Currently, there were roughly two focal points of contention. First was whether the disappearance of the bride-to-be had any connection with the Wei envoy. At present, Princess Hanyu still hadn’t made an appearance, and confined to their guest house, they didn’t know if the King and Mo Tizhun had found the princess yet.
Feng Miao Jun had an inexplicable certainty in her heart: it wouldn’t be that easy, if this matter was truly related to Yun Ya.
So, temporarily assuming that Princess Hanyu’s disappearance was connected to the Wei Kingdom—given the tense standoff between Wei and the Kingdom, the King probably thought so too, otherwise he wouldn’t have summoned the Wei envoy to the palace—now that the Wei envoy had also met with misfortune, a foreign diplomat visiting the Kingdom and suddenly dying, especially after “visiting” the royal palace, the Kingdom would need to explain.
Yun Ya finally perked up and quickly finished the spicy soup and scallion pancakes in a few bites. Feng Miao Jun watched from the side, observing his brisk and efficient movements, which matched Chi Zhe’s character but was completely different from Yun Ya’s usual leisurely elegance. If she weren’t by his side, she would never have associated this man with Yun Ya.
Even at such a moment, he could maintain the details so thoroughly—his thoughtfulness was terrifyingly meticulous.
After dismissing the deputy envoy, he turned to Feng Miao Jun: “What do you think? How will the Kingdom wrap this up?”
Feng Miao Jun had been pondering this question too. After a long while, she speculated: “Could they copy Yan Kingdom’s trick and claim that the Wei envoy was assassinated by someone from another country and that they’re searching for the culprit? After all, Wei Kingdom has enemies everywhere, and it wouldn’t be surprising if someone came to the Kingdom to chop up Qi Tian Xing.”
Yun Ya smiled: “Can they clear themselves of suspicion?”
Feng Miao Jun thought for a good while before shaking her head: “No, they can’t. That trick already failed when Yan Kingdom used it. Besides, with envoys from various countries gathered in the Kingdom’s capital, all being politically astute, it wouldn’t be wise to attempt such an evasion. In that case, only one option remains—”
“Catch the culprit and find a way to appease Wei Kingdom’s impending wrath.”
Yun Ya took a sip of clear tea: “Have you guessed who the culprit is?”
“I can’t guess.” While she had previously believed that Princess Hanyu’s disappearance was connected to Yun Ya, after the Wei envoy’s sudden death, she was no longer certain.
Who killed the Wei envoy? The entire city of Yin Zi wanted to know this answer, including the King.
Feng Miao Jun stood by the window, leaning on the railing and looking into the distance. She had once thought this city was ancient and vibrant, but now it seemed filled with suspense and suspicion.
There was a commotion in the street as a troop of soldiers in distinctive armor hurriedly passed through the market, heading toward the royal palace. She recognized the man leading them—it was Xu Lin.
At this moment, Xu Lin’s face was solemn, with a look of being deeply troubled.
Seeing him like this, Feng Miao Jun couldn’t help but smile.
Yun Ya noticed her smile, peeked out at the street, and also saw Xu Lin. The corner of his mouth curved upward: “Xu Lin is truly in a desperate situation now.”
“Isn’t he?” Feng Miao Jun’s mood suddenly improved. The entire city’s security inspection was under the responsibility of the City Military Guard. As the head of the City Military Guard, Xu Lin’s task was already heavy, and now he had to deal with the sudden death of the Wei envoy. Tsk tsk, originally the apprehension of suspects was within his jurisdiction, not to mention that the death of the Wei envoy had some connection to his City Military Guard:
Before Qi Tian Xing’s death, his subordinates had wanted to seek medical help but were blocked by the City Military Guard.
Although the City Military Guard was performing its official duty when connected to the Wei envoy’s sudden death, who could say there wasn’t a causal relationship? After all, that guest house had been cleared out, leaving only the Wei Kingdom delegation living there, and the City Military Guard had surrounded the guest house, preventing anyone else from entering or leaving.
At least that was how it appeared on the surface.
So, was the death of the Wei envoy related to the City Military Guard or not?
This added another variable to the already confusing situation.
But as an outsider watching the drama, Feng Miao Jun had another reason to be happy: with Xu Lin trapped in such a precarious situation, there was a ninety-nine percent chance he no longer had any interest in her foster mother, Mrs. Xu.
Mrs. Xu and the Feng family shop were safe and no longer in urgent need to evacuate from Yin Zi City.
Such a relocation was like cutting off limbs, resulting in enormous losses. If they could prepare thoroughly before leaving, that would be ideal.
“Let’s wait and see. Perhaps the truth will come to light soon,” Yun Ya smiled. “I have a feeling this matter isn’t over yet.”
Yin Zi City remained in a state of tension for two days.
Princess Hanyu still hadn’t surfaced, and the murderer of the Wei envoy was still at large. Xu Lin had reached the lowest point in his life: the conflict between Wei envoy Qi Tian Xing and the City Military Guard, followed by the envoy being taken back for questioning, had been reported to the King by someone. Worst of all, several of his subordinates had been overheard discussing the Wei envoy, and someone had testified that these individuals had indeed talked about planning to beat the Wei envoy half to death under the cover of night.
When the King pointed at his nose and berated him, his finger trembled with anger, but he didn’t lose his reason. As Xu Lin had earned his trust over time, the King didn’t immediately convict him. However, those City Military Guard subordinates who had engaged in reckless talk met with great misfortune. They were beaten until their skin split and flesh tore, then thrown into prison, subjected to severe torture day and night, all to extract the identity of their mastermind.
However since Xu Lin had prior grievances with the Wei envoy, the investigation couldn’t be conducted impartially. Furthermore, two precious days had passed since the incident, and there was still no progress in the case. The King was somewhat disappointed and simply removed Xu Lin from his position as Commander of the City Military Guard, giving it to someone else.
Xu Lin was shocked. Despite his fervent promises and pleas, the King refused to retract his order and commanded him to immediately transfer his authority.
In today’s Yin Zi City, even the slightest rustle could trigger the most sensitive nerves. The news that the esteemed Commander of the City Military Guard had suddenly been dismissed spread like wildfire.
Thus, another seven days passed.
East wing of the Kingdom Royal Palace, Lu Ming Palace.
The Crown Prince’s residence, Lu Ming Palace, was the most magnificent building complex in the eastern part of the royal palace. Yesterday was the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, and Yin Zi City finally welcomed its first snow of winter.
It was a rare heavy snowfall with goose feather-like flakes. In just one evening, the snow had accumulated up to the calves. Therefore, from midnight onwards, the palace arranged for servants to take shifts, sweeping snow every two hours to ensure the masters would have clear paths when they rose in the morning.
The next morning everywhere was covered in silver, presenting a different kind of charm.
At the hour of Chen (7-9 am), a maid from Lu Ming Palace arrived at Mingshui Garden. This was the residence of Consort Zhao, the Crown Prince’s most beloved consort, with garden views outside the windows.
However, at this moment, the door was tightly closed.
She looked around and asked the guard at the door: “Has His Highness not risen yet?”
“Not yet.”
The Crown Prince was diligent and usually rose early. But snow days were good for sleeping, and he had spent the night at Consort Zhao’s quarters, so sleeping in a bit longer wasn’t unusual.
So, the maid turned back.
This wait lasted for an hour. The King also found it strange that his eldest son hadn’t appeared or asked for leave.