sure enough… Princess Xi took the bait, hoping to use Qiu Tu's power to break the impasse.

As for why Princess Xi would choose not to involve other high-ranking figures from the Eighth Sanctuary, such as Old Pang, Yanyan had two theories.

Either Old Pang's position was too high, and Princess Xi feared losing control, only to invite disaster upon herself.

Or there's a possibility that Old Pang himself posed a problem.

After all, as the leader of the "Academic Faction," Old Pang was likely the Eighth Sanctuary's senior member most closely connected to the Sixth Sanctuary.

Somewhere along the way, he might be intricately intertwined with the Kou family.

Of course, these were just guesses without concrete evidence.

But now… Ai Li's words had confirmed all of Yanyan's suspicions.

She didn't even need to think to deduce that tonight, Ai Li was going to fulfill Princess Xi's request, meet with Qiu Tu, and discuss collaboration details.

Yanyan didn't know whether Qiu Tu would choose to cooperate with Princess Xi. However, she did know that regardless of whether they collaborated or not, Ai Li walking straight into Qiu Tu's arms meant she'd definitely be devoured!

'I'm supposed to be Master's exclusive gold-eating beast!'

'Why is Ai Li the one enjoying all the rewards now?'

Thinking this, Yanyan felt a bit annoyed…

But upon remembering the current focus wasn't Ai Li, but Princess Xi instead, Yanyan suppressed her jealousy and chose to cooperate further.

After all, she believed that as long as she obediently worked to secure benefits for her master, her master would surely reward her.

...

Meanwhile, during Yanyan and Ai Li's conversation...

In Eastern City, Old Pang's temporary residence was welcoming an uninvited guest.

Gazing at the unannounced visitor standing at the door, Old Pang's expression darkened slightly, though he nodded and said, "Lord Kou, please come inside."

After speaking, he turned and headed toward the study on the first floor.

Following behind him was Kou Yu, second in the Kou family, envoy group deputy leader, and Sixth Sanctuary's cabinet minister.

Bringing Kou Yu into the study, Old Pang shut the door firmly.

His face clouded as he poured Kou Yu a cup of water, setting it down heavily on the table, his imposing presence filling the room. "You've crossed the line!"

Faced with Old Pang, one of the Eighth Sanctuary's leaders, Kou Yu showed little respect.

He sat down, crossed his legs, and maintained his arrogant, condescending demeanor.

Casting a sidelong glance at Old Pang, he feigned ignorance and said, "What line? Old Pang, what are you talking about?"

At this, Old Pang let out a cold snort, his face darkening as he spoke in a low tone, "Do you think the little tricks you've been pulling can escape notice?"

"Qiu Tu isn't stupid, and neither are the other senior figures who've come down. Who doesn't see that the Princess has been controlled by you?"