“Qing’er, what on earth is going on here?”
Mu Zhenfeng hadn’t expected such a turn of events. Though helpless, he watched as the Prince of Ning and others approached Wanqing, stepping forward with a puzzled and suspicious expression to inquire.
“Qing’er, as your elder brother, I believe in you.”
Just as he arrived, the Prince of Ning and his entourage also reached them. Faced with the current situation, he looked at her with full trust in his eyes.
“Thank you. Since the Grand Princess wishes to investigate the evidence, let them do so. A clear conscience fears no accusation.”
Hearing that the Grand Princess had summoned imperial physicians and the Capital Prefect to search for evidence on the spot, Wanqing felt genuinely grateful for the Prince of Ning’s reassurance. She spoke calmly and waited composedly.
“Very well, let the Grand Princess uncover the truth. When the time comes, I hope Father won’t show favoritism.” Mu Wanxia gave a cold smile at her reaction. Based on her knowledge of the poison, by this time, Liu Cui’er should have already succumbed. Judging by the expressions of those around, it seemed the girl was dead, leaving Mu Wanqing with no chance of redemption.
“Cui’er, my Cui’er! My daughter may be mischievous at times, but she would never be so reckless as to cause a life-threatening incident at the Grand Princess’s birthday banquet. Therefore, I implore the Grand Princess to uphold justice for me. Cui’er, my poor child…”
Upon hearing this, Minister Liu, tears streaming down his face, cradled his daughter’s lifeless body, his expression filled with grief. Raising his head, he looked pleadingly at the Grand Princess and her entourage, begging for her intervention.
“Minister Liu, please accept my condolences. Today, I will personally investigate this matter and ensure justice is served for you and your family.”
Witnessing Minister Liu’s anguish and the lifeless, pallid face of Liu Cui’er in his arms, the Grand Princess, though unclear about the details of the altercation among these young women, offered him comfort. She then stood with the others, awaiting further developments.
Soon, the Capital Prefect arrived, accompanied by several renowned imperial physicians from the palace.
“Imperial Grandmother…”
Wu Qingyang observed the scene—Mu Wanxia’s aggressive demeanor contrasted sharply with Mu Wanqing’s calm and composed expression. Recalling what Wanqing had previously confided in her, she couldn’t help but believe her words.
The depth of Mu Wanxia’s hatred and the lengths she would go to harm her own sister left Wu Qingyang astonished. For some reason, she felt an inexplicable worry for Wanqing, realizing that her own naivety and impulsiveness had been exploited, even leading to Cui’er’s death.
Though Mu Wanxia’s actions had inadvertently removed a thorn from her side, Wu Qingyang found herself inexplicably concerned for Wanqing’s predicament—after all, it was her own recklessness that had contributed to this outcome.
Moreover, given everything she had done to Wanqing, she was certain Wanqing was aware of it. Yet, Wanqing had only issued a warning. As for Cui’er, there had been no direct conflict between her and Wanqing, yet now she was dead. This only reinforced Wu Qingyang’s belief in Wanqing’s earlier claims.
“Whoever dares to cause trouble at my birthday banquet will face my full wrath.”
Noticing her granddaughter’s unusually guilty glance, the Grand Princess cast a sharp look at Mu Wanxia, who was aggressively accusing her own sister and even warning their father against favoritism. A strange feeling stirred in her heart.
She observed the Prince of Ning and other young men gathering around Mu Wanqing, who remained composed, showing no signs of guilt or nervousness—only calmness.
Unable to discern the truth amid the chaos, the Grand Princess coolly addressed the crowd.
When the Capital Prefect and the physicians finished their examination and approached her, the Grand Princess inquired, “Well?”
“Your Highness, Prince of Ning, we have examined the body. Miss Liu was indeed poisoned, and by a rare toxin known as ‘Light Smoke Wolf.'”
After exchanging glances, the most senior physician stepped forward to report.
“Light Smoke Wolf? What kind of poison is that?”
The bizarre name left the Grand Princess and the others perplexed.
“Yes, it is indeed this poison,” the physicians confirmed.
“Your Highness, the circumstances of the case are as follows…”
The Capital Prefect then stepped forward, recounting the events, which aligned perfectly with Wanqing’s earlier account.
“I see. Capital Prefect, what is your take on this ‘Light Smoke Wolf’ poison?”
After listening, the Grand Princess turned to him for his opinion.
“This…” The Capital Prefect hesitated, visibly troubled.
“It seems we won’t uncover the truth without a thorough investigation. Guards, search everyone present. I refuse to believe a murder in my own residence could leave no trace.”
With an air of authority, the Grand Princess ordered an on-the-spot search of all attendees.
“Your Highness, if I may… Searching everyone here would cause unnecessary panic. I urge you to reconsider…”
The Prince of Ning stepped forward, offering his counsel.
“Indeed, Your Highness. Moreover, Miss Liu met her end here, and the number of guests is considerable. How do you propose to conduct such an extensive search?”
Following the Prince of Ning’s words, a familiar voice rang out from the crowd. A striking figure, accompanied by two men—one clad in black, the other in white—stepped forward. The newcomer spoke meaningfully, his gaze lingering on the Wanqing and Wanxia sisters beside Minister Liu.
“Ah, Ye’er has arrived. What do you suggest, then?”
The Grand Princess turned to him, seeking his opinion, as well as that of the Prince of Ning and his entourage, who held significant influence.
Among those present, aside from the Prince of Ning, Sun Fengyu and Leng Mingye held the highest status.
His sudden appearance drew the attention of Sun Fengyu and the Prince of Ning, both of whom turned to look at him. Even Wanqing regarded him with curiosity, wondering what game he was playing.
“The solution is simple, Aunt. Just search the two sisters to see who carries the poison. There’s no need to disrupt the entire gathering.”
Meeting Wanqing’s puzzled gaze, Leng Mingye smiled faintly before addressing the Grand Princess.
“Your Highness, this is highly inappropriate! Searching only the two sisters among so many present would be… I beg you to reconsider.”
Sun Fengyu, though equally incredulous, couldn’t ignore the venomous hatred in Mu Wanxia’s eyes whenever she looked at Wanqing. He remembered her as gentle, kind, and understanding—until he had repeatedly explained his unyielding circumstances and unchanging heart. Yet, she had transformed into someone who would harm her own sister to eliminate rivals.
As his admiration for the woman beside him grew, Sun Fengyu found Leng Mingye’s proposal troubling and voiced his concerns to the Grand Princess.
“Sun Fengyu, you overthink things. As the saying goes, ‘A clear conscience fears no accusation.’ If Miss Mu is innocent, a search would only dispel suspicion. Isn’t that right, Miss Mu?”
Leng Mingye chuckled lightly at Sun Fengyu’s protest. Noticing the exchanged glances of reassurance between Wanqing and the Prince of Ning, and even Sun Fengyu standing by her side, he felt an unexpected shift in his initial intention to help her. Instead, he smirked at Sun Fengyu before turning to Wanqing, his eyes conveying a silent promise: *Yield to me, and I’ll ensure justice is served.*
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