In the painting, a person clad in armor drew a bow and arrow, the sharp sword aimed at a fierce tiger. Surrounding them, several other tigers were eyeing them hungrily, ready to pounce.

In the end, would that fierce tiger be shot and killed?

Or would that person become food for the tigers?

The entire painting was filled with an atmosphere of extreme tension.

Prince Rong called out, “Imperial Father.”

Emperor Qizhen didn’t turn around, still looking at that painting as he asked, “You understand my meaning, don’t you?”

“I understand.”

“As long as you solve this case, you can establish merit, and the court officials will no longer cling to the matter of the disaster relief silver.”

“Your son will definitely bring the murderer to justice.”

Emperor Qizhen turned and walked toward him. “That Master Ji by your side is very clever—a talented person. With her by your side helping you, this case should be solved sooner rather than later.”

“Your son… will find a way.”

Actually, he didn’t want to disturb Ji Yunshu.

After all, the Linjing Case was still being investigated!

That woman didn’t have four hands.

Emperor Qizhen suddenly frowned and continued, “Originally, Master Ji used the missing persons case to make me agree to open the coffins in Linshan. The Qujiang case was also her making a deal with me—as long as she resolved the matter between the two countries, I would release those Qujiang people back to their country. She’s the first person who has been able to influence me twice. Having such a clever person by your side is certainly good, but you must also distinguish clearly—is this person a sharp arrow in the hunter’s hand? Or a fierce tiger beneath the sharp arrow?”

Jingrong’s eyes flickered!

He remained silent!

“Therefore, you must be careful when employing people. Don’t let side branches disturb the flower head.”

His words carried a reminder.

Emperor Qizhen was inherently suspicious. Ji Yunshu had influenced the Emperor’s decisions twice—how could people not be wary?

And keeping such a person by one’s side—first, she’s an advisor! Second, she’s a tiger threat!

Jingrong lowered his head. “Your son understands.”

Emperor Qizhen also turned back to the painting and continued looking at that image…

Jingrong also left the palace.

He was about to mount his horse when he saw a unit of Imperial Forest Guards passing by the palace gates.

The person leading them was the Commander of the Imperial Forest Guards, Lord Xiao.

That person was young, extremely handsome, described by others as an extremely serious person, and moreover a martial arts champion with outstanding martial skills.

Yet he had become one of Jing Yi’s chess pieces.

Lang Bo beside him followed his gaze and said, “Your Highness, Lu Jiang is already investigating his background. This person’s background is very clean—nothing can be found, so the investigation continues. I believe there should be information Your Highness wants.”

Jingrong said nothing. After the Imperial Forest Guards left, he boarded the carriage.

Yet through the carriage, he instructed Lang Bo, “Go find Jing Zhaoyin and Minister Yu and have them come to the manor. This Prince wants to understand this dry well case.”

“Yes.”

He acknowledged the order.

The carriage left the palace gates.

…

On another front.

Ji Yunshu had stayed at Bamboo Creek Garden for two days. While drawing skeletal portraits, she kept hearing the maids outside discussing the dry well case.

All sorts of theories circulated!

In the end, rumors spread and became more and more bizarre.

Since Jing Zhaoyin left two days ago, he hadn’t come to mention this matter again.

When Jingrong came over each evening, he didn’t mention it either.

He only told her to focus on investigating the Linjing Case.

She was just lifting her brush to draw a portrait when, just as she put brush to paper, her hand trembled. The brush tip twisted, and the contours of the nose were thus ruined.

Ah!

Her mind was unsettled.

She put down the brush and laid out a fresh sheet of paper.

Uncle Liang stood at the doorway, knocking on the open door.

Ji Yunshu looked up. “Uncle Liang? What is it?”

“Master, there’s a letter for you.”

“A letter?”

Uncle Liang entered the room and handed over the letter. “Someone just brought it over, saying it must be given to Master, but I don’t know who sent it.”

Oh?

Ji Yunshu took the letter and opened it. Her eyes tightened and her brow furrowed.

“Master, who sent it?”

“It’s nothing, just a friend sending greetings. Uncle Liang, thank you. You may go now.”

Friends again!

Who would have thought that Master Ji would make so many friends on this one trip out.

If there was an opportunity, he should also take a trip and make a few friends for his later years.

“Then Master, you carry on. I won’t disturb you.”

Uncle Liang left.

After he was gone, Ji Yunshu burned that letter, then changed her clothes, tidied herself up a bit, and quietly left Bamboo Creek Garden.

She didn’t go to Prince Rong’s manor, but to Prince Yi’s manor.

When she reached the entrance, the servants outside said nothing and simply led her inside.

In the pavilion by the lake in the rear courtyard, Jing Yi was standing at the edge of the pavilion, holding a small box in his hands filled with fish food.

He was scattering fish food into the lake.

After leading Ji Yunshu into the pavilion, the servant left.

Hearing the sound, Jingrong put down the box, turned around with a smile on his face. “Master Ji… no, Miss Ji, I thought you wouldn’t come.”

His smile was warm.

But Ji Yunshu’s expression was cold as she said, “Actually, I should have come to see Your Highness on the second day after entering the capital.”

“So to speak, this Prince should have invited you over two days ago.” He smiled, extending his hand. “Come, Miss Ji, please sit.”

Ji Yunshu sat down.

Jing Yi brewed her a cup of hot tea and pushed it before her. “This tea was just brewed by this Prince, specially brewed for you, Miss Ji. Have a taste.”

“No need.”

“Are you disdaining this Prince?”

“Your Highness should just speak plainly.”

She didn’t want to go in circles!

Jing Yi also spoke openly and frankly, saying, “I believe you should know about the dry well case that’s been spreading through the capital these past few days?”

She nodded. “I know.”

“Good, then this Prince won’t beat around the bush.” Jing Yi said, “During today’s court session, this Prince volunteered to investigate the case, but His Majesty had Jingrong investigate it together as well. You’re his person, so you should know the relationship between this Prince and him now. We’re both competing, both striving for the same goal. So this time, if this Prince can solve the case one step ahead of him, I can win one round.”

Ji Yunshu wasn’t stupid—she knew what he meant. “You want me to help you?”

“Exactly.”

“Why should I?”

“Why should you?” Jing Yi laughed a few times. “Just because you came, Miss Ji.”

Hmph.

Ji Yunshu also didn’t want to beat around the bush. “Tell me, where exactly is he?”

She asked coldly.

Jing Yi said sinisterly, “As long as you help me solve this case, I can return him to you. How about it? This deal is very worthwhile, isn’t it?”

“…”

“Regarding the great fire at Chengqing Hall, this Prince promised you I would let Jingrong come out safely and I did it. But you deceived this Prince and broke your word. However, this Prince is magnanimous and won’t hold it against you. I hope this time, you and I can cooperate in good faith.”

“I haven’t agreed yet.”

“If you don’t agree, it means you don’t want to save that fool. It seems this Prince truly overestimated his position in your heart.”

“Your wishful thinking won’t work out. I came here not to make a deal with you. Since Prince Rong hasn’t agreed to your conditions, naturally I won’t agree either. And if you harm Wei Yi, the one who loses in the end will only be you.”

“This Prince understands your meaning. If you don’t agree, then forget it. But don’t blame this Prince for not giving you a chance.” Jing Yi’s eyes turned cold, and he suddenly said, “Since that’s the case, this Prince will introduce you to someone.”

Hmm?

Just as he finished speaking, someone arrived outside the pavilion.