Silence fell within the meditation chamber.

Finally, Chu Li spoke calmly, “Master has her judgment. If Shen Wanning is truly her daughter, it would be a good thing for her to resolve a concern she’s had for many years.”

“Indeed, Murong Rusu has her ability to discern right from wrong. She won’t necessarily break her principles because of someone like Shen Wanning,” Feng Xuandaoren agreed.

After hearing from these two people who were close to Murong Rusu, Imperial Preceptor An had nothing more to say.

“In that case, let’s take it one step at a time,” Imperial Preceptor An added.

The people in the meditation chamber nodded.

Yun Lianqing, who had remained silent all this time, finally spoke after they had mostly finished their discussion, “There’s something the Crown Prince has not yet told you all.”

“What is it?” Mu Yunjin looked toward Yun Lianqing.

“It seems that Chu Qing also has secret agents within the Northern Ming Kingdom,” Yun Lianqing said.

…

…

Upon hearing this, Mu Yunjin’s eyes flickered as she recalled something and turned to Chu Li, “Chu Li, my mother came to see me not long ago. She claimed that the wordless book that revealed your identity had been tampered with, and that her wordless book had always been hidden in a concealed corner of the Northern Ming Kingdom.”

“Later, someone forged a new wordless book, but they made a mistake by using ink scented with osmanthus…”

“However, whether this mistake was intentionally revealed or not is unknown. My mother has already gone to the Northern Ming Kingdom to investigate this matter.”

Mu Yunjin’s words plunged the others into deep thought.

“In the Northern Ming Kingdom, those who could do such things must be people with great power…” Feng Xuandaoren spoke up.

As he finished speaking, he turned his gaze toward Mu Yunjin, “Do you remember anyone in the Northern Ming Kingdom who repeatedly opposed you?”

Hearing this, the first name that came to Mu Yunjin’s mind was, “Empress Yang Qingning?”

Feng Xuandaoren tugged at the corner of his mouth but said nothing.

Mu Yunjin’s eyes flickered, but she too remained silent. This matter was extremely complicated, and without real evidence, it was best not to make wild guesses.

……

They had vegetarian food at Jingxin Garden at noon.

After the meal, Chu Li was dragged off by Master Huaiyuan to play chess. Feng Xuandaoren and Yun Lianqing also followed to watch. Imperial Preceptor An deliberately stayed behind at Jingxin Garden, seemingly wanting to speak with Mu Yunjin alone.

“You have something to say?” Mu Yunjin leaned back in her chair, taking a sip of clear water.

Imperial Preceptor An nodded and said lazily, “A few days ago, after investigating Qiuye and the others, I went to Thorny Cliff. Why have the characters on the cave wall disappeared?”

“…” Mu Yunjin almost choked on her water.

After a pause, she looked at Imperial Preceptor An with suspicion, “You even knew there were words on the wall?”

Imperial Preceptor An stroked his chin, “Don’t forget, I came here fifty years earlier than you. What’s so strange about me knowing there were characters there?”

“Impressive!” Mu Yunjin clasped her hands together in a salute. “I previously called you a charlatan, which truly showed my ignorance and failure to recognize your greatness.”

“It’s good that you know now.” Imperial Preceptor An raised an eyebrow.

Since Imperial Preceptor An had already broached the topic, Mu Yunjin decided to follow along, “The characters mentioned a place called the Heavenly Sacred Continent. Have you done any research on this Heavenly Sacred Continent?”

“No,” Imperial Preceptor An promptly threw out the two words.

“Is that truly no or falsely no?” Mu Yunjin raised her eyebrows, her face full of disbelief.

Hearing this, Imperial Preceptor An extended his hand toward her, “Let me see the Heavenly God’s Command.”

Mu Yunjin took out the Heavenly God’s Command and placed it in Imperial Preceptor An’s palm.

Imperial Preceptor An weighed it in his hand a few times, “Since those characters mentioned that only the Heavenly Sacred Continent has the method to summon the Death Spirit Soldiers, if we want to know whether the Heavenly Sacred Continent exists, the key probably lies within this Heavenly God’s Command.”

“How was this little thing formed?” Mu Yunjin recalled how the Heavenly God’s Command had helped heal the wound on her cheek a few days ago, finding it incredibly miraculous.

“Who knows?” Imperial Preceptor An shrugged.

Mu Yunjin pouted, took back the Heavenly God’s Command, and put it away, “I’m not talking to you anymore. I still need to help Fish Granny hang the red silk.”

“Fish Granny? Fish Ling from Phoenix Feather Pavilion?” Imperial Preceptor An asked.

Mu Yunjin nodded, “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. You go ahead! By the way, Rong Wanyue is still in the secret chamber of Water Cloud Temple. If you have time later, go check on her.” Imperial Preceptor An stood up, preparing to leave.

Mu Yunjin also rose to her feet, “If you want to see her, why don’t you go yourself?”

Imperial Preceptor An paused, turned to look at Mu Yunjin, “Don’t talk nonsense. Who wants to see her? Without her bossing me around these days, my life has been so much more comfortable!”

“If you don’t want to go yourself, why ask me to go?” Mu Yunjin raised an eyebrow.

“…” Imperial Preceptor An couldn’t respond.

……

After leaving Jingxin Garden, Mu Yunjin ultimately decided to go to the secret chamber first.

Having entered the secret area with ease, Mu Yunjin knocked on the door of the secret chamber, waiting for a response from inside.

For a long time, no one opened the door.

Mu Yunjin stood at the entrance, patiently knocking again. This time, soft footsteps were heard from inside.

Soon, the iron door was opened.

Mu Yunjin pushed open the door and walked in. As soon as she entered, she saw the person standing at the door and tugged at the corner of her mouth.

“It’s you…” Consort Rong wore only a thin light garment. Her face was haggard, and after glancing at Mu Yunjin, she lowered her eyes, her voice hoarse and aged.

Mu Yunjin examined Consort Rong, noticing she seemed much thinner than before. She pressed her lips together, “Are you feeling unwell?”

“It’s nothing, just a bit of a cold from the chilly weather.” Consort Rong said as she walked toward the small chamber.

Mu Yunjin followed her into the small room. Upon entering, the entire room was filled with the smell of medicinal herbs. Following the source of the scent, she saw a basket on the table filled with freshly gathered herbs.

“Cough, cough, cough.” After entering the room, Consort Rong coughed several times, casually picking up two pieces of herb and putting them in her mouth to chew.

Watching this scene, Mu Yunjin was slightly shocked, “Have you had a doctor examine you?”

“Yes, I have.” Consort Rong sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard, looking at Mu Yunjin, “Why did you suddenly come here today?”

“I was passing by, so I came to check on you.” Mu Yunjin stood at the doorway, looking at Consort Rong.

Consort Rong nodded, lowering her eyes slightly, and asked gently, “Has Li’er come as well?”

“Yes, he’s at the meditation hall.” Mu Yunjin replied.

“Is that so…” Consort Rong sighed softly, lowering her head so that her expression couldn’t be seen.

Mu Yunjin looked at Consort Rong, vaguely feeling that her mood was not right. Her gaze swept around the room, finally landing on a blood-stained handkerchief beside Consort Rong’s bed.

Mu Yunjin narrowed her eyes and instinctively looked at the herbs in the basket.

“Mu’er, don’t tell anyone about my illness.” Consort Rong looked up, noticing Mu Yunjin looking at the herbs, and spoke softly.

Mu Yunjin pressed her lips together, not responding.

“Cough, cough, cough…”

“Cough, cough…”

At this moment, Consort Rong started coughing again, seemingly in great discomfort. Her face grew increasingly pale, and finally, unable to hold back, she picked up the handkerchief beside her and coughed into it.

When she removed the handkerchief, Mu Yunjin saw the traces of blood on Consort Rong’s lips.

Seeing this, Mu Yunjin turned and left Consort Rong’s room without hesitation, walking out of the secret chamber.

After leaving the secret chamber, Mu Yunjin’s heart still felt heavy.

Clenching her fists, she lowered her eyes and thought for a moment before walking toward the meditation hall.

Upon reaching the entrance of the meditation hall, Mu Yunjin didn’t enter but instead said to the young monk guarding the door, “Please ask Imperial Preceptor An to come out for a moment.”

The young monk nodded and hurried inside.

Soon, Imperial Preceptor An came out.

Mu Yunjin beckoned to Imperial Preceptor An, then walked to a corner nearby.

“What are you being so mysterious about?” Imperial Preceptor An frowned, looking at Mu Yunjin.

“Consort Rong is ill,” Mu Yunjin said.

Imperial Preceptor An glanced at Mu Yunjin, unconcerned, “If she’s ill, she should see a doctor.”

“She’s coughing up blood…” Mu Yunjin added.

Imperial Preceptor An was taken aback, “Then why not find a doctor for her?”

“She seems to want to live and die alone. She even instructed me not to tell anyone about her illness. But I witnessed it today, and she is Chu Li’s mother. If she were to die of illness in the secret chamber in the future…” Mu Yunjin didn’t know what else to say.

“I understand.” Imperial Preceptor An sighed.

After a pause, he continued, “Pretend you don’t know about this matter. I’ll find a way to treat her.”

“Alright, that’s just what I wanted to hear!” Mu Yunjin felt relieved, as if a great problem had been solved.

Imperial Preceptor An looked at her, shaking his head helplessly, “You’ve just conceived a child, and you’re already glowing with motherly love. If you continue like this, you’ll wear yourself out sooner or later.”

Mu Yunjin pouted, equally helpless, “I don’t want to be like this either, but after spending time with people, I’m not as cold-hearted or decisive as before.”

“It’s fine, you have Chu Li to protect you anyway.” Having said this, Imperial Preceptor An walked toward the secret chamber.

Mu Yunjin sighed softly and walked toward the meditation room.

Just as she reached the door of the meditation room, Chu Li came out from inside. Upon seeing Mu Yunjin, he slightly curved his lips, “Where have you been wandering off to?”

“Just strolling around nearby.” Mu Yunjin smiled.

Chu Li nodded, “It’s getting late. Shall we stay here tonight or return to Phoenix Feather Pavilion?”

“Let’s go back to Phoenix Feather Pavilion,” Mu Yunjin replied.

Chu Li made a sound of agreement, “Then let’s go back.”

“Wait, I haven’t hung Fish Granny’s red silk yet!” Mu Yunjin took out Fish Granny’s red silk.

Chu Li smiled, “Then let’s go to the ancient tree first.”

……

Soon, the two arrived at the courtyard with the ancient tree.

Seeing this ancient tree, both of them shared a similar state of mind, wondering if they would hear or see flashes of Fuhuan and Si Qing’s voices or figures in their ears or minds.

“Give it to me, this prince will hang it.” Chu Li extended his hand.

Mu Yunjin handed the red silk to Chu Li, then walked to the side, looking up at the ancient tree already adorned with red silk.

After looking for a while, Mu Yunjin took a few steps forward and gently reached out her hand to touch the trunk of the ancient tree.

The moment her hand touched the ancient tree, Mu Yunjin’s mind did not flash with the expected images, nor did any strange sounds appear.

This reaction made her pause slightly, feeling somewhat disappointed.