“What did you discover?” The Emperor’s expression was inscrutable. The Crown Prince smiled again and looked toward Xia Qing: “Divine Doctor Xia, tell Father Emperor about your findings.”

Xia Qing quickly made a respectful bow: “In response to Your Majesty, this commoner examined Princess Heyi’s corpse and noticed her expression was slightly unnatural, the corpse spots were also strange, and the coloration was peculiar. As a physician, one must be rigorous and careful, absolutely not making a single error. Though the Princess was of noble birth and this commoner’s examination of her body was already presumptuous, in handling affairs one must not miss any detail. Physicians especially fear drawing conclusions from limited observation, so this commoner dared to examine carefully once more. This examination revealed that the Princess had blackened lips, tiny red spots on her body, limbs that weren’t stiff, and hair that had congealed into clumps…”

This person was a medical fanatic, rattling on with a bunch of details that left everyone in the hall somewhat confused. Yet Xia Qing himself was completely oblivious, still speaking with relish about the symptoms in all seriousness. Even the Emperor’s face showed some impatience. Finally, after Xia Qing finished describing the suspicious points on Princess Heyi’s body, he said: “Observing all this, this commoner knew the Princess had consumed a type of ‘Fresh Muscle Powder.’ This powder is colorless and tasteless. Fed to someone and supplemented with incense fumigation, it can keep a corpse in the state of having just died. This commoner smelled the incense fragrance on the Princess and determined she had been given ‘Fresh Muscle Powder.'”

“Nonsense!” Consort Shu couldn’t help saying: “What Fresh Muscle Powder – Heyi was clearly killed by Jiang Ruan!”

“Your Ladyship, please remain calm,” Xia Qing remained unhurried, seriously continuing his explanation: “This commoner knew there were irregularities, so I used the method my master taught to remove the ‘Fresh Muscle Powder’ from Princess Heyi’s body. After removing the drug that had misled the coroner’s examination, the corpse would no longer lie and would reveal the true time of death. This commoner observed that the Princess’s wounds had turned blue-green, and judging by the timeline, it was at least one day earlier than the coroner’s determination.”

At these words, the Golden Throne Hall erupted in uproar.

Xia Qing’s statement meant that Princess Heyi had already died the day before Jiang Ruan went to Mufeng Pavilion. This completely invalidated the murder charge against Jiang Ruan. Conversely, what Xuan Pei and the Crown Prince had said earlier seemed to be true. Moreover, thinking deeper, Xuan Pei had said that Xuan Lang and Princess Heyi’s palace maids had brought Princess Heyi to Mufeng Pavilion. Why would Xuan Lang be with Princess Heyi’s corpse? Wasn’t it very possible that Princess Heyi had been killed by him, and this was merely a case of the thief crying “stop thief”?

Xuan Lang’s expression changed dramatically. Today’s sudden appearance of the Crown Prince and Xuan Pei had already confused his mind, and now the unexpected emergence of Xia Qing had completely disrupted his plans. Xuan Lang was originally brainless, relying entirely on Xuan Li to act conveniently in the palace. Who knew that now even Xuan Li had developed distance from him and was clearly planning to stand aside and watch today. With his mind in sudden chaos, Xuan Lang could think of no solution and could only say futilely: “No, you’re lying. I personally saw Princess Heyi die in her hands. Princess Heyi was still fine at that time!”

Consort Shu also somewhat doubted Xia Qing’s words. She wasn’t a divine physician and naturally couldn’t see what was wrong with Princess Heyi’s corpse. Initially, she thought this was Jiang Ruan’s doing and wholeheartedly wanted to kill Jiang Ruan. Who knew Xia Qing would suddenly say such a thing? If what Xia Qing said was true and Princess Heyi had died the day before Mufeng Pavilion, who was the real killer? Though Consort Shu disliked Jiang Ruan because of Princess Heyi, she also didn’t want her daughter’s true killer to escape justice, and couldn’t accept being kept in the dark. Immediately, her willow eyebrows stood on end as she shouted: “Xia Qing, is what you’re saying true!”

“Naturally it’s true,” Xia Qing said. Though somewhat indignant at being questioned this way, he still good-naturedly explained: “Though this commoner travels everywhere, my medical clinic has operated in Jinling for so many years without anyone speaking ill of it, and I would never ruin my own reputation. This commoner has already examined the Princess’s corpse. Now that the drug has been removed, if Your Ladyship doesn’t believe it, you can certainly have more coroners and imperial physicians examine the body again to see if what this commoner says is false.”

The reputation of the Jinling Master in the Great Jin Dynasty was known to all. His words were considered golden advice among the dynasty’s physicians. Who would doubt his diagnosis? To doubt would be to oppose the entire medical profession of the Great Jin Dynasty. Xia Qing was direct by nature and his character was praised by everyone. Since he had said this, no one doubted there was any error.

The Crown Prince also added: “Father Emperor, your son already had the Imperial Medical Bureau and the palace coroners re-examine everything, and indeed, as Divine Doctor Xia said, Heyi died before that day at Mufeng Pavilion.”

The Emperor’s expression shifted slightly. Empress Dowager Yide’s hands, tucked in her sleeves, gradually relaxed, slowly stroking her ruby finger guard as she said lightly: “Fourth Prince, what else do you have to say?”

“No… it’s not…” Xuan Lang never expected Xia Qing to have reserved such a move, catching him completely off guard. Yet trying to reverse the situation now was somewhat difficult. The Emperor’s gaze was full of contemplation, making Xuan Lang’s heart race with fear. He had schemed for so long, pretended to be weak and harmless for so long, and just when his great enterprise was about to succeed, was it all going to come to nothing today?

“Fourth Brother, this prince knows you admire Princess Hong’an, but you can’t use such underhanded methods,” the Crown Prince smiled: “Moreover, now that Deputy General Jiang’s life and death are uncertain at the front lines, for you to place Princess Hong’an in such a slandered position is truly too despicable.”

This was fine when not mentioned, but once brought up, everyone immediately connected it to Jiang Xinzhi’s situation. In Xuan Pei’s earlier words, he said Xuan Lang wanted to use Princess Heyi’s death to force a marriage. Why would he need to force a marriage for no reason? If it were truly for beauty, and he would destroy what he couldn’t obtain, involving Princess Heyi would be too much of a loss. But if it were for the military power in Jiang Xinzhi’s hands, that was extremely possible.

Though Jiang Xinzhi’s position was currently very awkward, advancing meant boundless merit, while retreating meant taking over military power. Either way, marrying Jiang Ruan was a profitable deal. If Xuan Lang had this intention, everything made sense. Understanding this, everyone couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. They had originally seen this incompetent Fourth Prince following behind the Crown Prince daily in court, never imagining he had such ambition and scheming – truly not to be underestimated.

Xuan Lang looked at the Crown Prince with hatred, and the Crown Prince returned his smile. Since receiving Jiang Ruan’s warning, though the Crown Prince was brainless, he wasn’t one to be slaughtered at will in the deep palace. He especially hated those who betrayed and deceived. He considered himself to have treated Xuan Lang well, who knew that later investigations revealed Xuan Lang’s secret close relationship with Xuan Li. Thinking of how Xuan Lang had previously just been acting out brotherly harmony, the Crown Prince felt like he had swallowed a fly. Some previously inexplicable matters were also confirmed to be Xuan Lang’s behind-the-scenes manipulation. The Crown Prince had long been furious with Xuan Lang, and now finding an opportunity, he naturally wanted to suppress him to death. As they say, you reap what you sow – if Xuan Lang had treated the Crown Prince with even three parts sincerity initially, he wouldn’t have fallen to this point of betrayal by all.

Then, Commander Gu entered the hall to report: “In response to Your Majesty, this minister discovered bloodstains and torn clothing in an abandoned well in the palace, identified as what the Princess wore.”

If Jiang Ruan had truly killed someone, and the killing had been witnessed by Xuan Lang at the time, where would she have had time to remove Princess Heyi’s clothing and run several li away to discard it in an abandoned well?

The Crown Prince shook his head: “Fourth Brother, it’s not that this prince is criticizing you, but killing your own sister for Princess Hong’an is really unreasonable. This prince knows you have deep feelings for Consort Shu. When you made mistakes as a child, Consort Shu always spoke for you before Father Emperor. For you to kill Heyi like this, how sad Consort Shu must be. Look, she trusted you so much that she never suspected you at all.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Consort Shu’s expression immediately changed dramatically, and Xuan Lang also froze in place.

The Crown Prince’s words were indeed correct. Consort Chen appeared gentle but was actually proud, usually keeping her distance from the other three consorts. Consort Shu had a willful nature, and with no son under her, posed no threat. Having received the Emperor’s favor for some time, Xuan Lang had previously deliberately tried to please Consort Shu, hoping she would speak well of him before the Emperor.

Now the Crown Prince’s words directed everyone’s attention toward Consort Shu. Indeed, after losing Princess Heyi, Consort Shu had immediately targeted Jiang Ruan, completely trusting Xuan Lang’s words. If Xuan Lang and Consort Shu had a close relationship, might there be some inside story? Once palace consorts developed ambition, their actions became extremely frightening. Was it possible that Consort Shu actually knew about Princess Heyi’s death and was conspiring with Xuan Lang to force Jiang Ruan into marriage? What was the purpose? Naturally because Consort Shu had no son. Princess Heyi was ultimately just a woman. If Xuan Lang gained power in the future, or thinking even deeper, if he could sit in that position, Consort Shu could also get a share.

The Emperor’s heart was especially sensitive to such matters. Almost as soon as the words fell, the Emperor’s gaze shot directly at Consort Shu.

Though Consort Shu was willful in the palace, she understood the stakes. While secretly hating the Crown Prince for dragging her into this, she hastily said loudly: “I never thought I trusted you so much, Fourth Prince, yet you harmed my Heyi like this. Your Majesty,” she looked at the Emperor, beautiful tears immediately streaming down her face: “You must seek justice for this concubine!”

She was thus joining the campaign against Xuan Lang. Only this way could she silence the rumors and show that she had no conspiracy with Xuan Lang. At this point, Xuan Lang was betrayed by all.

The Emperor flew into a rage: “Someone come, take the Fourth Prince away, send him to the Ministry of Justice for detention, and try him again tomorrow!”

“No, Father Emperor, it wasn’t me…” Xuan Lang hadn’t had time to think of a strategy when he heard this. Immediately panicking, he could only beg for mercy and protest his innocence.

But at this point, whatever he said was too late. The Crown Prince, Xuan Pei, Xia Qing, and now Commander Gu had all essentially confirmed his lying. And Xuan Pei’s divisive words had finally made Xuan Li keep silent at this moment. Or perhaps Xuan Li had never planned to help anyway – after all, abandoning the chariot to save the general was his consistent style.

Empress Dowager Yide sighed deeply: “Unworthy descendant, speaking complete nonsense.”

Today’s imperial trial – the scene in the great hall would surely become a laughingstock when it spread. This was a scandal related to the imperial family. Xuan Lang’s actions were bringing shame to the imperial family. The Emperor’s face had almost been trampled underfoot by him. Consort Shu slumped powerlessly in her chair. She had originally thought everything today was Jiang Ruan’s doing, but now it was confirmed to be Xuan Lang’s work. While hating Xuan Lang, she also developed deep worries about her own future.

Princess Heyi was already dead. After so many years in the palace, she had failed to bear even half a son. Now new people were about to enter the palace – what favor could she still receive? Without support for her later years and with the Emperor now suspicious of her, what did she have? Consort Chen had been so favored by the Emperor, almost winning half his heart, dominating the six palaces – so what? When it was said she’d be sent to the cold palace, she was sent to the cold palace. How long could this superficially glorious favor last?

Perhaps she and Consort Chen would soon meet in the cold palace. Consort Shu’s lips suddenly curved in a faint smile, indescribably bitter. She looked deeply at Jiang Ruan once more. If she couldn’t see that someone was secretly helping Jiang Ruan in today’s events, she would have lived all these years in vain. But how could a mere Jiang family legitimate daughter command so many people to work for her? Looking at today’s events – seamless, leaving no trace, yet ultimately achieving the goal. Her luck was truly good.

With the imperial trial reaching this point, it could be considered to have concluded. The undercurrents within were naturally seen by all the officials, and this would surely cause quite a stir in court afterward. Some would realign themselves, others would abandon the dark for the light – those were matters for later.

After Xuan Lang was taken away, the Emperor’s face was so dark it could drip water. After announcing the court’s adjournment, he left supported by Eunuch Li. Empress Dowager Yide thought for a moment, only having Nanny Yang tell Jiang Ruan to return later, then went back to Cining Palace.

The officials gradually departed. Xiao Shao strode to Jiang Ruan’s side, looked her over, and asked with a frown: “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Jiang Ruan shook her head, but her gaze fell on Xuan Pei standing to the side, smiling at her. After a pause, she walked toward Xuan Pei, stopped before him and said: “What did you do?”

Xuan Pei smiled at her. This child was naturally beautiful, and such an innocent smile was simply dazzling, without any of the earlier composure and calm. It made one feel this was just an innocent child acting coquettishly toward his mother. Mother?

Jiang Ruan was slightly dazed, feeling time fly by, returning to the previous life in the deep palace when mother and son laughed and played together. Xuan Pei smiled at her so coquettishly, his smile bright and beautiful.

“The Princess once helped me out of a difficult situation. A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring. This Prince only did what little he could, hoping to help the Princess,” Xuan Pei said seriously, though his gaze toward her unconsciously carried some coquettishness.

Xiao Shao lowered his eyes, looked thoughtfully at Xuan Pei, then suddenly frowned, pulled Jiang Ruan behind him, blocking Xuan Pei’s burning gaze, and said lightly: “Meddlesome.”

Seeing Xiao Shao’s action, Xuan Pei was also very displeased, looking at him with some hostility: “What does this have to do with you?”

“She’s my person. Her affairs are all my responsibility,” Xiao Shao said.

Zhao Guang, who had just walked over wanting to ask about Jiang Ruan’s condition, heard this and nearly fell over. He took several steps forward and said in a low voice: “What nonsense are you spouting? Xiao family boy, if you continue this wild talk and damage our Ruanruan’s reputation, don’t blame this old man for being impolite!”

Xuan Pei blinked, looked at Zhao Guang, and said sweetly: “General Zhao.”

Zhao Guang also looked suspiciously at Xuan Pei. He could also see from today’s events that Xuan Pei was clearly deliberately helping Jiang Ruan. Moreover, this Thirteenth Prince, who was rumored to be almost nonexistent, was definitely not as simple as he appeared. After rolling around in court for so many years, Zhao Guang had excellent judgment of people. Not daring to underestimate Xuan Pei, and since he had saved Jiang Ruan today, Xuan Pei inevitably had his own calculations. Zhao Guang respectfully said: “Thirteenth Prince.” But he wondered in his heart why Xuan Pei looked at his Ruanruan like a baby bird? If he lacked maternal love, he should go find the Empress or Empress Dowager. What was the point of seeking out Jiang Ruan? Jiang Ruan was still an unmarried young lady.

The Crown Prince also walked over, glanced at Jiang Ruan, then looked meaningfully at Xuan Pei before saying: “Congratulations, Princess, on safely escaping this disaster.”

“Thank you, Crown Prince, for speaking out righteously,” Jiang Ruan smiled in response.

The Crown Prince smiled: “You’re welcome. If you want to thank someone, thank Thirteenth Brother. Thirteenth Brother and I just each got what we needed. He’s very good to you.” Having said this, he left without looking back.

These words again startled everyone.

Xiao Shao looked toward Xia Qing, who was still organizing his medical kit to the side, and called: “Xia Wu.”

Xia Qing shuddered, seeming to just notice Xiao Shao, and quickly ran over to stand beside Xiao Shao, calling: “Third Brother.”

Both had studied on Mount Jianan under Master Baqi, as fellow disciples. Compared to Xiao Shao’s casual life-preserving medical skills, Xia Qing had earnestly studied medicine, reading through all the medical texts on Mount Jianan. As they say, sincerity leads to success – he had inherited excellent medical skills.

The baby-faced young man was currently excited, but Xiao Shao said coldly: “Why did you enter the palace?”

“The Crown Prince asked me to enter the palace,” Xia Qing said: “The Crown Prince said if I entered the palace to examine the corpse, he’d give me the ‘Shinan Medical Classic’ from the palace. Third Brother, you don’t know – Master said it records human bone and pain injuries, truly a rare medical text. I searched for it long without finding it, never expecting it to be in the palace. When I heard the Crown Prince mention this, I rushed over without stopping. You should know…”

Once Xia Qing started talking about medical texts, he became unstoppable, ignoring the astonished looks from everyone around. Xiao Shao interrupted him: “Why did the Crown Prince want you to examine the corpse?”

“I don’t know,” Xia Qing said: “But Third Brother,” he looked around: “I didn’t expect you to be here too. Why don’t we call Old Seven and go out for drinks together?” If anyone here remained completely unaffected by the earlier atmosphere, it was only him.

Xiao Shao glanced at Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan nodded slightly. Xiao Shao turned back: “Alright.”