With these words, Emperor Ximing and the others all stared at Chen Pu.
Yesterday in the imperial prison, before leaving, General Qin spoke a few words to this humble official. After returning home, I thought for a long time and finally decided to heed General Qin’s advice. So today, I specifically brought good wine and gifts to visit General Qin, but who would have known…”
Chen Pu sighed, his gaze suddenly turning to Qin Muyue, “The words General Qin spoke to me yesterday, Chen Wang Princess should also know.”
After Chen Pu finished speaking, everyone’s gaze shifted to Qin Muyue.
Qin Muyue thought back and recalled that indeed, before leaving yesterday, she had advised Chen Pu to be more adaptable to circumstances. His current statement seemed to have no flaws.
However, she still felt something was suspicious.
After Chen Pu cleared himself of suspicion, he turned to the carriage driver from the General’s mansion, “Before General Qin went out today, was anyone accompanying him in the carriage?”
The kneeling driver immediately shook his head, “This humble one personally helped the master into the carriage. At that time, only the master was in the carriage.”
“Did anyone board during the journey?” Chen Pu asked again.
…
…
“No. After the master entered the palace, I guarded the carriage the entire time and never left. I don’t know why a person suddenly appeared in the carriage out of nowhere.” The driver finished speaking and lowered his head even further.
Hearing this, Emperor Ximing cast a sidelong glance at Rong Min, with thoughts churning in his mind.
Logically, Rong Min had no motive to kill Qin Feng, but now all the evidence pointed to Rong Min. Could it be that Rong Min harbored hatred and killed him?
But where would his hatred for Qin Feng come from?
This didn’t seem to make sense.
Moreover, he didn’t want to condemn Rong Min. He still needed to rely on him to take Eastern Lin’s throne and form an alliance with his Western Yuan.
Chu Qing, who hadn’t spoken much, walked to General Qin’s body, crouched down, and stared at his wounds for a long time.
Soon, his eyes gradually narrowed.
What excellent archery!
Not only had someone eliminated Qin Feng without anyone knowing, but the visible wound also appeared to have been inflicted at close range.
It seemed the person behind this was determined to make Rong Min take the blame.
Rong Min had always been proud. Today in the Court of Judicial Review, being suspected of killing General Qin made him increasingly angry. Initially, he could hold back and remain silent, but after the carriage driver’s words, he immediately became furious.
“If this prince wanted to kill someone, would I need to come to your Western Yuan?” Rong Min said angrily, also glancing at Emperor Ximing on the main seat. No wonder even his old man stood with Yun Guangyao; Western Yuan’s emperor was truly mediocre and brainless!
With that, Rong Min swept his sleeve and snorted heavily, “This prince will no longer participate in today’s farce!”
After speaking, he strode away.
Chen Pu rose to call for someone to stop him, but was restrained by Emperor Ximing’s hand. After Rong Min’s figure disappeared, Emperor Ximing looked toward Qin Muyue, “Muyue, arrange Minister Qin’s funeral matters first. If you need anything, feel free to ask me.”
Hearing these words, Qin Muyue’s tears, which had just been contained, suddenly surged forth again.
…
“What? Old rascal Qin is dead?”
In Prince Ning’s mansion, Mu Yunjin, who had just awakened from sleep, heard this explosive news from Jiang Qingxue.
“Yes, it’s said that even the Court of Judicial Review couldn’t find any clues. Now Emperor Ximing has allowed the Qin family to take back the body to arrange the funeral,” Jiang Qingxue mentioned this with great satisfaction in her heart. She remembered how this old rascal had worked with Qiuye to trick Mu Yunjin into the Ice Cavern.
“Hahaha, really?! Is there such news? That old rascal just died like that?” Mu Yunjin processed this fact and immediately burst into laughter.
Jiang Qingxue nodded with a smile, “It’s truly karma!”
“But why do I feel like this has something to do with that person outside?” Mu Yunjin pointed toward the door. Eliminating old rascal Qin without leaving any traces seemed very much like Chu Li’s style.
“That’s unknown. You can ask him tonight,” Jiang Qingxue smiled.
Mu Yunjin shrugged, “I think I won’t ask. I’ll just pretend I don’t know. He must have his reasons for doing this.”
“That’s right. Now you just need to focus on recovering. Don’t rush to worry about these things,” Jiang Qingxue said.
Mu Yunjin nodded in agreement.
After chatting for a long time, the door was opened by someone. Zixiang and a young maid each carried many dishes as they entered.
“Miss, Mrs. Qing, it’s time for dinner.”
“Alright, I’m coming,” Mu Yunjin got out of bed and walked slowly toward the round table.
After sitting down, Mu Yunjin looked at Zixiang, “Where is Chu Li?”
“His Highness is discussing matters with Master Huang Yan in the study,” Zixiang answered.
Mu Yunjin made a sound of acknowledgment, picked up her chopsticks, and began to eat leisurely. Perhaps because she had learned of General Qin’s death, Mu Yunjin’s appetite was particularly good today.
“By the way, Miss, the mansion just received a letter from the Third Madam and Fifth Miss,” Zixiang handed a letter to Mu Yunjin.
Mu Yunjin raised an eyebrow. Luo Ningyu and Mu Xiarou?
It had been a long time since she had thought of them…
Opening the letter, Mu Yunjin read it carefully. Seeing that the mother and daughter mentioned they were now living freely and happily together, Mu Yunjin felt relieved.
…
Mu Yunjin had slept for a long time during the day, so now as bedtime approached, she didn’t feel sleepy at all.
Jiang Qingxue and Zixiang had already left, leaving her alone in the room.
Mu Yunjin leaned against the headboard, idly flipping through the Xuanling True Scripture in her hands, waiting for Chu Li’s return.
It wasn’t until nearly midnight that Chu Li came in from outside. Seeing Mu Yunjin sitting on the bed, he showed some surprise, “You’re not asleep yet?”
“No, I was waiting for you,” Mu Yunjin smiled at Chu Li and put away the Xuanling True Scripture.
Chu Li glanced at her, then began to change his clothes, preparing to bathe.
Mu Yunjin lay on her side, propping up her head, and remembered something, “Old rascal Qin is dead. Should we go pay our respects?”
“Mm,” Chu Li nodded.
Suddenly, he added, “You don’t need to go.”
“Wouldn’t that be inappropriate?” Although they had long been at odds with the Qin family, having only one person from the household attend seemed improper and could invite criticism.
Especially since old rascal Qin was seen as a founding minister in the eyes of the common people.
“Someone will go in your place,” Chu Li said, looking at her.
“Are you sure someone can replace me?” Mu Yunjin raised an eyebrow. Chu Li knew the Thousand Faces illusion technique, so finding someone to transform into her appearance wasn’t difficult, but could anyone imitate her demeanor and gestures?
Hearing this, Chu Li couldn’t help but want to smile, “So confident?”
“Of course!” Mu Yunjin raised her eyebrows.
“Your mother has already discussed the condolence visit with this prince. Tomorrow she will go in your place,” Chu Li said.
Mu Yunjin was startled, her eyes showing surprise. Her mother’s form and posture were similar to hers, so substituting for her seemed quite suitable.
While she was lost in thought, Chu Li had already entered the small hot spring pool.
By the time Chu Li returned to the room, Mu Yunjin had moved to her sleeping position, leaving half the bed empty for Chu Li.
Chu Li approached and lay down beside her.
Mu Yunjin looked at Chu Li, wanting to talk with him, but seeing the weariness that was difficult to hide in his features, she pursed her lips and decided not to disturb him.
Chu Li had grown accustomed to hearing her voice frequently these past few days, so now with Mu Yunjin being so quiet, he couldn’t help but give her a puzzled glance.
Mu Yunjin’s gaze met Chu Li’s, and her pupils contracted, “Why are you looking at me?”
“You…” Chu Li looked at her, suddenly not knowing what to say.
Was he supposed to say, Why are you so quiet today? Won’t you talk to this prince?
If he said that, this woman would probably laugh at him again.
“It’s nothing, sleep,” Chu Li struggled with himself for a moment, but finally just gently patted her shoulder and spoke softly.
Mu Yunjin pouted and nodded, not saying much.
In the darkness, Mu Yunjin lay flat, still wide awake. She soon heard Chu Li’s soft breathing. She took a breath and moved closer to him.
Chu Li, sensing someone approaching in his sleep, instinctively reached out and held Mu Yunjin in his arms, his chin resting on her head, embracing her gently.
This natural reaction from Chu Li made Mu Yunjin’s heart flutter sweetly. She raised her head, pushed her luck, and kissed Chu Li’s lips, then quickly moved away, smiling contentedly.
Soon, drowsiness overtook Mu Yunjin, and she gradually fell asleep.
…
Early the next morning.
Mu Yunjin and Chu Li sat in the room having breakfast, enjoying a rare moment of leisure and tranquility.
“Your Highness, Qingmeng is here,” Ding Xian knocked on the door outside.
“Let her in.”
Qingmeng pushed open the door with a cloth bundle on her back. After entering, she first bowed to the two of them, then looked at Mu Yunjin, “The Princess’s complexion looks much better.”
“Examine me, please. Lying in bed resting every day, I feel like I’m suffocating.” Mu Yunjin extended her wrist voluntarily.
Qingmeng smiled and placed her hand on Mu Yunjin’s wrist, quietly taking her pulse.
Beside them, Chu Li’s gaze also fell on Mu Yunjin’s wrist, his brow slightly furrowed.
A moment later, Qingmeng withdrew her hand and smiled, “Your body is recovering well. You can get out of bed, but don’t walk around for too long. It’s best to just walk around the garden of the Prince’s mansion.”
“Can I stop drinking that medicinal soup you gave me?” Mu Yunjin thought of the bitter, foul-smelling pregnancy-stabilizing medicine and felt nauseated.
Qingmeng shook her head, “You still need to take it three times a day. Your body is weak, and drinking more will only benefit you.”
“Alright…” Mu Yunjin flattened her mouth, though she was already thanking heaven and earth that she could now go outside for walks.
“By the way, how is City Lord Xu doing?” Mu Yunjin remembered Xu Heyu.
Qingmeng smiled, “The toxins have been completely removed, and new blood has been created. His life has been saved.”
“That’s wonderful. He and Sister Xinyao can finally be together,” Mu Yunjin’s face couldn’t hide her joy.
“Yes, they have become a couple, but another pair seems to have some troubles…” Qingmeng said.
Mu Yunjin frowned, “Another pair? Who?”
“That would be Huang Yan. I originally thought his interest in Miss Huaying was just a passing fancy, but in the past few days, it seems he’s getting serious…”
