That night.
Shen Yinning picked at the dinner sent by the prison guard, eating only a few bites. Suddenly, Cui Ji came to visit.
"I wanted to come during the day, but I was afraid of drawing attention and causing you trouble, so I waited until now." He took out a lotus leaf-wrapped pastry from his sleeve. "Don't worry, the Crown Prince won't learn about tonight's meeting. While you were away from the Capital for those two months, I made connections with many people here. Now, some are willing to work for me."
Shen Yinning understood all too well; he was afraid that if Lu Ying found out about their private meeting, she would get angry and punish her later.
She glanced at the strand of gray hair at Cui Ji's temple and took a bite of the pastry he brought. "Shen Xinglei isn't dead yet, is he?"
Cui Ji nodded. "Not yet. Are you worried that him being alive might pose a threat to you?"
The freshly baked pastry crumbled at each bite, the air fragrant with the rich scent of sesame.
