“Your Highness, who do you think poisoned the heir of Prince Ji?”
Upon returning to the Ning Prince’s residence, Song Ziqian noticed the calm and composed expression on the prince’s face. Recalling the news he had heard earlier at the marquis’s residence, he couldn’t suppress his curiosity and asked.
“I don’t know. Perhaps it was a hidden enemy, or maybe someone he offended. Why do you ask so suddenly?”
Seeing Song Ziqian’s inquisitive look, the Ning Prince turned with a faint smile and asked in return, unable to resist his curiosity.
“Your Highness, we are one and the same, and I know your thoughts well. In the entire court, everyone knows the emperor has the support of Prince Ji’s heir and his faction, along with the officials around the empress. For Your Highness to regain footing in the court, Prince Ji’s heir is not a favorable piece on the board, don’t you think?”
Observing the prince’s usual composed demeanor, Song Ziqian thought to himself, *This man always appears so mild and refined, yet that very demeanor makes him even harder to deal with.* Compared to the flamboyant heir of Prince Ji, who was at least openly aggressive, the Ning Prince was far more inscrutable.
Knowing his friend’s thoughts as well as his own, Song Ziqian cautiously lowered his voice and sought the prince’s opinion.
“Don’t mistake his arrogance for foolishness. He may be flamboyant, but he’s also sharp-minded. Given his nature, how do you think he’d react if he realized he was being used as a pawn? Moreover, someone like him, who stands independently, isn’t so easily controlled. It’s best to let things unfold naturally.”
The Ning Prince glanced back at him with a calm response, his assessment of Leng Mingye remarkably astute.
“True, but I sense his relationship with Miss Mu isn’t simple. Your Highness, don’t you feel any sense of crisis?”
The prince’s reminder made Song Ziqian nod thoughtfully. Aside from Qingfeng and his brother, no one else knew about the connection between Wanqing and the prince. Thinking of another person, Song Ziqian couldn’t help but cautiously warn him.
“Oh? Their relationship isn’t simple? You’ve noticed that already?”
Hearing this, the Ning Prince raised an eyebrow in amusement, thinking of his own ties to Wanqing. He didn’t reveal anything, merely asking with a faint smile.
“Indeed. Though their interactions seem tense—even hostile on Miss Mu’s part—I saw the heir’s expression clearly. His feelings for her are far from simple. A man as arrogant as him, publicly slighted yet showing no anger—doesn’t that speak volumes?”
The Ning Prince’s unreadable expression frustrated Song Ziqian. *Couldn’t he be a little less enigmatic?* Even an outsider like himself could see it—how could the prince not sense any danger?
Despite the prince’s calm facade, Song Ziqian couldn’t help but voice his concerns, pressing further.
“I haven’t given it much thought. Do you think Miss Mu and I would make a good match?”
The Ning Prince chuckled lightly at his words. Seeing Song Ziqian’s obvious dissatisfaction with his response, he couldn’t resist teasing him.
“Miss Mu is extraordinary, though I don’t know her well. Her medical skills alone would be a great asset to our cause, wouldn’t they? And I’ve noticed how differently you treat her—and how she calls you ‘brother’ so affectionately. Doesn’t that mean something?”
The prince’s indifferent demeanor made Song Ziqian feel like he was talking to a brick wall. *Why am I even bothering?* But considering their long-standing friendship, he pressed on earnestly.
“Really? I hadn’t noticed. I do like the girl, but matters of the heart are unpredictable. Besides, with our greater goal still unfulfilled, isn’t it premature to discuss such things? Enough of this—have you uncovered anything about the matter I asked you to investigate?”
Song Ziqian’s exaggerated concern drew another laugh from the prince. Though he genuinely cherished his sister, he avoided direct acknowledgment, instead steering the conversation back to business.
“It took considerable effort, but I’ve learned something. Regarding the late Consort Hui’s case, there’s an old palace maid—the only surviving attendant who served her. I’ve even located her residence. However, since the incident, she’s reportedly lost her mind, unrecognizable even to her family. She alternates between weeping and laughing, muttering about the consort incessantly. Your Highness, why seek her out? Could there be something suspicious about the consort’s death?”
Proud of his investigative skills, Song Ziqian shared his findings. Noticing the prince’s grave expression, he couldn’t help but ask quietly.
“Don’t speculate. I merely have doubts. Where is she? Take me to her at once…”
The prince glanced around cautiously before replying in a hushed tone.
“Very well. Let’s hope it’s just a coincidence.”
Though uncertain of the prince’s intentions, Song Ziqian recognized the gravity in his demeanor. The emperor, though pleased with the prince’s recovery, no longer trusted or favored him as before, assigning him only nominal duties. The once-close father-son relationship had deteriorated, and the prince’s sudden resurgence hinted at deeper undercurrents.
With rare solemnity, Song Ziqian shrugged and nodded, leading the prince and his attendant Qingfeng away.
Time passed quietly, and two more days slipped by unnoticed.
Thanks to her own medicine and the diligent care of Honglian and the other maids—who secretly channeled their inner energy to heal her while she slept—Wanqing could now walk without difficulty. At a moderate pace, no one would guess she had been injured.
“Enough, all of you. My recovery has been unusually swift. Tell me, what else have you done besides administering my medicine?”
Though pleased with her progress and confident in her skills, Wanqing knew her injuries shouldn’t have healed so quickly with just her treatments. The discrepancy puzzled her.
That morning, after breakfast, she noticed the girls still hovering around her protectively, aside from Wanchun and the others gathering herbs. Touched by their devotion, she sat down and asked them directly.
“Nothing at all, Miss. Your quick recovery must be due to your strong constitution…” Honglian replied with a light laugh, feigning innocence. The others quickly nodded in agreement.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage